Bing Wang , Xiuhua Liu , Hongwei Liu

Tropical Microbial Resources Research Center, Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China
Author    Correspondence author
Legume Genomics and Genetics, 2025, Vol. 16, No. 2   
Received: 10 Feb., 2025    Accepted: 26 Mar., 2025    Published: 15 Apr., 2025

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

The soybean-rhizobium symbiosis plays a crucial role in sustainable agriculture, promoting biological nitrogen fixation and reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers. This study focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying this symbiotic relationship, with particular emphasis on the identification and characterization of key signaling genes involved in nodulation. We explore the role of nodulation factors and their perception by LysM receptor-like kinases (e.g., GmNFR1 and GmNFR5) and downstream signaling components, including calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinases and transcription factors, such as NIN and ERN1. We further discuss the functional characteristics of these genes, drawing on evidence from gene knockout, overexpression, RNAi, and CRISPR-Cas-based studies. We also highlight the integration of transcriptomics and proteomics approaches in identifying new candidate genes. Furthermore, this study explores the interplay between symbiotic signaling and other regulatory pathways, including plant hormone signaling, defense responses, and environmental cues. Using GmNARK, a key regulator of nodulation autoregulation, as an example, we delve into its negative feedback mechanism and its impact on enhancing nodulation efficiency. Finally, the biotechnological applications of these signaling genes in breeding strategies aimed at enhancing nitrogen fixation and increasing soybean yield are discussed. This study aims to comprehensively understand the signaling networks in the soybean-rhizobium symbiosis system and outline future directions for sustainable improvement of legumes using advanced genomics and synthetic biology tools.

Soybean-rhizobium symbiosis; Nodulation signaling genes; LysM receptors; GmNARK; Nitrogen fixation