Objectif The arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis is one of the most ancient, abundant, and ecologically important mutualisms on Earth. Yet, despite its crucial role in land ecosystems, molecular mechanisms leading to its formation are just beginning to be unraveled. However, approximately 18% of all land plants, including important crop species, do not form a symbiosis with AM fungi (AMF) and can even be antagonized by them. These non-mycorrhizal plants include several major crops as well as many important weeds. Until now, molecular interactions between AMF and non-host plants have been poorly understood, possibly due to the absence of a suitable model system. Recently, it has been demonstrated that the non-host model plant Arabidopsis thaliana becomes heavily infected by AMF when exposed to mycorrhizal networks that are established by neighboring host plants, resulting in a strong reduction of growth of the non-host plant. However, arbuscules, the most characteristic structure in the AM symbiosis, have not been found in this interaction. These results point to a different interaction between A. thaliana and AMF compared to a functional symbiosis AMF host plant. Here we propose to utilize the well-established Arabidopsis model system to investigate the molecular mechanisms that explain the biological basis of AM fungal incompatibility through a multidisciplinary approach. We will test whether growth suppression previously observed in AMF-infected Arabidopsis is caused by nutrient limitation or by a costly activation of plant defenses. In addition we aim to identify gene regulatory networks that are activated in the three (fully sequenced) partners of the mycorrhizal network Medicago truncatula-Rhizophagus irregularis-Arabidopsis. This will allow us to study in detail key AM fungal genes and molecular processes that are responsible for symbiosis in host plants and for incompatibility in non-host plants, thereby providing novel tools to design new crop protection strategies Champ scientifique natural sciencescomputer and information sciencesknowledge engineeringontologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiologymycologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesecologyecosystemsnatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiological behavioural sciencesethologybiological interactionsagricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesagriculture Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Thème(s) MSCA-IF-2014-EF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-EF) Appel à propositions H2020-MSCA-IF-2014 Voir d’autres projets de cet appel Régime de financement MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF Coordinateur UNIVERSITEIT UTRECHT Contribution nette de l'UE € 177 598,80 Adresse HEIDELBERGLAAN 8 3584 CS Utrecht Pays-Bas Voir sur la carte Région West-Nederland Utrecht Utrecht Type d’activité Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Participation aux programmes de R&I de l'UE Opens in new window Réseau de collaboration HORIZON Opens in new window Coût total € 177 598,80
