Small ubiquitin-like modifiers (SUMOs) regulate all nuclear processes including transcription, pre-mRNA splicing, replication and cell cycle progression. Thousands of SUMO substrates have been uncovered by mass spectrometry. Recently, inhibitors of the SUMO E1 enzyme have become available. Interestingly, these inhibitors activate interferon signaling. Tumor outgrowth in mice is delayed by these inhibitors more efficiently in immunocompetent mouse models compared to immunocompromised mouse models and is dependent on interferon signaling. Currently, we are exploring combination therapies using SUMO E1 inhibition.
Alfred Vertegaal obtained his PhD in the lab of Alex van der Eb, Leiden University, the Netherlands. He carried out postdoctoral research in the lab of Angus Lamond, Wellcome Trust Biocentre in Dundee, U.K. as fellow of the Dutch Cancer Society. Since 2019, he is professor of cell biology and head of the SUMO signaling lab at the department of Cell and Chemical Biology of the Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands. He received funding from the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research, the Dutch Cancer Society and the European Research Council.
Moderation: Professorin Dr. Elke Krüger (Greifswald)