Molecular programming of mycorrhizal symbioses

Currently available technologies and massive flow of sequencing data from ongoing projects is allowing unprecedented insights into general patterns and specificities of mycorrhizal symbiosis across the different partner combinations and mycorrhizal types. This session shall offer a platform to discuss parallels and/or uniqueness of processes related to partner recognition (early communication and signaling events), molecular dialogue between symbiotic partners, mechanisms of exchange of nutrients, carbon and signal molecules between the partners, as well as possible evolution of mycorrhizal functioning from or to facultative parasitic interactions. This session will also offer overview of associated technologies and methods including gene silencing, symbiotic mutants and simplified ex-vivo models.