Cytoskeleton in mycorrhizal symbiosis

An understanding of the role played by the cytoskeleton in formation and function of mycorrhizas has been hampered by the technical difficulty of working with mycorrhizal material. Recently, however, improved labelling techniques suitable for both plant and fungal symbionts in combination with either epifluorescence microscopy or laser scanning confocal microscopy have resulted in new information. As well, molecular methods have made it possible to monitor changes of cytoskeletal elements during mycorrhiza development. Currently we know that the cytoskeletal systems of both plant and fungal partners undergo changes during both ecto- and endomycorrhizal symbiosis. However, little information is available concerning the regulatory factors or the cause and effect relationship of cytoskeletal changes and cellular events. In this article, research involving the cytoskeleton of mycorrhizas is reviewed in detail, whereas basic information of the cytoskeleton of plant and fungal cells is only briefly discussed as background. A brief comparison is also made between the information on mycorrhizas with that of biotrophic pathogenic fungi and the Rhizobium–legume symbiosis.