Function of the ubiquitin proteolytic pathway in the eye.
The ubiquitin pathway (UP) is involved in regulation of many essential cellular processes usually by the degradation of regulators of these processes. For example the UP is involved in regulation of cell cycle, proliferation, differentiation, organogenesis, development, and signal transduction in the lens and retina. A functional UP has also been documented in the cornea. Upon aging or exposure to stress there is an accumulation of damaged proteins, including ubiquitinated proteins, in the lens and retina. Some of these proteins may be cytotoxic. Thus, an active UP may be required to avoid such age and disease-related accumulation of damaged proteins. In this review we will explain the biochemistry of the UP and we will document the most important studies regarding UP function in the lens, retina and cornea.
Shang
Fu
F
Laboratory for Nutrition and Vision Research, USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, 711 Washington St, Boston MA 02111, USA. ataylor@hnrc.tufts.edu
Taylor
Allen
A
D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D003315:Cornea / Q000502:physiology; D005136:Eye Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000502:physiology; D009799:Ocular Physiological Phenomena; D012160:Retina / Q000502:physiology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology; D025801:Ubiquitin / Q000502:physiology*
D005136:Eye Proteins; D025801:Ubiquitin