Post-translational modifications (PTMs), including phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation, etc., of proteins can modulate protein properties such as intracellular distribution, activity, stability, aggregation, and interactions. Therefore, PTMs are vital regulatory mechanisms for multiple cellular processes. Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are hereditary, heterogeneous, neurodegenerative diseases for which the primary manifestation involves ataxia. Because the pathogenesis of most SCAs is correlated with mutant proteins directly or indirectly, the PTMs of disease-related proteins might functionally affect SCA development and represent potential therapeutic interventions. Here, we review multiple PTMs related to disease-causing proteins in SCAs pathogenesis and their effects. Furthermore, we discuss these PTMs as potential targets for treating SCAs and describe translational therapies targeting PTMs that have been published.
Keywords: pathogenesis; post-translational modification; protein; spinocerebellar ataxias; therapy.