核糖体 RNA (rRNA) 修饰是核糖体结构和功能的重要组成部分，对细胞蛋白质组学和癌症生物学有显着影响。这些化学修饰超越了结构作用，关键地塑造核糖体功能并影响细胞蛋白质谱。在这篇综述中，对 rRNA 修饰调节 rRNA 功能和更广泛的细胞生理过程的机制进行了批判性讨论。重要的是，通过改变翻译输出，rRNA 修饰可以将细胞平衡转向肿瘤发生，从而在癌症的发生和进展中发挥关键作用。此外，特别关注线粒体 rRNA 修饰的功能及其在癌症中的异常表达，这是一个具有深远影响但基本上未知的领域。这些修饰的失调可能导致代谢功能障碍和细胞凋亡抵抗，这是癌细胞的标志性特征。此外，强调了靶向 rRNA 修饰作为癌症治疗方法的当前挑战和未来前景。总之，rRNA 修饰代表了癌症研究的前沿，提供了新的见解和治疗可能性。了解和利用这些修改可以为癌症治疗的突破铺平道路，有可能改变对抗这种复杂疾病的方法。© 2024 作者。约翰·威利出版的《临床与转化医学》

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) modifications, essential components of ribosome structure and function, significantly impact cellular proteomics and cancer biology. These chemical modifications transcend structural roles, critically shaping ribosome functionality and influencing cellular protein profiles. In this review, the mechanisms by which rRNA modifications regulate both rRNA functions and broader cellular physiological processes are critically discussed. Importantly, by altering the translational output, rRNA modifications can shift the cellular equilibrium towards oncogenesis, thus playing a key role in cancer development and progression. Moreover, a special focus is placed on the functions of mitochondrial rRNA modifications and their aberrant expression in cancer, an area with profound implications yet largely uncharted. Dysregulation in these modifications can lead to metabolic dysfunction and apoptosis resistance, hallmark traits of cancer cells. Furthermore, the current challenges and future perspectives in targeting rRNA modifications are highlighted as a therapeutic approach for cancer treatment. In conclusion, rRNA modifications represent a frontier in cancer research, offering novel insights and therapeutic possibilities. Understanding and harnessing these modifications can pave the way for breakthroughs in cancer treatment, potentially transforming the approach to combating this complex disease.© 2024 The Author(s). Clinical and Translational Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Shanghai Institute of Clinical Bioinformatics.