Tripartite Motif Containing Proteins (TRIMs)

Post-Translational Modifications (PTMs) of proteins are the major regulator of Central Dogma. All most all cellular pathways are regulated by PTMs. Modification of protein by Ubiquitin (Ub) (aka ‘Ubiquitination’) is thought to be destined for degradation, however recent literature has clearly established that it activates signaling pathways like internalization of receptors, activating different kinase and processing of signaling molecules to active forms.

Ubiquitin E3 ligases are the terminal enzymes of ubiquitination process and they determine the specificity of the pathway by recognizing the substrate. Human genome code for approximately 1000 E3 ligases, most of them remain less studied. RING, B-Box, Coiled Coil (RBCC) (also called as Tri Partite Motif (TRIMs), member of RING family E3 ligases, are modular in structure and their E3 ligase functions may play crucial role in regulation of cellular homeostasis. These proteins can form dynamic singallosomes, therefore their dynamics may affect cellular physiology by modulating the pathways they are associated with.

TRIMs are emerging as the regulators of innate immunity and inflammation. They are also been reported to regulate pathways associated with cell death and survival. Our lab was the first to report the role of TRIMs in regulation of autophagy and its role in cell survival.

We are currently identifying novel TRIMs for their role in autophagy and cell death and survival. We are also studying the role of TRIMs in regulation of inflammatory pathways.