CRLs (Cullin-RING ligases)

Cullin-RING ligases (CRLs) are a group of protein complexes that play a key role in controlling which proteins are broken down in cells. They act like molecular machines that tag specific target proteins with a small marker called ubiquitin. This tagging signals the cell's waste disposal system, the proteasome, to degrade those proteins. By regulating protein levels, CRLs help maintain cellular balance, control cell growth, and respond to stress. They are essential for proper cell function and are involved in processes like DNA repair, immune response, and cell cycle regulation.