@article {pmid40560512,
year = {2025},
author = {Pramanik, K and Sen, A and Dutta, S and Mandal, GS and Paramanik, B and Das, A and Chatterjee, N and Ghorai, AK and Ali, MN},
title = {Microbial populations under fluoride stress: a metagenomic exploration from Indian soil.},
journal = {World journal of microbiology & biotechnology},
volume = {41},
number = {7},
pages = {221},
pmid = {40560512},
issn = {1573-0972},
mesh = {*Soil Microbiology ; *Fluorides/analysis ; India ; Metagenomics ; *Bacteria/genetics/classification/drug effects/isolation & purification ; Soil/chemistry ; Fungi/genetics/classification/drug effects/isolation & purification ; Archaea/genetics/classification/drug effects/isolation & purification ; Metagenome ; Phylogeny ; Microbiota/drug effects ; },
abstract = {Fluoride exposure, even at a low concentration, significantly impairs crop growth and productivity by inhibiting metabolic enzymes and disrupting photosynthesis. Addressing this challenge, microbial de-fluoridation emerges as a vital strategy to improve soil health, enhance crop growth, and ensure agricultural sustainability. This study analyzed topsoil samples (0-0.2 m depth) from rice fields in three blocks of Purulia district, West Bengal-Arsha, Jhalda-I, and Joypur. Fluoride content in the samples ranged from 58.76 ± 0.76 mg/kg to 282.9 ± 4.9 mg/kg (total) and 1.57 ± 0.02 mg/kg to 2.97 ± 0.03 mg/kg (available). The metagenomic analysis of the collected soil samples revealed diverse microbial communities comprising archaea, bacteria, fungi, and viruses, with Actinobacteria (phylum), Hyphomicrobiales (order), and Nocardioidaceae (family) being the dominant prokaryotes. Arsha soil with comparatively low fluoride contamination exhibited the highest microbial diversity (11,891 taxa), followed by Joypur (11,528 taxa) and Jhalda-I (11,358 taxa), with Arsha showing nearly double the unique microbial taxa compared to the other locations. Clusters of orthologous groups of proteins functional analysis identified 60,898 genes in Arsha, 63,403 genes in Jhalda-I, and 73,334 genes in Joypur, while Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes analysis revealed 9,385, 9,104, and 10,633 genes, respectively. Key genes associated with fluoride metabolism-inorganic pyrophosphatase, divalent metal cation transporter mntH, and putative fluoride ion transporter crcB-were abundant across all sites, highlighting the influence of fluoride on microbial community structure. This study provides the first comprehensive report on soil microbial communities in fluoride-rich areas, highlighting the potential of native fluoride-tolerant microbes to mitigate fluoride toxicity in agricultural soils and offer sustainable, microbe-based solutions to fluoride contamination.},
}

*Soil Microbiology
*Fluorides/analysis
India
Metagenomics
*Bacteria/genetics/classification/drug effects/isolation & purification
Soil/chemistry
Fungi/genetics/classification/drug effects/isolation & purification
Archaea/genetics/classification/drug effects/isolation & purification
Metagenome
Phylogeny
Microbiota/drug effects

@article {pmid40559651,
year = {2025},
author = {Wimmer, BC and Dwan, C and De Medts, J and Duysburgh, C and Rotsaert, C and Marzorati, M},
title = {Undaria pinnatifida Fucoidan Enhances Gut Microbiome, Butyrate Production, and Exerts Anti-Inflammatory Effects in an In Vitro Short-Term SHIME[®] Coupled to a Caco-2/THP-1 Co-Culture Model.},
journal = {Marine drugs},
volume = {23},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/md23060242},
pmid = {40559651},
issn = {1660-3397},
support = {n.a.//Marinova Pty Ltd., 249 Kennedy Drive, Cambridge, TAS 7170, Australia/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects ; *Polysaccharides/pharmacology/isolation & purification ; *Undaria/chemistry ; *Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology ; Caco-2 Cells ; Coculture Techniques ; *Butyrates/metabolism ; THP-1 Cells ; Colon/microbiology/drug effects ; Feces/microbiology ; Cytokines/metabolism ; Adult ; Fatty Acids, Volatile/metabolism ; Edible Seaweeds ; },
abstract = {Fucoidans have demonstrated a wide range of bioactivities including immune modulation and benefits in gut health. To gain a deeper understanding on the effects of fucoidan from Undaria pinnatifida (UPF) on the colonic microbiome, the short-term Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem[®], a validated in vitro gut model, was applied. Following a three-week intervention period on adult faecal samples from three healthy donors, microbial community activity of the colonic microbiota was assessed by quantifying short-chain fatty acids while composition was analysed utilising 16S-targeted Illumina sequencing. Metagenomic data were used to describe changes in community structure. To assess the secretion of cytokines, co-culture experiments using Caco-2 and THP1-Blue™ cells were performed. UPF supplementation over a three-week period had a profound butyrogenic effect while also enriching colonic microbial diversity, consistently stimulating saccharolytic genera, and reducing genera linked with potentially negative health effects in both regions of the colon. Mild immune modulatory effects of UPF were also observed. Colonic fermentation of UPF showed anti-inflammatory properties by inducing the secretion of the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-10 in two out of three donors in the proximal and distal colon. In conclusion, UPF supplementation may provide significant gut health benefits.},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects
*Polysaccharides/pharmacology/isolation & purification
*Undaria/chemistry
*Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology
Caco-2 Cells
Coculture Techniques
*Butyrates/metabolism
THP-1 Cells
Colon/microbiology/drug effects
Feces/microbiology
Cytokines/metabolism
Adult
Fatty Acids, Volatile/metabolism
Edible Seaweeds

@article {pmid40558870,
year = {2025},
author = {Abreu, CM and Carneiro, GHF and Costa, MRD and Barroso, GM and Duque, TS and Silva, JMS and Santos, JBD},
title = {Avena sativa as a Multifunctional Tool for Phytoremediation and Bioenergy Production in Sulfentrazone Contaminated Soils.},
journal = {Journal of xenobiotics},
volume = {15},
number = {3},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/jox15030087},
pmid = {40558870},
issn = {2039-4713},
support = {APQ 01151-23; APQ 00694-23 and, APQ 004955-23//Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais/ ; 001//National Council for Scientific and Technological Development/ ; },
abstract = {Phytoremediation using Avena sativa offers a sustainable strategy for mitigating sulfentrazone contamination while integrating bioenergy production. This study proposes an analysis of the bioenergy potential and the microbial metagenomic profile associated with Avena sativa in the presence and absence of sulfentrazone, aiming at the synergistic bioprospecting of microbial communities capable of biodegradation and remediation of contaminated environments. Using a randomized block design, we evaluated the bioenergy potential and rhizospheric microbial dynamics of A. sativa in soils with and without sulfentrazone (600 g ha[-1]). Herbicide residues were quantified via UHPLC-MS/MS, and metagenomic profiles were obtained through 16S rRNA gene and ITS region sequencing to assess shifts in rhizospheric microbiota. Microbial diversity was analyzed using the Shannon and Gini-Simpson Indices, complemented by Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Bioenergy yields (biogas and ethanol) were estimated based on plant biomass. Over 80 days, the cultivation of A. sativa promoted a 19.7% dissipation of sulfentrazone, associated with rhizospheric enrichment of plant growth-promoting taxa (Bradyrhizobium, Rhodococcus, and Trichoderma), which increased by 68% compared to uncontaminated soils. Contaminated soils exhibited reduced microbial diversity (Gini-Simpson Index = 0.7), with a predominance of Actinobacteria and Ascomycota, suggesting adaptive specialization. Despite herbicide-induced stress (39.3% reduction in plant height and 60% reduction in grain yield), the biomass demonstrated considerable bioenergy potential: 340.6 m[3] ha[-1] of biogas and 284.4 L ha[-1] of ethanol. The findings highlight the dual role of A. sativa in soil rehabilitation and renewable energy systems, supported by plant-microbe synergies. Scalability challenges and regulatory gaps in ecotoxicological assessments were identified, reinforcing the need to optimize microbial consortia and implement region-specific management strategies. These results support the integration of phytoremediation into circular bioeconomy models, balancing ecological recovery with agricultural productivity. Future research should focus on microbial genetic pathways, field-scale validation, and the development of regulatory frameworks to advance this green technology in global soil remediation efforts.},
}

@article {pmid40557154,
year = {2025},
author = {Bai, X and Raju, SC and Knudsen, AD and Thudium, RF and Arentoft, NS and Gelpi, M and Heidari, SL and Kunisaki, KM and Kristiansen, K and Hov, JR and Nielsen, SD and Trøseid, M},
title = {Microbiome profiling reveals gut bacterial species associated with rapid lung function decline in people with HIV.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1555441},
pmid = {40557154},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Male ; Female ; *HIV Infections/microbiology/complications/physiopathology ; Middle Aged ; Dysbiosis ; *Lung/physiopathology ; *Bacteria/genetics/classification ; Adult ; *Lung Diseases/microbiology ; Respiratory Function Tests ; Aged ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: People with HIV (PWH) have an increased risk of pulmonary comorbidities compared to people without HIV. The gut microbiome regulates host immunity and is altered in PWH. This study aims to determine potential associations between gut microbiome, lung function decline, and airflow limitation in PWH.

METHODS: PWH from the Copenhagen Comorbidity in HIV Infection (COCOMO) Study with available lung function testing and microbiome data were included (n=385). The gut microbiome was characterized using shotgun metagenomic sequencing. Associations between gut microbiome, rapid lung function decline, and airflow limitation were analysed in multivariable logistic regressions adjusted for traditional and HIV-associated risk factors for lung disease.

RESULTS: Several bacterial species were significantly enriched in PWH with rapid lung function decline, including opportunistic pathogenic bacterial species Bacteroides coprophilus, Klebsiella michiganensis, and Clostridium perfringens. A gut microbial dysbiosis index based on compositional changes was associated with rapid lung function decline (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.11-1.27], p<0.001), and airflow limitation (aOR 1.16, 95% CI [1.04-1.29], p=0.007) in adjusted multivariable logistic regression analyses.

CONCLUSION: Associations between the gut dysbiosis index and rapid lung function decline and airflow limitation suggest a potential role of certain gut bacterial species in the pathogenesis of pulmonary comorbidities in PWH.},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Male
Female
*HIV Infections/microbiology/complications/physiopathology
Middle Aged
Dysbiosis
*Lung/physiopathology
*Bacteria/genetics/classification
Adult
*Lung Diseases/microbiology
Respiratory Function Tests
Aged

@article {pmid40555747,
year = {2025},
author = {Jarman, JB and Torres, PJ and Stromberg, S and Sato, H and Stack, C and Ladrillono, A and Pace, S and Jimenez, NL and Haselbeck, RJ and Insel, R and Van Dien, S and Culler, SJ},
title = {Bifidobacterium deficit in United States infants drives prevalent gut dysbiosis.},
journal = {Communications biology},
volume = {8},
number = {1},
pages = {867},
pmid = {40555747},
issn = {2399-3642},
mesh = {Humans ; *Bifidobacterium/isolation & purification/genetics ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *Dysbiosis/epidemiology/microbiology ; Infant ; United States/epidemiology ; Female ; Male ; Infant, Newborn ; Metagenomics ; },
abstract = {The composition of the infant gut microbiome is critical to immune development and noncommunicable disease (NCD) trajectory. However, a comprehensive evaluation of the infant gut microbiome in the United States is lacking. The My Baby Biome study, designed to address this knowledge gap, evaluated the gut microbiomes of 412 infants (representative of U.S. demographic diversity) using metagenomics and metabolomics. Regardless of birth mode and/or feeding method, widespread Bifidobacterium deficit was observed, with approximately 25% of U.S. infants lacking detectable Bifidobacterium. Bifidobacterium-dominant microbiomes exhibit distinct features when compared to microbiomes with other dominant microbial compositions including reduced antimicrobial resistance and virulence factor genes, altered carbohydrate utilization pathways, and altered metabolic signatures. In C-section birth infants, Bifidobacterium tended to be replaced in the human milk oligosaccharide utilization niche with potentially pathogenic species. Longitudinal health outcomes from these infants suggest that the disappearance of key Bifidobacterium may contribute to the development of atopy.},
}

Humans
*Bifidobacterium/isolation & purification/genetics
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
*Dysbiosis/epidemiology/microbiology
Infant
United States/epidemiology
Female
Male
Infant, Newborn
Metagenomics

@article {pmid40396729,
year = {2025},
author = {Cunningham, AL and Zhbannikov, IY and Myers, R and Tran, TH and Gao, W and Lemon, KP and Aquino, JN and Hurst, JH and Yoon, JW and Seed, PC and Kelly, MS},
title = {Genome mining identifies a diversity of natural product biosynthetic capacity in human respiratory Corynebacterium strains.},
journal = {mSphere},
volume = {10},
number = {6},
pages = {e0025825},
doi = {10.1128/msphere.00258-25},
pmid = {40396729},
issn = {2379-5042},
mesh = {*Corynebacterium/genetics/metabolism/classification ; Humans ; *Genome, Bacterial ; *Biological Products/metabolism ; Multigene Family ; *Biosynthetic Pathways/genetics ; Genomics ; *Respiratory System/microbiology ; Microbiota ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {Corynebacterium species, integral to the healthy human upper respiratory tract (URT) microbiota, remain underexplored in microbial genomics for their potential to promote respiratory health and exclude pathobionts. This genomic study investigated the diversity and capacity for natural product synthesis within these species, as indicated by their biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs). We aimed to map and quantify the BGC diversity in a contemporary collection of Corynebacterium strains, representative of their prevalence in the respiratory microbiota, and to elucidate intra- and interspecies variation in BGC content. The outcomes of this research could reveal key factors in maintaining the ecological balance of the upper respiratory tract and identify novel antimicrobial agents targeting respiratory pathobionts. Employing an in silico approach, we analyzed the biosynthetic potential of respiratory strains of non-diphtheriae Corynebacterium species and their reference genomes through genome sequencing and antiSMASH6 analysis. Among 161 genomes, we identified 672 BGCs, 495 of which were unique, including polyketide synthase, non-ribosomal peptide synthetase, ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptide, and siderophore families. To understand how this biosynthetic capacity compared to other respiratory bacteria, we then downloaded genomes from eight species that are associated with the URT and conducted BGC searches. We found that despite their compact genomes, Corynebacterium species possess a multitude of predicted BGCs, exceeding the diversity of natural product BGCs identified in multiple other respiratory bacteria. This research lays the foundation for future functional genomics studies on the role of Corynebacterium species in the respiratory microbiome and the discovery of novel therapeutics derived from this bacterial genus.IMPORTANCEBacterial secondary metabolites, produced by enzymes encoded by biosynthetic gene clusters, are ecologically important for bacterial communication and competition in nutrient-scarce environments and are a historically rich source of antibiotics and other medications. Human-associated Corynebacterium species, abundant in the healthy upper respiratory tract, are understudied despite evidence of their roles in promoting human health and preventing pathobiont colonization. Through genome mining of a large collection of Corynebacterium strains isolated from the human respiratory tract and publicly available genomes of other respiratory bacteria, our study suggests that Corynebacterium species have a high biosynthetic capacity and are predicted to harbor a wide range of biosynthetic gene cluster families. These findings substantially expand current knowledge regarding the production of secondary metabolites by human-associated Corynebacterium species. Our study also lays the foundations for understanding how Corynebacterium species interact in the healthy human upper respiratory tract and the potential for discovering novel biotherapeutics.},
}

*Corynebacterium/genetics/metabolism/classification
Humans
*Genome, Bacterial
*Biological Products/metabolism
Multigene Family
*Biosynthetic Pathways/genetics
Genomics
*Respiratory System/microbiology
Microbiota
Phylogeny

@article {pmid40372056,
year = {2025},
author = {Kok, CR and Thissen, JB and Cerroni, M and Tribble, DR and Cancio, A and Tran, S and Schofield, C and Colombo, RE and Troth, T and Joya, C and Lalani, T and Be, NA},
title = {Field expedient stool collection methods for gut microbiome analysis in deployed military environments.},
journal = {mSphere},
volume = {10},
number = {6},
pages = {e0081824},
doi = {10.1128/msphere.00818-24},
pmid = {40372056},
issn = {2379-5042},
support = {//Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Feces/microbiology ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *Specimen Handling/methods ; *Military Personnel ; Adult ; Male ; Female ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Metagenomics ; Young Adult ; Diarrhea/microbiology ; Middle Aged ; Travel ; },
abstract = {Field expedient devices and protocols for the collection, storage, and shipment of stool samples in deployed settings are needed for the advancement of microbiome research in military health. Relevant assessments include the evaluation of microbiome signatures associated with susceptibility to travelers' diarrhea and recovery of gut function following infection. However, inherent biases in microbial measurements due to preservatives and sampling methods are unclear and should be assessed for an accurate evaluation of the microbiome. We performed shotgun metagenomic sequencing and compared the microbiome composition in paired fecal samples collected using Flinters Technology Associates (FTA) cards and OMNIgene (OG) Gut tubes, prior to and during international travel, from 49 adult participants, 39 of whom remained asymptomatic and 10 experienced travelers' diarrhea. Higher concentrations of nucleic acid and sequencing libraries were observed in OG samples. A majority of genera (82.9%) were detected with both methods, and detections of genera limited to one collection method were not highly prevalent across samples and were present in extremely low relative abundances (<0.01%). Differences in beta diversity were largely explained by inter-individuality of microbiome composition, followed by the effect of collection method and timepoint-disease states. Differential abundance analysis indicated that Corynebacterium and Blautia were consistently higher in abundance across all groups with FTA and OG collection, respectively. The observed differences in microbiome composition between methods suggest the need for consistent and standardized protocols within a study. Overall, the data presented here could help guide the future design of fecal microbiome study protocols in field and military deployment settings.IMPORTANCEThe assessment of field-deployable methods for fecal sample collection and storage is required to reliably capture samples collected in remote and austere locations. This study describes a comparative metagenomics analysis between samples collected by two different commercially available methods in a military-deployed setting. The results presented here are foundational for the future design of fecal microbiome study protocols in an operational context.},
}

Humans
*Feces/microbiology
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
*Specimen Handling/methods
*Military Personnel
Adult
Male
Female
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Metagenomics
Young Adult
Diarrhea/microbiology
Middle Aged
Travel

@article {pmid40366139,
year = {2025},
author = {Crouch, AL and Severance, BM and Creary, S and Hood, D and Bailey, M and Mejias, A and Ramilo, O and Gillespie, M and Ebelt, S and Sheehan, V and Kopp, BT and Anderson, MZ},
title = {Altered nasal and oral microbiomes define pediatric sickle cell disease.},
journal = {mSphere},
volume = {10},
number = {6},
pages = {e0013725},
doi = {10.1128/msphere.00137-25},
pmid = {40366139},
issn = {2379-5042},
support = {Advancing Research in Infection and Immunity//The Ohio State University/ ; Science Diversity Leadership Award//Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI)/ ; T32 Interdisciplinary Program in Microbe-Host Biology//The Ohio State University/ ; NIAIDR21AI174000/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; Center for Ethnic Studies research grant//The Ohio State University/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Anemia, Sickle Cell/microbiology ; *Microbiota ; Child ; Male ; Female ; *Mouth/microbiology ; Dysbiosis/microbiology ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Adolescent ; Child, Preschool ; Metagenomics ; *Nose/microbiology ; },
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a chronic blood disorder that disrupts multiple organ systems and can lead to severe morbidity. Persistent and acute symptoms caused by immune system dysregulation in individuals with SCD could contribute to disease either directly or indirectly via dysbiosis of commensal microbes and increased susceptibility to infection. Here, we explored the nasal and oral microbiomes of children with SCD (cwSCD) to uncover potential dysbiotic associations with the blood disorder. Microbiota collected from nasal and oral swabs of 40 cwSCD were compared to eight healthy siblings using shotgun metagenomic sequencing. Commensal taxa were present at similar levels in the nasal and oral microbiome of both groups. However, the nasal microbiomes of cwSCD contained a higher prevalence of Pseudomonadota species, including pathobionts such as Yersinia enterocolitica and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Furthermore, the oral microbiome of cwSCD displayed lower α-diversity and fewer commensal and pathobiont species compared to the healthy siblings. Thus, subtle but notable shifts seem to exist in the nasal and oral microbiomes of cwSCD, suggesting an interaction between SCD and the microbiome that may influence health outcomes.

IMPORTANCE: The oral and nasal cavities are susceptible to environmental exposures including pathogenic microbes. In individuals with systemic disorders, antibiotic exposure, changes to the immune system, or changes to organ function could influence the composition of the microbes at these sites and the overall health of individuals. Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) commonly experience respiratory infections, such as pneumonia or sinusitis, and may have increased susceptibility to infection because of disrupted microbiota at these body sites. We found that children with SCD (cwSCD) had more pathobiont bacteria in the nasal cavity and reduced bacterial diversity in the oral cavity compared to their healthy siblings. Defining when, why, and how these changes occur in cwSCD could help identify specific microbial signatures associated with susceptibility to infection or adverse outcomes, providing insights into personalized treatment strategies and preventive measures.},
}

Humans
*Anemia, Sickle Cell/microbiology
*Microbiota
Child
Male
Female
*Mouth/microbiology
Dysbiosis/microbiology
Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Adolescent
Child, Preschool
Metagenomics
*Nose/microbiology

@article {pmid40358144,
year = {2025},
author = {Mukherjee, SD and Suryavanshi, M and Knight, J and Lange, D and Miller, AW},
title = {Metagenomic and phylogenetic analyses reveal gene-level selection constrained by bacterial phylogeny, surrounding oxalate metabolism in the gut microbiota.},
journal = {mSphere},
volume = {10},
number = {6},
pages = {e0091324},
doi = {10.1128/msphere.00913-24},
pmid = {40358144},
issn = {2379-5042},
mesh = {*Oxalates/metabolism ; *Phylogeny ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics ; Humans ; *Metagenomics ; *Bacteria/genetics/classification/metabolism ; *Selection, Genetic ; },
abstract = {The gut microbiota is critical for neutralizing dietary toxins. Oxalate is a toxin commonly produced by plants to deter herbivory and is widely consumed in the human diet. Excess levels of systemic or urinary oxalate increase risk of multiple urologic and cardiometabolic diseases. The current study employed multiple amplicon-based and shotgun metagenomic methodologies, alongside comparative phylogenetic analyses, to interrogate evolutionary radiation surrounding microbial oxalate degradation within the human gut microbiome. In conservative genome-based estimates, over 30% of gut microbial species harbored at least one oxalate-handling gene, with the specific pathways used dependent on bacterial phylum. Co-occurrence analyses revealed interactions between specialist genes that can metabolize oxalate or its by-products, but not multi-functional genes that can act in more than one oxalate-related pathway. Specialization was rare at the genome level. Amplicon-based metagenomic sequencing of the oxalate-degrading gene, formyl-CoA transferase (frc), coupled with molecular clock phylogenetic analyses are indicative of rapid evolutionary divergence, constrained by phylum. This was corroborated by paired analyses of non-synonymous to synonymous substitutions (dN/dS ratios), which pointed toward neutral to positive selection. Sequence similarity network analyses of frc sequences suggest extensive horizontal gene transferring has occurred with the frc gene, which may have facilitated rapid divergence. The frc gene was primarily allocated to the Pseudomonodota phylum, particularly the Bradyrhizobium genus, which is a species capable of utilizing oxalate as a sole carbon and energy source. Collectively evidence provides strong support that, for oxalate metabolism, evolutionary selection occurs at the gene level, through horizontal gene transfer, rather than at the species level.IMPORTANCEA critical function of the gut microbiota is to neutralize dietary toxins, such as oxalate, which is highly prevalent in plant-based foods and is not degraded by host enzymes. However, little is known about the co-evolutionary patterns of plant toxins and the mammalian gut microbiota, which are expected to exhibit features of an evolutionary arms race. In the current work, we present molecular evidence that microbial genes for oxalate degradation are highly prevalent in humans, potentially driven by extensive horizontal gene transfer events. Phylogenetic analyses reveal that oxalate-degrading genes are under a positive selection pressure and have historically undergone rapid diversification events, which has led to diverse ecological strategies for handling oxalate by gut bacteria. Collectively, data shed light on potential evolutionary relationships between the diet and the gut microbiota that occur relatively independently of the mammalian host.},
}

*Oxalates/metabolism
*Phylogeny
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics
Humans
*Metagenomics
*Bacteria/genetics/classification/metabolism
*Selection, Genetic

@article {pmid40355744,
year = {2025},
author = {Schreiber, S and Waetzig, GH and López-Agudelo, VA and Geisler, C and Schlicht, K and Franzenburg, S and di Giuseppe, R and Pape, D and Bahmer, T and Krawczak, M and Kokott, E and Penninger, JM and Harzer, O and Kramer, J and von Schrenck, T and Sommer, F and Zacharias, HU and , and Millet Pascual-Leone, B and Forslund, SK and Heyckendorf, J and Aden, K and Hollweck, R and Laudes, M and Rosenstiel, P},
title = {Nicotinamide modulates gut microbial metabolic potential and accelerates recovery in mild-to-moderate COVID-19.},
journal = {Nature metabolism},
volume = {7},
number = {6},
pages = {1136-1149},
pmid = {40355744},
issn = {2522-5812},
support = {EXC 2167: CD-1, CD-2, TI-1//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; EXC 2167//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; EXC 2167: RTF-VI//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; miTARGET (RU5042)//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; SO1141/10-1//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; SFB1470, SFB1449//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; EXC 2167: CD-2, RTF-VI, TI-1//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; e:Med Juniorverbund "Try-IBD" 01ZX1915A and 01ZX2215, e:Med Network iTREAT 01ZX2202A//Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (Federal Ministry of Education and Research)/ ; e:Med CKDNapp 01ZX1912A//Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (Federal Ministry of Education and Research)/ ; K126408//Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel (Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel)/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Niacinamide/therapeutic use/pharmacology ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects ; Male ; Double-Blind Method ; *COVID-19/metabolism ; Female ; Middle Aged ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; Adult ; Feces/microbiology ; Prospective Studies ; Aged ; Dysbiosis ; Tryptophan/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Cellular NAD[+] depletion, altered tryptophan metabolism and gut microbiome dysbiosis are associated with disease progression and unfavourable clinical outcomes in COVID-19. Here, we show that supplementing tryptophan metabolism with nicotinamide alleviates COVID-19 symptoms. We evaluate a 4-week intervention with a novel nicotinamide formulation (1,000 mg) in a prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in 900 symptomatic outpatients with PCR-proven COVID-19. In the primary analysis population of participants at risk for severe COVID-19, 57.6% of those receiving nicotinamide and 42.6% receiving placebo recover from their performance drop at week 2 (P = 0.004). Nicotinamide is also beneficial for returning to normal activities (P = 0.009). Effects on gut metagenomic signatures parallel clinical efficacy, suggesting that nicotinamide influences COVID-19-associated faecal microbiome changes. After 6 months, responders to nicotinamide in acute COVID-19 show fewer post-COVID symptoms than placebo responders (P = 0.010). No relevant safety signals are observed. Overall, our results show that nicotinamide leads to faster recovery of physical performance and modulates COVID-19-associated faecal microbiome changes.},
}

Humans
*Niacinamide/therapeutic use/pharmacology
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects
Male
Double-Blind Method
*COVID-19/metabolism
Female
Middle Aged
SARS-CoV-2
*COVID-19 Drug Treatment
Adult
Feces/microbiology
Prospective Studies
Aged
Dysbiosis
Tryptophan/metabolism

@article {pmid40340458,
year = {2025},
author = {Bay, L and Barnes, CJ and Fritz, BG and Ravnborg, N and Ruge, IF and Halling-Sønderby, A-S and Søeborg, SR and Langhoff, KH and Lex, C and Hansen, AJ and Thyssen, JP and Bjarnsholt, T},
title = {Unique dermal bacterial signature differentiates atopic dermatitis skin from healthy.},
journal = {mSphere},
volume = {10},
number = {6},
pages = {e0015625},
doi = {10.1128/msphere.00156-25},
pmid = {40340458},
issn = {2379-5042},
support = {LF-OC-19-0003//LEO Fondet (LEO Foundation)/ ; LF17067//LEO Fondet (LEO Foundation)/ ; LF17067//LEO Fondet (LEO Foundation)/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Dermatitis, Atopic/microbiology ; Adult ; *Microbiota ; Female ; Male ; *Skin/microbiology ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Middle Aged ; Metagenomics ; Young Adult ; Epidermis/microbiology ; Case-Control Studies ; *Dermis/microbiology ; },
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Gaining a deeper understanding of the variation in skin microbiota across habitats and layers provides critical insights into the complex host-microbial interactions that drive inflammatory skin diseases. Our study investigated dermal versus epidermal microbiota in lesional and non-lesional skin of 37 adult atopic dermatitis (AD) patients and 37 healthy controls. Skin biopsies were partitioned into epidermal and dermal compartments, while serial tape strips collected the superficial epidermis. Bacterial communities were analyzed by cultivation, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and metagenomic sequencing. We found that the effects of AD were evident across skin layers. The natural variation between skin layers and habitats diminishes in AD-affected skin, intensifying the impact of the microenvironment and host factors. A remarkably distinct dermal bacterial community was discovered among AD patients, being more conserved and providing a clearer difference between skin habitats, while the epidermis varied substantially. Importantly, comparisons between AD patients and controls revealed more genera differed when studying the dermal samples than the epidermal ones. Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, and Cutibacterium genera differed with AD status across all samples, but Prevotella and Mitsuokella only differed in the dermis. In the dry and moist dermis, this translated into 14 and 61 gene pathways significantly varying with AD status, including many related to the biosynthesis of menaquinones (vitamin K2). These results suggest dermal sampling would allow for the role of the skin microbiome within AD pathogenesis to be better resolved since these communities are simpler and less prone to environmental contamination.

IMPORTANCE: This study sheds light on the profound impact of skin microbiota's complex composition and distribution in atopic dermatitis (AD). The distinctive bacterial profile and activity, especially within the dermal skin compartment, vividly mirrored the cutaneous conditions in this inflamed microenvironment. The striking similarity in bacterial communities across different skin habitats in atopic skin underscores the high influence of atopic dermatitis-the genetic predisposition to an amplified immune response. This finding suggests that the dermal bacterial profile could be a valuable tool for longitudinally monitoring changes during the disease's relapsing phases, allowing for a precise categorization of patients into specific AD endotypes. Broadening the focus throughout the entire eczema-affected skin paves the way for treatments capable of modulating dermal biological factors, offering more effective management of AD. By further centering the interest in host-microbial interactions, we can refine personalized treatments, ultimately improving the lives of millions suffering from atopic dermatitis.},
}

Humans
*Dermatitis, Atopic/microbiology
Adult
*Microbiota
Female
Male
*Skin/microbiology
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Middle Aged
Metagenomics
Young Adult
Epidermis/microbiology
Case-Control Studies
*Dermis/microbiology

@article {pmid40320901,
year = {2025},
author = {Gervasoni, KN and Iacia, MVMS and Silva, KO and Franco, LG and Mendes, MEF and Neves, TJDC and Sanches, WS and Oliveira, LB and Saito, EA and Vieira, KCO and Pereira, VC and Nai, GA and Winkelstroter, LK},
title = {Protective Effect of Piperine on Indomethacin-Induced Intestinal Damage.},
journal = {Molecular nutrition & food research},
volume = {69},
number = {12},
pages = {e70097},
doi = {10.1002/mnfr.70097},
pmid = {40320901},
issn = {1613-4133},
mesh = {Animals ; *Polyunsaturated Alkamides/pharmacology ; *Piperidines/pharmacology ; *Alkaloids/pharmacology ; *Benzodioxoles/pharmacology ; Male ; *Indomethacin/adverse effects/toxicity ; Mice ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects ; *Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/adverse effects ; Intestine, Small/drug effects/pathology ; Intestinal Mucosa/drug effects/pathology ; Aspartate Aminotransferases/blood ; Protective Agents/pharmacology ; Intestines/drug effects/pathology ; },
abstract = {Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely prescribed for the treatment of inflammation and chronic pain. Chronic use of NSAIDs is associated with adverse events and organ damage, especially to the gastric mucosa and small intestine. This study evaluates the protective effect of piperine on indomethacin-induced intestinal damage. Eighteen male Mus musculus mice, aged 6-8 weeks, were used. Intestinal damage was induced with indomethacin (10 mg/mL) and cotreatment with piperine (20 mg/mL), both administered orally. After 14 days, the animals were euthanized. Biochemical serological analysis was performed. Intestinal inflammation was assessed based on macroscopic, histopathological, and metagenomic analyses. Histopathological analysis showed a reduction in small intestine inflammation (p < 0.05) and the disappearance of necrosis in the intestinal wall of the large intestine. Crypt and villus measurements showed increased values in the piperine-treated group (p < 0.05). An approximately six-fold increase in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was observed in the Indomethacin group (p < 0.05). Regarding the intestinal microbiota, an increase in genus diversity was observed in the piperine-treated group (p < 0.05). There was a 50% reduction in micronucleus formation with the administration of piperine 20 mg/kg (p < 0.05). It was concluded that cotreatment with piperine has great potential in mitigating the side effects caused by NSAIDs.},
}

Animals
*Polyunsaturated Alkamides/pharmacology
*Piperidines/pharmacology
*Alkaloids/pharmacology
*Benzodioxoles/pharmacology
Male
*Indomethacin/adverse effects/toxicity
Mice
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects
*Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/adverse effects
Intestine, Small/drug effects/pathology
Intestinal Mucosa/drug effects/pathology
Aspartate Aminotransferases/blood
Protective Agents/pharmacology
Intestines/drug effects/pathology

@article {pmid40172109,
year = {2025},
author = {Tarracchini, C and Lordan, C and Milani, C and Moreira, LPD and Alabedallat, QM and de Moreno de LeBlanc, A and Turroni, F and Lugli, GA and Mancabelli, L and Longhi, G and Brennan, L and Mahony, J and LeBlanc, JG and Nilaweera, KN and Cotter, PD and van Sinderen, D and Ventura, M},
title = {Vitamin biosynthesis in the gut: interplay between mammalian host and its resident microbiota.},
journal = {Microbiology and molecular biology reviews : MMBR},
volume = {89},
number = {2},
pages = {e0018423},
doi = {10.1128/mmbr.00184-23},
pmid = {40172109},
issn = {1098-5557},
support = {12/RC/2273/SFI_/Science Foundation Ireland/Ireland ; 16/SP/3827/SFI_/Science Foundation Ireland/Ireland ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology ; Animals ; *Vitamins/biosynthesis ; *Bacteria/metabolism/genetics ; *Gastrointestinal Tract/microbiology/metabolism ; Mammals/microbiology ; *Host Microbial Interactions ; },
abstract = {SUMMARYIn recent years, exhaustive efforts have been made to dissect the composition of gut-associated microbial communities and associated interactions with their human host, which are thought to play a crucial role in host development, physiology, and metabolic functions. Although such studies were initially focused on the description of the compositional shifts in the microbiota that occur between different health conditions, more recently, they have provided key insights into the functional and metabolic contributions of the gut microbiota to overall host physiology. In this context, an important metabolic activity of the human gut microbiota is believed to be represented by the synthesis of various vitamins that may elicit considerable benefits to human health. A growing body of scientific literature is now available relating to (predicted) bacterial vitamin biosynthetic abilities, with ever-growing information concerning the prevalence of these biosynthetic abilities among members of the human microbiota. This review is aimed at disentangling if and how cooperative trophic interactions of human microbiota members contribute to vitamin production, and if such, gut microbiota-mediated vitamin production varies according to different life stages. Moreover, it offers a brief exploration of how different diets may influence vitamin production by shaping the overall composition and metabolic activity of the human gut microbiota while also providing preliminary insights into potential correlations between human microbiota-associated vitamin production and the occurrence of human diseases and/or metabolic disorders.},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology
Animals
*Vitamins/biosynthesis
*Bacteria/metabolism/genetics
*Gastrointestinal Tract/microbiology/metabolism
Mammals/microbiology
*Host Microbial Interactions

@article {pmid40555025,
year = {2025},
author = {Lin, Z and Pang, S and Wu, Y and Xu, T and Zhou, YL and Li, H and Zhang, C and Qian, PY and Zhang, S},
title = {Biodiversity and nitrogen metabolism in the plastisphere impacted by urban nitrogen loading from a coastal mega-city.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {495},
number = {},
pages = {139012},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.139012},
pmid = {40555025},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {The plastisphere, recognized for vast biomass and critical role in nitrogen cycling, is becoming a pertinent component of marine ecosystems. The relationship between plastisphere and increased nitrogen inputs from urban wastewater in coastal zones remains poorly understood. Through metagenomics, metatranscriptomics and metabolomics, this research sought to elucidate the plastisphere's reaction to elevated nitrogen loading and pinpoint key microbial resources that can be harnessed. Although the archaeal community composition within the plastisphere remains largely unchanged by nitrogen loading, bacterial diversity experiences a substantial boost, which is inversely correlated with fungal diversity. Furthermore, such conditions are associated with reduced intricate microbial interactions. Moreover, the plastisphere subjected to nitrogen loading shows an enrichment of genera and genes implicated in ammonium assimilation, denitrification and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA). Metabolomics analysis highlighted the plastisphere's accumulation of L-glutathione oxidized (GSSG) in response to nitrogen loading. The research further highlighted a quartet of microbial phyla-Actinomycetota, Bacteroidota, Cyanobacteriota, and Pseudomonadota-that not only thrive but also constitute pivotal microbial resources within the plastisphere when confronted with strong nitrogen loading. In essence, this investigation illuminates the plastisphere's biodiversity dynamics and nitrogen metabolic adjustments during augmented nitrogen loading and offers novel perspectives on taking advantage of the plastisphere's untapped microbial potential.},
}

@article {pmid40553325,
year = {2025},
author = {Mukhopadhyay, S and Ulaganathan, N and Dumpuri, P and Aich, P},
title = {Integrative AI-Based Approaches to Connect the Multiome to Use Microbiome-Metabolome Interactive Outcome as Precision Medicine.},
journal = {Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)},
volume = {2952},
number = {},
pages = {15-37},
pmid = {40553325},
issn = {1940-6029},
mesh = {Humans ; *Precision Medicine/methods ; *Metabolomics/methods ; *Metabolome ; Metagenomics/methods ; *Microbiota ; *Artificial Intelligence ; Computational Biology/methods ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; },
abstract = {In the era of Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS), biologists have unprecedented access to vast datasets, mirrored in the wealth of information from various omics studies, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and metagenomics. Integrating diverse data sources has emerged as crucial in unravelling the intricacies of biological processes. This chapter delves into our method for merging various omics methodologies, emphasizing metabolomics and metagenomics data. A powerful strategy addresses data processing challenges and opens new avenues for personalized microbiome-based interventions. The combined analysis of host and microbial metabolomics and metagenomics data has significantly advanced our understanding in diagnosing and treating conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome. Metabolic signatures in biological fluids and their microbial counterparts serve as indicators, differentiating health from disease. The sheer volume of data demands sophisticated automated tools for processing and interpretation. Recognizing this need, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and data science has become increasingly prominent. In this chapter, we combine microbiome and metabolome analyses through publicly available models to elucidate the correlations between microbial and metabolic profiles. By harnessing AI models across various omics data sources, this chapter bridges the gap between data acquisition and clinical applications, paving the way for personalized interventions and optimizing individual health.},
}

Humans
*Precision Medicine/methods
*Metabolomics/methods
*Metabolome
Metagenomics/methods
*Microbiota
*Artificial Intelligence
Computational Biology/methods
Gastrointestinal Microbiome

@article {pmid40552763,
year = {2025},
author = {Claypool, J and Lindved, G and Myers, PN and Ward, T and Nielsen, HB and Blount, KF},
title = {Microbiome compositional changes and clonal engraftment in a phase 3 trial of fecal microbiota, live-jslm for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection.},
journal = {Gut microbes},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {2520412},
doi = {10.1080/19490976.2025.2520412},
pmid = {40552763},
issn = {1949-0984},
mesh = {Humans ; *Clostridium Infections/therapy/microbiology ; *Fecal Microbiota Transplantation ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *Feces/microbiology ; Male ; *Clostridioides difficile/physiology ; Female ; Middle Aged ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Adult ; Recurrence ; Aged ; },
abstract = {Live microbiota therapies have shown promise in many gastrointestinal diseases, including in the prevention of recurrent Clostridioides difficile infections (rCDI); however, frameworks for their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analysis are not fully established. Fecal microbiota, live-jslm (RBL) is the first microbiota-based product approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the prevention of rCDI and was superior to placebo in the PUNCH™ CD3 phase 3 clinical trial (NCT03244644). In this analysis, deep shotgun metagenomic sequencing was used to assess changes in gut microbiome compositions of participants and engraftment of bacterial clonal populations (i.e. strains) from RBL to recipients. Among RBL responders, gut microbiota shifted toward compositions that resembled healthy donors as early as 1 week after RBL administration; the resulting microbiota compositions included clonal populations that engrafted from RBL to recipients. Engraftment was higher in RBL responders compared with non-responders, and many clonally engrafted populations persisted for ≥ 6 months. Bacteroidia species were among the most effectively engrafted species from RBL. This study utilizes data from a large clinical trial to establish a method with high specificity for exploring clonal engraftment from microbiota-based treatments to facilitate future pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses.Clinicaltrials Registration: NCT03244644.},
}

Humans
*Clostridium Infections/therapy/microbiology
*Fecal Microbiota Transplantation
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
*Feces/microbiology
Male
*Clostridioides difficile/physiology
Female
Middle Aged
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Adult
Recurrence
Aged

@article {pmid40550680,
year = {2025},
author = {Lin, M and Hu, L and Hao, L and Wang, Z},
title = {[Microbiome and its genetic potential for carbon fixation in small urban wetlands].},
journal = {Sheng wu gong cheng xue bao = Chinese journal of biotechnology},
volume = {41},
number = {6},
pages = {2415-2431},
doi = {10.13345/j.cjb.240399},
pmid = {40550680},
issn = {1872-2075},
mesh = {*Wetlands ; *Microbiota/genetics ; *Carbon Cycle/genetics ; *Bacteria/genetics/metabolism/classification ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; China ; Cities ; Geologic Sediments/microbiology ; Archaea/genetics/metabolism/classification ; Metagenomics ; Metagenome ; },
abstract = {Small urban wetlands are widely distributed and susceptible to human activities, serving as important sources and sinks of carbon. Microorganisms play a crucial role in carbon cycle, while limited studies have been conducted on the microbial diversity in small urban wetlands and the functions of microbiome in carbon fixation and metabolism. To probe into the microbiome-driven carbon cycling in small urban wetlands and dissect the composition and functional groups of microbiome, we analyzed the relationships between the microbiome structure, element metabolism pathways, and habitat physicochemical properties in sediment samples across three small wetlands in Huzhou City, and compared them with natural wetlands in the Zoige wetland. High-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons and metagenomics was employed to determine the species and functional groups. Sixty medium to high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) were constructed, including 55 bacterial and 5 archaeal taxa, and their potential in driving elemental cycles were analyzed, with a focus on carbon fixation. Several bacterial species were found to encode a nearly complete carbon fixation pathway, including the Calvin cycle, the reductive tricarboxylic acid cycle, the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway, and the reductive glycine pathway. There were several potential novel carbon-fixing bacterial members, such as those belonging to Syntrophorhabdus (Desulfobacterota) and UBA4417 (Bacteroidetes), which had high relative abundance in the wetland microbiome. Unveiling the genetic potential of these functional groups to facilitate element cycling is of great scientific importance for enhancing the carbon sequestration capacity of small urban wetlands.},
}

*Wetlands
*Microbiota/genetics
*Carbon Cycle/genetics
*Bacteria/genetics/metabolism/classification
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
China
Cities
Geologic Sediments/microbiology
Archaea/genetics/metabolism/classification
Metagenomics
Metagenome

@article {pmid40550672,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, X and Wang, S and Yang, K and Tang, Y and Xu, Y and Shen, Q and Wei, Z},
title = {[Methodological breakthroughs and challenges in research of soil phage microecology].},
journal = {Sheng wu gong cheng xue bao = Chinese journal of biotechnology},
volume = {41},
number = {6},
pages = {2310-2323},
doi = {10.13345/j.cjb.250258},
pmid = {40550672},
issn = {1872-2075},
mesh = {*Bacteriophages/genetics/isolation & purification/physiology ; *Soil Microbiology ; Ecosystem ; Microbiota ; Metagenomics/methods ; },
abstract = {Phages, as obligate bacterial and archaeal parasites, constitute a virus group of paramount ecological significance due to their exceptional abundance and genetic diversity. These biological entities serve as critical regulators in Earth's ecosystems, driving biogeochemical cycles, energy fluxes, and ecosystem services across terrestrial and marine environments. Within soil microbiomes, phages function as microbial "dark matter," maintaining the soil-plant system balance through precise modulation of the microbial community structure and functional dynamics. Despite the growing research interests in soil phages in recent years, the proportion of such studies in environmental virology remains disproportionately low, which is primarily attributed to researchers' limited familiarity with the research methodologies for phage microecology, incomplete technical frameworks, and inherent challenges posed by soil environmental complexity. To address these challenges, this review synthesizes cutting-edge methodologies for soil phage investigation from four aspects: (1) tangential flow filtration (TFF)-based phage enrichment strategies; (2) integrated quantification approaches combining double-layer agar plating, epifluorescence microscopy, and flow cytometry; (3) multi-omics analytical pipelines leveraging metagenomics and viromics datasets; and (4) computational frameworks merging machine learning algorithms with eco-evolutionary theory for deciphering phage-host interaction networks. Through comparative analysis of methodological principles, technical merits, and application scopes, we establish a comprehensive workflow for soil phage research. Future research in this field should prioritize: (1) construction of soil phage resource libraries, (2) exploration of RNA phages based on transcriptomes, (3) functional characterization of unknown genes, and (4) deep integration and interaction validation of multi-omics data. This systematic methodological synthesis provides critical technical references for addressing fundamental challenges in characterizing soil phages regarding the community structure, functional potential, and interaction mechanisms with hosts.},
}

*Bacteriophages/genetics/isolation & purification/physiology
*Soil Microbiology
Ecosystem
Microbiota
Metagenomics/methods

@article {pmid40548332,
year = {2025},
author = {Pita, L and Maldonado, M and Koutsouveli, V and Riesgo, A and Hentschel, U and Oatley, G and Sinclair, E and Aunin, E and Gettle, N and Santos, C and Paulini, M and Niu, H and McKenna, V and O'Brien, R and , and , and , and , and , },
title = {The chromosomal genome sequence of the kidney sponge, Chondrosia reniformis Nardo, 1847, and its associated microbial metagenome sequences.},
journal = {Wellcome open research},
volume = {10},
number = {},
pages = {283},
pmid = {40548332},
issn = {2398-502X},
abstract = {We present a genome assembly from a specimen of Chondrosia reniformis (kidney sponge; Porifera; Demospongiae; Chondrillida; Chondrillidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 117.37 megabases. Most of the assembly (99.98%) is scaffolded into 14 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 17.45 kilobases in length. Several symbiotic bacterial genomes were assembled as MAGs. Gene annotation of the host organism assembly on Ensembl identified 17,340 protein-coding genes. The metagenome of the specimen was also assembled and 53 binned bacterial genomes were identified, including 40 high-quality MAGs that were representative of a typical high microbial abundance sponge and included three candiate phyla (Poribacteria, Latescibacteria, Binatota).},
}

@article {pmid40544519,
year = {2025},
author = {Yu, X and Liang, J and Yang, R and Gai, W and Zheng, Y},
title = {Clinical Features and Value of Tracheal Aspirate Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing for Severe Pneumonia in Children in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.},
journal = {Polish journal of microbiology},
volume = {74},
number = {2},
pages = {192-205},
doi = {10.33073/pjm-2025-016},
pmid = {40544519},
issn = {2544-4646},
mesh = {Humans ; Infant ; *High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Male ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; *Metagenomics/methods ; Child ; Intensive Care Units, Pediatric ; *Trachea/microbiology ; *Pneumonia/microbiology/diagnosis/virology ; Microbiota/genetics ; Bacteria/genetics/classification/isolation & purification ; Coinfection/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Pneumonia is a leading cause of mortality in children. While metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) has the potential to detect all the microorganisms in pneumonia patients, the relationship between these microorganisms and the patients' clinical characteristics remains to be established. Fifty-five children, diagnosed with severe pneumonia and undergoing tracheal aspirate (TA) mNGS for pathogen detection at The Heilongjiang Hospital of Beijing Children's Hospital between July 2021 and November 2022, were included in this study. The clinical characteristics, pathogen distribution, and microbiome features of these children were analyzed. Results showed that the rate of mixed infections was notably high (80%, 44/55), with bacterial-viral infections being the most common. Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP), Candida albicans, and Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) were the most common pathogens in this cohort. Furthermore, RSV and S. pneumoniae were the most prevalent pathogens in children younger than 12 months (infants), while MP and Haemophilus influenzae were more commonly identified in children between 12 and 144 months. Increased richness and diversity of the microbiota were observed in the TA of the older children. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe) analysis identified that RSV and Streptococcus mitis were the specific species associated with infants. In contrast, Human bocaparvovirus 1 and Prevotella histicola were significantly enriched in the older children. In addition, the top 20 most abundant species exhibited correlations with neutrophil count and C-reactive protein. This study emphasizes the significance of employing mNGS to understand better the clinical characteristics and microbial diversity in pediatric patients with severe pneumonia.},
}

Humans
Infant
*High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
Male
Child, Preschool
Female
*Metagenomics/methods
Child
Intensive Care Units, Pediatric
*Trachea/microbiology
*Pneumonia/microbiology/diagnosis/virology
Microbiota/genetics
Bacteria/genetics/classification/isolation & purification
Coinfection/microbiology

@article {pmid40542451,
year = {2025},
author = {Ji, S and Ahmad, F and Peng, B and Yang, Y and Su, M and Zhao, X and Vatanen, T},
title = {Engrafting gut bacteriophages have potential to modulate microbial metabolism in fecal microbiota transplantation.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {149},
pmid = {40542451},
issn = {2049-2618},
support = {U22A20365//Joint Funds of National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; T2341019//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2023A1515012429//Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province/ ; 2024B03J1343//Guangzhou Science and Technology Plan Project/ ; },
mesh = {*Fecal Microbiota Transplantation/methods ; Humans ; *Bacteriophages/genetics/classification/physiology/isolation & purification ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Feces/microbiology/virology ; *Clostridium Infections/therapy/microbiology ; Clostridioides difficile/virology ; Bacteria/metabolism/virology/genetics/classification ; Metagenome ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is widely used to treat severe infections and investigated for the treatment of complex diseases. The therapeutic efficacy of FMT is related to the successful engraftment of bacteriophages from healthy donors to recipients. However, gut bacteriophage contributions to FMT engraftment and treatment outcomes remain unclear.

METHODS: The gut phageome from previously published metagenomes of donors and recipients across 23 FMT studies was assembled and functionally annotated for a meta-analysis.

RESULTS: Gut phageome profiles of FMT recipients, especially those with recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (rCDI), shifted toward donor phageomes, accompanied by increased phageome alpha diversity. Engraftment of donor phages varied between recipient conditions with the highest engraftment rate, overrepresented by putative temperate phage, in patients with rCDI. Consistently, a higher proportion of auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs), with the potential to support and modulate bacterial metabolism, were annotated on putative temperate phages.

CONCLUSIONS: FMT leads to significant taxonomic, functional, and lifestyle shifts in recipient phageome composition. Future FMT studies should include gut phageome characterization and consider it as a potential factor in microbial community shifts and treatment outcomes. Video Abstract.},
}

*Fecal Microbiota Transplantation/methods
Humans
*Bacteriophages/genetics/classification/physiology/isolation & purification
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Feces/microbiology/virology
*Clostridium Infections/therapy/microbiology
Clostridioides difficile/virology
Bacteria/metabolism/virology/genetics/classification
Metagenome

@article {pmid40542420,
year = {2025},
author = {Yu, M and Chu, Y and Wang, Y and Mo, L and Tan, X and Guo, S and Yuan, S and Ma, Y},
title = {Metagenomic analysis reveals gut phage diversity across three mammalian models.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {146},
pmid = {40542420},
issn = {2049-2618},
support = {2024YFA0919400//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 2024YFA0919400//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 2024YFA0919400//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; B2302023//Shenzhen Medical Research Fund/ ; B2302023//Shenzhen Medical Research Fund/ ; KJZD20230923115859008//Shenzhen Science and Technology Program/ ; KJZD20230923115859008//Shenzhen Science and Technology Program/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics ; *Metagenomics/methods ; Swine ; *Bacteriophages/genetics/classification/isolation & purification ; Mice ; Humans ; Macaca fascicularis/virology ; Metagenome ; Virome ; Phylogeny ; Models, Animal ; Feces/virology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The gut virome plays a pivotal role in shaping the host's microbiota. However, gut viruses across different mammalian models, and their connections with the human gut microbiota remain largely unknown.

RESULTS: We identified 977 high-confidence species-level viral operational taxonomic units (vOTUs) in mice (hcMGV), 12,896 in pigs (hcPGV), and 1480 in cynomolgus macaques (hcCMGV) from metagenomes, respectively. Clustering these vOTUs at approximately genus level uncovered novel clades with high prevalence across animal guts (> = 60%). In particular, crAss-like phages and cas-harboring jumbophages were characterized. Comparative analysis revealed that hcCMGV had a closer relationship with hcPGV than hcMGV, despite the animal-specific characteristics, and that 55.88% hcCMGV had connections with the human microbiota.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings shed light on the diversity of gut viruses across these three animals, contributing to future gut microbial studies using model animals. Video Abstract.},
}

Animals
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics
*Metagenomics/methods
Swine
*Bacteriophages/genetics/classification/isolation & purification
Mice
Humans
Macaca fascicularis/virology
Metagenome
Virome
Phylogeny
Models, Animal
Feces/virology

@article {pmid40537892,
year = {2025},
author = {Kang, J and Choi, Y and Keum, GB and Doo, H and Kwak, J and Kim, H and Chae, Y and Lee, S and Yang, H and Kim, S and Sun, X and Kim, HB and Yoo, SJ},
title = {Effect of Diet and Lifestyle Changes on Gut Microbial Diversity in Healthy Adolescents.},
journal = {Journal of microbiology and biotechnology},
volume = {35},
number = {},
pages = {e2503018},
doi = {10.4014/jmb.2503.03018},
pmid = {40537892},
issn = {1738-8872},
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics/physiology ; Adolescent ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Life Style ; Feces/microbiology ; *Diet ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Male ; Female ; Biodiversity ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Exercise ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; },
abstract = {The human gut microbiome is a complex ecosystem shaped by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, with external elements such as diet and exercise significantly influencing its diversity and composition. In this study, we evaluated gut microbiome shifts in adolescents participating in a four-week camp with controlled diets, lifestyle, and a healthy living environment. Stool samples were collected before and after the camp period and analyzed through 16S rRNA gene sequencing to assess changes in microbial composition and diversity. Post-intervention, gut microbiome diversity increased significantly, with notable changes in the relative abundance of taxa such as Lachnospira, Alistipes, and Barnesiella, which are associated with enhanced immune function and gut health. Additionally, functional prediction using PICRUSt indicated an increase in genes associated with energy production and metabolism, suggesting a broader functional impact of lifestyle modifications on gut microbial functionalities. These findings revealed the potential causal relationships between lifestyle modifications and gut microbiome shifts, providing valuable insights into the interactions between environment, diet, and the gut microbiota.},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics/physiology
Adolescent
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
*Life Style
Feces/microbiology
*Diet
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Male
Female
Biodiversity
DNA, Bacterial/genetics
Exercise
Sequence Analysis, DNA

@article {pmid40537448,
year = {2025},
author = {Rudi, K and Nilsen, T and Pettersen, R and Keeley, NB and Ray, JL and Majaneva, S and Stokkan, M and Hervik, A and Angell, IL and Philip, M and Martin, J and Sundt, MØ and Snipen, LG},
title = {The Coastal Seafloor Microbiota Is Structured by Local Selection of Cosmopolitan Taxa.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology reports},
volume = {17},
number = {3},
pages = {e70123},
pmid = {40537448},
issn = {1758-2229},
support = {320076//Norges Forskningsråd/ ; },
mesh = {*Microbiota ; *Seawater/microbiology ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/metabolism/isolation & purification ; Iceland ; Norway ; *Archaea/genetics/classification/isolation & purification/metabolism ; Metagenome ; Phylogeny ; Nitrates/metabolism ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Understanding the assembly processes of the coastal seafloor microbiota is crucial for gaining insights into how ocean ecosystems work. In our study, we addressed the question about how local selection affects the global distribution of coastal seafloor microorganisms. We identified two main clusters of samples by examining the geographical distribution of 356 high-quality prokaryote metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from 94 coastal samples collected along the Norwegian and Icelandic coasts. There was no identifiable correlation between the abundance of MAGs and the geographic distance between them central to the identified clusters (no distance decay). In contrast, noncentral MAGs demonstrate a pronounced distance decay. We also observed significant functional differences between the two sample clusters. One cluster showed enrichment in functions such as dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA), acetoclastic methanogenesis, thiosulphate conversion and acetate and butyrate metabolism. The other cluster was enriched in propionate metabolism, nitrite oxidation to nitrate and cobalamin-dependent carbon fixation. These results suggest that localised environmental selection acts on cosmopolitan taxa to shape seafloor microbiota. Our findings therefore profoundly impact the understanding of seafloor ecological processes and their management.},
}

*Microbiota
*Seawater/microbiology
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/metabolism/isolation & purification
Iceland
Norway
*Archaea/genetics/classification/isolation & purification/metabolism
Metagenome
Phylogeny
Nitrates/metabolism
Ecosystem

@article {pmid40517714,
year = {2025},
author = {Huang, H and Xiao, K and Shen, T and Chu, D and Xie, Z and Bi, Y and Ning, K and Yan, Y},
title = {The impact of enclosure management on the conservation and restoration of microbial community in a typical urban lake.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {989},
number = {},
pages = {179827},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179827},
pmid = {40517714},
issn = {1879-1026},
mesh = {*Lakes/microbiology ; *Microbiota ; *Conservation of Natural Resources/methods ; *Environmental Restoration and Remediation/methods ; China ; Ecosystem ; *Environmental Monitoring ; *Water Microbiology ; },
abstract = {Urban lake freshwater ecosystems, as vital lifelines intricately connected to human well-being, hosted microbes vital for biosynthetic and global biochemical cycles. Despite their ecological importance, current research has yet to fully elucidate how urban lake restoration efforts influence microbial diversity, community structure, and functional dynamics, leaving a significant gap in our understanding of the ecological outcomes of such interventions. Donghu Lake's ongoing restoration project employs enclosure management as a conservation strategy. To evaluate the impact of enclosure management on protecting and restoring microbial communities, we analyzed 72 metagenomic samples from the restoration waterbody. It was found that enclosure management profoundly reshaped microbial communities, making them more stable and similar to natural conditions, and boosting their biosynthetic gene encoding potential. Furthermore, research revealed antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) tended to be preferentially hosted by specific microbes, identifying Gammaproteobacteria as a critical target for managing ARGs proliferation. These findings provide not only a fresh perspective for the understanding, but also a robust foundation for the management of urban lake freshwater ecosystems. Our findings highlight that enclosure management promotes microbial community stability and functional resilience, which are critical for restoring ecosystem services in urban lakes. This study provides actionable insights for designing targeted conservation strategies to enhance the sustainability of freshwater ecosystems under anthropogenic pressure.},
}

*Lakes/microbiology
*Microbiota
*Conservation of Natural Resources/methods
*Environmental Restoration and Remediation/methods
China
Ecosystem
*Environmental Monitoring
*Water Microbiology

@article {pmid40517504,
year = {2025},
author = {Tang, X and Liu, Y and Yang, W and Wu, Y and Yong, T and Liu, W and Lv, F and Hussain, K and Wang, Y and Gao, X and Zhang, Y},
title = {Macroplastics in soybean cultivation: Neutral on plant growth but disruptive to nitrogen-fixing microbiome.},
journal = {Ecotoxicology and environmental safety},
volume = {301},
number = {},
pages = {118499},
doi = {10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118499},
pmid = {40517504},
issn = {1090-2414},
mesh = {*Glycine max/growth & development/drug effects/microbiology ; *Nitrogen Fixation/drug effects ; *Soil Microbiology ; *Microbiota/drug effects ; *Soil Pollutants/toxicity ; Soil/chemistry ; Nitrogen/metabolism ; Nitrates/analysis/metabolism ; Agriculture ; Bradyrhizobium/drug effects ; Nitrogen Cycle/drug effects ; },
abstract = {Macroplastics are an emerging yet underexplored pollutant in agricultural soils, with the potential to disrupt nitrogen (N) cycling through physical interference and microbial community shifts. While extensive studies have focused on microplastics, the effects of larger plastic debris (>2 cm) on soil-plant systems in legume cropping systems remain poorly understood. We conducted a 71-d mesocosm study utilizing [15]N isotopic tracing and metagenomic sequencing to demonstrate how macroplastics influence soybean growth and soil-soybean continuum N cycling. Soybean growth was not affected under macroplastics exposure (up to 200 kg ha[-][1]). However, macroplastics increased soil NO3[-] and NH4[+] concentrations, and elevated urease and ammonia monooxygenase activities, suggesting enhanced N availability. Paradoxically, macroplastics significantly disrupted the N-fixing microbial community, reducing the abundance of key bacteria such as Azorhizobium and Bradyrhizobium. Nitrogen fixation pathways (in log10-transformed TPM+1) were markedly suppressed in soils treated with 200 kg ha[-1] macroplastics compared to untreated soils (p < 0.001). Our findings highlight the potential risks of macroplastics posing to N cycling and microbial health in agricultural soils. This study addresses a critical knowledge gap by shifting the focus from micro- to macroplastic impacts on biogeochemical cycling.},
}

*Glycine max/growth & development/drug effects/microbiology
*Nitrogen Fixation/drug effects
*Soil Microbiology
*Microbiota/drug effects
*Soil Pollutants/toxicity
Soil/chemistry
Nitrogen/metabolism
Nitrates/analysis/metabolism
Agriculture
Bradyrhizobium/drug effects
Nitrogen Cycle/drug effects

@article {pmid40489603,
year = {2025},
author = {Cao, J and He, Q and Zhang, M and Zhou, R and Feng, C},
title = {Characteristics and Clinical Significance of Gut Microbiota in Patients with Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis.},
journal = {Polish journal of microbiology},
volume = {74},
number = {2},
pages = {131-142},
pmid = {40489603},
issn = {2544-4646},
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis/microbiology/diagnosis ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Feces/microbiology ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification/metabolism ; Aged ; Adult ; Metagenomics ; Case-Control Studies ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Clinical Relevance ; },
abstract = {Gut microbiota acts on the lungs through the gut-lung axis and play an important role in lung diseases. However, there are no reports on the gut microbiota characteristics in patients with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). We aimed to analyze changes in gut microbiota in IPA patients, correlate these changes with clinical indicators and disease prognosis, and explore the application value of these characteristic changes in diagnosing IPA. The objective was to provide a theoretical basis for preventing and treating individual immunity. We conducted metagenomic next-generation sequencing of fecal samples from 43 patients with IPA and 31 healthy controls to analyze changes in the gut microbiota of these patients. We also built a random forest model for diagnosing IPA based on the gut microbiota. Compared to healthy controls, IPA patients showed a decrease in gut microbiota diversity and metabolic levels. Changes in the microbiota were characterized by a significant reduction in anti-inflammatory species that produce short-chain fatty acids, such as Faecalibacterium, Blautia, Roseburia, Phocaeicola, and Bacteroides. In contrast, opportunistic pathogens, such as Enterococcus, Corynebacterium, Escherichia, Staphylococcus, Haemophilus, and Finegoldia, were significantly enriched. The classification model based on Clostridium fessum, Blautia wexlerae, Streptococcus pseudopneumoniae, Corynebacterium striatum, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii showed high value in distinguishing patients with IPA from healthy controls. Patients with IPA exhibit gut microbiota imbalance. The gut microbiota can serve as a biomarker that helps in diagnosing IPA. Our findings support the potential use of gut microbiota as a target for IPA prevention and treatment.},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
*Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis/microbiology/diagnosis
Male
Female
Middle Aged
Feces/microbiology
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification/metabolism
Aged
Adult
Metagenomics
Case-Control Studies
High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
Clinical Relevance

@article {pmid40472755,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, M and Xing, L and Gao, S and Guo, Y and Qiu, T and Wang, X and Gao, M},
title = {Metagenomic analysis deciphers airborne pathogens with enhanced antimicrobial resistance and virulence factors in composting facilities.},
journal = {Environment international},
volume = {201},
number = {},
pages = {109569},
doi = {10.1016/j.envint.2025.109569},
pmid = {40472755},
issn = {1873-6750},
mesh = {*Composting ; *Virulence Factors/genetics ; *Air Microbiology ; Metagenomics ; *Bacteria/genetics ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics ; Microbiota ; *Drug Resistance, Microbial/genetics ; Humans ; },
abstract = {The composting process has been shown to effectively reduce antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in animal manure, but its influence on surrounding airborne AMR remains unknown, particularly with regard to human-pathogenic antibiotic-resistant bacteria (HPARB). In this study, air and paired compost samples were collected from a full-scale composting facility, and the antibiotic resistome, microbiome, and HPARB were systematically analyzed in both two habitats using metagenomic analysis. Current result uncovered the profiles of HPARB in air, showing that significantly more airborne HPARB were assembled than that in compost samples. Airborne pathogens harboredan increased abundance and diversity of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and virulence factor genes (VFGs) in comparison with compost-borne HPARB. The core antibiotic resistome represents 18.58% of overall ARG subtypes, contributing to 86.31% of ARG abundance. A higher number of enriched core ARGs (2.16- to 13.36-times higher), including mexF, tetW, and vanS, were observed in air samples compared to compost samples. As an important human pathogen, Mycobacterium tuberculosis was prevalent in the air and carried more ARG (6) and VFG (130) subtypes than those in compost. A significantly higher risk score was detected for airborne AMR in the composting facility compared to that in hospital and urban environments. This study revealed the enhanced airborne HPARB through comparative experiments between air and composting habitats. It highlighted the unrecognized AMR risks associated with air in composting site and provided a scientific basis for accurately assessing health outcomes caused by occupational exposure.},
}

*Composting
*Virulence Factors/genetics
*Air Microbiology
Metagenomics
*Bacteria/genetics
*Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics
Microbiota
*Drug Resistance, Microbial/genetics
Humans

@article {pmid40448586,
year = {2025},
author = {Jones, LM and El Aidy, S},
title = {Electroactive ecosystem insights from corrosion microbiomes inform gut microbiome modulation.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {19},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ismejo/wraf112},
pmid = {40448586},
issn = {1751-7370},
support = {ENPPS.IPP.019.004/NWO_/Dutch Research Council/Netherlands ; },
mesh = {*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology ; Humans ; Biofilms/growth & development ; Corrosion ; Oxidation-Reduction ; *Ecosystem ; Bacteria/metabolism ; Electron Transport ; Host Microbial Interactions ; },
abstract = {Electroactive microorganisms influence environmental and host-associated ecosystems through their ability to mediate extracellular electron transfer. This review explores parallels between electroactive microorganisms (EAM)-driven microbiologically influenced corrosion systems and the human gut microbiome. In corrosion, EAMs contribute to biofilm formation, redox cycling, and material degradation through mechanisms such as direct electron transfer and syntrophic interactions. Similarly, gut-associated EAMs regulate redox balance, drive short-chain fatty acid production, and shape host-microbe interactions. Despite differing contexts, both systems share traits like anoxic niches, biofilm formation, and metabolic adaptability. Insights from well-characterized corrosion microbiomes offer valuable frameworks to understand microbial resilience, electron transfer strategies, and interspecies cooperation in the gut. Bridging knowledge between these systems can inform microbiome engineering approaches aimed at promoting gut health, highlighting the need for further functional metagenomics and exploration of archaeal contributions to biofilm stability and redox modulation.},
}

*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology
Humans
Biofilms/growth & development
Corrosion
Oxidation-Reduction
*Ecosystem
Bacteria/metabolism
Electron Transport
Host Microbial Interactions

@article {pmid40318224,
year = {2025},
author = {Maritan, AJ and Clements, CS and Pratte, ZA and Hay, ME and Stewart, FJ},
title = {Sea cucumber grazing linked to enrichment of anaerobic microbial metabolisms in coral reef sediments.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {19},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ismejo/wraf088},
pmid = {40318224},
issn = {1751-7370},
mesh = {Animals ; *Geologic Sediments/microbiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Anaerobiosis ; *Sea Cucumbers/physiology ; *Coral Reefs ; *Anthozoa/microbiology ; *Microbiota ; Polynesia ; Metagenomics ; Metagenome ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Sea cucumbers have been overharvested world-wide, making assessments of their ecological effects challenging, but recent research demonstrated that sea cucumbers increased coral survival via disease suppression and were therefore important for facilitating reef health. The mechanisms underpinning the sea cucumber-coral interaction are not well understood but are likely mediated through sea cucumber grazing of microbes from reef sediments. We explored how sea cucumber grazing alters the sediment microbiome by leveraging a healthy sea cucumber population on a reef in French Polynesia. We used quantitative PCR, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and shotgun metagenomics to compare the sediment microbiome in cages placed in situ with or without sea cucumbers. We hypothesized that grazing would lower microbial biomass, change sediment microbiome composition, and deplete sediment metagenomes of anaerobic metabolisms, likely due to aeration of the sediments. Sea cucumber grazing resulted in a 75% reduction in 16S rRNA gene abundances and reshaped microbiome composition, causing a significant decrease of cyanobacteria and other phototrophs relative to ungrazed sediments. Grazing also resulted in a depletion of genes associated with cyanotoxin synthesis, suggesting a potential link to coral health. In contrast to expectations, grazed sediment metagenomes were enriched with marker genes of diverse anaerobic or microaerophilic metabolisms, including those encoding high oxygen affinity cytochrome oxidases. This enrichment differs from patterns linked to other bioturbating invertebrates. We hypothesize that grazing enriches anaerobic processes in sediment microbiomes through removal of oxygen-producing autotrophs, fecal deposition of sea cucumber gut-associated anaerobes, or modification of sediment diffusibility. These results suggest that sea cucumber harvesting influences biogeochemical processes in reef sediments, potentially mediating coral survival by altering the sediment microbiome and its production of coral-influencing metabolites.},
}

Animals
*Geologic Sediments/microbiology
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Anaerobiosis
*Sea Cucumbers/physiology
*Coral Reefs
*Anthozoa/microbiology
*Microbiota
Polynesia
Metagenomics
Metagenome
Bacteria/classification/genetics/metabolism

@article {pmid40162572,
year = {2025},
author = {Wu, H and Zhang, H and Dong, T and Li, Z and Guo, X and Chen, H and Yao, Y},
title = {Overcoming Extreme Ammonia Inhibition on Methanogenesis by Artificially Constructing a Synergistically Community with Acidogenic Bacteria and Hydrogenotrophic Archaea.},
journal = {Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)},
volume = {12},
number = {23},
pages = {e2502743},
doi = {10.1002/advs.202502743},
pmid = {40162572},
issn = {2198-3844},
support = {2024YFD1700500//National Key R&D Program of China/ ; A279021901//Shaanxi Youth Thousand Talents/ ; 2024CY2-GJHX-74//Shaanxi Key R&D Program of China/ ; 2452021112//Chinese Universities Scientific Fund/ ; JCYJ20220530161408019//Shenzhen Natural Science Foundation/ ; 2023KCXTD038//Guangdong Provincial University Innovation Team Project/ ; 2022-K32//Foundation of State Key Laboratory of High-efficiency Utilization of Coal and Green Chemical Engineering/ ; Z111021902//Northwest A&F University Young Talent Project/ ; },
mesh = {*Ammonia/metabolism ; *Methane/metabolism ; *Archaea/metabolism ; *Bacteria/metabolism ; Hydrogen/metabolism ; Anaerobiosis ; Microbiota ; },
abstract = {High total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) inhibits anaerobic digestion (AD) and cannot be completely eliminated by merely enhancing a stage of AD. This study incorporates TAN-tolerant inoculum into substrates hydrolyzed by Rhizopus mixed agents to simultaneously enhance hydrolysis-acidogenesis-methanogenesis. The results show a 16.46-fold increase in CH4 production under TAN-inhibited (6870.97 mg L-1) conditions, even exceeding the AD without TAN by 21.10%. Model substrates sodium acetate and mixed H2 confirm hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis is the main pathway, with reduced TAN inhibition. Furthermore, a synergistic metabolic microbial community dominated by hydrolytic bacteria JAAYGG01 sp. and DTU014 sp., acidogenic bacteria DTU015 sp., DTU013 sp., and JAAYLO01 sp., and methanogens Methanosarcina mazei and an unclassified species in the Methanoculleus is reconstructed to resist TAN inhibition. Metagenomic combined with metatranscriptomic sequencing identifies that this microbial community carries xynD and bglB to regulate substrate hydrolysis, leading to acetate production through glycolysis, butyrate, and pyruvate metabolism with high acetate kinase activity, thereby CH4 produced primarily via hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis with high coenzyme F420 activity, facilitated by efficient mass transfer processes and quorum sensing regulation. This cleaner strategy obtains higher economic benefit (US$149.02) than conventional AD and can increase 154.64-fold energy production of a 24 000 m3 biogas plant, guided by machine learning.},
}

*Ammonia/metabolism
*Methane/metabolism
*Archaea/metabolism
*Bacteria/metabolism
Hydrogen/metabolism
Anaerobiosis
Microbiota

@article {pmid39270978,
year = {2025},
author = {Fang, Z and Zang, Q and Chen, J and Li, Z and Yang, D and Wu, C and Yang, H and Guo, N},
title = {Whole-body mass spectrometry imaging reveals the systemic metabolic disorder and catecholamines biosynthesis alteration on heart-gut axis in heart failure rat.},
journal = {Journal of advanced research},
volume = {73},
number = {},
pages = {411-426},
doi = {10.1016/j.jare.2024.09.001},
pmid = {39270978},
issn = {2090-1224},
mesh = {Animals ; *Heart Failure/metabolism/diagnostic imaging ; *Catecholamines/biosynthesis/metabolism ; Rats ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Male ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; *Myocardium/metabolism ; *Metabolic Diseases/metabolism/diagnostic imaging ; Disease Models, Animal ; Mass Spectrometry/methods ; Dysbiosis/metabolism ; Heart ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase/metabolism ; Norepinephrine ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Heart failure (HF) is a systemic metabolic disorder disease, across multiorgan investigations advancing knowledge of progression and treatment of HF. Whole-body MSI provides spatiotemporal information of metabolites in multiorgan and is expected to be a potent tool to dig out the complex mechanism of HF.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed at exploring the systemic metabolic disorder in multiorgan and catecholamines biosynthesis alteration on heart-gut axis after HF.

METHODS: Whole-body MSI was used to characterize metabolic disorder of the whole rat body after HF. An integrated method by MSI, LC-MS/MS and ELISA was utilized to analyze key metabolites and enzymes on heart, small intestine, cecum and colon tissues of rat. Gut microbiota dysbiosis was investigated by 16S rDNA sequencing and metagenomic sequencing. Validation experiments and in vitro experiments were performed to verify the effect of catecholamines biosynthesis alteration on heart-gut axis after HF.

RESULTS: Whole-body MSI exhibited varieties of metabolites alteration in multiple organs. Remarkably, catecholamine biosynthesis was significantly altered in the serum, heart and intestines of rats. Furthermore, catecholamines and tyrosine hydroxylase were obviously upregulated in heart and colon tissue. Turicibacter_sanguinis was relevant to catecholamines of heart and colon. Validation experiments demonstrated excessive norepinephrine induced cardio-intestinal injury, including significantly elevating the levels of BNP, pro-BNP, LPS, DAO, and increased the abundance of Turicibacter_sanguinis. These alterations could be reversed by metoprolol treatment blocking the effect of norepinephrine. Additionally, in vitro studies demonstrated that norepinephrine promoted the growth of Turicibacter_sanguinis and Turicibacter_sanguinis could import and metabolize norepinephrine. Collectively, excessive norepinephrine exerted bidirectional effects on cardio-intestinal function to participate in the progression of HF.

CONCLUSION: Our study provides a new approach to elucidate multiorgan metabolic disorder and proposes new insights into heart-gut axis in HF development.},
}

Animals
*Heart Failure/metabolism/diagnostic imaging
*Catecholamines/biosynthesis/metabolism
Rats
Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Male
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
*Myocardium/metabolism
*Metabolic Diseases/metabolism/diagnostic imaging
Disease Models, Animal
Mass Spectrometry/methods
Dysbiosis/metabolism
Heart
Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase/metabolism
Norepinephrine

@article {pmid39147198,
year = {2025},
author = {Zeng, Y and Guo, M and Wu, Q and Tan, X and Jiang, C and Teng, F and Chen, J and Zhang, F and Ma, X and Li, X and Gu, J and Huang, W and Zhang, C and Yuen-Kwan Law, B and Long, Y and Xu, Y},
title = {Gut microbiota-derived indole-3-propionic acid alleviates diabetic kidney disease through its mitochondrial protective effect via reducing ubiquitination mediated-degradation of SIRT1.},
journal = {Journal of advanced research},
volume = {73},
number = {},
pages = {607-630},
doi = {10.1016/j.jare.2024.08.018},
pmid = {39147198},
issn = {2090-1224},
mesh = {Animals ; *Diabetic Nephropathies/metabolism/drug therapy/pathology ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology ; Mice ; *Sirtuin 1/metabolism ; *Mitochondria/metabolism/drug effects ; Humans ; *Indoles/pharmacology/metabolism ; Ubiquitination/drug effects ; Male ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Female ; Endothelial Cells/metabolism/drug effects ; *Propionates/metabolism/pharmacology ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Gut microbes and their metabolites play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). However, which one and how specific gut-derived metabolites affect the progression of DKD remain largely unknown.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the potential roles of indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), a microbial metabolite of tryptophan, in DKD.

METHODS: Metagenomic sequencing was performed to analyze the microbiome structure in DKD. Metabolomics screening and validation were conducted to identify characteristic metabolites associated with DKD. The protective effect of IPA on DKD glomerular endothelial cells (GECs) was assessed through in vivo and in vitro experiments. Further validation via western blot, immunoprecipitation, gene knockout, and site-directed mutation elucidated the mechanism of IPA on mitochondrial injury.

RESULTS: Alterations in gut microbial community structure and dysregulated tryptophan metabolism were evident in DKD mice. Serum IPA levels were significantly reduced in DKD patients and correlated with fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). IPA supplementation ameliorated albuminuria, bolstered the integrity of the glomerular filtration barrier, and mitigated mitochondrial impairments in GECs. Mechanistically, IPA hindered SIRT1 phosphorylation-mediated ubiquitin-proteasome degradation, restoring SIRT1's role in promoting PGC-1α deacetylation and nuclear translocation, thereby upregulating genes associated with mitochondrial biosynthesis and antioxidant defense.

CONCLUSION: Our findings underscore the potential of the microbial metabolite IPA to attenuate DKD progression, offering novel insights and potential therapeutic strategies for its management.},
}

Animals
*Diabetic Nephropathies/metabolism/drug therapy/pathology
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology
Mice
*Sirtuin 1/metabolism
*Mitochondria/metabolism/drug effects
Humans
*Indoles/pharmacology/metabolism
Ubiquitination/drug effects
Male
Mice, Inbred C57BL
Female
Endothelial Cells/metabolism/drug effects
*Propionates/metabolism/pharmacology

@article {pmid28732571,
year = {2017},
author = {Stefanaki, C and Peppa, M and Mastorakos, G and Chrousos, GP},
title = {Examining the gut bacteriome, virome, and mycobiome in glucose metabolism disorders: Are we on the right track?.},
journal = {Metabolism: clinical and experimental},
volume = {73},
number = {},
pages = {52-66},
doi = {10.1016/j.metabol.2017.04.014},
pmid = {28732571},
issn = {1532-8600},
mesh = {Animals ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/*physiology ; *Glucose Metabolism Disorders ; Humans ; Hyperglycemia ; Microbiota/*physiology ; Mycobiome/*physiology ; },
abstract = {Human gut microbiome is defined as the gene complement of the gut microbial community, measured via laboratory metagenomic techniques. It includes bacteriome, virome and mycobiome, which represent, respectively, the assemblages of bacteria, viruses and fungi, living in the human gut. Gut microbiota function as a living "organ" that interacts with the gastro-intestinal environment, provides nutrients and vitamins to the organism and transduces hormonal messages, essentially influencing the main metabolic pathways, including drug metabolism. A clear association between gut, and glucose metabolism disorders has recently emerged. Medications acting on glucose absorption in the gut, or enhancing gut hormone activity are already extensively employed in the therapy of diabetes. Moreover, the gut is characterized by immune, and autonomous neuronal features, which play a critical role in maintaining glucose metabolism homeostasis. Gut microbes respond to neuroendocrine, and immune biochemical messages, affecting the health, and behavior of the host. There is vast heterogeneity in the studies included in this review, hence a meta-analysis, or a systematic review were not applicable. In this article, we attempt to reveal the interplay between human gut microbiota physiology, and hyperglycemic states, synthesizing, and interpreting findings from human studies.},
}

Animals
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/*physiology
*Glucose Metabolism Disorders
Humans
Hyperglycemia
Microbiota/*physiology
Mycobiome/*physiology

@article {pmid40537881,
year = {2025},
author = {Linghu, Y and Hu, RS and Tang, XM and Li, RT and Li, WY and Wu, JH},
title = {Unveiling viral diversity and dynamics in mosquitoes through metagenomic analysis in Guizhou Province, China.},
journal = {Infectious diseases of poverty},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {51},
pmid = {40537881},
issn = {2049-9957},
support = {Qian Ke He Platform Talent-GCC [2022] 033-1//The Training Project for High-Level Innovative talents in Guizhou Province, China/ ; Qian Ke He Platform Talent-CXTD [2022] 004//The Science and Technology Innovation Talent team of Guizhou Province, China/ ; Project Contract Number: Xiao Bo He J Zi [2023] 44//The Scientific Research Foundation for Advanced Talents, Guizhou Medical University/ ; NO. 2024GCC16Z//The High-level Talent Research Start-up Project of Sichuan University of Arts and Science/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Poverty, disease, and vector ecology intersect to present ongoing health threats, particularly in ecologically sensitive regions. Guizhou Province in China, with its complex karst topography and rich biodiversity, offers a unique environment to study mosquito-borne viral transmission. Despite over 5000 reported cases of Japanese encephalitis in the past two decades and the detection of Zika virus in 2016, the virological landscape of this region remains poorly understood. This study aims to characterize the mosquito-associated virome, assess viral diversity, and identify factors influencing transmission dynamics in Guizhou Province.

METHODS: Between 2021 and 2022, we conducted a 2-year mosquito surveillance across eight ecologically distinct regions in Guizhou Province. Adult mosquitoes were collected using a variety of methods, including BG Mosquitaire CO2 traps, mosquito-killing lamps, manual collection, human bait traps, and oviposition traps. To investigate the virome diversity and dynamics within mosquito populations, we performed metagenomic sequencing and bioinformatics analysis on pooled mosquito samples collected from geographically diverse sampling sites.

RESULTS: We collected more than 40,000 adult mosquitoes, primarily belonging to four genera: Aedes, Anopheles, Armigeres, and Culex. Dominant species included Aedes albopictus, Anopheles sinensis, Armigeres subalbatus, and Culex tritaeniorhynchus. Notably, we report the first provincial record of the Anopheles baileyi complex, expanding the known distribution of mosquito vector in this region. Viral metagenomic sequencing, coupled with bioinformatic analysis, identified 162 viral contigs, including 140 known and 22 previously uncharacterized viruses. We experimentally confirmed the genotypes of three medically important zoonotic viruses: Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV-GI), Getah virus (GETV-GIII) and Banna virus (BAV-A2). Comparative analysis of viral abundance across mosquito species revealed that Aedes albopictus populations in Guizhou harbor a distinct virome composition, diverging from those reported in other geographic regions.

CONCLUSIONS: This study presents the comprehensive characterization of the mosquito-associated virome in Guizhou Province, providing critical insights into viral diversity, vector competence, and transmission dynamics within karst ecosystems. The detection of multiple zoonotic viruses highlights the need for strengthened surveillance and targeted public health interventions in this region.},
}

@article {pmid40535544,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, X and Cao, D and Chen, W and Sun, J and Hu, H},
title = {Metagenomics reveals unique gut mycobiome biomarkers in major depressive disorder - a non-invasive method.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1582522},
pmid = {40535544},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics ; *Depressive Disorder, Major/microbiology/diagnosis ; *Mycobiome ; Biomarkers/analysis ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; *Metagenomics/methods ; *Fungi/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Middle Aged ; Machine Learning ; Support Vector Machine ; Case-Control Studies ; Feces/microbiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: An increasing amount of evidence suggests a potential link between alterations in the intestinal microbiota and the onset of various psychiatric disorders, including depression. Nevertheless, the precise nature of the link between depression and the intestinal microbiota remains largely unknown. A significant proportion of previous research has concentrated on the study of gut bacterial communities, with relatively little attention paid to the link between gut mycobiome and depression.

METHODS: In this research, we analyzed the composition and differences of intestinal fungal communities between major depressive disorder (MDD) and healthy controls. Subsequently, we constructed a machine learning model using support vector machine-recursive feature elimination to search for potential fungal markers for MDD.

RESULTS: Our findings indicated that the composition and beta diversity of intestinal fungal communities were significantly changed in MDD compared to the healthy controls. A total of 22 specific fungal community markers were screened out by machine learning, and the predictive model had promising performance in the prediction of MDD (area under the curve, AUC = 1.000). Additionally, the intestinal fungal communities demonstrated satisfactory performance in the validation cohort, with an AUC of 0.884 (95% CI: 0.7871-0.9476) in the Russian validation cohort, which consisted of 36 patients with MDD and 36 healthy individuals. The AUC for the Wuhan validation cohort was 0.838 (95% CI: 0.7403-0.9102), which included 40 patients with MDD and 42 healthy individuals.

CONCLUSION: To summarize, our research revealed the characterization of intestinal fungal communities in MDD and developed a prediction model based on specific intestinal fungal communities. Although MDD has well-established diagnostic criteria, the strategy based on the model of gut fungal communities may offer predictive biomarkers for MDD.},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics
*Depressive Disorder, Major/microbiology/diagnosis
*Mycobiome
Biomarkers/analysis
Male
Female
Adult
*Metagenomics/methods
*Fungi/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Middle Aged
Machine Learning
Support Vector Machine
Case-Control Studies
Feces/microbiology

@article {pmid40535541,
year = {2025},
author = {Kato-Kogoe, N and Tsuda, K and Kudo, A and Sakaguchi, S and Omori, M and Komori, E and Ohmichi, M and Hamada, W and Nakamura, S and Nakano, T and Tamaki, J and Ueno, T},
title = {Salivary microbiota and IgA responses are different in pre-diabetic individuals compared to normoglycemic controls.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1591285},
pmid = {40535541},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {Humans ; *Saliva/microbiology/immunology ; Female ; Male ; *Immunoglobulin A/analysis/immunology ; Middle Aged ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Microbiota/immunology ; *Prediabetic State/immunology/microbiology ; Adult ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/immunology/microbiology ; Aged ; Metagenomics ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics/chemistry ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: In recent years, changes in the oral microbiota of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have been increasingly recognized. The salivary microbiota may also be altered in pre-diabetes, which is the earliest stage of abnormal blood glucose regulation and a reversible stage preceding T2DM; however, its characteristics are poorly understood. Salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) is a host defense factor central to the oral immune system and may play an important role in regulating the salivary microbiota. Given that alterations in immunoreactivity are observed in pre-diabetes, we hypothesized that the salivary IgA response may also be altered; however, limited knowledge exists regarding this. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to evaluate the characteristics of salivary microbiota and IgA responses against salivary microbiota in individuals with pre-diabetes, comparing them to those in individuals with normoglycemia.

METHODS: Saliva samples were collected from 101 pre-diabetic individuals (PreDM group) and 101 age- and sex-matched normoglycemic controls (Normal group). Further, 16S rRNA metagenomic analysis was performed to compare bacterial microbiota composition. For each of the 19 saliva samples from the PreDM and Normal groups, IgA-enriched and IgA-nonenriched fractions were separated via magnetic-activated cell sorting, followed by 16S rRNA metagenomic analysis. The IgA index was calculated to evaluate the difference in the IgA response to each bacterium between the PreDM and Normal groups.

RESULTS: Bacterial species richness was significantly lower in the PreDM group than in the Normal group (observed operational taxonomic unit index, p = 0.042), and a difference between these groups was noted in the overall salivary microbiota structure (unweighted UniFrac distances, p = 0.009). Salivary IgA responses against several bacterial genera differed between the PreDM and Normal groups. Significantly higher IgA responses were noted against Haemophilus in the PreDM group, with lower responses against Capnocytophaga, Corynebacterium, and Streptococcus relative to those in the Normal group.

CONCLUSIONS: Salivary microbiota and IgA responses differ between pre-diabetic individuals and normoglycemic controls. The current findings advance our understanding of the interaction between oral bacteria and host immune responses in patients with a poor glycemic status.},
}

Humans
*Saliva/microbiology/immunology
Female
Male
*Immunoglobulin A/analysis/immunology
Middle Aged
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
*Microbiota/immunology
*Prediabetic State/immunology/microbiology
Adult
Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/immunology/microbiology
Aged
Metagenomics
DNA, Bacterial/genetics/chemistry

@article {pmid40533170,
year = {2025},
author = {Kumari Nawarathna, TNT and Fujii, N and Yamamoto, K and Kuroda, K and Narihiro, T and Ozaki, N and Ohashi, A and Kindaichi, T},
title = {Metagenomic Insights into Candidatus Scalindua in a Long-term Cultivated Marine Anammox Consortium: The Important Role of Tetrahydrofolate-mediated Carbon Fixation.},
journal = {Microbes and environments},
volume = {40},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1264/jsme2.ME25007},
pmid = {40533170},
issn = {1347-4405},
mesh = {*Bacteria/metabolism/genetics/classification/isolation & purification ; *Carbon Cycle ; Metagenomics ; *Microbial Consortia/genetics ; *Ammonia/metabolism ; Folic Acid/metabolism/biosynthesis ; *Seawater/microbiology ; Metagenome ; Bioreactors/microbiology ; Metabolic Networks and Pathways ; Phylogeny ; Genome, Bacterial ; Wastewater/microbiology ; Carbon/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Marine anammox bacteria have been an exciting research area in recent years due to their high effectiveness in treating ammonia-containing saline wastewater. However, their direct implementation in the wastewater industry faces challenges due to slow growth, difficulty obtaining pure cultures, and their tendency to exist as part of an anammox consortium, interacting symbiotically with other bacteria. In the present study, 91 draft genome metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from a long-term-operated reactor were recovered to clarify detailed symbiotic interactions within an anammox consortium. One marine anammox bacterial MAG, identified as Candidatus Scalindua, was successfully recovered and was abundant within the sampled microbial community. A comprehensive metabolic pathway ana-lysis revealed that Ca. Scalindua exhibited the complete anammox pathway and the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway for carbon fixation. The folate biosynthesis pathway in Ca. Scalindua was incomplete, lacking dihydrofolate reductase, a key enzyme for tetrahydrofolate (THF) production. The folate biopterin transporter, essential for transporting folate-related metabolites among coexisting bacteria, was identified exclusively in Ca. Scalindua. In addition, the impact of exogenously supplied THF on microbial activity and carbon uptake rates was investigated in batch experiments using [14]C-labeled bicarbonate. The results obtained revealed that 2‍ ‍mg L[-1] of exogenous THF resulted in a 43% increase in the carbon uptake rate, while anammox activity remained unaffected. The present results suggest that THF is a key intermediate for carbon fixation in Ca. Scalindua and may be essential for their growth.},
}

*Bacteria/metabolism/genetics/classification/isolation & purification
*Carbon Cycle
Metagenomics
*Microbial Consortia/genetics
*Ammonia/metabolism
Folic Acid/metabolism/biosynthesis
*Seawater/microbiology
Metagenome
Bioreactors/microbiology
Metabolic Networks and Pathways
Phylogeny
Genome, Bacterial
Wastewater/microbiology
Carbon/metabolism

@article {pmid40532696,
year = {2025},
author = {Er, YX and Lee, SC and Aneke, C and Conlan, S and Muslim, A and Deming, C and Che, Y and Yap, NJ and Tee, MZ and Abdull-Majid, N and Shahrizal, S and Leong, KF and Han, J and Shen, Z and Than, LTL and Park, M and Mohd Sayed, I and , and Seyedmousavi, A and Kong, HH and Loke, P and Segre, JA and Lim, YAL},
title = {Trichophyton concentricum fungal infections and skin microbiomes of Indigenous Peninsular Malaysians.},
journal = {Cell},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.cell.2025.05.034},
pmid = {40532696},
issn = {1097-4172},
abstract = {Recent outbreaks of multidrug-resistant fungi infecting human skin emphasize the importance of understanding fungal pathophysiology and spread. In efforts to address health concerns with various Indigenous Peninsular Malaysians (Orang Asli [OA]), tinea imbricata-a Trichophyton concentricum fungal skin infection-emerged as a particular concern. We investigated the etiology and transmission of tinea imbricata by culturing, testing antifungal sensitivities, and sequencing T. concentricum isolates in remote OA villages. Among regionally conserved isolates, we identified the emergence of terbinafine-resistant T. concentricum microbiologically and genomically. Investigating the skin microbiomes of 82 Indigenous OA, we found unique microbiota and lower relative abundances of bacterial commensals (Cutibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus epidermidis) among OA versus Malaysian and US urban populations, emphasizing how understudied populations provide unprecedented knowledge on host-microbiome co-evolution. These findings provide valuable insights into clinical, microbiological, and genomic features of chronic fungal skin infections, offering the potential to inform strategies to address drug resistance and effective therapy.},
}

@article {pmid40530822,
year = {2025},
author = {Wu, H and Sun, B and Li, J},
title = {Metagenomics research on PAH biodegradation in the lower reaches of the Shiwuli River in Chaohu, China.},
journal = {Environmental science. Processes & impacts},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1039/d5em00025d},
pmid = {40530822},
issn = {2050-7895},
abstract = {Metagenomics is a powerful tool for investigating functional microorganisms, molecular mechanisms and genes involved in the degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in situ complex environments. In this study, we selected three land use types in the lower reaches of the Shiwuli River in Chaohu and applied metagenomics technology. The results revealed that Rhodoplanes and Bradyrhizobium were the abundant PAH-degrading microorganisms across the three land use types. Based on the functional annotation and PAH degradation pathway, it was found that the in situ microbial communities of the three land use types shared common metabolic pathways for phenanthrene degradation. In addition, a unique metabolic pathway for PAH degradation was identified in the agricultural land. Only Patulibacter contributed to flnE (KO14604) in the agricultural land, which was involved in the metabolic pathway of fluorene degradation. Results of this study suggested that the in situ degradation of PAHs was not completed by a single genus, and it involved the synergy effects of different PAH-degrading microorganisms. There was no significant difference between the compositions and relative abundances of PAH-degrading microorganisms in the three land use types and those presented in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes Orthology (KO). However, the same microorganism contributed to different functional genes in different samples. Genes encoding protocatechuic acid 4,5-dioxygenase were widely distributed and relatively abundant. Therefore, this gene may serve as an indicator of PAH degradation potential. Among all the factors, the total organic carbon and nitrate nitrogen contents exhibited significant influences on the functional genes (KO) related to PAH degradation (p < 0.05).},
}

@article {pmid40528698,
year = {2025},
author = {Bonilla-Espadas, M and Lifante-Martínez, I and Camacho, M and Orgilés-Calpena, E and Arán-Aís, F and Bertazzo, M and Bonete, MJ},
title = {Chromium-Tanned Leather and Microbial Consortia: Identification of Taxa With Biodegradation Potential and Chromium Tolerance.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology reports},
volume = {17},
number = {3},
pages = {e70134},
pmid = {40528698},
issn = {1758-2229},
support = {IMDEEA/2021/11//European Union through the European Regional Development Fund within the Operational Programme of the Valencian Community 2014-2020/ ; UAIND21-02B//Universidad de Alicante/ ; },
mesh = {*Chromium/metabolism/toxicity ; *Microbial Consortia ; Biodegradation, Environmental ; Biofilms/growth & development ; *Bacteria/metabolism/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Tanning ; },
abstract = {Chromium-tanned leather waste poses significant environmental challenges due to its resistance to degradation and heavy metal content. This study investigates the potential of naturally selected microbial consortia to initiate the degradation of chromium-tanned leather and identifies key bacterial genera capable of tolerating chromium and producing enzymes relevant to collagen breakdown. A novel multidisciplinary approach combining gravimetric assays, metagenomic sequencing, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was applied to characterise both microbial composition and degradation dynamics. Dominant genera such as Bacillus, Microbacterium, and Acinetobacter were associated with collagen degradation and metal tolerance, with Bacillus-rich communities showing the most pronounced mass loss (up to 3%). SEM analysis revealed the formation of robust biofilms and extensive matrix disruption, indicating enzymatic activity and structural breakdown of the leather. The formation of exopolysaccharide-rich biofilms was found to be critical for microbial adhesion and biodegradation efficacy. These findings provide initial insights into microbial mechanisms involved in the degradation of chromium-tanned leather and suggest potential applications for microbial consortia in future sustainable leather waste management strategies.},
}

*Chromium/metabolism/toxicity
*Microbial Consortia
Biodegradation, Environmental
Biofilms/growth & development
*Bacteria/metabolism/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
Tanning

@article {pmid40528221,
year = {2025},
author = {Gao, L and Liao, H and Chen, Y and Ye, C and Huang, L and Xu, M and Du, J and Zhang, J and Huang, D and Cai, S and Dong, H},
title = {Airway microbiota associated D-phenylalanine promotes non-small cell lung cancer metastasis through epithelial mesenchymal transition.},
journal = {Journal of translational medicine},
volume = {23},
number = {1},
pages = {673},
pmid = {40528221},
issn = {1479-5876},
support = {82170032//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82470058//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82270024//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; YZ2022ZX04//President Foundation of The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University/ ; 2023A1515110216//Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation of Guangdong Province/ ; 2023M731546//China Postdoctoral Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition/drug effects ; Humans ; *Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/pathology/microbiology ; *Lung Neoplasms/pathology/microbiology ; Animals ; Male ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Female ; *Microbiota ; *Phenylalanine/metabolism/pharmacology/administration & dosage ; Middle Aged ; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid/chemistry ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Mice ; Aged ; *Respiratory System/microbiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and patients with distant metastasis have a poor prognosis. Various studies have reported that microbiota and metabolites significantly differ between healthy individuals and lung cancer patients. However, the effects of metabolites on tumor formation and metastasis are unclear. Therefore, our study aimed to determine the correlation between airway metabolites and microbiota, along with their respective roles in lung cancer metastasis.

METHODS: Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples were collected from 30 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, including 11 patients without metastasis (M0) and 19 patients with metastasis (M1). Integrated pathogenic metagenomic and Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC‒MS) analyses were employed to explore differences between two groups. The omics data were analyzed and integrated via Spearman's correlation coefficient. Specific metabolites were subsequently used to intervene in lung cancer cells and animal models to assess their influence on tumor metastasis.

RESULTS: A total of 801 metabolites were identified in the BALF of all patients. Compared with those in the M0 group, 48 metabolites in the M1 group were significantly different. D-phenylalanine was notably upregulated in M1 and was positively related to Metamycoplasma salivarium. Intranasal administration of D-phenylalanine promoted tumor intrapulmonary metastasis and induced epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in NSCLC mouse models. Moreover, D-phenylalanine promotes the proliferation of non-small cell lung cancer cells and facilitates their migration and invasion via EMT.

CONCLUSION: The airway microbiota associated D-phenylalanine could promote lung cancer metastasis via EMT, which could be a new predictor for the diagnosis of tumor metastasis in NSCLC patients.},
}

*Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition/drug effects
Humans
*Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/pathology/microbiology
*Lung Neoplasms/pathology/microbiology
Animals
Male
Neoplasm Metastasis
Female
*Microbiota
*Phenylalanine/metabolism/pharmacology/administration & dosage
Middle Aged
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid/chemistry
Cell Line, Tumor
Mice
Aged
*Respiratory System/microbiology

@article {pmid40528214,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, Y and Luo, J and Chen, K and Li, N and Luo, C and Di, S and Qin, J and Zhang, F and Chen, H and Dai, M},
title = {Cross-cohort analysis identifies shared gut microbial signatures and validates microbial risk scores for colorectal cancer.},
journal = {Journal of translational medicine},
volume = {23},
number = {1},
pages = {676},
pmid = {40528214},
issn = {1479-5876},
support = {2022-I2M-1-0031//Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science/ ; 82173606//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82273726//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 20230484397//Beijing Nova Program of Science and Technology/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Colorectal Neoplasms/microbiology ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics ; Cohort Studies ; Risk Factors ; Risk Assessment ; Reproducibility of Results ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Metagenomics ; Case-Control Studies ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Microbiome-wide association studies showed links between colorectal cancer (CRC) and gut microbiota. However, the clinical application of gut microbiota in CRC prevention has been hindered by the diversity of study populations and technical variations. We aimed to determine CRC-related gut microbial signatures based on cross-regional, cross-population, and cross-cohort metagenomic datasets, and elucidate its application value in CRC risk assessment.

METHODS: We used the MMUPHin tool to perform a meta-analysis of our own cohort and seven publicly available metagenomics datasets to identify gut microbial species associated with CRC across different cohorts, comprising of 570 CRC cases and 557 controls. Based on differential species sets, we constructed the microbial risk score (MRS) using α-diversity of the sub-community (MRSα), weighted/unweighted summation methods and machine learning algorithms. Cohort-to-cohort training and validation were performed to demonstrate the transferability.

RESULTS: We found that MRSα of core species was better validated and more interpretable than those constructed with summation methods or machine learning algorithms. Six species, including Parvimonas micra, Clostridium symbiosum, Peptostreptococcus stomatis, Bacteroides fragilis, Gemella morbillorum, and Fusobacterium nucleatum, were included in MRSα constructed by half or more of the cohorts. The AUC of MRSα, calculated based on the sub-community of six species, varied between 0.619 and 0.824 across the eight cohorts.

CONCLUSION: We identified six CRC-related species across regions, populations, and cohorts. The constructed MRSα could contribute to the risk prediction of CRC in different populations.},
}

Humans
*Colorectal Neoplasms/microbiology
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics
Cohort Studies
Risk Factors
Risk Assessment
Reproducibility of Results
Male
Female
Middle Aged
Metagenomics
Case-Control Studies

@article {pmid40523923,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, M and Liang, C and Li, B and Jiang, F and Song, P and Gu, H and Gao, H and Cai, Z and Zhang, T},
title = {Gut microbiome and diet contribute to ecological niche differentiation between argali (Ovis ammon hodgsoni) and blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.},
journal = {Communications biology},
volume = {8},
number = {1},
pages = {930},
pmid = {40523923},
issn = {2399-3642},
mesh = {Animals ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Tibet ; *Diet/veterinary ; Sheep/microbiology ; Ecosystem ; Herbivory ; },
abstract = {The gut microbiota plays a critical role in plant digestion, nutrient absorption, and ecological adaptation in herbivores. However, how gut microbiota and diet jointly influence ecological niche differentiation in sympatric species remains unclear. Here, we use metagenomic sequencing and plant trnL (UAA) fragment sequencing to examine the gut microbiota and dietary composition of sympatric Tibetan argali (Ovis ammon hodgsoni) and blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) in the Kunlun Mountains of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Despite inhabiting similar environments, the two species harbor distinct microbial compositions and functional profiles. Interestingly, higher dietary diversity does not correspond to higher microbial diversity. Tibetan argali, despite having a simpler diet, possesses a more diverse and flexible gut microbiome. In contrast, blue sheep show broader dietary preferences and stronger microbial metabolic adaptation to glycan biosynthesis and metabolism. These findings reveal significant associations between gut microbiota composition, function, and diet, supporting a microbial contribution to trophic niche differentiation. Our results highlight distinct microbial-dietary strategies in sympatric herbivores and underscore the role of the gut microbiome in ecological adaptation and species coexistence.},
}

Animals
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Tibet
*Diet/veterinary
Sheep/microbiology
Ecosystem
Herbivory

@article {pmid40520638,
year = {2025},
author = {Zakaria, D and Sandri, C and Modesto, M and Spiezio, C and Scarafile, D and Cedras, A and Borruso, L and Manghi, P and Trevisi, P and Segata, N and Mattarelli, P and Arita, M},
title = {Disentangling the gut microbiota of Aldabra giant tortoises of different ages and environments.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {e19566},
pmid = {40520638},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {Animals ; *Turtles/microbiology ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics ; Italy ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Feces/microbiology ; Age Factors ; Seychelles ; Environment ; Bacteria/genetics/classification ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in regulating the physiological functions of its host, including immunity, metabolism, and digestion. The impact of environment and age on microbiota can be assessed by observing long-lived animals across different age groups and environments. The Aldabra giant tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea) is an ideal species for this study due to its exceptionally long lifespan of over 100 years.

METHODS: Using 16S rRNA gene amplicon analysis, we analyzed 52 fecal samples from giant tortoises in Seychelles (Curieuse and Mahé islands) and in a zoological park in Italy, from very young individuals to those of >100 years old. We performed Alpha and Beta diversity analysis, relative abundance analysis, and complex upset plot analysis, comparing the results of tortoises from different environments and age groups.

RESULTS: The diversity and overall composition of the gut microbiota of tortoises were impacted mainly by geolocation rather than their age. The greater diversity of microbiota in wild tortoises was attributed to their food variance such as wild leaves and branches, compared to captive or domesticated conditions. Beta diversity analysis also revealed the contribution of both environment and age to the variation between samples, with environments accounting for a larger proportion of this contribution. Certain bacterial families, such as Spirochaetota and Fibrobacterota, were more prevalent in environments with higher fiber intake, reflecting dietary differences. Additionally, a range of host-independent environmental bacteria was found to be specific to individuals in Curieuse and not in other geolocations. On the other hand, there were no bacterial taxa specific to centenarians, whose microbial complexity was reduced compared to adult or elderly tortoises.

CONCLUSIONS: Our records showed that environment is the primary influence in the overall composition and diversity of the gut microbiota of Aldabra giant tortoises. As giant tortoises are amongst the longest-lived vertebrate animals, these findings can be utilized to monitor their health according to their ages, and enhance their conservation efforts.},
}

Animals
*Turtles/microbiology
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics
Italy
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Feces/microbiology
Age Factors
Seychelles
Environment
Bacteria/genetics/classification

@article {pmid40520307,
year = {2025},
author = {Ye, S and Peng, S and Wang, X and Fan, J and Zhu, C and Huang, L and Huang, Y and Cheng, K and Ni, T and Qian, Y and Wu, X and Xu, Y},
title = {Microbial community structure and resistome dynamics on elevator buttons in response to surface disinfection practices.},
journal = {Frontiers in public health},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1593114},
pmid = {40520307},
issn = {2296-2565},
mesh = {*Disinfection/methods ; *Disinfectants/pharmacology ; Humans ; COVID-19/prevention & control ; China ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics ; *Bacteria/genetics/drug effects ; *Microbiota/drug effects ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Disinfectants have been extensively used in public environments since the COVID-19 outbreak to help control the spread of the virus. This study aims to investigate whether disinfectant use influences the structure of bacterial communities and contributes to bacterial resistance to disinfectants and antibiotics.

METHODS: Using molecular biology techniques-including metagenomic sequencing and quantitative PCR (qPCR)-we analyzed the bacterial communities on elevator button surfaces from two tertiary hospitals, one infectious disease hospital, two quarantine hotels (designated for COVID-19 control), and five general hotels in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, during the COVID-19 pandemic. We focused on detecting disinfectant resistance genes (DRGs), antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and mobile genetic elements (MGEs).

RESULTS: Significant differences were observed in the bacterial community structures on elevator button surfaces across the four types of environments. Quarantine hotels, which implemented the most frequent disinfection protocols, exhibited distinct bacterial profiles at the phylum, genus, and species levels. Both α-diversity (within-sample diversity) and β-diversity (between-sample diversity) were lower and more distinct in quarantine hotels compared to the other environments. The abundance of DRGs, ARGs, and MGEs was also significantly higher on elevator button surfaces in quarantine hotels. Notably, antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARBs), including Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, were detected in all four settings.

CONCLUSION: The structure of bacterial communities on elevator button surfaces varies across different environments, likely influenced by the frequency of disinfectant use. Increased resistance gene abundance in quarantine hotels suggests that disinfection practices may contribute to the selection and spread of resistant bacteria. Enhanced monitoring of disinfection effectiveness and refinement of protocols in high-risk environments such as hospitals and hotels are essential to limit the spread of resistant pathogens.},
}

*Disinfection/methods
*Disinfectants/pharmacology
Humans
COVID-19/prevention & control
China
*Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics
*Bacteria/genetics/drug effects
*Microbiota/drug effects
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid40517085,
year = {2025},
author = {Schoenle, A and Francis, O and Archibald, JM and Burki, F and de Vries, J and Dumack, K and Eme, L and Florent, I and Hehenberger, E and Hoffmeyer, TT and Irisarri, I and Lara, E and Leger, MM and Lukeš, J and Massana, R and Mathur, V and Nitsche, F and Strassert, JFH and Worden, AZ and Yurchenko, V and Del Campo, J and Waldvogel, AM},
title = {Protist genomics: key to understanding eukaryotic evolution.},
journal = {Trends in genetics : TIG},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.tig.2025.05.004},
pmid = {40517085},
issn = {0168-9525},
abstract = {All eukaryotes other than animals, plants, and fungi are protists. Protists are highly diverse and found in nearly all environments, with key roles in planetary health and biogeochemical cycles. They represent the majority of eukaryotic diversity, making them essential for understanding eukaryotic evolution. However, these mainly unicellular, microscopic organisms are understudied and the generation of protist genomes lags far behind most multicellular lineages. Current genomic methods, which are primarily designed for animals and plants, are poorly suited for protists. Advancing protist genome research requires reevaluating plant- and animal-centric genomic standards. Future efforts must leverage emerging technologies and bioinformatics tools, ultimately enhancing our understanding of eukaryotic molecular and cell biology, ecology, and evolution.},
}

@article {pmid40515809,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, Z and Yang, Z and Lin, S and Jiang, S and Zhou, X and Li, J and Lu, W and Zhang, J},
title = {Probiotic-induced enrichment of Adlercreutzia equolifaciens increases gut microbiome wellness index and maps to lower host blood glucose levels.},
journal = {Gut microbes},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {2520407},
pmid = {40515809},
issn = {1949-0984},
mesh = {Humans ; *Probiotics/administration & dosage/pharmacology ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects ; Male ; Female ; *Blood Glucose/analysis/metabolism ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Metagenomics ; Feces/microbiology ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Young Adult ; },
abstract = {The gut microbiome is essential for maintaining host health, influencing gut function and metabolic regulation. While probiotics are widely used to manage gut health, evidence of their specific effects in healthy individuals remains limited. Most studies focus on diseased populations, with little attention to early interventions in individuals without major diseases. In this study, we investigated the effects of probiotics on gut health in participants free from significant health conditions. Fifty-four participants were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or composite probiotics for 60 d. Shotgun metagenomics revealed that individuals with lower baseline Gut Microbiome Wellness Index 2 (GMWI) exhibited more decisive responses to probiotic intervention, characterized by an increased abundance of beneficial commensal bacteria, including Adlercreutzia equolifaciens. Probiotic intake significantly improved the function of the gut microbiome, reducing antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors while enhancing carbohydrate-active enzymes. Notably, A. equolifaciens promoted the production of palmitoyl serinol, a metabolite associated with improved GMWI and preventive benefits in blood glucose. In a population-based experiment, these findings were validated in a follow-up single-strain probiotic intervention with Lacticaseibacillus casei Zhang. Our study highlights the potential of probiotics as an early intervention strategy for maintaining gut health in individuals without significant health conditions.},
}

Humans
*Probiotics/administration & dosage/pharmacology
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects
Male
Female
*Blood Glucose/analysis/metabolism
Adult
Middle Aged
Metagenomics
Feces/microbiology
Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Young Adult

@article {pmid40514168,
year = {2025},
author = {Ebrahimi, F and Maleki, H and Ebrahimi, M and Beiki, AH},
title = {A novel approach to finding the compositional differences and biomarkers in gut microbiota in type 2 diabetic patients via meta-analysis, data-mining, and multivariate analysis.},
journal = {Endocrinologia, diabetes y nutricion},
volume = {72},
number = {6},
pages = {501561},
doi = {10.1016/j.endien.2025.501561},
pmid = {40514168},
issn = {2530-0180},
mesh = {*Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/microbiology ; Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *Data Mining ; Biomarkers/analysis ; Multivariate Analysis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Female ; },
abstract = {Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)-one of the fastest globally spreading diseases-is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. It has been suggested that the composition of gut microbiota plays key roles in the prevalence of T2DM. In this study, a novel approach of large-scale data mining and multivariate analysis of the gut microbiome of T2DM patients and healthy controls was conducted to find the key compositional differences in their microbiota and potential biomarkers of the disease.

METHODS: First, suitable datasets were identified (9 in total with 946 samples), analyzed, and their operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were computed by identical parameters to increase accuracy. The following OTUs were merged and compared based on their health status, and compositional differences detected. For biomarker identification, the OTUs were subjected to 9 different attribute weighting models. Additionally, OTUs were independently analyzed by multivariate algorithms (LEfSe test) to verify the realized biomarkers.

RESULTS: Overall, 23 genera and 4 phyla were identified as possible biomarkers. At genus level, the decrease of Bacteroides, Methanobrevibacter, Paraprevotella, and [Eubacterium] hallii group in T2DM and the increase of Prevotella, Megamonas, Megasphaera, Ligilactobacillus, and Lachnoclostridium were selected as biomarkers; and at phylum level, the increase of Synergistota and the decrease of Euryarchaeota, Desulfobacterota (Thermodesulfobacteriota), and Ptescibacteria.

CONCLUSION: This is the first study ever conducted to find the microbial compositional differences and biomarkers in T2DM using data mining models applied on a widespread metagenome dataset and verified by multivariate analysis.},
}

*Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/microbiology
Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
*Data Mining
Biomarkers/analysis
Multivariate Analysis
Male
Middle Aged
Female

@article {pmid40510676,
year = {2025},
author = {Bruins-van Sonsbeek, LGR and Verschuren, MCM and Kaal, S and Lindenburg, PW and Rodenburg, KCW and Clauss, M and Speksnijder, AGCL and Rutten, VPMG and Bonnet, BFJ and Wittink, F},
title = {Rhinoceromics: a multi-amplicon study with clinical markers to transferrin saturation levels in ex-situ black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis michaeli).},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1515939},
pmid = {40510676},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Iron overload disorder (IOD) is a common condition in ex-situ black rhinoceroses (Diceros bicornis), although it has not been reported in the wild. This study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D], inflammatory markers, insulin levels, the gut microbiome, dietary components, and transferrin saturation (TS) in ex-situ black rhinoceroses. Blood and fecal samples from 11 black rhinoceroses at five different European zoological institutions were monitored over a 1-year period. Inflammatory markers such as interleukin 6 (IL-6), serum amyloid A (SAA), interferon γ (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were analyzed. Our study corroborates the findings of previous research, which demonstrated that insulin, inflammatory markers, and TS% are higher in ex-situ black rhinoceroses compared to published wild ranges. Our data show no correlations between insulin, 25(OH)D, TS%, inflammatory markers, or short-chain fatty acids (SFCAs). Serum 25(OH)D exhibited significantly higher levels in summer than in winter. Transferrin saturation was influenced by age, which is consistent with previous studies. The microbiome did not differ significantly among individuals, institutions, sex, or season, unlike the mycobiome, which exhibited significant differences across institutions. The impact of the mycobiome differences on the physiology of the animals could not be determined from this study.},
}

@article {pmid40508035,
year = {2025},
author = {Toto, F and Scanu, M and Gramegna, M and Putignani, L and Del Chierico, F},
title = {Impact of DNA Extraction and 16S rRNA Gene Amplification Strategy on Microbiota Profiling of Faecal Samples.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {26},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {40508035},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {Current Research funds//Italian Ministry of Health/ ; n.a.//Technogenetics S.p.A./ ; },
mesh = {*RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Feces/microbiology ; Humans ; *DNA, Bacterial/genetics/isolation & purification ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics ; Metagenomics/methods ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/methods ; *Microbiota/genetics ; Bacteria/genetics/classification ; Metagenome ; },
abstract = {High-throughput 16S rRNA metagenomic sequencing has advanced our understanding of the gut microbiome, but its reliability depends on upstream processes such as DNA extraction and bacterial library preparation. In this study, we evaluated the impact of three different DNA extraction methods (a manual method with an ad hoc-designed pre-extraction phase (PE-QIA), and two automated magnetic bead-based methods (T180H and TAT132H)) and two bacterial library preparation protocols (home brew and VeriFi) on the 16S rRNA-based metagenomic profiling of faecal samples. T180H and TAT132H produced significantly higher DNA concentrations than PE-QIA, whereas TAT132H yielded DNA of lower purity compared to the others. In the taxonomic analysis, PE-QIA provided a balanced recovery of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, TAT132H was enriched in Gram-positive taxa, and T180H was enriched in Gram-negative taxa. An analysis of Microbial Community Standard (MOCK) samples showed that PE-QIA and T180H were more accurate than TAT132H. Finally, the VeriFi method yielded higher amplicon concentrations and sequence counts than the home brew protocol, despite the high level of chimeras. In conclusion, a robust performance in terms of DNA yield, purity, and taxonomic representation was obtained by PE-QIA and T180H. Furthermore, it was found that the impact of PCR-based steps on gut microbiota profiling can be minimized by an accurate bioinformatic pipeline.},
}

*RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
*Feces/microbiology
Humans
*DNA, Bacterial/genetics/isolation & purification
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics
Metagenomics/methods
High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/methods
*Microbiota/genetics
Bacteria/genetics/classification
Metagenome

@article {pmid40507096,
year = {2025},
author = {Lutsiv, T and Fitzgerald, VK and Neil, ES and McGinley, JN and Hussan, H and Thompson, HJ},
title = {Cooked Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Consumption Alters Bile Acid Metabolism in a Mouse Model of Diet-Induced Metabolic Dysfunction: Proof-of-Concept Investigation.},
journal = {Nutrients},
volume = {17},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {40507096},
issn = {2072-6643},
support = {58-3060-8-031//USDA ARS/ ; 2020-05206//National Institute for Food and Agriculture:/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Bile Acids and Salts/metabolism ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; *Phaseolus ; Mice ; Male ; Liver/metabolism ; Disease Models, Animal ; Feces/chemistry ; Cecum/microbiology/metabolism ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Cooking ; Obesity/metabolism ; Metabolomics ; *Diet ; *Metabolic Diseases/etiology/metabolism ; Diet, High-Fat/adverse effects ; },
abstract = {Background/Objectives: Metabolic dysregulation underlies a myriad of chronic diseases, including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and obesity, and bile acids emerge as an important mediator in their etiology. Weight control by improving diet quality is the standard of care in prevention and control of these metabolic diseases. Inclusion of pulses, such as common bean, is an affordable yet neglected approach to improving diet quality and metabolic outcomes. Thus, this study evaluated the possibility that common bean alters bile acid metabolism in a health-beneficial manner. Methods: Using biospecimens from several similarly designed studies, cecal content, feces, liver tissue, and plasma samples from C57BL/6 mice fed an obesogenic diet lacking (control) or containing cooked common bean were subjected to total bile acid analysis and untargeted metabolomics. RNA-seq, qPCR, and Western blot assays of liver tissue complemented the bile acid analyses. Microbial composition and predicted function in the cecal contents were evaluated using 16S rRNA gene amplicon and shotgun metagenomic sequencing. Results: Bean-fed mice had increased cecal bile acid content and excreted more bile acids per gram of feces. Consistent with these effects, increased synthesis of bile acids in the liver was observed. Microbial composition and capacity to metabolize bile acids were markedly altered by bean, with greater prominence of secondary bile acid metabolites in bean-fed mice, i.e., microbial metabolites of chenodeoxycholate/lithocholate increased while metabolites of hyocholate were reduced. Conclusions: In rendering mice resistant to obesogenic diet-induced MASLD and obesity, cooked bean consumption sequesters bile acids, increasing their hepatic synthesis and enhancing their diversity through microbial metabolism. Bean-induced changes in bile acid metabolism have potential to improve dyslipidemia.},
}

Animals
*Bile Acids and Salts/metabolism
Mice, Inbred C57BL
*Phaseolus
Mice
Male
Liver/metabolism
Disease Models, Animal
Feces/chemistry
Cecum/microbiology/metabolism
Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Cooking
Obesity/metabolism
Metabolomics
*Diet
*Metabolic Diseases/etiology/metabolism
Diet, High-Fat/adverse effects

@article {pmid40507017,
year = {2025},
author = {Ying, J and Xu, X and Zhou, R and Chung, ACK and Ng, SK and Fan, X and Subramaniam, M and Wong, SH},
title = {The Gut Microbiota in Young Adults with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder and Its Performance as Diagnostic Biomarkers.},
journal = {Nutrients},
volume = {17},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {40507017},
issn = {2072-6643},
support = {Nil//NHG-LKCMedicine Clinician-Scientist Preparatory Programme Plus/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *Autism Spectrum Disorder/microbiology/diagnosis ; Male ; Female ; Biomarkers ; Young Adult ; Adult ; Case-Control Studies ; Feces/microbiology ; Metagenomics ; Machine Learning ; ROC Curve ; Adolescent ; },
abstract = {Background/Objectives: Diagnosing ASD in adults presents unique challenges, and there are currently no specific biomarkers for this condition. Most existing studies on the gut microbiota in ASD are conducted in children; however, the composition of the gut microbiota in children differs significantly from that of adults. This study aimed to study the gut microbiota of young adults with high-functioning ASD. Methods: Using metagenomic sequencing, we evaluated the gut microbiota in 45 adults with high-functioning ASD and 45 matched healthy controls. Results: Adjusting for sociodemographic information, dietary habits, and clinical data, we observed a distinct microbiota profile of adults with ASD in comparison to controls, with the intensity of autistic traits strongly correlating to microbial diversity (correlation coefficient = -0.351, p-value < 0.001). Despite a similar dietary pattern, the ASD group exhibited more gastrointestinal symptoms than the healthy controls. An internally validated machine-learning predictive model that combines the Autism Spectrum Quotient questionnaire score of individuals with their microbial features could achieve an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.955 in diagnosing ASD in adults. Conclusions: This study evaluates the gut microbiota in adult ASD and highlights its potential as a non-invasive biomarker to enhance the diagnosis of ASD in this population group.},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
*Autism Spectrum Disorder/microbiology/diagnosis
Male
Female
Biomarkers
Young Adult
Adult
Case-Control Studies
Feces/microbiology
Metagenomics
Machine Learning
ROC Curve
Adolescent

@article {pmid40506497,
year = {2025},
author = {Jung, DR and Choi, Y and Jeong, M and Singh, V and Jeon, SY and Seo, I and Park, NJ and Lee, YH and Park, JY and Han, HS and Shin, JH and Chong, GO},
title = {Metagenomic insight into the vaginal microbiome in women infected with HPV 16 and 18.},
journal = {NPJ biofilms and microbiomes},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {105},
pmid = {40506497},
issn = {2055-5008},
mesh = {Female ; Humans ; *Vagina/microbiology/virology ; *Human papillomavirus 16/genetics/isolation & purification ; *Papillomavirus Infections/virology/microbiology ; *Microbiota/genetics ; Metagenomics ; *Human papillomavirus 18/genetics/isolation & purification ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/virology/microbiology ; Metagenome ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; },
abstract = {Human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 and 18 (HPV 16/18) account for over 70% of cervical cancer (CC) cases, yet their interaction with the vaginal microbiome (VM) remains unclear. This study explored the association between high-risk HPV types (HR-HPVs), VM composition and bacterial function using shotgun metagenomic sequencing. In early-stage cervical lesions, the HPV 16/18 group showed reduced Lactobacillus-dominant community state types compared to other HR-HPVs, while invasive CC exhibited increased pathogenic bacteria, including Streptococcus agalactiae, Fannyhessea vaginae, and Sneathia vaginalis. The VM associated with HPV 16/18 was enriched in immune response and inflammation pathways, whereas other HR-HPVs were linked to cellular metabolism and hormonal signaling. Notably, HPV 16/18 exhibited stronger bacterial-fungal correlations, indicating shifts in the microbial community. Furthermore, 137 metagenome-assembled genomes provided insights into unique microbial genomic signatures. Our study links VM differences with HPV 16/18 oncogenic potential across cervical lesion stages, urging further research for better diagnostics and treatments.},
}

Female
Humans
*Vagina/microbiology/virology
*Human papillomavirus 16/genetics/isolation & purification
*Papillomavirus Infections/virology/microbiology
*Microbiota/genetics
Metagenomics
*Human papillomavirus 18/genetics/isolation & purification
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/virology/microbiology
Metagenome
Adult
Middle Aged

@article {pmid40506443,
year = {2025},
author = {Bredon, M and Hausfater, P and Khalki, L and Tijani, Y and Cheikh, A and Brot, L and Creusot, L and Rolhion, N and Trottein, F and Lambeau, G and Georgin-Lavialle, S and Bleibtreu, A and Baudel, JL and Lefèvre, A and Emond, P and Tubach, F and Simon-Tillaux, N and Simon, T and Gorochov, G and Zaid, Y and Sokol, H},
title = {Gut microbiota alterations are linked to COVID-19 severity in North African and European populations.},
journal = {NPJ biofilms and microbiomes},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {106},
pmid = {40506443},
issn = {2055-5008},
support = {ANR-23-CE15-0014-01, GUTSY//AAP générique 2022/ ; ANR-23-CE15-0014-01, GUTSY//AAP générique 2022/ ; PR-BLV-20220527//Balvi Filantropic Fund/ ; RPH20003DDP//DIM One Health 2020/ ; },
mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; *COVID-19/microbiology/pathology ; *Dysbiosis/microbiology ; Feces/microbiology ; France/epidemiology ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics ; Metagenomics ; Morocco/epidemiology ; North African People ; Severity of Illness Index ; },
abstract = {Although COVID-19 primarily affects the respiratory system, many patients experience gastrointestinal symptoms, suggesting a role for the gut microbiota in disease pathogenesis. To explore this, we performed shotgun metagenomic sequencing on stool samples from 200 COVID-19 patients and 102 healthy controls in Morocco and France. Despite geographic differences in microbiota composition, patients with COVID-19 in both continents exhibited significant gut microbiota alterations, which were more pronounced in severe cases, with similar features compared with controls. Functional pathways, including L-Tryptophan biosynthesis, were disrupted, particularly in patients with severe disease. Machine learning models accurately predicted disease severity based on gut microbial profiles in the Moroccan cohort, though not in the French cohort. These results highlight consistent microbiota changes associated with COVID-19 and support a potential link between gut dysbiosis and disease severity.},
}

Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
*COVID-19/microbiology/pathology
*Dysbiosis/microbiology
Feces/microbiology
France/epidemiology
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics
Metagenomics
Morocco/epidemiology
North African People
Severity of Illness Index

@article {pmid40503898,
year = {2025},
author = {Han, H and Ji, M and Li, Y and Gong, X and Song, W and Zhou, J and Ma, K and Zhou, Y and Liu, X and Wang, M and Li, Y and Tu, Q},
title = {Tracing non-fungal eukaryotic diversity via shotgun metagenomes in the complex mudflat intertidal zones.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0041325},
doi = {10.1128/msystems.00413-25},
pmid = {40503898},
issn = {2379-5077},
abstract = {Eukaryotes, both micro- and macro-, constitute the dominant component of Earth's biosphere visible to the naked eye. Although relatively big in organismal size, tracing eukaryotic diversity in complex environments is not easy. For example, they may actively escape from sampling and be physically absent from the collected samples. In this study, we strived to recover non-fungal eukaryotic DNA sequences from typical shotgun metagenomes in the complex mudflat intertidal zones. Multiple recently developed approaches for identifying eukaryotic sequences from shotgun metagenomes were comparatively assessed. Considering the low overlap among different approaches, an integrative workflow was proposed. The integrative workflow was then used to recover the eukaryotic communities in complex intertidal sediments. The temporal dynamics of intertidal eukaryotic communities were investigated through a time-series sampling effort. Thirty-four non-fungal eukaryotic phyla were detected from 36 shotgun metagenomes. Clear temporal variation in relative abundance was observed for eukaryotic genera such as Timema and Navicula. Strong temporal turnover of intertidal eukaryotic communities was observed. By comparing to 18S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, dramatically different community profiles were observed between these two approaches. However, the temporal patterns for intertidal eukaryotic communities recovered by both approaches were generally comparable. This study provides valuable technical insights into the recovery of non-fungal eukaryotic information from complex environments and demonstrates an alternative route for reusing the massive metagenomic data sets generated in the past and future.IMPORTANCEEukaryotes represent the dominant component visible to the naked eye and contribute to the primary biomass in the Earth's biosphere. Yet, tracing the eukaryotic diversity in complex environments remains difficult, as they can actively move around and escape from sampling. Here, using the intertidal sediments as an example, we strived to retrieve non-fungal eukaryotic sequences from typical shotgun metagenomes. Compared to 18S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, the shotgun metagenome-based approach resolved dramatically different eukaryotic community profiles, though comparable ecological patterns could be observed. This study paves an alternative way for utilizing shotgun metagenomic data to recover non-fungal eukaryotic information in complex environments, demonstrating significant potential for environmental monitoring and biodiversity investigations.},
}

@article {pmid40500753,
year = {2025},
author = {Bograd, A and Oppenheimer-Shaanan, Y and Levy, A},
title = {Plasmids, prophages, and defense systems are depleted from plant microbiota genomes.},
journal = {Genome biology},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {163},
pmid = {40500753},
issn = {1474-760X},
support = {1535/20//Israeli Science Foundation/ ; 1535/20//Israeli Science Foundation/ ; 1535/20//Israeli Science Foundation/ ; 1001695377//Israeli Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology/ ; 1001695377//Israeli Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology/ ; 1001695377//Israeli Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology/ ; 81259//Israel Innovation Authority/ ; 81259//Israel Innovation Authority/ ; 81259//Israel Innovation Authority/ ; 12-12-0008//Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development/ ; 12-12-0008//Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development/ ; 12-12-0008//Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development/ ; ZN4041//Volkswagen Stiftung/ ; ZN4041//Volkswagen Stiftung/ ; ZN4041//Volkswagen Stiftung/ ; },
mesh = {*Prophages/genetics ; *Plasmids/genetics ; *Plants/microbiology ; *Genome, Bacterial ; *Microbiota/genetics ; Metagenome ; *Bacteria/genetics/virology ; },
abstract = {Plant-associated bacteria significantly impact plant growth and health. Understanding how bacterial genomes adapt to plants can provide insights into their growth promotion and virulence functions. Here, we compare 38,912 bacterial genomes and 6073 metagenomes to explore the distribution of mobile genetic elements and defense systems in plant-associated bacteria. We reveal a consistent taxon-independent depletion of prophages, plasmids, and defense systems in plant-associated bacteria, particularly in the phyllosphere, compared to other ecosystems. The mobilome depletion suggests the presence of unique ecological constraints or molecular mechanisms exerted by plants to control the bacterial mobilomes independently of bacterial immunity.},
}

*Prophages/genetics
*Plasmids/genetics
*Plants/microbiology
*Genome, Bacterial
*Microbiota/genetics
Metagenome
*Bacteria/genetics/virology

@article {pmid40497237,
year = {2025},
author = {Feng, Y and Kuang, G and Pan, Y and Wang, J and Yang, W and Wu, WC and Pan, H and Wang, J and Han, X and Yang, L and Xin, GY and Shan, YT and Gou, QY and Liu, X and Guo, D and Liang, G and Holmes, EC and Gao, Z and Shi, M},
title = {Small mammals in a biodiversity hotspot harbor viruses of emergence risk.},
journal = {National science review},
volume = {12},
number = {6},
pages = {nwae463},
pmid = {40497237},
issn = {2053-714X},
abstract = {Metagenomic sequencing has transformed the understanding of viral diversity in wildlife and the potential threats these viruses pose to human health. Despite this progress, such sequencing studies often have lacked systematic and ecologically informed sampling, thereby likely missing many potential human pathogens and the drivers behind their ecology, evolution and emergence. We conducted an extensive search for viruses in the lungs, spleens and guts of 1688 mammals from 38 species across 428 sites in Yunnan Province, China-a hotspot for zoonoses emergence. We identified 162 mammalian viruses, including 102 new ones and 24 posing potential risks to humans due to their relationships with known human pathogens associated with serious diseases or their ability to cross major host species barriers. Our findings offer an in-depth view of virus organotropism, cross-host associations, host sharing patterns, and the ecological factors influencing viral evolution, all of which are critical for anticipating and mitigating future zoonotic outbreaks.},
}

@article {pmid40495477,
year = {2025},
author = {Hurst, C and Zobel, G and Young, W and Olson, T and Parkar, N and Bracegirdle, J and Hannaford, R and Anderson, RC and Dalziel, JE},
title = {Social Isolation Induces Sex-Specific Differences in Behavior and Gut Microbiota Composition in Stress-Sensitive Rats.},
journal = {Brain and behavior},
volume = {15},
number = {6},
pages = {e70621},
pmid = {40495477},
issn = {2162-3279},
support = {//Smarter Lives: New opportunities for dairy products across the lifespan/ ; C10X1706//Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Male ; Female ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology ; Rats ; *Social Isolation/psychology ; *Stress, Psychological/microbiology/physiopathology ; *Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Rats, Inbred WKY ; Anxiety ; *Sex Characteristics ; Sex Factors ; Cecum/microbiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Social isolation (SI) is an established rat model of chronic stress. We applied this to the stress-sensitive Wistar Kyoto (WKY) strain to explore brain-to-gut interactions associated with mood. Whether SI stress-induced behavioral changes are sex-specific or if they affect the microbiome in WKY is unknown. We hypothesized individually housed (IH) animals would be more anxious than pair-housed (PH), with sex differences. Male and female rats were either IH or PH from 70 to 112 days old and behavior was assessed in modified open field (OFTmod), elevated plus maze (EPM), and novel object recognition (NOR) tests. Cecal content DNA was analyzed by shotgun metagenome sequencing.

RESULTS: IH rats, particularly females, spent more time in the center of the OFTmod where the semi-novel feed was presented compared to PH group rats. There was a tendency for greater distance traveled, or potential hyperactivity, in IH female rats. Males stayed in the EPM closed arms more than females. No treatment difference occurred for recognition memory. SI altered cecal microbiome composition in females where housing was associated with seven differentially abundant taxa and 49 differentially abundant KEGG Level 3 ortholog/gene categories. Several relationships were noted between behavioral traits and relative abundance of microbiome taxa. There was a greater shift in female microbiome composition.

CONCLUSIONS: In summary, behavioral responses to the housing treatment were minimal. IH animals, particularly females, spent more time in the center of an OFT that contained food; this may have been an indication of depression, as opposed to anxiety. Housing status had a differential impact on the microbiome for females compared to males. The associations between cecal microbiota and activity in the modified OFT suggest that dietary interventions that influence the relative abundance of Bifidobacteria, Alistipes, and Muribaculaceae should be explored.},
}

Animals
Male
Female
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology
Rats
*Social Isolation/psychology
*Stress, Psychological/microbiology/physiopathology
*Behavior, Animal/physiology
Rats, Inbred WKY
Anxiety
*Sex Characteristics
Sex Factors
Cecum/microbiology

@article {pmid40494297,
year = {2025},
author = {Hibbett, D and Nagy, LG and Nilsson, RH},
title = {Fungal diversity, evolution, and classification.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {35},
number = {11},
pages = {R463-R469},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2025.01.053},
pmid = {40494297},
issn = {1879-0445},
mesh = {*Fungi/classification/genetics ; Phylogeny ; *Biodiversity ; *Biological Evolution ; },
abstract = {Fungi include mushrooms, molds, lichens, yeasts, and zoosporic forms that occur as free-living or symbiotic organisms in every ecosystem on Earth. About 155,000 species of Fungi have been described, and possibly millions more remain to be named. Recent focus on aquatic habitats has illuminated major groups near the boundary between Fungi and protists. Fungal systematists have made remarkable progress toward resolving the major branches of the phylogeny, although some deep nodes have proven recalcitrant. Fungal taxonomists steadily describe about 3,000 new species per year, and fungal molecular ecologists routinely detect many thousands of unidentifiable 'dark fungi' through metagenomic analyses. To assemble the complete fungal tree of life, it will be necessary to connect the main branches of the phylogeny to information on all described species and integrate the vast and rapidly growing corpus of dark fungi.},
}

*Fungi/classification/genetics
Phylogeny
*Biodiversity
*Biological Evolution

@article {pmid40493399,
year = {2025},
author = {Han, S and Zhang, Q and Zhang, H and Ma, J},
title = {Eucommia ulmoides and its inhibitory effects on prevotella in piglet gut microbiome through metagenomic and metabolomic analysis.},
journal = {Animal biotechnology},
volume = {36},
number = {1},
pages = {2503753},
doi = {10.1080/10495398.2025.2503753},
pmid = {40493399},
issn = {1532-2378},
mesh = {Animals ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects ; *Prevotella/drug effects ; Swine/microbiology/growth & development ; *Eucommiaceae/chemistry ; Animal Feed/analysis ; Metagenomics ; Metabolomics ; Diet/veterinary ; Dietary Supplements ; Feces/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Eucommia ulmoides (EU) is a traditional medicinal plant widely cultivated across China. The combination of EU and feed significantly affects the growth performance, intestinal microbiota composition, and metabolic characteristics of weaned piglets. Forty Landrace x Yorkshire piglets were randomly assigned to four groups: a control group receiving a basal diet, three treatment groups receiving a basal diet supplemented with EU and EU with mix energy (EU+ME), and EU with high protein and energy (EU+HPE), respectively. Growth performance was monitored over a 25-day feeding period, and fecal samples were collected for subsequent metagenomic sequencing and metabolomic analysis. Piglets supplemented with EU, EU+ME, and EU+HPE exhibited significantly improved growth performance, compared to the control group. Metagenomic analysis revealed significant alterations in gut microbiota composition, with increased beneficial bacterial classes and suppression of Prevotella spp. Metabolomic profiling demonstrated distinct metabolic alterations among the treatment groups, with pathway impact analysis highlighting enhanced protein synthesis and energy metabolism. Furthermore, EU supplementation did not affect porcine epidemic diarrhea virus activity in vitro but reduced LPS-induced intestinal inflammation. These findings suggest that EU could be a promising natural additive for improving piglet health and growth, with potential implications for managing post-weaning challenges in swine production.},
}

Animals
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects
*Prevotella/drug effects
Swine/microbiology/growth & development
*Eucommiaceae/chemistry
Animal Feed/analysis
Metagenomics
Metabolomics
Diet/veterinary
Dietary Supplements
Feces/microbiology

@article {pmid40491436,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, D and Zhang, DY and Chen, SJ and Lv, YT and Huang, SM and Chen, C and Zeng, F and Chen, RX and Zhang, XD and Xiong, JX and Chen, FD and Jiang, YH and Chen, Z and Mo, CY and Chen, JJ and Zhu, XL and Zhang, LJ and Bai, FH},
title = {Long-term alterations in gut microbiota following mild COVID-19 recovery: bacterial and fungal community shifts.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1565887},
pmid = {40491436},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/microbiology ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *Fungi/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Female ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Male ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Feces/microbiology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Mycobiome ; Probiotics ; Metagenomics ; China ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: COVID-19 has had a profound impact on public health globally. However, most studies have focused on patients with long COVID or those in the acute phase of infection, with limited research on the health of individuals who have recovered from mild COVID-19. This study investigates the long-term changes in bacterial and fungal communities in individuals recovering from mild COVID-19 and their clinical relevance.

METHODS: Healthy individuals from Hainan Province were enrolled before the COVID-19 outbreak, along with individuals recovering from COVID-19 at 3 months and 6 months post-recovery. Stool, blood samples, and metadata were collected. Metagenomic sequencing and Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) analysis characterized bacterial and fungal communities, while bacterial-fungal co-occurrence networks were constructed. A random forest model evaluated the predictive capacity of key taxa.

RESULTS: The gut microbiota of COVID-19 recoverees differed significantly from that of healthy individuals. At 3 months post-recovery, probiotics (e.g., Blautia massiliensis and Kluyveromyces spp.) were enriched, linked to improved metabolism, while at 6 months, partial recovery of probiotics (e.g., Acidaminococcus massiliensis and Asterotremella spp.) was observed alongside persistent pathogens (e.g., Streptococcus equinus and Gibberella spp.). Dynamic changes were observed, with Acidaminococcus massiliensis enriched at both baseline and 6 months but absent at 3 months. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed synergies between bacterial (Rothia spp.) and fungal (Coprinopsis spp.) taxa, suggesting their potential roles in gut restoration. The bacterial random forest model (10 taxa) outperformed the fungal model (8 taxa) in predicting recovery status (AUC = 0.99 vs. 0.80).

CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the significant long-term impacts of mild COVID-19 recovery on gut microbiota, with key taxa influencing metabolism and immune regulation, supporting microbiome-based strategies for recovery management.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/microbiology
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
*Fungi/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Female
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Male
Adult
Middle Aged
Feces/microbiology
SARS-CoV-2
*Mycobiome
Probiotics
Metagenomics
China

@article {pmid40490984,
year = {2025},
author = {Vargas, BO and Carazzolle, MF and Galhardo, JP and José, J and de Souza, BC and Correia, JBL and Santos, JRD and Pereira, GAG and de de Mello, FDSB},
title = {Engineering Saccharomyces Cerevisiae With Novel Functional Xylose Isomerases From Rumen Microbiota for Enhanced Biofuel Production.},
journal = {Biotechnology journal},
volume = {20},
number = {6},
pages = {e70050},
pmid = {40490984},
issn = {1860-7314},
support = {//National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels/ ; JPG: 88887.479699/2020-0//National Council for the Improvement of Higher Education/ ; JRS: 142340/2020-0//National Council for the Improvement of Higher Education/ ; BCS: 2022/05001-4//Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa no Estado de São Paulo/ ; },
mesh = {*Saccharomyces cerevisiae/genetics/metabolism/enzymology ; Animals ; *Rumen/microbiology ; *Biofuels ; Sheep ; Xylose/metabolism ; Cattle ; Camelus/microbiology ; *Metabolic Engineering/methods ; Ethanol/metabolism ; Fermentation ; Microbiota/genetics ; Aldose-Ketose Isomerases ; },
abstract = {Xylose metabolism in Saccharomyces cerevisiae remains a significant bottleneck due to the difficulty in identifying functional and efficient xylose isomerases (XI). In the present study, publicly available metagenomic and metatranscriptomic datasets of rumen microbiota from different herbivorous mammals were used to prospect novel XIs sequences. Seven putative XIs from moose, camel, cow, and sheep were cloned into a strain modified for xylose metabolism. Out of those, five XIs demonstrated activity and efficiently converted xylose into xylulose, resulting in ethanol as the final product. A XI from camel rumen microbiota exhibited a KM of 16.25 mM, indicating high substrate affinity. The strains expressing enzymes XI11 and XI12, obtained from sheep rumen microbiota, were able to deplete 40 g/L of xylose within 72 and 96 h, achieving theoretical ethanol yields of 90% and 88%, respectively. These results are comparable to those obtained with Orpinomyces sp. ukk1 XI, a benchmark enzyme previously reported as highly efficient in S. cerevisiae. This study also provides the first report on the successful expression of XIs mined from the ruminal microbiotas of sheep and camels in S. cerevisiae, expanding the perspectives for the optimization of fermentation processes and the production of lignocellulosic biofuels from xylose.},
}

*Saccharomyces cerevisiae/genetics/metabolism/enzymology
Animals
*Rumen/microbiology
*Biofuels
Sheep
Xylose/metabolism
Cattle
Camelus/microbiology
*Metabolic Engineering/methods
Ethanol/metabolism
Fermentation
Microbiota/genetics
Aldose-Ketose Isomerases

@article {pmid40489326,
year = {2025},
author = {Sun, Y and Guo, K and Tang, J and Zhao, J and Zhang, X and Yan, Y and Yuan, L and Zhang, Y and Qiu, C and Luo, J and Zhang, W and Fang, H and Chen, J},
title = {Changes of respiratory microbiota associated with prognosis in pulmonary infection patients with invasive mechanical ventilation-supported respiratory failure.},
journal = {Annals of medicine},
volume = {57},
number = {1},
pages = {2514093},
pmid = {40489326},
issn = {1365-2060},
mesh = {Humans ; Male ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; *Respiration, Artificial/methods/adverse effects ; Prognosis ; *Respiratory Insufficiency/therapy/microbiology/mortality ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; *Microbiota/genetics ; Intensive Care Units/statistics & numerical data ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; *Respiratory Tract Infections/microbiology/mortality ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use ; Risk Factors ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Respiratory failure (RF) is an important cause of intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mortality due to respiratory diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical performance of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) testing in pathogen diagnosis, medication guidance and to explore dynamic changes in the respiratory microbiota associated with prognosis.

METHODS: This multicenter retrospective study enrolled ICU patients from five hospitals who underwent invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) and had pathogenic microorganisms identified by both mNGS and conventional microbiological tests (CMT) from December 2021 to April 2024. Patients were classified into two groups based on discharge outcomes: survivors (n=122) and non-survivors (n=35).

RESULTS: Compared with the survivors, non-survivors had a significantly higher proportion of smokers, dyspnea, type I RF, blood urea nitrogen, and C-reactive protein (p < 0.05). All the above indicators were identified as independent risk factors for mortality, except for type I RF. mNGS showed a better performance for pathogen identification than CMT in both groups, and nearly 60% showed consistent results between the two methods. Among survivors, antibiotic adjustment was mainly based on mNGS results (35.25%), whereas non-survivors more frequently received adjustments based on mNGS and CMT results (34.29%). The richness and abundance of lung microorganisms in the non-survivors were significantly lower than those in the survivors (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: mNGS is a promising method for identifying pathogens in pulmonary infections in IMV-supported RF patients and for exploring changes in lung microbial composition to provide a reference for patient prognosis.},
}

Humans
Male
Female
Retrospective Studies
*Respiration, Artificial/methods/adverse effects
Prognosis
*Respiratory Insufficiency/therapy/microbiology/mortality
Middle Aged
Aged
*Microbiota/genetics
Intensive Care Units/statistics & numerical data
High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
*Respiratory Tract Infections/microbiology/mortality
Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use
Risk Factors

@article {pmid40488306,
year = {2025},
author = {Yoshimura, E and Hamada, Y and Hatamoto, Y and Nakagata, T and Nanri, H and Nakayama, Y and Iwasaka, C and Hayashi, T and Suzuki, I and Ando, T and Ishikawa-Takata, K and Tanaka, S and Ono, R and Araki, M and Kawashima, H and Chen, YA and Park, J and Hosomi, K and Mizuguchi, K and Kunisawa, J and Miyachi, M},
title = {Effect of short-term dietary intervention on fecal serotonin, gut microbiome-derived tryptophanase, and energy absorption in a randomized crossover trial: an exploratory analysis.},
journal = {Gut microbes},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {2514137},
pmid = {40488306},
issn = {1949-0984},
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *Feces/chemistry/microbiology ; Cross-Over Studies ; Male ; *Serotonin/analysis/metabolism ; Adult ; Female ; Young Adult ; *Tryptophanase/metabolism/analysis/genetics ; Energy Metabolism ; *Diet ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; },
abstract = {In this study, we investigated the effects of short-term energy loads on changes in gut microbiome-derived tryptophanase and fecal serotonin levels and their association with variations in energy absorption. This randomized crossover energy-load intervention study included 15 healthy participants subjected to three dietary conditions - overfeeding, control, and underfeeding - for eight days. The effects of the dietary conditions on energy absorption (digestible and metabolizable energy) were assessed using a bomb calorimeter. Fecal serotonin levels were assessed using LC-MS/MS, and the gut microbiota was analyzed using the 16S rRNA gene and metagenomic shotgun analysis. Significant differences were observed in digestible energy (p < 0.001), with higher values in the overfeeding than in the control (p = 0.032) conditions. Furthermore, significant differences were noted in metabolizable energy and gut transit time (p < 0.001), both of which were higher in the overfeeding than in the control (metabolizable energy: p = 0.001; gut transit time: p = 0.014) and underfeeding (metabolizable energy: p < 0.001; gut transit time: p = 0.004) conditions. Fecal serotonin levels differed significantly (p < 0.001), with significantly lower levels in the overfeeding than in the control (p = 0.005) and underfeeding (p < 0.001) conditions. Tryptophanase exhibited significant differences (p = 0.0019), with lower gene abundance in the overfeeding than in the underfeeding (p = 0.001) condition. Tryptophanase positively correlated with Bacteroides abundance under all conditions (correlation coefficient: 0.696-0.896). Intra-individual variability in fecal serotonin levels was significantly negatively associated with digestible energy (β = -0.077, p = 0.019). The findings suggest that short-term energy loads dynamically alter fecal serotonin, Bacteroides, and tryptophanase levels. Moreover, changes in fecal serotonin levels might be indirectly associated with energy absorption.},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
*Feces/chemistry/microbiology
Cross-Over Studies
Male
*Serotonin/analysis/metabolism
Adult
Female
Young Adult
*Tryptophanase/metabolism/analysis/genetics
Energy Metabolism
*Diet
Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics

@article {pmid40484531,
year = {2025},
author = {Hu, Q and Cheng, S and Qian, D and Wang, Y and Xie, G and Peng, Q},
title = {Identification of core microbial communities and their influence on flavor-oriented traditional fermented sour cucumbers.},
journal = {Food microbiology},
volume = {131},
number = {},
pages = {104810},
doi = {10.1016/j.fm.2025.104810},
pmid = {40484531},
issn = {1095-9998},
mesh = {Volatile Organic Compounds/metabolism/analysis ; Fermentation ; *Cucumis sativus/microbiology/chemistry ; *Fermented Foods/microbiology/analysis ; Taste ; *Bacteria/metabolism/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; *Flavoring Agents/metabolism ; Humans ; *Microbial Consortia ; Food Microbiology ; *Microbiota ; },
abstract = {Sour cucumber is a traditional fermented vegetable with global popularity, yet its fermentation process often leads to inconsistencies in quality and flavor due to the reliance on natural fermentation. This study identifies 12 core volatile organic compounds (VOCs) contributing to its unique flavor and investigates the key microbial species involved in the fermentation process. Using a synthetic microbial consortium constructed from core microbial species, we successfully replicated the flavor profile of naturally fermented sour cucumbers while enhancing safety by reducing nitrite levels. This approach also reduced bitterness and astringency, while improving sourness and umami, providing a robust framework for standardized production of high-quality fermented vegetables. These findings offer practical solutions for improving flavor quality and ensuring the safety of fermented foods.},
}

Volatile Organic Compounds/metabolism/analysis
Fermentation
*Cucumis sativus/microbiology/chemistry
*Fermented Foods/microbiology/analysis
Taste
*Bacteria/metabolism/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
*Flavoring Agents/metabolism
Humans
*Microbial Consortia
Food Microbiology
*Microbiota

@article {pmid40483623,
year = {2025},
author = {Chi, Y and Luo, M and Ding, C},
title = {The role of microbiota in fish spoilage: biochemical mechanisms and innovative preservation strategies.},
journal = {Antonie van Leeuwenhoek},
volume = {118},
number = {7},
pages = {89},
pmid = {40483623},
issn = {1572-9699},
support = {202411049301XJ//National College Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program Funding Project/ ; },
mesh = {*Fishes/microbiology ; *Microbiota ; Animals ; *Food Preservation/methods ; *Food Microbiology ; *Seafood/microbiology ; *Bacteria/metabolism/classification/genetics ; },
abstract = {Fish spoilage is a microbially-mediated biochemical process resulting in quality deterioration, economic losses, and food safety risks. Studies have indicated that spoilage microbiota are phylogenetically diverse, with Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas, Shewanella, Photobacterium) representing primary spoilage organisms, and Gram-positive bacteria (Lactobacillus, Brochothrix) causing spoilage only under specific conditions. Microorganisms cause spoilage through the utilization of three main metabolic processes: (i) proteolytic degradation of muscle proteins, (ii) lipolytic breakdown of triglycerides, and (iii) production of volatile bioactive organic compounds and biogenic amines. By combining high-throughput sequencing with metabolomics, researchers have been uncovering strain-specific metabolic networks and how they are influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, pH, and packaging. This review systematically examines: (1) patterns of taxonomic succession in spoilage microbiota, (2) enzymatic and biochemical pathways involved in spoilage, and (3) innovative preservation strategies targeting spoilage consortia. Emerging technologies, such as bacteriocin-mediated biopreservation, phage therapy, and modified atmosphere packaging, show considerable promise in inhibiting spoilage organisms while maintaining the sensory qualities of the fish. Microbiome-directed interventions combined with predictive modeling and precision storage systems also represent a novel approach to fish preservation. There is a critical need to integrate traditional microbiology with the use of multi-omic technologies for the development of sustainable, microbiota-based preservation strategies that address global seafood security challenges.},
}

*Fishes/microbiology
*Microbiota
Animals
*Food Preservation/methods
*Food Microbiology
*Seafood/microbiology
*Bacteria/metabolism/classification/genetics

@article {pmid40483486,
year = {2025},
author = {Bergholm, J and Tessema, TS and Blomström, AL and Berg, M},
title = {Metagenomic insights into the complex viral composition of the enteric RNA virome in healthy and diarrheic calves from Ethiopia.},
journal = {Virology journal},
volume = {22},
number = {1},
pages = {188},
pmid = {40483486},
issn = {1743-422X},
support = {2021-04343//Vetenskapsrådet/ ; 2021-04343//Vetenskapsrådet/ ; 2021-04343//Vetenskapsrådet/ ; 2021-04343//Vetenskapsrådet/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Cattle ; Ethiopia/epidemiology ; *Diarrhea/veterinary/virology ; *Virome ; Metagenomics ; *Cattle Diseases/virology ; Feces/virology ; *RNA Viruses/genetics/classification/isolation & purification ; Phylogeny ; Genome, Viral ; RNA, Viral/genetics ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Viruses and the virome have received increased attention in the context of calf diarrhea and with the advancement of high-throughput sequencing the detection and discovery of viruses has been improved. Calf diarrhea, being the main contributor to calf morbidity and mortality, is a major issue within the livestock sector in Ethiopia. However, studies on viruses and the virome in calves is lacking in the country. Therefore, we utilized viral metagenomics to investigate the diversity of RNA viruses in healthy and diarrheic calves from central Ethiopia.

METHODS: Fecal material from 47 calves were collected, pooled, and sequenced using Illumina. Following sequencing, the virome composition and individual viral sequences were investigated using bioinformatic analysis.

RESULTS: The metagenomic analysis revealed the presence of several RNA viruses, including rotavirus and bovine coronavirus, known causative agents in calf diarrhea. In addition, several enteric RNA viruses that have not been detected in cattle in Ethiopia previously, such as norovirus, nebovirus, astrovirus, torovirus, kobuvirus, enterovirus, boosepivirus and hunnivirus were identified. Furthermore, a highly divergent viral sequence, which we gave the working name suluvirus, was found. Suluvirus showed a similar genome structure to viruses within the Picornaviridae family and phylogenetic analysis showed that it clusters with crohiviruses. However, due to its very divergent amino acid sequence, we propose that suluvirus represent either a new genus within the Picornaviridae or a new species within crohiviruses.

CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first characterization of the RNA virome in Ethiopian cattle and the study revealed multiple RNA viruses circulating in both diarrheic and healthy calves, as well as a putative novel virus, suluvirus. Our study highlights that viral metagenomics is a powerful tool in understanding the divergence of viruses and their possible association to calf diarrhea, enabling characterization of known viruses as well as discovery of novel viruses.},
}

Animals
Cattle
Ethiopia/epidemiology
*Diarrhea/veterinary/virology
*Virome
Metagenomics
*Cattle Diseases/virology
Feces/virology
*RNA Viruses/genetics/classification/isolation & purification
Phylogeny
Genome, Viral
RNA, Viral/genetics
High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing

@article {pmid40481853,
year = {2025},
author = {Chaverri, P and Escudero-Leyva, E and Mora-Rojas, D and Calvo-Obando, A and González, M and Escalante-Campos, E and Mesén-Porras, E and Wicki-Emmenegger, D and Rojas-Gätjens, D and Avey-Arroyo, J and Campos-Hernández, M and Castellón, E and Moreira-Soto, A and Drexler, JF and Chavarría, M},
title = {Differential Microbial Composition and Fiber Degradation in Two Sloth Species (Bradypus variegatus and Choloepus hoffmanni).},
journal = {Current microbiology},
volume = {82},
number = {7},
pages = {327},
pmid = {40481853},
issn = {1432-0991},
support = {VI 809-C3-102//Vicerrectoría de Investigación, Universidad de Costa Rica/ ; 57592642//Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/metabolism/isolation & purification ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Cellulose/metabolism ; *Dietary Fiber/metabolism ; *Fungi/classification/metabolism/genetics/isolation & purification ; Metagenomics ; },
abstract = {Sloths have the slowest digestion among mammals, requiring 5-20 times longer to digest food than other herbivores, which suggests differences in their gut microbiota, particularly in plant-fiber-degrading microorganisms. Bradypus variegatus has a lower metabolic rate and moves less than Choloepus hoffmanni. However, no comprehensive studies have compared the microbiota (e.g., fungi) of these species. We hypothesized that differences in digestion and metabolism between the two species would be reflected in their microbiota composition and functionality, which we characterized using metagenomics, metabarcoding, and cellulose degradation. Results revealed significant differences in microbiota composition and functionality. Both species are dominated by bacteria; fungi comprised only 0.06-0.5% of metagenomic reads. Neocallimastigomycota, an anaerobic fungus involved in fiber breakdown in other herbivores, was found in low abundance, especially in B. variegatus. Bacterial communities showed subtle differences: C. hoffmanni was dominated by Bacillota and Bacteroidota, while B. variegatus showed higher Actinomycetota. Expected herbivore bacterial taxa (e.g., Fibrobacter and Prevotella) were scarce. Functional analysis showed a low abundance of carbohydrate-active enzymes essential for polysaccharide breakdown. Cellulose degradation assays confirmed that sloths digest only ~ 3-30% of ingested plant material. This research sheds light on the potential multidirectional links between the gut microbiota, metabolism, and digestion.},
}

Animals
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/metabolism/isolation & purification
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Cellulose/metabolism
*Dietary Fiber/metabolism
*Fungi/classification/metabolism/genetics/isolation & purification
Metagenomics

@article {pmid40475999,
year = {2025},
author = {Hwang, D and Chong, E and Li, Y and Li, Y and Roh, K},
title = {Deciphering the gut microbiome's metabolic code: pathways to bone health and novel therapeutic avenues.},
journal = {Frontiers in endocrinology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1553655},
pmid = {40475999},
issn = {1664-2392},
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology ; *Bone and Bones/metabolism ; Animals ; Probiotics/therapeutic use ; *Bone Remodeling/physiology ; *Osteoporosis/metabolism/microbiology/therapy ; Prebiotics ; Fecal Microbiota Transplantation ; Bone Diseases/metabolism/microbiology/therapy ; },
abstract = {The gut microbiome plays an important role in the protection against various systemic diseases. Its metabolic products profoundly influence a wide range of pathophysiological events, including the regulation of bone health. This review discusses the recently established connections between the gut microbiome and bone metabolism, focusing on the impact of microbiome-derived metabolites such as SCFAs, Bile Acids, and tryptophan to the control of bone remodeling and immunoreactions. Recent advances in metagenomics and microbiome profiling have unveiled new exciting therapeutic opportunities, ranging from the use of probiotics, prebiotics, engineered microbes, and to fecal microbiota transplantation. Understanding of the interplay among diet, microbiota, and bone health provides new avenues for tailored interventions aimed at reducing disease risk in osteoporosis and other related disorders. By drawing knowledge from microbiology, metabolism, and bone biology, this review highlights the potential of microbiome-targeted therapies to transform skeletal health and the management of bone diseases.},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology
*Bone and Bones/metabolism
Animals
Probiotics/therapeutic use
*Bone Remodeling/physiology
*Osteoporosis/metabolism/microbiology/therapy
Prebiotics
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation
Bone Diseases/metabolism/microbiology/therapy

@article {pmid40475346,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, Z and Wei, X and Piao, L and Zhang, X and Wang, H},
title = {Gut microbiota dysbiosis and metabolic shifts in pediatric norovirus infection: a metagenomic study in Northeast China.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1600470},
pmid = {40475346},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *Dysbiosis/microbiology ; China/epidemiology ; *Caliciviridae Infections/microbiology/virology ; *Norovirus ; Metagenomics ; Feces/microbiology ; Male ; Female ; *Gastroenteritis/virology/microbiology ; Child, Preschool ; Child ; Infant ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Longitudinal Studies ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Norovirus (NoV) is a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in pediatric populations worldwide. However, the role of gut microbiota in NoV pathogenesis remains poorly understood.

METHODS: We conducted a longitudinal metagenomic analysis of fecal samples from 12 NoV-infected children and 13 age-matched healthy controls in Northeast China. Microbial composition and functional pathways were assessed using high-throughput shotgun sequencing and bioinformatic profiling.

RESULTS: NoV infection was associated with significant gut microbial dysbiosis, including increased alpha diversity and distinct taxonomic shifts. Notably, Bacteroides uniformis, Veillonella spp., and Carjivirus communis were enriched in infected individuals. Functional analysis revealed upregulation of metabolic pathways involved in carbohydrate and lipid processing. These microbial and functional alterations persisted over time and correlated with disease severity.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings reveal novel associations between NoV infection and gut microbiota dysbiosis, particularly the enrichment of Bacteroides uniformis, which may influence host-pathogen interactions via metabolic or immune mechanisms. The identified microbial and metabolic signatures offer potential biomarkers for diagnosis and targets for microbiota-based therapeutic strategies in pediatric NoV infection.},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
*Dysbiosis/microbiology
China/epidemiology
*Caliciviridae Infections/microbiology/virology
*Norovirus
Metagenomics
Feces/microbiology
Male
Female
*Gastroenteritis/virology/microbiology
Child, Preschool
Child
Infant
Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Longitudinal Studies
High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing

@article {pmid40473843,
year = {2025},
author = {Wu, S and Wang, S and Wu, Z and Chen, M and Chen, X and Lei, D and Peng, C},
title = {Comparative analysis of the clinical characteristic and lung microbiota in adult and elderly patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {19777},
pmid = {40473843},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {2023K146//Quzhou City science and technology plan project/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Middle Aged ; Male ; Female ; *Tuberculosis, Pulmonary/microbiology/diagnosis/diagnostic imaging ; Aged ; Adult ; *Lung/microbiology/diagnostic imaging ; *Microbiota/genetics ; Retrospective Studies ; Age Factors ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Young Adult ; Aged, 80 and over ; },
abstract = {The proportion of elderly people infected with tuberculosis (TB) is increasing, and misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis are common. This study aimed to explore the diagnostic value of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) for pulmonary TB (PTB) and to investigate age-related differences in lung microbial composition, clinical characteristics and imaging findings among PTB patients. We retrospectively recruited 162 suspected PTB patients, and finally 143 patients were used in this analysis. Patients were classified into two groups: adult (18 ≤ age < 60, n = 66) and elderly (Age ≥ 60, n = 77). Differences and associations in clinical characteristics, imaging findings, and lung microbiota were analyzed. Compared to adult patients, elderly patients had a higher prevalence of hypertension (31.17% vs. 9.09%, P = 0.0012), fever (20.78% vs. 4.55%, P = 0.0044) and chest tightness (24.68% vs. 10.61%, P = 0.0297), but a lower prevalence of chest pain (7.58% vs. 0%, P = 0.0139). For TB identification, mNGS had the highest positive rate (100%), followed by T-spot (74.75%), GeneXpert (37.80%) and acid-fast staining (AFS) (7.30%), and all the conventional methods showed slight higher positive rates in the elderly group compared to the adult group (P > 0.05). Bilateral lung infection was more common in elderly patients (79.22% vs. 60.61%, P = 0.0148), with infiltration (32.17%, 46/143), shadows (26.57%, 38/143), nodules (20.28%, 29/143), and bronchiectasis (20.28%, 29/143) being the most common imaging features. The diversity of the lung microbial communities was significantly lower in elderly patients compared to adults (P < 0.05). Clinical characteristics, imaging findings, and the top 20 most abundant species in lung microbiota showed significantly positive correlation. This study demonstrates that mNGS has excellent diagnostic value for PTB in both adult and elderly patients. Significant differences in clinical characteristics, imaging, and lung microbial composition were observed between the two groups. Understanding these differences may aid in the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis in elderly patients.},
}

Humans
Middle Aged
Male
Female
*Tuberculosis, Pulmonary/microbiology/diagnosis/diagnostic imaging
Aged
Adult
*Lung/microbiology/diagnostic imaging
*Microbiota/genetics
Retrospective Studies
Age Factors
High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
Young Adult
Aged, 80 and over

@article {pmid40473141,
year = {2025},
author = {Luo, Y and Liao, H and Wu, L and Wu, M and Luo, Y and Yao, Y and Ji, W and Gao, L and Xia, X},
title = {Temperature adaptability drives functional diversity and horizontal gene transfer within microbial communities in Daqu solid-state fermentation.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {433},
number = {},
pages = {132770},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132770},
pmid = {40473141},
issn = {1873-2976},
mesh = {*Fermentation ; *Gene Transfer, Horizontal/genetics ; *Microbiota/genetics ; *Temperature ; Volatile Organic Compounds ; Bacteria/genetics/metabolism ; Phylogeny ; *Wine/microbiology ; *Adaptation, Physiological ; },
abstract = {The spontaneous solid-state fermentation of high-temperature Daqu (HTD) is a temperature-dependent stacking bioprocessing for enriching microbiota and enzymes to guarantee efficient substrate utilization and fermentation. However, there is a lack of clarity regarding how temperature adaptability affects HTD microbial assembly, domestication direction, and metabolic profile. Here, the flavor substances, microbial assembly, metabolic network, and horizontal gene transfer (HGT) events of three HTDs from Renshu (RS), Jiushang (JS), and Maoyuan (MY) were analyzed. 125 volatile compounds were identified, tetramethylpyrazine, 3-methyl-butanoic acid, phenylethyl alcohol, and trimethylpyrazine were clarified as the typical flavor substances. Bacillus and Kroppenstedtia were the shared dominant bacterial genera. Paecilomyces, Aspergillus, Rasamsonia, and Lichtheimia were dominant fungal genera. Differences in flavor metabolism, microbial structure, and key enzyme metabolism are strongly correlated with sample distance. As proximity decreases, the microbial structural and functional metabolic traits tend to exhibit greater similarity. The frequency of HGT events was analyzed using MetaCHIP, 49, 9 and 69 groups of HGT events occurred in RS, JS, and MY, respectively. HGT events occurred most abundantly in Bacillaceae, and the microbial taxa with a closer phylogenetic relationship possessed the highest incidence of HGT. Specifically, the occurrence of HGT was mainly associated with high-temperature adaptability. It was also linked to characteristic flavor metabolism. Our results revealed the effects of temperature stress on microbial regulation of HTD and adaptive transfer of relevant genes in stacked fermented HTDs. This work provides important insights into HTD quality classification and regulation of solid-state fermentation quality and efficiency through microbial domestication.},
}

*Fermentation
*Gene Transfer, Horizontal/genetics
*Microbiota/genetics
*Temperature
Volatile Organic Compounds
Bacteria/genetics/metabolism
Phylogeny
*Wine/microbiology
*Adaptation, Physiological

@article {pmid40472396,
year = {2025},
author = {Zheng, F and Guo, X and Zhang, W and Wang, Y and Hu, E and Guo, X and Su, H and Deng, C},
title = {Insights into the functional characteristics of rhubarb (Rheum officinale Baill) treatment on experimental traumatic brain injury through network pharmacology with metagenomics.},
journal = {Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology},
volume = {143},
number = {},
pages = {156853},
doi = {10.1016/j.phymed.2025.156853},
pmid = {40472396},
issn = {1618-095X},
mesh = {Animals ; *Rheum/chemistry ; Male ; *Brain Injuries, Traumatic/drug therapy ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Mice ; Metagenomics ; Network Pharmacology ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects ; Apoptosis/drug effects ; *Plant Extracts/pharmacology ; Blood-Brain Barrier/drug effects ; Disease Models, Animal ; *Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology ; Neuroprotective Agents/pharmacology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) imposes a heavy burden on society and families owing to its high morbidity and mortality. Rhubarb has been noticed in the Chinese herb for treating TBI. The pharmacological effects include anti-inflammation, anti-bacterial, and purgative. But little is known about its potential mechanism when treating TBI.

PURPOSE: In this study, we profiled the pharmacological and intestinal functional characteristics of rhubarb in post-TBI mice.

METHODS: Fifty adult male C57BL/6 mice were randomly allocated into five groups, including sham, controlled cortical impact (CCI), and rhubarb extract administered at low, medium, and high doses. The impaired neurobehavioral function was assessed using the modified neurological severity score (mNSS) and the wire hang test. hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Nissl staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-nick-end labeling (TUNEL) and immunoglobulin-γ (IgG) staining, immunostaining for GFAP, TNF-α and IL-1β were applied to detect the histological damage, neuronal apoptosis and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, respectively. Subsequently, the network pharmacology approaches was used to identify putative therapeutic targets and the relevant pathway of rhubarb on TBI. In addition, metagenomics and targeted metabolomics revealed the alterations in composition and functions of gut flora and gut-derived serum short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Finally, we depleted the gut microbiota with an antibiotic cocktail (ampicillin, metronidazole, neomycin, vancomycin) to uncover the critical role of gut microbiota on rhubarb function.

RESULTS: Rhubarb reduced brain IgG leakage and neuronal apoptosis after TBI. The network pharmacology analysis identified seven genes as key potential therapeutic targets of rhubarb, and the genes were related to inflammation, oxidant and apoptosis. The enrichment analysis showed that three of the top signal pathways were involved in anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis and anti-oxidant. The metagenomics analysis showed that rhubarb reshaped the structure and abundance of gut microbiota in TBI. The altered function of gut microbiota was enriched in the improvement of carbohydrate metabolism, gut-derived serum SCFAs and microbial resistance. Finally, gut microbiota depletion confirmed the effects of rhubarb on post-TBI IgG leakage and neuronal apoptosis were depended on gut microbiota.

CONCLUSIONS: Rhubarb may treat TBI by effects of targeting inflammatory factors and oxidant factors to inhibit neuronal apoptosis and protect the BBB. The therapeutic effects of rhubarb are partly mediated by altering gut microbiota. Our findings not only highlight a holistic and microbial potential of rhubarb's therapeutic functional actions but also elucidate previously unrecognized therapeutic development of novel targets and strategies for TBI therapies by rhubarb.},
}

Animals
*Rheum/chemistry
Male
*Brain Injuries, Traumatic/drug therapy
Mice, Inbred C57BL
Mice
Metagenomics
Network Pharmacology
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects
Apoptosis/drug effects
*Plant Extracts/pharmacology
Blood-Brain Barrier/drug effects
Disease Models, Animal
*Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology
Neuroprotective Agents/pharmacology

@article {pmid40468430,
year = {2025},
author = {Khoiri, AN and Costa, NR and Crusciol, CAC and Pariz, CM and Costa, C and Calonego, JC and de Castilhos, AM and de Souza, DM and de Lima Meirelles, PR and Cru, IV and Moretti, LG and Bossolani, JW and Kuramae, EE},
title = {Pigeon pea-mediated soil microbial shifts improve agroecosystem multifunctionality in long-term maize-palisade grass intercropping.},
journal = {Environmental microbiome},
volume = {20},
number = {1},
pages = {60},
pmid = {40468430},
issn = {2524-6372},
support = {#2014/21772-4 and #2014/14935-4//São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP)/ ; #458225/2014-2//National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq)/ ; 1378/14//Fundação Agrisus/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Intercropping systems enhance agricultural sustainability by promoting ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF). This study examined the impact of adding pigeon pea (M + PG + PP) into a maize-palisade grass (M + PG) intercropping system under a no-till system (NTS) on soil microbial communities and ecosystem services. After five consecutive growing seasons, bulk soil samples from a soybean-based crop-livestock system were analyzed using metagenomics.

RESULTS: The inclusion of pigeon pea significantly improved the EMF index, with higher plant productivity and slightly enhanced outcomes in soil health, lamb meat productivity, and climate protection. The M + PG + PP treatment enriched Bradyrhizobium spp., which were positively correlated with soil health, plant productivity, and EMF index. Functional analysis indicated that M + PG + PP treatment enhanced nitrogen metabolism, biofilm formation, and exopolysaccharide (EPS) biosynthesis, improving soil fertility and microbial activity. Similarly, functional analysis of microbial plant growth-promoting traits revealed that the M + PG + PP treatment promoted microbial functions related to nitrogen and iron acquisition, sulfur assimilation, and plant colonization, all essential for plant growth and nutrient cycling. In contrast, the M + PG treatment primarily enhanced pathways related to competitive exclusion and phytohormone production.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the importance of incorporating legumes such as pigeon pea into intercropping systems to optimize ecosystem services, enhance soil health, and promote long-term agricultural productivity and sustainability.},
}

@article {pmid40468269,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, B and Yang, Y and Xu, B and Song, P and Jiang, F and Gao, H and Cai, Z and Gu, H and Zhang, T},
title = {Comparative macrogenomics reveal plateau adaptation of gut microbiome in cervids.},
journal = {BMC biology},
volume = {23},
number = {1},
pages = {154},
pmid = {40468269},
issn = {1741-7007},
mesh = {*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics ; Animals ; *Deer/microbiology/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Metagenome ; Metagenomics ; *Adaptation, Physiological/genetics ; Energy Metabolism ; Biological Evolution ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Diverse gut microbiota in animals significantly influences host physiology, ecological adaptation, and evolution. However, the specific functional roles of gut microbiota in facilitating host adaptation, as well as the coevolutionary dynamics between microbiota and their hosts, remain largely understudied.

RESULTS: A total of 41,847 metagenome-assembled genomes and 3193 high-quality species-level genome bins were generated, establishing a comprehensive gut microbiome catalog for cervids in this study. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a coevolutionary relationship between cervids and their gut microbiota. Comparative metagenomic analyses further indicated that the gut microbiota of plateau cervids have undergone genome-level adaptations related to energy metabolism. At the genus level, species-level genome bins from the genera Alistipes and Faecousia in plateau cervids exhibit enhanced energy metabolism capabilities. Structural variations analysis revealed that the insertion and duplications structural variations in the gut microbiota of plateau cervids were significantly enriched in energy metabolism pathways. In contrast, the deletions and contractions in structural variations were predominantly enriched with metabolic pathways involved in the biosynthesis of diverse biochemical molecules.

CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides a comprehensive gut microbiome catalog of the cervid gut microbiota, revealing the coevolutionary relationship between cervid gut microbiota and hosts. These findings highlight the adaptive genomic evolution of the gut microbiota in contributing to the plateau adaptability of cervids and offer new insights into the mechanisms by which the gut microbiota help hosts adapt to extreme environments.},
}

*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics
Animals
*Deer/microbiology/genetics
Phylogeny
Metagenome
Metagenomics
*Adaptation, Physiological/genetics
Energy Metabolism
Biological Evolution

@article {pmid40468214,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, X and Chen, H and Wu, L and Guo, X and Xue, D},
title = {Diversity and correlation analysis of microbiomes and metabolites of Sphagnum palustre in various microhabitats.},
journal = {BMC plant biology},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {761},
pmid = {40468214},
issn = {1471-2229},
support = {2019QZKK0304//Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition/ ; QNTS202201//Youth Innovation Program of CIB/ ; 2022376//Youth Innovation Promotion Association of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/ ; 2021JDTD011//Youth Science and Technology Innovation Team Program of Sichuan Province of China/ ; },
mesh = {*Microbiota ; *Sphagnopsida/microbiology/metabolism ; Ecosystem ; Soil Microbiology ; Bacteria/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Sphagnum peat mosses are crucial contributors to global carbon sequestration and are a dominant presence in many northern peatland environments. These mosses host a wide variety of microorganisms, which reside within their tissues and on their surfaces. Despite this close association, the connection between these microorganisms and the production of metabolites across different parts of Sphagnum remains unclear.

RESULTS: This research explored the connection between microbial diversity and metabolite production in various microhabitats of Sphagnum palustre by employing metagenomic and metabolomic techniques. Our results indicate that the S. palustre microbiome composition is more strongly influenced by microhabitat than by geographic location. Microbiome diversity microbiomes related to S. palustre showed a steady decrease from soil to near soil, from X to CAP, and from belowground to aboveground habitats. In contrast, network complexity increased. Species abundance analysis indicated that Proteobacteria was the most prevalent bacterial phylum across CAP, S, Z, and X. Additionally, Ascomycota emerged as the predominant fungal phylum. There were significant differences in nitrogen fixation activity, methane oxidation activity, total nitrogen, and total carbon among different microhabitats. The FAPROTAX analysis revealed differences in the metabolic potential of the carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycles across the four microhabitats. LC-MS/MS technology was employed to quantitatively assess metabolites across various S. palustre microhabitats. A total of 3,822 metabolites and 353 differential metabolites were detected, predominantly including lipids, organic acids, and carboxylic acids. The majority of these differential metabolites were associated with metabolic pathways such as carotenoid biosynthesis, steroid biosynthesis, secondary bile acid biosynthesis, as well as the biosynthesis of neomycin, kanamycin, and gentamicin. Correlation analysis revealed both positive and negative relationships between microorganisms and differential metabolites. Methylocystis, which was significantly enriched in X and T, showed a strong positive correlation with differential metabolites in S vs T and Z vs X, but a negative correlation with those in X vs T (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: In summary, our study demonstrates that Sphagnum palustre microbiomes are primarily influenced by microhabitats rather than specific environmental conditions at different sites. We identified significant variations in microbial community diversity across various S. palustre microhabitats. Correlation analysis revealed links between microorganisms and differential metabolic processes. This comprehensive investigation of aboveground and belowground microbiomes and metabolites in S. palustre provides new insights into the distribution of microbial communities and metabolites across different microhabitats.},
}

*Microbiota
*Sphagnopsida/microbiology/metabolism
Ecosystem
Soil Microbiology
Bacteria/genetics/metabolism

@article {pmid40467587,
year = {2025},
author = {Xiong, S and Xie, B and Yin, N and Zhu, H and Gao, H and Xu, X and Xiao, K and Cai, X and Sun, G and Sun, X and Cui, Y and Van de Wiele, T and Zhu, Y},
title = {Prenatal exposure to trace elements impacts mother-infant gut microbiome, metabolome and resistome during the first year of life.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {5186},
pmid = {40467587},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {No. L232076//Natural Science Foundation of Beijing Municipality (Beijing Natural Science Foundation)/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects/genetics ; Female ; Pregnancy ; Infant ; *Trace Elements/adverse effects ; *Metabolome/drug effects ; Feces/microbiology ; *Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects/microbiology/metabolism ; Adult ; Male ; Metagenomics ; Hair/chemistry ; *Maternal Exposure/adverse effects ; Infant, Newborn ; Bacteria/genetics/classification/drug effects ; Copper ; },
abstract = {Infancy is a critical window for the colonization of gut microbiome. However, xenobiotic impacts on gut microbiome development in early life remain poorly understood. Here, we recruit 146 mother-infant pairs and collect stool samples at 3, 6, and 12 months after delivery for amplicon sequencing (N = 353), metagenomics (N = 65), and metabolomics (N = 198). Trace elements in maternal hair samples (N = 119) affect diversity and composition of the infant gut microbiome. Shannon diversity in 3 month-old infants is correlated positively with selenium and negatively with copper, and relative abundance of Bifidobacterium increases under high exposure to aluminum and manganese. During the first year of life, infants and their paired mothers have distinct microbial diversity and composition, and their bacterial community structures gradually approach. here are 56 differential metabolites between the first and second visit and 515 differential metabolites between the second and third visit. The typical profile of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) significantly differs between infants and their mothers. High levels of copper and arsenic exposure may induce the enrichment of ARGs in the infant gut. Our findings highlight the dynamics of the gut microbiome, metabolites, and ARG profiles of mother-infant pairs after delivery, associated with prenatal exposure to trace elements.},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects/genetics
Female
Pregnancy
Infant
*Trace Elements/adverse effects
*Metabolome/drug effects
Feces/microbiology
*Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects/microbiology/metabolism
Adult
Male
Metagenomics
Hair/chemistry
*Maternal Exposure/adverse effects
Infant, Newborn
Bacteria/genetics/classification/drug effects
Copper

@article {pmid40467244,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, S and Rao, C and Zang, X and Yang, Y and Yang, W and Huang, X and Li, J and Sun, J and Liu, Y and Ye, D},
title = {Characterization of aroma active compounds and microbial communities in spontaneously fermented Vitis quinquangularis wines.},
journal = {Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)},
volume = {214},
number = {},
pages = {116676},
doi = {10.1016/j.foodres.2025.116676},
pmid = {40467244},
issn = {1873-7145},
mesh = {*Wine/analysis/microbiology ; *Fermentation ; *Vitis/microbiology/chemistry ; *Odorants/analysis ; *Volatile Organic Compounds/analysis ; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry ; *Microbiota ; *Food Microbiology ; },
abstract = {This study comprehensively investigated volatile compounds and microbial communities of spontaneously fermented Vitis quinquangularis wines from the Guangxi production regions. The aroma profiles of V. quinquangularis wines were analyzed by GC-O-MS, GC-QQQ-MS/MS, and quantitative descriptive analysis. The wines exhibit predominantly fruity and floral notes, with contributions from esters and (E)-β-damascenone. A distinctive and typical "green and earthy" aroma was observed, with contributions from C6 compounds and volatile phenols such as 1-hexanol, (E)-3-hexen-1-ol, hexanoic acid, 4-vinylguaiacol, eugenol, and isoeugenol. Metagenomics and culturomics analyses indicated that the dominant strains involved in the spontaneous fermentation process were Hanseniaspora opuntiae, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Paenibacillus sp., Sphingomonas sp., and Bacillus sp. Additionally, microorganisms from sixteen generas, including Actinomycetospora and Ameyamaea, etc., along with six enzymes like EC 1.1.1.1 and EC 1.1.1.318, etc., were implicated in the production of the "green and earthy" aroma in V. quinquangularis wines.},
}

*Wine/analysis/microbiology
*Fermentation
*Vitis/microbiology/chemistry
*Odorants/analysis
*Volatile Organic Compounds/analysis
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
*Microbiota
*Food Microbiology

@article {pmid40467108,
year = {2025},
author = {Ghensi, P and Heidrich, V and Bazzani, D and Asnicar, F and Armanini, F and Bertelle, A and Dell'Acqua, F and Dellasega, E and Waldner, R and Vicentini, D and Bolzan, M and Trevisiol, L and Tomasi, C and Pasolli, E and Segata, N},
title = {Shotgun Metagenomics Identifies in a Cross-Sectional Setting Improved Plaque Microbiome Biomarkers for Peri-Implant Diseases.},
journal = {Journal of clinical periodontology},
volume = {52},
number = {7},
pages = {999-1010},
pmid = {40467108},
issn = {1600-051X},
support = {//Italian Society of Periodontology and Implantology (SIdP)/ ; //Eklund Foundation/ ; //International Team for Implantology (ITI)/ ; //CLC Scientific S.r.l./ ; //PreBiomics S.r.l./ ; /ERC_/European Research Council/International ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Peri-Implantitis/microbiology/diagnosis ; *Dental Plaque/microbiology ; *Metagenomics/methods ; Male ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; *Microbiota/genetics ; Middle Aged ; Biomarkers/analysis ; *Dental Implants/microbiology ; Aged ; Adult ; Machine Learning ; Mucositis/microbiology ; Stomatitis/microbiology ; },
abstract = {AIM: This observational study aimed to verify and improve the predictive value of plaque microbiome of patients with dental implant for peri-implant diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were included in one of the following study groups according to the health status of their dental implants: (a) healthy, (b) affected by mucositis and (c) affected by peri-implantitis. From each patient, submucosal plaque microbiome samples were collected from the considered dental implant and from a contralateral healthy implant/tooth. After shotgun metagenomic sequencing, the plaque microbiome was profiled taxonomically and functionally with MetaPhlAn 4 and HUMAnN 3, respectively. Taxonomic and functional profiles were fed into machine-learning models, which were then evaluated with cross-validation to assess the extent to which the plaque microbiome could be used to pinpoint peri-implant diseases.

RESULTS: Shotgun metagenomics sequencing was performed for a total of 158 samples spanning 102 individuals. Four-hundred and forty-seven prokaryotic species were identified as part of the peri-implant microbiome, 34% of which were currently uncharacterized species. At the community level, the peri-implant microbiome differed according to the health status of the implant (p ≤ 0.006 for all pairwise comparisons) but this was site-specific, as healthy contralateral sites showed no discriminating microbiome features. Peri-implantitis microbiomes further showed lower inter-subject variability than healthy plaque microbiomes (p < 0.001), while mucositis-associated microbiomes were in the middle of the continuum between health and peri-implantitis. Each health condition was associated with a strong signature of taxonomic and functional microbiome biomarkers (log10 LDA score ≥ 2.5), 30% and 13% of which represented uncharacterized microbial functions and unknown species, respectively. Distinct Fusobacterium nucleatum clades were associated with implant status, highlighting the subspecies F. nucleatum's functional and phenotypic diversity. Machine-learning models trained on taxonomic or functional plaque microbiome profiles were highly accurate in differentiating clinical groups (AUC = 0.78-0.96) and highlighted the extent to which the peri-implant microbiome is associated with peri-implant clinical parameters (AUC = 0.79-0.87).

CONCLUSIONS: Plaque microbiome profiling with shotgun metagenomics revealed consistent associations between microbiome composition and peri-implant diseases. In addition to pointing to peri-implant-associated microbes, warranting further mechanistic studies, we showed high-resolution plaque microbiome evaluation via metagenomics as an effective tool. Its utility within protocols for clinical management of peri-implant diseases should be explored in the future.},
}

Humans
*Peri-Implantitis/microbiology/diagnosis
*Dental Plaque/microbiology
*Metagenomics/methods
Male
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
*Microbiota/genetics
Middle Aged
Biomarkers/analysis
*Dental Implants/microbiology
Aged
Adult
Machine Learning
Mucositis/microbiology
Stomatitis/microbiology

@article {pmid40467000,
year = {2025},
author = {Potrykus, M and Kurpas, M and Gałęzowska, G and Gajewska, M},
title = {Linking chemical contamination to composition of bacterial communities in urban beach sands of a brackish sea under anthropogenic pressure.},
journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)},
volume = {381},
number = {},
pages = {126596},
doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126596},
pmid = {40467000},
issn = {1873-6424},
abstract = {The water quality on recreational beaches is constantly monitored. However, given that beachgoers often spend more time in contact with the sand than the seawater, it is essential to also regularly assess beach sand quality. In this study, 34 beach sand samples were collected in seven locations along the south shore of the Baltic Sea (Europe) between 2022 and 2023. The samples were obtained from recreational beaches with significant anthropogenic pressure. Since the use of new chemicals is widespread, it is imperative to not only monitor known contaminants but also to actively search for the presence of new ones in the environment. In order to establish the connection between the bacterial biodiversity and their possible resilience in the contaminated marine environment, the bacterial abundances in the beach sand were compared based on 16S rDNA sequencing with chemical contamination examined with non-targeted GC-MS. One hundred forty-nine (149) distinct chemicals were detected, many of which are of human health concern. The presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, plasticizers and benzothiazoles in the sand samples was observed, and these contaminants were found to be associated with alterations in the bacterial community structure, characterized by a decrease or increase in certain taxonomic groups. Notably, the bacterial communities exhibited specificity to each location and demonstrated stability throughout the seasons. Furthermore, the presence of DNA from 31 potential human pathogens was detected in the sand. These findings emphasize the necessity for regular monitoring of beach sand for the presence of toxic chemicals and pathogens to safeguard public health and the environment.},
}

@article {pmid40465720,
year = {2025},
author = {de Porto, AP and Dylla, NP and Stutz, M and Lin, H and Khalid, M and Mullowney, MW and Little, J and Rose, A and Moran, D and McMillin, M and Burgo, V and Smith, R and Woodson, C and Metcalfe, C and Ramaswamy, R and Lehmann, C and Odenwald, M and Bandealy, N and Zhao, J and Kim, M and Adler, E and Sundararajan, A and Sidebottom, A and Kress, JP and Wolfe, KS and Pamer, EG and Patel, BK},
title = {Fecal metabolite profiling identifies critically ill patients with increased 30-day mortality.},
journal = {Science advances},
volume = {11},
number = {23},
pages = {eadt1466},
pmid = {40465720},
issn = {2375-2548},
mesh = {Humans ; *Critical Illness/mortality ; *Feces/microbiology/chemistry ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Aged ; Intensive Care Units ; *Metabolome ; Dysbiosis/mortality/microbiology ; Metabolomics/methods ; Prospective Studies ; },
abstract = {Critically ill patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit (MICU) have reduced intestinal microbiota diversity and altered microbiome-associated metabolite concentrations. Metabolites produced by the gut microbiota have been associated with survival of patients receiving complex medical treatments and thus might represent a treatable trait to improve clinical outcomes. We prospectively collected fecal specimens, defined microbiome compositions by shotgun metagenomic sequencing, and quantified microbiota-derived fecal metabolites by mass spectrometry from 196 critically ill patients admitted to the MICU for non-COVID-19 respiratory failure or shock to correlate microbiota features and metabolites with 30-day mortality. Microbiota compositions of the first fecal sample after MICU admission did not independently associate with 30-day mortality. We developed a metabolic dysbiosis score (MDS) that uses fecal concentrations of 13 microbiota-derived metabolites, which predicted 30-day mortality independent of known confounders. The MDS complements existing tools to identify patients at high risk of mortality by incorporating potentially modifiable, microbiome-related, independent contributors to host resilience.},
}

Humans
*Critical Illness/mortality
*Feces/microbiology/chemistry
Male
Female
Middle Aged
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Aged
Intensive Care Units
*Metabolome
Dysbiosis/mortality/microbiology
Metabolomics/methods
Prospective Studies

@article {pmid40465264,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, M and Geng, J and Jin, S and Hu, P and Wang, X and Liu, X},
title = {Alterations of the Enteric Virome in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease.},
journal = {Investigative ophthalmology & visual science},
volume = {66},
number = {6},
pages = {15},
pmid = {40465264},
issn = {1552-5783},
mesh = {Humans ; *Uveomeningoencephalitic Syndrome/virology/microbiology ; Male ; Female ; *Virome/genetics ; Adult ; Case-Control Studies ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Middle Aged ; Bacteria/genetics ; Metagenomics ; Young Adult ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE: This study aims to explore the enteric virome characteristics of Vogt Koyanagi Harada (VKH) disease and its potential role in this disease.

METHODS: Shotgun metagenomic sequencing was used to detect the enteric virome and 16S rRNA to detect the bacteriome in new-onset, untreated patients with VKH (n = 25) and age- and sex-matched healthy controls without autoimmune diseases (n = 25).

RESULTS: Patients with VKH exhibited different enteric viral communities from healthy controls, characterized by decreased richness of core viral communities (present in > 80% of samples) and increased richness of common viral communities (present in 50%-80% of samples). Notably, within the core virus community, bacteriophage richness was markedly reduced, whereas eukaryotic virus richness significantly increased in patients with VKH. The case-control analysis identified 42 differentially abundant viruses, including a decrease in crAss-like phages, the eukaryotic virus Moumouvirus_moumou, and an enrichment of the Chlamydiamicrovirus_CPG1. Most of the differential phages predominantly targeted bacteria from the phyla Pseudomonadota and Firmicutes. The gut virome-bacteria community correlation analysis revealed a shift in the interactions between the core viruses and bacterial communities. Additionally, Wroclawvirus PA5oct (a Pseudomonas phage) correlated with leukotrichia, a clinically relevant symptom of VKH (P = 0.042). The impact of multiple Pseudomonas phages on the host folate biosynthesis was significantly enhanced in patients with VKH. Moreover, the protein (Earp361-372) encoded by VKH-enriched Pseudomonas was identified to share homology with the melanin antigen gp10044-59.

CONCLUSIONS: The gut virome of patients with VKH differs significantly from healthy controls, suggesting its disturbance may contribute to gut microbiome imbalance and VKH development.},
}

Humans
*Uveomeningoencephalitic Syndrome/virology/microbiology
Male
Female
*Virome/genetics
Adult
Case-Control Studies
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Middle Aged
Bacteria/genetics
Metagenomics
Young Adult

@article {pmid40463374,
year = {2025},
author = {Gu, J and Ma, Y and Chang, Q and Chen, L},
title = {Influence of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) knockout on gut microbiota in experimental autoimmune uveitis.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1600673},
pmid = {40463374},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {Animals ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/immunology ; *Uveitis/immunology/microbiology/genetics ; *B7-H1 Antigen/genetics/deficiency ; *Autoimmune Diseases/immunology/microbiology/genetics ; Mice, Knockout ; Mice ; Female ; Disease Models, Animal ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE: Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) is a potential target for autoimmune disease therapies. The gut microbiota plays a critical role in autoimmunity, and may influence therapeutic outcomes of immune therapies in cancer. However, the relationship between PD-L1 and gut microbiota in autoimmune conditions remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the effect of PD-L1 knockout on gut microbiota in an experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) model.

METHODS: EAU was induced via immunization with interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein peptide 651-670 (IRBP651-670) in either wild type (WT) or PD-L1 knockout (KO) C57BL/6J female mice. Sham adjuvant was administered to WT or PD-L1 KO mice as healthy controls. The severity of EAU was evaluated through clinical evaluation and histopathological gradings. The characteristics of gut microbiota was analyzed using metagenomic sequencing.

RESULTS: Each group consisted of three biological replicates. The clinical and histopathological scores of EAU were significantly higher in KO_EAU mice than in WT_EAU mice. WT_EAU mice exhibited lower microbial richness than their healthy controls (WT mice), while PD-L1 KO in EAU mice (KO_EAU group) led to increased richness when compared to wild type EAU mice (WT_EAU group). EAU induced a reduction in the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila A and an increased in CAG-485 sp002362485. PD-L1 knockout in EAU led to an increased abundance of families Bacteroidaceae, Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae. EAU was associated with declining microbial tryptophan metabolism and up-regulated functions related to lipid and carbohydrate metabolism; PD-L1 knockout in EAU further increased the metabolism of glycan and biosynthesis of 3-deoxy-α-D-manno-2-octulosonate (Kdo), a key component of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

CONCLUSION: Both EAU and PD-L1 knockout modulate gut microbiota, affecting microbial composition - particularly Akkermansia, CAG-485, Bacteroidaceae, Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae - and microbial functions such as lipid, carbohydrate and glycan metabolism.},
}

Animals
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/immunology
*Uveitis/immunology/microbiology/genetics
*B7-H1 Antigen/genetics/deficiency
*Autoimmune Diseases/immunology/microbiology/genetics
Mice, Knockout
Mice
Female
Disease Models, Animal
Mice, Inbred C57BL

@article {pmid40462511,
year = {2025},
author = {Qian, LM and Wang, SX and Zhou, W and Qin, ZX and Wang, YN and Zhao, Q and Xu, RH},
title = {Individualized metagenomic network model for colorectal cancer diagnosis: insights into viral regulation of gut microecology.},
journal = {Briefings in bioinformatics},
volume = {26},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {40462511},
issn = {1477-4054},
support = {Y-HR2020QN-0474//Beijing Xisike Clinical Oncology Research Foundation/ ; 84000-31630002//Sun Yat-sen University clinical research 5010 program/ ; CIRP-SYSUCC-0004//Cancer Innovative Research Program of Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center/ ; 2019-I2M-5-036//CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences (CIFMS)/ ; 82173128//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 81930065//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82321003//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {*Colorectal Neoplasms/diagnosis/virology/microbiology/genetics ; Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *Metagenomics/methods ; *Metagenome ; Dysbiosis/virology ; },
abstract = {The role of gut microbiota, especially viruses, in colorectal cancer (CRC) pathogenesis remains unclear. This study investigated the interplay between gut microbiota and CRC development. We developed a viral/bacterial sequence analysis pipeline to reanalyze gut metagenomic datasets from eight CRC studies. A multisample co-occurrence network was constructed to delineate microbiota species interconnections. Our analysis confirmed dysbiosis in CRC patients and revealed enrichment of viral species, particularly those hosted by Lactococcus and Escherichia. These viruses were identified as central hubs in the multikingdom interaction network. We developed a network-based model using single sample networks (SSN) that distinguished CRC patients from controls with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.93. Models combining relative abundance and SSN assessment achieved an AUC of 0.97, outperforming SSN-based models without viral data. This study highlights the crucial role of viruses in the gut microbiome network and their potential as targets for CRC prevention and intervention. Our approach offers a new perspective on noninvasive diagnostic criteria for CRC.},
}

*Colorectal Neoplasms/diagnosis/virology/microbiology/genetics
Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
*Metagenomics/methods
*Metagenome
Dysbiosis/virology

@article {pmid40462165,
year = {2025},
author = {Gao, H and Bai, H and Su, Y and Gao, Y and Fang, H and Li, D and Yu, Y and Lu, X and Xia, D and Mao, D and Luo, Y},
title = {Fecal microbiota transplantation from Helicobacter pylori carriers following bismuth quadruple therapy exacerbates alcohol-related liver disease in mice via LPS-induced activation of hepatic TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling.},
journal = {Journal of translational medicine},
volume = {23},
number = {1},
pages = {627},
pmid = {40462165},
issn = {1479-5876},
support = {42377426//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 42077382//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 21JCYBJC01200//Tianjin Municipal Natural Science Foundation/ ; 2023220//Research Project on Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine of Tianjin Municipal Health Commission/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Fecal Microbiota Transplantation/adverse effects ; *NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/metabolism ; *Helicobacter pylori/physiology/drug effects ; *Signal Transduction/drug effects ; Lipopolysaccharides/pharmacology ; *Bismuth/therapeutic use/pharmacology ; *Toll-Like Receptor 4/metabolism ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects ; *NF-kappa B/metabolism ; *Liver/pathology/metabolism/drug effects ; *Liver Diseases, Alcoholic/microbiology/therapy/pathology ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Helicobacter Infections/microbiology ; Disease Models, Animal ; Humans ; Dysbiosis ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori infection is common in patients with alcohol-related liver disease (ALD), and bismuth quadruple therapy (BQT) is widely used for eradication. However, its impact on ALD remains unclear. This study aims to characterize BQT-induced gut microbiota alterations in asymptomatic H. pylori carriers and evaluate their effect on an ALD mouse model.

METHODS: Metagenomic sequencing was conducted to assess the gut microbiota composition of individuals before and after BQT. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from these donors was performed in an ALD mouse model. Gut microbiota in mice was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. Liver and intestinal parameters were assessed using western blot, RT-qPCR, histopathology, ELISA, and flow cytometry.

RESULTS: BQT treatment significantly altered the gut microbiota in H. pylori carriers, increasing the abundance of opportunistic pathogens, including Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella quasipneumoniae, and Klebsiella variicola, while decreasing beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium, Eubacterium, Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium, and Blautia. In ALD mice receiving FMT from post-BQT donors, exacerbated gut dysbiosis was observed, marked by an enrichment of Enterobacteriaceae and Escherichia-Shigella. These microbiota changes were associated with impairment of intestinal barrier integrity, as evidenced by reduced levels of mucins, tight junction proteins, and antimicrobial peptides, along with a decrease in Treg cells and an increase in Th17 and Th1 cells. Additionally, this dysbiosis led to elevated serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels, which activated the hepatic NLRP3 inflammasome pathway and subsequently increased IL-18 and IL-1β levels. Furthermore, liver function and oxidative stress markers, including ALT, AST, MDA, GSSG/GSH ratio, and SOD, were significantly elevated, indicating severe liver dysfunction and increased oxidative stress. Finally, probiotic supplementation effectively mitigated the negative effects of BQT-induced gut microbiota remodeling on ALD in mice.

CONCLUSIONS: BQT markedly alters the gut microbiota in H. pylori carriers, promoting dysbiosis that exacerbates ALD in mice via LPS-mediated activation of hepatic inflammatory pathways. These findings highlight the need for careful consideration of BQT use in ALD patients.},
}

Animals
*Fecal Microbiota Transplantation/adverse effects
*NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/metabolism
*Helicobacter pylori/physiology/drug effects
*Signal Transduction/drug effects
Lipopolysaccharides/pharmacology
*Bismuth/therapeutic use/pharmacology
*Toll-Like Receptor 4/metabolism
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects
*NF-kappa B/metabolism
*Liver/pathology/metabolism/drug effects
*Liver Diseases, Alcoholic/microbiology/therapy/pathology
Male
Mice
Mice, Inbred C57BL
Helicobacter Infections/microbiology
Disease Models, Animal
Humans
Dysbiosis

@article {pmid40462041,
year = {2025},
author = {Luo, Y and Wu, R and Wu, W and Zhao, D and Jiang, Y and Gu, H},
title = {Differences in pulmonary microbiota of severe community-acquired pneumonia with different pathogenic microorganisms in children.},
journal = {BMC pediatrics},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {449},
pmid = {40462041},
issn = {1471-2431},
support = {82200008//the Youth Program of National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Community-Acquired Infections/microbiology ; Male ; Female ; Child, Preschool ; Haemophilus influenzae/isolation & purification ; Infant ; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid/microbiology ; *Microbiota ; *Lung/microbiology ; Streptococcus pneumoniae/isolation & purification ; Mycoplasma pneumoniae/isolation & purification ; *Pneumonia, Bacterial/microbiology ; Child ; Severity of Illness Index ; Pneumonia, Mycoplasma/microbiology ; C-Reactive Protein/analysis ; Community-Acquired Pneumonia ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is the leading cause of hospitalization and death in children under 5 years old. Recently, the number of children with severe CAP (SCAP) has increased significantly, and local or systemic complications may occur. However, changes in the pulmonary microbiota of SCAP with different pathogens and their relationship with the clinical features of SCAP remain unclear.

METHODS: This study collected bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from 105 children with SCAP for metagenomics next generation sequencing (mNGS). According to the first pathogen of mNGS, the enrolled children were divided into the Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP), Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) and Haemophilus influenzae (HI) groups. We aimed to explore differences in clinical features and pulmonary microbiota of SCAP with different pathogens, and clarify the correlation between pulmonary microbiota and clinical features.

RESULTS: Fever days and the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), D-dimer and heparin-binding protein (HBP) of children in MP group were significantly higher than those in HI group. The level of LDH of children in MP group was significantly higher than that in SP group. The abundance of MP was also positively correlated with fever days and the levels of PCT, LDH and D-dimer. The α diversity of SP group was significantly increased compared to MP group and HI group.

CONCLUSION: Compared to SP-infected and HI-infected children with SCAP, children with SCAP infected with MP tend to have a more intense inflammatory response. The α diversity was higher in the lower airways of children with SCAP and SP infections compared to MP-infected and HI-infected children with SCAP.},
}

Humans
*Community-Acquired Infections/microbiology
Male
Female
Child, Preschool
Haemophilus influenzae/isolation & purification
Infant
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid/microbiology
*Microbiota
*Lung/microbiology
Streptococcus pneumoniae/isolation & purification
Mycoplasma pneumoniae/isolation & purification
*Pneumonia, Bacterial/microbiology
Child
Severity of Illness Index
Pneumonia, Mycoplasma/microbiology
C-Reactive Protein/analysis
Community-Acquired Pneumonia

@article {pmid40460542,
year = {2025},
author = {Smirnova, AV and Verbeke, TJ and Furgason, CC and Albakistani, EA and Nwosu, FC and Kim, JJ and Haupt, ES and Sheremet, A and Lee, ES and Trang, E and Richardson, E and Dacks, JB and Dunfield, PF},
title = {Microbial community development in an oil sands pit lake.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {987},
number = {},
pages = {179764},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179764},
pmid = {40460542},
issn = {1879-1026},
mesh = {*Lakes/microbiology ; *Microbiota ; *Oil and Gas Fields ; Mining ; *Environmental Monitoring ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/analysis ; *Water Microbiology ; Canada ; Bacteria ; },
abstract = {Surface mining and extraction of oil sands in Canada produces fluid tailings that contain several compounds of concern for the environment. One option for mine reclamation is the construction of Pit Lakes (PLs) to contain and remediate these tailings. Ultimately, PLs should support food webs typical of boreal lakes. From 2015 to 2021, we applied 16S/18S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and metagenomics to monitor prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbes in the only full-scale PL of the oil sands industry (Base Mine Lake or BML), and compared it to two control environments: a freshwater reservoir unaffected by tailings, and active tailings ponds receiving regular industrial input. Microbial communities in BML were always intermediate to the two control environments based on alpha and beta diversity analyses. BML communities were highly variable with year, season, and water depth, and contained fewer core species than the freshwater reservoir. Several hydrocarbon degraders and sulfur cycling bacteria were identified as indicator species of tailings ponds, while several phototrophs were indicative of freshwater. However, all of these species were abundant in BML, suggesting that the PL supports food webs characteristic of each control environment. Over the 6-year study, the relative abundances of some common freshwater phytoplankton (Cryptomonas, Mychonastes, Trebouxiophyceae, Cyanobium) and heterotrophic bacteria (Sporichthyaceae, Ca. Fonsibacter, Ilumatobacteraceae, Microbacteriaceae, Ca. Planktophila) increased in BML. The results suggest that microbial communities and processes in BML represent an intermediate state between a tailings pond and a natural freshwater system, and did not stabilize within 10 years of its creation.},
}

*Lakes/microbiology
*Microbiota
*Oil and Gas Fields
Mining
*Environmental Monitoring
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/analysis
*Water Microbiology
Canada
Bacteria

@article {pmid40460541,
year = {2025},
author = {Kang, MG and Kwak, MJ and Kang, A and Park, J and Lee, DJ and Mun, J and Kim, S and Mun, D and Lee, W and Choi, H and Seo, E and Choi, Y and Jeong, KC and Oh, S and Kim, J and Kim, Y},
title = {Metagenome-based microbial metabolic strategies to mitigate ruminal methane emissions using Komagataeibacter-based symbiotics.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {987},
number = {},
pages = {179793},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179793},
pmid = {40460541},
issn = {1879-1026},
mesh = {Animals ; *Methane/metabolism ; *Rumen/microbiology/metabolism ; *Metagenome ; Cattle ; Symbiosis ; Fermentation ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; },
abstract = {Global warming increasingly threatens organisms in equatorial regions, where temperatures often exceed physiological limits. Rumen methanogens are a major biological source of anthropogenic methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Therefore, ruminal methane mitigation strategies that preserve animal productivity are urgently needed. Our In vitro analysis of Holstein steer rumen fluid-integrating gas production, volatile fatty acid (VFA) profiles, and metagenomic data-demonstrated that kombucha, a fermented beverage, effectively reduces methane emissions by modulating ruminal fermentation. Rumen fluid was incubated for 60 h under three treatments (control, 3-NOP, and kombucha). During the initial 30 h, kombucha reduced methane by 15.07 % compared to the control but was 17.54 % higher than 3-NOP. In the subsequent 30 h, kombucha achieved sustained reductions of 34.72 % versus the control and 26.28 % versus 3-NOP, highlighting its uniquely sustained methane-reducing effect. A metagenomics-guided screening and in vitro validation identified Komagataeibacter intermedius SLAM-NK6B as a key strain underlying the methane-reducing effect of kombucha. The genome of SLAM-NK6B encodes biosynthetic gene clusters for cellulose, malate, citrate, and methanobactin-metabolites that can modulate the rumen microbiota. SLAM-NK6B supplementation reduced methanogen abundance by 53.32 % and increased hydrogen pressure, shifting microbial metabolism. Excluding acetate, VFA production increased significantly, with propionate levels elevated by 15.39-43.81 %. Metagenomic data further indicated activation of alternative hydrogen sink pathways, including citrate-to-propionate and malate-to-propionate conversions. This study proposes a novel microbial metabolic strategy for methane mitigation, enabling both methane reduction and enhanced fermentation efficiency. Such metabolic guidance of the rumen microbiome offers a sustainable approach to low-emission ruminant production.},
}

Animals
*Methane/metabolism
*Rumen/microbiology/metabolism
*Metagenome
Cattle
Symbiosis
Fermentation
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome

@article {pmid40459709,
year = {2025},
author = {Quoc, NB and Nhu, LTT and Chau, NNB},
title = {Identification of diet resources of big-eyed bug Geocoris ochropterus (Fieber) (Hemiptera: Geocoridae) by multiplex PCR and shotgun metagenomic approaches.},
journal = {Molecular biology reports},
volume = {52},
number = {1},
pages = {537},
pmid = {40459709},
issn = {1573-4978},
support = {E2022.02.1//Đại học Mở Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Metagenomics/methods ; Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods ; *Hemiptera/genetics ; Diet ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics ; Metagenome/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Big-eyed bugs (Geocoris spp.) are important generalist predators in agricultural ecosystems, playing a crucial role in natural pest control.

METHODS: To better understand their dietary sources, we assessed the plant and animal food sources in the gut of Geocoris ochropterus using multiplex PCR and shotgun metagenomic analysis. The PCR assays targeted genetic markers from both animal (COI) and plant (matK and rbcL) DNA.

RESULTS: Results revealed the presence of both animal and plant-derived DNA in the gut samples, indicating that Geocoris ochropterus feeds on a mixed diet. Additionally, the results of shotgun metagenomic sequencing of the gut microbiota showed a predominance of Eukaryota, with over 80% of sequences belonging to this domain, while a diverse range of taxonomic groups were identified, including arthropods, plants, bacteria, and fungi. Arthropods particularly insects from the orders Lepidoptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Coleoptera, Phasmatodea and plants belonging to the orders Brassicales, Cucurbitales, and Poales constituted the most abundant dietary components. At the genus level, notable taxa included Maniola (family Nymphalidae), Carposina (Carposinidae), Helicoverpa (Noctuidae), and Solanum (Solanaceae). Species-level analysis confirmed the dominance of several insect species, including Maniola hyperanthus, Carposina sasakii, and Bombyx mori, alongside plant species such as Cucumis melo, Gossypium hirsutum, and Digitaria exilis.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide a comprehensive characterization of the diet of Geocoris ochropterus, highlighting its role as a generalist predator with a diverse diet consisting of both insect and plant food sources. This study contributes to the understanding of Geocoris ochropterus as a potential biocontrol agent in agricultural systems.},
}

Animals
*Metagenomics/methods
Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods
*Hemiptera/genetics
Diet
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics
Metagenome/genetics

@article {pmid40456950,
year = {2025},
author = {Kocharovskaya, Y and Delegan, Y and Sevostianov, S and Bogun, A and Demin, DV},
title = {Metagenomic Analysis of Pulp and Paper Wastes and Prospects for Their Self-purification.},
journal = {Current microbiology},
volume = {82},
number = {7},
pages = {320},
pmid = {40456950},
issn = {1432-0991},
mesh = {*Paper ; *Metagenomics ; Lignin/metabolism ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/metabolism/isolation & purification ; *Industrial Waste/analysis ; Biodegradation, Environmental ; *Microbiota ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; },
abstract = {Thousands of tons of waste accumulate, as a result of the activities of the pulp and paper industry, which is often stored in the form of dumps. However, intensifying the use of lignocellulose for more efficient bioremediation remains highly challenging. Therefore, the study of microbiomes with potentially desirable characteristics for the decomposition of pulp and paper wastes is currently an important task. In this study, a comprehensive assessment of the microbiota biodiversity of these dumps was carried out using high-throughput, high-resolution sequencing. In study 472 million high-quality clean reads assembled into 6,413,337 contigs with a total length of 4306 Mb, of which 3,633,174 open reading frames (ORFs) were identified. The core microbiome was composed of four phyla from Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Verrucomicrobia. Representatives of phylum Proteobacteria prevailed in samples. Annotation using the KEGG database in the Metabolism category resulted in 654,234 ORFs and 5138 ORFs encoding enzymes/proteins involved in degradation of lignocellulose which formed main pool of the wastes. By use of the created database, the search for lignocellulose degradation genes showed that genera Shewanella, Achromobacter, and Delftia covered significant part of the reads. The results indicate that the established microbiome of local landfills can be considered as an important source for improving lignocellulose bioremediation, provided that lignocellulosic fungi are sufficiently active. In whole, these new data can be used as a scientific basis to form an efficient eco-biotechnology for auto-remediation of pulp and paper industry waste.},
}

*Paper
*Metagenomics
Lignin/metabolism
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/metabolism/isolation & purification
*Industrial Waste/analysis
Biodegradation, Environmental
*Microbiota
High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing

@article {pmid40456770,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhou, XQ and Chen, KH and Yu, RQ and Yang, M and Liu, Q and Hao, YY and Li, J and Liu, HW and Feng, J and Tan, W and Huang, Q and Gu, B and Liu, YR},
title = {Microbial potential to mitigate neurotoxic methylmercury accumulation in farmlands and rice.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {5102},
pmid = {40456770},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {42425701//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 42177022//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; },
mesh = {*Methylmercury Compounds/metabolism/toxicity ; *Oryza/metabolism/microbiology ; *Soil Microbiology ; Biodegradation, Environmental ; Metagenomics ; *Soil Pollutants/metabolism/toxicity ; *Bacteria/metabolism/genetics/classification ; Soil/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Toxic methylmercury (CH3Hg[+]) is produced by microbial conversion of inorganic mercury in hypoxic environments such as rice paddy soils, and can accumulate in rice grains. Although microbial demethylation has been recognized as a crucial pathway for CH3Hg[+] degradation, the identities of microbes and pathways accountable for CH3Hg[+] degradation in soil remain elusive. Here, we combine [13]CH3Hg[+]-DNA stable-isotope probing experiments with shotgun metagenomics to explore microbial taxa and associated biochemical processes involved in CH3Hg[+] degradation in paddy and upland soils. We identify Pseudarthrobacter, Methylophilaceae (MM2), and Dechloromonas as the most significant taxa potentially engaged in the degradation of [13]CH3Hg[+] in paddy soil with high mercury contamination. We confirm that strains affiliated with two of those taxa (species Dechloromonas denitrificans and Methylovorus menthalis) can degrade CH3Hg[+] in pure culture assays. Metagenomic analysis further reveals that most of these candidate [13]CH3Hg[+] degraders carry genes associated with the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway, dicarboxylate-hydroxybutyrate cycle, methanogenesis, and denitrification, but apparently lack the merB and merA genes involved in CH3Hg[+] reductive demethylation. Finally, we estimate that microbial degradation of soil CH3Hg[+] contributes to 0.08-0.64 fold decreases in CH3Hg[+] accumulation in rice grains across China (hazard quotient (HQ) decrements of 0.62-13.75%). Thus, our results provide insights into microorganisms and pathways responsible for CH3Hg[+] degradation in soil, with potential implications for development of bioremediation strategies.},
}

*Methylmercury Compounds/metabolism/toxicity
*Oryza/metabolism/microbiology
*Soil Microbiology
Biodegradation, Environmental
Metagenomics
*Soil Pollutants/metabolism/toxicity
*Bacteria/metabolism/genetics/classification
Soil/chemistry

@article {pmid40454480,
year = {2025},
author = {Lynch, LE and Lahowetz, R and Maresso, C and Terwilliger, A and Pizzini, J and Melendez Hebib, V and Britton, RA and Maresso, AW and Preidis, GA},
title = {Present and future of microbiome-targeting therapeutics.},
journal = {The Journal of clinical investigation},
volume = {135},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {40454480},
issn = {1558-8238},
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *Probiotics/therapeutic use ; *Phage Therapy/trends/methods ; Bacteriophages ; Animals ; },
abstract = {A large body of evidence suggests that single- and multiple-strain probiotics and synbiotics could have roles in the management of specific gastrointestinal disorders. However, ongoing concerns regarding the quality and heterogeneity of the clinical data, safety in vulnerable populations, and the lack of regulation of products containing live microbes are barriers to widespread clinical use. Safety and regulatory issues must be addressed and new technologies considered. One alternative future strategy is the use of synthetic bacterial communities, defined as manually assembled consortia of two or more bacteria originally derived from the human gastrointestinal tract. Synthetic bacterial communities can model functional, ecological, and structural aspects of native communities within the gastrointestinal tract, occupying varying nutritional niches and providing the host with a stable, robust, and diverse gut microbiota that can prevent pathobiont colonization by way of colonization resistance. Alternatively, phage therapy is the use of lytic phage to treat bacterial infections. The rise of antimicrobial resistance has led to renewed interest in phage therapy, and the high specificity of phages for their hosts has spurred interest in using phage-based approaches to precisely modulate the microbiome. In this Review, we consider the present and future of microbiome-targeting therapies, with a special focus on early-life applications, such as prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis.},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
*Probiotics/therapeutic use
*Phage Therapy/trends/methods
Bacteriophages
Animals

@article {pmid40452057,
year = {2025},
author = {Francioli, D and Kampouris, ID and Kuhl-Nagel, T and Babin, D and Sommermann, L and Behr, JH and Chowdhury, SP and Zrenner, R and Moradtalab, N and Schloter, M and Geistlinger, J and Ludewig, U and Neumann, G and Smalla, K and Grosch, R},
title = {Microbial inoculants modulate the rhizosphere microbiome, alleviate plant stress responses, and enhance maize growth at field scale.},
journal = {Genome biology},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {148},
pmid = {40452057},
issn = {1474-760X},
support = {031B0514A- E//Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung/ ; 031B0514A- E//Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung/ ; 031B0514A- E//Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung/ ; 031B0514A- E//Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung/ ; 031B0514A- E//Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung/ ; 031B0514A- E//Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung/ ; 031B0514A- E//Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung/ ; 031B0514A- E//Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung/ ; 031B0514A- E//Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung/ ; 031B0514A- E//Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung/ ; 031B0514A- E//Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung/ ; 031B0514A- E//Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung/ ; 031B0514A- E//Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung/ ; 031B0514A- E//Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung/ ; 031B0514A- E//Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung/ ; },
mesh = {*Zea mays/microbiology/growth & development ; *Rhizosphere ; *Microbiota ; *Stress, Physiological ; Bacillus ; Plant Roots/microbiology ; Soil Microbiology ; *Agricultural Inoculants/physiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Field inoculation of crops with beneficial microbes is a promising sustainable strategy to enhance plant fitness and nutrient acquisition. However, effectiveness can vary due to environmental factors, microbial competition, and methodological challenges, while their precise modes of action remain uncertain. This underscores the need for further research to optimize inoculation strategies for consistent agricultural benefits.

RESULTS: Using a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach, we investigate the effects of a consortium of beneficial microbes (BMc) (Pseudomonas sp. RU47, Bacillus atrophaeus ABi03, Trichoderma harzianum OMG16) on maize (Zea mays cv. Benedictio) through an inoculation experiment conducted within a long-term field trial across intensive and extensive farming practices. Additionally, an unexpected early drought stress emerged as a climatic variable, offering further insight into the effectiveness of the microbial consortium. Our findings demonstrate that BMc root inoculation primarily enhanced plant growth and fitness, particularly by increasing iron uptake, which is crucial for drought adaptation. Inoculated maize plants show improved shoot growth and fitness compared to non-inoculated plants, regardless of farming practices. Specifically, BMc modulate plant hormonal balance, enhance the detoxification of reactive oxygen species, and increase root exudation of iron-chelating metabolites. Amplicon sequencing reveals shifts in rhizosphere bacterial and fungal communities mediated by the consortium. Metagenomic shotgun sequencing indicates enrichment of genes related to antimicrobial lipopeptides and siderophores.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the multifaceted benefits of BMc inoculation on plant fitness, significantly influencing metabolism, stress responses, and the rhizosphere microbiome. These improvements are crucial for advancing sustainable agricultural practices by enhancing plant resilience and productivity.},
}

*Zea mays/microbiology/growth & development
*Rhizosphere
*Microbiota
*Stress, Physiological
Bacillus
Plant Roots/microbiology
Soil Microbiology
*Agricultural Inoculants/physiology

@article {pmid40451005,
year = {2025},
author = {Su, X and Liu, J and Chang, L and Hu, W and Fang, Y and Li, J and Huang, L and Shu, W and Dong, H},
title = {Viral insights into the acidification of sulfidic mine tailings.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {494},
number = {},
pages = {138754},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.138754},
pmid = {40451005},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {The acidification of sulfidic mine tailings, driven primarily by sulfur- and iron-oxidizing microorganisms, can lead to severe environmental pollution and imperil human health. The role of viruses in this process and its underlying mechanisms yet remain poorly understood. In this study, we recovered 623 species-level viral genomes and 322 prokaryotic genomes from seven metagenomes of mine tailings with pH values ranging from 7.51 to 2.13. We observed that acidification drastically altered geochemical properties and degraded environmental quality, characterized by significant decreases in carbon/nitrogen ratio and heavy metal levels. The structure and function of viral communities were significantly correlated with pH and prokaryotic diversity, showing distinct dynamics across different acidification stages, similar to patterns observed in the prokaryotic community. Notably, potential sulfur-oxidizing prokaryotes increased in relative abundance as pH declined, while their virus-host abundance ratio exhibited a significant positive correlation with pH. Results indicated that viral "top-down" predation on sulfur-oxidizing prokaryotes was likely suppressed during acidification, providing a survival advantage to these organisms over iron-oxidizing counterparts. Moreover, viruses likely reprogrammed the sulfur and iron metabolism of prokaryotic hosts and enhanced their adaptability to environmental stressors through auxiliary metabolic genes. Additionally, a pH- and lifestyle-dependent evolutionary scenario for viruses revealed that frequent recombination and the accumulation of synonymous mutations in lytic viruses and chronic Inoviridae, likely increased their intrapopulation diversity and resilience. These findings provide new insights into the multifaceted roles of viruses in mine tailings acidification, deepening understanding of the underlying mechanisms and advancing potential strategies to mitigate associated environmental risks.},
}