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CsSHR1 regulates compact plant architecture by mediating cell division in cucumber
Chunhua Wang1,2, Zhengping Cao1,2, Shuanghuan Chen1,2
1College of Horticulture/Whampoa lnnovation Research lnstitute, Hunan Agricultural University.
Plant Physiology
|August 11, 2026
Summary
Cucumber plant architecture is regulated by SHORT-ROOT1 (CsSHR1), which interacts with SCARECROW-LIKE28 (CsSCL28). This interaction promotes CsCYCD3;3 transcription, leading to compact plants without yield loss, ideal for dense planting.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Genetics
- Agronomy
Background:
- Compact plant architecture is vital for increasing crop yields through higher planting densities.
- The GRAS transcription factor SCARECROW-LIKE28 (CsSCL28) was previously identified as a regulator of cucumber plant architecture.
- The precise molecular mechanism underlying CsSCL28's role remained unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the regulatory mechanism of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) compact plant architecture.
- To identify interacting partners and downstream targets of CsSCL28.
- To investigate the genetic and molecular basis of CsSHR1's role in plant architecture.
Main Methods:
- Yeast two-hybrid assays to determine protein interactions.
- Gene knockout and overexpression studies in cucumber.
- Quantitative real-time PCR to analyze gene expression.
- Epistasis analysis to determine gene regulatory order.
Main Results:
- CsSCL28 physically interacts with the GRAS transcription factor SHORT-ROOT1 (CsSHR1).
- CsSHR1 regulates plant height and leaf size, and positively controls CsSCL28 transcription.
- CsSHR1 directly activates CsCYCD3;3 transcription, a key factor in leaf area expansion.
- CsSCL28 synergizes with CsSHR1 to enhance CsCYCD3;3 activation.
- CsSHR1 is epistatic to CsSCL28 in regulating plant architecture.
- Overexpression of CsSHR1 leads to compact plants without impacting yield per plant.
Conclusions:
- The study reveals the CsSHR1-CsSCL28 complex as a key regulator of cucumber plant architecture.
- CsSHR1 mediates compact plant architecture by activating CsCYCD3;3, providing a mechanism for dense planting.
- These findings offer valuable gene targets for developing cucumber varieties suitable for high-density cultivation.
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