RNA communication in a mutualistic microbe-plant interaction: Molecular targets and biotechnological strategies for improved crop plant production

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Mutualistic symbioses and beneficial microbes are a key factor in agriculture and especially in plant production. In particular, elucidating the molecular mechanisms of mutualism in host-microbe interactions and the effects of beneficial microbes on crop plants is essential for more efficient and sustainable plant production. Our subproject investigates sRNAs and their corresponding targets in the interaction of a grass- (Brachypodium distachyon) and a dicot model (Arabidopsis thaliana) with the beneficial fungus Piriformospora indica (syn. Serendipita indica). Thus, we seek to provide a deeper understanding of cross-kingdom RNA communication (ckRNAi) in a mutualistic plant-fungus association. We choose P. indica for this study because it has an unprecedented broad hosts range, colonizes all plant species used in RU5116, and increases not only host resistance but also agronomic yield. The biological property of our host-microbe system bears the chance to clarify whether ckRNAi is a strategy (a) for a mutualistic fungus to establish a successful beneficial interaction (resulting in plant resistance and increase yield), and (b) for a plant host to regulate colonization by a beneficial fungus. Moreover, by interpreting our data in the light of data generated in RU5116 for plant - pathogen interactions, we will gather information on common or different ckRNAi-related targets and pathways in mutualistic and pathogenic interactions which is an important aspect when it comes to disease control. Pursuing the above-outlined strategy will transform the way we view sRNA effectors and their targets in plant immunity and plant development during symbiosis. Envisaged outcome is relevant to all areas of molecular, plant and microbial biology and will lay the knowledge foundation for novel solutions to crop protection.