NEDD8 conjugation

NEDD8 conjugation is a cellular process where a small protein called NEDD8 attaches to other proteins, primarily to regulate their activity. This attachment, called neddylation, often modifies the target proteins' function, stability, or location within the cell. A key example is its role in activating a group of enzymes called cullin-RING ligases, which tag unwanted proteins for degradation. NEDD8 conjugation is tightly controlled and essential for maintaining normal cell functions, including cell cycle progression and response to stress. Overall, it acts as a molecular switch, modifying proteins to ensure proper cellular operation.