We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Genome-Wide Identification of β-Ketoacyl CoA Synthase Gene Family in Melon (Cucumis melo L.) and Its Expression Analysis in Autotoxicity, Saline-Alkali, and Microplastic Exposure Environments
Summary
Researchers identified the gene family responsible for producing long-chain fatty acids in melon plants and studied how these genes respond to microplastic exposure and other stresses. They found that specific genes were activated or suppressed when plants encountered microplastics, saline-alkali conditions, or soil toxins from previous crops. The study provides insights into how food crops defend themselves at the genetic level against environmental contaminants including microplastics.
β-ketoacyl CoA synthase (KCS) is a key enzyme in the synthesis of long-chain fatty acids. It affects plant stress resistance by regulating the chain length of fatty acid elongation products, the wax deposition in plant epidermis, and the formation of suberization layers. Through a comprehensive, genome-wide analysis, we identified members of the melon KCS (CmKCS) family and characterized their sequence features, phylogenetic relationships, and expression profiles under three abiotic stress conditions, employing bioinformatics tools and methods. Fifteen CmKCSs were identified in the melon genome and found to be unevenly distributed across eight chromosomes. The subcellular localization of most members is located on the cytoplasmic membrane and chloroplasts. The CmKCS family amplifies its members in a tandem repeat manner, which is more closely related to the cucumber KCS and has similar gene functions. Subfamilies I, IV, and VI exhibit variations in conserved domain sequences, which may indicate specific functional differentiation. The promoter region harbors various cis-acting elements related to plant hormones and abiotic stress responses. Among these, the most abundant are elements responsive to abscisic acid, methyl jasmonate, salicylic acid, and anaerobic induction. CmKCS5, CmKCS6, CmKCS10, and CmKCS12 showed high expression in autotoxicity, saline-alkali stress, and microplastic exposure environments. These four CmKCSs may play important roles in melon development and stress response. In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of the CmKCS gene family, revealing its potential roles in melon's response to abiotic stresses and laying a foundation for further functional characterization of these genes in stress tolerance mechanisms.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Physiological analysis and transcriptome profiling reveals the impact of microplastic on melon (Cucumis melo L.) seed germination and seedling growth
Researchers examined how polyvinyl chloride microplastics affect melon seed germination and seedling development. They found that low to medium concentrations of microplastics significantly reduced germination rates and stunted young root growth, while also disrupting gene expression related to plant stress responses. The study provides early evidence that microplastic contamination in agricultural soils may impair the growth of economically important crop plants.
Transcriptomic and metabolomic changes in lettuce triggered by microplastics-stress
Researchers grew lettuce in water containing polystyrene microplastics and found that the particles accumulated in root tips and leaf veins, causing water loss stress and changes in gene expression. The plants responded by activating stress defense systems and altering their metabolism, including increased production of protective compounds in root secretions. This study provides molecular-level evidence that microplastics can stress food crops and change their biology, raising questions about the safety and nutritional quality of vegetables grown in contaminated environments.
The effects of Micro/Nano-plastics exposure on plants and their toxic mechanisms: A review from multi-omics perspectives.
A multi-omics review of micro/nanoplastic effects on plants found that plastic exposure disrupts gene expression, protein function, and metabolic pathways across multiple plant systems, with potential consequences for crop yield and agricultural food safety.
Microplastics affect the quality of Cucumis melo. L by regulating the jasmonic acid signaling pathway
Polyethylene (PE) and polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT) microplastics altered melon fruit quality through disruption of the jasmonic acid signaling pathway and rhizosphere microbial communities. The study established a microplastic-plant hormone-fruit quality regulatory chain, with PE and PBAT producing distinct effects on crop quality.
Environmental levels of microplastics disrupt growth and stress pathways in edible crops via species-specific mechanisms
Researchers studied how environmentally realistic levels of microplastics affect the growth and stress responses of edible crops. The study found that microplastics disrupt plant growth and stress pathways through mechanisms that vary by crop species. These findings highlight the importance of understanding how different plants interact with microplastic particles when assessing risks to agricultural food production.