Overview:

UBA2 (SAE2) or ubiquitin-like modifier activating enzyme 2 forms a heterodimer that functions as a SUMO-activating enzyme for the sumoylation of proteins. The posttranslational modification of proteins by the addition of the small protein SUMO or sumoylation, regulates protein structure and intracellular localization (1). UBA2 functions in SUMO1 activation in a manner analogous to the single E1 ubiquitin-activating enzymes (2). The inactivation of UBA2 may be a therapeutic strategy in MYC-driven cancers.

References:

1. Okuma, T. et.al: In vitro SUMO-1 modification requires two enzymatic steps, E1 and E2. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 254: 693-698, 1999.

2. Desterro, J. et. al: Identification of the enzyme required for activation of the small ubiquitin-like protein SUMO-1. J. Biol. Chem. 274: 10618-10624, 1999.