The ubiquitin symphony: E3 ligases as key conductors in the orchestra of growth and stress responses in fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables undergo various regulatory mechanisms during growth, development, postharvest process and stress responses, all of which are crucial to their quality. An important mechanism involves the ubiquitin-proteasome system, in which E3 ubiquitin ligases play key roles by targeting specific proteins for modification and degradation, thereby facilitating various cellular functions. Multiple E3 ubiquitin ligases have been identified in fruit and vegetables, and research on these ligases is gradually increasing. However, a comprehensive understanding of E3 ligase regulation in a wide range of fruits and vegetables is lacking. This article introduces different types of E3 ubiquitin ligases and highlights their regulatory functions and mechanisms in the growth, development, and stress responses of fruit and vegetables in recent years, providing a theoretical basis for further exploration of their roles.