title: E2 enzymes: more than just middle men.
abstract: Ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes (E2s) are the central players in the trio of enzymes responsible for the attachment of ubiquitin (Ub) to cellular proteins. Humans have ∼40 E2s that are involved in the transfer of Ub or Ub-like (Ubl) proteins (e.g., SUMO and NEDD8). Although the majority of E2s are only twice the size of Ub, this remarkable family of enzymes performs a variety of functional roles. In this review, we summarize common functional and structural features that define unifying themes among E2s and highlight emerging concepts in the mechanism and regulation of E2s.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98102 USA.
authors.forename: Mikaela D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Stewart
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98102 USA.
authors.forename: Tobias
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ritterhoff
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98102 USA.
authors.forename: Rachel E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Klevit
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98102 USA.
authors.forename: Peter S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Brzovic
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D044763:Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzymes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D044767:Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D044763:Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzymes; D044767:Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases