UFM1 E3 ligase promotes recycling of 60S ribosomal subunits from the ER. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38383785/)

These scientists wanted to understand how cells in our body use a special process called UFMylation to control the fate of certain proteins and how it affects the behavior of the cells. They focused on a specific protein called uL24 that is found on ribosomes near a part of the cell called the endoplasmic reticulum.

To study this, the scientists used a technique called cryo-electron microscopy to take pictures of the ribosomes and the UFMylation process in action. They discovered that a group of proteins called the UFM1 E3 ligase plays a crucial role in modifying the uL24 protein with UFM1. This modification helps in rescuing a specific part of the ribosome called the 60S subunit when it gets stuck during the process of making proteins.

The scientists found that the UFM1 E3 ligase forms a clamp-like structure around the ribosome after modifying the uL24 protein. This clamp helps in releasing and recycling the 60S subunit from the endoplasmic reticulum membrane.

Overall, this study helped the scientists understand how a specific protein modification process works in our cells and how it plays a role in the functioning of ribosomes, which are essential for making proteins in our bodies.

DaRosa PA., Penchev I., Gumbin SC., Scavone F., Wachalska M., Paulo JA., Ordureau A., Peter JJ., Kulathu Y., Harper JW., Becker T., Beckmann R., Kopito RR. UFM1 E3 ligase promotes recycling of 60S ribosomal subunits from the ER. Nature. 2024 Feb 21. doi: 10.1038/s41586-024-07073-0.