Solo or in Concert: SUMOylation in Pathogenic Fungi.

Abstract

SUMOylation plays a pivotal role in DNA replication and repair, transcriptional stability, and stress response. Although SUMOylation is a conserved posttranslational modification (PTM) in eukaryotes, the number, type, and function of SUMOylation-associated components vary among mammals, plants, and fungi. SUMOylation shares overlapping features with ubiquitination, another well-known PTM. However, comparative studies on the interplay between these two PTMs are largely limited to yeast among fungal species. Recently, the role of SUMOylation in pathogenicity and its potential for crosstalk with ubiquitination have gained attention in fungal pathogens. In this review, we summarize recent findings on the distinct components of SUMOylation across organisms and describe its critical functions in fungal pathogens. Furthermore, we propose new research directions for SUMOylation in fungal pathogens, both independently and in coordination with other PTMs. This review aims to illuminate the potential for advancing PTM crosstalk research in fungal systems.