Posttranslaatioseja

Posttranslaatioseja is a Finnish term that translates to "post-translational modifications" in English. These modifications are crucial biochemical processes that occur to proteins after their synthesis through translation. Following the creation of a polypeptide chain from mRNA, a protein may undergo a variety of chemical alterations that can significantly affect its structure, function, localization, and interactions with other molecules. These modifications are essential for generating the full functional diversity of the proteome.

Common post-translational modifications include phosphorylation, where a phosphate group is added, altering protein activity; glycosylation, the addition of carbohydrate chains, impacting folding and recognition; ubiquitination, the attachment of ubiquitin molecules, often marking proteins for degradation; and acetylation, the addition of an acetyl group, influencing gene expression and protein stability. Other modifications, such as methylation, lipidation, and disulfide bond formation, also play vital roles. The specific types and combinations of post-translational modifications a protein undergoes can determine its ultimate fate and function within a cell. These modifications are highly dynamic and reversible, allowing cells to rapidly respond to environmental changes and regulate cellular processes. Errors in these modifications can lead to various diseases.