Rhizospheric Plant–Microbe Interactions: miRNAs as a Key Mediator. (February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Middleton, Harriet; Yergeau, Étienne; Monard, Cécile; Combier, Jean-Philippe; El Amrani, Abdelhak
• Is Part Of: Trends in plant science. Volume 26:Number 2(2021)
• Page Start: 132
• Page End: 141
• Publication Date: 2021-02
• Subjects: miRNA -- extracellular vesicles (EVs) -- rhizospheric microbiota -- inter-kingdom communication -- holobiont engineering; Botany -- Periodicals; Botanique -- Périodiques; Botany; Periodicals; 580.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2020.09.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1360-1385

Abstract

Abstract : The importance of microorganisms in plant development, nutrition, and stress resistance is unquestioned and has led to a more holistic approach of plant–microbe interactions, under the holobiont concept. The structure of the plant microbiota is often described as host driven, especially in the rhizosphere, where microbial communities are shaped by diverse rhizodeposits. Gradually, this anthropogenic vision is fading and being replaced by the idea that plants and microorganisms co-shape the plant microbiota. Through coevolution, plants and microbes have developed cross-kingdom communication channels. Here, we propose that miRNAs are crucial mediators of plant–microbe interactions and microbiota shaping in the rhizosphere. Moreover, we suggest, as an alternative to generally unsuccessful strategies based on microbial inoculants, miRNAs as a promising tool for novel holobiont engineering. Highlights: Plants interact with a diversity of microbes, especially in the rhizosphere. The plant and its associated microbes form a coevolved unit called the 'holobiont', implying the emergence of bi-directional interkingdom communication channels. miRNAs may be key mediators of plant–microbe interactions, because they are well conserved throughout the living, can be conveyed by extracellular vesicles over long distances, and are part of interkingdom interactions. Plant miRNAs are taken up by gut microbiota and phytopathogens, resulting in the modulation of microbial gene expression and, hence, of microbial community activity and composition. In return, microbial miRNA-like RNAs target plant genes and act on their fitness.