Rhizobial and mycorrhizal symbioses in Lotus japonicus require lectin nucleotide phosphohydrolase, which acts upstream of calcium signaling.

Nodulation in legumes requires the recognition of rhizobially made Nod factors. Genetic studies have revealed that the perception of Nod factors involves LysM domain receptor-like kinases, while biochemical approaches have identified LECTIN NUCLEOTIDE PHOSPHOHYDROLASE (LNP) as a Nod factor-binding protein. Here, we show that antisense inhibition of LNP blocks nodulation in Lotus japonicus.

Symbol nomenclature for glycan representation.

The glycan symbol nomenclature proposed by Harvey et al. in these pages has relative advantages and disadvantages. The use of symbols to depict glycans originated from Kornfeld in 1978, was systematized in the First Edition of "Essentials of Glycobiology" and updated for the second edition, with input from relevant organizations such as the Consortium for Functional Glycomics.

Oligosaccharide signaling of plant cells.

A variety of oligosaccharide signals have been identified that function in the regulation of plant development, defense, and other interactions of plants with the environment. Some of these oligosaccharides are produced by various pathogens or symbionts, whereas others are synthesized by the plant itself. This mini-review summarizes our present state of information on these oligosaccharide signals and provides an overview of approaches being used to identify receptors for these signals and gain an understanding of the mechanism(s) by which these signals activate downstream events.