Ubiquitin-Proteasome System | Vibepedia

The Ubiquitin-Proteasome System (UPS) is a fundamental cellular machinery. This intricate process involves tagging unwanted or damaged proteins with a small peptide called ubiquitin, marking them for destruction by a large protease complex known as the proteasome. The UPS is critical for a vast array of cellular functions, including cell cycle progression, DNA repair, immune response, and protein homeostasis. Its dysregulation is implicated in numerous diseases, from cancer to neurodegenerative disorders, underscoring its vital role in maintaining cellular health. The discovery of ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation earned Aaron Ciechanover, Avram Hershko, and Irwin Rose the 2004 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.