The proteasome and the degradation of oxidized proteins: Part I—structure of proteasomes

The main machinery responsible for cellular protein maintenance is the ubiquitin-proteasomal system, with its core particle the 20S proteasome. The main task of the system is a fast and efficient degradation of proteins not needed anymore in cellular metabolism. For this aim a complex system of regulators evolved, modifying the function of the 20S core proteasome. Here we summarize shortly the structure of the 20S proteasome as well as its associated regulator proteins.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Form and function of the 20S proteasome are described. ► Comparison between Archaeal and eukaryotic 20S proteasome are pointed out. ► Structure and function of proteasomal regulators are highlighted.