MPSR1 is a cytoplasmic PQC E3 ligase for eliminating emergent misfolded proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana

Ubiquitin E3 ligases are crucial for eliminating misfolded proteins before they form cytotoxic aggregates that threaten cell fitness and survival. However, it remains unclear how emerging misfolded proteins in the cytoplasm can be selectively recognized and eliminated by E3 ligases in plants. We found that Misfolded Protein Sensing RING E3 ligase 1 (MPSR1) is an indispensable E3 ligase required for plant survival after protein-damaging stress. Under no stress, MPSR1 is prone to rapid degradation by the 26S proteasome, concealing its protein quality control (PQC) E3 ligase activity. Upon proteotoxic stress, MPSR1 directly senses incipient misfolded proteins and tethers ubiquitins for subsequent degradation. Furthermore, MPSR1 sustains the structural integrity of the proteasome complex at the initial stage of proteotoxic stress. Here, we suggest that the MPSR1 pathway is a constitutive mechanism for proteostasis under protein-damaging stress, as a front-line surveillance system in the cytoplasm.