SUMOylation

SUMOylation is a cellular process where a small protein called SUMO (Small Ubiquitin-like Modifier) attaches to other proteins in the cell. This modification can change how those proteins function, affecting their activity, location, or stability. SUMOylation plays a vital role in various cellular activities, including the regulation of gene expression, DNA repair, and responses to stress. Think of SUMOylation as a way for cells to add a tag to proteins, helping them perform their jobs more effectively and maintain balance in the body’s complex networks.