ubiquitin-like protein binding

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Binding to a small conjugating protein such as ubiquitin or a ubiquitin-like protein. [GOC:mah]

Ubiquitin-like protein binding describes the interaction between a protein and a ubiquitin-like (UBL) protein. UBLs are small, highly conserved proteins that share structural and functional similarities with ubiquitin, a key player in protein degradation. While ubiquitin itself is primarily involved in tagging proteins for proteasomal degradation, UBLs have a wider range of functions, including:

* **Protein trafficking and localization:** UBLs like SUMO (small ubiquitin-like modifier) and NEDD8 (neural precursor cell expressed, developmentally downregulated 8) can modify proteins and alter their localization within the cell, affecting their ability to interact with other proteins and participate in specific cellular processes.
* **Signal transduction:** UBLs can act as signaling molecules, influencing the activity of downstream pathways. For example, ISG15 (interferon-stimulated gene 15) plays a role in the innate immune response.
* **Chromatin regulation:** UBLs can modify histones, the proteins that package DNA, and influence gene expression.

The process of UBL binding often involves a cascade of enzymatic reactions. A specific E1 activating enzyme first activates the UBL, which is then transferred to an E2 conjugating enzyme. Finally, an E3 ligase facilitates the transfer of the UBL to the target protein. This process is tightly regulated to ensure specificity and prevent unwanted modifications.

The interactions between UBLs and their target proteins are often mediated by specific domains. For example, SUMO proteins typically interact with their targets through SUMO-interacting motifs (SIMs). These motifs can be found in a variety of proteins, suggesting that SUMOylation can regulate a broad range of cellular processes.

The study of UBL binding is crucial for understanding the complex interplay between different cellular pathways. Disruptions in UBL binding can lead to a variety of diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and infectious diseases. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms of UBL binding has significant implications for developing new therapeutic strategies.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (2)