New preprint! 🙌🏻 Conserved symbiosis genes shape root microbiomes across plant hosts, but not universally. Using Lotus and Hordeum mutants, we show that disruption of symbiosis signalling differentially alters root exudate chemistry and leads to distinct changes in root bacterial communities. ⬇️⬇️⬇️

bioRxiv Plant Bio@biorxiv-plants.bsky.social · 3mo ago

The common symbiosis pathway controls plant root microbiomes in a host-specific manner https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.05.08.723321v1

Had the most wonderful time at #ENFC2025 in Oxford hosted by @poolelaboxford.bsky.social! Was nice to catch up with the nitrogen fixation community and looking forward to Toulouse in 2 years!

Finally! Im so excited to present to culmination of many years of work from the fantastic Defeng Shen and some great collaborators. For details, I have made a digested thread below, but if you are more interested feel free to reach out (and read the paper of course). www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...

Apoplastic barriers are essential for nodule formation and nitrogen fixation in Lotus japonicus

Establishment of the apoplastic root barrier known as the Casparian strip occurs early in root development. In legumes, this area overlaps with nitrogen-fixing nodule formation, which raises the possi...

science.org

🥳Happy International Day of Women and Girls in Science! 🥳🎉🔬🧪. A special nod to all the inspiring female scientists at @mpipz.bsky.social, shaping the future of #plant science with dedication and passion 🌿🪴Read more 👉: bit.ly/4bc1TmF #womeninscience #womeninSTEM #11Feb