Comprehensive Analysis of Major Latex-Like Protein Family Genes in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) and Their Potential Roles in Phytophthora Blight Resistance

Major latex-like proteins (MLPs) play crucial roles in abiotic and biotic stresses. However, little was known about this gene family in cucumbers. In this study, a total of 37 putative cucumber MLP genes were identified on a genome-wide level and classified into three groups by sequence homologous comparison with Arabidopsis thaliana. Chromosome mapping suggested that only tandem duplication occurred in evolution. The multiple regulatory cis-elements related to stress, hormone, light and growth response were found in the promoter region of these CsMLP genes, indicating that CsMLPs might be widely involved in the process of plant growth, development and various stress conditions. Transcriptome analysis indicated a strong reprogramming of MLPs expression in response to Phytophthora melonis infection in cucumber. Knockdown of CsMLP1 reduced the P. melonis tolerance, while transient overexpression of CsMLP1 improved disease tolerance in cucumber. Conversely, the silence of CsMLP5 decreased the lesion area caused by P. melonis in the cotyledons, and overexpression of CsMLP5 promoted lesion expansion. Taken together, our results provide a comprehensive basis for further mining the function of CsMLP members and will also be significant for elucidating the evolutionary relationship in cucumber.

Automated summary

In this study, 37 putative cucumber MLP genes were identified and classified into three groups. It was found that only tandem duplication occurred in the evolution of these genes. The promoter region of these CsMLP genes contained multiple regulatory cis-elements related to stress, hormone, light, and growth response, suggesting their involvement in various biological processes. Transcriptome analysis revealed a reprogramming of MLPs expression in response to Phytophthora melonis infection. Knockdown and overexpression experiments demonstrated the involvement of CsMLP1 and CsMLP5 in disease tolerance and lesion expansion. Overall, this study provides insights into the function and evolutionary relationship of MLP genes in cucumber.