Cross-kingdom Interactions In Plants: Understanding The Molecular Dialogue With Fungi, Oomycetes, Bacteria, And Beneficial Microbes

Plants exist in a complex ecosystem surrounded by a myriad of microorganisms, ranging from symbiotic partners to harmful pathogens. Within this realm, the molecular communication between plants and microbes, including fungi, oomycetes, and bacteria, is critical in dictating the outcomes of interactions. This cross-kingdom communication involves the exchange of signaling molecules, effector proteins, and metabolic signals, leading to sophisticated responses from both plants and microbes. Emerging evidence underscores the intricacy of these dialogues, whereby plants employ detailed defense networks to detect and counteract pathogens, while pathogens evolve mechanisms to circumvent plant immunity. Nevertheless, the exploration of these interactions has traditionally focused on pathogenic microbes, often overlooking the important role of beneficial interactions in shaping plant health and resilience.

This Research Topic seeks to build on the foundation of cross-kingdom signaling by illuminating the molecular mechanisms underpinning plant-microbe communication. We aim to explore both pathogenic and beneficial interactions, aspiring to unravel how these exchanges influence plant immunity, microbial virulence, and the ecosystem of the plant microbiome. Through this, the Research Topic will contribute to a broader understanding of the molecular 'language' that governs plant and microbial interactions. This will facilitate advancements in enhancing crop resistance, managing plant diseases, and optimizing the beneficial roles of symbiotic microbes.

To gather further insights in both pathogenic and non-pathogenic dimensions in plant-microbe interactions, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Molecular signals exchanged between plants and microbial entities, including pathogens and beneficial microbes
- Small RNA-mediated communication and cross-kingdom gene regulation
- Dual or multi-microbial interactions, encompassing pathogens and symbionts, and their impact on plant defense strategies
- Role of the plant microbiome in modulating both pathogenic and beneficial signaling
- Effector biology in microbial pathogens and symbionts
- Hormonal cross-talk during plant microbe interactions
- Systems biology and omics approaches to decode plant-microbe communication
- Bioengineering strategies to alter signaling pathways for crop protection and growth enhancement

We encourage contributions in the form of original research articles, reviews, perspectives, and methods papers. Authors uncertain about their work's fit within this Research Topic are encouraged to contact the editors for further guidance.

Keywords: plant-pathogen interactions, cross-kingdom signaling, molecular plant immunity, effector-mediated suppression, small rna cross-talk

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.