Recent developments in arbuscular mycorrhizal signaling

Plants can establish root endosymbioses with both arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and rhizobial bacteria to improve their nutrition. Our understanding of the molecular events underlying the establishment of these symbioses has significantly advanced in the last few years. Here I highlight major recent findings in the field of endosymbiosis signaling. Despite the identification of new signaling components and the definition, or in some cases better re-definition of the molecular functions of previously known players, major questions still remain that need to be addressed. Most notably the mechanisms defining signaling specificities within either symbiosis remain unclear.