The role of ubiquitin-binding proteins in the regulation of the ubiquitin-proteasome system

Dr Nathan is a respiratory physician whose research focuses on the regulation of protein degradation by the ubiquitin-proteasome system. All mammalian cells have to control their protein content to remove damaged proteins and regulate cell growth. Any disruption to cellular protein levels can lead to the rapid protein breakdown seen in muscle wasting, or uncontrolled growth and the accumulation of misfolded proteins that occurs in cancers and neurodegenerative conditions. The major mechanism for controlling intracellular protein levels is ubiquitination. A key question forming the basis of Dr Nathan's studies is how ubiquitinated proteins are differentially selected for degradation. He will use biochemical and genetic approaches to address this question, and aims to provide a better understanding of the ubiquitin system and to identify how proteins are efficiently delivered to the proteasome.