root metagenome Raw sequence reads
This project investigates the role of the LysM receptor-like kinases CERK1 and LYR4 in shaping the root microbiota and promoting symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in Medicago truncatula. Using both root microbiome profiling (16S rRNA amplicon sequencing) and plant transcriptome analysis (RNA-Seq), we show that mutations in CERK1 and LYR4 significantly alter the root-associated bacterial community. A synthetic community (CO-SynCom) derived from wild-type roots enhances plant growth and AMF colonization, suggesting that these receptors influence plant-microbe interactions through hormone-related and symbiosis signaling pathways. This study highlights the importance of symbiotic receptors in optimizing root microbial associations and improving sustainable agriculture.