A Plastidic TPI Mutation Causes Yellowing and Dwarfing in Melon

Leaf color mutants are key resources for uncovering the molecular mechanisms of chloroplast development and photosynthesis. Here, we identified a novel yellow-green melon mutant, ‘ygp2’, which displays yellow-green leaves and dwarfism throughout development. Genetic analysis indicated that the trait is controlled by a single recessive nuclear gene. Map-based cloning delimited the candidate region to an 805 kb interval on chromosome 11, within which only one missense mutation was identified in MELO13C_11G242690, encoding a triosephosphate isomerase (CmpdTPI). Phylogenetic analysis suggested its plastid localization, which was confirmed by transient expression of CmpdTPI-GFP in tobacco. The ‘ygp2’ mutant exhibited significantly reduced TPI enzyme activity and net photosynthetic rate. Transcriptome analysis revealed downregulation of genes related to light-harvesting complexes, cell division, and the cell cycle. These results demonstrate that the point mutation in CmpdTPI impairs chloroplast function and photosynthesis, leading to the yellow-green phenotype in melon. This study provides insight into the role of plastidial TPI in chlorophyll metabolism and chloroplast development.