Q9UPT9

USP22 (ubiquitin specific peptidase 22) also known as USP3L is a 525 amino acid protein characterized by the presence of a UBP-type zinc finger, which is crucial for enzymatic activity. USP22 plays a significant role in the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, a vital cellular mechanism that regulates protein degradation and turnover, thereby influencing various cellular processes such as signal transduction, transcriptional activation, and cell cycle progression. USP22 catalyzes the conversion of ubiquitin C-terminal thioesters to free ubiquitin and thiol, maintaining cellular homeostasis and potentially acting as a marker for cancer stem cells, highlighting potential importance in cancer biology. USP22 is encoded on human chromosome 17, a region encompassing over 2.5% of the human genome and responsible for encoding more than 1,200 genes, underscoring complexity and significance in various biological contexts.