Target Protein Degradation

Target protein degradation is a natural process where cells break down specific proteins that are no longer needed or potentially harmful. This is achieved through cellular systems like the proteasome or lysosomes, which identify, tag (often with a molecule called ubiquitin), and then dismantle these proteins into their basic building blocks. Scientists can harness this process to selectively eliminate disease-causing proteins, offering a promising approach for treating conditions such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Essentially, targeted degradation acts as a precise quality control mechanism, maintaining cellular health by removing problematic proteins efficiently.