Purified Aos1 and Uba2 were incubated with smt3 and Ubc9 in the presence of ATP. smt3 was [32]P labeled by phosphorylation of an added protein kinase A site. Conjugation activity was monitored by SDS-PAGE of proteins for the appearance of novel, higher molecular weight proteins.
Aos1 and Uba2 transfer activated smt3 (SUMO) to lwr in vitro. This covalent linkage is sensitive to reducing agents (BME), suggesting a thioester bond.