SUMOylation homeostasis in tumorigenesis

Small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO), a critical regulatory modification protein, is involved in various biological processes, such as gene expression, genome maintenance and DNA damage repair (DDR). Numerous recent studies have revealed that disturbed SUMOylation and deSUMOylation homeostasis contribute to tumorigenesis. Abnormal alterations of key factors in the SUMO modification are closely related to cancer development and progression, indicating that the restoration of SUMOylation homeostasis may serve as a promising therapeutic strategy. In this review, we summarize the process and function of SUMOylation, clarify the ‘dual-edged sword’ functions of SUMOylation in diversified cancers and put forth future research prospects. •We summarized the research progress and impacts of SUMOylation homeostasis in tumorigenesis.•We provided an overview of the mechanism of aberrant SUMOylation involved in cancer regulation and progression..•We expounded the clinical need and potential therapeutic targets of aberrant SUMOylated proteins in cancers.