Structural basis of ubiquitylation

The attachment of the small protein ubiquitin to other proteins, a process known as ubiquitylation, is a widespread form of post-translational modification that regulates numerous cellular functions in eukaryotes. Ubiquitylation is performed by complexes of E2 and E3 enzymes that are assembled and select substrates via a series of protein-protein interactions. Recent structure determinations of the ubiquitylation machinery have revealed some of the various protein-protein interfaces involved.