Genetic manipulation in vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

Abstract

The symbiosis between vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi and host plants develops after successful interactions between both partners. These interactions probably involve signal molecules produced by the host plant, by the fungi, or by both. So far the biotrophic status of VAM fungi has hampered the understanding of the processes regulating their physiology. However, among different methods for co-cultivating VAM fungi, root organ cultures (ROC) appear to be a useful technique for studying VAM development. This system has been useful in defining the nutritional requirements of VAM fungi in the precolonization stage and in obtaining axenic fungal material in various developmental stages. The work discussed here focuses on the application of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology and the potential of promoting hyphal growth in the absence of the plant. These techniques are being used to study VAM fungi in two main areas. The first concerns the determination of the DNA sequences coding for the SSU ribosomal RNA of two VAM fungi. This approach has allowed the design of specific primers for the rapid identification and quantification of VAM fungi. The second area of research concerns the potential use of PCR technology to study selective expression of specific genes during fungal spore development in defined in vitro conditions. The achievement of this future prospect depends on the ability to prepare PCR-based cDNA libraries from small amounts of fungal material after stimulation of hyphal growth with CO2 and plant flavonols.