The proposed working model of MaCCCH33-like2/MaEBF1/MaABI5-like in modulating ‘Fenjiao’ banana ripening and softening. During fruit ripening, the expression levels of MaCCCH33-like2, MaEBF1 and MaABI5-like exhibit a significant increase, which is further induced by ethylene treatment. MaCCCH33-like2 and MaABI5-like play a crucial role in initiating and upregulating the transcription of genes involved in cell wall and starch degradation by directly binding to the promoters of these genes. Additionally, the interaction of MaEBF1 with MaCCCH33-like2 and MaABI5-like enhances their ability to activate genes involved in cell wall and starch degradation, thereby promoting fruit softening and ripening. Moreover, MaABI5-like also has the capability to regulate the transcription of MaCCCH33-like2, which further contributes to the regulation of fruit ripening.