😎 structural biology never stops to amaze - beautiful work from the Shao lab reveals stunning domed cages of human erlin and prohibitin complexes - uncovering stoichiometry, conformational states & disease-linked interfaces. www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...

Ubiquitin & Friends Fiesta in Vienna 2025 -- Final Call

despite these challenging times for science, we look forward to gather for a lively meeting and share the joy of discovery. to join an exciting program and connect with fellow ubiquitinists sign up at www.protein-degradation.org/symposium/

E3/E4 giants – UBR4 complexes join the lineup of ubiquitination mega-enzymes, optimized to target diverse PQC substrates via an array of receptor sites, artfully arranged in ring-shaped protein scaffolds.

evolutionary conserved E4 complex – the core structure is conserved across eukaryotes, while species-specific adaptations allow operation in distinct cellular environments. and a BIG bonus: we unmask DI19 to be the enigmatic cofactor in plants.

complex structure, complex E4 mechanism – key features include a multivalent substrate-binding platform, a mediator arranging ubiquitin units for chain extension, and a molecular gatekeeper selecting PQC substrates while blocking functional proteins.

🎄 xmas preprint 🎄 we are excited to share our cryo-EM structure of UBR4 in complex with KCMF1 and CALM1. the PQC ligase forms a massive ubiquitination arena, primed to amplify ubiquitin chains (E4 activity) and boost degradation of defective proteins. www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...

#TGIF-JC - clear choice this week: an impressive "proteasome" double-feature from our neighbors, the Haselbach Lab

Part 2: A triple-lock inhibitor clogs the proteasome—blocking ubiquitin binding, discharge, and protein translocation. pretty mean but efficient.

www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...

#TGIF-JC - clear choice this week: an impressive "proteasome" double-feature from our neighbors, the Haselbach Lab

Part 1: A multivalent import system navigates proteasomal particles through the NPC into the nucleus, driven by the amazing transporter AKIRIN2.

www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...

#TGIF-JC Clp what?

great cryo-EM/functional study of human ClpXP, revealing compartment specific adaptations of a protease machine. including an E-loop with EEE (elastic, efficiency, engaging) effect on AAA function.

www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...

and a late-breaking "bacterial ubiquitination" preprint from last week:

some chlamydia encode an E3 ligase - SneRING - that assembles K63/K11 ubiquitin chains, interacts with mitochondrial & ER proteins, and may remodel organelles for intracellular survival.

www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...

Please mark another, very nice Ubiquitin Family meeting, this time in beautiful Bilbao: "Ligating the Ub Family: Physiology, Disease & Future Directions", June 24-25th. Registration and application for talks at sebbm.es/actividades-... Please RT & spread the word.

Join us at the Ubiquitin & Friends meeting in beautiful Vienna, 2-3 May 2024. Great speakers, small size, a friendly community, perfect for early-career researchers to connect with fellow ubiquitin enthusiasts. Sign up at protein-degradation.org/symposium/. Submit abstracts for talks and awards.