Abstract
Ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1), also known as PGP9.5, is a protein of 223 amino acids. Although it was originally characterized as a deubiquitinating enzyme, recent studies indicate that it also functions as a ubiquitin (Ub) ligase and a mono-Ub stabilizer. It is highly abundant in brain, constituting up to 2% of total brain proteins. Down-regulation and extensive oxidative modification of UCH-L1 have been observed in the brains of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. Mutations in the UCH-L1 gene have been reported to be linked to Parkinson's disease, in particular, the I93 M variant is associated with a higher susceptibility of PD in contrast to a higher protection against PD for the S18Y variant. Hence, the structure of UCH-L1 and the underlying effects of disease associated mutations on the structure and function of UCH-L1 are of considerable interest. Here, we report the NMR spectral assignments of the S18Y human UCH-L1 mutant with the aim to obtain better understanding about the risk of Parkinson's disease against structural and dynamical changes induced by this mutation on UCH-L1.