SUMOylation in fungi: A potential target for intervention

SUMOylation is a post-translational, reversible modification process which occurs in eukaryotes. Small Ubiquitin like MOdifier or (SUMO) proteins are a family of small proteins that are covalently attached to and detached from other proteins to modify the target protein function. In pathogenic fungi, SUMO has been identified and preliminary studies indicate its importance either for survival and/or for virulence. In this review we provide an overview of the current state of knowledge of SUMOylation in fungi and the effects on pathogenesis. Subsequently we identify the orthologs of the SUMOylation pathway components across fungi. We also show the level of conservation of the proteins involved and identify the similarities/differences in the orthologs across fungi and the human and plant hosts to identify potential targets of intervention.