Molecular regulatory mechanisms of crop functional genes in rhizosphere microbiome interactions

doi:10.17521/cjpe.2025.0391

Abstract

Abstract:

Crop domestication not only directly shapes phenotypic traits but also imposes selective pressure on rhizosphere microbial community assembly through dynamic regulation of root architecture and exudate composition, thereby forming host-microbial interaction networks. These networks enhance host adaptability through multiple mechanisms, significantly improving resistance to biotic stresses (e.g., pathogen infection) and abiotic stresses (e.g., drought and salinity), while optimizing nutrient uptake of key elements like nitrogen and phosphorus. These functions arise from a rhizosphere interaction system co-regulated by host genotype and environmental factors. Notably, the molecular mechanisms by which host genetic regulation drives microbiome assembly remain a core research focus. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding how crop genetic backgrounds selectively recruit microbiomes and explores the application prospects of “rewilding plant microbiome” for agricultural sustainability, providing critical insights for theoretical innovation and practical applications in this field.

Key words: microbiome, domestication, host genetype, abiotic stress, biotic stress

CHANG Chun-Ling, ZHAO Xue, XU Yi-Ming, TANG Kuan-Qiang. Molecular regulatory mechanisms of crop functional genes in rhizosphere microbiome interactions[J]. Chin J Plant Ecol, 2026, 50(4): 789-800.

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URL: https://www.plant-ecology.com/EN/10.17521/cjpe.2025.0391

https://www.plant-ecology.com/EN/Y2026/V50/I4/789

Figures/Tables 3

Fig. 1 Schematic comparing wild plants and related cultivated crops in terms of rhizosphere microbial diversity, stress resistance, and human intervention. A, Wild relative plant exhibits higher adaptation to biotic and abiotic environmental stresses, maintains a balanced growth-defense trade-off, and harbors a diverse microbiome. B, Domesticated plants show reduced stress resilience and diminished ability to recruit beneficial microbes due to human interventions, such as irrigation, fertilization and pesticide application. AMF, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.

Table 1 A brief overview of notable microbes involved in the regulation of plant genes

Fig. 2 Research process of microbiome rewilding, including steps such as utilization of wild germplasm resources, gene editing, and microbiome introduction. A, Crosses between wild relatives and cultivated crops enable the identification of novel microbial- associated plant traits. B, Gene editing techniques enable precise manipulation of plant genes of related microbiota. C, Evaluating the effects of relative wild plant gene on microbial recruitment and host performance through plant breeding or editing plant genes to recruit rewilding microbiomes. PAM, protospacer adjacent motif.

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