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Beneficial plant-fungus symbiosis involves cross-kingdom RNA interference. The fungus Rhizophagus irregularis sends small RNAs to plant cells, aiding root colonization and establishing inter-organismal RNA communication.

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Area of Science:

  • Plant biology
  • Mycology
  • Molecular biology

Background:

  • Cross-kingdom RNA interference is a known mechanism in plant-pathogen interactions.
  • Arbuscular mycorrhiza is a widespread and ancient symbiotic relationship between plants and fungi.
  • The molecular mechanisms regulating arbuscular mycorrhiza are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of RNA interference in the beneficial symbiosis of arbuscular mycorrhiza.
  • To determine if cross-kingdom RNA interference occurs between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and host plants.
  • To identify the source and function of small RNAs transferred between symbionts.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized molecular techniques to detect and analyze small RNA transfer between Rhizophagus irregularis and host plant roots.
  • Employed gene silencing assays to assess the functional impact of fungal small RNAs on plant gene expression.
  • Performed microscopy to confirm fungal colonization and small RNA localization within plant cells.

Main Results:

  • Provided evidence for cross-kingdom RNA interference in arbuscular mycorrhiza.
  • Demonstrated that the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Rhizophagus irregularis transfers small RNAs into host plant cells.
  • Showed that these transferred small RNAs promote the colonization of host roots by the fungus.

Conclusions:

  • Inter-organismal RNA communication is a novel regulatory mechanism in arbuscular mycorrhiza.
  • Cross-kingdom RNA interference plays a role in establishing and maintaining this beneficial plant-fungus symbiosis.
  • This finding opens new avenues for understanding and manipulating plant-microbe interactions.