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A kinase mediator of rhizobial symbiosis and immunity in Medicago

Author

Listed:
  • Dapeng Wang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Rui Jin

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine)

  • Xiaobao Shi

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Haoran Guo

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Xinhang Tan

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Achen Zhao

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Xinghua Lian

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Huiling Dai

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Shaozhuang Li

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Kexu Xin

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Changfu Tian

    (China Agricultural University)

  • Jun Yang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Wansheng Chen

    (Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine)

  • Alberto P. Macho

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Ertao Wang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    ShanghaiTech University)

Abstract

Legume roots secure nitrogen by forming a symbiosis with soil rhizobia but remain resistant to pathogenic bacteria1–4. How this tolerance to rhizobia is achieved without compromising plant immunity is largely unknown. Here we identify the cytoplasmic kinase MtLICK1/2, which interacts with nodulation factor receptor MtLYK3 to drive symbiotic signalling and suppress plant immunity. Rhizobial infection and nodule development are defective in Mtlick1/2, phenocopying the Mtlyk3-1 mutant. MtLICK1/2 and MtLYK3 undergo reciprocal transphosphorylation during rhizobial symbiosis. Phosphorylated MtLYK3 activates the receptor-like kinase MtDMI2 to stimulate symbiotic signalling. MtLICK1/2 is activated in the rhizobial infection area to suppress plant immunity. Thus, MtLICK1/2 and MtLYK3 together amplify symbiotic signalling and dampen host immunity to enable legume–rhizobium symbiosis.

Suggested Citation

  • Dapeng Wang & Rui Jin & Xiaobao Shi & Haoran Guo & Xinhang Tan & Achen Zhao & Xinghua Lian & Huiling Dai & Shaozhuang Li & Kexu Xin & Changfu Tian & Jun Yang & Wansheng Chen & Alberto P. Macho & Ertao, 2025. "A kinase mediator of rhizobial symbiosis and immunity in Medicago," Nature, Nature, vol. 643(8072), pages 768-775, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:643:y:2025:i:8072:d:10.1038_s41586-025-09057-0
    DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09057-0
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