The Chromosome-Scale Genome of Melon Dissects Genetic Architecture of Important Agronomic Traits.

iScience

Laboratory of Germplasm Innovation and Molecular Breeding, Institute of Vegetable Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Growth and Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hangzhou 310058, China. Electronic address:

Published: August 2020

AI Article Synopsis

  • The researchers assembled a detailed genome of the melon subspecies Cucumis melo ssp. agrestis using advanced sequencing techniques and a comprehensive genetic map.
  • Comparative genomics helped identify key genes involved in the transport of sugars, with a special focus on how DNA methylation influences sucrose levels in fruit development.
  • The study laid the groundwork for future breeding programs by identifying genetic loci linked to sucrose accumulation and resistance to diseases like gummy stem blight, aiming to enhance fruit quality.

Article Abstract

Comparative and evolutionary genomics analyses are the powerful tools to provide mechanistic insights into important agronomic traits. Here, we completed a chromosome-scale assembly of the "neglected" but vital melon subspecies Cucumis melo ssp. agrestis using single-molecule real-time sequencing, Hi-C, and an ultra-dense genetic map. Comparative genomics analyses identified two targeted genes, UDP-sugar pyrophosphorylase and α-galactosidase, that were selected during evolution for specific phloem transport of oligosaccharides in Cucurbitaceae. Association analysis of transcriptome and the DNA methylation patterns revealed the epigenetic regulation of sucrose accumulation in developing fruits. We constructed the melon recombinant inbred lines to uncover Alkaline/Neutral Invertase (CINV), Sucrose-Phosphatase 2 (SPP2), α-galactosidase, and β-galactosidase loci related to sucrose accumulation and an LRR receptor-like serine/threonine-protein kinase associated with gummy stem blight resistance. This study provides essential genomic resources enabling functional genomics studies and the genomics-informed breeding pipelines for improving the fruit quality and disease resistance traits.

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http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7452659PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2020.101422DOI Listing

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