@article {pmid39603112,
year = {2024},
author = {Haro, R and Walunjkar, N and Jorapur, S and Slamovits, CH},
title = {Long-read DNA sequencing reveals the organization of the mitochondrial genome in the early-branching dinoflagellate Oxyrrhis marina.},
journal = {Protist},
volume = {175},
number = {6},
pages = {126071},
doi = {10.1016/j.protis.2024.126071},
pmid = {39603112},
issn = {1618-0941},
abstract = {The mitochondrial genomes of dinoflagellate protists are remarkable for their highly fragmented and heterogeneous organization. Early attempts to determine their structure without 'next-generation' DNA sequencing failed to recover a defined genome. Still, it coincided in showing that the proteins coding genes, three in total, and parts of the ribosomal RNA genes were spread across a diffuse assortment of small linear fragments. In contrast, a recent study employed Illumina sequencing to assemble a 326 kbp long single-molecule, circular mitochondrial genome in the symbiotic dinoflagellate Breviolum minutum. Here, we used a combination of short- and long-read massively-parallel DNA sequencing to analyze further the mitochondrial DNA of the early-branching dinoflagellate Oxyrrhis marina. We found that the mitochondrial genome of O. marina consists of 3 linear chromosomes sized 15.9, 33.8 and 40.6 kbp for a total of 90.3 kbp. It contains the cox1, cox3 and cob genes, the same three proteins encoded in the mitochondrion of all myzozoans (Apicomplexa and Dinophyceae), some fragments of ribosomal RNA genes as well as many non-functional gene fragments and extensive noncoding DNA. Our analysis unveiled segments syntenic patterns and rearrangements encompassing coding and non-coding regions, suggesting that recombination is a pervasive process driving the evolution of these genomes.},
}

@article {pmid39603001,
year = {2024},
author = {Gao, X and Chen, J and Ma, Y and Zheng, Y and Bu, Y and Yu, X and Yu, K},
title = {Differential physiological and microbial responses of the octocoral Junceella squamata to high-temperature and cadmium stress.},
journal = {Marine environmental research},
volume = {204},
number = {},
pages = {106865},
doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106865},
pmid = {39603001},
issn = {1879-0291},
abstract = {Global warming and heavy metals have become the major threat to the growth and reproduction of corals. However, unlike scleractinian corals, in the context of widespread coral degradation worldwide, there are few reports on the response of octocorallia corals to high-temperature stress and heavy metals. In the present study, we conducted indoor simulation experiments using Junceella squamata. We evaluated the physiological response of these corals under high-temperature stress at 33 °C and cadmium (Cd) stress by comparing the composition and diversity of their symbiotic bacteria and analyzing differences in their transcriptome. The results show that high-temperature stress has more severe adverse effects than cadmium stress. High-temperature stress disrupts coral symbiotic relationships, leading to an increase in alpha diversity associated with disease-causing bacteria, which may increase the risk of infection and potentially contribute to coral mortality. Meanwhile, cadmium stress increases the instability of the coral holobiont, potentially disrupting DNA stability and RNA transcriptional regulation. However, an increase in Cd-tolerant bacteria may help corals respond to cadmium stress. This study reveals the effects of harmful substances on coral and highlights the urgent need for action to protect octocorals in the face of environmental stress.},
}

@article {pmid39602985,
year = {2024},
author = {Gao, X and Chen, J and Yu, K and Bu, Y and Wang, L and Yu, X},
title = {Exposure to polypropylene microplastics induces the upregulation of protein digestion-associated genes and microbiome reorganization in the octocoral Junceella squamata.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {210},
number = {},
pages = {117331},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.117331},
pmid = {39602985},
issn = {1879-3363},
abstract = {Microplastics, a new type of pollutants found in coral reefs, have attracted increasing attention. However, most of the current research focuses on the scleractinian corals and few reports on Octocorallia. To reveal the impact of microplastic exposure on Octocorallia, we analyzed the transcriptional response of the coral hosts Junceella squamata along with changes to the diversity and community structure of its symbiotic bacteria following exposure to polystyrene microplastics. These results suggest that the microplastics have adverse impacts on nutrient metabolism and absorption in J. squamata. The symbiotic bacteria of J. squamata exhibited a clear response after exposure to microplastics, which may also reflect an adaptation mechanism of corals, and help to maintain the physiological function of coral symbiotic function under the exposure of microplastics. This study has revealed the impact of microplastic exposure on J. squamata, providing new insights for coral protection against the background of increased microplastics pollution.},
}

@article {pmid39601429,
year = {2024},
author = {Wang, Y and Wang, Y and Zhou, Y and Feng, Y and Sun, T and Xu, J},
title = {Tumor-related fungi and crosstalk with gut fungi in the tumor microenvironment.},
journal = {Cancer biology & medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2024.0240},
pmid = {39601429},
issn = {2095-3941},
support = {82373113 to XJ//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 22-321-31-04 to ST//Shenyang Public Health R&D Special Project/ ; XLYC1907160 to XJ//Liaoning Revitalization Talents Program/ ; YXJL-2020-0941-0752 to ST//Beijing Medical Award Foundation/ ; CORP-239-N27 to CH//Beijing Medical Award Foundation/ ; 320.6750.2020-12-21//Wu Jieping Medical Foundation/ ; 320.6750.2020-6-30 to ST//Wu Jieping Medical Foundation/ ; 202229 to ST//Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities/ ; 202230 to XJ//Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities/ ; },
abstract = {Most studies on the human gut microbiome have focused on the bacterial fraction rather than fungal biomics, which as resulted in an incomplete understanding of the fungal microbiome. Recent advances in microbiota detection and next-generation sequencing technology have boosted an increase in research on fungi. Symbiotic fungi have become increasingly influential in health and disease and modulate various physiologic functions within the host. Fungal infections can result in high morbidity and mortality rates and are life-threatening in some immunocompromised patients. In addition to bacterial dysbiosis, alterations in fungal communities are important and have been linked to many diseases, including asthma, mental illness, and various cancers. When investigating cancer it is imperative to consider the role of fungi alongside viruses and bacteria. This review examined the impact of intestinal fungi and peri-tumor fungi on tumorigenesis, cancer progression, and response to anticancer therapies. The review highlights the specific involvement of some fungal species in cancers include digestive tract tumors such as colorectal, pancreatic, liver, and gastric cancers, as well as non-digestive tract tumors such as lung, melanoma, breast, and ovarian cancers. Furthermore, fungal mechanisms of action, including fungus-host recognition and immune regulation, biofilm formation, toxin and metabolite production in the tumor microenvironment, and the complex effects of fungus-bacteria interactions on tumorigenesis and development, highlight the significance of potential biomarkers in cancer diagnosis and treatment.},
}

@article {pmid39600252,
year = {2024},
author = {Grupstra, CGB and Meyer-Kaiser, KS and Bennett, MJ and Andres, MO and Juszkiewicz, DJ and Fifer, JE and Da-Anoy, JP and Gomez-Campo, K and Martinez-Rugerio, I and Aichelman, HE and Huzar, AK and Hughes, AM and Rivera, HE and Davies, SW},
title = {Holobiont Traits Shape Climate Change Responses in Cryptic Coral Lineages.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {30},
number = {11},
pages = {e17578},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.17578},
pmid = {39600252},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {2048589//The National Science Foundation's Division of Ocean Sciences/ ; 2048678//The National Science Foundation's Division of Ocean Sciences/ ; },
mesh = {*Anthozoa/microbiology/physiology ; Animals ; *Climate Change ; *Coral Reefs ; *Symbiosis ; Microbiota ; Dinoflagellida/physiology ; },
abstract = {As ocean warming threatens reefs worldwide, identifying corals with adaptations to higher temperatures is critical for conservation. Genetically distinct but morphologically similar (i.e. cryptic) coral populations can be specialized to extreme habitats and thrive under stressful conditions. These corals often associate with locally beneficial microbiota (Symbiodiniaceae photobionts and bacteria), obscuring the main drivers of thermal tolerance. Here, we leverage a holobiont (massive Porites) with high fidelity for C15 photobionts to investigate adaptive variation across classic ("typical" conditions) and extreme reefs characterized by higher temperatures and light attenuation. We uncovered three cryptic lineages that exhibit limited micro-morphological variation; one lineage dominated classic reefs (L1), one had more even distributions (L2), and a third was restricted to extreme reefs (L3). L1 and L2 were more closely related to populations ~4300 km away, suggesting that some lineages are widespread. All corals harbored Cladocopium C15 photobionts; L1 and L2 shared a photobiont pool that differed in composition between reef types, yet L3 mostly harbored unique photobiont strains not found in the other lineages. Assemblages of bacterial partners differed among reef types in lineage-specific ways, suggesting that lineages employ distinct microbiome regulation strategies. Analysis of light-harvesting capacity and thermal tolerance revealed adaptive variation underpinning survival in distinct habitats: L1 had the highest light absorption efficiency and lowest thermal tolerance, suggesting that it is a classic reef specialist. L3 had the lowest light absorption efficiency and the highest thermal tolerance, showing that it is an extreme reef specialist. L2 had intermediate light absorption efficiency and thermal tolerance, suggesting that is a generalist lineage. These findings reveal diverging holobiont strategies to cope with extreme conditions. Resolving coral lineages is key to understanding variation in thermal tolerance among coral populations, can strengthen our understanding of coral evolution and symbiosis, and support global conservation and restoration efforts.},
}

*Anthozoa/microbiology/physiology
Animals
*Climate Change
*Coral Reefs
*Symbiosis
Microbiota
Dinoflagellida/physiology

@article {pmid39599864,
year = {2024},
author = {Richards, VA and Ferrell, BD and Polson, SW and Wommack, KE and Fuhrmann, JJ},
title = {Soybean Bradyrhizobium spp. Spontaneously Produce Abundant and Diverse Temperate Phages in Culture.},
journal = {Viruses},
volume = {16},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {39599864},
issn = {1999-4915},
support = {1736030//National Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Bradyrhizobium/virology ; *Glycine max/virology/microbiology ; *Bacteriophages/isolation & purification/genetics/classification/physiology/ultrastructure ; Lysogeny ; Genome, Viral ; Symbiosis ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ; },
abstract = {Soybean bradyrhizobia (Bradyrhizobium spp.) are symbiotic root-nodulating bacteria that fix atmospheric nitrogen for the host plant. The University of Delaware Bradyrhizobium Culture Collection (UDBCC; 353 accessions) was created to study the diversity and ecology of soybean bradyrhizobia. Some UDBCC accessions produce temperate (lysogenic) bacteriophages spontaneously under routine culture conditions without chemical or other apparent inducing agents. Spontaneous phage production may promote horizontal gene transfer and shape bacterial genomes and associated phenotypes. A diverse subset (n = 98) of the UDBCC was examined for spontaneously produced virus-like particles (VLPs) using epifluorescent microscopy, with a majority (69%) producing detectable VLPs (>1 × 10[7] mL[-1]) in laboratory culture. Phages from the higher-producing accessions (>2.0 × 10[8] VLP mL[-1]; n = 44) were examined using transmission electron microscopy. Diverse morphologies were observed, including various tail types and lengths, capsid sizes and shapes, and the presence of collars or baseplates. In many instances, putative extracellular vesicles of a size similar to virions were also observed. Three of the four species examined (B. japonicum, B. elkanii, and B. diazoefficiens) produced apparently tailless phages. All species except B. ottawaense also produced siphovirus-like phages, while all but B. diazoefficiens additionally produced podovirus-like phages. Myovirus-like phages were restricted to B. japonicum and B. elkanii. At least three strains were polylysogens, producing up to three distinct morphotypes. These observations suggest spontaneously produced phages may play a significant role in the ecology and evolution of soybean bradyrhizobia.},
}

*Bradyrhizobium/virology
*Glycine max/virology/microbiology
*Bacteriophages/isolation & purification/genetics/classification/physiology/ultrastructure
Lysogeny
Genome, Viral
Symbiosis
Microscopy, Electron, Transmission

@article {pmid39599697,
year = {2024},
author = {Sommermeyer, H and Chmielowiec, K and Bernatek, M and Olszewski, P and Kopczynski, J and Piątek, J},
title = {Results from a Cross-Sectional Observational Study Examining Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients Six Months After Finishing Their Participation in the ViIBS Trial.},
journal = {Nutrients},
volume = {16},
number = {22},
pages = {},
pmid = {39599697},
issn = {2072-6643},
mesh = {Humans ; *Irritable Bowel Syndrome/therapy ; Female ; Male ; *Probiotics/administration & dosage/therapeutic use ; Adult ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Middle Aged ; *Synbiotics/administration & dosage ; Severity of Illness Index ; Treatment Outcome ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: A recent clinical (ViIBS) trial investigating the effects of a balanced multi-strain synbiotic in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients showed that twelve weeks of treatment resulted in significant improvements across all major IBS symptoms. The current observational study pursued three aims: investigate patients' attitude towards the intake of pro- or synbiotics during the six months after finishing their trial participation, determine the severity of IBS symptoms, and assess IBS diagnosis scores.

METHODS: During a single six-month follow-up examination, patients were asked about the intake of probiotics or synbiotics. For the study, former placebo-group patients who abstained from taking probiotics were compared with synbiotic-group patients who continued taking the tested synbiotic. IBS symptom severity was assessed with the IBS-Severity of Symptoms Scale and the IBS diagnosis score with the IBS questionnaire of the World Gastroenterology Organisation.

RESULTS: The control group comprised 17 patients (out of 70 from the placebo group participating in the follow-up) and the treatment group 75 (out of 91 examined). IBS symptom severity was significantly lower in the treatment group (23.5 ± 33.1) than in the placebo group (232.6 ± 35.1). IBS diagnosis scores were 5.9 ± 2.5 and 21.2 ± 2.0 in the treatment and control group, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: Measurement values for the treatment group indicate the absence of IBS. The results indicate that the prolonged administration of the balanced multi-strain synbiotic can potentially reduce IBS symptom severity and IBS diagnosis scores to levels indicating the absence of IBS, an observation to be followed up in a controlled clinical trial.},
}

Humans
*Irritable Bowel Syndrome/therapy
Female
Male
*Probiotics/administration & dosage/therapeutic use
Adult
Cross-Sectional Studies
Middle Aged
*Synbiotics/administration & dosage
Severity of Illness Index
Treatment Outcome
Surveys and Questionnaires

@article {pmid39599453,
year = {2024},
author = {Tang, J and Li, W and Wei, T and Huang, R and Zeng, Z},
title = {Patterns and Mechanisms of Legume Responses to Nitrogen Enrichment: A Global Meta-Analysis.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {13},
number = {22},
pages = {},
pmid = {39599453},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {31460158, 31760175//the First-Class Discipline Program of Soil and Water Conservation and Desertification Prevention, Yunnan Province and National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Nitrogen (N), while the most abundant element in the atmosphere, is an essential soil nutrient that limits plant growth. Leguminous plants naturally possess the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen through symbiotic relationships with rhizobia in their root nodules. However, the widespread use of synthetic N fertilizers in modern agriculture has led to N enrichment in soils, causing complex and profound effects on legumes. Amid ongoing debates about how leguminous plants respond to N enrichment, the present study compiles 2174 data points from 162 peer-reviewed articles to analyze the impacts and underlying mechanisms of N enrichment on legumes. The findings reveal that N enrichment significantly increases total legume biomass by 30.9% and N content in plant tissues by 13.2% globally. However, N enrichment also leads to notable reductions, including a 5.8% decrease in root-to-shoot ratio, a 21.2% decline in nodule number, a 29.3% reduction in nodule weight, and a 27.1% decrease in the percentage of plant N derived from N2 fixation (%Ndfa). Legume growth traits and N2-fixing capability in response to N enrichment are primarily regulated by climatic factors, such as mean annual temperature (MAT) and mean annual precipitation (MAP), as well as the aridity index (AI) and N fertilizer application rates. Correlation analyses show that plant biomass is positively correlated with MAT, and tissue N content also exhibits a positive correlation with MAT. In contrast, nodule numbers and tissue N content are negatively correlated with N fertilizer application rates, whereas %Ndfa shows a positive correlation with AI and MAP. Under low N addition, the increase in total biomass in response to N enrichment is twice as large as that observed under high N addition. Furthermore, regions at lower elevations with abundant hydrothermal resources are especially favorable for total biomass accumulation, indicating that the responses of legumes to N enrichment are habitat-specific. These results provide scientific evidence for the mechanisms underlying legume responses to N enrichment and offer valuable insights and theoretical references for the conservation and management of legumes in the context of global climate change.},
}

@article {pmid39599197,
year = {2024},
author = {Ramírez Tapias, YA and Rezzani, GD and Delgado, JF and Peltzer, MA and Salvay, AG},
title = {New Materials from the Integral Milk Kefir Grain Biomass and the Purified Kefiran: The Role of Glycerol Content on the Film's Properties.},
journal = {Polymers},
volume = {16},
number = {22},
pages = {},
pmid = {39599197},
issn = {2073-4360},
support = {PICT 2021-92//Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica (Argentina)/ ; PUNQ R 990/19 Expte: 827-1300/19//Universidad Nacional de Quilmes (Argentina)/ ; },
abstract = {Microbial exopolymers are gaining attention as sources for the development of biodegradable materials. Milk kefir, a fermented dairy product produced by a symbiotic community of microorganisms, generates milk kefir grains as a by-product, consisting of the polysaccharide kefiran and proteins. This study develops two materials, one from whole milk kefir grains and another from purified kefiran. Film-forming dispersions were subjected to ultrasonic homogenisation and thermal treatment, yielding homogeneous dispersions. Kefiran dispersion exhibited lower pseudoplastic behaviour and higher viscous consistency, with minimal effects from glycerol. Both films exhibited continuous and homogeneous microstructures, with kefiran films being transparent and milk kefir films displaying a yellowish tint. Analysis revealed that milk kefir films comprised approximately 30% proteins and 70% kefiran. Kefiran films demonstrated stronger interpolymeric interactions, as evidenced using thermogravimetric and mechanical tests. Glycerol increased hydration while decreasing thermal stability, glass transition temperature, elastic modulus, and tensile strength in both films. However, in kefiran films, elongation at the break and water vapour permeability decreased at low glycerol content, followed by an increase at higher plasticiser contents. This suggests an unusual interaction between glycerol and kefiran in the absence of proteins. These findings underscore differences between materials derived from the whole by-product and purified kefiran, offering insights into their potential applications.},
}

@article {pmid39598283,
year = {2024},
author = {Mederle, AL and Dima, M and Stoicescu, ER and Căpăstraru, BF and Levai, CM and Hațegan, OA and Maghiari, AL},
title = {Impact of Gut Microbiome Interventions on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in Metabolic Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.},
journal = {Life (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {39598283},
issn = {2075-1729},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The gut microbiome is increasingly recognized as a key player in metabolic health, influencing glucose and lipid metabolism through various mechanisms. However, the efficacy of gut microbiota-targeted interventions, such as probiotics, prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and diet-based treatments, remains unclear for specific metabolic outcomes. In this study, the aim was to evaluate the impact of these interventions on the glucose and lipid parameters in individuals with metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus (DM), obesity, and metabolic syndrome.

METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis included 41 randomized controlled trials that investigated the effects of gut microbiota-targeted treatments on metabolic parameters such as fasting glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides. A comprehensive search was conducted using databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus, focusing on interventions targeting the gut microbiota. A meta-analysis was performed using random-effects models, with effect sizes calculated for each outcome. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool.

RESULTS: Gut microbiota-targeted interventions significantly reduced fasting glucose, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglycerides, with moderate heterogeneity observed across studies. The interventions also led to modest increases in HDL-C levels. Probiotic and synbiotic interventions showed the most consistent benefits in improving both glucose and lipid profiles, while FMT yielded mixed results. Short-term interventions showed rapid microbial shifts but less pronounced metabolic improvements, whereas longer-term interventions had more substantial metabolic benefits.

CONCLUSIONS: In this study, it is demonstrated that gut microbiota-targeted interventions can improve key metabolic outcomes, offering a potential therapeutic strategy for managing metabolic diseases. However, the effectiveness of these interventions varies depending on the type, duration, and population characteristics, highlighting the need for further long-term studies to assess the sustained effects of microbiota modulation on metabolic health.},
}

@article {pmid39597725,
year = {2024},
author = {Essadki, Y and Hilmi, A and Cascajosa-Lira, A and Girão, M and Darrag, EM and Martins, R and Romane, A and El Amrani Zerrifi, S and Mugani, R and Tazart, Z and Redouane, EM and Jos, A and Cameán, AM and Vasconcelos, V and Campos, A and El Khalloufi, F and Oudra, B and Barakate, M and Carvalho, MF},
title = {In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Volatile Compounds from the Lichen Pseudevernia furfuracea (L.) Zopf. Against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria and Fish Pathogens.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {12},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {39597725},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {TOXICROP project (H2020-823860)//TOXICROP project (H2020-823860)/ ; CEECIND/02968/2017//FCT/ ; UIDB/04423/2020//FCT European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Fundo Social Europeu/ ; PID2023-147444OB-I00//MICIU/AEI/ ; 2019-345 01247//FPU/ ; },
abstract = {Lichens are symbiotic organisms with unique secondary metabolism. Various metabolites from lichens have shown antimicrobial activity. Nevertheless, very few studies have investigated the antimicrobial potential of the volatile compounds they produce. This study investigates the chemical composition and antimicrobial properties of volatile compounds from Pseudevernia furfuracea collected in two regions of Morocco. Hydrodistillation was used to obtain volatile compounds from samples collected in the High Atlas and Middle Atlas. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified phenolic cyclic compounds as the primary constituents, with atraric acid and chloroatranol being the most abundant. Additionally, eight compounds were detected in lichens for the first time. The antimicrobial activity of these compounds was assessed using disc diffusion and broth microdilution methods. Both samples demonstrated significant antimicrobial effects against multidrug-resistant human bacteria, reference microorganisms, fish pathogens, and Candida albicans, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 1000 µg/mL to 31.25 µg/mL. This study provides the first report on the volatile compounds from Pseudevernia furfuracea and their antimicrobial effects, particularly against fish pathogens, suggesting their potential as novel antimicrobial agents for human and veterinary use. Further research is warranted to explore these findings in more detail.},
}

@article {pmid39597722,
year = {2024},
author = {Khalil, M and Di Ciaula, A and Mahdi, L and Jaber, N and Di Palo, DM and Graziani, A and Baffy, G and Portincasa, P},
title = {Unraveling the Role of the Human Gut Microbiome in Health and Diseases.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {12},
number = {11},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms12112333},
pmid = {39597722},
issn = {2076-2607},
abstract = {The human gut is a complex ecosystem that supports billions of living species, including bacteria, viruses, archaea, phages, fungi, and unicellular eukaryotes. Bacteria give genes and enzymes for microbial and host-produced compounds, establishing a symbiotic link between the external environment and the host at both the gut and systemic levels. The gut microbiome, which is primarily made up of commensal bacteria, is critical for maintaining the healthy host's immune system, aiding digestion, synthesizing essential nutrients, and protecting against pathogenic bacteria, as well as influencing endocrine, neural, humoral, and immunological functions and metabolic pathways. Qualitative, quantitative, and/or topographic shifts can alter the gut microbiome, resulting in dysbiosis and microbial dysfunction, which can contribute to a variety of noncommunicable illnesses, including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, and irritable bowel syndrome. While most evidence to date is observational and does not establish direct causation, ongoing clinical trials and advanced genomic techniques are steadily enhancing our understanding of these intricate interactions. This review will explore key aspects of the relationship between gut microbiota, eubiosis, and dysbiosis in human health and disease, highlighting emerging strategies for microbiome engineering as potential therapeutic approaches for various conditions.},
}

@article {pmid39597685,
year = {2024},
author = {Zhang, K and Chen, X and Shi, X and Yang, Z and Yang, L and Liu, D and Yu, F},
title = {Endophytic Bacterial Community, Core Taxa, and Functional Variations Within the Fruiting Bodies of Laccaria.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {12},
number = {11},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms12112296},
pmid = {39597685},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {202205AD160036//the Yunnan Technology Innovation/ ; 42077072//the National Natural Science Foundation of Management Practices China/ ; },
abstract = {Macrofungi do not exist in isolation but establish symbiotic relationships with microorganisms, particularly bacteria, within their fruiting bodies. Herein, we examined the fruiting bodies' bacteriome of seven species of the genus Laccaria collected from four locations in Yunnan, China. By analyzing bacterial diversity, community structure, and function through 16S rRNA sequencing, we observed the following: (1) In total, 4,840,291 high-quality bacterial sequences obtained from the fruiting bodies were grouped into 16,577 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs), and all samples comprised 23 shared bacterial ASVs. (2) The Allorhizobium-Neorhizobium-Pararhizobium-Rhizobium complex was found to be the most abundant and presumably coexisting bacterium. (3) A network analysis revealed that endophytic bacteria formed functional groups, which were dominated by the genera Allorhizobium-Neorhizobium-Pararhizobium-Rhizobium, Novosphingobium, and Variovorax. (4) The diversity, community structure, and dominance of ecological functions (chemoheterotrophy and nitrogen cycling) among endophytic bacteria were significantly shaped by geographic location, habitat, and fungal genotype, rather than fruiting body type. (5) A large number of the endophytic bacteria within Laccaria are bacteria that promote plant growth; however, some pathogenic bacteria that pose a threat to human health might also be present. This research advances our understanding of the microbial ecology of Laccaria and the factors shaping its endophytic bacterial communities.},
}

@article {pmid39597519,
year = {2024},
author = {Xu, H and Wang, L and Zhu, M and Chen, X},
title = {Epiphytic Fungi Can Drive a Trade-Off Between Pathogen and Herbivore Resistance in Invasive Ipomoea cairica.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {12},
number = {11},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms12112130},
pmid = {39597519},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {B2022242//Science Research Project of Educational Bureau of Hubei Province, China/ ; },
abstract = {Trade-offs between different defense traits exist commonly in plants. However, no evidence suggests that symbiotic microbes can drive a trade-off between plant pathogen and herbivore defense. The present study aims to investigate whether the mixture of epiphytic Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium fujikuroi can drive the trade-off between the two defense traits in invasive Ipomoea cairica. Surface-sterilized I. cairica cuttings pre-inoculated with the epiphytic fungal mixture served as an epiphyte-inoculated (E+) group, while cuttings sprayed with sterile PDB served as an epiphyte-free (E-) group. After 3 days of incubation, E+ and E- cuttings were subjected to the challenge from a fungal pathogen and an insect herbivore, respectively. The results suggested that E+ cuttings had less rotted and yellowed leaf rates per plant than E- cuttings after Colletotrichum gloeosporioides infection. On the contrary, E+ cuttings had higher absolute and relative fresh weight losses per leaf than E- cuttings after Taiwania circumdata introduction. In the absence of challenges from the two natural enemies, salicylic acid and H2O2 accumulation occurred in E+ cuttings, which activated their SA-dependent pathogen defense and resulted in an increase in chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase activities. Although jasmonic acid accumulation also occurred in E+ cuttings, their JA-dependent herbivore defense responses were antagonized by SA signaling, leading to a decrease in total phenol content and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity. The activity of generalized defense enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase, did not differ between E+ and E- cuttings. Together, our findings indicate that a trade-off between pathogen and herbivore defense in I. cairica had already been driven by the epiphytic fungal mixture before the challenge by the two natural enemies. This study provides a novel insight into biocontrol strategies for I. cairica.},
}

@article {pmid39597516,
year = {2024},
author = {Morales-Ruiz, E and Islas-Flores, T and Villanueva, MA},
title = {BiP Proteins from Symbiodiniaceae: A "Shocking" Story.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {12},
number = {11},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms12112126},
pmid = {39597516},
issn = {2076-2607},
abstract = {More than four decades ago, the discovery of a companion protein of immunoglobulins in myeloma cells and soon after, of their ability to associate with heavy chains, made the term immunoglobulin binding protein (BiP) emerge, prompting a tremendous amount of effort to understand their versatile cellular functions. BiPs belong to the heat shock protein (Hsp) 70 family and are crucial for protein folding and cellular stress responses. While extensively studied in model organisms such as Chlamydomonas, their roles in dinoflagellates, especially in photosynthetic Symbiodiniaceae, remain largely underexplored. Given the importance of Symbiodiniaceae-cnidarian symbiosis, critical for the sustaining of coral reef ecosystems, understanding the contribution of Hsps to stress resilience is essential; however, most studies have focused on Hsps in general but none on BiPs. Moreover, despite the critical role of light in the physiology of these organisms, research on light effects on BiPs from Symbiodiniaceae has also been limited. This review synthesizes the current knowledge from the literature and sequence data, which reveals a high degree of BiP conservation at the gene, protein, and structural levels in Symbiodiniaceae and other dinoflagellates. Additionally, we show the existence of a potential link between circadian clocks and BiP regulation, which would add another level of regulatory complexity. The evolutionary relationship among dinoflagellates overall suggests conserved functions and regulatory mechanisms, albeit expecting confirmation by experimental validation. Finally, our analysis also highlights the significant knowledge gap and underscores the need for further studies focusing on gene and protein regulation, promoter architecture, and structural conservation of Symbiodiniaceae and dinoglagellate BiPs in general. These will deepen our understanding of the role of BiPs in the Symbiodiniaceae-cnidarian interactions and dinoflagellate physiology.},
}

@article {pmid39597510,
year = {2024},
author = {Meng, M and Ren, B and Yu, J and Li, D and Li, H and Li, J and Yang, J and Bai, L and Feng, Y},
title = {Cenchrus spinifex Invasion Alters Soil Nitrogen Dynamics and Competition.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {12},
number = {11},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms12112120},
pmid = {39597510},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {2023YFC2604500//National Key R&D Program/ ; 2021M693865//China Postdoctoral Science Foundation/ ; LJKZ0638//Liaoning Provincial Scientific Research Fund/ ; LJKMZ20221020//Liaoning Provincial Scientific Research Fund/ ; },
abstract = {Invasive plants often alter biological soil conditions to increase their own competitiveness. Through indoor simulated nitrogen deposition culture experiments, we investigated the differences in growth indicators and nutrient content levels between the invasive plant Cenchrus spinifex Cav. and the native symbiotic plant Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn. under diverse nitrogen application modes and planting-competition ratios. Furthermore, we examined the alterations in key microbial communities involved in soil nitrogen cycling of C. spinifex. The results indicated that the invasion of C. spinifex could inhibit the growth of native plants, and in fact altered the accumulation and transformation processes related to soil nitrogen, resulting in reduced rates of soil nitrogen transformation. The overarching aim of this research was to construct a theoretical foundation for the scientific comprehension of the invasion mechanisms of C. spinifex, in order to better prevent the further spread of this invasive plant and mitigate its pernicious impact on the current environment.},
}

@article {pmid39596308,
year = {2024},
author = {Kametani, M and Nagasawa, Y and Usuda, M and Kaneki, A and Ogawa, M and Shojima, K and Yamazaki, H and Tokumoto, K and Matsuoka, D and Suehara, K and Suehiro, Y and Akitomo, T and Mitsuhata, C and Misaki, T and Ito, S and Naka, S and Matsumoto-Nakano, M and Nakano, K and Kishimoto, H and Shinmura, K and Nomura, R},
title = {Relationship Between the Presence of Red Complex Species and the Distribution of Other Oral Bacteria, Including Major Periodontal Pathogens in Older Japanese Individuals.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {25},
number = {22},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms252212243},
pmid = {39596308},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {21K08242//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Aged ; *Porphyromonas gingivalis/isolation & purification/genetics/pathogenicity ; Male ; Female ; *Tannerella forsythia/isolation & purification/genetics/pathogenicity ; *Treponema denticola/isolation & purification/genetics ; Japan ; Middle Aged ; Mouth/microbiology ; Periodontal Diseases/microbiology ; Microbiota ; Aged, 80 and over ; Dental Plaque/microbiology ; East Asian People ; },
abstract = {Red complex bacteria (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, and Tannerella forsythia) have high virulence in periodontal disease. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the detailed symbiotic relationships between the red complex and other oral bacteria in older Japanese individuals. Polymerase chain reaction was performed using dental plaque from 116 subjects and specific primers for ten periodontal pathogens. The detection rate of Prevotella intermedia and Capnocytophaga sputigena was significantly higher in P. gingivalis-positive subjects than in P. gingivalis-negative subjects (p < 0.05). The detection rate of Campylobacter rectus, Prevotella nigrescens, Capnocytophaga ochracea, and Eikenella corrodens was significantly higher in T. forsythia-positive subjects than in T. forsythia-negative subjects (p < 0.01). In a comprehensive analysis of oral microbiomes, three red complex species-positive subjects had significantly higher α-diversity than only P. gingivalis-positive subjects (p < 0.05) and had significantly lower β-diversity than only T. forsythia-positive subjects (p < 0.01). In the taxonomy analysis, Porphyromonas was significantly higher in three red complex species-positive subjects than in only P. gingivalis-positive and only T. forsythia-positive subjects (p < 0.01). These results suggest that each red complex species forms a unique oral microbiome and individuals positive for all red complex bacteria may harbor oral bacteria that confer a significant advantage in developing periodontal disease.},
}

Humans
Aged
*Porphyromonas gingivalis/isolation & purification/genetics/pathogenicity
Male
Female
*Tannerella forsythia/isolation & purification/genetics/pathogenicity
*Treponema denticola/isolation & purification/genetics
Japan
Middle Aged
Mouth/microbiology
Periodontal Diseases/microbiology
Microbiota
Aged, 80 and over
Dental Plaque/microbiology
East Asian People

@article {pmid39596264,
year = {2024},
author = {Qadir, M and Iqbal, A and Hussain, A and Hussain, A and Shah, F and Yun, BW and Mun, BG},
title = {Exploring Plant-Bacterial Symbiosis for Eco-Friendly Agriculture and Enhanced Resilience.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {25},
number = {22},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms252212198},
pmid = {39596264},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {//The study was funded by the Research & Innovation Fund (RIF) of Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan to Adil Hussain./ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Agriculture/methods ; Endophytes/physiology ; Bacteria/metabolism/growth & development ; Plants/microbiology/metabolism ; Stress, Physiological ; Crops, Agricultural/microbiology/growth & development ; Microbiota ; Plant Development ; },
abstract = {This review explores the intricate relationship between plants and bacterial endophytes, revealing their multifaceted roles in promoting plant growth, resilience, and defense mechanisms. By selectively shaping their microbiome, plants harness diverse endophytic bacterial strains to enhance nutrient absorption, regulate hormones, mitigate damage, and contribute to overall plant health. The review underscores the potential of bacterial endophytes in self-sustaining agricultural systems, offering solutions to reduce reliance on fertilizers and pesticides. Additionally, the review highlights the importance of endophytes in enhancing plant tolerance to various environmental stresses, such as drought, salinity, extreme temperatures, and heavy metal toxicity. The review emphasizes the significance of understanding and harnessing the mutualistic relationship between plants and endophytes for maximizing agricultural yields and promoting sustainable farming practices.},
}

*Symbiosis
*Agriculture/methods
Endophytes/physiology
Bacteria/metabolism/growth & development
Plants/microbiology/metabolism
Stress, Physiological
Crops, Agricultural/microbiology/growth & development
Microbiota
Plant Development

@article {pmid39596021,
year = {2024},
author = {Guo, W and Lu, Y and Du, S and Li, Q and Zou, X and Zhang, Z and Sui, L},
title = {Endophytic Colonization of Beauveria bassiana Enhances Drought Stress Tolerance in Tomato via "Water Spender" Pathway.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {25},
number = {22},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms252211949},
pmid = {39596021},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {20230203175SF and 20230508011RC//Jilin Provincial Scientifc and Technological Development Program/ ; },
mesh = {*Solanum lycopersicum/microbiology/growth & development/physiology/metabolism ; *Beauveria/physiology ; *Droughts ; *Stress, Physiological ; *Endophytes/physiology ; *Water/metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Plant Leaves/microbiology/metabolism ; Seedlings/microbiology/growth & development ; Plant Stomata/physiology/microbiology ; Plant Roots/microbiology/growth & development ; },
abstract = {Drought stress is one of the most important climate-related factors affecting crop production. Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) are economically important crops which are highly sensitive to drought. The entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana, a widely used biological insecticide, can form symbiotic relationships with plants via endophytic colonization, increasing plant biomass and the ability to resist biotic stress. Under simulated drought stress conditions, the biomass of tomato seedlings such as plant height, root length, stem diameter, fresh weight, and relative water content, as well as the density and size of stomata in tomato leaves were significantly increased after B. bassiana colonization via root irrigation (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the physicochemical properties associated with drought resistance such as peroxidase activity and proline content increased significantly (p < 0.05), while malondialdehyde reduced significantly (p < 0.05), and the expression levels of key genes related to stomatal development and drought tolerance pathways increased significantly (p < 0.05). These results indicate that the colonization of B. bassiana enhances the water absorption capacity of tomato seedlings and the rate of transpiration significantly and increases drought tolerance in tomato via the "water spender" pathway, which provides a new strategy for improving crop resistance to drought stress.},
}

*Solanum lycopersicum/microbiology/growth & development/physiology/metabolism
*Beauveria/physiology
*Droughts
*Stress, Physiological
*Endophytes/physiology
*Water/metabolism
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
Plant Leaves/microbiology/metabolism
Seedlings/microbiology/growth & development
Plant Stomata/physiology/microbiology
Plant Roots/microbiology/growth & development

@article {pmid39595894,
year = {2024},
author = {Kapoula, Z and Aakash, G and Rèmi, G and Bauwens, A and Martiat, B and Leonard, V},
title = {Lasting Deficiencies in Vergence Eye Movements in Patients with Peripheral or Central Vertigo: Improvements After Four Sessions of REMOBI Neurotraining and Associated Functional Benefits.},
journal = {Brain sciences},
volume = {14},
number = {11},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/brainsci14111131},
pmid = {39595894},
issn = {2076-3425},
abstract = {The vestibular function is in synergism with the oculomotor vergence. Vertigo may be related to vergence disorders and conversely, vestibular pathologies may affect vergence. To consolidate this hypothesis, we conducted a study at the vestibular orthoptic clinic of the Bastogne Hospital. Fourteen patients with vertigo history appearing 2 weeks to 8 years ago, aged 30 to 65 years were studied; at the moment of the eye movement study, no patient had acute attack of vertigo. The origin of vertigo varied (Meniere's disease, organic pathology, sensitivity to visual movement). An assessment with objective measurement of vergence (single-step protocol) was carried out with the REMOBI technology coupled with binocular video-oculography in sitting and standing positions. Four neuro-rehabilitation sessions of vergence eye movements were performed with the double-step in-depth protocol, alternating sitting and standing positions to involve different postural and vestibular functions. An assessment of vergence was done again 1 to 2 months later. The initial assessment revealed problems of magnitude and/or speed or variability of vergence for 11 of the patients relative to controls (published by the group in previous studies). After neuro-rehabilitation, an improvement was observed in eight patients. Patients reported a clear improvement of their self confidence in moving in the space. Posture measures done before rehabilitation comparing eyes fixating or closed or while making near-far vergence eye movements indicated lower medio-lateral acceleration when doing vergence eye movements in patients with vertigo history of functional origin. The results are in favor of the hypothesis of a symbiosis between vergence and vestibular function and the interest of diagnosis and rehabilitation of the vergence disorder in patients with vertigo history in the absence of acute vertigo attack.},
}

@article {pmid39595236,
year = {2024},
author = {Lin, SW and Shelomi, M},
title = {Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Microbiome and Microbe Interactions: A Scoping Review.},
journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI},
volume = {14},
number = {22},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ani14223183},
pmid = {39595236},
issn = {2076-2615},
abstract = {Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens, BSF) is farmed worldwide to convert organic waste into usable biomaterials. Studies on the larval microbiome have been carried out to check for symbiotic or pathogenic microbes and their respective functions and fates. Some studies tested these microbes for industrial applications, while others tested the effects of exogenous microbes as probiotics or for substrate pre-processing to improve larval fitness, bioconversion rates, or nutritional qualities. This review examined all peer-reviewed literature on these topics to consolidate many disparate findings together. It followed the PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews. The results found no evidence of globally conserved core microbes, as diet strongly correlated with gut microbiome, but some genera appeared most frequently in BSF larval guts worldwide regardless of diet. The gut microbes undoubtably assist in digestion, including pathogen suppression, and so microbial probiotics show promise for future investigations. However, the common gut microbes have not been explored as probiotics themselves, which would be a promising direction for future work. The impacts of BSF bioconversion on pathogens varied, so each rearing facility should investigate and manage their pathogen risks independently. The data summarized in this study provide useful reference points for future investigations into BSF-microbe interactions.},
}

@article {pmid39594493,
year = {2024},
author = {Yang, Z and Wong, NK and Mao, F and Wu, S and Yi, W and Yu, Z and Zhang, Y},
title = {Carnosine Synthase (TsATPGD) Alleviates Lipid Peroxidation Under Transcriptional Control by an Nfe2-like Gene in Tridacna Squamosa.},
journal = {Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {13},
number = {11},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/antiox13111351},
pmid = {39594493},
issn = {2076-3921},
support = {42449303, 32073002, U22A20533, 22107045//National Science Foundation of China/ ; 2022YFD2400301//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 2023QNRC001//Young Elite Scientists Sponsorship Program by CAST/ ; 2024A04J6278, 2023A04J0096//Science and Technology Program of Guangzhou, China/ ; 510858044//Li Ka-Shing Foundation at Shantou University Medical College/ ; 2024LKSFG01//Li Ka-Shing Founda-tion STU-GTIIT Joint-research Grant/ ; E010221005//Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen/ ; CFA202201006//Cooperation Fund of CHCAMS and SZCH/ ; },
abstract = {As an important mollusk in reef ecosystems, Tridacna squamosa forms pro-survival symbiotic relationships that hinge on an exquisite redox equilibrium between the host and the photosynthetic symbiont, zooxanthellae. The exact regulatory mechanisms thereof remain poorly understood. In this study, a novel Nfe2-like transcription factor in T. squamosa was identified and characterized with respect to its antioxidant and cytoprotective roles. Gene structure and phylogenetic analysis reveal that T. squamosa possesses a single transcription factor TsNfe2l in contrast to mammalian Nfe2l1 (Nrf1) and Nfe2l2 (Nrf2), belonging to protein members of the bZIP-NFE2 subfamily and functionally resembling the mammalian Nfe2l1. A conserved bZIP domain permits its binding to the antioxidant response element (ARE) in vitro and in HEK293T cells. Further analyses such as promoter prediction suggest that TsNfe2l target genes engage mainly in the regulation of multiple enzymes involved in antioxidation and allied pathways. Notably, TsNfe2l transcriptionally upregulates carnosine synthase (TsATPGD), which subsequently produces L-carnosine abundantly to shield cells from oxidative damage. Moreover, the blockage of TsNfe2l nucleic acid binding reduced the expression of TsATPGD and L-carnosine content in the gill, resulting in elevated lipid peroxidation. Collectively, our findings establish novel molecular insight into TsNfe2l as a critical regulator of redox homeostasis in T. squamosa through carnosine synthesis.},
}

@article {pmid39594465,
year = {2024},
author = {Chou, YC and Lin, HW and Wang, CY and Hsieh, CC and Santoso, SP and Lin, SP and Cheng, KC},
title = {Enhancing Antioxidant Benefits of Kombucha Through Optimized Glucuronic Acid by Selected Symbiotic Fermentation Culture.},
journal = {Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {13},
number = {11},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/antiox13111323},
pmid = {39594465},
issn = {2076-3921},
support = {MOST109-2628-E-002-007-MY3//Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan/ ; MOST110-2221-E-038-003-MY3//Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan/ ; NSTC 113-2321-B-002-037//Chung Shan Medical University/ ; },
abstract = {Kombucha, a functional beverage rich in glucuronic acid, is fermented in the presence of acetic acid bacteria and yeast as the primary microorganisms. Glucuronic acid is recognized for its various physiological benefits, such as detoxification, antioxidation, and anti-inflammation. To optimize the glucuronic acid content in kombucha, various strain combinations by selecting fermented sources were accomplished. According to the experimental results, kombucha produced through co-fermentation with Pichia anomala and Komagataeibacter hansenii, with glucose-added black tea as the carbon source, exhibited the highest glucuronic acid production. A response surface methodology found that under optimized conditions of a 12.27% (w/v) carbon source concentration, a 10.07% (w/v) substrate concentration, and a 28.4 °C temperature, the highest glucuronic acid production reached 80.16 g/L, which represented a 2.39-fold increase compared to the original kombucha. Furthermore, the total polyphenol content increased by 3.87-fold, while DPPH and ABTS free radical-scavenging capacities increased by 1.86- and 2.22-fold, respectively. To sum up, these observations reveal the potential for commercial production of glucuronic acid-enriched kombucha and contribute to the development of functional food products related to kombucha in the future.},
}

@article {pmid39593317,
year = {2024},
author = {Su, Y and Cui, Z and Yang, X and Jiang, Y and Zhang, W and Zhang, Y and Man, C},
title = {Lactobacillus paracasei JY062 and its exopolysaccharide enhance the intestinal barrier through macrophage polarization and Th17/Treg cell balance.},
journal = {Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)},
volume = {197},
number = {Pt 1},
pages = {115235},
doi = {10.1016/j.foodres.2024.115235},
pmid = {39593317},
issn = {1873-7145},
mesh = {Animals ; *Th17 Cells/immunology/metabolism ; *T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology/drug effects/metabolism ; Caco-2 Cells ; Humans ; Mice ; *Colitis, Ulcerative/therapy/chemically induced/immunology ; *Macrophages/drug effects/metabolism/immunology ; *Intestinal Mucosa/metabolism/drug effects ; Male ; Polysaccharides, Bacterial/pharmacology ; Dextran Sulfate ; Disease Models, Animal ; Probiotics/pharmacology ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Mucin-2/metabolism/genetics ; Colon/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an immune-mediated intestinal disease without a comprehensive cure, and the alleviation of UC has become an urgent problem. The results showed that JY062 with its EPS group (JEC) alleviated the intestinal barrier damage caused by LPS. After JEC intervention on Caco-2 cells, resulted in upregulation of ZO-1, Claudin-1, Occludin and MUC2 transcript levels and decreased mRNA expression of Claudin-2 (p < 0.05). JEC effectively attenuated the inflammatory response in UC mice and restoration of immunoglobulin levels (IgG, IgM and IgA), which resulted in shortening and swelling of the colon, disappearance of goblet cells, infiltration of inflammatory cells and mucosal damage were alleviated in mice. Similarly, changes in the expression of MUC2 and tight junction proteins after JEC intervention also occurred in UC mice. Administration of JEC significantly inhibited the differentiation of pro-inflammatory Th17 cells in the thymus and peripheral blood, promoted the differentiation of CD4+ T cells to Treg cells, and effectively regulated DSS-induced macrophage imbalance, which was manifested by the polarization of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages to anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages. This study clearly demonstrates that JEC could significantly prevent intestinal barrier on DSS-induced experimental colitis and could be applied as a potential symbiotic strategy to assist in the alleviation of UC.},
}

Animals
*Th17 Cells/immunology/metabolism
*T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology/drug effects/metabolism
Caco-2 Cells
Humans
Mice
*Colitis, Ulcerative/therapy/chemically induced/immunology
*Macrophages/drug effects/metabolism/immunology
*Intestinal Mucosa/metabolism/drug effects
Male
Polysaccharides, Bacterial/pharmacology
Dextran Sulfate
Disease Models, Animal
Probiotics/pharmacology
Mice, Inbred C57BL
Mucin-2/metabolism/genetics
Colon/metabolism

@article {pmid39593250,
year = {2024},
author = {Vannuchi, N and Jamar, G and de Rosso, VV and Pisani, LP},
title = {Dose-dependent effects of anthocyanin-rich extracts on obesity-induced inflammation and gut microbiota modulation.},
journal = {BioFactors (Oxford, England)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/biof.2144},
pmid = {39593250},
issn = {1872-8081},
support = {307305/2023-6//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; 307338/2018-5//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; 2022/12936-0//São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP)/ ; },
abstract = {Obesity and its associated inflammatory state pose a significant health burden. Anthocyanins, bioactive compounds found in fruits and vegetables, have garnered interest in their potential to attenuate these conditions. Understanding the dose-dependent response of anthocyanins is essential for optimizing their therapeutic potential in preventing and managing obesity. This comprehensive review explores the current knowledge on the dose-dependent effects of anthocyanins on obesity in both human and animal models, analyzing the structure and mechanism of absorption of these compounds. The article also highlights the diverse mechanisms underlying anthocyanin action, the symbiosis between anthocyanins and gut microbiota impacting metabolite production, influencing diverse health outcomes, modulating cytokines, and activating anti-inflammatory pathways. Additionally, their impact on energy metabolism and lipid regulation is discussed, highlighting potential contributions to weight management through AMPK and PPARγ pathways. Despite promising results, dose-dependent effects are fundamental considerations, with some studies indicating less favorable outcomes at higher doses. Future research should focus on optimizing dosages, accounting for individual responses, and translating findings into effective clinical applications for obesity management.},
}

@article {pmid39592078,
year = {2024},
author = {Kong, D and Cui, L and Wang, X and Wo, J and Xiong, F},
title = {Fungus-derived opine enhances plant photosynthesis.},
journal = {Journal of advanced research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.jare.2024.11.029},
pmid = {39592078},
issn = {2090-1224},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Plant-fungal interactions stimulate endophytic fungi to produce a plethora of metabolites that enhance plant growth and improve stress resistance. Opines, naturally occurring compounds formed through the condensation of amino acids with α-keto acids or sugars, have diverse biological functions and are mainly present in bacteria. Interestingly, investigations have revealed the presence of opine synthases (OSases) in fungal species as well, and their functions are yet to be studied.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to investigate the occurrence of OSases in fungal species, identify their products, and characterize the potential biological activity of the metabolites.

METHODS: We identified a putative class of OSases in fungi through sequence similarity network (SSN) analysis. The function of these enzymes was elucidated using methods including protein heterologous expression, in vitro biochemical characterization, in vivo gene knock-out, as well as product isolation and identification. Additionally, we conducted plant activity testing on the secondary metabolites through foliar spraying and performed transcriptomic analysis to uncover their functions.

RESULTS: A quarter of the PF18631 family members, which contain the C-terminal helical bundle domain of cucumopine synthase, are derived from endophytic fungi. Some of these enzymes catalyze the synthesis of tryptopine A (1-acetyl-3-carboxy-β-carboline) by condensing L-tryptophan and methylglyoxal. The tryptopine A can act as a growth regulator, promoting plant growth and transcriptionally reprogramming photosynthesis-related pathways, while enhancing the rate of plant photosynthesis by 25 %.

CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that tryptopine A plays a crucial role as a signaling molecule in the establishment and maintenance of mutualistic associations between endophytic fungi and host plants, thereby enhancing our comprehension of fungal-plant symbiosis.},
}

@article {pmid39591743,
year = {2024},
author = {Napitupulu, TP},
title = {Agricultural relevance of fungal mycelial growth-promoting bacteria: Mutual interaction and application.},
journal = {Microbiological research},
volume = {290},
number = {},
pages = {127978},
doi = {10.1016/j.micres.2024.127978},
pmid = {39591743},
issn = {1618-0623},
abstract = {Bacterial-fungal interaction (BFI) is found ubiquitously and plays important roles in various environmental settings, thus being responsible for numerous biophysical and chemical processes in nature. In terms of BFI, the capacity of the bacterium to enhance the growth of fungal mycelia is an indication of the roles of the bacterium in mutualistic interaction, since increasing mycelial growth results in higher changes for fungal establishment. In this review, the interaction between mycelial growth-promoting bacterium (MGPB) and its fungal counterpart in agricultural settings and the promotion of mycelial growth as an outcome of mutual interactions in various environmental niches were evaluated. The beneficial relationships included endohyphal interaction, association of bacteria with mushrooms, bacteria-mycorrhizae symbiosis, and geomicrobiology. Furthermore, the mode of interaction between MGPB and their fungal counterparts was also explained. There are two fundamental modes of interaction involved, namely physical interaction and chemical interaction. The first involved endosymbiosis and bacterial attachment, while the latter comprised quorum sensing, volatile metabolites, enzymatic activity, and chemotaxis. Particularly, the growth stimulants secreted by the bacteria, which promote the growth of hyphae, are discussed thoroughly. Moreover, the chance of trade-off metabolites between fungi and their MGPBs as a consequence of mutualistic interaction will also be observed. Finally, the agricultural relevance of BFI, particularly the relation between fungi and MGPBs, will also be provided, including key technologies and future bioprospects for optimum application.},
}

@article {pmid39591529,
year = {2024},
author = {Weber, PK and Debliqui, M and Defouilloy, C and Mayali, X and Liu, MC and Hestrin, R and Pett-Ridge, J and Stuart, R and Morris, M and Ramon, C and Jorgens, DM and Zalpuri, R and Arnoldi, L and Farcy, J and Saquet, N and Vitcher Fichou, S and Renaud, L and Thomen, A},
title = {The NanoSIMS-HR: The Next Generation of High Spatial Resolution Dynamic SIMS.},
journal = {Analytical chemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.analchem.4c03091},
pmid = {39591529},
issn = {1520-6882},
abstract = {The high lateral resolution and sensitivity of the NanoSIMS 50 and 50L series of dynamic SIMS instruments have enabled numerous scientific advances over the past 25 years. Here, we report on the NanoSIMS-HR, the first major upgrade to the series, and analytical tests in a suite of sample types, including an aluminum sample containing silicon crystals, microalgae, and plant roots colonized with a symbiotic fungus. Significant improvements have been made in the Cs[+] ion source, high voltage (HV) control, stage reproducibility, and other aspects of the instrument that affect performance. The modified design of the NanoSIMS-HR thermal-ionization Cs[+] source enables a 5 pA primary ion beam to be focused into a 100 nm spot, a ∼2.5-fold increase compared to Cs[+] sources on previous instruments (∼2 pA at 100 nm). The brightness of the new Cs[+] source enables an ultimate lateral resolution as high as 30 nm and improved detection limits for a given analysis area. Sample stage movement accuracy is higher than 500 nm, enabling many-fold higher throughput automated analyses. With the new HV control, the primary ion beam impact energy can be reduced from 16 to 2 keV, which enables higher depth resolution during depth profiling (a 2-fold improvement), albeit with a 5-fold decrease in lateral resolution. In the NanoSIMS-HR, the secondary ion column and detection system are identical to those used in the previous series, and the isotopic analysis performance is as precise as in previous NanoSIMS instruments.},
}

@article {pmid39590665,
year = {2024},
author = {Kim, JH and Bae, EK and Hue, Y and Choi, B and Kang, MJ and Park, EJ and Kim, KT},
title = {Comparative Genomics Reveals Species-Specific Genes and Symbiotic Adaptations in Tricholoma matsutake.},
journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {10},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {39590665},
issn = {2309-608X},
support = {FG0603-2021-01-2024//National Institute of Forest Science/ ; },
abstract = {Tricholoma matsutake, a highly valued ectomycorrhizal fungus, requires a symbiotic relationship with pine trees for growth, complicating its cultivation. This study presents a comprehensive comparative genomic analysis of Tricholoma species, with a focus on T. matsutake. Genomic data from 19 assemblies representing 13 species were analyzed to identify genus-, species-, and strain-specific genes, revealing significant evolutionary adaptations. Notably, T. matsutake exhibits a higher proportion of repetitive elements compared to other species, with retrotransposons like LTR Gypsy dominating its genome. Phylogenomic analyses showed that T. matsutake forms a monophyletic group closely related to T. bakamatsutake. Gene family expansion and contraction analyses highlighted the unique evolutionary pressures on T. matsutake, particularly the loss of tryptophan-related metabolic pathways and the gain of genes related to iron ion homeostasis, which may be crucial for its adaptation to nutrient-limited environments. Additionally, the reduction in secreted proteins and carbohydrate-active enzymes reflects the host-dependent lifestyle of T. matsutake and related species. These findings enhance our understanding of the genetic and evolutionary mechanisms underlying the complex symbiotic relationships of T. matsutake, offering potential avenues for optimizing its cultivation and commercial value.},
}

@article {pmid39590575,
year = {2024},
author = {Lombardo, C and Fazio, R and Sinagra, M and Gattuso, G and Longo, F and Lombardo, C and Salmeri, M and Zanghì, GN and Loreto, CAE},
title = {Intratumoral Microbiota: Insights from Anatomical, Molecular, and Clinical Perspectives.},
journal = {Journal of personalized medicine},
volume = {14},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {39590575},
issn = {2075-4426},
abstract = {The human microbiota represents a heterogeneous microbial community composed of several commensal, symbiotic, and even pathogenic microorganisms colonizing both the external and internal body surfaces. Despite the term "microbiota" being commonly used to identify microorganisms inhabiting the gut, several pieces of evidence suggest the presence of different microbiota physiologically colonizing other organs. In this context, several studies have also confirmed that microbes are integral components of tumor tissue in different types of cancer, constituting the so-called "intratumoral microbiota". The intratumoral microbiota is closely related to the occurrence and development of cancer as well as to the efficacy of anticancer treatments. Indeed, intratumoral microbiota can contribute to carcinogenesis and metastasis formation as some microbes can directly cause DNA damage, while others can induce the activation of proinflammatory responses or oncogenic pathways and alter the tumor microenvironment (TME). All these characteristics make the intratumoral microbiota an interesting topic to investigate for both diagnostic and prognostic purposes in order to improve the management of cancer patients. This review aims to gather the most recent data on the role of the intratumoral microbiota in cancer development, progression, and response to treatment, as well as its potential diagnostic and prognostic value.},
}

@article {pmid39590502,
year = {2024},
author = {Schapheer, C and González, LM and Villagra, C},
title = {Microorganism Diversity Found in Blatta orientalis L. (Blattodea: Blattidae) Cuticle and Gut Collected in Urban Environments.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {15},
number = {11},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects15110903},
pmid = {39590502},
issn = {2075-4450},
abstract = {Pest cockroaches share urban habitats with us; their prevalence in urban areas prompts concerns regarding their effect on human health, as synanthropic cockroaches often host pathogenic microorganisms. Nonetheless, microbial associates in these insects can also be related to their biology, contributing to their physiological homeostasis and reproductive success. In this article, we present in detail, for the first time, the bacterial community associated with the oriental cockroach Blatta orientalis, one of the world's five most prominent pest cockroaches. We report the composition of the communities of bacteria found over the exoskeleton and inside the gut of this global pest. We collected B. orientalis in Santiago, Chile's capital city, and the urban nucleus in this country. We conducted DNA extractions and metabarcoding analysis. We found diverse bacterial lineages, including mutualist symbiotic strains, and microorganisms considered pathogenic to humans. We also analyzed the metabolic functions of the bacterial communities identified and discussed the role of B. orientalis as a reservoir and vector of pathogens in urban areas. We discuss to what extent the diversity of functions of the microbial community associated with cockroaches may contribute to emergent properties enabling these insects to inhabit human-modified habitats.},
}

@article {pmid39590326,
year = {2024},
author = {Weston, WC and Hales, KH and Hales, DB},
title = {Utilizing Flaxseed as an Antimicrobial Alternative in Chickens: Integrative Review for Salmonella enterica and Eimeria.},
journal = {Current issues in molecular biology},
volume = {46},
number = {11},
pages = {12322-12342},
pmid = {39590326},
issn = {1467-3045},
abstract = {This review provides an integrative framework for understanding flaxseed (Linum utassitissimum) as an antimicrobial alternative for poultry production. We begin by familiarizing the reader with the global legislation of antibiotics in animal husbandry; highlighting gaps and current issues for Salmonella enterica (S. enterica) and Eimeria (coccidiosis-inducing). We then discuss the natural, symbiotic characteristics of the Galliformes order (chicken-like birds) and Linum (the flaxes). The key immunological themes in this review include: (i) flaxseed's regulation of innate and adaptive immunity in chickens, (ii) flaxseed's ability to accelerate chicken recovery from infection with S. enterica and Eimeria, and (iii) flaxseed's strengthening of immunity via vitamin B6 antagonism. Research indicates that whole flaxseed increases adaptive immune capacity by augmenting cecal Bacteroides and short-chain fatty acids while also attenuating the heterophil to lymphocyte ratio in chickens. Moreover, flaxseed accelerates chicken recovery from infection with Salmonella Enteritidis or Eimeria tenella; however, future work is needed to better understand (i) defatted flaxseed's superior performance against Eimeria species and (ii) Eimeria maxima's resilience against whole flaxseed. In the context of vitamin B6 antagonism, we propose that 15% whole flaxseed overcomes S. enterica's insult to estrogen synthesis by sustaining the activity of phosphatidylethanolamine methyltransferase (PEMT) in liver. We also propose that 10% defatted flaxseed (as a metformin homologue) strengthens chicken immunity by safeguarding gonadal physiology and by increasing plasma thymidine bioavailability. The concepts in this review can be used as a template for conducting advanced immunological studies in poultry science.},
}

@article {pmid39589622,
year = {2024},
author = {Wong, JM and Liu, AC and Lin, HT and Shinzato, C and Yang, SY and Yang, SH},
title = {An Improved RNA Extraction Method for Octocorals and Its Application in Transcriptome Analysis of Dark-Induced Bleaching Octocoral.},
journal = {Marine biotechnology (New York, N.Y.)},
volume = {27},
number = {1},
pages = {8},
pmid = {39589622},
issn = {1436-2236},
support = {NSTC 112-2311-B-002 -017//National Science and Technology Council/ ; NTU 112L2033-05//National Taiwan University/ ; },
mesh = {*Anthozoa/genetics/metabolism ; Animals ; *Gene Expression Profiling ; *RNA/isolation & purification/genetics ; *Dinoflagellida/genetics ; *Transcriptome ; Symbiosis ; Coral Reefs ; },
abstract = {Octocorals, vital components of reef ecosystems, inhabit various marine environments across diverse climate zones, spanning from tropical shallows to frigid deep-sea regions. Certain octocoral species, notably Lobophytum and Sinularia, are particularly intriguing due to their production of diverse metabolites, warranting continuous investigation. Although octocorals played the roles in coral ecosystems, the studies are rare in comparison to scleractinian corals, especially in transcriptomic and genomic data. However, RNA extraction was massively interfered by the polysaccharides and secondary metabolites produced from octocoral holobiont. For this purpose, five lysis buffer systems and two extraction processes were examined for the RNA extraction efficiency in octocorals. We found CTAB/10%SDS as a new method for RNA extraction from six different octocoral genera. Furthermore, our new method is enable to extract RNA with good quality for downstream application such as quantitative PCR and RNA sequencing. Finally, comparative transcriptomic analysis between healthy octocorals and those dark-induced bleaching corals in Lobophytum hsiehi revealed extracellular matrix and immunity-related genes may play the important roles in coral-symbiodinium symbiosis. We believe that this study's findings and the developed RNA extraction method will serve as valuable references for future research, particularly in octocorals.},
}

*Anthozoa/genetics/metabolism
Animals
*Gene Expression Profiling
*RNA/isolation & purification/genetics
*Dinoflagellida/genetics
*Transcriptome
Symbiosis
Coral Reefs

@article {pmid39589551,
year = {2024},
author = {Okumura, R and Takeda, K},
title = {The role of the mucosal barrier system in maintaining gut symbiosis to prevent intestinal inflammation.},
journal = {Seminars in immunopathology},
volume = {47},
number = {1},
pages = {2},
pmid = {39589551},
issn = {1863-2300},
support = {JP18K15187//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; JP21H050430//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Intestinal Mucosa/metabolism/immunology/microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; Animals ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/metabolism/etiology/immunology ; Inflammation/metabolism/immunology ; Antimicrobial Peptides/metabolism ; },
abstract = {In the intestinal tract, where numerous intestinal bacteria reside, intestinal epithelial cells produce and release various antimicrobial molecules that form a complex barrier on the mucosal surface. These barrier molecules can be classified into two groups based on their functions: those that exhibit bactericidal activity through chemical reactions, such as antimicrobial peptides, and those that physically hinder bacterial invasion, like mucins, which lack bactericidal properties. In the small intestine, where Paneth cells specialize in producing antimicrobial peptides, the chemical barrier molecules primarily inhibit bacterial growth. In contrast, in the large intestine, where Paneth cells are absent, allowing bacterial growth, the primary defense mechanism is the physical barrier, mainly composed of mucus, which controls bacterial movement and prevents their invasion of intestinal tissues. The expression of these barrier molecules is regulated by metabolites produced by bacteria in the intestinal lumen and cytokines produced by immune cells in the lamina propria. This regulation establishes a defense mechanism that adapts to changes in the intestinal environment, such as alterations in gut microbial composition and the presence of pathogenic bacterial infections. Consequently, when the integrity of the gut mucosal barrier is compromised, commensal bacteria and pathogenic microorganisms from outside the body can invade intestinal tissues, leading to conditions such as intestinal inflammation, as observed in cases of inflammatory bowel disease.},
}

Humans
*Intestinal Mucosa/metabolism/immunology/microbiology
*Symbiosis
Animals
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/metabolism/etiology/immunology
Inflammation/metabolism/immunology
Antimicrobial Peptides/metabolism

@article {pmid39589125,
year = {2024},
author = {Zhang, Z and Tong, M and Ding, W and Liu, S and Jong, M-C and Radwan, AA and Cai, Z and Zhou, J},
title = {Changes in the diversity and functionality of viruses that can bleach healthy coral.},
journal = {mSphere},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0081624},
doi = {10.1128/msphere.00816-24},
pmid = {39589125},
issn = {2379-5042},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Coral microbiomes play a crucial role in maintaining the health and functionality of holobionts. Disruption in the equilibrium of holobionts, including bacteria, fungi, and archaea, can result in the bleaching of coral. However, little is known about the viruses that can infect holobionts in coral, especially bacteriophages. Here, we employed a combination of amplicon and metagenomic analyses on Acropora muricata and Galaxea astreata to investigate the diversity and functionality of viruses in healthy and bleached corals. Analysis showed that the alpha diversity of holobionts (bacteria, eukaryotes, zooxanthellae, and lysogenic and lytic viruses) was higher in bleached corals than that in healthy corals. Meanwhile, bleached corals exhibited a relatively higher abundance of specific viral classes, including Revtraviricetes, Arfiviricetes, Faserviricetes, Caudoviricetes, Herviviricetes, and Tectiliviricetes; moreover, we found that the expression levels of functional genes involved in carbon and sulfur metabolism were enriched. An increase in Vibrio abundance has been reported as a notable factor in coral bleaching; our analysis also revealed an increased abundance of Vibrio in bleached coral. Finally, bleached corals contained a higher abundance of Vibrio phages and encoded more virulence factor genes to increase the competitiveness of Vibrio after coral bleaching. In conclusion, we attempted to understand the causes of coral bleaching from the perspective of phage-bacteria-coral tripartite interaction.

IMPORTANCE: Viruses, especially bacteriophages, outnumber other microorganisms by approximately 10-fold and represent the most abundant members of coral holobionts. Corals represent a model system for the study of symbiosis, the influence of viruses on organisms inhabiting healthy coral reef, the role of rapid horizontal gene transfer, and the expression of auxiliary metabolic genes. However, the least studied component of coral holobiont are viruses. Therefore, there is a critical need to investigate the viral community of viruses, and their functionality, in healthy and bleached coral. Here, we compared the composition and functionality of viruses in healthy and bleached corals and found that viruses may participate in the induction of coral bleaching by enhancing the expression of virulence genes and other auxiliary metabolic functions.},
}

@article {pmid39588438,
year = {2024},
author = {Dandamudi, BJ and Dimaano, KAM and Shah, N and AlQassab, O and Al-Sulaitti, Z and Nelakuditi, B and Mohammed, L},
title = {Neurodegenerative Disorders and the Gut-Microbiome-Brain Axis: A Literature Review.},
journal = {Cureus},
volume = {16},
number = {10},
pages = {e72427},
pmid = {39588438},
issn = {2168-8184},
abstract = {Neurodegenerative diseases are severe, age-related conditions with complex etiologies that result in significant morbidity and mortality. The gut microbiome, a dynamic symbiotic environment comprising commensal organisms, represents the largest reservoir of these organisms within the human body. It produces short-chain fatty acids, endogenous signals, and neuroactive compounds, which can modulate neuronal function, plasticity, and behavior. Emerging evidence suggests that the gut microbiome plays a pivotal role in neurodevelopment, aging, and brain diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and stroke. Communication between the gut and brain occurs through a bidirectional channel known as the gut-microbiome-brain axis, which is being explored for therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative disorders. This literature review was conducted through a comprehensive search of five electronic databases - PubMed, Scopus, Ovid Medline, Cochrane Review, and Google Scholar - from inception to June 2024, focusing on English-language studies. Keywords included "gut-brain axis", "microbiome dysbiosis", "neurodegeneration", and disorder-specific terms such as "Alzheimer's disease" and "Parkinson's disease", paired with "gut microbiome". The review examines current knowledge on the relationship between gut microbiota and neurodegenerative disorders, emphasizing potential mechanisms and therapeutic options. Results indicate that gut dysbiosis, characterized by microbial imbalance, is intricately associated with neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis by influencing immune responses, increasing blood-brain barrier permeability, and generating neurotoxic metabolites. Therapeutic approaches targeting the gut microbiome, including probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation, show promise in restoring microbial balance and slowing disease progression. However, further research is essential to validate these findings and develop effective clinical interventions.},
}

@article {pmid39587701,
year = {2024},
author = {Garza-Aguilar, SM and Ramos-Parra, PA and Urrea-López, R and Berdeja-Zamudio, WJ and Lozano-Guajardo, J and Benavides-Lozano, J and Ramírez-Yáñez, M and Díaz de la Garza, RI},
title = {Folate Biosynthesis is Boosted in Legume Nodules.},
journal = {Plant, cell & environment},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/pce.15294},
pmid = {39587701},
issn = {1365-3040},
support = {//This work was supported by the CONACYT (243058)./ ; },
abstract = {Symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) profoundly alters plant and bacteroid metabolism; however, SNF impact on folates and one-carbon (1C) metabolism are unknown. To explore this, SNF was induced in Phaseolus Vulgaris with Rhizobium etli. Nodules accumulated the highest folate concentration yet reported in a plant tissue (60 nmol/g fresh weight). Folate upregulation was not exclusive of determinate nodules, moderate to high folate contents were also encounter in Medicago truncatula and sativa. Moreover, folates correlated partial and positively with N2-fixation. 1C metabolism-associated amino acids (Ser, Gly, Cys, Thr, and Met) accumulated more in nodules than roots. Subcellular profiling of nodule folates revealed that the cytosol fraction primarily contained 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolate, cofactor for Met synthesis. 10-formyl-tetrahydrofolate, required for purine synthesis, was most abundant in nodule plastids, while bacteroids contained low folate levels. Differential transcriptome analysis from nodule legume studies revealed that only a few biosynthetic folate genes expression was increased in nodules whereas several genes for 1C reactions were upregulated. For the first time folates were detected in the xylem sap, with higher concentrations during SNF. We postulate that folates are needed during SNF to sustain purines, thymidylate, and Met synthesis, during both N2-fixation and nodule growth; nodule metabolism is then a 1C-unit sink.},
}

@article {pmid39587272,
year = {2024},
author = {Eekhoff, JK},
title = {Premonition: Hope and Dread in the Analytic Hour.},
journal = {American journal of psychoanalysis},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39587272},
issn = {1573-6741},
abstract = {Analytic awareness of the process of meaning-making involves tracking premonitions and intuitions to their sources. As precursors of symbolic processing, premonitions are essential elements in any relationship, including the analytic relationship. They provide unconscious communication that informs and amplifies internal and external body and object relations. These relations facilitate depth and dimensionality between and within persons. They also enable the representational processes to establish psychic structure. When traumatized, a person can lose faith in these processes and defend against relationship. Exploring precursors of the emotional experiences of hope and dread enables the analytic dyad to re-vitalize lost potentials and the representation of experience. A clinical example is given to demonstrate the application of these ideas.},
}

@article {pmid39586261,
year = {2024},
author = {Walter, J},
title = {Gut Microbiota Assembly Begins at Birth and Needs to Be Nurtured.},
journal = {Nestle Nutrition Institute workshop series},
volume = {100},
number = {},
pages = {28-45},
doi = {10.1159/000540140},
pmid = {39586261},
issn = {1664-2155},
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology ; Infant, Newborn ; Host Microbial Interactions/physiology ; Symbiosis/physiology ; Infant ; Biological Evolution ; Immune System/physiology ; },
abstract = {Humans maintain symbiotic relationships with complex microbial communities in their intestinal tracts that are paramount to their host's health and development. Given their importance, it is essential for the host to reliably acquire key members of the gut microbiota and assemble communities that provide benefits during important windows of host development. Epidemiological studies over the last 2 decades have convincingly shown that clinical and nutritional factors that disrupt early-life microbiome assembly predispose humans to infections and chronic noncommunicable diseases. These connections emphasize the importance of understanding host-microbiome assembly on a mechanistic level, the time windows that are most important for host-microbe crosstalk, and the clinical and lifestyle factors that shape and disrupt symbiotic interactions to develop therapeutic and nutritional strategies to prevent noncommunicable diseases. In this article, I will provide an evolutionary and ecological perspective on when and how humans acquire their gut microbiome, the factors that shape the assembly process, and how the process can be disrupted. I will discuss the most important time windows for both microbiome assembly and the microbiome's impact on development of the immune system. Finally, I will discuss how evolutionary and ecological principles inform strategies to support and restore the gut microbiome early in life.},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology
Infant, Newborn
Host Microbial Interactions/physiology
Symbiosis/physiology
Infant
Biological Evolution
Immune System/physiology

@article {pmid39585407,
year = {2024},
author = {Müller, CSL},
title = {[Immunohistochemical examinations in malignant melanoma : Fundamentals and special aspects].},
journal = {Dermatologie (Heidelberg, Germany)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39585407},
issn = {2731-7013},
abstract = {Immunohistochemical examinations have been used for many years in dermatopathology and pathology and have become an integral part of tumor diagnostics. The aim is to identify and classify tumor cells that express distinct antigens. Malignant melanoma can be characterized by a large number of well-described and standardized antibodies, so that immunohistochemical staining is used in the diagnosis of melanoma, the differential diagnosis of other tumors, the determination of tumor thickness, the diagnosis of tumor metastases, and also in the diagnosis of sentinel lymph nodes. Comprehensive knowledge of the expression profiles and specific staining patterns of the antibodies used is of great diagnostic relevance, with the aim of preventing misdiagnosis. The perfect antibody with high sensitivity and maximum specificity does not exist. Hence, immunohistochemistry does not replace the conventional assessment and interpretation of tumor samples. Only in symbiosis with clinical and conventional histological findings do immunohistochemical stains have a diagnostic value.},
}

@article {pmid39584499,
year = {2024},
author = {Checchia, I and Andreolli, M and Lanza, F and Santoiemma, G and Mori, N and Pasini, M and Lampis, S and Felis, GE},
title = {Testing low-risk bioactive compounds on Halyomorpha halys: an improved pipeline of analyses to investigate their effects on the bacterial endosymbiont Candidatus Pantoea carbekii.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.8564},
pmid = {39584499},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//I.C. Ph.D. scholarship is supported by REACT-EU FSE fund in the frame of PON "Dottorati su tematiche green" (Action IV.5), 2014-2020 (DM 1061/2021). Code BIO04, DOT1340225, Borsa 1 CUP B39J21026610001/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys has become an invasive insect pest of many crops. A promising control strategy to manage the proliferation of H. halys is based on the suppression of its obligate and vertically transmitted uncultivated symbiotic bacterium Candidatus Pantoea carbekii through surface-sterilization of H. halys eggs. Indeed, the application of antimicrobial formulations on the eggs of H. halys could cause mortality of endosymbiont and consequently of newly emerged nymphs. In this study, a microbial live/dead assay was applied directly on H. halys eggs to evaluate Ca. P. carbekii loss of viability after treatments with seven commercial formulations including fungicides (copper hydroxide, sulphur, sweet orange essential oil) and plant biostimulants (flavonoids and chestnut tannin extract) compared with two disinfectants for civil and industrial use (sodium hypochlorite/hydrated sodium/tetraborate decahydrate and peracetic acid/hydrogen peroxide). Impact of mode of application was also evaluated, as surface treatment of egg masses was performed through spraying and dipping in laboratory conditions. Antimicrobial activity data were finally complemented with observations of egg hatching and vitality of the nymphs.

RESULTS: The optimization of live/dead staining is useful for evaluating Ca. P. carbekii mortality directly on eggs, providing a rapid and reliable culture-independent approach. Sodium hypochlorite, copper, sulphur, tannins and sweet orange essential oil showed an antimicrobial effect against Ca. P. carbekii and a H. halys egg hatching reduction and nymph's vitality.

CONCLUSIONS: The antimicrobial and insecticidal effects of these commercial products should be further studied to assess their in-field efficiency as well as the impact of these substances on non-target organisms. The approach followed in this study could be considered a robust pipeline of analyses to evaluate the effectiveness of antimicrobial eco-friendly compounds in symbiotic control of H. halys. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid39582896,
year = {2024},
author = {Iglesias, V and Chilimoniuk, J and Pintado-Grima, C and Bárcenas, O and Ventura, S and Burdukiewicz, M},
title = {Aggregating amyloid resources: A comprehensive review of databases on amyloid-like aggregation.},
journal = {Computational and structural biotechnology journal},
volume = {23},
number = {},
pages = {4011-4018},
pmid = {39582896},
issn = {2001-0370},
abstract = {Protein aggregation is responsible for several degenerative conditions in humans, and it is also a bottleneck in industrial protein production and storage of biotherapeutics. Bioinformatics tools have been developed to predict and redesign protein solubility more efficiently by understanding the underlying principles behind aggregation. As more experimental data become available, dedicated resources for storing, indexing, classifying and consolidating experimental results have emerged. These resources vary in focus, including aggregation-prone regions, 3D patches or protein stretches capable of forming amyloid fibrils. Some of these resources also consider the experimental conditions that cause protein aggregation and how they affect the process. This review article explores how protein aggregation databases have evolved and surveys state-of-the-art resources. We highlight their applications, complementarity and existing limitations. Moreover, we showcase the existing symbiosis between amyloid-related databases and predictive tools. To increase the usefulness of our review, we supplement it with a comprehensive list of present and past amyloid databases: https://biogenies.info/amyloid-database-list/.},
}

@article {pmid39582382,
year = {2024},
author = {Hu, L and Chen, Y and Wu, Q and Zeng, Q and Zhang, T and Yu, G and He, M and Chen, D and Su, X and Zhang, Y and Zhang, Z and Shen, J},
title = {Alteration in microbes changed the contents of oviposition-deterrent pheromones on the Spodoptera litura egg surface.},
journal = {Bulletin of entomological research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-8},
doi = {10.1017/S000748532400066X},
pmid = {39582382},
issn = {1475-2670},
abstract = {Microorganisms symbiotic with insects, whether permanently or temporarily, play a crucial role in the nutrition, development, reproduction, defence, and metamorphosis regulation. In some Lepidoptera, oviposition-deterrent pheromones (ODPs) on egg surface were used by pregnant females to modify the behaviour of conspecifics to avoid excessive competition for limited resources. In this study, we constructed four different Spodoptera litura groups, including, OH, OA, SH, and OA, which either feed on different hosts or grow in different environments. The 16S rDNA libraries of microbes from the egg surface of the four groups were constructed and sequenced. According to alpha and beta diversity indices, the microbes in environments and diets considerably influenced the richness, diversity, and community compositions of the microbiota on egg surfaces. The quantity of the main ODP components and the corresponding oviposition-deterrent activity among four groups were significantly differed among the four groups. The result of this study revealed that altering of microbes in environments or diets considerably changed the contents of ODP and oviposition-deterrent activity. As ODPs impart oviposition-deterrent activity towards closely related species, the findings of this study suggest that we should pay more attention to the role of symbiotic microorganisms in changing the ability of insects, especially sympatric species, to occupy the optimal niche when developing novel pest-control strategies.},
}

@article {pmid39582243,
year = {2024},
author = {Thanthrige, N and Bhowmik, SD and Williams, B},
title = {'Friend versus foe'-does autophagy help regulate symbiotic plant-microbe interactions and can it be manipulated to improve legume cultivation?.},
journal = {FEBS letters},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/1873-3468.15062},
pmid = {39582243},
issn = {1873-3468},
abstract = {Autophagy is a genetically regulated, eukaryotic catabolic pathway that responds to internal and external cellular signals. In plants, it plays crucial roles in development, and responses to abiotic and biotic stresses. Due to its role in limiting the hypersensitive response, research on the molecular mechanisms of autophagic signalling pathways in plant-microbe interactions has primarily focused on plant-pathogen responses. Although there is substantially less information on the role of autophagy signalling in symbiotic plant-microbe interactions, there is accumulating evidence that it is also a key regulator of mutualistic plant-microbe interactions. Here, we review recent progress on the roles of autophagy in symbiotic plant interactions and discuss potential future research directions. Once understood, the central role that autophagy plays within pathogenic and symbiotic plant-microbe interactions has significant potential application for crop improvement. Manipulating autophagy in legume crops could help support crop growth with reduced levels of fertiliser application while maintaining yields with increased protein content in the harvest.},
}

@article {pmid39581480,
year = {2024},
author = {Chu, G and Gao, C and Wang, Q and Zhang, W and Tian, T and Chen, W and Gao, M},
title = {Effect of light intensity on nitrogen removal, enzymatic activity and metabolic pathway of algal-bacterial symbiosis in rotating biological contactor treating mariculture wastewater.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {131872},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2024.131872},
pmid = {39581480},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {An algal-bacterial symbiosis (ABS) system was developed on a rotating biological contactor treating mariculture wastewater, and its nitrogen removal, enzymatic activity and metabolic pathways were investigated under different light intensities. The nitrogen removal efficiency increased when light intensities ranged from 20 to 80 μE/(m[2]·s) but declined under 100 μE/(m[2]·s). Higher enzymatic activities under 80 μE/(m[2]·s) facilitated nitrogen conversion, light utilization, ATP supply and photosynthesis. Reactive oxygen species accumulation activated antioxidant pathways under 20 and 100 μE/(m[2]·s). Functional bacteria including Sedimentitalea, Thauera and Dechloromonas as well as Chlorella sorokinian, Dunaliella, Pleurosira laevis and Microcystis were enriched under 80 μE/(m[2]·s). Abundant photosynthesis-related genes (petC, Lca3/4 and atpH/A) supported energy supply and electron transport. Conversely, lower proportions of IDH3, gltB, and acnA/B under 20 and 100 μE/(m[2]·s) hindered tricarboxylic acid cycle, reducing NADPH and energy production. These results enhance the understanding on the effect of light intensity on ABS system treating mariculture wastewater.},
}

@article {pmid39581403,
year = {2024},
author = {Gao, M and Li, B and Zhang, K and Li, D and Chen, R and Elumalai, P and Gao, X and Wang, L and Zhu, X and Luo, J and Ji, J and Cui, J},
title = {Worldwide used bio-insecticides Cry1Ac toxin have no detrimental effects on E. balteatus but alter the symbiotic microbial communities.},
journal = {International journal of biological macromolecules},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {137995},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.137995},
pmid = {39581403},
issn = {1879-0003},
abstract = {Hoverflies, capable of abilities providing dual ecosystem services including pest control and pollination, are exposed to insecticidal proteins from transgenic plants via pollen and prey aphids. However, the effects of such exposures on hoverflies have never been adequately assessed. Here, we investigated impacts of the most widely used biotoxin Cry1Ac on a representative hoverfly species Episyrphus balteatus through food chain transmission and active toxin exposure. The results showed Cry1Ac can be transmitted into E. balteatus through feeding on Aphis gossypii reared by Bt insect-resistant cotton variety expressing the Cry1Ac toxin, but the biological parameters of E. balteatus including survival rate, growth, development, reproductive capacity, and detoxification-related gene expression, were not significantly affected. Furthermore, the exposure to high-dose Cry1Ac toxin (500 μg/mL) resulted in slight increase of 16.67 % in the activity of detoxification and antioxidant enzyme catalase in E. balteatus and inhibited the egg hatching, partially inducing stress responses. Notably, the exposure to Cry1Ac toxin disrupted the microbiota homeostasis in E. balteatus, and the relative abundances of three dominant symbiotic bacterial genera (Cosenzaea, Wolbachia, and Commensalibacter) in E. balteatus exhibited a 10 % ~ 40 % fluctuation under Cry1Ac toxin stress. Taken together, these results suggest Cry1Ac toxin is not lethal to E. balteatus, but it poses a potential threat to its endosymbiotic bacteria.},
}

@article {pmid39581302,
year = {2024},
author = {Johansson, A and Ho, NP and Takizawa, H},
title = {"Microbiome and Hemato-immune Aging".},
journal = {Experimental hematology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {104685},
doi = {10.1016/j.exphem.2024.104685},
pmid = {39581302},
issn = {1873-2399},
abstract = {Microbiome is a highly complex and diverse symbiotic component that undergoes dynamic changes with the organismal aging. Microbial perturbations, termed dysbiosis, exert strong influence on dysregulating the bone marrow niche and subsequently promoting the aging of hematopoietic and immune system. Besides, accumulating studies have revealed the substantial impact of intestinal microbiome on the initiation and progression of age-related hematologic alteration and diseases, such as clonal hematopoiesis and blood cancers. Current therapeutic approaches to restore the altered microbiome diversity target specific pathobionts and are demonstrated to improve clinical outcomes of anti-hematologic malignancy treatments. In this review, we discuss the interplay between the microbiome and the hemato-immune system during aging process. We also shed light on the emerging therapeutic strategies to tackle the dysbiosis for amelioration of aging and disease progression.},
}

@article {pmid39579986,
year = {2024},
author = {Tuor, M and Stappers, MHT and Desgardin, A and Ruchti, F and Sparber, F and Orr, SJ and Gow, NAR and LeibundGut-Landmann, S},
title = {Card9 and MyD88 differentially regulate Th17 immunity to the commensal yeast Malassezia in the murine skin.},
journal = {Mucosal immunology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.mucimm.2024.11.004},
pmid = {39579986},
issn = {1935-3456},
abstract = {The fungal community of the skin microbiome is dominated by a single genus, Malassezia. Besides its symbiotic lifestyle at the host interface, this commensal yeast has also been associated with diverse inflammatory skin diseases in humans and pet animals. Stable colonization is maintained by antifungal type 17 immunity. The mechanisms driving Th17 responses to Malassezia remain, however, unclear. Here, we show that the C-type lectin receptors Mincle, Dectin-1, and Dectin-2 recognize conserved patterns in the cell wall of Malassezia and induce dendritic cell activation in vitro, while only Dectin-2 is required for Th17 activation during experimental skin colonization in vivo. In contrast, Toll-like receptor recognition was redundant in this context. Instead, inflammatory IL-1 family cytokines signaling via MyD88 were also implicated in Th17 activation in a T cell-intrinsic manner. Taken together, we characterized the pathways contributing to protective immunity against the most abundant member of the skin mycobiome. This knowledge contributes to the understanding of barrier immunity and its regulation by commensals and is relevant considering how aberrant immune responses are associated with severe skin pathologies.},
}

@article {pmid39579890,
year = {2024},
author = {Jia, Y and Huan, H and Zhang, W and Wan, B and Sun, J and Tu, Z},
title = {Soil infiltration mechanisms under plant root disturbance in arid and semi-arid grasslands and the response of solute transport in rhizosphere soil.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {177633},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.177633},
pmid = {39579890},
issn = {1879-1026},
abstract = {The symbiotic relationship between plant roots and soil infiltration is of great significance for sustainable development of the agriculture and forestry. Through detailed summary of the relationship between root morphological parameters and soil infiltration rates in arid and semi-arid grasslands mainly with leguminous herbs, gramineous herbs and shrubs, the mechanisms that key parameters (root length density, surface area density, diameter, biomass density, architecture, secretion and decay rate) disturb soil infiltration through affecting soil structure such as porosity, soil bulk density and soil organic matter (SOM) are elucidated. Furthermore, the degree of root disturbance on soil structure and infiltration rates are partially clarified by constructing quantitatively structural equation modeling path diagrams. The results show roots have the most significant effect to increase soil infiltration rates through increasing non-capillary pores, contributing to >50 % of the positive effect. In contrast, the increased SOM influenced by roots can obstruct soil infiltration and offset about 25 % of the positive effects. In addition, the impact of root disturbance on transport of nutrients, pesticide and pathogenic microorganisms in rhizosphere soil is also discussed to analyze the potential influence on food and water environmental safety. The presence of roots reduces the amount of leachate-prone nutrients, but their disturbance increases the rate of soil infiltration thus accelerates transport of solutes into deeper soil. Meanwhile, the rhizosphere alters the environmental behavior of pesticides and pathogenic microorganisms, increasing risk of plant roots exposure to them. At present, systematically quantifying the interference of plant roots on soil structure and soil infiltration capacity remains a major challenge. It is necessary to further improve the research methodology and strengthen the study of root soil interaction mechanisms, providing scientific basis and technical support for sustainable agricultural development and ecological environment protection.},
}

@article {pmid39579797,
year = {2024},
author = {Parisot, N and Ribeiro Lopes, M and Peignier, S and Baa-Puyoulet, P and Charles, H and Calevro, F and Callaerts, P},
title = {Annotation of transcription factors, chromatin-associated factors, and basal transcription machinery in the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum, and development of the ATFdb database, a resource for studies of transcriptional regulation.},
journal = {Insect biochemistry and molecular biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {104217},
doi = {10.1016/j.ibmb.2024.104217},
pmid = {39579797},
issn = {1879-0240},
abstract = {The pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum, is an emerging model system in functional and comparative genomics, in part due to the availability of new genomic approaches and the different sequencing and annotation efforts that the community has dedicated to this important crop pest insect. The pea aphid is also used as a model to study fascinating biological traits of aphids, such as their extensive polyphenisms, their bacteriocyte-confined nutritional symbiosis, or their adaptation to the highly unbalanced diet represented by phloem sap. To get insights into the molecular basis of all these processes, it is important to have an appropriate annotation of transcription factors (TFs), which would enable the reconstruction/inference of gene regulatory networks in aphids. Using the latest version of the A. pisum genome assembly and annotation, which represents the first chromosome-level pea aphid genome, we annotated the complete repertoire of A. pisum TFs and complemented this information by annotating genes encoding chromatin-associated and basal transcription machinery proteins. These annotations were done combining information from the model Drosophila melanogaster, for which we also provide a revisited list of these proteins, and de novo prediction. The comparison between the two model systems allowed the identification of major losses or expansions in each genome, while a deeper analysis was made of ZNF TFs (with certain families expanded in the pea aphid), and the Hox gene cluster (showing reorganization in gene position in the pea aphid compared to D. melanogaster). All annotations are available to the community through the Aphid Transcription Factors database (ATFdb), consolidating the various annotations we generated. ATFdb serves as a valuable resource for gene regulation studies in aphids.},
}

@article {pmid39579072,
year = {2024},
author = {Prakash, A and Wang, Y},
title = {De Novo Long-Read Genome Assembly and Annotation of the Mosquito Gut-dwelling Fungus, Smittium minutisporum.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/gbe/evae259},
pmid = {39579072},
issn = {1759-6653},
abstract = {Mosquito guts host a variety of microbes, yet fungi are often overlooked. Smittium (Harpellales, Zoopagomycota) comprises numerous species that are obligate symbionts residing in the hindgut of mosquito larvae. Despite their association with pathogen-bearing vectors, these fungal symbionts remain understudied, largely due to the lack of high-quality genome resources. This limitation has impeded a deeper understanding of their genome biology and adaptive strategies in relation to their mosquito hosts, which may hold significant epidemiological implications. To address this gap, we generated the first reference-quality genome assembly for this group of fungi, using PacBio HiFi long-reads for an axenic culture of Smittium minutisporum, originally isolated from the eastern treehole mosquito, Aedes Triseriatus. The genome assembly consists of 53 contigs, spanning a total length of 32.5 Mb, and is predicted to encode 8,254 protein-coding genes, with repetitive regions constituting 25.22% of the genome. Notably, despite being highly contiguous and gap-free, the BUSCO analysis suggests a completeness score of 71.8%, implying unusual genome features, possibly shaped by adaptation and specialization within the mosquito gut. This high-quality genome resource will be invaluable for advancing our understanding of mosquito gut-dwelling fungi, their natural history, and their cryptic symbiosis with insect hosts.},
}

@article {pmid39578727,
year = {2024},
author = {Ang'ang'o, LM and Herren, JK and Tastan Bishop, Ö},
title = {Bioinformatics analysis of the Microsporidia sp. MB genome: a malaria transmission-blocking symbiont of the Anopheles arabiensis mosquito.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {1132},
pmid = {39578727},
issn = {1471-2164},
mesh = {*Anopheles/microbiology/parasitology/genetics ; Animals ; *Microsporidia/genetics ; *Symbiosis ; *Computational Biology/methods ; *Genome, Fungal ; Malaria/transmission ; Phylogeny ; Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/genetics ; Genomics/methods ; RNA Interference ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The use of microsporidia as a disease-transmission-blocking tool has garnered significant attention. Microsporidia sp. MB, known for its ability to block malaria development in mosquitoes, is an optimal candidate for supplementing malaria vector control methods. This symbiont, found in Anopheles mosquitoes, can be transmitted both vertically and horizontally with minimal effects on its mosquito host. Its genome, recently sequenced from An. arabiensis, comprises a compact 5.9 Mbp.

RESULTS: Here, we analyze the Microsporidia sp. MB genome, highlighting its major genomic features, gene content, and protein function. The genome contains 2247 genes, predominantly encoding enzymes. Unlike other members of the Enterocytozoonida group, Microsporidia sp. MB has retained most of the genes in the glycolytic pathway. Genes involved in RNA interference (RNAi) were also identified, suggesting a mechanism for host immune suppression. Importantly, meiosis-related genes (MRG) were detected, indicating potential for sexual reproduction in this organism. Comparative analyses revealed similarities with its closest relative, Vittaforma corneae, despite key differences in host interactions.

CONCLUSION: This study provides an in-depth analysis of the newly sequenced Microsporidia sp. MB genome, uncovering its unique adaptations for intracellular parasitism, including retention of essential metabolic pathways and RNAi machinery. The identification of MRGs suggests the possibility of sexual reproduction, offering insights into the symbiont's evolutionary strategies. Establishing a reference genome for Microsporidia sp. MB sets the foundation for future studies on its role in malaria transmission dynamics and host-parasite interactions.},
}

*Anopheles/microbiology/parasitology/genetics
Animals
*Microsporidia/genetics
*Symbiosis
*Computational Biology/methods
*Genome, Fungal
Malaria/transmission
Phylogeny
Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/genetics
Genomics/methods
RNA Interference

@article {pmid39577053,
year = {2024},
author = {Chen, Q and Ou, Z and Lv, H},
title = {Cadmium toxicity in blueberry cultivation and the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.},
journal = {Ecotoxicology and environmental safety},
volume = {288},
number = {},
pages = {117364},
doi = {10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.117364},
pmid = {39577053},
issn = {1090-2414},
abstract = {Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal that interferes with essential metabolic pathways crucial for plant growth, often resulting in toxicity and plant death. Blueberry plants exhibit metabolic adaptations to mitigate the stress caused by elevated Cd levels. In this review, we highlighted the effects of Cd-induced stress on blueberry plants and explored the potential alleviating effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Cd uptake disrupts plant metabolism and impacts primary and secondary metabolites, including anthocyanins, which play a role in defense mechanisms against pathogens. Hence, Cd-induced stress alters anthocyanin levels in blueberry leaves, negatively affecting antioxidant defense mechanisms and hindering growth. Conversely, AMF establishes a symbiotic relationship with blueberry plants, promoting nutrient absorption and enhancing stress tolerance. Understanding the association between Cd stress, anthocyanin responses in blueberries, and AMF-mediated mitigation is crucial for developing integrated strategies to enhance blueberry plant health and improve quality. Employing AMF to remediate metal-related stress represents a significant breakthrough for sustainable crop production in a Cd-contaminated environment.},
}

@article {pmid39576133,
year = {2024},
author = {Kim, H and Ahn, J and Kim, J and Kang, H-S},
title = {Metagenomic insights and biosynthetic potential of Candidatus Entotheonella symbiont associated with Halichondria marine sponges.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0235524},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.02355-24},
pmid = {39576133},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {Korea, being surrounded by the sea, provides a rich habitat for marine sponges, which have been a prolific source of bioactive natural products. Although a diverse array of structurally novel natural products has been isolated from Korean marine sponges, their biosynthetic origins remain largely unknown. To explore the biosynthetic potential of Korean marine sponges, we conducted metagenomic analyses of sponges inhabiting the East Sea of Korea. This analysis revealed a symbiotic association of Candidatus Entotheonella bacteria with Halichondria sponges. Here, we report a new chemically rich Entotheonella variant, which we named Ca. Entotheonella halido. Remarkably, this symbiont makes up 69% of the microbial community in the sponge Halichondira dokdoensis. Genome-resolved metagenomics enabled us to obtain a high-quality Ca. E. halido genome, which represents the largest (12 Mb) and highest quality among previously reported Entotheonella genomes. We also identified the biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) of the known sponge-derived Halicylindramides from the Ca. E. halido genome, enabling us to determine their biosynthetic origin. This new symbiotic association expands the host diversity and biosynthetic potential of metabolically talented bacterial genus Ca. Entotheonella symbionts.IMPORTANCEOur study reports the discovery of a new bacterial symbiont Ca. Entotheonella halido associated with the Korean marine sponge Halichondria dokdoensis. Using genome-resolved metagenomics, we recovered a high-quality Ca. E. halido MAG (Metagenome-Assembled Genome), which represents the largest and most complete Ca. Entotheonella MAG reported to date. Pangenome and BGC network analyses revealed a remarkably high BGC diversity within the Ca. Entotheonella pangenome, with almost no overlapping BGCs between different MAGs. The cryptic and genetically unique BGCs present in the Ca. Entotheonella pangenome represents a promising source of new bioactive natural products.},
}

@article {pmid39575929,
year = {2024},
author = {Ma, Y and Zhang, S},
title = {Synergistic Effects of Three-Species Symbiosis in Spiders.},
journal = {Integrative zoology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1749-4877.12919},
pmid = {39575929},
issn = {1749-4877},
support = {32370530//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {A schematic illustration depicts the symbiotic relationships between arthropod predators, featuring a Cyrtophora host and its two guests: the orb-weaving Leucauge and the kleptoparasitic Argyrodes (Photo: Po Peng).},
}

@article {pmid39574452,
year = {2024},
author = {Hixson, KK and Meng, Q and Moinuddin, SGA and Kwon, M and Costa, MA and Cort, JR and Davin, LB and Bell, CJ and Lewis, NG},
title = {RNA-seq and metabolomic analyses of beneficial plant phenol biochemical pathways in red alder.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1349635},
pmid = {39574452},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Red alder (Alnus rubra) has highly desirable wood, dye pigment, and (traditional) medicinal properties which have been capitalized on for thousands of years, including by Pacific West Coast Native Americans. A rapidly growing tree species native to North American western coastal and riparian regions, it undergoes symbiosis with actinobacterium Frankia via their nitrogen-fixing root nodules. Red alder's desirable properties are, however, largely attributed to its bioactive plant phenol metabolites, including for plant defense, for its attractive wood and bark coloration, and various beneficial medicinal properties. Integrated transcriptome and metabolome data analyses were carried out using buds, leaves, stems, roots, and root nodules from greenhouse grown red alder saplings with samples collected during different time-points (Spring, Summer, and Fall) of the growing season. Pollen and catkins were collected from field grown mature trees. Overall plant phenol biochemical pathways operative in red alder were determined, with a particular emphasis on potentially identifying candidates for the long unknown gateway entry points to the proanthocyanidin (PA) and ellagitannin metabolic classes, as well as in gaining better understanding of the biochemical basis of diarylheptanoid formation, i.e. that help define red alder's varied medicinal uses, and its extensive wood and dye usage.},
}

@article {pmid39574446,
year = {2024},
author = {El-Sappah, AH and Li, J and Yan, K and Zhu, C and Huang, Q and Zhu, Y and Chen, Y and El-Tarabily, KA and AbuQamar, SF},
title = {Fibrillin gene family and its role in plant growth, development, and abiotic stress.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1453974},
pmid = {39574446},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Fibrillins (FBNs), highly conserved plastid lipid-associated proteins (PAPs), play a crucial role in plant physiology. These proteins, encoded by nuclear genes, are prevalent in the plastoglobules (PGs) of chloroplasts. FBNs are indispensable for maintaining plastid stability, promoting plant growth and development, and enhancing stress responses. The conserved PAP domain of FBNs was found across a wide range of photosynthetic organisms, from plants and cyanobacteria. FBN families are classified into 12 distinct groups/clades, with the 12th group uniquely present in algal-fungal symbiosis. This mini review delves into the structural attributes, phylogenetic classification, genomic features, protein-protein interactions, and functional roles of FBNs in plants, with a special focus on their effectiveness in mitigating abiotic stresses, particularly drought stress.},
}

@article {pmid39574445,
year = {2024},
author = {Mundra, S and Morsy, M},
title = {Editorial: Applicative and ecological aspects of mycorrhizal symbioses.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1510941},
pmid = {39574445},
issn = {1664-462X},
}

@article {pmid39570950,
year = {2024},
author = {Banse, M and Hanssen, N and Sabbe, J and Lecchini, D and Donaldson, TJ and Iwankow, G and Lagant, A and Parmentier, E},
title = {Same calls, different meanings: Acoustic communication of Holocentridae.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {19},
number = {11},
pages = {e0312191},
pmid = {39570950},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Vocalization, Animal/physiology ; *Acoustics ; Animal Communication ; Sound ; Fishes/physiology ; },
abstract = {The literature on sound production behaviours in fish in the wild is quite sparse. In several taxa, associations between different sound types and given behaviours have been reported. In the Holocentridae, past nomenclature of the different sound types (knocks, growls, grunts, staccatos and thumps) has been confusing because it relies on the use of several terms that are not always based on fine descriptions. Our study aims to ascertain whether holocentrids can produce a variety of sounds in the wild and if these sounds are associated with specific behaviours. Additionally, we aim to determine whether sounds produced by hand-held specimens, a common methodology to record sounds in standardised conditions in fishes, could correspond to some sounds produced by free-swimming individuals in natural conditions. Our study shows that all holocentrid species are able to produce sounds in 6 behavioural contexts of both agonistic (conspecific and heterospecific chases, competition) and social signalling types (acceleration, broadcasting, body quivering), in addition to previously described mobbing towards moray eels and symbiotic interactions with cleaner wrasses. In holocentrids, acoustic communication is not only based on single calls but can also involve series of sounds of different types that are arranged randomly. The large amount of combinations within acoustical events for each behaviour, resulting from both the quantity of sounds and their diversity, supports the absence of stereotypy. This suggests that sounds are produced to reinforce visual communication during the day in this family. Our results also suggest that sounds recorded by hand-held fishes are produced naturally in the wild. Our study challenges past nomenclatures and demonstrates sound critical function in augmenting visual communication, advancing our comprehension of acoustic ecology in teleost species.},
}

Animals
*Vocalization, Animal/physiology
*Acoustics
Animal Communication
Sound
Fishes/physiology

@article {pmid39570444,
year = {2024},
author = {Dezfouli, MA and Rashidi, SK and Yazdanfar, N and Khalili, H and Goudarzi, M and Saadi, A and Kiani Deh Kiani, A},
title = {The emerging roles of neuroactive components produced by gut microbiota.},
journal = {Molecular biology reports},
volume = {52},
number = {1},
pages = {1},
pmid = {39570444},
issn = {1573-4978},
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology ; *Neurotransmitter Agents/metabolism ; Animals ; *Brain-Gut Axis/physiology ; Central Nervous System/metabolism/physiology ; Intestinal Mucosa/metabolism/microbiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: As a multifunctional ecosystem, the human digestive system contains a complex network of microorganisms, collectively known as gut microbiota. This consortium composed of more than 10[13] microorganisms and Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes are the dominant microbes. Gut microbiota is increasingly recognized for its critical role in physiological processes beyond digestion. Gut microbiota participates in a symbiotic relationship with the host and takes advantage of intestinal nutrients and mutually participates in the digestion of complex carbohydrates and maintaining intestinal functions.

METHOD AND RESULT: We reviewed the neuroactive components produced by gut microbiota. Interestingly, microbiota plays a crucial role in regulating the activity of the intestinal lymphatic system, regulation of the intestinal epithelial barrier, and maintaining the tolerance to food immunostimulating molecules. The gut-brain axis is a two-way communication pathway that links the gut microbiota to the central nervous system (CNS) and importantly is involved in neurodevelopment, cognition, emotion and synaptic transmissions. The connections between gut microbiota and CNS are via endocrine system, immune system and vagus nerve.

CONCLUSION: The gut microbiota produces common neurotransmitters and neuromodulators of the nervous system. These compounds play a role in neuronal functions, immune system regulation, gastrointestinal homeostasis, permeability of the blood brain barrier and other physiological processes. This review investigates the essential aspects of the neurotransmitters and neuromodulators produced by gut microbiota and their implications in health and disease.},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology
*Neurotransmitter Agents/metabolism
Animals
*Brain-Gut Axis/physiology
Central Nervous System/metabolism/physiology
Intestinal Mucosa/metabolism/microbiology

@article {pmid39570026,
year = {2024},
author = {Waterworth, SC and Solomons, GM and Kalinski, J-CJ and Madonsela, LS and Parker-Nance, S and Dorrington, RA},
title = {The unique and enigmatic spirochete symbiont of latrunculid sponges.},
journal = {mSphere},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0084524},
doi = {10.1128/msphere.00845-24},
pmid = {39570026},
issn = {2379-5042},
abstract = {Bacterial symbionts are critical members of many marine sponge holobionts. Some sponge-associated bacterial lineages, such as Poribacteria, sponge-associated unclassified lineage (SAUL), and Tethybacterales, appear to have broad-host ranges and associate with a diversity of sponge species, while others are more species-specific, having adapted to the niche environment of their host. Host-associated spirochete symbionts that are numerically dominant have been documented in several invertebrates including termites, starfish, and corals. However, dominant spirochete populations are rare in marine sponges, having thus far been observed only in Clathrina clathrus and various species within the Latrunculiidae family, where they are co-dominant alongside Tethybacterales symbionts. This study aimed to characterize these spirochetes and their potential role in the host sponge. Analysis of metagenome-assembled genomes from eight latrunculid sponges revealed that these unusual spirochetes are relatively recent symbionts and are phylogenetically distinct from other sponge-associated spirochetes. Functional comparative analysis suggests that the host sponge may have selected for these spirochetes due to their ability to produce terpenoids and/or possible structural contributions.IMPORTANCESouth African latrunculid sponges are host to co-dominant Tethybacterales and Spirochete symbionts. While the Tethybacterales are broad-host range symbionts, the spirochetes have not been reported as abundant in any other marine sponge except Clathrina clathrus. However, spirochetes are regularly the most dominant populations in marine corals and terrestrial invertebrates where they are predicted to serve as beneficial symbionts. Here, we interrogated eight metagenome-assembled genomes of the latrunculid-associated spirochetes and found that these symbionts are phylogenetically distinct from all invertebrate-associated spirochetes. The symbiosis between the spirochetes and their sponge host appears to have been established relatively recently.},
}

@article {pmid39568770,
year = {2024},
author = {Guéganton, M and Methou, P and Aubé, J and Noël, C and Rouxel, O and Cueff-Gauchard, V and Gayet, N and Durand, L and Pradillon, F and Cambon-Bonavita, MA},
title = {Symbiont Acquisition Strategies in Post-Settlement Stages of Two Co-Occurring Deep-Sea Rimicaris Shrimp.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {14},
number = {11},
pages = {e70369},
pmid = {39568770},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {At deep-sea hydrothermal vents, deprived of light, most living communities are fueled by chemosynthetic microorganisms. These can form symbiotic associations with metazoan hosts, which are then called holobionts. Among these, two endemic co-occurring shrimp of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR), Rimicaris exoculata and Rimicaris chacei are colonized by dense and diversified chemosynthetic symbiotic communities in their cephalothoracic cavity and their digestive system. Although both shrimp harbor similar communities, they exhibit widely different population densities, distribution patterns at small scale and diet, as well as differences in post-settlement morphological modifications leading to the adult stage. These contrasting biological traits may be linked to their symbiotic development success. Consequently, key questions related to the acquisition of the symbiotic communities and the development of the three symbiotic organs are still open. Here we examined symbiotic development in juveniles of R. exoculata and R. chacei from TAG and Snake Pit using 16S metabarcoding to identify which symbiotic lineages are present at each juvenile stage. In addition, we highlighted the abundance and distribution of microorganisms at each stage using Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (FISH) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). For the first time, Candidatus Microvillispirillaceae family with Candidatus Rimicarispirillum spp. (midgut tube), Candidatus Foregutplasma rimicarensis and Candidatus BG2-rimicarensis (foregut) were identified in late juvenile stages. However, these lineages were absent in early juvenile stages, which coincides for the midgut tube with our observations of an immature tissue, devoid of microvilli. Conversely, symbiotic lineages from the cephalothoracic cavity were present from the earliest juvenile stages of both species and their overall diversities were similar to those of adults. These results suggest different symbiont acquisition dynamics between the cephalothoracic cavity and the digestive system, which may also involve distinct transmission mechanisms.},
}

@article {pmid39566496,
year = {2024},
author = {Howard, NOA and Williams, A and Durant, E and Pressel, S and Daniell, TJ and Field, KJ},
title = {Preferential nitrogen and carbon exchange dynamics in Mucoromycotina "fine root endophyte"-plant symbiosis.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2024.10.028},
pmid = {39566496},
issn = {1879-0445},
abstract = {Mucoromycotina "fine root endophyte" (MFRE) fungi are an understudied group of plant symbionts that regularly co-occur with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. The functional significance of MFRE in plant nutrition remains underexplored, particularly their role in plant nitrogen (N) assimilation from the variety of sources typically found in soils. Using four [15]N-labeled N sources to track N transfer between MFRE and Plantago lanceolata, applied singly and in tandem, we investigated N source discrimination, preference, and transfer to host plants by MFRE. We traced movement of [14]C from plants to MFRE to determine the impact of N source type on plant carbon (C) allocation to MFRE. We found that MFRE preferentially transferred N derived from glycine and ammonium to plant hosts over that derived from nitrate and urea, regardless of other N sources present. MFRE mycelium supplied with glycine and ammonium contained more plant-derived carbon than those supplied with other N sources. We show that the MFRE directly assimilates and metabolizes organic compounds, retaining C to meet its own metabolic requirements and transferring N to plant hosts. Our findings highlight diversity in the function of endomycorrhizal associations, with potentially profound implications for our understanding of the physiology and ecology of plant-fungal symbioses.},
}

@article {pmid39565462,
year = {2024},
author = {Zheng, J and Zeng, H and Zhang, Q and Ma, Y and Li, Y and Lin, J and Yang, Q},
title = {Effects of intranasal administration with a symbiotic strain of Bacillus velezensis NSV2 on nasal cavity mucosal barrier in lambs.},
journal = {Veterinary research communications},
volume = {49},
number = {1},
pages = {21},
pmid = {39565462},
issn = {1573-7446},
support = {BK20200536//the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province/ ; SCKJ-JYRC-2022-31//the Project of Sanya Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City/ ; 32072835//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Bacillus/physiology ; *Probiotics/administration & dosage/pharmacology ; *Nasal Mucosa/microbiology ; Sheep ; *Administration, Intranasal ; Nasal Cavity/microbiology ; },
abstract = {The nasal mucosa is composed of multiple layers of barrier structures and is the first line of defense against infection by respiratory pathogenic microorganisms. A large number of commensal microorganisms are present in the nasal mucosa that mediate and regulate nasal mucosal barrier function. The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of commensal microorganisms on the nasal mucosal barrier. The results revealed that the strain of Bacillus velezensis (B. velezensis) NSV2 from the nasal cavity has good probiotic abilities to resist Pasteurella multocida, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium. Lambs were subsequently administered intranasally with B. velezensis NSV2 at 3, 12, 21, and 26 days old, respectively. For the microbial barrier, although B. velezensis NSV2 reduces the diversity of nasal microbiota, it significantly increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria in the nasal cavity, and reduced the abundance of potential pathogenic bacteria. For the mucus barrier, the number of goblet cells in the nasal mucosa significantly increased after B. velezensis NSV2 treatment. For the immune barrier, B. velezensis NSV2 also significantly increased the number of IgA[+] B cells, CD3[+] T cells and dendritic cells in the nasal mucosa, as well as the mRNA expression of interleukin (IL) 6, IL11, CCL2, and CCL20 (P < 0.05). The protein level of CCL20 also significantly raised in nasal washings (P < 0.05). Moreover, the heat-inactivated and culture products of B. velezensis NSV2 also drastically induced the expression of CCL20 in nasal mucosa explants (P < 0.05), but lower than that of the live bacteria. This study demonstrated that a symbiotic strain of B. velezensis NSV2 could improve the nasal mucosal barrier, and emphasized the important role of nasal symbiotic microbiota.},
}

Animals
*Bacillus/physiology
*Probiotics/administration & dosage/pharmacology
*Nasal Mucosa/microbiology
Sheep
*Administration, Intranasal
Nasal Cavity/microbiology

@article {pmid39564484,
year = {2024},
author = {Wang, Y and Xie, J and Feng, Z and Ma, L and Wu, W and Guo, C and He, J},
title = {Genomic insights into the cold adaptation and secondary metabolite potential of Pseudoalteromonas sp. WY3 from Antarctic krill.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1459716},
pmid = {39564484},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {In the Antarctic marine ecosystem, krill play a pivotal role, yet the intricate microbial community intertwined with these diminutive crustaceans remains largely unmapped. In this study, we successfully isolated and characterized a unique bacterial strain, Pseudoalteromonas sp. WY3, from Antarctic krill. Genomic analysis revealed that WY3 harbors a multitude of genes associated with cold shock proteins, oxidoreductases, and enzymes involved in the osmotic stress response, equipping it with a robust molecular arsenal to withstand frigid Antarctic conditions. Furthermore, the presence of two distinct biosynthesis-related gene clusters suggests that WY3 has the potential to synthesize diverse secondary metabolites, including aryl polyenes and ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides. Notably, the identification of genes encoding enzymes crucial for biological immunity pathways, such as apeH and ubiC, hints at a complex symbiotic relationship between WY3 and its krill host. This comprehensive study highlights the robust potential of WY3 for secondary metabolite production and its remarkable ability to thrive at extremely low temperatures in the Antarctic ecosystem, shedding light on the interplay between culturable microorganisms and their hosts in harsh environments, and providing insights into the underexplored microbial communities associated with Antarctic marine organisms and their role in environmental adaptation and biotechnological applications.},
}

@article {pmid39563157,
year = {2024},
author = {Kuksova, EV and Kostyleva, EV and Sereda, AS and Toloknova, AA and Fursova, EA and Volkova, GS},
title = {[Improving the technology for obtaining an ingredient with probiotic properties using a new complex proteolytic enzyme preparation].},
journal = {Voprosy pitaniia},
volume = {93},
number = {5},
pages = {142-152},
doi = {10.33029/0042-8833-2024-93-5-142-152},
pmid = {39563157},
issn = {0042-8833},
support = {No. FGMF-2022-0006//The research was carried out within the framework of the state assignment/ ; },
mesh = {*Probiotics/pharmacology ; *Bifidobacterium/growth & development/enzymology ; Aspergillus oryzae/enzymology/growth & development ; Peptide Hydrolases/metabolism ; Whey Proteins/pharmacology/chemistry ; Culture Media/chemistry ; },
abstract = {The development of technologies for producing bacterial concentrates and enzyme preparations using domestic microbial strains is an urgent task. The use of whey protein hydrolysates as components of nutrient media for probiotic bacteria consortia for the cultivation of lactic acid and bifidobacteria makes it possible to improve and develop innovative processes for obtaining bacterial concentrates with the required functional properties for the production of dietary supplements. A consortium of probiotic microorganisms (lactic acid and bifidobacteria) was created in the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Food Biotechnology as a starter culture for specialized dairy products. Using strain Aspergillus oryzae 21-154 LAP a new complex enzyme preparation with a laboratory name Protoorizin LAP has been obtained providing the extensive hydrolysis of protein substrates. The purpose of the research was to evaluate the possibility of using the new domestic proteolytic enzyme preparation Protoorizin LAP in preparing whey-based nutrient media for culturing a consortium of probiotic microorganisms to obtain bacterial concentrates. Material and methods. The object of the research was a symbiotic consortium, including lactic acid bacteria strains (Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus Д-16, Lactobacillus plantarum 578/25, Lactobacillus helveticus 842(D)-2, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis М-12, Streptococcus thermophilus В-92) and bifidobacteria (Bifidobacterium longum Б-2). Unclarified curd whey and whey protein concentrate were taken as the nutrient medium basis. The media were treated with β-galactosidase to reduce the lactose content. In order to hydrolyze proteins, the control culture medium was treated with commercial preparations: serine protease - Alcalase® 2.4 L and leucine aminopeptidase - Flavourzyme® 1000 L. In the experimental medium, two imported preparations were replaced with a laboratory sample of the enzyme preparation Protoorizin LAP. In the prepared nutrient media, the content of amine nitrogen, free amino acids and soluble protein was determined, and electrophoretic analysis of proteins and peptides was carried out. The consortium growth was monitored by the content of dry substances and reducing sugars, by active and titratable acidity, as well as by microscopy. The number of viable cells of lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria at the end of fermentation and in the resulting bacterial concentrates were determined by sieving on the appropriate selective agar media using an automatic colony counter. Results. The effectiveness of Protoorizin LAP in the hydrolysis of whey proteins significantly exceeded the result of the combined action of Alcalase® 2.4 L and Flavourzyme® 1000 L both in terms of reducing the undigested protein content, including immunogenic fractions, and in terms of the yield of soluble protein, amine nitrogen and amino acids. The nutrient media obtained using proteases ensured good growth and development of the probiotic consortium. Due to the high content of free amino acids, the dynamics of carbohydrate consumption, titratable acidity, and the number of viable cells were higher in the medium obtained using Protoorizin LAP than when using commercial preparations. At the same time, a high titer of probiotic strains and good cultural and morphological characteristics were obtained on all media. The experimental preparation Protoorizin LAP provided the increase in viability of bacterial cells after lyophilization. Conclusion. The technological method that include application of the new proteolytic preparation Protoorizin LAP in preparing nutrient media based on whey proteins was developed. The method can be used in the technology of producing bacterial concentrates at the stage of culturing of the created lactic acid and bifidobacteria consortium. The bacterial concentrate can be recommended as a recipe ingredient in the manufacture of dietary supplements or foods for special dietary uses containing probiotics.},
}

*Probiotics/pharmacology
*Bifidobacterium/growth & development/enzymology
Aspergillus oryzae/enzymology/growth & development
Peptide Hydrolases/metabolism
Whey Proteins/pharmacology/chemistry
Culture Media/chemistry

@article {pmid39563063,
year = {2024},
author = {Acuña-Rodríguez, IS and Ballesteros, GI and Gundel, PE and Castro-Nallar, E and Barrera, A and Carrasco-Urra, F and Molina-Montenegro, MA},
title = {Fungal endophyte symbionts enhance plant adaptation in Antarctic habitats.},
journal = {Physiologia plantarum},
volume = {176},
number = {6},
pages = {e14589},
doi = {10.1111/ppl.14589},
pmid = {39563063},
issn = {1399-3054},
support = {ACT192057//ANID-PIA-Anillo/ ; RG_21_!8//Instituto Antártico Chileno INACH/ ; 3180441//Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo Científico y Tecnológico/ ; },
mesh = {*Endophytes/physiology ; *Symbiosis/physiology ; Antarctic Regions ; *Ecosystem ; *Adaptation, Physiological/genetics ; Fungi/physiology ; Plant Roots/microbiology/physiology ; },
abstract = {Despite their genetic adaptation to local conditions, plants often achieve ecological success through symbiotic associations with fungal endophytes. However, the habitat-specific functionality of these interactions and their potential to drive plant adaptation to new environments remain uncertain. In this study, we tested this using the vascular flora of the Antarctic tundra (Colobanthus quitensis and Deschampsia antarctica), an extreme environment where fungal endophytes are known for playing important ecological roles. After characterizing the root-associated fungal endophyte communities of both species in two distinct Antarctic terrestrial habitats-hill and coast-we experimentally assessed the contribution of fungal endophytes to plant adaptation in each habitat. The field reciprocal transplant experiment involved removing endophytes from a set of plants and crossing symbiotic status (with and without endophytes) with habitat for both species, aiming to assess plant performance and fitness. The diversity of root fungal endophytes was similar between habitats and mainly explained by plant species, although habitat-specific endophyte community structures were identified in D. antarctica. Endophytes significantly influenced C. quitensis homeostatic regulation, including oxidative stress and osmotic control, as well as plant fitness in both environments. By contrast, the effect of endophytes on D. antarctica was particularly evident in coastal sites, suggesting an endophyte-mediated improvement in local adaptation. Altogether, our results suggest that the two Antarctic vascular plant species follow different strategies in recruiting and developing functional symbiosis with root-associated fungal communities. While C. quitensis is more generalist, D. antarctica establishes specific interactions with habitat-specific microbial symbionts, predominantly in the most stressful environmental context.},
}

*Endophytes/physiology
*Symbiosis/physiology
Antarctic Regions
*Ecosystem
*Adaptation, Physiological/genetics
Fungi/physiology
Plant Roots/microbiology/physiology

@article {pmid39563004,
year = {2024},
author = {Pereira, WJ and Conde, D and Perron, N and Schmidt, HW and Dervinis, C and Venado, RE and Ané, JM and Kirst, M},
title = {Investigating biological nitrogen fixation via single-cell transcriptomics.},
journal = {Journal of experimental botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jxb/erae454},
pmid = {39563004},
issn = {1460-2431},
abstract = {The extensive use of nitrogen fertilizers has detrimental environmental consequences, and it is fundamental for society to explore sustainable alternatives. One promising avenue is engineering root nodule symbiosis, a naturally occurring process in certain plant species within the nitrogen-fixing clade, into non-leguminous crops. Advancements in single-cell transcriptomics provide unprecedented opportunities to dissect the molecular mechanisms underlying root nodule symbiosis at the cellular level. This review summarizes key findings from single-cell studies in Medicago truncatula, Lotus japonicus, and Glycine max. We highlight how these studies address fundamental questions about the development of root nodule symbiosis, including the following findings: Single-cell transcriptomics has revealed a conserved transcriptional program in root hair and cortical cells during rhizobial infection, suggesting a common infection pathway across legume species. Characterization of determinate and indeterminate nodules using single-cell technologies supports the compartmentalization of nitrogen fixation, assimilation, and transport into distinct cell populations. Single-cell transcriptomics data has enabled the identification of novel root nodule symbiosis genes and provided new approaches for prioritizing candidate genes for functional characterization. Trajectory inference and RNA velocity analyses of single-cell transcriptomics data have allowed the reconstruction of cellular lineages and dynamic transcriptional states during root nodule symbiosis.},
}

@article {pmid39562434,
year = {2024},
author = {Kedves, A and Haspel, H and Yavuz, Ç and Kutus, B and Kónya, Z},
title = {A comparative study on the chronic responses of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on aerobic granular sludge and algal-bacterial granular sludge processes.},
journal = {Environmental science and pollution research international},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39562434},
issn = {1614-7499},
abstract = {The chronic effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) on aerobic granular sludge (AGS) and algal-bacterial granular sludge (ABGS) was examined in this study. Sequencing batch bioreactors (SBRs) and photo sequencing batch bioreactors (PSBRs) were operated with synthetic wastewater containing 0, 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 50 mg L[-1] TiO2 NPs for 10 days. Nanoparticles at concentrations of 1 and 5 mg L[-1] did not impact nutrient removal but led to an increase in extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs), primarily in protein (PN). With increasing nanoparticle concentration, the negative effect became more pronounced, mainly in the AGS SBRs. At 50 mg L[-1] TiO2, chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N), and phosphorus (PO4[3-]) removal decreased by 20.9%, 12.2%, and 35.1% in AGS, respectively, while in ABGS, they reached only 13.4%, 5.7%, and 14.2%. ABGS exhibited steady-state nutrient removal at 30 and 50 mg L[-1] TiO2 NPs after around 5 days. The higher microbial activity and EPS content in the sludge, coupled with the symbiotic relationship between algae and bacteria, contributed to the higher tolerance of ABGS to nanoparticles. Finally, although nanoparticles reduced biomass in both types of bioreactors, the accumulation of TiO2 NPs in the sludge, confirmed by Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis, and the absence of detectable titanium concentrations in the effluent wastewater, measured by Inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry, may be attributed to the specific operational conditions of this study, including the relatively short operation period (10 days) and high initial MLSS concentration (6 g L[-1]).},
}

@article {pmid39562330,
year = {2024},
author = {Higashi, CHV and Patel, V and Kamalaker, B and Inaganti, R and Bressan, A and Russell, JA and Oliver, KM},
title = {Another tool in the toolbox: Aphid-specific Wolbachia protect against fungal pathogens.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {26},
number = {11},
pages = {e70005},
doi = {10.1111/1462-2920.70005},
pmid = {39562330},
issn = {1462-2920},
support = {1754302//National Science Foundation/ ; 2109582//National Science Foundation/ ; 2240392//National Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Aphids/microbiology ; Animals ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; Musa/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Aphids harbor nine common facultative symbionts, most mediating one or more ecological interactions. Wolbachia pipientis, well-studied in other arthropods, remains poorly characterized in aphids. In Pentalonia nigronervosa and P. caladii, global pests of banana, Wolbachia was initially hypothesized to function as a co-obligate nutritional symbiont alongside the traditional obligate Buchnera. However, genomic analyses failed to support this role. Our sampling across numerous populations revealed that more than 80% of Pentalonia aphids carried an M-supergroup strain of Wolbachia (wPni). The lack of fixation further supports a facultative status for Wolbachia, while high infection frequencies in these entirely asexual aphids strongly suggest Wolbachia confers net fitness benefits. Finding no correlation between Wolbachia presence and food plant use, we challenged Wolbachia-infected aphids with common natural enemies. Bioassays revealed that Wolbachia conferred significant protection against a specialized fungal pathogen (Pandora neoaphidis) but not against generalist pathogens or parasitoids. Wolbachia also improved aphid fitness in the absence of enemy challenge. Thus, we identified the first clear benefits for aphid-associated Wolbachia and M-supergroup strains specifically. Aphid-Wolbachia systems provide unique opportunities to merge key models of symbiosis to better understand infection dynamics and mechanisms underpinning symbiont-mediated phenotypes.},
}

*Aphids/microbiology
Animals
*Wolbachia/physiology
*Symbiosis
Musa/microbiology

@article {pmid39562078,
year = {2025},
author = {Xing, X and Liu, C and Zheng, L},
title = {Preparation of photo-crosslinked microalgae-carboxymethyl chitosan composite hydrogels for enhanced wound healing.},
journal = {Carbohydrate polymers},
volume = {348},
number = {Pt A},
pages = {122803},
doi = {10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122803},
pmid = {39562078},
issn = {1879-1344},
mesh = {*Chitosan/chemistry/analogs & derivatives/pharmacology ; *Hydrogels/chemistry/pharmacology ; *Wound Healing/drug effects ; *Microalgae ; Animals ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry ; Ciprofloxacin/pharmacology/chemistry ; Cross-Linking Reagents/chemistry ; Chlamydomonas reinhardtii/drug effects ; Biocompatible Materials/chemistry/pharmacology ; Mice ; },
abstract = {Integrating microalgae into wound dressings has proven effective in promoting chronic wound healing through photosynthesis-induced oxygen release. However, challenges such as high crosslinking temperatures and prolonged gel molding processes limit microalgae growth and reduce the overall therapeutic impact. In this work, inspired by cell-symbiotic photo-crosslinked hydrogels, we present a novel photo-crosslinked microalgae carboxymethyl chitosan composite hydrogel. This hydrogel completes crosslinking at room temperature within 30 s, enhancing chronic wound healing. The composite gel incorporates photosynthesizing unicellular microalgae (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii) and the antimicrobial agent ciprofloxacin during preparation. In light, the gel continues to photosynthesize, releasing oxygen while simultaneously acting as an antibacterial agent. This dual action results in the upregulation of CD31 and VEGFA levels and the downregulation of HIF-1α levels in diabetic wounds. The wound closure rate reached approximately 96.70 % on day 12 in the composite gel group, compared to only 78.98 % in the control group. Therefore, the composite gel promotes healing by reducing local hypoxia, encouraging angiogenesis, and lowering infection risk. These results suggest that photo-crosslinked microalgae composite gels provide an effective strategy for localized oxygen delivery to promote wound healing and offer a viable method for rapidly preparing living biomaterials under suitable conditions.},
}

*Chitosan/chemistry/analogs & derivatives/pharmacology
*Hydrogels/chemistry/pharmacology
*Wound Healing/drug effects
*Microalgae
Animals
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry
Ciprofloxacin/pharmacology/chemistry
Cross-Linking Reagents/chemistry
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii/drug effects
Biocompatible Materials/chemistry/pharmacology
Mice

@article {pmid39561795,
year = {2024},
author = {Martínez-Renau, E and Martín-Platero, AM and Barón, MD and García-Núñez, AJ and Martínez-Bueno, M and Ruiz-Castellano, C and Tomás, G and Soler, JJ},
title = {Colouration of the uropygial secretion in starling nestlings: a possible role of bacteria in parent-offspring communication.},
journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences},
volume = {291},
number = {2035},
pages = {20241857},
doi = {10.1098/rspb.2024.1857},
pmid = {39561795},
issn = {1471-2954},
support = {//Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación/ ; //Agencia Estatal de Investigación/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Starlings/physiology/metabolism ; Microbiota ; Pigmentation ; Animal Communication ; Bacteria/metabolism ; Color ; },
abstract = {The use of cosmetic substances in communication is widespread in animals. Birds, for instance, use their uropygial secretion as a cosmetic in scenarios of sexual selection and parent-offspring communication. This secretion harbours symbiotic bacteria that could mediate the synthesis of pigments for cosmetic colouration. Here, we investigate the association between bacteria and the conspicuous yellow secretion used by spotless starling (Sturnus unicolor) nestlings to stain their mouths, and hypothesize a possible role of bacteria in the colour production. We also experimentally explore how nestling oxidizing condition influences the microbiota, suggesting that the possible bacterial-mediated coloured secretion acts as a reliable honest signal. An antioxidant supplementation experiment, previously known to affect secretion and mouth colouration, was conducted to assess its impact on the microbial community of secretions from control and experimental siblings. Antioxidant supplementation increased richness and phylogenetic diversity of the secretion's microbiota. Moreover, the microbiota's alpha and beta diversity, and the abundance of two bacterial genera (Parabacteroides and Pseudogracilibacillus), correlated with secretion colour. These findings demonstrate that antioxidant condition influences the gland microbiota of starling nestlings, and suggest a link between bacteria and the colouration of their cosmetic secretion. Alternative explanations for the detected links between bacteria and colouration are discussed.},
}

Animals
*Starlings/physiology/metabolism
Microbiota
Pigmentation
Animal Communication
Bacteria/metabolism
Color

@article {pmid39560239,
year = {2024},
author = {Ielegems, E and Spooren, A and Delooz, E and Vanrie, J},
title = {Empowering a Universal Design Course for the Built Environment: Exploring Learning Experiences Through an Interdisciplinary, Multicultural and Civic Approach.},
journal = {Studies in health technology and informatics},
volume = {320},
number = {},
pages = {183-190},
doi = {10.3233/SHTI241002},
pmid = {39560239},
issn = {1879-8365},
mesh = {Humans ; *Cultural Diversity ; Built Environment ; Universal Design ; Empowerment ; Curriculum ; },
abstract = {Promoting inclusion and diversity is essential for creating an inclusive built environment. Next to building knowledge and understanding on the topic, it is also crucial to foster inclusive attitudes and awareness for both personal and professional growth. In developing a new architectural course 'Designing with People', our goal was to elevate knowledge and understanding of an inclusive built environment as well as to create more awareness on inclusion and diversity, guided by the Universal Design paradigm. To achieve this, the authors established a civic approach and facilitated interdisciplinary, intercultural collaborations to create a symbiotic learning environment among international students Interior Architecture and Architecture, students Occupational Therapy, clients and user/experts. This paper explores the strategy for advancing universal design through collaboration and examines if and how a network of stakeholders can mutually benefit from shared learning experiences. To understand stakeholders' perspectives, the study utilizes reflection reports, surveys with open-ended questions, and self-assessment questionnaires. Results point to notable positive learning experiences in knowledge-sharing, way of working and thinking, a more nuanced view on people with disabilities and the synergistic combination of diverse perspectives, indicating that 1 + 1 = 3. While enhanced awareness among students on diversity and disability topics was less noticeable throughout the course, the intensive collaboration with international students from diverse geographical and cultural backgrounds seemed to increase awareness of other cultures and identities. The outcomes suggest that promoting mutual learning experiences among students from diverse disciplines together with other stakeholders, can not only enhance educational settings but also holds the potential to inform and improve universal design practices in various professional contexts. This opens up opportunities to significantly enrich the discourse on inclusion and universal design.},
}

Humans
*Cultural Diversity
Built Environment
Universal Design
Empowerment
Curriculum

@article {pmid39560031,
year = {2024},
author = {Yuruker, O and Yılmaz, İ and Güvenir, M},
title = {The Symbiotic Defence: Lung Microbiota and The Local Immune System.},
journal = {The new microbiologica},
volume = {47},
number = {3},
pages = {195-200},
pmid = {39560031},
issn = {1121-7138},
mesh = {Humans ; *Lung/microbiology/immunology ; *Microbiota ; *Symbiosis ; Animals ; Immune System ; Bacteria/classification/isolation & purification ; Lung Diseases/microbiology/immunology ; },
abstract = {Microbiota defines all microorganisms that are vital for our immunological, hormonal, and metabolic homeostasis by living symbiotically in different parts of our body. On the other hand, the microbiome is a collection of microorganisms that can be detected together. The lungs are constantly exposed to airborne microorganisms found in the upper respiratory tract. Until recently, the lower respiratory tract was considered sterile, as bacteria were rarely isolated from the lungs by conventional culture methods. Most chronic inflammatory lung diseases are caused by dysregulation of the lung microbiota, which has been discussed in many review papers. However, little is known whether microbiota dysymbiosis is a consequence or a cause of these diseases. In this review, we provide an overview of lung microbiota and lung immunity.},
}

Humans
*Lung/microbiology/immunology
*Microbiota
*Symbiosis
Animals
Immune System
Bacteria/classification/isolation & purification
Lung Diseases/microbiology/immunology

@article {pmid39559543,
year = {2024},
author = {Waliaula, PK and Kiarie, EG and Diarra, MS},
title = {Predisposition factors and control strategies of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli in laying hens.},
journal = {Frontiers in veterinary science},
volume = {11},
number = {},
pages = {1474549},
pmid = {39559543},
issn = {2297-1769},
abstract = {Shift in laying hens housing from conventional cage-based systems to alternatives has impacted their health and performance. Microorganisms colonize young chick in the early stages of their physiological and immune development. These colonizing microbes originate from parent and the environment. Escherichia coli is among the normal gut colonizing bacteria however, some E. coli strains known as avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC), cause local or systemic infections (colibacillosis) responsible of significant economic losses to the poultry industry. Potential APEC strains and other poultry gut microbiota are influenced by several factors such as housing system, and the use of feed additives (prebiotics, probiotics, symbiotic, among others). This review will discuss the status of pullets and layers immunity, gut health, and predisposing factors of colibacillosis. Dietary interventions and some colibacillosis mitigation strategies in pullets and laying hens are reviewed and discussed. With the development of sequencing technologies and the use of feed additives as alternatives to antibiotics, future studies need to understand some of the complex associations between the feed additives, the rearing environment, and their selective pressure on gut microbiota, including E. coli, and their impacts on immune development in pullets and hens.},
}

@article {pmid39558079,
year = {2024},
author = {Sun, Y and Sheng, H and Rädecker, N and Lan, Y and Tong, H and Huang, L and Jiang, L and Diaz-Pulido, G and Zou, B and Zhang, Y and Kao, SJ and Qian, PY and Huang, H},
title = {Symbiodiniaceae algal symbionts of Pocillopora damicornis larvae provide more carbon to their coral host under elevated levels of acidification and temperature.},
journal = {Communications biology},
volume = {7},
number = {1},
pages = {1528},
pmid = {39558079},
issn = {2399-3642},
support = {42206153//National Science Foundation of China | National Natural Science Foundation of China-Yunnan Joint Fund (NSFC-Yunnan Joint Fund)/ ; 41906040//National Science Foundation of China | National Natural Science Foundation of China-Yunnan Joint Fund (NSFC-Yunnan Joint Fund)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa/physiology/metabolism/microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Carbon/metabolism ; *Larva/metabolism/growth & development/physiology ; Photosynthesis ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Temperature ; Dinoflagellida/physiology/metabolism ; Climate Change ; Nitrogen/metabolism ; Seawater/microbiology/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Climate change destabilizes the symbiosis between corals and Symbiodiniaceae. The effects of ocean acidification and warming on critical aspects of coral survical such as symbiotic interactions (i.e., carbon and nitrogen assimilation and exchange) during the planula larval stage remain understudied. By combining physiological and stable isotope techniques, here we show that photosynthesis and carbon and nitrogen assimilation (H[13]CO3[-] and [15]NH4[+]) in Pocillopora damicornis coral larvae is enhanced under acidification (1000 µatm) and elevated temperature (32 °C). Larvae maintain high survival and settlement rates under these treatment conditions with no observed decline in symbiont densities or signs of bleaching. Acidification and elevated temperature both enhance the net and gross photosynthesis of Symbiodiniaceae. This enhances light respiration and elevates C:N ratios within the holobiont. The increased carbon availability is primarily reflected in the [13]C enrichment of the host, indicating a greater contribution of the algal symbionts to the host metabolism. We propose that this enhanced mutualistic symbiotic nutrient cycling may bolster coral larvae's resistance to future ocean conditions. This research broadens our understanding of the early life stages of corals by emphasizing the significance of symbiotic interactions beyond those of adult corals.},
}

Animals
*Anthozoa/physiology/metabolism/microbiology
*Symbiosis
*Carbon/metabolism
*Larva/metabolism/growth & development/physiology
Photosynthesis
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
Temperature
Dinoflagellida/physiology/metabolism
Climate Change
Nitrogen/metabolism
Seawater/microbiology/chemistry

@article {pmid39555692,
year = {2024},
author = {Silvestri, A and Ledford, WC and Fiorilli, V and Votta, C and Scerna, A and Tucconi, J and Mocchetti, A and Grasso, G and Balestrini, R and Jin, H and Rubio-Somoza, I and Lanfranco, L},
title = {A fungal sRNA silences a host plant transcription factor to promote arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.20273},
pmid = {39555692},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {CN_00000033//European Commission/ ; 945043//European Union's Horizon 2020/ ; //Università degli Studi di Torino/ ; RTI2018-097262-B-I00//MCIN/AEI/ 10.13039/501100011033/ ; },
abstract = {Cross-kingdom RNA interference (ckRNAi) is a mechanism of interspecies communication where small RNAs (sRNAs) are transported from one organism to another; these sRNAs silence target genes in trans by loading into host AGO proteins. In this work, we investigated the occurrence of ckRNAi in Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis (AMS). We used an in silico prediction analysis to identify a sRNA (Rir2216) from the AM fungus Rhizophagus irregularis and its putative plant gene target, the Medicago truncatula MtWRKY69 transcription factor. Heterologous co-expression assays in Nicotiana benthamiana, 5' RACE reactions and AGO1-immunoprecipitation assays from mycorrhizal roots were used to characterize the Rir2216-MtWRKY69 interaction. We further analyzed MtWRKY69 expression profile and the contribution of constitutive and conditional MtWRKY69 expression to AMS. We show that Rir2216 is loaded into an AGO1 silencing complex from the host plant M. truncatula, leading to cleavage of a host target transcript encoding for the MtWRKY69 transcription factor. MtWRKY69 is specifically downregulated in arbusculated cells in mycorrhizal roots and increased levels of MtWRKY69 expression led to a reduced AM colonization level. Our results indicate that MtWRKY69 silencing, mediated by a fungal sRNA, is relevant for AMS; we thus present the first experimental evidence of fungus to plant ckRNAi in AMS.},
}

@article {pmid39553969,
year = {2024},
author = {Otjacques, E and Paula, JR and Ruby, EG and Xavier, JC and McFall-Ngai, MJ and Rosa, R and Schunter, C},
title = {Developmental and transcriptomic responses of Hawaiian bobtail squid early stages to ocean warming and acidification.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1101/2024.10.31.621237},
pmid = {39553969},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {1 Cephalopods play a central ecological role across all oceans and realms. However, under the current climate crisis, their physiology and behaviour are impacted, and we are beginning to comprehend the effects of environmental stressors at a molecular level. Here, we study the Hawaiian bobtail squid (Euprymna scolopes), known for its specific binary symbiosis with the bioluminescent bacterium Vibrio fischeri acquired post-hatching. We aim to understand the response (i.e., developmental and molecular) of E. scolopes after the embryogenetic exposure to different conditions: i) standard conditions (control), ii) increased CO 2 (ΔpH 0.4 units), iii) warming (+3ºC), or iv) a combination of the two treatments. We observed a decrease in hatching success across all treatments relative to the control. Using transcriptomics, we identified a potential trade-off in favour of metabolism and energy production, at the expense of development under increased CO 2 . In contrast, elevated temperature shortened the developmental time and, at a molecular level, showed signs of alternative splicing and the potential for RNA editing. The data also suggest that the initiation of the symbiosis may be negatively affected by these environmental drivers of change in the biosphere, although coping mechanisms by the animal may occur.},
}

@article {pmid39553893,
year = {2024},
author = {Pfab, F and Detmer, AR and Moeller, HV and Nisbet, RM and Putnam, HM and Cunning, R},
title = {Heat stress and bleaching in corals: a bioenergetic model.},
journal = {Coral reefs (Online)},
volume = {43},
number = {6},
pages = {1627-1645},
pmid = {39553893},
issn = {1432-0975},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: The coral-dinoflagellate endosymbiosis is based on nutrient exchanges that impact holobiont energetics. Of particular concern is the breakdown or dysbiosis of this partnership that is seen in response to elevated temperatures, where loss of symbionts through coral bleaching can lead to starvation and mortality. Here we extend a dynamic bioenergetic model of coral symbioses to explore the mechanisms by which temperature impacts various processes in the symbiosis and to enable simulational analysis of thermal bleaching. Our model tests the effects of two distinct mechanisms for how increased temperature impacts the symbiosis: 1) accelerated metabolic rates due to thermodynamics and 2) damage to the photosynthetic machinery of the symbiont caused by heat stress. Model simulations show that the model can capture key biological responses to different levels of increased temperatures. Moderately increased temperatures increase metabolic rates and slightly decrease photosynthesis. The slightly decreased photosynthesis rates cause the host to receive less carbon and share more nitrogen with the symbiont. This results in temporarily increased symbiont growth and a higher symbiont/host ratio. In contrast, higher temperatures cause a breakdown of the symbiosis due to escalating feedback that involves further reduction in photosynthesis and insufficient energy supply for CO 2 concentration by the host. This leads to the accumulation of excess light energy and the generation of reactive oxygen species, eventually triggering symbiont expulsion and coral bleaching. Importantly, bleaching does not result from accelerated metabolic rates alone; it only occurs as a result of the photodamage mechanism due to its effect on nutrient cycling. Both higher light intensities and higher levels of DIN render corals more susceptible to heat stress. Conversely, heterotrophic feeding can increase the maximal temperature that can be tolerated by the coral. Collectively these results show that a bioenergetics model can capture many observed patterns of heat stress in corals, such as higher metabolic rates and higher symbiont/host ratios at moderately increased temperatures and symbiont expulsion at strongly increased temperatures.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00338-024-02561-1.},
}

@article {pmid39552643,
year = {2024},
author = {Mwampashi, LL and Magubika, AJ and Ringo, JF and Theonest, DJ and Tryphone, GM and Chilagane, LA and Nassary, EK},
title = {Exploring agro-ecological significance, knowledge gaps, and research priorities in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1491861},
pmid = {39552643},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: This systematic review examines the global agricultural relevance and practical environmental implications of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) within the phylum Glomeromycota. Following PRISMA guidelines, ensuring a comprehensive and unbiased literature review, a literature search was conducted, focusing on the functional roles of AMF in enhancing crop productivity, nutrient uptake, and soil health. Key findings reveal that AMF contribute significantly to sustainable agriculture by reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and increasing plant resilience to environmental stressors like drought, salinity, or pest resistance. The review highlights the importance of AMF in forming symbiotic relationships with plants, which enhance nutrient absorption and improve soil structure, showcasing long-term benefits such as reduced erosion or improved water retention. However, the current literature lacks in-depth exploration of the taxonomy and evolutionary aspects of AMF, as well as the specific functional roles they play in different agricultural contexts, e.g., understanding evolution could enhance strain selection for specific crops. This review identifies several urgent research gaps, including a need for a more refined understanding of AMF community dynamics under varying land management practices. For example, there are gaps in and a critical evaluation of advanced molecular techniques. Such techniques are essential for studying these interactions. Addressing these gaps will enhance the integration of AMF into sustainable agricultural systems and improve ecosystem management practices across different geographical regions. Future research should prioritize developing precise molecular imaging techniques and optimizing AMF applications for different crops and soil types to maximize their ecological and agricultural benefits. This could be practical through interdisciplinary collaboration (e.g., involving molecular biologists, agronomists, etc.). In conclusion, this review advances the practical application of AMF in agriculture and its contribution to biodiversity conservation in agroecosystems. Integrating these findings into policy frameworks could encourage sustainable farming practices, promote the adoption of AMF inoculants, and foster incentives for environmentally friendly land management strategies.

https://www.bmj.com/content/372/bmj.n71.},
}

@article {pmid39552162,
year = {2024},
author = {Zhong, S and Jiang, Z and Zhang, J and Gu, Z and Wei, J and Li, B and Li, F},
title = {Study on the Structure and Function of Intestinal Microorganisms in Silkworm Maggot Exorista sorbillans.},
journal = {Archives of insect biochemistry and physiology},
volume = {117},
number = {3},
pages = {e70008},
doi = {10.1002/arch.70008},
pmid = {39552162},
issn = {1520-6327},
support = {//This study was Supported by the earmarked fund for CARS-18, the grants from National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant 32172795), and by Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Modern Sericulture and Silk (2022GXCSSC26), the Science and Technology Support Program of Suzhou (SNG2023016, SNG2022056) and a project funded by the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions./ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Bombyx/microbiology ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *Larva/microbiology ; *Diptera/microbiology ; *RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; },
abstract = {Insects have important symbiotic relationships with their intestinal microbiota. The intestinal microbiota is involved in or influences various processes in insects such as development, metabolism, immunity, and reproduction. Currently, research on the intestinal microbiota of parasitic insects is still in its early stages. The tachinid parasitoid Exorista sorbillans is a dipteran parasitic insect, with the silkworm (Bombyx mori) being its main host. Silkworms parasitized by E. sorbillans can suffer from severe silkworm maggot disease, which also poses a serious threat to sericulture. In this study, the intestinal microbiota of larval E. sorbillans at three instar stages was analyzed using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to explore the community composition of the intestinal microbiota. Additionally, using conventional culture methods, six cultivable strains were isolated and identified from the larval E. sorbillans on an antibiotic-free LB medium, and four cultivable strains were isolated and identified from the hemolymph of parasitized silkworms. This study investigated the E. sorbillans from the perspective of intestinal microbiota, elucidating the composition and structural characteristics of the intestinal microbiota of the tachinid parasitoid, and preliminarily discussing the functional roles of several major microorganisms, which helps to further clarify the potential mechanisms of interaction between the parasitoid and the silkworm.},
}

Animals
*Bombyx/microbiology
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
*Larva/microbiology
*Diptera/microbiology
*RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics

@article {pmid39549943,
year = {2024},
author = {Meng, ZK and Rao, SM and Hu, YK and Zhou, X and Yang, Q and Tan, RX and Wang, YS},
title = {Discovery of undescribed anthracycline-derived polyketides with cytotoxicity from endophytic Streptomyces chartreusis M7.},
journal = {Phytochemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {114337},
doi = {10.1016/j.phytochem.2024.114337},
pmid = {39549943},
issn = {1873-3700},
abstract = {Endophytic actinomycetes exhibit considerable potential for the production of biologically active metabolites due to their coevolution with plant hosts. In this study, an endophytic Streptomyces chartreusis M7 was isolated from Houttuynia cordata Thunb. Bioactivity-guided investigation of the metabolites produced by this strain led to the identification of thirteen anthracycline-derived polyketides, including five unreported anthraquinones designated streptoquinones A-E (1-5) and two undescribed angular polyketides named chartins A and B (6-7) along with six knowns. Their structures were elucidated through comprehensive spectroscopic analysis and ECD calculations. Notably, chartins A (6) and B (7) feature angular tetracyclic and pentacyclic skeletons, respectively, which have undergone several oxidative rearrangements. Moreover, streptoquinone A (1) exhibited moderate cytotoxicity against A549 cells, with an IC50 value of 4.8 μM.},
}

@article {pmid39549591,
year = {2024},
author = {Brockhausen, I and Falconer, D and Sara, S},
title = {Relationships between bacteria and the mucus layer.},
journal = {Carbohydrate research},
volume = {546},
number = {},
pages = {109309},
doi = {10.1016/j.carres.2024.109309},
pmid = {39549591},
issn = {1873-426X},
abstract = {The mucus layer on epithelial cells is an essential barrier, as well as a nutrient-rich niche for bacteria, forming a dynamic, functional and symbiotic ecosystem and first line of defense against invading pathogens. Particularly bacteria in biofilms are very difficult to eradicate. The extensively O-glycosylated mucins are the main glycoproteins in mucus that interact with microbes. For example, mucins act as adhesion receptors and nutritional substrates for gut bacteria. Mucins also play important roles in immune responses, and they control the composition of the microbiome, primarily due to the abundance of complex O-glycans. In inflammation or infection, the structures of mucin O-glycans can change and thus affect mucin function, impact biofilm formation and the induction of virulence pathways in bacteria. In turn, bacteria can support host cell growth, mucin production and can stimulate changes in the host immune system and responses leading to healthy tissue function. The external polysaccharides of bacteria are critical for controlling adhesion and biofilm formation. It is therefore important to understand the relationships between the mucus layer and microbes, the mechanisms and regulation of the biosynthesis of mucins, of bacterial surface polysaccharides, and adhesins. This knowledge can provide biomarkers, vaccines and help to develop new approaches for improved therapies, including antibiotic treatments.},
}

@article {pmid39549338,
year = {2024},
author = {Kim, HS and Ahn, JW and Damodar, K and Park, JY and Yoo, YM and Joo, SS},
title = {Identification and characterization of a surfactin from Pseudomonas gessardii: A symbiotic bacterium with potent anticancer activity.},
journal = {Biochemical and biophysical research communications},
volume = {739},
number = {},
pages = {150989},
doi = {10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150989},
pmid = {39549338},
issn = {1090-2104},
abstract = {Prasiola japonica, traditionally used as food and folk medicine in South Korea, exerts pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer effects. In this study, we explored symbiotic microbes associated with P. japonica and identified Pseudomonas gessardii as a nonpathogenic symbiotic bacterium through 16 S rDNA sequencing. Bioactivity-guided fractionation of P. gessardii ethanol extracts, utilizing a series of non-polar to polar solvents, led to the isolation of a single bioactive compound (SF10) from the ethyl acetate fraction. Structural analysis using LC-MS and NMR spectroscopy identified SF10 as surfactin C15, a lipopeptide consisting of 7 amino acids and a β-hydroxy fatty acid chain containing 15 carbon atoms. This represents the first discovery of surfactin production in P. gessardii, expanding known surfactin-producing genera beyond Bacillus. In HT-29 colorectal cancer cells, surfactin C15 demonstrated significant anticancer activity through multiple mechanisms: inhibition of cancer stem cell marker CD133 expression, upregulation of pro-apoptotic factors (CHOP, PUMA, DR5), and modulation of cell cycle regulators (CDKN1A,CCNE1, CDK5). Furthermore, surfactin C15 induced necrotic cell death, confirmed by increased lactate dehydrogenase release and flow cytometry analysis showing dose-dependent increases in necrotic cell populations. This study reveals a novel source of surfactin with unique cancer cell-targeting properties, particularly through its ability to induce necrosis in colorectal cancer cells, suggesting potential therapeutic applications in cancer treatment.},
}

@article {pmid39548600,
year = {2024},
author = {Sun, Q and Yuan, Z and Sun, Y and Sun, L},
title = {Integrated multi-approaches reveal unique metabolic mechanisms of Vestimentifera to adapt to deep sea.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {241},
pmid = {39548600},
issn = {2049-2618},
support = {LSKJ202203100//Science and Technology Innovation Project of Laoshan Laboratory/ ; 41806202//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32201219//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 42221005//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2022HWYQ-087//Science Fund Program for Distinguished Young Scholars of Shandong Province (Overseas)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; Trehalose/metabolism ; Polychaeta/metabolism ; Bacteria/metabolism/genetics/classification ; Hydrothermal Vents/microbiology ; Transcriptome ; Gluconeogenesis ; Adaptation, Physiological ; Glycogen/metabolism ; Glucosyltransferases/genetics/metabolism ; Metabolome ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Vestimentiferan tubeworms are deep-sea colonizers, in which chemoautotrophic symbiosis was first observed. These animals are gutless and depend on endosymbiotic bacteria for organic compound synthesis and nutrition supply. Taxonomically, vestimentiferans belong to Siboglinidae and Annelida. Compared with other siboglinids, vestimentiferans are distinguished by high tolerance of the prevailing hydrogen sulfide in hydrothermal vents, rapid growth in local habitats, and a physical structure consisting of a thick chitinous tube. The metabolic mechanisms contributing to these features remain elusive.

RESULTS: Comparative genomics revealed that unlike other annelids, vestimentiferans possessed trehaloneogenesis and lacked gluconeogenesis. Transcriptome and metabolome analyses detected the expression of trehalose-6-phosphate synthase/phosphatase (TPSP), the key enzyme of trehaloneogenesis, and trehalose production in vestimentiferan tissues. In addition to trehaloneogenesis, glycogen biosynthesis evidenced by packed glycogen granules was also found in vestimentiferan symbionts, but not in other Siboglinidae symbionts. Data mining and analyses of invertebrate TPSP revealed that the TPSP in Vestimentifera, as well as Cnidaria, Rotifera, Urochordata, and Cephalochordata, likely originated from Arthropoda, possibly as a result of transposon-mediated inter-phyla gene transfer.

CONCLUSION: This study indicates a critical role of bacterial glycogen biosynthesis in the highly efficient symbiont - vestimentiferan cooperation. This study provides a new perspective for understanding the environmental adaptation strategies of vestimentiferans and adds new insights into the mechanism of metabolic evolution in Metazoa. Video Abstract.},
}

Animals
*Symbiosis
Trehalose/metabolism
Polychaeta/metabolism
Bacteria/metabolism/genetics/classification
Hydrothermal Vents/microbiology
Transcriptome
Gluconeogenesis
Adaptation, Physiological
Glycogen/metabolism
Glucosyltransferases/genetics/metabolism
Metabolome
Phylogeny

@article {pmid39548567,
year = {2024},
author = {Qi, J and Xiao, F and Liu, X and Li, J and Wang, H and Li, S and Yu, H and Xu, Y and Wang, H},
title = {The fall armyworm converts maize endophytes into its own probiotics to detoxify benzoxazinoids and promote caterpillar growth.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {240},
pmid = {39548567},
issn = {2049-2618},
mesh = {*Zea mays/microbiology/parasitology ; Animals ; *Endophytes/metabolism ; *Spodoptera/microbiology ; *Benzoxazines/metabolism ; Probiotics/metabolism ; Larva/microbiology ; Symbiosis ; Pantoea/metabolism ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Plant Roots/microbiology ; Plant Leaves/microbiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The fall armyworm (FAW, Spodoptera frugiperda) threatens maize production worldwide, and benzoxazinoids (Bxs) are known as the main secondary metabolites produced by maize to defend against FAW. However, we do not yet know whether and in what ways certain endophytes in the digestive system of FAW can metabolize Bxs, thus enhancing the fitness of FAW when feeding on maize.

RESULTS: Using Bxs as the sole carbon and nitrogen source, we isolated Pantoea dispersa from the guts of FAW. P. dispersa can colonize maize roots and leaves as indicated by GFP-labeling and further successfully established itself as an endophyte in the Malpighian tubules and the gut of FAW after FAW feeding activities. Once established, it can be vertically transmitted through FAW eggs, suggesting the potential that FAW can convert maize-derived endophytes into symbiotic bacteria for intergenerational transmission. The prevalence of P. dispersa in FAW guts and maize leaves was also confirmed over large geographic regions, indicating its evolutionary adaptation in fields. Bxs determination in the gut and frass of FAW combined with bioassays performance on maize bx2 mutants revealed that the colonization of P. dispersa can promote FAW growth by metabolizing Bxs rather than other metabolites. Additionally, genome and transcriptome analyses identified plasmid-borne genes, rather than chromosomes of this species, were crucial for Bxs metabolism. This was further validated through in vitro prokaryotic expression assays by expressing two candidate genes form the plasmid.

CONCLUSIONS: FAW can convert maize endophytes into its own probiotics to detoxify Bxs and thus enhance caterpillar growth. This represents a novel strategy for lepidopteran pests-transforming allies of the host into its own-thereby shedding light on the rapid spread of FAW and enhancing our understanding of ecological and evolutionary mechanisms underlying the pest-microbe-plant interactions. Video Abstract.},
}

*Zea mays/microbiology/parasitology
Animals
*Endophytes/metabolism
*Spodoptera/microbiology
*Benzoxazines/metabolism
Probiotics/metabolism
Larva/microbiology
Symbiosis
Pantoea/metabolism
Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Plant Roots/microbiology
Plant Leaves/microbiology

@article {pmid39548374,
year = {2024},
author = {Heppert, JK and Awori, RM and Cao, M and Chen, G and McLeish, J and Goodrich-Blair, H},
title = {Analyses of Xenorhabdus griffiniae genomes reveal two distinct sub-species that display intra-species variation due to prophages.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {1087},
pmid = {39548374},
issn = {1471-2164},
mesh = {*Xenorhabdus/genetics/classification ; *Prophages/genetics ; *Genome, Bacterial ; *Phylogeny ; Symbiosis ; Animals ; Genomics/methods ; Genetic Variation ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Nematodes of the genus Steinernema and their Xenorhabdus bacterial symbionts are lethal entomopathogens that are useful in the biocontrol of insect pests, as sources of diverse natural products, and as research models for mutualism and parasitism. Xenorhabdus play a central role in all aspects of the Steinernema lifecycle, and a deeper understanding of their genomes therefore has the potential to spur advances in each of these applications.

RESULTS: Here, we report a comparative genomics analysis of Xenorhabdus griffiniae, including the symbiont of Steinernema hermaphroditum nematodes, for which genetic and genomic tools are being developed. We sequenced and assembled circularized genomes for three Xenorhabdus strains: HGB2511, ID10 and TH1. We then determined their relationships to other Xenorhabdus and delineated their species via phylogenomic analyses, concluding that HGB2511 and ID10 are Xenorhabdus griffiniae while TH1 is a novel species. These additions to the existing X. griffiniae landscape further allowed for the identification of two subspecies within the clade. Consistent with other Xenorhabdus, the analysed X. griffiniae genomes each encode a wide array of antimicrobials and virulence-related proteins. Comparative genomic analyses, including the creation of a pangenome, revealed that a large amount of the intraspecies variation in X. griffiniae is contained within the mobilome and attributable to prophage loci. In addition, CRISPR arrays, secondary metabolite potential and toxin genes all varied among strains within the X. griffiniae species.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that phage-related genes drive the genomic diversity in closely related Xenorhabdus symbionts, and that these may underlie some of the traits most associated with the lifestyle and survival of entomopathogenic nematodes and their bacteria: virulence and competition. This study establishes a broad knowledge base for further exploration of not only the relationships between X. griffiniae species and their nematode hosts but also the molecular mechanisms that underlie their entomopathogenic lifestyle.},
}

*Xenorhabdus/genetics/classification
*Prophages/genetics
*Genome, Bacterial
*Phylogeny
Symbiosis
Animals
Genomics/methods
Genetic Variation

@article {pmid39548000,
year = {2024},
author = {Visser, B and Scheifler, M},
title = {Insect Lipid Metabolism in the Presence of Symbiotic and Pathogenic Viruses and Bacteria.},
journal = {Advances in experimental medicine and biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39548000},
issn = {0065-2598},
abstract = {Insects, like most animals, have intimate interactions with microorganisms that can influence the insect host's lipid metabolism. In this chapter, we describe what is known so far about the role prokaryotic microorganisms play in insect lipid metabolism. We start exploring microbe-insect lipid interactions focusing on endosymbionts, and more specifically the gut microbiota that has been predominantly studied in Drosophila melanogaster. We then move on to an overview of the work done on the common and well-studied endosymbiont Wolbachia pipientis, also in interaction with other microbes. Taking a slightly different angle, we then look at the effect of human pathogens, including dengue and other viruses, on the lipids of mosquito vectors. We extend the work on human pathogens and include interactions with the endosymbiont Wolbachia that was identified as a natural tool to reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. Research on lipid metabolism of plant disease vectors is up and coming and we end this chapter by highlighting current knowledge in that field.},
}

@article {pmid39547751,
year = {2024},
author = {Nagata, RM and D'Ambra, I and Lauritano, C and von Montfort, GM and Djeghri, N and Jordano, MA and Colin, SP and Costello, JH and Leoni, V},
title = {Physiology and functional biology of Rhizostomeae jellyfish.},
journal = {Advances in marine biology},
volume = {98},
number = {},
pages = {255-360},
doi = {10.1016/bs.amb.2024.07.007},
pmid = {39547751},
issn = {2162-5875},
mesh = {Animals ; *Scyphozoa/physiology ; },
abstract = {Rhizostomeae species attract our attention because of their distinctive body shape, their large size and because of blooms of some species in coastal areas around the world. The impacts of these blooms on human activities, and the interest in consumable species and those of biotechnological value have led to a significant expansion of research into the physiology and functional biology of Rhizostomeae jellyfish over the last years. This review brings together information generated over these last decades on rhizostome body composition, locomotion, toxins, nutrition, respiration, growth, among other functional parameters. Rhizostomes have more than double the carbon content per unit of biomass than jellyfish of Semaeostomeae. They swim about twice as fast, and consume more oxygen than other scyphozoans of the same size. Rhizostomes also have faster initial growth in laboratory and the highest body growth rates measured in nature, when compared to other medusae groups. Parameters such as body composition, nutrition and excretion are highly influenced by the presence of symbiotic zooxanthellae in species of the Kolpophorae suborder. These physiological and functional characteristics may reveal a wide range of adaptive responses, but our conclusions are still based on studies of a limited number of species. Available data indicates that Rhizosotomeae jellyfish have a higher energy demand and higher body productivity when compared to other jellyfish groups. The information gathered here can help ecologists better understand and make more assertive predictions on the role of these jellyfish in their ecosystems.},
}

Animals
*Scyphozoa/physiology

@article {pmid39547593,
year = {2024},
author = {Hu, H and Lu, Z and Ma, Y and Song, X and Wang, D and Wu, C and Ma, X and Shan, Y and Ren, X and Ma, Y},
title = {Impact of transinfection of Wolbachia from the planthopper Laodelphax striatellus on reproductive fitness and transcriptome of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci.},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {207},
number = {},
pages = {108230},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2024.108230},
pmid = {39547593},
issn = {1096-0805},
abstract = {The whitefly Bemisia tabaci is critical global pest threatening crops and leading to agricultural losses. Wolbachia is an intracellular symbiotic bacterium in insects, which can regulate the growth and development of the host through various ways. In a prior study, Wolbachia was found to be transferred to whitefly and induce fitness changes. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms of host-Wolbachia interactions in B. tabaci. In this study, a Wolbachia strain wStri was isolated from the small brown planthopper, Laodelphex striatellus, and transferred to B. tabaci. The distribution of Wolbachia in whiteflies was determined using fluorescence in situ hybridization. Reciprocal crossing experiments demonstrated that wStri did not induce cytoplasmic incompatibility phenotypes in B. tabaci, but prolonged the developmental duration of the offspring. We performed transcriptomic analysis of Wolbachia-infected female and male adults using Illumina-based RNA-Seq. A total of 843 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in infected females, among them 141 were significantly up-regulated and 702 were down-regulated by Wolbachia infection. In infected males, of 511 gene sets, 279 host genes were significantly up-regulated, and 232 were down-regulated by Wolbachia infection. KEGG analysis of DEGs demonstrated significant differences in gene pathway distribution between up-regulated and down-regulated genes. These genes are involved in various biological processes, including, but not limited to, detoxification, oxidation-reduction, metabolic processes, and immunity. The transcriptomic profiling of this study offers valuable information on the differential expression of genes in whiteflies following Wolbachia infection, and enhances our understanding of this host-symbiotic interaction.},
}

@article {pmid39547110,
year = {2024},
author = {Sarda, J and Gori, A and Doñate-Ordóñez, R and Viladrich, N and Costantini, F and Garrabou, J and Linares, C},
title = {Recurrent marine heatwaves compromise the reproduction success and long-term viability of shallow populations of the Mediterranean gorgonian Eunicella singularis.},
journal = {Marine environmental research},
volume = {203},
number = {},
pages = {106822},
doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106822},
pmid = {39547110},
issn = {1879-0291},
abstract = {Mediterranean gorgonians are being threatened by the impact of recurrent extreme climatic events, such as marine heatwaves (MHWs). The white gorgonian Eunicella singularis was suggested to be the most resistant gorgonian species in the NW Mediterranean, mainly due to the presence of symbiotic algae. However, a substantial shift in the conservation condition of the species has been observed in the recent years. The aim of this study is to evaluate the lethal and sublethal effects of recent MHWs on the populations of E. singularis. Our results show that recurrent MHWs have impacted both the demography and reproduction of the species between 2002 and 2020, driving mortalities up to 36%, an increase in the percentages of non-reproducing adult colonies (11-58%), and a significant decrease in the recruitment rates. Although E. singularis is a highly dynamic species in comparison with other temperate gorgonians, the present study suggests that the persistence of this species may be severely compromised under recurrent MHWs, at least at shallowest depths.},
}

@article {pmid39546648,
year = {2024},
author = {Pop, AX and Zaimova-Tsaneva, EV},
title = {A PSYCHOBIOGRAPHY AND ILLUSTRATION OF SCHAHRIAR SYNDROME MODEL IN VERA RENCZI.},
journal = {Psychiatria Danubina},
volume = {Psychiatr Danub},
number = {2},
pages = {199-206},
doi = {10.24869/psyd.2024.199},
pmid = {39546648},
issn = {0353-5053},
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; History, 20th Century ; *Homicide/history/psychology ; Models, Psychological ; Famous Persons ; },
abstract = {The current study's goal was to demonstrate the efficacy of the Schahriar Syndrome Model by using it to create a psychobiography of a female serial killer. The objective was to identify the social and psychological mechanisms included in the Schahriar Syndrome Model (SSM) of serial killing. The case study also aimed to understand better the motivations of such homicides and the attributes and factors that make a female commit them and it offers a fresh perspective on Vera's life. The case study used a qualitative single case design that contains the tracking of experiences and events of an individual in a lifetime. It used both historiographic methodologies and psychological models to identify and analyze the development and specific socio-psychological settings of Vera Renczi, a historical serial murderer from the 20th century (1903-1960). This psychobiography includes secondary data about her development and crimes collected from previous research, archives, and books that contained reliable sources. Vera Renczi demonstrated throughout her life and at several socio-historical junctures, each of the five primal mental processes such as omnipotence, sadistic fantasies, ritualized performance, dehumanization, and symbiotic merger. Vera Renczi's life was impacted by a mixture of socio-historical antecedents including her aristocratic status, the experience of loss and abandonment, and the need for control and devotion. The Schahriar syndrome paradigm is relevant today, and this study invites relevant fields, such as the forensic sector, to reevaluate its applicability, especially on female subjects. The Schahriar syndrome model may be used to identify the psych mechanism of a female serial murderer. This research adds to the knowledge about Vera Renczi and offers information from new angles and fresh perspectives on how she operated.},
}

Humans
Female
History, 20th Century
*Homicide/history/psychology
Models, Psychological
Famous Persons

@article {pmid39545396,
year = {2024},
author = {Li, J and Gao, Y and Shu, G and Chen, X and Zhu, J and Zheng, S and Chen, T},
title = {HMicroDB: A Comprehensive Database of Herpetofaunal Microbiota With a Focus on Host Phylogeny, Physiological Traits, and Environment Factors.},
journal = {Molecular ecology resources},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e14046},
doi = {10.1111/1755-0998.14046},
pmid = {39545396},
issn = {1755-0998},
support = {2021YFF1201300//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 2021YFF1201303//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 2022YFC2703105//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 2023M731976//Postdoctoral Research Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Symbiotic microbiota strongly impact host physiology. Amphibians and reptiles occupy a pivotal role in the evolutionary history of Animalia, and they are of significant ecological, economic, and scientific value. Many prior studies have found that symbiotic microbiota in herpetofaunal species are closely associated with host phylogeny, physiological traits, and environmental factors; however, insufficient integrated databases hinder researchers from querying, accessing, and reanalyzing these resources. To rectify this, we built the first herpetofaunal microbiota database (HMicroDB; https://herpdb.com/) that integrates 11,697 microbiological samples from 337 host species (covering 23 body sites and associated with 23 host phenotypic or environmental factors), and we identified 11,084 microbial taxa by consistent annotation. The standardised analysis process, cross-dataset integration, user-friendly interface, and interactive visualisation make the HMicroDB a powerful resource for researchers to search, browse, and explore the relationships between symbiotic microbiota, hosts, and environment. This facilitates research in host-microbiota coevolution, biological conservation, and resource utilisation.},
}

@article {pmid39545367,
year = {2024},
author = {Heuck, MK and Powell, JR and Kath, J and Birnbaum, C and Frew, A},
title = {Evaluating the Usefulness of the C-S-R Framework for Understanding AM Fungal Responses to Climate Change in Agroecosystems.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {30},
number = {11},
pages = {e17566},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.17566},
pmid = {39545367},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {DE220100479//Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA)/ ; FT190100590//Australian Research Council Future Fellowship/ ; },
mesh = {*Climate Change ; *Mycorrhizae/physiology ; *Agriculture ; *Ecosystem ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi play a key role in terrestrial ecosystems by forming symbiotic relationships with plants and may confer benefits for sustainable agriculture, by reducing reliance on harmful fertiliser and pesticide inputs and enhancing plant resilience against insect herbivores. Despite their ecological importance, critical gaps in understanding AM fungal ecology limit predictions of their responses to global change in agroecosystems. However, predicting climate change impacts on AM fungi is important for maintaining crop productivity and ecosystem stability. Efforts to classify AM fungi based on functional traits, such as the competitor, stress-tolerator, ruderal (C-S-R) framework, aim to address these gaps but face challenges due to the obligate symbiotic nature of the fungi. As the framework is still widely used, we evaluate its applicability in predicting global change impacts on AM fungal communities in agroecosystems. Chagnon's adaptation of the C-S-R framework for AM fungi aligns with some study outcomes (e.g., under the context of water limitation) but faces challenges when used in complex climate change scenarios, varying agricultural conditions and/or extreme climatic conditions. The reliance on a limited dataset to classify AM fungal families further limits accurate predictions of AM fungal community dynamics. Trait data collection could support a nuanced understanding of AM fungi and leveraging AM fungal databases could streamline data management and analysis, enhancing efforts to clarify AM fungal responses to environmental change and guide ecosystem management practices. Thus, while the C-S-R framework holds promise, it requires additional AM fungal trait data for validation and improvement of its predictive power. Conclusively, before designing experiments based on life-history strategies and developing new frameworks tailored to AM fungi a critical first step is to gain a comprehensive understanding of their traits.},
}

*Climate Change
*Mycorrhizae/physiology
*Agriculture
*Ecosystem
Symbiosis

@article {pmid39544283,
year = {2024},
author = {Li, S and Fan, S and Ma, Y and Xia, C and Yan, Q},
title = {Influence of gender, age, and body mass index on the gut microbiota of individuals from South China.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {1419884},
pmid = {39544283},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {Humans ; *Body Mass Index ; China ; Female ; Male ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics ; Age Factors ; *Feces/microbiology ; Sex Factors ; Young Adult ; Aged ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The symbiotic gut microbiota is pivotal for human health, with its composition linked to various diseases and metabolic disorders. Despite its significance, there remains a gap in systematically evaluating how host phenotypes, such as gender, age, and body mass index (BMI), influence gut microbiota.

We conducted an analysis of the gut microbiota of 185 Chinese adults based on whole-metagenome shotgun sequencing of fecal samples. Our investigation focused on assessing the effects of gender, age, and BMI on gut microbiota across three levels: diversity, gene/phylogenetic composition, and functional composition. Our findings suggest that these phenotypes have a minor impact on shaping the gut microbiome compared to enterotypes, they do not correlate significantly within- or between-sample diversity. We identified a substantial number of phenotype-associated genes and metagenomic linkage groups (MLGs), indicating variations in gut microflora composition. Specifically, we observed a decline in beneficial Firmicutes microbes, such as Eubacterium, Roseburia, Faecalibacterium and Ruminococcus spp., in both older individuals and those with higher BMI, while potentially harmful microbes like Erysipelotrichaceae, Subdoligranulum and Streptococcus spp. increased with age. Additionally, Blautia and Dorea spp. were found to increase with BMI, aligning with prior research. Surprisingly, individuals who were older or overweight exhibited a lack of Bacteroidetes, a dominant phylum in the human gut microbiota that includes opportunistic pathogens, while certain species of the well-known probiotics Bifidobacterium were enriched in these groups, suggesting a complex interplay of these bacteria warranting further investigation. Regarding gender, several gender-associated MLGs from Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, Clostridium and Akkermansia were enriched in females. Functional analysis revealed a multitude of phenotype-associated KEGG orthologs (KOs).

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our study underscores the influence of gender, age, and BMI on gut metagenomes, affecting both phylogenetic and functional composition. However, further investigation is needed to elucidate the precise roles of these bacteria, including both pathogens and probiotics.},
}

Humans
*Body Mass Index
China
Female
Male
Adult
Middle Aged
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics
Age Factors
*Feces/microbiology
Sex Factors
Young Adult
Aged
Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Phylogeny

@article {pmid39544100,
year = {2024},
author = {Kondo, T and Sibponkrung, S and Tittabutr, P and Boonkerd, N and Ishikawa, S and Teaumroong, N and Yoshida, KI},
title = {Bacillus velezensis S141 improves the root growth of soybean under drought conditions.},
journal = {Bioscience, biotechnology, and biochemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/bbb/zbae168},
pmid = {39544100},
issn = {1347-6947},
abstract = {Bacillus velezensis S141 helps soybean establish specific symbiosis with strains of Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens to form larger nodules and improve nitrogen fixation efficiency. In this study, we found that the dry weight of soybean roots increased significantly in the presence of S141 alone under drought conditions. Hence, S141 improved the root growth of soybean under limited water supply conditions. S141 can produce some auxin, which might be involved in the improved nodulation. Inactivating IPyAD of S141, which is required for auxin biosynthesis, did not alter the beneficial effects of S141, suggesting that the root growth was independent of auxin produced by S141. Under drought conditions, soybean exhibited some responses to resist osmotic and oxidative stresses; however, S141 was relevant to none of these responses. Although the mechanism remains unclear, S141 might produce some substances that stimulate the root growth of soybean under drought conditions.},
}

@article {pmid39543265,
year = {2024},
author = {Stevens, BR and Roesch, LFW},
title = {Interplay of human ABCC11 transporter gene variants with axillary skin microbiome functional genomics.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {28037},
pmid = {39543265},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Humans ; *Microbiota/genetics ; *Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; *Skin/microbiology/metabolism ; Female ; *ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters/genetics/metabolism ; Male ; Haplotypes ; Genomics/methods ; Axilla/microbiology ; Adult ; Pedigree ; },
abstract = {The human armpit microbiome is metabolically entangled with skin cell physiology. This "meta-organism" symbiotic mutualism results in sweat either with or without odor (osmidrosis), depending on host ABCC11 gene haplotypes. Apocrine metabolism produces odorless S-glutathione conjugate that is transferred by ABCC11 transporters into secretory vesicles, deglutamylated to S-Cys-Gly-3M3SH thiol, and exuded to skin surface. An anthropogenic clade of skin bacteria then takes up the thiol and bioconverts it to malodorous 3-methyl-3-sulfanylhexan-1-ol (3M3SH). We hypothesized a familial meta-organism association of human ABCC11 gene non-synonymous SNP rs17822931 interplaying with skin microbiome 3M3SH biosynthesis. Subjects were genotyped for ABCC11 SNPs, and their haplotypes were correlated with axilla microbiome DNA sequencing profiles and predicted metagenome functions. A multigeneration family pedigree revealed a Mendelian autosomal recessive pattern: the C allele of ABCC11 correlated with bacterial Cys-S-conjugate β-lyase (PatB) gene known for Staphylococcus hominis biosynthesis of 3M3SH from human precursor; PatB was rescinded in hosts with homozygous TT alleles encoding ABCC11 loss-of-function mutation. We posit that a C allele encoding functional ABCC11 is key to delivering host conjugate precursors that shape heritable skin niche conditions favorable to harboring Staphylococcus having genomics of odor thiol production. This provides existential insights into human evolution and global regional population ancestries.},
}

Humans
*Microbiota/genetics
*Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
*Skin/microbiology/metabolism
Female
*ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters/genetics/metabolism
Male
Haplotypes
Genomics/methods
Axilla/microbiology
Adult
Pedigree

@article {pmid39542125,
year = {2024},
author = {Tang, J and Xu, W and Yu, Y and Yin, S and Ye, BC and Zhou, Y},
title = {The role of the gut microbial metabolism of sterols and bile acids in human health.},
journal = {Biochimie},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.biochi.2024.11.003},
pmid = {39542125},
issn = {1638-6183},
abstract = {Sterols and bile acids are vital signaling molecules that play key roles in systemic functions, influencing the composition of the human gut microbiota, which maintains a symbiotic relationship with the host. Additionally, gut microbiota-encoded enzymes catalyze the conversion of sterols and bile acids into various metabolites, significantly enhancing their diversity and biological activities. In this review, we focus on the microbial transformations of sterols and bile acids in the gut, summarize the relevant bacteria, genes, and enzymes, and review the relationship between the sterols and bile acids metabolism of gut microbiota and human health. This review contributes to a deeper understanding of the crucial roles of sterols and bile acids metabolism by gut microbiota in human health, offering insights for further investigation into the interactions between gut microbiota and the host.},
}

@article {pmid39541233,
year = {2024},
author = {Cann, I and Cheng, Y and Alhawsawi, MAB and Moran, M and Li, Y and Gong, T and Zhu, W and Mackie, RI},
title = {Rumen-Targeted Mining of Enzymes for Bioenergy Production.},
journal = {Annual review of animal biosciences},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1146/annurev-animal-021022-030040},
pmid = {39541233},
issn = {2165-8110},
abstract = {Second-generation biofuel production, which aims to convert lignocellulose to liquid transportation fuels, could be transformative in worldwide energy portfolios. A bottleneck impeding its large-scale deployment is conversion of the target polysaccharides in lignocellulose to their unit sugars for microbial fermentation to the desired fuels. Cellulose and hemicellulose, the two major polysaccharides in lignocellulose, are complex in nature, and their interactions with pectin and lignin further increase their recalcitrance to depolymerization. This review focuses on the intricate linkages present in the feedstocks of interest and examines the potential of the enzymes evolved by microbes, in the microbe/ruminant symbiotic relationship, to depolymerize the target polysaccharides. We further provide insights to how a rational and more efficient assembly of rumen microbial enzymes can be reconstituted for lignocellulose degradation. We conclude by expounding on how gains in this area can impact the sustainability of both animal agriculture and the energy sector.},
}

@article {pmid39540979,
year = {2024},
author = {Frew, A and Aguilar-Trigueros, CA},
title = {Increasing Phylogenetic Clustering of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Communities in Roots Explains Enhanced Plant Growth and Phosphorus Uptake.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {87},
number = {1},
pages = {139},
pmid = {39540979},
issn = {1432-184X},
support = {DE220100479//Australian Research Council/ ; },
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/genetics/physiology ; *Phosphorus/metabolism ; *Plant Roots/microbiology/growth & development ; *Phylogeny ; *Symbiosis ; *Sorghum/microbiology/growth & development ; Soil Microbiology ; Mycobiome ; Biomass ; Plant Development ; },
abstract = {Temporal variation during the assembly of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal communities within plant roots have been posited as critical drivers of the plant-fungal symbiotic outcomes. However, functional implications of these dynamics for the host plant remain poorly understood. We conducted a controlled pot experiment with Sorghum bicolor to investigate how temporal shifts in AM fungal community composition and phylogenetic diversity influence plant growth and phosphorus responses to the symbiosis. We characterised the root-colonising AM fungal communities across three time points and explored their community assembly processes by analysing their phylogenetic diversity and employing joint species distribution modelling with the Hierarchical Modelling of Species Communities (HMSC) framework. We found strong AM fungal turnover through time with a high phylogenetic signal, indicating recruitment of phylogenetically clustered AM fungal species in the host. This temporal phylogenetic clustering of communities coincided with marked increases in plant biomass and phosphorus responses to the AM fungal symbiosis, suggesting that host selection for specific fungi may be a key determinant of these benefits.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/genetics/physiology
*Phosphorus/metabolism
*Plant Roots/microbiology/growth & development
*Phylogeny
*Symbiosis
*Sorghum/microbiology/growth & development
Soil Microbiology
Mycobiome
Biomass
Plant Development