Changes in actin microfilament arrays in developing pea root nodule cells

Abstract

Various microorganisms that form symbiotic associations with plant roots alter the cytoskeleton of host cells. The objective of this study was to determine the organization of actin microfilaments in developing Pisum sativum L. (pea) root nodule cells at various stages after infection by Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae. Fluorescently labelled microfilaments in uninfected pea root nodule cells occur in association with the nucleus, along cytoplasmic strands, and as long microfilament bundles randomly organized in the cortex of the cell. These actin arrays are also present in recently infected cells that have been invaded by an infection thread and contain a small number of bacteroids. In addition, the recently infected cells contain diffuse cytoplasmic actin, long actin microfilament bundles near the vacuole, and a nuclear-associated network of microfilament bundles. In older infected cells, the predominant array is a network of cytoplasmic microfilaments that are wavy and extend in multiple directions within the cell; the network is equally abundant in all regions of the cytoplasm and may interact with the bacteroids and organelles. Thus, actin microfilaments reorganize during the pea root nodule infection process to form distinct arrays whose organization depends on the stage of infection.Key words: nodule, actin microfilaments, Rhizobium, pea, symbiosis.