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Updated: Jun 30, 2025

Assays for the Degradation of Misfolded Proteins in Cells
Published on: August 28, 2016
Role of protein degradation systems in colorectal cancer
Zihan Cui1, Mingqi Cong1, Shengjie Yin2
1Department of Pathology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China.
Abstract:
Protein degradation is essential for maintaining protein homeostasis. The ubiquitin‒proteasome system (UPS) and autophagy-lysosome system are the two primary pathways responsible for protein degradation and directly related to cell survival. In malignant tumors, the UPS plays a critical role in managing the excessive protein load caused by cancer cells hyperproliferation. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the dual roles played by the UPS and autolysosome system in colorectal cancer (CRC), elucidating their impact on the initiation and progression of this disease while also highlighting their compensatory relationship. Simultaneously targeting both protein degradation pathways offers new promise for enhancing treatment efficacy against CRC. Additionally, apoptosis is closely linked to ubiquitination and autophagy, and caspases degrade proteins. A thorough comprehension of the interplay between various protein degradation pathways is highly important for clarifying the mechanism underlying the onset and progression of CRC.
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