Proteasome 26S (26S Proteasome)

The 26S proteasome is a large, multi-protein complex that serves as the primary protease in eukaryotic cells, responsible for regulated protein degradation. It is central to the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), which tags proteins with ubiquitin for selective degradation. This process maintains protein homeostasis and regulates essential cellular processes such as cell cycle progression, DNA replication, transcription, signal transduction, stress responses, and immune surveillance. Malfunction or dysregulation contributes to various diseases including cancer—where it is targeted therapeutically—neurodegenerative disorders due to accumulation of misfolded proteins—and autoimmune diseases due to altered antigen processing/presentation.

Other names

26S ProteaseUbiquitin-Proteasome System (UPS)

Inhibition of proteasome activity