1
|
Hao Y, Luo H, Wang Z, Lu C, Ye X, Wang H, Miao L. Research progress on the mechanisms of fruit glossiness in cucumber. Gene 2024; 927:148626. [PMID: 38830516 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is an important horticultural crop in China. Consumer requirements for aesthetically pleasing appearances of horticultural crops are gradually increasing, and cucumbers having a good visual appearance, as well as flavor, are important for breeding and industry development. The gloss of cucumber fruit epidermis is an important component of its appeal, and the wax layer on the fruit surface plays important roles in plant growth and forms a powerful barrier against external biotic and abiotic stresses. The wax of the cucumber epidermis is mainly composed of alkanes, and the luster of cucumber fruit is mainly determined by the alkane and silicon contents of the epidermis. Several genes, transcription factors, and transporters affect the synthesis of ultra-long-chain fatty acids and change the silicon content, further altering the gloss of the epidermis. However, the specific regulatory mechanisms are not clear. Here, progress in research on the luster of cucumber fruit epidermis from physiological, biochemical, and molecular regulatory perspectives are reviewed. Additionally, future research avenues in the field are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiyang Hao
- Engineering Laboratory of Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops of Shandong Province, College of Horticulture, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Haiyan Luo
- Key Laboratory for Quality and Safety Control of Subtropical Fruits and Vegetables, College of Horticulture Science, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhiyi Wang
- Engineering Laboratory of Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops of Shandong Province, College of Horticulture, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chuanlong Lu
- Engineering Laboratory of Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops of Shandong Province, College of Horticulture, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaolong Ye
- Engineering Laboratory of Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops of Shandong Province, College of Horticulture, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Huasen Wang
- Engineering Laboratory of Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops of Shandong Province, College of Horticulture, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Li Miao
- Engineering Laboratory of Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops of Shandong Province, College of Horticulture, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Han L, Huang Y, Li C, Tian D, She D, Li M, Wang Z, Chen J, Liu L, Wang S, Song W, Wang L, Gu C, Wu T, Zhao J, Zhou Z, Zhang X. Heterotrimeric Gα-subunit regulates flower and fruit development in CLAVATA signaling pathway in cucumber. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH 2024; 11:uhae110. [PMID: 38898960 PMCID: PMC11186068 DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhae110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Flowers and fruits are the reproductive organs in plants and play essential roles in natural beauty and the human diet. CLAVATA (CLV) signaling has been well characterized as regulating floral organ development by modulating shoot apical meristem (SAM) size; however, the signaling molecules downstream of the CLV pathway remain largely unknown in crops. Here, we found that functional disruption of CsCLV3 peptide and its receptor CsCLV1 both resulted in flowers with extra organs and stumpy fruits in cucumber. A heterotrimeric G protein α-subunit (CsGPA1) was shown to interact with CsCLV1. Csgpa1 mutant plants derived from gene editing displayed significantly increased floral organ numbers and shorter and wider fruits, a phenotype resembling that of Csclv mutants in cucumber. Moreover, the SAM size was enlarged and the longitudinal cell size of fruit was decreased in Csgpa1 mutants. The expression of the classical stem cell regulator WUSCHEL (WUS) was elevated in the SAM, while the expression of the fruit length stimulator CRABS CLAW (CRC) was reduced in the fruit of Csgpa1 mutants. Therefore, the Gα-subunit CsGPA1 protein interacts with CsCLV1 to inhibit floral organ numbers but promote fruit elongation, via repressing CsWUS expression and activating CsCRC transcription in cucumber. Our findings identified a new player in the CLV signaling pathway during flower and fruit development in dicots, increasing the number of target genes for precise manipulation of fruit shape during crop breeding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lijie Han
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Growth and Developmental Regulation for Protected Vegetable Crops, Department of Vegetable Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yafei Huang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Growth and Developmental Regulation for Protected Vegetable Crops, Department of Vegetable Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Chuang Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Growth and Developmental Regulation for Protected Vegetable Crops, Department of Vegetable Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Di Tian
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Growth and Developmental Regulation for Protected Vegetable Crops, Department of Vegetable Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Daixi She
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Growth and Developmental Regulation for Protected Vegetable Crops, Department of Vegetable Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Min Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Growth and Developmental Regulation for Protected Vegetable Crops, Department of Vegetable Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhongyi Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Growth and Developmental Regulation for Protected Vegetable Crops, Department of Vegetable Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jiacai Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Growth and Developmental Regulation for Protected Vegetable Crops, Department of Vegetable Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Liu Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Growth and Developmental Regulation for Protected Vegetable Crops, Department of Vegetable Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Shaoyun Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Growth and Developmental Regulation for Protected Vegetable Crops, Department of Vegetable Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Weiyuan Song
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Growth and Developmental Regulation for Protected Vegetable Crops, Department of Vegetable Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Liming Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Growth and Developmental Regulation for Protected Vegetable Crops, Department of Vegetable Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Chaoheng Gu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Growth and Developmental Regulation for Protected Vegetable Crops, Department of Vegetable Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Tao Wu
- College of Horticulture/Yuelu Mountain Laboratory of Hunan Province, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Jianyu Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Growth and Developmental Regulation for Protected Vegetable Crops, Department of Vegetable Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhaoyang Zhou
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Growth and Developmental Regulation for Protected Vegetable Crops, Department of Vegetable Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiaolan Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Growth and Developmental Regulation for Protected Vegetable Crops, Department of Vegetable Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Baldassi C, Lee C, Dossett M, Castellarin SD. High-throughput color determination of red raspberry puree and correlation of color parameters with total anthocyanins. PLANT METHODS 2024; 20:78. [PMID: 38812007 PMCID: PMC11137939 DOI: 10.1186/s13007-024-01197-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Red raspberry fruit color is a key driver of consumer preference and a major target of breeding programs worldwide. Screening for fruit color typically involves the determination of anthocyanin content and/or the assessment of color through a colorimeter. However, both procedures are time-consuming when the analyses involve hundreds or thousands of samples. The objectives of this study were to develop a high-throughput method for red raspberry puree color measurement and to test the correlations between color parameters and total anthocyanin content. Color coordinates were collected with a colorimeter on 126 puree samples contained in Petri dishes and with the Tomato Analyzer Color Test (TACT) module to assess the same samples prepared in Petri dishes and in 96-well plates. An additional 425 samples were analyzed using only 96-well plates. Total anthocyanins were extracted from all 551 samples. RESULTS Regression models for L*, a*, b* measured with the colorimeter and TACT using Petri dishes were all significant (p < 0.001), but very consistent only for L* (R2 = 0.94). Significant (p < 0.001) and very consistent regressions (R2 = 0.94 for L* and b*, R2 = 0.93 for a*) were obtained for color parameters measured with TACT using Petri dishes and TACT using plates. Of the color parameters measured with the colorimeter, only L*, a*/b*, and hue significantly correlated with total anthocyanins (p < 0.05), but, except for L* (R = - 0.79), the correlations were weak (R = - 0.23 for a*/b* and R = 0.22 for hue). Conversely, all correlations with total anthocyanins and color parameters measured with TACT were significant (p < 0.001) and moderately strong (e.g., R = - 0.69 for L* and R = 0.55 for a*/b*). These values were indicative of darker colors as total anthocyanin content increased. CONCLUSIONS While the colorimeter and TACT-based methods were not fully interchangeable, TACT better captured color differences among raspberry genotypes than the colorimeter. The correlations between color parameters measured with TACT and total anthocyanins were not strong enough to develop prediction models, yet the use of TACT with 96-well plates instead of Petri dishes would enable the high-throughput measurement of red raspberry puree color.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Baldassi
- Wine Research Centre, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, 2205 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Clover Lee
- Wine Research Centre, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, 2205 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | | | - Simone D Castellarin
- Wine Research Centre, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, 2205 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhao L, Fan P, Wang Y, Xu N, Zhang M, Chen M, Zhang M, Dou J, Liu D, Niu H, Zhu H, Hu J, Sun S, Yang L, Yang S. ELONGATED HYPOTCOTYL5 and SPINE BASE SIZE1 together mediate light-regulated spine expansion in cucumber. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 195:552-565. [PMID: 38243383 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiae027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Plant trichome development is influenced by diverse developmental and environmental signals, but the molecular mechanisms involved are not well understood in most plant species. Fruit spines (trichomes) are an important trait in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), as they affect both fruit smoothness and commercial quality. Spine Base Size1 (CsSBS1) has been identified as essential for regulating fruit spine size in cucumber. Here, we discovered that CsSBS1 controls a season-dependent phenotype of spine base size in wild-type plants. Decreased light intensity led to reduced expression of CsSBS1 and smaller spine base size in wild-type plants, but not in the mutants with CsSBS1 deletion. Additionally, knockout of CsSBS1 resulted in smaller fruit spine base size and eliminated the light-induced expansion of spines. Overexpression of CsSBS1 increased spine base size and rescued the decrease in spine base size under low light conditions. Further analysis revealed that ELONGATED HYPOTCOTYL5 (HY5), a major transcription factor involved in light signaling pathways, directly binds to the promoter of CsSBS1 and activates its expression. Knockout of CsHY5 led to smaller fruit spine base size and abolished the light-induced expansion of spines. Taken together, our study findings have clarified a CsHY5-CsSBS1 regulatory module that mediates light-regulated spine expansion in cucumber. This finding offers a strategy for cucumber breeders to develop fruit with stable appearance quality under changing light conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Zhao
- College of Horticulture, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Research Center of Cucurbit Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Pengfei Fan
- College of Horticulture, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Research Center of Cucurbit Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yueling Wang
- College of Horticulture, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Research Center of Cucurbit Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Nana Xu
- College of Horticulture, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Research Center of Cucurbit Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Minjuan Zhang
- College of Horticulture, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Research Center of Cucurbit Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Mingyue Chen
- College of Horticulture, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Research Center of Cucurbit Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Mengyao Zhang
- College of Horticulture, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Research Center of Cucurbit Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Junling Dou
- College of Horticulture, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Research Center of Cucurbit Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Dongming Liu
- College of Horticulture, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Research Center of Cucurbit Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Huanhuan Niu
- College of Horticulture, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Research Center of Cucurbit Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Huayu Zhu
- College of Horticulture, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Research Center of Cucurbit Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jianbin Hu
- College of Horticulture, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Research Center of Cucurbit Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Shouru Sun
- College of Horticulture, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Research Center of Cucurbit Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Luming Yang
- College of Horticulture, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Research Center of Cucurbit Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Sen Yang
- College of Horticulture, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Research Center of Cucurbit Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jolliffe JB, Pilati S, Moser C, Lashbrooke JG. Beyond skin-deep: targeting the plant surface for crop improvement. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2023; 74:6468-6486. [PMID: 37589495 PMCID: PMC10662250 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erad321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
The above-ground plant surface is a well-adapted tissue layer that acts as an interface between the plant and its surrounding environment. As such, its primary role is to protect against desiccation and maintain the gaseous exchange required for photosynthesis. Further, this surface layer provides a barrier against pathogens and herbivory, while attracting pollinators and agents of seed dispersal. In the context of agriculture, the plant surface is strongly linked to post-harvest crop quality and yield. The epidermal layer contains several unique cell types adapted for these functions, while the non-lignified above-ground plant organs are covered by a hydrophobic cuticular membrane. This review aims to provide an overview of the latest understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying crop cuticle and epidermal cell formation, with focus placed on genetic elements contributing towards quality, yield, drought tolerance, herbivory defence, pathogen resistance, pollinator attraction, and sterility, while highlighting the inter-relatedness of plant surface development and traits. Potential crop improvement strategies utilizing this knowledge are outlined in the context of the recent development of new breeding techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenna Bryanne Jolliffe
- South African Grape and Wine Research Institute, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
- Research and Innovation Centre, Edmund Mach Foundation, San Michele all’Adige, 38098, Italy
| | - Stefania Pilati
- Research and Innovation Centre, Edmund Mach Foundation, San Michele all’Adige, 38098, Italy
| | - Claudio Moser
- Research and Innovation Centre, Edmund Mach Foundation, San Michele all’Adige, 38098, Italy
| | - Justin Graham Lashbrooke
- South African Grape and Wine Research Institute, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
- Department of Genetics, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gao L, Cao J, Gong S, Hao N, Du Y, Wang C, Wu T. The COPII subunit CsSEC23 mediates fruit glossiness in cucumber. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 116:524-540. [PMID: 37460197 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
To improve our understanding of the mechanism underlying cucumber glossiness regulation, a novel cucumber mutant with a glossy peel (Csgp) was identified. MutMap, genotyping, and gene editing results demonstrated that CsSEC23, which is the core component of COPII vesicles, mediates the glossiness of cucumber fruit peel. CsSEC23 is functionally conserved and located in the Golgi and endoplasmic reticulum. CsSEC23 could interact with CsSEC31, but this interaction was absent in the Csgp mutant, which decreased the efficiency of COPII vesicle transportation. Genes related to wax and cutin transport were upregulated in the Csgp mutant, and the cuticle structure of the Csgp-mutant peel became thinner. Moreover, the wax and cutin contents were also changed due to CsSEC23 mutation. Taken together, the results obtained from this study revealed that CsSEC23 mediates cucumber glossiness, and this mediating might be affected by COPII vesicle transportation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luyao Gao
- College of Horticulture, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
- Key Laboratory for Evaluation and Utilization of Gene Resources of Horticultural Crops (vegetables, tea, etc.), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Changsha, 410128, China
- Yuelushan Lab, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Jiajian Cao
- College of Horticulture, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
- Key Laboratory for Evaluation and Utilization of Gene Resources of Horticultural Crops (vegetables, tea, etc.), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Changsha, 410128, China
- Yuelushan Lab, Changsha, 410128, China
- Whampoa Innovation Research Institute, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Siyu Gong
- College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Ning Hao
- College of Horticulture, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
- Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and Fertilizers, Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Yalin Du
- College of Horticulture, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
- Key Laboratory for Evaluation and Utilization of Gene Resources of Horticultural Crops (vegetables, tea, etc.), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Changsha, 410128, China
- Yuelushan Lab, Changsha, 410128, China
- Whampoa Innovation Research Institute, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Chunhua Wang
- College of Horticulture, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
- Key Laboratory for Evaluation and Utilization of Gene Resources of Horticultural Crops (vegetables, tea, etc.), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Changsha, 410128, China
- Yuelushan Lab, Changsha, 410128, China
- Whampoa Innovation Research Institute, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Tao Wu
- College of Horticulture, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
- Key Laboratory for Evaluation and Utilization of Gene Resources of Horticultural Crops (vegetables, tea, etc.), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Changsha, 410128, China
- Yuelushan Lab, Changsha, 410128, China
- Whampoa Innovation Research Institute, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Composition, metabolism and postharvest function and regulation of fruit cuticle: A review. Food Chem 2023; 411:135449. [PMID: 36669336 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.135449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The cuticle of plants, a hydrophobic membrane that covers their aerial organs, is crucial to their ability to withstand biotic and abiotic stressors. Fruit is the reproductive organ of plants, and an important dietary source that can offer a variety of nutrients for the human body, and fruit cuticle performs a crucial protective role in fruit development and postharvest quality. This review discusses the universality and diversity of the fruit cuticle composition, and systematically summarizes the metabolic process of fruit cuticle, including the biosynthesis, transport and regulatory factors (including transcription factors, phytohormones and environmental elements) of fruit cuticle. Additionally, we emphasize the postharvest functions and postharvest regulatory technologies of fruit cuticle, and propose future research directions for fruit cuticle.
Collapse
|
8
|
CsCER6 and CsCER7 Influence Fruit Glossiness by Regulating Fruit Cuticular Wax Accumulation in Cucumber. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021135. [PMID: 36674649 PMCID: PMC9864978 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Fruit glossiness is an important external fruit quality trait that greatly affects the marketability of fresh cucumber (Cucumis sativus) fruits. A few reports have suggested that the extent of cuticular wax loading influences the glossiness of the fruit surface. In the present study, we tested the wax contents of two inbred cucumber lines, comparing a line with waxy fruit (3401) and a line with glossy fruit (3413). Wax content analysis and dewaxing analysis demonstrate that fruit cuticular wax loads negatively correlate with fruit glossiness in cucumber. Identifying genes that were differentially expressed in fruit pericarps between 3401 and 3413 and genes induced by abscisic acid suggested that the wax biosynthesis gene CsCER6 (Cucumis sativus ECERIFERUM 6) and the regulatory gene CsCER7 may affect wax accumulation on cucumber fruit. Expression analysis via RT-qPCR, GUS-staining, and in situ hybridization revealed that CsCER6 and CsCER7 are abundantly expressed in the epidermis cells in cucumber fruits. Furthermore, the overexpression and RNAi lines of CsCER6 and CsCER7 showed dramatic effects on fruit cuticular wax contents, fruit glossiness, and cuticle permeability. Our results suggest that CsCER6 and CsCER7 positively regulate fruit cuticular wax accumulation and negatively influence fruit glossiness.
Collapse
|