Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 13, 2026

Localization of SUMO-modified Proteins Using Fluorescent Sumo-trapping Proteins
Published on: April 27, 2019
SUMO targets the APC/C to regulate transition from metaphase to anaphase
Karolin Eifler1,2, Sabine A G Cuijpers3, Edwin Willemstein3
1Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands. k.eifler-olivi@imb-mainz.de.
Abstract:
Signal transduction by small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) regulates a myriad of nuclear processes. Here we report on the role of SUMO in mitosis in human cell lines. Knocking down the SUMO conjugation machinery results in a delay in mitosis and defects in mitotic chromosome separation. Searching for relevant SUMOylated proteins in mitosis, we identify the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C), a master regulator of metaphase to anaphase transition. The APC4 subunit is the major SUMO target in the complex, containing SUMO acceptor lysines at positions 772 and 798. SUMOylation is crucial for accurate progression of cells through mitosis and increases APC/C ubiquitylation activity toward a subset of its targets, including the newly identified target KIF18B. Combined, our findings demonstrate the importance of SUMO signal transduction for genome integrity during mitotic progression and reveal how SUMO and ubiquitin cooperate to drive mitosis.
Related Concept Videos
Regulated Protein Degradation
Protein degradation plays two important roles in the cells. It helps to protect cells from misfolded or damaged proteins before they lead to a...
Anaphase A and B
Plus-end depolymerization releases tubulin heterodimers from the terminal region of the microtubule. As tubulin subunits are lost, the Ndc80 complexes detach...
Phase Transitions
Anaphase Promoting Complex
Properties of Transition Metals
Positive Regulator Molecules

