Frontiers in pharmacology
Mapping the intellectual landscape of lactylation research: a bibliometric analysis of global trends and emerging frontiers
By Wang J, Li Z, Li X and 4 others.
Abstract
Background
Lactylation is an emerging post-translational modification (PTM) that links lactate metabolism with epigenetic and protein-level regulation. The rapid expansion of this field has created a need for a systematic overview of its knowledge structure and research frontiers.
Methods
We retrieved 1,231 English articles and reviews from the Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus up to 7 November 2025. Excel, CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Bibliometrix were used to analyze publication trends, collaboration networks, influential contributors, co-cited references, and keyword evolution.
Results
Annual publications and citations increased sharply after 2019. China and the United States were the two major contributors in publication output and collaboration networks. Advanced Science and Frontiers in Immunology were prominent publication venues, and authors including Xu K, Zhao YM, Huang H, and Zhang D showed high bibliometric visibility. Co-citation and keyword analyses identified two major research axes: lactylation in cancer biology, tumor immune regulation, and therapy resistance; and lactylation in metabolic reprogramming and disease-associated stress responses.