Published online Jul 21, 2016. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i27.6192
Peer-review started: March 26, 2016
First decision: May 12, 2016
Revised: May 28, 2016
Accepted: June 15, 2016
Article in press: June 15, 2016
Published online: July 21, 2016
Processing time: 111 Days and 9.8 Hours
It is likely that the majority of proteins will undergo post-translational modification, be it enzymatic or non-enzymatic. These modified protein(s) regulate activity, localization and interaction with other cellular molecules thereby maintaining cellular hemostasis. Alcohol exposure significantly alters several of these post-translational modifications leading to impairments of many essential physiological processes. Here, we present new insights into novel modifications following ethanol exposure and their role in the initiation and progression of liver injury. This critical review condenses the proceedings of a symposium at the European Society for the Biomedical Research on Alcoholism Meeting held September 12-15, 2015, in Valencia, Spain.
Core tip: A majority of proteins in our body undergo orchestrated post-translational modifications that influence protein structure and function. Chronic ethanol administration causes aberrant post-translational modification of proteins that play a critical role in the pathogenesis of alcoholic-induced liver damage.