P-406 - Evolution and Function of Receptor Kinases in Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

09:55 - 11:30

Location: Confex Hall 3

Symbiosis and Mutualism (mycorrhiza and N-fixing Rhizobia)

Presenting Author(s)

CC

Chai Hao Chiu

Postdoctoral Research Associate
Crop Science Centre, University of Cambridge
CAMBRIDGE, England, United Kingdom

Author(s)

AT

Aleksandr Tiapkin

Crop Science Centre, University of Cambridge
Cambridge, England, United Kingdom
DA

Doris Albinsky

Crop Science Centre, University of Cambridge
Cambridge, England, United Kingdom
JS

Jongho Sun

Crop Science Centre, University of Cambridge
Cambridge, England, United Kingdom
GF

Gabriel Ferreras-Garrucho

PhD Student
Crop Science Centre, University of Cambridge
Cambridge, England, United Kingdom
EW

Emma Wallington

NIAB
Cambridge, England, United Kingdom
UP

Uta Paszkowski (she/her/hers)

Professor
University of Cambridge
Cambridge, England, United Kingdom
GO

Giles Oldroyd

Crop Science Centre, University of Cambridge
Cambridge, England, United Kingdom

Evolution of symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) was one of the key innovations that enabled the successful conquest of land plants. In this mutually beneficial symbiosis, fungi-delivered mineral nutrients are exchanged for plant photosynthates in elaborate, highly-branched arbuscules. To detect micro-organisms and non-self molecules, plants have a complex immune surveillance system including receptor kinases located on the plasma membrane. However, we do not fully understand how the early detection of the symbiotic fungus via receptor kinases lead to appropriate signal transduction, as well as the types of signals and receptors involved in the processes. At the same time, signalling activated by the fungus also reprogrammes plant root development to produce more lateral roots, resulting in increased surface area for symbiotic interactions. In this work, we performed a comprehensive genetic analysis of a family of plant receptors (LysM-RLKs) involved in symbiosis establishment, as well as a conserved signal-receptor system in activating lateral organs in response to chitin molecules. Tracing the evolution of these receptors in the green lineage also revealed insights on the origins and deep conservation of their symbiosis signalling functions early in land plant evolution. I will also discuss ongoing work to elucidate the signal transduction cascades downstream of the receptor kinases.