E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase which accepts ubiquitin from an E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme in the form of a thioester and then directly transfers the ubiquitin to targeted substrates. Interacts with SMAD1 and SMAD7 in order to trigger their ubiquitination and proteasome-dependent degradation. In addition, interaction with SMAD7 activates autocatalytic degradation, which is prevented by interaction with SCYE1. Forms a stable complex with the TGF-beta receptor-mediated phosphorylated SMAD2 and SMAD3. In this way, SMAD2 may recruit substrates, such as SNON, for ubiquitin-mediated degradation. Enhances the inhibitory activity of SMAD7 and reduces the transcriptional activity of SMAD2. Coexpression of SMURF2 with SMAD1 results in considerable decrease in steady-state level of SMAD1 protein and a smaller decrease of SMAD2 level.
