Hypothesis:
The major hypothesis of MICROBIOSIS is that bidirectional communication between root and shoot organs via long-distance communication with root microbes is key for plant resistance to leaf pathogens, phyllosphere microbiota assembly, as well as for signal integration of multiple stress responses. This communication is vital at all developmental stages, including early stages for immune system maturation and seedling protection. Disruption in this communication can lead to dysbiosis.
Objectives:
WP1: Assess the impact of microbial root commensals on shoot development.
WP2: Identify microbial molecules affecting shoot development and defense.
WP3: Explore the connection between root microbiota and leaf homeostasis.
WP4: Study stress-induced changes in root microbiota via root exudation.
WP5: Investigate glutamate's role in microbiota-root-shoot communication.
Ambition:
MICROBIOSIS aims to establish a new research direction in plant microbiota, identifying evolutionary strategies in Arabidopsis and tomato to enhance shoot resistance through root commensals. Success could lead to engineering microbiota-root-shoot circuits to improve plant growth and defense against environmental stresses. The project envisions designing synthetic microbial communities to enhance shoot resistance and bridging functional biology with ecology. Additionally, it seeks insights into parallels between microbiota-gut-brain and microbiota-root-shoot systems.