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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
10:27
Functional Characterization of RING-Type E3 Ubiquitin Ligases In Vitro and In Planta
Published on: December 5, 2019
RING finger E(3) ubiquitin ligases: structure and drug discovery
Christos T Chasapis1, Georgios A Spyroulias
1Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, Panepistimioupoli - Rion, GR-26504, Patras, Greece. cchasapis@upatras.gr
Current Pharmaceutical Design
|November 21, 2009
Summary
The RING (Really Interesting New Gene) E3 ubiquitin ligases are crucial in biological processes and cancer. Understanding their structure aids in developing new anticancer drugs and biomarkers.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Structural Biology
Background:
- The RING (Really Interesting New Gene) family constitutes the largest group of E3 ubiquitin ligases.
- RING finger domains possess a unique zinc-binding arrangement crucial for their structure and function.
- Dysregulation and overexpression of RING E3 ligases are implicated in human cancer development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review structural determination achievements of RING finger domains.
- To present protein preparation protocols and analyze structural features of known RING finger domains.
- To highlight the potential of RING E3 ligases as therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers for cancer.
Main Methods:
- Review of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and X-ray crystallography structure determination studies.
- Analysis of protein preparation protocols for RING finger domains.
- Comparative analysis of structural features and sequence variations across different RING fingers.
Main Results:
- Detailed overview of structural characteristics, including globular conformation, alpha-helix, beta-strands, and loops.
- Compilation of achievements in determining the 3D structures of various RING finger domains.
- Identification of sequence and topological variations within the RING finger family.
Conclusions:
- Structural insights into RING finger domains are fundamental for designing novel pharmaceuticals.
- Targeting specific RING E3 ligases offers a promising strategy for developing new anticancer therapeutics.
- RING E3 ligases hold significant potential as molecular targets for disease intervention and as prognostic biomarkers.
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