Planta Med 2008; 74 - P-34
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1075230

Investigating Factors that affect Chromosomal Localization of Essential Chromosomal Proteins

YM Ejamo 1, Y Takahashi 2, A Strunnikov 2
  • 1Molecular Biology, Biochemistry and Bioinformatics,Towson University, 8000 York Road, Towson, MD 21252, USA
  • 2NIH, NICHD, LGRD, Bethesda MD, 18T Library Drive, Room 106, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA

The transmission of genetic information from one generation to the next requires the accurate replication of the DNA during S phase and the faithful partitioning of chromosomes during mitosis. Many proteins are known to change localization during cell cycle. Modification of nuclear proteins by Small Ubiquitin-related Modifier (SUMO) is essential for chromosome transmission and cell cycle progression in eukaryotes. SUMO modification facilitates specific changes in protein activity and intracellular localization. Eukaryotes have highly specialized enzymatic system for the ligation of SUMO to cellular proteins. SUMO regulates many proteins by direct conjugation. E1, E2 and E3 enzymes are needed to transfer SUMO to a specific target. Previous trials using SUMO fusion to Top2 protein suggested that SUMO modification targets protein to the surface of nucleolus. We are testing our hypothesis that SUMO affects global localization of nuclear proteins.