Functions via its association with PML-nuclear bodies (PML-NBs) in a wide range of important cellular processes, including tumor suppression, transcriptional regulation, apoptosis, senescence, DNA damage response, and viral defense mechanisms. Acts as the scaffold of PML-NBs allowing other proteins to shuttle in and out, a process which is regulated by SUMO-mediated modifications and interactions. Isoform PML-4 has a multifaceted role in the regulation of apoptosis and growth suppression: activates RB1 and inhibits AKT1 via interactions with PP1 and PP2A phosphatases respectively, negatively affects the PI3K pathway by inhibiting MTOR and activating PTEN, and positively regulates p53/TP53 by acting at different levels (by promoting its acetylation and phosphorylation and by inhibiting its MDM2-dependent degradation). Isoform PML-4 also: acts as a transcriptional repressor of TBX2 during cellular senescence and the repression is dependent on a functional RBL2/E2F4 repressor complex, regulates double-strand break repair in gamma-irradiation-induced DNA damage responses via its interaction with WRN, acts as a negative regulator of telomerase by interacting with TERT, and regulates PER2 nuclear localization and circadian function. Isoform PML-6 inhibits specifically the activity of the tetrameric form of PKM. The nuclear isoforms (isoform PML-1, isoform PML-2, isoform PML-3, isoform PML-4 and isoform PML-5) in concert with SATB1 are involved in local chromatin-loop remodeling and gene expression regulation at the MHC-I locus. Isoform PML-2 is required for efficient IFN-gamma induced MHC II gene transcription via regulation of CIITA. Cytoplasmic PML is involved in the regulation of the TGF-beta signaling pathway. PML also regulates transcription activity of ELF4 and can act as an important mediator for TNF-alpha- and IFN-alpha-mediated inhibition of endothelial cell network formation and migration. Exhibits antiviral activity against both DNA and RNA viruses. The antiviral activity can involve one or several isoform(s) and can be enhanced by the permanent PML-NB-associated protein DAXX or by the recruitment of p53/TP53 within these structures. Isoform PML-4 restricts varicella zoster virus (VZV) via sequestration of virion capsids in PML-NBs thereby preventing their nuclear egress and inhibiting formation of infectious virus particles. The sumoylated isoform PML-4 restricts rabies virus by inhibiting viral mRNA and protein synthesis. The cytoplasmic isoform PML-14 can restrict herpes simplex virus-1 (HHV-1) replication by sequestering the viral E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase ICP0 in the cytoplasm. Isoform PML-6 shows restriction activity towards human cytomegalovirus (HHV-5) and influenza A virus strains PR8(H1N1) and ST364(H3N2). Sumoylated isoform PML-4 and isoform PML-12 show antiviral activity against encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) by promoting nuclear sequestration of viral polymerase (P3D-POL) within PML NBs. Isoform PML-3 exhibits antiviral activity against poliovirus by inducing apoptosis in infected cells through the recruitment and the activation of p53/TP53 in the PML-NBs. Isoform PML-3 represses human foamy virus (HFV) transcription by complexing the HFV transactivator, bel1/tas, preventing its binding to viral DNA. PML may positively regulate infectious hepatitis C viral (HCV) production and isoform PML-2 may enhance adenovirus transcription. Functions as an E3 SUMO-protein ligase that sumoylates (HHV-5) immediate early protein IE1, thereby participating in the antiviral response (PubMed:20972456, PubMed:28250117). Isoforms PML-3 and PML-6 display the highest levels of sumoylation activity (PubMed:20972456, PubMed:28250117). Protein modification; protein sumoylation. Key component of PML bodies. PML bodies are formed by the interaction of PML homodimers (via SUMO-binding motif) with sumoylated PML, leading to the assembly of higher oligomers. Several types of PML bodies have been observed. PML bodies can form hollow spheres that can sequester target proteins inside. Interacts (via SUMO-binding motif) with sumoylated proteins. Interacts (via C-terminus) with p53/TP53. Recruits p53/TP53 and CHEK2 into PML bodies, which promotes p53/TP53 phosphorylation at 'Ser-20' and prevents its proteasomal degradation. Interacts with MDM2, and sequesters MDM2 in the nucleolus, thereby preventing ubiquitination of p53/TP53. Interaction with PML-RARA oncoprotein and certain viral proteins causes disassembly of PML bodies and abolishes the normal PML function. Interacts with HIPK2, TERT, SIRT1, TOPBP1, TRIM27 and TRIM69. Interacts with ELF4 (via C-terminus). Interacts with ITPR3. Interacts (in the cytoplasm) with TGFBR1, TGFBR2 and PKM. Interacts (via the coiled-coil domain and when sumoylated) with SATB1. Interacts with UBE2I; the interaction is enhanced by arsenic binding. Interacts (PML-RARA oncoprotein, via the coiled-coil domain) with UBE2I; the interaction is enhanced by arsenic binding and is required for PML-RARA oncoprotein sumoylation and inhibition of RARA transactivational activity. Interacts with RB1, PPP1A, SMAD2, SMAD3, DAXX, RPL11 and MTOR. Interacts with PPARGC1A and KAT2A. Interacts with CSNK2A1 and CSNK2A3. Interacts with ANKRD2; the interaction is direct. Interacts (via SUMO-interacting motif) with sumoylated MORC3 (PubMed:20501696). Isoform PML-1, isoform PML-2, isoform PML-3, isoform PML-4, isoform PML-5 and isoform PML-6 interact with RNF4. Isoform PML-1 interacts with NLRP3. Isoform PML-1, isoform PML-2, isoform PML-3, isoform PML-4 and isoform PML-5 interact with MAGEA2, RBL2, PER2 and E2F4. Isoform PML-2 interacts with CIITA. Isoform PML-2, isoform PML-3 and isoform PML-4 interact with TBX2. Isoform PML-4 interacts with RANBP2, HDAC7, KAT6A, WRN, PIN1, TBX3 and phosphorylated MAPK1/ERK2. Isoform PML-4 interacts with the CTNNB1 and TCF7L2/TCF4 complex. Isoform PML-4 preferentially interacts with MAPK7/BMK1 although other isoforms (isoform PML-1, isoform PML-2, isoform PML-3 and isoform PML-6) also interact with it. Isoform PML-12 interacts with PIAS1, PIAS2 (isoform PIAS2-alpha) and CSNK2A1/CK2. Interacts with TRIM16. Interacts with PRDM1/Blimp-1 (PubMed:28842558). (Microbial infection) Interacts with Lassa virus Z protein and rabies virus phosphoprotein. (Microbial infection) Isoform PML-1 interacts with herpes simplex virus-1/HHV-1 ICP0. (Microbial infection) Isoform PML-2 interacts with human adenovirus 2 E1A and this interaction stimulates E1A-dependent transcriptional activation. (Microbial infection) Isoform PML-4 interacts with VZV capsid protein VP26/ORF23 capsid protein. (Microbial infection) The sumoylated isoform PML-4 interacts with encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) RNA-directed RNA polymerase 3D-POL (P3D-POL). (Microbial infection) Isoform PML-6 interacts with moloney murine leukemia virus (MoMLV) integrase (IN) and reverse transcriptase (RT). (Microbial infection) Isoform PML-4 and isoform PML-5 interact with human adenovirus 5 E1B-55K protein; these interactions promote efficient subnuclear targeting of E1B-55K to PML nuclear bodies. (Microbial infection) Isoform PML-3 interacts (via RING-type zinc finger) with human foamy virus bel1/tas and bet. (Microbial infection) Interacts with human cytomegalovirus (HHV-5) immediate early protein IE1; this interaction mediates PML desumoylation and PML-mediated sumoylation of IE1. Isoform PML-1 can shuttle between the nucleus and cytoplasm. Isoform PML-2, isoform PML-3, isoform PML-4, isoform PML-5 and isoform PML-6 are nuclear isoforms whereas isoform PML-7 and isoform PML-14 lacking the nuclear localization signal are cytoplasmic isoforms. Detected in the nucleolus after DNA damage. Acetylation at Lys-487 is essential for its nuclear localization. Within the nucleus, most of PML is expressed in the diffuse nuclear fraction of the nucleoplasm and only a small fraction is found in the matrix-associated nuclear bodies (PML-NBs). The transfer of PML from the nucleoplasm to PML-NBs depends on its phosphorylation and sumoylation. The B1 box and the RING finger are also required for the localization in PML-NBs. Also found in specific membrane structures termed mitochondria-associated membranes (MAMs) which connect the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the mitochondria. Sequestered in the cytoplasm by interaction with rabies virus phosphoprotein. By interferons alpha, beta and gamma. Up-regulated by IRF3 and p53/TP53. The coiled-coil domain mediates a strong homo/multidimerization activity essential for core assembly of PML-NBs. Interacts with PKM via its coiled-coil domain (PubMed:18298799). The B box-type zinc binding domain and the coiled-coil domain mediate its interaction with PIAS1. Binds arsenic via the RING-type zinc finger. (Microbial infection) The RING-type zinc finger is necessary for the sumoylation of human cytomegalovirus (HHV-5) immediate early protein IE1. The unique C-terminal domains of isoform PML-2 and isoform PML-5 play an important role in regulating the localization, assembly dynamics, and functions of PML-NBs. The Sumo interaction motif (SIM) is required for efficient ubiquitination, recruitment of proteasome components within PML-NBs and PML degradation in response to arsenic trioxide. Ubiquitinated; mediated by RNF4, RNF111, UHRF1, UBE3A/E6AP, BCR(KLHL20) E3 ubiquitin ligase complex E3 ligase complex, SIAH1 or SIAH2 and leading to subsequent proteasomal degradation (PubMed:18408734, PubMed:21840486, PubMed:22033920). Ubiquitination by BCR(KLHL20) E3 ubiquitin ligase complex E3 ligase complex requires CDK1/2-mediated phosphorylation at Ser-518 which in turn is recognized by prolyl-isopeptidase PIN1 and PIN1-catalyzed isomerization further potentiates PML interaction with KLHL20 (PubMed:21840486, PubMed:22033920). 'Lys-6'-, 'Lys-11'-, 'Lys-48'- and 'Lys-63'-linked polyubiquitination by RNF4 is polysumoylation-dependent (PubMed:18408734). Ubiquitination by RNF111 is polysumoylation-dependent (By similarity). Sumoylation regulates PML's: stability in response to extracellular or intracellular stimuli, transcription directly and indirectly, through sequestration of or dissociation of the transcription factors from PML-NBs, ability to regulate apoptosis and its anti-viral activities. It is also essential for: maintaining proper PML nuclear bodies (PML-NBs) structure and normal function, recruitment of components of PML-NBs, the turnover and retention of PML in PML-NBs and the integrity of PML-NBs. Undergoes 'Lys-11'-linked sumoylation. Sumoylation on all three sites (Lys-65, Lys-160 and Lys-490) is required for nuclear body formation. Sumoylation on Lys-160 is a prerequisite for sumoylation on Lys-65. Lys-65 and Lys-160 are sumoylated by PISA1 and PIAS2. PIAS1-mediated sumoylation of PML promotes its interaction with CSNK2A1/CK2 and phosphorylation at Ser-565 which in turn triggers its ubiquitin-mediated degradation. PIAS1-mediated sumoylation of PML-RARA promotes its ubiquitin-mediated degradation. The PML-RARA fusion protein requires the coiled-coil domain for sumoylation. Sumoylation at Lys-490 by RANBP2 is essential for the proper assembly of PML-NBs. SUMO1P1/SUMO5 conjugated PML at Lys-160, Lys-380, Lys-400, Lys-490 and Lys-497, but Lys-380, Lys-400 and Lys-497 are not key acceptor lysines. SUMO1P1/SUMO5 forms polymeric chain on Lys-160 of PML by successive conjugation at 'Lys-18'; facilitating recruitment of PML-NB components, which enlarges PML. SUMO1P1/SUMO5 conjugation of PML increases SUMO2/3 conjugation, which leads to the recruitment of RNF4 and ubiquitin-dependent disintegration of PML-NBs. SUMO1P1/SUMO5 monoconjugated Lys-490 (PubMed:27211601). DNA damage triggers its sumoylation while some but not all viral infections can abolish sumoylation. Desumoylated by SENP1, SENP2, SENP3, SENP5 and SENP6 (PubMed:27211601, PubMed:12419228, PubMed:21148299). Arsenic induces PML and PML-RARA polysumoylation and their subsequent RNF4-dependent ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation, and is used as treatment in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). The nuclear isoforms (isoform PML-1, isoform PML-2, isoform PML-3, isoform PML-4, isoform PML-5 and isoform PML-6) show an increased sumoylation in response to arsenic trioxide. The cytoplasmic isoform PML-7 is not sumoylated. Phosphorylation is a major regulatory mechanism that controls PML protein abundance and the number and size of PML nuclear bodies (PML-NBs). Phosphorylated in response to DNA damage, probably by ATR. HIPK2-mediated phosphorylation at Ser-8, Ser-36 and Ser-38 leads to increased accumulation of PML protein and its sumoylation and is required for the maximal pro-apoptotic activity of PML after DNA damage. CHEK2-mediated phosphorylation at Ser-117 is important for PML-mediated apoptosis following DNA damage. MAPK1-mediated phosphorylations at Ser-403, Ser-505, Ser-527 and Ser-530 and CDK1/2-mediated phosphorylation at Ser-518 promote PIN1-dependent PML degradation. CK2-mediated phosphorylation at Ser-565 primes PML ubiquitination via an unidentified ubiquitin ligase. Acetylation at Lys-487 is essential for its nuclear localization. Deacetylated at Lys-487 by SIRT1 and this deacetylation promotes PML control of PER2 nuclear localization. (Microbial infection) Immediate early protein IE1 of human cytomegalovirus (HHV-5) interferes with the sumoylation of PML (PubMed:15163746, PubMed:10233977, PubMed:27903803). Immediate early protein IE1 inhibits PML de novo sumoylation (PubMed:27903803). (Microbial infection) Cleaved at two different sites by enterovirus 71 protease 3C, leading to impaired PML-Nuclear bodies formation. A chromosomal aberration involving PML may be a cause of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Translocation t(15;17)(q21;q21) with RARA. The PML breakpoints (type A and type B) lie on either side of an alternatively spliced exon. Non-canonical splice sites. Might alternatively represent a polymorphic variation. Truncated N-terminus. Truncated N-terminus. Truncated N-terminus. Truncated N-terminus. Chimeric cDNA. Extended N-terminus.