RAD6

RAD6 is a gene in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae that encodes a ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme. It is a key component of the DNA repair pathway known as the RAD6 epistasis group, which is involved in post-replication repair and error-prone repair of DNA damage. Specifically, RAD6 catalyzes the attachment of a single ubiquitin molecule to a protein, a process known as monoubiquitination. This monoubiquitination is crucial for recruiting other repair proteins to sites of DNA damage. Mutations in the RAD6 gene render yeast cells sensitive to various DNA damaging agents, including UV radiation and certain chemicals. The RAD6 enzyme plays a vital role in maintaining genomic stability by facilitating the removal of damaged DNA and the accurate replication of the genome. Its function is conserved across many organisms, highlighting its fundamental importance in cellular processes.