Legume LysM receptors mediate symbiotic and pathogenic signalling

- LysM receptor kinases differentiate symbiotic and pathogenic microbial signals.
- LysM receptor kinases perceive a wider range of ligands than previously anticipated.
- Receptor complex formation and signalling are modulated by interacting proteins.

Legume-rhizobia symbiosis is coordinated through the production and perception of signal molecules by both partners with legume LysM receptor kinases performing a central role in this process. Receptor complex formation and signalling outputs derived from these are regulated through ligand binding and further modulated by a diverse variety of interactors. The challenge now is to understand the molecular mechanisms of these reported interactors. Recently attributed roles of LysM receptors in the perception of rhizobial exopolysaccharide, distinguishing between pathogens and symbionts, and assembly of root and rhizosphere communities expand on the importance of these receptors. These studies also highlight challenges, such as identification of cognate ligands, formation of responsive receptor complexes and separation of downstream signal transduction pathways.