UBE2D3

UBE2D3 is a human gene encoding an E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme. Also known as Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2D 3, or UBC4/5 homolog 3, UBE2D3 belongs to the UBE2D family of ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes. These enzymes are critical components of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), a major cellular pathway responsible for protein degradation.

Function:

UBE2D3 plays a central role in ubiquitination, a process where ubiquitin, a small regulatory protein, is attached to target proteins. This ubiquitination can have various consequences, including targeting the protein for degradation by the proteasome, altering its activity or localization, or modulating its interactions with other proteins. Specifically, UBE2D3 accepts ubiquitin from an E1 ubiquitin-activating enzyme and subsequently transfers it to a substrate protein, often in cooperation with E3 ubiquitin ligases. E3 ligases provide substrate specificity, determining which proteins are ubiquitinated.

Structure:

UBE2D3, like other UBE2D family members, possesses a conserved ubiquitin-conjugating (UBC) domain, which is essential for its enzymatic activity. This domain contains a cysteine residue that forms a thioester bond with ubiquitin during the ubiquitination process.

Clinical Significance:

UBE2D3 has been implicated in several cellular processes and diseases. Its involvement in protein degradation makes it crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis. Aberrant expression or mutations in UBE2D3 have been linked to various cancers and neurodegenerative diseases. Further research is ongoing to fully elucidate its precise roles in these conditions and explore its potential as a therapeutic target.

Gene Location and Homology:

The UBE2D3 gene is located on human chromosome 5. It shares high sequence similarity with other members of the UBE2D family, reflecting its functional conservation within the UPS.

Regulation:

The expression and activity of UBE2D3 are subject to regulation by various cellular signals and pathways. Understanding these regulatory mechanisms is important for comprehending the role of UBE2D3 in different cellular contexts.