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Post-translational modifications: The potential ways for killing cancer stem cells

Xuedan Han1, Hai Qin2, Yu Lu1

  • 1School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Road, Nanjing, 211198, China.

Heliyon
|August 2, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) drive tumor recurrence and metastasis. Targeting their post-translational protein modifications (PTMs) offers a promising new strategy for effective cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Cancer metastasis and recurrence remain significant challenges in cancer treatment, contributing to high mortality rates.
  • Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are implicated in tumor recurrence and metastasis due to their therapy resistance and invasive potential.
  • CSCs possess self-renewal, differentiation, and tumorigenesis capabilities, making their eradication a critical therapeutic goal.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of post-translational protein modifications (PTMs) in regulating CSC self-renewal and replication.
  • To highlight the significance of PTMs and their crosstalk in controlling CSC behavior.
  • To explore PTM manipulation as a novel therapeutic strategy against CSCs.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on recent investigations into PTMs and CSCs.
  • Analysis of the interplay between various PTMs and their impact on CSC functions.
  • Synthesis of current knowledge on PTM regulation in cancer stem cell biology.

Main Results:

  • Post-translational protein modifications (PTMs) play a crucial role in governing CSC self-renewal and replication.
  • PTM crosstalk significantly influences CSC behavior and contributes to their survival and proliferation.
  • Specific PTMs are identified as key regulators of CSC capabilities.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting PTMs represents a novel and promising therapeutic avenue for eliminating CSC populations.
  • Manipulation of PTMs offers a potential strategy to overcome therapeutic resistance in cancer.
  • Further research into PTMs could lead to innovative cancer treatment approaches.
Keywords:
Cancer stem cellsEpithelial mesenchymal transformationPost-translational modificationsStemnessUbiquitination

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