Heterogeneous distribution of toxic arsenic modulates the mutualistic interaction between Pteris vittata and soil microbiota.

ABSTRACT: While soil nutrient heterogeneity is known to influence plant fitness and ecosystem diversity, the ecological effects of heterogeneous arsenic (As) contamination on plant-microbe interactions remain unclear. Using multi-omics, we demonstrate that the As-hyperaccumulator Pteris vittata restores diminished microbial alpha diversity under As heterogeneity. The plant actively forages As by proliferating roots in As-rich patches and altering its root exudate profile. Key exudates, such as phosphocholine and N-acetyl histamine, recruit specific microbial taxa, such as class KD4-96, and order Vicinamibacteraceae, which upregulate As-transforming genes and enhance As mobilization. Rhizobacteria including Blastococcus and Streptomyces also produce auxin, stimulating root growth. Together, these res

SUBMITTER: Wan X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12749001 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature