Molecular Mechanisms of Legume–Rhizobium Symbiosis

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant–Soil Interactions".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2025 | Viewed by 203

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Institute of Plant Biology, Biological Research Centre, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
Interests: symbiosis; rhizobium

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Guest Editor
College of Agronomy, Northwest Agricuture & Forestry University, Taicheng Road 3, Yangling 712100, China
Interests: symbiotic nitrogen fixation; bacteroid differentiation; soybean breeding

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The symbiotic relationship between legumes and rhizobia represents one of the most fascinating and agriculturally significant interactions in nature, which is a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture, enabling biological nitrogen fixation and reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers. This Special Issue of Plants delves into the cutting-edge research on the molecular mechanisms governing legume–rhizobium symbiosis. It brings together a collection of original research articles, reviews, and perspectives that explore the genetic, biochemical, and cellular processes involved in the establishment, maintenance, and regulation of this symbiotic partnership. Topics include the signalling pathways mediating host–microbe recognition, the role of plant and bacterial genes in nodule formation and function, the control of nodule number and nitrogen fixation efficiency, and the impact of environmental factors on symbiotic efficiency. Additionally, this Special Issue highlights emerging technologies, such as omics and genome editing, in advancing our understanding of this interaction. By showcasing cutting-edge research, this Special Issue aims to provide insights into optimizing legume–rhizobium symbiosis for improved crop productivity, soil health, and more sustainable agricultural practises. We welcome contributions that deepen our understanding of this vital biological process and its applications. Submitted manuscripts must not be previously published or under evaluation for publication in another journal.

Dr. Attila Kereszt
Dr. Senlei Zhang
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • legume–rhizobium interaction
  • nodule organogenesis
  • symbiotic nitrogen fixation
  • signalling pathways
  • nodule number control
  • symbiosis maintenance

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

17 pages, 5712 KB  
Article
Tubulin Cytoskeleton Organization in Cells of Determinate Nodules in Vigna radiata, Vigna unguiculata, and Lotus corniculatus
by Anna B. Kitaeva, Pyotr G. Kusakin, Artemii P. Gorshkov, Anna V. Tsyganova and Viktor E. Tsyganov
Plants 2025, 14(19), 2986; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14192986 - 26 Sep 2025
Abstract
Tubulin cytoskeleton rearrangements play an important role in the cell differentiation of symbiotic nodules in legumes. However, the organization of the tubulin cytoskeleton has been investigated only for four legume species forming determinate nodules (with limited nodule meristem activity). In this study, microtubule [...] Read more.
Tubulin cytoskeleton rearrangements play an important role in the cell differentiation of symbiotic nodules in legumes. However, the organization of the tubulin cytoskeleton has been investigated only for four legume species forming determinate nodules (with limited nodule meristem activity). In this study, microtubule organization was studied in three species (Vigna radiata, V. unguiculata, and Lotus corniculatus) with determinate nodules using confocal laser scanning microscopy and quantitative analyses. Histological organization in young nodules of V. radiata and V. unguiculata resembled the recently reported zonation in young nodules of Glycine max. In addition, bacteroids in nodules of these species were significantly enlarged compared to free-living bacteria. Organization of endoplasmic and cortical microtubules in young infected cells and uninfected cells and that of cortical microtubules in nitrogen-fixing cells demonstrated general patterns for determinate nodules, whereas endoplasmic microtubules in nitrogen-fixing cells showed species-specific patterns. Thus, the presence of both general and species-specific patterns of tubulin cytoskeleton organization was confirmed in determinate nodules. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms of Legume–Rhizobium Symbiosis)
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