P-269 - Unraveling the role of transporters in the interaction of the fungal endophyte Colletotrichum tofieldiae with different hosts

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

13:30 - 15:15

Location: Confex Hall 3

Nutrient exchange & role of metabolites in plant-microbe interactions

Presenting Author(s)

GM

Gonzalo Monteoliva Garcia

CBGP (UPM-INIA/CSIC)
Madrid, Madrid, Spain

Author(s)

CM

Clara Martínez-Arias

CBGP (UPM-INIA/CSIC)
Madrid, Madrid, Spain
JG

Johannes Gaertner

Institute for Plant Sciences, Cologne Biocenter, University of Cologne
Cologne, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
MB

Marcel Bucher

Institute for Plant Sciences, Cologne Biocenter, University of Cologne
Cologne, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
SS

Soledad Sacristán

Associate Professor
CBGP (UPM-INIA/CSIC)/UPM
Pozuelo de Alarcón (Madrid), Madrid, Spain

Fungal endophytes (FEs) have emerged as promising agents in promoting plant growth under nutrient-limited conditions. To form stable associations, both the plant and the FE must benefit from the interaction. It is assumed that FEs receive plant-derived compounds, such as organic carbon (C) molecules, in exchange for nutrients like phosphorus (P). Understanding the bi-directional molecular exchange in plant-fungus interactions is essential for optimizing microbiota management to enhance plant productivity. Colletotrichum tofieldiae (Ct) is a FE that promotes growth in Arabidopsis thaliana, tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and maize (Zea mays). However, Ct exhibits different colonization patterns and growth responses depending on the host species and P availability. Our results suggest that different hosts may influence the exchange of distinct nutrients with Ct, possibly mediated by host-specific transporters used by Ct. In this work, we aim to identify key fungal transporters genes that are overexpressed during Ct interactions with Arabidopsis, maize, and tomato. The expression profiles of selected Ct transporter genes will be validated across different host interactions and nutrient conditions. Additionally, we will assess fungal growth and fungal gene expression in axenic cultures with varying P concentrations and diverse C sources. Finally, we will investigate the specific role of these fungal genes in nutrient exchange and evaluate their impact on plant growth promotion.