Project description:We analysed the transcriptomic response of 3 rhizobial symbionts of Mimosa pudica (Rhizobium mesoamericanum STM3625, Cupriavidus taiwanensis LMG19424 and Burkholderia phymatum STM815) when cultivated in a minimum culture medium (control condition) versus induced by root exudates of their host plant Mimosa pudica. We used RNAseq using illumina technology.
Project description:Animals possess specialized systems, e.g., neuromuscular systems, to sense the environment and then move their bodies quickly in response. Mimosa pudica, the sensitive plant, moves its leaves within seconds in response to external stimuli; e.g., touch or wounding. However, neither the plant-wide signaling network that triggers these rapid movements nor the physiological roles of the movements themselves have been determined. Here by simultaneous recording of cytosolic Ca2+ and electrical signals, we show that rapid changes in Ca2+ coupled with action and variation potentials trigger rapid movements in wounded M. pudica. Furthermore, pharmacological manipulation of cytosolic Ca2+ dynamics and CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technology revealed that an immotile M. pudica is more vulnerable to attacks by herbivorous insects. Our findings provide evidence that rapid movements based on propagating Ca2+ and electrical signals protect this plant from insect attacks.
Project description:Comparative transcriptomics of Rhizobium mesoamericanum STM3625, Cupriavidus taiwanensis LMG19424 and Burkholderia phymatum STM815 when induced by root exudates of Mimosa pudica