The role of copper in the early ubiquitination pathway

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This project aims to explore the role of copper in ageing and protein turnover. The removal of damaged or excess proteins is achieved by ubiquitin-tagging in all kingdoms of life. It has recently been observed that one of the earliest steps of this process appears to be driven by copper. This project aims to elaborate the precise biochemical mechanisms by which copper regulates this important tagging and protein turnover system. It proposes to characterise the structure and function of a newly identified copper-dependent form of cell enzyme which could be involved in amplifying ubiquitin-tagged protein breakdown. Copper is essential for life in all domains. Identifying copper as a major regulator in protein clearance is important in understanding this fundamental biological machinery.