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Diverse nitrogen acquisition strategies of conifer-associated ectomycorrhizal fungi shape unique responses to changing nitrogen regimes

Summary

This research examines how different types of mushroom fungi that partner with conifer trees acquire nitrogen in different ways. Using genomic analysis, lab experiments, and historical mushroom samples from the past 60 years, scientists found that even closely related fungal species have distinct strategies for obtaining nitrogen from different sources. These findings suggest that coniferous forests may respond quite differently to changes in nitrogen availability compared to forests with broadleaf trees.

Background

Ectomycorrhizal fungi are critical mediators of nitrogen acquisition in forest ecosystems and exhibit variation in metabolic traits that mediate differential responses to forest nitrogen availability. Recent evidence suggests terrestrial nutrient availability has been declining for decades despite increased atmospheric nitrogen deposition, particularly affecting sensitive conifer-associated fungi.

Objective

This study examined nitrogen assimilation strategies among congeneric conifer-associated ectomycorrhizal fungi using six Suillus species to understand how nitrogen acquisition varies among closely related species and whether these patterns persist over changing nitrogen regimes.

Results

Highly conserved genes for inorganic nitrogen assimilation were found across species, but striking interspecific variation in genetic capacity for organic nitrogen metabolism, particularly in protease and chitin-degrading genes. Growth assays revealed species-specific responses to different nitrogen sources, and isotopic signatures of historical specimens showed divergent temporal trends among Suillus species suggestive of differential nitrogen use over time.

Conclusion

Conifer-associated ectomycorrhizal fungi employ diverse nitrogen acquisition strategies that vary considerably even among closely related species, supporting distinct forest ecosystem responses to altered nitrogen availability compared to broadleaf forests and suggesting important implications for forest resilience under environmental change.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Plant Science,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 41064756, PMCID: PMC12501645
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