UBE2M/Ubc12: Proteins and Enzymes

Ubiquitin-conjugating Enzyme E2M (UBE2M), also known as Ubiquitin-conjugating Enzyme 12 (Ubc12), is a ubiquitously expressed protein with a predicted molecular weight of 20 kDa. UBE2M/Ubc12 is highly conserved, and the human ortholog shares 100% amino acid identity with mouse and rat UBE2M. UBE2M/Ubc12 mediates conjugation of the Ubiquitin-like protein Neural Precursor Cell Expressed, Developmentally Down-regulated 8 (NEDD8) to substrate proteins. Neddylation requires the coordinated activities of UBE2M/Ubc12 and the APPBPI/UBA3 heterodimer, a NEDD8-activating (E1) enzyme. The NEDD8 pathway is essential for the viability of many organisms and plays important roles in morphogenesis and cell cycle progression. UBE2M/Ubc12-dependent neddylation modulates the levels of p27/Kip1, beta-Catenin, Cdc53/Cul1, and other members of the Cullin family.