Natural variation identifies a Pxy gene controlling vascular organization and formation of nodules and lateral roots in Lotus japonicus

Yasuyuki Kawaharada*, Niels Sandal, Vikas Gupta, Haojie Jin, Maya Kawaharada, Makoto Taniuchi, Hafijur Ruman, Marcin Nadzieja, Kasper R Andersen, Korbinian Schneeberger, Jens Stougaard, Stig U Andersen*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal/Conference contribution in journal/Contribution to newspaperJournal articleResearchpeer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Forward and reverse genetics using the model legumes Lotus japonicus and Medicago truncatula have been instrumental in identifying the essential genes governing legume–rhizobia symbiosis. However, little information is known about the effects of intraspecific variation on symbiotic signalling. Here, we use quantitative trait locus sequencing (QTL-seq) to investigate the genetic basis of the differentiated phenotypic responses shown by the Lotus accessions Gifu and MG20 to inoculation with the Mesorhizobium loti exoU mutant that produces truncated exopolysaccharides. We identified through genetic complementation the Pxy gene as a component of this differential exoU response. Lotus Pxy encodes a leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase similar to Arabidopsis thaliana PXY, which regulates stem vascular development. We show that Lotus pxy insertion mutants displayed defects in root and stem vascular organisation, as well as lateral root and nodule formation. Our work links Pxy to de novo organogenesis in the root, highlights the genetic overlap between regulation of lateral root and nodule formation, and demonstrates that natural variation in Pxy affects nodulation signalling.

Original languageEnglish
JournalNew Phytologist
Volume230
Issue6
Pages (from-to)2459-2473
Number of pages15
ISSN0028-646X
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2021

Keywords

  • Lotus japonicus
  • QTL
  • Rhizobium
  • legume
  • natural variation
  • symbiosis

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