SUMO regulation of FKBP51 activity and the stress response

Glucocorticoids (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.