F-Box Protein Functions in Plant Stress Responses

F-box proteins are substrate‐recognition subunits of Skp1–Cullin–F-box (SCF) E3 ubiquitin ligase complexes that govern selective protein turnover via the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway. By mediating the targeted degradation of key regulatory factors, they enable plants to sense and adapt to a variety of environmental challenges. Under heat, drought, salinity, cold and ultraviolet stresses, F-box proteins fine-tune hormone signalling cascades—most notably abscisic acid and auxin pathways—as well as antioxidant and secondary metabolite networks. For example, certain F-box proteins modulate the stability of transcription factors controlling reactive oxygen species scavenging, while Kelch-repeat F-box proteins regulate phenylalanine ammonia-lyase turnover to adjust phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and UV tolerance. This dynamic proteolytic control underlies stress-responsive gene expression, metabolic reprogramming and developmental adjustments. Recent advances in genome-wide surveys have revealed expansive F-box gene families across crops, with lineage-specific expansions linked to adaptive traits. Understanding the molecular specificity and regulatory circuits of F-box proteins holds promise for engineering stress-resilient crops and improving global food security under changing climates.

Research from Nature Portfolio

No recent Nature Portfolio content available.

F-Box Protein Functions in Plant Stress Responses publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in f-box protein functions in plant stress responses across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

F-box protein: A component of SCF E3 ubiquitin ligase complexes that recognises specific protein substrates for ubiquitination.

SCF complex: A multi‐protein E3 ubiquitin ligase assembly comprising Skp1, Cullin, an F-box protein and Rbx1, essential for targeted protein degradation.

Ubiquitination: The covalent attachment of ubiquitin molecules to a target protein, marking it for degradation by the 26S proteasome.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS): Chemically reactive molecules containing oxygen whose levels increase under stress and require tight regulation to prevent cellular damage.

Phenylpropanoids: A diverse class of aromatic secondary metabolites derived from phenylalanine, involved in UV protection, structural integrity and defence.

References

1. Wheat F-Box Protein Gene TaFBA1 Is Involved in Plant Tolerance to Heat Stress. Frontiers in Plant Science (2018).
2. Wheat F-box Protein TaFBA1 Positively Regulates Plant Drought Tolerance but Negatively Regulates Stomatal Closure. Frontiers in Plant Science (2019).
3. Arabidopsis Kelch Repeat F-Box Proteins Regulate Phenylpropanoid Biosynthesis via Controlling the Turnover of Phenylalanine Ammonia-Lyase. The Plant Cell (2013).
4. Down-Regulation of Kelch Domain-Containing F-Box Protein in Arabidopsis Enhances the Production of (Poly)phenols and Tolerance to Ultraviolet Radiation. Plant Physiology (2014).
5. Phylogenetic Comparison of F-Box (FBX) Gene Superfamily within the Plant Kingdom Reveals Divergent Evolutionary Histories Indicative of Genomic Drift. PLOS ONE (2011).