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Updated: Nov 9, 2025

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Published on: November 8, 2016
Reprogramming sphingolipid glycosylation is required for endosymbiont persistence in Medicago truncatula
William M Moore1, Candace Chan2, Toshiki Ishikawa3
1Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA; Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
A key enzyme, GLUCOSAMINE INOSITOL PHOSPHORYLCERAMIDE TRANSFERASE1 (GINT1), is crucial for plant symbiosis. It modifies specific lipids, ensuring the persistence of beneficial microbes within plant cells.
Area of Science:
- Plant biology
- Molecular biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Plant endosymbiosis requires specialized membranes for nutrient exchange.
- The role of lipids in these symbiotic interfaces is poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize the function of lipids involved in plant-microbe symbiosis.
- To investigate the role of GLUCOSAMINE INOSITOL PHOSPHORYLCERAMIDE TRANSFERASE1 (GINT1) in symbiotic membrane development.
Main Methods:
- Identification of GINT1 as a sphingolipid glycosyltransferase in Medicago truncatula.
- Analysis of MtGINT1 expression in root nodules and AM fungal-colonized roots.
- RNAi silencing of MtGINT1 to assess its function in symbiosis.
Main Results:
- MtGINT1 is highly expressed in symbiotic tissues and synthesizes N-acetyl-glucosamine-decorated GIPCs.
- MtGINT1 silencing impairs nodulation and AM symbiosis, leading to symbiosome and arbuscule senescence.
- Local reprogramming of GIPC glycosylation by MtGINT1 is essential for endosymbiont persistence.
Conclusions:
- MtGINT1 plays a critical role in maintaining plant-microbe symbiosis by regulating specific sphingolipid structures.
- Targeted modification of membrane lipids is vital for the successful establishment and maintenance of symbiotic interactions.
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