Scientists have decoded a crucial molecular mechanism controlling how plants feed their fungal partners, unlocking potential advances in sustainable agriculture.
Why it matters: This discovery could help develop crops that require fewer chemical fertilizers and are more resilient to environmental stress. The research reveals nature’s sophisticated nutrient-sharing system that could be optimized for agricultural benefit.
- Plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi have evolved a complex partnership where plants provide fungi with essential lipids in exchange for nutrients.
Key finding: Two proteins (CKL1 and CKL2) act as gatekeepers, controlling the flow of lipids from plants to fungi through a dual regulatory system.
“Lipids are costly for the plant, so dual regulatory mechanisms may ensure that lipid provisioning is tightly controlled, perhaps a safeguard against exploitation by fungal pathogens.”
Dr. Maria Harrison, Boyce Thompson Institute professor
The process:
- Researchers identified proteins active only in fungus-containing root cells
- Found CKL proteins control genes at the start and end of lipid transfer
- Discovered separate regulation for middle-pathway processes
Keep in mind: The system’s complexity suggests plants have evolved sophisticated controls to prevent exploitation by harmful fungi.
Real-world impact: This research could lead to:
- More efficient crop nutrient uptake
- Reduced fertilizer dependency
- Enhanced crop resilience to environmental stresses
TL;DR
- Scientists discovered key proteins controlling plant-fungal nutrient exchange.
- The system has unexpected dual controls to protect plants from exploitation.
- Findings could revolutionize sustainable agriculture practices by optimizing natural symbiotic relationships.
Read the Paper
Receptor-associated kinases control the lipid provisioning program in plant–fungal symbiosis