Prof. Dr. Caroline Gutjahr leads a dedicated team at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology that has made significant strides in understanding how plants and fungi cooperate for mutual benefit. This study, performed in collaboration with Dr. Nitzan Shabek’s lab, reveals a surprising molecular mechanism that makes it a critical bridge for nutrient exchange between the plant and fungi kingdoms. The contributions by the team were groundbreaking in the symbiotic field of mycorrhizal fungi, with strong influence to this day. Their results were recently released in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The study explored the dynamic, symbiotic relationship that is shared between over 80% of land plants and fungi. This symbiotic relationship is extremely important as it increases the plants’ ability to absorb nutrients, especially phosphorus, which is essential for plant development. This study provides important perspectives. These discoveries may help to develop new crops that require less synthetic fertilizer, thus advancing more sustainable agricultural practices.
Discovering the Molecular Mechanism
Gutjahr’s group used an elegant genome wide screen to identify the interaction of the GRAS protein RAM1 with WRI transcription factors. This mutualistic relationship is key for regulating plant genes essential for arbuscule formation and function. Each arbuscule is a highly specialized structure formed by endophytes such as fungi, like Rhizophagus irregularis. These structures form inside the roots of plants like birdsfoot trefoil and Lotus japonicus. These multilayered structures are central to ecological functioning, governing the quality of nutrient exchange between interstitial environments and the sea.
Gaining a fundamental understanding of this interaction will lead to a better picture of the underlying mechanisms that dictate plant-fungal symbiosis. Our discoveries show that for the first time, we can exert control over these persistent proteins. This move would do a lot to extend the crops’ already impressive symbiotic powers. To that end, this research creates new opportunities for agricultural innovation.
Implications for Sustainable Agriculture
Beyond fundamental science, the application possibilities are rich, increasing the potential for translating findings to solutions. By explaining the molecular processes at play in plant-fungal partnerships, Gutjahr’s work could help minimize the need for synthetic fertilizers. This is more urgent than ever as the agricultural sector is being asked to simultaneously become more sustainable and deliver on an exploding global demand for food.
The partnership with the University of California, Davis, has been crucial in moving this research forward. As one collective network, the teams are figuring out how these learnings can be used to make crops more resilient and nutrient-efficient. The long term objective is to create sustainable agricultural systems that are productive and profitable while protecting our natural resource base.
Future Directions and Collaborations
Gutjahr’s team is already preparing to screen new proteins. By investigating these proteins, they think they have a way to increase nutrient uptake from symbiosis. The research team’s commitment to unlocking the mysteries of plant-fungal partnerships brings exciting possibilities for agricultural biotech—nature’s solution to many of our challenges. By designing their research around targeted molecular pathways, they aim to harness the biological promise of crops that can flourish with fewer outside-provided ingredients.
Prof. Dr. Caroline Gutjahr’s work has particularly caught the spotlight for its exceptional scientific excellence. It is equally exciting for the potential it has to change the way we adopt and innovate sustainable agriculture. Original research results are reported under DOI 10.1073/pnas.2427021122 Archived from the original on May 20, 2025 at phys.org .