Horizon Europe SMetRI Project: Deciphering the role of sterol metabolism in plant-rhizobiome interactions and their effects on plant performance

Rising global temperatures due to climate change are posing significant challenges for tomato production. High temperatures negatively affect fruit yield and quality, necessitating the development of heat-tolerant tomato varieties. Cell membrane function, particularly the role of sterols, is crucial for heat tolerance. This study aims to understand how modifying sterol composition can improve tomato resistance to high temperatures by influencing root exudate composition and shaping rhizosphere microbial communities.

To investigate the mechanisms behind high temperature tolerance by manipulating sterol metabolism, we outline three specific aims: (1) To investigate the sterol-mediated impact on compositional changes of root exudates under normal and high temperature (HT) conditions. (2) To explore the link between the altered sterol profile, root exudate composition, and rhizosphere microbial interactions. (3) To assess the impact of sterol-modified root exudates on plant performance and resource sharing under normal and HT conditions. Our approach involves the use of high-throughput technologies, including gas chromatography and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry for lipid and metabolite profiling, as well as next-generation sequencing to analyze the impact of modified sterol metabolism on rhizosphere microorganisms.

In addition, we will evaluate physiological and phenological parameters to determine the effect of altered sterol metabolism on plant growth in various temperature environments. Given the critical role of crops in the Solanaceae family, such as tomatoes, in global and European agriculture, this research has immense potential to improve food security and promote sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, it opens the door to innovative approaches to improve plant yield, reduce dependence on agrochemicals, and foster beneficial interactions between plants, soil, and microbes.