Post-translational modifications in hepatocellular carcinoma: mechanisms and therapeutic potential

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major global health concern driven by intricate molecular pathways.
• Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are critical regulators of protein function, influencing key cancer processes like metabolism, cell cycle, and immune evasion in HCC.
• Various PTMs, including phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and lactylation, are increasingly recognized for their roles in HCC progression and treatment resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review recent advancements in understanding PTMs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
• To evaluate the therapeutic potential of targeting PTMs for HCC treatment.
• To propose strategies for developing precision therapies for HCC based on PTMs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on PTMs in HCC.
• Analysis of the impact of specific PTMs on key HCC-related proteins (e.g., GPX4, HIF-1α).
• Evaluation of current and potential therapeutic strategies targeting PTMs in HCC.

Main Results:

• PTMs like phosphorylation, ubiquitination, methylation, glycosylation, acetylation, lactylation, and SUMOylation critically affect HCC development, metastasis, and resistance to therapy.
• These modifications influence crucial proteins involved in metabolic reprogramming, cell cycle control, immune evasion, and the tumor microenvironment (TME).
• Significant progress has been made, yet challenges persist in fully elucidating PTM functions and clinical applications.

Conclusions:

• PTMs represent a promising area for therapeutic intervention in HCC.
• Further research into PTMs is essential for advancing precision medicine approaches in HCC.
• Targeting specific PTMs holds potential for overcoming treatment resistance and improving patient outcomes in HCC.