标题：Comparative Cyto-molecular Analysis of Repetitive DNA Provides Insights into the Differential Genome Structure and Evolution of Five Cucumis Species
摘要：AbstractThe genusCucumis, includes the cucumber (2n = 14), melon (2n = 24), and other wild species, which is a good model for studying genome organization and evolution due to their variation in genome size and basic chromosome number. In this study, fiveCucumisspecies with different geographical origins and basic chromosome numbers (i.e.,C. sativus, C. hystrix, C. melo, C. anguria,andC. metuliferus) were used to identify and characterize the repetitive DNA in detail using a phylogenetic method. Comparative cyto-molecular genetic analysis of repetitive DNA was carried out using a graph-based clustering method, construction of Neighbor-Joining tree and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The results revealed that the fiveCucumisspecies had differences in the repeat content of their genome, as well as in the composition of repetitive DNA and their genomic proportions. Three species from subgenusMeloshowed a decreased tendency in both repeat types and genomic proportions, while two species from subgenusCucumisalso showed a decreased tendency in repeat types, but an increased tendency in genomic proportions. Phylogenic analysis ofCucumisTy1/Copia, Ty3/Gypsy, and 45S rDNA ITS regions revealed thatC. sativus, C. hystrix,andC. melowere closely related species, whichC. sativusandC. hystrixwere closer, whileC. anguriaandC. metuliferuswere closer to each other and further from the other three species. Differential accumulation and elimination of different repeat types divergently shaped the genomic architecture of these fiveCucumisspecies, contributing to the genome's evolution and diversification. Overall, these results enhance our understanding of the genomes of these fiveCucumisspecies, and contribute to a more holistic view of genome evolution and phylogenetics of this genus.
