Cloning of genes differentially expressed during the initial stage of fruit development in melon (Cucumis melo cv. Reticulatus).
We have cloned genes involved in the initial stage of fruit development in the melon by suppression subtractive hybridization. A cDNA library of unfertilized ovules was subtracted from that of fruit 9 days after pollination (DAP); 10 of the 40 selected cDNA clones were identified by reverse Northern analysis as genes differentially expressed in fruit at 9 DAP. Seven of the ten genes were homologous to genes of known function; two were related to genes with unknown functions, and one was novel. With the exception of cucumisin, none of the cDNAs had been previously identified in melon. According to Northern analyses, six of the genes were expressed at high levels early in fruit development. Expression of cucumisin, Cmf-25, Cmf-30, and Cmf-124 was highest at 9 DAP, implying that these genes are involved in the initial stage of fruit development. Cmf-30, a seed nucellus-specific gene, was also expressed early in seed development. The other genes were expressed at a moderate level throughout fruit development, with the highest expression occurring in fruit at 9 and 18 DAP. In conclusion, nine new genes involved in early fruit development in melon were cloned, and their temporal and spatial expression patterns indicate that they are preferentially expressed during the active growing stage of fruit.
Choi
Jung Woo
JW
Department of Biology, University of Incheon, Incheon 402-749, Korea.
Kimi
Gun Bo
GB
Huh
Yun Chan
YC
Kwon
Mi Ra
MR
Mok
Il Gin
IG
Kim
Jung Wan
JW
Lee
Tae Soo
TS
Kim
Shinje
S
Im
Kyung Hoan
KH
D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D028463:Cucumis melo / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology*; D005638:Fruit / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000502:physiology; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D018506:Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization / Q000379:methods; D012313:RNA / Q000378:metabolism
D012313:RNA