Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of Chitinase Genes in Watermelon under Abiotic Stimuli and <i>Fusarium oxysporum</i> Infection
Chitinases, which catalyze the hydrolysis of chitin, the primary components of fungal cell walls, play key roles in defense responses, symbiotic associations, plant growth, and stress tolerance. In this study, 23 chitinase genes were identified in watermelon (<i>Citrullus lanatus</i> [Th...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2024-01-01
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| Series: | International Journal of Molecular Sciences |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/1/638 |
| Summary: | Chitinases, which catalyze the hydrolysis of chitin, the primary components of fungal cell walls, play key roles in defense responses, symbiotic associations, plant growth, and stress tolerance. In this study, 23 chitinase genes were identified in watermelon (<i>Citrullus lanatus</i> [Thunb.]) and classified into five classes through homology search and phylogenetic analysis. The genes with similar exon-intron structures and conserved domains were clustered into the same class. The putative <i>cis</i>-elements involved in the responses to phytohormone, stress, and plant development were identified in their promoter regions. A tissue-specific expression analysis showed that the <i>ClChi</i> genes were primarily expressed in the roots (52.17%), leaves (26.09%), and flowers (34.78%). Moreover, qRT-PCR results indicate that ClChis play multifaceted roles in the interaction between plant/environment. More <i>ClChi</i> members were induced by Race 2 of <i>Fusarium oxysporum</i> f. sp. <i>niveum</i>, and eight genes were expressed at higher levels on the seventh day after inoculation with Races 1 and 2, suggesting that these genes play a key role in the resistance of watermelon to Fusarium wilt. Collectively, these results improve knowledge of the chitinase gene family in watermelon species and help to elucidate the roles played by chitinases in the responses of watermelon to various stresses. |
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| ISSN: | 1661-6596 1422-0067 |