Small ubiquitin-like modifier 2 (SUMO2)

Small ubiquitin-like modifier 2 (SUMO2) is a member of the SUMO protein family, ubiquitin-like small proteins involved in the covalent and reversible modification (SUMOylation) of diverse target proteins[5][3]. SUMO2 primarily modulates a wide array of cellular functions including gene expression, protein stability, chromatin structure, nuclear transport, DNA repair, and cellular stress responses through its covalent attachment to lysine residues of substrate proteins via a specific enzymatic cascade (E1-activating, E2-conjugating, and E3-ligating enzymes)[4][6][1]. Unlike ubiquitin, SUMO2 does not generally target proteins for degradation but instead regulates their activity, stability, and subcellular localization[3]. SUMO2 is essential for multiple fundamental biological processes, and its dysregulation has been implicated in tumorigenesis, neurodegenerative conditions, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases[3][2][8]. Although no drugs targeting SUMO2 itself are approved, the wider SUMOylation pathway is being explored as a therapeutic target, notably in cancer and stress pathology contexts[2].

Other names

SUMO-2Ubiquitin-like protein SMT3ASentrin-2SMT3 homolog 2Small ubiquitin-related modifier 2

Inhibition of SUMOylation enzymes (E1, E2, E3) Disruption of SUMO-protein interactions (SUMO-SIM) General modulation of post-translational modification by SUMO2