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HERC4 (HECT and RLD Domain Containing E3 Ubiquitin Protein Ligase 4)
HERC4 (HECT and RLD Domain Containing E3 Ubiquitin Protein Ligase 4)
Overview
<table class="infobox infobox-gene">
<tr>
<th class="infobox-header" colspan="2">HERC4 (HECT and RLD Domain Containing E3 Ubiquitin Protein Ligase 4)</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Symbol</td>
<td>HERC4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Full Name</td>
<td>HECT and RLD Domain Containing E3 Ubiquitin Protein Ligase 4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Chromosomal Location</td>
<td>10q21.3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">NCBI Gene ID</td>
<td>26091</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">OMIM</td>
<td>610215</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Ensembl ID</td>
<td>ENSG00000138641</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">UniProt ID</td>
<td>Q8N7R4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Protein Length</td>
<td>475 amino acids</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Molecular Weight</td>
<td>~53 kDa</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Approach</td>
<td>Strategy</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Proteasome activators</td>
<td>Increase proteasome activity</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">E3 ligase modulators</td>
<td>Enhance HERC4 activity</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Ubiquitin supplementation</td>
<td>Restore ubiquitin pools</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">DUB inhibitors</td>
<td>Reduce deubiquitination</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Chain Type</td>
<td>Function</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td clas
HERC4 (HECT and RLD Domain Containing E3 Ubiquitin Protein Ligase 4)
Overview
<table class="infobox infobox-gene">
<tr>
<th class="infobox-header" colspan="2">HERC4 (HECT and RLD Domain Containing E3 Ubiquitin Protein Ligase 4)</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Symbol</td>
<td>HERC4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Full Name</td>
<td>HECT and RLD Domain Containing E3 Ubiquitin Protein Ligase 4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Chromosomal Location</td>
<td>10q21.3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">NCBI Gene ID</td>
<td>26091</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">OMIM</td>
<td>610215</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Ensembl ID</td>
<td>ENSG00000138641</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">UniProt ID</td>
<td>Q8N7R4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Protein Length</td>
<td>475 amino acids</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Molecular Weight</td>
<td>~53 kDa</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Approach</td>
<td>Strategy</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Proteasome activators</td>
<td>Increase proteasome activity</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">E3 ligase modulators</td>
<td>Enhance HERC4 activity</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Ubiquitin supplementation</td>
<td>Restore ubiquitin pools</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">DUB inhibitors</td>
<td>Reduce deubiquitination</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Chain Type</td>
<td>Function</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">K48 linkage</td>
<td>Proteasomal degradation</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">K63 linkage</td>
<td>Signaling, autophagy</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">K27 linkage</td>
<td>Protein aggregation</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">K29 linkage</td>
<td>Lysosomal degradation</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Monoubiquitination</td>
<td>Endocytosis, signaling</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Approach</td>
<td>Strategy</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Proteasome activators</td>
<td>Increase 26S proteasome activity</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">E3 ligase modulators</td>
<td>Enhance HERC4 activity</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Ubiquitin supplementation</td>
<td>Restore cellular ubiquitin pools</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Deubiquitinase inhibitors</td>
<td>Reduce substrate recycling</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Chaperone enhancement</td>
<td>Help refold misfolded proteins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Gene</td>
<td>Tissue Expression</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">HERC1</td>
<td>Ubiquitous</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">HERC2</td>
<td>High in brain</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">HERC3</td>
<td>High in brain</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">HERC4</td>
<td>Brain, testis</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">HERC5</td>
<td>Immune cells</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">HERC6</td>
<td>Testis</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Interactor</td>
<td>Interaction Type</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">UBA1</td>
<td>E1 enzyme</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">UBE2D1</td>
<td>E2 enzyme</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">UBE2E1</td>
<td>E2 enzyme</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Feature</td>
<td>Normal</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">HERC4 activity</td>
<td>High</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Proteasome function</td>
<td>Efficient</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Protein clearance</td>
<td>Effective</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Aggregate handling</td>
<td>Normal</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Neuronal survival</td>
<td>Maintained</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">KG Connections</td>
<td><a href="/atlas" style="color:#4fc3f7">1 edges</a></td>
</tr>
</table>
HERC4 (HECT and RLD Domain Containing E3 Ubiquitin Protein Ligase 4) is a member of the HERC family of E3 ubiquitin ligases that play critical roles in protein ubiquitination, cellular signaling, and protein quality control. [@cruz2020] HERC4 specifically functions as a HECT-type E3 ligase that catalyzes the transfer of ubiquitin to substrate proteins, targeting them for proteasomal degradation or altering their function through monoubiquitination or polyubiquitination. The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is essential for neuronal protein homeostasis, and dysfunction in this pathway is a hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases including [Alzheimer's disease](/diseases/alzheimers-disease) and [Parkinson's disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease). [@hanpude2019]
Gene Information
Protein Structure and Function
Domain Architecture
HERC4 contains several key structural domains:
N-terminal RLD (RCC1-like Domain): Contains multiple RCC1 (Regulator of Chromosome Condensation 1) homology repeats that function as:
- Protein-protein interaction modules
- Guanine nucleotide exchange factors for some targets
- Scaffolds for complex assembly
- Contains catalytic cysteine residue (Cys969 in HERC4)
- Forms thioester intermediate with ubiquitin
- Transfers ubiquitin to substrate lysine residues
Catalytic Mechanism
HERC4 catalyzes ubiquitination through a three-step process:
Substrate Specificity
While specific substrates of HERC4 in neurons are being elucidated, the enzyme is known to regulate:
- Cell cycle proteins
- Apoptotic regulators
- Signaling molecules
- Potentially toxic protein aggregates
Normal Physiological Functions
Protein Quality Control
The UPS is the primary cellular system for targeted protein degradation:
Proteasomal Degradation: HERC4 ubiquitinates proteins for 26S proteasome recognition and degradation
Regulated Signaling: Ubiquitination modulates signaling pathway activity through:
- Receptor downregulation
- Kinase regulation
- Transcription factor control
Cell Cycle Regulation
HERC4 plays important roles in cell cycle control in neurons:
G1/S Transition: Regulates cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors S Phase Progression: Modulates DNA replication factors M Phase: Affects mitotic spindle assembly and chromosome segregation
In post-mitotic neurons, these functions are repurposed for DNA damage response and cellular stress handling. [@yang2020]
Neuroprotection
Proper ubiquitination is neuroprotective:
- Clears misfolded and aggregation-prone proteins
- Maintains synaptic protein turnover
- Regulates apoptotic pathways
- Handles cellular stress
Role in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Alzheimer's Disease
The ubiquitin-proteasome system is severely impaired in AD [@kotewicz2020]:
Tau Pathology: HERC4 may be involved in tau ubiquitination and clearance:
- Tau aggregates overwhelm the UPS
- HERC4 activity may be reduced in AD brains
- Impaired tau clearance contributes to neurofibrillary tangle formation [@morimoto2021]
- HERC4 may regulate APP trafficking
- UPS dysfunction contributes to amyloid accumulation
- Synaptic proteins accumulate as aggregates
- UPS dysfunction in synapses correlates with cognitive decline
- NF-κB signaling dysregulation
- Inflammasome activation
Parkinson's Disease
PD is strongly linked to UPS dysfunction:
Alpha-synuclein Clearance: The UPS is critical for degrading alpha-synuclein:
- HERC4 may contribute to alpha-synuclein ubiquitination
- UPS impairment leads to Lewy body formation
- Shares functional overlaps with HERC4
- Both involved in mitochondrial quality control
- High metabolic demand neurons
- Substantia nigra dopaminergic neurons
- Cells with high protein turnover
Other Neurodegenerative Conditions
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): UPS dysfunction in motor neurons, TDP-43 inclusions
Huntington's Disease: Mutant huntingtin overwhelms the UPS, HERC4 may help clear aggregates
Frontotemporal Dementia: Ubiquitin-positive inclusions, TDP-43 pathology
Prion Diseases: UPS impairment in prion-infected brains
Mechanisms of Dysfunction
Proteasome Inhibition
In neurodegeneration, multiple factors inhibit proteasome function:
- Oxidative damage to proteasome components
- Accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins
- Proteasome subunit oxidation
- Lipid membrane alterations
Ubiquitin System Impairment
UPS dysfunction occurs through:
- Reduced E1/E2/E3 activity
- Impaired ubiquitin recycling
- Depletion of free ubiquitin pools
- Dysregulated deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs)
Aggregate Sequestration
Protein aggregates sequester:
- Proteasome complexes
- Ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes
- Chaperone proteins
- Essential cellular components
This creates a vicious cycle where aggregates impair their own clearance.
Oxidative Stress
Oxidative damage affects:
- Enzymatic activity of UPS components
- Protein substrate recognition
- Ubiquitin conjugation efficiency
Therapeutic Implications
Enhancing UPS Function
Gene Therapy
- AAV-mediated HERC4 expression
- CRISPR approaches to enhance activity
- Small hairpin RNA to reduce toxic substrates
Protein Aggregation Inhibitors
- Small molecules that prevent aggregation
- Chaperone-based approaches
- Autophagy induction to compensate for UPS defects
Research Directions
Identifying Neuronal Substrates
- Characterizing HERC4 substrates in neurons
- Understanding substrate specificity
- Mapping ubiquitination sites
Understanding Regulation
- Post-translational modifications of HERC4
- Cellular signaling that modulates activity
- Tissue-specific expression patterns
Model Systems
- Patient-derived iPSC neurons
- Knockout and knock-in mouse models
- Drosophila models for rapid screening
Molecular Mechanisms
Ubiquitin Conjugation Cascade
HERC4 participates in the canonical ubiquitination pathway:
E1 Activation:
- Ubiquitin-activating enzyme activates ubiquitin in ATP-dependent manner
- Forms thioester bond between E1 catalytic cysteine and ubiquitin C-terminus
- Multiple E1 enzymes (UBA1, UBA6, UBA7) can activate ubiquitin
- Activated ubiquitin transferred to E2 conjugating enzyme
- E2 determines ubiquitin chain type and linkage
- HERC4 works with multiple E2 enzymes
- HERC4 (E3) provides substrate specificity
- Catalyzes isopeptide bond formation between ubiquitin and substrate lysine
- HECT domain forms ubiquitin thioester intermediate before transfer
Ubiquitin Chain Specificity
HERC4 can generate different ubiquitin linkages:
Substrate Recognition
HERC4 recognizes substrates through:
Direct Binding:
- Specific degron sequences in substrates
- Post-translational modification recognition (phosphorylation)
- Pre-formed recognition domains
- Interaction with substrate recognition co-factors
- E3 ligase complexes for specificity
- scaffolding proteins for localization
Therapeutic Approaches
Enhancing UPS Function
Gene Therapy Strategies
AAV-Mediated Expression:
- Neuronal targeting with AAV9 and AAV-PHP.B
- HERC4 wild-type delivery for loss-of-function
- Promoter selection for cell-type specificity
- Dose optimization for safety
- Gene activation to boost expression
- Allele-specific editing for mutations
- Safe harbor integration for stable expression
- Guide RNA delivery optimization
Protein Aggregation Inhibitors
Small Molecule Approaches:
- Compounds that prevent aggregate formation
- Modulators of aggregate toxicity
- Enhancers of aggregate clearance
- Antibody-based therapies
- Peptide inhibitors
- Gene silencing for toxic protein reduction
- mTOR-independent activators
- TFEB overexpression
- Autophagy adaptor enhancement
Biomarker Development
Diagnostic Biomarkers
Fluid Markers:
- Blood ubiquitin levels
- Proteasome activity in blood cells
- Urinary ubiquitin fragments
- CSF proteasome markers
- PET tracers for protein aggregates
- MRI for brain atrophy patterns
- Molecular imaging of UPS function
Prognostic Biomarkers
Disease Progression:
- Baseline UPS function predicts progression
- Longitudinal monitoring of biomarkers
- Correlation with clinical endpoints
- Target engagement biomarkers
- Proteasome activity changes
- Ubiquitin conjugate levels
Clinical Considerations
Patient Stratification
Genetic Testing:
- HERC4 mutation screening
- Family history analysis
- Variant interpretation
- Predictive testing
- Disease stage determination
- Clinical presentation characterization
- Comorbidity assessment
- Treatment history
Clinical Trial Design
Endpoints:
- Motor function measures
- Cognitive assessments
- Biomarker changes
- Quality of life measures
- Genetic stratification
- Biomarker-based enrichment
- Disease stage optimization
- Comorbidity considerations
Real-World Evidence
Registry Studies:
- Natural history of HERC4-related conditions
- Treatment outcomes in clinical practice
- Long-term safety monitoring
- Comparative effectiveness
Research Methodologies
Experimental Systems
In Vitro Models:
- Primary neuron cultures
- iPSC-derived neurons
- Neuronal cell lines
- Organoid systems
- Transgenic mouse models
- Knockout and knock-in studies
- Viral vector delivery
- Behavioral phenotyping
Biochemical Approaches
Protein Analysis:
- Ubiquitin chain mapping
- Substrate identification
- Interaction network analysis
- Post-translational modification profiling
- Proteasome activity measurement
- Ubiquitination assays
- Autophagy flux monitoring
- Protein turnover studies
Comparative Analysis
HERC Family Members
Conservation Analysis
HERC4 shows species-specific features:
- Human: Brain-enriched expression
- Mouse: Broader expression pattern
- Zebrafish: Developmental expression
- Drosophila: Essential for viability
Unresolved Questions
Other Neurodegenerative Conditions
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS):
- UPS dysfunction in motor neurons
- TDP-43 inclusions with ubiquitin
- SOD1 mutant clearance defects
- Protein aggregate accumulation
- Mutant huntingtin clearance defects
- Transcriptional dysregulation
- Vesicle trafficking impairment
- Mitochondrial dysfunction
- TDP-43 proteinopathy
- Ubiquitin-positive inclusions
- Behavioral variant associations
- Language variant patterns
- PrP^Sc accumulation
- UPS impairment in prion infection
- Synaptic dysfunction
- Neurodegeneration progression
Mechanisms of Pathogenesis
Proteasome Inhibition
Multiple mechanisms contribute to proteasome dysfunction:
Direct Inhibition:
- Oxidative damage to proteasome subunits
- Covalent modification by reactive species
- Aggregation of proteasome components
- Substrate overload from aggregates
- Sequestration of proteasome in aggregates
- Transcriptional downregulation
Aggregate Sequestration
Protein aggregates sequester critical components:
- 26S proteasome complex entrapment
- Hsp70 family members trapped
- Transcription factors and signaling molecules
Oxidative Stress Interactions
Oxidative stress and UPS dysfunction form a vicious cycle:
- Mitochondrial dysfunction increases ROS
- Damaged proteins overwhelm UPS
- Reduced proteasome activity
Protein-Protein Interactions
Core Ubiquitination Machinery
Substrate Recognition Proteins
Chaperones:
- Hsp70 for substrate delivery
- Hsp90 for complex stabilization
- Bag family for Hsp70 regulation
- p62/SQSTM1 for selective autophagy
- NBR1 for ubiquitinated cargo
- Optineurin for autophagic clearance
Clinical Considerations
Patient Stratification
Genetic Testing:
- HERC4 mutation screening
- Family history analysis
- Variant interpretation
- Predictive testing
- Disease stage determination
- Clinical presentation characterization
- Comorbidity assessment
Clinical Trial Design
Endpoints:
- Motor function measures
- Cognitive assessments
- Biomarker changes
- Quality of life measures
- Genetic stratification
- Biomarker-based enrichment
- Disease stage optimization
Emerging Research
- Single-cell transcriptomics: HERC4 expression across neuronal types
- Spatial proteomics: Substrate localization mapping
- CRISPR screens: Genetic modifiers of HERC4 function
- Structural studies: HECT domain conformational changes
Interactive Elements
Pathway Diagram
Summary Table
See Also
- [Ubiquitin-Proteasome System](/mechanisms/ubiquitin-proteasome-system)
- [Protein Quality Control](/mechanisms/protein-quality-control-network)
- [Alzheimer's Disease](/diseases/alzheimers-disease)
- [Parkinson's Disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease)
- [Tau Pathology in AD](/mechanisms/tau-pathology-ad)
- [Lewy Body Pathogenesis](/mechanisms/lewy-body-pathogenesis)
- [Synaptic Dysfunction in Neurodegeneration](/mechanisms/synaptic-dysfunction-neurodegeneration)
References
▸Metadataorigin_type: v1_polymorphic_backfill
| slug | genes-herc4 |
| kg_node_id | HERC4 |
| entity_type | gene |
| origin_type | v1_polymorphic_backfill |
| source_table | wiki_pages |
| wiki_page_id | wp-b41ad72c3f66 |
| __merged_from | {'merged_at': '2026-05-13', 'unprefixed_id': 'genes-herc4'} |
| _schema_version | 1 |
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