Recombinant human HERC4 protein (Active)

Supplementary information

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

HERC4 also known as HECT and RLD domain-containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 4 is a protein that mechanically functions as an E3 ubiquitin ligase. Weighing approximately 120 kDa HERC4 facilitates the transfer of ubiquitin from E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes to substrate proteins tagging them for degradation by the proteasome. The protein is expressed in various tissues including the brain heart and lung indicating its broad functional significance across different biological systems.

Biological function summary

HERC4 plays an important role in regulating protein turnover and cellular processes. As part of the ubiquitin-proteasome system it ensures protein quality control and homeostasis by targeting misfolded or damaged proteins. While HERC4 does not traditionally form complexes its activity influences the stability and function of other proteins within the cell. This implicates HERC4 in not only cellular maintenance but also processes such as cell cycle regulation and signal transduction.

Pathways

The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway involves HERC4 contributing to the degradation of regulatory proteins that control various cellular activities. The protein interacts with pathways like cell cycle progression and stress response. It maintains a functional relationship with proteins such as p53 a known tumor suppressor and other E3 ligases that manage the proteolytic balance in the cell demonstrating its integration into critical regulatory networks.

HERC4 has connections to cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. In cancer aberrant ubiquitination activities involving HERC4 can disrupt normal protein regulation leading to uncontrolled cell growth. It may interact with oncogenic proteins that escape degradation promoting tumor progression. In neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease dysregulation of the ubiquitin-proteasome system potentially involving HERC4 connects with proteins like Parkin impacting neuronal survival and function. Understanding HERC4's role in these pathways provides insights into potential therapeutic targets for these conditions.