A brief summary of major advances in cotton functional genomics and molecular breeding studies in China

Cotton fibers, commonly known as cotton lint, are single-celled trichomes derived from epidermal lay- ers of cotton ovules. Despite of its importance in word trade, the molecular mechanisms of cotton fiber production is still poorly understood. Through transcriptome profiling, functional genomics, pro- teomics, metabolomics approaches as well as marker-assisted molecular breeding, scientists in China have made significant contributions in cotton research. Here, we briefly summarize major progresses made in Chinese laboratories, and discuss future directions and perspectives relative to the develop- ment of this unique crop plant.