Characterization of an abscisic acid responsive gene homologue from Cucumis melo

A cDNA and genomic DNA encoding an abscisic acid responsive gene (ASR) homologue (Asr1) was isolated from an inodorus melon, Cucumis melo var. kuwata, cDNA and genomic library. The Asr1 gene showed the strongest fruit-specific expression and differential expression profiles during fruit development, which were expressed from a low copy gene. The promoter region of the Asr1 gene contained several putative functional cis-elements, which may be involved in the response to plant hormones and environmental stresses. These results suggest that Asr1 may play an important role in the regulation of melon fruit ripening.