Proteasome Complex (26S Proteasome)

The proteasome is a large, multi-subunit protease complex that plays a central role in regulated protein degradation within eukaryotic cells. It is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis by selectively degrading damaged, misfolded, or regulatory proteins that have been tagged with ubiquitin. The 26S proteasome, composed of the 20S core particle and 19S regulatory particle, is responsible for ATP-dependent degradation of polyubiquitinated proteins, regulating various cellular processes including cell cycle, apoptosis, and immune surveillance. Dysregulation or inhibition of proteasomal activity is clinically relevant, particularly in cancer therapy, where proteasome inhibitors are used to induce apoptosis in malignant cells.

Other names

20S Core Particle19S Regulatory Particle

Inhibition of proteasome-mediated protein degradation, leading to accumulation of pro-apoptotic factors and cell death.