HECT E3 ligases

HECT E3 ligases are specialized enzymes that facilitate the attachment of a small protein called ubiquitin to other proteins within a cell. This process, known as ubiquitination, can mark proteins for various outcomes, such as degradation, altering their activity, or changing their location. HECT E3 ligases are unique because they directly transfer ubiquitin from an enzyme called E2 to the target protein, which provides precise control. They play crucial roles in regulating processes like cell growth, DNA repair, and immune responses, maintaining cellular health and preventing diseases like cancer.