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Omics approaches to investigate pre-symbiotic responses of the mycorrhizal fungus Tulasnella sp. SV6 to the orchid host Serapias vomeracea

Summary

This study examines how a fungus called Tulasnella responds to the presence of orchid plants before they physically touch each other. Using advanced techniques to measure gene activity and chemical composition, researchers found that the fungus activates growth and preparation genes when it senses the orchid nearby, suggesting the two organisms communicate through chemical signals even before making contact.

Background

Orchid mycorrhiza (ORM) represents a complex plant-microbe symbiosis similar to arbuscular mycorrhiza, but the molecular changes during pre-symbiotic stages remain largely unexplored. Previous studies have focused on established mycorrhizal tissues, leaving gaps in understanding early interaction events.

Objective

To investigate pre-symbiotic responses of the ORM fungus Tulasnella sp. SV6 to the orchid host Serapias vomeracea using transcriptomic and metabolomic approaches in a dual in vitro cultivation system before physical contact between fungal mycelium and orchid roots occurs.

Results

RNA-seq revealed 1,669 differentially expressed genes with 1,002 up-regulated genes involved in protein synthesis, amino acid biosynthesis, and lipid metabolism. Metabolomic analysis confirmed increased amino acids and phospholipids accumulation. A small secreted protein was strongly upregulated, potentially involved in early symbiotic signaling.

Conclusion

Tulasnella sp. SV6 exhibits distinct transcriptomic and metabolomic remodeling in response to orchid plantlet presence before physical contact, suggesting perception of plant-derived signals and preparation for symbiotic interaction through enhanced biosynthetic activity.
  • Published in:Mycorrhiza,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.1007/s00572-025-01188-6, PMID: 40172721
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