Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026
09:45
In Vitro SUMOylation Assay to Study SUMO E3 Ligase Activity
Published on: January 29, 2018
Emerging extranuclear roles of protein SUMOylation in neuronal function and dysfunction.
Stéphane Martin1, Kevin A Wilkinson, Atsushi Nishimune
1MRC Centre for Synaptic Plasticity, Department of Anatomy, School of Medical Sciences, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK.
Nature Reviews. Neuroscience
|November 8, 2007
Summary
Post-translational modifications, like SUMOylation (small ubiquitin-like modifier), are vital for cellular signaling and neuronal communication. SUMOylation regulates both nuclear and extranuclear neuronal functions and is linked to neuropathological conditions.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Post-translational protein modifications are essential for cellular signaling pathways.
- These modifications allow cells to respond dynamically to external stimuli.
- The central nervous system (CNS) relies on complex neuronal communication, making these modifications crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the role of SUMOylation in neuronal processes.
- To discuss the implications of SUMOylation in neuropathology.
- To emphasize SUMOylation as a key regulator in both nuclear and extranuclear neuronal functions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on SUMOylation.
- Analysis of existing research on protein modifications in the CNS.
- Synthesis of findings regarding SUMOylation's role in neuronal function and disease.
Main Results:
- SUMOylation, a modification involving small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) proteins, targets lysine residues on proteins.
- SUMOylation is a critical regulator of nuclear functions.
- Emerging evidence shows SUMOylation is also key in extranuclear neuronal processes.
Conclusions:
- SUMOylation plays a significant role in the complex communication within the CNS.
- Dysregulation of SUMOylation is implicated in various neuropathological conditions.
- SUMOylation is a versatile regulatory mechanism impacting diverse neuronal functions.
Related Concept Videos
02:04Covalently Linked Protein Regulators
Proteins can undergo many types of post-translational modifications, often in response to changes in their environment. These modifications play an important role in the function and stability of these proteins. Covalently linked molecules include functional groups, such as methyl, acetyl, and phosphate groups, and also small proteins, such as ubiquitin. There are around 200 different types of covalent regulators that have been identified.
These groups modify specific amino acids in a protein.
These groups modify specific amino acids in a protein.
01:45Regulation of Nuclear Protein Sorting
Nuclear protein sorting regulates nucleus composition and gene expression, crucial for determining the fate of a eukaryotic cell. Hence, the entry and exit of molecules across the nuclear envelope is a tightly controlled process. Nuclear protein sorting can be inhibited by one of the following ways: 1) masking cargo signal sequences, 2) modifying the nuclear receptor's affinity for cargo, 3) controlling the nuclear pore size, 4) retaining the cargo during its transit to the cytosol or the...
01:02Role of Septins
Septins are the recently discovered fourth major protein component of the cytoskeleton, along with microfilaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments. These proteins can associate with other cytoskeletal filaments and carry out varied roles or can be free-floating in the cytoplasm.
Cellular Functions of Septins
Recent studies have revealed the multifaceted roles of septins in various cellular processes such as cytokinesis, ciliogenesis, and neurogenesis. Septins act as scaffolds and...
Cellular Functions of Septins
Recent studies have revealed the multifaceted roles of septins in various cellular processes such as cytokinesis, ciliogenesis, and neurogenesis. Septins act as scaffolds and...
01:37Neural Regulation
Digestion begins with a cephalic phase that prepares the digestive system to receive food. When our brain processes visual or olfactory information about food, it triggers impulses in the cranial nerves innervating the salivary glands and stomach to prepare for food.
01:23Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps
The gene expression in cells is regulated at different stages: (i) transcription, (ii) RNA processing, (iii) RNA localization, and (iv) translation. Transcriptional regulation is mediated by regulatory proteins such as transcription factors, activators, or repressors—these control gene expression by initiating or inhibiting the transcription of genes. Once a precursor or pre-mRNA is produced, it undergoes post-transcriptional modification, including 5' capping, splicing, and the addition of a...
01:02Phosphorylation
The addition or removal of phosphate groups from proteins is the most common chemical modification that regulates cellular processes. These modifications can affect the structure, activity, stability, and localization of proteins within cells as well as their interactions with other proteins.
During phosphorylation, protein kinases transfer the terminal phosphate group of ATP to specific amino acid side chains of substrate proteins. Serine, threonine, and tyrosine are the most commonly...
During phosphorylation, protein kinases transfer the terminal phosphate group of ATP to specific amino acid side chains of substrate proteins. Serine, threonine, and tyrosine are the most commonly...