p97

p97, also known as VCP (valosin-containing protein), is a crucial ATPase associated with various cellular activities, including protein degradation, membrane fusion, and stress response. It plays a significant role in the ubiquitin-proteasome system, where it helps in the extraction of misfolded or damaged proteins from complexes or organelles, preparing them for degradation. This function is essential for maintaining cellular health and protein homeostasis. Due to its central role in these processes, p97 is a target for drug development, particularly in cancer therapy, where inhibition of p97 could potentially disrupt the cell's ability to manage stress and protein turnover, leading to the death of cancer cells.