Ubiquitin Carboxyl-Terminal Esterase L5 (UCHL5), also known as Ubiquitin C-Terminal Hydrolase L5, is a protease that plays a crucial role in the ubiquitin-proteasome system. This enzyme is involved in the regulation of protein degradation, which is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis. UCHL5 is encoded by the UCHL5 gene in humans and is associated with various biological processes and diseases.
UCHL5 belongs to the peptidase C12 family and is known for its ability to specifically cleave ‘Lys-48’-linked polyubiquitin chains . This deubiquitinating enzyme is associated with the 19S regulatory subunit of the 26S proteasome, where it plays a role in the removal of ubiquitin from substrates targeted for degradation . The enzyme’s activity is crucial for the regulation of protein turnover and the prevention of the accumulation of damaged or misfolded proteins.
UCHL5 is involved in several key biological processes, including:
UCHL5 has been associated with several diseases and pathological conditions:
Recombinant UCHL5 is a form of the enzyme that is produced through recombinant DNA technology. This allows for the production of large quantities of the enzyme for research and therapeutic purposes. Recombinant UCHL5 is used in various biochemical assays to study its function and to screen for potential inhibitors that could be used as therapeutic agents.