Post-translational modifications at the crossroads of cancer metabolism and immune regulation: therapeutic opportunities and challenges

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are chemical modifications that occur on specific amino acid residues after protein biosynthesis, which can affect protein function by altering protein structure, localization and activity, thus expanding protein diversity. Extensive research has demonstrated that PTMs can regulate various metabolic processes, such as glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as immune modulation in tumor cells, thereby promoting tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. In this article, we systematically review a class of emerging PTMs whose roles in tumor metabolism and immune regulation have gradually been recognized in recent years, including six types: lactylation, palmitoylation, SUMOylation, succinylation, crotonylation, and myristoylation. First, we summarized the occurrence process and biological behavior of these six PTMs. Next, we elaborate the relationship between these PTMs and tumorigenesis and progression from the perspectives of metabolism and immune regulation of tumor cells. Finally, we summarize recent research progress in targeting these six types of PTMs for cancer therapy. This paper aims to provide directions for related researchers, and to provide a theoretical basis for targeting PTMs to treat tumors and make it possible.