Ubiquitin pathway

The ubiquitin pathway is a cellular process that tags unwanted or damaged proteins with a small molecule called ubiquitin. This "tagging" signals the protein for degradation by the cell's recycling system, called the proteasome. It helps maintain healthy cell function by removing defective or excess proteins, regulating processes like cell cycle, signaling, and stress responses. The process involves enzymes that attach ubiquitin, and it ensures proteins are efficiently broken down when they're no longer needed or are faulty, maintaining cellular balance and health.