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Related Concept Videos

Covalently Linked Protein Regulators02:04

Covalently Linked Protein Regulators

Proteins can undergo many types of post-translational modifications, often in response to changes in their environment. These modifications play an important role in the function and stability of these proteins. Covalently linked molecules include functional groups, such as methyl, acetyl, and phosphate groups, and also small proteins, such as ubiquitin. There are around 200 different types of covalent regulators that have been identified.
These groups modify specific amino acids in a protein.
Regulated Protein Degradation02:58

Regulated Protein Degradation

It is vital to regulate the activity of enzymatic as well as non-enzymatic proteins inside the cell. This can be achieved either through creating a balance between their rate of synthesis and degradation or regulating the intrinsic activity of the protein. Both these regulation mechanisms play an essential role in the normal functioning of cells.
Protein degradation plays two important roles in the cells. It helps to protect cells from misfolded or damaged proteins before they lead to a...
Receptor Downregulation in MVBs01:15

Receptor Downregulation in MVBs

Multivesicular bodies (MVBs) are mature endosomes that sort ubiquitinated proteins and then fuse with lysosomes to degrade the sorted proteins. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor (EGFR) form a complex that can be internalized through endocytosis, sorted into an MVB, and later degraded.
The EGFR can initiate signaling pathways that  lead to cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Overexpression of EGFR  stimulates cells to proliferate. Excessive  EGFR activation may...
Regulated Protein Degradation02:58

Regulated Protein Degradation

It is vital to regulate the activity of enzymatic as well as non-enzymatic proteins inside the cell. This can be achieved either through creating a balance between their rate of synthesis and degradation or regulating the intrinsic activity of the protein. Both these regulation mechanisms play an essential role in the normal functioning of cells.
Protein degradation plays two important roles in the cells. It helps to protect cells from misfolded or damaged proteins before they lead to a...
The Proteasome01:13

The Proteasome

Eukaryotic cells can degrade proteins through several pathways. One of the most important among these is the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. It helps the cell eliminate the misfolded, damaged, or unwarranted cytoplasmic proteins in a highly specific manner.
In this pathway, the target proteins are first tagged with small proteins called ubiquitin. This involves participation of a series of enzymes including— E1 (ubiquitin-activating enzyme), E2 (ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme), and E3 (ubiquitin...
Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps01:23

Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps

The gene expression in cells is regulated at different stages: (i) transcription, (ii) RNA processing, (iii) RNA localization, and (iv) translation. Transcriptional regulation is mediated by regulatory proteins such as transcription factors, activators, or repressors—these control gene expression by initiating or inhibiting the transcription of genes. Once a precursor or pre-mRNA is produced, it undergoes post-transcriptional modification, including 5' capping, splicing, and the addition of a...

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Distinct functional surface regions on ubiquitin.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 5, 2026

In Vitro Ubiquitination and Deubiquitination Assays of Nucleosomal Histones
11:36

In Vitro Ubiquitination and Deubiquitination Assays of Nucleosomal Histones

Published on: July 25, 2019

Protein regulation by monoubiquitin.

L Hicke1

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Cell Biology, Northwestern University Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA. l-hicke@northwestern.edu

Nature Reviews. Molecular Cell Biology
|March 27, 2001
PubMed
Summary

Ubiquitin modification is key for protein regulation. While long chains target proteins for proteasomal degradation, shorter chains and single ubiquitin tags control vital cellular processes like transport and transcription.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Proteasomal degradation relies on multi-ubiquitin chains (≥4 subunits).
  • Ubiquitin modification extends beyond proteasomal pathways.
  • Non-proteasomal functions of ubiquitin are increasingly recognized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the diverse roles of ubiquitin signaling.
  • To differentiate functions of polyubiquitylation versus monoubiquitylation.
  • To highlight ubiquitin's regulatory roles independent of the proteasome.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of ubiquitin chain lengths and their associated cellular fates.
  • Investigating protein interactions with different ubiquitin chain types.
  • Functional assays for monoubiquitylated proteins.

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Purification of Ubiquitinated p53 Proteins from Mammalian Cells
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Purification of Ubiquitinated p53 Proteins from Mammalian Cells

Published on: March 21, 2022

Comparative Strategies for Ubiquitination Detection in Mammalian Cell Lysates Using SMAD2/SMURF2 as a Model
09:00

Comparative Strategies for Ubiquitination Detection in Mammalian Cell Lysates Using SMAD2/SMURF2 as a Model

Published on: April 17, 2026

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 5, 2026

In Vitro Ubiquitination and Deubiquitination Assays of Nucleosomal Histones
11:36

In Vitro Ubiquitination and Deubiquitination Assays of Nucleosomal Histones

Published on: July 25, 2019

Purification of Ubiquitinated p53 Proteins from Mammalian Cells
10:55

Purification of Ubiquitinated p53 Proteins from Mammalian Cells

Published on: March 21, 2022

Comparative Strategies for Ubiquitination Detection in Mammalian Cell Lysates Using SMAD2/SMURF2 as a Model
09:00

Comparative Strategies for Ubiquitination Detection in Mammalian Cell Lysates Using SMAD2/SMURF2 as a Model

Published on: April 17, 2026

Main Results:

  • Multi-ubiquitin chains (≥4 subunits) are essential for proteasomal protein degradation.
  • Single ubiquitin or short ubiquitin chains (monoubiquitylation) regulate distinct cellular functions.
  • Monoubiquitylation impacts processes including membrane transport and transcriptional regulation.

Conclusions:

  • Ubiquitin acts as a versatile signaling molecule with context-dependent functions.
  • Monoubiquitylation represents a critical regulatory mechanism distinct from proteasomal degradation.
  • Understanding ubiquitin's diverse roles is crucial for deciphering cellular regulation.