Genome-Wide Identification of the PME Gene Family in Plum and Its Potential Roles in Fruit Texture Formation

BACKGROUND: L.). METHODS: In the present study, a chromosome-level plum genome was used to survey this gene family at the whole-genome scale. Phylogenetic relationships, chromosomal positions, exon-intron organization, conserved motifs, domain architectures, gene duplication, and cis-elements were analyzed. Four flesh texture traits were measured in 55 plum accessions to characterize texture variation and select two representative cultivars with contrasting flesh textures for further molecular analysis. Based on the clustering results, 'WSCL' and 'FR' were selected for expression profiling during fruit development and subsequent correlation analysis with texture traits. RESULTS: was additionally linked to flesh compactness and flesh fragility. CONCLUSIONS: family and identifies candidate genes that may contribute to texture differences in plum, offering a basis for future functional studies and breeding programs.