Recent research on legumes, specifically Lotus japonicus, has uncovered a six-hour rhythmic gene expression pattern in response to rhizobia, beneficial soil bacteria aiding in nitrogen fixation. This gene expression influences root regions susceptible to rhizobial infection and the distribution of nodules. The study reveals that the plant hormone cytokinin plays a crucial role in maintaining this rhythm. Mutants lacking functional cytokinin receptors showed prolonged gene expression oscillations, affecting nodule formation. The findings suggest a link between cytokinin response, rhythmic gene expression, and root nodule symbiosis regulation across legumes, shedding light on the evolutionary and regulatory aspects of this vital process.
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Unraveling the rhythmic gene expression in legume-rhizobia symbiosis
