Long-distance control of nodulation: Molecules and models

• Published in: Molecules and cells Vol. 27; no. 2; pp. 129 - 134
• Main Authors: Magori, Shimpei (The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan), Kawaguchi, Masayoshi (The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan), E-mail: masayosi@biol.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Springer Korean Society for Molecular and Cellular Biology 01.02.2009; 한국분자세포생물학회
• Subjects: autoregulation of nodulation; Biochemistry; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biomedicine; Biotechnology; Cell Biology; CLAVATA1-like receptor kinase; FORMATION DE NODOSITES; hypernodulation; legume-Rhizobium symbiosis; Life Sciences; long-distance signaling; Minireview; Nod factor; NODULACION; Protein Kinases; ROOT NODULATION; Root Nodules, Plant - physiology; Signal Transduction; Symbiosis - physiology; 생물학; Nod factor; legume; symbiosis; CLAVATA1-like receptor kinase; long-distance signaling; autoregulation of nodulation; hypernodulation
• ISSN: 1016-8478; 0219-1032
• DOI: 10.1007/s10059-009-0016-0

Legume plants develop root nodules to recruit nitrogen-fixing bacteria called rhizobia. This symbiotic relationship allows the host plants to grow even under nitrogen limiting environment. Since nodule development is an energetically expensive process, the number of nodules should be tightly controlled by the host plants. For this purpose, legume plants utilize a long-distance signaling known as autoregulation of nodulation (AON). AON signaling in legumes has been extensively studied over decades but the underlying molecular mechanism had been largely unclear until recently. With the advent of the model legumes, L. japonicus and M. truncatula, we have been seeing a great progress including isolation of the AON-associated receptor kinase. Here, we summarize recent studies on AON and discuss an updated view of the long-distance control of nodulation.