Species-specific effects of extracellular DNA in Lotus japonicus: local action and drought-related signaling via jasmonate and DREB pathways

The effects of extracellular DNA (exDNA), particularly self-derived DNA, on the signaling pathways involved in plant-soil negative feedback, have emerged as significant areas of research in plant biology. Here we characterise the concentration and species-specific effects of extracellular DNA in the model legume Lotus japonicus. We demonstrate progressive, concentration-dependent inhibitory effects of self-derived DNA on plant growth and physiological performance. Using a split-root system, we further investigate the spatial dynamics of self-DNA signaling. Quantitative RT-PCR analyses confirm the involvement of the jasmonic acid (JA) signaling pathway in the response to self-DNA and suggest a role of the dehydration-responsive element-binding (DREB) transcription factors in distinguishing between the effects of self and non-self exDNA.