Evidence for calcium-mediated perception of plant symbiotic signals in aequorin-expressing Mesorhizobium loti.

ABSTRACT:

Background

During the interaction between rhizobia and leguminous plants the two partners engage in a molecular conversation that leads to reciprocal recognition and ensures the beginning of a successful symbiotic integration. In host plants, intracellular Ca(2+) changes are an integral part of the signalling mechanism. In rhizobia it is not yet known whether Ca(2+) can act as a transducer of symbiotic signals.

Results

A plasmid encoding the bioluminescent Ca(2+) probe aequorin was introduced into Mesorhizobium loti USDA 3147(T) strain to investigate whether a Ca(2+) response is activated in rhizobia upon perception of plant root exudates. We find that M. loti cells respond to environmental and symbiotic cues through transient elevations in intracellular free Ca(2+) concentr

SUBMITTER: Moscatiello R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2759959 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature