Understanding How Specific Genes Influence Grape Shape

Jenn Hoskins
19th July, 2024

Understanding How Specific Genes Influence Grape Shape

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers at Nanjing Agricultural University studied 16 grape OFP genes to understand their role in fruit shape
  • They found that grape VvOFP genes are closely related to tomato OFP genes, suggesting similar genetic mechanisms in fruit shape determination
  • Overexpressing the VvOFP4 gene in tobacco and tomato altered the shape of leaves, stamens, and fruits, indicating its role in early fruit development
Understanding the genetic factors that determine fruit shape is crucial for the development of new horticultural varieties. Ovate Family Proteins (OFPs) are emerging as significant transcriptional regulators of fruit shape across various species. However, their role in regulating grape fruit shape has been relatively unexplored. A recent study conducted by researchers at Nanjing Agricultural University aimed to fill this gap by evaluating 16 grape OFP genes at the whole genome level[1]. Previous studies have highlighted the importance of genetic factors in fruit morphology. For instance, research has shown that the OVATE gene in tomatoes controls the transition from round to pear-shaped fruit through a single mutation[2]. This gene encodes a protein with a nuclear localization signal and other conserved domains, which suggests its role as a negative regulatory protein in plant development. Additionally, other studies have identified various genes and QTLs (Quantitative Trait Loci) involved in fruit shape and quality in melons[3] and tomatoes[4], demonstrating the complex genetic architecture behind these traits. In the current study, the researchers conducted phylogenetic and synteny analyses to establish the relationship between grape VvOFP genes and their tomato counterparts. These analyses revealed a close evolutionary relationship, suggesting that similar genetic mechanisms might be at play in determining fruit shape in both species. Expression profiling of the grape OFP genes post-treatment with gibberellic acid (GA3) and thidiazuron (TDZ) revealed that certain OFP genes responded to these growth regulators. Notably, VvOFP4 showed peak expression three days post-anthesis, indicating its potential role in early fruit development. Functional assays were performed by overexpressing VvOFP4 in tobacco and tomato plants. This overexpression led to significant alterations in the morphology of both vegetative and reproductive organs, including leaves, stamens, and fruits/pods. Paraffin sections of transgenic tobacco stems and tomato fruits demonstrated that VvOFP4 overexpression modified cell dimensions, resulting in changes in organ morphology. This finding aligns with earlier studies that have shown how changes in gene expression can impact fruit shape and size[4][5]. Moreover, treatments with GA3 and TDZ similarly influenced the shape of grape pulp cells and, consequently, the overall fruit morphology. These results suggest that the VvOFP4 gene plays a crucial role in fruit shape determination by modulating cell shape. This discovery is significant as it presents a potential target for future grape breeding programs aimed at diversifying fruit shapes. The study also ties into broader research on fruit morphology, such as the identification of QTLs controlling fruit quality traits in melons[3]. By narrowing down the genomic intervals and identifying candidate genes, researchers have been able to map out the genetic landscape that influences fruit traits. Similarly, the current study's focus on VvOFP4 adds another layer of understanding to the genetic determinants of fruit shape. In conclusion, the comprehensive evaluation of grape OFP genes, particularly VvOFP4, provides valuable insights into the genetic regulation of fruit shape. The findings from this study could pave the way for more targeted and efficient breeding programs, not just in grapes but potentially in other fruit-bearing plants as well.

FruitsGeneticsPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) Genome-wide identified VvOFP genes family and VvOFP4 functional characterization provide insight into fruit shape in grape.

Published 16th July, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133880

Related Studies

2) A new class of regulatory genes underlying the cause of pear-shaped tomato fruit.

Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, Issue: Vol 99, Issue 20, Oct 2002

3) QTL mapping of melon fruit quality traits using a high-density GBS-based genetic map.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-018-1537-5

4) Genome-wide identification, phylogeny and expression analysis of SUN, OFP and YABBY gene family in tomato.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00438-013-0733-0

5) Genome-wide association study of the candidate genes for grape berry shape-related traits.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-022-03434-x


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