Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are essential players in regulating protein functions, including stability, localization, and interactions, and they are pivotal in many cellular processes such as gene expression, signal transduction, and apoptosis. In cancer biology, aberrant PTMs significantly influence tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. Earlier studies have uncovered how PTMs reprogram the tumor microenvironment and modify immune responses, emphasizing their role in altering oncogenes and tumor suppressors. Despite ongoing research and the discovery of new PTM types and mechanisms, understanding the precise roles of these modifications in cancer biology presents a promising frontier, especially with potential implications for biomarker discovery and the design of targeted therapies.
This Research Topic aims to unravel the complexities of diverse post-translational modifications (PTMs) in cancer development and therapeutic resistance. Specifically, it focuses on shedding light on the mechanistic underpinnings and clinical implications of PTMs. The intricate and heterogeneous networks of PTMs continue to challenge scientists in their quest to comprehend tumor behavior and drug response. Despite these challenges, novel PTMs such as lactylation and crotonylation have been shown to regulate important processes like tumor cell proliferation and immune evasion. Furthermore, the interplay between multiple PTMs reveals an additional layer of regulation affecting key signaling pathways and epigenetic landscapes. This Research Topic aims to delve deeply into specific PTMs, their regulation, and their roles as diagnostic markers or therapeutic targets in oncology. By deepening our understanding of PTMs in cancer, we hope to identify new avenues for overcoming drug resistance and advancing precision oncology.
To gather further insights into the realm of post-translational modifications in cancer progression and therapy resistance, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
o Functional mechanisms of PTMs such as methylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, phosphorylation, and lactylation.
o Crosstalk among multiple PTMs in regulating oncogenic signaling.
o PTM-mediated regulation of tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, metastasis, and immune evasion.
o PTMs in the tumor microenvironment and their role in chemoresistance and targeted therapy resistance.
o Emerging therapeutic strategies target PTM enzymes or pathways.
Keywords: Methylation, Acetylation, Ubiquitination, Phosphorylation, Lactylation, Cancer progression, Drug resistance, Apoptosis, Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), Tumor microenvironment
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
