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Updated: Mar 27, 2026
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In Vitro Analysis of E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Function
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Ubiquitin in Human Diseases: Pathophysiology, Dysfunction and Treatment
Azfar Jamal1,2, Atahar Husein3, Mohammad Azhar Kamal4
1Department of Biology, College of Science Al-Zulfi, Majmaah University, Al-Majmaah, 11952, Saudi Arabia.
Current Pharmaceutical Design
|March 25, 2026
Summary
The ubiquitin system regulates protein stability and signaling, crucial for cell functions. Dysregulation links to diseases like cancer, but new therapies targeting this system show promise for precision medicine.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The ubiquitin system is vital for protein homeostasis, degradation, and signaling.
- Ubiquitin's roles extend beyond proteasomal degradation to cell cycle, DNA repair, and immune responses.
- Aberrant ubiquitin pathway regulation is implicated in diverse diseases, including cancer and neurodegeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathophysiological roles of ubiquitin in human diseases.
- To explore current and emerging therapeutic interventions targeting the ubiquitin system.
- To highlight the potential of ubiquitin-based strategies for precision medicine.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent advancements in structural biology, chemical biology, and proteomics.
- Analysis of context-specific interactions within the ubiquitin-proteasome system.
- Examination of novel therapeutic modalities like PROTACs and molecular glues.
Main Results:
- Enhanced understanding of ubiquitin signaling pathways and disease links.
- Identification of new therapeutic targets within the ubiquitin-proteasome system.
- Demonstration of target specificity in preclinical and early clinical studies.
Conclusions:
- The ubiquitin system is a critical target for treating various human diseases.
- Novel therapeutic strategies, including PROTACs and molecular glues, offer potential for targeted protein degradation.
- Restoring proteostasis via ubiquitin modulation holds promise for precision medicine, though long-term safety requires further investigation.
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