【背景资料】:Tetra-ubiquitin (Ub4, K48-linked) was synthesised enzymatically using wild type ubiquitin and purified by ion exchange chromatography. Specifically linked tetra-ubiquitins have utility as substrates for investigating deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB) activity and polyubiquitin chain processing selectivity and in the study of ubiquitin binding and recognition in ubiquitin signalling associated processes.K48-linked polyubiquitin molecules are key regulators of protein degradation mediated by the proteasome.Modification of cellular proteins with polyubiquitin chains occurs in a wide range of signalling pathways and is tightly regulated in order to ensure cellular homeostasis. The function, processing and ultimate fate of polyubiquitinylated proteins is thought to be determined by the nature of the linkage between adjacent ubiquitin molecules in the polyubiquitin chain.