Ubiquitin-like
proteins (Ubl’s) are conjugated to target
proteins or lipids to regulate their activity, stability, subcellular
localization, or macromolecular interactions. Similar to ubiquitin,
conjugation is achieved through a cascade of activities that are catalyzed
by E1 activating enzymes, E2 conjugating enzymes, and E3 ligases.
In this review, we will summarize structural and mechanistic details
of enzymes and protein cofactors that participate in Ubl conjugation
cascades. Precisely, we will focus on conjugation machinery in the
SUMO, NEDD8, ATG8, ATG12, URM1, UFM1, FAT10, and ISG15 pathways while
referring to the ubiquitin pathway to highlight common or contrasting
themes. We will also review various strategies used to trap intermediates
during Ubl activation and conjugation.