Analysis of Marchantia polymorpha–microorganism interactions: basis for understanding plant–microbe and plant–pathogen interactions

Abstract

Marchantia polymorpha is a bryophyte gaining significance as a model plant in evolutionary studies in recent years. This is attributed to its small-sequenced genome, standardized transformation methodology, global distribution, and easy and rapid in vitro culturing. As an evolutionary model, M. polymorpha contributes to our understanding of the evolution of plant defensive responses and the associated hormonal signaling pathways. Through its interaction with microorganisms, M. polymorpha serves as a valuable source of knowledge, yielding insights into new microbial species and bioactive compounds. Bibliographic analysis involved collecting, reading, and categorizing documents obtained from the Scopus and Web of Science databases using different search terms. The review was based on 30 articles published between 1995 and 2023, with Japanese and Spanish authors emerging as the most prolific contributors in this field. These articles have been grouped into four main themes: antimicrobial metabolites produced by M. polymorpha; identification and characterization of epiphytic, endophytic, and pathogenic microorganisms; molecular studies of the direct interaction between M. polymorpha and microorganisms; and plant transformation using bacterial vectors. This review highlights the key findings from these articles and identifies potential future research directions.

The biology of Marchantia polymorpha subsp. ruderalis Bischl. & Boissel. Dub in nature

“…ruderalis of several bacterial and fungal endophytes, with functions spanning the symbiotic spectrum, from beneficial to pathogenic (e.g. Alcaraz et al., 2018 ; Nelson et al., 2018 ; Poveda, 2024 ). These include bacterial genera capable of plant growth promotion, exudate degradation, nitrogen fixation, methylotrophs and disease-suppression ( Alcaraz et al., 2018 ).…”

Reviewing bryophyte-microorganism association: insights into environmental optimization

“…Certain chemicals found in bryophytes have antibacterial and antibiotic qualities (Bahuguna et al, 2013). So, the use of bryophytes as a source of microorganisms to enhance crops and/or forest species is now understudied (Poveda, 2024). This review sheds light on the significant yet often overlooked associations between bryophytes and microorganisms.…”

“…Certain chemicals found in bryophytes have antibacterial and antibiotic qualities (Bahuguna et al, 2013 ). So, the use of bryophytes as a source of microorganisms to enhance crops and/or forest species is now understudied (Poveda, 2024 ).…”