An emerging role for the ribosome as a nexus for post-translational modifications

The ribosome is one of life's most ancient molecular machines that has historically been viewed as a backstage participant in gene regulation, translating the genetic code across all kingdoms of life in a rote-like fashion. However, recent studies suggest that intrinsic components of the ribosome can be regulated and diversified as a means to intricately control the expression of the cellular proteome. In this review, we discuss advances in the characterization of ribosome post-translational modifications (PTMs) from past to present. We specifically focus on emerging examples of ribosome phosphorylation and ubiquitylation, which are beginning to showcase that PTMs of the ribosome are versatile, may have functional consequences for translational control, and are intimately linked to human disease. We further highlight the key questions that remain to be addressed to gain a more complete picture of the array of ribosome PTMs and the upstream enzymes that control them, which may endow ribosomes with greater regulatory potential in gene regulation and control of cellular homeostasis.