ROLE OF PLASMA MEMBRANE NANODOMAINS IN LEGUME NODULATION
EMSL Project ID
61062
Abstract
The long-term goal of this project is to further fundamental understanding of the agronomically important soybean N2 fixing symbiosis. Soybean is a major crop worldwide due to its ability to fix atmospheric N2 through its symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria. It has been estimated that more than 60 million metric tons of N2 are fixed by legumes annually with a fertilizer replacement value of $7-10 billion. Our research group has a specific focus on understanding unique areas of the rhizobial-legume symbiosis that are critical for nodule formation and nitrogen fixation. In combination with our EMSL collaborators, our team brings a unique repertoire of techniques that allow for a detailed functional genomic and biochemical analysis of the nodulation process with precision at the molecular level. While the early events in symbiotic establishment are well studied at a genetic level, much less is known about the detailed biochemical processes that define the rhizobial infection process, which occurs initially within root hair cells. The receptors involved in these early events are confined to specific plasma membrane nanodomains. However, little is known regarding the composition of these nanodomains and how signaling initiated there is translated to later infection events. Deciphering the function of these nanodomains is the focus of our proposal. We will use EMSL’s sophisticated imaging systems to localize receptors within these nanodomains and also define their structure. The ultimate goals will be to expand our understanding of the N2-fixing symbiosis filling in critical gaps in our knowledge that may eventually lead to the successful transfer of nitrogen fixing ability to other plants.
Project Details
Project type
Limited Scope
Start Date
2024-04-01
End Date
N/A
Status
Accepted
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Team Members