Genome-wide identification of the ClE2F/DP gene family in watermelon plants and its expression in plants infested with melon aphids
Author of the article:CHEN Li-Ming** YANG Qi-Fan ZHANG Qian-Yi ZHANG Ai-Huan ZHANG Zhi-Yong GUO Hong-Gang***
Author's Workplace：Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture in North China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Biology, Resources and Environment, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
Key Words：watermelon plants; E2F/DP transcription factor; bioinformatics; melon aphids infestation; gene expression pattern
Abstract：
[Aim] To
investigate the role of the ClE2F/DP gene family in protecting watermelon
plants (Citrullus lanatus) from melon aphid (Aphis gossypii) infestation. [Methods] The ClE2F/DP
family in watermelon plants was identified and analyzed using bioinformatic
tools, including MEGA7, TBtools, and MEME. The relative expression levels of ClE2F/DP genes were analyzed in
watermelon leaves that were, or were not, infested with
melon aphids, using qRT-PCR. [Results] There are a total of six
members of the ClE2F/DP family in the watermelon genome. ClE2FA and ClE2FC are
classified as unstable hydrophilic acidic proteins, ClDP is a dimeric protein,
and ClE2FE1 is an unstable hydrophilic basic protein. Based on their structural
characteristics and information in the literature, it is possible that ClDP,
ClE2FC, and ClE2FE1 may be involved in resistance to aphid infestation. The
relative expression of ClE2FA underwent a significant 2.5-fold increase
24 h after aphid infestation. Relative expression of ClE2FE1 increased
2.1-fold 48 h after aphid infestation, then decreased by 1.7-fold after
72 h. The relative expression of ClE2FC and ClDP both significantly
decreased by over 2.0-fold 24 h after aphid infestation (P < 0.001). These results indicate that watermelon ClE2F/DP genes may be involved in the response to aphid infestation. [Conclusion] There are
clear differences in the expression of ClE2F/DP genes in response to
aphid infestation.