ubiquitin-like protein conjugating enzyme binding

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Binding to a ubiquitin-like protein conjugating enzyme such as ubiquitin conjugating enzyme. [GOC:jl]

Ubiquitin-like protein conjugating enzyme binding is a molecular function that involves the interaction of a protein with an enzyme responsible for attaching ubiquitin-like (UBL) proteins to other target proteins. UBL proteins are small, highly conserved proteins that share structural similarities with ubiquitin. Like ubiquitin, they can be attached to target proteins through a process called conjugation.

This process typically involves three main enzymatic steps:

1. Activation: The UBL protein is activated by an E1 enzyme, which utilizes ATP to attach the UBL protein to itself.
2. Conjugation: The activated UBL protein is transferred from the E1 enzyme to an E2 enzyme, a ubiquitin conjugating enzyme (UBC).
3. Ligation: The E2 enzyme, carrying the UBL protein, interacts with a specific E3 ligase, which recognizes the target protein and facilitates the transfer of the UBL protein to the target protein.

The binding of the E2 enzyme to the E3 ligase is essential for the specificity of the conjugation process, ensuring that the UBL protein is attached to the correct target protein. The E3 ligase often recognizes specific motifs or domains on the target protein, providing a mechanism for regulating the process.

The binding of ubiquitin-like protein conjugating enzymes to their respective E3 ligases is a complex interaction that can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the presence of post-translational modifications, the availability of substrates, and the cellular environment.

The conjugation of UBL proteins to target proteins can have a wide range of cellular effects, including:

* Protein degradation: Some UBL proteins, such as ubiquitin itself, are involved in targeting proteins for degradation by the proteasome.
* Protein trafficking: UBL proteins can also regulate the localization of proteins within the cell by mediating their transport to specific cellular compartments.
* Signal transduction: Some UBL proteins act as signaling molecules, modifying the activity of target proteins and influencing cellular pathways.
* DNA repair: UBL proteins are involved in DNA repair mechanisms, helping to maintain the integrity of the genome.

The binding of ubiquitin-like protein conjugating enzymes to their E3 ligases is a crucial step in the conjugation process, playing a critical role in regulating protein function and cellular processes.'
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Proteins (2)

Compounds (3)