You are currently viewing the abstract.
View Full TextLog in to view the full text
AAAS login provides access to Science for AAAS members, and access to other journals in the Science family to users who have purchased individual subscriptions.
More options
Download and print this article for your personal scholarly, research, and educational use.
Buy a single issue of Science for just $15 USD.
Abstract
Ubiquitination—the covalent conjugation of ubiquitin (Ub) to other cellular proteins—regulates a wide range of cellular processes. Often, multiple Ub molecules are added to the substrate to form a Ub chain. Distinct outcomes have been observed for substrates modified with multi-Ub chains linked through particular lysine residues. However, recent studies suggest that Ub chain linkages may not be the key determinant for substrate fate. Here, we review evidence suggesting that Ub-binding proteins play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of substrate ubiquitination. In fulfilling their functions in proteasome-mediated proteolysis or signaling, Ub receptors link ubiquitinated proteins to downstream molecules through protein-protein interactions. Studies of Ub-binding factors may therefore hold the key to understanding the diverse functions of the Ub molecule.
