GSE138203
Dual RNA-seq analysis unveils Trichoderma NoxR as an essential mediator of the molecular dialogue during interaction with Arabidopsis
Trichoderma species promote growth and strengthen immunity of Arabidopsis and crop species through multiple mechanisms. However, how fungal proteins mediate growth-defense tradeoffs is unknown. We analyzed the growth, root architecture, defense and global gene expression profiles in Arabidopsis seedlings co-cultivated with T. atroviride WT, and ?nox1, ?nox2, and ?noxR mutants, defective on the catalytic and regulatory subunits of NADPH oxidase, respectively. The gene expression profile in the fungus was also characterized in standard growth conditions and in the presence of plants.  The results revealed the critical role of Trichoderma NoxR in mediating growth-defense tradeoffs in Arabidopsis. The effects of T. atroviride WT in improving root branching and biomass production decreased in all three related NADPH defective mutants, particularly in ?noxR. In contrast, induction of jasmonic acid-related defense responses in roots and shoots were exacerbated in ?noxR compared to the WT strain. Transcriptome analyses showed a tight plant-fungus communication based on reactive oxygen species and availability of carbon resources. The ?noxR is unable to perceive changes in nutrient sources and activate signaling cascades, which suppresses the metabolic change from saprophyte to commensal. Thus we conclude that Trichoderma NoxR orchestrates fungal-induced development and defense tradeoffs in Arabidopsis and plays an important role in cross-kingdom plant-fungus communication. Overall design: Transcriptional profile of Trichoderma atroviride during insteraction with Arabidopsis thaliana.