Periodic Reporting for period 1 - KNOWN (Know thy neighbor)
Reporting period: 2021-11-01 to 2023-10-31
The KNOW thy Neighbor (KNOWN) project, focusing on Arabidopsis thaliana, aimed to understand plant-plant interactions at an intraspecific level. It investigated how a plant's genetic identity affects interactions with neighbors, particularly through root exudates. The project's goals were to analyze root exudates from various A. thaliana genotypes and explore how chemical similarities between plants influence their interactions. Key achievements included identifying 25 heritable compounds in A. thaliana's root exudates, suggesting a significant genetic impact on their composition. Contrary to expectations, life history traits and geographic patterns had little effect on exudate diversity. The project also developed an efficient hydroponic system for large-scale root exudate collection and analysis, overcoming previous challenges in this area. Findings were disseminated through publications, conferences, and seminars, laying a foundation for future research into the genetic basis of chemical variation in root exudates and their role in plant communication. Although the project did not explore the impact of exudates on root growth or soil microbial interactions, it sets the stage for future studies in these areas. Overall, KNOWN significantly advanced our understanding of intraspecific interactions and root exudate chemistry in A. thaliana, contributing to plant ecology and evolution and opening new avenues for sustainable agriculture.
Focused Work Package Overview
WP1: Genetic Correlation with Chemical Profiles
Objective: Explore the link between genetic variation in A. thaliana and their root exudate composition.
Approach: Developed methods to collect and analyze exudates from numerous natural accessions, overcoming initial methodological challenges.
WP2: Environmental Influence on Exudate Composition
Objective: Assess the effect of environmental factors on A. thaliana's root exudate chemical makeup.
Approach: Expanded to include life history, environmental and geographic factors, correlating these with exudate chemical profiles for a holistic ecological perspective.
WP5: Genetic Basis of Chemical Variation
Objective: Uncover genetic determinants for variation in root exudate chemistry.
Implementation: Employed heritability estimates and GWAS linking genetic markers to chemical traits in exudates.
Adjustments and Implications
WP2: Broadened scope to cover a range of external influences on exudate composition.
WPs 3 and 4: Due to time constraints and the complexity of method development, WPs 3 and 4 focused on plant-plant interactions and soil microbial communities were not implemented.
WP5: Conducted extensive genetic analysis for root exudate chemical variation
The development of the methods for collection and analysis of root exudates was time consuming leaving little time for doing controlled plant-plant interactions experiments. This decision impacted the project's ability to investigate the functional consequences of chemical variation in root exudates. But this work has allowed us to identify many genotypes that vary in their genetic and chemical similarity which make the steps outlined in WP3 and 4 doable.
Achieved Milestones
M1.1: Development of a kinship matrix for A. thaliana accessions to correlate genetic relationships with exudate chemistry.
M1.2: Metabolic profiling of root exudates was accomplished, establishing a clear link between genetic similarity and chemical composition of some metabolites.
M2: The relationship between environmental conditions and chemical profiles of root exudates was successfully elucidated.
M5: GWAS analysis led to the identification of genetic markers associated with chemical variation in root exudates.
WP1: Genetic Correlation with Chemical Profiles
Objective: Explore the link between genetic variation in A. thaliana and their root exudate composition.
Approach: Developed methods to collect and analyze exudates from numerous natural accessions, overcoming initial methodological challenges.
WP2: Environmental Influence on Exudate Composition
Objective: Assess the effect of environmental factors on A. thaliana's root exudate chemical makeup.
Approach: Expanded to include life history, environmental and geographic factors, correlating these with exudate chemical profiles for a holistic ecological perspective.
WP5: Genetic Basis of Chemical Variation
Objective: Uncover genetic determinants for variation in root exudate chemistry.
Implementation: Employed heritability estimates and GWAS linking genetic markers to chemical traits in exudates.
Adjustments and Implications
WP2: Broadened scope to cover a range of external influences on exudate composition.
WPs 3 and 4: Due to time constraints and the complexity of method development, WPs 3 and 4 focused on plant-plant interactions and soil microbial communities were not implemented.
WP5: Conducted extensive genetic analysis for root exudate chemical variation
The development of the methods for collection and analysis of root exudates was time consuming leaving little time for doing controlled plant-plant interactions experiments. This decision impacted the project's ability to investigate the functional consequences of chemical variation in root exudates. But this work has allowed us to identify many genotypes that vary in their genetic and chemical similarity which make the steps outlined in WP3 and 4 doable.
Achieved Milestones
M1.1: Development of a kinship matrix for A. thaliana accessions to correlate genetic relationships with exudate chemistry.
M1.2: Metabolic profiling of root exudates was accomplished, establishing a clear link between genetic similarity and chemical composition of some metabolites.
M2: The relationship between environmental conditions and chemical profiles of root exudates was successfully elucidated.
M5: GWAS analysis led to the identification of genetic markers associated with chemical variation in root exudates.
The project advanced root exudate research in A. thaliana by developing a novel hydroponic system for exudate collection. It identified 373 chemical compounds in exudates from 105 genotypes, revealing 25 heritable compounds. This suggests genetic influence on exudate composition, potentially aiding in kin recognition. GWA analysis uncovered 26 genes related to metabolism, defense, and nutrient transport, emphasizing a genetic basis for exudate diversity. Contrary to expectations, ecological and geographic factors showed minimal influence on exudate variation. These findings pave the way for future plant-plant interaction studies and could enhance agricultural breeding programs for crop resilience. The project's blend of molecular biology, ecology, and analytical chemistry offers significant insights into plant root exudates, contributing to both ecological understanding and agricultural applications.
Researcher Training and Transfer-of-Knowledge
The fellow developed proficiency in GCMS and LCMS at Marianne Glasius's lab and in-vitro cultivation at Simona Radutoiu's lab at Aarhus University. These skills were pivotal for root exudate extraction and analysis. Enhanced knowledge in GCMS analysis at MG's lab, crucial for future chemical analysis of root exudates. Adiitionally, abilities in genomic data management and interpretation were strengthened through collaborations with Xavier Picó and Thomas Bataillon. To integrate interdisciplinary insights, the fellow organized a collaborative meeting in April 2023, focusing on comprehensive data analysis and advancing knowledge in the field.
Publications
• Subrahmaniam H.J. Lind Salomonsen. C, Radutoiu. S, Ehlers, B.K. Glasius, M. (2023). Unraveling the secrets of plant roots: Simplified method for large scale root exudate sampling and analysis in Arabidopsis thaliana. Open Research Europe, 3:12.
• Subrahmaniam H.J. Picó, X., Bataillon, T., Glasius, M., Radutoiu, S., Ehlers, B.K. Root exudates composition within and among four genetic clusters of Arabidopsis thaliana from the Iberian Peninsula (in prep)
Dissemination of results and outreach
Conference Participation and Presentations:
Delivered oral presentations at Nordic Society Oikos and DANEMO conferences (2022-2023).
Participated as a finalist in MSCA-Falling Walls.
Conducted seminars at Aarhus University in Chemistry, Molecular Biology, and Eco-Science departments, promoting academic exchange.
Research Supervision and Mentoring:
Supervised and mentored five M.Sc. and B.Sc. projects in the Chemistry department, fostering the development of emerging scientists.
Guided prospective STEMM graduates through Lotus STEMM, focusing on research opportunities in Europe, including MSCA fellowships.
Outreach and Support for Educators and Researchers Researchers
• Serves as chairperson and active participant in Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA) policy initiatives for over two years and a guest advisor for the Plant Ecology collection in Open Research Europe
• Committee member at the Dept. of Ecoscience for Early Career Researchers.
• Presented at over 10 seminars on diverse topics like plant sciences, science policy, mental health, women in science, and climate
• Authored blogs about the MSCA fellowship, guiding prospective students.
Recommendations and reports
Key Recommendatons by the Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA) on the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Programme. Marie Curie Alumni Association. Contributors:
Book Chapter
Authored a chapter titled "STEM Women's Career Challenges and Possible Solutions" in "Empowering Women in STEM: Personal Stories and Career Journeys from Around the World" (CRC Press, 2022), highlighting challenges faced by women in STEM and proposing actionable solutions.
Researcher Training and Transfer-of-Knowledge
The fellow developed proficiency in GCMS and LCMS at Marianne Glasius's lab and in-vitro cultivation at Simona Radutoiu's lab at Aarhus University. These skills were pivotal for root exudate extraction and analysis. Enhanced knowledge in GCMS analysis at MG's lab, crucial for future chemical analysis of root exudates. Adiitionally, abilities in genomic data management and interpretation were strengthened through collaborations with Xavier Picó and Thomas Bataillon. To integrate interdisciplinary insights, the fellow organized a collaborative meeting in April 2023, focusing on comprehensive data analysis and advancing knowledge in the field.
Publications
• Subrahmaniam H.J. Lind Salomonsen. C, Radutoiu. S, Ehlers, B.K. Glasius, M. (2023). Unraveling the secrets of plant roots: Simplified method for large scale root exudate sampling and analysis in Arabidopsis thaliana. Open Research Europe, 3:12.
• Subrahmaniam H.J. Picó, X., Bataillon, T., Glasius, M., Radutoiu, S., Ehlers, B.K. Root exudates composition within and among four genetic clusters of Arabidopsis thaliana from the Iberian Peninsula (in prep)
Dissemination of results and outreach
Conference Participation and Presentations:
Delivered oral presentations at Nordic Society Oikos and DANEMO conferences (2022-2023).
Participated as a finalist in MSCA-Falling Walls.
Conducted seminars at Aarhus University in Chemistry, Molecular Biology, and Eco-Science departments, promoting academic exchange.
Research Supervision and Mentoring:
Supervised and mentored five M.Sc. and B.Sc. projects in the Chemistry department, fostering the development of emerging scientists.
Guided prospective STEMM graduates through Lotus STEMM, focusing on research opportunities in Europe, including MSCA fellowships.
Outreach and Support for Educators and Researchers Researchers
• Serves as chairperson and active participant in Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA) policy initiatives for over two years and a guest advisor for the Plant Ecology collection in Open Research Europe
• Committee member at the Dept. of Ecoscience for Early Career Researchers.
• Presented at over 10 seminars on diverse topics like plant sciences, science policy, mental health, women in science, and climate
• Authored blogs about the MSCA fellowship, guiding prospective students.
Recommendations and reports
Key Recommendatons by the Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA) on the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Programme. Marie Curie Alumni Association. Contributors:
Book Chapter
Authored a chapter titled "STEM Women's Career Challenges and Possible Solutions" in "Empowering Women in STEM: Personal Stories and Career Journeys from Around the World" (CRC Press, 2022), highlighting challenges faced by women in STEM and proposing actionable solutions.