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Updated: Jun 9, 2025

Author Spotlight: THP-1 Macrophage Response to LPS/ATP — Unveiling the Pyroptosis, Apoptosis, and Necroptosis Spectrum
Published on: May 3, 2024
The regulation of pyroptosis by post-translational modifications: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets
Yi-Rao Zhou1, Jun-Jie Dang1, Qi-Chao Yang1
1State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Frontier Science Centre for Immunology and Metabolism, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430079, China.
Abstract:
Pyroptosis, a type of programmed cell death mediated by gasdermin family proteins, releases a large amount of immune stimulatory substances, which further contribute to inflammation and elicit an adaptive immune response against tumours and pathogens. And it occurs through multiple pathways that involve the activation of specific caspases and the cleavage of gasdermins. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) could influence the chemical properties of the modified residues and neighbouring regions, ultimately affecting the activity, stability, and functions of proteins to regulate pyroptosis. Many studies have been conducted to explore the influence of PTMs on the regulation of pyroptosis. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of different types of PTMs that influence pyroptosis, along with their corresponding modifying enzymes. Moreover, it elaborates on the specific contributions of different PTMs to pyroptosis and delves into how the regulation of these modifications can be leveraged for therapeutic interventions in cancer and inflammatory diseases.
Insights
Pyroptosis, a programmed cell death process, is regulated by post-translational modifications (PTMs). Understanding PTMs offers new therapeutic strategies for cancer and inflammatory diseases.
Area of Science:
- Cellular biology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Pyroptosis is a programmed cell death pathway involving gasdermin proteins.
- It releases immune-stimulating substances, crucial for anti-tumor and anti-pathogen responses.
- Pyroptosis pathways involve caspases and gasdermin cleavage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review the influence of post-translational modifications (PTMs) on pyroptosis.
- To identify PTMs, their modifying enzymes, and their specific roles in pyroptosis.
- To explore therapeutic applications of PTM regulation in diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on PTMs and pyroptosis.
- Analysis of PTMs' effects on protein properties and pyroptosis regulation.
- Examination of therapeutic potential of PTM modulation.
Main Results:
- Various PTMs significantly impact pyroptosis activity, stability, and function.
- Specific PTMs and their enzymes are identified as key regulators.
- PTMs offer potential targets for treating cancer and inflammatory conditions.
Conclusions:
- Post-translational modifications are critical regulators of pyroptosis.
- Targeting PTMs in pyroptosis presents promising therapeutic avenues for diseases.
- Further research into PTMs can advance pyroptosis-based therapies.
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