Functions of UbiquitinLike Peptide Nedd8

1
Functions of Ubiquitin-Like Peptide Nedd8
Two protein complexes SCF and BCR3
regulated by Nedd8
2
The Nobel prize in Chemistry was awarded to three
biochemists for their discovery of ubiquitin as
the marker for protein degradation. Improper
protein degradation is involved in pathogenesis
of human neurodegenerative diseases. It is known
that ubiquitin modifies proteins for degradation.
The critical enzymes in this modification are
named ubiquitin ligases that recognize proteins
destined for destruction. Dr. Cheng-Ting Chiens
lab (IMB) studies cullin ubiquitin ligases
(CRLs). CRLs in turn are modified by the
ubiquitin-like peptide Nedd8. This modification
serves for two functions activation and
destruction of CRLs. Our finding is published in
Nature Cell Biology (2005) and we have also
published a review article for our finding in
Trends in Cell Biology (2006).