TRIM/RBCC Proteins

The TRIM/RBCC proteins form one of the largest E3 ligase families in humans, defined by a tripartite motif of RING finger, one or two B-box domains, and a coiled-coil region. The RING recruits ubiquitin-loaded E2s, the coiled-coil drives dimerization, and variable C-terminal domains (PRY-SPRY, COS-box, NHL, and others) determine substrate selection, letting members such as TRIM5-alpha, TRIM21, and TRIM28 act in antiviral restriction, autoimmunity, and transcriptional silencing. TRIM ligases also shape innate immune signaling and are implicated in cancer and muscular disease. Recombinant TRIM proteins are widely used to study substrate ubiquitination, antiviral restriction assays, and ligase-directed drug discovery.