Researchers have uncovered two fungal enzymes that manipulate the immune defenses of plants, which are essential for the successful colonization of plant roots. This discovery presents exciting possibilities for advancements in medicine and agriculture.
Researchers at the University of Cologne’s CEPLAS Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences have uncovered two enzymes from fungi that manipulate plant immune systems, significantly aiding in the colonization of plant roots. These discoveries pave the way for potential innovations in both agriculture and medicine, as reported in Cell Host & Microbe.
In nature, roots of plants are typically inhabited by fungi. This association can either be mutually beneficial for both the plant and the fungus or harmful, where the fungus damages the host plant. A research team led by Professor Dr. Alga Zuccaro at the CEPLAS Cluster of Excellence has investigated how the beneficial root fungus Serendipita indica effectively colonizes the roots of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Initially, the fungus invades living root cells, and then it triggers a limited amount of cell death in the host plant, allowing for successful colonization without causing major damage. However, the mechanisms that govern this cell death in the host are largely unknown. The researchers have recently revealed that Serendipita indica secretes two enzymes, NucA and E5NT, which lead to the formation of deoxyadenosine (dAdo). This molecule prompts a regulated type of cell death in plants, allowing the fungus to effectively infiltrate the root structure. The study titled ‘A nucleoside signal generated by fungal endophyte regulates host cell death and promotes root colonization’ was published in Cell Host & Microbe.
The research showed that dAdo is first synthesized in the apoplast, the extracellular area outside host cells. Following this, dAdo is transported into the plant cell through the membrane transporter ENT3, where it subverts the plant’s immune system to trigger cell death. As noted by Professor Zuccaro’s team, this process isn’t exclusive to plants; a similar scenario occurs in humans during the interaction between the pathogenic bacterium Staphylococcus aureus and human immune cells.
‘We discovered that the beneficial root fungus Serendipita indica utilizes two enzymes to generate dAdo, similar to how S. aureus induces cell death to facilitate successful colonization. This indicates that the underlying mechanism is preserved across various microbes and lifestyles,’ explained Professor Alga Zuccaro. The research highlights the essential relationship between microbe colonization and the immune responses of the host, laying the groundwork for new strategies in both healthcare and agricultural practices. ‘By comprehending these common mechanisms, we can devise more effective methods to manage both harmful and beneficial microbes in human health and agricultural production.’
