Dissecting endophytic lifestyle along the parasitism/mutualism continuum in Arabidopsis. (August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fesel, Philipp H; Zuccaro, Alga
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in microbiology. Volume 32(2016)
• Page Start: 103
• Page End: 112
• Publication Date: 2016-08
• Subjects: Microbiology -- Periodicals; 579.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2016.05.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1369-5274

Abstract

Highlights: Ancestor lifestyle impacts genomic signatures associated with endophytism. Reduction of pathogenic/saprotrophic traits is not a prerequisite for endophytism. Minimal genotypic changes in the plant host and fungus can have significant impact on the output of interaction. Mutualistic root endophytism requires a noncompromised plant immunity. Abstract : Mutualistic interactions between plants and fungi often occur in the rhizosphere, although examples exist where shoot-endophytes support host growth and increase resistance to pathogens and herbivores. Fungal endophytes which colonize their hosts without any visible disease symptoms have been recognized to be fundamental components of various ecosystems. Initial efforts have been taken to decipher the genetic basis of beneficial plant–fungus interactions and of lifestyle transitions. This review gives a short overview on well established experimental systems amenable to genetic manipulation and of known genome sequence for dissecting plant–fungal endophyte interactions with a special focus on Arabidopsis thaliana associations.