Role of ubiquitin-proteasome system in stem cell biology

Abstract

Selective degradation of cellular proteins by the ubiquitin -proteasome system is one of the key regulatory mechanisms in eukaryotic cells. Accumulating data indicate that the ubiquitin - proteasome system is involved in the regulation of fundamental processes in mammalian stem cells, including proliferation, differentiation, cell migration, aging and programmed cell death. Regulation can be carried out either by proteolytic degradation of key transcription factors and signaling pathway proteins, or by posttranslational modifications of target proteins with ubiquitin or other ubiquitin-like modifiers. Studies of the molecular mechanisms of proteostasis maintenance in stem cells are of great importance for the development of new therapeutic approaches aimed at the treatment of autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases, cancer and other socially significant pathologies. This review covers current data on the function of the ubiquitin-proteasome system in stem cells.