Analysis of Expansin genes in Cucurbitaceae and identification of candidate genes for stress resistance.

ABSTRACT: Expansin (EXP) genes are critical for plant growth and abiotic stress adaptation, yet their evolutionary and functional dynamics in Cucurbitaceae remain poorly characterized. Here, we systematically identified 136 EXP genes across four Cucurbitaceae species (Cucurbita argyrosperma, Cucurbita pepo, Citrullus lanatus, Lagenaria siceraria) and the transcriptome of 'Yayao' (L. siceraria). Phylogenetic analysis classified these genes into four subfamilies (EXPA, EXPB, EXLA, EXLB), with EXPA predominating and EXPB notably absent in 'Yayao' (L. siceraria). Physicochemical profiling revealed EXP proteins as hydrophilic (84.66%) with isoelectric points (pI 8-10), indicative of basic properties. Cis-regulatory element analysis identified ABRE and TCA-elements as highly enriched, linking EXP genes to

SUBMITTER: Qi S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12533250 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature