The aim of this project is to find out how microbial signals from the rhizosphere alter root symbioses and root development

The rhizosphere is the zone immediately around the roots, it is influenced by root exudates and the microbes living around roots. This project is particularly interested in the role of bacterial communication signals called quorum sensing signals, which bacteria use to coordinate behaviours associated with host infection. Plants can detect these quorum sensing signals and respond in specific ways that could alter the outcome of plant-microbe interactions.

Key publications

• Veliz-Vallejos DF, Kawaski A, Mathesius U (2020) The presence of plant-associated bacteria alters responses to N-acyl homoserine lactone quorum sensing signals that modulate nodulation in Medicago truncatula. Plants 9: 777.
• Veliz-Vallejos DF, van Noorden GE, Mengqi Y, Mathesius U (2014) A Sinorhizoium meliloti-specific N-acyl homoserine lactone quorum sensing signal increases nodule numbers in Medicago truncatula independent of autoregulation. Frontiers in Plant Science 5: 551.
• Teplitski M, Mathesius U and Rumbaugh KB (2011) Quorum sensing signal perception and degradation by mammalian and plant cells. Chemical Reviews 111:100-116
• Mathesius U and Watt M (2011) Rhizosphere signals for plant-microbe interactions – implications for field-grown plants. In: U. Lüttge et al. (eds.), Progress in Botany 72: Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.
• Bauer, W. D. and Mathesius, U. (2004) Plant responses to bacterial quorum sensing signals. Current Opinion in Plant Biology 7: 429-433
• Mathesius U., Mulders, S., Gao, M., Teplitski, M., Caetano-Anolles, G., Rolfe, B. G. and Bauer, W. D. (2003) Extensive and specific responses of a eukaryote to bacterial quorum sensing signals. Proceedings of the National Academy of Science USA 100: 1444-1449.