Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of Histone Acetyltransferases and Deacetylases in Cucumber, and Their Implication in Developmental Processes

Overview

Journal Genes (Basel)

Publisher MDPI

Date 2025 Feb 26

PMID 40004456

Authors

Agnieszka Skarzynska-Lyzwa

Szymon Turek

Maksymilian Pisz

Aparna

Wojciech Plader

Magdalena Pawelkowicz

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background/objectives: Cucumber () provides a model for exploring the molecular basis of sex determination, particularly the regulation of floral organ differentiation through gene expression. This complex process is modulated by epigenetic factors, such as histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs), which respectively activate and repress gene transcription by adding or removing acetyl groups from histone proteins. Despite their known functions, the roles of HATs and HDACs throughout cucumber's floral developmental stages remain unclear.

Methods: In this study, we conducted a genome-wide analysis of and gene families in cucumber, examining their phylogenetic relationships, gene structures, protein domains, and expression profiles across various stages of floral development.

Results: We identified 36 and 12 genes, grouping them into families with evolutionary counterparts in other plant species. RNA sequencing revealed stage-specific expression patterns, suggesting dynamic roles for these gene families in floral organ development.

Conclusions: These findings contribute valuable insights into the epigenetic regulation of gene expression in cucumber flower formation, presenting avenues for further research on the genetic control of plant reproductive development.

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