Qi Zhang

Dr. Qi Zhang


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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18 June 2023 in Horticulturae
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
QZQi Zhang
Qi Zhang
CWCui Wang
Cui Wang
JHJun He
Jun He
YXYuanchao Xu
Yuanchao Xu
HLHongbo Li
Hongbo Li
ZZZhonghua Zhang
Zhonghua Zhang
The Cucurbitaceae family comprises economically valuable vegetables such as cucumber, melon, and pumpkin. GRAS proteins, which are crucial transcription factors, play diverse roles in plant growth and development. However, comparative investigations of GRAS proteins across Cucurbitaceae species are limited. Here, we identified 241 GRAS family genes in six cucurbit crops. The number of GRAS genes in cucumber, melon, wax gourd, watermelon, and bottle gourd ranged from 36 to 37, while the pumpkin genome contained 57 GRAS genes, possibly due to a recent whole-genome duplication. We classified cucurbit GRAS genes into 16 subfamilies and identified species-specific motifs and specific-expression patterns in the SCLB and RAD1 subfamilies. Notably, we identified 38 tissue-specific expressed genes, particularly fruit-specific genes potentially involved in fruit development. Additionally, we predicted the role of GRAS genes in regulating hypocotyl elongation under weak or dark light conditions in cucurbit plants. These findings enhance our understanding of the characteristics, evolution, and potential functions of GRAS genes in six cucurbit crops, providing valuable resources for genetic research in the Cucurbitaceae family as well as important agronomic traits.