Post-translational regulation of proteins in fruit ripening and quality development

Fruit ripening and quality formation are complex biological processes governed by multiple layers of regulatory mechanisms, including transcriptional regulation, translational control, and post-translational modifications (PTMs). While transcriptional and translational regulations have been extensively studied, PTMs are increasingly recognized as equally vital regulators. As a key regulatory mechanism in plant cells, PTMs enable rapid and targeted functional modulation. These modifications involve the covalent alteration of proteins, influencing their synthesis, localization, stability, and functionality. This review summarizes recent advancements in the study of major PTMs—such as protein phosphorylation, ubiquitination, histone acetylation, histone methylation, and glycosylation—and their roles in regulating fruit ripening and quality formation. Additionally, we also highlight a number of lesser-known PTMs, including lactylation and crotonylation, in these processes. This review not only offers new perspectives for enhancing the post-translational regulatory network of fruit ripening but also provides a theoretical foundation and novel insights for improving fruit quality and postharvest storage.