Genome-wide Identification and Expression Analysis of GRAS Genes in Cucumber

Abstract

GRAS transcription factors regulate various biological processes in plant growth, development and stress responses. Cucumber ( Cucumis sativus L.) is an economically important vegetable crop. However, the biological functions of GRAS gene family remain largely unknown in cucumber. In order to explore the potential function of the GRAS gene family in cucumber, the whole genomic identification of CsGRAS family was performed, and the gene structure, protein structure, characteristic, subcellular locations, phylogenetic relationship and tissue expression pattern were analyzed by bioinformatics. Here, a total of 37 GRAS members were identified in cucumber genome, most of the CsGRAS proteins are neutral or acidic protein, which are encoded by a single exon. Phylogenetic analysis divided CsGRAS members into 16 subfamilies, with each having distinct conserved domains and functions. 37 GRAS genes are unevenly distributed on the 7 chromosomes of cucumber and contain 1 pair of tandem repeat genes and 3 pairs of fragment repeat genes. Gene expression analysis in various tissues demonstrated that most CsGRAS genes showed tissue-specific expression, uncovering their potential function in cucumber growth and development. This study provided a comprehensive analysis of the cucumber GRAS gene family and laid a foundation for further studying the roles of GRAS gene family members in cucumber.