Destroy to create: E3 ubiquitin ligases in neurogenesis

Destroy to create: E3 ubiquitin ligases in neurogenesis

The ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) has drawn tremendous attention in the field of neuroscience. In recent years, we have gained insights into UPS-dependent mechanisms in brain development and disease. Several interesting studies over the past two years have highlighted the role of distinct E3 ubiquitin ligases in neurogenesis. Here, we will review the major findings in these studies and disc...

Adenovirus E3 Ubiquitin Ligases

RING domain E3 ubiquitin ligases.

E3 ligases confer specificity to ubiquitination by recognizing target substrates and mediating transfer of ubiquitin from an E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme to substrate. The activity of most E3s is specified by a RING domain, which binds to an E2 approximately ubiquitin thioester and activates discharge of its ubiquitin cargo. E2-E3 complexes can either monoubiquitinate a substrate lysine or s...

Suramin inhibits cullin-RING E3 ubiquitin ligases.

Cullin-RING E3 ubiquitin ligases (CRL) control a myriad of biological processes by directing numerous protein substrates for proteasomal degradation. Key to CRL activity is the recruitment of the E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme Cdc34 through electrostatic interactions between E3's cullin conserved basic canyon and the acidic C terminus of the E2 enzyme. This report demonstrates that a small-mol...

E3 Ubiquitin Ligases Neurobiological Mechanisms: Development to Degeneration

Cells regularly synthesize new proteins to replace old or damaged proteins. Deposition of various aberrant proteins in specific brain regions leads to neurodegeneration and aging. The cellular protein quality control system develop various defense mechanisms against the accumulation of misfolded and aggregated proteins. The mechanisms underlying the selective recognition of specific crucial pro...