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CsKDO is a candidate gene regulating seed germination lethality in cucumber
Chen Wang1,2,3,4, Ning Hao2, Yutong Xia1,3,4
1College of Horticulture and Landscape, Hunan Agricultural University, 1 Nongda Road, Changsha 410128, China.
Breeding Science
|December 16, 2021
Summary
Cucumber seed germination is vital for plant growth. Researchers identified a new mutant, CsKDO, linked to lethality after cucumber seed germination, offering insights into plant development.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Seed germination is a critical initial stage in plant development.
- Lethality post-germination in plants is understudied.
- Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is an important crop with complex germination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify genes regulating seed germination and post-germination lethality in cucumber.
- To characterize a novel EMS mutagenesis mutant with abnormal germination.
- To elucidate the genetic basis of lethality in the Csleth mutant.
Main Methods:
- Ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutagenesis to create mutants.
- Phenotypic analysis of germination and radicle development.
- Genetic analysis to determine inheritance patterns (single recessive gene).
- MutMap+ and Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) for gene mapping.
- Gene sequencing to identify mutations in candidate genes.
- Gene expression analysis (tissue-specific expression).
- Subcellular localization studies.
Main Results:
- An EMS mutant, Csleth, exhibited delayed radicle growth and detachment from cotyledons 14 days post-sowing.
- The Csleth phenotype was controlled by a single recessive gene.
- MutMap+ and KASP identified Csa3G104930, encoding 3-deoxy-manno-octulosonate cytidylyltransferase (CsKDO), as the candidate gene.
- A transition mutation in aspartate within Csa3G104930 co-segregated with the mutant phenotype.
- CsKDO showed high expression in wild-type cucumber male flowers.
- CsKDO protein was localized to the nucleus.
Conclusions:
- The gene CsKDO plays a crucial role in regulating lethality during cucumber seed germination.
- The identified mutation in CsKDO provides a molecular basis for the observed germination defect.
- Understanding CsKDO function can inform strategies for improving crop establishment and yield.
