Role of proteasomes in transcription and their regulation by covalent modifications.

The 26S proteasome is an abundant multi-subunit complex, which, in addition to lysosomes, represents a major cellular "protein degradation factory". The proteasome complex possesses protease, ATPase/helicase, and RNAse enzymatic activities, which are used by the latter to regulate various physiological processes. Recent findings have revealed an important role of proteasomes in transcriptional regulation. Although proteasomes are well documented to undergo various post-translational modifications, little is known about their functional significance, in particular in the process of gene regulation in response to various forms of stress. Here, we review the data on the role of proteasomes in gene regulation and their post-translational modifications as well as discuss potential mechanisms by which proteasomal activity may be regulated by genotoxic stress.