A Rare Frameshift Mutation of in <i>CmACS7</i> Alters Ethylene Biosynthesis and Determines Fruit Morphology in Melon (<i>Cucumis melo</i> L.).

ABSTRACT: Fruit shape diversity in melon is governed by complex genetic networks, with ethylene biosynthesis playing a pivotal yet poorly characterized role. In this study, we identified a rare CmACS7^{A57V/frameshift} double mutant through fine mapping of the fsq2 locus. Ethylene-mediated ovary growth regulation has been completely lost in the CmACS7^{A57V/frameshift} double mutant, driving a transition from elongated to spherical fruit. Transcriptome analysis was performed to clarify the core role of CmACS7 in the ethylene signaling pathway. The loss of CmACS7 function regulates key genes in the ethylene responsive factor, cytokinin signaling pathway, and auxin-related genes, resulting in an imbalance in hormone levels. This imbalance directly affects the coord

SUBMITTER: Zhou J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12300071 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature