Potential Role of SUMO and SUMOylation in the Pathogenesis of Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by hyperglycemia and associated with multiple organ systems complications. The incidence and prevalence of diabetes are increasing in an epidemic proportion worldwide. In addition to environmental factors, some epigenetic and post-translational modifications have critical roles in the pathogenesis of diabetes and its complications. Reversible covalent modification such as SUMOylation by SUMO (Small Ubiquitin-like Modifier) has emerged as a new mechanism that affects the dynamic regulation of proteins. In this review, we initially focus on the function of SUMO and SUMOylation. Subsequently, we assess the potential effects of this process in the pathogenesis of type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus.

Automated summary

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels and complications in multiple organ systems. Its incidence and prevalence are rapidly increasing worldwide. Besides environmental factors, epigenetic and post-translational modifications play critical roles in the pathogenesis of diabetes and its complications. SUMOylation, a reversible covalent modification carried out by SUMO, has emerged as a new mechanism affecting protein regulation. This review focuses on the function of SUMO and SUMOylation, as well as their potential effects on the pathogenesis of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.