The E3-ome gene-centric compendium reveals the human E3 ligase landscape

Cell. 2026 Apr 2;189(7):2167-2188.e27. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2026.01.029. Epub 2026 Mar 20.

Abstract

To define and systematically characterize the human E3 ubiquitin ligase (E3) landscape, we generated the E3-ome, a compendium of E3s encoded by the human genome. The E3-ome integrates experimental data, bioinformatics, and published research, revealing 672 high-confidence E3s. We standardized E3 classifications to create a unified framework for annotation and comparative analysis. The E3-ome identified several previously unrecognized domains, motifs, E3 candidates, and relationships, expanding the diversity of E3s. Furthermore, the E3-ome mapped the spatial and physiological organization of E3s across human tissues and cell types, revealing context-dependent E3s. Genetic analyses identified disease-associated variants across the E3-ome, linking E3s to diverse human pathologies. Together, these analyses define the human E3 landscape at high resolution and deliver a foundational resource to drive mechanistic and therapeutic discovery.

MeSH terms

  • Genome, Human*
  • Humans
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases* / chemistry
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases* / classification
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases* / genetics
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases* / metabolism

Substances

  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases