Ubiquitin mutants

Ubiquitin mutants are altered versions of a small protein called ubiquitin, which tags other proteins for degradation or regulation within cells. These mutations involve changes to specific amino acids in ubiquitin's structure, affecting how it interacts with target proteins or enzymes. By studying these mutants, scientists can better understand ubiquitin's role in cellular processes like protein recycling, signaling, and stress responses. In essence, ubiquitin mutants help reveal how subtle changes in this key regulator impact cell function and can provide insights into diseases associated with protein regulation errors.