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Integration of fungal transcriptomics and metabolomics provides insights into the early interaction between the ORM fungus Tulasnella sp. and the orchid Serapias vomeracea seeds

Summary

This research explores how orchid fungi recognize and respond to orchid seeds before even touching them. Scientists used advanced molecular techniques to track changes in fungal genes and chemical compounds during the early stages of this symbiotic partnership. The findings show that the fungus actively prepares itself to penetrate the seed’s protective barriers, producing special enzymes and metabolites that facilitate this critical interaction for orchid survival.

Background

Orchid seeds depend on symbiotic relationships with orchid mycorrhizal (ORM) fungi for germination and early development. Despite advances in omics technologies, understanding of the initial stages of this symbiosis remains limited. The ORM fungus must penetrate the orchid seed cell wall to establish this critical relationship.

Objective

To investigate early responses in the mycorrhizal fungus Tulasnella sp. isolate SV6 when co-cultivated with orchid seeds of Serapias vomeracea using integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics approaches. The study tested whether the fungus senses and responds to orchid seeds prior to physical contact.

Results

The fungus exhibited limited transcriptomic reprogramming before contact but significant changes during pre-contact and symbiotic stages. Key findings included activation of signaling pathways, production of indole-related metabolites before seed contact, expression of plant cell wall-degrading enzymes (PCWDEs), and dynamic changes in amino acid and lipid metabolism throughout the interaction.

Conclusion

The dual-omics approach revealed that the ORM fungus responds to orchid seed presence prior to physical contact, with fine-tuned expression of PCWDEs and metabolic remodeling facilitating host cell wall penetration and symbiosis establishment. These insights advance understanding of early mycorrhizal interactions.
  • Published in:IMA Fungus,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 39456087, DOI: 10.1186/s43008-024-00165-6
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