A kinase mediator of rhizobial symbiosis and immunity in Medicago.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 40328313.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1038/s41586-025-09057-0.
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Abstract
Legume roots secure nitrogen by forming a symbiosis with soil rhizobia but remain resistant to pathogenic bacteria<sup>1-4</sup>. How this tolerance to rhizobia is achieved without compromising plant immunity is largely unknown. Here we identify the cytoplasmic kinase MtLICK1/2, which interacts with nodulation factor receptor MtLYK3 to drive symbiotic signalling and suppress plant immunity. Rhizobial infection and nodule development are defective in Mtlick1/2, phenocopying the Mtlyk3-1 mutant. MtLICK1/2 and MtLYK3 undergo reciprocal transphosphorylation during rhizobial symbiosis. Phosphorylated MtLYK3 activates the receptor-like kinase MtDMI2 to stimulate symbiotic signalling. MtLICK1/2 is activated in the rhizobial infection area to suppress plant immunity. Thus, MtLICK1/2 and MtLYK3 together amplify symbiotic signalling and dampen host immunity to enable legume-rhizobium symbiosis.
Medical subject headings
- Symbiosis
- Plant Immunity
- Rhizobium
- Medicago truncatula