Geosiphon pyriformis - a unique arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus which forms an endosymbiosis with cyanobacteria and arbuscular mycorrhiza
| Name: | Geosiphon pyriformis - a unique arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus which forms an endosymbiosis with cyanobacteria and arbuscular mycorrhiza |
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| Researchers: |
Krüger Manuela (researcher) Krüger Claudia (co-researcher) Doubková Pavla (member in research team) Caklová Petra (member in research team) |
| Provider: | Grantová agentura České republiky |
| Number: | GA16-16406Y |
| Realization from: | 2016 |
| Realization to: | 2018 |
| Summary: | Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are key drivers in ecosystems as about 80% of all land plants form AM. Despite their importance, their biology is still enigmatic. An exceptional representative of these fungi is Geosiphon pyriformis, which forms a unique endosymbiosis with the cyanobacterium Nostoc punctiformis. The first glomeromycotan monosaccharide transporter and three ammonium transporters were described using the Geosiphon-Nostoc symbiosis as model system. But, it is still discussed and until now was not shown, whether G. pyriformis forms an AM or not. We aim to show that G. pyriformis is present in plant roots, and therefore forms an AM beside its cyanobacteria symbiosis. This is essential to clarify the position of this unique fungus as a real AM fungi and to verify the Geosiphon-Nostoc symbiosis as model system for Glomeromycota, with its potential for characterizing the fungal symbiotic transcriptome and functioning of the AM symbiosis. |