The Regulation of Human Cyclin E Protein Levels by the Ubiquitin Proteolytic Pathway
Abstract
Cyclins are proteins that both activate cyclin-dependent kinases, enzymes that put phosphate groups on proteins, and impart some degree of substrate specificity to these kinases. Although very little is known about what these substrates are, it is clear that the regulation of levels of cyclins is crucial for cell cycle progression, that is cell growth. The human cyclin E protein has been shown to be required for the O1/S transition, a crucial regulatory step in mammalian cells that determines if a tumor can form. Cyclin E protein levels have been shown to cycle as the cell cycle progresses. The goal of this work was to identify the components that are responsible for the regulation of the cyclin E protein levels. Such regulation has many important implications for the study of cell cycle progression and thus the onset of tumorigenesis which is an example of uncontrolled cell cycle progression. The result of this work was the identification of a protein in mammalian cells that is responsible for removing cyclin E from cells by directing its degradation. Thus understanding the regulation of this novel protein may lead to insights into how tumors can form in mammals.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA389602
Entities
People
- James M Roberts
- Jeffrey D. Stinger