encoding chorismate synthase is a candidate gene for leaf variegation mutation in cucumber.

Variegation is a frequently observed genetic phenomenon in landscaping. In this study, an ethyl methanesulfonate induced variegated leaf () mutant in cucumber ( L.) was identified. The mutant displayed green-yellow-white variegation phenotype throughout the whole growth cycle, while the leaf of wild type plants was normal green. The photosynthetic pigment contents and photosynthetic parameters of was significantly lower than wild type. The cytology observation results showed that the mesophyll cells of mutant contained defective chloroplasts. Genetic analysis indicated that variegated leaf phenotype was monogenic recessive inheritance. MutMap and genotyping results revealed that (), encoding chorismate synthase, was the candidate gene for variegated leaf mutant in cucumber. The expression level of was similar between wild type and variegated leaf mutant leaves. Transcriptome profile analysis of leaves of mutant identified 183 candidate genes involved in variegated leaf development in cucumber, including genes that encode heat shock protein, zinc finger protein. may regulate variegated leaf in cucumber by interacting with these genes. In a word, these results revealed that might regulate the variegated leaf phenotype in cucumber.