function:Ubiquitin-like protein which plays an important role in cell cycle control and embryogenesis. Covalent attachment to its substrates requires prior activation by the E1 complex UBE1C-APPBP1 and linkage to the E2 enzyme UBE2M. Attachment of NEDD8 to cullins activates their associated E3 ubiquitin ligase activity, and thus promotes polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of cyclins and other regulatory proteins.,PTM:Cleavage of precursor form by UCHL3 or SENP8 is necessary for function.,similarity:Belongs to the ubiquitin family.,subcellular location:Mainly nuclear.,subunit:Directly interacts with NUB1 and AHR. Covalently attached to cullins and p53.,tissue specificity:Highly expressed in heart, skeletal muscle, spleen, thymus, prostate, testis, ovary, colon and leukocytes.,