Serendipita indica E5′ NT modulates extracellular nucleotide levels in the plant apoplast and affects fungal colonization

Extracellular adenosine 5′‐triphosphate ( eATP ) is an essential signaling molecule that mediates different cellular processes through its interaction with membrane‐associated receptor proteins in animals and plants. eATP regulates plant growth, development, and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Its accumulation in the apoplast induces ROS production and cytoplasmic calcium increase mediating a defense response to invading microbes. We show here that perception of extracellular nucleotides, such as eATP , is important in plant–fungus interactions and that during colonization by the beneficial root endophyte Serendipita indica eATP accumulates in the apoplast at early symbiotic stages. Using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, and cytological and functional analysis, we show that S. indica secrets Si E5′ NT , an enzymatically active ecto‐5′‐nucleotidase capable of hydrolyzing nucleotides in the apoplast. Arabidopsis thaliana lines producing extracellular Si E5′ NT are significantly better colonized, have reduced eATP levels, and altered responses to biotic stresses, indicating that Si E5′ NT functions as a compatibility factor. Our data suggest that extracellular bioactive nucleotides and their perception play an important role in fungus–root interactions and that fungal‐derived enzymes can modify apoplastic metabolites to promote fungal accommodation.