Transcriptomic insights into mycorrhizal interactions with tomato root: a comparative study of short- and long-term...

Area of Science:

• Plant-fungal interactions
• Molecular biology
• Genomics

Background:

• Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) is a symbiosis between plant roots and fungi.
• AM enhances nutrient uptake and stress tolerance in plants.
• Understanding plant-root and AM interactions requires studying gene expression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate gene expression changes in tomato roots after inoculation with *Rhizophagus irregularis*.
• To identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at early (7 days) and later (30 days) stages post-inoculation.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying tomato-AM symbiosis.

Main Methods:

• RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to analyze tomato root transcriptomes.
• Comparison of gene expression between mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal roots.
• Bioinformatic analysis including pathway enrichment (KEGG).

Main Results:

• 1,019 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in tomato roots.
• 635 DEGs showed differential expression between mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal roots.
• Upregulated DEGs were more numerous at 7 dpi than 30 dpi.
• Key genes involved in defense, growth, ion transport, and metabolism were identified.
• Genes related to ascorbic acid metabolism, sterol biosynthesis, and cell cycle were enriched.

Conclusions:

• This study provides comprehensive data on AM-responsive genes in tomato roots.
• The findings offer insights into short- and long-term molecular responses to AM symbiosis.
• Deciphering these interactions advances our understanding of plant-fungal biological relationships.