Ribosome quality control complex subunit TCF25 (TCF25)

Ribosome quality control complex subunit TCF25 (TCF25) is a protein component of the ribosome-associated quality control (RQC) pathway that ensures the proteasomal degradation of nascent polypeptides arising from stalled translation events[5][1][2]. TCF25 works within the RQC complex alongside LTN1 and NEMF, where it specifically promotes the formation of Lys-48-linked (K48) ubiquitin chains on incomplete translation products, marking them for rapid degradation by the proteasome[1][5]. TCF25 also acts as a transcriptional repressor and is structurally characterized by a basic helix-loop-helix motif; it was originally described as a transcription factor (NULP1), but its major known biological role is currently in ribosome quality control[2][6]. Disruption of TCF25 or the RQC complex can lead to defects in proteostasis and is linked with adverse effects, particularly in neuronal tissue, but compensatory mechanisms exist to maintain cell viability when RQC function is compromised[2]. There are no known drugs or therapeutic interventions that directly target TCF25, nor is it widely considered a therapeutic target at present.

Other names

KIAA1049NULP1TCF-25Nulp1Nuclear localized protein 1Transcription factor 25FKSG26Hulp1PRO2620hKIAA1049Rqc1 (yeast homolog)