Proteasome

The proteasome is a complex protein machine found in cells, essential for degrading unneeded or damaged proteins through proteolysis, a process critical for maintaining cellular homeostasis. Proteins destined for degradation are tagged with ubiquitin, signaling the proteasome to break them down into peptide fragments. This process regulates protein quality and controls levels of certain proteins, influencing various cellular processes such as cell cycle, signaling pathways, and immune responses. Dysfunction in proteasome activity is linked to several diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and autoimmune conditions. Due to its central role in protein turnover, the proteasome is a target for therapeutic drugs, particularly in cancer treatment, where proteasome inhibitors can prevent tumor growth by disrupting cellular function.