Advances in Protein Kinase Regulation of Stress Responses in Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables (F&Vs) are essential in daily life and industrial production. These perishable produces are vulnerable to various biotic and abiotic stresses during their growth, postharvest storage, and handling. As the fruit detaches from the plant, these stresses become more intense. This unique biological process involves substantial changes in a variety of cellular metabolisms. To counter these stresses, plants have evolved complex physiological defense mechanisms, including regulating cellular activities through reversible phosphorylation of proteins. Protein kinases, key components of reversible protein phosphorylation, facilitate the transfer of the γ-phosphate group from adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to specific amino acid residues on substrates. This phosphorylation alters proteins’ structure, function, and interactions, thereby playing a crucial role in regulating cellular activity. Recent studies have identified various protein kinases in F&Vs, underscoring their significant roles in plant growth, development, and stress responses. This article reviews the various types of protein kinases found in F&Vs, emphasizing their roles and regulatory mechanisms in managing stress responses. This research sheds light on the involvement of protein kinases in metabolic regulation, offering key insights to advance the quality characteristics of F&Vs.