Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the OVATE gene family in melon (Cucumis melo L.)

The OVATE gene family (OFP) is widely present in plants and plays a crucial role in regulating growth, development, and plant morphology, particularly in shaping fruit morphology. However, limited research has been conducted on the OFP gene in melon. In this study, we systematically identified and analyzed the entire OFP gene family in the melon genome. By comparing with 20 AtOFP protein sequences, 16 CmOFP genes were identified from the melon genome, and their physicochemical properties were characterized. Phylogenetic relationship analysis revealed that CmOFP and AtOFP could be classified into five subfamilies. Syntenic analysis demonstrated high synteny between Arabidopsis and melon OFP. Additionally, the gene structure and conserved domains of CmOFP were determined, and its predicted tertiary protein structure was elucidated. Through promoter analysis of CmOFP, a total of 30 regulatory elements were identified, showing significant differences in both number and classification among these elements. Expression pattern analysis indicated that the relative expression of CmOFP in the ovary was high and decreased post-pollination. Transcriptome analysis of different melon fruit pulps revealed that plant hormone signal transduction pathways were closely associated with fruit shape determination. Notably, four CmOFP genes exhibited significant differential expression across various fruit shapes, suggesting potential applications in fruit shape improvement. This study provides a theoretical foundation for further exploring the functional roles of CmOFP and their utilization in melon breeding programs.