Ethylene signals through an ethylene receptor to modulate biofilm formation and root colonization in a beneficial plant-associated bacterium.

ABSTRACT: Ethylene is a plant hormone involved in many aspects of plant growth and development as well as responses to stress. The role of ethylene in plant-microbe interactions has been explored from the perspective of plants. However, only a small number of studies have examined the role of ethylene in microbes. We demonstrated that Azospirillum brasilense contains a functional ethylene receptor that we call Azospirillum Ethylene Response1 (AzoEtr1) after the nomenclature used in plants. AzoEtr1 directly binds ethylene with high affinity. Treating cells with ethylene or disrupting the receptor reduces biofilm formation and colonization of plant root surfaces. Additionally, RNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics showed that ethylene causes wide-spread metabolic changes that affect carbon and ni

SUBMITTER: Carlew TS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11819568 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature