| Modification Notes |
UFM1 (ubiquitin-fold modifier 1), also known as BM-002 or C13orf20, is an 85 amino acid protein that localizes primarily to the nucleus, but is also present in diffuse amounts in the cytoplasm. Expressed in a variety of tissues, including kidney, brain, heart, liver and lung, UFM1 interacts with UBA5 (an E1-like activating enzyme) and Ufc1 (an E2-like conjugating enzyme) and, via these interactions, conjugates to target proteins by a covalent linkage. The gene encoding UFM1 maps to human chromosome 13, which houses over 400 genes and comprises nearly 4% of the human genome. Chromosome 13 houses key tumor suppressor genes, including BRCA2 and RB1, which are associated with breast cancer susceptibility and retinoblastoma, respectively. Trisomy 13, also known as Patau syndrome, is deadly and the few who survive past one year suffer from permanent neurologic defects, difficulty eating and vulnerability to serious respiratory infections. |