<i>CmSN</i> Regulates Fruit Skin Netting Formation in Melon

<i>CmSN</i> Regulates Fruit Skin Netting Formation in Melon

Melon (<i>Cucumis melo</i>) includes more than ten botanical groups, many of which feature netting ornamentation on the surface of mature fruit. Ripe melons display a netted skin that signifies their ripeness and readiness for consumption. Previously, we identified <i>SKIN NETTING&...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Xiaoxue Liang, Panqiao Wang, Chen Luo, Xiang Li, Wenwen Mao, Juan Hou, Junlong Fan, Yan Guo, Zhiqiang Cheng, Qiong Li, Jianbin Hu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-10-01
Series:Horticulturae
Subjects:
<i>Cucumis melo</i>
gene function
transient gene expression
near-isogenic lines
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2311-7524/10/10/1115
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Summary:Melon (<i>Cucumis melo</i>) includes more than ten botanical groups, many of which feature netting ornamentation on the surface of mature fruit. Ripe melons display a netted skin that signifies their ripeness and readiness for consumption. Previously, we identified <i>SKIN NETTING</i> (<i>CmSN</i>), which encodes an EamA-like transporter family protein, as the candidate gene controlling fruit skin netting formation in melon, while its biological functions remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that the expression of the <i>CmSN</i> gene was considerably lower in netted melons compared to smooth-skinned melons, indicating a negative correlation between <i>CmSN</i> expression and netting formation. Subsequently, we employed transient overexpression and virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) experiments to explore the role of <i>CmSN</i> gene during fruit development. Overexpression of the <i>CmSN</i> gene inhibited netting development, whereas silencing it promoted netting formation. Using heterologous transformation in tomato, we further confirmed the effect of the <i>CmSN</i> gene on rind texture and toughness, as these tomatoes exhibited rougher and tougher skins. Analysis with near-isogenic lines (NILs) revealed that <i>CmSN</i> gene-bearing fruits (NIL_CmSN) possessed significantly harder rinds than the control smooth-skinned variety HB42, underscoring the role of <i>CmSN</i> in enhancing rind protection. Together, our research offers essential insights into the netting formation and genetic improvement of melon fruits.
ISSN:2311-7524

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