E2 Enzymes (Ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes)

E2 enzymes, or ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes, are proteins that play a crucial role in the process of tagging other proteins for degradation or regulation within the cell. They work by transferring ubiquitin, a small regulatory protein, from E1 enzymes (activators) to specific target proteins, often with the help of E3 ligases. This tagging process influences protein stability, activity, or location, helping maintain cellular health and proper function. Essentially, E2 enzymes act as mediators that ensure proteins are correctly marked for their intended cellular fate.