Post-translational modifications and their applications in eye research

Abstract

Abstract. Gene expression is the process by which genetic information is used for the synthesis of a functional gene product, and ultimately regulates cell function. The increase of biological complexity from genome to proteome is vast, and the post-translational modification (PTM) of proteins contribute to this complexity. The study of protein expression and PTMs has attracted attention in the post-genomic era. Due to the limited capability of conventional biochemical techniques in the past, large-scale PTM studies were technically challenging. The introduction of effective protein separation methods, specific PTM purification strategies and advanced mass spectrometers has enabled the global profiling of PTMs and the identification of a targeted PTM within the proteome. The present review provides an overview of current proteomic technologies being applied in eye research, with a particular focus on studies of PTMs in ocular tissues and ocular diseases.

Mouse Models of Inherited Retinal Degeneration with Photoreceptor Cell Loss

“…Post-translational modification, which occurs by adding modifying molecules to amino acids or removing or altering these modified amino acids, is important for proper folding, transport/trafficking, localization, function, regulation, and/or degradation of proteins. Examples of post-translational modifications include phosphorylation, glycosylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, sumoylation, methylation, and lipidation [416]. Kinases that affect activity by mediating phosphorylation states are described elsewhere, however, post-translational modification genes affecting glycosylation and lipidation/prenylation are prominent among those that lead to PR degeneration.…”

Non‐coding RNAs and related molecules associated with form‐deprivation myopia in mice

“…Ubiquitination is a post-translational modifications of proteins that plays an important role in regulating the structure and function of proteins. 42 The current study found the core genes of PPI network constructed by target genes of DE-miRs to be related to ubiquitination; thus, further investigation of the specific proteins involved in ubiquitination and the interaction of these proteins may open up new perspectives in myopia research and drug targets. [43][44][45] There are a few limitations in the current study.…”

Lysine Malonylation and Its Links to Metabolism and Diseases

“…The lens protein conversion rate is negligible, and therefore accumulates PTM throughout the aging process. PTMs such as carbamylation, phosphorylation, methylation, deamidation, advanced glycosylation, and oxidative modification, have been identified in human lens proteins in aging and cataracts [91][92][93].…”