Genome-Wide Identification of PHR Gene Family in Cucurbitaceae Species and Its Expression Analysis in C. moschata

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, People's Republic of China, have conducted a study on the phosphorus regulatory network in Cucurbitaceae species. The study focused on the identification and expression analysis of the PHR gene family in six Cucurbitaceae species, including cucumber, melon, bottle gourd, watermelon, wax gourd, and pumpkin. The study aimed to provide a basis for the further cloning and functional validation of genes related to the phosphate regulatory network in pumpkin.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study identified 11, 10, 8, 12, 12, and 22 **PHR** genes in cucumber, melon, bottle gourd, watermelon, wax gourd, and pumpkin, respectively, through genome-wide analysis.
  • Phylogenetic analysis showed that the Cucurbitaceae **PHR** genes were divided into seven distinct subfamilies.
  • Genomic homology analysis revealed that many **PHR** genes existed in the corresponding homology blocks of six Cucurbitaceae species.
  • qRT-PCR analysis showed that the CmoPHR genes exhibited differential expression under different concentrations of phosphate treatment.
  • Transcriptional self-activation assays demonstrated that CmoPHR2, CmoPHR9, CmoPHR16, and CmoPHR17 proteins had transcriptional self-activating activity.
  • The study provided a basis for the further cloning and functional validation of genes related to the phosphate regulatory network in pumpkin.

Statistics:

  • 11, 10, 8, 12, 12, and 22 **PHR** genes were identified in cucumber, melon, bottle gourd, watermelon, wax gourd, and pumpkin.
  • 7 distinct subfamilies of Cucurbitaceae **PHR** genes were identified through phylogenetic analysis.
  • 100% of the **PHR** genes existed in the corresponding homology blocks of six Cucurbitaceae species.

Sources:

  • Ni, Y., et al. (2025). Genome-Wide Identification of the * * PHR* * Gene Family in Six Cucurbitaceae Species and Its Expression Analysis in * * Cucurbita moschata* *. Plants, 2025,14(10),1443.
  • MDPI AG. Plants. (Online). Retrieved from http://www.mdpi.com/journal/plants.
  • Ying Ni, et al. (Contact Information). Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Resistance and High Quality Biology of Anhui Province, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, People's Republic of China.