2026/05/22 by K. N. ANIL RAJ, Verena Gaugler, Mengsi Lu +15 · 1 voice
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · #Legume Nitrogen Fixing Symbiosis #Mycorrhizal Fungi and Plant Interactions #Phytase and its Applications #Plant and Fungal Species Descriptions #Plant nutrient uptake and metabolism
paper · pdf · doi:10.1126/sciadv.aec5607
openalex publication_date 2026/05/22 · openalex created_date 2026/05/23 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/11
Abstract Plant yield is often maximized by the extensive use of mineral fertilizers, which, however, has severe environmental consequences. Phosphate is particularly problematic, as it represents a globally limited resource, and its runoff and soil erosion threaten open water bodies. Many crops engage in arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis with nutrient-acquiring fungi, aiding in the uptake of phosphate and other mineral nutrients. However, AM colonization is strongly reduced under high soil phosphate levels. A mechanistic understanding of phosphate sensing, phosphate starvation responses, and their connection to AM remains enigmatic. Here, we show that in Lotus japonicus , low-abundant, energy-rich inositol pyrophosphates act as master regulators of AM, orchestrating the crosstalk between phosphate starvation responses and plant root endosymbiosis. These findings hold promise for breeding nutrient-efficient crops.