Training on the ubiquitous ubiquitin and the proteasome system
The UPS is crucial for many cellular processes as it regulates protein activity and stability. Ub is a small protein found in all tissues of eukaryotic organisms with a major role in protein degradation and other cellular processes. Ubiquitylation, also called ubiquitination, refers to the process of attaching Ub to another targeted protein. The UPSTREAM (European research training in the ubiquitin proteasome system) project constitutes an international network of European research groups interested in the chemical, biochemical, molecular, developmental and genetic aspects of Ub and UbL molecules. The UPSTREAM network recruited 11 early stage researchers and an experienced researcher from European and Asian countries. More impressive in the current scenario of gender imbalance sometimes favouring males is the recruitment of seven female researchers. Each of the newly recruited researchers undertook an individual research project that was revised by the UPStream network to ensure that they get the requisite training. Project partners organised specialised courses on topics such as ubiquitylation and SUMOylation as well as state-of-the-art methodologies crystallography and proximity ligation. Emphasis was also given to commercial exploitation, IP and grant applications. The UPSTREAM fellows made important progress evidenced by numerous scientific publications as well as presentations in congresses, workshops and meetings. Project activities including the training schedule and course content were also outlined on their website. UPSTREAM activities have ensured the availability of skilled researchers with expertise in UPS biology. Besides enhancing their career prospects in academic and industrial settings, the biomedical sector could benefit through the discovery of novel drugs.
Keywords
Training, ubiquitin proteasome system, ubiquitin, ubiquitin-like molecules, ubiquitylaton, SUMOylation
