Silencing ABAP1 INTERACTING PROTEIN 10 (AIP10) enhances root colonization by beneficial bacteria and improves plant performance under nutrient-limited conditions in Arabidopsis thaliana

Abstract Sustaining high agricultural productivity with minimal environmental impact requires innovative and sustainable strategies that reduce reliance on mineral fertilizers. Promoting root association with plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), either within the native microbiome or through bioinoculant application, represents a promising strategy to improve crop performance while reducing mineral fertilizer inputs. The success of this strategy, however, is strongly influenced by plant genetic traits that regulate microbial recruitment and colonization. Here, we tested whether silencing the ABAP1 Interacting Protein (AIP10), a negative regulator that links cell division with primary metabolism, modulates the association of Arabidopsis thaliana to PGPB. Non-inoculated aip10-1 roots exhibited gene expression patterns similar to genotypes with enhanced microbial associations. AIP10 silencing reshaped root and rhizosphere bacterial communities, favoring beneficial PGPB associations and limiting potential pathogens. Consistently, aip10-1 plants showed greater colonization by inoculated diazotrophic PGPB, particularly in low fertilization conditions, leading to increased plant performance. These effects were accompanied by modulation of plant cell cycle and nitrogen assimilation pathways, together with increased bacterial colonization and nifH expression. Our findings suggest that AIP10 functions as a regulatory hub coordinating growth and metabolism with beneficial PGPB recruitment. Modulating AIP10 could enhance plant productivity and support more sustainable and regenerative agriculture practices. Highlight AIP10 silencing participates in a regulatory hub coordinating plant cell cycle and metabolism with recruitment of beneficial bacteria in the root microbiota, contributing to improved plant growth and productivity under nutrient-limited conditions.