EXPRESSION AND CHARACTERISATION OF CUCUMBER FRUIT FLESH THICKNESS-RELATED GENE CSA2M058670.1

Bulked segregant analysis combined with specific length amplified fragment sequencing techniques have been applied to determine the fine genetic mapping of fruit flesh thickness-related genes in cucumber. Herein, the Csa2M058670.1 gene was subjected to real time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and sequence analysis, indicating a strong correlation with cucumber fruit flesh thickness. Expression and characterisation of the Csa2M058670.1 gene were performed based on previous studies. The results of the fluorescence-based quantitative PCR showed that Csa2M058670.1 was expressed in all organs, but levels were highest in fruit peel, fruit flesh, and female flowers. Furthermore, Csa2M058670.1 expression was induced by abiotic stresses including drought, low temperature, and high salt. Domain analysis revealed that the protein encoded by Csa2M058670.1 possesses an SET (Su(var), Enhancern of zeste CE(z), and Trithorax) domain that may control cell division and differentiation. Therefore, we speculated that Csa2M058670.1 might affect fruit flesh thickness in cucumbers by influencing cell division.