@article {pmid39889699,
year = {2025},
author = {Tagirdzhanova, G and Scharnagl, K and Sahu, N and Yan, X and Bucknell, A and Bentham, AR and Jégousse, C and Ament-Velásquez, SL and Onuț-Brännström, I and Johannesson, H and MacLean, D and Talbot, NJ},
title = {Complexity of the lichen symbiosis revealed by metagenome and transcriptome analysis of Xanthoria parietina.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2024.12.041},
pmid = {39889699},
issn = {1879-0445},
abstract = {Lichens are composite, symbiotic associations of fungi, algae, and bacteria that result in large, anatomically complex organisms adapted to many of the world's most challenging environments. How such intricate, self-replicating lichen architectures develop from simple microbial components remains unknown because of their recalcitrance to experimental manipulation. Here, we report a metagenomic and metatranscriptomic analysis of the lichen Xanthoria parietina at different developmental stages. We identified 168 genomes of symbionts and lichen-associated microbes across the sampled thalli, including representatives of green algae, three different classes of fungi, and 14 bacterial phyla. By analyzing the occurrence of individual species across lichen thalli from diverse environments, we defined both substrate-specific and core microbial components of the lichen. Metatranscriptomic analysis of the principal fungal symbiont from three different developmental stages of a lichen, compared with axenically grown fungus, revealed differential gene expression profiles indicative of lichen-specific transporter functions, specific cell signaling, transcriptional regulation, and secondary metabolic capacity. Putative immunity-related proteins and lichen-specific structurally conserved secreted proteins resembling fungal pathogen effectors were also identified, consistent with a role for immunity modulation in lichen morphogenesis.},
}

@article {pmid39887637,
year = {2025},
author = {Cagatay, NS and Akhoundi, M and Izri, A and Brun, S and Hurst, GDD},
title = {Prevalence of Heritable Symbionts in Parisian Bedbugs (Hemiptera: Cimicidae).},
journal = {Environmental microbiology reports},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {e70054},
pmid = {39887637},
issn = {1758-2229},
support = {//TÜBİTAK [The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye]/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Bedbugs/microbiology/genetics ; *Wolbachia/genetics/isolation & purification/classification ; Paris ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; Haplotypes ; Prevalence ; },
abstract = {Like many insects, the biology of bedbugs is impacted by a range of partner heritable microbes. Three maternally inherited symbionts are recognised: Wolbachia (an obligate partner), Symbiopectobacterium purcellii strain SyClec, and Candidatus Tisiphia sp. (facultative symbionts typically present in some but not all individuals). Past work had examined the presence of these heritable microbes from established laboratory lines, but not from broader field samples. We therefore deployed targeted endpoint PCR assays to determine the symbiont infection status for 50 bedbugs collected from 10 districts of Paris during the 2023 outbreak. All three symbionts were found to be broadly present across Cimex lectularius samples, with the Symbiopectobacterium-Candidatus Tisiphia-Wolbachia triple infection most commonly observed. A minority of individuals lacked either one or both facultative symbionts. Five mtDNA haplotypes were observed across the COI barcode region, and triple infections were found in all mtDNA haplotypes, indicating that symbiont infection is not a recent invasion event. We conclude that the Parisian bedbug outbreak was one in which the host's secondary symbionts were present at high-frequency coinfections, and facultative symbionts are an important but uncharacterised component of bedbug populations.},
}

Animals
*Symbiosis
*Bedbugs/microbiology/genetics
*Wolbachia/genetics/isolation & purification/classification
Paris
DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics
Haplotypes
Prevalence

@article {pmid39886864,
year = {2025},
author = {Herrera-Cardoso, ED and Tapia-Cervantes, KA and Cepeda-Negrete, J and Gutiérrez-Vargas, S and León-Galván, MF},
title = {Isolation and identification of Lactobacillus species from gut microbiota of Aegiale hesperiaris (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) larvae.},
journal = {FEMS microbiology letters},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/femsle/fnaf015},
pmid = {39886864},
issn = {1574-6968},
abstract = {Entomophagy, the practice of consuming insects, is a global tradition. In Mexico, one of the most notable and widely consumed insects is the larva of Aegiale hesperiaris. This insect feeds on the leaves of various Agave species with high polysaccharide content, suggesting their potential role as prebiotics for the intestinal microbiota, particularly lactic acid bacteria (LAB). LAB are recognized for their use as probiotics in foods due to their health-promoting capabilities. In this study, LAB from the intestinal microbiota of A. hesperiaris larvae were isolated and characterized, utilizing 16S rRNA gene identification. The analysis revealed three bacterial species from the Lactobacillaceae family, indicating a close symbiotic relationship with the insect. This suggests a significant impact on carbohydrate and protein metabolism, vitamin synthesis, and amino acid production, contributing to the high nutritional value of this edible insect. The study provides insights into the bacteria within the digestive tract of A. hesperiaris larvae and their role in enhancing the nutritional value of this edible insect. Additionally, it establishes a foundation for future research on the ecological roles and potential biotechnological benefits of these bacteria in the food industry and the development of therapies for various conditions and diseases.},
}

@article {pmid39886814,
year = {2025},
author = {Junker, AD and Chen, JZ and DuBose, JG and Gerardo, NM},
title = {Dynamic reciprocal morphological changes in insect hosts and bacterial symbionts.},
journal = {The Journal of experimental biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1242/jeb.249474},
pmid = {39886814},
issn = {1477-9145},
support = {2023-67012-40012//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; 2019-67013-29371//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; },
abstract = {Symbiotic interactions, central to most life on Earth, are interwoven associations that vary in intimacy and duration. Some of the most well-known examples of symbioses occur between animals and gut bacteria. These associations lead to physiological integration of host and symbionts. The diversity of microbes within animal hosts can make studying them technically challenging. Thus, most science heavily focuses on the animal side of symbioses, limiting study of the microbial symbionts to characterization of their genetic and functional diversity. These limitations are minimized in Heteropteran insects that have specialized midguts that separately house single symbiont species away from ingested food. These insect-bacteria associations allow us to address fundamental questions as to how both hosts and symbionts change to establish a cooperative relationship. In this study, through ex vivo and in vivo observations of cellular behaviors, we explore concurrent structural and cellular dynamics in both the squash bug host (Anasa tristis) and its Caballeronia zhejiangensis symbionts during the initiation of symbiosis. We elucidate how C. zhejiangensis is sequestered within a specialized symbiotic organ within the A. tristis midgut, how the symbiont uses active motility to reach the symbiotic organ, how symbionts colonize host crypts within the organ and how host crypt morphogenesis progresses during the initiation of symbiotic interactions. Our findings provide insight into how dynamic cellular activity and morphological development reciprocally change in both host and symbiont as they establish symbiotic interactions.},
}

@article {pmid39886690,
year = {2024},
author = {Yang, M and Lei, C and Ma, C and Hou, X and Yao, M and Mi, L and Liu, E and Xu, L and Wang, S and Liu, C and Chen, Q and Xin, D and Xu, C and Wang, J},
title = {GmWRKY33a is a hub gene responsive to brassinosteroid signaling that suppresses nodulation in soybean (Glycine max).},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1507307},
pmid = {39886690},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Brassinosteroids (BRs) are key phytohormones influencing soybean development, yet their role in symbiosis remains unclear. Here, the RNA-Seq was used to identify important gene associated with BRs and symbiotic nitrogen fixation, and the function of candidate gene was verified by transgenic hairy roots. The result shows that the RNA-Seq analysis was conducted in which BR signaling was found to suppress nodule formation and many DEGs enriched in immunity-related pathways. WGCNA analyses led to the identification of GmWRKY33a as being responsive to BR signaling in the context of symbiosis establishment. Transgenic hairy roots analyses indicated that GmWRKY33a served as a negative regulator of the establishment of symbiosis. The qRT-PCR analysis confirmed that BR signaling upregulates GmWRKY33a, leading to nodulation suppression and activation of soybean immune responses. In summary, our research revealed that BR suppresses root nodule formation by modulating the immune signaling pathway in soybean roots. We further identified that GmWRKY33a, a crucial transcription factor in BR signaling, plays a negative role in the symbiotic establishment.},
}

@article {pmid39885562,
year = {2025},
author = {Grieves, LA and Gloor, GB},
title = {Uropygial gland microbiota of nearctic-neotropical migrants vary with season and migration distance.},
journal = {Animal microbiome},
volume = {7},
number = {1},
pages = {11},
pmid = {39885562},
issn = {2524-4671},
abstract = {Symbiotic microbiota are important drivers of host behaviour, health, and fitness. While most studies focus on humans, model organisms, and domestic or economically important species, research investigating the role of host microbiota in wild populations is rapidly accumulating. Most studies focus on the gut microbiota; however, skin and other glandular microbiota also play an important role in shaping traits that may impact host fitness. The uropygial gland is an important source of chemical cues and harbours diverse microbes that could mediate chemical communication in birds, so determining the factors most important in shaping host microbiota should improve our understanding of microbially-mediated chemical communication. Hypothesizing that temporal, geographic, and taxonomic effects influence host microbiota, we evaluated the effects of season, migration distance, and taxonomy on the uropygial gland microbiota of 18 passerine species from 11 families. By sampling 473 birds at a single stopover location during spring and fall migration and using 16S rRNA sequencing, we demonstrate that season, followed by migration distance, had the strongest influence on uropygial gland microbial community composition. While statistically significant, taxonomic family and species had only weak effects on gland microbiota. Given that temporal effects on gland microbiota were nearly ubiquitous among the species we tested, determining the consequences of and mechanisms driving this seasonal variation are important next steps.},
}

@article {pmid39884621,
year = {2025},
author = {Dhayalan, A and P D, KJ and Manoharan, S and Nadeem, A and Govindasamy, B and Pachiappan, P and Vasudhevan, P},
title = {Fish gut symbiotic bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis: RSM optimization for its extracellular lipase enzyme production, lipase-protein purification, characterization, and docking analysis.},
journal = {International journal of biological macromolecules},
volume = {301},
number = {},
pages = {140428},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.140428},
pmid = {39884621},
issn = {1879-0003},
abstract = {Lipase enzymes play a vital role in digestion and nutrient metabolism in host organisms, with symbiotic bacteria producing abundant enzymes, carbohydrates, vitamins, and other nutrients. This study aimed to isolate, identify, and screen lipase-producing bacteria from the gut of Systomus sarana, optimize enzyme production using Response Surface Methodology (RSM), and characterize the extracted lipase protein. A total of 11 bacterial strains were isolated and identified through 16S rRNA sequencing. Among these, Bacillus thuringiensis (SS5) exhibited the highest enzyme index (5.46 mm) and crude enzyme activity (109 U/mL). Using RSM optimization, growth conditions were refined to pH 7.5, temperature 35 °C, incubation time 30 h, with 2.3 % peptone and 2.34 % lactose, resulting in enhanced lipase production of 210 U/mL. The partially purified protein (~30 kDa) was characterized by SDS-PAGE and FTIR spectroscopy, revealed functional groups such as acids, aliphatic amines, and aromatics. MALDI-TOF/MS analysis identified eight peptides, with one major peptide sequence (IYVYYSDIMHVMNTMGQR). The modelled protein structure based on 259 amino acids was validated through homology modeling. Molecular docking studies demonstrated strong binding affinities (-7.36 to -8.95 kcal/mol) between the lipase protein and fatty acids (linoleic acid, linolenic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid) as well as tripalmitin. These findings highlight the potential of fish gut-derived Bacillus thuringiensis as a valuable source of lipase enzymes for industrial applications such as bioremediation and biodiesel production. Further exploration of these bacterial enzymes within their native ecosystems is recommended to expand their biotechnological utility.},
}

@article {pmid39883607,
year = {2025},
author = {Hemmler, KS and Camara, B and Buerkert, A},
title = {Social ecology of artisanal sand mining in the Niger River around Bamako, Mali.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {1},
pages = {e0318029},
pmid = {39883607},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Mali ; *Mining ; *Rivers ; *Sand ; Humans ; Female ; Male ; },
abstract = {Sand, shaping both natural waterways and urban infrastructure, has recently seen a major surge in extraction, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions like West Africa. To assess the organization, quantification, and socio-ecological implications of sand mining around Mali's capital Bamako, we employed a mixed methods approach including structured and unstructured interviews, truck counts, turbidity analyses, and river depth measurements. Our study identified five artisanal systems for mining sand and gravel from the Niger River, using tied-up pirogues, single pirogues, carts, tractors, and trucks. Recent increases in extracted quantities, workforce size, and sand prices were observed, resulting in an estimated annual extraction of 4.86 million m3 in 2022, mainly sourced from upstream of Bamako. With extraction rates surpassing natural replenishment, the riverbed in the study communities of Gouni and Usine Toch has reportedly lowered by 1.4 m and 1.8 m during the last 50 years. Mining activities are highly informal, characterized by self-organization, low and irregular salaries, and unsafe working conditions, particularly for women. Economically, sand mining activities have created symbiotic relationships rather than conflicts with local farming, fishing and other livelihoods. Sand mining operations did not significantly affect the Niger River's water turbidity, which varied primarily with seasonal rainfall fluctuations. Recent developments suggest that mining activities are accelerating, with mechanized practices likely to replace current artisanal methods and underlying social structures.},
}

Mali
*Mining
*Rivers
*Sand
Humans
Female
Male

@article {pmid39883363,
year = {2024},
author = {Cecchini, P and Nitta, T and Sena, E and Du, ZY},
title = {Saving coral reefs: significance and biotechnological approaches for coral conservation.},
journal = {Advanced biotechnology},
volume = {2},
number = {4},
pages = {42},
pmid = {39883363},
issn = {2948-2801},
support = {2020-38500-32559//U.S. Department of Agriculture/ ; 2022-38500-38099//U.S. Department of Agriculture/ ; },
abstract = {Coral reefs are highly productive ecosystems that provide valuable services to coastal communities worldwide. However, both local and global anthropogenic stressors, threaten the coral-algal symbiosis that enables reef formation. This breakdown of the symbiotic relationship, known as bleaching, is often triggered by cumulative cell damage. UV and heat stress are commonly implicated in bleaching, but other anthropogenic factors may also play a role. To address coral loss, active restoration is already underway in many critical regions. Additionally, coral researchers are exploring assisted evolution methods for greater coral resilience to projected climate change. This review provides an overview of the symbiotic relationship, the mechanisms underlying coral bleaching in response to stressors, and the strategies being pursued to address coral loss. Despite the necessity of ongoing research in all aspects of this field, action on global climate change remains crucial for the long-term survival of coral reefs.},
}

@article {pmid39883080,
year = {2025},
author = {Liang, SM and Abeer, H and Elsayed, FAA and Wu, QS},
title = {Transcriptomic analysis reveals potential roles of polyamine and proline metabolism in waterlogged peach roots inoculated with Funneliformis mosseae and Serendipita indica.},
journal = {Tree physiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/treephys/tpaf013},
pmid = {39883080},
issn = {1758-4469},
abstract = {Root-associated endophytic fungi can create symbiotic relationships with trees to enhance stress tolerance, but the underlying mechanisms, especially with regard to waterlogging tolerance, remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of Funneliformis mosseae and Serendipita indica on the growth, root cross-section structure, and root transcriptional responses of peach under waterlogging stress, with a focus on polyamine and proline metabolism. Genes and transcription factors associated with secondary cell wall biosynthesis were selected, and their expression profiles were analyzed. F. mosseae significantly increased the height, stem diameter, and leaf number of peach seedlings subjected to two weeks of waterlogging stress, whereas S. indica only significantly improved stem diameter. Both fungal species substantially increased root diameter, stele diameter, the number of late metaxylem inside the stele, and late metaxylem diameter, thus improving aeration within inoculated roots under waterlogging stress. Transcriptomic analysis of waterlogged roots identified 5425 and 5646 differentially expressed genes following inoculation with F. mosseae and S. indica, respectively. The arginine and proline metabolism and arginine biosynthesis pathways were enriched following fungal inoculations. Both fungi reduced the conversion of glutamate and ornithine for proline synthesis. However, S. indica promoted peptide-to-proline conversion by up-regulating the expression of PIPs. Although both fungi promoted the expression of genes involved in arginine and ornithine synthesis pathway, only F. mosseae led to increased levels of arginine and ornithine. Additionally, F. mosseae promoted the accumulation of putrescine and maintained polyamine homeostasis by down-regulating PAO2 and SAMDC. Moreover, F. mosseae facilitated the metabolism of cadaverine. In conclusion, both F. mosseae and S. indica formed symbiotic relationships with peach, with F. mosseae primarily improving polyamine accumulation and S. indica predominantly facilitating proline accumulation for enhanced waterlogging resistance.},
}

@article {pmid39881995,
year = {2024},
author = {Sodhi, GK and Wijesekara, T and Kumawat, KC and Adhikari, P and Joshi, K and Singh, S and Farda, B and Djebaili, R and Sabbi, E and Ramila, F and Sillu, D and Santoyo, G and de Los Santos-Villalobos, S and Kumar, A and Pellegrini, M and Mitra, D},
title = {Nanomaterials-plants-microbes interaction: plant growth promotion and stress mitigation.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1516794},
pmid = {39881995},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Soil salinization, extreme climate conditions, and phytopathogens are abiotic and biotic stressors that remarkably reduce agricultural productivity. Recently, nanomaterials have gained attention as effective agents for agricultural applications to mitigate such stresses. This review aims to critically appraise the available literature on interactions involving nanomaterials, plants, and microorganisms. This review explores the role of nanomaterials in enhancing plant growth and mitigating biotic and abiotic stresses. These materials can be synthesized by microbes, plants, and algae, and they can be applied as fertilizers and stress amelioration agents. Nanomaterials facilitate nutrient uptake, improve water retention, and enhance the efficiency of active ingredient delivery. Nanomaterials strengthen plant antioxidant systems, regulate photosynthesis, and stabilize hormonal pathways. Concurrently, their antimicrobial and protective properties provide resilience against biotic stressors, including pathogens and pests, by promoting plant immune responses and optimizing microbial-plant symbiosis. The synergistic interactions of nanomaterials with beneficial microorganisms optimize plant growth under stress conditions. These materials also serve as carriers of nutrients, growth regulators, and pesticides, thus acting like "smart fertilizers. While nanotechnology offers great promise, addressing potential environmental and ecotoxicological risks associated with their use is necessary. This review outlines pathways for leveraging nanotechnology to achieve resilient, sustainable, and climate-smart agricultural systems by integrating molecular insights and practical applications.},
}

@article {pmid39881990,
year = {2024},
author = {Xiao, J and He, Z and He, X and Lin, Y and Kong, X},
title = {Tracing microbial community across endophyte-to-saprotroph continuum of Cinnamomum camphora (L.) Presl leaves considering priority effect of endophyte on litter decomposition.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1518569},
pmid = {39881990},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Endophytes typically coexist with plants in symbiosis and transition into the saprobic system as plant tissues senesce, participating in the decomposition process of litter. However, the dynamic changes of endophytic communities during this process and their role in litter decomposition remain unclear. This study tracked the microbial composition across the transition from live leaves to litter in Cinnamomum camphora (L.) Presl (C. camphora), evaluating the contribution of endophytes to litter decomposition by examining microbial diversity, community assembly, and co-occurrence networks along the endophyte-to-saprotroph spectrum. The results revealed increasing bacterial diversity but stable fungal diversity, and the diversity of endogenous microbes is mirrored this in the saprophytic phase. Bacterial community assembly was characterized by deterministic processes during the symbiotic phase, shifted to stochastic processes during the saprophytic phase. In contrast, fungal community assembly was predominantly driven by stochastic processes throughout the continuum. Out of the 49 keystone taxa identified, only Pseudorhodoplanes sinuspersici demonstrated a significant positive correlation with community assembly. All identified bacterial keystone taxa during the saprophytic phase originated from endophytic sources, and around 80% of the fungal keystone taxa in the initial stages of decomposition were similarly endophytic in origin. Additionally, 60% of the dominant bacterial taxa and 28% of the dominant fungal taxa at the commencement of decomposition were of endophytic descent. This suggests that endogenous microbes possess the potential to evolve into both keystone and dominant taxa during the saprophytic phase. Endogenous keystone and dominant microbes both exhibited significant correlations with microbial network, indicating their substantial ecological presence in microbial community. Both endogenous keystone and dominant taxa exerted significant potential influences on litter decomposition. Overall, during the saprophytic phase, endophytes are likely to influence the assemblage of microbial communities, the network structure, and decomposition-related functions. Specifically, it appears that bacterial endophytes may possess a greater adaptability to the decomposition processes of leaf litter compared to their fungal counterparts.},
}

@article {pmid39881987,
year = {2024},
author = {Yan, S and Zhang, Q and Jia, S and Guo, M and Zhang, Q and Gu, P},
title = {Endophytic strategies decoded by genome and transcriptome analysis of Fusarium nematophilum strain NQ8GII4.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1487022},
pmid = {39881987},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Fusarium nematophilum strain NQ8GII4 is an endophytic fungus with significant potential for improving growth and disease resistance of alfalfa. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the symbiotic relationship between NQ8GII4 and alfalfa roots remain poorly understood.

METHODS: In this study, we conducted (1) a comparative genomic analysis of selected saprophytic, pathogenic, and endophytic fungi, including molecular phylogeny analysis, whole-genome alignment, and divergence date estimation positioning, and (2) transcriptomic profiling of alfalfa roots infected with NQ8GII4.

RESULTS: Our findings reveal that NQ8GII4 is genetically closely related to F. solani, suggesting it diverged from Fusarium phytopathogens. During the early stages of symbiosis establishment, genes encoding glycosyltransferases (GTs), fungal cell wall-degrading enzymes (FCWDEs), and steroid-14α-demethylase (CYP51) were significantly downregulated, potentially suppressing hyphal growth of the fungus. Once symbiosis was established, NQ8GII4 secreted effectors that activated plant immunity, which in turn could slow growth of the fungus. Moreover, genes involved in secondary metabolite biosynthesis, such as type I polyketide synthases (T1PKS) and non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs), were significantly downregulated. Homologs of autophagy-related genes, including ATG1, ATG2, ATG11, and others, were also downregulated, suggesting that reduced phytotoxin production and autophagy inhibition is a consequence of NQ8GII4's symbiosis.

DISCUSSION: This study investigated the comprehensive molecular and genetic mechanisms governing the interaction between NQ8GII4 and alfalfa roots. Beyond the NQ8GII4-alfalfa system, these findings also provide a valuable molecular framework for understanding the mechanism of interactions between endophytic fungi and their host plants.},
}

@article {pmid39881730,
year = {2024},
author = {Delpiano, CA and Rios, RS and Barraza-Zepeda, CE and Pozo, MJ and Aguilera, LE and Loayza, AP},
title = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization defines root ecological strategies in an extreme arid environment.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1488383},
pmid = {39881730},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {The symbiosis between mycorrhizae fungi and plant roots is essential for plant establishment in nearly all terrestrial ecosystems. However, the role of mycorrhizal colonization (colM) in shaping root ecological strategies remains poorly understood. Emerging research identifies colM as a key trait influencing the multidimensional covariation of root traits within the Root Economic Space (RES), where a 'collaboration gradient' is proposed. At one end of this gradient, species with larger root diameters (RD) rely on colM for resource acquisition through an 'outsourcing' strategy, while at the other end, species with finer roots and greater exploration capacity employ a 'do it yourself' strategy to acquire resources independently. Although the RES framework has improved our understanding of root strategies, the relationship between colM and root traits in desert ecosystems remains underexplored, particularly in hyper-arid environments, where limited resources can constrain both plant and mycorrhizal survival. In this study, we examine the root ecological strategies of 32 dominant shrub species in Chile's Coastal Atacama Desert, focusing on the link between specific root traits and colM. We found that larger RD correlated with higher levels of colM, supporting the 'outsourcing' strategy within the 'collaboration gradient' hypothesis of the RES. Additionally, RD and colM emerged as playing key roles in defining both dimensions of root ecological strategies. Moreover, we identified colM as a central hub trait in the root phenotypic network, underscoring its role in survival strategies under hyper-arid conditions. These findings emphasize the critical importance of colM in modulating plant ecological strategies and highlight the need to further investigate how AM enhances root lifespan and optimizes resource uptake in extreme environments.},
}

@article {pmid39881025,
year = {2025},
author = {Haider, K and Sufian, M and Abbas, D and Kabir, K and Ali, MS and Kausar, Y and Ghafar, MA},
title = {The Role of Gut Microbiota in Shaping Immune Responses in Tephritidae Fruit Fly and Prospective Implications for Management.},
journal = {Neotropical entomology},
volume = {54},
number = {1},
pages = {34},
pmid = {39881025},
issn = {1678-8052},
mesh = {*Tephritidae/immunology/microbiology ; Animals ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Symbiosis ; Pest Control, Biological ; },
abstract = {The interaction of microbial communities with host immunity has become one of the most explored research areas with significant implications for pest control strategies. It has been found that the gut microbiota plays substantial roles in immune response regulation and host-gut microbiome symbiosis, as well as in pathogen resistance and overall fitness in Tephritidae fruit flies that are major pests of agricultural importance. In this review, we discuss the modulation of immune responses of Tephritidae fruit flies by the gut microbiota with particular emphasis on the general interactions between microbiota and the immune system. These interactions help to unravel new horizons of pest management. Regulating gut microbiota modifies the performance of biological control agents and SIT and allows the creation of microbial therapies that affect the vital physiological functions of fruit flies. Besides, deploying microbes that can modulate the immune response and using microbial-derived signals provide an eco-friendly and more sustainable way of eradicating chemical pesticides and making farming systems less susceptible to climatic variability. This paper reviews various aspects of the possibility of using gut microbiota for changing the approach to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs that would improve methods of controlling Tephritidae fruit fly populations more ecologically.},
}

*Tephritidae/immunology/microbiology
Animals
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Symbiosis
Pest Control, Biological

@article {pmid39880954,
year = {2025},
author = {Huang, Y and Igarashi, K and Liu, L and Mayumi, D and Ujiie, T and Fu, L and Yang, M and Lu, Y and Cheng, L and Kato, S and Nobu, MK},
title = {Methanol transfer supports metabolic syntrophy between bacteria and archaea.},
journal = {Nature},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39880954},
issn = {1476-4687},
abstract = {In subsurface methanogenic ecosystems, the ubiquity of methylated-compound-using archaea-methylotrophic methanogens[1-4]-implies that methylated compounds have an important role in the ecology and carbon cycling of such habitats. However, the origin of these chemicals remains unclear[5,6] as there are no known energy metabolisms that generate methylated compounds de novo as a major product. Here we identified an energy metabolism in the subsurface-derived thermophilic anaerobe Zhaonella formicivorans[7] that catalyses the conversion of formate to methanol, thereby producing methanol without requiring methylated compounds as an input. Cultivation experiments showed that formate-driven methanologenesis is inhibited by the accumulation of methanol. However, this limitation can be overcome through methanol consumption by a methylotrophic partner methanogen, Methermicoccus shengliensis. This symbiosis represents a fourth mode of mutualistic cross-feeding driven by thermodynamic necessity (syntrophy), previously thought to rely on transfer of hydrogen, formate or electrons[8-10]. The unusual metabolism and syntrophy provide insights into the enigmatic presence of methylated compounds in subsurface methanogenic ecosystems and demonstrate how organisms survive at the thermodynamic limit through metabolic symbiosis.},
}

@article {pmid39880798,
year = {2025},
author = {Chaib De Mares, M and Arciniegas Castro, E and Ulloa, MA and Torres, JM and Sierra, MA and Butler, DJ and Mason, CE and Zambrano, MM and Moncada, B and Reyes Muñoz, A},
title = {Distinct bacteria display genus and species-specific associations with mycobionts in paramo lichens in Colombia.},
journal = {FEMS microbiology ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/femsec/fiaf010},
pmid = {39880798},
issn = {1574-6941},
abstract = {Lichens are complex symbiotic systems where fungi interact with an extracellular arrangement of one or more photosynthetic partners and an indeterminate number of other microbes. Recently, specific lichen-microbial community associations have been proposed. In this study, we aimed to characterize the differences in bacteria associated with closely related lichens, under a defined set of environmental conditions in Colombian paramos. Our goal was to determine if there is a correlation between microbiota and host divergence in lichen species belonging to the genus Sticta. We found that specific microbiota are defined by their mycobiont at the genus level. Further, distinct bacterial families show differences among the three studied genera, and specific amplicon sequence variants further discriminate among lichen species within each genus. A geographic component also determines the composition of these microbial communities among lichen species. Our functional analysis revealed that fungal partners play a key role in synthesizing complex polysaccharides, while bacterial-derived antioxidants and photoprotective mechanisms contribute to desiccation tolerance in lichens. These insights highlight the complex interactions within lichen symbioses that could be relevant in environments such as the paramo ecosystem.},
}

@article {pmid39880116,
year = {2025},
author = {Runchu, W and Zhigang, T and Sha, W and Risen, Y and Hanbo, Y and Jing, C and Jingyi, J and Jianhong, J and Zhe, K and Yanxiao, W and Elsayed Ali, EA and Hong, C},
title = {Enhancing single-stage partial nitritation-anammox process with airlift inner-circulation and oxygen partition: a novel strategy for treating high-strength ammonium wastewater.},
journal = {Environmental research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {120968},
doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2025.120968},
pmid = {39880116},
issn = {1096-0953},
abstract = {In the single-stage partial nitritation-anammox process for high-ammonium wastewater treatment, the presence of sufficient biomass with high activity is essential. This study developed an innovative airlift inner-circulation partition bioreactor (AIPBR) with a dual-cylinder structure. During the 362 days' operation, the AIPBR exhibited robust and stable nitrogen removal performance under diverse influent ammonium spanning from 300 to 1800 mg N/L. Notably, when the influent ammonium was 1820 ± 34 mg N/L, the nitrogen removal rate reached 3.194 ± 0.074 kg N/m[3]/d, accompanied by removal efficiency of 87.6 ± 1.5%. The unique design of the reactor enabled the formation of dissolved oxygen gradient, which improved the synergy of functional microorganisms by facilitating mass transfer within the sludge. Additionally, it maintained appropriate hydraulic shear in the inner cylinder to support granule formation and simultaneously reduced excessive flow in the outer cylinder to prevent sludge loss. Through the cyclic granulation, the system fostered a symbiotic consortium of flocculent and granular sludge with particle size predominantly distributed within the range of 200-400 μm, which enhanced the activity of microorganisms. These findings highlight the potential of AIPBR as a novel and effective strategy for high-ammonium wastewater treatment.},
}

@article {pmid39880115,
year = {2025},
author = {Sun, K and Yang, R and Liu, J and Zhao, W and Li, X and Wang, Y and Song, S},
title = {Precipitation changes reshape desert soil microbial community assembly and potential functions.},
journal = {Environmental research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {120958},
doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2025.120958},
pmid = {39880115},
issn = {1096-0953},
abstract = {Understanding the responses of desert microbial communities to escalating precipitation changes is a significant knowledge gap in predicting future soil health and ecological function. Through a five-year precipitation manipulation experiment, we investigated the contrasting eco-evolutionary processes of desert bacteria and fungi that manifested in changes to the assembly and potential functions of the soil microbiome. Elevated precipitation increased the alpha diversity and network complexity of bacteria and fungi, proportion of non-dominant phyla, and abundance of carbon- and nitrogen-fixing bacteria and saprophytic, symbiotic, and pathogenic fungi. Conversely, decreased precipitation reduced the alpha diversity and network complexity of bacteria and fungi while increasing the proportion of non-dominant phyla, stability of the network, and abundance of functional genes related to carbon and nitrogen degradation, nitrification, and ammonification. This suggests that soil microbes may attenuate the negative effects of reduced precipitation by streamlining communities, enhancing carbon and nitrogen acquisition, and promoting nitrogen cycling. Furthermore, we revealed that soil properties and vegetation attributes explained approximately 27.86%-37.75% and 17.76%-22.84% of the variation in bacterial and fungal communities, respectively. Finally, we demonstrated that precipitation-driven soil nutrient content and vegetation attributes are the potentially critical factors in shaping the soil microbial assembly and functions. These findings provide a foundation for understanding the response of desert soil microbes to escalating climate change.},
}

@article {pmid39879950,
year = {2025},
author = {Miao, C and Zeller, V},
title = {Nutrient circularity from waste to fertilizer: A perspective from LCA studies.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {965},
number = {},
pages = {178623},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.178623},
pmid = {39879950},
issn = {1879-1026},
abstract = {Nutrient circularity, an exemplification of circular economy (CE), is situated in the waste/wastewater-agriculture nexus. Recycling nutrient elements from waste streams to fertilizer products amplify the sustainable management of resources and intersect technical and biological loops, a concept developed for CE. Such a complex system needs to be directed by robust assessment methods such as life cycle assessment (LCA) to identify trade-offs and potentials. This review aims to provide a comprehensive outlook of the current state of nutrient circularity and a critical analysis on the applicability of LCA to nutrient CE pathways. Our worked has summarized CE pathways including direct land application, traditionally integrated processes in wastewater treatment plants, and targeted nutrient recycling technologies. Despite the restrictions on inputs streams, recycling technologies demonstrated a relative low selectivity. LCA is a powerful instrument to guide nutrient circularity; however, system modeling settings can confine the applicability of LCA for CE pathways. Given that LCA studies can only partially capture the CE characteristics, a deliberate methodological selection of functional unit, allocation method and impact indicators is required for the specific CE aspect under investigation. Lower data scale limits the LCA ability to assess CE practices that requires systemic analyses. Hence, full scale assessment is of necessity since it incorporates potential gains and drawbacks from the material upscaling, process efficiency changes and possible industrial symbiosis. The findings of this review lay a robust groundwork for future research, pinpointing areas of focus in LCA modeling within nutrient circularity. This is particularly vital for the Global South to ensure knowledge transfer and prompt action.},
}

@article {pmid39879929,
year = {2025},
author = {Lera, M and Ferrer, JF and Borrás, L and Martí, N and Serralta, J and Seco, A},
title = {Mesophilic anaerobic digestion of mixed sludge in CSTR and AnMBR systems: A perspective on microplastics fate.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {375},
number = {},
pages = {124250},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.124250},
pmid = {39879929},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Most microplastics (MPs) end up in the biosolids produced in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and can pose contamination risks when the biosolids are applied to agriculture. This study evaluated the impact of mesophilic anaerobic digestion on the fate of MPs in WWTP sludge. For this, two laboratory-scale anaerobic digesters were operated in parallel, consisting of a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) and a membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) equipped with an ultrafiltration membrane to decouple the hydraulic and sludge retention times. Both digesters were continuously fed with mixed sludge from a municipal WWTP. The results showed a significant reduction in the MP concentration, with the AnMBR having the higher MP removal efficiency (88.6% vs. 62.1%) and obtaining a higher percentage of biomethanisation (58.3% vs. 43.7%). Polypropylene (PP) and polyacrylonitrile were the main polymers in the mixed sludge, while PP and polyethylene were the dominant polymers in the digested samples. The MP particles in all the samples were predominantly in the 500-104 μm size range. Microbiological analysis indicates a greater species diversity in the microbial community of the AnMBR, the results also revealed a symbiotic relationship between the Firmicutes and Patescibacteria phyla in this digester.},
}

@article {pmid39878511,
year = {2025},
author = {Chaddad, Z and Bouhnik, O and Lamrabet, M and Alami, S and Missbah El Idrissi, M},
title = {Complete genome sequence of Bradyrhizobium lupini LLZ14, a nitrogen-fixing and plant growth-promoting bacterium.},
journal = {Microbiology resource announcements},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0093524},
doi = {10.1128/mra.00935-24},
pmid = {39878511},
issn = {2576-098X},
abstract = {In this study, we present the complete genome of Bradyrhizobium lupini LLZ14, a nodule-forming bacterium isolated from Lupinus luteus root nodules with high plant growth-promoting abilities. This genome contains genes predicted to be involved in plant stress tolerance and growth promotion, including auxin production, phosphatase, and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase.},
}

@article {pmid39878491,
year = {2025},
author = {Guo, M and Jiang, L and Zhou, G and Lian, J and Yu, X and Huang, H},
title = {Diversity and dynamics of multiple symbionts contribute to early development of broadcast spawning reef-building coral Dipsastraea veroni.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0235924},
doi = {10.1128/aem.02359-24},
pmid = {39878491},
issn = {1098-5336},
abstract = {Sexual reproduction and recruitment enhance the genetic diversity and evolution of reef-building corals for population recovery and coral reef conservation under climate change. However, new recruits are vulnerable to physical changes and the mechanisms of symbiosis establishment remain poorly understood. Here, Dipsastraea veroni, a broadcast spawning hermaphrodite reef-building coral, was subjected to settlement and juvenile growth in flow-through in situ seawater at 27.93 ± 0.96°C. Symbiosis of Symbiodiniaceae, bacteria, and/or archaea by horizontal acquisition and/or hypothetical vertical transmission through the mucus with symbionts from the parent appears to be a heritable process of selection and adaptation in D. veroni at the egg, larva, juvenile (5 days post settlement, d p.s. and 32 d p.s.) stages. Symbiodiniaceae was dominated by the genera Cladocopium, Durusdinium, Symbiodinium, with increasing relative abundance of Durusdinium at 5 d p.s. and Symbiodinium at 32 d p.s. Mixed acquisition of the dominant phyla Pseudomonadota, Bacteroidota, Cyanobacteriota, Bacillota, Planctomycetota, and Actinomycetota in egg, larva, and/or juvenile showed a winnowing and regulated bacterial diversity and dynamics, resulting in stage-abundant orders Pseudomonadales and Bacillales in egg and Rhodobacterales, Rhodospirillales, Cyanobacteria, and Cyanobacteriales in larva and/or juvenile. The photoautotrophic Chloroflexales, Cyanobacteriales, and Chlorobiales were abundant in adults. The stable archaeal community contained predominant Crenarchaeota, Halobacterota, Nanoarchaeia Thermoplasmatota, and eight rare phyla, with increased relative abundance of the genera Bathyarchaeota, Candidatus_Nitrosopumilus, Candidatus_Nitrocosmicus, Nitrosarchaeum, Candidatus_Nitrosotenuis, Candidatus_Nitrosopelagicus, Cenarchaeum, Haladaptatus, Halogranum, Halolamina, and Woesearchaeales and GW2011-AR15 in juveniles. All results revealed flexible symbiotic mechanisms in D. veroni during early ontogeny for coral survival and evolution.IMPORTANCEFlexible symbioses of Symbiodiniaceae, bacteria, and archaea appear to be a heritable process of selection and adaptation in Dipsastraea veroni in the field, benefiting early coral development and facilitating coral population recovery and reef conversation.},
}

@article {pmid39878466,
year = {2025},
author = {Fung, BL and Visick, KL},
title = {LitR and its quorum-sensing regulators modulate biofilm formation by Vibrio fischeri.},
journal = {Journal of bacteriology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0047624},
doi = {10.1128/jb.00476-24},
pmid = {39878466},
issn = {1098-5530},
abstract = {Quorum sensing controls numerous processes ranging from the production of virulence factors to biofilm formation. Biofilms, communities of bacteria that are attached to one another and/or a surface, are common in nature, and when they form, they can produce a quorum of bacteria. One model system to study biofilms is the bacterium Vibrio fischeri, which forms a biofilm that promotes the colonization of its symbiotic host. Many factors promote V. fischeri biofilm formation in vitro, including the symbiosis polysaccharide (SYP) and cellulose, but the role of quorum sensing is currently understudied. Recently, a quorum-sensing-dependent transcription factor, LitR, was shown to negatively influence V. fischeri biofilm formation in the context of a biofilm-overproducing strain. To better understand the importance of LitR, we identified conditions in which the impact of LitR on biofilm formation could be observed in an otherwise wild-type strain and then investigated its role and the roles of upstream quorum regulators in biofilm phenotypes. In static conditions, LitR and its upstream quorum regulators, including autoinducer synthases LuxS and AinS, contributed to control over biofilms that were both SYP and cellulose dependent. In shaking liquid conditions, LitR and AinS contributed to control over biofilms that were primarily cellulose dependent. LitR modestly inhibited cellulose transcription in a manner that depended on the transcription factor VpsR. These findings expand our understanding of LitR and the quorum-sensing pathway in the physiology of V. fischeri and illuminate negative control mechanisms that prevent robust biofilm formation by wild-type V. fischeri under laboratory conditions.IMPORTANCEQuorum sensing is a key regulatory mechanism that controls diverse phenotypes in numerous bacteria, including Vibrio fischeri. In many microbes, quorum sensing has been shown to control biofilm formation, yet in V. fischeri, the link between quorum sensing and biofilm formation has been understudied. This study fills that knowledge gap by identifying roles for the quorum sensing-controlled transcription factor, LitR, and its upstream quorum-sensing regulators, including the autoinducer synthases AinS and LuxS, in inhibiting biofilm formation under specific conditions. It also determined that LitR inhibits the transcription of genes required for cellulose biosynthesis. This work thus expands our understanding of the complex control over biofilm regulation.},
}

@article {pmid39877724,
year = {2025},
author = {Lipnicky, A and Subramanian, P and El Atrouni, W},
title = {A case of W. chitiniclastica bacteremia in a 38-year-old homeless male originating from a maggot-infested amputated foot.},
journal = {IDCases},
volume = {39},
number = {},
pages = {e02146},
pmid = {39877724},
issn = {2214-2509},
abstract = {Wohlfahrtiimonas (W.) chitiniclastica was first isolated from the larval stage of the fly vector Wohlfahrtia magnifica. It is a gram-negative, non-motile, strictly aerobic rod that thrives in temperatures between 28º C and 37º C. Its strong chitinase activity aids in metamorphosis, which suggests a symbiotic relationship with the fly. Although rare, W. chitiniclastica has been implicated in human infections, like bacteremia and osteomyelitis, typically transmitted through fly larvae in skin wounds. Over the past decade, there have been 12 documented human infections, including five confirmed cases of bacteremia. We present a case involving a 38-year-old homeless male with W. chitiniclastica bacteremia secondary to maggot-infested wounds. The patient had a medical history of late latent syphilis and previous frostbite requiring right transmetatarsal amputation and presented with a stump infection on the right foot, featuring maggots. He was afebrile with stable signs and blood cultures revealed W. chitiniclastica. The pathogen was susceptible to various antibiotics, including cefepime, piperacillin/tazobactam, meropenem, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and levofloxacin. The patient was treated with piperacillin/tazobactam and later transitioned to oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole but left against medical advice. This case underscores the intersection of infectious diseases and social inequalities, highlighting the need for clinicians to consider W. chitiniclastica in patients with poor hygiene, alcoholism, peripheral vascular disease, and open wounds. It also emphasizes the dual role of maggots in wound care, capable of both cleaning necrotic tissue and introducing pathogenic bacteria.},
}

@article {pmid39877627,
year = {2025},
author = {Mahdavifard, S and Malekzadeh, HR},
title = {Symbiotic anti-oxidant, anti-glycation, and anti-inflammatory qualities of a combination of thiamine and niacin protected type-2 diabetic male rats against both macro and micro-vascular complications.},
journal = {Iranian journal of basic medical sciences},
volume = {28},
number = {1},
pages = {98-104},
pmid = {39877627},
issn = {2008-3866},
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Increased nuclear factor (NF-kβ) and carbonyl stress due to decreased glyoxalase-1 activity (Glo-I) contribute significantly to insulin resistance and vascular complications. Therefore, we aimed to study the impact of the combination of thiamine and niacin on hepatic NF-kβ signaling, metabolic profile, and Glo-I activity in male rats with type-2 diabetes (T2DM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty male rats were divided equally into five groups: control, diabetic, diabetic treated with thiamine (180 mg/l in drinking water), niacin (180 mg/l), and a combination of both. The treated groups received the treatments daily in drinking water for two months. T2DM was induced using a combination of nicotinamide and alloxan. Metabolic profile and renal dysfunction parameters were assessed. Additionally, various glycation, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers were measured.

RESULTS: The treated group with both vitamins showed the lowest blood sugar and insulin resistance indices, cardiovascular indices, renal dysfunction parameters, hepatic NF-kβ expression, oxidative stress, inflammatory and glycation markers, and the highest anti-oxidant and anti-glycation markers, β cell activity, and insulin sensitivity. Thiamine exhibited more anti-inflammatory activity than niacin in diabetic rats, while niacin demonstrated stronger anti-oxidant activity (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION: The combined use of vitamins had a more beneficial impact on macro and microvascular complications in diabetes than each alone, attributed to their higher anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-glycation characteristics. The vitamins also had a more corrective effect on glucose-lipid metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and renal function through a stronger lowering effect on hepatic NF-kβ expression.},
}

@article {pmid39875095,
year = {2025},
author = {Moeller, AH},
title = {Partner fidelity, not geography, drives co-diversification of gut microbiota with hominids.},
journal = {Biology letters},
volume = {21},
number = {1},
pages = {20240454},
pmid = {39875095},
issn = {1744-957X},
support = {/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *Phylogeny ; Hominidae/microbiology ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Genome, Bacterial ; Geography ; },
abstract = {Bacterial strains that inhabit the gastrointestinal tracts of hominids have diversified in parallel (co-diversified) with their host species. The extent to which co-diversification has been mediated by partner fidelity between strains and hosts or by geographical distance between hosts is not clear due to a lack of strain-level data from clades of hosts with unconfounded phylogenetic relationships and geographical distributions. Here, I tested these competing hypotheses through meta-analyses of 7121 gut bacterial genomes assembled from wild-living ape species and subspecies sampled throughout their ranges in equatorial Africa. Across the gut bacterial phylogeny, strain diversification was more strongly associated with host phylogeny than with geography. In total, approximately 14% of the branch length of the gut bacterial phylogeny showed significant evidence of co-diversification independent of geography, whereas only approximately 4% showed significant evidence of diversification associated with geography independent of host phylogeny. Geographically co-occurring heterospecific hosts (Pan and Gorilla) universally maintained distinct co-diversified bacterial strains. Strains whose diversification was associated with geography independent of host phylogeny included clades of Proteobacteria known to adopt free-living lifestyles (e.g. Escherichia). These results show that co-diversification of gut bacterial strains with hominids has been driven primarily by fidelity of strains to host lineages rather than geography.},
}

Animals
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
*Phylogeny
Hominidae/microbiology
Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Genome, Bacterial
Geography

@article {pmid39874245,
year = {2025},
author = {Milbrath, LR and Biazzo, J and van Zoeren, J},
title = {Flight phenology and influence of region and habitat on the abundance of Xylosandrus germanus and Anisandrus maiche (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) in New York.},
journal = {Environmental entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ee/nvaf010},
pmid = {39874245},
issn = {1938-2936},
support = {#8062-22410-007-000D//USDA/ ; //Agricultural Research Service/ ; },
abstract = {The non-native wood-boring and symbiotic fungus-culturing Xylosandrus germanus (Blandford) was first reported in New York apple orchards in 2013. Trapping surveys have been conducted annually since to assist growers in timely applications of preventative control measures. In 2021, a similar-looking introduced species, Anisandrus maiche (Kurentsov), was identified in traps in west central New York. Anisandrus maiche was first recorded in 2005 in Pennsylvania but its history in New York was unclear due to potential misidentification. We collected and identified ambrosia beetles using ethanol-baited bottle traps in 2022 and 2023 in New York at 2 commercial apple orchards near Lake Ontario and 2 cider apple orchards in the lower Finger Lakes district. Traps were placed in a forest interior, the forest edge, and the orchard edge at each site. Xylosandrus germanus was trapped from mid-April into early October; it was abundant in the Lake Ontario region but less so in the Finger Lakes. In contrast, counts of A. maiche were very high in the Finger Lakes but extremely low near Lake Ontario. It was trapped from late-May to mid-September. Most other bark and ambrosia beetle species were uncommon. Captures of X. germanus and A. maiche were generally highest in the forest interior and declined toward the orchard edge, but each species was usually present in traps across habitats at the same time. Thus, the practice of trapping at forest edges should continue. Both species can potentially infest stressed trees, including in orchards, throughout the growing season.},
}

@article {pmid39872724,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, S and Jurgensen, L and Harrison, MJ},
title = {Utilizing FRET-based Biosensors to Measure Cellular Phosphate Levels in Mycorrhizal Roots of Brachypodium distachyon.},
journal = {Bio-protocol},
volume = {15},
number = {2},
pages = {e5158},
pmid = {39872724},
issn = {2331-8325},
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi engage in symbiotic relationships with plants, influencing their phosphate (Pi) uptake pathways, metabolism, and root cell physiology. Despite the significant role of Pi, its distribution and response dynamics in mycorrhizal roots remain largely unexplored. While traditional techniques for Pi measurement have shed some light on this, real-time cellular-level monitoring has been a challenge. With the evolution of quantitative imaging with confocal microscopy, particularly the use of genetically encoded fluorescent sensors, live imaging of intracellular Pi concentrations is now achievable. Among these sensors, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based biosensors stand out for their accuracy. In this study, we employ the Pi-specific biosensor (cpFLIPPi-5.3m) targeted to the cytosol or plastids of Brachypodium distachyon plants, enabling us to monitor intracellular Pi dynamics during AM symbiosis. A complementary control sensor, cpFLIPPi-Null, is introduced to monitor non-Pi-specific changes. Leveraging a semi-automated ImageJ macro for sensitized FRET analysis, this method provides a precise and efficient way to determine relative intracellular Pi levels at the level of individual cells or organelles. Key features • This protocol describes the use of FRET biosensors for in vivo visualization of spatiotemporal phosphate levels with cellular and subcellular resolution in Brachypodium distachyon. • An optimized growth system can allow tracing of Pi transfer between AM fungi and host root. This protocol is used in: New Phytol (2022), DOI: 10.1111/nph.18081.},
}

@article {pmid39872723,
year = {2025},
author = {Galvis, J and Guyon, J and Daubon, T and Nikolski, M},
title = {Using DIMet for Differential Analysis of Labeled Metabolomics Data: A Step-by-step Guide Showcasing the Glioblastoma Metabolism.},
journal = {Bio-protocol},
volume = {15},
number = {2},
pages = {e5168},
pmid = {39872723},
issn = {2331-8325},
abstract = {Stable-isotope resolved metabolomics (SIRM) is a powerful approach for characterizing metabolic states in cells and organisms. By incorporating isotopes, such as [13]C, into substrates, researchers can trace reaction rates across specific metabolic pathways. Integrating metabolomics data with gene expression profiles further enriches the analysis, as we demonstrated in our prior study on glioblastoma metabolic symbiosis. However, the bioinformatics tools for analyzing tracer metabolomics data have been limited. In this protocol, we encourage the researchers to use SIRM and transcriptomics data and to perform the downstream analysis using our software tool DIMet. Indeed, DIMet is the first comprehensive tool designed for the differential analysis of tracer metabolomics data, alongside its integration with transcriptomics data. DIMet facilitates the analysis of stable-isotope labeling and metabolic abundances, offering a streamlined approach to infer metabolic changes without requiring complex flux analysis. Its pathway-based "metabologram" visualizations effectively integrate metabolomics and transcriptomics data, offering a versatile platform capable of analyzing corrected tracer datasets across diverse systems, organisms, and isotopes. We provide detailed steps for sample preparation and data analysis using DIMet through its intuitive, web-based Galaxy interface. To showcase DIMet's capabilities, we analyzed LDHA/B knockout glioblastoma cell lines compared to controls. Accessible to all researchers through Galaxy, DIMet is free, user-friendly, and open source, making it a valuable resource for advancing metabolic research. Key features • Glioblastoma tumor spheroids in vitro replicate tumors' three-dimensional structure and natural nutrient, metabolite, and gas gradients, providing a more realistic model of tumor biology. • Joint analysis of tracer metabolomics and transcriptomics datasets provides deeper insights into the metabolic states of cells. • DIMet is a web-based tool for differential analysis and seamless integration of metabolomics and transcriptomics data, making it accessible and user-friendly. • DIMet enables researchers to infer metabolic changes, offering intuitive and visually appealing "metabologram" outputs, surpassing conventional visual representations commonly used in the field.},
}

@article {pmid39871894,
year = {2024},
author = {Ren, Y and Chen, M and Wang, Z and Han, JJ},
title = {Oral microbiota in aging and diseases.},
journal = {Life medicine},
volume = {3},
number = {3},
pages = {lnae024},
pmid = {39871894},
issn = {2755-1733},
abstract = {Human microbiomes are microbial populations that form a symbiotic relationship with humans. There are up to 1000 species on the surface of human skin and mucosal system, among which gut microbiota attracts the most interest. As the beginning of the digestive tract, oral cavity is also an important microbial habitat in the human body which is the first line of defense against pathogens entering the body. Many studies have revealed that oral microbial dysbiosis could not only contribute to oral diseases but also whole-body systemic diseases and health status. Oral microorganisms can enter the gastrointestinal tract with saliva and food, or enter the blood circulation through mouth breakage, thus causing systemic inflammation and aging-related diseases including some causal links to Alzheimer's disease. A series of changes take place in oral microbial composition during development, with different age stages marked by different dominant microbial species. Despite a lack of comprehensive studies on aging oral microbiota, through systemic inflammation, oral pathogenic microbes are likely to contribute inflammatory aging. As inflammaging is a key signature and one of the causes for accelerated aging, improving the structure of oral microbiome may be not only a new strategy for disease prevention and treatment, but also for aging intervention.},
}

@article {pmid39870251,
year = {2025},
author = {Oubohssaine, M and Rabeh, K and Hnini, M},
title = {Symbiosis vs Pathogenesis in Plants: Reflections and Perspectives.},
journal = {Microbial pathogenesis},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {107333},
doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2025.107333},
pmid = {39870251},
issn = {1096-1208},
abstract = {Plant-microbe partnerships constitute a complex and intricately woven network of connections that have evolved over countless centuries, involving both cooperation and antagonism. In various contexts, plants and microorganisms engage in mutually beneficial partnerships that enhance crop health and maintain balance in ecosystems. However, these associations also render plants susceptible to a range of pathogens. Understanding the fundamental molecular mechanisms governing these associations is crucial, given the notable susceptibility of plants to external environmental influences. Based on quorum sensing signals, phytohormone, and volatile organic carbon (VOC) production and others molecules, microorganisms influence plant growth, health, and defense responses. This review explores the multifaceted relationships between plants and their associated microorganisms, encompassing mutualism, commensalism, and antagonism. The molecular mechanisms of symbiotic and pathogenic interactions share similarities but lead to different outcomes. While symbiosis benefits both parties, pathogenesis harms the host. Genetic adaptations optimize these interactions, involving coevolution driving process. Environmental factors influence outcomes, emphasizing the need for understanding and manipulation of microbial communities for beneficial results. Research directions include employing multi-omics techniques, functional studies, investigating environmental factors, understanding evolutionary trajectories, and harnessing knowledge to engineer synthetic microbial consortia for sustainable agriculture and disease management.},
}

@article {pmid39869923,
year = {2025},
author = {Kausar Sk, M and Mandal, A and Chattopadhyay, J},
title = {Tipping events in a fear-affected symbiotic ecological system with adaptive hunting strategy.},
journal = {Chaos (Woodbury, N.Y.)},
volume = {35},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1063/5.0241236},
pmid = {39869923},
issn = {1089-7682},
mesh = {Animals ; *Predatory Behavior/physiology ; *Fear/physiology ; *Symbiosis/physiology ; *Models, Biological ; Ecosystem ; Adaptation, Physiological/physiology ; Food Chain ; },
abstract = {Experimental observations and field data demonstrated that predators adapt their hunting strategies in response to prey abundance. While previous studies explored the impact of predation risk on predator-prey interactions, the impact of symbiotic relationships between fear-affected prey and non-prey species on system dynamics remains unexplored. This study uses a mathematical approach to investigate how different symbiotic relationships govern system dynamics when predators adapt to prey availability. Our study illustrates that the mutualistic relationship between prey and partners extends predator survivability. However, the fear-affected symbiotic system may undergo regime shifts, which can be catastrophic or non-catastrophic, depending on symbiotic interaction patterns. The study demonstrates a hump-shaped relationship between the predator's optimal search rate and biomass and identifies an intermediate range of search rates where the system exhibits a "bubbling"phenomenon. Overall, our findings provide new insights into symbiotic relationships in community ecology, highlighting the complex interplay among predators, prey, and non-prey species.},
}

Animals
*Predatory Behavior/physiology
*Fear/physiology
*Symbiosis/physiology
*Models, Biological
Ecosystem
Adaptation, Physiological/physiology
Food Chain

@article {pmid39869587,
year = {2025},
author = {Kumari, Y and Gunathilaka, N and Amarasinghe, D},
title = {A comprehensive review of biological and genetic control approaches for leishmaniasis vector sand flies; emphasis towards promoting tools for integrated vector management.},
journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases},
volume = {19},
number = {1},
pages = {e0012795},
pmid = {39869587},
issn = {1935-2735},
mesh = {Animals ; *Psychodidae/genetics/parasitology ; *Leishmaniasis/prevention & control/transmission ; *Insect Vectors/genetics/parasitology ; Insect Control/methods ; Humans ; Gene Editing/methods ; Leishmania/genetics ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Pest Control, Biological/methods ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Leishmaniasis is a health problem in many regions with poor health and poor life resources. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 700,000-1 million new cases arise annually. Effective control of sand fly vector populations is crucial for reducing the transmission of this disease. Therefore, this review aims to comprehensively examine and evaluate the current methods for controlling sand fly populations, focusing on biological and gene drive techniques.

METHODS AND FINDINGS: A detailed, comprehensive literature search was carried out using databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and the National Library of Medicine (NIH). These searches were done using specific keywords related to the field of study. This current review identified several promising methods, including genetically modified sand flies, using transgenic approaches by taking advanced gene editing tools like Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR/Cas9) and genetic modification of symbiotic microorganisms for controlling sand fly populations, which appeared to be proven under laboratory and field settings.

CONCLUSION: Genetic control approaches have many benefits over chemical control, including long-lasting effects on targets, high specificity, and less environmental impact. Advances in genetic engineering technologies, particularly CRISPR/Cas9, sterile insect techniques, and gene drive insect modification, offer new avenues for precise and efficient sand fly management. Future research should prioritize optimizing rearing and sterilization techniques, conducting controlled field trials, and fostering collaboration across disciplines to realize the potential of genetic control strategies in combating leishmaniasis.},
}

Animals
*Psychodidae/genetics/parasitology
*Leishmaniasis/prevention & control/transmission
*Insect Vectors/genetics/parasitology
Insect Control/methods
Humans
Gene Editing/methods
Leishmania/genetics
CRISPR-Cas Systems
Pest Control, Biological/methods

@article {pmid39869214,
year = {2025},
author = {Shen, Y and Yang, J and Ma, Z and Li, Y and Dong, W and Duan, T},
title = {AM fungus plant colonization rather than an Epichloë endophyte attracts fall armyworm feeding.},
journal = {Mycorrhiza},
volume = {35},
number = {1},
pages = {7},
pmid = {39869214},
issn = {1432-1890},
support = {CARS-22 Green Manure//China Modern Agriculture Research System/ ; CARS-22 Green Manure//China Modern Agriculture Research System/ ; CARS-22 Green Manure//China Modern Agriculture Research System/ ; CARS-22 Green Manure//China Modern Agriculture Research System/ ; CARS-22 Green Manure//China Modern Agriculture Research System/ ; CARS-22 Green Manure//China Modern Agriculture Research System/ ; 32071879//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32071879//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32071879//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32071879//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32071879//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32071879//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Epichloe/physiology ; *Spodoptera/physiology/microbiology ; *Endophytes/physiology ; *Mycorrhizae/physiology ; *Larva/microbiology/physiology/growth & development ; *Lolium/microbiology/physiology ; Herbivory ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Most cold-season grasses can be colonized by belowground arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and foliar grass endophytes (Epichloë) simultaneously while also be attacked by insect herbivores. The colonization of AM fungi or the presence of grass endophytes is associated with increased resistance by the host plant. However, studies on how these two symbionts affect host plants and mitigate insect pest attack are currently lacking. In a glasshouse study we investigated the effects of an AM fungus (Acaulospora delicata), a foliar grass endophyte (Epichloë), and the insect pest Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm, FAW) on plant growth, defense enzyme activity, and hormone concentrations of the important pasture grass Lolium perenne. Additionally, we assessed the selective behavior of FAW larvae in response to these interactions using olfactometer tests. Our results showed that the AM fungus and its co-colonization with Epichloë endophytes increased aboveground biomass, while Epichloë endophytes alone had no significant impact on ryegrass aboveground biomass. In contrast, FAW reduced aboveground biomass. The Epichloë endophytes and FAW significantly decreased the mycorrhizal colonization rate by 21.67% and 30.16%, respectively. Interestingly, compared to non-mycorrhizal plants, AM fungus colonized plants were more attractive to FAW larvae feeding, and the defense enzyme activity was not discernibly affected by any experimental treatments. The interactions of the AM fungus and Epichloë endophyte increased the jasmonic acid concentrations by 24.29% and decreased trasylol activity by 11.75% in the host plants under FAW attack. Neither the AM fungus nor Epichloë endophyte influenced the relative growth rate (RGR) of FAW. Overall, the AM fungus had a greater positive effect on plant growth than the Epichloë endophyte, regardless of FAW larvae infestation.},
}

Animals
*Epichloe/physiology
*Spodoptera/physiology/microbiology
*Endophytes/physiology
*Mycorrhizae/physiology
*Larva/microbiology/physiology/growth & development
*Lolium/microbiology/physiology
Herbivory
Symbiosis

@article {pmid39868786,
year = {2025},
author = {Engelhart, MJ and Brock, OD and Till, JM and Glowacki, RWP and Cantwell, JW and Clarke, DJ and Wesener, DA and Ahern, PP},
title = {BT1549 coordinates the in vitro IL-10 inducing activity of Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0166924},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.01669-24},
pmid = {39868786},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: The intestine is home to a complex immune system that is engaged in mutualistic interactions with the microbiome that maintain intestinal homeostasis. A variety of immune-derived anti-inflammatory mediators have been uncovered and shown to be critical for maintaining these beneficial immune-microbiome relationships. Notably, the gut microbiome actively invokes the induction of anti-inflammatory pathways that limit the development of microbiome-targeted inflammatory immune responses. Despite the importance of this microbiome-driven immunomodulation, detailed knowledge of the microbial factors that promote these responses remains limited. We have previously established that the gut symbiont Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron stimulates the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 via soluble factors in a Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2)-MyD88-dependent manner. Here, using TLR2 activity reporter cell lines, we show that the capacity of B. thetaiotaomicron to stimulate TLR2 activity was not critically dependent on either of the canonical heterodimeric forms of TLR2, TLR2/TLR1, or TLR2/TLR6, that typically mediate its function. Furthermore, biochemical manipulation of B. thetaiotaomicron-conditioned media suggests that IL-10 induction is mediated by a protease-resistant or non-proteogenic factor. We next uncovered that deletion of gene BT1549, a predicted secreted lipoprotein, significantly impaired the capacity of B. thetaiotaomicron to induce IL-10, while complementation in trans restored IL-10 induction, suggesting a role for BT1549 in the immunomodulatory function of B. thetaiotaomicron. Collectively, these data provide molecular insight into the pathways through which B. thetaiotaomicron operates to promote intestinal immune tolerance and symbiosis.

IMPORTANCE: Intestinal homeostasis requires the establishment of peaceful interactions between the gut microbiome and the intestinal immune system. Members of the gut microbiome, like the symbiont Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, actively induce anti-inflammatory immune responses to maintain mutualistic relationships with the host. Despite the importance of such interactions, the specific microbial factors responsible remain largely unknown. Here, we show that B. thetaiotaomicron, which stimulates Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) to drive IL-10 production, can stimulate TLR2 independently of TLR1 or TLR6, the two known TLR that can form heterodimers with TLR2 to mediate TLR2-dependent responses. Furthermore, we show that IL-10 induction is likely mediated by a protease-resistant or non-proteogenic factor, and that this requires gene BT1549, a predicted secreted lipoprotein and peptidase. Collectively, our work provides insight into the molecular dialog through which B. thetaiotaomicron coordinates anti-inflammatory immune responses. This knowledge may facilitate future strategies to promote such responses for therapeutic purposes.},
}

@article {pmid39868566,
year = {2025},
author = {Jiménez-Leiva, A and Juárez-Martos, RA and Cabrera, JJ and Torres, MJ and Mesa, S and Delgado, MJ},
title = {Dual Oxygen-Responsive Control by RegSR of Nitric Oxide Reduction in the Soybean Endosymbiont Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens.},
journal = {Antioxidants & redox signaling},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1089/ars.2024.0710},
pmid = {39868566},
issn = {1557-7716},
abstract = {Aims: To investigate the role of the RegSR-NifA regulatory cascade in the oxygen control of nitric oxide (NO) reduction in the soybean endosymbiont Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens. Results: We have performed an integrated study of norCBQD expression and NO reductase activity in regR, regS1, regS2, regS1/2, and nifA mutants in response to microoxia (2% O2) or anoxia. An activating role of RegR and NifA was observed under anoxia. In contrast, under microaerobic conditions, RegR acts as a repressor by binding to a RegR box located between the -10 and -35 regions within the norCBQD promoter. In addition, both RegS1 and RegS2 sensors cooperated with RegR in repressing norCBQD genes. Innovation: NO is a reactive gas that, at high levels, acts as a potent inhibitor of symbiotic nitrogen fixation. In this paper, we report new insights into the regulation of NO reductase, the major enzyme involved in NO removal in rhizobia. This knowledge will be crucial for the development of new strategies and management practices in agriculture, in particular, for improving legume production. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate, for the first time, a dual control of the RegSR two-component regulatory system on norCBQD genes control in response to oxygen levels. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 00, 000-000.},
}

@article {pmid39868164,
year = {2025},
author = {Galloway, A and Hofstede, BT and Walsh, AJ},
title = {Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy for metabolic analysis of LDHB inhibition in triple negative breast cancer.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1101/2025.01.13.632864},
pmid = {39868164},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer with no targeted treatments currently available. TNBC cells participate in metabolic symbiosis, a process that optimizes tumor growth by balancing metabolic processes between glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation through increased activity by the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase B (LDHB). Metabolic symbiosis allows oxidative cancer cells to function at a similar rate as glycolytic cancer cells, increasing overall metabolic activity and proliferation. Here, fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) is used to analyze the metabolism of TNBC cells with inhibition of LDHB using a multiphoton microscope to measure the fluorescent lifetimes of two metabolic coenzymes, NAD(P)H and FAD. LDHB is inhibited via an indole derivative known as AXKO-0046 in varying concentrations. Understanding how TNBC cell metabolism changes due to LDHB inhibition will provide further insight into metabolic symbiosis and potential new TNBC treatment options.},
}

@article {pmid39868027,
year = {2024},
author = {Stockdale, C and Avdikos, V},
title = {Transformative social innovation and rural collaborative workspaces: assembling community economies in Austria and Greece.},
journal = {Open research Europe},
volume = {4},
number = {},
pages = {205},
pmid = {39868027},
issn = {2732-5121},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Collaborative Workspaces are rapidly growing and evolving across the world. Traditionally understood as an urban phenomenon, most research understands them as either 'entrepreneurial-led', as profit-driven and commercial spaces such as business incubators and accelerators, or 'community-led' as being bottom-up, not-for-profit ventures aimed at catering for the needs of their community. Recent years however have seen their diffusion beyond large urban agglomerations to small towns and villages, with their functions assumed to be more community-orientated. At the same time, social innovation, or social innovation processes have been gaining prominence in academia, policy, and practice, as they address societal problems and hold potential for new forms of social relations. This paper attempts to provide a novel framework towards understanding the transformative potential of rural collaborative workspaces, as they engage in processes of social innovation, by drawing from diverse and community economies literature and assemblage thinking.

METHODS: The paper uses international case study comparison between rural Austria and Greece (One case from each country). Methods applied were: semi-structured interviews (N=28), participant observation and focus groups (2).

RESULTS: Community-led rural collaborative workspaces hold transformative potential from i) their ability to assist rural actors with their capacities and realizing their desires and ii) changing individual subjectivities towards collective. Through changing social relations in praxis and perceptions, we examine how social innovation processes through collaborative workspaces can be understood as a means of opening new economic subjectivities towards creating community economies as their transformative potential.

CONCLUSIONS: Although rural collaborative workspaces hold potential for societal transformation, they require further institutionalization and support to move beyond the interstitial and symbiotic stages of transformation.},
}

@article {pmid39865396,
year = {2025},
author = {Haskett, TL and Cooke, L and Green, P and Poole, PS},
title = {Regulation of Rhizobial Nodulation Genes by Flavonoid-Independent NodD Supports Nitrogen-Fixing Symbioses With Legumes.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {27},
number = {1},
pages = {e70014},
pmid = {39865396},
issn = {1462-2920},
support = {RF-2019-100238//Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851/ ; BB/T006722/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis/genetics ; *Nitrogen Fixation/genetics ; *Flavonoids/metabolism/biosynthesis ; *Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; *Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; *Plant Root Nodulation/genetics ; Medicago truncatula/microbiology/genetics ; Root Nodules, Plant/microbiology ; Fabaceae/microbiology ; Pisum sativum/microbiology ; Rhizobium/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Rhizobia and legumes form a symbiotic relationship resulting in the formation of root structures known as nodules, where bacteria fix nitrogen. Legumes release flavonoids that are detected by the rhizobial nodulation (Nod) protein NodD, initiating the transcriptional activation of nod genes and subsequent synthesis of Nod Factors (NFs). NFs then induce various legume responses essential for this symbiosis. Although evidence suggests differential regulation of nodD expression and NF biosynthesis during symbiosis, the necessity of this regulation for the formation of nitrogen-fixing nodules remains uncertain. Here, we demonstrate that deletion of the Rlv3841 NodD regulatory domain results in a constitutively active protein (NodDFI) capable of activating NF biosynthesis gene expression without the presence of flavonoids. Optimised constitutive expression of nodDFI or nodD3 in nodD null mutants led to wild-type levels of nodulation and nitrogen fixation in pea and M. truncatula, respectively, indicating that flavonoid-regulated nodD expression is not essential for supporting symbiosis. These findings illustrate that transcriptional control of flavonoid-independent NodD regulators can be employed to drive NF biosynthesis, which holds potential for engineering symbiosis between rhizobia and cereals equipped with reconstituted NF receptors.},
}

*Symbiosis/genetics
*Nitrogen Fixation/genetics
*Flavonoids/metabolism/biosynthesis
*Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism
*Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
*Plant Root Nodulation/genetics
Medicago truncatula/microbiology/genetics
Root Nodules, Plant/microbiology
Fabaceae/microbiology
Pisum sativum/microbiology
Rhizobium/genetics/metabolism

@article {pmid39864254,
year = {2025},
author = {Iida, H},
title = {Cytoplasmic streaming of symbiotic algae in the ciliate Stentor pyriformis.},
journal = {Protist},
volume = {176},
number = {},
pages = {126086},
doi = {10.1016/j.protis.2025.126086},
pmid = {39864254},
issn = {1618-0941},
abstract = {Stentor pyriformis is a unicellular organism whose inherent green-algal symbionts can be utilized in evolutionary and cytological studies. The cytoplasm contains symbiotic algae and starch granules, which are in constant motion. The habitats of the ciliate S. pyriformis are restricted to a few oligotrophic ponds in Japan. This study aimed to develop a culture medium for long-term incubation based on pond water quality data and to investigate the cytoplasmic streaming of symbiotic algae and starch granules in S. pyriformis. In addition, the involvement of the cytoskeleton and motor proteins in cytoplasmic streaming was examined using microtubule polymerization and dynein ATPase inhibitors. The results indicated that the cytoplasmic streaming in S. pyriformis is associated with the microtubule system. Immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of KM-fibers, bundles of microtubules running longitudinally along the cell surface. These findings suggest a possible link between microtubules and cytoplasmic streaming in S. pyriformis.},
}

@article {pmid39863222,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, W and Yu, Q and Nasir, M and Zhu, X and Iqbal, MS and Elumalai, P and Wang, L and Zhang, K and Li, D and Ji, J and Luo, J and Cui, J and Gao, X},
title = {The Cry2Aa protein is not enough to pose a threat to Pardosa astrigera.},
journal = {International journal of biological macromolecules},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {140241},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.140241},
pmid = {39863222},
issn = {1879-0003},
abstract = {The widespread commercialization of genetically modified (GM) crops makes it important to assess the potential impact of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) on non-target organisms. Pardosa astrigera is an important predator in agroforestry ecosystems, and female and male spiders may react differently to Bt toxins due to their different activity habits and nutritional requirements. In this study, we found that exposure to Cry2Aa protein did not affect the survival and body weight of P. astrigera during growth and development. However, according to 16S rRNA sequencing results of the P. astrigera adults, Cry2Aa protein not only changed the diversity of symbiont bacteria, but also changed its symbiont composition. During feeding on prey without Bt artificial feed, the dominant communities in female and male adults were Actinobacteria and Corynebacterium-1, respectively. Feeding on prey containing Cry2Aa protein, Firmicutes were the dominant phyla. At the genus level, Cry2Aa protein significantly increased the relative abundance of Enterococcus and became the dominant genus in females only. In addition, Bacillus, Weissella and other symbiotic bacteria had significant changes in females. In terms of species composition, sex differences resulted in the absence of different types of symbiotic bacteria. Functional analysis of enrichment pathways showed significant changes in various metabolic pathways such as "Carbohydrate metabolism" and "Nucleotide metabolism", and there are differences between the sexes. These findings provide new data information and support for revealing the different strategies of spiders to cope with Cry2Aa protein based on sex differences, and also provide new data information and support for environmental safety assessment of GM crops.},
}

@article {pmid39862964,
year = {2025},
author = {Brown, JA and Bashir, H and Zeng, MY},
title = {Lifelong partners: Gut microbiota-immune cell interactions from infancy to old age.},
journal = {Mucosal immunology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.mucimm.2025.01.006},
pmid = {39862964},
issn = {1935-3456},
abstract = {Our immune system and gut microbiota are intricately coupled from birth, both going through maturation during early life and senescence during aging almost in a synchronized fashion. The symbiotic relationship between the human host and microbiota is critically dependent on a healthy immune system to keep our microbiota in check, while the microbiota provides essential functions to promote the development and fitness of our immune system. The partnership between our immune system and microbiota is particularly important during early life, when microbial ligands and metabolites shape the development of the immune cells and immune tolerance; during aging, having sufficient beneficial gut bacteria is critical for the maintenance of intact mucosal barriers, immune metabolic fitness, and strong immunity against pathogens. The immune system during childhood is programmed, with the support of the microbiota, to develop robust immune tolerance, and limit autoimmunity and metabolic dysregulation, which are prevalent during aging. This review comprehensively explores the mechanistic underpinnings of gut microbiota-immune cell interactions during infancy and old age, with the goal to gain a better understanding of potential strategies to leverage the gut microbiota to combat age-related immune decline.},
}

@article {pmid39859177,
year = {2025},
author = {Frolov, A and Shumilina, J and Etemadi Afshar, S and Mashkina, V and Rhomanovskaya, E and Lukasheva, E and Tsarev, A and Sulima, AS and Shtark, OY and Ihling, C and Soboleva, A and Tikhonovich, IA and Zhukov, VA},
title = {Responsivity of Two Pea Genotypes to the Symbiosis with Rhizobia and Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Fungi-A Proteomics Aspect of the "Efficiency of Interactions with Beneficial Soil Microorganisms" Trait.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {26},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {39859177},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {22-16-00109//Russian science foundation/ ; 20-16-00086//Russian Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology/metabolism ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; *Pisum sativum/microbiology/genetics/metabolism ; *Soil Microbiology ; *Proteomics/methods ; *Genotype ; Proteome/metabolism ; Plant Roots/microbiology/metabolism/genetics ; Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Rhizobium/physiology/genetics/metabolism ; Nitrogen Fixation/genetics ; },
abstract = {It is well known that individual pea (Pisum sativum L.) cultivars differ in their symbiotic responsivity. This trait is typically manifested with an increase in seed weights, due to inoculation with rhizobial bacteria and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. The aim of this study was to characterize alterations in the root proteome of highly responsive pea genotype k-8274 plants and low responsive genotype k-3358 ones grown in non-sterile soil, which were associated with root colonization with rhizobial bacteria and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (in comparison to proteome shifts caused by soil supplementation with mineral nitrogen salts). Our results clearly indicate that supplementation of the soil with mineral nitrogen-containing salts switched the root proteome of both genotypes to assimilation of the available nitrogen, whereas the processes associated with nitrogen fixation were suppressed. Surprisingly, inoculation with rhizobial bacteria had only a minor effect on the root proteomes of both genotypes. The most pronounced response was observed for the highly responsive k-8274 genotype inoculated simultaneously with rhizobial bacteria and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. This response involved activation of the proteins related to redox metabolism and suppression of excessive nodule formation. In turn, the low responsive genotype k-3358 demonstrated a pronounced inoculation-induced suppression of protein metabolism and enhanced diverse defense reactions in pea roots under the same soil conditions. The results of the study shed light on the molecular basis of differential symbiotic responsivity in different pea cultivars. The raw data are available in the PRIDE repository under the project accession number PXD058701 and project DOI 10.6019/PXD058701.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology/metabolism
*Symbiosis/genetics
*Pisum sativum/microbiology/genetics/metabolism
*Soil Microbiology
*Proteomics/methods
*Genotype
Proteome/metabolism
Plant Roots/microbiology/metabolism/genetics
Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Rhizobium/physiology/genetics/metabolism
Nitrogen Fixation/genetics

@article {pmid39858957,
year = {2025},
author = {Ge, D and Yin, C and Jing, J and Li, Z and Liu, L},
title = {Relationship Between the Host Plant Range of Insects and Symbiont Bacteria.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {39858957},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {2022YFC2601500//National Key Research and Development Projects/ ; },
abstract = {The evolution of phytophagous insects has resulted in the development of feeding specializations that are unique to this group. The majority of current research on insect palatability has concentrated on aspects of ecology and biology, with relatively little attention paid to the role of insect gut symbiotic bacteria. Symbiont bacteria have a close relationship with their insect hosts and perform a range of functions. This research aimed to investigate the relationship between insect host plant range and gut symbiotic bacteria. A synthesis of the extant literature on the intestinal commensal bacteria of monophagous, oligophagous, and polyphagous tephritids revealed no evidence of a positive correlation between the plant host range and the diversity of larval intestinal microbial species. The gut symbionts of same species were observed to exhibit discrepancies between different literature sources, which were attributed to variations in multiple environmental factors. However, following beta diversity analysis, monophagy demonstrated the lowest level of variation in intestinal commensal bacteria, while polyphagous tephritids exhibited the greatest variation in intestinal commensal bacteria community variation. In light of these findings, this study proposes the hypothesis that exclusive or closely related plant hosts provide monophagy and oligophagy with a stable core colony over long evolutionary periods. The core flora is closely associated with host adaptations in monophagous and oligophagous tephritids, including nutritional and detoxification functions. This is in contrast to polyphagy, whose dominant colony varies in different environments. Our hypothesis requires further refinement of the data on the gut commensal bacteria of monophagy and oligophagy as the number of species and samples is currently limited.},
}

@article {pmid39858809,
year = {2024},
author = {Zhu, F and Kamiya, T and Fujiwara, T and Hashimoto, M and Gong, S and Wu, J and Nakanishi, H and Fujimoto, M},
title = {A Comparison of Rice Root Microbial Dynamics in Organic and Conventional Paddy Fields.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {39858809},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {JPMJSP2108//Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) SPRING/ ; 23KJ0514//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) KAKENHI/ ; 20H00418//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) KAKENHI/ ; 24H00509//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) KAKENHI/ ; 19KT0033//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) KAKENHI/ ; 20K05955//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) KAKENHI/ ; 23K18023//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) KAKENHI/ ; 24K01892//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) KAKENHI/ ; },
abstract = {The assembly of plant root microbiomes is a dynamic process. Understanding the roles of root-associated microbiomes in rice development requires dissecting their assembly throughout the rice life cycle under diverse environments and exploring correlations with soil properties and rice physiology. In this study, we performed amplicon sequencing targeting fungal ITS and the bacterial 16S rRNA gene to characterize and compare bacterial and fungal community dynamics of the rice root endosphere and soil in organic and conventional paddy fields. Our analysis revealed that root microbial diversity and composition was significantly influenced by agricultural practices and rice developmental stages (p < 0.05). The root microbiome in the organic paddy field showed greater temporal variability, with typical methane-oxidizing bacteria accumulating during the tillering stage and the amount of symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria increasing dramatically at the early ripening stage. Redundancy analysis identified ammonium nitrogen, iron, and soil organic matter as key drivers of microbial composition. Furthermore, correlation analysis between developmental stage-enriched bacterial biomarkers in rice roots and leaf mineral nutrients showed that highly mobile macronutrient concentrations positively correlated with early-stage biomarkers and negatively correlated with later-stage biomarkers in both paddy fields. Notably, later-stage biomarkers in the conventional paddy field tended to show stronger correlations with low-mobility nutrients. These findings suggest potential strategies for optimizing microbiome management to enhance productivity and sustainability.},
}

@article {pmid39858605,
year = {2025},
author = {Jin, F and Ke, D and Lu, L and Hu, Q and Zhang, C and Li, C and Liang, W and Yuan, S and Chen, H},
title = {Suppression of Nodule Formation by RNAi Knock-Down of Bax inhibitor-1a in Lotus japonicus.},
journal = {Genes},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {39858605},
issn = {2073-4425},
mesh = {*Lotus/genetics/microbiology/metabolism ; *Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; *RNA Interference ; *Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; *Root Nodules, Plant/genetics/metabolism/microbiology ; *Phylogeny ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; Gene Knockdown Techniques ; Plant Root Nodulation/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The balanced regulation of innate immunity plays essential roles in rhizobial infection and the establishment and maintenance of symbiosis. The evolutionarily conserved cell death suppressor Bax inhibitor-1 plays dual roles in nodule symbiosis, providing a valuable clue in balancing immunity and symbiosis, while it remains largely unexplored in the legume Lotus japonicus.

METHODS/RESULTS: In the present report, the BI-1 gene family of L. japonicus was identified and characterized. We identified 6 BI-1 genes that translate into peptides containing 240-255 amino acids with different structural characteristics and isoelectric points. We performed phylogenetic analyses and detected evolutionary conservation and divergence among BI-1 proteins from L. japonicus, Glycine max, Medicago truncatula, Arabidopsis thaliana, and Oryza sativa. Expression profiles among different roots indicated that the inoculation of MAFF303099 significantly increased the expression of most of the L. japonicus BI-1 family genes. We down-regulated the transcripts of LjBI-1a by RNA interference and observed that LjBI-1a promotes nodulation and nodule formation.

CONCLUSIONS: These discoveries shed light on the functions of BI-1 genes in L. japonicus, and simultaneously emphasize the potential application of LjBI-1a in enhancing the symbiotic nitrogen fixation ability of legumes.},
}

*Lotus/genetics/microbiology/metabolism
*Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism
*RNA Interference
*Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
*Root Nodules, Plant/genetics/metabolism/microbiology
*Phylogeny
*Symbiosis/genetics
Gene Knockdown Techniques
Plant Root Nodulation/genetics

@article {pmid39858512,
year = {2025},
author = {Yeremko, L and Czopek, K and Staniak, M and Marenych, M and Hanhur, V},
title = {Role of Environmental Factors in Legume-Rhizobium Symbiosis: A Review.},
journal = {Biomolecules},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {39858512},
issn = {2218-273X},
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Rhizobium/metabolism/physiology ; *Fabaceae/microbiology/metabolism/growth & development/physiology ; *Nitrogen Fixation ; Soil/chemistry ; Soil Microbiology ; Salinity ; Nitrogen/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Legumes play a pivotal role in addressing global challenges of food and nutrition security by offering a sustainable source of protein and bioactive compounds. The capacity of legumes to establish symbiotic relationships with rhizobia bacteria enables biological nitrogen fixation (BNF), reducing the dependence on chemical fertilizers while enhancing soil health. However, the efficiency of this symbiosis is significantly influenced by environmental factors, such as soil acidity, salinity, temperature, moisture content, light intensity, and nutrient availability. These factors affect key processes, including rhizobia survival, nodule formation, and nitrogenase activity, ultimately determining the growth and productivity of legumes. This review summarizes current knowledge on legume-rhizobia interactions under varying abiotic conditions. It highlights the impact of salinity and acidity in limiting nodule development, soil temperature in regulating microbial community dynamics, and moisture availability in modulating metabolic and hormonal responses during drought and waterlogging. Moreover, the role of essential nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and trace elements such as iron, molybdenum, and boron, in optimizing symbiosis is critically analyzed.},
}

*Symbiosis
*Rhizobium/metabolism/physiology
*Fabaceae/microbiology/metabolism/growth & development/physiology
*Nitrogen Fixation
Soil/chemistry
Soil Microbiology
Salinity
Nitrogen/metabolism

@article {pmid39857318,
year = {2025},
author = {Kashchenko, G and Taldaev, A and Adonin, L and Smutin, D},
title = {Investigating Aerobic Hive Microflora: Role of Surface Microbiome of Apis Mellifera.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {39857318},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {No 075-15-2022-305//Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation within the framework of state support for the creation and development of World-Class Research Centers 'Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare'./ ; },
abstract = {This study investigated the surface microbiome of the honeybee (Apis mellifera), focusing on the diversity and functional roles of its associated microbial communities. While the significance of the microbiome to insect health and behavior is increasingly recognized, research on invertebrate surface microbiota lags behind that of vertebrates. A combined metagenomic and cultivation-based approach was employed to characterize the bacterial communities inhabiting the honeybee exoskeleton. Our findings reveal a complex and diverse microbiota exhibiting significant spatial and environmental heterogeneity. The identification of antimicrobial compound producers, validated through both culture and metagenomic analyses, including potentially novel Actinobacteria species, underscores the potential impact of these microbial communities on honeybee health, behavior, and hive dynamics. This research contributes to a more profound ecological understanding of the honeybee microbiome, particularly in its winter configuration.},
}

@article {pmid39856179,
year = {2025},
author = {Lynch, SC and Reyes-Gonzalez, E and Bossard, EL and Alarcon, KS and Love, NLR and Hollander, AD and Nobua-Behrmann, BE and Gilbert, GS},
title = {A phylogenetic epidemiology approach to predicting the establishment of multi-host plant pests.},
journal = {Communications biology},
volume = {8},
number = {1},
pages = {117},
pmid = {39856179},
issn = {2399-3642},
support = {17-01-NCC//California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)/ ; CDFASCB16051//California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Phylogeny ; *Coleoptera/genetics/physiology ; California/epidemiology ; Plant Diseases/parasitology ; Trees/parasitology ; Introduced Species ; Models, Biological ; },
abstract = {Forecasting emergent pest spread is paramount to mitigating their impacts. For host-specialized pests, epidemiological models of spread through a single host population are well developed. However, most pests attack multiple host species; the challenge is predicting which communities are most vulnerable to infestation. Here, we develop a phylogenetically-informed approach to predict establishment of emergent multi-host pests across heterogeneous landscapes. We model a beetle-pathogen symbiotic complex on trees, introduced from Southeast Asia to California. The phyloEpi model for likelihood of establishment was predicted from the phylogenetic composition of woody species in the invaded community and the influence of temperature on beetle reproduction. Plant communities dominated by close relatives of known epidemiologically critical hosts were four times more likely to become infested than communities with more distantly related species. Where microclimate favored beetle reproduction, pest establishment was greater than expected based only on species composition. We applied this phyloEpi model to predict infestation risk in California using weather data and complete tree inventories from 9262 1-km[2] grids in 170 cities. Regions in the state predicted with low likelihood of infestation were confirmed by independent monitoring. Analysts can adapt these phylogenetic ecology tools to predict spread of any multi-host pest in novel habitats.},
}

Animals
*Phylogeny
*Coleoptera/genetics/physiology
California/epidemiology
Plant Diseases/parasitology
Trees/parasitology
Introduced Species
Models, Biological

@article {pmid39855200,
year = {2025},
author = {Tan, X and Wang, D and Zhang, X and Zheng, S and Jia, X and Liu, H and Liu, Z and Yang, H and Dai, H and Chen, X and Qian, Z and Wang, R and Ma, M and Zhang, P and Yu, N and Wang, E},
title = {A pair of LysM receptors mediates symbiosis and immunity discrimination in Marchantia.},
journal = {Cell},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.cell.2024.12.024},
pmid = {39855200},
issn = {1097-4172},
abstract = {Most land plants form symbioses with microbes to acquire nutrients but also must restrict infection by pathogens. Here, we show that a single pair of lysin-motif-containing receptor-like kinases, MpaLYR and MpaCERK1, mediates both immunity and symbiosis in the liverwort Marchantia paleacea. MpaLYR has a higher affinity for long-chain (CO7) versus short-chain chitin oligomers (CO4). Although both CO7 and CO4 can activate symbiosis-related genes, CO7 triggers stronger immune responses than CO4 in a dosage-dependent manner. CO4 can inhibit CO7-induced strong immune responses, recapitulating the early response to inoculation with the symbiont arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. We show that phosphate starvation of plants increases their production of strigolactone, which stimulates CO4/CO5 secretion from mycorrhizal fungi, thereby prioritizing symbiosis over immunity. Thus, a single pair of LysM receptors mediates dosage-dependent perception of different chitin oligomers to discern symbiotic and pathogenic microbes in M. paleacea, which may facilitate terrestrialization.},
}

@article {pmid39854864,
year = {2025},
author = {Wan, S and Wang, S and Li, Y and Xie, Y and Li, Q and Fang, Y and Yin, Z and Wang, S and Zhai, Y and Tang, B},
title = {Megoura crassicauda promote the ability of Vicia faba L. to remediate cadmium pollution of water and soil.},
journal = {Ecotoxicology and environmental safety},
volume = {290},
number = {},
pages = {117777},
doi = {10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.117777},
pmid = {39854864},
issn = {1090-2414},
abstract = {With the increasing severity of heavy metal pollution in soil and water, phytoremediation is becoming increasingly popular because of its low cost, high returns, and environmental friendliness. The use of leguminous plants such as the broad bean for heavy metal remediation is becoming a research hotspot because of their symbiotic relationship with rhizobia. This study investigated the cadmium (Cd) remediation ability of fava beans by M. crassicauda feeding on or not using both hydroponic and soil cultures containing varying concentrations of Cd. Under hydroponic conditions, the Cd content in fava beans increased significantly following aphid invasion. while the Cd content decreased after aphid infestation under soil cultivation conditions. Aphid infestation significantly decreased the Cd content in both soil and hydroponic solution. However, there were no significant changes in germination rate and phenotype. We also found that prolonged Cd treatment increased the activities of stress-related antioxidant enzymes in fava beans, including superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and malondialdehyde. After consumption by M. crassicauda, the levels of total sugar content underwent varying changes. These results demonstrate that fava beans not only exhibit high Cd tolerance but can also effectively absorb Cd ions from soil and water. Moreover, pest infestation can enhance broad bean remediation efficiency, making them potential targets for use in the phytoremediation of heavy metal pollution.},
}

@article {pmid39853059,
year = {2025},
author = {Guo, D and Liu, C and Zhu, H and Cheng, Y and Huo, X and Guo, Y and Qian, H},
title = {Food-Induced Adverse Reactions: A Review of Physiological Food Quality Control, Mucosal Defense Mechanisms, and Gastrointestinal Physiology.},
journal = {Toxics},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/toxics13010061},
pmid = {39853059},
issn = {2305-6304},
abstract = {Although food is essential for the survival of organisms, it can also trigger a variety of adverse reactions, ranging from nutrient intolerances to celiac disease and food allergies. Food not only contains essential nutrients but also includes numerous substances that may have positive or negative effects on the consuming organism. To protect against potentially harmful components, all animals have evolved defense mechanisms, which are similar to antimicrobial defenses but often come at the cost of the organism's health. When these defensive responses are exaggerated or misdirected, they can lead to adverse food reactions, where the costs outweigh the benefits. Furthermore, due to the persistent toxicity of harmful food components, the failure of defense mechanisms can also result in pathological effects triggered by food. This article review presents a food quality control framework that aims to clarify how these reactions relate to normal physiological processes. Organisms utilize several systems to coexist with symbiotic microbes, regulate them, and concurrently avoid, expel, or neutralize harmful pathogens. Similarly, food quality control systems allow organisms to absorb necessary nutrients while defending against low-quality or harmful components in food. Although many microbes are lethal in the absence of antimicrobial defenses, diseases related to microbiome dysregulation, such as inflammatory bowel disease, have significantly increased. Antitoxin defenses also come with costs and may fail due to insufficiencies, exaggerations, or misdirected actions, ultimately leading to adverse food reactions. With the changes in human diet and lifestyle, the failure of defense mechanisms has contributed to the rising incidence of food intolerances. This review explores the mechanisms of antitoxin defenses and analyzes how their failure can lead to adverse food reactions, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive understanding of food quality control mechanisms for developing more effective treatments for food-triggered diseases.},
}

@article {pmid39852539,
year = {2025},
author = {Svetashev, VI},
title = {Fatty Acids in Cnidaria: Distribution and Specific Functions.},
journal = {Marine drugs},
volume = {23},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/md23010037},
pmid = {39852539},
issn = {1660-3397},
mesh = {Animals ; *Cnidaria/metabolism/chemistry ; *Fatty Acids/metabolism ; Aquatic Organisms ; },
abstract = {The phylum Cnidaria comprises five main classes-Hydrozoa, Scyphozoa, Hexacorallia, Octocorallia and Cubozoa-that include such widely distributed and well-known animals as hard and soft corals, sea anemones, sea pens, gorgonians, hydroids, and jellyfish. Cnidarians play a very important role in marine ecosystems. The composition of their fatty acids (FAs) depends on food (plankton and particulate organic matter), symbiotic photosynthetic dinoflagellates and bacteria, and de novo biosynthesis in host tissues. In cnidarian lipids, besides the common FA characteristics of marine organisms, numerous new and rare FAs are also found. All Octocorallia species and some Scyphozoa jellyfish contain polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs) with 24 and 26 carbon atoms. The coral families can be distinguished by specific FA profiles: the presence of uncommon FAs or high/low levels of common fatty acids. Many of the families have characteristic FAs: Acroporidae are characterized by 18:3n6, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) 20:5n3, 22:4n6, and 22:5n3; Pocilloporidae by 20:3n6, 20:4n3, and docosahexaenoic acid 22:6n3 (DHA); and Poritidae by arachidonic acid (AA) and DHA. The species of Faviidae show elevated concentrations of 18:3n6 and 22:5n3 acids. Dendrophylliidae, being azooxanthellate corals, have such dominant acids as EPA and 22:5n3 and a low content of DHA, which is the major PUFA in hermatypic corals. The major and characteristic PUFAs for Milleporidae (class Hydrozoa) are DHA and 22:5n6, though in scleractinian corals, the latter acid is found only in trace amounts.},
}

Animals
*Cnidaria/metabolism/chemistry
*Fatty Acids/metabolism
Aquatic Organisms

@article {pmid39852482,
year = {2025},
author = {Filippou, C and Coutts, RHA and Kotta-Loizou, I and El-Kamand, S and Papanicolaou, A},
title = {Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals Molecular Mechanisms Underpinning Mycovirus-Mediated Hypervirulence in Beauveria bassiana Infecting Tenebrio molitor.},
journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/jof11010063},
pmid = {39852482},
issn = {2309-608X},
abstract = {Mycoviral infection can either be asymptomatic or have marked effects on fungal hosts, influencing them either positively or negatively. To fully understand the effects of mycovirus infection on the fungal host, transcriptomic profiling of four Beauveria bassiana isolates, including EABb 92/11-Dm that harbors mycoviruses, was performed 48 h following infection of Tenebrio molitor via topical application or injection. Genes that participate in carbohydrate assimilation and transportation, and those essential for fungal survival and oxidative stress tolerance, calcium uptake, and iron uptake, were found to be overexpressed in the virus-infected isolate during the mid-infection stage. Mycotoxin genes encoding bassianolide and oosporein were switched off in all isolates. However, beauvericin, a mycotoxin capable of inducing oxidative stress at the molecular level, was expressed in all four isolates, indicating an important contribution to virulence against T. molitor. These observations suggest that detoxification of immune-related (oxidative) defenses and nutrient scouting, as mediated by these genes, occurs in mid-infection during the internal growth phase. Consequently, we observe a symbiotic relationship between mycovirus and fungus that does not afflict the host; on the contrary, it enhances the expression of key genes leading to a mycovirus-mediated hypervirulence effect.},
}

@article {pmid39852469,
year = {2025},
author = {Chacón-Fuentes, M and León-Finalé, G and Lizama, M and Gutiérrez-Gamboa, G and Martínez-Cisterna, D and Quiroz, A and Bardehle, L},
title = {Induced Defense in Ryegrass-Epichloë Symbiosis Against Listronotus bonariensis: Impact on Peramine Levels and Pest Performance.},
journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/jof11010050},
pmid = {39852469},
issn = {2309-608X},
support = {11240860//FONDECYT INICIACIÓN/ ; 11130715//FONDECYT INICIACIÓN/ ; },
abstract = {The Argentine stem weevil (ASW), a major pest in ryegrass pastures, causes significant agricultural losses. Ryegrass can establish a symbiotic association with Epichloë endophytic fungi, which supply chemical defenses, including peramine. This symbiosis helps protect ryegrass by providing peramine, which acts as a primary defense. In addition, ryegrass can activate induced defense mechanisms, with peramine remaining the central agent in response to herbivorous insect attacks. Therefore, this study assessed the feeding of the ASW on ryegrass carrying endophytic fungus and peramine levels in aerial organs and its effects on pest performance. Argentine stem weevil adults and larvae were placed on ryegrass leaves and stems to assess feeding. Two treatments were used: endophyte-free plants and endophyte-colonized plants. After ASW feeding damage, insect consumption was measured by the leaf area consumed. To evaluate peramine production and its increase in response to ASW attack, peramine levels in leaves were analyzed using liquid chromatography. Damaged E+ ryegrass plants showed significant increases in peramine, with adult and larval herbivory raising levels by 291% and 216% in stems and by 135% and 85% in leaves, respectively, compared to controls. Endophyte-free (E-) plants experienced more ASW damage, as insects preferred feeding on them, showing reduced activity as peramine levels rose in endophyte-infected (E+) plants. An oviposition assay confirmed insect preference for endophyte-free (E-) plants. Additionally, larvae reared on endophyte-infected (E+) plants had lower survival rates, correlating negatively with peramine levels. These results emphasize peramine's role in strengthening ryegrass defenses against ASW, impacting both feeding and larval development.},
}

@article {pmid39852449,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, X and Zhang, Y and Li, J and Ding, Y and Ma, X and Zhang, P and Liu, H and Wei, J and Bao, Y},
title = {Diversity and Functional Insights into Endophytic Fungi in Halophytes from West Ordos Desert Ecosystems.},
journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/jof11010030},
pmid = {39852449},
issn = {2309-608X},
support = {2023YFF1306004//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 30960309//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Arid desert regions are among the harshest ecological environments on Earth. Halophytes, with their unique physiological characteristics and adaptability, have become the dominant vegetation in these areas. Currently, research on halophytes in this region is relatively limited, particularly concerning studies related to their root endophytic fungi, which have been rarely reported on. Therefore, investigating the diversity and composition of endophytic fungi in halophytes is crucial for maintaining ecological balance in such an arid environment. This study focuses on eight representative angiosperm halophytes from the West Ordos Desert in China (including Nitraria tangutorum, Salsola passerina, Suaeda glauca, Reaumuria trigyna, Reaumuria kaschgarica, Limonium aureum, Apocynum venetum, and Tripolium vulgare), utilizing Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing technology combined with soil physicochemical factor data to analyze the diversity, composition, and ecological functions of their root-associated fungal communities. Ascomycota dominated the fungal composition in most halophytes, particularly among the recretohalophytes, where it accounted for an average of 88.45%, while Basidiomycota was predominant in Suaeda glauca. A Circos analysis of the top 10 most abundant genera revealed Fusarium, Dipodascus, Curvularia, Penicillium, and other dominant genera. Co-occurrence network analysis showed significant differences in fungal networks across halophyte types, with the most complex network observed in excreting halophytes, characterized by the highest number of nodes and connections, indicating tighter fungal symbiotic relationships. In contrast, fungal networks in pseudohalophytes were relatively simple, reflecting lower community cohesiveness. Redundancy analysis (RDA) and Mantel tests demonstrated that soil factors such as organic matter, available sulfur, and urease significantly influenced fungal diversity, richness, and evenness, suggesting that soil physicochemical properties play a critical role in regulating fungal-plant symbiosis. Functional predictions indicated that endophytic fungi play important roles in metabolic pathways such as nucleotide biosynthesis, carbohydrate degradation, and lipid metabolism, which may enhance plant survival in saline-alkaline and arid environments. Furthermore, the high abundance of plant pathogens and saprotrophs in some fungal communities suggests their potential roles in plant defense and organic matter decomposition. The results of this study provide a reference for advancing the development and utilization of halophyte endophytic fungal resources, with applications in desert ecosystem restoration and halophyte cultivation.},
}

@article {pmid39852446,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, Z and Liu, C and Tie, Y and Song, X and Wang, H and Lu, Q},
title = {Ophiostomatalean Fungi (Ascomycota, Ophiostomatales) Associated with Three Beetles from Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica in Heilongjiang, China.},
journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/jof11010027},
pmid = {39852446},
issn = {2309-608X},
support = {32230071//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2023YFC2604801-4//the National Key R&D Program of China/ ; },
abstract = {Globally, forest decline and tree mortality are rising due to climate change. As one of the important afforestation trees in northeast China, Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica is suffering from forest decline and the accompanying pests. Certain fungi from the ophiostomatalean contribute to forest pest outbreaks and can be pathogenic to pine trees. However, only a limited number of ophiostomatalean fungi associated with beetles infesting Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica have been identified. In this study, 293 ophiostomatalean fungi were isolated from Acanthocinus griseus, Ips chinensis, and Pissodes nitidus infesting Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica in Heilongjiang Province, including Graphilbum griseum sp. nov., Gra. nitidum sp. nov., Graphilbum sp., and Ophiostoma ips. Ophiostoma ips was the dominant species, followed by Graphilbum sp., Graphilbum griseum, and Gra. nitidum, which accounted for 73.38, 17.41, 7.17, and 2.05% of the isolated ophiostomatalean fungi, respectively. Fungi associated with different beetles are diverse, even within the same host. This study deepens our understanding of the pest-associated fungi of P. sylvestris var. mongolica and provides a basis for exploring the causes of forest decline.},
}

@article {pmid39852430,
year = {2024},
author = {Dovana, F and Para, R and Moreno, G and Scali, E and Garbelotto, M and Lechner, BE and Forte, L},
title = {Description of the New Species Laccaria albifolia (Hydnangiaceae, Basidiomycota) and a Reassessment of Laccaria affinis Based on Morphological and Phylogenetic Analyses.},
journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/jof11010011},
pmid = {39852430},
issn = {2309-608X},
abstract = {Laccaria is a diverse and widespread genus of ectomycorrhizal fungi that form symbiotic associations with various trees and shrubs, playing a significant role in forest ecosystems. Approximately 85 Laccaria species are formally recognised, but recent studies indicate this number may be an underestimation, highlighting the need for further taxonomic studies to improve our understanding of species boundaries. This manuscript focuses on Laccaria affinis, originally described by Singer in 1967 as Laccaria laccata var. affinis, and details a comprehensive study of its morphological and molecular characteristics, including the examination of its holotype and recent collections from Italy and the United Kingdom. Our findings reveal significant micromorphological traits that enhance the original description. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that L. affinis occupies a distinct clade within Northern Hemisphere Laccaria species, although minimal genetic differences challenge its independence from L. macrocystidiata. Consequently, we propose that these two taxa be considered synonymous. This study not only contributes to the understanding of Laccaria diversity but also proposes the formal designation of an epitype for L. affinis, thereby providing a foundation for future research on this ecologically significant genus. Furthermore, a new species named Laccaria albifolia belonging to the "/Laccaria bicolor complex clade" is described here on the base of six collections from Italy and Spain.},
}

@article {pmid39852253,
year = {2025},
author = {Penchev, H and Ivanova, G and Hubenov, V and Boyadzieva, I and Budurova, D and Ublekov, F and Gigova, A and Stoyanova, A},
title = {Supercapacitor Cell Performance with Bacterial Nanocellulose and Bacterial Nanocellulose/Polybenzimidazole Impregnated Membranes as Separator.},
journal = {Membranes},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/membranes15010012},
pmid = {39852253},
issn = {2077-0375},
abstract = {Supercapacitors are advanced energy storage devices renowned for their rapid energy delivery and long operational lifespan, making them indispensable across various industries. Their relevance has grown in recent years due to the adoption of environmentally friendly materials. One such material is bacterial nanocellulose (BNC), produced entirely from microbial sources, offering sustainability and a bioprocess-driven synthesis. In this study, BNC was synthesized using a symbiotic microbial community. After production and purification, pristine BNC membranes, with an average thickness of 80 microns, were impregnated with an alkali-alcohol meta-polybenzimidazole (PBI) solution. This process yielded hybrid BNC/PBI membranes with improved ion-transport properties. The BNC membranes were then doped with a 6 M KOH solution, to enhance OH[-] conductivity, and characterized using optical microscopy, ATR FT-IR, XRD, CVT, BET analysis, and impedance spectroscopy. Both BNC and BNC/PBI membranes were tested as separators in laboratory-scale symmetric supercapacitor cells, with performance compared to a commercial Viledon[®] separator. The supercapacitors employing BNC membranes exhibited high specific capacitance and excellent cycling stability, retaining performance over 10,000 charge/discharge cycles. These findings underscore the potential of BNC/KOH membranes for next-generation supercapacitor applications.},
}

@article {pmid39850652,
year = {2025},
author = {Xu, C and Zhang, J and Li, W and Guo, J},
title = {The role of Exo70s in plant defense against pathogens and insect pests and their application for crop breeding.},
journal = {Molecular breeding : new strategies in plant improvement},
volume = {45},
number = {2},
pages = {17},
pmid = {39850652},
issn = {1572-9788},
abstract = {Plant diseases caused by pathogens and pests lead to crop losses, posing a threat to global food security. The secretory pathway is an integral component of plant defense. The exocyst complex regulates the final step of the secretory pathway and is thus essential for secretory defense. In the last decades, several subunits of the exocyst complex have been reported to be involved in plant defense, especially Exo70s. This comprehensive review focuses on the functions of the exocyst Exo70s in plant immunity, particularly in recognizing pathogen and pest signatures. We discussed Exo70's interactions with immune receptors and other immune-related proteins, its symbiotic relationships with microbes, and its role in non-host resistance. Finally, we discussed the future engineering breeding of crops with resistance to pathogens and pests based on our current understanding of Exo70s.},
}

@article {pmid39850136,
year = {2024},
author = {Chadha, S and Menendez, E and Montes, N},
title = {Editorial: Women in microbe and virus interactions with plants: 2022/2023.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1532112},
pmid = {39850136},
issn = {1664-302X},
}

@article {pmid39847448,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, S and Luo, H},
title = {Dating the bacterial tree of life based on ancient symbiosis.},
journal = {Systematic biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/sysbio/syae071},
pmid = {39847448},
issn = {1076-836X},
abstract = {Obtaining a timescale for bacterial evolution is crucial to understand early life evolution but is difficult owing to the scarcity of bacterial fossils. Here, we introduce multiple new time constraints to calibrate bacterial evolution based on ancient symbiosis. This idea is implemented using a bacterial tree constructed with genes found in the mitochondrial lineages phylogenetically embedded within Proteobacteria. The expanded mitochondria-bacterial tree allows the node age constraints of eukaryotes established by their abundant fossils to be propagated to ancient co-evolving bacterial symbionts and across the bacterial tree of life. Importantly, we formulate a new probabilistic framework that considers uncertainty in inference of the ancestral lifestyle of modern symbionts to apply 19 relative time constraints (RTC) each informed by host-symbiont association to constrain bacterial symbionts no older than their eukaryotic host. Moreover, we develop an approach to incorporating substitution mixture models that better accommodate substitutional saturation and compositional heterogeneity for dating deep phylogenies. Our analysis estimates that the last bacterial common ancestor (LBCA) occurred approximately 4.0-3.5 billion years ago (Ga), followed by rapid divergence of major bacterial clades. It is generally robust to alternative root ages, root positions, tree topologies, fossil ages, ancestral lifestyle reconstruction, gene sets, among other factors. The obtained timetree serves as a foundation for testing hypotheses regarding bacterial diversification and its correlation with geobiological events across different timescales.},
}

@article {pmid39847340,
year = {2025},
author = {Ganley, JG and Seyedsayamdost, MR},
title = {Iron limitation triggers roseoceramide biosynthesis and membrane remodeling in marine roseobacter.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {122},
number = {4},
pages = {e2414434122},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2414434122},
pmid = {39847340},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {Postdoctoral Fellowship in Marine Microbial Ecology//Simons Foundation (SF)/ ; R35 GM152049/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*Roseobacter/metabolism ; *Iron/metabolism ; Cell Membrane/metabolism ; Seaweed/metabolism ; Symbiosis/physiology ; },
abstract = {Chemical communication between marine bacteria and their algal hosts drives population dynamics and ultimately determines the fate of major biogeochemical cycles in the ocean. To gain deeper insights into this small molecule exchange, we screened niche-specific metabolites as potential modulators of the secondary metabolome of the roseobacter, Roseovarius tolerans. Metabolomic analysis led to the identification of a group of cryptic lipids that we have termed roseoceramides. The roseoceramides are elicited by iron-binding algal flavonoids, which are produced by macroalgae that Roseovarius species associate with. Investigations into the mechanism of elicitation show that iron limitation in R. tolerans initiates a stress response that results in lowered oxidative phosphorylation, increased import and catabolism of algal exudates, and reconfiguration of lipid ynthesis to prioritize production of roseoceramides over phospholipids, likely to fortify membrane integrity as well as promote a sessile and symbiotic lifestyle. Our findings add new small molecule words and their "meanings" to the algal-bacterial lexicon and have implications for the initiation of these interactions.},
}

*Roseobacter/metabolism
*Iron/metabolism
Cell Membrane/metabolism
Seaweed/metabolism
Symbiosis/physiology

@article {pmid39847211,
year = {2025},
author = {de Araújo, TGF and Rodrigues, EP and Hungria, M and Barcellos, FG},
title = {Soil and climatic conditions determine the rhizobia in association with Phaseolus vulgaris in southern Brazil.},
journal = {Brazilian journal of microbiology : [publication of the Brazilian Society for Microbiology]},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39847211},
issn = {1678-4405},
support = {465133/2014-4//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; },
abstract = {The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) plays a significant economic and social role in Brazil. However, the national average yield remains relatively low, largely because most bean cultivation is undertaken by small-scale farmers. In this context, biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) is an effective strategy for improving crop yield. Therefore, it is important to identify novel rhizobial strains well suited to local climatic conditions. This study used Phaseolus vulgaris as a trap plant in soils from three distinct conservation areas (Ponta Grossa, Ortigueira, and Londrina) within Paraná State, Brazil. The soil chemical analysis revealed that the pH values in the Ponta Grossa and Ortigueira regions were low, whereas the Ortigueira region exhibited elevated aluminum levels. A total of 94 strains were obtained from the nodules of plants and subjected to analysis for their morphological and genetic properties. No nodules were observed in the Ortigueira region. In the Ponta Grossa region, most of the strains were identified as belonging to the genus Paraburkholderia, whereas all strains from Londrina were identified as Rhizobium. The 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic analysis revealed a high degree of genetic similarity between the Paraburkholderia and Rhizobium strains. These findings indicate that soil chemical properties (pH and aluminum level) and climate conditions may have a significant impact on the symbiotic association between rhizobia and common bean.},
}

@article {pmid39847210,
year = {2025},
author = {Moura, FT and Delai, CV and Klepa, MS and Ribeiro, RA and Nogueira, MA and Hungria, M},
title = {Unveiling remarkable bacterial diversity trapped by cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) nodules inoculated with soils from indigenous lands in Central-Western Brazil.},
journal = {Brazilian journal of microbiology : [publication of the Brazilian Society for Microbiology]},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39847210},
issn = {1678-4405},
support = {CNPq 465133/2014-4, Fundação Araucária-STI 043/2019, CAPES//INCT - Plant Growth Promoting Microorganisms for Agricultural Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility/ ; },
abstract = {Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is recognized as a promiscuous legume in its symbiotic relationships with rhizobia, capable of forming associations with a wide range of bacterial species. Our study focused on assessing the diversity of bacterial strains present in cowpea nodules when inoculated with soils from six indigenous lands of Mato Grosso do Sul state, Central-Western Brazil, comprising the Cerrado and the Pantanal biomes, which are known for their rich diversity. The DNA profiles (BOX-PCR) of 89 strains indicated great genetic diversity, with 20 groups and 23 strains occupying single positions, and all strains grouped at a final similarity level of only 25%. Further characterization using 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed a diverse array of bacterial genera associated with the cowpea nodules. The strains (number in parenthesis) were classified into ten genera: Agrobacterium (47), Ancylobacter (2), Burkholderia (12), Ensifer (1), Enterobacter (1), Mesorhizobium (1), Microbacterium (1), Paraburkholderia (1), Rhizobium (22), and Stenotrophomonas (1), split into four different classes. Notably, only Ensifer, Mesorhizobium, Rhizobium, and Paraburkholderia are classified as rhizobia. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted based on the classes of the identified genera and the type strains of the closest species. Our integrated analyses, combining phenotypic, genotypic, and phylogenetic approaches, highlighted the significant promiscuity of cowpea in associating with a diverse array of bacteria within nodules, showcasing the Brazilian soils as a hotspot of bacterial diversity.},
}

@article {pmid39846764,
year = {2025},
author = {Welmillage, SU and James, EK and Tak, N and Shedge, S and Huang, L and Muszyński, A and Azadi, P and Gyaneshwar, P},
title = {A rhamnose-rich O-antigen of Paraburkholderia phymatum MP20 is required for symbiosis with Mimosa pudica.},
journal = {Journal of bacteriology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0042224},
doi = {10.1128/jb.00422-24},
pmid = {39846764},
issn = {1098-5530},
abstract = {Paraburkholderia phymatum, a β-proteobacterium, forms a nitrogen-fixing symbiosis with many species of the large legume genus Mimosa as well as with common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Paraburkholderia are considered to have evolved nodulation independently from the well-studied α-proteobacteria symbionts of legumes. However, the detailed mechanisms important for β-rhizobia-legume symbiosis have not yet been determined. In this manuscript, we have sequenced the genome of P. phymatum MP20, a strain isolated from Mimosa pudica nodules, and utilized transposon mutagenesis to identify a mutant that showed delayed and ineffective nodulation of M. pudica. Further analysis revealed that the mutant strain produced an altered lipopolysaccharide lacking rhamnose containing O-antigen. Complementation with the wild-type gene restored the symbiosis. Microscopic analysis of the ineffective nodules showed that the mutant strain did not infect the cortical cells but was restricted to the endodermis. The results suggest that the O-antigen of P. phymatum is important for the bacterial infection of cortical cells and for nodule maturation. Further research will unveil the specific involvement of the glycosyltransferase gene in LPS biosynthesis and its impact on successful nodule formation by P. phymatum.IMPORTANCEThe nitrogen-fixing symbiosis between legumes and rhizobia is important for agricultural and environmental sustainability. The mechanisms of the symbiotic interactions are extensively studied using α-rhizobia. In contrast, mechanisms of symbiotic interactions important for β-rhizobia and their Caesalpinioid (mimosoid) legume hosts are not well known. Here, we describe the genome sequence of P. phymatum MP20, a β-rhizobia isolated from the nodules of M. pudica, and isolation and characterization of a transposon mutant defective in symbiosis. We demonstrate that the O-antigen of the LPS is required for nodulation and symbiotic nitrogen fixation. This study broadens our knowledge of symbiotic interactions in β-rhizobia and will lead to a better understanding of the wider rhizobial-legume symbiosis apart from the α-rhizobia.},
}

@article {pmid39846424,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhu, C and Wang, E and Li, Z and Ouyang, H},
title = {Advances in Symbiotic Bioabsorbable Devices.},
journal = {Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e2410289},
doi = {10.1002/advs.202410289},
pmid = {39846424},
issn = {2198-3844},
support = {2023YFC2411901//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 2023176//Youth Innovation Promotion Association CAS/ ; 7232347//Beijing Natural Science Foundation/ ; L212010//Beijing Natural Science Foundation/ ; 2024047//Beijing Nova Program/ ; E0EG6802×2//Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities/ ; E2E45101×2//Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities/ ; 62004010//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 52373256//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; T2125003//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Symbiotic bioabsorbable devices are ideal for temporary treatment. This eliminates the boundaries between the device and organism and develops a symbiotic relationship by degrading nutrients that directly enter the cells, tissues, and body to avoid the hazards of device retention. Symbiotic bioresorbable electronics show great promise for sensing, diagnostics, therapy, and rehabilitation, as underpinned by innovations in materials, devices, and systems. This review focuses on recent advances in bioabsorbable devices. Innovation is focused on the material, device, and system levels. Significant advances in biomedical applications are reviewed, including integrated diagnostics, tissue repair, cardiac pacing, and neurostimulation. In addition to the material, device, and system issues, the challenges and trends in symbiotic bioresorbable electronics are discussed.},
}

@article {pmid39845493,
year = {2024},
author = {Safavi-Rizi, V and Friedlein, H and Safavi-Rizi, S and Krajinski-Barth, F},
title = {The impact of arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization on flooding response of Medicago truncatula.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1512350},
pmid = {39845493},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Climate change is expected to lead to an increase in precipitation and flooding. Consequently, plants that are adapted to dry conditions have to adjust to frequent flooding periods. In this study, we investigate the flooding response of Medicago truncatula, a Mediterranean plant adapted to warm and dry conditions. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis plays a key role in enhancing plant growth and stress tolerance, yet its interactions with environmental stressors such as flooding remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of mycorrhizal colonization and flooding stress on the growth, physiological and molecular responses of M. truncatula wild-type (WT) and ha1-2 mutant lines. ha1-2 mutant plants are unable to form a functional symbiosis with AM fungi as they are impaired in the proton pump required for phosphate transport from AM fungus to the plant. Over a six-week period, WT and ha1-2 plants were cultivated in the presence of Rhizophagus irregularis and subsequently subjected to a 10-day waterlogging treatment. Our results indicated that under control and also flooding conditions, WT mycorrhizal plants exhibited increased dry biomass compared to non-mycorrhizal WT plants. In contrast, the ha1-2 mutant plants did not show the enhanced biomass gain associated with AM symbiosis. The decline in biomass in response to flooding was more pronounced in mycorrhizal plants compared to the non-mycorrhizal plants. In mycorrhizal plants, flooding suppressed the transcript levels of MtPt4 gene in both WT, although not significantly, and ha1-2 mutant lines. Gene expression analysis showed modulation in genes related to nitrogen metabolism and hypoxic response. A strong upregulation of the MtGNS1 transcript (~3000-fold) was observed in WT, however, this upregulation was milder in the ha1-2 plants. Our findings suggest that while AMF symbiosis positively affects plant biomass under control conditions, its beneficial effects were attenuated under flooding stress. Future research will focus on understanding the molecular mechanisms behind AMF modulation of flooding stress responses, including nutrient uptake and metabolism, stress tolerance, and recovery post-flooding. These results will facilitate the enhancement of AMF-based strategies to improve plant resilience against climate change-induced flooding events.},
}

@article {pmid39845035,
year = {2024},
author = {Zhou, H and Yu, K and Nie, L and Liu, L and Zhou, J and Wu, K and Ye, H and Wu, Z},
title = {Effects of biological agents on rhizosphere microecological environment and nutrient availability for rice.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1447527},
pmid = {39845035},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {As the world's population grows, pursuing sustainable agricultural production techniques to increase crop yields is critical to ensuring global food security. The development and application of biological agents is of great significance in promoting the sustainable development of agriculture. This study aimed to investigate the role of JZ (compound microbial agent) and MZ (biological agent made from plant materials) in improving the rhizosphere microecological environment and nutrient availability for rice. This study found that JZ enriched Cyanobacteria with biological nitrogen fixation functions; spraying MZ can enrich some beneficial microbiota, such as Bradyrhizobium, playing a role in symbiotic nitrogen fixation. Meanwhile, JZ and MZ were found to affect rhizosphere soil metabolism and improve potassium and nitrogen availability. JZ may promote the degradation of fungicides in the rhizosphere soil environment. Overall, applying biological agents through optimizing rice growing environment to improve yield showed great potential.},
}

@article {pmid39844274,
year = {2025},
author = {Camper, BT and Kanes, AS and Laughlin, ZT and Manuel, RT and Bewick, SA},
title = {Transgressive hybrids as hopeful holobionts.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {19},
pmid = {39844274},
issn = {2049-2618},
mesh = {*Hybridization, Genetic ; *Symbiosis ; *Microbiota ; Animals ; Biological Evolution ; Bacteria/genetics/classification ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Hybridization between evolutionary lineages has profound impacts on the fitness and ecology of hybrid progeny. In extreme cases, the effects of hybridization can transcend ecological timescales by introducing trait novelty upon which evolution can act. Indeed, hybridization can even have macroevolutionary consequences, for example, as a driver of adaptive radiations and evolutionary innovations. Accordingly, hybridization is now recognized as a motor for macrobial evolution. By contrast, there has been substantially less progress made towards understanding the positive eco-evolutionary consequences of hybridization on holobionts. Rather, the emerging paradigm in holobiont literature is that hybridization disrupts symbiosis between a host lineage and its microbiome, leaving hybrids at a fitness deficit. These conclusions, however, have been drawn based on results from predominantly low-fitness hybrid organisms. Studying "dead-end" hybrids all but guarantees finding that hybridization is detrimental. This is the pitfall that Dobzhansky fell into over 80 years ago when he used hybrid sterility and inviability to conclude that hybridization hinders evolution. Goldschmidt, however, argued that rare saltational successes-so-called hopeful monsters-disproportionately drive positive evolutionary outcomes. Goldschmidt's view is now becoming a widely accepted explanation for the prevalence of historical hybridization in extant macrobial lineages. Aligning holobiont research with this broader evolutionary perspective requires recognizing the importance of similar patterns in host-microbiome systems. That is, rare and successful "hopeful holobionts" (i.e., hopeful monsters at the holobiont scale) might be disproportionately responsible for holobiont evolution. If true, then it is these successful systems that we should be studying to assess impacts of hybridization on the macroevolutionary trajectories of host-microbiome symbioses.

RESULTS: In this paper, we explore the effects of hybridization on the gut (cloacal) and skin microbiota in an ecologically successful hybrid lizard, Aspidoscelis neomexicanus. Specifically, we test the hypothesis that hybrid lizards have host-associated (HA) microbiota traits strongly differentiated from their progenitor species. Across numerous hybrid microbiota phenotypes, we find widespread evidence of transgressive segregation. Further, microbiota restructuring broadly correlates with niche restructuring during hybridization. This suggests a relationship between HA microbiota traits and ecological success.

CONCLUSION: Transgressive segregation of HA microbiota traits is not only limited to hybrids at a fitness deficit but also occurs in ecologically successful hybrids. This suggests that hybridization may be a mechanism for generating novel and potentially beneficial holobiont phenotypes. Supporting such a conclusion, the correlations that we find between hybrid microbiota and the hybrid niche indicate that hybridization might change host microbiota in ways that promote a shift or an expansion in host niche space. If true, hybrid microbiota restructuring may underly ecological release from progenitors. This, in turn, could drive evolutionary diversification. Using our system as an example, we elaborate on the evolutionary implications of host hybridization within the context of holobiont theory and then outline the next steps for understanding the role of hybridization in holobiont research. Video Abstract.},
}

*Hybridization, Genetic
*Symbiosis
*Microbiota
Animals
Biological Evolution
Bacteria/genetics/classification

@article {pmid39842377,
year = {2025},
author = {Sun, L and Wang, D and Liu, X and Zhou, Y and Wang, S and Guan, X and Huang, W and Wang, C and Gong, B and Xie, Z},
title = {The GlnE protein of Azorhizobium caulinodans ORS571 plays a crucial role in the nodulation process of the legume host Sesbania rostrata.},
journal = {Microbiological research},
volume = {293},
number = {},
pages = {128072},
doi = {10.1016/j.micres.2025.128072},
pmid = {39842377},
issn = {1618-0623},
abstract = {The GlnE enzyme, functioning as an adenylyltransferase/adenylyl-removing enzyme, plays a crucial role in reversible adenylylation of glutamine synthetase (GS), which in turn regulates bacterial nitrogen assimilation. Genomic analysis of Azorhizobium caulinodans ORS571 revealed an open reading frame encoding a GlnE protein, whose function in the free-living and symbiotic states remains to be elucidated. A glnE deletion mutant retained high GS activity even under nitrogen-rich conditions. However, a reduction in growth was observed for the mutant strain at lower NH4[+] concentrations than for the wild-type strain. Furthermore, the ΔglnE mutant strain showed reduced motility on ammonium-containing media. Inactivation of GlnE led to an increase in root adhesion, biofilm formation, and nodulation on Sesbania rostrata. Nevertheless, the nodules induced by the glnE mutant strain were ineffective. In addition, A. caulinodans GlnE played a significant role in enhancing resistance against environmental stresses, such as heat, heavy metals, and cumene hydroperoxide. This study demonstrates that GlnE plays multiple regulatory roles in A. caulinodans beyond nitrogen metabolism and is essential for establishing symbiotic relationships with host plants.},
}

@article {pmid39839660,
year = {2025},
author = {Mitcov, A and Ko, D and Ko, K and Kim, J and Oh, NH and Kim, HS and Choe, H and Chung, H},
title = {Composition of soil fungal communities and microbial activity along an elevational gradient in Mt. Jiri, Republic of Korea.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {e18762},
pmid = {39839660},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {*Soil Microbiology ; *Altitude ; Republic of Korea ; *Fungi/enzymology/isolation & purification ; *Soil/chemistry ; Biomass ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Ecosystem ; Mycobiome ; Climate Change ; },
abstract = {Approximately 64% of the Republic of Korea comprises mountainous areas, which as cold and high-altitude regions are gravely affected by climate change. Within the mountainous and the alpine-subalpine ecosystems, microbial communities play a pivotal role in biogeochemical cycling and partly regulate climate change through such cycles. We investigated the composition and function of microbial communities, with a focus on fungal communities, in Republic of Korea's second tallest mountain, Mt. Jiri, along a four-point-altitude gradient: 600-, 1,000-, 1,200-, and 1,400-m. Soil pH and elevation were negatively correlated, with soils becoming more acidic at higher altitude. Of the five soil enzyme activities analyzed, cellobiohydrolase, β-1,4-glucosidase, and β-1,4-xylosidase activity showed differences among the elevation levels, with lower activity at 600 m than that at 1,400 m. Soil microbial biomass correlated positively with increasing elevation and soil water content. The decrease in β-1,4-N-acetylglucosaminidase suggests a reduction in fungal biomass with increasing altitude, while factors other than elevation may influence the increase in activity of the cellobiohydrolase, β-1,4-glucosidase and β-1,4-xylosidase. Fungal alpha diversity did not exhibit an elevational trend, whereas beta diversity formed two clusters (600-1,000 m and 1,200-1,400 m). Community composition was similar among the elevations, with Basidiomycota being the most predominant phylum, followed by Ascomycota. Conversely, among the fungal communities at 1,000 m, Ascomycota was the most dominant, possibly due to increased pathotroph percentage. Elevational gradients induce changes in soil properties, vegetation, and climate factors such as temperature and precipitation, all of which impact soil microbial communities and altogether create a mutually reinforcing system. Hence, inspection of elevation-based microbial communities can aid in inferring ecosystem properties, specifically those related to nutrient cycling, and can partly help assess the oncoming direct and indirect effects of climate change.},
}

*Soil Microbiology
*Altitude
Republic of Korea
*Fungi/enzymology/isolation & purification
*Soil/chemistry
Biomass
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
Ecosystem
Mycobiome
Climate Change

@article {pmid39838803,
year = {2025},
author = {Chan, WY and Sakamoto, R and Doering, T and Narayana, VK and De Souza, DP and McConville, MJ and van Oppen, MJH},
title = {Heat-Evolved Microalgae (Symbiodiniaceae) Are Stable Symbionts and Influence Thermal Tolerance of the Sea Anemone Exaiptasia diaphana.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {27},
number = {1},
pages = {e70011},
pmid = {39838803},
issn = {1462-2920},
support = {DE240100317//Australian Research Council/ ; FL180100036//Australian Research Council/ ; APP1154540//National Health and Medical Research Council/ ; //Westpac Research Fellowship/ ; },
mesh = {*Sea Anemones/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; Animals ; *Thermotolerance ; *Hot Temperature ; Microalgae/metabolism ; Dinoflagellida/physiology ; },
abstract = {Symbiotic cnidarians, such as sea anemones and corals, rely on their mutualistic microalgal partners (Symbiodiniaceae) for survival. Marine heatwaves can disrupt this partnership, and it has been proposed that introducing experimentally evolved, heat-tolerant algal symbionts could enhance host thermotolerance. To test this hypothesis, the sea anemone Exaiptasia diaphana (a coral model) was inoculated with either the heterologous wild type or heat-evolved algal symbiont, Cladocopium proliferum, and homologous wild-type Breviolum minutum. The novel symbioses persisted for 1.5 years and determined holobiont thermotolerance during a simulated summer heatwave. Anemones hosting SS8, one of the six heat-evolved strains tested, exhibited the highest thermotolerance. Notably, anemones hosting the wild-type C. proliferum (WT10) were the second most thermally tolerant group, whereas anemones hosting the heat-evolved SS5 or SS9 strains were among the most thermosensitive. Elevated temperatures led to an increase in the levels of many amino acids and a decrease in tricarboxylic acid (TCA) metabolites in all anemone hosts, potentially indicating an increase in autophagy and a reduction in energy and storage production. Some consistent differences were observed in changes in metabolite levels between anemone groups in response to elevated temperature, suggesting that the algal symbiont influenced host metabolome and nutritional budget.},
}

*Sea Anemones/physiology
*Symbiosis
Animals
*Thermotolerance
*Hot Temperature
Microalgae/metabolism
Dinoflagellida/physiology

@article {pmid39837882,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhao, X and Shao, B and Su, J and Tian, N},
title = {Exploring synergistic evolution of carbon emissions and air pollutants and spatiotemporal heterogeneity of influencing factors in Chinese cities.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {2657},
pmid = {39837882},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {No. 62072363//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; No.21YJZH138//the General Program of Humanities and Social Sciences Research, Ministry of Education/ ; },
abstract = {The acceleration of urbanization has significantly exacerbated climate change due to excessive anthropogenic carbon emissions and air pollutants. Based on data from 281 prefecture-level cities in China between 2015 and 2021. The spatiotemporal co-evolution of urban carbon emissions and air pollutants was analyzed through map visualization and kernel density estimation, revealing non-equilibrium and heterogeneity. Extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) multiscale geographically weighted regression models(MGWR) and SHAP theory from game theory were employed to deeply investigate the disparities in relevance, spatial heterogeneity, and multiscale fluctuations of carbon emissions and air pollution. The main results are summarized as follows: (1) Between 2015 and 2018, CO2 emissions exhibited significant fluctuations, while SO2 and PM2.5 concentrations decreased markedly. (2) The XGBoost-SHAP model identified seven key driving factors, demonstrating high precision, the SHAP model is used to explain the model and reveal the influence of driving factors on carbon emissions. (3) The concentrations of CO2, SO2, and PM2.5 were positively correlated, the influence of each factor exhibited significant spatiotemporal differences, with varying directions of fluctuation across different regions. Thus, the symbiotic relationship between carbon emissions and air pollutants can inform decision-making for regional planning and sustainable urban development.},
}

@article {pmid39836459,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, J and King, K},
title = {Microbial Primer: Microbiome and thermal tolerance - a new frontier in climate resilience?.},
journal = {Microbiology (Reading, England)},
volume = {171},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1099/mic.0.001523},
pmid = {39836459},
issn = {1465-2080},
mesh = {*Microbiota/physiology ; Animals ; *Climate Change ; *Symbiosis ; Thermotolerance ; Bacteria/genetics/classification ; Host Microbial Interactions/physiology ; Temperature ; },
abstract = {Microbiome-animal host symbioses are ubiquitous in nature. Animal-associated microbiomes can play a crucial role in host physiology, health and resilience to environmental stressors. As climate change drives rising global temperatures and increases the frequency of thermal extremes, microbiomes are emerging as a new frontier in buffering vulnerable animals against temperature fluctuations. In this primer, we briefly introduce key concepts of microbiome-host symbiosis and microbial responses to temperature shifts. We then summarize the current evidence and understanding of how microbes can buffer the thermal stress faced by their hosts. We identify key challenges for future research. Finally, we emphasize the potential of harnessing microbiomes to improve conservation strategies in a rapidly changing climate, offering a concise overview of this evolving field.},
}

*Microbiota/physiology
Animals
*Climate Change
*Symbiosis
Thermotolerance
Bacteria/genetics/classification
Host Microbial Interactions/physiology
Temperature

@article {pmid39836170,
year = {2025},
author = {Prakash, S and Kumar, A},
title = {Life in the dead shell: utilization of dead Pinna shells by the blenny fish Petroscirtes variabilis Cantor, 1849 (Blennidae).},
journal = {Die Naturwissenschaften},
volume = {112},
number = {1},
pages = {9},
pmid = {39836170},
issn = {1432-1904},
mesh = {Animals ; *Phylogeny ; India ; Animal Shells/anatomy & histology ; Fishes/classification/physiology/anatomy & histology ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {The seagrass ecosystem supports a diverse range of marine life, including fish, crabs, and seahorses. It plays a vital role in providing essential services such as habitat creation, nutrient cycling, and shoreline stabilization. In the present study, we conducted line intercept transects to assess the abundance of Pinna shells in seagrass meadows of the Sangumal region in the Palk Bay, India. Among the 30 transects surveyed, we observed a total of 33 Pinna shells. Ten shells were found to be empty, while 6 hosted blenny fish. The fish were identified as saber-tooth blenny Petroscirtes variabilis Cantor, 1849, via integrative taxonomy (morphology + cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene phylogeny). The phylogenetic tree based on the maximum likelihood inference method indicated that P. variabilis clustered together with other sequences of P. variabilis available in the NCBI GenBank. We also revealed the importance of empty Pinna shells acting as refugia for blenny fish, which was evident from the presence of eggs attached to the shells.},
}

Animals
*Phylogeny
India
Animal Shells/anatomy & histology
Fishes/classification/physiology/anatomy & histology
Ecosystem

@article {pmid39836086,
year = {2025},
author = {Xia, R and Yin, X and Balcazar, JL and Huang, D and Liao, J and Wang, D and Alvarez, PJJ and Yu, P},
title = {Bacterium-Phage Symbiosis Facilitates the Enrichment of Bacterial Pathogens and Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria in the Plastisphere.},
journal = {Environmental science & technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.est.4c08265},
pmid = {39836086},
issn = {1520-5851},
abstract = {The plastisphere, defined as the ecological niche for microbial colonization of plastic debris, has been recognized as a hotspot of pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. However, the interactions between bacteria and phages facilitated by the plastisphere, as well as their impact on microbial risks to public health, remain unclear. Here, we analyzed public metagenomic data from 180 plastisphere and environmental samples, stemming from four different habitats and two plastic types (biodegradable and nonbiodegradable plastics) and obtained 611 nonredundant metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) and 4061 nonredundant phage contigs. The plastisphere phage community exhibited decreased diversity and virulent proportion compared to those found in environments. Indexes of phage-host interaction networks indicated significant associations of phages with pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB), particularly for biodegradable plastics. Known phage-encoded auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs) were involved in nutrient metabolism, antibiotic production, quorum sensing, and biofilm formation in the plastisphere, which contributed to enhanced competition and survival of pathogens and ARB hosts. Phages also carried transcriptionally active virulence factor genes (VFGs) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and could mediate their horizontal transfer in microbial communities. Overall, these discoveries suggest that plastisphere phages form symbiotic relationships with their hosts, and that phages encoding AMGs and mediating horizontal gene transfer (HGT) could increase the source of pathogens and antibiotic resistance from the plastisphere.},
}

@article {pmid39836041,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, G and Zeng, Y and Bu, Y and Yuan, X and Peng, M and Zhao, Q and Wang, Y},
title = {Draft genome sequence of Armillaria calvescens strain YAFA0618 associated with Gastrodia elata.},
journal = {Microbiology resource announcements},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0085824},
doi = {10.1128/mra.00858-24},
pmid = {39836041},
issn = {2576-098X},
abstract = {Armillaria calvescens is a symbiotic fungus of Gastrodia elata. Here, we present a draft genome sequence of A. calvescens strain YAFA0618. The genome resource will support subsequent research into the relationship between A. calvescens and G. elata.},
}

@article {pmid39835397,
year = {2025},
author = {Motta, MCM and Camelo, TM and Cerdeira, CMC and Gonçalves, CS and Borghesan, TC and Villalba-Alemán, E and de Souza, W and Teixeira, MMG and de Camargo, EFP},
title = {Phylogenetic and structural characterization of Kentomonas inusitatus n. sp.: Unique insect trypanosomatid of the Strigomonadinae subfamily naturally lacking bacterial endosymbiont.},
journal = {The Journal of eukaryotic microbiology},
volume = {72},
number = {1},
pages = {e13083},
doi = {10.1111/jeu.13083},
pmid = {39835397},
issn = {1550-7408},
support = {E-26/201.011/2021//Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro/ ; 2016/07487-0//Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo/ ; 305299/2022-0//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Trypanosomatina/classification/genetics/isolation & purification/ultrastructure ; *Phylogeny ; *Symbiosis ; Brazil ; Uganda ; DNA, Protozoan/genetics ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; },
abstract = {All insect trypanosomatids of the subfamily Strigomonadinae harbor a proteobacterial symbiont in their cytoplasm and unique ultrastructural cell organization. Here, we report an unexpected finding within the Strigomonadinae subfamily: the identification of a new species lacking bacterial symbiont, represented by two isolates obtained from Calliphoridae flies in Brazil and Uganda. This species is hereby designated as Kentomonas inusitatus n. sp. Molecular investigations targeting symbiont DNA, cell proliferation, and ultrastructural analyses agreed with the absence of bacterial symbionts in cultured flagellates. PCR-screening specifically targeting symbiont DNA corroborated the absence of symbionts in K. inusitatus present in the intestine of the respective host flies. K. inusitatus exhibited forms varying in size and shape. While displaying overall ultrastructural features of the Strigomonadinae, the novel species showed mitochondrial branches juxtaposed to the plasma membrane in locations both without and notable, with subpellicular microtubules. The discovery of the first Strigomonadinae species naturally lacking a symbiont and closely related to K. sorsogonicus, suggests a unique evolutionary history for the genus Kentomonas. Our findings provide novel insights into the complex relationships between trypanosomatids and their symbionts.},
}

Animals
*Trypanosomatina/classification/genetics/isolation & purification/ultrastructure
*Phylogeny
*Symbiosis
Brazil
Uganda
DNA, Protozoan/genetics
DNA, Bacterial/genetics

@article {pmid39834927,
year = {2024},
author = {Liu, Y and Liao, J and Tang, S and Zhou, C and Tan, Z and Salem, AZM},
title = {Physicochemical profiles of mixed ruminal microbes in response to surface tension and specific surface area.},
journal = {Frontiers in veterinary science},
volume = {11},
number = {},
pages = {1514952},
pmid = {39834927},
issn = {2297-1769},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: In ruminants, a symbiotic rumen microbiota is responsible for supporting the digestion of dietary fiber and contributes to health traits closely associated with meat and milk quality. A holistic view of the physicochemical profiles of mixed rumen microbiota (MRM) is not well-illustrated.

METHODS: The experiment was performed with a 3 × 4 factorial arrangement of the specific surface area (SSA: 3.37, 3.73, and 4.44 m[2]/g) of NDF extracted from rice straw and the surface tension (ST: 54, 46, 43, and 36 dyn/cm) of a fermented medium in a fermentation time series of 6, 12, 24, 48 h with three experimental units. Here, we used three rumen-fistulated adult Liuyang black goats as the rumen liquid donors for this experiment.

RESULTS: It was found that increasing SSA decreased the average acetate/propionate ratio (A/P, p < 0.05) and increased the molarity of propionate (p < 0.05). Increasing ST decreased total volatile fatty acid (tVFA) concentration (p < 0.01). Greater SSA increased (p < 0.01) MRM hydrophobicity, whereas increasing ST increased MRM cell membrane permeability (p < 0.01). The neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD, r = 0.937) and tVFA (r = 0.809) were positively correlated with the membrane permeability of MRM.

DISCUSSION: The surface tension of the artificial medium and substrate-specific surface area had a significant influence on MRM's fermentation profiles, hydrophobicity, and permeability. The results suggest that physical environmental properties are key in regulating rumen fermentation function and homeostasis in the gastrointestinal tract ecosystem.},
}

@article {pmid39834362,
year = {2024},
author = {Li, T and Gao, Z and Zhou, P and Huang, M and Wang, G and Xu, J and Deng, W and Wang, M},
title = {Structures and determinants of soil microbiomes along a steep elevation gradient in Southwest China.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1504134},
pmid = {39834362},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Soil microbial communities play a vital role in accelerating nutrient cycling and stabilizing ecosystem functions in forests. However, the diversity of soil microbiome and the mechanisms driving their distribution patterns along elevational gradients in montane areas remain largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the soil microbial diversity along an elevational gradient from 650 m to 3,800 m above sea level in southeast Tibet, China, through DNA metabarcode sequencing of both the bacterial and fungal communities. Our results showed that the dominant bacterial phyla across elevations were Proteobacteria, Acidobacteriota and Actinobacteriota, and the dominant fungal phyla were Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. The Simpson indices of both soil bacteria and fungi demonstrated a hollow trend along the elevational gradient, with an abrupt decrease in bacterial and fungal diversity at 2,600 m a.s.l. in coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forests (CBM). Soil bacterial chemoheterotrophy was the dominant lifestyle and was predicted to decrease with increasing elevation. In terms of fungal lifestyles, saprophytic and symbiotic fungi were the dominant functional communities but their relative abundance was negatively correlated with increasing elevation. Environmental factors including vegetation type (VEG), altitude (ALT), soil pH, total phosphorus (TP), nitrate nitrogen (NO3 [-]-N), and polyphenol oxidase (ppo) all exhibited significant influence on the bacterial community structure, whereas VEG, ALT, and the carbon to nitrogen ratio (C/N) were significantly associated with the fungal community structure. The VPA results indicated that edaphic factors explained 37% of the bacterial community variations, while C/N, ALT, and VEG explained 49% of the total fungal community variations. Our study contributes significantly to our understanding of forest ecosystems in mountainous regions with large elevation changes, highlighting the crucial role of soil environmental factors in shaping soil microbial communities and their variations in specific forest ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid39832421,
year = {2025},
author = {Cubillos, VM and Montory, JA and Chaparro, OR and Cruces, E and Segura, CJ and Ramírez-Kuschel, EF and Mardones, DA and Valdivia, N and Paredes-Molina, FJ and Echeverría-Pérez, I and Salas-Yanquin, LP and Büchner-Miranda, JA},
title = {Leaving the incubation chamber: Cellular and physiological challenges of the juvenile stage of the sea anemone Anthopleura hermaphroditica (Carlgren, 1899) to cope with fluctuating environmental stressors in the Quempillén estuary, southern Chile.},
journal = {Marine environmental research},
volume = {204},
number = {},
pages = {106962},
doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.106962},
pmid = {39832421},
issn = {1879-0291},
abstract = {Environmental stress on early life stages has severe consequences for individual performance and population dynamics. The internal incubation process of the symbiotic intertidal anemone Anthopleura hermaphroditica ends when the juveniles leave the gastrovascular cavity of the adult, at which moment they are exposed to a highly stressful environment due to tidal changes and environmental radiation in the Quempillén estuary. To determine the cellular and physiological tolerance capabilities of juvenile anemones to changes in salinity and environmental radiation resulting from the abandonment of the gastrovascular cavity, an experiment with an orthogonal design was performed on individuals exposed to four levels of salinity (30.0, 22.5, 15.0 and 7.5 psu) and two of solar radiation (P/<400-700 nm; PAB/<280-700 nm). The cellular response was evaluated by estimation of peroxidative damage and total antioxidant capacity. In addition, the effects of salinity and radiation on the photosynthetic process (with and without inhibition of the photosynthetic process by the addition of 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU)) and on the oxygen consumption rate were determined. Finally, the mean maximum effective concentration (EC50) was determined for each of the experimental conditions. Overall, salinity, radiation and photosynthetic condition (and their interaction) influence the level of lipid peroxidation and total antioxidant capacity of juvenile A. hermaphroditica. Thus, levels of oxidative damage and antioxidant response increase with decreasing salinity and are exacerbated at salinities of 7.5 psu combined with UV-R radiation (PAB treatment). Photosynthesis by the zooxanthellae of the symbiont complex not only increases cell damage and antioxidant response, but also generates elevated oxygen levels higher than those utilized by the anemone through oxygen consumption rate. In this context, salinities ≤15 and ≤ 22.5 psu reduce oxygen production/consumption by the symbiont complex under P and PAB conditions, respectively. Consequently, juveniles photosynthesizing in the presence of PAB generate narrower physiological tolerance ranges to hyposaline conditions (EC50 = 23 psu) than non-photosynthetic organisms exposed to P radiation treatment alone (EC50 = 18 psu). Future studies are needed to determine the effect of radiation on the release of juvenile A. hermaphroditica from the gastrovascular cavity of adult anemones. Therefore, symbiotic photosynthetic activity mediates the interdependent effects of salinity and radiation on juveniles' cellular responses and physiological capabilities.},
}

@article {pmid39832384,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, Y and Du, Y},
title = {Hypothesis for Molecular Evolution in the Pre-Cellular Stage of the Origin of Life.},
journal = {Wiley interdisciplinary reviews. RNA},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {e70001},
doi = {10.1002/wrna.70001},
pmid = {39832384},
issn = {1757-7012},
support = {42376149//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; ZDSYS20230626091459009//Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Marine Ecology/ ; },
mesh = {*Origin of Life ; *Evolution, Molecular ; Ribosomes/metabolism/genetics ; },
abstract = {Life was originated from inorganic world and had experienced a long period of evolution in about 3.8 billion years. The time for emergence of the pioneer creations on Earth is debatable nowadays, and how the scenario for the prebiotic molecular interactions is still mysterious. Before the spreading of cellular organisms, chemical evolution was perhaps prevailing for millions of years, in which inorganic biosynthesis was ultimately replaced by biochemical reactions. Understanding the major molecular players and their interactions toward cellular life is fundamental for current medical science and extraterrestrial life exploration. In this review, we propose a road map for the primordial molecular evolution in early Earth, which probably occurred adjacent to hydrothermal vents with a strong gradient of organic molecules, temperature, and metal contents. Natural selection of the macromolecules with strong secondary structures and catalytic centers is associated with decreasing of overall entropy of the biopolymers. Our review may shed lights into the important selection of gene-coding RNA with secondary structures from large amounts of random biopolymers and formation of ancient ribosomes with biological machines supporting the basic life processes. Integration of the free environmental ribosomes by the early cellular life as symbiotic molecular machines is probably the earliest symbiosis on Earth.},
}

*Origin of Life
*Evolution, Molecular
Ribosomes/metabolism/genetics

@article {pmid39830700,
year = {2025},
author = {Yamawo, A and Hagiwara, T and Yoshida, S and Ohno, M and Nakajima, R and Mori, Y and Hayashi, T and Yamagishi, H and Shiojiri, K},
title = {Interspecific Variations in Interplant Communication and Ecological Characteristics in Trees.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {e70876},
pmid = {39830700},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Plants evolve diverse communication systems in adapting to complex and variable environments. Here, we examined the relationship between plant architecture, population density and inter-plant communication within tree species. We tested the hypothesis that trees of species with complex architecture or high population density (high population density: HPD) communicate among conspecifics via volatiles. In addition, we hypothesize that states of mycorrhizal symbiosis (arbuscular mycorrhizal or ectomycorrhiza) which relation to population density can predict the development of interplant communication in trees. We tested induced defense as an indicator of communication in saplings of nine tree species with various complexities of architecture (number of leaves per shoot) and either low (low population density: LPD) or HPD, either exposed for 10 days to volatiles from a damaged conspecific or not exposed. We evaluated the number of insect-damaged leaves and the area of leaf damage on these trees after 1 and 2 months in the field. Most exposed HPD trees had less leaf damage than controls. However, LPD trees did not differ in leaf damage between treatments. These results are partially supported by plant hormone analysis. In addition, the presence of inter-plant communication was positively correlated with both the number of leaves per shoot (complexity of plant architecture) and population density. The analysis which combined results of previous studies suggests that states of mycorrhizal symbiosis predict the development of interplant communication; interplant communication is common in ectomycorrhiza species. These results suggest the importance of plant architecture and population density as well as state of mycorrhizal symbiosis in the development of interplant communications within tree species.},
}

@article {pmid39830096,
year = {2025},
author = {Fei, C and Booker, A and Klass, S and Vidyarathna, NK and Ahn, SH and Mohamed, AR and Arshad, M and Glibert, PM and Heil, CA and Martínez Martínez, J and Amin, SA},
title = {Friends and foes: symbiotic and algicidal bacterial influence on Karenia brevis blooms.},
journal = {ISME communications},
volume = {5},
number = {1},
pages = {ycae164},
pmid = {39830096},
issn = {2730-6151},
abstract = {Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) of the toxigenic dinoflagellate Karenia brevis (KB) are pivotal in structuring the ecosystem of the Gulf of Mexico (GoM), decimating coastal ecology, local economies, and human health. Bacterial communities associated with toxigenic phytoplankton species play an important role in influencing toxin production in the laboratory, supplying essential factors to phytoplankton and even killing blooming species. However, our knowledge of the prevalence of these mechanisms during HAB events is limited, especially for KB blooms. Here, we introduced native microbial communities from the GoM, collected during two phases of a Karenia bloom, into KB laboratory cultures. Using bacterial isolation, physiological experiments, and shotgun metagenomic sequencing, we identified both putative enhancers and mitigators of KB blooms. Metagenome-assembled genomes from the Roseobacter clade showed strong correlations with KB populations during HABs, akin to symbionts. A bacterial isolate from this group of metagenome-assembled genomes, Mameliella alba, alleviated vitamin limitations of KB by providing it with vitamins B1, B7 and B12. Conversely, bacterial isolates belonging to Bacteroidetes and Gammaproteobacteria, Croceibacter atlanticus, and Pseudoalteromonas spongiae, respectively, exhibited strong algicidal properties against KB. We identified a serine protease homolog in P. spongiae that putatively drives the algicidal activity in this isolate. While the algicidal mechanism in C. atlanticus is unknown, we demonstrated the efficiency of C. atlanticus to mitigate KB growth in blooms from the GoM. Our results highlight the importance of specific bacteria in influencing the dynamics of HABs and suggest strategies for future HAB management.},
}

@article {pmid39829398,
year = {2024},
author = {Abdizadeh, T and Rezaei, S and Emadi, Z and Sadeghi, R and Saffari-Chaleshtori, J and Sadeghi, M},
title = {Investigation of bioremediation for glyphosate and its metabolite in soil using arbuscular mycorrhizal GmHsp60 protein: a molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations approach.},
journal = {Journal of biomolecular structure & dynamics},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-25},
doi = {10.1080/07391102.2024.2445767},
pmid = {39829398},
issn = {1538-0254},
abstract = {The widespread use of glyphosate and the high dependence of the agricultural industry on this herbicide cause environmental pollution and pose a threat to living organisms. One of the appropriate solutions in sustainable agriculture to deal with pollution caused by glyphosate and its metabolites is creating a symbiotic relationship between plants and mycorrhizal fungi. Glomalin-related soil protein is a key protein for the bioremediation of glyphosate and its metabolite aminomethyl phosphonic acid in soil. This study uses homology modeling, molecular docking, and molecular dynamic simulation approaches to investigate the binding mechanism of glomalin-related soil protein from arbuscular mycorrhiza (GmHsp60) with glyphosate and its metabolite and the role of soil protein in the removal and sequestering of common agricultural soil pollutants. GmHsp60 protein structure was predicted by homology modeling, and the quality of the generated model was assessed. Then, the interaction between glyphosate and aminomethyl phosphonic acid and the modeled GmHsp60 protein was explored by molecular docking. Based on docking results, GmHsp60 has an efficient role in the bioremediation of glyphosate and aminomethyl phosphonic acid (-6.03 and -5.34 kcal/mol). Glyphosate forms three hydrogen bonds with Lys258, Gly262, and Glu58 of GmHsp60, and aminomethyl phosphonic acid forms three hydrogen bonds with Lys258, Gly261, and Gly262 of GmHsp60. In addition, the glyphosate's and its metabolite's stability was confirmed by molecular docking simulations and binding free energy calculations using MM/PBSA analysis. This study provides a molecular-level understanding of GmHsp60 expression and function for glyphosate bioremediation.},
}

@article {pmid39828985,
year = {2025},
author = {Hu, JP and Deng, SJ and Gu, L and Li, L and Tu, L and Li, JL and Tang, JX and Zhu, GD},
title = {Fungi on the cuticle surface increase the resistance of Aedes albopictus to deltamethrin.},
journal = {Insect science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1744-7917.13503},
pmid = {39828985},
issn = {1744-7917},
support = {2023YFA1801004//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 82261128002//National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation joint program/ ; 2022YFML1003//National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation joint program/ ; },
abstract = {Aedes albopictus (Ae. albopictus) is widely distributed and can transmit many infectious diseases, and insecticide-based interventions play an important role in vector control. However, increased insecticide resistance has become a severe public health problem, and the clarification of its detailed mechanism is a matter of urgence. This study found that target-site resistance and metabolic resistance could not fully explain insecticide resistance in field Ae. albopictus, and there were likely other resistance mechanisms involved. The 16S and internal transcribed spacer sequencing revealed significant differences in the species compositions of the cuticle surface symbiotic bacteria and fungi between deltamethrin (DM)-resistant (DR) and DM-susceptible (DS) Ae. albopictus. Additionally, the abundances of Serratia spp. and Candida spp. significantly increased after DM treatment. Furthermore, 2 fungi (Rhodotorula mucilaginosa and Candida melibiosica) and 3 bacteria (Serratia marcescens, Klebsiella aerogenes, and Serratia sp.) isolated from DR Ae. albopictus can use DM as their sole carbon source. After reinoculation onto the cuticle surface of DS Ae. albopictus, R. mucilaginosa and C. melibiosica significantly enhanced the DM resistance of Ae. albopictus. Moreover, transcriptome sequencing of the surviving Ae. albopictus after DM exposure revealed that the gene expression of cytochrome P450 enzymes and glutathione-S-transferases increased, suggesting that besides the direct degradation, the candidate degrading microbes could also cause insecticide resistance via indirect enhancement of mosquito gene expression. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the cuticle surface symbiotic microbes were involved in the development of insecticide resistance in Ae. albopictus, providing novel and supplementary insights into insecticide resistance mechanisms.},
}

@article {pmid39828947,
year = {2025},
author = {Alperovitz, CH and Ben David, N and Ramot, Y and Gross, A and Mizrahi, B},
title = {Living Microneedles for Intradermal Delivery of Beneficial Bacteria.},
journal = {ACS biomaterials science & engineering},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acsbiomaterials.4c02230},
pmid = {39828947},
issn = {2373-9878},
abstract = {The skin, our first line of defense against external threats, combines a physical barrier and a rich microbial community. Disruptions of this community, for example, due to infectious injury, have been linked to a decrease in bacteria diversity and to mild to severe pathological conditions. Although some progress has been made in the field, possibilities/procedures for restoring the skin microbiome are still far from ideal. The objective of this study was to design and evaluate a dissolvable poly(vinyl alcohol)/polyvinylpyrrolidone microneedle (MN) patch containing live Bacillus subtilis. According to the plan, bacteria were distributed equally throughout the patch without compromising the morphology and mechanical properties of the needles. B. subtilis was successfully released from the MNs, reaching a logarithmic growth phase after 5 h. These MNs demonstrated remarkable antibacterial activity against the Gram-positive pathogenic S. pyogenes, S. aureus, and C. acnes, while the empty control MNs showed no such activity. Finally, mice were inserted with a single MN patch loaded with GFP-B. subtilis presented significantly higher total radiance efficiency (TRE) values compared to the empty-MN mice throughout the entire experiment. This concept of incorporating live, secreting bacteria within a supportive MN patch shows great promise as a bacterial delivery system, offering a potential shift from conventional pharmacological approaches to more sustainable and symbiotic therapies.},
}

@article {pmid39828533,
year = {2025},
author = {Andrew, N and Trofe, A and Laws, E and Pathiraja, G and Kalkar, S and Ignatova, T and Rathnayake, H},
title = {Charge Capacitive Signatures at the Interface of E. coli/MOF Biohybrids to Create a Live Cell Biocapacitor.},
journal = {Small (Weinheim an der Bergstrasse, Germany)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e2411472},
doi = {10.1002/smll.202411472},
pmid = {39828533},
issn = {1613-6829},
support = {ECCS-1542174//NSF/ ; W911NF1910522//US Department of Defense, DoD HBCU/MSI/ ; W911NF2310290//DoD HBCU/MSI Research and Educational Program/ ; 2021-70410-35292//USDA NIFA Equipment grant program/ ; W911QY2220006//Department of Defense DEVCOM Centers/ ; NIFA EGP 2021-70410-35292//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; W911QY2220006//U.S. Department of Defense/ ; },
abstract = {The chemistry of the extracellular electron transfer (EET) process in microorganisms can be understood by interfacing them with abiotic materials that act as external redox mediators. These mediators capture and transfer extracellular electrons through redox reactions, bridging the microorganism and the electrode surface. Understanding this charge transfer process is essential for designing biocapacitors capable of modulating and storing charge signatures as capacitance at the electrode interface. Herein, a novel biointerfacial strategy is presented to investigate directional charge injection from a non-exoelectrogenic living microbe to an electrode surface using the porous metal-organic framework (MOF), MIL-88B. The biohybrid, formed by interfacing Escherichia coli (E. coli) with MIL-88B, demonstrates symbiotic interactions between the biotic and abiotic components, facilitating EET from E. coli to the electrode via the MOF. Acting as a redox mediator, the MOF catalyzes E. coli's exoelectrogenic activity, generating distinct charge capacitive signatures at the E. coli-MOF interface. This system integrates the capacitive signatures resulting from the EET process with the MOF's intrinsic pseudocapacitive properties and surface-controlled capacitive effects, functioning as a highly efficient biocapacitor. Furthermore, this approach of converting the biochemical energy of a non-exoelectrogenic microorganism into capacitive signatures opens a new pathway for translating biological signals into functional outputs, paving the way for autonomous biosensing platforms.},
}

@article {pmid39827948,
year = {2025},
author = {Chammakhi, C and Pacoud, M and Boscari, A and Berger, A and Mhadhbi, H and Gharbi, I and Brouquisse, R},
title = {Differential regulation of the "phytoglobin-nitric oxide respiration" in Medicago truncatula roots and nodules submitted to flooding.},
journal = {Plant science : an international journal of experimental plant biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {112393},
doi = {10.1016/j.plantsci.2025.112393},
pmid = {39827948},
issn = {1873-2259},
abstract = {Flooding induces hypoxia in plant tissues, impacting various physiological and biochemical processes. This study investigates the adaptive response of the roots and nitrogen-fixing nodules of Medicago truncatula in symbiosis with Sinorhizobium meliloti under short-term hypoxia caused by flooding. Four-week-old plants were subjected to flooding for 1 to 4 days. Physiological parameters as well as the expression of the senescence marker gene MtCP6 remained unchanged after 4 days of flooding, indicating no senescence onset. Hypoxia was evident from the first day, as indicated by the upregulation of hypoxia marker genes (MtADH, MtPDC, MtAlaAT, MtERF73). Nitrogen-fixing capacity was unaffected after 1 day but markedly decreased after 4 days, while energy state (ATP/ADP ratio) significantly decreased from 1 day and was more affected in nodules than in roots. Nitric oxide (NO) production increased in roots but decreased in nodules after prolonged flooding. Nitrate reductase (NR) activity and expression of genes associated with Phytoglobin-NO (Pgb-NO) respiration (MtNR1, MtNR2, MtPgb1.1) were upregulated, suggesting a role in maintaining energy metabolism under hypoxia, but the use of M. truncatula nr1 and nr2 mutants, impaired in nitrite production, indicated the involvement of these two genes in ATP regeneration during initial flooding response. The addition of sodium nitroprusside or tungstate revealed that Pgb-NO respiration contributes significantly to ATP regeneration in both roots and nodules under flooding. Altogether, these results highlight the importance of NR1 and Pgb1.1 in the hypoxic response of legume root systems and show that nodules are more sensitive than roots to hypoxia.},
}

@article {pmid39826554,
year = {2025},
author = {Kirsch, R and Okamura, Y and García-Lozano, M and Weiss, B and Keller, J and Vogel, H and Fukumori, K and Fukatsu, T and Konstantinov, AS and Montagna, M and Moseyko, AG and Riley, EG and Slipinski, A and Vencl, FV and Windsor, DM and Salem, H and Kaltenpoth, M and Pauchet, Y},
title = {Symbiosis and horizontal gene transfer promote herbivory in the megadiverse leaf beetles.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2024.12.028},
pmid = {39826554},
issn = {1879-0445},
abstract = {Beetles that feed on the nutritionally depauperate and recalcitrant tissues provided by the leaves, stems, and roots of living plants comprise one-quarter of herbivorous insect species. Among the key adaptations for herbivory are plant cell wall-degrading enzymes (PCWDEs) that break down the fastidious polymers in the cell wall and grant access to the nutritious cell content. While largely absent from the non-herbivorous ancestors of beetles, such PCWDEs were occasionally acquired via horizontal gene transfer (HGT) or by the uptake of digestive symbionts. However, the macroevolutionary dynamics of PCWDEs and their impact on evolutionary transitions in herbivorous insects remained poorly understood. Through genomic and transcriptomic analyses of 74 leaf beetle species and 50 symbionts, we show that multiple independent events of microbe-to-beetle HGT and specialized symbioses drove convergent evolutionary innovations in approximately 21,000 and 13,500 leaf beetle species, respectively. Enzymatic assays indicate that these events significantly expanded the beetles' digestive repertoires and thereby contributed to their adaptation and diversification. Our results exemplify how recurring HGT and symbiont acquisition catalyzed digestive and nutritional adaptations to herbivory and thereby contributed to the evolutionary success of a megadiverse insect taxon.},
}

@article {pmid39826408,
year = {2025},
author = {Xie, K and Chen, Y and Wang, X and Zhou, X and Cheng, Y and Yu, X and Wang, J and Sun, M and Li, Y and He, C},
title = {Physiological and multi-omics analysis revealed the mechanism of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi to cadmium toxicity in green onion.},
journal = {Ecotoxicology and environmental safety},
volume = {290},
number = {},
pages = {117754},
doi = {10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.117754},
pmid = {39826408},
issn = {1090-2414},
abstract = {Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic agricultural pollutant that inhibits the growth and development of plants. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can enhance plant tolerance to Cd, but the regulatory mechanisms in Allium fistulosum (green onion) are unclear. This study used a Cd treatment concentration of 1.5 mg·kg[-1], which corresponds to the risk control threshold for soil pollution in Chinese agricultural land, to examine the effects and molecular mechanisms of AMF inoculation on the growth and physiology of green onion under Cd stress. AMF formed an effective symbiotic relationship with green onion roots under Cd stress, increased plant biomass, improved root structure and enhanced root vitality. AMF-colonized green onion had reduced Cd content in roots and leaves by 63.00 % and 46.50 %, respectively, with Cd content being higher in the roots than in the leaves. The ameliorative effect of AMF on Cd toxicity was mainly due to a reduction in malondialdehyde content in leaves (30.12 %) and an enhancement of antioxidant enzyme activities (peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and reduced glutathione) that mitigated damage from excessive reactive oxygen species. In addition, AMF induced secretion of easily extractable glomalin soil protein and total glomalin-related soil protein and inhibited the translocation of Cd to the shoots. Transcriptomic and metabolomic correlation analyses revealed that differentially expressed genes and metabolites in AMF-inoculated green onion under Cd stress were predominantly enriched in the "phenylpropanoid biosynthesis" and "phenylalanine metabolism" pathways, upregulated the expression of the HCT, PRDX6, HPD, MIF, and HMA3 genes, and accumulation of the phenylalanine, L-tyrosine, and 1-O-sinapoyl-β-glucose metabolites. Thus, AMF enhance Cd tolerance in green onions by sequestering Cd in roots, restricting its translocation, modulating antioxidant defenses and inducing the expression of genes involved in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and phenylalanine metabolism pathways. Collectedly, we for the first time revealed the mechanism of AMF alleviating the toxicity of Cd to green onion, providing a theoretical foundation for the safe production and sustainable cultivation of green onion in Cd-contaminated soils.},
}

@article {pmid39825495,
year = {2025},
author = {Wall, CB and Kajihara, K and Rodriguez, FE and Vilonen, L and Yogi, D and Swift, SOI and Hynson, NA},
title = {Symbiotic fungi alter plant resource allocation independent of water availability.},
journal = {American journal of botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e16459},
doi = {10.1002/ajb2.16459},
pmid = {39825495},
issn = {1537-2197},
abstract = {PREMISE: The ability of plants to adapt or acclimate to climate change is inherently linked to their interactions with symbiotic microbes, notably fungi. However, it is unclear whether fungal symbionts from different climates have different impacts on the outcome of plant-fungal interactions, especially under environmental stress.

METHODS: We tested three provenances of fungal inoculum (originating from dry, moderate or wet environments) with one host plant genotype exposed to three soil moisture regimes (low, moderate and high). Inoculated and uninoculated plants were grown in controlled conditions for 151 days, then shoot and root biomass were weighed and fungal diversity and community composition determined via amplicon sequencing.

RESULTS: The source of inoculum and water regime elicited significant changes in plant resource allocation to shoots versus roots, but only specific inocula affected total plant biomass. Shoot biomass increased in the high water treatment but was negatively impacted by all inoculum treatments relative to the controls. The opposite was true for roots, where the low water treatment led to greater proportional root biomass, and plants inoculated with wet site fungi allocated significantly more resources to root growth than dry- or moderate-site inoculated plants and the controls. Fungal communities of shoots and roots partitioned by inoculum source, water treatment, and the interaction of the two.

CONCLUSIONS: The provenance of fungi can significantly affect total plant biomass and resource allocation above- and belowground, with fungi derived from more extreme environments eliciting the strongest plant responses.},
}

@article {pmid39824487,
year = {2025},
author = {Lind, N and Hansson, H and Emanuelson, U and Lagerkvist, CJ},
title = {Healthy Cows, Happy Farmers? Exploring the Dynamics of Mastitis and Farmer Well-Being.},
journal = {Journal of dairy science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3168/jds.2024-25506},
pmid = {39824487},
issn = {1525-3198},
abstract = {Clinical mastitis, a prevalent production disease in the dairy industry, causes significant pain and swelling in dairy cows' udders. While previous research highlights a symbiotic relationship between humans and animals, particularly in terms of health, this study investigates how animal health, specifically clinical mastitis, influences farmers' well-being. Acknowledging farmers' pivotal role in mitigating animal health problems, we examined the human-animal relationship by exploring how dairy cow health relates to the psychological well-being of dairy farmers. This was performed by investigating the connection between animal and farmer health and whether it is mediated by farmers' perceptions of mastitis as a production disease and their sense of control over the situation. For the current study, we combined and matched data from a large questionnaire study covering dairy farmer's well-being (n = 356) with data on dairy cow herd health. For statistical analyses we used the PROCESS macro for serial multiple mediator analysis, an analysis that allows for the estimation of the effect of multiple mediators in a causal chain. We found that farmers' well-being is indirectly related to animal health though their illness perception (P < 0.05) and perceived self-efficacy (P < 0.001), underscoring the importance of cultivating awareness and control over mastitis occurrences. For these estimations, we controlled for the effect of farm size, expected income from dairy production, marital status, and cohabitation status of the farmer, as well as age and gender. Our results indicate that maintaining healthy animals with minimal mastitis incidents, coupled with farmers' perceived self-efficacy, is positively related with farmer well-being.},
}

@article {pmid39824485,
year = {2025},
author = {McAllister, TA and Thomas, KD and Gruninger, RJ and Elshahed, M and Li, Y and Cheng, Y},
title = {INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON RUMINANT PHYSIOLOGY: Rumen fungi, archaea and their interactions.},
journal = {Journal of dairy science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3168/jds.2024-25713},
pmid = {39824485},
issn = {1525-3198},
abstract = {Anaerobic gut fungi (AGF) were the last phylum to be identified within the rumen microbiome and account for 7-9% of microbial biomass. They produce potent lignocellulases that degrade recalcitrant plant cell walls, and rhizoids that can penetrate the cuticle of plant cells, exposing internal components to other microbiota. Interspecies H2 transfer between AGF and rumen methanogenic archaea is an essential metabolic process in the rumen that occurs during the reduction of CO2 to CH4 by methanogens. This symbiotic relationship is bolstered by hydrogensomes, fungal organelles that generate H2 and formate. Interspecies H2 transfer prevents the accumulation of reducing equivalents that would otherwise impede fermentation. The extent to which hydrogenosomes serve as a conduit for H2 flow to methanogens is unknown, but it is likely greater with low quality forages. Strategies that alter the production of CH4 could also have implications for H2 transfer by anaerobic fungi. Understanding the factors that drive these interactions and H2 flow could provide insight into the effect of reducing CH4 production on the activity of ruminal fungi and the digestion of low-quality feeds.},
}

@article {pmid39824395,
year = {2025},
author = {Tong, Y and Chen, R and Lu, X and Chen, C and Sun, G and Yu, X and Lyu, S and Feng, M and Long, Y and Gong, L and Chen, L},
title = {A nanobody-enzyme fusion protein targeting PD-L1 and sialic acid exerts anti-tumor effects by C-type lectin pathway-mediated tumor associated macrophages repolarizing.},
journal = {International journal of biological macromolecules},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {139953},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.139953},
pmid = {39824395},
issn = {1879-0003},
abstract = {Aberrant sialylated glycosylation in the tumor microenvironment is a novel immune suppression pathway, which has garnered significant attention as a targetable glycoimmune checkpoint for cancer immunotherapy to address the dilemma of existing therapies. However, rational drug design and in-depth mechanistic studies are urgently required for tumor sialic acid to become valuable glycoimmune targets. In this study, we explored the positive correlation of PD-L1 and sialyltransferase expression in clinical colorectal cancer tissues and identified their mutual regulation effects in macrophages. Subsequently, we characterized a new sialidase with excellent properties from human oral symbiotic bacteria and then developed a novel nanobody-enzyme fusion protein, designated as Nb16-Sia, to concurrently target the PD-L1 and sialic acid. Results from syngeneic colon tumor models reveal superior efficacy of Nb16-Sia over monotherapy and combinations, which could remodel the tumor immune microenvironment. Mechanistically, Nb16-Sia, which could repolarize macrophages from the tumor-promoting M2 to anti-tumor M1 phenotype via the C-type lectin pathway, exerted its antitumor efficacy mainly by regulating tumor-associated macrophages. Our strategy of nanobody-enzyme fusion protein effectively enables the delivery of sialidase, allows the collaboration between anti-PD-L1 nanobody and sialidase in combating tumors, and holds considerable promise for further development.},
}

@article {pmid39824332,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, T and Yan, L and Qi, J and Su, R and Li, X and Sun, S and Song, Y and Wei, M and Zhang, D},
title = {Antibiotic resistance genes in the coastal atmosphere under varied weather conditions: distribution, influencing factors, and transmission mechanisms.},
journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {125695},
doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2025.125695},
pmid = {39824332},
issn = {1873-6424},
abstract = {Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have escalated to levels of concern worldwide as emerging environmental pollutants. Increasing evidence suggests that non-antibiotic antimicrobial substances expedite the spread of ARGs. However, the drivers and mechanisms involved in the generation and spread of ARGs in the atmosphere remain inadequately elucidated. Co-occurrence networks, mantel test analysis, and partial least squares path modeling were used to analyze the symbiotic relationships of ARGs with meteorological conditions, atmospheric pollutants, water-soluble inorganic ions, bacteria, mobile genetic elements (MGEs), antibacterial biocide and metal resistance genes, and to identify the direct drivers of ARGs. The types and abundance of ARGs exhibited different seasonal distribution. Specifically, the types exhibited a strong alignment with the diversity of air masses terrestrial sources, while the abundance displayed a significant positive correlation with both biocide resistance genes (BRGs) and metal resistance genes (MRGs). The contribution of bacterial communities and MGEs to the generation and spread of ARGs was constrained by the low levels of antibiotics in the atmosphere and the existence of "viral intermediates". Conversely, antibacterial biocides and metals influenced mutation rates, cellular SOS responses, and oxidative stress of bacteria, consequently facilitating the generation and spread of ARGs. Moreover, the co-selection among their derivatives, resistance genes, ensured a stable presence of ARGs. The research highlighted the significant impact of residual antimicrobial substances on both the generation and spread of ARGs. Elucidating the sources of aerosols and the co-selection mechanism linking with ARGs, BRGs, and MRGs were crucial for preserving the stability of ARGs in the atmosphere.},
}

@article {pmid39824320,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, S and Liang, D and Wang, Y and He, W and Feng, Y},
title = {Impact of carrier capacitance on Geobacter enrichment and direct interspecies electron transfer under anaerobic conditions.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {132079},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132079},
pmid = {39824320},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {Direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) enhances anaerobic digestion by facilitating electron exchange between electroactive bacteria and methanogenic archaea. While Geobacter species are recognized for donating electrons to methanogens via DIET, they are rarely detected in mixed microbial communities. This study examined various non-electrode biological carriers (zeolite, carbon cloth, activated carbon and biochar) to promote Geobacter cultivation under anaerobic conditions and identify pivotal factors influencing their symbiosis with methanogens. Capacitive materials, such as activated carbon and biochar, significantly enriched Geobacter populations and strengthened DIET-based mutualism with Methanosarcina, both in the presence and absence of electric fields Partial least-squares path modeling revealed that the porous structure and functional groups of materials positively and directly influenced the abundance of Geobacter and Methanosarcina. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of critical properties of capacitive materials for screening functional microorganisms and guiding the design of electroactive materials to augment anaerobic treatment processes.},
}

@article {pmid39823489,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, G and Juncang, T and Zhi, W},
title = {Composition and functional diversity of soil and water microbial communities in the rice-crab symbiosis system.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {1},
pages = {e0316815},
pmid = {39823489},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Oryza/microbiology ; *Soil Microbiology ; *Water Microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; Bacteria/genetics/classification/metabolism ; Microbiota ; Fungi/genetics/classification ; Biodiversity ; },
abstract = {Rice-crab co-culture is an environmentally friendly agricultural and aquaculture technology with high economic and ecological value. In order to clarify the structure and function of soil and water microbial communities in the rice-crab symbiosis system, the standard rice-crab field with a ring groove was used as the research object. High-throughput sequencing was performed with rice field water samples to analyze the species and abundance differences of soil bacteria and fungi. The results showed that the OTU richness and community diversity in soil were significantly higher than those in water, while there were significant differences in soil microbial diversity and OTU richness in water sediments. The dominant species at the bacterial phylum level were Amoebacteria, Cyanobacteria, Actinomycetes, Synechococcus and Greenbacteria, and at the genus level the dominant species were norank_f_norank_o_Chloroplast, unclassified_f_Rhodobacteraceae, LD29, Cyanobium_PCC-6307, and norank_f_MWH-UniP1_aquatic_group. The dominant species at the fungal phylum level are unclassified_k_Fungi, Ascomycota, Rozellomycota, Phaeomycota and Stenotrophomonas, and at the genus level the dominant species are unclassified_k_Fungi, unclassified_p_Rozellomycota, Metschnikowia, Cladosporium, unclassified_p_Chytridiomycota. The dominant phylum may rely on mechanisms such as organic matter catabolism, secretion of secondary metabolites and phototrophic autotrophy, as predicted by functional gene analysis. The main functional genes are related to metabolic functions, including secondary product metabolism, energy metabolism, and amino acid metabolism.},
}

*Oryza/microbiology
*Soil Microbiology
*Water Microbiology
*Symbiosis
Bacteria/genetics/classification/metabolism
Microbiota
Fungi/genetics/classification
Biodiversity