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Concurrent Session

Session: Concurrent Session: RNA on the move: Advances in Cross-Species Communication & Translational Research

Cross-kingdom RNAi in AM symbiosis

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

12:50 - 12:55

Location: Room P+Q

Presenting Author(s)

MH

Manisha V. Haag, MA (she/her/hers)

Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology
Potsdam, GERMANY

Author(s)

AU

Annika Usländer

Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology and TUM School of Life Sciences
Potsdam, Brandenburg, Germany
AC

An-Po Cheng

University of Munich (LMU)
München, Bayern, Germany
BL

Bernhard Lederer

University of Munich (LMU)
München, Bayern, Germany
JK

Jin Yan Khoo

University of Munich (LMU)
München, Bayern, Germany
FD

Florian Dunker

University of Munich (LMU)
München, Bayern, Germany
IA

Ivan Acosta

Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology
Potsdam, Brandenburg, Germany
AW

Arne Weiberg

University of Munich (LMU)
München, Bayern, Germany
CG

Caroline Gutjahr

Prof. Dr.
Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology
Potsdam, Brandenburg, Germany

Abstract Text:
RNA interference (RNAi) is a biological process in which small non-coding RNAs (sRNA) selectively regulate gene expression at the transcriptional level. Double-stranded RNAs (dsRNA) serve as substrate for DICER proteins which process them into small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). These sRNAs are incorporated into endonucleolytic ARGONAUTE proteins (AGO), which use the sRNA to guide target-specific recognition. RNAi is not only endogenously utilized, but it also plays a role in the regulation of plant immunity and pathogen virulence during plant-microbe interaction. In this process called cross-kingdom RNAi (ckRNAi) sRNAs are translocated into the interacting organism, where they ‘hijack’ the respective RNAi machinery. Despite the mutualistic relationship between Rhizophagus irregularis and its host Lotus japonicus, the fungus needs to overcome the plant’s defence mechanisms to develop a stable symbiosis. We hypothesized that ckRNAi may occur during the formation of this mutualistic interaction. We profiled plant-AGO bound sRNAs and identified several fungal sRNAs with AGO-binding preference among colonized L. japonicus roots. By utilizing an RNAi-reporter, we confirmed translocation of fungal sRNAs into L. japonicus root cells and we further predicted potential plant targets of the identified fungal sRNAs. Our findings offer a glimpse into the intricate, yet still largely unknown sRNA-mediated communication between plants and their symbiotic fungal partner.