Wed Nov 4th // Dr. Sonali Roy // Noble Research Institute

Dr. Sonali Roy
​Noble Research Institute 
Regulation of Nitrogen Acquisition by Peptide Hormones

The root system of a plant performs vital functions including resource uptake when nutrient availability in soil is non-homogenous; while also providing a surface for interactions with beneficial microbes. Legume roots tolerate deficiency of the macronutrient Nitrogen by not only enhancing its direct uptake but also by establishing a unique symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria called rhizobia. Here I present findings that put genome-encoded small secreted peptides or ‘peptide hormones’ at the center-stage of N-acquisition in legumes. Our findings suggest that peptides likely provide a cheap, environmentally-friendly, non-GMO route to address current challenges of plant growth in nutrient-deprived soils.