Metabolic regulation of cytoskeleton functions by HDAC6-catalyzed α-tubulin lactylation

Posttranslational modifications (PTMs) of tubulin, termed the “tubulin code”, play important roles in regulating microtubule functions within subcellular compartments for specialized cellular activities. While numerous tubulin PTMs have been identified, a comprehensive understanding of the complete repertoire is still underway. In this study, we report that α-tubulin lactylation is catalyzed by HDAC6 by using lactate to increase microtubule dynamics in neurons. We identify lactylation on lysine 40 of α-tubulin in the soluble tubulin dimers. Notably, lactylated α-tubulin enhances microtubule dynamics and facilitates neurite outgrowth and branching in cultured hippocampal neurons. Moreover, we discover an unexpected function of HDAC6, acting as the primary lactyltransferase to catalyze α-tubulin lactylation. HDAC6-catalyzed lactylation is a reversible process, dependent on lactate concentrations. Intracellular lactate concentration triggers HDAC6 to lactylate α-tubulin, a process dependent on its deacetylase activity. Additionally, the lactyltransferase activity may be conserved in HDAC family proteins. Our study reveals the primary role of HDAC6 in regulating α-tubulin lactylation, establishing a link between cell metabolism and cytoskeleton functions.