UBE2C Human

Ubiquitin Conjugating Enzyme E2C (UBE2C), also known as UBC4/5, is a member of the E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme family. This enzyme plays a crucial role in the ubiquitin-proteasome system, which is responsible for the degradation of proteins within the cell. UBE2C is particularly important for the destruction of mitotic cyclins and the regulation of cell cycle progression .

The ubiquitin-proteasome system is a highly regulated mechanism that controls the degradation of proteins in eukaryotic cells. It involves three main classes of enzymes:

1. Ubiquitin-activating enzymes (E1s)
2. Ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes (E2s)
3. Ubiquitin-protein ligases (E3s)

UBE2C is an E2 enzyme that works in conjunction with E3 ligases to attach ubiquitin molecules to target proteins, marking them for degradation by the proteasome .

UBE2C is essential for the regulation of the cell cycle, particularly during mitosis. It is involved in the ubiquitination of mitotic cyclins, which are proteins that control the progression of cells through the cell cycle. By tagging these cyclins for degradation, UBE2C ensures that cells can properly exit mitosis and enter the next phase of the cell cycle .

UBE2C has been implicated in the progression of various cancers. Overexpression of UBE2C has been observed in several types of tumors, including breast cancer, where it is associated with poor prognosis and aggressive tumor behavior . Studies have shown that UBE2C expression is correlated with tumor size, histological grade, clinical stage, lymph node metastasis, and other markers of cancer progression .

Research on UBE2C has focused on its role in cancer biology and its potential as a therapeutic target. By understanding the mechanisms by which UBE2C contributes to tumor growth and progression, scientists hope to develop new treatments that can inhibit its activity and improve patient outcomes .