The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) plays an essential role in many cellular processes, including cell cycle progression, proliferation, apoptosis and angiogenesis. Proteasome inhibitors like Bortezomib (Velcade, PS-341), has been successfully used as anticancer drug. Several natural compounds, including the green tea polyphenols, microbial metabolite lactacystin and many triterpenes have been shown to be potent proteasome inhibitors. One of our ongoing project is to screen novel proteasomal inhibitors from natural products that induce cell death in cancer cells.
