Ubiquitin, keratin and skin fragility

Protein degradation is a highly coordinated process with multiple levels of regulation, including both targeted and autodegradation. This sophisticated cascade of protein turnover must be precisely balanced to maintain proper physiological function. A recent article published in Nature Genetics reports the discovery of gene with protein-truncating mutations that lead to the skin condition epidermolysis bullosa, which is characterized by tendency to blister, itching and other abnormalities. The..