The past 30 years have witnessed the evolution of research on the highly conserved modification of proteins and lipids by ubiquitin (Ub) and related ubiquitin-like (Ubl) polypeptides from scientific curiosity to one of the most active fields in biology. The exceptional interest in this field stems from the central role of these modifications in cell, tissue, and organismal homeostasis. Indeed, dysregulation of Ub/Ubl-dependent pathways are directly linked to numerous human diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, viral/bacterial infections, metabolic decline during aging, and pathologies of the inflammatory and immune responses. Although still at early stages, manipulating these pathways for therapeutic or biotechnology applications is of great interest to the academic and private sectors and holds tremendous promise.

This EMBO Workshop will explore Ub/Ubl networks in different organisms, focusing on the similarities and differences in fundamental properties, to elucidate the wiring of Ub/Ubl networks in health and disease.

The primary goals of this meeting will be: i) present an overview of current knowledge with the latest research discoveries and cutting-edge approaches; ii) foster the development of trainees and junior scientists; iii) promote collaborations among leading scientists from diverse backgrounds and newcomers in the field; and iv) accelerate translational research.