Molecular Plant Breeding 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 112-131 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/mpb 127 In conclusion, while the Cucurbitaceae family has served as a model for evolutionary studies, the integration of genomic data with ecological and functional studies will pave the way for a more comprehensive understanding of plant evolution. Addressing these challenges and exploring these future directions will not only advance our knowledge of Cucurbitaceae but also contribute to the broader field of plant science. 8 Concluding Remarks The systematic review of the Cucurbitaceae family, a lineage with a rich evolutionary history and significant agricultural value, has revealed several key insights into its origin, evolution, and genetic progress. The Cucurbitaceae family, comprising about 1000 species, has undergone complex evolutionary processes, including whole-genome duplications, gene family expansions, and contractions, as well as neofunctionalization of genes (Renner and Schaefer, 2016; Chen et al., 2021). The whole-genome duplication event that occurred approximately 30 million years ago within the Cucurbita genus has been a pivotal moment in the evolutionary trajectory of these species. This event has led to a faster rate of evolution in protein-coding and long noncoding RNA genes in Cucurbita species compared to other members of the Cucurbitaceae family (Barrera-Redondo et al., 2019). Specifically, Cucurbita argyrosperma has shown a higher turnover rate of protein-coding genes and a significant neofunctionalization of long intergenic noncoding RNA (lincRNA) genes, which suggests a dynamic evolutionary process that has contributed to the diversity and adaptability of the genus (Barrera-Redondo et al., 2019). The phylogenetic relationships within the Cucurbitaceae family have been clarified through extensive sequencing efforts, providing an updated phylogenetic scheme that includes the placement of all genera. The family’s origin in mainland Southeast Asia during the Late Cretaceous and the subsequent divergence of its major clades highlight the ancient and complex history of these species (Renner and Schaefer, 2016). The evolution of Benincasa hispida and the phylogenetic relationships of the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) gene family across six Cucurbitaceae species have shed light on the genetic underpinnings of important agronomic traits. The conservation of the PAL gene family throughout the evolution of the Cucurbitaceae family underscores the importance of these genes in the survival and adaptation of these species (Chen et al., 2021). The rapid advancement of sequencing technologies has facilitated the deciphering of genome sequences from numerous Cucurbitaceae species, enabling a deeper understanding of genome evolution, gene function, and molecular breeding. The identification of functional genes associated with key agronomic traits, such as fruit quality, has opened new avenues for the molecular breeding of cucurbit crops (Ma et al., 2022). In conclusion, the Cucurbitaceae family’s journey from its ancestral origins to the modern cultivars we know today is a testament to the power of evolutionary forces in shaping the genetic diversity of plant species. The insights gained from studying the Cucurbitaceae genomes provide a valuable framework for future research and breeding efforts aimed at enhancing the agricultural productivity and resilience of these vital crops. Funding This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant No. 32030093, 32172570, 3234100301), The ‘JBGS’ Project of Seed Industry Revitalization in Jiangsu Province (grant No. JBGS[2021]018), and The Jiangsu Agricultural Innovation of New Cultivars (grant No. PZCZ201720). Conflict of Interest Disclosure The authors affirm that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
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