Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significance of synonymous mutations, traditionally considered "silent," in influencing phenotypic traits through epitranscriptomic regulation, particularly in cucumber domestication [4][11][13]. Group 1: Research Findings - A study published in the journal Cell demonstrates that synonymous mutations can regulate important traits in cucumber by altering m6A modifications and mRNA structural conformations [4][11]. - The specific synonymous mutation identified is 1287C>T in the ACS2 gene, which affects m6A modification and RNA structure, leading to changes in cucumber fruit length [9][11]. - The research provides a complete molecular evidence chain showing how synonymous mutations can influence complex traits, challenging the traditional view of these mutations as harmless [11][13]. Group 2: Mechanisms and Implications - The study reveals a dual mechanism by which synonymous mutations affect gene expression and protein synthesis efficiency: by disrupting m6A modifications and altering RNA structure [13]. - This research enhances the understanding of the molecular basis of crop domestication and suggests new strategies for crop improvement through precise editing, such as designing synonymous mutations [13][14]. - The findings have broader implications for understanding the relationship between synonymous mutations and diseases or phenotypes in other organisms, including humans [14].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significance of synonymous mutations in genetic research, particularly their role in cucumber domestication through epitranscriptomic regulation, challenging traditional views on these mutations [2][3]. Group 1: Research Findings - The study published in the journal Cell demonstrates that synonymous mutations can regulate important traits in cucumber by altering m6A modifications and mRNA structural conformations [2][3]. - The research identifies two closely linked genes, YTH1 and ACS2, that interact epistatically to influence cucumber fruit length [5][9]. - A specific synonymous mutation, 1287C>T in the ACS2 gene, is identified as a pathogenic mutation that disrupts m6A methylation and alters RNA structure, leading to changes in fruit length [6][9]. Group 2: Genetic Mechanisms - The YTH1 gene encodes an m6A reader protein, while the ACS2 gene encodes a rate-limiting enzyme for ethylene synthesis in plants, both of which are crucial for cucumber domestication [5][9]. - The study reveals that the wild-type cucumber's ACS2 1287C leads to m6A modification and a loose RNA structure, while the cultivated cucumber's ACS2 1287T results in a compact RNA structure, affecting protein levels and fruit length [6][9].