Activity-based probes (ABPs) for studying the molecular mechanism of root exudation
EMSL Project ID
60671
Abstract
Evolving a symbiotic plant-microbe relationship in the rhizosphere (root-soil interface) is essential for sustainable bioenergy feedstock production. Such a relationship is facilitated by plant small molecules secreted as root exudates that act as a chemoattractant and food source to specific microbial species. Root exudates comprise primary metabolites such as sugars, amino acids, and organic acids and a wide array of secondary metabolites such as Genistein and Daidzein (isoflavones), which play a role in root nodule rhizobacterial symbiosis. However, the plant proteins involved in active transport and exudation of these signaling secondary metabolites remain unknown due to the lack of a tool to associate the exudated metabolite with the transport proteins in-planta. Due to this technical hurdle, the mode of release or mechanism behind the exudation of most root exudates remains unknown. We aim to develop a chemical biology approach using activity-based probes (ABP) in live plants to identify plant transport proteins that transport root exudates to the roots and eventually exudate them into the rhizosphere. We will establish this system with above said isoflavones, which were also detected in the DOE model plant poplar, showing a high abundance in leaf (vascular cells) and roots (cells surrounding vascular cells), indicating a biosynthesis in leaf and eventual transport to roots for possible exudation. This DASH proposal will address the technical hurdles involved in using ABPs in live plants. If successful, this will establish a system to study the mode of release of diverse root exudates from any plant species of interest. This work will help selectively enrich the rhizosphere with small molecules as biosensors to improve carbon allocation belowground (in the form of exudates), carbon sequestration, and plant and soil health. The outcome of this work will be highly useful to EMSL users in RF and BP IRPs and supports decadal roadmaps of HTP Omics and Protein Function and Rhizosphere Sensors research areas.
Project Details
Start Date
2023-01-16
End Date
N/A
Status
Active
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Team Members