Skip to main content

Ubiquitin-Proteasome System

Meaning

A complex, ATP-dependent cellular machinery responsible for the targeted degradation of the majority of short-lived and misfolded proteins within the eukaryotic cell. The system functions as the cell’s primary recycling and quality control mechanism, regulating the concentration of key proteins involved in cell cycle progression, DNA repair, and signal transduction. Its proper function is critical for maintaining cellular homeostasis and metabolic health.