F-box proteins are key components of SCF ubiquitin ligase complexes, determining which proteins are targeted for degradation in the cell. While their diversity is limited in many organisms, plants harbor hundreds of F-box proteins, reflecting a unique expansion of regulatory networks.
In a review published in the Journal of Experimental Botany, Pascal Genschik’s team provides a clear overview of current knowledge on plant F-box proteins, with a particular focus on the model species Arabidopsis thaliana. The review highlights:
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the functional diversity of F-box proteins in major biological processes such as hormone signaling, circadian rhythms, development, and stress responses;
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the molecular mechanisms underlying substrate recognition;
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and the perspectives opened by these findings for future research and potential applications.
This review offers a broad and timely overview of a large yet still poorly characterized protein family, and outlines promising directions for future work in plant biology.
