Research highlights the structure and signaling of nod factor receptors in legume-rhizobia symbiosis, suggesting advancements for engineering nodulation in other crops.
Translating the nitrogen-fixing ability of legume-rhizobia symbiosis to other crops has long been a dream for molecular biologists. Over the past two decades, several crucial genes involved in the pathway have been identified, that prevails as an intricate network governing root nodule symbiosis (RNS). RNS signaling employs the common symbiotic signaling pathway required for Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis (plant-fungal symbiosis) that is widely known in several crop plants. Therefore, understanding the similarities and divergence between the two signaling pathways has always been a hotspot for research. The major adjuvants in the RNS pathway are the Nod Factor Receptors (NFRs – that perceive Nod Factors released by rhizobia), and a Nodule-INception protein (NIN – a transcription factor that activates cortical cell division), which direct the pathway from AMS towards RNS. Therefore, understanding the structure and the signaling mechanism(s) of NFRs and NIN is crucial for the success of translational approaches. In this article, we will be highlighting the most recent discoveries pertaining to the functionality of NFRs, which have taken us a few steps closer towards receptor engineering into non-nodulating plants.
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Ghantasala et al. (2025) studied this question.
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