The IQ67-domain protein IQD1 regulates fruit shape through complex multiprotein interactions in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.).

ABSTRACT: Natural genetic variation can be used to improve important crop agronomic traits, and understanding the genetic basis of natural variation in fruit shape can help breeders develop pepper varieties that meet market demand. In this study, we identified a QTL controlling fruit length-width ratio by conventional genetic mapping, encoding a previously uncharacterized gene CaIQD1. Reduced CaIQD1 expression resulted in short and wide fruits in pepper, whereas heterologous overexpression of CaIQD1 resulted in narrower fruits in tomato. Further experiments suggested that CaIQD1 regulates fruit shape in pepper by affecting cell proliferation, expansion and morphological changes. CaIQD1 also has a direct protein interaction with CaOFP20 in CaTRM-like-CaOFP20. Reduced CaOFP20 expression caused pepper

SUBMITTER: Mao L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12205865 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature