Lectin Receptor Protein Kinase Is Induced in Plant Roots in Response to the Endophytic Fungus, Piriformospora indica

The symbiotic association of Piriformospora indica, a member of the order Sebacinales, provides growth promotion leading to increased biomass as well as enhanced plant tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses in a variety of plant species. Since various protein kinases are thought be involved in mutual signaling in symbiotic interactions, we analyzed transcript profile of rice protein kinase genes in the infection process by real-time PCR. A rice L-type lectin protein kinase (OslecRK) and Arabidopsis AtLecRK genes are highly upregulated in roots during the initial stage of symbiotic association. In order to investigate the role of LecRK gene in the root colonization, Arabidopsis mutant line (Atlecrk) of rice homolog was used which shows the restricted intracellular penetration of the P. indica. The results show that LecRK might be a crucial factor in perception and recognition during plant-P. indica association by regulating fungal invasion in the host root cells.