Screening Key Genes Related to Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Cucumber Through Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network...

Area of Science:

• Plant Science
• Genetics
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) cultivation requires substantial nitrogen fertilizer.
• Excessive nitrogen application leads to detrimental effects on plant growth and significant environmental risks.
• Enhancing nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in cucumber is crucial for sustainable agriculture.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify genes associated with nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in cucumber.
• To analyze the genetic basis of high and low NUE in cucumber under high nitrogen conditions.
• To provide potential genetic targets for improving NUE in cucumber.

Main Methods:

• Transcriptome sequencing and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) were employed to analyze root gene expression in high and low NUE cucumber lines.
• Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed.
• Quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to validate gene expression patterns.
• Transcriptomic analysis identified mutations, and protein interaction networks were predicted.

Main Results:

• WGCNA identified 35 co-expression modules, with 5 significantly correlated with NUE.
• Twenty-five candidate genes related to NUE were identified, including four key genes: CsaV4_1G002492 (GLR22), CsaV4_2G003460 (GLR35), CsaV4_3G000307 (NRT1.1), and CsaV4_7G001709 (UPS2).
• Differential expression and a frameshift INDEL mutation in CsaV4_3G000307 in the low NUE line were observed, suggesting functional impact.

Conclusions:

• The study identified key genes and potential genetic networks regulating NUE in cucumber.
• The findings offer valuable insights for developing cucumber varieties with enhanced nitrogen use efficiency through breeding or genetic modification.
• This research contributes to more sustainable cucumber production by optimizing nitrogen fertilizer utilization.