@article {pmid41935273,
year = {2026},
author = {Ma, Y and Yu, L and Di, P and Zhu, X and Ma, X and Kong, W},
title = {Fungal-fungal interaction between Sanghuangporus vaninii and its endophytic Fusarium solani rewires host secondary metabolism to boost bioactive metabolite production.},
journal = {Microbial cell factories},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41935273},
issn = {1475-2859},
support = {32500047//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2026CYZC-017//Gansu Province Colleges and Universities Industry Support Program Project/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The medicinal mushroom Sanghuangporus vaninii produces valuable bioactive compounds, but yields are low in artificial culture. While co-culture with microbes can elicit production, the regulatory potential of native endophytic fungi - which share an evolutionary history with their host - remains largely unexplored. In this study, we report for the first time a co-culture system between S. vaninii and its endophytic fungus Fusarium solani MF20 to enhance the production of medicinal metabolites and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

RESULTS: Co-culture with F. solani MF20 dramatically increased the yields of total flavonoids (9.38-fold), terpenoids (3.18-fold), and crude polysaccharides (4.87-fold) in S. vaninii. Integrated omics analyses revealed that the endophytic interaction induced global metabolic change in the host. Early signaling events, such as a controlled oxidative stress response, Ca[2+] influx, extracellular ATP accumulation, and enhanced membrane permeability, were associated with the redirection of cellular resources from primary growth toward chemical defense. Key biosynthetic pathways, such as terpenoid backbone and flavonoid synthesis, were transcriptionally up-regulated, directly corroborated by the massive accumulation of bioactive compounds including the triterpene pachymic acid and complex modified flavonoids. Central carbon metabolism was reshaped, with activation of the pentose phosphate pathway potentially supplying NADPH for biosynthesis.

CONCLUSIONS: This work demonstrates that a native endophytic fungus can act as a powerful biotic elicitor to unlock the metabolic potential of its medicinal fungal host. The co-culture strategy activates a stress-mediated defense response that reprograms primary and secondary metabolism, leading to overproduction of pharmaceutically relevant compounds. Beyond providing insights into fungal-fungal symbiotic interactions, this study validates endophyte-host co-culture as an effective and sustainable bioprocess technology for enhancing the production of high-value metabolites from medicinal fungal resources.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: [Image: see text]

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12934-026-02994-z.},
}

@article {pmid42205089,
year = {2026},
author = {Duan, M and Wang, M and Wei, F and Tao, M and Yang, H and Li, S and You, R and Yang, C and Duan, X and Yang, S and Rao, MJ},
title = {Fairy Ring Fungus Rewires Rice Lipid Metabolism: A Symbiotic Strategy for Enhanced Growth and Photosynthetic Efficiency.},
journal = {Physiologia plantarum},
volume = {178},
number = {3},
pages = {e70950},
doi = {10.1111/ppl.70950},
pmid = {42205089},
issn = {1399-3054},
support = {202305AC160057//Project for Reserve Talents of Young and Middleaged Academic and Technical Leaders/ ; 2022JJB130068//Natural Science Foundation of Guangxi Province/ ; 210604199008271015//Young Talent Project of Talent Support Program for the Development of Yunnan/ ; 202401BA070001-122//Local Universities of Yunnan Provincial Department of Science and Technology,/ ; 202401AU070077//Basic Research Special Project of Yunnan Provincial Department of Science and Technology/ ; },
mesh = {*Oryza/microbiology/metabolism/growth & development/physiology ; *Photosynthesis/physiology ; *Lipid Metabolism/physiology ; *Symbiosis/physiology ; Plant Roots/metabolism/microbiology ; Galactolipids/metabolism ; Plant Leaves/metabolism ; Chlorophyll/metabolism ; },
abstract = {The fairy ring fungus Leucocalocybe mongolica (strain LY9) has shown significant potential as a sustainable biofertilizer, yet its mechanisms for enhancing crop growth remain poorly understood. This study suggests that LY9 significantly improves rice growth and photosynthetic efficiency by reprogramming lipid metabolism in a tissue-specific manner. Using soil transformation experiments with varying LY9 concentrations (10%-50%), we observed dose-dependent increases in tillering (up to 122%), root length (26%), and chlorophyll content (214%). Lipidomic profiling and transcriptomic analyses revealed that LY9 upregulates lysophosphatidylethanolamines (LysoPEs) in rice roots (promoting membrane flexibility and nutrient uptake), while enhancing chloroplast lipids like monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) and stress-protective oxylipins in leaves, thereby supporting photosynthetic performance and resilience. LY9 treatment reduced post-harvest soil nutrient concentrations, suggesting enhanced plant nutrient uptake and utilization by the rice plants. These findings provide novel insights into how fungal symbionts optimize plant lipid networks to boost growth, offering a sustainable strategy to reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers in rice cultivation.},
}

*Oryza/microbiology/metabolism/growth & development/physiology
*Photosynthesis/physiology
*Lipid Metabolism/physiology
*Symbiosis/physiology
Plant Roots/metabolism/microbiology
Galactolipids/metabolism
Plant Leaves/metabolism
Chlorophyll/metabolism

@article {pmid42206572,
year = {2026},
author = {Alamer, N and Siozios, S and Corbin, C and Hornett, EA and Jones, JE and Hurst, GDD},
title = {Spiroplasma Are Protective Heritable Symbionts With Low Physiological Impact in the Drosophilid Fly Zaprionus kolodkinae.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology reports},
volume = {18},
number = {3},
pages = {e70365},
doi = {10.1111/1758-2229.70365},
pmid = {42206572},
issn = {1758-2229},
support = {NE/V011979/1//Natural Environment Research Council/ ; //Saudi Arabian Cultural Bureau/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Spiroplasma/genetics/physiology/classification ; *Symbiosis ; *Drosophilidae/microbiology/physiology/parasitology ; Phylogeny ; Wasps/physiology ; Female ; },
abstract = {Spiroplasma bacteria are widespread associates of insects, with Drosophila serving as a key model for understanding maternally inherited symbioses. Most research has focused on the poulsonii-citri clade of Spiroplasma, leaving other lineages comparatively understudied. Here, we characterise the symbiosis between the drosophilid Zaprionus kolodkinae and its ixodetis group Spiroplasma (sZko). We assembled a complete genome for sZko, which encodes multiple candidate symbiosis factors, including ankyrin repeat domain proteins and diverse ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP) toxins typically linked to protective interactions. Notably, the genome also harbours a gene with a predicted ricin B lectin-binding domain, a candidate for establishing microbe-insect interactions at the eukaryotic cell surface. Phenotypic assays confirmed maternal inheritance of sZko with no evidence of reproductive parasitic phenotypes. Infected flies were protected against attack by the generalist parasitoid wasp Leptopilina heterotoma. There was no detectable impact of sZko on its host's starvation tolerance, suggesting minimal physiological cost to the host, and this low impact was mirrored for the protective symbiont sHy1 in D. hydei but contrasted with previous results for D. melanogaster. We conclude the Z. kolodkinae-Spiroplasma association is primarily defensive, and genomic analysis raises the possibility that protection involves a novel coupling between lectin-binding domains and RIPs.},
}

Animals
*Spiroplasma/genetics/physiology/classification
*Symbiosis
*Drosophilidae/microbiology/physiology/parasitology
Phylogeny
Wasps/physiology
Female

@article {pmid42192285,
year = {2026},
author = {Kang, W and Du, Y and Hou, W and Han, Y and Lu, B and Guan, J and Shi, S},
title = {Efficient rhizobium strains enhance nitrogen fixation and growth in alfalfa by improving photosynthetic carbon metabolism and respiratory nitrogen assimilation.},
journal = {BMC plant biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12870-026-08954-4},
pmid = {42192285},
issn = {1471-2229},
support = {GSAU-DKZY-2024-002//China Agricultural University Corresponding Support Research Joint Fund, China/ ; CARS-34//National Modern Agricultural Industrial Technology System of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China/ ; 32101427//Young Scientists Fund of the National Natural Science Foundation, China/ ; KLGE-2022-01//Open project of Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem，Ministry of Education, China/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Improved symbiotic nitrogen fixation efficiency between alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and rhizobia represents a green development strategy that addresses the demand for high‑quality protein, while also serving as a critical measure for safeguarding China's food security. Currently, there is limited research on how rhizobium inoculation influences alfalfa growth and development through photosynthesis and respiratory metabolism. Furthermore, studies examining the impact of rhizobium strains with differing symbiotic effectiveness on these metabolic pathways remain scarce.

RESULTS: The number of effective nodules per plant (7), nitrogenase activity (0.29 µmol·g[- 1]·h[- 1]), and leghemoglobin content (0.76 mg·g[- 1]) of the LL2 inoculation group were significantly higher than those of the QL5 group. The aboveground dry weight (0.59 g·10 plants[- 1]) of LL2 was also significantly greater than that of both the QL5 inoculation treatment and the uninoculated control. These results demonstrate that rhizobium strain LL2 is an efficient symbiotic match for ' Gannong No.9 ' alfalfa, whereas strain QL5 is an inefficient match. Metabolomic analysis revealed that, in leaves, seven differential metabolites were up-regulated in both photosynthetic and respiratory metabolism. Among these, Adenosine 5'-Diphosphate (ADP) was significantly higher in LL2 than in CK (Control) and QL5. In roots, nine differential metabolites were up-regulated. Among these, four metabolites-3-Phosphoglyceric acid, Uridine-5'-diphosphate-glucose, (2 S)-2-Isopropylmalate, and L-Glutamic acid-were present at significantly higher levels in LL2 than in both CK and QL5. Compared to the QL5 group, the LL2 inoculation group resulted in significantly higher contents of ADP in leaves and elevated levels of the root metabolites such as the photosynthetic carbon fixation intermediate 3-Phosphoglyceric acid, the glycosyl donor Uridine-5'-diphosphate-glucose, the respiration and nitrogen metabolism-related compounds (2S)-2-Isopropylmalate and L-Glutamic acid. Additionally, in nodules, the key metabolites trehalose-6-phosphate and alpha-D-glucose-6-phosphate (involved in sugar metabolism and the pentose phosphate pathway) were also significantly elevated Among these, ADP and alpha-D-glucose-6-phosphate participate simultaneously in photosynthetic, respiratory, and symbiotic metabolic pathways; 3-Phosphoglyceric acid is involved in both photosynthetic and symbiotic pathways; while (2S)-2-Isopropylmalate and L-Glutamic acid take part in respiratory and symbiotic pathways.

CONCLUSIONS: Following inoculation with LL2, the levels of key metabolites associated with photosynthesis and respiration underwent systematic changes in the leaves, roots, and nodules of the plants. The enhanced symbiotic nitrogen fixation and plant growth were associated with synergistic changes in the host plant's photosynthetic carbon metabolism, respiratory energy metabolism, and nitrogen assimilation pathways. The findings of this study suggest potential strategies for enhancing nitrogen accumulation, possibly through modulating the energy balance of the symbiotic system, which could improve nitrogen fixation efficiency and ultimately increase legume yield and quality.},
}

@article {pmid42195307,
year = {2026},
author = {Mogoşanu, GD and Biţă, A and Scorei, IR and Pop, MI and Dinu, IR and Gheonea, DI},
title = {Boron as a Molecular Architect of Host-Microbiome Symbiosis: Implications for Dysbiosis and Aging-Related Pathologies.},
journal = {Life (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {16},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/life16050750},
pmid = {42195307},
issn = {2075-1729},
abstract = {Boron (B) is increasingly recognized as more than a trace dietary element, emerging as a context-dependent organizer of molecular interactions at the host-microbiome interface. B exhibits reversible covalent chemistry driven by Lewis' acidity and selective affinity for cis-diol-rich biomolecules, enabling dynamic complexation with polyols, glycans, and phenolic ligands that dominate the intestinal mucus environment and shape microbial ecology. We synthesize evidence supporting an architecture-based framework in which B modulates biological function by conditioning the physicochemical context of microbial communication rather than acting as a single-pathway effector. Central to this model is spatial bioavailability, distinguishing plasma-accessible boron from microbiota-accessible boron (MAB), species that persist in the lumen and mucus layer long enough to influence interface-level processes. We propose that insufficient or altered MAB availability may contribute to dysbiosis (DYS) by destabilizing quorum-associated coordination, signal persistence, and mucosal microstructure, thereby promoting barrier dysfunction and inflammaging. Particular attention is given to B-mediated symbiotaxis, a hypothesis-driven concept describing how B-containing molecular assemblies may bias microbial communities toward cooperative, barrier-supportive configurations and reduce ecological volatility. We identify key knowledge gaps and experimental priorities (speciation-aware measurements, signal-centric readouts) necessary to determine when, where, and how B-mediated molecular architecture may counteract DYS and support healthspan.},
}

@article {pmid42195367,
year = {2026},
author = {Yang, X and Tian, Q and Huang, Z and Ye, L and Long, W and Zhang, B and Liu, Y and Li, X},
title = {Targeted Metabolomics Resolves Amino Acid and Lipid Specialization Between Pileus and Stipe in Artificially Cultivated Termitomyces upsilocystidiatus.},
journal = {Life (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {16},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/life16050812},
pmid = {42195367},
issn = {2075-1729},
support = {YSCX2035-009//Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences/ ; 2024YFCY0009//Science and Technology Department of Sichuan Province/ ; SCCXTD-2026-07//Sichuan Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/ ; },
abstract = {This study presents the first tissue-resolved targeted metabolomic analysis of artificially cultivated Termitomyces upsilocystidiatus fruiting bodies using LC-MS/MS. We identified pronounced metabolic divergence between the pileus and stipe. The pileus was enriched in a nitrogen-recycling and antioxidant module, exemplified by L-citrulline (~13.5-fold higher than stipe, p < 0.01) and urea, while the stipe accumulates sulfur-derived and oxidized metabolites such as L-homocystine (~3.5-fold higher, p < 0.01) and methionine sulfoxide. Lipid profiles further distinguished the two tissues: the pileus featured high levels of linoleic acid-derived oxylipins, including 13(S)-HODE and 12(13)-DiHOME (~9.7-fold and ~303-fold enrichment, respectively, p < 0.01), suggesting a role in signaling and redox buffering. In contrast, the stipe preferentially accumulated oxidized eicosanoids (e.g., 5-oxoETE) and thromboxane B1, indicative of a stress-responsive lipid network. Together, these metabolite-level observations support a tentative "pileus-synthesis/stipe-defense" dual-hub model. This work provides a quantitative metabolic framework for understanding tissue specialization in a symbiotic fungus and offers practical entry points for cultivation optimization and quality control of Termitomyces.},
}

@article {pmid42195385,
year = {2026},
author = {Bastidas-Benalcazar, N and Calero-Apunte, JA and Almeida-Galarraga, D and Navas-Boada, P and Alvarado-Cando, O and Tirado-Espín, A and Villalba-Meneses, F and Carvajal Mora, H and Orozco Garzón, N},
title = {The Neuro-Cardiac Symbiotic Engine: A Multimodal Fusion Architecture for Cognitive State Decoding via High-Performance Computing.},
journal = {Life (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {16},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/life16050830},
pmid = {42195385},
issn = {2075-1729},
support = {577.A.XVII.25//Universidad de Las Américas/ ; 41991//Universidad San Francisco de Quito/ ; },
abstract = {Robust decoding of latent cognitive states from non-stationary physiological time series is a challenging high-dimensional signal processing problem. Traditional unimodal frameworks based only on electroencephalography often show covariate shift and weak cross-task generalization. This study presents the Neuro-Cardiac Symbiotic Engine, a multimodal fusion architecture that combines high-frequency cortical EEG dynamics with low-frequency autonomic regulation derived from heart rate variability within a unified discriminative feature space. The pipeline integrates spectral decomposition and autonomic quadratic descriptors through a memory-optimized high-performance computing workflow on the CEDIA supercomputer. To reduce domain discrepancy between memory and piloting tasks, we design a few-shot calibration strategy based on affine manifold alignment and probabilistic ensemble inference. Validation on 29 subjects reaches a mean classification accuracy of 99.13 percent, far above the zero-shot baseline near 38 percent. Topological analysis also indicates phase-space contraction under high workload, where fused vagal and frontal-parietal biomarkers concentrate system dynamics into a low-entropy attractor. The results establish a mathematically grounded framework for passive brain-computer interfaces and show that orthogonal neuro-visceral integration is critical for reliable cognitive state estimation.},
}

@article {pmid42196286,
year = {2026},
author = {Wongdee, J and Greetatorn, T and Piromyou, P and Songwattana, P and Pruksametanan, N and Teaumroong, N and Boonkerd, N and Boonchuen, P and Giraud, E and Tittabutr, P},
title = {Unveiling the Functions of Two RpoNs in Bradyrhizobium sp. DOA9 During Free-Living Conditions: A Comprehensive and Comparative Analysis.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {27},
number = {10},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms27104304},
pmid = {42196286},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {204222//National Science, Research and Innovation Fund (NSRF) IS/ ; B16F640113//National Science, Research and Innovation Fund (NSRF) via the Program Management Unit for Human Resources & Institutional Development and Innovation/ ; },
mesh = {*Bradyrhizobium/genetics/metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; *Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Phylogeny ; Nitrogen Fixation/genetics ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Gene Expression Profiling ; *RNA Polymerase Sigma 54/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {In this study, we investigate two RpoN homologs in Bradyrhizobium sp. DOA9-chromosomal RpoNc and megaplasmid-borne RpoNp-and their roles in free-living conditions and nitrogen fixation. Phylogenetic analysis showed that RpoNc clusters with RpoN proteins from symbiotic nitrogen-fixing strains, whereas RpoNp forms a distinct clade, consistent with a function in stress responses. RpoNc proved essential for free-living conditions: ΔrpoNc mutants displayed severe growth defects that RpoNp could not compensate for. Transcriptomic comparisons between wild type and mutant RpoN identified 541 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) grouped into three clusters: 100 downregulated, 175 upregulated, and 254 moderately downregulated (with a fold change > 2, and a q-value (FDR, padj) < 0.05). Affected pathways involved nitrogen metabolism, motility, and environmental adaptation. RpoNc controlled major nitrogen fixation genes (nif and fix) along with core growth and stress response functions, while RpoNp mainly influenced stress-adaptation pathways. Genome-wide promoter motif analysis predicted 68 putative RpoNc targets, mainly associated with nitrogen fixation and metabolism, compared with only 22 predicted RpoNp targets, indicating a more restricted regulon. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) further confirmed that both RpoN proteins directly bind σ[54]-dependent promoters identified from transcriptomic data, supporting their regulatory roles under free-living conditions. Two mutants (ΔrpoNc and ΔrpoNp::ΩrpoNc) showed broad transcriptional disruption across nitrogen fixation, metabolism, and stress responses, underscoring complementary regulation. Overall, RpoNc is the dominant regulator of nitrogen fixation and core metabolism during free-living conditions, whereas RpoNp fine-tunes stress responses, revealing new regulatory insights for DOA9 adaptation. These results clarify how RpoN systems optimize survival across fluctuating conditions.},
}

*Bradyrhizobium/genetics/metabolism
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
*Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Phylogeny
Nitrogen Fixation/genetics
Promoter Regions, Genetic
Gene Expression Profiling
*RNA Polymerase Sigma 54/genetics/metabolism

@article {pmid42196462,
year = {2026},
author = {Wei, D and Zhang, M and Lei, T and Hu, Q},
title = {Lactylation in Colorectal Cancer: Regulatory Networks, Functional Mechanisms, and Clinical Translational Potential.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {27},
number = {10},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms27104480},
pmid = {42196462},
issn = {1422-0067},
mesh = {Humans ; *Colorectal Neoplasms/metabolism/pathology/genetics/therapy ; *Protein Processing, Post-Translational ; Tumor Microenvironment ; Metabolic Reprogramming ; Translational Research, Biomedical ; Animals ; },
abstract = {Protein lactylation, an emerging post-translational modification (PTM) driven by the metabolite lactate, has surfaced as an important regulatory layer contributing to the crosstalk between metabolic reprogramming and cellular functional plasticity in colorectal cancer (CRC). Within the unique "host-microbiota" symbiotic microenvironment of CRC, the Warburg effect-fueled jointly by oncogene activation and microbial metabolism-provides abundant substrates for lactylation. This modification is dynamically regulated by a complex enzymatic system comprising "Writers" (e.g., p300/CREB-binding protein [p300/CBP], alanyl-tRNA synthetase 1/2 [AARS1/2]) and "Erasers" (e.g., histone deacetylases [HDACs] and Sirtuins). Through intricate crosstalk with other PTMs, such as acetylation and ubiquitination, lactylation exerts critical regulatory effects on both the histone epigenetic landscape and non-histone protein functions. Functionally, lactylation not only drives malignant proliferation, invasion, and metastasis but also systematically remodels the immunosuppressive "cold" tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, it confers broad-spectrum resistance to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy by orchestrating a ferroptosis defense network, enhancing DNA damage repair (DDR), and activating protective autophagy. This review systematically synthesizes the regulatory networks and biological functions of lactylation in CRC, deeply elucidating the core mechanisms underlying therapy resistance. Finally, we discuss the clinical translational potential of lactylation as a novel diagnostic/prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target, aiming to provide new theoretical foundations and strategic directions for overcoming current bottlenecks in CRC clinical treatment.},
}

Humans
*Colorectal Neoplasms/metabolism/pathology/genetics/therapy
*Protein Processing, Post-Translational
Tumor Microenvironment
Metabolic Reprogramming
Translational Research, Biomedical
Animals

@article {pmid42196983,
year = {2026},
author = {Biliński, K and Wiśniewski, K and Rafner, L and Witko, P and Gaweł-Dąbrowska, D},
title = {Travel-Induced Circadian and Microbiota Disturbances: Implications for Athlete Health and Performance: A Narrative Review.},
journal = {Nutrients},
volume = {18},
number = {10},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/nu18101523},
pmid = {42196983},
issn = {2072-6643},
support = {Not applicable//Wroclaw Medical University/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Circadian Rhythm/physiology ; *Athletic Performance/physiology ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology ; Jet Lag Syndrome/etiology/physiopathology ; *Travel ; *Athletes ; Fatty Acids, Volatile/metabolism ; Dysbiosis/etiology ; },
abstract = {High-performance athletes are increasingly exposed to frequent trans-meridian travel, leading to profound circadian desynchronization and gastrointestinal distress. This review examines the complex interplay between the host's central circadian system and the gut microbiota (GM), both of which exhibit synchronised daily oscillations essential for homeostasis. Rapid time-zone transitions, such as those anticipated for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, induce a state of "gut jet lag," characterised by the loss of rhythmic microbial functions and impaired intestinal barrier integrity. Circadian misalignment is associated with increased systemic inflammation and disrupted metabolic regulation, which may contribute to impairments in cognitive performance, sleep quality, and muscle recovery. Critically, travel-induced dysbiosis may reduce the production of microbial metabolites, specifically short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like acetate, propionate, and butyrate. These SCFAs serve as energy substrates that may enhance glucose uptake, lipid oxidation, and glycogen storage in skeletal muscle. Evidence suggests that travel-related stressors-including dehydration, psychological stress, and shifts toward highly processed diets-further exacerbate the loss of beneficial taxa. To mitigate these effects, this article proposes evidence-informed strategies: timed light exposure to reset the master clock, chronobiotic meal timing to entrain peripheral tissues, and targeted symbiotic supplementation to restore SCFA-producing populations. Integrating these personalised, evidence-informed protocols may support the optimisation of physiological resilience and performance.},
}

Humans
*Circadian Rhythm/physiology
*Athletic Performance/physiology
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology
Jet Lag Syndrome/etiology/physiopathology
*Travel
*Athletes
Fatty Acids, Volatile/metabolism
Dysbiosis/etiology

@article {pmid42197317,
year = {2026},
author = {Song, J and Xu, P and Wei, Z and Yao, H and Wang, A and Xu, C and Zhu, Y and Wang, R and Yuan, X},
title = {Synergistic Nitrogen Removal and Community Interaction Mechanism of Immobilized Bacteria Algae Symbiosis System.},
journal = {Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {31},
number = {10},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/molecules31101764},
pmid = {42197317},
issn = {1420-3049},
support = {252300421933//Natural Science Foundation Project of Henan Province/ ; 252102321038//Scientific and Technological Projects of Henan Province/ ; 262102320101//Scientific and Technological Projects of Henan Province/ ; 262102320075//Scientific and Technological Projects of Henan Province/ ; 24B610010//Key Scientific Research Project Plan of Henan Province's Higher Education Institutions/ ; 23KJGG245//Scientific and Technological Projects of Nanyang/ ; 24KJGG066//Scientific and Technological Projects of Nanyang City/ ; },
mesh = {*Nitrogen/metabolism/isolation & purification ; *Symbiosis ; *Microalgae/metabolism ; *Bacteria/metabolism ; Denitrification ; Wastewater/chemistry/microbiology ; Cells, Immobilized/metabolism ; Nitrification ; },
abstract = {Ammonium nitrogen pollution presents a significant challenge in wastewater treatment. Traditional activated sludge processes often suffer from limitations such as low efficiency and high energy consumption when treating high-ammonium nitrogen wastewater. This study utilized previously screened high-efficiency heterotrophic nitrification aerobic denitrification (HN-AD) bacterial strains (Pseudomonas alcaliphila and Paracoccus versutus) synergistically with microalgae to construct an immobilized bacteria algae symbiotic system (IBAS). The nitrogen removal performance and microbial community response of the system were investigated under different nitrogen sources, carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratios, and light intensities. Results demonstrated that the system achieved a removal rate of over 95% for nitrite and nitrate. Under conditions of C/N = 15 and high light intensity (335.36 μmol/(m[2] · s)), the removal rates of NH4[+]-N, TN, and COD exceeded 90% without nitrite accumulation. Microbial community analysis revealed that high C/N conditions significantly enriched HN-AD functional bacteria (such as Acinetobacter) in the Pseudomonadota phylum and Gammaproteobacteria class. High light intensity promoted the proliferation of microalgae (Chlorella and Halochlorella), enhanced algal bacterial interaction, and improved system stability. This study elucidated the nitrogen removal mechanism of the IBAS under multi-factor regulation, providing a theoretical foundation and demonstrating application potential for low-carbon and high-efficiency wastewater treatment technologies.},
}

*Nitrogen/metabolism/isolation & purification
*Symbiosis
*Microalgae/metabolism
*Bacteria/metabolism
Denitrification
Wastewater/chemistry/microbiology
Cells, Immobilized/metabolism
Nitrification

@article {pmid42197339,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, S and Pan, F and Liang, Y and Wang, K and Liu, Z and Zhang, W},
title = {Plant-Derived Organic Acids Are Linked to Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and phoD-Harboring Bacteria Associated with Improved Soil Phosphorus Availability Across Plant Functional Groups in Karst Ecosystems.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms14050952},
pmid = {42197339},
issn = {2076-2607},
abstract = {Phosphorus (P) limitation is prevalent in terrestrial ecosystems. Plants can improve soil P availability through the exudation of organic acids and symbiotic interactions with microorganisms. However, associations between different plant functional groups and phosphorus cycling in P limited karst ecosystems remain poorly understood. To investigate this, the exudation rates of oxalic, citric and acetic acids from fine roots, the contents of carbon, nitrogen, and P in leaves and fine roots, and the contents of oxalic, citric and acetic acids, total P, available P (AP), and microbial biomass P in rhizosphere soils were measured across different plant functional groups in a karst ecosystem in southwestern China. Additionally, the activities of acid and alkaline phosphatases were also analyzed, as well as the relative abundance, community structure, diversity, and co-occurrence network patterns of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and alkaline phosphatase-encoding (phoD) gene-harboring bacteria. The results showed that both the exudation rates and the contents of organic acids and AP were highest in the tree group, followed by the shrub and grass groups. The AP content of the legume group was significantly higher than that of the non-legume group. The exudation rates of oxalic acid were significantly greater than those of citric and acetic acids. AMF diversities were highest in the shrub and legume groups. The diversities of phoD-harboring bacteria decreased from the tree group to the shrub group and then to the grass group, yet there were no significant differences between the legume and non-legume groups. The communities of both AMF and phoD-harboring bacteria exhibited significant differences among these plant functional groups. The prevalent genera of phoD-harboring bacteria across all groups were Pseudomonas and Halomonas, with Halomonas being particularly prevalent in the legume group. The AMF community was dominated by Glomus, which attained its highest relative abundance in the tree and legume groups. Furthermore, the increased exudation rate and content of oxalic acid were associated with higher relative abundances of Glomus in AMF and Pseudomonas and Bacillus among phoD-harboring bacteria. Structural Equation Model (SEM) analysis demonstrated that plant-exuded organic acids, especially oxalic acid, were positively associated with P availability indirectly through their linkages with the diversity and abundance of AMF and phoD-harboring bacteria. The crucial role of oxalic acid was particularly prominent in the tree and legume groups. Our findings suggest that screening AMF and phoD-harboring bacteria with highly efficient P transformation activity and inoculating them into the rhizosphere of plants with high oxalic acid exudation could help improve plant resilience to P limitation and support sustainable restoration in karst ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid42197612,
year = {2026},
author = {Msiza, LJ and Ngmenzuma, TY and Mohammed, M and Dakora, FD},
title = {Water-Use Efficiency and Mineral Nutrition of Diverse Legume Species Nodulated by Different Native Rhizobial Isolates: Do Rhizobia Have a Say in the Mineral Nutrition of Their Host Plants?.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {10},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants15101478},
pmid = {42197612},
issn = {2223-7747},
abstract = {The benefits of legume-nitrogen-fixing bacteria symbioses are vital in agricultural systems globally. Cross-infectivity studies are important for identifying rhizobial strains with potential for use as inoculants. The native rhizobial isolates inoculated on different legume species are the first step to determining host range and ecological adaptive traits. This study reports on the water-use efficiency and mineral nutrition of diverse legume species cross-inoculated by native rhizobial isolates from Eswatini, Ghana and South Africa under glasshouse conditions. A portable infrared red gas analyzer was used for water use efficiency. Data from a gas exchange study shows that rhizobial strains can significantly influence the photosynthetic functioning of their host plants. As a result, photosynthetic rates differed depending on bacterial compatibility with the host plant, as well as its symbiotic efficacy. Isolate TUTGmGH2 induced greater accumulation of P, K, Mg, Zn, Cu and Mn in soybean and Winged bean, clearly suggesting that rhizobia do have an influence on the mineral nutrition of their host plants. Therefore, these findings further show that native rhizobial isolates can be manipulated to enhance mineral nutrient uptake, promote growth and development and also produce nutrient-dense food with a low environmental impact globally since rhizobia do have an influence on the mineral nutrition of their host plants.},
}

@article {pmid42197706,
year = {2026},
author = {Niu, B and Cheng, M and Lu, X and Sun, L and Lu, S and Guo, J and Zhu, H and Wang, L},
title = {Triacontanol Boosts Soybean Nodulation via GmHSP26-Mediated Antioxidant Enhancement.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {10},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants15101572},
pmid = {42197706},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {2021YFD1600600//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 202101140601027, 202501140602016Z//The Major Special Science and Technology Projects in Shanxi Province/ ; No.2025xczx03//Shanxi Breeding Innovation Joint research and development projects/ ; 2021xG003, 2022xG0014//Scientific research fund for talents of Shanxi Agricultural University/ ; },
abstract = {Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) is a globally crucial food crop and a model plant for studying symbiotic nitrogen fixation in legumes. Triacontanol (TRIA) is a natural plant growth regulator that enhances photosynthetic efficiency, stress tolerance, antioxidant enzyme activities and yield in crops. However, its regulatory role in nodulation and nitrogen fixation in legumes remains unclear. In this study, soybean seedlings inoculated with Bradyrhizobium japonicum strain USDA110 were treated with different concentrations of TRIA (0, 0.33, 0.5, 1 and 2 μg/mL). Then, oxidative stress indicators and comparative transcriptomic analysis were performed to check the oxidative status and screen the candidate genes under TRIA treatment. Our results showed that the 0.5 μg/mL TRIA treatment produced the greatest nodule number. TRIA treatment significantly induced antioxidant responses in soybean roots. Comparative transcriptome identified 867 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses of DEGs revealed that a large number of genes were enriched in pathways related to oxidative activity. Combined with the expression pattern, we identified a Glutathione S-Transferase family gene, GmHSP26 (Glyma.07G139700), whose expression was induced by both TRIA and rhizobial infection, with its promoter activity was activated throughout the entire process of nodule development. Further function study using overexpression and gene editing proved that GmHSP26 was a positive regulator of soybean nodulation. Collectively, this study identifies the optimal TRIA concentration for promoting soybean nodulation, reveals the function and mechanism of GmHSP26 in response to TRIA-regulated nodulation, and provides a theoretical basis and genetic resource for enhancing nodulation and nitrogen fixation in leguminous crops through exogenous growth regulators.},
}

@article {pmid42199123,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, J and Liu, JK and Zaikin, A and Wang, M and Chen, S},
title = {Modulation of the excitation/inhibition balance by astrocytes in a tripartite synapse model of Alzheimer's disease.},
journal = {Neural regeneration research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.4103/NRR.NRR-D-25-00307},
pmid = {42199123},
issn = {1673-5374},
abstract = {Alzheimer's disease is a formidable health challenge due to lack of effective therapeutic modalities. The excitation/inhibition imbalance in the early stage of Alzheimer's disease can be potentially considered as a central link between structural brain pathology and cognitive dysfunction. However, the role and effects of reactive astrocytes in the neuronal excitability in early Alzheimer's disease remain unclear. Here, we present a tripartite synaptic model integrating the interactions between neurons and astrocytes than can clarify the role of astrocytes in the regulation of excitation/inhibition. Our model integrates the cation channel transient receptor potential ankyrin 1, whose activation triggers calcium influx, thereby enhancing the fidelity of astrocyte calcium dynamics. Constrained by physiological data, we demonstrate that amyloid-β can activate astrocytes to release glial neurotransmitters, thereby mediating the hyperexcitability of nearby neurons. We also investigate the astrocyte-mediated symbiosis of two neurotransmitters, glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid, at the glutamatergic synapse in the context of Alzheimer's disease, to predict the inhibitory compensatory response to excitotoxicity. During excitotoxicity, astrocytes can use the coupling of the excitatory amino acid transporter and gamma-aminobutyric acid transporter to control the concentration ratio of glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid in the synaptic cleft, and may convert both through the intracellular gamma-aminobutyric acid synthesis pathway. Our findings reveal that the coding efficiency of neurons diminished as the effects of amyloid-β deepened, establishing a direct link between the pathological features of Alzheimer's disease and cognitive dysfunction. These simulations suggest that astrocytes play a critical role in regulating the neuronal excitation/inhibition balance in the early stage of Alzheimer's disease, thereby influencing the subsequent processes of information transmission, learning, and memory. The pathways characterized by our model present potential therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease.},
}

@article {pmid42200258,
year = {2026},
author = {Stoisman, A and Ciocca, G},
title = {A possible psychogenesis of the paraphilic behavior based on an interpretation of the film "La Pianiste".},
journal = {Rivista di psichiatria},
volume = {61},
number = {2},
pages = {87-92},
doi = {10.1708/4685.47002},
pmid = {42200258},
issn = {2038-2502},
mesh = {Humans ; *Paraphilic Disorders/psychology ; *Masochism/psychology ; *Motion Pictures ; },
abstract = {This article aims to explore, through a psychological-narrative reading of the film "La Pianiste" (Haneke, 2001), specific dynamics that underpin paraphilic behavior. The focus is specifically placed on masochism and on the ambiguities surrounding the concept of consent within BDSM practices. The protagonist, Erika Kohut, is here described through the psychodynamic perspective together to the attachment theory. At the core of the analysis lies Erika's symbiotic and deeply oppressive relationship with her mother, which finds expression in self-harming rituals and submission fantasies. The erotic relationship and the sexual life of the protagonist, characterizing the film, poses a crucial question: how free is a "yes" in reality? While consent is often framed as a conscious and voluntary act, Erika's story reveals it to be a dangerously ambivalent terrain, shaped by unresolved psychic wounds. This work does not aim to stigmatize or pathologize BDSM practices, but rather to interrogate their "shadow zones": when do these practices become a space for reconstructing the Self, and when do they risk turning into a stage where unprocessed suffering is compulsively replayed?},
}

Humans
*Paraphilic Disorders/psychology
*Masochism/psychology
*Motion Pictures

@article {pmid42200417,
year = {2026},
author = {Lin, L and Gao, G and Sun, S and Wu, X and Fan, S and Wang, H and Zhou, F and Zhang, X},
title = {Host-independent metagenomics reveal gut bacteria contribution to Delia antiqua growth by vitamin B6 provision.},
journal = {Insect molecular biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/imb.70046},
pmid = {42200417},
issn = {1365-2583},
support = {2024KJI002//Young Innovation Team Project of Higher Education in Shandong Province/ ; 2024ZDZX10//QLU Major Innovation Projects of Education-Industry Integration Pilot/ ; SDAIT-31-04//Shandong Province Key Agricultural Project for Application Technology Innovation/ ; 32272530//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Insect guts host a diverse and abundant array of microorganisms. These microbes improve host fitness by extensively involving in a range of crucial physiological processes, which have mainly been revealed by high-throughput sequencing, particularly metagenomics. However, it is almost impossible to make an accurate and complete distinction between the genetic functions of microbial symbionts and insect hosts without host genome data. By comparing metagenomic data from gut germ-free and nonaxenic larvae, we accurately identified the data belonging to the gut microbiome of the onion maggot Delia antiqua (Diptera: Anthomyiidae). Besides, a correlation between bacteria of the genus Wohlfahrtiimonas (Gammaproteobacteria: Pseudomonadaceae) and vitamin B6 metabolism was detected through collinearity analysis. Furthermore, in vitro tests confirmed that the gut bacterium Wohlfahrtiimonas larvae contributed to the growth of D. antiqua larvae via the independent synthesis of vitamin B6. This study provides a comprehensive view of the gut bacterial diversity in D. antiqua and reveals a functional profile that is strictly specific to the gut microbiota of this species. It has preliminarily revealed the functional differentiation between insect hosts and their symbiotic microorganisms. This study also offers a technical reference for the study of microbial symbiotic functions in other insect-microbe symbioses without host genomic data.},
}

@article {pmid42200648,
year = {2026},
author = {Gomez, A and Tisa, LS},
title = {A longitudinal roadside study of the New Hampshire alder root nodule microbiome.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0044626},
doi = {10.1128/aem.00446-26},
pmid = {42200648},
issn = {1098-5336},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Actinorhizal plants are pioneer plants that colonize harsh environments and have been used for land reclamation. Their ability to thrive under these harsh conditions is due to their symbiotic association with the nitrogen-fixing bacterium Frankia and forming a root nodule structure. Although the plant root nodule primarily contains the symbiont Frankia, other members of the nodule community have been identified. This study represents an investigation of the effects of different environments on the nodule microbiome of Alnus rugosa, a shrub actinorhizal tree found at different locations within New Hampshire over a 3-year period. We utilized 16S rRNA and ITS amplicon sequencing to map the seasonal bacterial and fungal communities in the A. rugosa root nodule microbiome compared to rhizosphere and bulk soil communities. The relative abundance of Frankiaceae in root nodules fluctuated seasonally and by site. Sites with lower relative abundance of Frankiaceae in nodules had higher relative abundances of fungal nodule occupants. The roadside bacterial communities were distinct from those at the rural site, with Chitinophagaceae and Nitrosomonadaceae being characteristic members of the roadside rhizospheres and bulk soils, respectively. Soil zinc significantly affected all microbial communities. Our results indicate that the A. rugosa root nodule and soil microbiomes are responsive to different environmental variables like roadways and other microorganisms, and these responses need to be further elucidated for the optimization of future in situ actinorhizal projects.

IMPORTANCE: Actinorhizal plants like alders are important ecologically and economically as pioneering plants. The symbiotic association with Frankia greatly accelerates the growth of the host plant and indirectly does the same for neighboring plants. Actinorhizal trees provide an excellent mechanism to restore disrupted environmental sites and have been used to reclaim land that has been used for strip-mines, gravel pits, and soil stabilization of other landscapes disturbed by the effects of erosion and water runoff. Actinorhizal plants are found on coastal lands around the estuaries, and some are proven to be salt tolerant. Elucidating the dynamics of microbial community structure of the alder root nodules will help our understanding of the ability of these pioneering plants to reclaim degraded lands and to survive in diverse harsh environments. The role that other members of actinorhizal plant root nodule plays may be important to that survival ability. This field study reports on the influence of soil variables, habitats, and seasons on the dynamics of the actinorhizal microbiome.},
}

@article {pmid42200660,
year = {2026},
author = {Guo, C and Yang, A and Zhang, X and Bai, W and Zhang, W-H},
title = {Leaf- and root-associated bacterial communities differ in their resistance and resilience to N disturbance in a temperate steppe.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0033226},
doi = {10.1128/aem.00332-26},
pmid = {42200660},
issn = {1098-5336},
abstract = {Enhanced deposition of nitrogen (N) has great impacts on grassland ecosystems. A decline in N deposition has occurred in many regions across the globe. Changes in N deposition alter the structure and functions of grassland ecosystems and bacterial community of soil and rhizosphere. However, the responses of plant microbiomes to N deposition and cessation of N input in terms of resistance and resilience have not been systematically evaluated. We examined the effects of N addition and cessation of N addition on leaf- and root-associated bacterial communities through a consecutive N addition and cessation of N addition experiment in a temperate grassland. We found that leaf-associated bacterial community exhibited lower resistance to N enrichment than root-associated bacterial community, which was mainly steered by leaf soluble sugars and leaf morphology via regulating functional taxa. In contrast, the root-associated bacterial community showed stronger resilience to cessation of N addition than leaf-associated bacterial community, which may be explained by the high N accumulation in roots and root morphology via regulating functional taxa. The greater resistance and resilience in the root-associated bacterial community may be attributed to the presence of host-related factors. Additionally, N enrichment-induced suppression of beneficial symbiotic microbes associated with the N cycle in the leaf-associated bacterial community was not readily recovered after cessation of N input. Conversely, microbes involved in carbon cycle and ecological restoration in the root-associated bacterial community showed a quick recovery after cessation of N enrichment. Our results offer valuable insights into the mechanisms by which changes in N input influence the plant microbial community.IMPORTANCEAs an integral component of ecosystems, the plant microbiome plays an important role in the response of grassland ecosystems to enhanced N deposition. Changes in N deposition influence bacterial communities of soil and rhizosphere of grassland ecosystems. However, whether and how the N deposition and cessation of N input impact microbiomes of plant species of temperate grasslands remain unexplored. Based on a long-term N-addition experiment in a temperate steppe, we discover that leaf- and root-associated bacterial communities respond differently to N addition and subsequent cessation of N addition. The leaf-associated bacterial community exhibits lower resistance to N enrichment than the root-associated bacterial community due to the unique environment of the phyllosphere, whereas the root-associated bacterial community shows stronger resilience to cessation of N addition than the leaf-associated bacterial community due mainly to the higher root N accumulation and morphology. These findings offer valuable insights into the impact and mechanism of N interference on the plant microbial community.},
}

@article {pmid42201143,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, W and Eleftherianos, I and Mohamed, A and Smagghe, G and Chakkalakkal, G and Al-Akeel, R and Toprak, U and Tettamanti, G and Keyhani, N and Renault, D},
title = {Evolution, multifunctionality, and agricultural potential of insect microbiomes and the holobiont concept.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ismejo/wrag137},
pmid = {42201143},
issn = {1751-7370},
abstract = {Insect-associated microbiomes, as co-evolved members of the holobiont, play pivotal roles in host physiology, ecological resilience, and evolutionary innovation. This review synthesizes recent advances in understanding microbial symbionts' contributions to metabolic adaptation, insecticide detoxification, and immune modulation. Framed within hologenome theory-which posits host-microbe assemblages as units of natural selection-we explore co-evolutionary dynamics driving mutualistic specialization and adaptive plasticity. Cutting-edge tools like genome editing and metagenomics reveal how gut microbiota mediate cross-kingdom interactions, insecticide resistance, and reproductive fitness. Intriguingly, microbial symbionts can enhance host resistance through detoxification while sensitizing hosts to specific toxins, highlighting context-dependent trade-offs. Targeted manipulation of microbial consortia-via detoxification disruption or symbiont engineering-offers new avenues for sustainable pest control, though ecological risks demand rigorous biosafety protocols. A paradigm shift toward holobiont-centered models promises unified strategies for sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation in the Anthropocene.},
}

@article {pmid42202780,
year = {2026},
author = {Montoya, AP and Jensen, KT and Griffitts, JS and Porter, SS},
title = {The evolutionary genomics of novel endosymbiosis in wild rhizobia bacteria.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2026.04.071},
pmid = {42202780},
issn = {1879-0445},
abstract = {The advent of endosymbiosis underlies evolutionary innovation and ecosystem function. However, whether free-living partners tend to benefit or exploit each other during the early stages of novel endosymbiosis remains a dilemma. Rhizobia soil bacteria can initiate root nodules and fix nitrogen for host plants as endosymbionts due to genes carried on mobile genetic elements such as the symbiosis island (SI). We conjugated marked SIs into the genomes of non-nodulating strains, which was sufficient to generate de novo root nodule-forming endosymbionts. Most novel endosymbionts originated as commensals that incurred no detectable costs to host plants, in contrast to predictions of exploitation. In fact, a third of novel endosymbionts originated as nitrogen-fixing mutualists. Consistent with phylogenetic limits to transfer of mobile genetic element function, novel endosymbionts derived from more closely related SI donor and recipient strains showed greater nitrogen fixation. However, consistent with selection on the SI for broad horizontal transfer, we did not detect phylogenetic limits to SI transmission, and the SI was able to displace other genomic elements residing at its characteristic tRNA gene insertion site. We thus provide genetic, genomic, and functional evidence of how mobile genetic elements can potentiate and constrain major evolutionary transitions to expand bacterial niches, with cascading impacts on the fitness of host organisms.},
}

@article {pmid42203074,
year = {2026},
author = {Dial, D and Mora, JAT and Husnik, F},
title = {The spatial cell biology of host control in bacteriocyte-associated symbioses.},
journal = {Current opinion in insect science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {101540},
doi = {10.1016/j.cois.2026.101540},
pmid = {42203074},
issn = {2214-5753},
abstract = {Bacteriocytes are specialized eukaryotic cells that house bacterial symbionts. In insects, they are essential for host nutrition, development, and reproduction. Over the past two decades, bulk transcriptomics and genomics have built a strong molecular framework for how hosts support and control intracellular symbionts, highlighting nutrient exchange, immune modulation, and cellular homeostasis within bacteriocytes. However, these approaches provide limited insight into where these processes occur. Organs made of bacteriocytes (bacteriomes) vary widely in architecture and origin across insects, may contain multiple symbiont-bearing cell types and non-bacteriocyte support cells, and likely implement distinct host support programs for different symbionts. Inspired by recent single-cell and spatial studies in non-insect bacteriocyte systems, we argue that spatially resolved approaches are the natural next step for insect symbiosis research. We organize these recurring functions as "host-control modules," including compensation for symbiont gene loss, regulation of host-symbiont exchange, and control of symbiont abundance or localization. We show how single-cell, spatial and volumetric imaging approaches can localize these modules to specific cell states, tissue zones, membranes and organelle contact sites. Finally, we outline a practical hypothesis-driven roadmap for adopting spatial omics and 3D microscopy in insect bacteriomes.},
}

@article {pmid42203372,
year = {2026},
author = {McCann, P and Megaw, J and Gobert, GN},
title = {Parasite-associated microbiomes: An unseen microenvironment.},
journal = {Advances in parasitology},
volume = {131},
number = {},
pages = {31-70},
doi = {10.1016/bs.apar.2026.03.001},
pmid = {42203372},
issn = {2163-6079},
mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Microbiota ; *Host-Parasite Interactions ; *Parasites/microbiology/physiology ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Parasites harbor diverse microbial ecosystems that include not only bacteria but also archaea, fungi, viruses and microbial eukaryotes. These parasite-associated microbiomes, long overlooked, are now recognized as important determinants of parasite development, fitness, virulence and interactions with hosts across medical, veterinary, agricultural and ecological systems. However, current understanding of parasite-associated microbiomes remains fragmented, with most studies focusing on a narrow set of human parasites, relying heavily on bacterial surveys and rarely capturing the full multi-kingdom diversity of microbial partners. Important challenges include expanding research to encompass neglected parasite groups and their non-bacterial associates, establishing causal links between microbiome members and parasite phenotypes, and overcoming the technical barriers posed by low-biomass, host-contaminated and/or experimentally intractable systems. Progress will also depend on developing robust reference genomes and analytical tools that can resolve multi-kingdom communities and integrate parasite and symbiont biology. This chapter synthesizes current knowledge across helminths, protozoa, ectoparasites and plant-infecting parasites. We consider how microbiome manipulation may contribute to parasite control while recognizing the evolutionary and ecological complexities involved in altering host-parasite-microbiome interactions. Embracing an explicitly multi-kingdom, holobiont-focused perspective promises to illuminate fundamental aspects of parasitism. Such knowledge may contribute to new avenues for mitigating the impact of parasitic diseases on human and animal health, food security and ecosystems.},
}

Animals
Humans
*Microbiota
*Host-Parasite Interactions
*Parasites/microbiology/physiology
Symbiosis

@article {pmid42203451,
year = {2026},
author = {Ichige, R and Urabe, J},
title = {Host Genetic Constraints on the Horizontal Transmission of Daphnia-associated Microbiota.},
journal = {Microbes and environments},
volume = {41},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1264/jsme2.ME26003},
pmid = {42203451},
issn = {1347-4405},
mesh = {Animals ; *Microbiota ; *Daphnia/microbiology/genetics ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Genotype ; Symbiosis ; *Host Microbial Interactions ; *Daphnia pulex/microbiology/genetics ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; },
abstract = {The taxonomic composition of Daphnia microbiota is affected not only by external environmental conditions, but also by the host's internal physiological state, which is partly governed by genetic factors. However, the extent to which host genetics constrain the composition of associated bacterial communities remains unclear. In the present study, we conducted mixed-culture experiments using obligately parthenogenetic Daphnia cf. pulex individuals from genetically distinct lineages. The results obtained showed that the taxonomic composition of host-associated microbiota significantly differed between genotypes, both within and across lineages, with certain bacterial taxa being exclusive to specific genotypes. When genetically distinct hosts were co-cultured, some bacterial taxa initially exclusive to one genotype appeared in the microbiota of another, indicating the horizontal transmission of microbiota between hosts. Nevertheless, the overall taxonomic composition of microbiota was largely unaffected by the presence of genetically different hosts. These results suggest that although the horizontal transfer of microbiota occurs between different Daphnia genotypes, it is not extensive enough to override genotype-specific microbiota compositions. Therefore, in D. cf. pulex, host genetics play a major role in shaping the composition of the associated microbiota.},
}

Animals
*Microbiota
*Daphnia/microbiology/genetics
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Genotype
Symbiosis
*Host Microbial Interactions
*Daphnia pulex/microbiology/genetics
Gene Transfer, Horizontal

@article {pmid41981603,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, Y and Chen, C and Liu, H and Wang, W and Zhou, X and Guo, M and Zhao, J and Zeng, Z and Xu, L},
title = {Decoding the gut microbiota-immune dialogue: from bidirectional axis to therapeutic applications.},
journal = {Journal of nanobiotechnology},
volume = {24},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41981603},
issn = {1477-3155},
support = {82160503, 82272812//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; QKHZC-2020-4Y156, QKH-JC-2018-1428, QKHJC-ZK-2022-624//Project of the Guizhou Provincial Department of Science and Technology/ ; },
abstract = {UNLABELLED: The gut microbiota (GM), a highly complex micro-ecosystem residing within the host’s gastrointestinal tract, works in conjunction with the gut immune system to form a precise bidirectional regulatory network, that maintains symbiotic homeostasis and overall host health. Cumulative evidence has demonstrated that the critical impact of the bidirectional causal relationship between the GM and the gut immune system on host development and the dynamic progression of disease. However, many challenges remain in this research field, including the mechanism complexity, therapeutic effect differences due to individual heterogeneity, long-term safety, and clinical transformation bottlenecks) that need to be urgently broken through. Therefore, the in-depth analysis of these issues is of great theoretical and practical significance for clarifying the intrinsic connection between the GM and gut immunity, particularly in elucidating the pathogenesis of related clinical diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), tumors, and autoimmune diseases (AD). We systematically outline the interaction mechanisms between the microbiota and the immune system, including compositional structure (microbiota diversity and immune system composition), development and maturation processes (early microbiota colonization and immune system establishment), and functional regulation (immune cell differentiation and maintenance of mucosal barrier integrity), as well as their associations with clinical diseases. Finally, we discuss some key considerations for the developing of innovative treatment strategies, such as microbial-targeted interventions, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and synergistic use of immunomodulatory drugs, with the aim of providing a new paradigm for the precise intervention of related diseases.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: [Image: see text]},
}

@article {pmid42185948,
year = {2026},
author = {Michalik, A and Majewska, E and Andriienko, V and Nowak, KH and Stroiński, A and Łukasik, P},
title = {Stable nutritional endosymbiosis across cryptic diversity of a leafhopper species complex.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12864-026-12986-3},
pmid = {42185948},
issn = {1471-2164},
support = {2021/41/B/NZ8/04526//Narodowe Centrum Nauki/ ; 2018/31/B/NZ8/01158//Narodowe Centrum Nauki/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Ancient nutritional symbioses underpin the ecological success of many sap-feeding insects. In 'true hoppers' - the hemipteran suborder Auchenorrhyncha, obligate bacterial partners provide essential amino acids lacking in plant phloem diets. However, the stability and persistence of such associations across the diversity of hoppers are poorly understood, and investigations are often complicated by insufficiently resolved host identity.

RESULTS: Here, we combined multitarget amplicon sequencing, metagenomics, and microscopy to assess the compositional and functional diversity of the microbiota across Polish, Swedish, and Austrian populations of leafhoppers morphologically identified as Verdanus abdominalis. Host COI data revealed pronounced cryptic genetic diversity, indicating several deeply divergent lineages within the characterized collection, but limited microbiota variation among populations. 16S rRNA amplicon data confirmed the consistent presence of the ancient bacterial endosymbionts Candidatus Sulcia muelleri and Candidatus Nasuia deltocephalinicola, and metagenomics showed that their reduced but complementary genomes jointly encode the complete set of essential amino acid biosynthesis pathways required by the host. Other microbes were uncommon in these symbioses. Microscopy corroborated these findings, revealing conserved bacteriome organization and spatial separation of Sulcia and Nasuia within distinct bacteriocytes.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that the Sulcia-Nasuia dual symbiosis remains evolutionarily stable across cryptic Verdanus diversity, underscoring the robustness of ancient nutritional partnerships despite ongoing host diversification.},
}

@article {pmid42185977,
year = {2026},
author = {Carlew, TS and Atherton Puri, AP and Shim, A and Rojas, CP and Buchanan, RA and Chang, JH and Sachs, JL and Belin, BJ},
title = {Aeschynomene americana induces terminal bacteroid differentiation in Bradyrhizobium sp. USDA3516, a novel model for dalbergioid-rhizobium symbiosis.},
journal = {BMC plant biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12870-026-08893-0},
pmid = {42185977},
issn = {1471-2229},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The paradigms of legume-rhizobium symbiosis are derived primarily from conserved features of Inverted-Repeat Lacking Clade (IRLC) legumes and closely related species. The Dalbergioids diverged from the IRLC early in legume evolution and possess unique symbiotic features but few genetically tractable models. The small, diploid dalbergioid Aeschynomene americana (American jointvetch) has promise as a genetic model for Dalbergioid-rhizobia symbiosis, yet only a few studies have examined its symbiotic properties.

RESULTS: We examined the symbiont range of A. americana from central Florida and characterized a native A. americana nodule isolate, Bradyrhizobium sp. USDA3516. We find that A. americana forms effective symbioses with Bradyrhizobium sp. USDA3516, which is closely related to Thai A. americana symbiont Bradyrhizobium sp DOA9, and with symbionts from the dalbergioids stylo and peanut. Interestingly, several strains that effectively nodulated A. americana exhibited branched bacteroid morphologies, but we found that branching was neither necessary nor sufficient for effective symbiosis.

CONCLUSIONS: Our study contradicts the prevailing view that bacteroid shape is a major determinant of symbiotic efficiency and presents the A. americana-Bradyrhizobium sp. USDA3516 interaction as an optimal model of A. americana symbiosis.},
}

@article {pmid42185992,
year = {2026},
author = {Reyes-Prieto, M and Martínez-Cano, DJ and Llabrés, M and Palmer-Rodríguez, P and Vargas-Chávez, C and Delaye, L and Gil, R and Moya, A},
title = {Evolutionary signals in metabolic networks of insect endosymbionts revealed through comparative topological modeling.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12864-026-12869-7},
pmid = {42185992},
issn = {1471-2164},
support = {PGC2018-096956-B-C43//FEDER/MICINN/AEI/ ; PID2019-105969GB-I00//FEDER/MICINN/AEI/ ; PID2021-126114NB-C44//MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by "ERDF/EU"/ ; CIPROM/2021/042//Conselleria de Cultura, Educación y Ciencia, Generalitat Valenciana/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Understanding the organization and evolution of metabolic networks is essential for uncovering how organisms adapt to changing environments. Whereas free-living bacteria typically maintain robust and redundant metabolic systems, endosymbiotic bacteria undergo extreme genome reduction during their adaptation to intracellular life. This process results in highly streamlined and interconnected metabolic networks, in some cases smaller than the theoretical minimum required for sustaining independent cellular function.

RESULTS: Using a large-scale comparative framework, we analyzed 101 genomes of insect endosymbiotic bacteria by computing two metabolic network models: metabolite- and reaction-based. We found strong correlations between genome size and key topological properties, including clustering coefficient, network diameter, and number of nodes, indicating that genome reduction directly constrains metabolic network architecture. Despite extensive gene loss, endosymbiotic metabolic networks retain scale-free organization, suggesting the preservation of essential connectivity and robustness. Furthermore, clustering analyses revealed that network topology reflects phylogenetic relationships across bacterial taxa, demonstrating that metabolic organization retains evolutionary signals even in the most reduced genomes.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that the metabolic networks of insect endosymbiotic bacteria preserve clear evolutionary imprints, revealing a deep connection between genomic reduction, network structure, and phylogenetic history. The complementary use of metabolite- and reaction-based models provide a powerful framework for exploring how symbiotic evolution reshapes metabolic systems while maintaining essential biological organization.},
}

@article {pmid42186551,
year = {2026},
author = {Koštířová, K and Rotterová, J and Bourland, WA and Čepička, I},
title = {Capturing the extensive diversity of marine anaerobic scuticociliates (Oligohymenophorea, Ciliophora) through cultivation.},
journal = {Marine life science & technology},
volume = {8},
number = {2},
pages = {256-275},
pmid = {42186551},
issn = {2662-1746},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Marine anoxic sediments are expansive ecosystems, effectively devoid of oxygen, where eukaryotic life is predominantly represented by protists. In this study, we surveyed a range of such habitats and uncovered novel diversity within ciliated protists from the subclass Scuticociliatia (class Oligohymenophorea). We establish three new genera of marine anaerobic scuticociliates within the family Anaerocyclidiidae that were previously detected exclusively through cultivation-independent environmental surveys. Our results show that marine Anaerocyclidiidae have a global distribution and occur frequently in anoxic sediments. Notably, all studied marine Anaerocyclidiidae host prokaryotic ectosymbionts of varying sizes and shapes, potentially representing distinct prokaryotic lineages. Through broad geographic sampling and the establishment of the largest culture collection of marine anaerobic scuticociliates to date, we investigated the diversity, morphology, behavior, and symbiotic associations within this significant ciliate lineage. These findings highlight the importance of cultivation approaches to uncover novel protistan taxa and their symbiotic relationships, expanding our understanding of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in oxygen-depleted habitats.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42995-025-00350-5.},
}

@article {pmid42186555,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, T and Vďačný, P},
title = {Morpho-molecular characterization of Trichodina chlorophora Richards, 1948 (Protista: Ciliophora), a central component in the 'snail‒ciliate‒zoochlorellae' hyper-symbiotic system.},
journal = {Marine life science & technology},
volume = {8},
number = {2},
pages = {371-386},
pmid = {42186555},
issn = {2662-1746},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: In the mantle cavity of the heterobranch snail Physella acuta, collected from a lake in Slovakia (Central Europe), we identified the peritrich ciliate Trichodina chlorophora harboring endosymbiotic green algae. To elucidate the evolutionary origins of this tripartite consortium, we determined the phylogenetic affiliations of all three partners and conducted a detailed morpho-molecular characterization of the ciliate, a central component of this hyper-symbiotic system. The European population of T. chlorophora closely matched North American populations previously described from physinine snails. The diagnostic features of T. chlorophora include: body diameter of 41-83 μm after dry silver nitrate impregnation; denticle ring 23-39 μm wide, with 23-30 denticles and 9-11 radial pins per denticle; denticles 5.7-7.8 μm long; adoral ciliary spiral performing ~ 1.13 turns (390°-409°) around peristomial disc; and a horseshoe-shaped macronucleus. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that: (1) the host snails are closely related to North American conspecifics, reflecting the human-mediated introduction of this invasive gastropod to Europe; (2) trichodinids colonized aquatic snails multiple times independently from poikilothermic vertebrate hosts, with T. chlorophora clustering with freshwater congeners from frogs, snails, and planarians; and (3) the endosymbiotic green algae comprise two species: Chlorella sp., closely related to endosymbionts of heliozoans and cnidarians, and Jaagichlorella geometrica, which clusters with epiphytic congeners. While the algae exhibit low host specificity, snail-dwelling Trichodina species show high phylogenetic host specificity. The parallel emergence of green algae-bearing trichodinids in physinine and planorbid snails suggests co-evolutionary processes that independently gave rise to interdependent associations among aquatic snails, ciliates, and zoochlorellae.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42995-026-00359-4.},
}

@article {pmid42187701,
year = {2026},
author = {Lin, Y and Yang, J and Keyhani, NO and Wang, L and Yao, Y and Wei, X and Song, F and Qiu, Z and Cai, S and Guan, X and Zhao, L and Qiu, J},
title = {Molecular Phylogeny, Divergence Time Estimation, and Biogeography of Moelleriella (Clavicipitaceae, Hypocreales) with Taxonomic Insights.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {15},
number = {10},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biology15100739},
pmid = {42187701},
issn = {2079-7737},
abstract = {The Clavicipitaceae family, including saprobes and insect and myco-pathogens, are widely distributed in nature across various trophic regions, and play important roles in insect population control, plant interactions, and symbiotic evolution. Members of the genus Moelleriella within this family primarily specialize in infecting scale insects and whiteflies. Using five genomic loci (SSU, LSU, tef1-α, rpb1, and rpb2), we report on the inferred divergence times among members of Clavicipitaceae using molecular dating analyses. Molecular clock estimates revealed that the ancestor of Moelleriella likely emerged in the Late Cretaceous (91.60 Mya; 95% highest posterior density of 79.29-100.13 Mya). Historical biogeographic reconstruction of Moelleriella, performed using the Bayesian Binary Markov chain Monte Carlo (BBM) method, indicates that it most likely originated in Asia. Moreover, based on taxonomic and phylogenetic analyses, we describe three species within the genus Moelleriella, including one new species (Moelleriella microstroma) and two new records for China (Moelleriella chiangmaiensis and Moelleriella phukhiaoensis).},
}

@article {pmid42187767,
year = {2026},
author = {Sun, Z and Chen, P and Ge, X and Zhang, W and Liu, H},
title = {Synergistic Integration of Enzyme and Microbial Platforms for Sustainable Management of Pharmaceutical Pollutants: Towards a Greener Pharmaceutical Lifecycle.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {15},
number = {10},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biology15100804},
pmid = {42187767},
issn = {2079-7737},
abstract = {Purpose: This review aims to provide a theoretical basis and scientific reference for constructing environmentally friendly and economically feasible sustainable management systems for pharmaceutical pollution. Methods: This review discusses three synergistic mechanisms-"cascade degradation", "symbiotic protection", and "functional complementarity"-along with construction strategies including co-immobilization technology, engineered biofilms, and engineered bacteria modified via synthetic biology. Result: Synergistic platforms have achieved significant progress in treating various types of pharmaceutical pollutants, including antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and hormones, antiviral drugs and pesticides. Conclusions: The synergistic integration of enzymes and microorganisms achieves the unification of efficient catalysis and deep mineralization, opening up a new pathway for the remediation of pharmaceutical pollution. It also transforms theoretically existing concepts into operable treatment technologies.},
}

@article {pmid42187790,
year = {2026},
author = {Dan, L and Liu, S and Qiang, Z and Ye, X and Zhang, J},
title = {Genetic and Epigenetic Mechanisms Underlying Reversible Adaptive Responses in Fungi.},
journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {12},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/jof12050309},
pmid = {42187790},
issn = {2309-608X},
support = {32400477//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {The remarkable ecological success of fungi is supported by their capacity for rapid and often reversible molecular responses to fluctuating environments. While conventional evolutionary theory has largely emphasized mutation and selection as central drivers of adaptation, many environmentally responsive fungal traits are also shaped by molecular processes that generate reversible phenotypic variation on ecological or developmental timescales. This review synthesizes current knowledge on reversible genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying fungal phenotypic plasticity by integrating insights from programmed genetic rearrangements such as mating-type switching, transposable element activity, variation in tandem repeats and the behavior of accessory chromosomes, together with dynamic epigenetic processes including histone modifications, DNA methylation, chromatin remodeling and RNA mediated regulation. Together, these mechanisms form an interconnected framework that enables rapid and, in many cases, reversible phenotypic diversification, although their consequences range from transient regulatory shifts to partially or fully irreversible sequence-level changes. We highlight the molecular machinery that governs reversibility and its evolutionary implications for fungal pathogenesis, symbiosis, and biotechnology. By uniting genetic and epigenetic perspectives, this review advances a holistic framework in which reversibility is treated as a key property of fungal phenotypic plasticity, helping fungi balance stability with flexibility under environmental challenge. Understanding these mechanisms provides new insights into fungal evolution, and opens new avenues for antifungal intervention and the rational design of industrially valuable fungal strains.},
}

@article {pmid42187814,
year = {2026},
author = {Qu, Y and Li, K and Wang, Z and Dong, H and Hategekimana, A and Wang, X and Yin, J},
title = {Genomic Insights and Antifungal Efficacy of Xenorhabdus budapestensis XH-4 in Combating Soybean Root Rot.},
journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {12},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/jof12050332},
pmid = {42187814},
issn = {2309-608X},
support = {2023YFE0125800//National Key R&D Program of China/ ; },
abstract = {Soybean root rot, primarily caused by Fusarium oxysporum, leads to severe root decay and substantial yield losses in Glycine max. This study screened ten entomopathogenic nematode-associated symbiotic bacteria for antagonistic activity against F. oxysporum. Among them, Xenorhabdus budapestensis XH-4 exhibited the strongest in vitro inhibition, suppressing mycelial growth by more than 73%. Antifungal activity was primarily attributed to extracellular metabolites, as both fermentation broth and cell-free culture supernatant were effective, whereas bacterial cell suspensions showed no significant inhibition. In greenhouse experiments, 40% (v/v) XH-4 reduced the disease index by 75-80%, comparable to the chemical fungicide metalaxyl-hymexazol. Genome mining revealed 20 biosynthetic gene clusters encoding diverse secondary metabolites, including fabclavine, fabclavine pyrrolizixenamide A, and putrebactin/avaroferrin, which likely underpin the strain antifungal efficacy. Additionally, XH-4 enhanced soybean antioxidant capacity and activated the phenylpropanoid pathway, indicating a dual mechanism involving direct antagonism and induced systemic resistance. These findings support the development of XH-4 as an environmentally friendly biofungicide for sustainable management of soybean root rot.},
}

@article {pmid42187816,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, Q and Yang, W and Zhang, C and Ren, L and Bai, N and Zhang, L and He, C and Gong, M},
title = {Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Exogenous Calcium Synergistically Alleviate Arsenic Stress in Cotton Seedlings.},
journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {12},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/jof12050335},
pmid = {42187816},
issn = {2309-608X},
support = {No.31870093 and No.31800096//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; No.242300420144//Natural Science Foundation of Henan Province, China/ ; No.252102110192 and No.252102110148//Henan Province Science and Technology Research/ ; },
abstract = {Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is a promising candidate for an Arsenic (As)-tolerant plant due to its low As accumulation in fibers. The individual arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation or exogenous calcium (Ca[2+]) application is known to enhance heavy metal tolerance in higher plants; however, their synergistic mechanisms in alleviating As stress in cotton remain poorly understood. A three-factor pot experiment was conducted, including two levels of AMF (Funneliformis mosseae C.Walker & A.Schüßler) inoculation (non-inoculated/inoculated), As stress (0/100 mgAs[5+]·kg[-1]soil), and exogenous Ca[2+] (CaCl2) application (0/20 mmol·L[-1] CaCl2). AMF inoculation and Ca[2+] application were investigated for their effects on cotton growth, root morphology, photosynthetic characteristics, osmotic regulators, antioxidant enzyme activities, and ion homeostasis under As stress. Results showed As stress significantly disrupted cotton growth (decreased plant height, shoot and root dry weight) and root morphology (reduced total root length, root area, and root fork number), photosynthetic capacity (reduced Pn, Ci, Fv/Fm, and ΦPSII), osmotic adjustment (decreased proline, soluble sugar and protein), antioxidant defense (inhibited SOD, POD, CAT activities), and K[+]/Ca[2+] homeostasis (reduced concentration of K[+] and Ca[2+], and K[+]/Ca[2+] ratio). Both AMF inoculation and Ca[2+] application independently alleviated these adverse effects of As stress. At the same time, AMF symbiosis combined with exogenous Ca[2+] was better than AMF inoculation or Ca[2+] application alone in optimizing root architecture, improving stomatal function and photosynthetic efficiency, enhancing osmotic regulator accumulation and antioxidant enzyme activities, and restoring ion balance under As stress. Three-way ANOVA confirmed significant As×AMF×Ca[2+] interactions on key parameters such as Pn and ΦPSII. In summary, both AMF inoculation and Ca[2+] application synergistically enhanced cotton As tolerance through regulating growth, root morphology, photosynthetic characteristics, osmotic regulators, antioxidant enzyme activities, and ion homeostasis, demonstrating its potential for sustainable cotton cultivation in As-contaminated soils.},
}

@article {pmid42188181,
year = {2026},
author = {Bianchi, T and Mastore, M and Banfi, D and Loulou, A and Quadroni, S and Brivio, MF},
title = {When Small Meets Smaller: Immune Modulation and Virulence Strategies in Insect-Bacteria Interactions.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {17},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects17050515},
pmid = {42188181},
issn = {2075-4450},
abstract = {Insects represent powerful experimental systems for investigating host-microorganism interactions, providing valuable insights into bacterial pathogenicity, immune regulation, symbiosis, and antimicrobial discovery. This review examines the complex relationships between insects and bacteria, focusing on the mechanisms that control infection, immune activation, and microbial adaptation. Particular attention is given to the routes of pathogen entry and to the conserved innate immune pathways that coordinate host defenses, including the Toll, Imd, Duox, and Jak/Stat signaling cascades. The review illustrates how bacterial pathogens exploit toxins, immune evasion strategies, and metabolic adaptation to overcome host defenses, while insects rely on tightly regulated cellular and humoral responses, antimicrobial peptides, melanization, and microbiota-mediated homeostasis. Interactions between pathogenic and commensal bacteria in the insect gut are discussed in the context of immune tolerance, dysbiosis, and ecological adaptation. The dual role of bacterial virulence factors in both pathogenesis and symbiosis is highlighted through examples involving entomopathogenic bacteria such as Photorhabdus spp., Xenorhabdus spp., and Bacillus thuringiensis. In addition, the review summarizes the use of insect models, including Drosophila melanogaster, Galleria mellonella, Bombyx mori, and Apis mellifera, in experimental infections aimed at studying virulence mechanisms, host immune responses, and antimicrobial efficacy. Finally, multi-omic approaches, including transcriptomics, metabolomics, epigenomics, and single-cell technologies are discussed as transformative tools for dissecting host-microbe interactions at molecular and systems levels. Overall, insect-bacteria interactions emerge as dynamic and evolutionarily shaped systems in which immunity, metabolism, microbiota composition, and environmental factors are closely interconnected, offering important perspectives for both basic research and the development of sustainable biocontrol and antimicrobial strategies.},
}

@article {pmid42188272,
year = {2026},
author = {Chick, JC and Morello, LT},
title = {Developing Talent with Artificial Intelligence: Human-AI Symbiotic Theory (HAIST) as a Framework for AI-Mediated Learning and Talent Development.},
journal = {Journal of Intelligence},
volume = {14},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/jintelligence14050086},
pmid = {42188272},
issn = {2079-3200},
abstract = {Traditional talent development models were designed before the AI revolution and do not consider artificial agents as possible sources of development. artificial intelligence is quickly infiltrating education spaces-but our thinking about learning has not caught up with how we can productively pair learners with both human and artificial intelligence. Addressing this gap, we introduce Human-AI Symbiotic Theory (HAIST), a novel theoretical framework designed for AI-facilitated environments, which posits how learners can productively leverage both humans and AI as "development partners" across the entire talent development process. We begin with a comprehensive integration of ideas and theory from the literature on talent development, AI for learning, and human-AI collaboration and use these insights to build HAIST for the specific context of talent development. HAIST comprises three mechanisms-Complementary Intelligence Activation (CIA), Dynamic Adaptive Co-Regulation (DACR), and Agency-Preserving Scaffolding (APS)-that are grounded in prior theory and research on topics like sociocultural theory, self-regulated learning, and distributed cognition. We then demonstrate how HAIST can be applied throughout all phases of talent development while highlighting implications for traditionally underserved learners like adult learners, student veterans, multilingual learners, and first-generation learners. We provide an applied example of how the three mechanisms work in tandem to support talent development and discuss points of tension that must be navigated when applying HAIST (e.g., between adaptation and optimization vs. agency). Lastly, we highlight how considerations of ethics and learner rights (algorithmic bias, learner voice, etc.) should be considered when operationalizing HAIST. Overall, HAIST can serve as a foundational theory to not only understand how talent development should occur between learners and both humans and AI, but also to consider the process of instruction design in AI-mediated learning environments.},
}

@article {pmid42189139,
year = {2026},
author = {Wodowski, G and Izraeli, Y and Mozes-Daube, N and Carmi, G and Chiel, E and Zchori-Fein, E},
title = {AnvRV virus in the parasitoid wasp Anagyrus vladimiri: localization, effect on gene expression, and prevalence.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0163625},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.01636-25},
pmid = {42189139},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Insect-virus associations have been studied extensively in the context of pathogenic viruses transmitted by insects, whereas research on nonpathogenic viruses remains relatively scarce. Recently, we discovered three nonpathogenic RNA viruses in the parasitoid wasp Anagyrus vladimiri: AnvRV, AnvDV, and AnvIfV. Here, using transmission electron microscopy, we detected AnvRV in the wasp oocytes and in a distinct group of cells in the ovaries, which we termed "satellite cells," but not in the venom gland or venom reservoir, indicating that AnvRV is transmitted transovarially. Next, we analyzed gene expression in AnvRV-infected and uninfected wasps and found that AnvRV modulates the immune response and alters venom composition. Notably, the NF-κB inhibitor gene was upregulated in the wasp ovaries, where AnvRV is localized, suggesting that AnvRV locally suppresses the immune response of A. vladimiri to facilitate its transmission. Next, we studied the prevalence of the three viruses in field populations of A. vladimiri and its hosts, Planococcus citri and Planococcus ficus. AnvRV was absent from both mealybug species and detected at low prevalence in A. vladimiri, whereas AnvDV and AnvIfV were consistently present in P. citri. Lastly, by datamining of public RNAseq data sets, we investigated the prevalence of these viruses in other parasitoid species and revealed only a few related viruses. Taken together, we postulate that AnvRV is an active symbiont of A. vladimiri, influencing host gene regulation. These findings provide new insights into the diversity of insect-virus interactions and their potential roles in shaping parasitoid biology.

IMPORTANCE: Viruses likely represent the majority of insect symbiotic microorganisms. Yet, viral symbionts and their interactions with insect hosts were less studied, mostly due to technical difficulties stemming from their small size and lack of universal markers. Although viral symbionts are usually perceived as pathogens, there are clear instances in which they are beneficial to their hosts, providing functions that are essential in some cases and conditionally beneficial in others, shaping insect ecology and evolution. This study provides several pieces of the puzzle on the road to understanding the complex interactions within the multi-trophic system consisting of a parasitoid wasp, its mealybug host, and a double-stranded RNA virus. This system may serve as a case study of viruses' effect on insects and broaden our understanding of the possible effects of viruses on other arthropods.},
}

@article {pmid42189972,
year = {2026},
author = {Tang, X and Feng, T and Yu, C and Ni, M and Zhang, Y and Ma, X and Wang, X and Chen, J and Shi, W and St Leger, RJ and Huang, J and Fang, W},
title = {Volatile signaling in plant-Metarhizium-insect interactions: Implications for nitrogen cycling.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {123},
number = {22},
pages = {e2603282123},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2603282123},
pmid = {42189972},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {U24A20347 and 32172470//MOST | National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)/ ; 32325044//MOST | National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Metarhizium/metabolism/physiology ; Symbiosis ; *Nitrogen Cycle/physiology ; *Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology/metabolism ; Nitrogen/metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; Larva/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Nitrogen exchange between plants and insects is a major component of ecosystem nitrogen cycling. Endophytic insect pathogenic fungi transfer insect-derived nitrogen to plants through symbiotic associations mediated by fungal mycelia, enabling plants to thrive even after losing nitrogen to insects. However, the mechanisms underlying this process remain unexplored. Here, we show that the widespread endophytic entomopathogen Metarhizium robertsii degrades the common root-derived antifungal compound caulilexin C to produce the volatile 1-methoxyindole. This compound is recognized by the Or74a olfactory receptor in Drosophila melanogaster larvae and attracts multiple Dipteran species to the plant-Metarhizium consortium. The recruited insects are subsequently infected and consumed, resulting in enhanced insect-derived nitrogen transfer to the plants. This self-reinforcing mechanism strengthens the plant-fungus symbiosis and reveals a pathway contributing to ecosystem nitrogen flux.},
}

Animals
*Metarhizium/metabolism/physiology
Symbiosis
*Nitrogen Cycle/physiology
*Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology/metabolism
Nitrogen/metabolism
Signal Transduction
Larva/microbiology

@article {pmid42191239,
year = {2026},
author = {Moriyama, T and Endo, C and Isagi, Y and Tanaka, C and Ohkuma, M and Hashimoto, A},
title = {Rediscovery of "Gloeocystis-Halbflechte" after 84 years revealed an independent lineage of ascomycetes harboured in gelatinous algal biofilms.},
journal = {Fungal biology},
volume = {130},
number = {4},
pages = {101757},
doi = {10.1016/j.funbio.2026.101757},
pmid = {42191239},
issn = {1878-6146},
mesh = {Phylogeny ; *Biofilms/growth & development ; *Ascomycota/classification/genetics/isolation & purification/physiology ; *Chlorophyta/microbiology/physiology ; DNA, Fungal/genetics/chemistry ; Japan ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Molecular Sequence Data ; DNA, Ribosomal/genetics/chemistry ; Cluster Analysis ; DNA, Ribosomal Spacer/genetics/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Gloeocystis-Halbflechte refers to a variant of the interactive structure between fungi and terrestrial unicellular green algae in which fungi form haustoria in algal cells within gelatinous algal colonies and occasionally form monilioid hyphal outgrowth. It was first recognized in 1941; however, the identity of the fungal and algal components of this interaction has not been clarified. In this study, the interactive structure between fungi and algae resembling Gloeocystis-Halbflechte and the adjacent pycnidia formed within terrestrial gelatinous algal biofilms were collected in Japan. Fungal isolates from monilioid pigmented hyphae around haustoria and pycnidial wall were found to be genetically homogenous. Phylogenetic analysis of the fungal isolates suggested their affinity with the order of freshwater saprobic fungi Natipusillales, and formation of chlamydospore-like body under pure culture was shared with this family. Based on the genetic, ecological, and morphological independency, a new family, Tschermakiaceae, is proposed to accommodate a new genus and species, Tschermakia inclusa. It is highly possible that the fungi-algae interaction in Tschermakia has been acquired independently from other lichenized lineages as this order is independent from any other lichenized lineage. The algal isolate from the biofilm was grouped with the ex-type strain of Radiococcus signiensis (Prasiolales incertae sedis), and the morphology of the algae associated with the fungal hyphae in natural conditions was consistent with that of R. signiensis. Furthermore, the fungal isolate formed haustoria in the algal isolate in co-cultural experimental conditions. The evolutionary background and phylogenetic diversity of algae-symbiotic fungi are probably still underestimated.},
}

Phylogeny
*Biofilms/growth & development
*Ascomycota/classification/genetics/isolation & purification/physiology
*Chlorophyta/microbiology/physiology
DNA, Fungal/genetics/chemistry
Japan
Sequence Analysis, DNA
Molecular Sequence Data
DNA, Ribosomal/genetics/chemistry
Cluster Analysis
DNA, Ribosomal Spacer/genetics/chemistry

@article {pmid42191244,
year = {2026},
author = {Richardson, JA and Higuita-Aguirre, MI and Rose, BD and Garcia, K},
title = {Phosphorus availability influences potassium chemistries in the ectomycorrhizal fungi Pisolithus tinctorius and Paxillus ammoniavirescens.},
journal = {Fungal biology},
volume = {130},
number = {4},
pages = {101776},
doi = {10.1016/j.funbio.2026.101776},
pmid = {42191244},
issn = {1878-6146},
mesh = {*Phosphorus/metabolism/analysis ; *Mycorrhizae/metabolism/chemistry/growth & development ; *Potassium/metabolism/analysis/chemistry ; *Basidiomycota/metabolism/chemistry ; Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission ; X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy ; },
abstract = {Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi play essential roles in tree nutrition and soil biogeochemical cycling by mediating the acquisition and storage of mineral nutrients. While phosphorus and nitrogen exchange between host plants and ECM fungi are well documented, potassium (K) dynamics remain poorly understood. Using synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence (XRF) imaging and K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy, we compared the spatial distribution and chemical speciation of K and P in two Boletales fungi - Pisolithus tinctorius and Paxillus ammoniavirescens - grown under P-sufficient and P-limited conditions. Both species exhibited reduced K and P abundance under low P, but P. ammoniavirescens maintained higher and more spatially variable concentrations of both elements. K XANES analyses revealed distinct species-specific chemical fingerprints: P. tinctorius displayed a reduced diversity of K species under P limitation, dominated by humic- and tartrate-bound forms, whereas P. ammoniavirescens preserved a broader suite of organic and inorganic K compounds, including persistent KH2PO4. These results indicate that ECM fungi employ divergent strategies for K and P management, reflecting their ecological specialization. P. tinctorius adopts a conservative nutrient-retention strategy, while P. ammoniavirescens exhibits greater physiological plasticity. Together, these findings provide new insight into the functional and evolutionary diversity of nutrient regulation among ECM symbionts.},
}

*Phosphorus/metabolism/analysis
*Mycorrhizae/metabolism/chemistry/growth & development
*Potassium/metabolism/analysis/chemistry
*Basidiomycota/metabolism/chemistry
Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission
X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy

@article {pmid42191249,
year = {2026},
author = {Klein, M and Oyarte Gálvez, L and van der Lugt, D and Bisot, C and van Staalduine, S and West, SA and Kokkoris, V and Dong, L and Bouwmeester, H and Shimizu, TS and Weedon, JT and Kiers, ET},
title = {Cytoplasmic flow dynamics in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are intrinsic and independent of plant hosts.},
journal = {Fungal biology},
volume = {130},
number = {4},
pages = {101775},
doi = {10.1016/j.funbio.2026.101775},
pmid = {42191249},
issn = {1878-6146},
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology/metabolism/growth & development ; *Cytoplasm/metabolism/physiology ; Hyphae/growth & development/metabolism/physiology ; Symbiosis ; Myristic Acid/metabolism ; Plant Roots/microbiology ; *Plants/microbiology ; Fungi ; },
abstract = {Despite the ecological importance of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, it is unclear to what extent these symbionts can act autonomously from plant hosts, especially in their ability to control internal nutrient flows. We studied flows in AM fungal networks grown without plant hosts by providing myristic acid as a carbon source. Using a custom-built imaging platform, we tracked network formation of two Rhizophagus irregularis strains with and without myristic acid. We collected 5000 cytoplasmic flow videos in hyphae, and fluorescently tagged lipids to measure their speeds. We measured ∼25,000 flow trajectories and calculated flow speeds by kymograph analysis. In the presence of myristic acid but lacking a host root, AM fungi produced networks 10-times longer, covered up to 4 times more area, and showed a 50% increase in mean flow speed. Flow speeds varied drastically over time and space, with rare bursts of fast flows between 10 and 30 μm/s. Flows of fluorescently tagged lipids averaged 3 μm/s and were unaffected by myristic acid. Even one year after application, we could detect cytoplasmic flows in asymbiotic fungal hyphae close to parental spores when grown with myristic acid. Our findings suggest that cytoplasmic flows can be decoupled from hosts and challenge our current understanding of AM fungal autonomy.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology/metabolism/growth & development
*Cytoplasm/metabolism/physiology
Hyphae/growth & development/metabolism/physiology
Symbiosis
Myristic Acid/metabolism
Plant Roots/microbiology
*Plants/microbiology
Fungi

@article {pmid42191788,
year = {2026},
author = {Wei, Y and Liu, J and Wang, Y and Gao, F},
title = {Driving mechanisms of tourist environmentally friendly behavior in cultural heritage destinations from an embodied cognition perspective.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-50493-3},
pmid = {42191788},
issn = {2045-2322},
abstract = {In cultural heritage tourism destinations, the tension between "protection" and "utilization" is becoming increasingly prominent, making the effective stimulation of tourists' Environmentally Friendly Behavior (EFB) a key issue. Based on Embodied Cognition Theory (ECT), this study develops an "ECT-Natural Connection (NC) and Tourism Satisfaction (TS)-EFB" theoretical model from three dimensions: Subjective Participation in Cognition (SPC), Emotional Cognition (EC), and Environmental Awareness (EA). An empirical study was conducted in Chengkan Village, Huangshan City, Anhui Province, and questionnaire data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results show that: (1) the Richness of Folk Activities (RI) and Participation in Folk Activities (PA) both have significant positive effects on NC and TS, confirming the fundamental role of SPC in activating tourists' environmentally friendly tendencies; (2) Ecological Reverence (ER), Cultural Resonance (CR), and Human-Earth Symbiosis Awareness (HES) all significantly promote the formation of NC, whereas the direct effect of HES on TS is not significant; (3) Natural Affinity (NA) and Environmental Risk Perception (ERP) both exert significant positive effects on NC and TS; and (4) NC and TS both significantly and positively influence EFB, while the direct effect of NC on TS is not significant. From the perspective of embodied cognition, this study systematically reveals the driving mechanisms of tourists' EFB in cultural heritage tourism destinations, enriches theoretical research at the intersection of cultural heritage tourism behavior and environmental psychology, and provides practical implications for heritage site managers to stimulate tourists' EFB and promote the coordinated development of heritage conservation and tourism development.},
}

@article {pmid42178707,
year = {2026},
author = {Huang, XY and Ge, ST and Chen, JQ and Zhong, YW and Shen, CC and Wu, YH and Cheng, H},
title = {Complete genome sequence of a urea-degrading Microbacterium sp. HM-570 reveals its deep-sea symbiotic lifestyle within sponge from the Western Pacific.},
journal = {Marine genomics},
volume = {86},
number = {},
pages = {101234},
doi = {10.1016/j.margen.2026.101234},
pmid = {42178707},
issn = {1876-7478},
mesh = {*Genome, Bacterial ; *Porifera/microbiology/physiology ; Animals ; *Symbiosis ; Pacific Ocean ; *Urea/metabolism ; *Microbacterium/genetics/physiology/metabolism ; Whole Genome Sequencing ; },
abstract = {Microbacterium sp. HM-570 (16S rDNA sequence similarity 99.03% with the closest species Microbacterium lacus A5E-52[T]) is a sponge-associated bacterium isolated from deep-sea sponge, collected at the Hakugan seamount in Western Pacific. Here we report the complete genome sequence of strain HM-570, which consists of a single circular chromosome without no detectable plasmids. Genomic annotations revealed genetic features consistent with deep-sea stress tolerance and host-associated lifestyle, including genes putatively involved in stress responses and heavy-metal resistance, as well as multiple secondary-metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters. The genome also encodes several vitamin-biosynthesis pathways (e.g., riboflavin and folate) which may support the sponge host by supplementing essential vitamins and a set of eukaryotic-like repeat proteins that may be involved in host association, such as attachment and immune modulation. In addition, HM-570 carries genes associated with urea degradation (ureABC, ureDFG, urtABCDE, uca and atzF), and growth-based experiment confirmed urea degradation in vitro. Together, these data suggest that strain HM-570 represents a genomically distinct Microbacterium lineage with potential functional roles in nutrient cycling and stress tolerance within deep-sea sponge-associated microbial communities.},
}

*Genome, Bacterial
*Porifera/microbiology/physiology
Animals
*Symbiosis
Pacific Ocean
*Urea/metabolism
*Microbacterium/genetics/physiology/metabolism
Whole Genome Sequencing

@article {pmid42179498,
year = {2026},
author = {Ma, R and Dai, B and Li, C and Wu, S and Li, Z and Li, R and Nian, F and Zhao, L and Liu, Y and Xie, Y and Dong, J and Liao, X and Deng, X and Liu, D},
title = {Integrated physiological and molecular insights into photosynthetic responses of maize following relay-cropping of tobacco.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1787851},
pmid = {42179498},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: In the relay cropping system where maize growth overlaps with the tobacco harvesting period, clarifying light competition during the co-growth stage and its effects on maize photosynthesis is essential for optimizing cropping spatial configuration. This study aimed to reveal the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying the photosynthetic response of silage maize (Huidan No. 4) to relay intercropping with flue-cured tobacco (K326).

METHODS: A field experiment was established with two treatments: maize relay-cropped after tobacco harvest and maize monoculture. At 15, 25, and 35 days after the formation of the intercropping competitive system, photosynthetic indices, chlorophyll content, and the activities of photosynthesis-related enzymes were determined in maize functional leaves (the third leaf from the top). Transcriptome sequencing was also performed to elucidate the molecular mechanism by which tobacco shading affects maize photosynthesis.

RESULTS: The solar radiation intercepted by relay-cropped maize was significantly lower than that of monoculture maize. Correspondingly, relay-cropped maize exhibited declined photosynthetic performance, with significant reductions in photosynthetic parameters, chlorophyll content, and activities of photosynthesis-related enzymes. Transcriptome analysis of maize functional leaves during the co-growth period identified a total of 3200 differentially expressed genes. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that these differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in photosynthesis-related pathways. Key genes involved in C3 and C4 photosynthetic pathways, including *PPC*, *PPDK*, *RBCL*, and *PRK*, were significantly downregulated in relay-cropped maize. Analysis of maize photosynthetic indices across tobacco-maize co-growth durations of 0-35 days indicated that the suitable symbiotic period was 0-25 days.

DISCUSSION: In the tobacco-maize relay intercropping system, the combined effects of severe shading and shading duration downregulate photosynthesis-related genes, inhibit the activities of key carbon fixation enzymes in maize, reduce carbon dioxide fixation capacity, and restrict the accumulation of organic matter in maize plants. This study systematically illustrates the regulatory mechanism of tobacco shading on maize photosynthetic characteristics at both physiological and molecular levels, providing a theoretical basis for optimizing the spatiotemporal layout of planting systems combining grain and economic crops.},
}

@article {pmid42180606,
year = {2026},
author = {Park, B and Kim, J and Looney, C and Kwon, O and Choi, MB},
title = {Diversity and associations of parasites, parasitoids, and nest-associated organisms of Vespa mandarinia (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) in South Korea.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {e21240},
pmid = {42180606},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {Animals ; Republic of Korea ; *Wasps/parasitology/physiology/classification/genetics ; Host-Parasite Interactions ; *Biodiversity ; Nesting Behavior ; Female ; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic ; *Parasites/classification/genetics ; },
abstract = {The northern giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia Smith, 1852) is a dominant eusocial wasp species in East Asia; however, knowledge of organisms associated with its colonies, including parasites and other nest-associated taxa, remains limited. To address this gap, this study investigated the diversity and ecological roles of organisms associated with V. mandarinia colonies and individuals in South Korea using a combination of morphological examination and DNA barcoding analyses. A total of seven associated species were identified: Xenos moutoni (du Buysson, 1903) (Strepsiptera: Xenidae); Volucella suzukii Matsumura, 1916 and Vo. coreana Shiraki, 1930 (Diptera: Syrphidae); Pyralis regalis (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae); Pheromermis vesparum Kaiser, 1987 (Nematoda: Mermithidae); Quedius pectinatus (Sharp, 1874) (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae); and Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus, 1758) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae). These species exhibited distinct ecological associations with V. mandarinia. X. moutoni was confirmed as an obligate endoparasite that induces behavioral and reproductive alterations in its host. Vo. suzukii, Q. pectinatus, and H. illucens were primarily associated with nest-derived detritus beneath hornet nests and exhibited scavenger-like behavior, with no evidence of direct predation on host individuals, suggesting predominantly commensal associations. In contrast, Vo. coreana was consistently associated with the comb and nest cells, suggesting a more exploitative ecological strategy. P. regalis primarily consumed nest material and meconium and occupied an intermediate ecological position between a facultative predator and a nest-associated organism. Ph. vesparum, recorded for the first time in Korea and Asia, was detected in only a single V. mandarinia individual, suggesting a negligible impact on hornet populations under natural conditions. Overall, this study provides baseline taxonomic and ecological data on parasites and nest-associated organisms associated with V. mandarinia in Korea and highlights the ecological complexity of hornet nests as microhabitats that support diverse symbiotic assemblages. These findings serve as a foundation for future research on the life histories, host interactions, and potential functional roles of nest-associated organisms in hornet colony dynamics.},
}

Animals
Republic of Korea
*Wasps/parasitology/physiology/classification/genetics
Host-Parasite Interactions
*Biodiversity
Nesting Behavior
Female
DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic
*Parasites/classification/genetics

@article {pmid42182056,
year = {2026},
author = {Schurr, A},
title = {The glioma neuron symbiosis hypothesis-cellular and molecular mechanistic considerations.},
journal = {Frontiers in neuroscience},
volume = {20},
number = {},
pages = {1815478},
pmid = {42182056},
issn = {1662-4548},
abstract = {A recent hypothesis suggests that glioma cells and neurons engage in a symbiotic relationships, where neurons tend to use lactate, produced in abundance by the cancer cells, instead of glucose. Consequently, the glucose conserved by neurons becomes accessible to glioma cells, which have a high demand for it. The present monograph further develops this hypothesis, weighing specific cellular and molecular processes in both cell types that allow for these symbiotic relationships. The potential roles in the postulated symbiosis of the glycolytic pathway, the mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid cycle, and its coupled oxidative phosphorylation, glucose and lactate transporters, the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate, lactate signaling via its receptor, and lactylation, are all considered here. The aim is to provide a wider foundation with greater detail for a better understanding of the proposed symbiosis that could offer several possible experimental avenues to verify its validity.},
}

@article {pmid42182144,
year = {2026},
author = {Harju, J and Guessous, G and Gitai, Z and Wingreen, N},
title = {Counting to two: how phages decide between lysis and lysogeny.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.64898/2026.05.14.725151},
pmid = {42182144},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {Upon infecting a bacterium, temperate phages must decide between killing the cell to reproduce (lysis) or entering a symbiotic lifestyle (lysogeny). This choice is often informed by the cell's state, as well as the number of infecting phage particles (MOI). Since phage gene copy numbers scale identically with MOI, an MOI-dependent decision requires a fast-acting asymmetry between the lytic and lysogenic pathways. We introduce a minimal model suggesting that only a handful of coupling mechanisms can produce such an asymmetry; for instance via a host protease, kinase, or RNase acting on one pathway. By distilling complex regulatory networks to their essential components, our model clarifies the logic of lysis-lysogeny decision mechanisms across phage species.},
}

@article {pmid42184013,
year = {2026},
author = {Tominaga, T and Hayashi, Y and Noguchi, T and Kaminaka, H},
title = {Comparative analyses of transcriptionally regulated downstream genes between arbuscular mycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal symbioses in the single host plant Eucalyptus grandis.},
journal = {Mycorrhiza},
volume = {36},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {42184013},
issn = {1432-1890},
support = {20J21994//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; },
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology/genetics ; *Eucalyptus/microbiology/genetics ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; *Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Plant Roots/microbiology/genetics ; Transcriptome ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Basidiomycota/physiology ; },
abstract = {In nature, some tree species interact with both arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) Glomeromycotina fungi and ectomycorrhizal (ECM) Basidiomycota/Ascomycota fungi, and are termed dual mycorrhizal plants. Although the AM-upregulated genes and their functions have been well studied, those of ECM symbiosis remain unclear, despite their essential roles in forest ecosystems. Therefore, this study aimed to compare symbiosis-regulated downstream genes in the dual mycorrhizal model tree, Eucalyptus grandis, during fully developed AM and ECM symbioses. First, we conducted a comparative transcriptomic analysis and found a distinct transcriptional profile between E. grandis AM and ECM roots. Notably, none of the examined AM-related downstream genes were upregulated in the ECM roots. To identify ECM-specific genes and their expression patterns, comparative genomic analysis was performed. This study identified several gene families, including NAC transcription factors, that significantly expanded across the examined ECM lineages. Interestingly, we identified some ECM-promoted NAC transcription factors in the ECM roots of E. grandis, Populus trichocarpa, and Castanea mollissima. Moreover, none of the Eucalyptus NAC genes were transcriptionally promoted during AM symbiosis. Taken together, our results indicate that the downstream pathways necessary for the establishment of AM and ECM symbioses would be distinct.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology/genetics
*Eucalyptus/microbiology/genetics
*Symbiosis/genetics
*Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
Plant Roots/microbiology/genetics
Transcriptome
Gene Expression Profiling
Basidiomycota/physiology

@article {pmid42184070,
year = {2026},
author = {Marcel, L and Simon, JT and Lawrence, JM and Menkin, S and Barbrook, AC and Nisbet, RER and Howe, CJ and Zhang, JZ},
title = {Extracellular electron transfer by the cultured coral photosymbiont Symbiodinium microadriaticum.},
journal = {Photosynthesis research},
volume = {164},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {42184070},
issn = {1573-5079},
support = {2894423//Natural Environment Research Council/ ; NE/X010503/1//Natural Environment Research Council/ ; URF\R1\231513//Royal Society/ ; },
mesh = {*Dinoflagellida/physiology/metabolism ; *Symbiosis/physiology ; *Anthozoa/physiology ; Electron Transport ; Animals ; Photosynthesis/physiology ; Light ; Temperature ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; },
abstract = {Photosynthetic microorganisms may show extracellular electron transfer (EET), in which some of the electrons generated by photosynthesis or respiration are lost from the cell. Most studies have focussed on cyanobacteria, with very few on eukaryotic algae. Here we demonstrate EET from the eukaryotic dinoflagellate alga Symbiodinium microadriaticum, a species that can form symbiosis with corals and other Cnidaria. We show that the EET involves diffusible electroactive species, which may represent a previously unsuspected route for communication between symbionts and hosts. We show that EET can be used to study photosynthetic and respiratory functions in the dinoflagellate. We also show that it can provide information on the effects of environmental stresses including changes in temperature (linked to coral bleaching), pH and light intensity. The electrochemical platform outlined in this study offers a novel tool for studying dinoflagellate physiology, the coral-dinoflagellate symbiosis, and the molecular mechanisms of bleaching.},
}

*Dinoflagellida/physiology/metabolism
*Symbiosis/physiology
*Anthozoa/physiology
Electron Transport
Animals
Photosynthesis/physiology
Light
Temperature
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration

@article {pmid42184563,
year = {2026},
author = {Hull, R},
title = {RNA viruses are an integral part in evolution of all organisms.},
journal = {Virology},
volume = {621},
number = {},
pages = {110950},
doi = {10.1016/j.virol.2026.110950},
pmid = {42184563},
issn = {1096-0341},
abstract = {RNA viruses are intracellular symbiotic obligate parasites, needing host factors and energy for their replication with forms of symbiosis ranging from antagonism (pathogenic, not contributing to host metabolism) to mutualism (contributing benefits to the host as well as making demands on host metabolism). As a group, they have several unusual features: a) metagenomic studies suggest that they are probably are the most common group of viruses infecting all organism species and are the most abundant biological entity on earth; b) they have existed ever since the Last Universal Common Ancestor from which all living organisms have evolved; c) a high proportion of their species have + strand RNA genomes, or are retroviruses, that replicate without proof-reading creating many variants (quasispecies); d) they replicate in organelles within the endoplasmic reticulum and other membranes which connect to other organelles and to membrane and metabolic network systems. This paper brings together these facts presenting the hypothesis that RNA viruses and retroviruses form host/mutualistic virus symbionts as an evolutionary unit with the viral responses to evolutionary stresses being rapid and linking closely with the slower host genomic responses. The hypothesis is presented with a background of evolution of organisms and viruses, drivers of evolution, and the evolutionary natural selection pathway from the sources of stresses to impact and molecular reactions to stresses entering the basic organism body, the cell.},
}

@article {pmid42184789,
year = {2026},
author = {Gomes, PH and de Magalhães Neto, N and Evangelista, H and Oaquim, ABJ and Grillo, AC and YumiInagaki, K and Salvi, KP and Lacerda, CHF and Bianchini, A and Costa, PG and Mies, M and Cordeiro, RC and Vidal, TJ},
title = {Spectral response of Siderastrea sp. corals under varying Iron concentrations during a Mesocosm Experiment.},
journal = {Marine environmental research},
volume = {220},
number = {},
pages = {108137},
doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.108137},
pmid = {42184789},
issn = {1879-0291},
abstract = {Coral reefs are among the most biodiverse marine ecosystems, providing essential services such as coastal protection, fisheries support, and nutrient cycling. Owing to their physiological sensitivity, reef-building corals are widely recognized as bioindicators of changes in water quality and nutrient availability. Iron is an essential micronutrient that plays a central role in coral-dinoflagellate symbiosis by regulating metabolic and photosynthetic processes. However, the combined spectral and trophic responses of corals to iron enrichment remain poorly understood, particularly in Southwestern Atlantic reef systems. This study investigated the effects of increasing dissolved iron (DFe) concentrations (0, 100, 300, and 900 μg L[-1]) on the spectral and trophic responses of the coral Siderastrea sp. during a 28-day mesocosm experiment under semi-natural conditions. Physiological performance was assessed using handheld spectroradiometry targeting wavelengths associated with photosynthetic pigments, and trophic strategies were evaluated through fatty acid biomarkers, including the Photoautotrophic Trophic Marker Index (PTMI). Results revealed a dose-dependent spectral response to iron enrichment. Higher DFe concentrations (300 and 900 μg L[-1]) were associated with lower reflectance values across the visible spectrum (400-700 nm), indicating increased light absorption consistent with higher pigment density. In contrast, fatty acid profiles and PTMI values remained stable across treatments, indicating no significant shift in trophic strategy over the experimental period. These findings demonstrate that iron enrichment induced measurable dose-dependent increases in photosynthetic pigmentation without trophic displacement, and highlight the potential of combining spectroradiometry and biochemical trophic markers as non-invasive tools for monitoring subtle coral physiological responses under controlled micronutrient enrichment.},
}

@article {pmid42184816,
year = {2026},
author = {Miao, J and Zhang, C and Jiang, Q and Yao, Z and Cao, K and Chen, J and Wang, H and Liu, N},
title = {Complete Genome of an Alkali-Resistant Rhizobium anhuiense Symbiont of Pea Reveals Species-Specific Plasmid Fusion and Genomic Plasticity.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology reports},
volume = {18},
number = {3},
pages = {e70366},
doi = {10.1111/1758-2229.70366},
pmid = {42184816},
issn = {1758-2229},
support = {//Team development funding from Xianghu Laboratory, the Xiaoshan District Government and the Zhejiang Provincial Government/ ; //2025 Special Cooperation Program between Xianghu Laboratory and Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science/ ; },
mesh = {*Plasmids/genetics ; *Genome, Bacterial ; *Pisum sativum/microbiology/growth & development ; Symbiosis ; Phylogeny ; *Rhizobium/genetics/isolation & purification/classification/physiology/drug effects ; *Alkalies/pharmacology ; Root Nodules, Plant/microbiology ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; },
abstract = {The rhizosphere microbiome is crucial for plant growth and stress resilience in sustainable horticulture. Here, we report the complete genome assembly and functional characterisation of Rhizobium anhuiense Xianghu001, a nitrogen-fixing symbiont isolated from pea (Pisum sativum) root nodules. A hybrid assembly strategy combining PacBio reads and Illumina reads yielded a 7.36 Mb high-quality assembly comprising one chromosome, one megaplasmid and four accessory plasmids, encoding 6899 protein-coding genes, of which 66.64% are located on the chromosome. Phylogenomics and synteny confirmed its placement within R. anhuiense. We detected a lineage-specific plasmid fusion forming the megaplasmid, while three accessory plasmids appear to be strain-specific and potentially acquired via horizontal gene transfer. Insertion sequence profiling suggests genome rearrangement shaping plasmid structure. To explore intraspecies diversity, we sequenced six additional local R. anhuiense isolates from pea. Despite their close geographic origin, genomic comparison revealed extensive divergence. Phenotypic assays demonstrated that Xianghu001 significantly promotes pea growth under nitrogen-deficient conditions, increasing chlorophyll content and nitrogen accumulation. It synthesises high levels of IAA (~184 mg/L), tolerates mild salinity (≤ 0.15% NaCl) and grows optimally at alkaline pH (8.0-10.0). Our findings provide a comprehensive genomic and functional framework for R. anhuiense Xianghu001 and underscore its potential as a biofertiliser.},
}

*Plasmids/genetics
*Genome, Bacterial
*Pisum sativum/microbiology/growth & development
Symbiosis
Phylogeny
*Rhizobium/genetics/isolation & purification/classification/physiology/drug effects
*Alkalies/pharmacology
Root Nodules, Plant/microbiology
Gene Transfer, Horizontal

@article {pmid42185292,
year = {2026},
author = {Hong, W and Ma, R and Long, S and Song, R and Ren, S and Ran, X and Wan, J and Liu, Y and Li, X and Chen, Q and Ma, D and Zhang, Z and Huang, H and Ashrafizadeh, M and Conde, J and Liu, L and Duan, C},
title = {Mitochondrial flagella-like extensions (MitoFLARE) dysfunction triggers STING-mediated immune dysregulation in sepsis.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41467-026-73523-0},
pmid = {42185292},
issn = {2041-1723},
abstract = {Sepsis is an immune dysregulation syndrome triggered by infection, characterized by host self-damage due to immune imbalances. This study focuses on dynamic changes of mitochondrial symbiotic function in host cells during sepsis and systematically investigates dysregulation of mitochondrial communication modes and the intrinsic link between mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) release and immune dysregulation. We demonstrate that during early-stage LPS treatment, mitochondria actively remodel by extruding flagella-like extensions (termed mitoFLARE). These structures, nanotubes mediating long-distance transport, form through glycosylated TRAK1 binding FHL2 to drive actin network formation, thereby shifting mitochondrial communication from direct fusion to nanotube-mediated transport. This helps maintain dynamic exchange within the inner mitochondrial membrane under LPS treatment. However, as inflammation progresses, deteriorated mitochondrial quality control disrupts the MICOS-SAM complex, abrogates inner-outer membrane anchoring, and suppresses mitoFLARE functions. All these ultimately enhance endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondrial contacts to promote outer membrane rupture and result in mtDNA release into the cytoplasm to activate cGAS-STING signaling, further triggering immune dysregulation and inflammatory storm, culminating in programmed cell death and organ dysfunction. This study elucidates the pivotal role of dysregulated mitochondrial-host symbiosis in sepsis progression and provides important insights into the underlying mechanisms of sepsis-associated immune imbalances, laying a theoretical foundation for targeted therapy development.},
}

@article {pmid42178349,
year = {2026},
author = {Genc, O and Kurt, A},
title = {Biologically inspired optimization of construction sector eco industrial park networks using food web metrics.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-54667-x},
pmid = {42178349},
issn = {2045-2322},
abstract = {Industrial symbiosis (IS) and eco-industrial parks (EIPs) are increasingly promoted as practical pathways to circular economy transitions in resource-intensive sectors such as construction, where diverse waste streams, quality variability, and fragmented supply chains often constrain the number and stability of feasible exchanges. Building on biomimetic design principles, this study investigates whether construction-sector EIP networks can be optimized to better resemble selected structural patterns observed in biological food webs, and how optimization choices and participation rules influence the resulting network topology. Using a construction symbiosis database and five theoretical exchange scenarios, scenario-constrained optimization models are formulated to seek proximity to detritus-inclusive biological food-web reference values. Four objective function types (OFTs), representing alternative ways of aggregating multi-metric deviation from benchmarks, were tested in two parallel model families: one excluding connectance from the objective set and one explicitly targeting connectance to assess its conditioning role. A genetic algorithm was used to optimize the scenario-constrained network models and efficiently explore the large combinatorial solution space. Results show that structural proximity to the selected food-web benchmarks is configuration-dependent. Scenario rules and OFT choice systematically steer solutions toward distinct network morphologies, producing clear trade-offs across metrics rather than uniform improvement. Across best-performing configurations, the ratio of waste-providing to waste-receiving firms was comparatively close to benchmark levels in some cases but showed notable deviations in others, while link density and cyclicity exhibited persistent deficits, indicating that achieving dense, highly cycling structures is challenging under construction-specific feasibility constraints. Explicitly including connectance reduced the tendency of some OFTs to converge to extreme connectivity regimes and yielded more balanced metric profiles, highlighting connectance as a structuring constraint that limits extreme connectivity rather than as evidence of ecological realism. Reciprocity-oriented participation rules, particularly those requiring receiver firms to also provide exchanges, were associated with more benchmark-consistent solutions under certain OFT and connectance-included combinations, rather than uniformly dominating across all cases. For practice, the findings suggest that structurally informed bio-inspired EIP planning may benefit from treating connectance as a controlled design parameter and considering reciprocal participation policies where they are compatible with the selected objective formulation and feasibility constraints. Future research should integrate exchange quantities, cost and quality constraints, and uncertainty dynamics, and should report Pareto-efficient solution sets to support stakeholder selection and implementation.},
}

@article {pmid42178487,
year = {2026},
author = {McPolin-Hall, E and Stephen, AS and Pardieu, C and Georgeu, G and Allaker, RP and Bhogal, RK and Pople, JE and Philpott, MP and Hannen, RF},
title = {Engineering microbial symbiosis and dysbiosis reveals a new AhR-mediated mechanism underlying dandruff pathogenesis.},
journal = {The British journal of dermatology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/bjd/ljag210},
pmid = {42178487},
issn = {1365-2133},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The skin microbiome plays a pivotal role in regulating epidermal barrier integrity and immune homeostasis. However, the molecular mechanisms through which microbial dysbiosis drives dermatological disease and in particular, the pathways by which alterations in the scalp microbiome give rise to the pathological features of dandruff are not fully understood.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to establish and validate microbially colonised, full-thickness human skin equivalents (HSEs) that incorporate scalp-relevant bacterial and fungal microbiome species, to dissect the molecular pathways linking microbiome composition to epidermal morphology, barrier function and skin homeostasis.

METHODS: We engineered HSEs colonised with microbial consortia representing healthy (5M) and dandruff-associated (5MP) scalp microbiomes. Morphological and histological analyses were used to assess epidermal architecture and barrier integrity. Expression of key barrier proteins and enzymes involved in corneodesmosome hydrolysis was quantified. Bulk RNA-sequencing was performed to identify differentially regulated signalling pathways, followed by protein validation using immunofluorescence analysis. Key findings were further corroborated with human scalp biopsy specimens from individuals with and without dandruff.

RESULTS: HSEs colonised with the 5M microbiome maintained normal epidermal morphology and expression of barrier-associated proteins. In contrast, HSEs colonised with the 5MP microbiome developed hallmark dandruff-like phenotypes, including altered epidermal morphology, reduced barrier protein expression, and abnormal corneodesmosome degradation. Transcriptomic analysis and protein validation revealed significant attenuation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) signalling pathway in 5MP-colonised HSEs. Consistent downregulation of AhR and associated proteins was observed in dandruff patient samples, confirming the clinical relevance.

CONCLUSIONS: Microbial dysbiosis on the scalp can compromise AhR signalling. This study provides mechanistic evidence linking microbiome composition to pathological epidermal changes. The developed microbially colonised HSE model provides a versatile and clinically relevant tool for advancing our understanding of microbiome-driven skin pathology and translating mechanistic insights into precision interventions.},
}

@article {pmid42178569,
year = {2026},
author = {Garritano, AN and J Hill, L and Ribeiro, B and Damasceno, T and Medeiros, L and Duarte, G and L S Vilela, C and Majzoub, ME and Allen, MA and Nappi, J and S Peixoto, R and Thomas, T},
title = {Ammonia oxidation and recalcitrant carbon degradation fuel mixotrophic growth in the symbiont community of a deep-sea sponge.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42178569},
issn = {2049-2618},
support = {BAS/1/1095-01-01//KAUST/ ; ANP 21005-4//ANP, Brazil/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Sponges are important members of shallow-water, benthic ecosystems, where they often rely on their microbial symbionts to acquire organic or inorganic carbon. Sponges are also found in the deep sea, however, how they metabolically interact there with their symbionts remains underexplored. Here, we combined metagenomic, metatranscriptomic and stable-isotope labelling approaches to investigate the metabolic activities of the microbial community of the deep-sea sponge Calyx sp.

RESULTS: Approximately 84% of the total estimated microbial abundance was composed of nine heterotrophic phyla, whilst the remaining 16% consisted of two autotrophic ammonia-oxidising archaea. Metatranscriptomic analysis revealed the high expression of genes involved in the degradation of recalcitrant polysaccharides of algal origin, suggesting that an undegraded fraction of marine snow plays a role in the nutrition of this deep-sea holobiont. Additionally, we detected active ammonia oxidation and carbon fixation pathways in the autotrophic community members and, through ex situ incubations with labelled carbonate show a potential to fix 13.67 mg CO2 per g dry weight in a year.

CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the mixotrophic lifestyle of a deep-sea sponge microbiome, expanding our knowledge of the sponge-microbe symbiosis in the oligotrophic environment of the deep ocean. Video Abstract.},
}

@article {pmid42174643,
year = {2026},
author = {Srivastava, AK and Yadav, A and Chandra, V},
title = {Nature-human's celebratory ties: indigenous foodways and festive traditions of central India.},
journal = {Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s13002-026-00904-6},
pmid = {42174643},
issn = {1746-4269},
abstract = {The region of central India is home to several indigenous groups, living in forested areas, who show their close affinity to their land through various cultural practices. We found that almost every activity they perform revolves around their connection to nature, exhibiting their reverence for Mother Earth and other natural entities with which their lives are interrelated. Food-centred festivals are notable among these pursuits, as they provide occasions to commemorate ancestral customs, celebrate agricultural cycles, and reinforce the community's devotion to nature. It may be observed that food plays a key role in shaping cultural settings. The present study aims to document these events and highlight the symbolic connotations of organising such festivals. Derived from the immersive fieldwork in the villages of Maikal Hills, the festivals, which frequently fall on significant agricultural events, show how the festive events are an important constituent of the region's foodways. This study examines the embedded aspects of these foodways through the lens of environmentalism and indigenous identity. We have found that such celebrations are based on a holistic worldview in which food embodies the community's symbolic reverence for nature. At the same time, it is the primary source of nutrition and shapes cultural identity.},
}

@article {pmid42176011,
year = {2026},
author = {Saeed, T and Khan, TA and Yusuf, M and Bajguz, A},
title = {Microplastics in the rhizosphere: unraveling plant-microbe-soil interactions and consequences for crop resilience.},
journal = {Plant signaling & behavior},
volume = {21},
number = {1},
pages = {2678701},
doi = {10.1080/15592324.2026.2678701},
pmid = {42176011},
issn = {1559-2324},
mesh = {*Microplastics/toxicity ; *Rhizosphere ; *Soil Microbiology ; *Crops, Agricultural/microbiology/drug effects ; Soil/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Microplastics (MPs), plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, are increasingly recognized as pervasive pollutants in terrestrial ecosystems, especially agricultural soils, which serve as long-term sinks. While early research prioritized aquatic environments, recent studies underscore the diverse pathways through which MPs infiltrate soils, via plastic mulching, wastewater irrigation, sewage sludge, compost, and atmospheric deposition. This review provides a comprehensive overview of emerging insights into MPs-plant-microbe interactions within soil systems, emphasizing both their complex ecological effects and key knowledge gaps. The main objective of this review is to consolidate current evidence on how MPs affect plant physiology and soil microbial dynamics, and to highlight methodological limitations impeding progress in this field. MPs exhibit variable but often detrimental effects on plant health, including delayed germination, inhibited growth, impaired photosynthesis, and disrupted nutrient uptake. These outcomes are largely driven by physical blockage, chemical leaching, and oxidative stress, and are influenced by MPs characteristics (polymer type, shape, concentration) and plant species traits. Interestingly, low MPs levels may occasionally improve root biomass through enhanced soil aeration and water retention, reflecting the context-dependent nature of MPs impacts. Crucially, MPs alter soil microbial communities, reducing beneficial microbes, promoting pathogens, and interfering with enzymatic functions, thereby indirectly undermining soil fertility and crop productivity. Disruption of symbiotic relationships, such as mycorrhizal associations, further compounds ecological stress. This review also identifies a pressing need for standardized MPs detection and toxicity assessment protocols. Advancing analytical tools and ecologically relevant models is essential for uncovering plant molecular responses and supporting sustainable agriculture in MPs-contaminated environments.},
}

*Microplastics/toxicity
*Rhizosphere
*Soil Microbiology
*Crops, Agricultural/microbiology/drug effects
Soil/chemistry

@article {pmid42176308,
year = {2026},
author = {Chu, T and Wang, Y},
title = {Tripartite warfare: decoding the cell-virus-virophage arms race.},
journal = {Critical reviews in microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-18},
doi = {10.1080/1040841X.2026.2675950},
pmid = {42176308},
issn = {1549-7828},
abstract = {Giant viruses constitute a remarkable group of large double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) viruses distinguished by their exceptional structural complexity and genomic features. Their genomes can reach 2.8 Mb, encoding hundreds of proteins, and virion diameters up to 1.5 μm. They infect diverse eukaryotic hosts and establish viral factories within host cells. Virophages are small dsDNA viruses (17-34 kb; 50-75 nm) that parasitize giant viruses. These satellite viruses hijack giant virus replication machinery while suppressing giant virus progeny, benefiting the host cell and creating a parasitic-symbiotic dynamic. This review examines the tripartite relationship between host cells, giant viruses, and virophages (CVv systems), focusing on: (1) virus-host interactions in amebae, marine flagellates, and unicellular algae; (2) molecular mechanisms of these interactions; and (3) ecological and evolutionary implications. We also identify current research challenges and propose future directions, particularly the molecular basis of viral interactions in CVv systems.},
}

@article {pmid42176622,
year = {2026},
author = {Luo, ZN and Zhang, TY and He, H and Pan, RJ and Zeng, YQ and Peng, Z and Shi, J and Fu, Q and Pan, M and Zeng, C and Xiao, Q and Hu, L and Geng, B and El-Din, MG and Xu, B},
title = {Symbiotic chlorine-resistant bacteria and fungi in urban building drinking water plumbing pipe biofilms.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {513},
number = {},
pages = {142500},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142500},
pmid = {42176622},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {The importance of building-level plumbing systems in ensuring safe and reliable drinking water for end-users is increasingly recognized. However, biofilms forming on pipe walls present persistent public health risks. In particular, the dynamics of chlorine-resistant bacterial and fungal communities within these biofilms remain poorly analyzed and quantified under real-world conditions. Leveraging a large-scale building renovation campaign in a megacity in eastern China, we sampled biofilms from 24 residential buildings and assessed microbial resistance to chlorine disinfectants based on 16S rRNA and ITS amplicon sequencing. Elevated chlorine stress selected for chlorine-resistant taxa, while ammonia from monochloramine decay supported nitrifiers, deteriorating water quality. Although the number of bacterial-fungal links declined with rising chlorine (0 -0.96 mg-Cl2/L), proportions of positive associations remained stable (∼70%). Pipe materials and water supply regimes also shaped microbial communities, with polyethylene-lined steel (S-PE) pipes and dual-tank systems enriching genera such as Mycobacterium, which include potentially opportunistic species. Notably, S-PE pipes supported the highest microbial colonization reaching up to 289 CFU/cm[2] (approximately an order of magnitude higher than SS). These findings underscore the need for sustained disinfectant management and informed material selection to mitigate biofilm-associated risks in aging urban drinking water infrastructure.},
}

@article {pmid42168866,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhao, Y and Guo, C and Zhang, W and Wang, D and Jiang, J and Liu, A and Wang, W and Han, Q and Zhang, Q and Li, P},
title = {Long-term preservation strategy for legume root nodule phenotypes coupled with a comprehensive evaluation method.},
journal = {BMC plant biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12870-026-09042-3},
pmid = {42168866},
issn = {1471-2229},
support = {JCZRQN202401143//Hubei Provincial Natural Science Foundation Youth Program/ ; CAAS-ZDRW202416//Major Science & Technolog Tasks of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/ ; 2023BBA002//Major Project of Hubei Province Science & Technology/ ; 32441047//Special Projects of National Natural Sciences Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {Nodule color and morphology are key readouts of legume symbiotic performance. However, long-term preservation of post-excavation nodules with intact morphology, color, and microbial cleanliness remains a major challenge. This study developed a two-stage aqueous-phase preservation method (TAPP) that enables rapid structural fixation and long-term chemical stabilization. A comprehensive evaluation was subsequently established, incorporating composite morphological score (0-5), color difference (ΔE) and its piecewise slope over time ([Formula: see text]), and visible contamination grade (0-3). Peanut and soybean nodules from multiple regions and cultivars were tracked for 24 months under five preservation methods: TAPP, FormalinCu, TAPP-Resin, Resin, and AirDry. TAPP showed the best overall preservation, with composite morphological scores of 4.65 ± 0.14 for peanut and 4.63 ± 0.22 for soybean at 24 months, and no visible mold. Color change slowed over time: [Formula: see text] decreased from 1.83 to 1.10 ΔE·month[- 1] during 0-1 month to 0.16 ΔE·month[- 1] during 12-24 months, yielding final ΔE values of 10.53 ± 1.88 and 10.32 ± 1.93, respectively. Notably, TAPP pretreatment markedly improved resin-embedded samples, demonstrating scalability and flexible deployment. In addition, this study further proposes a stage-wise workflow that integrates on-site pre-fixation, long-distance transport, and long-term storage to enable cross-regional circulation and collaborative phenomics of oxidation-prone, dehydration-sensitive nodules. Together, this work establishes a standardized, traceable workflow to preserve and benchmark legume root nodule phenotypes, supporting cross-laboratory comparability and longitudinal cross-source analyses.},
}

@article {pmid42171099,
year = {2026},
author = {Petrou, K and Nielsen, DA},
title = {New biomolecular signatures of thermal stress in coral algal symbionts: a pathway to understanding coral resilience and adaptation.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.71275},
pmid = {42171099},
issn = {1469-8137},
}

@article {pmid42172300,
year = {2026},
author = {Furukawa, T and Iimura, T},
title = {C-N exchange model of legume-Rhizobium symbiosis incorporating ATP budget constraints and energy-mass balance between the species.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {21},
number = {5},
pages = {e0349611},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0349611},
pmid = {42172300},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Symbiosis/physiology ; *Adenosine Triphosphate/metabolism ; *Carbon/metabolism ; *Nitrogen/metabolism ; *Fabaceae/microbiology/metabolism ; *Models, Biological ; *Rhizobium/physiology/metabolism ; Energy Metabolism ; Biomass ; },
abstract = {We present a comparative advantage model of carbon-nitrogen exchange in legume-Rhizobium symbiosis that incorporates ATP budget constraints and the energy-mass balance between the host and symbiont. In this framework, the uptake of carbon and nitrogen is limited by the ATP available to each partner, and any imbalance in trade is compensated by adjustments in symbiont biomass. Using empirical estimates of the ATP costs of carbon and nitrogen uptake, together with data on body C:N ratios, the model generates three key predictions, and we prove that they align with empirical results. (i) The condition for the establishment of symbiosis derived from the model is consistent with measured ATP costs in both host and symbiont. (ii) At equilibrium, the model predicts a relatively low carbon supply from the legume and a relatively high nitrogen supply from Rhizobium, in agreement with reported patterns of exchange. (iii) The model further predicts that the proportion of carbon supplied decreases as the host C:N ratio increases, and that the proportion of nitrogen supplied decreases as the symbiont C:N ratio decreases, which are consistent with the empirically observed decline in nodulation during host aging.},
}

*Symbiosis/physiology
*Adenosine Triphosphate/metabolism
*Carbon/metabolism
*Nitrogen/metabolism
*Fabaceae/microbiology/metabolism
*Models, Biological
*Rhizobium/physiology/metabolism
Energy Metabolism
Biomass

@article {pmid42172331,
year = {2026},
author = {Raj, K and Gaugler, V and Lu, M and Schädel, M and Gaugler, P and Grothaus, CMM and Jochimsen, UA and Makris, A and Bartsch, SM and Frentzen, AM and Liu, G and Harings, M and Fiedler, D and Jessen, HJ and Schaaf, G and Ried-Lasi, MK},
title = {Lotus japonicus VIH2 is an inositol pyrophosphate synthase that regulates arbuscular mycorrhiza.},
journal = {Science advances},
volume = {12},
number = {21},
pages = {eaec5607},
doi = {10.1126/sciadv.aec5607},
pmid = {42172331},
issn = {2375-2548},
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology ; *Lotus/microbiology/enzymology/genetics ; Symbiosis ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; *Plant Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Phosphates/metabolism ; Plant Roots/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Plant yield is often maximized by the extensive use of mineral fertilizers, which, however, has severe environmental consequences. Phosphate is particularly problematic as it represents a globally limited resource, and its runoff and soil erosion threaten open water bodies. Many crops engage in arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis with nutrient-acquiring fungi, aiding in the uptake of phosphate and other mineral nutrients. However, AM colonization is strongly reduced under high soil phosphate levels. A mechanistic understanding of phosphate sensing, phosphate starvation responses, and their connection to AM remains incomplete. Here, we show that, in Lotus japonicus, low-abundant, energy-rich inositol pyrophosphates act as important regulatory signals of AM, orchestrating the cross-talk between phosphate starvation responses, nutrient acquisition, and plant root endosymbiosis. These findings hold promise for breeding nutrient-efficient crops.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology
*Lotus/microbiology/enzymology/genetics
Symbiosis
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
*Plant Proteins/metabolism/genetics
Phosphates/metabolism
Plant Roots/microbiology

@article {pmid42161843,
year = {2026},
author = {Gao, P and Li, XH and Li, CY and Chai, Y and Wang, CH and Ma, JJ and Yuan, Y and Li, XL and Zhang, J},
title = {[Response of Soil Microbial Community Composition to Topography in the Yellow River Source Basin].},
journal = {Huan jing ke xue= Huanjing kexue},
volume = {47},
number = {4},
pages = {2723-2735},
doi = {10.13227/j.hjkx.202503195},
pmid = {42161843},
issn = {0250-3301},
mesh = {*Soil Microbiology ; Rivers ; China ; *Ecosystem ; Fungi/classification/growth & development ; Bacteria/classification/growth & development ; Biodiversity ; Soil ; *Microbiota ; },
abstract = {The aim of this study was to find out the influence of different topography types on the soil microbial community and its ecological function in the Yellow River source basin unit. An alpine meadow with three types of microtopography （shady slope， sunny slope， and floodplain） was taken as the research object， and the changes of soil microbial community structure， diversity， and molecular ecological network under different microtopography types were explored by combining high-throughput sequencing technology and function prediction. The results showed that： ① There were 1 268 species of bacteria in the three types of microtopography， among which the number of bacteria endemic to the sunny slope habitat was the highest， and the main dominant bacteria at the phylum level were Actinobacteria， Proteobacteria， and Acidobacteriota. There were 316 species of fungi， among which the number of fungi endemic to shady habitats was the highest， accounting for 6.65%. The dominant fungi at the phylum level were Ascomycota， Mortierellomycota， and Basidiomycota. ② The Shannon index， Simpson index， and Pielou index of soil bacteria were significantly different in different landforms， while the Ace index and Chao1 index of soil fungi were significantly different in different landforms， and bacterial community diversity was more responsive to micro-topography than fungi. ③ The topological characteristics of the network showed that the complexity of the network of soil bacteria in the flood plain habitat was high， and the network showed mainly positive correlation， with the largest number of edges （481）. The complexity of the network of soil fungi in the river beach habitat was high， and the network showed mainly positive correlation， with the largest number of edges （393）. ④ The Mantel experiment showed that the bacterial community structure was mainly affected by the changes of plant evenness index， plant aroma index， total nitrogen， and total phosphorus， while the fungal community structure was mainly affected by the changes in biomass， SWC， and BD. ⑤ The results of redundancy analysis showed that the plant evenness index was the key factor driving the rhizosphere bacterial community of the alpine meadow in the source area of the Yellow River. BD was the main driving factor to change the rhizosphere fungal community of the alpine meadow in the source region of the Yellow River. These findings emphasized the importance of microtopography in driving the diversity， community structure， functional contour， and co-occurrence network of bacteria and fungi in the alpine meadow ecosystem. ⑥ The function prediction of soil bacteria FAPROTAX showed that chemoheterotrophy and aerobic_chemoheterotrophy had the strongest functions in three types of topographic habitats， and at the same time， their functional expression in sunny and floodplain habitats was higher than that in shady habitats （> 5 500）. Fungal FUNGuild function prediction showed that the nutritional types of fungi in the three terrain habitats were different， and compared with that in the sunny slope habitats， the floodplain habitats could increase the abundance of endophytic-litter saprophytic-soil saprophytic-undefined saprophytic fungi. To summarize， topography and habitat are the key driving factors that affect the diversity pattern， community construction， functional characteristics， and symbiotic interaction of soil bacteria and fungi in the alpine meadow ecosystem in the source region of the Yellow River.},
}

*Soil Microbiology
Rivers
China
*Ecosystem
Fungi/classification/growth & development
Bacteria/classification/growth & development
Biodiversity
Soil
*Microbiota

@article {pmid42161870,
year = {2026},
author = {Kondorosi, E},
title = {The Power of Symbiosis in Life and Science.},
journal = {Annual review of plant biology},
volume = {77},
number = {1},
pages = {1-23},
doi = {10.1146/annurev-arplant-093025-092435},
pmid = {42161870},
issn = {1545-2123},
mesh = {*Symbiosis/physiology ; Nitrogen Fixation ; Sinorhizobium meliloti/physiology ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; *Plants/microbiology ; Root Nodules, Plant/microbiology ; },
abstract = {This article traces more than four decades of Eva Kondorosi's personal life and scientific journey in symbiotic nitrogen fixation, from early insights into nitrogenase structure to the molecular mechanisms governing root nodule development and symbiotic cell differentiation in the Medicago-Sinorhizobium meliloti symbiosis. Effective symbiosis depends on precise molecular communication between the partners, beginning in the soil and continuing through a highly coordinated, progressive differentiation program. A defining feature of symbiotic cell development is endoreduplication in both host plant cells and their Rhizobium partners. Host-induced bacterial endoreduplication results in the formation of large, polyploid, noncultivable nitrogen-fixing bacteroids. This terminal differentiation is orchestrated by plant-derived effector peptides, notably nodule-specific cysteine-rich (NCR) and nodulin glycine-rich (nodGRP) peptides, which act sequentially to reprogram bacterial physiology. Together, these findings establish symbiotic nitrogen fixation as a model for cross-kingdom cellular differentiation and highlight NCR and nodGRP peptides as a vast, largely unexplored resource with promising applications in agriculture and medicine.},
}

*Symbiosis/physiology
Nitrogen Fixation
Sinorhizobium meliloti/physiology
History, 20th Century
History, 21st Century
*Plants/microbiology
Root Nodules, Plant/microbiology

@article {pmid42161889,
year = {2026},
author = {Dickie, IA and Selosse, MA and Öpik, M},
title = {Linked plant-fungal invasions: an introduction to a Virtual Issue.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {250},
number = {6},
pages = {3507-3510},
doi = {10.1111/nph.71186},
pmid = {42161889},
issn = {1469-8137},
}

@article {pmid42162218,
year = {2026},
author = {Amao, AO and Consorti, L and Kaminski, MA and Argadestya, I and Al-Ramadan, K and Frontalini, F},
title = {Predicting the range expansion of larger benthic foraminifera under earth's changing climate.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-53866-w},
pmid = {42162218},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {SF21010 and Project ERG251-CIPR-359//King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals/ ; },
abstract = {Larger benthic foraminifera (LBF) are major carbonate producers in shallow marine ecosystems and serve as sensitive indicators of environmental change on continental shelves. We developed and tested species distribution models for four peneroplid species (Peneroplis planatus, P. pertusus, P. arietinus, and Coscinospira hemprichii) using 355 occurrence records from the Arabian Gulf and 32 environmental variables to predict their range expansion under the current climate change and future scenarios. Beyond well-established temperature controls, our models identified iron concentration (68% of explained variance), light attenuation (21%), and dissolved oxygen (10%) as the primary environmental drivers of LBF distributions. The models achieved exceptional predictive accuracy with 92% Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUROC) for regional validation and 85% AUROC when extrapolated globally, demonstrating strong transferability across ocean basins. Climate change projections for 2100 predict significant westward range expansion, particularly into Atlantic Ocean regions previously unsuitable for these species. The projected expansion remains constrained within tropical and subtropical latitudes (50°N-50°S), indicating that temperature continues to impose fundamental limits to biogeographic dispersals. These findings reveal the importance of iron-supported symbiotic relationships in determining LBF distributions and suggest that climate-driven iron enrichment will increase LBF abundance and carbonate production in shallow marine systems worldwide, with significant implications for reef and shallow-water ecosystem structure, and global carbon cycling.},
}

@article {pmid42162563,
year = {2026},
author = {Tang, YY and Zhou, YM and Lin, WK and Zhi, JR and Zou, X},
title = {The role of fungal chitinases in the tripartite interactions among insects, plants and entomopathogenic fungi.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.70955},
pmid = {42162563},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Project No.: 32560646),/ ; //the Guizhou Provincial Basic Research Program (Natural Science) (Project number: QianKeHeJiChu-ZK[2024]YiBan002),/ ; //Natural Science Research Project of Colleges and Universities of Guizhou Provincial Department of Education (Youth Science and Technology Talent Development Project) (Project number: QianJiaoJi[2024]34),/ ; //Natural Science Project of Guizhou University (Special Post) (Project number: Gui Da Te Gang He Zi (2022) 51)/ ; //National Science Foundation of China (Project number: 31860507)./ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Chitinases are ubiquitous hydrolytic enzymes in fungi that specifically degrade chitin, a major structural component of insect exoskeletons and fungal cell walls. Increasing evidence indicates that chitinases play multifaceted roles not only in entomopathogenic fungal infection, but also in plant immune modulation and cross-kingdom interactions. However, their integrative functions within the insect-fungus-plant tripartite system remain insufficiently characterized. This review aims to systematically elucidate the molecular mechanisms and ecological functions of fungal chitinases across multitrophic interactions.

RESULTS: Accumulated studies demonstrate that: Chitinases act as critical virulence factors by facilitating fungal adhesion, cuticle degradation, and host penetration during insect infection; In plant-microbe interactions, chitinases contribute to microbial colonization while simultaneously generating chitin-derived oligomers that function as elicitors to activate plant innate immunity; Within the insect-fungus-plant tripartite system, chitinases mediate resource turnover and signal exchange, thereby shaping complex ecological networks and influencing multilevel biological interactions.

CONCLUSION: Chitinases serve as pivotal molecular hubs linking pathogenicity, symbiosis and ecological regulation across kingdoms. A comprehensive understanding of their multifunctional roles provides critical insights into cross-kingdom interaction mechanisms, and offers promising avenues for advancing biological control strategies, crop resistance improvement and microbial resource exploitation. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid42163001,
year = {2026},
author = {},
title = {Erratum for "Rhizobial variation, more than plant variation, mediates plant symbiotic and fitness responses to herbicide stress".},
journal = {Ecology},
volume = {107},
number = {5},
pages = {e70340},
doi = {10.1002/ecy.70340},
pmid = {42163001},
issn = {1939-9170},
}

@article {pmid42163047,
year = {2026},
author = {Tay, MY and Wilai, M and Chu, CC and Mai, T and Chew, SC},
title = {Enhancing the antioxidant and phenolic profiles of fermented mulberry leaf (Morus alba L.) tea using symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast.},
journal = {Journal of the science of food and agriculture},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/jsfa.70727},
pmid = {42163047},
issn = {1097-0010},
support = {FRGS/1/2024/WAS04/TAYLOR/03/1//Ministry of Higher Education via the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to investigate the fermentation temperature for mulberry leaf bioferment (MLB) using a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) and characterize its physicochemical, microbiological and antioxidant composition. MLB was prepared at 25, 30, 37 and 45 ± 2 °C, respectively, for 7 days. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was employed for functional group identification. Antioxidant activities were evaluated based on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) and total phenolic content (TPC). The phenolic profile was characterized chromatographically, and microbial loads were determined.

RESULTS: All of the MLB showed low alcohol concentration (<0.5%). The changes of functional groups revealed the broken down of carbohydrates and transformation of phenolic compounds after the fermentation. MLB at 30-37 °C supported high microbial activity, with 30 ± 2 °C showing the highest culturable counts for acetic acid bacteria and lactic acid bacteria, and 37 ± 2 °C producing the lowest pH (3.48) and highest volatile acidity, indicating distinct community dynamics across temperatures. Antioxidant capacity (DPPH and ABTS) and TPC increased up to two-fold at 37-45 ± 2 °C compared with unfermented controls. Ultra-HPLC quantification indicated a 131.4% increase in total quantified phenolics 37 ± 2 °C, with catechin being the most abundant identified phenolic (2.59 mg L[-1]), followed by vanillic, gallic, caffeic, chlorogenic, 4-hydroxybenzoic, p-coumaric and protocatechuic acids.

CONCLUSION: The findings show that fermentation temperature regulates microbial activity and phenolic biotransformation in SCOBY-fermented mulberry leaves. Fermentation at 37 ± 2 °C most effectively enhances phenolic content and antioxidant potential, supporting the potential of MLB as a functional nutraceutical ingredient. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid42163857,
year = {2026},
author = {Brockmeier, A and Artemiadis, P and Boukari, H and Callison-Burch, C and Eaton, E and Harley, J and Powers, T and Principe, JC and Reisman, D and Wu, C},
title = {Human-AI Cooperation in Healthcare and Rehabilitation.},
journal = {Delaware journal of public health},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {20-27},
pmid = {42163857},
issn = {2639-6378},
abstract = {Rehabilitation after injury or to manage chronic health conditions requires continuous reassessment and intervention across time scales ranging from seconds to months. Advances in sensors and data collection, coupled with new technology to administer interventions, create numerous possibilities-including at-home care. The increased capabilities enable automated analysis and control using artificial intelligence (AI). In this essay, we analyze the need, the potential and the requirements for an intense and enduring physical human-AI cooperation framework, i.e., a symbiosis, where both AI and humans contribute to realize improved solutions. The focus is the development of knowledge and expertise to realize a new generation of AI-enabled therapy for the next decades. With an aging population, prevalence of stroke and chronic diseases, there is a demand for more efficient and effective rehabilitation powered by human-AI cooperation, especially in cases that enable remote participation in areas with limited access. This essay analyzes how the potential for advances in human-AI cooperation can impact rehabilitation in Delaware.},
}

@article {pmid42164491,
year = {2026},
author = {Green, M and Cleary, S and Kwiecien-Delaney, B and Foster, JA},
title = {Compositional maturation of the microbiome and adaptive immunity in the postnatal period.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1772425},
pmid = {42164491},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {Animals ; *Adaptive Immunity ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/immunology ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; T-Lymphocyte Subsets/immunology ; T-Lymphocytes/immunology ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Recent research has highlighted the role of the gut microbiome in shaping the development and function of the mammalian immune system. Interactions between these complex networks of microbes and host cells serve not only to train major aspects of adaptive and innate immunity but also to establish commensal host-microbe relationships and symbiosis throughout the lifespan. T-cells are a critical aspect of this paradigm, acting as intermediates between the microbiome and many aspects of host health and disease. Despite a large body of literature examining these interactions, we have yet to completely understand how the ontogeny of these systems co-evolves across the lifespan and how the emergence of specific T-cell-microbe signals relates to key developmental milestones.

METHODS: To answer this question, this work conducted a compositional integrative analysis on deep immune and microbiome profiling of wild-type C57Bl/6 mice across the first two weeks of life, post-weaning, and young adulthood.

RESULTS: The results show that T-cell ontogeny follows different developmental trends in mucosal and peripheral immune compartments and that temporal trends in microbial community abundance creates a modular network of associations between specific taxa and functional T-cell subsets.

DISCUSSION: These results provide insight into the longitudinal development of microbiota-immune system interactions throughout the lifespan, as well as the mechanistic relevance of microbiota-derived signals at key developmental milestones.},
}

Animals
*Adaptive Immunity
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/immunology
Mice
Mice, Inbred C57BL
T-Lymphocyte Subsets/immunology
T-Lymphocytes/immunology

@article {pmid42164668,
year = {2026},
author = {Moro, MS and Ludwig, TD and Scaketti, M and Francisconi, AF and Mendes, LW and Pinheiro, JB and Zucchi, MI},
title = {Host genetics and environment shape the gut microbiome of Euschistus heros and Piezodorus guildinii and potentially influencing their adaptation.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1782301},
pmid = {42164668},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Euschistus heros and Piezodorus guildinii are major soybean pests across the Americas. Gut-associated bacteria influence insect nutrition, detoxification, and stress tolerance, potentially enhancing adaptation to diverse hosts and management regimes. We investigated how host genetics and environment shape gut microbiome structure and functional potential in these species.

RESULTS: We sequenced the 16S rRNA V4 region from 189 insects collected across Brazil and the United States. Microbiomes were dominated by Proteobacteria and Firmicutes, exhibiting high intra- and interpopulation variability. Diversity and community structure varied significantly among lineages and locations; while environment explained a larger share of overall variance, host genetics provided a more distinct statistical signal for group differentiation. In E. heros, genera linked to nutrient acquisition and detoxification (e.g., Pantoea, Wolbachia) were more prevalent. In P. guildinii, Candidatus Benitsuchiphilus-associated with diapause and uric-acid metabolism-predominated. Predicted functions included chemoheterotrophy, nitrogen fixation, and degradation of aromatic compounds, with distinct patterns across species and geographic lineages.

CONCLUSION: Both genetic and environmental factors shape the composition and functional capacity of stink bug gut microbiomes, potentially contributing to host adaptation across different agricultural landscapes. These insights open avenues for microbiome-informed strategies to improve the sustainability and efficacy of soybean pest management.},
}

@article {pmid42167161,
year = {2026},
author = {Datta, RR and Papry, RI and Mashio, AS and Hasegawa, H},
title = {Arsenic dynamics in seaweed: A comprehensive analysis of environmental and biological drivers of uptake, biotransformation, and release mechanism.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {408},
number = {},
pages = {129937},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.129937},
pmid = {42167161},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {The biochemistry of arsenic (As) in the marine environment is highly complex, and seaweeds play an important role in its absorption, transformation, and cycling. These macroalgae can absorb inorganic As species, convert them into less toxic forms, and regulate their intracellular accumulation. Although As toxicity is species dependent, changes in marine biogeochemistry owing to industrialization and climate change have affected its bioavailability and toxicity in coastal ecosystems. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the abiotic (e.g., salinity, temperature, ocean acidification, and nutrient levels) and biotic (e.g., algal age, growth stage, and symbiosis with microorganisms) factors influencing the behavior of As in seaweeds. The enzymatic conversion of arsenate (As(V)) and arsenite (As(III)) into organic arsenic compounds such as monomethylarsonic acid, dimethylarsinic acid, and arsenosugars is discussed, and the total As content and speciation across major seaweed groups (i.e., Chlorophyta, Rhodophyta, and Phaeophyta) are compared. Recent studies have suggested that environmental stressors significantly influence As uptake and speciation in seaweeds. Climate change-related factors such as ocean warming and increased freshwater runoff alter the proportions of inorganic and organic As species, and interactions with microorganisms further impact As methylation, thereby complicating biogeochemical processes. Previous reviews have largely focused on arsenic concentrations, speciation, and food safety in marine macroalgae. To address the limited integration of environmental drivers, physiological uptake mechanisms, biotransformation pathways, and ecosystem-level impacts of As in marine macroalgae, this review systematically organizes the environmental controls of As uptake and integrates its biochemical transformation and environmental fate. Despite recent advances, knowledge gaps remain regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying species-specific responses and combined effects of multiple factors. Addressing these gaps is essential for accurately assessing seaweed-based bioremediation strategies and ensuring the safety of seaweed-derived foods.},
}

@article {pmid42167294,
year = {2027},
author = {Zeng, S and Almeida, A and Mu, D and Wang, S},
title = {Temporal variations of the gut microbiome in human health.},
journal = {The Lancet. Microbe},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {101388},
doi = {10.1016/j.lanmic.2026.101388},
pmid = {42167294},
issn = {2666-5247},
abstract = {The colonisation of the human gut microbiome commences at birth and continues to evolve throughout the lifespan. A balanced symbiotic relationship between the host and gut microbiome is essential for maintaining overall health. This two-part Series presents a comprehensive overview of the gut microbiome across temporal and spatial dimensions, considering diurnal, seasonal, and lifespan variations while covering the entire gastrointestinal tract. We also discuss the extrinsic and intrinsic factors that shape the microbial ecosystem and affect host homoeostasis, health, and disease susceptibility. In this first Series paper, we summarise current knowledge on the microbial succession and evolutionary trajectory of the gut microbiome from neonates to adults aged 100 years and older, subsequently focusing on diurnal rhythms and seasonal patterns. We then discuss how these temporal variations in the gut microbiome are determined and how they contribute to beneficial or detrimental health outcomes in the host. Overall, elucidating the multiscale temporal dynamics of the human gut microbiome will open crucial opportunities to expand knowledge of host-microbiome interactions and their biological and clinical implications.},
}

@article {pmid42168469,
year = {2026},
author = {Babesco, CE and Chacón-Orozco, JG and Leite, LG and Harakava, R and de Carvalho Campos, AE},
title = {Entomopathogenic Nematode Steinernema rarum and its Symbiotic Bacterium against Fire Ants (Solenopsis sp.) under Laboratory Conditions.},
journal = {Neotropical entomology},
volume = {55},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42168469},
issn = {1678-8052},
mesh = {Animals ; *Ants/parasitology/microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Pest Control, Biological/methods ; *Rhabditida/physiology ; Larva/parasitology ; Pupa/parasitology ; Fire Ants ; },
abstract = {The genus Solenopsis comprises approximately 191 species, commonly known as fire ants. These ants are highly aggressive when the colony is disturbed and can cause accidents due to their stings. In addition, they cause economic losses in agriculture by hindering manual harvesting, feeding on crops, and establishing mutualistic relationships with sap-sucking insects. Therefore, there is considerable interest in the development of new and effective methods and products for the control of these insects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema rarum and its symbiotic bacterium against fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) under laboratory conditions. To assess nematode activity at different concentrations (5, 50, 150, and 300 IJs per insect), as well as the effects of the symbiotic bacterium of S. rarum and its secondary metabolites (SM), each treatment was applied separately to different ant developmental stages (larvae, pupae, workers, and winged forms) maintained in Petri dishes. In addition, a microcolony experiment was conducted, consisting of ten workers, five larvae, five pupae, and one winged form per dish. The results demonstrated that all treatments with nematodes, the bacterium, and its metabolites caused mortality in ants, ranging from 10 to 100% depending on the developmental stage and treatment. These findings highlight the potential of entomopathogenic nematodes and their symbiotic bacteria for the control of fire ants. However, further studies are required to develop suitable formulations and management strategies for future field applications.},
}

Animals
*Ants/parasitology/microbiology
*Symbiosis
*Pest Control, Biological/methods
*Rhabditida/physiology
Larva/parasitology
Pupa/parasitology
Fire Ants

@article {pmid42168656,
year = {2026},
author = {Zheng, W and Tian, J and Liu, H and Hu, H and Chen, H and Ma, L and Yan, Y and Fu, J and Huang, J and Wen, Y and Fang, S and Xia, Q},
title = {Genetic diversity of Haemaphysalis longicornis populations in China and their symbiotic association with Coxiella R1 strain.},
journal = {Experimental & applied acarology},
volume = {97},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42168656},
issn = {1572-9702},
support = {825MS092//Hainan Provincial Department of Science and Technology/ ; RZ2400001673//Hainan Medical University/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; China ; *Genetic Variation ; *Symbiosis ; *Ixodidae/microbiology/genetics/physiology ; *Coxiella/physiology ; Phylogeny ; Microsatellite Repeats ; Female ; Male ; Haemaphysalis longicornis ; },
abstract = {Haemaphysalis longicornis poses severe global veterinary and public health threats. Its obligate nutritional symbiont, Coxiella R1 (CLE), critically influences reproduction and development. Understanding the interplay between tick genetic diversity and CLE abundance is essential for developing symbiont-targeted control strategies. Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks were collected from 11 locations across nine Chinese provinces. Population genetic diversity and structure were analyzed based on simple sequence repeat (SSR). Coxiella R1 relative abundance in individual ticks was quantified via qPCR. Extensive genetic diversity was detected across Chinese H. longicornis populations using three validated polymorphic SSR markers: mean Ad = 5.667, GD = 0.7052, and PIC = 0.6646. Population structure analysis (K = 2) revealed two distinct genetic clusters. Ticks from Shanghai (Chongming Island) and Jiangsu (Xuzhou City) formed a genetically distinct group, significantly separated in PCoA from populations in Liaoning, Sichuan, Hubei, Shaanxi, Anhui, Jiangxi, and Zhejiang. Phylogenetic analysis supported this clustering but indicated limited geographic structuring overall. Crucially, Coxiella R1 was ubiquitous in all populations, but its abundance varied significantly between regions (P < 0.05, Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn's). CLE levels were highest in Liaoning and Shanghai ticks and significantly lower in those from Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces. Despite the shared genetic ancestry of Shanghai and Jiangsu ticks, their CLE burdens were markedly different. This study demonstrates substantial genetic diversity within Chinese H. longicornis populations and defines a distinct genetic cluster including ticks from Jiangsu and Shanghai. This variation in CLE burden showed no association with the identified tick population genetic structure or geographic distance.},
}

Animals
China
*Genetic Variation
*Symbiosis
*Ixodidae/microbiology/genetics/physiology
*Coxiella/physiology
Phylogeny
Microsatellite Repeats
Female
Male
Haemaphysalis longicornis

@article {pmid42158967,
year = {2026},
author = {Kim, JM and Choi, BJ and Bayburt, H and Lee, JK and Baek, JH and Jia, B and Jeon, CO},
title = {Vibrio phycocola sp. nov. and Vibrio phycohabitans sp. nov., Isolated from the Phycosphere of Marine Algae.},
journal = {Journal of microbiology and biotechnology},
volume = {36},
number = {},
pages = {e2604007},
doi = {10.4014/jmb.2604.04007},
pmid = {42158967},
issn = {1738-8872},
mesh = {RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Fatty Acids/analysis/chemistry ; Base Composition ; *Vibrio/classification/isolation & purification/genetics ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Bacterial Typing Techniques ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Nucleic Acid Hybridization ; Phospholipids/analysis ; Ubiquinone/analysis ; Genome, Bacterial/genetics ; Seawater/microbiology ; Aquatic Organisms/microbiology ; Temperature ; },
abstract = {Two Gram-stain-negative, facultatively aerobic, oxidase- and catalase-positive, motile (by means of a polar flagellum) rod-shaped bacterial strains, designated BS-M-Sm-2[T] and MA40-2[T], were isolated from marine algae. Growth was optimal at pH 7.0-8.0 and 2.0-3.0% (w/v) NaCl, with temperature optima of 25°C for BS-M-Sm-2[T] and 25-30°C for MA40-2[T]. Ubiquinone-8 was the sole respiratory quinone. The major fatty acids common to both strains were C16:0, summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c and/or C16:1 ω6c), and summed feature 8 (C18:1 ω7c and/or C18:1 ω6c), while BS-M-Sm-2[T] additionally contained C12:0 and C14:0. The predominant polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol, with diphosphatidylglycerol also detected in strain MA40-2[T]. The DNA G+C contents of strains BS-M-Sm-2[T] and MA40-2[T] were 44.2 and 39.8 mol%, respectively. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, average nucleotide identity (ANI), and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between the two strains were 93.8%, 71.4%, and 23.2%, respectively. Phylogenetic and phylogenomic analyses placed both strains within the genus Vibrio, forming distinct lineages. Comparisons with closely related Vibrio type strains yielded ANI and dDDH values below 91.6% and 44.3%, respectively, further supporting their classification as novel species. Genome analyses revealed genes potentially involved in algal symbiosis, including those for polysaccharide degradation and vitamin biosynthesis. Based on comprehensive genomic, phylogenetic, phenotypic, and chemotaxonomic evidence, strains BS-M-Sm-2[T] and MA40-2[T] represent two novel species, for which the names Vibrio phycocola sp. nov. (BS-M-Sm-2[T] =KACC 24066[T] =DSM 119941[T]) and Vibrio phycohabitans sp. nov. (MA40-2[T] =KACC 24064[T] = DSM 119942[T]) are proposed.},
}

RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Phylogeny
Fatty Acids/analysis/chemistry
Base Composition
*Vibrio/classification/isolation & purification/genetics
DNA, Bacterial/genetics
Bacterial Typing Techniques
Sequence Analysis, DNA
Nucleic Acid Hybridization
Phospholipids/analysis
Ubiquinone/analysis
Genome, Bacterial/genetics
Seawater/microbiology
Aquatic Organisms/microbiology
Temperature

@article {pmid42159309,
year = {2026},
author = {Poquita-Du, RC and Ziegler, M and Schmitt, I},
title = {Convergent symbioses: morphology, life history, and niche specialization in coral and lichen mutualisms.},
journal = {FEMS microbiology reviews},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/femsre/fuag025},
pmid = {42159309},
issn = {1574-6976},
abstract = {Corals and lichens represent some of the most diverse mutualistic symbioses in the marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Their evolutionary success is partly attributed to their association with internal, photosynthetic symbionts, which provide carbon and enable colonization of a wide-range of habitats. Although corals and lichens occupy fundamentally different ecosystems and are phylogenetically unrelated-corals are animals associated with dinoflagellates, while lichens are fungi associated with green algae/cyanobacteria-they share surprisingly many morphological, ecological, and life history traits. Here, we juxtapose morphology, reproduction, dispersal, symbiont acquisition strategies, and symbiont diversity in coral and lichen mutualisms, focusing mainly on the host and associated photobiont partner. We highlight how shared traits lead to convergent mechanisms of niche specialization, including adaptation to abiotic conditions through the formation of environment-specific host-symbiont combinations. The comparison enhances our understanding of evolutionary forces shaping these symbioses and provides a framework for evaluating their adaptive potential in a changing world.},
}

@article {pmid42159807,
year = {2026},
author = {Fulaneti, FS and Brasil-Neto, ES and Rumpel, VS and de Paula Ribeiro, L and Brum, LN and Cipriani, LP and Martin, TN},
title = {Microbial co-inoculation and extracellular vesicles: new frontiers for soybean productivity.},
journal = {Antonie van Leeuwenhoek},
volume = {119},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {42159807},
issn = {1572-9699},
mesh = {*Glycine max/microbiology/growth & development ; *Extracellular Vesicles/metabolism ; Bacteria/metabolism/genetics ; Soil Microbiology ; Crops, Agricultural/growth & development/microbiology ; Agriculture/methods ; *Agricultural Inoculants ; },
abstract = {Over the past decades, the intensive use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture has shown low efficiency while causing serious environmental issues and leading to soil nutrient imbalances. These challenges are compounded by climate change, increasing incidence of diseases and pests, and soil acidification, factors that jeopardize agricultural productivity and, consequently, threaten global food security. Soybean (Glycine max L.) is one of the world's most important crops, serving as a key source of protein and oil for both human consumption and animal feed. Its global relevance continues to grow with rising demand for food, biofuels, and industrial applications, with Brazil, the United States, and Argentina leading production. Beyond its economic value, soybean contributes to agricultural sustainability through symbiotic nitrogen fixation, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. However, maintaining high yields under changing environmental conditions requires innovative management strategies. In this context, one promising strategy to mitigate these problems is the use of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), which contribute to more sustainable crop yield. Although numerous studies are underway regarding the potential of PGPB, further research is still necessary due to the limited understanding of their mechanisms of action and the vast range of benefits they may offer. Currently, there is a wide variety of inoculants based on different bacterial species, which play a key role in stimulating plant growth and reducing reliance on agrochemicals. Among emerging technologies, noteworthy examples include molecular inoculants (still not widely adopted commercially), bacterial and fungal consortia formulated into a single product, and inoculants containing genetically edited microorganisms-all of which have shown great promise in enhancing the performance of beneficial microbial species. The selection and genetic editing of rhizosphere-associated PGPB-an essential component of the plant microbiome-are viable alternatives for promoting more sustainable agriculture. Thus, this review examines the main inoculant technologies aimed at obtaining efficient microorganisms capable of improving rhizosphere conditions and microbial community dynamics, representing a strategic opportunity for developing solutions that enhance soybean sustainability.},
}

*Glycine max/microbiology/growth & development
*Extracellular Vesicles/metabolism
Bacteria/metabolism/genetics
Soil Microbiology
Crops, Agricultural/growth & development/microbiology
Agriculture/methods
*Agricultural Inoculants

@article {pmid42160091,
year = {2026},
author = {Ruiz-Torres, NG and Martínez-Sánchez, S and de León-Lorenzana, A and Mercado-Juárez, RA and Salloum, PM and Poulin, R and Gaona, O and Falcón, LI and Rico-Chávez, O},
title = {Drivers of Microbiome Composition Among Helminth Parasites Sharing the Same Insectivorous Bat Host.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {35},
number = {10},
pages = {e70389},
doi = {10.1111/mec.70389},
pmid = {42160091},
issn = {1365-294X},
support = {BV200421//PAPIIT-DGAPA, UNAM/ ; IN218020//PAPIIT-DGAPA, UNAM/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Chiroptera/parasitology/microbiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Phylogeny ; *Microbiota/genetics ; *Helminths/genetics/microbiology/classification ; Trematoda/microbiology/genetics ; Host-Parasite Interactions ; },
abstract = {Parasitic metazoans are increasingly recognised to form close associations with microbial taxa. Under the holobiont concept, these associations are an eco-evolutionary unit under joint selection. However, for most parasitic helminth species and particularly those associated with wildlife, these interactions and their effect on parasite evolution remain unknown. Investigating the factors determining the composition of helminth microbiomes is the first step towards a better understanding of helminth holobionts. Using the insectivorous bat Peropteryx kappleri and its parasitic helminths as a model system, we characterised the microbiome of 41 helminth individuals of four trematode and one nematode species in various bat intestinal and biliary microhabitats, along with bat tissues and luminal fluids. Our results based on 16S rRNA metabarcoding revealed that the microbiome composition of the different helminth species is partly influenced by their microhabitat (bat tissue), but ultimately each helminth species exhibits a distinctive microbial signature. Microbiome composition among the four trematode species showed no phylogenetic signal (no correlation with genetic similarity). Compared to the bat host, each helminth species exhibited enriched microbial taxa with putative symbiotic potential, some of which are commonly found in arthropods (potential intermediate hosts of helminths) and may be conserved throughout the parasite's life cycle. We propose that helminth microbiomes are determined by ecologically relevant factors and provide a basis for future functional research with implications for parasite establishment, development, and transmission.},
}

Animals
*Chiroptera/parasitology/microbiology
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Phylogeny
*Microbiota/genetics
*Helminths/genetics/microbiology/classification
Trematoda/microbiology/genetics
Host-Parasite Interactions

@article {pmid42160337,
year = {2026},
author = {Cabirol, A and Quinn, A and Schafer, J and Neuschwander, N and Kesner, L and Liberti, J and Engel, P},
title = {A defined community of core gut microbiota members promotes cognitive performance in honey bees.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {123},
number = {21},
pages = {e2608600123},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2608600123},
pmid = {42160337},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {892574//European Commission (EC)/ ; 714804//European Commission (EC)/ ; 219829/SNSF_/Swiss National Science Foundation/Switzerland ; 180575/SNSF_/Swiss National Science Foundation/Switzerland ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Bees/microbiology/physiology ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology ; *Cognition/physiology ; Memory, Short-Term/physiology ; Germ-Free Life ; Bacteria/classification ; },
abstract = {Gut microbiota across animals have been shown to influence host cognition and behavior. However, it remains unclear whether these cognitive effects are driven by specific bacterial species or arise from community-level interactions. Here, we leveraged the honey bee (Apis mellifera) as a model system, which harbors a simple and well-characterized gut microbiota that is experimentally tractable and has been previously shown to impact host cognition. We established a defined bacterial community-composed of core members of the honey bee gut microbiota. Gnotobiotic bee experiments with the full community, communities missing individual members, or individual members showed that only the full community enhanced honey bees' performances in odor discrimination learning and short-term memory compared to microbiota-deprived bees. Metabolomic analyses identified several metabolites associated with learning success that mapped to pathways modulated by microbial colonization, including tryptophan metabolism, nucleoside metabolism, and lysine degradation. However, many of these metabolites were not altered by removing individual members from the full microbial community. This suggests that microbiota-mediated improvements in cognition are emergent properties of the community as a whole, rather than the result of individual metabolites or specific bacterial taxa acting alone. Our findings support a systems-level view of the microbiome, suggesting that understanding and manipulating host development, particularly in relation to brain function, should prioritize microbial community function (e.g., metabolic pathways) over taxonomic composition alone.},
}

Animals
Bees/microbiology/physiology
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology
*Cognition/physiology
Memory, Short-Term/physiology
Germ-Free Life
Bacteria/classification

@article {pmid42152548,
year = {2026},
author = {Costa Júnior, PSP and Melo, DS and Buttrós, VH and Magalhães-Guedes, KT and Dias, DR and Schwan, RF},
title = {Coffea arabica Infusion as a Potential Substrate for Kombucha Fermentation Modulates Microbial Populations, Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast Ultrastructure, and Functional Attributes: Insights From Machine Learning.},
journal = {Journal of food science},
volume = {91},
number = {5},
pages = {e71117},
doi = {10.1111/1750-3841.71117},
pmid = {42152548},
issn = {1750-3841},
support = {//CNPq/ ; //FAPEMIG/ ; //CAPES/ ; //FINEP/ ; },
mesh = {Fermentation ; *Coffea/chemistry ; *Kombucha Tea/analysis/microbiology ; Machine Learning ; *Yeasts/metabolism ; *Bacteria/metabolism ; Volatile Organic Compounds/analysis ; Lactic Acid/metabolism ; Symbiosis ; Humans ; },
abstract = {Kombucha is traditionally produced from sweetened Camellia sinensis tea fermented by a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts (SCOBY). However, limited information is available on the effects of replacing tea with Coffea arabica infusion on fermentation parameters, microbial ecology, and overall quality of the beverage. This study evaluated the effects of substituting green tea with C. arabica infusion (25%-100%, v/v) during kombucha fermentation on fermentation kinetics, microbial populations, SCOBY structure, and physicochemical, functional, and sensory attributes. Coffee substitution reduced sugar consumption rates without significantly affecting final pH (2.8-3.2) or titratable acidity (∼0.4). Increasing coffee proportions markedly reshaped microbial populations, reducing acetic acid bacteria and increasing lactic acid bacteria, thereby shifting metabolism toward lactic acid production. Structural analyses revealed preserved SCOBY integrity, with a more porous cellulose network in coffee-based formulations. Total phenolic content decreased after fermentation in most treatments, whereas the 100% coffee kombucha remained stable and maintained antioxidant capacity. GC-MS analysis identified 111 volatile compounds, and multivariate and machine learning approaches revealed coffee-associated biomarkers associated with lactic acid and aroma-active compounds. Overall, C. arabica infusion proved to be a suitable alternative substrate for kombucha fermentation, enabling substrate-driven modulation of microbial dynamics and metabolic profiles while maintaining product safety and functional potential. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Replacing green tea with C. arabica infusion in kombucha production enables the development of beverages with differentiated microbial, chemical, and sensory profiles while maintaining fermentation performance and safety. Coffee-based kombucha promotes a shift toward lactic acid-oriented fermentation, distinct aroma signatures, and functionality without requiring significant changes to conventional SCOBY-based processes. From a practical perspective, coffee infusion is a feasible strategy for product diversification, allowing manufacturers to modulate fermentation outcomes through raw material selection and to support the development of innovative, scalable, and consumer-oriented kombucha beverages.},
}

Fermentation
*Coffea/chemistry
*Kombucha Tea/analysis/microbiology
Machine Learning
*Yeasts/metabolism
*Bacteria/metabolism
Volatile Organic Compounds/analysis
Lactic Acid/metabolism
Symbiosis
Humans

@article {pmid42153004,
year = {2026},
author = {Bogatyrenko, E and Dunkai, T and Kim, A},
title = {Core Bacterial Microbiome in Wild Sea Cucumbers (Apostichopus japonicus) from the Sea of Japan.},
journal = {Indian journal of microbiology},
volume = {66},
number = {2},
pages = {441-451},
pmid = {42153004},
issn = {0046-8991},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: The taxonomic composition of gut bacterial communities in wild Japanese sea cucumbers, Apostichopus japonicus, from coastal waters of the Russian part of the Sea of Japan was identified by high-throughput sequencing. The bacterial communities were comprised mainly of the phyla Proteobacteria (38.33-57.22%), Actinobacteriota (24.24-29.93%), Firmicutes (12.01-25.12%), and Bacteroidota (1.6-2.17%) that made up a total of 94.5% of the samples studied. As the results showed, the region and habitat have a significant effect on the bacterial structure of the gut microbiome in A. japonicus. The invertebrates from each of the water bodies under study were characterized by their unique sets of symbiotic microorganisms. However, 32 bacterial genera were found in the animals from all of the water bodies. Of these, nine bacterial genera were the dominant taxa in terms of percentage of their representation in the samples: Stappia (15.89-34.68%), Stenotrophomonas (3.45-11.44%), Bacillus (1.05-7.71%), Staphylococcus (4.64-11.76%), Rhodococcus (3.07-11.08%), Corynebacterium (2.55-7.77%), Cutibacterium (15.89-34.68%), Pseudomonas (1.2-1.7%), and Streptococcus (1.09-1.57%). The discovery of bacterial genera common across all samples indicates the existence of a core microbiome potentially essential for the host's health and functions.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12088-025-01493-w.},
}

@article {pmid42153542,
year = {2026},
author = {Gautrat, P and de la Serve, JT and Frugier, F},
title = {The PXY receptor regulating root stele development promotes root growth and symbiotic nodulation in Medicago truncatula.},
journal = {Plant & cell physiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/pcp/pcag065},
pmid = {42153542},
issn = {1471-9053},
}

@article {pmid42156361,
year = {2026},
author = {Xiang, N and Liao, T and Xie, M and Wang, Z and Mak, CH and Tang, X and McIlroy, SE and Thibodeau, B and Voolstra, CR and Luo, H},
title = {Decoding coral resistance to eutrophication through the association of hyper‑efficient denitrifiers as key microbial allies.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42156361},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {GRF14114724//Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)/ ; },
mesh = {*Anthozoa/microbiology/physiology ; Animals ; *Denitrification ; *Eutrophication/physiology ; Coral Reefs ; Nitrates/metabolism ; Hong Kong ; Symbiosis ; Climate Change ; Ecosystem ; Microbiota ; },
abstract = {Coral reefs face a perilous future due to global climate change compounded by the increasing prevalence of local stressors. Prominent among these is nutrient pollution, particularly nitrate eutrophication, which disrupts the coral-algal symbiosis and escalates reef degradation. While microbial denitrification is hypothesized to mitigate nitrate stress, the mechanisms underlying coral resilience remain unknown. Studying Hong Kong's coral "reef oases" that persist under chronic hyper-eutrophication, we discovered that resilience is not mediated by diversity or abundance shifts in denitrifier genera but by the association with specific, hyper-efficient denitrifying populations within the dominant denitrifier genus Ruegeria. By integrating population genomics, subspecies-resolution metabarcoding (resolving both the entire Ruegeria community and the denitrifying sub-community), and direct isotope-based activity assays, we identified and validated putative denitrifying "specialist" populations. These specialists were significantly enriched in corals from high-nitrate waters and exhibited 10-fold higher denitrification rates in low-oxygen incubations, converting nitrate to inert N2 with superior efficiency compared to non-specialists. Our findings reveal that critical ecosystem-scale adaptations to anthropogenic change can occur through a unique association with specialized sub-genus populations, which may be missed in conventional microbiome surveys. As such, our work sheds light into why dominant denitrifying genera are ubiquitous, yet only certain corals thrive in eutrophic conditions. It also provides a framework for future studies delineating ecologically important host-associated microbes.},
}

*Anthozoa/microbiology/physiology
Animals
*Denitrification
*Eutrophication/physiology
Coral Reefs
Nitrates/metabolism
Hong Kong
Symbiosis
Climate Change
Ecosystem
Microbiota

@article {pmid42156541,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, J and Jiang, H and Xie, N and Feng, C and Wang, C and Huang, R and Tao, Q and Tang, X and Wu, Y and Luo, Y and Li, Q and Li, B},
title = {Carbon-fixing strain-based biochar outperforms biochar alone in enhancing microbial symbiosis and soil organic carbon.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-54048-4},
pmid = {42156541},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {42377333//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2023YFD1901202//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; SCYC202206//Key Program of China National Tobacco Corporation Sichuan/ ; },
abstract = {Microorganism-based biochar has been mainly used for plant growth promotion and pollution management, but its role in soil fertility has been neglected. In this study, we used biochar loaded with Bacillus cereus SR, a carbon-fixing strain, to achieve a stable inoculation and increase soil organic carbon (SOC) content. Compared with the control group, microorganism-based biochar was more effective in increasing SOC content and reducing CO2 emissions, with SOC content increasing by 36.38% to 136.34%. Biochar treatment alone inhibited soil enzyme activities but biochar carrying Bacillus cereus SR alleviated the inhibitory effect. The 500 °C strain-containing biochar exhibits the potential to sustainably increase SOC, as its ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase enzyme activity was 53.38% and 45.77% higher than the control group on the 24th and 63rd days, respectively. This phenomenon may be attributed to the moderate available organic carbon content of 500 ℃ biochar. Microorganism-based biochar increased the abundance of Firmicutes, Bacilli, Bacillaceae, Bacillales, and Bacillus at each taxonomic level. These modifications enhanced symbiotic relationships and community stability among soil bacteria. These results provide a theoretical basis for the application of microorganism-based biochar in improving SOC sequestration.},
}

@article {pmid42156656,
year = {2026},
author = {Beura, S and Roy, SS and Das, AK and Ghosh, A},
title = {Constraint-Based Metabolic Modeling Approach for Microbial Communities.},
journal = {Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)},
volume = {3006},
number = {},
pages = {191-220},
pmid = {42156656},
issn = {1940-6029},
abstract = {Microorganisms grow in complex communities by fostering symbiotic relationships to uphold the integrity and functionality of the consortium. Deciphering the metabolic interactions within microbial communities and their impact on host environments is essential due to their association with major domains, including human health, bioremediation, and bioenergy production. However, unraveling their metabolic activity in laboratory conditions is challenging, as many microbes resist cultivation, and recreating their complex natural ecosystem with all its biological parameters presents additional hurdles. Therefore, modeling the microbial communities has become crucial for comprehending the intricate interactions within diverse microbial populations. In this chapter, we elucidate an in silico methodology for reconstructing a genome-scale metabolic model of a microbial consortium. This community modeling approach encompasses the reconstruction of microbial models, the integration of individual models into a community, and the optimization of the community model under different environmental conditions. Furthermore, a wide range of flux analysis techniques, like Flux Balance Analysis (FBA), Flux Variability Analysis (FVA), and Flux Sampling (FS), were described to investigate both the community-wide flux profile and intermicrobial interactions.},
}

@article {pmid42144716,
year = {2026},
author = {Shen, Y and Li, Y and Zheng, R and Xia, C and Gundel, PE and Nan, Z and Duan, T},
title = {Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Dominate Over Maternally Inherited Epichloë Endophytes in Controlling Rhizosphere Processes and Pathogen Resistance.},
journal = {Plant, cell & environment},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/pce.70613},
pmid = {42144716},
issn = {1365-3040},
support = {32071879//National Science Foundation of China/ ; CARS-22 Green Manure//China Modern Agriculture Research System/ ; },
abstract = {Plant-microbe symbioses form a multi-layered system integrating vertically transmitted Epichloë endophytes, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), and the rhizosphere microbiome, with implications for nutrient acquisition and pathogen resistance. Epichloë endophytes are maternally inherited and may exert priority effects that influence subsequent associations with AMF and root microorganisms, ultimately shaping defensive pathways. Here, we manipulated symbiosis of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) with Epichloë sp. LpTG-3 strain AR37 and the AM fungus Acaulospora delicata to examine exudate metabolites and the recruited rhizosphere microbiome in relation to host responses to the pathogen Bipolaris sorokiniana. Dual symbiosis with Epichloë and AMF increased host growth and pathogen resistance through enhanced nutrient uptake, elevated defensive enzyme activities in leaves and rhizosphere, and reduced malondialdehyde concentrations. It also recruited potentially beneficial microorganisms and enriched metabolites negatively associated with disease severity; notably, the metabolite Acetamide 1, which accumulated under dual symbiosis, strongly inhibited the pathogen in vitro. Significant correlations among metabolites, rhizosphere microbial communities, and rhizosphere soil properties revealed coordinated belowground responses under the synergistic regulation of AMF and Epichloë that reduced disease severity. Although both symbionts enhanced host performance, AMF played a stronger role than maternally inherited Epichloë in shaping the rhizosphere processes driving growth and pathogen resistance.},
}

@article {pmid42144853,
year = {2026},
author = {Mbaluto, CM},
title = {Arbuscules up close: Spatiotemporal and single cell translatomics in rice and arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis.},
journal = {The Plant cell},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/plcell/koag146},
pmid = {42144853},
issn = {1532-298X},
}

@article {pmid42144915,
year = {2026},
author = {Humza, M and Shahzadi, E and Basit, A and Khan, MUZ and Imade, FN and Iqbal, B and Shahid, M and Erkoyuncu, MT and Hakki, EE},
title = {Harnessing the Power of Phenolic Compounds for Boosted Crop Resilience and Health.},
journal = {Physiologia plantarum},
volume = {178},
number = {3},
pages = {e70851},
doi = {10.1111/ppl.70851},
pmid = {42144915},
issn = {1399-3054},
mesh = {*Phenols/metabolism ; *Crops, Agricultural/metabolism/physiology ; },
abstract = {Phenolic compounds are secondary metabolites synthesized by plants that play crucial roles in plant defense, growth, and adaptation to environmental stresses. These compounds are primarily derived from the shikimate pathway and are classified based on their carbon skeleton into simple phenolics (C6, C6-Cn, and C6-Cn-C6) and complex phenolics, such as flavonoids, lignans, stilbenes and tannins. Phenolic compounds act as signaling molecules in plant-microbe interactions, including legume-rhizobia symbiosis and arbuscular mycorrhization. They also contribute to plant defense against biotic and abiotic stressors through direct antimicrobial activity, structural reinforcement and modulation of plant immune responses. Phenolic compounds are synthesized via the shikimate/phenylpropanoid or polyketide acetate/malonate pathways, resulting in a diverse array of compounds with distinct biological activities. Recent advances in biotechnology, including elicitation, genetic transformation, and metabolic engineering, have enabled the enhanced production of valuable phenolic compounds in plants. However, challenges remain in optimizing phenolic biosynthesis for improved crop resilience due to the complexity of the regulatory networks and potential trade-offs with plant growth and ecological interactions. Future research should focus on integrating systems biology, multi-omics approaches, and precision breeding to harness the potential of phenolic compounds for sustainable agriculture and crop improvement in the face of increasing biotic and abiotic stress.},
}

*Phenols/metabolism
*Crops, Agricultural/metabolism/physiology

@article {pmid42146066,
year = {2026},
author = {Matsushima, Y and Himi, E and Kitashima, M and Ogura, K and Kotani, S and Hino, A and Inoue, K and Hosoya, H},
title = {A defined synthetic algal medium enables lettuce-free culturing of unfed Paramecium bursaria while preserving host-associated microbiome composition.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1821058},
pmid = {42146066},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Paramecium bursaria is widely cultured using undefined plant-based infusions such as lettuce extract, yet the variable composition of these media remains a major obstacle to experimental reproducibility and microbiome research. Here, we tested whether a chemically defined synthetic algal medium (AF-6) can replace conventional lettuce infusion while maintaining host physiology and associated microbial communities. An unfed clonal strain of P. bursaria, established in 2023 and capable of growth without external nutrient supplementation, proliferated comparably in AF-6 and lettuce media. To confirm that these results were not specific to unfed conditions, we additionally examined a publicly maintained algae-fed strain (NIES-2891), which exhibited similar growth patterns across both media. Cell size, compression-induced extension, and symbiotic algal abundance showed no significant differences between culture conditions. rbcL metataxonomic analysis revealed that Chlorella variabilis was the sole algal endosymbiont detected in all samples. Furthermore, 16S rRNA gene sequencing demonstrated that host-associated bacterial community composition remained largely conserved after replacement of lettuce infusion with AF-6 within each strain, although clear differences were observed between strains. Together, these findings establish an "unfed strain + defined algal medium" framework as a reproducible experimental platform for investigating tripartite interactions among ciliate hosts, symbiotic algae, and associated bacteria.},
}

@article {pmid42146069,
year = {2026},
author = {Robinson, JD and Thorp, DT and Van Cleve, J and White, JA},
title = {Symbiont-mediated feminization imposes unavoidable host fitness costs.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1798411},
pmid = {42146069},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Maternally inherited bacterial endosymbionts such as Wolbachia are common in arthropods. Some serve as reproductive manipulators, favoring the production of infected females in host populations despite possible fitness costs to the host. One such manipulation is feminization, in which the symbiont turns genetic males into functional females. To date, all described cases of feminization occur in host systems that are either female heterogametic (ZW-female/ZZ-male) or where females are diploid and males are haploid for sex chromosomes (XX-female/X0-male). Here we test potential fitness costs associated with feminization in the spider Mermessus fradeorum (Linyphiidae), which has a type of XX/X0 sex determination. In addition to a feminizing Wolbachia, this spider can be co-infected with up to four additional maternally-inherited bacterial endosymbionts. Using a series of increasingly speciose symbiont co-infections, including three containing the feminizing Wolbachia, we measured female fecundity and the proportion of developed versus undeveloped offspring. We found that fitness costs were associated only with the feminizing Wolbachia, but not with any of the other symbionts. Eggmasses infected with this Wolbachia had 16% fewer eggs, and 20% of those eggs failed to develop, compared to only 4% failure in eggmasses from other symbiotypes. We hypothesize that the reduced egg viability results from the production of inviable 00 zygotes by feminized X0 individuals, which can provision X chromosomes to only half of their eggs. These results suggest that fitness costs may be an unavoidable consequence of feminization in hosts with an XX/X0 sex determination system, potentially limiting the distribution of this reproductive manipulation phenotype.},
}

@article {pmid42146468,
year = {2026},
author = {Stoutland, IM and Walker, SA and Blackwell, HE},
title = {Domain-swapped LuxR-type quorum sensing receptors reveal divergent ligand-response mechanisms among homologs.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.64898/2026.04.27.721074},
pmid = {42146468},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Many common bacteria use quorum sensing to regulate cell density-dependent phenotypes, including luminescence, biofilm formation, virulence, and symbiosis. The LuxI/R system is the best-characterized quorum sensing pathway in Gram-negative bacteria and consists of a LuxI-type synthase that produces an N -acyl L-homoserine lactone (AHL) autoinducer and a LuxR-type transcription factor that is regulated by AHL binding. Binding of native AHL signal promotes DNA binding and transcriptional regulation in some LuxR homologs (associative-type), while other homologs regulate transcription in the absence of ligand and are inactivated by native signal binding (dissociative-type). To better characterize what features determine ligand-response type, we generated structural mutants of two associative receptors (LasR of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and MrtR of Mesorhizobium tianshanense) and two dissociative receptors (EsaR of Pantoea stewartii and ExpR2 of Pectobacterium versatile). Swapping domains between these receptors revealed that the ligand-binding domain primarily determines associative vs. dissociative activity in response to native AHL agonists. Further, non-native AHL-derived antagonists maintained their activity profiles in receptors with interchanged DNA-binding domains. We also found that the extended linker between domains observed in the dissociative receptors does not determine mechanism of ligand response, and that inter-domain interactions may play an important role in activation for some receptors but not others. Notably, deletion of just one residue from the dissociative receptor EsaR produced a mutant with associative activity, the first time such mechanism switching has been reported for a LuxR-type receptor. These findings illuminate features essential for ligand response and highlight the mechanistic diversity of the LuxR family.

IMPORTANCE: LuxI/R quorum sensing regulates various cell density-dependent phenotypes in Gram-negative bacteria. Prior research has developed small molecule modulators of LuxR-type receptors, with potential applications in anti-virulence, anti-biofouling, and bioengineering. Competitive antagonists have been reported for receptors active in the presence of native ligand but not for receptors active in its absence. A lack of knowledge about the molecular mechanisms of receptor response to ligand limits both our fundamental understanding of the LuxI/R quorum sensing process and the rational design of chemical modulators with superior activity profiles. We used a structural mutagenesis strategy with four LuxR-type receptors that operate via two distinct mechanisms to begin to dissect the structural features that drive differences in ligand response between receptors. These insights could aid in efforts to characterize novel LuxR homologs, understand potential interspecies communication via quorum sensing, and develop improved chemical probes to alter LuxR-type receptor activity.},
}

@article {pmid42147826,
year = {2026},
author = {Taboada, S and Gracia-Sancha, C and Galià-Camps, C and Böhne, A and Monteiro, R and Marcussen, T and Oomen, RA and Struck, TH and Gut, M and Aguilera, L and Câmara Ferreira, F and Cruz, F and Gómez-Garrido, J and Alioto, TS and Martin, F and Lazar, A and Haggerty, L and Bortoluzzi, C},
title = {ERGA-BGE reference genome of Xylophaga dorsalis - a common deep-sea wood-boring bivalve with Atlantic-Mediterranean distribution.},
journal = {Open research Europe},
volume = {6},
number = {},
pages = {33},
doi = {10.12688/openreseurope.22692.2},
pmid = {42147826},
issn = {2732-5121},
abstract = {Xylophaga dorsalis is a common Atlantic-Mediterranean mollusc that plays a crucial role in deep-sea habitats, where it digests wood that reaches the seabed through a unique symbiosis with specialised bacteria. The reference genome of X. dorsalis thus offers a crucial resource for uncovering the genetic basis of the species adaptability to wood bore in deep-water ecosystems. The entirety of the genome sequence was assembled into 18 contiguous chromosomal pseudomolecules (superscaffolds) and 1 mitochondrial genome. This chromosome-level assembly encompasses 0.451 Gb, composed of 1,259 contigs and 320 scaffolds, with contig and scaffold N50 values of 1.30 Mb and 25.4 Mb, respectively. The genome assembly encodes 19,441 protein-coding genes (34,405 transcripts) and 6,716 non-coding genes.},
}

@article {pmid42148382,
year = {2025},
author = {Al-Aali, ZHA and Jawad, S},
title = {Impact of high wind speed on blooming plants-honeybees-honey production model .},
journal = {F1000Research},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {1459},
doi = {10.12688/f1000research.172134.2},
pmid = {42148382},
issn = {2046-1402},
mesh = {Animals ; Bees/physiology ; *Wind ; Pollination ; *Honey ; Ecosystem ; *Models, Biological ; Symbiosis ; *Models, Theoretical ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Local ecosystems and global agriculture are contingent upon the mutualistic relationship between pollinators and floral plants. In symbiosis, pollinators increase agricultural production by improving plant cross-pollination, genetic variety, crop quality, and yield. The potential impact on plant reproduction is particularly alarming due to the decline of pollinating insects. Habitat loss, diseases, climate change, pesticides, and predation have all contributed to the decline of pollinator species. High-speed wind is a significant factor that impacts the mutualistic relationship between plants and pollinators.

METHODS: Studying the dynamics of interactions between blooming plants and honeybee populations is crucial for addressing honeybee decline and ensuring sustainable ecosystems. This work employs mathematical modeling to analyze the dynamics of a blooming plant, honeybee population, and honey production symbiosis, with a special emphasis on the effect of high-speed wind flow.

RESULTS: The stability of various ecological equilibria has been investigated using dynamical system theory. Bifurcation phenomena, such as transcritical and Hopf bifurcations, have been discovered using bifurcation theory. Furthermore, the numerical results show that high wind flow can cause the extinction of the honeybee population and honey production.

CONCLUSIONS: Due to the rapid depletion of flowering plants and the high rate of wind speed, the populations of honeybees and blossoming plants are at risk of becoming unsustainable. However, the combination of reduced wind flow and increased symbiotic strengths can bolster the stability and sustainability of blooming plant-honeybee-honey production ecosystems. These findings inform conservation policies targeted toward protecting honeybees and increasing biodiversity.},
}

Animals
Bees/physiology
*Wind
Pollination
*Honey
Ecosystem
*Models, Biological
Symbiosis
*Models, Theoretical

@article {pmid42148643,
year = {2026},
author = {Galib, FA and Kafi, AA and Biswas, S and Hasnat, S and Sujon, MSP and Sakif, TI and Hoque, MN and Rahman, M and Rahman, MM and Alam, JM and Gupta, DR and Islam, T},
title = {Draft genome sequences of two Ralstonia mannitolilytica strains (H3G44 and H3G46) isolated from the gut of captured Tenualosa ilisha.},
journal = {Microbiology resource announcements},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0031026},
doi = {10.1128/mra.00310-26},
pmid = {42148643},
issn = {2576-098X},
abstract = {We report draft genome sequences of Ralstonia mannitolilytica strains H3G44 and H3G46 isolated from the gut of captured Tenualosa ilisha in Bangladesh. Oxford Nanopore sequencing generated 4.76 and 4.77 Mb assemblies (66% GC) in three and two contigs, revealing metabolic traits linked to possible iron acquisition, stress response, and potential symbiotic interactions.},
}

@article {pmid42149909,
year = {2026},
author = {Bonacolta, AM and Kravitz, T and Mozo, R and Baker, LJ and Heuer, RM and Grosell, M and Del Campo, J},
title = {Symbiotic bacteria may support calcium carbonate precipitation in the Gulf toadfish.},
journal = {PLoS biology},
volume = {24},
number = {5},
pages = {e3003764},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pbio.3003764},
pmid = {42149909},
issn = {1545-7885},
abstract = {Marine fish play a significant yet understudied role in the oceanic carbon cycle through the production of magnesium-rich calcium carbonate (CaCO3) precipitates known as ichthyocarbonates. These deposits form in the gut of marine teleost fish in response to salinity, serving as part of their osmoregulation strategy. Through this, marine fish may contribute as much as 9.04 Pg of CaCO3 per year in global new carbonate production, being equivalent to or potentially higher than the production by coccolithophores and pelagic foraminifera. Despite their ecological relevance, the biological mechanisms driving ichthyocarbonate precipitation remain to be fully resolved. Intriguingly, bacteria are consistently found in intimate association with ichthyocarbonate precipitates. Given the widespread capacity of prokaryotes to mediate CaCO3 precipitation, this association points to a previously unexplored microbial contribution to the process. To investigate the potential role of bacteria in ichthyocarbonate production, we subjected Gulf toadfish (Opsanus beta) to salinity treatments common to their native range and known to elicit changes in CaCO3 precipitation. To assess the respective contributions of the host and its microbiota to ichthyocarbonate formation in the gut, we characterized the microbiome across the toadfish gut and performed meta-transcriptomic analysis. Across the toadfish gut, we identify a high abundance of vibrios associated with ichthyocarbonates with the metabolic potential for CaCO3 precipitation. Specifically, we observe the expression of the transcriptional activator of urease (ureR) by Photobacterium damselae subsp. damselae, which can induce the precipitation of CaCO3 via the production of bicarbonate. We demonstrate that CaCO3 precipitation in marine fish may not solely be a host-driven process, but potentially the result of a functional symbiosis with gut-associated Vibrio bacteria. We hypothesize that just as photosymbionts enable corals to build reefs, fish hosts, along with their microbial partners, may synergistically contribute to oceanic carbonate production. This discovery, if confirmed, expands the role of symbiosis in marine biomineralization and underscores its broader influence on global biogeochemical cycles.},
}