Background information
The U-box domain is a modified RING finger motif that has been implicated in the ubiquitin/proteasome system. The ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme 7-interacting protein 5 (UIP5), also designated U-box domain-containing protein 5 or RING finger protein 37, contains 1 RING-type zinc finger and 1 U-box domain. UIP5 has been shown to interact with UBCH7, an enzyme that mediates selective degradation of abnormal proteins. The gene encoding UIP5 maps to chromosome 20, which houses over 600 genes, some of which are associated with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, ring chromosome 20 epilepsy syndrome and Alagille syndrome. Additionally, chromosome 20 contains a region with numerous genes which are thought important for seminal production and may be potential targets for male contraception.
