@article {pmid40561903,
year = {2025},
author = {Guillier, C and Giraudo, M and Clergeaud, F and Thorel, E and Chapron, L and Marcon, L and Lebaron, P and Houël, E and Stien, D},
title = {Mineral UV filters and their effects on Pocillopora damicornis metabolome.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {991},
number = {},
pages = {179961},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179961},
pmid = {40561903},
issn = {1879-1026},
abstract = {The rising use of sunscreens and cosmetics containing ultraviolet (UV) filters has increased their presence in marine ecosystems. UV filters encompass a wide range of organic and mineral compounds with diverse behaviors and properties in aquatic environments. The mineral filters titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) are commonly found in cosmetic products as particles or nanoparticles (NPs) and are increasingly used as alternatives to organic UV filters. In this study, the effects of a coated form of TiO2 (Solaveil™ XTP1, 60 nm, hydrophobic) and uncoated ZnO particles from two different sizes (Zano®10 and Zano®M, 60 and 250 nm, hydrophilic) were assessed on the symbiotic tropical coral Pocillopora damicornis using an untargeted metabolomic approach. Corals were exposed for seven days to environmentally relevant particle concentrations (5 to 1000 μg.L[-1]), and their metabolomes were analyzed using UHPLC-HRMS/MS. While TiO2 exposure did not induce significant metabolomic changes, both sizes of ZnO particles caused shifts in the metabolome of the coral's symbiotic dinoflagellates, leading to a noticeable decrease in the relative concentrations of symbiont lipids and pigments. A size-dependent toxicity of ZnO was observed: ZnO NPs triggered signs of bleaching at concentrations as low as 300 μg.L[-1], whereas larger ZnO particles exhibited only mild effects at the highest concentration tested (1000 μg.L[-1]). This underscores the critical role of particle size in determining toxicity. This research highlights the contrasting effects of different mineral UV filters on symbiotic corals and aims to inform cosmetic companies in selecting mineral filters that minimize harmful impacts on coral reefs.},
}

@article {pmid40561607,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, X and Wang, Q and Wang, Y and Shen, S and Ge, Y and Pan, K and Guo, X and Lei, Y and Gao, Y},
title = {Strategy for nitrogen fertilizer substitution: Co-composting of agricultural waste to regulate vegetable quality and rhizosphere microorganisms.},
journal = {Ecotoxicology and environmental safety},
volume = {302},
number = {},
pages = {118573},
doi = {10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118573},
pmid = {40561607},
issn = {1090-2414},
abstract = {Agricultural waste compost is being used as an alternative to traditional chemical fertilizers as an effective way to achieve sustainable agricultural development. In this study, a mixed compost derived from human faeces, livestock manure, and crop residues was used as a proportional replacement for traditional chemical fertilizers, and the mechanisms of its effects on pakchoi quality and soil rhizosphere microorganisms were systematically explored. The results showed that co-composting of agricultural waste effectively reduced the required amount of nitrogen fertilizer, with the combination of 40 % mixed compost + 60 % chemical fertilizer application (T60) yielding the highest pakchoi biomass and quality, notably increasing the fresh weight by 138.91 % and reaching a peak vitamin C content of 13.80 mg·100 g[-1]. In addition, the application of compost as a chemical fertilizer substitute changed the composition of the soil microbial community, with a greater impact on bacteria than fungi. Composting could improve the growth and quality indices of pakchoi by increasing rhizobacterial alpha diversity. Proteobacteria and Ascomycota are important microbial families that affect the growth and quality indicators of pakchoi, respectively. Functional analysis showed that the compost mainly regulated the growth and quality of pakchoi by upregulating the relative abundance of functional genes related to carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism, and exogenous biodegradation and metabolism, as well as by increasing the abundance of symbiotic and saprotrophic fungi while decreasing that of pathotrophic fungi. This research can provide a foundation and theoretical support for the resource utilization of agricultural waste and the reduction of traditional chemical fertilizers.},
}

@article {pmid40560611,
year = {2025},
author = {Kochanowsky, JA and Betts, EL and Encinas, G and Amoah, J and Johnson, PJ},
title = {Trichomonas vaginalis extracellular vesicles suppress IFNε-mediated responses driven by its intracellular bacterial symbiont Mycoplasma hominis.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {122},
number = {26},
pages = {e2508297122},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2508297122},
pmid = {40560611},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {R01AI103182//HHS | NIH | National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)/ ; R01AI148475//HHS | NIH | National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)/ ; T32AI007323//HHS | NIH | National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)/ ; F32AI186416//HHS | NIH | National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)/ ; DBI-2149582//NSF (NSF)/ ; },
mesh = {*Trichomonas vaginalis/immunology ; *Extracellular Vesicles/immunology/metabolism/microbiology ; *Mycoplasma hominis/immunology/physiology ; Humans ; *Symbiosis/immunology ; Female ; Immunity, Innate ; *Mycoplasma Infections/immunology/microbiology ; Animals ; },
abstract = {Trichomonas vaginalis is a common, extracellular, sexually transmitted parasite which is often found in symbiosis with the intracellular bacterium Mycoplasma hominis (Mh), an opportunistic pathogen of the female reproductive tract. How this symbiosis affects infection outcomes and the host cell innate immune response is poorly understood. Here, we show that infection with T. vaginalis in symbiosis with M. hominis or M. hominis alone triggers a noncanonical type I interferon, interferon-epsilon (IFNε), but infection with T. vaginalis alone does not. We also demonstrate that extracellular vesicles (TvEVs) produced by the parasite downregulate host cell IFNε, counteracting this symbiont-driven response and elevating infection. We further demonstrate that IFNε, a hormonally regulated cytokine produced in the human reproductive system, is protective against T. vaginalis cytoadherence and cytolysis of host cells. These studies provide insight into how a parasite and its bacterial symbiont work in concert to regulate host cell innate immune responses to drive infection.},
}

*Trichomonas vaginalis/immunology
*Extracellular Vesicles/immunology/metabolism/microbiology
*Mycoplasma hominis/immunology/physiology
Humans
*Symbiosis/immunology
Female
Immunity, Innate
*Mycoplasma Infections/immunology/microbiology
Animals

@article {pmid40559515,
year = {2025},
author = {Brar, AK and Bilodeau, KM and Trickey, DJ and Mackey, CS and Redfern, BL and Fisher, GT and Simms, EL and Jones, KM},
title = {Non-Nitrogen-Fixing Sinorhizobium meliloti Can Escape Sanctions in Indeterminate Alfalfa Nodules, Exhibiting Parasitic Growth.},
journal = {Molecular plant-microbe interactions : MPMI},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1094/MPMI-06-25-0074-R},
pmid = {40559515},
issn = {0894-0282},
abstract = {The soil bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti can proliferate by leveraging its nitrogen-fixing symbiosis with legumes that form indeterminate root nodules, such as Medicago sativa (alfalfa) and M. truncatula. In contrast to determinate-nodulating legumes, e.g. Glycine max (soybean) and Lotus japonicus, indeterminate-nodulating legumes impose terminal differentiation on nitrogen-fixing (N2-fixing) rhizobia. Thus, the bacterial population is split between those that benefit the plant by N2 fixation, but are a reproductive dead end, and those that are undifferentiated, capable of resuming free-living growth, but not fixing nitrogen. We show that, in mixed nodules colonized by nearly-isogenic strains, with one N2-fixing and one unable to fix N2 (Fix-), alfalfa do not preferentially penalize the Fix- strain, allowing 'cheating' at the expense of the plant and the N2-fixer. Thus, a Fix- strain that successfully co-nodulates with a N2-fixing strain can benefit from resources the host provides to the nodule in response to N2 fixed by the co-nodulating strain. Co-invasion of alfalfa nodules with a N2-fixing strain may be a successful strategy for a Fix- strain to cheat both the plant that provides fixed carbon and the N2-fixing strain.},
}

@article {pmid40559314,
year = {2025},
author = {Ukwattage, NL and Zhiyong, Z},
title = {Impacts of Cerium Dioxide Nanoparticles on the Soil-Plant System and Their Potential Agricultural Applications.},
journal = {Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {40559314},
issn = {2079-4991},
abstract = {Cerium dioxide nanoparticles (CeO2-NPs) are increasingly used in various industrial applications, leading to their inevitable release into the environment including the soil ecosystem. In soil, CeO2-NPs are taken up by plants, translocated, and accumulated in plant tissues. Within plant tissues, CeO2-NPs have been shown to interfere with critical metabolic pathways, which may affect plant health and productivity. Moreover, their presence in soil can influence soil physico-chemical and biological properties, including microbial communities within the rhizosphere, where they can alter microbial physiology, diversity, and enzymatic activities. These interactions raise concerns about the potential disruption of plant-microbe symbiosis essential for plant nutrition and soil health. Despite these challenges, CeO2-NPs hold potential as tools for enhancing crop productivity and resilience to stress, such as drought or heavy metal contamination. However, understanding the balance between their beneficial and harmful effects is crucial for their safe application in agriculture. To date, the overall impact of CeO2-NPs on soil -plant system and the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, this review analyses the recent research findings to provide a comprehensive understanding of the fate of CeO2-NPs in soil-plant systems and the implications for soil health, plant growth, and agricultural productivity. As the current research is limited by inconsistent findings, often due to variations in experimental conditions, it is essential to study CeO2-NPs under more ecologically relevant settings. This review further emphasizes the need for future research to assess the long-term environmental impacts of CeO2-NPs in soil-plant systems and to develop guidelines for their responsible use in sustainable agriculture.},
}

@article {pmid40559074,
year = {2025},
author = {Joseph, RA and Tirmizi, E and Masoudi, A and Keyhani, NO},
title = {Cell Structure of the Preoral Mycangia of Xyleborus (Coleoptera: Curculiondiae) Ambrosia Beetles.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {40559074},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {IOS-2418026//National Science Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {Ambrosia beetles have evolved specialized structures termed "mycangia", which house and transport symbiotic microbes. Microbial partners include at least one obligate mutualistic filamentous fungus used as food for larvae and adults, and potentially secondary filamentous fungi, yeasts, and bacteria. Beetles in the genus Xyleborus possess paired pre-oral mycangial structures located within the head on either side of the mouth parts. Mycangia develop in pupae, with newly emerged adults acquiring partners from the environment. However, information concerning the cellular structure and function of Xyleborus mycangia remains limited. We show that in X. affinis, mycangia are lined with a layer of striated dense material, enclosing layers of insect epithelial cells, with diverse spine-like structures. Larger (5-10 μm) projections were concentrated within and near the entrance of mycangia, with smaller filaments (4-8 μm) within the mycangia itself. Rows of "eyelash" structures lined the inside of mycangia, with fungal cells free-floating or in close association with these projections. Serial sections revealed mandibular articulations, and mandibular, pharyngeal, and labial muscles, along with the mycangial entry/exit channel. Sheets of comb-like spines at the mycangial entrance and opposite the mycangia attached to the roof of the labrum or epipharynx may serve as an interlocking mechanism for opening/closing the mycangia and guiding fungal cells into entry/exit channels. Additionally, mandibular fibra (muscle tissue) potentially enervating and affecting the mechanism of mycangial functioning were noted. These data add crucial mechanistic detail to the model of pre-oral mycangia in Xyleborus beetles, their cellular structures, and how they house and dispense microbial symbionts.},
}

@article {pmid40559044,
year = {2025},
author = {Castrejón-Antonio, JE and Tamez-Guerra, P},
title = {Overview and Recent Advances in Bioassays to Evaluate the Potential of Entomopathogenic Fungi Against Ambrosia Beetles.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {40559044},
issn = {2075-4450},
abstract = {Ambrosia beetles, known for their symbiotic relationship with fungi cultivated within the tissues of host trees, have become significant pests, particularly when they serve as vectors for pathogenic fungi such as Raffaelea lauricola. Given the regulatory and environmental constraints for chemical application as a tool for their control, entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) represent a promising pest management alternative. This review presents an overview of bioassays assessing the pathogenicity and virulence of EPF against ambrosia beetles. Most studies have been performed in vivo (artificial diet) under laboratory conditions, focusing on exotic species and testing EPF genera such as Beauveria, Metarhizium, Isaria, and Purpureocillium. However, variations in inoculation methods, environmental conditions, and fungal formulations, have led to diverse results. In addition, the complex biology of these insects, particularly their dependence on symbiotic fungi, represents significant methodological challenges. Field trials (in situ bioassays) are still scarce, and there is a need to move toward standardized protocols and more objective experimental models that consider not only insects' behavior but also ecological factors. Bridging this gap is essential for successfully implementing EPF-based strategies to assess ambrosia beetles' biocontrol.},
}

@article {pmid40559041,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, M and Cao, X and Xu, L and Lin, L and Wu, X and Fan, S and Zhang, X and Zhou, F},
title = {Laboratory Test Indirectly Reveals the Unreliability of RNA-Dependent 16S rRNA Amplicon Sequences in Detecting the Gut Bacterial Diversity of Delia antiqua.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {40559041},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {32272530//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2024KJI002//Young Innovation Team Project of Higher Education in Shandong Province/ ; SDAIT-31-04//Shandong Province Key Agricultural Project for Application Technology Innovation/ ; 2024ZDZX10//QLU Major innovation projects of education-industry integration pilot/ ; },
abstract = {In insect-microbe symbiosis, understanding the diversity of associated bacteria is crucial. DNA-dependent sequence methods are widely used to assess microbial diversity in insects, but they cannot distinguish between live and dead microbes. In contrast, RNA-dependent sequencing can identify alive bacterial communities, making them more suitable for evaluating alive microbiota diversity. However, its practical reliability in insect-microbe symbiosis remains poorly validated. This study investigated larval gut bacteria diversity of Delia antiqua, a major pest of Liliaceae crops, by employing both DNA- and RNA-dependent 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. The reliability of both sequencing methods was evaluated by comparing the effects of synthetic communities (SynComs, constructed according to DNA- or RNA-dependent sequencing) and bacterial communities from wild larvae on axenic larvae. Results revealed significant differences in bacterial community between DNA- and RNA-dependent sequence samples. Compared to bacterial communities from wild larvae, the SynCom constructed based on RNA-dependent sequencing exhibited inhibition effects on D. antiqua larvae survival and body weight, while DNA-dependent SynCom did not, suggesting that DNA-dependent methods were superior for assessing symbiotic microbiota in D. antiqua. This work will provide insights into microbial diversity detection in D. antiqua and offer a framework for other insect-microbe studies.},
}

@article {pmid40559014,
year = {2025},
author = {Jia, J and Liang, M and Zhao, Z and Huang, W and Feng, Q and Lin, Z and Ji, X},
title = {Effects of Periodic Short-Term Heat Stress on Biological Characteristics and Gut Bacteria of Spodoptera frugiperda.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {40559014},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {FW20230002//This work was supported by the technical innovation project of the provincial scientific research institute of the Hainan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China/ ; },
abstract = {In this study, the migratory agricultural pest Spodoptera frugiperda was exposed to three periodic short-term heat stress regimes at 37 °C, 40 °C, and 43 °C (2 h daily), with a constant 26 °C control. We systematically evaluated the effects of periodic thermal stress on developmental traits across all life stages. Combined with 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing, we analyzed the structural and functional characteristics of the gut bacterial community in adults under heat stress. The results demonstrated that 37 °C exposure accelerated egg-to-adult development, whereas 43 °C markedly extended it. Additionally, 43 °C heat stress suppressed pupation and eclosion rates. Increasing stress temperatures were negatively correlated with pupal weight and body size in both sexes. Notably, 43 °C heat stress caused complete loss of hatching ability in offspring eggs, thereby rendering population reproduction unattainable. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that Proteobacteria (>90%) dominated the gut bacterial community at the phylum level across all treatments. Under 43 °C heat stress, although female and male adults exhibited an increase in specific bacterial species within their gut bacteria, Alpha diversity analysis revealed no significant differences in the diversity (Shannon index) and richness (Chao index) of gut bacterial communities between sexes under temperature treatments. PICRUSt2 functional prediction indicated that metabolic pathways, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, and microbial metabolism in diverse environments constituted the dominant functions of gut bacteria in both sexes, while heat stress exerted minimal effects on the functional profiles of gut bacteria in S. frugiperda. These findings not only provide a theoretical basis for predicting summer population dynamics and formulating ecological control strategies for S. frugiperda but also offer critical insights into the adaptive interactions between this pest and its gut bacterial community under heat stress. The results lay a foundation for further exploring the interactions between insect environmental adaptability and bacterial symbiosis.},
}

@article {pmid40558966,
year = {2025},
author = {Xue, Y and Wang, Y and Shi, J and Wei, J and Wang, Q and Song, W},
title = {Plant Functional Traits and Soil Nutrients Drive Divergent Symbiotic Fungal Strategies in Three Urban Street Tree Species.},
journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {11},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {40558966},
issn = {2309-608X},
support = {32301442//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Understanding species-specific mechanisms governing symbiotic fungal responses to plant traits and soil factors is critical for optimizing urban tree "plant-soil-fungus" systems under pollution stress. To address this gap, we combined δ[13]C/δ[15]N isotope analysis and ITS sequencing for three common street trees in Beijing: Sophora japonica, Ginkgo biloba, and Populus tomentosa. In S. japonica, symbiotic fungal abundance was positively associated with leaf δ[15]N, indicating root exudate-mediated "plant-microbe" interactions during atmospheric NOx assimilation. G. biloba, with weak NOx assimilation, exhibited a negative correlation between fungal abundance and soil available N/P, suggesting mycorrhizal nutrient compensation under low fertility. P. tomentosa showed decreased fungal abundance with increasing soil N/P ratios and specific leaf area, reflecting carbon allocation trade-offs that limit mycorrhizal investment. These results demonstrate that symbiotic fungi respond to atmospheric and edaphic drivers in a tree species-dependent manner. Urban greening strategies should prioritize S. japonica for its NOx mitigation potential and optimize fertilization for G. biloba (nutrient-sensitive fungi) and P. tomentosa (nutrient balance sensitivity). Strategic mixed planting of P. tomentosa with S. japonica could synergistically enhance ecosystem services through complementary resource acquisition patterns. This study provides mechanism-based strategies for optimizing urban tree management under atmospheric pollution stress.},
}

@article {pmid40558568,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, Y and Yang, L and Yang, Y and Deng, H and Su, S and Xia, Y and Su, J and Liu, Y and Wu, J and Zhang, J and Liao, Y and Wang, L},
title = {Bacteroides Fragilis-Derived Outer Membrane Vesicles Deliver MiR-5119 and Alleviate Colitis by Targeting PD-L1 to Inhibit GSDMD-Mediated Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Formation.},
journal = {Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e00781},
doi = {10.1002/advs.202500781},
pmid = {40558568},
issn = {2198-3844},
support = {2023A04J0559//Science and Technology Plan Project of Guangzhou/ ; SL2023A04J0252//Guangzhou Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation/ ; GZC20230601//Postdoctoral Fellowship Program of China Postdoctoral Science Foundation/ ; 2023ZDZX2048//Department of Education of Guangdong Province/ ; 81902081//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2020A1515011573 2023A1515220167//Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province/ ; 2024A03J0791//Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Science and Technology Fund/ ; 2022KQNCX061//Youth Innovation Talent Project of Ordinary university in Guangdong Province/ ; },
abstract = {Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) results from a breakdown in the symbiotic relationship between the intestinal commensal microflora and the mucosal immune system. Non-toxigenic Bacteroides fragilis, a common human colon symbiote, has been shown to alleviate colitis. However, the underlying mechanisms of this alleviation remain incompletely understood. Herein, it is demonstrated that promoting the secretion of B. fragilis outer membrane vesicles (Bf[OMVs+]) enhances its ability to alleviate dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis, while inhibiting B. fragilis OMV secretion (Bf[OMVs-]) reduces this effect. Bf[OMVs+] alleviates colitis by inhibiting neutrophil recruitment and neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation. Further, B. fragilis OMVs (Bf-OMVs) are isolated and extracted, then administered them intraperitoneally to DSS-induced colitis mice, observing that Bf-OMVs can target intestinal tissues, the spleen, and bone marrow, and they are internalized by neutrophils to inhibit NET formation, thereby alleviating colitis. The expression profile of miRNAs in Bf-OMVs is assessed, revealing that Bf-OMVs are enriched with mmu-miR-like sRNA, miR-5119, which targets and inhibits PD-L1, leading to the suppression of GSDMD-mediated NET release and promoting the proliferation of intestinal stem cells (ISCs), culminating in the alleviation of colitis. These findings provide new insights into the role of B. fragilis OMVs in the pathogenesis and treatment of IBD.},
}

@article {pmid40556900,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, Q and Wang, X and Cheng, P and Huo, S and Liu, C and Yu, Z},
title = {Editorial: Recent advances in agricultural waste recycling by microorganisms and their symbiosis.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1631828},
doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2025.1631828},
pmid = {40556900},
issn = {1664-302X},
}

@article {pmid40556894,
year = {2025},
author = {Cruz, LF and Menocal, O and Dunlap, C and Cooperband, MF and Cloonan, KR and Tabanca, N and Carrillo, D},
title = {Insights on the symbiotic associations of the tea shot hole borer (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1589710},
pmid = {40556894},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The tea shot hole borer (TSHB), Euwallacea perbrevis (Schedl 1951) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is an invasive ambrosia beetle that carries multiple symbiotic fungi and vectors Fusarium spp. to avocado (Persea americana Mill.). This study investigated the role of six fungal species (Fusarium sp. FL-1, Fusarium sp. AF-8, Fusarium sp. AF-6, Graphium sp., Acremonium sp., and Acremonium murorum) as nutritional symbionts of TSHB, and the role of Fusarium species in plant pathogenicity.

METHODS: Four experimental approaches were used: (1) testing each of the six symbionts as a food source for TSHB larvae, (2) examining the stability of symbiotic associations by rearing TSHB on substrates previously colonized by individual fungi, (3) establishing TSHB colonies with single Fusarium symbionts (Mono-Fusarium Lines, MFL), (4) testing disease development in avocado trees infested with MFL.

RESULTS: Fusarium sp. FL-1 and Fusarium sp. AF-8 supported the highest percentage of larval development among the tested fungi. These two fungi persisted in the mycangia of beetles reared on a substrate pre-inoculated with other symbionts. In addition, both fungal species caused the largest lesions in avocado branches. TSHB feeding on the other tested symbionts (Fusarium sp. AF-6, Graphium sp., Acremonium sp. or Acremonium murorum) resulted in poor larval development and/or overall reduced reproduction compared to feeding upon Fusarium sp. FL-1 and AF-8 and the symbiont blend (control).

DISCUSSION: These findings demonstrate the dual role of Fusarium sp. FL-1 and AF-8 as nutritional symbionts of TSHB and as key drivers of pathogenicity in avocado.},
}

@article {pmid40556499,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, Y and Jin, X and Zhao, Z},
title = {Distribution and Evolutionary Trajectories of β-Lactamases in Vibrio: Genomic Insights from CARB-Type Enzymes in the Harveyi and Cholerae Clades.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/gbe/evaf128},
pmid = {40556499},
issn = {1759-6653},
abstract = {Antibiotic resistance mediated by β-lactamases (BLs), encoded by bla genes, is a significant global health threat, necessitating systematic studies of their diversity and evolution, particularly among pathogenic bacteria lineages. Leveraging over 6,000 quality-filtered Vibrio genomes alongside six newly sequenced marine symbiotic strains representing 128 nominal and 57 unclassified Vibrio species, our study extends taxonomic breadth and resolution for investigating BL diversity. We identified 4,431 BLs across 41 species, encompassing all four Ambler Classes (A∼D). Among these, CARBenicillin-hydrolyzing Class A BLs (CARBs encoded by blaCARB family) were the most prevalent (60.7%) and exhibited a clade-centric distribution particularly in Harveyi clade and V. cholerae, underscoring influence of specific ecological and evolutionary pressures. We refined CARB classification into two subfamilies: CARB-17-like (blaCARB-17-like) confined to Harveyi clade, and CARB-1-like (blaCARB-1-like) found exclusively outside Harveyi clade, based on phylogenetic placement, sequence similarity, and inheritance patterns, providing a clearer framework for delineating their functional and phylogenetic nuances. Notably, blaCARB-17-like genes in non-pathogenic Harveyi Subclade II showed significantly relaxed selection, accompanied by unusual mutations within key conserved motifs especially catalytic serine residues, suggesting evolutionary drift that may compromise canonical enzymatic activity. Furthermore, blaCARB-17-like genes, present as a single copy, emerged as a core gene in Harveyi clade, showing promise as a diagnostic marker for clinically significant Harveyi clade species, despite limited yet significant interspecies genetic exchanges mediated by recombination or mobile genetic elements. Our study advances the understanding of BL evolution and genomic distribution in Vibrio, with broad implications for diagnostic applications and resistance management strategies.},
}

@article {pmid40556045,
year = {2025},
author = {Jia, J and Lu, Y and Li, Y and Li, Y and Li, L and Zhang, H},
title = {Functional Characterization of Acer Truncatum PHT1 Family Phosphate Transporter Genes and Their Involvement in Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis.},
journal = {Physiologia plantarum},
volume = {177},
number = {4},
pages = {e70346},
doi = {10.1111/ppl.70346},
pmid = {40556045},
issn = {1399-3054},
support = {C2021204002//Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province/ ; 42277027; 31700530//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology ; *Phosphate Transport Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; *Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; *Acer/genetics/microbiology/metabolism ; Phosphorus/metabolism ; Nicotiana/genetics ; Plant Roots/microbiology/genetics/metabolism ; Fungi ; },
abstract = {Acer truncatum Bunge, an economically significant species, is often growth-limited by phosphorus availability. Phosphate transporters, especially the PHT1 family, are crucial for plant phosphorus absorption, transport, and redistribution. This study aimed to elucidate the role of Acer truncatum PHT1 genes in phosphorus transport. We cloned five PHT1 family genes (AtPT1, AtPT2, AtPT4, AtPT9, and AtPT11) and investigated their expression and function under varying phosphorus regimes in the context of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis with Rhizophagus irregularis. Real-time quantitative PCR revealed differential gene expression patterns in response to AM colonization and phosphorus levels. Functional characterization through yeast complementation, tobacco overexpression, subcellular localization, and GUS reporter gene assays confirmed the plasma membrane localization and typical PHT1 family traits of these transporters. AM colonization upregulated AtPT4 and AtPT11, with AtPT11 having a specific induction pattern for mycorrhizal phosphorus acquisition. AtPT4 was linked to phosphorus uptake via mycorrhizal symbiosis, AtPT1 is involved in phosphorus remobilization within plant tissues, AtPT2 in phosphorus transport and remobilization (suppressed by AM colonization), and AtPT9 in phosphorus uptake and transport efficiency under high-phosphorus conditions. These findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying phosphorus homeostasis in Acer truncatum and its mycorrhizal interactions.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology
*Phosphate Transport Proteins/genetics/metabolism
*Symbiosis/genetics
*Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
*Acer/genetics/microbiology/metabolism
Phosphorus/metabolism
Nicotiana/genetics
Plant Roots/microbiology/genetics/metabolism
Fungi

@article {pmid40555950,
year = {2025},
author = {Liang, Z and Zhao, Y and Ji, H and Li, Z},
title = {Algae-bacteria symbiotic biofilm system for low carbon nitrogen removal from municipal wastewater: A review.},
journal = {World journal of microbiology & biotechnology},
volume = {41},
number = {7},
pages = {218},
pmid = {40555950},
issn = {1573-0972},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Wastewater/microbiology/chemistry ; *Nitrogen/metabolism ; *Symbiosis ; *Carbon/metabolism ; Water Purification/methods ; *Microalgae/physiology/metabolism/growth & development ; *Bacteria/metabolism/growth & development ; Denitrification ; Sewage/microbiology ; Biodegradation, Environmental ; },
abstract = {The treatment of municipal wastewater has become a significant challenge due to its intricate composition and low carbon-to-nitrogen ratio. In order to meet the discharge standards, a large amount of energy is consumed. In this context, the incorporation of microalgae into the conventional activated sludge process has become a promising strategy for low-carbon denitrification. This study aims to integrate research on algal-bacterial symbiotic systems with biofilm technology to enhance energy-efficient nitrogen removal in municipal wastewater treatment. Through comprehensive analysis, this paper elucidates (1) the developmental dynamics of algal-bacterial symbioses, (2) the process of combining algal-bacterial symbiotic systems with biofilm systems, (3) the fundamentals and operational determinants of algal-bacterial symbiotic membrane systems, and (4) the potential applications in sustainable water treatment. The proposed hybrid system demonstrates significant potential for carbon-neutral wastewater treatment through synergistic pollutant degradation, offering an innovative approach to address critical challenges in environmental sustainability and water resource management.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Wastewater/microbiology/chemistry
*Nitrogen/metabolism
*Symbiosis
*Carbon/metabolism
Water Purification/methods
*Microalgae/physiology/metabolism/growth & development
*Bacteria/metabolism/growth & development
Denitrification
Sewage/microbiology
Biodegradation, Environmental

@article {pmid40555346,
year = {2025},
author = {Rooy, PV and Wu, CJ and Liu, C and Wang, Y},
title = {Insect gut-dwelling fungus Zancudomyces culisetae: A hidden player in mosquito development.},
journal = {Journal of insect physiology},
volume = {164},
number = {},
pages = {104842},
doi = {10.1016/j.jinsphys.2025.104842},
pmid = {40555346},
issn = {1879-1611},
abstract = {Mosquitoes and their gut-dwelling fungi have been documented worldwide, yet their relationships remain poorly understood. Harpellales fungi (Kickxellomycotina, Zoopagomycota) have traditionally been considered commensals, but recent studies suggest they may exhibit parasitic or mutualistic characteristics under certain conditions. In this study, we explored these interactions using two well-established laboratory models: Aedes aegypti and Zancudomyces culisetae. Specifically, we investigated the impact of the gut-dwelling fungus Z. culisetae on A. aegypti larval development by measuring body size and development time under different nutritional conditions, with or without the fungus in the hindgut. Significant differences in body size and development time were observed during larval development in the presence of the gut fungus compared to the control group. Larvae colonized by the fungus exhibited larger body sizes and accelerated development. These effects were consistent under both nutrient-rich and nutrient-deficient conditions, underscoring the symbiotic roles of the gut-dwelling fungus. Interestingly, our results also revealed that even dead fungal spores enhanced mosquito larval development, suggesting previously unrecognized beneficial mechanisms associated with the fungal tissue. Transmission electron microscopy provided additional evidence of mosquito-fungus interactions, showing electron-dense particles within mosquito cells at sites of close contact with fungal cells, although further investigation is required to confirm their identity. Collectively, our findings challenge the traditional view of insect relationships with gut-dwelling fungi, providing evidence for a potential shift from commensalism to mutualism.},
}

@article {pmid40554681,
year = {2025},
author = {Jalal, RS and Aloufi, AS and Al-Andal, A and Alotaibi, NM and Abuauf, HW and Alshehrei, FM and Refai, MY and Alshareef, SA and Alnahari, AA and Sefrji, FO and Almutrafy, AM and Abulfaraj, AA},
title = {Enriched enzymes and crosstalking KEGG pathways in the rhizospheric soil fungiome of the wild plant Moringa oleifera.},
journal = {Functional plant biology : FPB},
volume = {52},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1071/FP24297},
pmid = {40554681},
issn = {1445-4416},
mesh = {*Moringa oleifera/microbiology/enzymology ; *Soil Microbiology ; *Rhizosphere ; *Mycobiome ; *Fungi/enzymology/genetics ; },
abstract = {We aimed to identify the genes encoding predominant KEGG enzymes within the rhizospheric soil fungiome of Moringa oleifera . We also aimed to uncover how the rhizospheric fungiome drives intricate biochemical networks that bolster soil health, plant vitality, nutrient cycling, metabolic efficiency and resilience to environmental stress. These findings offer valuable insights that could enhance the efficacy of innovative agricultural practices. Previous research has focused on the role of soil microbiomes, including both bacteriomes and fungiomes, in the ecological dynamics of native and cultivated plants. The rhizospheric fungiome plays a critical role in plant health by suppressing pathogens, decomposing plant residues and facilitating nutrient assimilation in various environmental conditions. Fungal taxa from the phylum Mucoromycota, including Rhizophagus , Mucor ambiguus , Phycomyces blakesleeanus , Mortierella elongata , Absidia glauca , Mucor circinelloides and the taxon Basidiobolus meristosporus from Zoopagomycota, were identified as primary hosts of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG)-enriched enzymes in the rhizospheric soil of M. oleifera . These enzymes participate in crosstalk pathways within KEGG categories such as 'Metabolism', 'Genetic Information Processing', and 'Environmental Information Processing'. These fungal enzymes contribute to the biosynthesis of critical metabolites, including carbamoyl-P, lipoyllysine, acetyl-CoA, isoleucine, valine and nucleotides (dADP, dGDP, dCDP, dUDP) that are essential for cellular functions such as DNA repair, replication and transcription. The symbiotic relationship between these enzymes and plant roots regulates nitrogen levels in the rhizosphere and supports mitochondrial stability. Metabolites also aid in cellular development, membrane metabolism, plant signal transduction and energy metabolism, including fueling the citric acid cycle. Our findings highlight the potential of crosstalking pathways in the rhizospheric fungiome of M. oleifera to enhance energy metabolism and maintain plant cell integrity. We propose that this research can serve as a foundation for advancing sustainable agricultural practices.},
}

*Moringa oleifera/microbiology/enzymology
*Soil Microbiology
*Rhizosphere
*Mycobiome
*Fungi/enzymology/genetics

@article {pmid40552053,
year = {2025},
author = {Menéndez, E and Brígido, C},
title = {Editorial: Deciphering the root nodule microbiome: implications for legume fitness and stress resilience.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1634838},
pmid = {40552053},
issn = {1664-302X},
}

@article {pmid40551765,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhu, J and Giri, K and Lin, Z and Cogan, NO and Jacobs, JL and Smith, KF},
title = {Estimation of ryegrass (Lolium) dry matter yield using genomic prediction considering genotype by environment interaction across south-eastern Australia.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1579376},
pmid = {40551765},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Genomic Prediction (GP) considering Genotype by Environment (G×E) interactions was, for the first time, used to assess the environment-specific seasonal performance and genetic potential of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) in a regional evaluation system across southeastern Australia. The study analysed the Dry Matter Yield (DMY) of 72 base cultivars and endophyte symbiotic effects using multi-harvest, multi-site trial data, and genomic data in a best linear unbiased prediction framework. Spatial analysis corrected for field heterogeneities, while Leave-One-Out Cross Validation assessed predictive ability. Results identified two distinct mega-environments: mainland Australia (AUM) and Tasmania (TAS), with cultivars showing environment-specific adaptation (Base and Bealey in AUM; Platinum and Avalon in TAS) or broad adaptability (Shogun). The G×E-enhanced GP model demonstrated an overall 24.9% improved predictive accuracy (Lin's Concordance Correlation Coefficient, CCC: 0.542) over the Australian industry-standard best linear unbiased estimation model (CCC: 0.434), with genomic information contributing a 12.7% improvement (CCC: from 0.434 to 0.489) and G×E modelling providing an additional 10.8% increase (CCC: from 0.489 to 0.542). Narrow-sense heritability increased from 0.31 to 0.39 with G×E inclusion, while broad-sense heritability remained high in both mega-environments (AUM: 0.73, TAS: 0.74). These findings support informed cultivar selection for the Australian dairy industry and enable genomics-based parental selection in future breeding programs.},
}

@article {pmid40551761,
year = {2025},
author = {Soldek, JN and Ballesteros-Gutiérrez, M and Díaz-Sáez, L and Delgado-Santamaría, I and Palacios, JM and Albareda, M},
title = {Two zinc ABC transporters contribute to Rhizobium leguminosarum symbiosis with Pisum sativum and Lens culinaris.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1598744},
pmid = {40551761},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {The establishment of the rhizobium-legume symbiosis requires adjusting the behavior of both partners to nodule conditions in which transition metals are delivered to the bacteria, as many rhizobial metalloenzymes are essential for bacteroid functions and symbiotic performance. A previous proteomic analysis revealed the existence of a relevant number of proteins differentially expressed in bacteroids induced by Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae (Rlv) UPM791 in pea and lentil nodules. Among these proteins, a metal-binding protein (RLV_3444) component of an ABC-transporter system (RLV_3442-3444) was shown to be overexpressed in pea bacteroids, suggesting that metal provision to the bacteroid is more restrictive in the rhizobium-pea symbiosis. In this work, protein sequence analysis and structural modelling have revealed that RLV_3444 is highly similar to the functionally characterized zinc-binding protein ZniA from Klebsiella pneumoniae, so the host-dependent binding protein was renamed as ZniA and the transporter system as ZniCBA. The genome of Rlv UPM791 also encodes the conserved high-affinity ZnuABC transporter system. We demonstrate that at least one of the two systems must be present for Rlv to grow under zinc-limiting conditions and for optimal symbiotic performance with pea and lentil plants. The three conserved histidine residues present in multiple Zn[2+]-binding proteins have been shown as essential for the function of Rlv ZniA, and in-silico modelling suggests that they might participate in metal coordination. We also demonstrate that both ZniCBA and ZnuA are regulated by zinc in a Zur-dependent manner, consistent with the presence of a Zur box in their regulatory region. The expression patterns revealed that ZniCBA is expressed at lower levels than ZnuA, and its expression increased in a znuA mutant under both free-living and symbiotic conditions. These results, along with the observed increment in the expression of ZniCBA in pea versus lentil bacteroids, suggest that the host-dependent transporter system might play an auxiliary function for zinc uptake under zinc starvation conditions and might play a relevant role in the adaptation of rhizobia to the legume host.},
}

@article {pmid40550998,
year = {2025},
author = {Hu, Y and Liu, Z and Yao, H and Wu, S and Zhang, Q and Pan, S and Shi, S},
title = {Colonization patterns of intestinal pioneering microbiota of different broiler breeds and their effects on composition of intestinal mucosal barrier during early life.},
journal = {Science China. Life sciences},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40550998},
issn = {1869-1889},
abstract = {Intestinal pioneering microbiota can affect host growth, development, and health via microbial programming. However, the presence of microbial colonization in the intestine of embryonic chickens, development and colonization patterns of intestinal pioneering microbiota of different broiler breeds and their effects on the composition of intestinal mucosal barrier during early life remain unknown. Arbor Acres (AA) chickens exhibiting high growth efficiency traits and Chinese local Tibetan chickens exhibiting high environmental adaptability traits were used as experimental animals to verify the absence of bacterial colonization and a sterile state in embryonic chickens intestine under normal maternal health. During neonatal early stage, jejunal mucosal structure and barrier function of AA chickens with higher growth efficiency were more conducive to digestion and absorption, corresponding to persistently higher microbial maturity, whereas those of Tibetan chickens with lower growth efficiency were more conducive to stress resistance, corresponding to lower microbial maturity. Colonization patterns of intestinal pioneering microbiota were significantly different between the two breeds. The dominant microbiota of AA chickens, such as Erysipelatoclostridium, Hydrogenoanalobacterium and Shuttleworthia, were related to growth and metabolic functions, whereas those of Tibetan chickens, such as Limosilactobacillus, Ligilactobacillus and Prevotella, were related to immune and anti-stress functions. Transplanting intestinal pioneering microbiota of the donor could transfer the abundance of dominant microbiota to the recipient in a symbiotic state. Growth efficiency and adaptability of transplanted AA chickens improved, accompanied by optimized jejunal mucosal structure and function. However, the growth efficiency of transplanted Tibetan chickens was not affected by the modified microbiota diversity. It was suggested that cross-FMT technology achieved inter-breed complementary advantages of high growth efficiency and high adaptability traits of broilers during neonatal early life; the higher maturity of intestinal pioneering microbiota of the recipient, the more growth efficiency of the recipient would be susceptibly affected by transplanting intestinal pioneering microbiota of the donor.},
}

@article {pmid40550670,
year = {2025},
author = {Nie, Q and Zhang, S and Chen, C and Zou, J and Nie, S},
title = {[Mining and dietary interventions of gut microbiota-derived metabolites].},
journal = {Sheng wu gong cheng xue bao = Chinese journal of biotechnology},
volume = {41},
number = {6},
pages = {2275-2289},
doi = {10.13345/j.cjb.240681},
pmid = {40550670},
issn = {1872-2075},
mesh = {*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology ; Humans ; Dysbiosis/microbiology ; *Metabolic Diseases/prevention & control/microbiology/metabolism ; *Diet ; },
abstract = {The intestine is a complex symbiotic system, and the gut microbiota is closely related to host health. Studies have indicated that the gut microbiota influences physiological functions of the host by producing a variety of metabolites, which act as signaling molecules and substrates for metabolic reactions in the host. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota affects the abundance of gut microbiota-derived metabolites, thereby influencing host health by disrupting signal transduction in multiple organs. Additionally, dietary compounds can shape the gut microbiota, affecting gut microbiota-derived metabolite levels and regulating host metabolism. This article introduces the methods for mining gut microbiota-derived metabolites, reviews the roles of these metabolites in metabolic diseases and related dietary interventions. Which provides a perspective on the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases by targeting these metabolites, enriching the knowledge on the role of gut microbiota in the regulation of host metabolism.},
}

*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology
Humans
Dysbiosis/microbiology
*Metabolic Diseases/prevention & control/microbiology/metabolism
*Diet

@article {pmid40550427,
year = {2025},
author = {Akber, MA and Cui, Y and Zhang, J and Fang, X},
title = {Genomics of plant-associated fungi: research progress and highlights in forage crops.},
journal = {Plant science : an international journal of experimental plant biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {112624},
doi = {10.1016/j.plantsci.2025.112624},
pmid = {40550427},
issn = {1873-2259},
abstract = {Plant-associated fungi are fungal groups that exhibit different interactions with plants, such as symbiosis (mycorrhizae), antagonistic (pathogenic) and beneficial (biocontrol), and commensal relationships. Since the publication of the first fungal genome sequence of the rice blast pathogen Magnaporthe grisea in 2005, a new chapter in the genome exploration of plant-associated fungi has been initiated. Research in past decades showed about 1385 sequenced fungal genomes associated with plants. These genomes are linked with grain crops (e.g., wheat, rice), cash crops (e.g., soybean, cotton), and forage crops. The reported fungal functional groups associated with plants include pathogens, endophytes, mycorrhizal fungi, and saprotrophs. Based on our results, among surveyed functional groups, pathogenic fungi were dominant, comprising 96%, followed by endophytes (2%) and other fungi with unclear plant-associated roles (2%). There is no doubt that forage crops support animal nutrition and the sustainability of grasslands. However, only 3.5% of sequenced genomes are associated with forage crops, compared with 67% for food and cash crops. The top 3 host crops with the highest sequenced fungal genomes are wheat (285), rice (178), and apple (94). In this study, we systematically reviewed fundamental information and challenges related to genomics studies of plant-associated fungi to provide a theoretical basis for subsequent research. The results clearly show that only a few studies have focused on sequencing fungi associated with forage crops. Therefore, it is necessary to accelerate genomic research on forage crop-associated fungi. The findings of the current study address critical gaps in genomic knowledge about plant-associated fungi and provide a foundation for future research targeting forage crop fungi.},
}

@article {pmid40549446,
year = {2025},
author = {Gao, K and He, X and Wang, H and Chen, C and Gu, X and Lai, Q and Perez, M and Kojima, S and Amano, K and Sun, J},
title = {Phylogenomic analyses of Pliocardiinae (Bivalvia: Vesicomyidae) update genus-level taxonomy and shed light on trait evolution.},
journal = {Cladistics : the international journal of the Willi Hennig Society},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/cla.70001},
pmid = {40549446},
issn = {1096-0031},
support = {LSKJ202203104//Science and Technology Innovation Project of Laoshan Laboratory/ ; ZR2023JQ014//Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province/ ; 202172002//Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities/ ; 202241002//Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities/ ; tsqn202103036//Young Taishan Scholars Program of Shandong Province/ ; },
abstract = {Vesicomyid clams in the subfamily Pliocardiinae are chemosymbiotic and specific to deep-sea chemosynthetic ecosystems with wide bathymetric and geographic ranges, making them a suitable model to study molecular adaptation and biogeography. Its phylogeny, however, still remains contentious due to limited molecular markers. Here, we elucidate the evolutionary relationships among pliocardiines based on phylogenomics data. By testing a wide range of matrices with methods including maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony, Bayesian inference, and a coalescent approach, we present a robust phylogenomic tree at the genus level supported by AU-test and GLS analyses. We revise the genus-level taxonomy of pliocardiines updating from Johnson et al. (Syst. Biodivers. 2017, 15, 346) synonymising a number of species in the "gigas-group" with Archivesica-also supported by a mitogenome phylogeny. Our fossil-calibrated tree based on the phylogenomic backbone reveals that Pliocardiinae originated earlier than [41.06, 42.00] Ma in the middle Eocene, while its diversification has been concurrent with global climatic cooling events. Ancestral state reconstruction analyses found two independent invasions into the abyssal zone, and a shift from harbouring the Ca. Ruthia symbionts to Ca. Vesicomyosocius symbionts. Our results present a solid backbone for future investigations into molecular adaptation, biogeography and symbiosis in this fascinating group of molluscs.},
}

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

@article {pmid40548224,
year = {2025},
author = {Tüsüz Önata, E and Özdemir, Ö},
title = {Fecal microbiota transplantation in allergic diseases.},
journal = {World journal of methodology},
volume = {15},
number = {2},
pages = {101430},
pmid = {40548224},
issn = {2222-0682},
abstract = {Microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites living in the human intestine constitute the human intestinal microbiota. Dysbiosis refers to compositional and quantitative changes that negatively affect healthy gut microbiota. In recent years, with the demonstration that many diseases are associated with dysbiosis, treatment strategies targeting the correction of dysbiosis in the treatment of these diseases have begun to be investigated. Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is the process of transferring faeces from a healthy donor to another recipient in order to restore the gut microbiota and provide a therapeutic benefit. FMT studies have gained popularity after probiotic, prebiotic, symbiotic studies in the treatment of dysbiosis and related diseases. FMT has emerged as a potential new therapy in the treatment of allergic diseases as it is associated with the maintenance of intestinal microbiota and immunological balance (T helper 1/T helper 2 cells) and thus suppression of allergic responses. In this article, the definition, application, safety and use of FMT in allergic diseases will be discussed with current data.},
}

@article {pmid40548169,
year = {2025},
author = {De Silva, C and Rathor, P and Warkentin, TD and Poudel, HP and Thilakarathna, MS},
title = {Effect of cultivar selection on symbiotic nitrogen fixation and yield traits of pea cultivars in intercropping with wheat.},
journal = {Discover agriculture},
volume = {3},
number = {1},
pages = {93},
pmid = {40548169},
issn = {2731-9598},
abstract = {In recent decades, agricultural practices have shifted from diverse cropping systems to monocropping, leading to soil degradation, nutrient depletion, and reduced biodiversity, which threaten long-term productivity and ecosystem sustainability. This study aimed to explore how legume cultivar selection influences pea (Pisum sativum L.)-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) intercropping, focusing on symbiotic nitrogen (N) fixation, yield, seed N, and land productivity. A greenhouse experiment was conducted using various pea cultivars that were released in different decades [Century (1960), Trapper (1970), CDC Golden (2002), CDC Amarillo (2012), and CDC Spectrum (2016)] under monocropping and intercropping with wheat to evaluate the yield parameters and symbiotic N fixation capabilities of pea. The old, long-vined pea cultivars (Century and Trapper) had higher seed dry weight (62.9-66.3%), number of pods (82.7-100%) and number of seeds (126.9-163.5%) than the newer, moderate vine length cultivars (CDC Golden, CDC Amarillo and CDC Spectrum) under intercropping. On the other hand, the companion wheat crop had a greater yield (29.8-69.9%) and seed N (31.1-65.5%) when intercropped with the newer pea cultivars. Intercropping enhanced N fixation (0.7-7.5%) in peas across cultivars; however, the older cultivars contributed more to the overall system's N fixation and N carry-over compared to the newer cultivars. While the harvest index, land equivalent ratio (LER), and N-based LER (LERN) of intercropped wheat were not significantly higher than mono-cropped wheat, the increased partial LER and LERN for wheat highlight intercropping benefits. Overall, newer pea cultivars enhanced pea-wheat intercropping by improving productivity and resource efficiency, highlighting the importance of legume cultivar selection in intercropping.},
}

@article {pmid40547945,
year = {2025},
author = {Zeng, J and He, Z and Wang, G and Ma, Y and Zhang, F},
title = {Interaction Between Microbiota and Immunity: Molecular Mechanisms, Biological Functions, Diseases, and New Therapeutic Opportunities.},
journal = {MedComm},
volume = {6},
number = {7},
pages = {e70265},
pmid = {40547945},
issn = {2688-2663},
abstract = {The microbiota is pivotal for our health. It includes different phyla like Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia. The interaction between microbiota and immunity shares a bidirectional relationship. The microbiota helps to stimulate immunity development. The immunity influences microbial composition in turn. This interaction is critical for maintaining homeostasis, preventing pathogen invasion, and regulating the immune system. Furthermore, this symbiotic relationship is crucial for maintaining overall health and preventing various diseases. The microbiota-immune system contributes to immune system maturation, while the immune system selects for beneficial microbiota composition, thus enhancing our immunity. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms and biological functions of the interaction between microbiota and immunity, offering solid evidence for the role of microbiota in immune regulation. Notably, the review categorizes microbiota according to phyla and explains disease associations, molecular effectors, and functional outcomes about the microbiota-immune system. We also introduced three core molecular mechanisms of the microbiota-immune systems. Moreover, we detail the progression from target discovery to clinical trial design for bacterial and immune-related diseases. Finally, we propose four therapeutic strategies for diseases.},
}

@article {pmid40547885,
year = {2025},
author = {Lim, SW and Chou, W and Chen, L},
title = {SankeyNetwork: A clear and concise visualization tool for bibliometric data.},
journal = {MethodsX},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {103379},
pmid = {40547885},
issn = {2215-0161},
abstract = {This study proposes a novel framework to overcome the limitations of traditional bibliometric visualizations-such as co-word network charts-by integrating Sankey diagrams with author collaborations and co-word occurrences to better identify key contributors and themes. Analyzing 2252 articles published in the Journal of METHODSX (2020-2024), the study focuses on ten essential metadata elements commonly used in bibliometric evaluations, including country, institution, department, authorship, and keywords. Three complementary approaches are introduced: (1) a summarized performance sheet to present key metrics across entities, (2) Sankey diagrams for streamlined cluster visualization using the Following-Leading Clustering Algorithm (FLCA), and (3) slope graphs to track temporal trends and research bursts. Findings highlight the dominance of the United States, Symbiosis International in India, and author Fengxiang X Han, with the keyword "MODEL" emerging as most frequent. A 2020 article by Wondimagegn Mengist received the highest citation count (370). Slope graphs showed upward trends in four core elements over the past four years. The study concludes that these methods provide clearer insights while reducing visual complexity, and recommends combining performance sheets, Sankey diagrams, and slope graphs in future bibliometric analyses to better detect hotspots and evolving research patterns.•Sankey diagrams to enhance traditional bibliometric visualization methods.•Analyzing 2252 articles from Journal of METHODSX (2020-2024) to highlight author collaborations.•Key insights include the prominence of U.S., and Symbiosis International (India) in author collaborations.},
}

@article {pmid40547299,
year = {2025},
author = {Najafi, M and Çokuysal, B and Rezaee Danesh, Y and Farda, B and Mignini, A and Pellegrini, M},
title = {Evaluation of Funneliformis mosseae inoculation effects on growth, nutrient uptake, and essential oil content in Turkish oregano under drought stress.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {e19499},
pmid = {40547299},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {*Origanum/microbiology/growth & development/metabolism ; *Oils, Volatile/metabolism/analysis ; *Droughts ; *Mycorrhizae/physiology ; Plant Roots/microbiology/growth & development ; Turkey ; Nutrients/metabolism ; *Glomeromycota/physiology ; Stress, Physiological ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Turkish oregano (Origanum onites L.) is a perennial herb widely recognized for its medicinal, cosmetic, and culinary uses due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Drought is a significant stressor for crops, particularly affecting O. onites quality and yield. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) establish symbiotic relationships with plant roots, enhance plant growth, and improve tolerance to abiotic stresses such as drought.

METHODS: This study investigates the effects of Funneliformis mosseae inoculation on O. onites growth, nutrient content, and essential oil yield under varying drought conditions. A factorial experiment was conducted with eight treatments, consisting of two factors: irrigation levels (100%, 75%, 50%, and 25%) and AMF inoculation (with and without). The experimental design was completely randomized with three replicates.

RESULTS: Results demonstrated that AMF inoculation significantly improved the fresh and dry weight of O. onites compared to non-inoculated controls (+11% and +16%, respectively). Moreover, AMF-inoculated plants showed notable increases in potassium (+7%) and nitrogen (+12%) contents. The essential oil yield was also significantly higher in AMF-inoculated plants (+3%). Increasing water stress levels significantly decreased the number of AMF spores (-47%) and the percentage of fungal colonization (-57%). Nevertheless, under drought stress mycorrhizal inoculation significantly maintained plant biomass and nutrient uptake comparable to full irrigation. The AMF drought tolerance effects were confirmed at 75%, 50%, and 25% irrigation rates.},
}

*Origanum/microbiology/growth & development/metabolism
*Oils, Volatile/metabolism/analysis
*Droughts
*Mycorrhizae/physiology
Plant Roots/microbiology/growth & development
Turkey
Nutrients/metabolism
*Glomeromycota/physiology
Stress, Physiological

@article {pmid40545848,
year = {2025},
author = {Han, K and Ma, X and Li, H and Liu, L and Deng, X and Song, L and Lin, L and Liu, Y and Zhao, Y and Huang, W},
title = {A Biomimetic Copper Silicate-MOF Hybrid for Highly Stable Zn Metal Anode.},
journal = {Advanced materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e2503046},
doi = {10.1002/adma.202503046},
pmid = {40545848},
issn = {1521-4095},
support = {No. 22371043 52472150//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; Y07204080K13//Fujian Normal University/ ; },
abstract = {To promote the electrochemical performance of aqueous zinc-ion batteries, various artificial interlayers are developed to mitigate dendrite growth and H2O-induced side reactions of Zn anode. Metal-organic framework (MOF) interlayers show much potential in solving these problems, yet their practical usage is inhibited by their inferior structural stability during cycles. Herein, inspired by the biological mechanism and symbiotic architecture of drosera rotundifolia, this challenge is tackled by constructing a hierarchical hollow CuSiO3-MOF hybrid through in situ MOF conversion. For protecting Zn anode, this biomimetic hybrid offers good structural stability, abundant zincophilic sites, strong desolvation capability, and fast ion migration, which collectively enable highly stable dendrite-free Zn plating/stripping processes and suppress H2O-related side reactions. Consequently, the Zn@CuSiO3-MOF symmetric battery achieves an ultralong lifespan exceeding 3500 h with low voltage hysteresis. Remarkably, it maintains stable cycling behaviors of 1200 and 400 h even under high depths of discharge of 45% and 90%, outperforming the most reported MOF-modified anodes. Moreover, full cells with MnO2 and C@V2O3 cathodes exhibit exceptional cycling performance and rate capability, highlighting the practical applications of Zn@CuSiO3-MOF anode for grid storage and wearable electronics. This bioinspired strategy provides a feasible approach to constructing stable MOF-based hybrid for high-performance Zn anode.},
}

@article {pmid40545786,
year = {2025},
author = {Haq, F and Camuel, A and Carcagno, M and Biondi, EG and Pacquit, V and Deslandes, L and Giraud, E and Mergaert, P},
title = {The rhizobial type III effectors ErnA and Sup3 hijack the SUMOylation pathway to trigger nodule formation in Aeschynomene species.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.70334},
pmid = {40545786},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {ANR-10-INBS-04//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; ANR-11-IDEX-0003-02//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; ANR-20-CE20-0012//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; },
abstract = {Rhizobial type III effectors (T3Es) play a crucial role in the symbiotic relationship between rhizobia and legumes by manipulating host cellular processes to promote nodule formation. Previously, we identified two T3Es, ErnA and Sup3, that trigger nodulation in Aeschynomene spp. in the absence of Nod factors. Here, we further investigate the mode of action of these T3Es during root nodule symbiosis. We employed protein interaction assays, in vitro binding and enzymatic activity assays, mutational analyses, and functional nodulation tests to dissect the roles of ErnA and Sup3 and their interactions with the host Small Ubiquitin-like MOdifier (SUMO) pathway (SUMOylation). We demonstrate that ErnA contains a SUMO-interacting motif (SIM) at its C terminus, which promotes its interaction with SUMO proteins in vitro and in plant nuclei. Additionally, we show that Sup3 possesses a C-terminal SUMO protease domain, which not only interacts with SUMO proteins in vitro and in the nucleus but also exhibits SUMO protease activity. Deletion of the SIM in ErnA or mutation of the catalytic site in Sup3 abolished their ability to trigger nodulation in Aeschynomene indica. These findings suggest that type III secretion system-dependent symbiosis is regulated by posttranslational modification through SUMOylation and that ErnA and Sup3 modulate this SUMOylation pathway to trigger nodulation.},
}

@article {pmid40545364,
year = {2025},
author = {Nakanishi, E and Cornette, R and Shimura, S and Kikawada, T},
title = {Microbiome Associated with Polypedilum sp. (Diptera; Chironomidae), a Midge Adapted to an Extremely Acidic Environment.},
journal = {Microbes and environments},
volume = {40},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1264/jsme2.ME24090},
pmid = {40545364},
issn = {1347-4405},
mesh = {Animals ; *Chironomidae/microbiology/physiology/growth & development ; Larva/microbiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; *Microbiota ; Phylogeny ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Japan ; Symbiosis ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Rivers/chemistry ; Acids ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; },
abstract = {Chironomids (Diptera; Chironomidae), non-biting midges, are a highly diverse family of holometabolous insects, many of which are known for their tolerance to extreme environmental conditions, such as desiccation, pollution, and high acidity. The contribution of microbial symbionts to these adaptations was recently suggested. Therefore, we herein exami-ned the microbiome associated with the larvae of the undescribed acid-tolerant chironomid species, Polypedilum sp., which inhabits the Yukawa River (Gunma, Japan), an environment that is characterized by an extremely low pH (≤2) and high concentrations of heavy metal ions (including arsenic). Amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene revealed a distinct larval microbiome with a lower alpha diversity value and more enriched and specific bacterial taxa than the surrounding river water and detritus. Full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing using nanopore long-read technology identified several previously undescribed operational taxonomic units (OTUs), among which OTU_Bacillaceae_Yukawa was consistently present in larvae reared in the laboratory for more than 4 months, suggesting persistent, possibly vertically transmitted, symbiosis. An inferred pathway ana-lysis suggested the contribution of the larval microbiome to host nutritional physiology. The possibly acid-sensitive OTU_Bacillaceae_Yukawa localized to midgut segments, indicating internal pH-buffered niches for microbial survival. These results provide novel insights into the ecology of acid-tolerant chironomids and lay the groundwork for further examinations of holobiont-based stress tolerance.},
}

Animals
*Chironomidae/microbiology/physiology/growth & development
Larva/microbiology
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
*Microbiota
Phylogeny
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Japan
Symbiosis
DNA, Bacterial/genetics
Rivers/chemistry
Acids
Sequence Analysis, DNA

@article {pmid40545206,
year = {2025},
author = {Yi, W and Tang, Y and Kawsar, MA and Huang, K and Jin, X and Yu, Z and Mao, F and Zhang, Y},
title = {A novel C1q domain-containing protein from Tridacna crocea exhibits dual functionality in symbiont recognition and immune defense.},
journal = {Fish & shellfish immunology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {110509},
doi = {10.1016/j.fsi.2025.110509},
pmid = {40545206},
issn = {1095-9947},
abstract = {C1q domain-containing (C1qDC) proteins function as versatile pattern recognition receptors that mediate host-microbe interactions through their C-terminal C1q domains. In this study, a novel C1qDC protein named TcC1qDC was characterized from Tridacna crocea, featuring a 690 bp open reading frame encoding 229 amino acids. TcC1qDC exhibited constitutive but tissue-enriched expression, with the highest transcript levels in the outer mantle and hepatopancreas. Functional analyses revealed that recombinant TcC1qDC protein not only binds to symbiotic dinoflagellates but is also predicted to recognize multiple microbial carbohydrates, as demonstrated by molecular docking. Furthermore, this protein also displayed broad-spectrum binding activity against pathogen-associated molecular patterns (lipopolysaccharides, peptidoglycan, lipoteichoic acids, and mannan) and corresponding microorganisms, along with significant microbial agglutination capacity for Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria, and fungi. These findings collectively establish TcC1qDC as a dual-function receptor bridging symbiont recognition and immune defense in giant clams.},
}

@article {pmid40544582,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhuang, W and Feng, X and Li, R and Hu, X},
title = {Molecular phylogeny and taxonomy of three anaerobic ciliates including Bothrostoma aporobustum nov. spec. (Ciliophora, Metopida).},
journal = {European journal of protistology},
volume = {100},
number = {},
pages = {126155},
doi = {10.1016/j.ejop.2025.126155},
pmid = {40544582},
issn = {1618-0429},
abstract = {The order Metopida is a species-rich taxon within the obligate anaerobic ciliate class Armophorea. Metopids have garnered increasing interest due to their potential to shed light on mitochondrial evolution and symbiotic relationship between eukaryotes and prokaryotes. However, the majority of metopid species remain poorly or incompletely studied, largely due to limitations in earlier research methodologies. In this study, three species, Bothrostoma aporobustum nov. spec., Brachonella mitriformis and Planometopus contractus, were examined using a morpho-molecular approach. The new species is distinguished by a short proboscis-shaped snout, an average of 33 somatic kineties, and 21 adoral membranelles. Brachonella mitriformis is characterized by a broad obpyriform body with a narrow and flattened posterior end, an average of 53 somatic kineties and 77 adoral membranelles, and unevenly distributed dikinetids on the preoral dome. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed the validity and monophyly of the genera Bothrostoma and Brachonella, and robustly resolved the phylogenetic position of Brachonella mitriformis. Representatives of geographically distant populations of Planometopus contractus are morphologically highly similar and cluster together with strong support in SSU rRNA gene phylogenies.},
}

@article {pmid40544518,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, J and Xiong, X and Li, P and Wan, HF and Yang, YH},
title = {Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Rhizosphere Microbial Communities of Tuber himalayense-Corylus heterophylla Ectomycorrhizosphere.},
journal = {Polish journal of microbiology},
volume = {74},
number = {2},
pages = {177-191},
doi = {10.33073/pjm-2025-015},
pmid = {40544518},
issn = {2544-4646},
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/genetics/classification/growth & development/physiology ; *Rhizosphere ; *Soil Microbiology ; Soil/chemistry ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; *Microbiota ; Seedlings/microbiology/growth & development ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Biodiversity ; Nitrogen/analysis ; Phylogeny ; Fungi/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Plant Roots/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Microbial diversity plays a crucial role within the plant rhizosphere ecosystem, serving as a pivotal indicator of plant health and stability. In order to explore the correlation between the growth of mycorrhizal seedlings and the nutrition and microbial diversity of the ectomycorrhizosphere, the soil of the ectomycorrhizosphere with different growth conditions was used as the research object, and the ITS1 region and 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing technology were used to explore the inter-relationship. The findings indicated that the primary phyla within the rhizosphere soil microbial communities of various mycorrhizal seedlings were comparable, although their relative abundances varied. The relative abundance of Tuberaceae in good-growing mycorrhizal seedlings (CHTG) was 17.87% and 15.58% higher than in medium-growing (CHTM) and bad-growing (CHTB), respectively. Comparing the diversity indexes Chao1, Shannon and Simpson, it was found that CHTG had the lowest richness. Redundancy analysis (RDA)/canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) analysis revealed that Tuber was positively correlated with soil pH and negatively correlated with available nitrogen, organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium, available potassium, and available phosphorus. Rhizosphere core species analysis showed that symbiotic Ascomycota dominated the rhizosphere soil fungi, and the bacterial community was composed mainly of Proteobacteria. There was a positive correlation between most genera of bacteria and fungi. This study proved that in the bionic cultivation of Tuber himalayense-Corylus heterophylla, the growth of mycorrhizal seedlings can be promoted by adjusting the pH to weakly alkaline and enhancing the advantages of Plectosphaerella in the soil flora, without adding other nutrients, which provides a theoretical basis for the establishment of truffle plantations, soil improvement and ecosystem stability.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/genetics/classification/growth & development/physiology
*Rhizosphere
*Soil Microbiology
Soil/chemistry
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
*Microbiota
Seedlings/microbiology/growth & development
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Biodiversity
Nitrogen/analysis
Phylogeny
Fungi/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Plant Roots/microbiology

@article {pmid40543842,
year = {2025},
author = {Kato, Y and Watanabe, H},
title = {Crosstalk between environmental factors and sex determination pathway: Insights from lepidopteran insects and cladoceran crustaceans.},
journal = {Current opinion in insect science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {101403},
doi = {10.1016/j.cois.2025.101403},
pmid = {40543842},
issn = {2214-5753},
abstract = {Insects exhibit a remarkable diversity of sex-determination systems. Sex-determining mechanisms have been extensively analyzed using the genetic model insects, such as Drosophila melanogaster, revealing that insect sex is determined in a cell-autonomous manner. The sexual identity of each cell is governed by the conserved transcription factor Doublesex, while the regulatory mechanisms controlling its expression are species-specific. In contrast, our understanding of how environmental factors modulate the sex determination pathway remains limited. In this review, we summarize recent discoveries on the crosstalk between environmental factors and sex determination pathways in the lepidopteran insects and the cladoceran crustaceans, which are closely related to insects. We discuss how the symbiotic bacterium Wolbachia hijacks the host WZ/ZZ sex determination pathway in the lepidopteran Ostrinia furnacalis. In addition, we highlight how males that are genetically identical to females are produced in response to environmental stimuli in the cladoceran crustacean Daphnia magna. Based on these findings, we explore the evolutionary, ecological, and applied implications of the molecular mechanisms underlying environmentally influenced sex determination.},
}

@article {pmid40541578,
year = {2025},
author = {Tian, J and Hu, J and Xiong, Y and Deng, X and Fang, Y and Wang, G and Chi, R and Xiao, C},
title = {Metagenomic and metabolomic insights into microalgal-bacterial symbiosis under low carbon-to-nitrogen ratios.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {132849},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132849},
pmid = {40541578},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {Microalgal-bacterial symbiotic system (MBSS) is expected to efficiently treat ammonia nitrogen (NH4[+]-N) wastewater at low carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (CNR). In this study, MBSS was constructed and operated at CNRs of 0, 2, and 4 for 36 days, named as L (low CNR), M (medium CNR), and H (high CNR). Microbial interaction mechanisms were explored through metagenomics and non-targeted metabolomics. The average NH4[+]-N removal efficiencies of L, M, and H were 9.2 ± 4.3 %, 33.6 ± 10.9 %, and 51.6 ± 14.1 %, respectively. CNR significantly influenced NH4[+]-N removal. Metagenomics and metabolomics showed that bacteria dominate MBSS, with phylum Pseudomonadota having a large advantage. Addition of simple organic carbon sources may inhibit the generation of complex organic compounds by microalgae, consequently leading to bacteria utilizing simple carbon sources. Certain key microorganisms, genes, and metabolites respond to different CNRs to regulate MBSS performance. This study provides new insights into MBSS nitrogen removal at low CNR.},
}

@article {pmid40541502,
year = {2025},
author = {Jhu, MY and Moura de Souza, VH and Schiessl, K},
title = {From hosts to parasites: hormones driving symbiosis-induced de novo organogenesis.},
journal = {Trends in plant science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.tplants.2025.05.015},
pmid = {40541502},
issn = {1878-4372},
abstract = {Plants have evolved diverse adaptations in signal perception, hormone regulation, and organ development that enable the formation of specialised structures such as nematode-induced galls, rhizobia-induced nodules, and host-induced parasitic plant haustoria that facilitate both parasitic and mutualistic symbiosis. Despite their differences, these organs share common gene regulatory mechanisms with lateral root development. By comparing their mechanisms of hormonal regulation, we illuminate the shared genetic underpinnings and how plants repurpose vegetative development pathways in response to biotic stimuli. This adaptive retooling positions plants along the symbiotic spectrum from exploited hosts to mutualistic partners and strategic predators. Comparative analysis of the hormonal mechanisms that drive symbiotic organogenesis highlights the plasticity of developmental processes and the interplay between internal signalling and external environmental cues.},
}

@article {pmid40541096,
year = {2025},
author = {Guo, J and Hou, J and Wan, Y and Yang, Z and Li, Y and Zhu, Y and Wang, K and Ding, W},
title = {Integrating thermal vibration and local surface plasmon resonance effect boosted "Symbiotic Co-evolution" for efficient solar evaporation, antimicrobial and antibiotic resistance genes removal.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {284},
number = {},
pages = {123997},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2025.123997},
pmid = {40541096},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {Integrating photocatalytic processes into solar-driven interfacial evaporation technology is an effective approach to combat pollutants threat. However, the challenge lies in synergizing each component to achieve "Symbiotic Co-evolution", which is critical for achieving more with less. Our strategy for the fabrication of hydrogel evaporator (TA-Fe-SA/CoV2O6@Ti3C2Tx evaporator) was integrated by thermal vibration and local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect, achieving efficient degradation and evaporation. On the one hand, the integration of thermal vibration and LSPR effect boosted the heat storage and local heating capacity of evaporator, while reducing equivalent enthalpy for enhancing evaporation. On the other hand, the synergistic effect of thermal vibration and LSPR triggered the efficient electron transfer of CoV2O6@Ti3C2Tx MXene Mott-Schottky heterojunction. As a result, it could achieve nearly 100 % bacteriostatic efficiency and 82 % ARGs removal within 1 hour. Additionally, the rapid generation of vapor and enhanced photothermal conversion strengthened thermal convection formation, accelerating gas release from the reaction system and improving the efficiency of the interfacial photothermal evaporation-photocatalytic process. These results highlighted the feasibility and scientific value of achieving synergy through the deliberate integration of photothermal materials and photothermal-catalysts into SIE technology, providing new perspectives for designing high-performance evaporators.},
}

@article {pmid40540389,
year = {2025},
author = {Huang, YC and Lu, HY and Zhang, L and Olivier, A and Wu, TL and Hsu, CY and LeGrand, C and Zeng, H and Curran, S and Wang, Q and Nannapaneni, R and Zhang, X and Ticó, M and Mariotti, M and Wu, RTY and Combs, GF and Cheng, WH},
title = {Dietary Selenium Deficiency Accelerates the Onset of Aging-Related Gut Microbial Changes in Aged Telomere-Humanized Mice, With Akkermansia muciniphila Being the Most Prominent and Alleviating Selenium Deficiency-Induced Type 2 Diabetes.},
journal = {Aging cell},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e70130},
doi = {10.1111/acel.70130},
pmid = {40540389},
issn = {1474-9726},
support = {DK117407/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; 3062-51000-050-00D//Agricultural Research Service/ ; },
abstract = {Previous studies have shown that dietary selenium (Se) deficiency in mice reshapes gut microbiota, exacerbates healthspan deterioration (e.g., type 2 diabetes), and paradoxically activates beneficial longevity pathways. This study demonstrated that dietary Se deficiency accelerated many age-related gut microbial changes in aged telomere-humanized C57BL/6J diabetic mice in a sexually dimorphic manner, with Akkermansia muciniphila showing the greatest enrichment in males. However, dietary Se deficiency did not enrich A. muciniphila in mature or middle-aged male C57BL/6J wild-type mice. Oral gavage of A. muciniphila alleviated Se deficiency-induced type 2 diabetes-like symptoms, reversed mucosal barrier dysfunction and gut inflammation, and resulted in a trend of symbiotic and competitive suppression changes in certain gut bacteria in mature wild-type mice under conventional conditions. The beneficial effects of A. muciniphila appeared to be independent of selenoproteins sensitive to dietary Se deficiency, such as GPX1, SELENOH, and SELENOW, in the liver and muscle. Altogether, these results show that dietary Se deficiency accelerates age-related A. muciniphila enrichment specifically in aged male mice with severe insulin resistance and pancreatic senescence, indicating a potential hormetic response to Se deficiency through reshaped gut microbiota, which alleviates hyperglycemia and partially compensates for healthspan decline.},
}

@article {pmid40540139,
year = {2025},
author = {Su, C and Dong, X and Li, X},
title = {MtLICK1/2: gatekeepers of symbiosis and immunity in Medicago truncatula.},
journal = {Science China. Life sciences},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40540139},
issn = {1869-1889},
}

@article {pmid40539942,
year = {2025},
author = {Stewart, JD and Corrales, A and Canteiro, C and Qin, C and Gupta, MM and Otgonsuren, B and Peña-Venegas, CP and Van Nuland, ME and Kohout, P and Větrovský, T and Kokkoris, V and Manley, BF},
title = {Advancing knowledge on the biogeography of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi to support Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.},
journal = {FEMS microbiology letters},
volume = {372},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/femsle/fnaf055},
pmid = {40539942},
issn = {1574-6968},
support = {024.004.014//Schmidt Family Foundation/ ; 101076062//European Union/ ; CZ.02.01.01/00/22_008/0004597//Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports/ ; },
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/genetics/classification/physiology ; *Sustainable Development ; Soil Microbiology ; Biodiversity ; Symbiosis ; Plants/microbiology ; Ecosystem ; United Nations ; Phylogeography ; },
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are fundamental to planetary health, enhancing plant nutrient uptake, stabilizing soils, and supporting biodiversity. Due to their prevalence and ecological importance, AM fungi are critical to achieving the environmental targets within the United Nations (UN) Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) framework, including SDG 15: Life on Land. Despite these fungi engaging in the most widespread and ancient plant-microbe symbiosis, many fundamental aspects of the biogeography of AM fungi remain poorly resolved. This limits our ability to understand and document these fungal species' contributions to preserving terrestrial life on Earth. Using the largest global dataset of AM fungal eDNA sequences, we highlight that > 70% of ecoregions have no available data generated from soil using AM fungal specific metabarcoding. Drawing attention to these severe data gaps can optimize future sampling efforts in key habitats. Filling these gaps and developing a more complete picture on the biogeographic distributions of AM fungal species will help to clarify their contributions to environmental targets.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/genetics/classification/physiology
*Sustainable Development
Soil Microbiology
Biodiversity
Symbiosis
Plants/microbiology
Ecosystem
United Nations
Phylogeography

@article {pmid40538040,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, DS and Tran, TT and Kazuki, H and Yin, HY and Chou, JY},
title = {Unveiling the Antibacterial Activity Against Staphylococcus aureus of Slime Molds: The Role of Symbiotic Bacteria.},
journal = {Journal of basic microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e70072},
doi = {10.1002/jobm.70072},
pmid = {40538040},
issn = {1521-4028},
support = {//This study received support from grants provided by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST 111-2621-B-018-001 to Jui-Yu Chou). We express our gratitude to the members of the Chou Laboratory for their valuable discussions and insightful comments on the manuscript./ ; },
abstract = {The emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens has significantly reduced the efficacy of current antimicrobial treatments against bacterial and fungal infections. To combat this challenge, the exploration of novel antimicrobial sources or the development of synthetic antibiotics is imperative. Microbes have emerged as promising natural reservoirs for antimicrobial compounds, with slime molds garnering attention due to their unique bioactive metabolites in recent years. Some of these metabolites demonstrate potent antibiotic properties. This study investigates the inhibitory effects of slime mold extracts on pathogenic bacteria, attributing this activity primarily to symbiotic bacteria associated with the slime molds rather than to the slime mold cells themselves. Furthermore, we demonstrate that this antibacterial effect can be horizontally transferred through bacterial ingestion, enabling recipient slime molds to exhibit antibacterial properties upon extraction. Importantly, slime molds selectively acquire bacteria from their environment to enhance their antibacterial characteristics, a process that appears non-random and persists through sexual cycles. These findings underscore slime molds as valuable reservoirs of antimicrobial agents. Nevertheless, it remains critical to ascertain whether these antimicrobial agents originate solely from symbiotic bacteria or result from complex interactions between these bacteria and their slime mold hosts. Understanding the mechanisms behind this antimicrobial activity not only expands our knowledge of host-microbe interactions but also provides new avenues for bioprospecting novel antibiotics. Investigating how slime molds selectively acquire and retain beneficial bacteria may offer insights into microbial symbiosis that could be leveraged for antimicrobial discovery, potentially addressing the urgent need for alternative treatments against resistant pathogens.},
}

@article {pmid40537475,
year = {2025},
author = {Doyle, JJ and Ren, J and Pawlowski, K and James, EK and Gao, Y},
title = {One versus many independent assemblies of symbiotic nitrogen fixation in flowering plants.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {5345},
pmid = {40537475},
issn = {2041-1723},
mesh = {*Nitrogen Fixation/physiology/genetics ; *Symbiosis/physiology ; Phylogeny ; Plant Root Nodulation/genetics ; *Magnoliopsida/microbiology/genetics ; Root Nodules, Plant/microbiology ; Fabaceae/microbiology/genetics ; Mycorrhizae ; },
abstract = {Some species of legumes and nine other flowering plant families form symbioses with bacteria that fix atmospheric nitrogen within specialized plant structures called nodules. How and how often nodulation symbiosis originated has implications for engineering symbiotic nitrogen fixation in non-legume crops. The prevailing hypothesis of a single origin with massive parallel losses has been challenged in a phylogenomic study favoring 16 origins and 10 losses. Nodulation has been assembled once or many times from existing processes (e.g., mycorrhizal symbiosis) and therefore almost nothing about it is truly novel. Because any feature of nodulation can be explained either as divergence from a common origin or as convergence in unrelated taxa, tests are needed that can distinguish whether assembly of homologous components has occurred uniquely or convergently. Much needs to be learned about nodulation symbioses across the proposed independent origins, especially involving the master nodulation transcription factor, Nodule Inception (NIN).},
}

*Nitrogen Fixation/physiology/genetics
*Symbiosis/physiology
Phylogeny
Plant Root Nodulation/genetics
*Magnoliopsida/microbiology/genetics
Root Nodules, Plant/microbiology
Fabaceae/microbiology/genetics
Mycorrhizae

@article {pmid40536527,
year = {2025},
author = {Storb, R and Svriz, M and Aranda, E and Fracchia, S and Spinedi, N and Scervino, JM},
title = {Association between a liverwort and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi: a promising strategy for the phytoremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.},
journal = {Mycorrhiza},
volume = {35},
number = {4},
pages = {44},
pmid = {40536527},
issn = {1432-1890},
support = {PID2021-123164OB-I00 MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033//ERDF A way of making Europe/ ; PINI 04/B253//Universidad Nacional del Comahue/ ; PICT 00073-2019//Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica/ ; },
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology/metabolism ; Biodegradation, Environmental ; *Hepatophyta/microbiology/metabolism ; *Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons/metabolism ; *Soil Pollutants/metabolism ; *Glomeromycota/metabolism/physiology ; Symbiosis ; *Anthracenes/metabolism ; Fungi ; },
abstract = {Soil contamination with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) represents a major environmental challenge and requires cost-effective and environmentally friendly remediation technologies. Phytoremediation, enhanced by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), is an effective and extensive technique for PAHs remediation, although, its application with non-vascular plants, is largely unexplored. This study investigates the role of the AMF Rhizophagus irregularis in the uptake and bioaccumulation of anthracene in the liverwort Lunularia cruciata under in vitro conditions. The thallus and the AMF were able to absorb and bioaccumulate anthracene in the cell wall and spores, hyphae and arbuscules respectively. Our results indicate that the liverwort-fungus system employs multiple phytoremediation mechanisms, including phytoaccumulation and phytostabilization. At intermediate contamination levels, the fungal symbiont enhanced contaminant accumulation in the plant, whereas at higher contamination levels, this effect diminished, suggesting a potential limitation in fungal-mediated uptake under extreme conditions. These findings highlight the potential of AMF symbiosis in liverworts for developing biological tools for PAHs remediation, emphasizing the dependence on pollutant concentration for the effectiveness of phytoremediation.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology/metabolism
Biodegradation, Environmental
*Hepatophyta/microbiology/metabolism
*Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons/metabolism
*Soil Pollutants/metabolism
*Glomeromycota/metabolism/physiology
Symbiosis
*Anthracenes/metabolism
Fungi

@article {pmid40502178,
year = {2025},
author = {Tristao Santini, A and Cerqueira, AES and Moran, NA and Resende, HC and Santana, WC and de Paula, SO and da Silva, CC},
title = {Gut microbiota of Brazilian Melipona stingless bees: dominant members and their localization in different gut regions.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40502178},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {R35 GM131738/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {The gut microbiome of eusocial corbiculate bees, which include honeybees, bumblebees, and stingless bees, consists of anciently associated, host-specific bacteria that are vital for bee health. Two symbionts, Snodgrassella and Gilliamella, are ubiquitous in honeybees and bumblebees. However, their presence varies in the stingless bee clade (Meliponini), a group with pantropical distribution. They are absent or rare in the diverse genus Melipona, indicating a shift in microbiota composition in this lineage. To identify the main members of the Melipona microbiota, we combined newly collected and published data from field-collected individuals of several species. Additionally, we identified the localization of the dominant microbiota members within the gut regions of Melipona quadrifasciata anthidioides. The dominant microbiota of Melipona species includes members of the genera Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Apilactobacillus, Floricoccus, and Bombella. Among these, Apilactobacillus and Bombella dominate in the crop, whereas Apilactobacillus and other members of the Lactobacillaceae dominate the ventriculus. The ileum lacks Snodgrassella or Gilliamella but contains a putative new symbiont close to Floricoccus, as well as strains of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillaceae (including Apilactobacillus), and Bombella. The rectum is dominated by Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. In summary, the Melipona microbiota is compositionally distinct but shows spatial organization paralleling that of other eusocial corbiculate bees.},
}

@article {pmid40536287,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, Y and Yang, Y and Ma, Y and Wang, D and Wang, X and Zhang, L and Meng, L and Xu, K and Li, X and Shangguan, X and Zheng, X and Li, L and Zang, Z and Kang, G and Li, C},
title = {A Mycorrhiza-Induced Phosphate Transporter TaPT31-7A Regulating Inorganic Phosphate Uptake, Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Symbiosis, and Plant Growth in Wheat.},
journal = {Journal of agricultural and food chemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.jafc.5c05299},
pmid = {40536287},
issn = {1520-5118},
abstract = {Phosphate transporters play a key role in improving crop yield. In this study, TaPT31-7A is a high-affinity phosphate transporter strongly induced in arbuscular-mycorrhizal (AM) wheat roots. It restores Pi uptake in yeast mutant MB192 and localizes to the plasma membrane. TaPT31-7A overexpression lines accumulated more shoot and root phosphorus than the wild type under both low- and high-Pi conditions. When inoculated with AM in Pi-deficient soil, these overexpression lines displayed enhanced Pi uptake, higher mycorrhization, and improved growth, ultimately increasing the spikelet number per spike, spike length, 1000-grain weight, grain length, and grain width. Transcriptome and coexpression analyses of TaPT31-7A OE lines and control plants showed altered expression of phosphate-starvation and AM-development genes, while docking and yeast two-hybrid assays confirmed its interaction with PP2C phosphatase TaPP2C12-6A. These results establish TaPT31-7A as a central regulator of Pi uptake, AM symbiosis, and productivity in wheat and highlight its potential for breeding phosphorus-efficient cultivars.},
}

@article {pmid40536173,
year = {2025},
author = {Kazmerski, TM and Kidd, KM and Jain, R and Jathal, I and Stransky, OM and Lee, M and Salyer, RE and Tangpricha, V and Palla, J and Alpern, AN and Lunn, MR and Obedin-Maliver, J and Greenberg, J and Prangley, A and , and Sawicki, GS},
title = {Investigating the Interplay Between Having Cystic Fibrosis and Being a Member of the LGBTQIA+ Community: Protocol for the PRIDE CF Study.},
journal = {Pediatric pulmonology},
volume = {60},
number = {6},
pages = {e71154},
pmid = {40536173},
issn = {1099-0496},
support = {//This study was supported by Cystic Fibrosis Foundation./ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Cystic Fibrosis/psychology/epidemiology ; *Sexual and Gender Minorities/psychology/statistics & numerical data ; Male ; Female ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Young Adult ; Research Design ; },
abstract = {The impact of the intersectional lived experience of having a chronic health condition and identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual or another sexual or gender minority (LGBTQIA+) on health and wellbeing is largely unknown. In this article, we describe the development and structure of PRIDE CF, an innovative, large-scale epidemiologic study using a mixed-methods team science approach to understand the experiences and health outcomes of people with cystic fibrosis (PwCF) who identify as a gender or sexual minority. Our four separate but symbiotic projects utilize the PRIDE CF cohort (n ~ 300) with the shared goal of better understanding the needs of LGBTQIA+ PwCF. We use a fully decentralized study design to recruit a national group of participants from a small population within a small population and strive to protect participants' confidentiality and privacy. Results will inform intervention development and testing to improve health for this population. This study is the first to comprehensively investigate the long-term impact and experiences of LGBTQIA+ identity on a person with any chronic condition and, thus, can serve as a model for future collaborations outside of cystic fibrosis.},
}

Humans
*Cystic Fibrosis/psychology/epidemiology
*Sexual and Gender Minorities/psychology/statistics & numerical data
Male
Female
Adolescent
Adult
Child
Young Adult
Research Design

@article {pmid40536155,
year = {2025},
author = {Bonfante, P and Genre, A},
title = {The increasingly powerful term mycorrhiza warrants attention.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.70324},
pmid = {40536155},
issn = {1469-8137},
}

@article {pmid40536153,
year = {2025},
author = {Xing, Z and Wu, L and Biere, A and Yu, H and Ding, J},
title = {Foliar Herbivory Suppresses Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Colonisation by Weakening Symbiosis Signalling in Root Exudates.},
journal = {Plant, cell & environment},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/pce.70024},
pmid = {40536153},
issn = {1365-3040},
support = {//This study was supported by National Key R&D Program of China (2024YFF1307500) and National Science Foundation of China (U21A20190, 32301323)./ ; },
abstract = {Foliar insect herbivory could affect arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), yet the underlying mechanisms remain understudied. Here, we examined the response of AMF symbiosis signals to foliar herbivory, using six herbaceous plant species and a generalist herbivorous insect. We found AMF colonisation was suppressed by foliar herbivory. After insect attack, plants allocated more biomass to belowground parts and the attack induced defence responses in aboveground parts. Notably, foliar herbivory increased shoot flavonoid concentrations but decreased root flavonoid concentrations. Moreover, quercetin and strigol concentrations in the root exudates were reduced by foliar herbivory. We further tested effect of the root exudates on the in-vitro germination of spores of two common AMF species. Spore germination was lower in treatments with herbivore-induced root exudates than in treatments with no-herbivore root exudates. Moreover, addition of herbivory-modified root exudates reduced AMF colonisation of healthy plants when compared to addition of root exudates from non-herbivory plants. Our results suggest that foliar herbivory weakened symbiosis signalling in root exudates, which could have contributed to the observed lower AMF colonisation following herbivory. Therefore, herbivore-induced symbiosis signalling needs to be considered when studying plant-mediated interactions between foliar herbivores and root microbes.},
}

@article {pmid40534881,
year = {2025},
author = {Mu, Y and Yang, M and Liu, J and Yao, Y and Sun, H and Zhuang, J},
title = {Exosomes in hypoxia: generation, secretion, and physiological roles in cancer progression.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1537313},
pmid = {40534881},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {Humans ; *Exosomes/metabolism ; *Neoplasms/pathology/metabolism ; Tumor Microenvironment ; Disease Progression ; Animals ; *Hypoxia/metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; Cell Hypoxia ; },
abstract = {The hypoxic microenvironment represents a universal hallmark feature of most solid tumors, profoundly shaping cancer progression through multifaceted mechanisms. Acting as nanoscale molecular envoys, exosomes transport oncogenic cargoes (including non-coding RNAs, mutated proteins, and metabolites) to reprogram stromal cells, prime pre-metastatic niches, and establish tumor-host metabolic symbiosis. Their lipid bilayer architecture ensures the protection of labile hypoxia-responsive factors, positioning them as critical amplifiers of intercellular crosstalk within the tumor microenvironment. Despite significant advances, critical gaps persist in understanding the spatiotemporal regulation of exosomal release under hypoxia, particularly the organ-specific variations in hypoxic exosome signatures revealed by single-vesicle analyses. This review synthesizes recent advances in the intricate interplay between hypoxia and exosomes, emphasizing hypoxia-related signaling pathways that directly modulate exosome biogenesis and indirectly activate hypoxia-associated microenvironmental remodeling, alongside their distinct regulatory effects on exosomal cargo composition. Furthermore, it delineates the pivotal role of hypoxia-specific exosomes in driving cancer malignancy, including metastatic dissemination, immune evasion, and therapy resistance. By integrating molecular mechanisms with clinically actionable insights, this work establishes a translational framework for targeting the hypoxic exosome network in precision oncology, offering strategic references for biomarker discovery and therapeutic development.},
}

Humans
*Exosomes/metabolism
*Neoplasms/pathology/metabolism
Tumor Microenvironment
Disease Progression
Animals
*Hypoxia/metabolism
Signal Transduction
Cell Hypoxia

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

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

@article {pmid39989254,
year = {2025},
author = {Coyle, A and O'Hare, L and Ramey, D},
title = {Synapse: A co-designed neurodivergent peer support programme for higher education settings.},
journal = {Autism : the international journal of research and practice},
volume = {29},
number = {7},
pages = {1711-1726},
pmid = {39989254},
issn = {1461-7005},
abstract = {Transitioning to higher education can be challenging for neurodivergent students and they can be particularly vulnerable to experiencing stress in this new environment, resulting in higher levels of non-completion. To address this issue, this study details the co-design of a support programme for neurodivergent students in higher education. It used logic modelling workshop methodology to identify the short-term and long-term outcomes, activities and resources required for implementation. The logic model was produced during a workshop that involved a range of stakeholders, including researchers, neurodivergent and neurotypical students and disability service staff at an Irish university. The qualitative data were analysed through thematic analysis and three key outcomes were generated from the logic modelling process: 'connectedness', 'knowledge and awareness of neurodiversity' and 'empowerment'. The main activities desired by stakeholders included one-to-one mentoring and group-based mentoring, which would allow neurodivergent students to establish new friendships and develop a sense of belonging within the university. The implementation factors identified were providing a dedicated space and mentor pairing. A key finding was that stakeholders did not favour traditional peer mentoring labels of 'mentor' and 'mentee'. Instead, students preferred the development of a symbiotic co-mentoring relationship between peers, with both participants being referred to as 'mentors'.Lay abstractNeurodivergent students may require support with the social aspects of university life. Peer mentoring describes a relationship where a more experienced student helps a less experienced student by providing advice, support and knowledge. It is an effective way to support students' transition to higher education. This study involved a wide range of stakeholders including neurodivergent students, neurotypical students, disability service staff and researchers in the design of a peer mentoring programme called Synapse. A visual representation of the proposed programme (i.e. logic model) was produced during a workshop with the stakeholders. This visual showed the key outcomes or aims of the programme that was agreed upon by the stakeholders. The workshop was audio recorded and the transcripts were analysed to highlight the main conversation themes. Stakeholders stated that neurodivergent students wanted to feel more connected to others at the university to develop a sense of belonging, they also wanted people to learn more about neurodiversity to reduce stigma and finally, they wanted to feel empowered to take control of their lives and have a voice in decision-making. The two preferred activities of the programme were one-to-one and group mentoring. Uniquely, the participants were concerned with traditional terminology around peer mentoring, in particular the terms mentor and mentee, as it inferred an unequal power dynamic in a relationship. The stakeholders believed that students in the Synapse programme should be valued and treated equally, regardless of diagnosis or experience. Therefore, all members of the Synapse programme were paired within a co-mentoring relationship.},
}

@article {pmid40532609,
year = {2025},
author = {Demidova, MA and Vishnyakov, AE and Karagodina, NP and Kotenko, ON and Nekliudova, UA and Bogdanov, EA and Ostrovsky, AN},
title = {Vertical transfer of bacterial symbionts via a placental analogue in the cyclostome bryozoan Patinella verrucaria (Stenolaemata): Ultrastructural and molecular evidence.},
journal = {Zoology (Jena, Germany)},
volume = {171},
number = {},
pages = {126281},
doi = {10.1016/j.zool.2025.126281},
pmid = {40532609},
issn = {1873-2720},
abstract = {Symbiotic associations with prokaryotes are common among marine filter-feeding invertebrates. In the almost exclusively colonial phylum Bryozoa, however, such associations have only been recorded in some species of the order Cheilostomata (class Gymnolaemata). Here we describe for the first time symbiotic bacteria in the colonies, larvae and developing ancestrulae of the bryozoan Patinella verrucaria from the order Cyclostomata (class Stenolaemata) using transmission electron and fluorescent microscopy. Ultrastructural and molecular data suggest the existence of two distinct bacterial species, both from the family Rhodobacteraceae. The presence of bacteria in all three stages of the bryozoan life cycle indicates a vertical transfer of symbionts. Both intracellular and free bacteria were recorded in the colonies, being presumably transported by amoebocytes from autozooids to the colonial incubation chamber. The bacteria are accumulated in the placental analogue and in associated cells surrounding developing embryos and larvae, and are presumably transmitted to the mature ciliated larvae during rupture of the placenta facilitated by the movements of their cilia before and/or during larval release. Thus, the nourishing function of the placenta is complemented by the symbiont transfer, which can be regarded as an example of extension of functions. This is the first example of a placenta providing bacterial infection to the progeny in invertebrates.},
}

@article {pmid40528946,
year = {2025},
author = {Miao, Y and Sun, M and Huo, R and Chen, Y and Xie, J and Dong, T and Zhang, M},
title = {Metagenomics and volatile metabolomics reveal microbial succession and flavor formation mechanisms during fermentation of Novel Pasture-style Laozao.},
journal = {Food chemistry: X},
volume = {28},
number = {},
pages = {102598},
pmid = {40528946},
issn = {2590-1575},
abstract = {Novel Pasture-style Laozao (NPLZ) is a local specialty fermented food with unique flavor and mouthfeel. This study investigated the dynamic changes of physicochemical properties, volatile flavor substances and microbial community succession during the fermentation of NPLZ and revealed their interactions through the joint analysis of metagenomics and volatile metabolomics. Differences in the contents of 52 characteristic flavor substances were the main reasons for the changes in aroma. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Pseudomonas oryzihabitans, and Pantoea vagans were the dominant microbial communities during fermentation. Under symbiotic conditions, five species including Paenibacillus piri and Methyloversatilis thermotolerans were found to be crucial in influencing microbial community succession. The accumulation of organic acids was identified as the primary environmental factor driving changes in microbial community structure. Through correlation analysis, eight microbial species were identified as core microorganisms affecting flavor differences, and the metabolic networks of key flavor metabolites were reconstructed in conjunction with the KEGG database.},
}

@article {pmid40528245,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, Q and Zhang, H and Qiu, JW and Huang, D and Zhou, X and Zheng, X},
title = {Symbiotic Symbiodiniaceae mediate coral-associated bacterial communities along a natural thermal gradient.},
journal = {Environmental microbiome},
volume = {20},
number = {1},
pages = {72},
pmid = {40528245},
issn = {2524-6372},
support = {2022YFC3102003//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 2020017//he Scientific Research Foundation of the Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China/ ; 2019017//the Scientific Research Foundation of the Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China/ ; 42376110//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2023J06043//the Fujian Provincial Natural Science Funds for Distinguished Young Scholar/ ; },
abstract = {The coral-associated microbiome plays a vital role in the holobiont, enabling coral adaptation to diverse environments by modulating its composition and mediating interactions among its constituents. However, the responses of coral microbiomes, particularly the interactions between Symbiodiniaceae and bacteria, to environmental changes remain unclear. To fill this knowledge gap, we examined Pocillopora acuta, an environmentally sensitive coral species, collected from three sites along the southeastern coast of Hainan which exhibit moderate environmental differences. We measured the physiological characteristics of Symbiodiniaceae and conducted amplicon sequencing to analyze the structure of Symbiodiniaceae and bacterial communities. Our results revealed that P. acuta in southeastern Hainan maintains stable symbiosis with Symbiodiniaceae sub-clades such as C1, C42.1, C3, D1, D4, and D6, as evidenced by ΔF/Fm' values ranging from 0.45 for P. acuta dominated by Durusdinium (PaD) to 0.6 for counterparts dominated by Cladocopium (PaC). However, the composition of Symbiodiniaceae varied among the three sites, primarily due to differences in the abundance of dominant sub-clades. These variations may reflect adaptations to distinct environmental conditions, which in turn significantly influence the associated bacterial communities. Notably, our results suggest that Symbiodiniaceae may exert a greater regulatory role on the coral-associated bacterial community than environmental differences. Specific bacteria, such as Endozoicomonas and Synechococcus_CC9902, exhibit strong correlations with particular Symbiodiniaceae genera or sub-clades, indicating that the dominant Symbiodiniaceae shape bacterial community dynamics. Despite the observed variations, we identified modular co-occurrence patterns in bacterial networks, with PaC exhibiting a more complex and stable structure. Overall, these results highlight the critical role of various Symbiodiniaceae genera in influencing bacterial community dynamics, emphasizing their importance in maintaining coral health and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.},
}

@article {pmid40527464,
year = {2025},
author = {Titelboim, D and Dedman, CJ and Hodgson, RP and Knowles, LS and Liu, X and Lenzi, L and Tudor, J and Vamos, E and Rickaby, REM},
title = {Exogenous diatoms ameliorate thermal bleaching of symbiont bearing benthic foraminifera.},
journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences},
volume = {292},
number = {2049},
pages = {20250596},
pmid = {40527464},
issn = {1471-2954},
support = {/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; //H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions/ ; },
mesh = {*Foraminifera/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Diatoms/physiology ; Temperature ; Hot Temperature ; },
abstract = {Many marine calcifiers engage in obligatory algal symbiosis which is threatened by ocean warming. Large benthic foraminifera are prominent carbonate and sand producers in shallow environments with a wide range of species-specific thermal tolerances assumed to be related to their diverse algal symbionts. We examine two diatom-bearing benthic foraminifera species which differ in their thermal physiological tolerance and symbiont community composition. Our findings demonstrate that the less thermally tolerant host, Amphistegina lobifera Larsen, 1976, 'shuffles' the dominant players of the internal symbiont community with increasing temperature while the more thermally tolerant host Pararotalia calcariformata McCulloch, 1977, is dominated by Arcocellulus cornucervis Medlin, 1990, at all temperatures. Although this diatom species was present in A. lobifera from all treatments, it became more abundant only under the most severe temperature stress. Symbionts were isolated from the thermally tolerant foraminifera P. calcariformata, with only one species of symbiont surviving at 35°C, while the others failed to survive at 32°C. Supplementation of isolated symbionts reduced bleaching of A. lobifera under heat stress suggesting that while increased temperature creates shuffling at the family level, heat tolerance of the holobiont is related to changes at the species level of the symbiont algae.},
}

*Foraminifera/physiology
*Symbiosis
*Diatoms/physiology
Temperature
Hot Temperature

@article {pmid40527262,
year = {2025},
author = {Lynn, KD and Queirós, A and Talbot, E and Mesher, T and Pascoe, C and Quijón, PA},
title = {The disruption of a symbiotic sea anemone by light pollution: Non-linear effects on zooxanthellae and molecular indicators.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {990},
number = {},
pages = {179906},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179906},
pmid = {40527262},
issn = {1879-1026},
abstract = {Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) is a pervasive stressor that may affect coastal organisms, particularly sessile forms associated with photosynthetic symbionts. We examined the effects of ALAN upon the symbiotic snakelocks anemone (Anemonia viridis)'s relationship with photosynthetic zooxanthellae, as well as molecular indicators of oxidative stress and metabolism. Anemones were exposed to natural daylight/night or either mild or strong ALAN intensities for four weeks, before quantifying zooxanthellae, superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes, and respiration rates. In comparison to natural conditions, anemones exposed to ALAN showed significantly higher and lower zooxanthellae counts, under mild and strong ALAN, respectively. In turn, SOD concentrations were lower and much higher when exposed to mild and strong ALAN, respectively, with no change in respiration rates. Concurrent bleaching suggests that ALAN is harmful to this, and possibly other species associated with symbiotic microalgae. And while we didn't measure heat stress, such bleaching may potentially act synergistically with other larger-scale forms of bleaching associated with rising ocean temperatures.},
}

@article {pmid40524261,
year = {2025},
author = {Leach, WB and Babonis, L and Juliano, CE and Nakanishi, N and Schnitzler, CE and Steinmetz, PRH and Layden, MJ},
title = {Discoveries and innovations in cnidarian biology at Cnidofest 2024.},
journal = {EvoDevo},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {9},
pmid = {40524261},
issn = {2041-9139},
support = {2436941//NSF/ ; 2436941//NSF/ ; },
abstract = {The third iteration of the Cnidarian Model Systems Meeting (Cnidofest) was held August 14-17th, 2024 at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA. The meeting featured presentations from laboratories representing 11 countries, covering a broad range of topics related to cnidarian species. The research highlighted diverse topics, with sessions focused on regeneration, evo-devo, genomics, symbiosis, cell biology, physiology, neurobiology, and development. A notable shift at this meeting was the extent to which established cnidarian model systems have caught up with the classical laboratory models such as Drosophila and vertebrates, with modern genomic, genetic, and molecular tools now routinely applied. In addition, more cnidarian systems are now being developed for functional studies by the community, enhancing our ability to gain fundamental insights into animal biology that are otherwise difficult in the complex bilaterian model systems. Together, the integration of cnidarian and bilaterian model systems provides researchers with a broader toolkit for selecting animal models best suited to address their specific biological questions.},
}

@article {pmid40523202,
year = {2025},
author = {Dal Bó, B and Guo, Y and Mayr, MJ and Pereira, OS and Levin, LA and Orphan, VJ and Goffredi, SK},
title = {Methane-powered sea spiders: Diverse, epibiotic methanotrophs serve as a source of nutrition for deep-sea methane seep Sericosura.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {122},
number = {26},
pages = {e2501422122},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2501422122},
pmid = {40523202},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {OCE-2048481//NSF (NSF)/ ; OCE-2048720//NSF (NSF)/ ; OCE-2048666//NSF (NSF)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Methane/metabolism ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Symbiosis ; Male ; *Spiders/microbiology/physiology ; Bacteria/metabolism/genetics ; Female ; Methanol/metabolism ; Pacific Ocean ; },
abstract = {Methane seeps harbor uncharacterized animal-microbe symbioses with unique nutritional strategies. Three undescribed sea spider species (family Ammotheidae; genus Sericosura) endemic to methane seeps were found along the eastern Pacific margin, from California to Alaska, hosting diverse methane- and methanol-oxidizing bacteria on their exoskeleton. δ[13]C tissue isotope values of in situ specimens corroborated methane assimilation (-45‰, on average). Live animal incubations with [13]C-labeled methane and methanol, followed by nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry, confirmed that carbon derived from both compounds was actively incorporated into the tissues within five days. Methano- and methylotrophs of the bacterial families Methylomonadaceae, Methylophagaceae and Methylophilaceae were abundant, based on environmental metagenomics and 16S rRNA sequencing, and fluorescence and electron microscopy confirmed dense epibiont aggregations on the sea spider exoskeleton. Egg sacs carried by the males hosted identical microbes suggesting vertical transmission. We propose that these sea spiders farm and feed on methanotrophic and methylotrophic bacteria, expanding the realm of animals known to harness C1 compounds as a carbon source. These findings advance our understanding of the biology of an understudied animal lineage, unlocking some of the unique nutritional links between the microbial and faunal food webs in the oceans.},
}

Animals
*Methane/metabolism
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Symbiosis
Male
*Spiders/microbiology/physiology
Bacteria/metabolism/genetics
Female
Methanol/metabolism
Pacific Ocean

@article {pmid40521991,
year = {2025},
author = {Kulkarni, AS and Carrara, GMP and Jin, J and Laro, J and Peramuna, T and McCall, LI and Garg, N},
title = {Mass spectrometry-based metabolomics approaches to interrogate host-microbiome interactions in mammalian systems.},
journal = {Natural product reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40521991},
issn = {1460-4752},
support = {R01 GM145649/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R35 GM150870/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Covering: 2015 to 2025Chemical crosstalk is universal to all life, niche-specific, and essential to thrive. This crosstalk is mediated by a large diversity of molecules, including metal ions, small molecules, polysaccharides, nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins. Among these, specialized small molecules referred to as natural products (NPs) play an important role in microbe-drug/environment interactions, microbe-microbe, and microbe-host interactions. Microbial communication using NPs allows microbes to sense quorum, form biofilms, eliminate competition, establish symbiosis, evade immune attack, and respond to stress. In most cases, the elucidation of small molecule mediators and effectors of microbe-host interactions presents a major challenge due to the relatively low abundance of microbial metabolites in a milieu of host, microbe, and environmental metabolites. Advances in analytical instrumentation, such as mass spectrometers, and both experimental as well as computational methods to analyze data, coupled with the use of model organisms, have enabled fundamental discoveries of mechanisms of small molecule-mediated host-microbe interactions. The focus of this review is to detail the approaches applied in the last decade to disentangle microbiome-derived NPs in human and murine model systems. Select recent findings from diverse biological ecosystems are discussed to inform relevant parallels and potential strategies for research in human health.},
}

@article {pmid40520149,
year = {2025},
author = {Maldonado, M and Pita, L and Hentschel, U and Erpenbeck, D and Oatley, G and Sinclair, E and Aunin, E and Gettle, N and Santos, C and Paulini, M and Niu, H and McKenna, V and O'Brien, R and , and , and , and , and , },
title = {The chromosomal genome sequence of the sponge Crambe crambe (Schmidt, 1862) and its associated microbial metagenome sequences.},
journal = {Wellcome open research},
volume = {10},
number = {},
pages = {275},
pmid = {40520149},
issn = {2398-502X},
abstract = {We present a genome assembly from an individual Crambe crambe (Porifera; Demospongiae; Poecilosclerida; Crambeidae). The host genome sequence is 143.20 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 18 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 19.53 kilobases in length. Several symbiotic prokaryotic genomes were assembled as MAGs, including two relevant sponge symbionts, the Candidatus Beroebacter blanensis/ AqS2 clade (Tethybacterales, Gammaproteobacteria) of LMA sponges, and the widely distributed archaeal Nitrosopumilus sp. clade.},
}

@article {pmid40519728,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, F and Sun, Y and Wang, J and Zhan, J},
title = {Study on the pathogenesis of idiopathic pediatric acute pancreatitis by combining intestinal microbiome and metabolome.},
journal = {Translational pediatrics},
volume = {14},
number = {5},
pages = {855-870},
pmid = {40519728},
issn = {2224-4344},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Idiopathic pediatric acute pancreatitis (IPAP) represents a significant health threat to children and adolescents, yet its underlying pathogenesis remains poorly understood, necessitating further research to elucidate its mechanisms. This study aims to explore the roles of intestinal microbiota, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and serum metabolites in the pathogenesis of IPAP, as well as to assess the therapeutic potential of acetic acid intervention in this condition.

METHODS: Fecal and serum samples from 22 cases of IPAP (excluding biliary origin) and 10 healthy controls were collected and analyzed. Intestinal microbial was characterized using 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) sequencing, while SCFAs and serum metabolites were quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Omics analysis was employed to identify microbial-metabolite regulation and regulatory networks and potential disease biomarkers. To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of acetic acid in acute pancreatitis (AP), AP was induced in animal models by intraperitoneal injection of caerulein (50 µg/kg; once daily for seven days), followed by oral administration of acetic acid (10 mL/kg, once daily) in 4-, 6-, and 8-week models. Pancreatic and ileum tissues were examined for histopathological changes, serum enzymes levels, and intestinal barrier integrity.

RESULTS: The results of 16S rRNA sequencing revealed significant differences in the composition and abundance of intestinal microbial communities between the control (Con) and IPAP groups. Pathogenic bacteria, such as f_Tannerellaceae and c_Bacteroidia, as well as certain symbiotic bacteria, were significantly enriched in the IPAP group. SCFAs metabolome analysis indicated that acetic acid, as a key intermediate metabolite, may play a regulatory role in the pathogenesis of IPAP. The construction of a microbial-metabolite regulatory network demonstrated that microorganisms such as g_Monoglobus and g_Morganella were closely associated with SCFAs, including acetic acid, suggesting that the development of IPAP is influenced by upstream and downstream regulatory mechanisms. Furthermore, significant associations were identified between serum metabolites and gut microbes. For instance, (4E,15E)-bilirubin and creatinine showed significant positive correlations with g_Bacteroides (P<0.01). Similarly, 1,2-ethanediol monoricinoleate was significantly positively correlated with g_Hungatella (P<0.01), while pubescenol and tecastemizole were significantly positively correlated with g_Parabacteroides (P<0.01). Animal experiments demonstrated that pancreatic and intestinal tissue damage was alleviated to varying degrees following treatment. Compared to the disease model group, the acetic acid treatment group exhibited significantly reduced serum levels of D-lactic acid, amylase, and lipase, along with a significantly increased positive staining surface density of intestinal barrier proteins (occludin, claudin-1, and ZO-1).

CONCLUSIONS: Intestinal flora, SCFAs and serum metabolites were significantly altered in IPAP, and the interaction regulated the development of IPAP. Acetic acid can effectively intervene the occurrence of IPAP.},
}

@article {pmid40519530,
year = {2025},
author = {Smith, S and Bongrand, C and Lawhorn, S and Ruby, EG and Septer, AN},
title = {Application of hsp60 amplicon sequencing to characterize microbial communities associated with juvenile and adult Euprymna scolopes squid.},
journal = {ISME communications},
volume = {5},
number = {1},
pages = {ycaf085},
pmid = {40519530},
issn = {2730-6151},
abstract = {The symbiotic relationship between Vibrio (Aliivibrio) fischeri and the Hawaiian bobtail squid, Euprymna scolopes, serves as a key model for understanding host-microbe interactions. Traditional culture-based methods have primarily isolated V. fischeri from the light organs of wild-caught squid, yet culture-independent analyses of this symbiotic microbiome remain limited. This study aims to enhance species-level resolution of bacterial communities associated with E. scolopes using hsp60 amplicon sequencing. We validated our hsp60 sequencing approach using pure cultures and mixed bacterial populations, demonstrating its ability to distinguish V. fischeri from other closely related vibrios and the possibility of using this approach for strain-level diversity with further optimization. This approach was applied to whole-animal juvenile squid exposed to either seawater or a clonal V. fischeri inoculum, as well as ventate samples and light organ cores from wild-caught adults. V. fischeri accounted for the majority of the identifiable taxa for whole-animal juvenile samples and comprised 94%-99% of amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) for adult light organ core samples, confirming that V. fischeri is the dominant, if not sole, symbiont typically associated with E. scolopes light organs. In one ventate sample, V. fischeri comprised 82% of reads, indicating the potential for non-invasive community assessments using this approach. Analysis of non-V. fischeri ASVs revealed that Bradyrhizobium spp. and other members of the Rhodobacterales order are conserved across juvenile and adult samples. These findings provide insight into the presence of additional microbial associations with the squid host tissue outside of the light organ that have not been previously detected through traditional culture methods.},
}

@article {pmid40517925,
year = {2025},
author = {Banerjee, S and Jha, S and Chakraborty, S and Ghosh, S and Sarkar, D and Datta, R and Bhattacharya, SS and Bhattacharyya, P},
title = {Mycorrhiza-assisted phytoremediation of spiked chromium-contaminated soil: Assessing AMF-vetiver symbiosis for Cr accumulation and soil quality enhancement.},
journal = {Environmental research},
volume = {283},
number = {},
pages = {122143},
doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2025.122143},
pmid = {40517925},
issn = {1096-0953},
abstract = {Chromium (Cr) is a hazardous pollutant in industrial and mining areas and threatens soil ecosystems. Mycorrhiza-assisted phytoremediation serves as an eco-friendly and effective approach to mitigate Cr contamination from soil. In this investigation, varying Cr dosages (100 mg kg[-1], 500 mg kg[-1], and 1000 mg kg[-1]) were applied into the soil alongside vetiver plants (Chrysopogon zizanioides L.) inoculated with three different AMF species (Claroideoglomus claroideum, Glomus hoi, and Claroideoglomus etunicatum). The results indicated that AMF inoculation enhanced Cr accumulation (1.96 folds, 1.63 folds) in the root tissue of vetiver compared to the control. Among the AMF species, Glomus hoi demonstrated the highest effectiveness in reducing Cr bioavailability (P10: 0.247 mg kg[-1], P11: 1.117 mg kg[-1], and P12: 4.789 mg kg[-1]) in the soil, followed by Claroideoglomus claroideum and Claroideoglomus etunicatum at post-harvest. Additionally, microbial and enzymatic activity improved in the presence of AMF compared to the control, as AMF alleviated Cr-induced stress by stimulating antioxidant activity. AMF enhanced soil glomalin-related proteins and colonization percentage, thereby promoting plant growth. The correlation and principal component analysis depict a positive association between Cr accumulation in vetiver (root and shoot) and the different Cr phases. Interestingly, in the presence of Glomus hoi, the VTF (<1) and VBCF (>1) indicate that this symbiotic association is well-suited for phytoremediation applications. Hence, AMF-assisted phytoremediation emerges as a viable and sustainable approach, offering advantages over other remediation techniques and providing potential solutions for managing soil Cr contamination.},
}

@article {pmid40517638,
year = {2025},
author = {Deng, X and Zhao, D and Li, Y and Li, K and Xia, J and Yu, S and Wang, J and Lin, J},
title = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi confer aluminum toxicity tolerance in Ricinus communis via modulating root metabolic mechanisms and the composition and quantity of root exudates.},
journal = {Plant physiology and biochemistry : PPB},
volume = {227},
number = {},
pages = {110149},
doi = {10.1016/j.plaphy.2025.110149},
pmid = {40517638},
issn = {1873-2690},
abstract = {Aluminum (Al) phytotoxicity is an essential factor that severely threatens plant productivity in acidic soil with pH < 5. Nevertheless, the specific interactions and functional contributions of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) in the adaptability of Ricinus communis to Al stress remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the changes in biomass, Al accumulation, antioxidant system, sucrose metabolism, gene expression, and root exudates of R. communis when regulated by AMF (Rhizophagus intraradices, Funneliformis mosseae, and Diversispora versiformis) under Al stress (0-1.2 g kg[-1]). Al detoxification by AMF - R. communis symbiosis was manifested by activating antioxidant levels, sucrose metabolism, thereby alleviating lipid peroxidation (MDA decreased 11.44 %-24.89 %) and increasing plant biomass (10.34 %-33.33 %). Meanwhile, transcriptome analysis revealed 659 differentially expressing genes (DEGs) in AMF-inoculated plants in comparison to non-inoculated plants subjected to Al stress. Furthermore, AMF colonization induced 929 differential metabolites (DAMs) from the perspective of root exudates. The integrating analysis of gene expression and root exudate changes indicating that AMF colonization under Al stress was closely related to ABC transporters, glutathione metabolism, nitrogen metabolism, cyanoamino acid metabolism, starch and sucrose metabolism. Altogether, the result of this study suggest that AMF confer Al tolerance to R. communis via antioxidant activation, sucrose metabolism regulation, and reshaping root exudates and gene networks. The present study provides new insights into the crucial role of AMF in improving Al-tolerance of R. communis.},
}

@article {pmid40516677,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, A and Wang, Z and Shi, C and Li, N and Bai, M and Yao, J and Hrynsphan, D and Qian, H and Hu, S and Wei, J and Chen, J},
title = {Enhanced denitrification performance via biochar-mediated electron shuttling in Pseudomonas guariconensis: mechanistic insights from enzymatic and electrochemical analyses.},
journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {126667},
doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126667},
pmid = {40516677},
issn = {1873-6424},
abstract = {Nitrogen pollution constitutes a critical environmental challenge for aquatic ecosystems, where biological denitrification serves as a critical mechanism for nitrogen removal in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Pseudomonas guariconensis, a key denitrifying bacterium in WWTPs, demonstrates stable symbiotic relationships with organic carbon substrates under operational conditions. This study investigated the biochar-mediated enhancement mechanism of denitrification performance using Pseudomonas guariconensis strain XYH-2. Experimental results revealed that 0.5% (w/w) biochar addition significantly improved denitrification efficiency, elevating NO3[-]-N removal from 39% to 94% within 16 hours while reducing N2O accumulation by 81.7% (from 837 to 153 ppm). Electrochemical characterization and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) analysis demonstrated biochar's role as an electron shuttle, evidenced by a 48.5% increase in electron transfer system activity (ETSA) and enhanced redox currents. Notably, biochar stimulation elevated the activities of four key denitrifying enzymes: nitrate reductase (NAR, +75.6%), nitrite reductase (NIR, +25.4%), nitric oxide reductase (NOR, +33.3%), and nitrous oxide reductase (N2OR, +159.4%). Structural characterization revealed biochar-induced conformational modifications in N2OR that enhanced substrate binding affinity, particularly explaining the dramatic N2O mitigation. These findings provided mechanistic insights into biochar-bacteria synergism, proposing an effective strategy for optimizing denitrification processes in nitrogen-contaminated wastewater treatment systems.},
}

@article {pmid40516400,
year = {2025},
author = {Ju, X and Sun, H and Ruan, C and Wang, H and Shi, B and Alvarez, PJJ and Yu, P},
title = {Prophage induction and quorum sensing enhance biofilm stability and resistance under ammonia-oxidizing bacteria-mediated oxidative stress.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {284},
number = {},
pages = {124010},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2025.124010},
pmid = {40516400},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {Ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and prophage-carrying bacteria are prevalent in water treatment and reuse systems, yet their interactions and implications for biofilm formation and microbial risks remain insufficiently understood. Here, we demonstrate that oxidative stress arising from the metabolism of the AOB Nitrosomonas europaea induces prophage activation in lysogenized Escherichia coli (λ+). This activation triggers cellular lysis, leading to the release of intracellular components (e.g., protein and DNA) and upregulated quorum sensing (QS) followed by biosynthesis and excretion of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS). Integrated transcriptomic and proteomic analysis revealed that the presence of N. europaea significantly upregulated QS- and EPS-related genes by 2.14-2.93 and 2.81-3.11 folds in E. coli (λ+), respectively. Surviving E. coli (λ+) exhibited enhanced prophage-bacterium symbiosis and activated toxin-antitoxin systems, enhancing their resilience to environmental stress. These microbial adaptations markedly increased EPS production, fostering biofilm development and conferring enhanced biofilm resilience to disinfectants and bacterial antibiotic tolerance. Furthermore, metagenomic analysis at the microbial community wide level demonstrated that ammonia addition-driven AOB enrichment stimulated multi-species biofilm formation, promoted bacterium-phage interactions, and increased bacterial antibiotic resistance. Overall, our findings reveal that oxidative stress driven by AOB accelerates biofilm development, an overlooked phenomenon with potential to exacerbate microbial risks.},
}

@article {pmid40516069,
year = {2025},
author = {di Michele, F},
title = {The symbiotic relationship in a case of hysterical psychosis.},
journal = {Psychiatria Danubina},
volume = {37},
number = {1},
pages = {108-109},
pmid = {40516069},
issn = {0353-5053},
}

@article {pmid40515627,
year = {2025},
author = {Hasan, MR and Thapa, A and Kabir, AH},
title = {Iron retention coupled with trade-offs in localized symbiotic effects confers tolerance to combined iron deficiency and drought in soybean.},
journal = {Journal of experimental botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jxb/eraf263},
pmid = {40515627},
issn = {1460-2431},
abstract = {Iron (Fe) and water availability are closely interlinked, with deficiencies in both adversely affecting soybean growth. However, the strategies employed by soybean to tolerate such conditions remain poorly understood. This study elucidates the interactions of host factors, and microbial associations using multi-omics approaches in Clark (tolerant) and Arisoy (sensitive) genotypes exposed to Fe deficiency and drought. Clark exhibited resilience to stress through sustained osmotic regulation, nutrient uptake, and photosynthetic activity, in contrast to Arisoy. Particularly, Fe retention in Clark, accompanied by the upregulation of ferritin-like proteins, may mitigate oxidative stress by reducing Fenton reactions. Furthermore, higher jasmonic and salicylic acid levels in Clark may contribute to its enhanced stress adaptation compared to Arisoy. RNA-seq analysis revealed 818 and 500 upregulated, along with 931 and 361 downregulated genes, in the roots of Clark and Arisoy, respectively, under stress. We observed the upregulation of symbiotic genes, such as Chalcone-flavonone isomerase 1 and SWEET10, accompanied by increased rhizosphere siderophore and root flavonoid in Clark. This indicates a significant role of microbes in mediating differential stress tolerance in soybean. Particularly, the combined stress led to distinct root and nodule microbiome dynamics, with Clark recruiting beneficial microbes such as Variovorax and Paecilomyces, whereas Arisoy exhibited the opposite pattern. In addition, Clark maintained nodule Bradyrhizobium and tissue nitrogen status, supported by ammonium retention and induction of Ammonium transporter 1 in the roots. Furthermore, in vitro compatibility between V. paradoxus and P. lilacinus suggests a synergistic interaction, with their localized signals benefiting Clark. Remarkably, enriched microbiomes significantly improved growth parameters, accompanied by elevated rhizosphere siderophore in sensitive genotypes under stress. This study is the first to uncover mechanisms of dual stress tolerance in soybean that may offer promising targets for breeding programs and microbiome-based biofertilizer strategies to improve combined stress tolerance in soybean and other legumes.},
}

@article {pmid40515619,
year = {2025},
author = {Ochiai, KK and Goshima, G},
title = {Ruegeria strains promote growth and morphogenesis of the giant coenocytic alga Bryopsis.},
journal = {Journal of experimental botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jxb/eraf262},
pmid = {40515619},
issn = {1460-2431},
abstract = {An evolutionarily intriguing life form among extant organisms is the giant coenocyte, exemplified by green macroalgae in the order Bryopsidales. In these algae, cell separation does not follow nuclear division, resulting in a body composed of a single multinucleated cell. How a single cell grows to over 10 cm and undergoes characteristic morphogenesis without cell division or differentiation remains poorly understood. Macroalgae are known to associate with numerous microbes, and in some cases, these interactions influence algal cell division and differentiation. Here, we show that specific bacterial strains can promote the growth and morphogenesis of the coenocytic macroalga Bryopsis. Among >100 bacterial isolates obtained from Bryopsis, four strains belonging to the genus Ruegeria were found to accelerate the growth of the main axis and induce side-branch formation when co-cultured with the alga. The same effects were observed using conditioned seawater in which Ruegeria had been pre-cultured and subsequently removed. Seasonal microbiome analysis revealed that cultured Bryopsis associates with hundreds of bacterial species, exhibiting seasonal variations in community composition. However, Ruegeria was one of the few bacterial genera consistently associated with the cultured strain, suggesting a symbiotic relationship. Notably, although Ruegeria was not detected in Bryopsis strains isolated from other regions, its effects on growth and morphogenesis were observed in co-culture experiments. These findings suggest that Bryopsis, like multicellular macroalgae, utilises associated bacteria for growth and development without strict specificity.},
}

@article {pmid40515450,
year = {2025},
author = {Berrios, L},
title = {Is it all about timing? Identifying the symbiosis critical points that govern interactions among bacteria, ectomycorrhizal fungi, and land trees.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.70298},
pmid = {40515450},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {//Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability Discovery Grant/ ; 2109481//Directorate for Biological Sciences/ ; },
abstract = {Tree health and fitness depend on the interactions among soil microbiota across space and time. Recent evidence, for instance, has shown that understanding the individual and interactive lifestyles of bacteria and ectomycorrhizal fungi (EcMF)-two of the most dominant and influential soil microbes in tree microbiomes-enhances our predictions of plant responses and ecosystem functions. The spatial features that shape the coexistence and plasticity of bacteria-EcMF interactions have long been a primary research interest and have therefore revealed key insights in the field. The temporal features of these interactions, however, have received considerably less attention, yet emerging evidence suggests that interactions at a particular time in space may have a disproportionate impact on the stability and outcome of relationships. In light of these observations, I outline bacteria-EcMF-tree interactions across the life cycle of EcMF and highlight the importance of 'symbiosis critical points' across developmental time, providing testable hypotheses and experimental frameworks that aim to advance the field moving forward. Though this viewpoint article focuses on the symbioses among these three organisms, the concepts, hypotheses, and frameworks presented herein extend to diverse multispecies systems.},
}

@article {pmid40514722,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, M and Xiao, Y and Song, Q and Li, Z},
title = {Antarctic ice-free terrestrial microbial functional redundancy in core ecological functions and microhabitat-specific microbial taxa and adaptive strategy.},
journal = {Environmental microbiome},
volume = {20},
number = {1},
pages = {70},
pmid = {40514722},
issn = {2524-6372},
support = {2022YFC280410//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Although ice-free terrestrial ecosystems in Antarctica cover only limited areas, they harbor diverse and metabolically active microbial communities. These ecosystems encompass distinct microhabitats such as mosses, lichens, and soils, each offering unique ecological niches. However, how different microbial taxa respond to microhabitat heterogeneity, ecological strategies such as functional redundancy and specialization contribute to adaptation in extreme environments remains underexplored. To address these questions, we employed high-throughput 16 S rRNA gene and ITS sequencing in combination with GeoChip-based functional gene profiling to assess the structure and functional potential of microbial communities across moss, lichen and soil microhabitats in Antarctic ice-free terrestrial ecosystem.

RESULTS: Microhabitat type has a greater influence on microbial community structure and function in the ice-free Antarctic terrestrial ecosystem than geographical location. Though all prokaryotic communities were dominated by Pseudomonadota, Nostoc and Endobacter were significantly enriched in the moss and lichen microhabitats, respectively. Meanwhile, all fungal communities were primarily dominated by Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, with Byssoloma and Usnea showing significant enrichment in the moss and lichen microhabitats, respectively. Despite these taxonomic differences, the three microhabitats show similar core ecological functions with widespread microbial functional redundancy. Nevertheless, clear microhabitat-specific functional specialization was suggested. For example, moss microhabitat was enriched in Pyoverdin_pvcC and Zeaxanthin_glucosyltransferase, sdhA, lichen microhabitat harbored higher levels of nhaA, nikC, vacuolar_iron_transport, mttB, glucoamylase, pel_Cdeg, pme_Cdeg, rgh, rgl, while soil microhabitat was enriched in 5f1_ppn and isopullulanase. Notably, genes involved in carotenoid biosynthesis were significantly more abundant in moss and lichen microhabitats than in soil microhabitat, indicating the adaptive capacity of symbiotic microorganisms to mitigate ultraviolet radiation and oxidative stress to protect their hosts.

CONCLUSIONS: Microbial communities associated with distinct microhabitats (i.e. mosses, lichens, and soils) in Antarctic ice-free terrestrial ecosystem exhibit both functional redundancy in core ecological functions and microhabitat-specific specialization in key microbial taxa and adaptive strategy.},
}

@article {pmid40514454,
year = {2025},
author = {Veloso Soares, SP and Jarquín-Díaz, VH and Veiga, MM and Karl, S and Czirják, GÁ and Weyrich, A and Metzger, S and East, ML and Hofer, H and Heitlinger, E and Benhaiem, S and Ferreira, SCM},
title = {Mucosal immune responses and intestinal microbiome associations in wild spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta).},
journal = {Communications biology},
volume = {8},
number = {1},
pages = {924},
pmid = {40514454},
issn = {2399-3642},
support = {GRAKO 2046//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; DFG-Grako 2046//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; DFG-Grako 2046//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; GRK 2046//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; GRK 2046//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; GRK 2046//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; GRK 2046//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; GRK 2046//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/immunology ; *Hyaenidae/microbiology/immunology ; *Immunity, Mucosal ; Feces/microbiology/chemistry ; Female ; Male ; Tanzania ; Bacteria/classification/genetics ; },
abstract = {Little is known about host-gut microbiome interactions within natural populations at the intestinal mucosa, the primary interface. We investigate associations between the intestinal microbiome and mucosal immune measures while controlling for host, social and ecological factors in 199 samples of 158 wild spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. We profile the microbiome composition using a multi-amplicon approach and measure faecal immunoglobulin A and mucin. Probabilistic models indicate that both immune measures predicted microbiome similarity among individuals in an age-dependent manner. These associations are the strongest within bacteria, intermediate within parasites, and weakest within fungi communities. Machine learning models accurately predicted both immune measures and identify the taxa driving these associations: symbiotic bacteria reported in humans and laboratory mice, unclassified bacteria, parasitic hookworms and fungi. These findings improve our understanding of the gut microbiome, its drivers, and interactions in wild populations under natural selection.},
}

Animals
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/immunology
*Hyaenidae/microbiology/immunology
*Immunity, Mucosal
Feces/microbiology/chemistry
Female
Male
Tanzania
Bacteria/classification/genetics

@article {pmid40511412,
year = {2025},
author = {Yan, C and Wang, Y and Guo, Q and Huan, H and Wang, S and Fan, X and Xie, X},
title = {Silencing Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Gene Using Chitosan Nanoparticle-Mediated dsRNA Delivery System.},
journal = {Bio-protocol},
volume = {15},
number = {11},
pages = {e5326},
pmid = {40511412},
issn = {2331-8325},
abstract = {It has been discovered that many phytopathogenic fungi can absorb exogenous double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) to silence target genes, inhibiting fungal growth and pathogenicity for plant protection. In our recent report, the beneficial arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are capable of acquiring external naked dsRNAs; however, whether the dsRNAs can be delivered into AM fungi through nanocarriers remains to be investigated. Here, we introduce a simple and advanced method for in vitro synthesizing chitosan (CS)/dsRNA polyplex nanoparticles (PNs) to silence the target gene in the AM fungus Rhizophagus irregularis. This method is straightforward, requiring minimal modifications, and is both efficient and eco-friendly, offering potential for rapid application in elucidating gene functions in AM fungi. Key features • The chitosan can carry the dsRNA derived from the AM fungus Rhizophagus irregularis. • CS/dsRNA polyplex nanoparticles (PNs) can successfully silence the target gene in the AM fungus R. irregularis. • CS/dsRNA PNs can be applied to the characterization of AM fungal genes via the spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) approach. • This protocol can be applied in asymbiotic and symbiotic cultures of AM fungi. Graphical overview Overview of the chitosan/dsRNA gene silencing procedures.},
}

@article {pmid40510663,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, Y and Ma, Y and Ma, X and Li, C},
title = {Temporal changes in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi communities and their driving factors in Xanthoceras sorbifolium plantations.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1579868},
pmid = {40510663},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) communities are influenced by soil nutrients and plant and litter traits during forest ecosystem development. However, the extent to which these factors influence AMF communities in Xanthoceras sorbifolium plantations is unclear. In this study, rhizosphere soil samples were collected from 5-, 13-, 24-, 35-, 47-, and 56-year-old X. sorbifolium plantations. The AMF community was analyzed using Illumina MiSeq sequencing, and AMF spores were isolated and identified by wet sieving. The results showed that X. sorbifolium can establish a symbiotic relationship with AMF at different forest ages. In total, 5,876 AMF amplicon sequence variant (ASVs) were obtained from the soil samples and classified into 1 phylum, 4 classes, 6 orders, 12 families, and 15 genera. Glomus was the dominant genus. In addition, the diversity of AMF communities increased and then decreased with the age of X. sorbifolium, with no significant changes observed between 35-, 47-, and 56-year-old plantations. AMF community variance was primarily determined by soil-specific factors, with soil pH and root C content being the most influential. The results revealed the factors that drive AMF communities during the development of X. sorbifolium and provide valuable information for future conservation and planting management.},
}

@article {pmid40509709,
year = {2025},
author = {Schumacher, JD and Dusek, N and Mendoza-Suárez, M and Geddes, BA},
title = {Adaptation of Plasmid-ID Technology for Evaluation of N2-Fixing Effectiveness and Competitiveness for Root Nodulation in the Sinorhizobium-Medicago System.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {27},
number = {6},
pages = {e70118},
doi = {10.1111/1462-2920.70118},
pmid = {40509709},
issn = {1462-2920},
support = {FF-NIA21-0000000061m//Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research/ ; //U.S. Alfalfa Farmer Research Initiative of the National Alfalfa & Forage Alliance/ ; },
mesh = {*Plasmids/genetics ; *Nitrogen Fixation ; *Plant Root Nodulation ; Symbiosis ; *Sinorhizobium/genetics/physiology/metabolism ; Plant Roots/microbiology ; *Medicago sativa/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Maximising the nitrogen fixation occurring in rhizobia-legume associations represents an opportunity to sustainably reduce nitrogen fertiliser inputs in agriculture. High-throughput measurement of symbiotic traits has the potential to accelerate the identification of elite rhizobium/legume associations and enable novel research approaches. Plasmid-ID technology, recently deployed in Rhizobium leguminosarum, facilitates the concurrent assessment of rhizobium nitrogen-fixing effectiveness and competitiveness for root nodulation. This study adapts Plasmid-ID technology to function in Sinorhizobium species that are central models for studying rhizobium-legume associations and form economically important symbioses with alfalfa. New Sino-Plasmid-IDs were developed and tested for stability and their ability to measure competitiveness for root nodulation and nitrogen-fixing effectiveness. Rhizobial competitiveness is measured by identifying strain-specific nucleotide barcodes using next-generation sequencing, whereas effectiveness is measured by GFP fluorescence driven by the synthetic nifH promoter. Sino-Plasmid-IDs allow researchers to efficiently study competitiveness and effectiveness in a multitude of Sinorhizobium strains simultaneously.},
}

*Plasmids/genetics
*Nitrogen Fixation
*Plant Root Nodulation
Symbiosis
*Sinorhizobium/genetics/physiology/metabolism
Plant Roots/microbiology
*Medicago sativa/microbiology

@article {pmid40509355,
year = {2025},
author = {Cazal, CM and Forim, MR and Terezan, AP and Matos, AP and Cunha, GOS and da Silva, MFDGF and Vieira, PC and Pagnocca, FC and Fernandes, JB},
title = {Development of Xanthyletin-Loaded Nanoparticles for the Control of Leucoagaricus gongylophorus.},
journal = {Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {30},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {40509355},
issn = {1420-3049},
support = {//Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo/ ; //National Council for Scientific and Technological Development/ ; //Coordenação de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior/ ; },
mesh = {*Nanoparticles/chemistry/ultrastructure ; Animals ; *Agaricales/drug effects ; Particle Size ; *Ants/microbiology/drug effects ; *Antifungal Agents/pharmacology/chemistry ; Polyesters/chemistry ; Drug Carriers/chemistry ; Drug Liberation ; },
abstract = {This study describes the development, characterization and in vitro evaluation of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) nanoparticles loaded with xanthyletin for the control of Atta sexdens rubropilosa through the inhibition of its symbiotic fungus Leucoagaricus gongylophorus. Nanoparticles were prepared via interfacial polymer deposition, with formulation NC5 selected based on optimal physicochemical properties. NC5 exhibited an encapsulation efficiency of 98.0%, average particle size of 304 nm and zeta potential of -29.3 mV. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed spherical morphology and the absence of crystalline residues. The formulation remained physically stable for four months at 4 °C. In vitro release showed biphasic behavior, with an initial burst followed by sustained release. Under UV exposure, NC5 enhanced xanthyletin photostability by 15.4-fold compared to the free compound. Fungicidal assays revealed 76% inhibition of fungal growth with NC5, compared to 85% with free xanthyletin. These results support the potential application of xanthyletin-loaded PCL nanoparticles as a stable and controlled delivery system for the biological control of leaf-cutting ants by targeting their fungal mutualist. Further in vivo studies are recommended to assess efficacy under field conditions.},
}

*Nanoparticles/chemistry/ultrastructure
Animals
*Agaricales/drug effects
Particle Size
*Ants/microbiology/drug effects
*Antifungal Agents/pharmacology/chemistry
Polyesters/chemistry
Drug Carriers/chemistry
Drug Liberation

@article {pmid40509088,
year = {2025},
author = {Zheng, T and Liu, Q and Zheng, C and Meng, X and Bai, X and Li, D and Wang, T and Guo, J and Xu, Z and Jie, H},
title = {An Attempted Correlation Between the Fecal Microbial Community of Chinese Forest Musk Deer (Moschus berezovskii) and Differences in Musk Production and Quality.},
journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI},
volume = {15},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {40509088},
issn = {2076-2615},
support = {82274046, 32470531//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2024JDKP0219, 2024NSFSC2119//Sichuan Science and Technology Program Grants/ ; 2024jbky-04；2025jbky-009//Basic Scientific Research Fund Project of Chongqing/ ; cstc2021ycjh-bgzxm0201//Chongqing Talent Project/ ; },
abstract = {Musk, a dried secretion from the sac gland near the urethral foramen of adult male forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii), has significant economic value and is extensively utilized as a valuable component in traditional Chinese medicine. In the practice of forest musk deer breeding, musk with different colors and varying moisture contents is observed during the season when the musk reaches maturity. For many years, researchers have focused mainly on musk composition and symbiotic bacteria. However, the influence of fecal fungi on the production and quality of musk is unknown. In this study, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) analysis was employed to explore the relationships between the fungal composition of musk deer fecal and the quality and production of musk produced by each individual. The results indicate that fungal genera known to cause diseases, such as Colletotrichum and Apiotrichum, are prevalent in the feces of musk deer that produce abnormal musk. Furthermore, the fecal microbiota health index (GMHI) is lower and the intestinal microbiota dysbiosis index (MDI) is greater in musk deer producing white musk than in normal individuals. Additionally, by correlating musk production with fecal fungi, we also found that Dolichousnea and Scolecoleotia were significantly positively correlated with musk production. Moreover, Metschnikowia, Ganodermataceae_gen_Incertae_sedis, Hypoxylon, Neovaginatispora, Didymella, Dothidea, and Trichoderma were negatively correlated with musk production. This study is the first to investigate gut fungi in relation to musk production/quality, establish gut health and fungal dysbiosis links, and identify candidate fungi tightly associated with musk traits. This exploratory approach is critical for exploring uncharted territories like gut fungi in musk deer and musk traits.},
}

@article {pmid40508303,
year = {2025},
author = {Ding, C and Ma, R and Wang, L and Lan, X and Chen, L and Zhu, J and Wang, L},
title = {Fenaminosulf Promotes Growth and Gall Formation in Zizania latifolia Through Modulation of Physiological and Molecular Pathways.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {40508303},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {LTGN23C150006//Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2021ZDYF10//Primary Research & Development Plan of Lishui/ ; },
abstract = {Zizania latifolia (Jiaobai) is an economically important aquatic crop characterized by unique gall formation through interaction with the smut fungus Ustilago esculenta. Understanding factors influencing this interaction is crucial for cultivation. This study investigates the non-target effects of the fungicide Fenaminosulf (FM) on Z. latifolia's growth, physiology, and underlying molecular pathways. We demonstrate that FM exerts striking concentration-dependent effects, revealing its potential as a modulator of plant development and symbiosis. Physiological measurements showed that a moderate FM concentration (1.25 g/L) promoted key vegetative growth parameters, including plant height and leaf length, while maintaining chlorophyll content, suggesting a potential bio-stimulant effect. In contrast, higher FM concentrations (2.5 g/L and 5 g/L) inhibited vegetative growth but significantly enhanced gall formation, particularly at 2.5 g/L, indicating that FM can redirect plant resources or alter susceptibility to favor the fungal interaction under specific conditions. Transcriptomic analysis provided mechanistic insights, revealing extensive gene expression reprogramming, especially under high FM treatment (5 g/L). Key pathways related to plant-pathogen interaction, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and hormone signal transduction were significantly modulated. Notably, FM treatment suppressed key immune-related genes, including Xa21 and PBL19, potentially reducing plant resistance and facilitating gall formation. Hormone signaling analysis revealed inhibition of auxin, cytokinin, brassinosteroid, and jasmonic acid metabolism, indicating a comprehensive molecular recalibration of plant developmental processes. The study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms by which FM influences Z. latifolia growth and gall formation. The concentration-dependent effects of FM suggest its potential as a strategic tool for agricultural management, offering a nuanced approach to crop development. These findings contribute to understanding plant-chemical interactions and provide valuable directions for optimizing Z. latifolia cultivation strategies.},
}

@article {pmid40508277,
year = {2025},
author = {Cesari, AB and Paulucci, NS and Dardanelli, MS},
title = {Smart Bioinoculants for Arachis hypogaea: Controlled Release of Bradyrhizobium and the Role of Naringin in Symbiosis Enhancement.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {40508277},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {11220210100155CO//PIP CONICET/ ; C530-1//PPI Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto/ ; 696/21//PICT Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica/ ; CBA28/22//PICT-O Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica/ ; },
abstract = {Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is one of the most important oilseeds crops worldwide. Through symbiosis with the bacterium Bradyrhizobium sp., peanuts can assimilate atmospheric nitrogen, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. However, this nitrogen fixation process is highly sensitive to environmental factors that can inhibit the early stages of symbiotic interaction. In this study, we propose the encapsulation of Bradyrhizobium sp. SEMIA6144 and the flavonoid naringin (Nar) in alginate beads to improve flavonoid stability and promote nodulation kinetics in peanuts. Three types of beads were synthesized: A (control, SEMIA6144 only); B (SEMIA6144 induced with 10 µM Nar); and C (SEMIA6144 co-entrapped with 1 mM Nar). Although Nar increased cell mortality (2-fold compared to control) and reduced metabolic activity-particularly at 1 mM-cells in beads B and C responded by altering their membrane fatty acid profile (30% and 55.5% of 18:1, respectively) leading to a reduction in saturated fatty acids (5.8% and 13.1% for 16:0 and 18:0 in B; 11.8% and 21.2% in C). Bacterial release kinetics followed a primarily Fickian diffusion model, with minor matrix-bacteria interactions in Nar-treated beads. Notably, bacterial release in peanut root exudates was 6%, 10%, and 11% higher for beads A, B, and C, respectively, compared to release in physiological solutions. Nar-beads enhanced the formation of curved root hairs, promoted bacterial colonization in root hair zones, and stimulated the appearance of rosette-like structures associated with nodule initiation. In conclusion, encapsulating Bradyrhizobium sp. SEMIA6144 with Nar in beads represents a promising strategy to improve symbiotic nitrogen fixation in peanuts.},
}

@article {pmid40508007,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhao, X and Muhammad Aslam, M and Chen, M and Das, D},
title = {Plant-Fungi Mutualism, Alternative Splicing, and Defense Responses: Balancing Symbiosis and Immunity.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {26},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {40508007},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {2022YFD1700200//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; (Natural Science)-ZK[2023]-099//Guizhou Provincial Basic Research Program/ ; 3201452//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 111 Program, D20023//Program of Introducing Talent to Chinese Universities/ ; Qianjiaohe KY (2020)004//Frontiers Science Center for Asymmetric Synthesis and Medicinal Molecules, Department of Ed-ucation, Guizhou Province/ ; AoE/M-403/16, GRF12100318, 12103219, 12103220, 12101722//Hong Kong Research Grant Council/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis/genetics ; *Alternative Splicing ; *Plants/microbiology/genetics/immunology ; *Fungi/physiology ; *Plant Immunity/genetics ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Plant Diseases/microbiology/immunology/genetics ; },
abstract = {Alternative splicing (AS) is the process of RNA maturation in eukaryotes, which is essential for post-transcriptional regulation. The transcripts produced by AS can encode distinct protein isoforms and contribute to the regulation of eukaryotic growth and development in response to a changing environment, and they are crucial in plant-fungal interactions. Plant-fungal symbiosis is one of the most significant biotic interactions in the biosphere. The symbiotic association of fungi not only improves plant growth and resistance but has potential significance for endangered species conservation and reproduction. Alternative splicing is involved in regulating symbiotic responses to host immune signals, regulating the host-symbiont contact, and initiating signaling during symbiosis. In recent years, mRNAs research has been progressing rapidly, and AS is an important post-transcriptional regulator that requires further investigation. However, while AS has been widely studied in mammalian disease research, very limited studies are available on the regulation of AS in plant-fungal symbiosis and their role in benefiting the interacting partners. In this review, we provide an overview of our existing knowledge about AS in symbiotic plant-fungal relationships and discuss potential hotspots for future investigation to expand our understanding of plant-fungal interactions.},
}

*Symbiosis/genetics
*Alternative Splicing
*Plants/microbiology/genetics/immunology
*Fungi/physiology
*Plant Immunity/genetics
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
Plant Diseases/microbiology/immunology/genetics

@article {pmid40507152,
year = {2025},
author = {Koller, AM and Săsăran, MO and Mărginean, CO},
title = {The Role of Gut Microbiota in Pediatric Obesity and Metabolic Disorders: Insights from a Comprehensive Review.},
journal = {Nutrients},
volume = {17},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {40507152},
issn = {2072-6643},
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *Pediatric Obesity/microbiology ; Child ; *Metabolic Diseases/microbiology ; Dysbiosis/microbiology ; Adolescent ; Inflammation/microbiology ; Diet, Mediterranean ; },
abstract = {Background: Pediatric obesity represents a multifactorial condition in which gut microbiota dysbiosis, low-grade systemic inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction are intricately connected. Objectives: This systematic review sought to evaluate and integrate current findings regarding the interactions between gut microbial composition, dietary influences, inflammatory status, and metabolic outcomes in obese pediatric populations. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was conducted for studies published from January 2010 onward. Eligible studies comprised randomized controlled trials, and cohort, cross-sectional, and longitudinal designs involving individuals aged ≤18 years. Study quality was appraised using the NIH Study Quality Assessment Tool. Results: Sixteen studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Dysbiosis was consistently observed among obese children, characterized by alterations in microbial diversity and abundance associated with increased inflammation and adverse metabolic profiles. Dietary interventions, notably symbiotic supplementation and adherence to Mediterranean diet patterns, were associated with favorable modulation of gut microbiota and inflammatory parameters. The majority of studies demonstrated high methodological quality, although minor observational limitations were noted. Conclusions: Gut microbiota dysregulation plays a central role in the development of metabolic and inflammatory complications associated with pediatric obesity. Although dietary and microbiota-modifying strategies show therapeutic promise, their effectiveness must be substantiated through robust, long-term studies.},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
*Pediatric Obesity/microbiology
Child
*Metabolic Diseases/microbiology
Dysbiosis/microbiology
Adolescent
Inflammation/microbiology
Diet, Mediterranean

@article {pmid40505561,
year = {2025},
author = {Padhan, A and Paul, B},
title = {Unlocking the potential of red mud: Advanced strategies for economic optimization and sustainable recovery of critical minerals.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {389},
number = {},
pages = {126040},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.126040},
pmid = {40505561},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Red mud (RM) is a solid by-product generated in large quantities from the Bayer process in alumina refinery industries. The high pH and heavy metal content pose significant environmental challenges for its management and disposal. This comprehensive review highlights RM's potential as a source of valuable raw materials, focusing on both economic and environmental implications. Special attention is given to the recovery of critical minerals such as lithium, titanium, scandium, and rare earth elements (REEs) from RM. The review explores current market trends, recovery methods, and related technical and regulatory challenges. It also discusses the toxicity and environmental concerns of RM disposal, as well as its wide range of applications in the industrial sector. In particular, its use in construction materials such as cement, bricks, and geopolymers while also highlighting its potential in ceramic and catalyst manufacturing. Further, this study reflects economic factors, legal frameworks, and incentives for RM valorization, supported by case studies on its sustainable utilization. Additionally, it also covers health and safety aspects, lifecycle assessments, and future research to improve value added applications and reduce environmental risks. This review uniquely integrates the recovery of critical minerals with sustainable economic strategies, providing a comprehensive framework for the effective utilization of RM in the circular economy.},
}

@article {pmid40505098,
year = {2025},
author = {Jhu, MY and Ledermann, R},
title = {Division of Labour in the Nodule: Plant GluTRs Fuel Heme Biosynthesis for Symbiosis.},
journal = {The Plant cell},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/plcell/koaf156},
pmid = {40505098},
issn = {1532-298X},
}

@article {pmid40504784,
year = {2025},
author = {Heinen, M and Rovenich, H and Altegoer, F},
title = {The rise of fungal G-protein coupled receptors in pathogenesis and symbiosis.},
journal = {PLoS pathogens},
volume = {21},
number = {6},
pages = {e1013212},
pmid = {40504784},
issn = {1553-7374},
}

@article {pmid40504761,
year = {2025},
author = {Chiriatti, M and Bergamaschi Ganapini, M and Panai, E and Wiederhold, BK and Riva, G},
title = {System 0: Transforming Artificial Intelligence into a Cognitive Extension.},
journal = {Cyberpsychology, behavior and social networking},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1089/cyber.2025.0201},
pmid = {40504761},
issn = {2152-2723},
abstract = {This paper introduces "System 0," a conceptual framework for understanding how artificial intelligence functions as a cognitive extension preceding both intuitive (System 1) and deliberative (System 2) thinking processes. As AI systems increasingly shape the informational substrate upon which human cognition operates, they transform from passive tools into active cognitive partners. Building on the Extended Mind hypothesis and Heersmink's criteria for cognitive extension, we argue that AI systems satisfy key conditions for cognitive integration. These include reliability, trust, transparency, individualization, and the ability to enhance and transform human mental functions. However, AI integration creates a paradox: while expanding cognitive capabilities, it may simultaneously constrain thinking through sycophancy and bias amplification. To address these challenges, we propose seven evidence-based frameworks for effective human-AI cognitive integration: Enhanced Cognitive Scaffolding, which promotes progressive autonomy; Symbiotic Division of Cognitive Labor, strategically allocating tasks based on comparative strengths; Dialectical Cognitive Enhancement, countering AI sycophancy through productive epistemic tension; Agentic Transparency and Control, ensuring users understand and direct AI influence; Expertise Democratization, breaking down knowledge silos; Social-Emotional Augmentation, addressing affective dimensions of cognitive work; and Duration-Optimized Integration, managing the evolving human-AI relationship over time. Together, these frameworks provide a comprehensive approach for harnessing AI as a genuine cognitive extension while preserving human agency, critical thinking, and intellectual growth, transforming AI from a replacement for human cognition into a catalyst for enhanced thinking.},
}

@article {pmid40504377,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, J and Zhao, Z and Zhu, C and Wang, E and Brunel, B and Li, S and Zheng, Q and Feng, Z and Zhang, H},
title = {Diverse Peanut Bradyrhizobial Communities in Chinese Soils: Insights from Eastern, Central, and Northern Henan Province.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {88},
number = {1},
pages = {65},
pmid = {40504377},
issn = {1432-184X},
support = {2024M761756//China Postdoctoral Science Foundation/ ; Yuzutong[2023]No.11//Central Plains Youth Top Talent Project/ ; Sabbatical Year SIP20200726//IPN, Mexico/ ; },
mesh = {*Arachis/microbiology ; China ; *Bradyrhizobium/genetics/classification/isolation & purification ; Phylogeny ; *Soil Microbiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length ; Symbiosis ; Soil/chemistry ; Root Nodules, Plant/microbiology ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics ; },
abstract = {Henan province is a major peanut-producing area in China, but research on rhizobia nodulating peanut have been limited to southern Henan, which accounts for only less than half of the province. A collection of 212 strains of peanut rhizobia was obtained from six field sites in eastern, central, and northern Henan, Central China, by using peanut as a trap host under glasshouse conditions. PCR-RFLP analysis of ribosomal IGS sequences classified the 212 strains into 28 distinct types. Phylogenetic analyses of the 16S rRNA, atpD, gyrB, dnaK, and rpoB genes from 30 representative strains of the 28 IGS types identified revealed the presence of Bradyrhizobium. liaoningense, B. yuanmingense, B. zhengyangense, and two novel Bradyrhizobium genospecies. This composition differs from the peanut rhizobia community found in southern Henan. B. liaoningense was the dominant species, covering 49% of the total isolates across the field sites, while B. zhengyangense accounting for 27%, B. yuanmingense for 7% and the two novel Bradyrhizobium genospecies for 17%. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the symbiosis-related nodC and nifH gene sequences clustered into six groups: three associated exclusively with the peanut host (symbiovar arachidis and two unnamed group), three originating from other legume hosts (sv. glycinearum, cajani and retamae). Through the principal component analysis (PCA) between IGS types or species and soil physicochemical properties and environmental factors, it showed that IGS types 1, 3, 5, 8, 9, 12, 14, 15, 18, and 21 positively correlated with AveTmax, AveTmin, AN and AP. IGS types 4, 11, 16, 17, 20, 25, and 26 were positively associated with Alt, AvePrecp, and pH. IGS types 2, 7, 10, 22, 24, and 27 correlated with AP, while remaining types exhibited correlations with OM. In addition, B. yuanmingense, B. liaoningense, and Bradyrhizobium genosp. I positively affected by AveTmax, AP, AN, and AK. Bradyrhizobium genosp. II positively correlated with AK, AN, and OM while B. zhengyangense mainly affected by AvePrecp and pH. The alkaline soil pH in this study differs greatly from the acid soils in southern Henan, explaining the inconsistency between the species of peanut rhizobia detected in southern Henan and the rest of the province. The symbiotic effect assay demonstrated that all representative strains successfully formed nodules and exhibited a significant increase in symbiotic efficiency. Representative strains revealed diverse abiotic stress tolerance to NaCl, acidity, alkalinity, temperature and drought. It conducted a comprehensive collection of peanut rhizobia in eastern, central, and northern Henan province, identifying two putative novel Bradyrhizobium species and isolating rhizobial strains with high symbiotic efficiency and robust stress tolerance. This study is a necessary basic for the producing and application of peanut rhizobial inoculant in this main agricultural province.},
}

*Arachis/microbiology
China
*Bradyrhizobium/genetics/classification/isolation & purification
Phylogeny
*Soil Microbiology
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
DNA, Bacterial/genetics
Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length
Symbiosis
Soil/chemistry
Root Nodules, Plant/microbiology
Bacterial Proteins/genetics

@article {pmid40504144,
year = {2025},
author = {Sun, X and Li, H and Chen, ZB and Liu, BQ and Li, CQ and Zhao, ZY and Li, XY and Luan, JB},
title = {Hamiltonella symbionts benefit whitefly fertilization by regulating the maternal protein Tudor-mediated piRNA pathway.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {122},
number = {24},
pages = {e2427053122},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2427053122},
pmid = {40504144},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {32225042//MOST | National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/microbiology/physiology/genetics ; *Symbiosis ; Female ; *RNA, Small Interfering/genetics/metabolism ; *Insect Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; *Fertilization/physiology ; Ovary/metabolism ; Adenosine Triphosphate/metabolism ; Piwi-Interacting RNA ; },
abstract = {Although it is widely recognized that nutritional symbionts can manipulate host reproduction, the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms are largely unclear. The facultative symbiont Hamiltonella in bacteriocyte induces female-biased sex ratio of whiteflies. Here, we demonstrate that a maternal gene tudor (tud) and its encoded protein have lower expression levels in ovaries of Hamiltonella-cured whiteflies. Tud family proteins can interlink the various stages of biosynthesis of PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA), a class of small noncoding RNAs. We find that Hamiltonella affects the abundance of a piRNA through the maternal gene tud, thereby regulating the expression of the vacuolar (H+)-ATPase H subunit (VATPH), which is the switch of activity of the vacuolar (H+)-ATPase that plays a crucial role in maintaining the homeostasis of intracellular energy and supporting mitochondrial respiration. This regulation adjusts the ATP level in ovaries of whiteflies. The ATP level shapes the F-actin pattern in ovaries and eggs of whiteflies, ultimately manipulating whitefly fertilization. Silencing tud inhibited whitefly fertilization by impairing ATP levels and F-actin patterns in ovaries and eggs. This study reveals that symbiont and maternal protein associations can regulate host fertilization by piRNA biosynthesis.},
}

Animals
*Hemiptera/microbiology/physiology/genetics
*Symbiosis
Female
*RNA, Small Interfering/genetics/metabolism
*Insect Proteins/metabolism/genetics
*Fertilization/physiology
Ovary/metabolism
Adenosine Triphosphate/metabolism
Piwi-Interacting RNA

@article {pmid40503882,
year = {2025},
author = {Jonas, L and Lee, Y-Y and Bachvaroff, T and Hill, RT and Li, Y},
title = {Two novel Patescibacteria: Phycocordibacter aenigmaticus gen. nov. sp. nov. and Minusculum obligatum gen. nov. sp. nov., both associated with microalgae optimized for carbon dioxide sequestration from flue gas.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0123125},
doi = {10.1128/mbio.01231-25},
pmid = {40503882},
issn = {2150-7511},
abstract = {The functional roles of bacterial symbionts associated with microalgae remain understudied despite the importance of microalgae in biotechnology and environmental microbiology. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was conducted to analyze bacterial communities associated with two microalgae optimized for growth with flue gas containing 5%-10% CO2. Two dominant bacteria with no taxonomic classification beyond the class level (Paceibacteria) were discovered repeatedly in the most productive algal cultures. Long-read metagenomic sequencing was conducted to yield high-quality metagenomes, from which two novel species were discovered under the Seqcode (seqco.de/r:ywe1blo2), Phycocordibacter aenigmaticus gen. nov. sp. nov. and Minusculum obligatum gen. nov. sp. nov. The genus Phycocordibacter gen. nov. was proposed as the nomenclatural type of the family Phycocordibacteraceae fam. nov. and the order Phycocordibacterales ord. nov. Both bacteria possessed features typical of Patescibacteria such as reduced genomes (<800 kbp), lack of complete glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle pathways, and inability to synthesize amino acids. Instead, they rely on the reductive pentose phosphate pathway (Calvin cycle) for essential biosynthesis and redox balance. P. aenigmaticus may also rely on elemental sulfur oxidation (sdo), partial nitrite reduction (nirK), and sulfur-related amino acid metabolism (SAMe → SAH). Both bacteria were found in high relative abundance in cultures of Tetradesmus obliquus HTB1 (freshwater) and Nannochloropsis oceanica IMET1 (marine), suggesting a tight association with microalgae in various environments. The absence of full metabolic pathways for energy production suggests extreme metabolic limitations and obligate symbiosis, most likely with other bacteria associated with the microalgae.IMPORTANCETo our knowledge, this is the first report of Patescibacteria as dominant bacteria associated with microalgae or within a biologically mediated carbon capture system. Two novel Patescibacteria were found in two ecologically distinct microalgal cultures (one freshwater strain and one marine) regardless of whether the cultures were bubbled with air, 5% CO2, or 10% CO2. This unexpected and unprecedented dominance led to long-read sequencing and the assembly of high-quality metagenomes for both Patescibacteria, as well as five other bacteria in the system. The discovery of two novel species belonging to two novel genera, one novel family, and one novel order has enabled us to fill in gaps of a major, uncharacterized branch within the bacterial tree of life. Additionally, the extreme gene loss found in both Patescibacteria, Phycocordibacter aenigmaticus and Minusculum obligatum, contributes knowledge to a rapidly advancing body of research on the scavenging metabolic nature of this enigmatic and largely unclassified phylum.},
}

@article {pmid40501974,
year = {2025},
author = {Jacobs, J and Mirchandani, C and Seligmann, WE and Sacco, S and Escalona, M and Green, RE and Russell, SL},
title = {Wolbachia induces host cell identity changes and determines symbiotic fate in Drosophila.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1101/2025.06.05.658111},
pmid = {40501974},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Many host-associated bacteria influence the differentiation of their eukaryotic host cells. The association between Wolbachia pipientis and Drosophila melanogaster offers a model for understanding how host-microbe gene expression co-evolves. Using Wolbachia -infected Drosophila cell lines, we show that the w Mel strain alters host cell states, inducing novel gene expression programs that diverge from known cell types. Transcriptomic co-expression network analysis identified gene expression modules specific to each cell type and infection state, and revealed that w Mel tailors its gene expression to host context. In macrophage-like host cells, w Mel expresses pathogenic effectors, whereas in neuron-like cells, w Mel upregulates metabolic genes. Micro-C chromatin contact data revealed that many of these infection-induced changes are epigenetically encoded, with w Mel infection conferring reduced chromatin contacts and widespread transcriptional derepression in D. melanogaster . These findings show that the nature of Wolbachia symbiosis-mutualistic or pathogenic-emerges from host cell environments and suggest new paths for engineering host-specific microbial phenotypes.

IN BRIEF: Wolbachia pipientis reprograms Drosophila cell identity by reshaping host gene expression and chromatin in a cell type-specific manner. Infected cells adopt novel states tailored to w Mel strain gene expression, enabling either mutualism or pathogenesis. These findings advance Wolbachia engineering for targeted host cell interactions and symbiont-driven phenotypes.},
}

@article {pmid40501112,
year = {2025},
author = {Bytnerowicz, TA and Griffin, KL and Menge, DNL},
title = {Time lags in the regulation of symbiotic nitrogen fixation.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.70295},
pmid = {40501112},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {DEB-1457650//National Science Foundation/ ; IOS-2129542//National Science Foundation/ ; Stengl-Wyer Scholars Program//University of Texas at Austin/ ; FP91781501-0/EPA/EPA/United States ; },
abstract = {Theory has shown that time lags in the regulation of symbiotic nitrogen (N) fixation (SNF) can be important to the competitive dynamics and ecosystem consequences of N-fixing trees, but measurements of these time lags are lacking. Here, we used a novel method to measure SNF in seedlings of four N-fixing tree species that represent tropical and temperate origins and actinorhizal and rhizobial symbiotic associations, each grown under warm and cold temperature regimes. We added N to previously N-poor pots to induce downregulation and flushed N out of previously N-rich pots to induce upregulation. It took 31-51 d for SNF to decline by 95%, with faster downregulation in temperate species and at warm temperatures. Upregulation by 95% took 108-138 d in total, including 21-57 d after SNF was first detectable. SNF started earlier in rhizobial symbioses, but increased faster once it started in actinorhizal symbioses. These results suggest that time lags in regulating SNF represent a significant constraint on facultative SNF and can lead to large losses of available N from ecosystems, providing a resolution to the paradox of sustained N richness.},
}

@article {pmid40500556,
year = {2025},
author = {Shi, D and Liu, L and Zhang, D and Zheng, Y and Hu, W and Wu, P and Hao, X and Liu, H and Gao, J and Li, J and Wu, Z and Li, S and Wang, H},
title = {One-step Radiosynthesis and Preclinical Evaluation of Molecular Tracer [[18]F]FEtO-CHC Targeting Monocarboxylate Transporters for PET Imaging in Tumor-bearing Mice.},
journal = {Molecular imaging and biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40500556},
issn = {1860-2002},
support = {81471695//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82027804//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82001873//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE: Monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) play a pivotal role in tumor metabolic symbiosis, acid resistance, and metastatic progression. Herein, we report the development of [[18]F]FEtO-CHC, a novel MCTs-targeted positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer, and systematically evaluate its potential for non-invasive tumor imaging.

PROCEDURES: The radiosynthesis of [[18]F]FEtO-CHC and its non-radioactive analog was achieved through optimized precursor synthesis and fluorination protocols. Comprehensive in vitro characterization encompassed: radiochemical purity and stability assessments, cellular uptake kinetics and inhibition assays in MCT-expressing BxPC3 (pancreatic) and 4T1 (breast) cancer models, biodistribution and dynamic micro-PET/CT imaging in tumor-bearing murine models.

RESULTS: [[18]F]FEtO-CHC, a CHC-derived radioligand, was synthesized via streamlined one-step radiosynthesis with 52.08 ± 6.74% decay-corrected yield (n=7), >99% radiochemical purity, and excellent stability. Cellular studies demonstrated MCTs-dependent uptake with significant suppression (>70%) by α-CHC competition. In vivo pharmacokinetics revealed favorable metabolic stability with dual hepatorenal clearance. Tumor uptake correlated with MCT expression levels, as confirmed by immunohistochemistry.

CONCLUSIONS: This study establishes an efficient one-step radiosynthetic approach for [[18]F]FEtO-CHC production and validates its specificity as a MCT-targeted PET probe, offering potential utility in tumor imaging with further structural optimization.},
}

@article {pmid40500257,
year = {2025},
author = {Pérez, J and Picioreanu, C},
title = {Diffusion-based mechanism explains spatial organization in cross-feeding biofilms.},
journal = {NPJ biofilms and microbiomes},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {102},
pmid = {40500257},
issn = {2055-5008},
support = {PID2021-126102OB-I00//Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación/ ; ORIGEN PID2021-126102OB-I00//European Regional Development Fund/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; Diffusion ; Models, Biological ; Anaerobiosis ; Aerobiosis ; *Bacteria/metabolism/growth & development ; Models, Theoretical ; },
abstract = {Complex symbiotic interactions were claimed for explaining spatial organization of microbial species in cross-feeding biofilms. Here however, a distinct mechanism is proposed, called diffusion-based enhanced microbial organization (DEMO). An accepted mathematical model based on one-dimensional balances with diffusion-reaction of substrates and convection of multiple microbial types in a cross-feeding biofilm was used to describe emerging microbial distributions. The model allowed isolation of the effects of diffusion from other factors (kinetics, stoichiometry, specific symbiotic interactions), pointing to a possible mechanism for stratification in anaerobic biofilms. The secondary degrader consuming waste metabolite from a primary degrader was retained in anaerobic biofilms in an apparent growth yield disproportion. However, diffusion of an intermediate substrate can be responsible for this disproportion, even in longer food chains. This microbial distribution was not observed in independent feeding. In aerobic biofilms, this mechanism remains inactive, explaining the preference for full oxidation of organic matter in aerobic degradation.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
Diffusion
Models, Biological
Anaerobiosis
Aerobiosis
*Bacteria/metabolism/growth & development
Models, Theoretical

@article {pmid40500053,
year = {2025},
author = {Deng, SJ and Tu, L and Li, L and Hu, JP and Li, JL and Tang, JX and Zhang, MC and Zhu, GD and Cao, J},
title = {A symbiotic bacterium regulates the detoxification metabolism of deltamethrin in Aedes albopictus.},
journal = {Pesticide biochemistry and physiology},
volume = {212},
number = {},
pages = {106445},
doi = {10.1016/j.pestbp.2025.106445},
pmid = {40500053},
issn = {1095-9939},
mesh = {Animals ; *Pyrethrins/metabolism/pharmacology ; *Aedes/microbiology/metabolism/drug effects ; *Nitriles/metabolism/pharmacology ; *Insecticides/metabolism/pharmacology ; Symbiosis ; *Serratia marcescens/physiology/genetics/metabolism ; Insecticide Resistance ; Inactivation, Metabolic ; Glutathione Transferase/metabolism/genetics ; Insect Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; },
abstract = {The mosquito Aedes albopictus is an important vector of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika; and is a globally distributed invasive mosquito with increasing resistance to insecticides, thereby posing a serious risk to global public health. Symbiotic gut bacteria have been shown to be related to insecticide resistance, but knowledge is still limited for A. albopictus. Here, we explored the role of Serratia marcescens, a gut symbiotic bacterium, in the resistance of A. albopictus to the insecticide deltamethrin. Using 16S-rRNA sequencing we found that S. marcescens was significantly enriched in A. albopictus after deltamethrin exposure, and that resistance increased after S. marcescens enrichment. The enzymatic activities of mixed-function oxidase (MFO) and glutathione S-transferase (GST), two important detoxification enzymes, were higher in the bacteria-enriched mosquitoes. The expressions of ABCG4 and GSTD1, two genes related to detoxification metabolism, were up-regulated following S. marcescens infection and after deltamethrin exposure, as assayed using RNA-seq. The up-regulation of these two genes was most significant in midgut and Malpighian tubules. Our results suggest that S. marcescens infection could enhance deltamethrin resistance in A. albopictus by increasing detoxification metabolism; of interest for designing more efficient mosquito control measures.},
}

Animals
*Pyrethrins/metabolism/pharmacology
*Aedes/microbiology/metabolism/drug effects
*Nitriles/metabolism/pharmacology
*Insecticides/metabolism/pharmacology
Symbiosis
*Serratia marcescens/physiology/genetics/metabolism
Insecticide Resistance
Inactivation, Metabolic
Glutathione Transferase/metabolism/genetics
Insect Proteins/metabolism/genetics

@article {pmid40498450,
year = {2025},
author = {Teyssier, E and Grat, S and Landry, D and Ouradou, M and Rich, MK and Fort, S and Keller, J and Lefebvre, B and Delaux, PM and Mbengue, M},
title = {A plant Lysin Motif Receptor-Like Kinase plays an ancestral function in mycorrhiza.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {122},
number = {24},
pages = {e2426063122},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2426063122},
pmid = {40498450},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {OPP1172165//Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (GF)/ ; OPP1172165//Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)/ ; 101001675//EC | ERC | HORIZON EUROPE European Research Council (ERC)/ ; ANR-17-EURE-0003//LABoratoires d'EXcellence ARCANE (Labex ARCANE)/ ; ANR-15-IDEX-02//Glyc@Alps/ ; CARN-025-01//Institut Carnot PolyNat (PolyNat)/ ; ANR-10-LABX-41//Laboratoire d'Excellence TULIP (Labex TULIP)/ ; ANR-18-EURE-0019//École Universitaire de Recherche (EUR) - TULIP-GS/ ; },
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/genetics/physiology/metabolism ; Symbiosis ; *Marchantia/genetics/microbiology/enzymology ; *Plant Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; *Protein Kinases/metabolism/genetics ; Glomeromycota ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) with soilborne Glomeromycota fungi was pivotal in the conquest of land by plants almost half a billion years ago. In flowering plants, it is hypothesized that AM is initiated by the perception of AM fungi-derived chito- and lipochito-oligosaccharides (COs/LCOs) in the host via Lysin Motif Receptor-Like Kinases (LysM-RLKs). However, it remains uncertain whether plant perception of these molecules is a prerequisite for AM establishment and for its origin. Here, we made use of the reduced LysM-RLK complement present in the liverwort Marchantia paleacea to assess the conservation of the role played by this class of receptors during AM and in CO/LCO perception. Our reverse genetic approach demonstrates the critical function of a single LysM-RLK, MpaLYKa, in AM formation, thereby supporting an ancestral function for this receptor in symbiosis. Binding studies, cytosolic calcium variation recordings and genome-wide transcriptomics indicate that another LysM-RLK of M. paleacea, MpaLYR, is also required for triggering a response to COs and tested LCOs, despite being dispensable for AM formation. Collectively, our results demonstrate that the perception of symbionts by LysM-RLK is an ancestral feature in land plants, and suggest the existence of yet-uncharacterized AM fungi signals.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/genetics/physiology/metabolism
Symbiosis
*Marchantia/genetics/microbiology/enzymology
*Plant Proteins/metabolism/genetics
*Protein Kinases/metabolism/genetics
Glomeromycota
Phylogeny

@article {pmid40497987,
year = {2025},
author = {Kamalabadi Farahani, M and Bahar, A and Tahmasebi, H and Oksenych, V and Jahantigh, M},
title = {Microbial Metabolite Effects on Vasculogenic Mimicry in Metastatic Cancers.},
journal = {Cells},
volume = {14},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {40497987},
issn = {2073-4409},
mesh = {Humans ; *Neoplasms/pathology/microbiology/blood supply/metabolism ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; *Neovascularization, Pathologic/pathology/microbiology ; Tumor Microenvironment ; Animals ; *Microbiota ; },
abstract = {Aggressive cancer cells can form new, functional blood vessel-like structures independently of endothelial cells, known as vasculogenic mimicry (VM), instead of the usual tumor blood vessel formation process. However, the symbiotic relationship between microbial communities and human cells ensures the upkeep of cellular metabolism and the functionality of the immune system and metastatic cancers. This interaction typically happens through the generation and management of hormonal intermediates, metabolites, secondary metabolites, proteins, and toxins. A disturbance in the balance between the host and microbiota can alter the dynamics of their relationship, creating a conducive environment for the development of diseases, such as cancers. This review aims to synthesize the initial evidence on the molecular processes governing the interactions between GM and cancer development and emphasize microbial metabolites' effects on vasculogenic mimicry. Some microbial metabolites could also contribute to developing interactions between microbes and the tumor microenvironment. While numerous obstacles persist, GM's immense significance and complete capability in shaping tailored anticancer plans cannot be exaggerated, highlighting the need to investigate a holistic method that includes microbial modulation therapy in cancer management.},
}

Humans
*Neoplasms/pathology/microbiology/blood supply/metabolism
Neoplasm Metastasis
*Neovascularization, Pathologic/pathology/microbiology
Tumor Microenvironment
Animals
*Microbiota

@article {pmid40497665,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, C and Dunn, DW and Shi, L and Wang, R and Wang, RW},
title = {Parasites and investment to host inflorescences in a fig tree-fig wasp mutualism.},
journal = {Ecology},
volume = {106},
number = {6},
pages = {e70123},
doi = {10.1002/ecy.70123},
pmid = {40497665},
issn = {1939-9170},
support = {31760105//National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)/ ; 31901105//National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)/ ; 32160239//National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)/ ; 32070453//National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)/ ; 2023D61//Yunnan University of Finance and Economics/ ; U2102221//NSFC-Yunnan United Fund/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wasps/physiology ; *Ficus/parasitology/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Flowers/parasitology/physiology ; Pollination ; Female ; Host-Parasite Interactions ; },
abstract = {Most mutualisms are parasitized by third-party species that inflict costs to the mutualists. How such parasites affect mechanisms that help maintain mutualism stability is poorly understood, even in well-studied systems. Angiosperm plants tend to invest most resources in tissue that yields high net benefits. In mutualisms with plant hosts, reduction in such investment can function as a key stability-promoting mechanism, such as in fig-wasp mutualisms. Here, uncooperative symbiont wasps that fail to pollinate incur "sanctions" via reduced host investment to unpollinated figs, realized via fig abortion, killing all wasp offspring, or via elevated offspring mortality within unaborted figs. We experimentally exposed host Ficus racemosa figs to parasitic wasps Sycophaga fusca, which convert fig flowers into offspring without benefitting host trees, with or without uncooperative (pollen-free) or cooperative (pollen-laden) symbiont pollinator wasps Ceratosolen fusciceps. Pollen-free C. fusciceps were still able to convert fig flower ovaries into wasp offspring, whereas those naturally pollen laden were prevented from reproducing by experimental manipulation. Independent of the effects of pollination and reproduction by pollinators, increased exposure to S. fusca parasites resulted in reduced rates of fig abortion and gall failure in unaborted figs. Although S. fusca convert flower ovaries that could otherwise become beneficial pollinator offspring or fig seeds into parasite offspring, figs with intermediate levels of parasite exposure received high levels of investment. Our results suggest that S. fusca parasite oviposition/larval activities can result in host trees boosting investment to figs, even when this may counter the tree's interests. We suggest that oviposition/larval activity by these parasites may mimic the biochemical pathways of pollinator gall formation and seed production.},
}

Animals
*Wasps/physiology
*Ficus/parasitology/physiology
*Symbiosis
*Flowers/parasitology/physiology
Pollination
Female
Host-Parasite Interactions