Elucidation of Momordica sex determination system from genes for sex ratio

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K05515
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 39010:Science in plant genetics and breeding-related
• Research Institution: Shinshu University
• Principal Investigator: Matsumura Hideo 信州大学, 学術研究院総合人間科学系, 教授 (40390885)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 性決定 / 雌雄同株異花 / ニガウリ / Momordica / 雌性花率

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In the present study, we aimed at finding genes for sex determination in Momordica species, which include both monoecious and dioecious species. For this purpose, QTLs for sex ration, including androecy, were identified by using QTL-seq analysis of bitter gourd F2 population. Additionally, whole genome sequencing was carried out for M.cochinchinensis as the dioecious Momordica species, and its synteny with bitter gourd genome was found in one of the QTLs for sex determination.

Free Research Field

育種学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

生物にとって生殖様式は種の維持および環境への適応において重要であると共に、農作物では果実や種子の生産、交配による品種育成において重要な形質である。ニガウリを含むウリ科作物の多くは雌雄同株異花の種であるが、ニガウリ属には雌雄異株の種があり、進化の過程で雌雄異株から雌雄同株異花へ複数回の転換が生じたと言われている。このようなニガウリ属にユニークな性決定様式転換の機構の解明は性決定の進化の解明に寄与する。