The molecular network governing nodule organogenesis and infection in the model legume Lotus japonicus

Citations Over TimeTop 1% of 2010 papers

Abstract

Bacterial infection of interior tissues of legume root nodules is controlled at the epidermal cell layer and is closely coordinated with progressing organ development. Using spontaneous nodulating Lotus japonicus plant mutants to uncouple nodule organogenesis from infection, we have determined the role of 16 genes in these two developmental processes. We show that host-encoded mechanisms control three alternative entry processes operating in the epidermis, the root cortex and at the single cell level. Single cell infection did not involve the formation of trans-cellular infection threads and was independent of host Nod-factor receptors and bacterial Nod-factor signals. In contrast, Nod-factor perception was required for epidermal root hair infection threads, whereas primary signal transduction genes preceding the secondary Ca2+ oscillations have an indirect role. We provide support for the origin of rhizobial infection through direct intercellular epidermal invasion and subsequent evolution of crack entry and root hair invasions observed in most extant legumes.

Related Papers

• → Medicago LYK3, an Entry Receptor in Rhizobial Nodulation Factor Signaling(2007)380 cited
• → ROP6 is involved in root hair deformation induced by Nod factors in Lotus japonicus(2016)21 cited
• → Root Hair Deformation of Symbiosis-Deficient Mutants of Lotus japonicus by Application of Nod Factor from Mesorhizobium loti(2009)8 cited
• → Rhizobium-Induced Calcium Spiking in Lotus japonicus(2003)52 cited
• → Towards in vivo imaging of early Rhizobium Nod factor responses(2006)