Sumoyláció

Sumoyláció is a biological process involving the covalent attachment of SUMO proteins to a target protein. SUMO, which stands for Small Ubiquitin-like Modifier, is a family of proteins that play crucial roles in various cellular functions. The process of sumoylation is mediated by a cascade of enzymes, including E1 activating enzymes, E2 conjugating enzymes, and E3 ligases, which facilitate the transfer of SUMO to lysine residues on the substrate protein.

The addition of SUMO can alter the biochemical properties of the target protein, influencing its localization within the cell, its stability, its ability to interact with other molecules, and its activity. This modification is reversible, meaning SUMO can be removed by specific proteases called SUMO proteases (SENPs). This dynamic nature allows cells to rapidly regulate protein function in response to changing conditions.

Sumoylation is implicated in a wide array of cellular processes, including gene expression regulation, DNA repair, protein transport, signal transduction, and the maintenance of genome stability. Dysregulation of sumoylation has been linked to various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and immune system dysfunction, highlighting its importance in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Research into sumoylation continues to uncover new substrates and functions, providing a deeper understanding of its complex regulatory network.