Periodic cytokinin responses in Lotus japonicus rhizobium infection and nodule development

• DOI: 10.1126/science.adk5589
• Publication Date: 2024-07-18T17:59:37Z
• Authors: Takashi Soyano; Akira Akamatsu; Naoya Takeda; Masaaki K. Watahiki; Tatsuaki Goh; Nao Okuma; Norio Suganuma; Mikiko Kojima; Yumiko Takebayashi; Hitoshi Sakakibara; Keiji Nakajima; Masayoshi Kawaguchi
• Keywords: Lotus japonicus; Nodule (geology)

Host plants benefit from legume root nodule symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria under nitrogen-limiting conditions. In this interaction, the hosts must regulate numbers and distribution patterns to control degree of maintain growth functions. The host response symbiotic occurs discontinuously but repeatedly at region behind tip growing roots. Here, live-imaging transcriptome analyses revealed oscillating gene expression approximately 6-hour intervals upon bacterial inoculation. Cytokinin also exhibited a similar oscillation pattern. signaling is crucial maintaining periodicity, as observed in cytokinin receptor mutants displaying altered infection foci distribution. This periodic regulation influences size responsive bacteria, well nodulation process progression.