Genome-wide analysis of OVATE family proteins in cucumber (Cucumissativus L.)

OVATE family proteins (OFPs) are plant-specific proteins with a conserved OVATE domain that regulate plant growth and development. Although OFPs have been studied in several species, their biological functions remain largely unknown in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). This study identified 19 CsOFPs distributed on seven chromosomes in cucumber. Most CsOFP genes were expressed in reproductive organs, but with different expression patterns. Ectopic expression of CsOFP12-16c in Arabidopsis resulted in shorter and blunt siliques. The overall results indicated that CsOFP12-16c regulates silique development in Arabidopsis and may have a similar function in cucumber.