Evolutionary and functional analysis of genes involved in nitrogen-fixing symbiosis as a case of convergence

A major challenge facing farmers is obtaining the nitrogen needed to support plant growth. Inoculation of legume crops with bacteria known as rhizobia, which supply plants with the required nitrogen, is a green alternative to environmentally hazardous nitrogen-fertilizers. The development of highly-efficient rhizobium inoculants is a pre-requisite for sustainable intensification of agriculture. In five clades of legume, plants independently evolved an exploitative strategy associated with a high return on investment to the plant and is thus an ideal pathway to manipulate to optimize the symbiosis. This exploitative strategy is based on plant-produced antimicrobial peptides and a rhizobial peptide transporter. The mechanisms driving differentiation in the other clades have not yet been analyzed. In this project, we will test the hypothesis that repeated coevolution took place between the different legume clades and their associated rhizobia, at both the phenotypic and molecular levels. In doing so, we will generate new knowledge to engineer a more efficient symbiosis for agricultural benefit.

Faculty Supervisor:

George diCenzo

Student:

Partner:

Université Paris-Saclay

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

Queen's University

Program: