We construct a supersymmetric grand unified model in the framework of a lat
ticized extra dimension. The SU(5) symmetries on the lattice are broken by
the vacuum expectation values of the link fields connecting adjacent SU(5)
sites, leaving just the MSSM at low energies. Below the SU(5) breaking scal
e, the theory gives rise to a similar spectrum as in orbifold breaking of S
U(5) symmetry in 5 dimensions, and shares many features with the latter sce
nario. We discuss gauge coupling unification and proton decay emphasizing t
he differences with respect to the usual grand unified theories. Our model
may be viewed as an effective four-dimensional description of the orbifold
symmetry breaking in higher dimensions. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Scie
nce B.V.