Root cap cell corpse clearance limits microbial colonization in <i>Arabidopsis thaliana</i>.

ABSTRACT: Programmed cell death occurring during plant development (dPCD) is a fundamental process integral for plant growth and reproduction. Here, we investigate the connection between developmentally controlled PCD and fungal accommodation in Arabidopsis thaliana roots, focusing on the root cap-specific transcription factor ANAC033/SOMBRERO (SMB) and the senescence-associated nuclease BFN1. Mutations of both dPCD regulators increase colonization by the beneficial fungus Serendipita indica, primarily in the differentiation zone. smb-3 mutants additionally exhibit hypercolonization around the meristematic zone and a delay of S. indica-induced root-growth promotion. This demonstrates that root cap dPCD and rapid post-mortem clearance of cellular corpses represent a physic

SUBMITTER: Charura N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11556792 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature