Work

Advances in the biosynthesis, gene mining, and molecular mechanisms of cucurbitacin in Cucurbitaceae crops

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Cucurbitacin, a highly oxidized tetracyclic triterpenoid compound, is a common secondary metabolite in Cucurbitaceae crops. Its presence imparts a bitterness to the fruit, significantly reducing its quality. However, the accumulation of cucurbitacin enhances the plants resistance to pests and diseases, earning it the reputation of a 'green pesticide'. In recent years, cucurbitacin has attracted extensive attention from researchers. Therefore, this review summarizes the identification, gene mapping, and marker development, biosynthesis and regulation, transport mechanisms, and the domestication of non-bitter Cucurbitaceae varieties. Additionally, it provides insights into the breeding of Cucurbitaceae crops and the in vitro biosynthesis of cucurbitacin.

Source: Vegetable Research

DOI: 10.48130/vegres-0024-0039

Authors: Yaqian Chai, Yuyan Sun

Institutions: Shihezi University, ZheJiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Advances in Cucurbitaceae Research

Subfield: Genetics

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Major Scientific and Technological Project of Zhejiang Province