Guest Editors
Prof. Toshiyuki Habu, Department of Food Sciences and Nutrition, School of Food Sciences and Nutrition, Mukogawa Women's University, Japan.
Email: habu@mukogawa-u.ac.jp
Summary
Ubiquitin E3 ligases play a pivotal role in the post-translational modification of proteins, governing diverse cellular processes ranging from signal transduction and cell cycle regulation to protein degradation and DNA repair. As key orchestrators of ubiquitination, E3 ligases confer substrate specificity and dictate the fate of target proteins, thereby exerting profound effects on cellular homeostasis and function.
Key topics including but not limited to:
1. Mechanisms of Ubiquitin E3 Ligase Action: Delve into the molecular mechanisms by which E3 ligases recognize substrates, catalyze ubiquitin transfer, and confer substrate specificity, providing insights into the regulation of diverse cellular processes.
2. Substrate Recognition and Regulation: Explore the intricate networks of protein-protein interactions and post-translational modifications that govern substrate recognition by E3 ligases, highlighting the dynamic and context-dependent nature of ubiquitin signaling.
3. E3 Ligases in Cellular Signaling Pathways: Investigate the roles of E3 ligases in modulating key signaling pathways, including those involved in growth factor signaling, DNA damage response, and immune regulation, and elucidate their contributions to cellular homeostasis and disease pathogenesis.
4. E3 Ligases in Disease Pathogenesis: Examine the dysregulation of E3 ligases in various disease contexts, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and autoimmune diseases, and explore the therapeutic potential of targeting E3 ligases for disease intervention.
5. Emerging Therapeutic Strategies: Evaluate novel therapeutic approaches aimed at modulating E3 ligase activity, such as small molecule inhibitors, PROTACs (proteolysis targeting chimeras), and gene editing technologies, and discuss their translational potential for clinical applications.
This special issue provides a comprehensive overview of Ubiquitin E3 ligases, highlighting their central role in cellular regulation and disease pathogenesis. By elucidating the mechanisms of E3 ligase action and exploring their implications for disease, we aim to advance our understanding of ubiquitin signaling and pave the way for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies targeting E3 ligases. We hope that this special issue will inspire further research and collaboration in the field, ultimately leading to improved treatments for a wide range of human diseases.
Keywords
ubiquitin E3 ligases, protein ubiquitination, substrate specificity, cellular homeostasis, signal transduction, disease pathogenesis, therapeutic strategies, post-translational modifications