ABA promotes fatty acid biosynthesis and transport to boost arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis in apple roots.

ABSTRACT: The roots of most land plants form symbioses with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. The fungus promotes nutrient uptake from the soil while receiving plant-derived photosynthates as lipids and sugars. Nutrient exchange must be regulated by both partners; however, the mechanisms underlying the regulation of lipid supply from the plant to the AM fungus remain unclear. Here, we performed a molecular study on the role of elevated abscisic acid (ABA) levels during AM fungal infection in apple (Malus spp.) roots. AM fungal colonization induced the expression of two ABA biosynthesis genes, MdNCED3.1 and MdNCED3.2, in apple roots and increased ABA content, which promoted AM fungal growth. The effect of ABA on symbiosis was confirmed in transgenic apple roots overexpressing or silencing MdNCED3.1

SUBMITTER: Jing S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12365809 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature