What are the Implications of Inhibited Proteasome Activity?
Inhibition of proteasome activity can have profound effects on cellular function and viability. Proteasome inhibitors, such as bortezomib, are used as therapeutic agents in cancer treatment. By blocking proteasome activity, these inhibitors induce apoptosis in cancer cells, which are often more dependent on proteasome function than normal cells. However, proteasome inhibition can also lead to the accumulation of toxic proteins and impaired cellular function, highlighting the need for precise regulation of proteasome activity.