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Updated: Jan 17, 2026

Divergence of Root Microbiota in Different Habitats based on Weighted Correlation Networks

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Published on: September 25, 2021

Convergent evolution and adaptive diversification of root symbioses.

Zhenshan Liu¹, Bin Hu¹, Emmanouil Flemetakis²

¹Center of Molecular Ecophysiology (CMEP), College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University No. 2, Tiansheng Road, Beibei District, Chongqing, 400715, P. R. China.

Biological Reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society

|September 14, 2025

Summary

Plant-microbe root symbioses evolved over 470 million years ago, driven by conserved pathways and lineage-specific adaptations. These crucial plant-microbe interactions offer potential for sustainable agriculture and ecosystem restoration.

Keywords:

N2‐fixing actinorhizal symbiosis common symbiotic signalling pathway (CSSP)evolution mycorrhizal symbiosis rhizobia root symbiosis

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Area of Science:

Plant-microbe interactions
Evolutionary biology
Ecosystem science

Background:

Mutualistic symbioses between plants and microorganisms are fundamental to terrestrial ecosystems.
Root-based symbioses evolved as a key adaptation, diversifying in partners and functions.
A conserved common symbiotic signaling pathway (CSSP) underpins mycorrhizal-actinorhizal-rhizobial (MAR) symbioses.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the origin and diversification of root symbioses.
To highlight molecular innovations and ecological drivers of symbiosis evolution.
To explore the impact of environmental pressures on symbiotic relationships.

Main Methods:

Phylogenomic analyses to reveal conserved symbiotic pathways.
Synthesis of information from evolutionary, molecular, and ecological disciplines.
Review of studies on lineage-specific adaptations in symbiont recognition and nutrient exchange.

Main Results:

A conserved common symbiotic signaling pathway (CSSP) facilitated the repeated emergence of root-microbe mutualisms.
Lineage-specific adaptations in symbiont recognition, immune evasion, and nutrient exchange exist.
Actinorhizal symbioses show unique host specificity and nitrogen-fixation efficiency.

Conclusions:

Root symbioses are dynamic systems shaped by conserved mechanisms and context-dependent adaptations.
Understanding these symbioses is crucial for addressing challenges like climate change and resource availability.
Further research into understudied symbioses like actinorhizal associations holds potential for sustainable agriculture and reforestation.