Rpn11

Rpn11 is an essential protein component of the proteasome, a complex responsible for breaking down and recycling unneeded or damaged proteins in cells. Specifically, Rpn11 functions as a deubiquitinating enzyme, meaning it removes a small protein tag called ubiquitin from proteins. This removal is crucial because it allows the degraded proteins to be efficiently processed and their building blocks recycled. Rpn11's activity ensures proper protein turnover, maintaining cellular health and preventing the accumulation of faulty proteins that could lead to disease.