Ubiquitination activity on polySUMO substrates by RNF4 is E2-dependent.
Reengineered RAD6B RING-binding surface transforms substrate ubiquitination activity.
Increased UBCH5B-like RING-binding surface drives polyubiquitination.
Increased UBCH5B-like RING-binding surface confers greater E2–RNF4 affinity.
E2–E3 affinity governs multiplicity of RNF4-mediated polyubiquitination of substrates.