Exploring molecular signaling in plant-fungal symbioses using high throughput RNA sequencing

Plant Signal Behav. 2010 Nov;5(11):1353-8. doi: 10.4161/psb.5.11.12950. Epub 2010 Nov 1.

Abstract

Plant-fungal symbioses are a common feature in nature. They vary from pathogenic interactions, where fungi subvert plant resources for their own use, to mutualistic associations, where both fungus and host benefit from the interaction. Although the ecological importance of plant-fungal symbioses has long been recognized and the biology of several key associations are now well studied, new technologies have the potential to allow fresh insight into the molecular basis of plant-fungal interactions. One such technique - high throughput RNA sequencing - has recently been used to explore the molecular basis of cross-species communications. Here, we give a brief overview of this emerging technology, and present a general guide for employing the methodology to dissect plant-fungal symbiosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Fungi / physiology*
  • Genes, Plant / physiology
  • Plants / microbiology*
  • RNA, Plant / genetics
  • RNA, Plant / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Symbiosis

Substances

  • RNA, Plant