Abstract
The most prevalent microorganism association in terrestrial plants is the symbiosis between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and plant roots. This implies that the genetic background for establishing this symbiosis was developed in the early phases of land plant evolution. A symbiosis faces several challenges, such as penetrating plant cells and overcoming their defense mechanisms. At the same time, it must activate some developmental pathways for symbiotic structures along with membrane transporters required to exchange nutrients and metabolites between two partners. This chapter discusses the response of plants to fungal signals, the function of receptor molecules, and other actors that play a crucial role in the signaling pathways. Ultimately, these pathways result in the expression of symbiosis-specific genes and the formation of symbiosis-specific structures.
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Keywords
- Arbuscule
- Mycorrhizal fungi
- Mycorrhizal symbiosis
- Common symbiotic pathway
- Ca2+ signaling pathway
- Strigolactones
- Phosphate acquisition
- Plant immune response
4.1 Introduction
The most prevalent microorganism association in terrestrial plants is the symbiosis between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and plant roots. This implies that the genetic background for establishing this symbiosis was developed in the early periods of land plant evolution. A symbiosis faces several challenges, such as penetrating plant cells and overcoming their defense mechanisms. At the same time, it must activate some developmental pathways for symbiotic structures along with membrane transporters required to exchange nutrients and metabolites between two partners. This chapter will discuss the response of plants to fungal signals, the function of receptor molecules, and other actors that play a crucial role in the signaling pathways. Ultimately, these pathways result in the expression of symbiosis-specific genes and the formation of symbiosis-specific structures.
4.2 The Common Symbiotic Pathway
Evidence from two significant beneficial plant–microbe interactions, namely, arbuscular mycorrhiza symbiosis (AMS) and root nodule symbiosis (RNS), revealed the molecular components that transduce the microorganism-derived signals to the plants, resulting in the establishment of a compatible plant-microbe symbiosis. Genetic and mutagenic approaches using legume species that are able to form both AMS and RNS interactions indicated that there are single plant mutations that could block the penetration of both bacteria and fungi to the root. These studies led to the hypothesis that AMS and RNS depend on a shared genetic toolkit as the apparatuses of a common symbiosis pathway (CSP). This pathway is believed to operate downstream of the perception of fungal and rhizobial signals but upstream of the activation of the plant’s response to the symbiotic bacteria or fungi.
4.2.1 Receptors and Associated Proteins in the CSP
The initial step in establishing a compatible interaction between legumes and rhizobia is associated with a molecular dialog between two partners. This dialogue requires receptors on the plant side to sense the microorganism’s signals.
SYMRK
SYMBIOSIS RECEPTOR-LIKE KINASE (SYMRK), a leucine-rich repeat (LRR) receptor-like kinase (Does Not make Infections2, DMI2), constitutes the entry point of CSP and is essential for both RNS and AMS. SYMRK functions as a downstream module of Nod Factor Receptors (NFRs) and Myc Factor Receptors (MFRs) and is a principal component of symbiotic signaling that is functionally conserved. SYMRK is widespread in plant kingdoms but has been subjected to some diversification during evolution (Markmann et al. 2008). Arabidopsis lacking RNS or AMS contains SYMRK homologs, ShRK1 and ShRK2 (Shiu and Bleecker 2003), which promote the reproduction ability of the obligate biotroph, oomycete Hyaloperonospora arabidopsis (Hpa), within plant cells (Ried et al. 2019). This indicates a widespread function of SYMRK in the interactions between plants and microbes and an overlap between the signaling events related to intracellular symbionts and pathogens.
The knockout mutations of SYMRK abolish the formation of infection threads and inhibit nodulation, while overexpression of the full-length SYMRK or its kinase domain results in the appearance of spontaneous nodules in the absence of rhizobia (Saha et al. 2014; Ried et al. 2014). This suggests that the kinase domain of SYMRK plays a determining role in nodulation. Many plant RLKs, such as SYMRK, are characterized by the presence of tyrosine (Tyr) in the “gatekeeper” position close to the hinge region of the kinase domain. This gatekeeper Tyr in SYMRK (Y670) is essential for orchestrating epidermal/cortical responses in RNS (Saha et al. 2016) and is predominantly auto-phosphorylated in vitro and in planta (Samaddar et al. 2013).
The extra-cytoplasmic region of SYMRK consists of three leucine-rich repeats (LRRs) and a malectin-like ectodomain (MLD) (Chiu and Paszkowski 2020). Both LRRs and MLD elements are linked via the GDPC motif that is conserved in the majority of MLD-LRR RLKs. This area is cleaved to release the MLD without symbiotic stimulation. Although the truncated version of SYMRK (SYMRKΔMLD that lacks the MLD) is subject to high turnover, it is able to strongly and specifically associate with NFR5 and transduce the signal to downstream targets (Antolín-Llovera et al. 2014). However, the role of MLD release in the function of SYMRK in the AM symbiosis is obscure.
HMGR1
SYMRK interacts, through its cytoplasmic domain, with the enzyme HMGR1 (3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl CoA Reductase 1), a mevalonate (MVA) biosynthetic enzyme. It has been postulated that symbiotic signal perception by SYMRK leads to the induction of HMGR1, resulting in the localized formation of MVA. This MVA signal is then transmitted to the nucleus, which activates cation channels, thereby initiating nuclear-associated Ca2+ spiking (Venkateshwaran et al. 2015). Our knowledge of the players acting between the plasma membrane and the nucleus is extremely limited, and it must be determined whether the signal transition from the cytosol to the nucleus is solely mediated through MVA and its derivatives. Ca2+ spiking or Ca2+ oscillation is a key component of the interaction between plants and microbes. This is one of the most common events discriminating mutations of the CSP and is used in screening various mutants defective in establishing symbiosis.
4.2.2 Components of Ca2+ Signaling Pathway
Nuclear Pore Complexes
The downstream components of the SYM pathway are localized in the nucleus, suggesting the trafficking of signaling molecules through the nuclear envelope. The involvement of several nucleoporins (NUPs), e.g., NUP85, NUP133, and NENA, in symbiotic signaling has been evidenced in genetic studies (Kanamori et al. 2006; Saito et al. 2007; Groth et al. 2010). Mutations in these nucleoporins lead to defective Ca2+ spiking and aborted symbiosis (Parniske 2008). It has been proposed that NUPs likely contribute to the protein translocation between the nuclear envelope’s inner membrane and outer membrane (Tamura and Hara-Nishimura 2013).
Ion Channels
The ion channels and the calcium pump that are localized in the nuclear envelope and necessary for generating calcium (Ca2+) spiking have been identified in model legume plants. These transporters include (1) CASTOR and POLLUX (DMI1 in Medicago truncatula) that are potassium-permeable channels (Charpentier et al. 2008), (2) a PII-type Ca2+-ATPase (MCA8) (Capoen et al. 2011), (3) and the Ca2+ channel, cyclic nucleotide gated channel 15 (CNGC15) (Charpentier et al. 2016). These three components (CASTOR/POLLUX, MCA8, and CNGC15) interact together and generate Ca2+ oscillation in the nucleus. It has been assumed that a cyclic nucleotide (CN) binds to and triggers the activation of CNGC15, leading to the release of Ca2+. The mobility of potassium (K+) ions that balances the transmembrane charge is mediated by CASTOR/POLLUX, whereas the return of Ca2+ to the store is mediated by MCA8. Since CASTOR/POLLUX, MCA8, and CNGC15 are localized to both the outer and inner nuclear membranes, Ca2+ spiking is produced on one or simultaneously on both sides of the nuclear envelope (Charpentier 2018).
Decoding Ca2+ Signature
In the nucleoplasm, CCaMK (DMI3), a Ca calmodulin-dependent protein kinase, is potentially involved in decoding Ca2+ oscillations (Miller et al. 2013). CCaMK binds to and phosphorylates another nuclear protein, CYCLOPS (Interacting Protein of DMI3, IPD3) (Yano et al. 2008). Together with other transcription factors, CYCLOPS (IPD3) regulates the expression of symbiotic genes (Oldroyd 2013) (Fig. 4.1).
4.3 Signaling in the AMS
The AM fungi and the host plants must communicate at the molecular levels to establish symbiosis. First, the host root produces signaling molecules and releases them into the rhizosphere. Then, these signaling molecules induce the germination of fungal spores and branching of the fungal hyphae and subsequently induce the fungus to produce and release fungal factors responsible for the modifications in the host roots’ gene expression.
4.3.1 Establishment of Symbiosis
The AMF spores may germinate without receiving any signal from plants. After germination, the germ tube extends simultaneously with the consumption of triacylglyceride and glycogen reserves to support growth. However, if the fungus fails to find a host root, the hyphal growth will cease to prevent the depletion of spore reserves. This allows the fungus to re-germinate and find a root of the host plant. In contrast, germ tube growth increases significantly near a root, and the hyphae undergo profuse branching, indicating the presence of specific signaling molecules (e.g., strigolactones (SLs); see below) in the exudate of host roots. This extensive branching, which maximizes the possibility of contact with the root, is accompanied by a significant increase in respiratory activity, which persists until spore reserves are depleted. Indeed, the signals from host plants result in initiating the “presymbiotic growth phase” in that the fungus is committed to starting an association with plant roots (Harrison 2005). Subsequently, the fungal hyphae form an appressoria-like structure named “hyphopodium” that attaches to the root epidermis and acts as the point of entry for the fungus into the root epidermis (Murray et al. 2013). At this phase, the AM hyphae produce fungal factors (Myc factors) that increase the expression of several symbiotic plant genes and Ca2+ spiking (Genre et al. 2013).
Following the formation of the hyphopodium, a specific structure called the “pre-penetration apparatus” (PPA) forms in the epidermal and outer root cortical cell. This structure is a broad cytoplasmic bridge that guides the hypha toward the cortical cells (Genre et al. 2008). Fungal hyphae enter the cell and begin to form arbuscules in the inner roots of cortical cells. A plant-derived membrane subsequently surrounds the intracellular hyphae and arbuscules. The “periarbuscular membrane,” which separates the arbuscules from the symplasm of the plant cell, contains specific transporters required for the exchange of metabolites between two partners (Balestrini and Bonfante 2005) (Fig. 4.2).
4.3.2 Strigolactones
It has been demonstrated that SLs serve as the initial point of communication between the fungus and the root of the host plants before direct physical contact. SLs are a group of apocarotenoids, the products of oxidative cleavage of carotenoid precursors (Giuliano et al. 2003). They were first identified in the rhizosphere of parasitic plant hosts, allowing their seeds to germinate in close proximity to their hosts (Cook et al. 1966). Later, SLs were identified as the root signals that allow AM fungi to form a symbiotic association with a host (Akiyama et al. 2005; Akiyama and Hayashi 2006).
The natural SLs have a tricyclic lactone structure containing an ABC-ring and a D-ring butenolide group coupled with an enol-ether bridge. Based on the stereochemistry of the B–C-ring junction, the natural SLs are classified into two groups, strigol and orobanchol (canonical SLs). Both of these groups possess a conserved R-configuration at the C-2 position that connects the D-ring to the core and is liable for different bioactivities of different SLs. Conversely, non-canonical SLs generally lack the typical ABC-rings but comprise an enol-ether bridge and D-ring moieties, such as methyl carlactonoate (MeCLA), avenaol, and zealactone (Mashiguchi et al. 2021) (Fig. 4.3).
The pathways of SLs biosynthesis have been investigated, and the enzymes and genes involved have been primarily characterized (Mashiguchi et al. 2021). It has been observed that the carotenoid precursor is subjected to isomerization and cleavage and generates carlactone. The latter compound is the precursor of various SLs (Mori et al. 2020; Wakabayashi et al. 2019, 2020) (Fig. 4.4).
4.3.2.1 Response of AM Fungus to SL
Sub-nanogram levels of SLs in root exudates enhance spore germination and promote AM hyphal branching, most likely by activating lipid metabolic pathways (Lanfranco et al. 2018). SLs detection by AM fungus results in the induction of its oxidative metabolism, ATP production, and generation of the necessary energy for stimulation of growth and hyphal branching and preparation of AM fungus to establish symbiosis (Lanfranco et al. 2018). SLs augment the fungal-derived production of biochemical signals, such as chitin oligomers (COs; see below) (Genre et al. 2013), which induce the Ca2+ spiking in plants as the first indication of the interaction between two partners (Bonfante and Genre 2015). Applying COs to plants enhances the expression of an SLs biosynthesis gene (CCD7) and other symbiotic marker genes (Giovannetti et al. 2015), suggesting a synergistic effect of SLs and COs in the establishment of communication between two partners.
Finally, SLs regulate the expression of several proteins secreted by the fungal partner (Tsuzuki et al. 2016) that positively regulate host plant colonization during presymbiotic and symbiotic stages (see below). Mutations that lead to defects in the biosynthesis and export of SLs reduce AMF hyphal branches and causes significantly lower colonization rates than wild-type plants. After establishing the AM fungus in the root, SL biosynthesis is reduced, presumably as a mechanism to prevent the plant from becoming over-colonized (Koltai et al. 2010; Lanfranco et al. 2018).
The effect of SLs on the AM fungus depends on its concentration and structural features. The structure-activity relationship of SLs has been comprehensively studied for a variety of physiological functions, including as an endogenous hormone in the suppression of shoot branching and as a regulator of plant–plant interactions in the stimulation of parasitic plant seed germination (Boyer et al. 2012; Zwanenburg and Pospíšil 2013; Zwanenburg et al. 2013; Sanchez et al. 2018) or as a hyphal branching agent for AM fungi (Akiyama et al. 2010). Compared to their function in plants, the structural requirements for an optimal effect of SLs on hyphal branching differ. This may be due to the action of distinct receptor molecules in these three primary functional effects of SLs. The function of SLs as endogenous plant hormones requires receptors with α,β-hydrolase activity, which belongs to the D14 clade in higher plants (Waters et al. 2017).
In contrast, its function for seed germination stimulation in parasitic plants depends on its perception by phylogenetically distinct proteins, D14-like receptors (Lumba et al. 2017). The nature of receptor molecules in the AMF is obscure. No homologs of the D14 proteins have been identified within the only available genome of AM fungi belonging to Rhizophagus irregularis (Tisserant et al. 2013).
4.3.2.2 SL Signal Perception by AMF
The mechanisms of SLs perception and signal transduction in AM fungi are widely unknown. The synthetic SL (GR24) evokes a rapid increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration in the fungus (Moscatiello et al. 2014), which is a characteristic response to stress factor (Zhivotovsky and Orrenius 2011), suggesting that AM fungi primarily sense SLs as foreign molecules.
Previous studies suggest that SLs are perceived by both the AM fungi and their associated bacterial communities (Lanfranco et al. 2018). It has been observed that Candidatus Glomeribacter gigasporarum (CaGg), the endobacterium of G. margarita, improves the efficiency of the fungus in responding to SLs. In addition, the bacterial scavenging system specifically metabolizes excess ROS generated due to the SLs-mediated increase in fungal respiration. Thus, the fungal microbiota plays a crucial role in the presymbiotic phase of this AM fungus (Salvioli et al. 2016).
4.3.2.3 SLs Signaling Pathway and AMF
Intriguingly, SLs do not appear to act as endogenous signals in plants during AM development, as the development of arbuscules is unaffected in SL-deficient or export mutants (Liao et al. 2018). Furthermore, SL-insensitive D14 rice mutants devoid of the SL receptor do not exhibit a decrease in AM colonization (Yoshida et al. 2012). These results imply that the effect of SL released into the rhizosphere is limited to the early association stage, i.e., the presymbiotic stage.
4.3.3 Karrikins and Karrikin-Like Signals
In contrast to the unaffected AMF colonization in the SL receptor rice mutant d14, in max2/rms4/d3, another mutant of the SL signaling pathway, AM development is severely reduced (Yoshida et al. 2012). MAX2/RMS4/D3 is an F-box protein that forms a complex with D14 (SL receptor) and a repressor protein, SMXL6/7/8, resulting in its degradation as the initial step in the activation of SL-responsive genes (Lumba et al. 2017; Rehman et al. 2021; Fig. 4.5). This suggests that an element downstream of the SL signaling pathway, and not its receptor, is involved in the AM signaling in plants. Furthermore, D14L (DWARF 14 LIKE) was identified as an essential factor for establishing rice AM association because, in the d14l rice mutant, the transcriptional response to AMF is completely absent, implying the role of D14L in AMF recognition (Gutjahr et al. 2015a, b).
Relationship with Karrikins Pathway
D14L is homologous to Arabidopsis KAI2 (KARRIKIN INSENSITIVE), a receptor for Karrikins, butanolide molecules derived from wildfire smoke and responsible for post-fire germination of seeds (Waters et al. 2012). The Karrikins signaling pathway has been identified in Arabidopsis and shares some common elements with SL signaling (De Cuyper et al. 2017; Fig. 4.5). In this pathway, activation of KAI2 leads to the recruitment of MAX2 and the removal of a negative regulator, SMAX1 (Suppressor of MAX2-1) (De Cuyper et al. 2017; Hull et al. 2021). SMAX1 in rice has been identified as an AM association suppressor that negatively regulates root colonization and symbiotic gene transcription (Choi et al. 2020).
This evidence demonstrated a significant overlap between the AM signaling and karrikins pathways; however, the endogenous ligand of D14L/KAI2 that initiates this response is unknown. KAI2 also responds to the N-substituted phthalimides (cotylimides) (Tsuchiya et al. 2010) and non-naturally occurring SLs (Flematti et al. 2016). Since these compounds are not found naturally in plants, it has been hypothesized that D14L/KAI2 recognizes a “yet-to-be-identified karrikin-like” (KL) ligand (Morffy et al. 2016). KAI2 proteins are evolutionarily conserved in the plant kingdom and are also found in plants not associated with fire-prone habitats (Ahmad et al. 2022). It has been suggested that the main function of D14L/KAI2 signaling is related to AM presymbiotic signaling, while its effect on post-fire germination is the secondary role (Ho-Plágaro et al. 2021). Consistent with the observations on the disrupted AMF association in SMAX1, LCO responsiveness was eliminated, and CO responsiveness was diminished in d14l mutants (see below).
4.3.4 Other Plant Signals
Some other carotenoid-derived metabolites, including blumenols (C13), mycorradicins (C14), and zaxinone, have been shown to be involved in AM association and contribute to the AMF colonization at different stages of this process (Table 4.1).
4.3.5 Plant Hormones
In contrast to a direct role for SLs in the rhizosphere, other phytohormones’ role in regulating the structure and function of the AM symbiosis is much more complex. In a mycorrhizal root, both local and systemic responses to the phytohormones occur, which are necessary to activate the fungus metabolism in the early phase of the interaction but control it and the late stages, i.e., the arbuscule turnover, to guarantee the favorable mutualistic association. As is well-known for other plant developmental processes, phytohormones do not act independently, but a cross-talk between phytohormones regulates AM development and arbuscule formation (Gutjahr 2014; Liao et al. 2018). A summary of information concerning the phytohormones involved in AM symbiosis regulation is provided in Tables 4.2 and 4.3.
4.4 Fungal Signals
SLs have been observed to induce the release of signals by the AM fungus. Due to methodological constraints in applying genetic approaches to AM fungi, the signaling molecules released by AM fungi to establish or regulate symbiosis have not been exhaustively investigated.
4.4.1 Myc-LCOs and COs
The function of lipo-chitooligosaccharide (LCO) as signaling molecules derived from rhizobia (Nod-LCO) in the nodule organogenesis and bacterial colonization has been well documented (Murray 2011). Similarly, branched hyphae of AMF secrete specific signaling molecules, i.e., Myc factors, lipo-chitooligosaccharides (LCOs), and short-chain chitooligosaccharides (CO4/CO5).
Identifying LCOs from AM fungi with a basic structure similar to the Nod-LCO demonstrated that the establishment AMF also implicates LCO-mediated signaling, named Myc-LCOs (Maillet et al. 2011). A generic symbiotic LCO is based on a linear, β(1–4) linked oligomers (tetra- or pentasaccharide) of N-acetyl glucosamine (GlcNAc) with a considerable variation in the N-substitutions (acyl and methyl) and O-substitutions (methyl, carbamoyl, acetyl, fucosyl, and sulfate) (Gough and Cullimore 2011; Rush et al. 2020) (Fig. 4.6). Exogenously applied Myc-LCOs enhance root colonization and activate Ca2+ spiking in the host plants (Sun et al. 2015; Camps et al. 2015). Short-chain chitooligosaccharides (COs) are also able to activate Ca2+ spiking, implying that both LCOs and short-chain COs contribute to the recognition of host roots (Genre et al. 2013).
4.4.2 Plant Perception of the Fungal Signal
Plant receptors of LCOs released by rhizobia are characterized as lysin motif receptor-like kinases (LysM-RLKs) (Fliegmann et al. 2013). Some Lys-RLKs are necessary for AM colonization and, thus, are the candidate receptors of Myc-COs or Myc-LCOs in various plant species (Buendia et al. 2018; Wu et al. 2022).
CERK1
LysM-RLKs receptors, such as OsCERK1 and OsLYK2 from rice, MtLYK9 from M. truncatula, PsLYK9 from Pisum sativum, and SlLY10 and SlLYK12 from tomato, are mediated in the COs and LCOs signaling (Ho-Plágaro and García-Garrido 2022). This suggests that the contribution of LysM-RLKs receptors is a conserved feature in AM association of host plants. The rice OsCERK1 (Chitin-elicitor receptor kinase 1) is required for COs-induced responses (Zhang et al. 2015), and the AM association is severely impaired in the Oscerk1 mutant (Miyata et al. 2014).
CEBiP
Chitin is a constituent of the fungal cell wall, a long-chain polymer of GlcNAc. The secreted chitinases from plants break down chitin and release COs (Roberts and Selitrennikoff 1988). Thus, it is important to maintain the immunity response, simultaneous with employing strategies for plant-microbe symbioses. In this process, different classes of LysM receptor kinases (LYKs) or different combinations of single receptors could be used to discriminate different GlcNAc molecules and determine the ultimate response: immunity or symbiosis (Miyata et al. 2014). The LysM protein OsCEBiP (Chitin Elicitor binding protein) collaborates with rice OsCERK1 to regulate chitin signaling in this species (Shimizu et al. 2010). Indeed, in addition to AM signaling, CERK1 is also involved in MAMP-triggered immunity (Miyata et al. 2014). This gene was primarily characterized as a receptor necessary for chitin elicitor signaling, and the Arabidopsis knockout mutant of AtCERK1 is unable to respond to chitin (Miya et al. 2007).
Contrary to the impaired mycorrhizal phenotype of rice Oscerk1 mutant, however, AM response is normal in the Oscebip mutant (Miyata et al. 2014), suggesting the involvement of CEBiP only in the plant immune response.
MYR1
In rice, OsCERK1 does not seem to bind to CO4 (Chitotetraose) directly (Kaku et al. 2006), but another lysin motif (LysM)-containing receptor kinase (LYKs), OsMYR1, is involved in the perception of the AM signal, CO4 (He et al. 2019). The Osmyr1-1/Oslyk2-1 mutant shows a decreased AMF colonization, lower level of Ca2+ spiking, and reduced transcription of marker genes of AMS compared to wide-type rice plants upon inoculation with Rhizophagus irregularis (Zhang et al. 2021). Evidence suggests that OsMYR1 binds to CO4 from symbiotic fungi and subsequently is associated with OsCERK1. Further dimerization and phosphorylation between OsMYR1 and OsCERK1 trigger the symbiosis signaling pathway (He et al. 2019). Indeed, CERK1 is a common receptor of the AMS and immune response pathway (Zhang et al. 2015; Gibelin-Viala et al. 2019). Such dual function for CERK1 depends on its specific interaction with its coreceptors, OsCERK1 or OsMYR1, in response to either pathogenic or symbiotic signals, respectively (Zhang et al. 2021). The dual function of OsCERK1 homologs in both symbiosis and immunity was also observed in other plant species (Gibelin-Viala et al. 2019; Leppyanen et al. 2017).
Collectively, long-chain COs (CO6, CO7, and CO8) are recognized by OsCEBiP and trigger immunity by the formation of the OsCERK1–OsCEBiP complex, whereas short-chain COs (CO4 or CO5) are sensed by OsMYR1 and trigger symbiotic signaling after the formation of OsCERK1–OsMYR1 complex (Liang et al. 2013) (Fig. 4.7).
4.5 AMF-Activated Genes
After receiving the necessary signals from the fungus and the host plant, the signaling pathway is started, and a wide range of genes are activated as downstream targets to regulate the physiological responses of the plant to the symbiont. A large number of transcription factors and other regulatory proteins are involved in the downstream AMS-specific pathways that are activated in response to CSP induction. Some of the most important molecular players in the AMS are discussed below.
RAM1, RAM2
In searching for molecules specific to the AM signaling pathway, two genes were found, including RAM1 (Reduced Arbuscular Mycorrhization 1) and RAM2 (Wang et al. 2012). Mutations in these genes (ram1 and ram2) are able to form root nodules and also induce hyphal branching in the AM fungi, indicating unaffected strigolactone synthesis in these mutants. However, the root colonization level is severely decreased and associated with a reduction of hyphopodia at the root surface. In addition, ram2 plants displayed a severe defect in arbuscule formation (Gobbato et al. 2013). Complementation experiments demonstrated that RAM1 encodes a GRAS-type transcription factor responsible for RAM2 expression (Gobbato et al. 2013). RAM2 is a glycerol-3-phosphate acyl transferase (GPAT), which contributes to the synthesis of cutin monomers. The overexpression of RAM2 leads to higher levels of α,ω-dicarboxylic acids and ω-hydroxy fatty acids (Gobbato et al. 2012).
NSP1 and NSP2
In the nodulation pathway, two GRAS-type transcription factors downstream of the Sym pathway have been identified, i.e., NSP1 (Nodulation Signaling Pathway 1) and NSP2 (Kaló et al. 2005; Smit et al. 2005), which are required for both nodulation and mycorrhization (Delaux et al. 2013). Both NSP1 and NSP2 are involved in activating strigolactone biosynthesis through the induction of DWARF27 (Liu et al. 2011). In barley, NSP2 overexpression activates RLK10/NFR5, SYMRK, and CYCLOPS (Li et al. 2022). Interestingly, the NSP2 complex with NSP1 activates strigolactone production (Liu et al. 2011), while the complex of NSP2 with RAM1 leads to the expression of RAM2 responsible for cutin monomer synthesis. Thus, a competition between RAM1 and NSP1 for binding with NSP2 provides a mechanism for the regulation of two different sets of symbiosis-specific genes (Murray et al. 2013). Further evidence on the importance of RAM1 and NSP1 has been provided by Hohnjec et al. (2015), showing that both GRAS-type transcription factors act synergistically in the transduction of diffusible signals and are essential for the presymbiotic transcriptional reprogramming triggered by Myc-LCOs, downstream of the CSP (Hohnjec et al. 2015) (Fig. 4.8).
Given the central role of AMS in P nutrition for plants, a link between Pi deficiency responses and the AMF signaling pathway has been observed in various plant species (Shi et al. 2021; Das et al. 2022). The transcription factors PHR1 and PHR2 are master regulators of the P-starvation response (Sega and Pacak 2019). The PHR2-controlled plant phosphate starvation response is required for pre-contact signaling, gene expression, root colonization, and mycorrhizal phosphate uptake (Shi et al. 2021; Das et al. 2022). Under P-starvation conditions, PHR2 promotes the expression of RAM1 (Shi et al. 2021) and NSP2 (Das et al. 2022), activating the biosynthetic pathway of cutin monomers and SLs, respectively.
4.6 AMF Association and Plant Immune Response
Every organism acts as a non-self-cue and evokes a response in plants. In general, to distinguish these cues and responding appropriately, plants are able to recognize microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) from pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Upon activation of the specific immunity response for each type of microorganism, the corresponding signaling cascades are initiated and induce the expression of related defense genes leading to the release of chitinases and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (van der Burgh and Joosten 2019). Microorganisms have developed mechanisms to evade these responses, suppress host immunity, and manipulate host cell physiology (Wang et al. 2022). The “effector proteins” promote the colonization of the host by controlling the plant immune system (Plett and Martin 2018). “Pathogen effector proteins” allow successful infection by suppressing the host defense response (Kamoun 2006).
In plant symbiosis, colonization of the host root while avoiding its defense responses is an essential prerequisite for establishing an association. Similar to “pathogen effector proteins,” “symbiotic effectors” control the plant immune system, allow successful infection, and promote plant colonization (Kloppholz et al. 2011). Such similarity in the response of plants during infection by symbiotic and pathogenic microorganisms suggests that suppression of plant defense is a conserved feature in plant–microbe interactions.
The secreted effector proteins (SSPs) are involved in subduing the plant defense systems and, thus, facilitating fungal entry into plant cells. Among the predicted SSPs identified in sequencing projects of AM fungi, only a small number of proteins were confirmed to be involved in the AMF–plant interaction.
SP7
SP7 (RP23081 and RP8598) are small, secreted proteins from Rhizophagus irregularis that are translocated to the host plant nucleus and interact with the pathogenesis-related transcription factor of plant origin, ETHYLENE-RESPONSIVE FACTOR 19 (ERF19). By counteracting the expression of ERF19, SP7 can promote AMF symbiosis (Kloppholz et al. 2011).
SIS1
Another secreted protein, SL-induced putative secreted protein 1 (SIS1) (RP5293), is upregulated in R. irregularis and has a role in the colonization of host root (Tsuzuki et al. 2016).
RiCRN1
The third AMF effector, RiCRN1, belongs to the significant pathogen-associated Crinkler (CRN) effector family. CRN effectors are widespread in plant-pathogenic oomycetes and contain an N-terminal motif (LXLFLAK) essential for the effector’s intracellular localization. In plant pathogenic oomycetes, CRN enters the plant cell nucleus to exert their function, such as induction of plant cell death (Amaro et al. 2017). RiCRN1 found in Rhizophagus irregularis also localizes to the host plant nucleus but, in contrast to other CRN, does not induce plant cell death (Voss et al. 2018). Gene silencing of RiCRN1 (through Host-Induced Gene Silencing, HIGS) results in much smaller arbuscules demonstrating that RiCRN1 expression facilitates AMS and is necessary for symbiosis progression (Voss et al. 2018).
In summary, AMF effector proteins promote symbiosis by impairing the synthesis of plant proteins that are produced upon contact with chitin or its derivatives and are involved in defense, cell death, and immune responses. Despite the lack of host specificity in plant–AMF interactions, there is evidence that fungal SSPs may contribute to host specificity and are likely responsible for variation in symbiosis efficiency among different combinations of AMF species/lines and host plant species/genotypes (Prasad Singh et al. 2019).
4.7 Conclusions
Although our knowledge of signaling pathways in response to AMF has advanced significantly in recent years, several questions remain regarding the nature of the Karrikin-like compound and its biosynthesis, the cause and consequences of the loss of symbiosis ability in non-host plants, and the mechanisms underlying the differential efficiency of specific combinations of plant species/genotypes and AMF species/isolates. However, unlike the legume nodule symbiosis, the diversity of host plants for AMS enables researchers to study and compare plant orders and families for the evolution of signaling pathways and other molecular components, as well as to investigate the diversity and evolutionary changes of symbiotic interactions and their ecological significance during the evolution of terrestrial plants on Earth.
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Hajiboland, R., Ahammed, G.J. (2024). Signaling Events During the Establishment of Symbiosis Between Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Plant Roots. In: Ahammed, G.J., Hajiboland, R. (eds) Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Higher Plants. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-8220-2_4
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