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Updated: Jun 29, 2026
Studying Triple Negative Breast Cancer Using Orthotopic Breast Cancer Model
Published on: March 20, 2020
Post-translational modifications in triple-negative breast cancer: research status and translation challenges
Jia-Mei Wang1, Yi Zhou2, Fei Li3
1Departmesystemnt of Plastic Surgery, The Second People's Hospital of Guiyang (Jinyang Hospital)/The Affiliated Jinyang Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550023, China.
Abstract:
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive breast cancer subtype characterized by the absence of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2 amplification. The lack of therapeutic targets contributes to its poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Nowadays, there is growing evidence that post-translational modifications (PTMs) play important roles in shaping the aggressive nature, immune microenvironment, and metabolic pathways in many tumor types. Here, in this review, we comprehensively summarized the roles of key PTMs, including phosphorylation, ubiquitination, acetylation, protein methylation, SUMOylation, lactylation, glycosylation, β-hydroxybutyrylation, and succinylation in TNBC. We discussed detection technologies for each PTM, detailed their molecular mechanisms and biological functions, and suggested therapeutic strategies targeting these modifications. Moreover, we reviewed PTM crosstalk networks and their clinical implications. Finally, we discussed the translational challenges and propose solutions for developing PTM-based diagnostics and therapies for TNBC. An evidence stratification framework was applied to grade the strength of the reviewed findings, distinguishing mechanistically validated, correlative, and clinically actionable evidence.
Insights
Post-translational modifications (PTMs) significantly impact triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) aggressiveness and treatment. This review details PTM roles, detection, and therapeutic strategies for TNBC, offering insights into PTM crosstalk and clinical applications.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype lacking standard therapeutic targets, leading to poor prognosis.
- Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are increasingly recognized for their roles in cancer progression, immune evasion, and metabolism.
- Understanding PTMs in TNBC is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review the roles of key PTMs in triple-negative breast cancer.
- To discuss detection technologies, molecular mechanisms, biological functions, and therapeutic strategies targeting PTMs in TNBC.
- To explore PTM crosstalk networks, clinical implications, and translational challenges for PTM-based diagnostics and therapies.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of literature on PTMs in triple-negative breast cancer.
- Summarization of PTM roles, including phosphorylation, ubiquitination, acetylation, methylation, SUMOylation, lactylation, glycosylation, β-hydroxybutyrylation, and succinylation.
- Application of an evidence stratification framework to grade findings (mechanistically validated, correlative, clinically actionable).
Main Results:
- Key PTMs significantly influence TNBC's aggressive nature, immune microenvironment, and metabolic pathways.
- Detailed molecular mechanisms and biological functions of various PTMs in TNBC were elucidated.
- PTM crosstalk networks and their clinical implications in TNBC were reviewed, alongside potential therapeutic targets.
Conclusions:
- PTMs represent critical regulators in triple-negative breast cancer, offering potential therapeutic avenues.
- Targeting PTMs and understanding their crosstalk networks hold promise for developing novel diagnostics and treatments for TNBC.
- Addressing translational challenges is essential for realizing the clinical potential of PTM-based strategies in TNBC management.
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