Genome-Wide Characterization of <i>9-Cis-Epoxycarotenoid Dioxygenase</i> Genes in Luffa Identifies <i>LcNCED2</i> as Being Associated with ABA Levels During Seed Germination
<i>Luffa</i> is a genus of tropical and subtropical vines in the Cucurbitaceae family, recognized as an important cultivated commercial vegetable. However, the seeds of the luffa species are considered hard-seeded, and the processes governing seed germination remain understudied. The <...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Horticulturae |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2311-7524/11/2/115 |
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| Summary: | <i>Luffa</i> is a genus of tropical and subtropical vines in the Cucurbitaceae family, recognized as an important cultivated commercial vegetable. However, the seeds of the luffa species are considered hard-seeded, and the processes governing seed germination remain understudied. The <i>9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase</i> (<i>NCED</i>) genes, which are critical for seed germination, have not been well characterized in Luffa. In this study, we identified four <i>LaNCED</i> genes in <i>Luffa acutangula</i> and four <i>LcNCED</i> genes in <i>Luffa cylindrica</i>, distributed across four chromosomes in each species. Phylogenetic analysis classified these genes into two subgroups. Gene structure and motif composition analyses revealed both similarities and differences among the <i>NCED</i>s. <i>Cis</i>-element analysis further revealed that these <i>NCED</i>s may be involved in growth regulation by modulating the phytohormonal network and responding to stress stimuli. Expression profiling of <i>LcNCED</i> genes during seed germination showed a decrease in <i>LcNCED2</i> levels, coinciding with an increase in α-amylase activity throughout the germination process. Subcellular localization assays demonstrated that <i>LcNCED2</i> is localized in the chloroplast. Furthermore, transient overexpression of <i>LcNCED2</i> in tobacco leaves led to a significant increase in ABA content. Our findings provide a comprehensive genomic characterization of the <i>NCED</i> family in Luffa cylindrica and <i>Luffa acutangula</i> and reveal the functional role of <i>LcNCED2</i> in regulating ABA levels, which may play a critical role in seed germination. |
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| ISSN: | 2311-7524 |