USP (ubiquitin-specific protease)

Ubiquitin-specific proteases (USPs) are specialized enzymes that regulate cellular processes by removing a small protein called ubiquitin from other proteins. Ubiquitin tags proteins for various functions, like marking them for degradation or altering their activity. USPs precisely reverse this tagging, helping maintain normal cell function and protein balance. They play a crucial role in controlling how proteins are broken down, recycled, or activated, impacting processes like cell growth, DNA repair, and immune responses. Proper function of USPs is vital for cellular health, and their dysfunction can contribute to diseases such as cancer and neurodegeneration.