Discovery of a novel alpha isoform of the long‐known enzyme <scp>LDHA</scp> provides new insights into cancer research

Abstract

<jats:p>Lactate dehydrogenase A is a key enzyme in energy metabolism, with significant roles in cancer progression. Huang <jats:italic>etal</jats:italic>. identified LDHAα, a novel LDHA isoform derived from an alternative transcript initiated at AUG198, producing a protein 3 kDa larger than canonical LDHA. LDHAα exhibits enhanced glycolytic activity and promotes glucose uptake, lactate production, and tumor growth more effectively than LDHA. Regulated by c‐MYC and FOXM1, LDHAα is mainly cytoplasmic and serves as a potential cancer biomarker and therapeutic target. These findings highlight LDHAα&apos;s unique role in cancer metabolism and its potential for advancing targeted cancer therapies.</jats:p>