UBE2D

UBE2D refers to a family of ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes that play a crucial role in the ubiquisome-proteasome pathway. These enzymes are also known as E2 enzymes or ubiquitin-charged enzymes. UBE2D enzymes are essential components of the ubiquitination cascade, which involves a series of enzymatic reactions that attach ubiquitin, a small regulatory protein, to target proteins. This ubiquitination process can mark proteins for degradation by the proteasome, alter their function, or change their localization within the cell.

The UBE2D family typically includes several members, such as UBE2D1, UBE2D2, UBE2D3, and UBE2D4. These enzymes work in conjunction with ubiquitin ligases (E3 enzymes) and ubiquitin-activating enzymes (E1 enzymes) to form a ubiquitin chain on a substrate protein. While E1 enzymes activate ubiquitin, and E3 enzymes provide specificity by recognizing the target protein, UBE2D enzymes act as intermediaries, receiving the activated ubiquitin from the E1 enzyme and transferring it to the target protein in an E3-dependent manner.

UBE2D enzymes are involved in a wide range of cellular processes, including DNA repair, cell cycle regulation, and signal transduction. Dysregulation of UBE2D enzyme activity has been implicated in various diseases, such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Research into UBE2D enzymes continues to shed light on their diverse roles in cellular homeostasis and their potential as therapeutic targets.