SUMO regulation of FKBP51 activity and the stress response

Abstract

AbstractGlucocorticoids (GCs) actions are mostly mediated by the GC receptor (GR), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily. Alterations of the GR activity have been associated to different diseases including mood disorders. FKBP51 is a GR chaperone that has gained much attention because it is a strong inhibitor of GR activity. FKBP51 exerts effects on many stress‐related pathways and may be an important mediator of emotional behavior. Key proteins involved in the regulation of the stress response and antidepressant action are regulated by SUMOylation, a post‐translational modification that has an important role in the regulation of neuronal physiology and disease. In this review, we focus on the role of SUMO‐conjugation as a regulator of this pathway.