Research in my lab aims to elucidate the molecular basis of an intimate partnership of plant roots and symbiotic soil fungi, referred to as arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) symbiosis. AM symbiosis is a mutually beneficial cross-kingdom species interaction centered on nutrient exchange: while the fungus provides the plant with mineral nutrients such as phosphate, the plant provides the obligate biotrophic fungus with carbon in the form of sugars or lipids.

My lab is particularly interested in understanding how the plant partner controls initiation and maintenance of the symbiosis. In order to (i) maintain an optimal balance between the carbon costs and the benefits the fungal symbiont provides, (ii) prevent fungal over-colonization, and (iii) restrict AM symbiosis in conditions when the plant can satisfy its nutrient needs through direct uptake by its roots, plants employ a variety of cellular and systemic signaling mechanisms to continuously monitor their nutrient and symbiosis status and fine-tune fungal colonization accordingly. Research in my lab aims to elucidate these signaling pathways, which allow the host plant to ensure an optimal outcome of the symbiosis. We are in particular interested in the role of a group of mobile plant peptide hormones (CLE peptides) in the quantitative regulation of root colonization by AM fungi. Our research is centered on the interface of molecular genetics, plant physiology, and ecology; and we ask questions like “what is the molecular function of symbiotic peptide signals?”, “how are symbiotic peptide signals induced and transduced?”, “how do plants prevent parasitism (over-sequestration of carbon) by AM fungi?”, “how do plants measure symbiosis success?”. We use a combination of molecular biology, cell biology, transcriptomics, quantitative genetics, and microscopy to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of plant control over AM symbiosis.

Lena Maria Mueller

Asst. Professor

University of Miami

Resources

UM Network

Visit

Connect