Multifaceted roles of U-box E3 ligases in plant development

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are crucial for providing plants with the metabolic flexibility needed to regulate cellular signaling during development and stress responses. Ubiquitination, a key post-translational modifications, is mediated by E3 ubiquitin ligases, including the plant U-box (PUB) protein family. PUBs have been implicated in diverse processes such as development, self-incompatibility, cell cycle regulation, and stress and immune responses in various plant species. This review highlights the functional diversity of PUBs, exploring their mechanisms of action, classification based on domains, and tissue-specific expression. By synthesizing current knowledge, this review aims to enhance understanding of how PUBs integrate environmental signals with internal regulatory systems to support plant growth and reproduction.