Integrating Genome-Wide Association Study and Transcriptomics to Unravel the Genetic Regulatory Mechanism of Grape Fruit Shape and Screen Hormone-Related Candidate Genes

Abstract

Grape berry shape is an important agronomic trait that is closely related to its commercial value. In this study, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and transcriptome analysis combined with exogenous hormone treatment to further explore the genetic regulatory mechanism of grape berry shape. Using 123 grape accessions, we identified 3058 significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) mainly enriched on chromosomes 7, 8, 13, and 19. Gibberellin and cytokinin coordinately affected cell division and elongation patterns to shape berry morphology. A total of 13906 differentially expressed genes were detected, and 20 core candidate genes related to hormone pathways were screened. Functional verification suggested that VvGRAS participates in regulating plant growth and cell elongation. This work provides extended insights and gene resources for the genetic improvement of grape berry shape.