ER-related E2-E3 ubiquitin enzyme pair regulates ethylene response by modulating the turnover of ethylene receptors

Qingcui Zhao, Xiaofeng Zhou (), Qian Chen, Ruoyun Yang, Yonghong Li, Jiaxin Zhao, Xijia Fu, Yan Lin, Yuming Liu, Liangjun Zhao, Cai-Zhong Jiang, Su-Sheng Gan, Qi Xie, Junping Gao () and Nan Ma ()
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Qingcui Zhao: China Agricultural University
Xiaofeng Zhou: China Agricultural University
Qian Chen: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Ruoyun Yang: China Agricultural University
Yonghong Li: Shenzhen Polytechnic University
Jiaxin Zhao: China Agricultural University
Xijia Fu: China Agricultural University
Yan Lin: China Agricultural University
Yuming Liu: China Agricultural University
Liangjun Zhao: China Agricultural University
Cai-Zhong Jiang: Agricultural Research Service
Su-Sheng Gan: Cornell University
Qi Xie: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Junping Gao: China Agricultural University
Nan Ma: China Agricultural University

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-16

Abstract: Abstract Gaseous phytohormone ethylene regulates various aspects of plant development. Ethylene is perceived by ER membrane-localized receptors, which are inactivated upon binding with ethylene molecules, thereby initiating ethylene signal transduction. Here, we report that a novel E3 ligase RING finger for Ethylene receptor Degradation (RED) and its E2 partner UBC32 ubiquitinate ethylene-bound receptors for degradation through an ER associated degradation (ERAD) pathway in both Rosa hybrida and Solanum lycopersicum. The depletion of RED or UBC32 leads to hypersensitivity to ethylene, which is manifested as premature leaf abscission and petal shedding in roses, as well as the dwarf plants and accelerated fruit ripening in tomatoes. Disruption of the conserved ethylene binding site of receptors prevents RED-mediated degradation of the receptors. Our study discovers an ERAD branch that facilitates the ethylene-induced degradation of receptors, and provides insights into how the plant’s response to ethylene can be controlled by modulating the turnover of ethylene receptors.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-61066-9

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