Harnessing Protein Modification Techniques for Enhanced Disease Treatment Strategies

In the field of proteomics, protein post-translational modifications (PTMs) play a pivotal role in regulating protein functionalities that are critical to cellular operations and health. Common PTMs such as phosphorylation, acetylation, and ubiquitination are central to a multitude of biological processes and are closely associated with the pathophysiology of various diseases including cancer, neurodegenerative, and metabolic disorders. The capacity for precise protein modification presents revolutionary opportunities in disease treatment, particularly within the realm of cancer therapy where conventional methods often prove inadequate. Recent advancements such as Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) have significantly expanded the ability to target and degrade proteins that were once considered "undruggable." Despite these technological strides, challenges remain in enhancing drug selectivity, improving stability and delivery, minimizing side effects, and overcoming resistance.

This research topic aims to aggregate and scrutinize diverse methodologies for the precise regulation of protein post-translational modifications and evaluate their implications in disease treatment, with a special focus on cancer therapy. The investigation will encompass an array of regulatory techniques, ranging from the inhibition of enzymes involved in PTMs to the application of innovative small molecules, antibody-drug conjugates, and gene-editing technologies such as CRISPR-Cas9. Furthermore, the research will delve into the development of PTM mimetics designed to refine targeted therapy approaches, tackling prevailing hurdles such as drug resistance and selectivity.

To delve deeper into the nuances of precise protein modification, the scope of this topic will encompass the following areas:

• Regulation and Function of Protein Post-Translational Modifications (PTMs).
• Mechanisms of Disease-Related PTMs.
• Development of Technologies for PTM Regulation.
• Addressing Challenges in PTM-Targeted Therapy. Contributors are invited to explore and discuss a range of specific themes:
• Biological Functions of PTMs and their implications in disease.
• Mechanisms by which PTM dysregulation contributes to disease states, including cancer, neurodegenerative, and metabolic disorders.
• Advanced technologies for regulating PTMs, such as PROTACs and gene editing tools.
• Development of therapeutic strategies grounded in PTM regulation, focusing on overcoming current methodological challenges.
• Case studies demonstrating the practical application of PTM regulation in clinical settings.