Covalent modification of cellular proteins by the ubiquitin-like modifier SUMO (small ubiquitin-like modifier) regulates various cellular processes, such as nuclear transport, signal transduction, stress responses and cell cycle progression. However, in contrast to ubiquination, sumoylation does not tag proteins for degradation by the 26S proteasome but rather seems to enhance stability or modulate their subcellular compartmentalization. Ubiquitin-like proteins fall into two classes: the first class, ubiquitin-like modifiers (UBLs) function as modifiers in a manner analogous to that of ubiquitin. Examples of UBLs are SUMO, Rub1 (also called Nedd8), 8-12aa. Proteins of the second class, including parkin, RAD23 and DSK2, are designated ubiquitin- domain proteins (UDPs). These proteins contain domains that are related to ubiquitin but are otherwise unrelated to each other. In contrast to UBLs, UDPs are not conjugated to other proteins. Once covalently attached to cellular targets, SUMO regulates protein:protein and protein: DNA interactions, as well as localization and stability of the target protein. Sumoylation occurs in most eukaryotic systems, and SUMO is highly conserved from yeast to humans.
Intended for research use only. Not for use in human, therapeutic, or diagnostic applications.