New understanding of protein processing could have implications for Alzheimer's and some cancers
Originally published by Katherine Fenz, Rockefeller University, on Jun 5, 2025 edited by Lisa Lock , reviewed by Andrew Zinin Three dimensional cryo-EM structure of VCP (blue and purple) bound to three VCPIP1 promoters (red, orange, and yellow). Credit: Kapoor lab Healthy cells are constantly breaking down proteins and building up new ones with the help of enzymes aptly named unfoldases , because they unravel proteins tagged for destruction or recycling . Now, a new electron microscopy study demonstrates how VCP, one such unfoldase , physically interacts with tag removal enzymes, called DUBs . The findings show how these two enzymes work in tandem to process proteins , and may have implications for the study of diseases such as those linked to neurodegeneration . The research is published in the Journal of Cell Biology . "VCP dysfunction is linked to neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's," says first author Lauren Vostal, a graduate student in the ...