Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of C3H gene family in melon

作者：Ling Zheng, Haifang Dai, Mu Yang, Jinbo Li, Yanwei Cheng, Jianming Han · 发表于：Frontiers in Plant Science · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.3389/fpls.2025.1500429 · 被引用次数：11 · 研究领域：Plant Molecular Biology Research、Plant-Microbe Interactions and Immunity、Plant Reproductive Biology

Zinc finger protein (ZFP) represent a significant class of transcription factors in plants, involved in various functions, including tissue development, signal transduction, and responses to both biotic and abiotic stresses. ZFPs are categorized into 10 distinct subfamilies, among which the C3H gene family is recognized as a functionally significant group of transcription factors.To date, no studies have been reported regarding the C3H gene family in melon ( Cucumis melo ). In this study, 38 CmC3H genes were identified in the melon genome, and these genes are unevenly distributed across the 12 chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis classified the C3H family members into four groups, with significant differences observed in sequence, protein motifs, and gene structure among CmC3H genes within the same group. The CmC3H family contains one pair of segmentally duplicated genes and shares 20, 7, 39, and 38 pairs of homologous C3H genes with Arabidopsis thaliana , rice ( Oryza sativa ), cucumber ( Cucumis sativus ), and watermelon ( Citrullus lanatus ), respectively. Promoter region analysis revealed a high abundance of cis -elements associated with growth and development, hormone regulation, and stress responses. Expression profiling revealed that CmC3H family members exhibit significant tissue-specific expression patterns. Quantitative PCR analysis indicated that six genes ( CmC3H4 , CmC3H7 , CmC3H13 , CmC3H24 , CmC3H33 , and CmC3H38 ) may play roles in melon’s drought stress resista...