Tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) proteins play numerous roles in plant growth and development by mediating protein–protein interactions in biological systems by binding to peptide ligands. Although genome-wide analyses of the TPR gene family in other species have been performed, its evolution and function in Cucurbitaceae remain unclear. In this study, 144 TPR genes from 11 genomes of eight Cucurbitaceae species with a heterogeneous distribution on the chromosomes were characterized. Based on the homology between Cucurbitaceae and Arabidopsis, the TPR genes were divided into four groups, and the evolutionary relationships of the Benincaceae and Cucurbitaceae tribes were also represented in a phylogenetic tree. Using the ‘DHL92′ genome as a reference, an integrated chromosome map was obtained containing 34 loci, 4 of which were common to the Cucurbitaceae. Cis-regulatory element analysis showed that these elements are essential for melon development and responses to light, phytohormones, and various stresses. CmTPR tissue- and development-specific expression analysis revealed differential expression patterns under normal growth conditions. Furthermore, the CmTPR genes responded to various abiotic stressors. Overall, this study offers insights into the evolutionary history of the TPR gene family in Cucurbitaceae and provides valuable information for elucidating the potential role of CmTPR genes during development and under different stresses in melon.

Lagenaria siceraria is an essential horticultural and medicinal crop that is used for its edible fruits and ornamental purposes. WRKY transcription factors have been extensively studied in plant responses to environmental stress; however, there is limited information on their specific functions in L. siceraria. In this study, 51 LsWRKY genes were identified in the L. siceraria genome. The 51 LsWRKYs were divided into classes I, II, and III based on evolutionary analysis. Members of each class have similar conserved motifs and exon-intron structures, and promoter analysis helped identify many cis-regulatory elements associated with growth, hormones, and stress responses. GO terms and KEGG analyses indicated the potential roles of LsWRKY in the regulation of bottle gourd development and acclimation to various environmental stressors. Significant differences in LsWRKY expression were observed between different tissues. The results of RNA-seq and qRT-PCR showed that LsWRKYs were expressed in a tissue- and development-specific manner under normal growth conditions. LsWRKY abundance showed a clear pattern of change related to stress when L. siceraria was exposed to unfavorable environmental conditions. This study provides new insights into the role of LsWRKYs in the growth and stress responses of cucurbits.