2010/10/18

A novel strategy to isolate ubiquitin conjugates reveals a role of ubiquitination in neural development

Ubiquitination of neuronal proteins is an essential regulatory mechanism of brain function. Its failure is associated with a number of neurodegenerative conditions, including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. However, isolation of neuronal ubiquitin conjugates from living organisms has proven to be difficult. Using the fruit fly model organism, researchers from CIC bioGUNE have been able to identify for the first time the proteins that are ubiquitinated within neurons in vivo under physiological conditions.