ISGylation: is our genome yearning for such a modification?

ISGylation is the post-translational modification of protein substrates covalently conjugated with the ubiquitin-like protein, interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15). Although initially linked to antiviral immunity, recent evidence highlights important roles for ISGylation in various biological processes, such as maintaining genomic stability, promoting tumourigenesis, and being involved in other pathological conditions. In this review, we examine the molecular mechanisms underlying ISGylation, its interplay with other post-translational modifications, and its involvement in diverse biological and pathological processes. We propose future research directions to advance the field and discuss how ISGylation might be harnessed to ensure human health, particularly genome instability-associated diseases.