Abstract

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) play a pivotal role in regulating cell signaling pathways, influencing a variety of cellular processes such as growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and immune responses. These modifications, including phosphorylation, ubiquitination, acetylation, methylation, and glycosylation, modulate the activity, localization, and stability of proteins, thereby fine-tuning signaling networks. Aberrations in PTMs are implicated in the pathogenesis of several diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic diseases. Moreover, PTMs offer significant opportunities for drug development, with many therapeutic strategies targeting specific modification enzymes or pathways. This article reviews the critical roles of PTMs in cell signaling, with a particular focus on how dysregulated modifications contribute to disease onset and progression. We further discuss the potential of targeting PTM-regulated pathways in drug discovery, providing insights into emerging therapeutic approaches. Understanding PTMs in the context of signaling networks is crucial for identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets, paving the way for precision medicine.