Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026

10:55
Purification of Ubiquitinated p53 Proteins from Mammalian Cells
Published on: March 21, 2022
p53 Ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation
Ian M Love1, Dingding Shi, Steven R Grossman
1Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|November 15, 2012
Summary
This study details methods to investigate how E4 ubiquitin ligases extend p53 ubiquitination chains, impacting its degradation by the 26S proteasome. These techniques offer insights into p53 regulation and destruction pathways.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Cellular Regulation
Background:
- p53 protein levels and activity are primarily regulated by ubiquitination and degradation via the 26S proteasome.
- MDM2, a RING-finger E3 ubiquitin ligase, mediates p53 monoubiquitination, affecting its localization and transcriptional functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe various in vitro and in vivo methods for studying E4 ubiquitin ligase activity on p53.
- To elucidate the contribution of E4 ligases to p53 degradation.
- To provide insights into the biochemical mechanisms of p53 ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation.
Main Methods:
- In vivo ubiquitination assays using tagged ubiquitin (HA-ubiquitin or his-ubiquitin).
- In vitro E3 and E4 ubiquitin ligase assays, including one-step and two-step protocols.
- In vitro degradation assays utilizing purified 26S proteasomes to assess ubiquitinated p53 breakdown.
Main Results:
- The described methods allow for the characterization of E4 ligase activity towards p53.
- These assays can quantify the impact of E4 ligases on p53 ubiquitination chain extension.
- The study outlines a comprehensive approach to analyze p53 ubiquitination and degradation.
Conclusions:
- The presented methodologies provide a robust framework for investigating the role of E4 ubiquitin ligases in p53 regulation.
- Understanding these pathways is crucial for comprehending p53's function as a tumor suppressor.
- These assays facilitate detailed biochemical analysis of p53 ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation.
Related Concept Videos
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...
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 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...
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...
The Proteasome
Eukaryotic cells can degrade proteins through several pathways. One of the most important amongst 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. A series of enzymes carry out the ubiquitination of the target proteins - E1 (ubiquitin-activating enzyme), E2 (ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme), and E3...
In this pathway, the target proteins are first tagged with small proteins called ubiquitin. A series of enzymes carry out the ubiquitination of the target proteins - E1 (ubiquitin-activating enzyme), E2 (ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme), and E3...
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.
These groups modify specific amino acids in a protein.
Abnormal Proliferation
Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the daughter...
The Proteasome Structure
The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway is a well-known mechanism utilized by eukaryotic cells to remove cytoplasmic proteins that are misfolded, damaged, or no longer needed. In this pathway, the protein that needs to be eliminated undergoes a process called ubiquitination, where a chain of ubiquitin molecules is attached to the 48th lysine residue of the target protein. This ubiquitin modification helps the proteasome distinguish between a target protein and a healthy protein.
The proteasome is an...
The proteasome is an...

