High-temperature stress threatens the growth and yield of crops. Basic helix-loop-helix(bHLH) transcription factors(TFs) have been shown to play important roles in regulating high-temperature resistance in plants. How...High-temperature stress threatens the growth and yield of crops. Basic helix-loop-helix(bHLH) transcription factors(TFs) have been shown to play important roles in regulating high-temperature resistance in plants. However, the bHLH TFs responsible for high-temperature tolerance in cucumbers have not been identified. We used transcriptome profiling to screen the high temperature-responsive candidate bHLH TFs in cucumber. Here, we found that the expression of 75 CsbHLH genes was altered under high-temperature stress. The expression of the CsSPT gene was induced by high temperatures in TT(Thermotolerant) cucumber plants. However, the Csspt mutant plants obtained by the CRISPR-Cas9 system showed severe thermosensitive symptoms, including wilted leaves with brown margins and reduced root density and cell activity.The Csspt mutant plants also exhibited elevated H_(2)O_(2) levels and down-regulated photosystem-related genes under normal conditions.Furthermore, there were high relative electrolytic leakage(REC), malondialdehyde(MDA), glutathione(GSH), and superoxide radical(O_(2)^(·-)) levels in the Csspt mutant plants, with decreased Proline content after the high-temperature treatment. Transcriptome analysis showed that the photosystem and chloroplast activities in Csspt mutant plants were extremely disrupted by the high-temperature stress compared with wildtype(WT) plants. Moreover, the plant hormone signal transduction, as well as MAPK and calcium signaling pathways were activated in Csspt mutant plants under high-temperature stress. The HSF and HSP family genes shared the same upregulated expression patterns in Csspt and WT plants under high-temperature conditions. However, most bHLH, NAC, and bZIP family genes were significantly down-regulated by heat in Csspt mutant plants. Thus, these results demonstrated that CsSPT regulated the high-temperature response by recruiting photosynthesis components, signaling pathway molecules, and transcription factors. Our results provide important insights into the heat response mechanism of CsSPT in cucumber and its potential as a target for breeding heat-resistant crops.展开更多
Leaf color mutants in higher plants are considered to be ideal materials for studying the chlorophyll biosynthesis,photosynthesis mechanism and chloroplast development.Herein,we identified a spontaneous mutant,yc412,i...Leaf color mutants in higher plants are considered to be ideal materials for studying the chlorophyll biosynthesis,photosynthesis mechanism and chloroplast development.Herein,we identified a spontaneous mutant,yc412,in cultivated cucumber that exhibited yellow cotyledons.The yellow-lethal mutant was diagnosed with an abnormal chloroplast ultrastructure,and reduced photosynthetic capacity and pigment content.Through bulked segregant analysis-based whole-genome sequencing and fine genetic mapping,we narrowed the yellow cotyledons (yc) locus to a 96.8 kb interval on chromosome 3.By resequencing and molecular cloning,we showed that Csyc is a potential candidate gene,which encodes a yellow stripe-like (YSL) transporter.The T to C mutation in the promoter region of Csyc caused the yellow cotyledon phenotype in yc412.Compared to YZU027A (WT),the expression of Csyc was significantly downregulated in the cotyledons of yc412.Silencing of Csyc in cucumber via virus-induced gene silencing resulted in chlorotic leaves,mainly by suppressing the chlorophyll content.Furthermore,a comparative transcriptome analysis revealed that chloroplast-related genes and chlorophyll biosynthesis genes were significantly downregulated in yc412 cotyledons.Our results provide new insights into the molecular function of the YSL transporter in plant chloroplast development and chlorophyll synthesis.展开更多
This study was conducted to provide a preliminary assessment of the sea cucumber fishery in Aurora, Philippines. This was conducted from February to June 2013. All sea cucumber gatherers and traders, obtained through ...This study was conducted to provide a preliminary assessment of the sea cucumber fishery in Aurora, Philippines. This was conducted from February to June 2013. All sea cucumber gatherers and traders, obtained through snowball sampling, in each identified sea cucumber fishery area in six coastal municipalities (Baler, Dipaculao, Dinalungan, Casiguran, Dilasag and Dingalan) were interviewed using a structured interview schedule and focused group discussions (FGD). Results revealed that gathering sea cucumbers were accomplished by handpicking, skin diving or compressor diving. A total of 15 commercial species were regularly gathered. Out of this, three species are of very high economic value (≥Php 4000/kg) (Holothuria nobilis, Holothuria scabra, and Actinopyga lecanora). The average number of kilograms harvested per hour per trip ranges from 0.21 (Holothuria fuscopunctata) to 2.71 (Holothuria scabra), while the average size of commonly gathered sea cucumber varies among species with Holothuria lecanora showed an average length (29.26 cm) greater than recorded 24 cm. Processing mainly involves washing, slicing, boiling, drying and packing. Processed sea cucumbers or trepan were sold to middlemen or direct buyers who usually offered higher prices (36.36% up to 69.20%) than the former. Problems encountered by sea cucumber gatherers and traders include a decline in total catch, a shift in area of collection from intertidal zones to deeper waters, an increase in the number of hours spent in finding and gathering sea cucumbers, the use of compressors in gathering, the decline of larger species and gathering of smaller sizes in huge amount, the absence of conservation program for sea cucumber, and the lenient implementation of government policies with regards to coastal resources management.展开更多
The fruit peel color is a crucial trait of cucumber.To better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying cucumber peel coloration,we compared the UPLC-ESI-MS/MS-based flavonoid metabolomic and RNA sequencing-based...The fruit peel color is a crucial trait of cucumber.To better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying cucumber peel coloration,we compared the UPLC-ESI-MS/MS-based flavonoid metabolomic and RNA sequencing-based transcriptomic profiling of the brown peeled cucumber line‘PW’at six developmental stages.A total of 210 flavonoid metabolites were identified.Of which,117 flavonoid metabolites were differentially accumulated.In this study,weighted gene co-expression network analysis combined with Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genomes enrichment analysis revealed key genes coding for seven enzymes and eight transcription factors(TFs)associated with flavonoid biosynthesis.Among them,the R2R3MYB CsaV3_4G001130 is the best candidate gene that is responsible for controlling mature fruit colors in cucumber.Sanger sequencing revealed one nonsynonymous SNP in the exon of CsaV3_4G001130 among the selected 11 cucumber lines,which introduced a premature stop codon,generating a truncated protein in pale yellow or creamy peeled fruits.Yeast two-hybrid assays showed a direct interaction of CsaV3_4G001130 with the bHLH TF CsaV3_1G002260 and the WD40 protein CsaV3_5G001800.However,the interactions were influenced by the nonsynonymous SNP we identified.Our finding revealed that the integrated transcriptome and metabolome analysis further demonstrated that the abundance of some pigmented flavonoids(especially anthocyanins and chalcones)contributed to the coloration of‘PW’fruits.These findings pave the way for elucidation of flavonoid biosynthesis and improvement of cucumber peel color in the future.展开更多
Gummy stem blight(GSB),caused by Didymella bryoniae,is a serious fungal disease that leads to decline in cucumber yield and quality.The molecular mechanism of GSB resistance in cucumber remains unclear.Here,we investi...Gummy stem blight(GSB),caused by Didymella bryoniae,is a serious fungal disease that leads to decline in cucumber yield and quality.The molecular mechanism of GSB resistance in cucumber remains unclear.Here,we investigated the GSB resistance of cucumber core germplasms from four geographic groups at the seedling and adult stages.A total of 9 SNPs related to GSB resistance at the seedling stage and 26 SNPs at the adult stage were identified,of which some are co-localized to previously mapped Quantitative trait loci(QTLs)for GSB resistance(gsb3.2/gsb3.3,gsb5.1,and gsb-s6.2).Based on haplotype analysis and expression levels after inoculation,four candidate genes were identified within the region identified by both Genome-wide association study(GWAS)and previous identified QTL mapping,including Csa3G129470 for gsb3.2/gsb3.3,Csa5G606820 and Csa5G606850 for gsb5.1,and Csa6G079730 for gsb-s6.2.The novel GSB resistant accessions,significant SNPs,and candidate genes facilitate the breeding of GSB resistant cucumber cultivars and provide a novel idea for understanding GSB resistance mechanism in cucumber.展开更多
Sex determination in plants gives rise to unisexual flowers. A better understanding of the regulatory mechanism underlying the production of unisexual flowers will help to clarify the process of sex determination in p...Sex determination in plants gives rise to unisexual flowers. A better understanding of the regulatory mechanism underlying the production of unisexual flowers will help to clarify the process of sex determination in plants and allow researchers and farmers to harness heterosis. Androecious cucumber(Cucumis sativus L.) plants can be used as the male parent when planted alongside a gynoecious line to produce heterozygous seeds, thus reducing the cost of seed production. The isolation and characterization of additional androecious genotypes in varied backgrounds will increase the pool of available germplasm for breeding. Here, we discovered an androecious mutant in a previously generated ethyl methanesulfonate(EMS)-mutagenized library of the cucumber inbred line ‘406’. Genetic analysis, whole-genome resequencing, and molecular marker-assisted verification demonstrated that a nonsynonymous mutation in the ethylene biosynthetic gene 1-AMINOCYCLOPROPANE-1-CARBOXYLATE SYNTHASE 11(ACS11) conferred androecy. The mutation caused an amino acid change from serine(Ser) to phenylalanine(Phe) at position 301(S301F). In vitro enzyme activity assays revealed that this S301F mutation leads to a complete loss of enzymatic activity. This study provides a new germplasm for use in cucumber breeding as the androecious male parent, and it offers new insights into the catalytic mechanism of ACS enzymes.展开更多
In situ mRNA hybridization(ISH)is a powerful tool for examining the spatiotemporal expression of genes in shoot apical meristems and flower buds of cucumber.The most common ISH protocol uses paraffin wax;however,embed...In situ mRNA hybridization(ISH)is a powerful tool for examining the spatiotemporal expression of genes in shoot apical meristems and flower buds of cucumber.The most common ISH protocol uses paraffin wax;however,embedding tissue in paraffin wax can take a long time and might result in RNA degradation and decreased signals.Here,we developed an optimized protocol to simplify the process and improve RNA sensitivity.We combined embedding tissue in low melting-point Steedman’s wax with processing tissue sections in solution,as in the whole-mount ISH method in the optimized protocol.Using the optimized protocol,we examined the expression patterns of the CLAVATA3(CLV3)and WUSCHEL(WUS)genes in shoot apical meristems and floral meristems of Cucumis sativus(cucumber)and Arabidopsis thaliana(Arabidopsis).The optimized protocol saved 4–5 days of experimental period compared with the standard ISH protocol using paraffin wax.Moreover,the optimized protocol achieved high signal sensitivity.The optimized protocol was successful for both cucumber and Arabidopsis,which indicates it might have general applicability to most plants.展开更多
Cucumber is an important vegetable worldwide,and powdery mildew(PM)is a common and serious disease of cucumbers.Breeding disease-resistant cucumber varieties is the most advantageous strategy to control this disease.I...Cucumber is an important vegetable worldwide,and powdery mildew(PM)is a common and serious disease of cucumbers.Breeding disease-resistant cucumber varieties is the most advantageous strategy to control this disease.In recent years,exploration and identification of cucumber PM resistance genes have achieved great advancement,and many genes have been cloned and verified using different methods.However,the resistance mechanism of cucumber PM is still unclear,and many ambiguities need to be elucidated urgently.In this review,we summarized the research advances in PM resistance in cucumbers,including genetic analysis,quantitative trait locus mapping,map-based cloning,transcriptomics,mlo-mediated PM resistance,and mining of noncoding RNAs involved in resistance.Finally,the research directions and the problems that need to be solved in the future were discussed.展开更多
Fruit spine is an important quality trait of cucumber.To better understand the molecular basis of cucumber spine development and function,RNA-Seq was performed to identify differentially expressed genes(DEGs)in fruit ...Fruit spine is an important quality trait of cucumber.To better understand the molecular basis of cucumber spine development and function,RNA-Seq was performed to identify differentially expressed genes(DEGs)in fruit spines of different development stages,namely,8 days before anthesis(SpBA8),anthesis(SpA)and 8 days after anthesis(SpAA8).Stage-wise comparisons obtained 2,259(SpBA8 vs.SpA),4,551(SpA vs.SpAA8),and 5,290(SpBA8 vs.SpAA8)DEGs.All the DEGs were classified into eight expression clusters by trend analysis.Among these DEGs,in addition to the Mict,Tril,CsTTG1,CsMYB6,NS,and Tu genes that have been reported to regulate fruit spine formation,we found that the CsHDG11,CsSCL8,CsSPL8,CsZFP6 and CsZFP8 may also be involved in spine development in cucumber.Our study provides a theoretical basis for further research on molecular mechanisms of spine development in cucumber.展开更多
Sea cucumber detection is widely recognized as the key to automatic culture.The underwater light environment is complex and easily obscured by mud,sand,reefs,and other underwater organisms.To date,research on sea cucu...Sea cucumber detection is widely recognized as the key to automatic culture.The underwater light environment is complex and easily obscured by mud,sand,reefs,and other underwater organisms.To date,research on sea cucumber detection has mostly concentrated on the distinction between prospective objects and the background.However,the key to proper distinction is the effective extraction of sea cucumber feature information.In this study,the edge-enhanced scaling You Only Look Once-v4(YOLOv4)(ESYv4)was proposed for sea cucumber detection.By emphasizing the target features in a way that reduced the impact of different hues and brightness values underwater on the misjudgment of sea cucumbers,a bidirectional cascade network(BDCN)was used to extract the overall edge greyscale image in the image and add up the original RGB image as the detected input.Meanwhile,the YOLOv4 model for backbone detection is scaled,and the number of parameters is reduced to 48%of the original number of parameters.Validation results of 783images indicated that the detection precision of positive sea cucumber samples reached 0.941.This improvement reflects that the algorithm is more effective to improve the edge feature information of the target.It thus contributes to the automatic multi-objective detection of underwater sea cucumbers.展开更多
[Objectives]Proteomics methods were used to analyze the total proteome of Holothuria leucospilota in the South China Sea,so as to provide a theoretical basis for elucidating the medicinal material basis of sea cucumbe...[Objectives]Proteomics methods were used to analyze the total proteome of Holothuria leucospilota in the South China Sea,so as to provide a theoretical basis for elucidating the medicinal material basis of sea cucumber proteins and peptides.[Methods]H.leucospilota was collected from the South China Sea.Label-free proteomics methods were used to detect the protein profile of enzymatically hydrolyzed H.leucospilota total protein,and identify sea cucumber protein and peptide sequences,and gene ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)bioinformatics analysis software were used to analyze significantly enriched proteins.The String database was used to construct a protein-protein interaction network of significantly enriched H.leucospilota proteins(PPI network).[Results]Proteomics identified 1200 sea cucumber proteins and 2967 peptides.GO analysis and KEGG analysis showed that the four significantly-enriched sea cucumber proteins hsc70,COX,CYTB and rbbp4 participated in 8 metabolic pathways,and COX1 and CYTB among them were significantly related to cardiac muscle contraction,oxidative phosphorylation and metabolic pathways.The PPI network analysis showed that the 13 significantly-enriched sea cucumber proteins had close protein-protein interaction relationships.[Conclusions]This study used proteomics to conduct preliminary identification and research on the proteins and peptides of H.leucospilota,providing a scientific basis for the application of H.leucospilota proteins and peptides in the fields of functional health food and drug research and development.展开更多
A new triterpene glycoside, leucospilotaside A, along with a known saponin, isolated from sea cucumber Holothuria leucospilota, and its structure was elucidated as 3β-O-[4-O-sodiumsulfate-β-D-quinovopyranosyl-(1→2)...A new triterpene glycoside, leucospilotaside A, along with a known saponin, isolated from sea cucumber Holothuria leucospilota, and its structure was elucidated as 3β-O-[4-O-sodiumsulfate-β-D-quinovopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-xylopyranosyl]-holosta-22-ketone-9-en-17α,25α-diol (1) by extensive spectroscopic analysis and chemical methods. Leucospilotaside A (1) has a ketone carbonyl group (22) in the aglycon side chain.展开更多
The sea cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus, is an important marine aquaculture species in China. After nearly thirty years of development, the production of A. japonicus has become commercially lucrative and successful....The sea cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus, is an important marine aquaculture species in China. After nearly thirty years of development, the production of A. japonicus has become commercially lucrative and successful. In this report, current advances in sea cucumber industry are addressed in terms of the basic biology, culturing methods, and health care bene?ts. Next, the challenges restricting development of the sea cucumber industry are discussed, including weaknesses in the basic biological research, the problem of germplasm degradation, environmental stress caused by global climate change, and food safety problems. Finally, several strategies are presented that might contribute to sustainable development of the sea cucumber industry. These strategies include advances in genome studies, behavioral studies, selective breeding, ecological culture technologies, reforms in food safety management, and the development of health care functions based on contemporary medical practices. Thus, our work provides new insights into how to explore the sustainable development of the sea cucumber industry in the future.展开更多
In our previous studies, we identified 3 Trichoderma strains with anti-Fusarium oxysporum activity, including T. asperellum 525, T. harzianum 610, and T. pseudokoningii 886. Here, we evaluated the effects of these 3 T...In our previous studies, we identified 3 Trichoderma strains with anti-Fusarium oxysporum activity, including T. asperellum 525, T. harzianum 610, and T. pseudokoningii 886. Here, we evaluated the effects of these 3 Trichoderma strains on preventing cucumber fusarium wilt through pot culture and greenhouse culture experiments. All 3 Trichoderma strains demonstrated higher control effects toward cucumber fusarium wilt than previous studies, with efficacies over 78%. Additionally, inoculation with the 3 Trichoderma strains significantly promoted the quality and yield of cucumbers. Among the 3 strains, Trichoderma 866 was the most effective, with disease control efficacy of 78.64% and a cucumber yield increase of 33%. Furthermore, seedlings inoculated with Trichoderma exhibited significantly increased measures of plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, aboveground fresh weight, underground fresh weight, chlorophyll content, and nitric nitrogen content, as well as the activities of several stress-resistance enzymes, including superoxide dismutase(SOD), peroxidase(POD), catalase(CAT), polyphenol oxidase(PPO), and ascorbate oxidase(AAO). In addition, the plants inoculated with Trichoderma showed decreased cell membrane permeability and malondialdehyde(MDA) content in the leaves. Together, our results suggest that T. asperellum 525, T. harzianum 610, and T. pseudokoningii 886 inoculations inhibit F. oxysporum infection, stimulate the metabolism in cucumbers, and enhance the activities of stress-resistance enzymes, which consequently promote the growth of cucumber plants, prevent cucumber fusarium wilt, and improve the yield and quality of cucumbers. T. harzianum is a commonly used biocontrol fungus, while few studies have focused on T. asperellum or T. koningense. In this study, strains of T. asperellum and T. pseudokoningii showed excellent plant disease prevention and growth promoting effects on cucumber, indicating that they also have great potential as biocontrol fungi.展开更多
The highly-damaging root-knot nematode(Meloidogyne spp.,RKN)cannot be reliably controlled using only a nematicide such as fosthiazate because of increasing pest resistance.In laboratory and greenhouse trials,we showed...The highly-damaging root-knot nematode(Meloidogyne spp.,RKN)cannot be reliably controlled using only a nematicide such as fosthiazate because of increasing pest resistance.In laboratory and greenhouse trials,we showed that chloropicrin(CP)or dazomet(DZ)synergized the efficacy of fosthiazate against RKN.The combination significantly extended the degradation half-life of fosthiazate by an average of about 1.25 times.CP or DZ with fosthiazate reduced the time for fosthiazate to penetrate the RKN cuticle compared to fosthiazate alone.CP or DZ combined with low or medium rate of fosthiazate increased the total cucumber yield,compared to the use of each product alone.A low-dose fosthiazate with DZ improved total yield more than a low dose fosthiazate with CP.Extending the half-life of fosthiazate and reducing the time for fosthiazate or fumigant to penetrate the RKN cuticle were the two features that gave the fumigant-fosthiazate combination its synergistic advantage over these products used singularly.This synergy provides the opportunity for farmers to use a low dose of fosthiazate which lowers the risk of RKN resistance.Farmers could combine DZ at 30 g m^-2 with fosthiazate at a low rate of 0.375 g m^-2 to control RKN and adequately control two major soil-borne diseases in cucumber greenhouses.展开更多
The mechanism of melatonin(MT)induced chilling tolerance in harvested cucumber fruit was investigated at commercial maturity.In this study,cucumber fruits were treated with 100μmol L^(-1) MT at 4℃ and 90% relative h...The mechanism of melatonin(MT)induced chilling tolerance in harvested cucumber fruit was investigated at commercial maturity.In this study,cucumber fruits were treated with 100μmol L^(-1) MT at 4℃ and 90% relative humidity for 15 d of storage.In comparison with the control,cucumber treatment with MT resulted in reduced chilling injury(CI),decreased electrolyte leakage and enhanced firmness.The fruits treated with MT showed higher chlorophyll contents in storage conditions with suppressed chlorophyllase enzyme activity.MT treatment increased arginine decarboxylase(ADC)and ornithine decarboxylase(ODC)enzyme activities.Moreover,enhanced expression of the Cucumis sativus ADC(CsADC)and C.sativus ODC(CsODC)genes resulted in the accumulation of polyamine contents.Similarly,proline levels exhibited higher levels among treated fruits.Meanwhile,the proline synthesizing enzymes △1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate syntheses(P5CS)and ornithine aminotransferase(OAT)were significantly increased,while a catabolic enzyme of proline dehydrogenase(PDH)activity was inhibited by treatment.In addition,MT induced expression of C.sativus OAT(CsOAT)and C.sativus P5CS(CsP5CS)genes.Cucumber fruits treated with MT also exhibited higher γ-aminobutyric acid(GABA)content by enhanced GABA transaminase(GABA-T)and glutamate decarboxylase(GAD)enzyme activities and a higher C.sativus GAD(CsGAD)gene expression.To sum up,the results show that MT treatment enhanced chilling tolerance,which was associated with the regulation of polyamines,as well as proline and γ-aminobutyric acid.展开更多
Allelopathy is prevalent in agricultural ecosystems and mediated by plant-derived secondary metabolites(allelochemicals).Allelochemicals are released by donor plants and affect the root growth and development of recep...Allelopathy is prevalent in agricultural ecosystems and mediated by plant-derived secondary metabolites(allelochemicals).Allelochemicals are released by donor plants and affect the root growth and development of receptor plants.Allelopathy is responsible for the continuous cropping obstacles in cucumber(Cucumis sativus L.).p-Hydroxybenzoic acid(pHBA),an autotoxin from root exudates of cucumber,has been proposed to be an important allelopathic chemical.However,the molecular mechanism by which pHBA affect root growth and development in cucumber is unknown.Here,we found that pHBA treatment suppressed root growth of cucumber by reducing the meristem activity and cell length.This root growth defect is caused by reduced reactive oxygen species(ROS)accumulation in root tips.After pHBA treatment,the expression levels of several ROS-scavenging-related genes were increased,including peroxidase(POD),catalase(CAT)and metallothionein(MT).Moreover,exogenously application of salicylhydroxamate(SHAM),a peroxidase inhibitor,can partially restore the pHBA treatment induced root growth inhibition.Furthermore,we found that there is natural variation for the inhibitory effect of pHBA on root growth.We also showed that pHBA treatment could maintain higher level of ROS accumulated in the pHBA less sensitive cucumber than that in the pHBA-sensitive cucumber.These results suggest that pHBA inhibits root growth by reducing root tip ROS level in cucumber.展开更多
Sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus is an important marine economic species in Asian countries due to its profound nutritional and medicinal value. So far, with the rapid development of intensifi ed artifi cial aquacu...Sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus is an important marine economic species in Asian countries due to its profound nutritional and medicinal value. So far, with the rapid development of intensifi ed artifi cial aquaculture of sea cucumbers, the use of antibiotics is still an inexpensive and dispensable way to treat pathogenic infections, especially during the nursery phase. However, there is little information on the eff ects of antibiotics on the intestinal microbiota of sea cucumber. Therefore an Illumina based sequencing method was used to examine the intestinal bacterial composition of juvenile A . japonicas following diets with three typical antibiotics (tetracycline, erythromycin, and norfl oxacin) under 15, 30, and 45 d. The fi ndings reveal that diff erent antibiotics have distinct eff ects on the growth performance of juvenile sea cucumbers. However, the richness and diversity of microbiota were barely aff ected by antibiotics but the community composition alterations indicated that the three antibiotics exhibited their respective patterns of reshaping the intestinal bacteria of juvenile sea cucumbers. In common, the abundance of some sensitive genera with helpful functions, such as Thalassotalea , Shewanella , Sulfi tobacter , and Halomonas decreased signifi cantly with exposure to antibiotics and the abundance of multiple potential pathogenic- and suspected antibiotic-resistant microorganisms like Arcobacter , Leucothrix , and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 was found increased signifi cantly in the antibiotic groups. These results suggest that low doses of antibiotics could aff ect the composition of the intestinal microbiota of sea cucumbers and might increase the risk of infection of the hosts. This study could help us to explore how antibacterial compounds modify the gut microbiota of sea cucumbers and provide theoretical guidance in hatchery management by scientifi c antibiotic use in sea cucumber mariculture.展开更多
To gain insight into the molecular and genetic basis of fruit size and shape in cucumber,we conducted Quantitative Trait Locus(QTL)mapping with F2 and BC1F1 populations derived froma cross between the Northern-China t...To gain insight into the molecular and genetic basis of fruit size and shape in cucumber,we conducted Quantitative Trait Locus(QTL)mapping with F2 and BC1F1 populations derived froma cross between the Northern-China type inbred line CNS21 and the Southern-China type inbred line RNS7.Populations were evaluated during two developmental stages,ovary at anthesis and commercial fruit(immature fruit).A total of 13 major-effect QTLs(R2>10%)were detected for six traits,and one of them,fruit shape index 2.1,explained more than 50%of phenotypic variation.All QTLs distributed on chromosome(chr)1 and 2.We constructed a physical map containing almost all of the QTLs with their physical location from previous studies.For fruit size and shape,the highest number of QTLs were mapped on chr1 and chr6,and the fewest number were mapped on chr2 and chr7.At least one consensus region was presented on each chromosome.In addition,three candidate genes were predicted between the long-fruited and round-fruited inbred lines by comparing the sequences of the consensus region of chr3,where many QTLs for marketable fruit length had been detected.Our results provide a base for additional QTLs and molecular markers for fruit size and shape in cucumber breeding.展开更多
The complement system plays a crucial role in the innate immune system of animals. It can be activated by distinct yet overlapping classical, alternative and lectin pathways. In the alternative pathway, complement fac...The complement system plays a crucial role in the innate immune system of animals. It can be activated by distinct yet overlapping classical, alternative and lectin pathways. In the alternative pathway, complement factor B(Bf) serves as the catalytic subunit of complement component 3(C3) convertase, which plays the central role among three activation pathways. In this study, the Bf gene in sea cucumber(Apostichopus japonicus), termed Aj Bf, was obtained by rapid amplification of c DNA ends(RACE). The full-length c DNA of Aj Bf was 3231 bp in length barring the poly(A) tail. It contained an open reading frame(ORF) of 2742 bp encoding 913 amino acids, a 105 bp 5'-UTR(5'-terminal untranslated region) and a 384 bp 3'-UTR. Aj Bf was a mosaic protein with six CCP(complement control protein) domains, a VWA(von Willebrand factor A) domain, and a serine protease domain. The deduced molecular weight of Aj Bf protein was 101 k Da. Quantitative real time PCR(q RT-PCR) analysis indicated that the expression level of Aj Bf in A. japonicus was obviously higher at larval stage than that at embryonic stage. Expression detection in different tissues showed that Aj Bf expressed higher in coelomocytes than in other four tissues. In addation, Aj Bf expression in different tissues was induced significantly after LPS or Poly I:C challenge. These results indicated that Aj Bf plays an important role in immune responses to pathogen infection.展开更多
基金supported by grants from the Key Project of Guangzhou (Grant No.202103000085)National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No.31902014)+1 种基金Guangzhou Science and Technology Project (Grant No.202102020502)Fruit and Vegetable Industry System Innovation Team Project of Guangdong (Grant No.2021KJ110)。
文摘High-temperature stress threatens the growth and yield of crops. Basic helix-loop-helix(bHLH) transcription factors(TFs) have been shown to play important roles in regulating high-temperature resistance in plants. However, the bHLH TFs responsible for high-temperature tolerance in cucumbers have not been identified. We used transcriptome profiling to screen the high temperature-responsive candidate bHLH TFs in cucumber. Here, we found that the expression of 75 CsbHLH genes was altered under high-temperature stress. The expression of the CsSPT gene was induced by high temperatures in TT(Thermotolerant) cucumber plants. However, the Csspt mutant plants obtained by the CRISPR-Cas9 system showed severe thermosensitive symptoms, including wilted leaves with brown margins and reduced root density and cell activity.The Csspt mutant plants also exhibited elevated H_(2)O_(2) levels and down-regulated photosystem-related genes under normal conditions.Furthermore, there were high relative electrolytic leakage(REC), malondialdehyde(MDA), glutathione(GSH), and superoxide radical(O_(2)^(·-)) levels in the Csspt mutant plants, with decreased Proline content after the high-temperature treatment. Transcriptome analysis showed that the photosystem and chloroplast activities in Csspt mutant plants were extremely disrupted by the high-temperature stress compared with wildtype(WT) plants. Moreover, the plant hormone signal transduction, as well as MAPK and calcium signaling pathways were activated in Csspt mutant plants under high-temperature stress. The HSF and HSP family genes shared the same upregulated expression patterns in Csspt and WT plants under high-temperature conditions. However, most bHLH, NAC, and bZIP family genes were significantly down-regulated by heat in Csspt mutant plants. Thus, these results demonstrated that CsSPT regulated the high-temperature response by recruiting photosynthesis components, signaling pathway molecules, and transcription factors. Our results provide important insights into the heat response mechanism of CsSPT in cucumber and its potential as a target for breeding heat-resistant crops.
基金supported by the the“JBGS”Project of Seed Industry Revitalization in Jiangsu Province,China(JBGS[2021]018)the Jiangsu Agricultural Innovation of New Cultivars,China(PZCZ201720)the Open Project Program of Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Horticultural Crop Genetic Improvement,China(K2020030)。
文摘Leaf color mutants in higher plants are considered to be ideal materials for studying the chlorophyll biosynthesis,photosynthesis mechanism and chloroplast development.Herein,we identified a spontaneous mutant,yc412,in cultivated cucumber that exhibited yellow cotyledons.The yellow-lethal mutant was diagnosed with an abnormal chloroplast ultrastructure,and reduced photosynthetic capacity and pigment content.Through bulked segregant analysis-based whole-genome sequencing and fine genetic mapping,we narrowed the yellow cotyledons (yc) locus to a 96.8 kb interval on chromosome 3.By resequencing and molecular cloning,we showed that Csyc is a potential candidate gene,which encodes a yellow stripe-like (YSL) transporter.The T to C mutation in the promoter region of Csyc caused the yellow cotyledon phenotype in yc412.Compared to YZU027A (WT),the expression of Csyc was significantly downregulated in the cotyledons of yc412.Silencing of Csyc in cucumber via virus-induced gene silencing resulted in chlorotic leaves,mainly by suppressing the chlorophyll content.Furthermore,a comparative transcriptome analysis revealed that chloroplast-related genes and chlorophyll biosynthesis genes were significantly downregulated in yc412 cotyledons.Our results provide new insights into the molecular function of the YSL transporter in plant chloroplast development and chlorophyll synthesis.
文摘This study was conducted to provide a preliminary assessment of the sea cucumber fishery in Aurora, Philippines. This was conducted from February to June 2013. All sea cucumber gatherers and traders, obtained through snowball sampling, in each identified sea cucumber fishery area in six coastal municipalities (Baler, Dipaculao, Dinalungan, Casiguran, Dilasag and Dingalan) were interviewed using a structured interview schedule and focused group discussions (FGD). Results revealed that gathering sea cucumbers were accomplished by handpicking, skin diving or compressor diving. A total of 15 commercial species were regularly gathered. Out of this, three species are of very high economic value (≥Php 4000/kg) (Holothuria nobilis, Holothuria scabra, and Actinopyga lecanora). The average number of kilograms harvested per hour per trip ranges from 0.21 (Holothuria fuscopunctata) to 2.71 (Holothuria scabra), while the average size of commonly gathered sea cucumber varies among species with Holothuria lecanora showed an average length (29.26 cm) greater than recorded 24 cm. Processing mainly involves washing, slicing, boiling, drying and packing. Processed sea cucumbers or trepan were sold to middlemen or direct buyers who usually offered higher prices (36.36% up to 69.20%) than the former. Problems encountered by sea cucumber gatherers and traders include a decline in total catch, a shift in area of collection from intertidal zones to deeper waters, an increase in the number of hours spent in finding and gathering sea cucumbers, the use of compressors in gathering, the decline of larger species and gathering of smaller sizes in huge amount, the absence of conservation program for sea cucumber, and the lenient implementation of government policies with regards to coastal resources management.
基金The‘JBGS’Project of Seed Industry Revitalization in Jiangsu Province[Grant No.JBGS(2021)018]the Jiangsu Agricultural Innovation of New Cultivars(Grant No.PZCZ201720)+2 种基金the Jiangsu Agriculture Science and Technology Innovation Fund[Grant No.CX(20)3103]the Open Project Program of Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Horticultural Crop Genetic Improvement(Grant No.K2020030)the Open Project Program of Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety,the Ministry of Education of China(Grant No.JILAR-KF202001).
文摘The fruit peel color is a crucial trait of cucumber.To better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying cucumber peel coloration,we compared the UPLC-ESI-MS/MS-based flavonoid metabolomic and RNA sequencing-based transcriptomic profiling of the brown peeled cucumber line‘PW’at six developmental stages.A total of 210 flavonoid metabolites were identified.Of which,117 flavonoid metabolites were differentially accumulated.In this study,weighted gene co-expression network analysis combined with Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genomes enrichment analysis revealed key genes coding for seven enzymes and eight transcription factors(TFs)associated with flavonoid biosynthesis.Among them,the R2R3MYB CsaV3_4G001130 is the best candidate gene that is responsible for controlling mature fruit colors in cucumber.Sanger sequencing revealed one nonsynonymous SNP in the exon of CsaV3_4G001130 among the selected 11 cucumber lines,which introduced a premature stop codon,generating a truncated protein in pale yellow or creamy peeled fruits.Yeast two-hybrid assays showed a direct interaction of CsaV3_4G001130 with the bHLH TF CsaV3_1G002260 and the WD40 protein CsaV3_5G001800.However,the interactions were influenced by the nonsynonymous SNP we identified.Our finding revealed that the integrated transcriptome and metabolome analysis further demonstrated that the abundance of some pigmented flavonoids(especially anthocyanins and chalcones)contributed to the coloration of‘PW’fruits.These findings pave the way for elucidation of flavonoid biosynthesis and improvement of cucumber peel color in the future.
基金supported by the Earmarked Fund for Modern Agro-industry Technology Research System(Grant No.CARS-23)the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences(Grant No.CAASASTIP-IVFCAAS)the Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops,Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs,P.R.China.
文摘Gummy stem blight(GSB),caused by Didymella bryoniae,is a serious fungal disease that leads to decline in cucumber yield and quality.The molecular mechanism of GSB resistance in cucumber remains unclear.Here,we investigated the GSB resistance of cucumber core germplasms from four geographic groups at the seedling and adult stages.A total of 9 SNPs related to GSB resistance at the seedling stage and 26 SNPs at the adult stage were identified,of which some are co-localized to previously mapped Quantitative trait loci(QTLs)for GSB resistance(gsb3.2/gsb3.3,gsb5.1,and gsb-s6.2).Based on haplotype analysis and expression levels after inoculation,four candidate genes were identified within the region identified by both Genome-wide association study(GWAS)and previous identified QTL mapping,including Csa3G129470 for gsb3.2/gsb3.3,Csa5G606820 and Csa5G606850 for gsb5.1,and Csa6G079730 for gsb-s6.2.The novel GSB resistant accessions,significant SNPs,and candidate genes facilitate the breeding of GSB resistant cucumber cultivars and provide a novel idea for understanding GSB resistance mechanism in cucumber.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2018YFD1000803)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31701933 and 32002036)the Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation, China (ZR2020QC157)。
文摘Sex determination in plants gives rise to unisexual flowers. A better understanding of the regulatory mechanism underlying the production of unisexual flowers will help to clarify the process of sex determination in plants and allow researchers and farmers to harness heterosis. Androecious cucumber(Cucumis sativus L.) plants can be used as the male parent when planted alongside a gynoecious line to produce heterozygous seeds, thus reducing the cost of seed production. The isolation and characterization of additional androecious genotypes in varied backgrounds will increase the pool of available germplasm for breeding. Here, we discovered an androecious mutant in a previously generated ethyl methanesulfonate(EMS)-mutagenized library of the cucumber inbred line ‘406’. Genetic analysis, whole-genome resequencing, and molecular marker-assisted verification demonstrated that a nonsynonymous mutation in the ethylene biosynthetic gene 1-AMINOCYCLOPROPANE-1-CARBOXYLATE SYNTHASE 11(ACS11) conferred androecy. The mutation caused an amino acid change from serine(Ser) to phenylalanine(Phe) at position 301(S301F). In vitro enzyme activity assays revealed that this S301F mutation leads to a complete loss of enzymatic activity. This study provides a new germplasm for use in cucumber breeding as the androecious male parent, and it offers new insights into the catalytic mechanism of ACS enzymes.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32002036)。
文摘In situ mRNA hybridization(ISH)is a powerful tool for examining the spatiotemporal expression of genes in shoot apical meristems and flower buds of cucumber.The most common ISH protocol uses paraffin wax;however,embedding tissue in paraffin wax can take a long time and might result in RNA degradation and decreased signals.Here,we developed an optimized protocol to simplify the process and improve RNA sensitivity.We combined embedding tissue in low melting-point Steedman’s wax with processing tissue sections in solution,as in the whole-mount ISH method in the optimized protocol.Using the optimized protocol,we examined the expression patterns of the CLAVATA3(CLV3)and WUSCHEL(WUS)genes in shoot apical meristems and floral meristems of Cucumis sativus(cucumber)and Arabidopsis thaliana(Arabidopsis).The optimized protocol saved 4–5 days of experimental period compared with the standard ISH protocol using paraffin wax.Moreover,the optimized protocol achieved high signal sensitivity.The optimized protocol was successful for both cucumber and Arabidopsis,which indicates it might have general applicability to most plants.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.31701915)Zhejiang Province Public Welfare Technology Application Research Project(Grant No.LGN19C150007).
文摘Cucumber is an important vegetable worldwide,and powdery mildew(PM)is a common and serious disease of cucumbers.Breeding disease-resistant cucumber varieties is the most advantageous strategy to control this disease.In recent years,exploration and identification of cucumber PM resistance genes have achieved great advancement,and many genes have been cloned and verified using different methods.However,the resistance mechanism of cucumber PM is still unclear,and many ambiguities need to be elucidated urgently.In this review,we summarized the research advances in PM resistance in cucumbers,including genetic analysis,quantitative trait locus mapping,map-based cloning,transcriptomics,mlo-mediated PM resistance,and mining of noncoding RNAs involved in resistance.Finally,the research directions and the problems that need to be solved in the future were discussed.
基金sponsored by the Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai(20ZR1439600,19ZR1436500)the Agricultural Field Project of Shanghai“Action Plan for Scientific and Technological Innovation”(20392001300)+1 种基金the Young and Middle-Aged Leading Talent Project of Shanghai Vocational College of Agriculture and Forestry(A2-0273-20-01-16)the Project of Shanghai Vocational College of Agriculture and Forestry(KY2-0000-20-01).
文摘Fruit spine is an important quality trait of cucumber.To better understand the molecular basis of cucumber spine development and function,RNA-Seq was performed to identify differentially expressed genes(DEGs)in fruit spines of different development stages,namely,8 days before anthesis(SpBA8),anthesis(SpA)and 8 days after anthesis(SpAA8).Stage-wise comparisons obtained 2,259(SpBA8 vs.SpA),4,551(SpA vs.SpAA8),and 5,290(SpBA8 vs.SpAA8)DEGs.All the DEGs were classified into eight expression clusters by trend analysis.Among these DEGs,in addition to the Mict,Tril,CsTTG1,CsMYB6,NS,and Tu genes that have been reported to regulate fruit spine formation,we found that the CsHDG11,CsSCL8,CsSPL8,CsZFP6 and CsZFP8 may also be involved in spine development in cucumber.Our study provides a theoretical basis for further research on molecular mechanisms of spine development in cucumber.
基金supported by Scientific Research Project of Tianjin Education Commission(Nos.2020KJ091,2018KJ184)National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2020YFD0900600)+1 种基金the Earmarked Fund for CARS(No.CARS-47)Tianjin Mariculture Industry Technology System Innovation Team Construction Project(No.ITTMRS2021000)。
文摘Sea cucumber detection is widely recognized as the key to automatic culture.The underwater light environment is complex and easily obscured by mud,sand,reefs,and other underwater organisms.To date,research on sea cucumber detection has mostly concentrated on the distinction between prospective objects and the background.However,the key to proper distinction is the effective extraction of sea cucumber feature information.In this study,the edge-enhanced scaling You Only Look Once-v4(YOLOv4)(ESYv4)was proposed for sea cucumber detection.By emphasizing the target features in a way that reduced the impact of different hues and brightness values underwater on the misjudgment of sea cucumbers,a bidirectional cascade network(BDCN)was used to extract the overall edge greyscale image in the image and add up the original RGB image as the detected input.Meanwhile,the YOLOv4 model for backbone detection is scaled,and the number of parameters is reduced to 48%of the original number of parameters.Validation results of 783images indicated that the detection precision of positive sea cucumber samples reached 0.941.This improvement reflects that the algorithm is more effective to improve the edge feature information of the target.It thus contributes to the automatic multi-objective detection of underwater sea cucumbers.
基金Supported by Scientific Research Program of Higher Education Institutions in Hainan Province(Hnky2019-110).
文摘[Objectives]Proteomics methods were used to analyze the total proteome of Holothuria leucospilota in the South China Sea,so as to provide a theoretical basis for elucidating the medicinal material basis of sea cucumber proteins and peptides.[Methods]H.leucospilota was collected from the South China Sea.Label-free proteomics methods were used to detect the protein profile of enzymatically hydrolyzed H.leucospilota total protein,and identify sea cucumber protein and peptide sequences,and gene ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)bioinformatics analysis software were used to analyze significantly enriched proteins.The String database was used to construct a protein-protein interaction network of significantly enriched H.leucospilota proteins(PPI network).[Results]Proteomics identified 1200 sea cucumber proteins and 2967 peptides.GO analysis and KEGG analysis showed that the four significantly-enriched sea cucumber proteins hsc70,COX,CYTB and rbbp4 participated in 8 metabolic pathways,and COX1 and CYTB among them were significantly related to cardiac muscle contraction,oxidative phosphorylation and metabolic pathways.The PPI network analysis showed that the 13 significantly-enriched sea cucumber proteins had close protein-protein interaction relationships.[Conclusions]This study used proteomics to conduct preliminary identification and research on the proteins and peptides of H.leucospilota,providing a scientific basis for the application of H.leucospilota proteins and peptides in the fields of functional health food and drug research and development.
文摘A new triterpene glycoside, leucospilotaside A, along with a known saponin, isolated from sea cucumber Holothuria leucospilota, and its structure was elucidated as 3β-O-[4-O-sodiumsulfate-β-D-quinovopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-xylopyranosyl]-holosta-22-ketone-9-en-17α,25α-diol (1) by extensive spectroscopic analysis and chemical methods. Leucospilotaside A (1) has a ketone carbonyl group (22) in the aglycon side chain.
基金Supported by the Agricultural Seed Project of Shandong Province,the Strategic Priority Research Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences(No.XDA11020703)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.41676136,41606171)+1 种基金the Nature Science Foundation of Shandong Province(No.ZR2016CQ04)the Taishan Scholars Program(Distinguished Taishan Scholars)
文摘The sea cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus, is an important marine aquaculture species in China. After nearly thirty years of development, the production of A. japonicus has become commercially lucrative and successful. In this report, current advances in sea cucumber industry are addressed in terms of the basic biology, culturing methods, and health care bene?ts. Next, the challenges restricting development of the sea cucumber industry are discussed, including weaknesses in the basic biological research, the problem of germplasm degradation, environmental stress caused by global climate change, and food safety problems. Finally, several strategies are presented that might contribute to sustainable development of the sea cucumber industry. These strategies include advances in genome studies, behavioral studies, selective breeding, ecological culture technologies, reforms in food safety management, and the development of health care functions based on contemporary medical practices. Thus, our work provides new insights into how to explore the sustainable development of the sea cucumber industry in the future.
基金support from the National Key R&D Program of China (2018YFD0201202)the National Science and Technology Basic Work, China (2014FY120900)the 948 Program of China (2011-G4)
文摘In our previous studies, we identified 3 Trichoderma strains with anti-Fusarium oxysporum activity, including T. asperellum 525, T. harzianum 610, and T. pseudokoningii 886. Here, we evaluated the effects of these 3 Trichoderma strains on preventing cucumber fusarium wilt through pot culture and greenhouse culture experiments. All 3 Trichoderma strains demonstrated higher control effects toward cucumber fusarium wilt than previous studies, with efficacies over 78%. Additionally, inoculation with the 3 Trichoderma strains significantly promoted the quality and yield of cucumbers. Among the 3 strains, Trichoderma 866 was the most effective, with disease control efficacy of 78.64% and a cucumber yield increase of 33%. Furthermore, seedlings inoculated with Trichoderma exhibited significantly increased measures of plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, aboveground fresh weight, underground fresh weight, chlorophyll content, and nitric nitrogen content, as well as the activities of several stress-resistance enzymes, including superoxide dismutase(SOD), peroxidase(POD), catalase(CAT), polyphenol oxidase(PPO), and ascorbate oxidase(AAO). In addition, the plants inoculated with Trichoderma showed decreased cell membrane permeability and malondialdehyde(MDA) content in the leaves. Together, our results suggest that T. asperellum 525, T. harzianum 610, and T. pseudokoningii 886 inoculations inhibit F. oxysporum infection, stimulate the metabolism in cucumbers, and enhance the activities of stress-resistance enzymes, which consequently promote the growth of cucumber plants, prevent cucumber fusarium wilt, and improve the yield and quality of cucumbers. T. harzianum is a commonly used biocontrol fungus, while few studies have focused on T. asperellum or T. koningense. In this study, strains of T. asperellum and T. pseudokoningii showed excellent plant disease prevention and growth promoting effects on cucumber, indicating that they also have great potential as biocontrol fungi.
基金financial support from the Key Research and Development Program of China (2017YFD0201600)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31672066)+1 种基金the China Scholarship Council (201704280020)the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program of China over the years
文摘The highly-damaging root-knot nematode(Meloidogyne spp.,RKN)cannot be reliably controlled using only a nematicide such as fosthiazate because of increasing pest resistance.In laboratory and greenhouse trials,we showed that chloropicrin(CP)or dazomet(DZ)synergized the efficacy of fosthiazate against RKN.The combination significantly extended the degradation half-life of fosthiazate by an average of about 1.25 times.CP or DZ with fosthiazate reduced the time for fosthiazate to penetrate the RKN cuticle compared to fosthiazate alone.CP or DZ combined with low or medium rate of fosthiazate increased the total cucumber yield,compared to the use of each product alone.A low-dose fosthiazate with DZ improved total yield more than a low dose fosthiazate with CP.Extending the half-life of fosthiazate and reducing the time for fosthiazate or fumigant to penetrate the RKN cuticle were the two features that gave the fumigant-fosthiazate combination its synergistic advantage over these products used singularly.This synergy provides the opportunity for farmers to use a low dose of fosthiazate which lowers the risk of RKN resistance.Farmers could combine DZ at 30 g m^-2 with fosthiazate at a low rate of 0.375 g m^-2 to control RKN and adequately control two major soil-borne diseases in cucumber greenhouses.
基金supported by the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions and Program for Student Innovation through Research and Training(SRT),China(1918C12)。
文摘The mechanism of melatonin(MT)induced chilling tolerance in harvested cucumber fruit was investigated at commercial maturity.In this study,cucumber fruits were treated with 100μmol L^(-1) MT at 4℃ and 90% relative humidity for 15 d of storage.In comparison with the control,cucumber treatment with MT resulted in reduced chilling injury(CI),decreased electrolyte leakage and enhanced firmness.The fruits treated with MT showed higher chlorophyll contents in storage conditions with suppressed chlorophyllase enzyme activity.MT treatment increased arginine decarboxylase(ADC)and ornithine decarboxylase(ODC)enzyme activities.Moreover,enhanced expression of the Cucumis sativus ADC(CsADC)and C.sativus ODC(CsODC)genes resulted in the accumulation of polyamine contents.Similarly,proline levels exhibited higher levels among treated fruits.Meanwhile,the proline synthesizing enzymes △1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate syntheses(P5CS)and ornithine aminotransferase(OAT)were significantly increased,while a catabolic enzyme of proline dehydrogenase(PDH)activity was inhibited by treatment.In addition,MT induced expression of C.sativus OAT(CsOAT)and C.sativus P5CS(CsP5CS)genes.Cucumber fruits treated with MT also exhibited higher γ-aminobutyric acid(GABA)content by enhanced GABA transaminase(GABA-T)and glutamate decarboxylase(GAD)enzyme activities and a higher C.sativus GAD(CsGAD)gene expression.To sum up,the results show that MT treatment enhanced chilling tolerance,which was associated with the regulation of polyamines,as well as proline and γ-aminobutyric acid.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2018YFD1000803)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31800246)
文摘Allelopathy is prevalent in agricultural ecosystems and mediated by plant-derived secondary metabolites(allelochemicals).Allelochemicals are released by donor plants and affect the root growth and development of receptor plants.Allelopathy is responsible for the continuous cropping obstacles in cucumber(Cucumis sativus L.).p-Hydroxybenzoic acid(pHBA),an autotoxin from root exudates of cucumber,has been proposed to be an important allelopathic chemical.However,the molecular mechanism by which pHBA affect root growth and development in cucumber is unknown.Here,we found that pHBA treatment suppressed root growth of cucumber by reducing the meristem activity and cell length.This root growth defect is caused by reduced reactive oxygen species(ROS)accumulation in root tips.After pHBA treatment,the expression levels of several ROS-scavenging-related genes were increased,including peroxidase(POD),catalase(CAT)and metallothionein(MT).Moreover,exogenously application of salicylhydroxamate(SHAM),a peroxidase inhibitor,can partially restore the pHBA treatment induced root growth inhibition.Furthermore,we found that there is natural variation for the inhibitory effect of pHBA on root growth.We also showed that pHBA treatment could maintain higher level of ROS accumulated in the pHBA less sensitive cucumber than that in the pHBA-sensitive cucumber.These results suggest that pHBA inhibits root growth by reducing root tip ROS level in cucumber.
基金Supported by the Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation(No.ZR2017BD026)the Yantai University Doctoral Start-up Foundation(No.HX15B14)the Demonstration Project on Innovative Development of Marine Economy Foundation(No:YHCX-SW-P-201701)
文摘Sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus is an important marine economic species in Asian countries due to its profound nutritional and medicinal value. So far, with the rapid development of intensifi ed artifi cial aquaculture of sea cucumbers, the use of antibiotics is still an inexpensive and dispensable way to treat pathogenic infections, especially during the nursery phase. However, there is little information on the eff ects of antibiotics on the intestinal microbiota of sea cucumber. Therefore an Illumina based sequencing method was used to examine the intestinal bacterial composition of juvenile A . japonicas following diets with three typical antibiotics (tetracycline, erythromycin, and norfl oxacin) under 15, 30, and 45 d. The fi ndings reveal that diff erent antibiotics have distinct eff ects on the growth performance of juvenile sea cucumbers. However, the richness and diversity of microbiota were barely aff ected by antibiotics but the community composition alterations indicated that the three antibiotics exhibited their respective patterns of reshaping the intestinal bacteria of juvenile sea cucumbers. In common, the abundance of some sensitive genera with helpful functions, such as Thalassotalea , Shewanella , Sulfi tobacter , and Halomonas decreased signifi cantly with exposure to antibiotics and the abundance of multiple potential pathogenic- and suspected antibiotic-resistant microorganisms like Arcobacter , Leucothrix , and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 was found increased signifi cantly in the antibiotic groups. These results suggest that low doses of antibiotics could aff ect the composition of the intestinal microbiota of sea cucumbers and might increase the risk of infection of the hosts. This study could help us to explore how antibacterial compounds modify the gut microbiota of sea cucumbers and provide theoretical guidance in hatchery management by scientifi c antibiotic use in sea cucumber mariculture.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.31672170,31872950 and 31222048)the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province(Grant No.JQ201309),the Shandong“Double Tops”Program(Grant No.SYL2017YSTD06)the‘Taishan Scholar’Foundation of the People’s Government of Shandong Province(Grant No.ts20130932).
文摘To gain insight into the molecular and genetic basis of fruit size and shape in cucumber,we conducted Quantitative Trait Locus(QTL)mapping with F2 and BC1F1 populations derived froma cross between the Northern-China type inbred line CNS21 and the Southern-China type inbred line RNS7.Populations were evaluated during two developmental stages,ovary at anthesis and commercial fruit(immature fruit).A total of 13 major-effect QTLs(R2>10%)were detected for six traits,and one of them,fruit shape index 2.1,explained more than 50%of phenotypic variation.All QTLs distributed on chromosome(chr)1 and 2.We constructed a physical map containing almost all of the QTLs with their physical location from previous studies.For fruit size and shape,the highest number of QTLs were mapped on chr1 and chr6,and the fewest number were mapped on chr2 and chr7.At least one consensus region was presented on each chromosome.In addition,three candidate genes were predicted between the long-fruited and round-fruited inbred lines by comparing the sequences of the consensus region of chr3,where many QTLs for marketable fruit length had been detected.Our results provide a base for additional QTLs and molecular markers for fruit size and shape in cucumber breeding.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.31272687 and 30972 272)Science and Technology Project of Liaoning Province(2014203006)+1 种基金Ocean and Fisheries Project of Liaoning Province(201301)Science and Technology Project of Dalian City(2013J21DW025)
文摘The complement system plays a crucial role in the innate immune system of animals. It can be activated by distinct yet overlapping classical, alternative and lectin pathways. In the alternative pathway, complement factor B(Bf) serves as the catalytic subunit of complement component 3(C3) convertase, which plays the central role among three activation pathways. In this study, the Bf gene in sea cucumber(Apostichopus japonicus), termed Aj Bf, was obtained by rapid amplification of c DNA ends(RACE). The full-length c DNA of Aj Bf was 3231 bp in length barring the poly(A) tail. It contained an open reading frame(ORF) of 2742 bp encoding 913 amino acids, a 105 bp 5'-UTR(5'-terminal untranslated region) and a 384 bp 3'-UTR. Aj Bf was a mosaic protein with six CCP(complement control protein) domains, a VWA(von Willebrand factor A) domain, and a serine protease domain. The deduced molecular weight of Aj Bf protein was 101 k Da. Quantitative real time PCR(q RT-PCR) analysis indicated that the expression level of Aj Bf in A. japonicus was obviously higher at larval stage than that at embryonic stage. Expression detection in different tissues showed that Aj Bf expressed higher in coelomocytes than in other four tissues. In addation, Aj Bf expression in different tissues was induced significantly after LPS or Poly I:C challenge. These results indicated that Aj Bf plays an important role in immune responses to pathogen infection.
