Organelle regulation of SUMOylation: regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic application

SUMOylation plays a pivotal role in regulating fundamental cellular processes, including mitochondrial function, ER protein folding, intracellular vesicle transport and degradation, ribosome assembly, and lipid droplet formation. By serving as a bridge for inter-organelle signal communication, SUMOylation coordinates cross-organelle stress responses and acts as a central regulatory hub for maintaining organelle homeostasis. Moreover, the intricate network formed by SUMOylation in conjunction with other PTMs, such as ubiquitination and phosphorylation, collaboratively regulates organelle states and functions as a critical molecular switch for controlling cellular protein homeostasis. Currently, targeted intervention strategies focusing on the SUMOylation pathway have emerged as a promising translational medicine research direction for restoring organelle homeostasis and addressing tumors and metabolic diseases, demonstrating broad clinical application potential.