USP37

USP37

USP37 is a gene that encodes for a protein known as Ubiquitin Specific Peptidase 37. This protein is a member of the deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB) family, which plays a crucial role in the regulation of protein degradation and turnover within cells.

Structure

The USP37 gene is located on chromosome 2 in humans and consists of 23 exons. The protein encoded by this gene is composed of 1,160 amino acids and has a molecular weight of approximately 130 kDa. It contains several functional domains, including a catalytic domain responsible for its deubiquitinating activity.

Function

USP37 is primarily involved in the removal of ubiquitin molecules from target proteins, a process known as deubiquitination. Ubiquitin is a small protein that is covalently attached to other proteins in a process called ubiquitination. This modification serves as a signal for protein degradation by the proteasome or lysosome.

By removing ubiquitin molecules from target proteins, USP37 can regulate protein stability and turnover. It has been shown to play a role in various cellular processes, including cell cycle progression, DNA repair, and protein quality control. Additionally, USP37 has been implicated in the regulation of specific signaling pathways, such as the p53 tumor suppressor pathway.

Clinical Significance

Aberrant expression or dysfunction of USP37 has been associated with several diseases and conditions. For example, overexpression of USP37 has been observed in certain types of cancer, including breast cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. This overexpression can lead to the stabilization of oncogenic proteins and contribute to tumor growth and progression.

Furthermore, USP37 has been implicated in neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Dysregulation of protein degradation pathways, including the ubiquitin-proteasome system, is a common feature of these diseases. USP37 may play a role in modulating the accumulation of misfolded proteins and the progression of neurodegeneration.

References

1. Ubiquitin 2. Proteasome 3. Lysosome 4. p53 5. Breast cancer 6. Hepatocellular carcinoma 7. Alzheimer's disease 8. Parkinson's disease

See Also

• Deubiquitinating enzyme
• Ubiquitin-proteasome system
• Gene expression
• Protein degradation
• Cell cycle
• DNA repair
• Protein quality control