Spatiotemporal dynamics of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) during host colonization by mycorrhizal symbionts
EMSL Project ID
49845
Abstract
Innate host immunity poses a fundamental challenge in the utilization of beneficial microbes for the sequestration of carbon dioxide, a potent greenhouse gas, and its fixation into economically valuable biofuels plant feedstocks. The immense obstacle presented by host defense mechanisms is illustrated by the fact that up to 90% of the microbes in the rhizosphere cannot overcome this defensive barrier to establish a functional presence in the plant endosphere. In compatible interactions, biomass increases of up to 200% have been achieved in perennial feedstocks inoculated with growth-promoting endophytic microbes. However, due to the strong innate host immunity these gains are largely host-specific thereby limiting application across diverse plant species. Using Salix, a biofuels feedstock and pioneer species in the warming arctic region and Arabidopsis as a validation platform, this project seeks to characterize spatiotemporal dynamics of PRR protein induction and turnover at the host-microbe interface using super resolution fluorescence microscopy. Further, this project seeks to link these protein dynamics to molecular signaling cascades that leads to host immunity suppression to facilitate symbiotic interactions via transcriptome sequencing. Lastly, we seek to provide nanoscale resolution of the physical interface between host cells and mycorrhizal fungal hyphae that facilitates nutrient exchange between the symbionts. To that end, we will utilize Cryo Transmission Electron Microscopy as well as Helium Ion Microscopy. The cumulative output will yield an unprecedented map of physical and molecular dynamics occurring at the interface governing successful symbiotic interactions between Salix and beneficial microbes. Project Details
Project type
Large-Scale EMSL Research
Start Date
2017-10-01
End Date
2019-09-30
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Team Members