DDB1- and CUL4-associated factor 12

Substrate-recognition component of a DCX (DDB1-CUL4-X-box) E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase complex of the DesCEND (destruction via C-end degrons) pathway, which recognizes a C-degron located at the extreme C terminus of target proteins, leading to their ubiquitination and degradation. The C-degron recognized by the DesCEND pathway is usually a motif of less than ten residues and can be present in full-length proteins, truncated proteins or proteolytically cleaved forms. The DCX(DCAF12) complex specifically recognizes proteins with a diglutamate (Glu-Glu) at the C-terminus, such as MAGEA3, MAGEA6 and CCT5, leading to their ubiquitination and degradation. Ubiquitination of MAGEA3, MAGEA6 by DCX(DCAF12) complex is required for starvation-induced autophagy.