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Proteasome

Meaning

The Proteasome is a large, multi-subunit protein complex found in the cytoplasm and nucleus of all eukaryotic cells, functioning as the primary molecular machine for controlled, non-lysosomal protein degradation. Its central role is to maintain cellular homeostasis by selectively recognizing, unfolding, and breaking down damaged, misfolded, or regulatory proteins that have been tagged with a ubiquitin chain. In endocrinology, the proteasome is a critical regulator of hormone signaling, as it controls the turnover of key components like transcription factors and steroid hormone receptors. Dysregulation of proteasomal activity is implicated in various pathological states, including neurodegeneration and cancer.