Unraveling the enigma: Post-translational modifications in psychiatric disorders and their regulatory mechanisms

J Transl Int Med. 2026 Jun 13;14(3):355-378. doi: 10.1515/jtim-2026-0033. eCollection 2026 Jun.

ABSTRACT

Psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder, are a group of categorical syndromes characterized by significant impairment of an individual’s cognition, emotional regulation, or abnormal behavior, causing severe distress and impairment in social functioning. Post-translational modifications (PTMs), such as phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and acetylation, are fundamental regulatory mechanisms in the brain, influencing diverse processes ranging from neuronal differentiation, synaptic plasticity, and neurotransmission, shaping the intricate cellular dynamics of the central nervous system. Understanding PTMs regulation in psychiatric disorders unveils their crucial functions in shaping neural networks, impacting learning and memory through mechanisms like long-term potentiation and depression. Additionally, disruptions in PTMs patterns have been associated with psychiatric disorders, suggesting their potential as therapeutic targets. Considering the critical role of PTMs in various cellular processes and signaling pathways, they could be a breakthrough in understanding psychiatric disorders. A holistic exploration of the PTMs landscape holds transformative promise for comprehending and managing a spectrum of psychiatric disorders.

PMID:42389441 | PMC:PMC13320536 | DOI:10.1515/jtim-2026-0033