Evolution of Benincasa hispida in the Cucurbitaceae family and phylogenetic relationships of the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase gene family in six Cucurbitaceae species

This study aimed to analyze the evolution of Benincasa hispida (DGA) in the Cucurbitaceae family, as well as the phylogenetic relationships of the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) gene family in six Cucurbitaceae species. Whole genome sequencing of DGA was performed and compared to genomes of several Cucurbitaceae species that were downloaded from public databases in order to analyze the evolution of DGA in the Cucurbitaceae family. Moreover, we studied the expansion and contraction of gene families during evolution and the phylogenetic relationships of the PAL gene family in six Cucurbitaceae species. Phylogenetic analysis showed that among the Cucurbitaceae species, Cucumis melo and Cucumis sativus shared the same ancestor; Lagenaria siceraria and Citrullus lanatus shared the same ancestor; and Cucurbita maxima (CMA), Cucurbita moschata (CMO), and Cucurbita pepo (CPE) shared the same ancestor. Notably, DGA was located on a separate branch, indicating that it was the only species of its genus. CPE and CMO had closer kinship, suggesting a significant effect of regional factors on Cucurbitaceae species evolution. Moreover, there was a large amount of gene loss in the genome during evolution from the common ancestor to DGA. The PAL gene family was highly conserved during the evolution of the Cucurbitaceae family.