Enriched enzymes and crosstalking KEGG pathways in the rhizospheric soil fungiome of the wild plant Moringa oleifera

We aimed to identify the genes encoding predominant KEGG enzymes within the rhizospheric soil fungiome of Moringa oleifera. We also aimed to uncover how the rhizospheric fungiome drives intricate biochemical networks that bolster soil health, plant vitality, nutrient cycling, metabolic efficiency and resilience to environmental stress. These findings offer valuable insights that could enhance the efficacy of innovative agricultural practices. Previous research has focused on the role of soil microbiomes, including both bacteriomes and fungiomes, in the ecological dynamics of native and cultivated plants. The rhizospheric fungiome plays a critical role in plant health by suppressing pathogens, decomposing plant residues and facilitating nutrient assimilation in various environmental conditions. Fungal taxa from the phylum Mucoromycota, including Rhizophagus, Mucor ambiguus, Phycomyces blakesleeanus, Mortierella elongata, Absidia glauca, Mucor circinelloides and the taxon Basidiobolus meristosporus from Zoopagomycota, were identified as primary hosts of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG)-enriched enzymes in the rhizospheric soil of M. oleifera. These enzymes participate in crosstalk pathways within KEGG categories such as ‘Metabolism’, ‘Genetic Information Processing’, and ‘Environmental Information Processing’. These fungal enzymes contribute to the biosynthesis of critical metabolites, including carbamoyl-P, lipoyllysine, acetyl-CoA, isoleucine, valine and nucleotides (dADP, dGDP, dCDP, dUDP) that are essential for cellular functions such as DNA repair, replication and transcription. The symbiotic relationship between these enzymes and plant roots regulates nitrogen levels in the rhizosphere and supports mitochondrial stability. Metabolites also aid in cellular development, membrane metabolism, plant signal transduction and energy metabolism, including fueling the citric acid cycle. Our findings highlight the potential of crosstalking pathways in the rhizospheric fungiome of M. oleifera to enhance energy metabolism and maintain plant cell integrity. We propose that this research can serve as a foundation for advancing sustainable agricultural practices.