Function
PSMB2, also known as β2 subunit, is a non-catalytic component of the 20S core proteasome complex. This complex is essential for the proteolytic degradation of most intracellular proteins. It plays crucial roles within the cell by interacting with different regulatory particles. When associated with two 19S regulatory particles, it forms the 26S proteasome and participates in the ATP-dependent degradation of ubiquitinated proteins. This process is critical for maintaining protein homeostasis by removing misfolded or damaged proteins, preventing disruptions to cellular functions, and eliminating proteins whose functions are no longer required. The 20S proteasome can also associate with PA200 or PA28, mediating ubiquitin-independent protein degradation. This type of proteolysis is involved in various pathways, including spermatogenesis (20S-PA200 complex) and the generation of a subset of MHC class I-presented antigenic peptides (20S-PA28 complex).