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Post-translational protein modifications by members of the ubiquitin family are widely recognized as important regulatory control systems for a variety of biological pathways. Their influence on eukaryotic cellular metabolism is comparable to that of other modifi- tions such as phosphorylation, acetylation and methylation. The small ubiquitin-related modifier SUMO uses a conjugation and de-conjugation system closely related to that of ubiquitin itself; yet, the functions of the SUMO system are highly diverse and largely independent of the ubiquitin system. SUMO modification controls the activity of tr- scription factors and can influence protein stability, but it also contributes to nucleo-cy- plasmic transport, chromosome segregation and DNA damage repair. As a consequence, the SUMO system pervades virtually all areas of basic molecular and cell biology, and scientists from different backgrounds, including medical researchers, are likely to enco- ter SUMO in the course of their studies. This volume, SUMO Protocols, therefore aims at presenting a collection of methods relevant to SUMO research in order to make these tools available to biochemists, molecular and cell biologists as well as research-oriented clinicians not yet familiar with the system. In contrast to the ubiquitin system, which has been the subject of several reviews and methods collections, no practical compendium entirely devoted to SUMO has been p- lished.

While the small ubiquitin-related modifier SUMO uses a conjugation and de-conjugation system closely related to that of ubiquitin itself, its functions are highly diverse and largely independent of the ubiquitin system. In SUMO Protocols, leading experts present a collection of methods intended to highlight important features unique to the biology of SUMO in order to support future SUMO research. The first half of the volume focuses on the identification and functional characterization of SUMO targets and interactors, while the second half covers essential biochemical methods for the manipulation of the enzymatic components of the SUMO system. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, the chapters include brief introductions to the subject, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and the Notes sections, which provide tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Unique and cutting-edge, SUMO Protocols provides the necessary tools for biochemists, molecular and cellular biologists as well as research-oriented clinicians not yet familiar with this vital system.