HA-α-globin-K48Ub4 (5 μM) and 26S proteasome (150 nM) were combined in the presence and absence of cyclic peptide Ub4ix, linear-Ub4ix or MG132. Before and after incubation, products were separated on SDS-PAGE gel, electro-blotted and probed with anti-HA antibody. Linear-Ub4ix offers no protection to HA-α-globin-K48Ub4 from the activity of the proteasome, resulting in degradation. Cyclic peptide Ub4ix, at a similar concentration to the HA-α-globin-K48Ub4 substrate (5 μM) can protect it from degradation by the proteasome, a similar result to the adding the direct proteasome inhibitor MG132.