Plant Immunity-Activating Endophytic Bacteria Induce Dynamic Metabolic Changes in Cultured Plant Cells Without
Yui Aikawa1, Ayano Yabuuchi1, Hiroki Kaneko1
1Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba, Japan.
Microbial Biotechnology
|January 9, 2026
Summary
Plant immunity-activating endophytic bacteria enhance plant cell metabolism without hindering growth. These bacteria induce defense gene expression and compound production, offering potential for phytochemical synthesis.
Area of Science:
- Plant biotechnology
- Microbial biotechnology
- Metabolomics
Background:
- Co-culturing microorganisms with plant cells can induce bioactive compound synthesis.
- Microbial co-cultures often inhibit plant cell growth, limiting their application.
- Endophytic bacteria that activate plant immunity show promise for overcoming growth inhibition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of plant immunity-activating endophytic bacteria for inducing metabolic changes in cultured plant cells.
- To assess the impact of Delftia sp. BR1R-2 on tobacco BY-2 cell growth and metabolism.
- To determine if physical contact is necessary for bacteria-induced metabolic alterations.
Main Methods:
- Co-culture of tobacco BY-2 cells with Delftia sp. BR1R-2 and Escherichia coli.
- Analysis of cell growth and metabolic profiles.
- Gene expression analysis for defense-related genes.
- Co-culture experiments using filter systems to control physical contact.
- Co-culture of tobacco BY-2 and Arabidopsis T87 cells with Pseudomonas sp. RS1P-1.
Main Results:
- Delftia sp. BR1R-2 did not inhibit tobacco BY-2 cell growth, unlike Escherichia coli.
- Co-culture with BR1R-2 significantly altered the metabolic profile of BY-2 cells.
- BR1R-2 induced defense-related gene expression and antibacterial compound production.
- Physical contact between BY-2 cells and BR1R-2 was necessary for metabolic changes.
- Pseudomonas sp. RS1P-1 also induced metabolic changes in tobacco BY-2 and Arabidopsis T87 cells without growth inhibition.
Conclusions:
- Plant immunity-activating endophytic bacteria can be used to modify plant cell metabolism.
- These bacteria offer a viable strategy for enhancing the production of valuable phytochemicals in plant cell cultures.
- Endophytic bacteria represent a promising tool for plant metabolic engineering.
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