@article {pmid41601388,
year = {2026},
author = {Brearley, FQ},
title = {Testing the importance of ectomycorrhizas and nutrients for the growth of dipterocarp seedlings in Borneo.},
journal = {American journal of botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e70155},
doi = {10.1002/ajb2.70155},
pmid = {41601388},
issn = {1537-2197},
support = {ORP-1//British Ecological Society/ ; },
abstract = {PREMISE: A number of ecologically important tropical trees form symbiotic ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungal associations including the Dipterocarpaceae, that dominate lowland forests of South-east Asia. Whilst numerous pot-based studies have focused on the importance of EcMs for dipterocarp seedling growth and performance, few field studies have been undertaken.

METHODS: In a 20-month field experiment in Malaysian Borneo, two species with contrasting light requirements-shade-tolerant Hopea nervosa and the more light-demanding Parashorea tomentella-were subjected to the factorial addition of fungicide (to reduce EcM colonization) and nutrients.

RESULTS: Fungicide addition reduced EcM colonization by a small but significant percentage. Reductions in foliar nitrogen, phosphorus, and chlorophyll concentrations in both species and in calcium and magnesium concentrations in H. nervosa did not translate into reduced biomass in either species. When given additional nutrients, H. nervosa had no increase in foliar nutrient concentrations or biomass, but P. tomentella had an increase in foliar nitrogen, phosphorus, and magnesium concentrations and more than doubled its biomass. When nutrients were added but EcM reduced, P. tomentella did not increase in biomass.

CONCLUSIONS: EcM fungi can play an important role in influencing dipterocarp seedling mineral nutrition, and P. tomentella may require EcMs to effectively utilize additional mineral nutrient sources. The importance of nutrient uptake for biomass production is less clear and may be confounded by the use of fungicide to control EcM colonization.},
}

@article {pmid41601343,
year = {2026},
author = {Yang, Q and Yan, J and Yang, Q},
title = {Metabolic reprogramming of efferocytosis in the tumour microenvironment: From apoptotic-cell clearance to therapeutic targeting.},
journal = {Clinical and translational medicine},
volume = {16},
number = {2},
pages = {e70601},
doi = {10.1002/ctm2.70601},
pmid = {41601343},
issn = {2001-1326},
support = {82360604//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2024YNLCYXZX0326//Yunnan Provincial Health Commission Clinical Medicine Center Research Project/ ; 2024YNLCYXZX0339//Yunnan Provincial Health Commission Clinical Medicine Center Research Project/ ; 202501AY070001-217//Yunnan Fundamental Research Kunming Medical University Projects/ ; YDYXJJ2025-0056//Yunnan University Medical Research Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Tumor Microenvironment/immunology/physiology ; *Apoptosis/physiology ; *Phagocytosis/physiology ; *Neoplasms/metabolism/immunology ; Animals ; Metabolic Reprogramming ; Efferocytosis ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Efferocytosis is a critical physiological process in which phagocytes clear apoptotic cells to maintain tissue homeostasis. However, within the tumour microenvironment (TME), this process is systematically hijacked by tumour cells, transforming it into a key pathological mechanism that drives immunosuppression, tumour progression and therapeutic resistance.

KEY FINDINGS: This review systematically elucidates the central role of metabolic reprogramming in this functional reversal, emphasising that efferocytosis is essentially an immunometabolic intersection process precisely regulated by metabolism. By releasing various metabolites such as ATP, lactate, adenosine and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), apoptotic tumour cells not only recruit tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) but also metabolically pre-program their functions, inducing polarisation towards a pro-tumourigenic M2-like phenotype. During the recognition stage, tumour cells exploit metabolic abnormalities, such as glycosylation and lipid oxidation, to modify surface 'eat-me/don't-eat-me' signals, thereby hijacking macrophage recognition and engulfment programs. Upon completion of engulfment, systemic reprogramming of amino acid, lipid and glucose metabolism occurs within macrophages. These metabolic alterations synergistically lock their immunosuppressive phenotype and establish a metabolic symbiosis between the tumour and stromal cells.

CONCLUSIONS: Based on these mechanisms, this review further explores translational strategies targeting the efferocytic-metabolic axis, aiming to reprogram the immunosuppressive efferocytosis into immune-activating events to overcome TME-mediated immunosuppression and enhance current therapeutic efficacy. By deeply dissecting the metabolic regulatory networks of efferocytosis, we aim to pave new directions for cancer immunotherapy, achieving a paradigm shift from 'metabolic hijacking' to 'metabolic interventional therapy'.},
}

Humans
*Tumor Microenvironment/immunology/physiology
*Apoptosis/physiology
*Phagocytosis/physiology
*Neoplasms/metabolism/immunology
Animals
Metabolic Reprogramming
Efferocytosis

@article {pmid41601318,
year = {2026},
author = {Muñoz-Hernández, J and Peralta-Maraver, I and Cavieres, G and Gutiérrez-Cortés, I and Rezende, EL and Rivera, DS},
title = {Phylosymbiosis and functional redundancy in the Drosophila (Diptera: Drosophilidae) gut microbiome and its implications for host fitness.},
journal = {Journal of insect science (Online)},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jisesa/ieaf114},
pmid = {41601318},
issn = {1536-2442},
support = {11190637//Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo Científico y Tecnológico/ ; 21241747//Universidad Mayor Doctoral Fellowship and the ANID National Doctoral Fellowship/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *Drosophila/microbiology/physiology/genetics/growth & development ; *Symbiosis ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/analysis ; Chile ; *Genetic Fitness ; Female ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {The gut microbiome plays a fundamental role in host ecophysiology. Numerous studies have examined microbiome composition and functionality to understand the ecological and evolutionary factors shaping host-microbe interactions. However, the consequences of these patterns for animal ecology remain poorly understood. Here, we examined how variations in the gut microbiome influence fitness differences among Drosophila species sharing a common dietary niche. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we analyzed the gut microbial taxonomy and predicted functional profiles of 4 Drosophila species collected in central Chile. Our results revealed a strong signal of phylosymbiosis in the microbial taxonomy, while functionality was highly redundant across the studied fly species. Functional biomarkers analysis indicated that the gut microbiome supports the nutritional requirements of D. simulans (Sturtevant), D. hydei (Sturtevant), and D. repleta (Wollaston); whereas, this was less evident in D. melanogaster (Meigen). To assess the potential contribution of the microbiome to host performance, we compared egg-to-adult viability between 2 species with the greatest physiological divergence: D. simulans and D. hydei. Notably, D. simulans exhibited significantly higher egg viability and shorter development time than D. hydei. Strikingly, the D. simulans microbiome contained more taxonomic and functional biomarkers previously demonstrated to enhance fly fitness, whereas the D. hydei microbiome harbored taxa and functions potentially detrimental to host performance. These findings suggest that the gut microbiome contributes to host fitness and may shape the evolutionary ecology of Drosophila species, with broader implications for community dynamics, including interspecific competition and species displacement.},
}

Animals
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
*Drosophila/microbiology/physiology/genetics/growth & development
*Symbiosis
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/analysis
Chile
*Genetic Fitness
Female
Phylogeny

@article {pmid41601046,
year = {2026},
author = {Wen, FF and Ma, QL and Guo, HR and Huang, Y and Zhang, X and Yao, YT and Li, DW and Yang, WD and Li, HY and Zou, LG},
title = {Unveiling zinc oxide nanoparticle toxicity in Symbiodinium kawagutii: Proteomic insights and coral reef implications.},
journal = {Ecotoxicology and environmental safety},
volume = {309},
number = {},
pages = {119615},
doi = {10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.119615},
pmid = {41601046},
issn = {1090-2414},
mesh = {*Zinc Oxide/toxicity ; Coral Reefs ; *Dinoflagellida/drug effects/metabolism/growth & development/physiology ; Proteomics ; *Water Pollutants, Chemical/toxicity ; Oxidative Stress/drug effects ; Photosynthesis/drug effects ; Animals ; *Metal Nanoparticles/toxicity ; Symbiosis/drug effects ; Anthozoa ; *Nanoparticles/toxicity ; Proteome/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Zinc oxide nanoparticles (nZnO), widely used as inorganic UV filters, are increasingly released into coastal waters, yet their mechanistic impacts on coral symbionts remain insufficiently resolved. Here, we evaluated nZnO toxicity in Symbiodinium kawagutii, a critical symbiotic alga in coral reefs, using proteomic profiling and cellular analyses. Results reveal that nZnO exposure significantly suppresses algal growth, disrupts photosynthesis, and induces oxidative stress, leading to cellular damage. Proteomic data indicate downregulation of essential photosynthetic proteins and upregulation of stress response proteins, reflecting profound metabolic disruptions. Cells also increased extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) production; together with evidence of surface association and zinc accumulation, this suggests a defensive response that may modulate particle-cell interactions and Zn[2+] dynamics. Collectively, these results indicate that nZnO can impair key physiological functions of S. kawagutii that underpin coral-algal symbiosis, supporting the need to incorporate nanomaterial contaminants into coastal monitoring and ecological risk assessment frameworks.},
}

*Zinc Oxide/toxicity
Coral Reefs
*Dinoflagellida/drug effects/metabolism/growth & development/physiology
Proteomics
*Water Pollutants, Chemical/toxicity
Oxidative Stress/drug effects
Photosynthesis/drug effects
Animals
*Metal Nanoparticles/toxicity
Symbiosis/drug effects
Anthozoa
*Nanoparticles/toxicity
Proteome/metabolism

@article {pmid41600440,
year = {2026},
author = {Suo, L and Wang, D and Zhou, W and Peng, X},
title = {Weighted Sum-Rate Maximization and Task Completion Time Minimization for Multi-Tag MIMO Symbiotic Radio Networks.},
journal = {Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {26},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/s26020644},
pmid = {41600440},
issn = {1424-8220},
abstract = {Symbiotic radio (SR) has recently emerged as a promising paradigm for enabling spectrum- and energy-efficient massive connectivity in low-power Internet-of-Things (IoT) networks. By allowing passive backscatter devices (BDs) to coexist with active primary link transmissions, SR significantly improves spectrum utilization without requiring dedicated spectrum resources. However, most existing studies on multi-tag multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) SR systems assume homogeneous traffic demands among BDs and primarily focus on rate-based performance metrics, while neglecting system-level task completion time (TCT) optimization under heterogeneous data requirements. In this paper, we investigate a joint performance optimization framework for a multi-tag MIMO symbiotic radio network. We first formulate a weighted sum-rate (WSR) maximization problem for the secondary backscatter links. The original non-convex WSR maximization problem is transformed into an equivalent weighted minimum mean square error (WMMSE) problem, and then solved by a block coordinate descent (BCD) approach, where the transmit precoding matrix, decoding filters, backscatter reflection coefficients are alternatively optimized. Second, to address the transmission delay imbalance caused by heterogeneous data sizes among BDs, we further propose a rate weight adaptive task TCT minimization scheme, which dynamically updates the rate weight of each BD to minimize the overall TCT. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed framework significantly improves the WSR of the secondary system without degrading the primary link performance, and achieves substantial TCT reduction in multi-tag heterogeneous traffic scenarios, validating its effectiveness and robustness for MIMO symbiotic radio networks.},
}

@article {pmid41600372,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, B and You, X and Liu, Y and Xu, J and Xu, S},
title = {Multi-Level Perception Systems in Fusion of Lifeforms: Classification, Challenges and Future Conceptions.},
journal = {Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {26},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/s26020576},
pmid = {41600372},
issn = {1424-8220},
support = {2024YFC3406302//the National Key R&D Program of China/ ; 12204273//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; ZR2024MF107//the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province, China/ ; 2017YFA0701302//the National Key R&D Program of China/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Brain-Computer Interfaces ; *Perception/physiology ; },
abstract = {The emerging paradigm of "fusion of lifeforms" represents a transformative shift from conventional human-machine interfaces toward deeply integrated symbiotic systems, where biological and artificial components co-adapt structurally, energetically, informationally, and cognitively. This review systematically classifies multi-level perception systems within fusion of lifeforms into four functional categories: sensory and functional restoration, beyond-natural sensing, endogenous state sensing, and cognitive enhancement. We survey recent advances in neuroprosthetics, sensory augmentation, closed-loop physiological monitoring, and brain-computer interfaces, highlighting the transition from substitution to fusion. Despite significant progress, critical challenges remain, including multi-source heterogeneous integration, bandwidth and latency limitations, power and thermal constraints, biocompatibility, and system-level safety. We propose future directions such as layered in-body communication networks, sustainable energy strategies, advanced biointerfaces, and robust safety frameworks. Ethical considerations regarding self-identity, neural privacy, and legal responsibility are also discussed. This work aims to provide a comprehensive reference and roadmap for the development of next-generation fusion of lifeforms, ultimately steering human-machine integration from episodic functional repair toward sustained, multi-level symbiosis between biological and artificial systems.},
}

Humans
*Brain-Computer Interfaces
*Perception/physiology

@article {pmid41598957,
year = {2026},
author = {Negri, I and Toledo, ME},
title = {Evolution of Insect Pollination Before Angiosperms and Lessons for Modern Ecosystems.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects17010103},
pmid = {41598957},
issn = {2075-4450},
abstract = {Insect pollination, a critical ecological process, pre-dates the emergence of angiosperms by nearly 200 million years, with fossil evidence indicating pollination interactions between insects and non-angiosperm seed plants during the Late Paleozoic. This review examines the symbiotic relationships between insects and gymnosperms in pre-angiosperm ecosystems, highlighting the complexity of these interactions. Fossil records suggest that the mutualistic relationships between insects and gymnosperms, which facilitated plant reproduction, were as intricate and diverse as the modern interactions between angiosperms and their pollinators, particularly bees. These early pollination systems likely involved specialized behaviors and plant adaptations, reflecting a sophisticated evolutionary dynamic long before the advent of flowering plants. The Anthropocene presents a dichotomy: while climate change and anthropogenic pressures threaten insect biodiversity and risk disrupting angiosperm reproduction, such upheaval may simultaneously generate opportunities for novel plant-insect interactions as ecological niches are vacated. Understanding the deep evolutionary history of pollination offers critical insight into the mechanisms underlying the resilience and adaptability of these mutualisms. The evolutionary trajectory of bees-originating from predatory wasps, diversifying alongside angiosperms, and reorganizing after mass extinctions-exemplifies this dynamic, demonstrating how pollination networks persist and reorganize under environmental stress and underscoring the enduring health, resilience, and adaptability of these essential ecological systems.},
}

@article {pmid41598908,
year = {2026},
author = {González-Peña, R and Hidalgo-Martínez, DO and Laredo-Tiscareño, SV and Huerta, H and de Luna-Santillana, EJ and Adame-Gallegos, JR and Rodríguez-Alarcón, CA and Rubio-Tabares, E and García-Rejón, JE and Muñoz-Ramírez, ZY and Tangudu, C and Garza-Hernández, JA},
title = {Characterization of the Bacteriome of Culicoides reevesi from Chihuahua, Northern Mexico: Symbiotic and Pathogenic Associations.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects17010052},
pmid = {41598908},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {419- 395 24-23//Secretaría de Ciencia, Humanidades, Tecnología e Innovación (SECIHTI)/ ; SIP20250075//Secretaría de Investigación y Posgrado from Instituto Politécnico Nacional/ ; },
abstract = {Culicoides biting midges are vectors of veterinary and zoonotic pathogens, yet the bacteriome of several species remains unexplored. Culicoides reevesi, a poorly studied species in northern Mexico, represents an opportunity to investigate microbial associations that may influence vector biology. Adults of C. reevesi were analyzed using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, followed by functional prediction with PICRUSt2. Heatmaps and pathway summaries were generated to highlight dominant taxa and functions. The bacteriome was dominated by Pseudomonadota, followed by Actinomycetota, Bacillota, and Bacteroidota. Symbiotic taxa such as Asaia and Cardinium were identified alongside potentially pathogenic bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Mycobacterium avium, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and Enterococcus faecalis. Functional predictions indicated metabolic versatility, with abundant pathways related to aerobic respiration, the TCA cycle, amino acid biosynthesis, and quorum sensing. Despite all samples being collected from the same site and date, apparent differences in bacterial composition were observed across pools, suggesting microhabitat or host-related variability. This study provides the first taxonomic and functional baseline of the C. reevesi bacteriome. The detection of both symbiotic and pathogenic bacteria highlights the dual ecological role of the microbiome in host fitness and pathogen transmission potential. In conclusion, we suggest that these microbial associations influence vector physiology and competence, providing a basis for future microbiome-based control strategies. These findings emphasize the importance of integrating microbiome analyses into entomological surveillance and vector control strategies in endemic regions.},
}

@article {pmid41598897,
year = {2025},
author = {Nie, Y and Yu, G and Hu, H},
title = {Niche Differentiation and Predicted Functions of Microbiomes in a Tri-Trophic Willow-Gall (Euura viminalis)-Parasitoid Wasp System.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects17010043},
pmid = {41598897},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {32560120//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Chalcidoids (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea), the most important natural enemies of parasitoids, serve as a pivotal factor in the regulation and management of pest populations. Microbiotas mediate interactions among plants, herbivores, and natural enemies and shape host immunity, parasitoid development, and gall formation; however, the niche-specific diversity and functions of tritrophic parasitoid-host-gall systems remain unclear. Focusing on leaf galls induced on twisted willow (Salix matsudana f. tortuosa) by the willow-galling sawfly Euura viminalis and on two chalcidoids, Eurytoma aethiops and Aprostocetus sp., we profiled bacterial and fungal microbiomes across plant surfaces, gall lumen, host larval tissues, and parasitoids using HTAS. Fungal diversity peaked on parasitoids but was depleted in the gall lumen and host tissues; bacterial richness showed the opposite trend, peaking in the gall lumen and decreasing on parasitoids. In networks contrasted by kingdom, fungi showed positive interface-hub connectivity (Cladosporium, Alternaria), whereas bacteria showed negative hub-mediated associations (Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter), indicating habitat-specific replacements: exposed niches favored transport, two-component, secretion-motility and energy functions, whereas the gall lumen reduced transport/motility but selectively retained N/S metabolism; and in host tissues, information processing and nitrogen respiration were highlighted. These results inform microbiome-guided parasitoid biocontrol.},
}

@article {pmid41597716,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, Y and Li, D and Li, Y and Wang, X and Zhang, W and Wen, X and Liu, Z and Feng, Y and Yin, W and Yang, C and Zhang, X},
title = {Characterization of Seed Endophytic Microbiota in Pinus massoniana.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms14010199},
pmid = {41597716},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {2022ZD04016//STI 2030－Major Projects/ ; CAFYBB2020SZ008//Fundamental Research Funds of Research Institute of Forest New Technology, CAF/ ; },
abstract = {Seed endophytic microbiota are crucial for plant early development and stress resistance. Pinus massoniana is a key ecological and economic tree species in China, yet it is severely threatened by pine wilt disease (PWD). However, the community composition of P. massoniana seed endophytic microbiota and the persistent symbiosis formed via vertical transmission in seeds remain unclear. We analyzed the endophytic bacterial and fungal microbiota of P. massoniana seeds from four geographic regions using high-throughput 16S rRNA and ITS sequencing to characterize community structure, diversity, and functional potential, providing a basis for endophytic microbiota-based strategies to enhance resistance to PWD. Results showed that both alpha and beta diversity analyses indicated that seed endophytic microbial communities of P. massoniana differed among regions. Bacterial communities were dominated by Pseudomonadota (phylum), Gammaproteobacteria (class), and the genera Klebsiella, norank_f_Pectobacteriaceae, and Lactobacillus. Fungal communities were primarily composed of Ascomycota and Basidiomycota (phylum), Sordariomycetes (class), and the genera Rosellinia, Aspergillus, and Coniophora. Correlation network analysis revealed that fungal networks were characterized by a higher proportion of positive correlations, whereas bacterial networks were more complex. Notably, several genera detected in seeds, including Pseudomonas, Bacillus, and Trichoderma, have also been reported in mature P. massoniana tissues, indicating a potential for putative vertical transmission from mother plants. Functional prediction further suggested that these taxa were enriched in pathways related to terpenoid and polyketide metabolism and saprotrophic functions, which have been implicated in PWD resistance and have been previously reported to exert nematode-suppressive or plant growth-promoting effects. Overall, this study elucidates the community structure and ecological characteristics of seed endophytic microbiota in P. massoniana and identifies potentially beneficial microbial taxa, providing potential support for the future utilization of P. massoniana endophytic microbiota in PWD research.},
}

@article {pmid41597691,
year = {2026},
author = {Ye, Y and Zhao, Y and Wang, N and Tang, R and Huang, Z and Li, S and Li, M and Zhang, C and Jiang, F},
title = {Deciphering Molecular Pathways of Bletilla striata Seeds Symbiotic Germination with Tulasnella sp. bj1.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms14010174},
pmid = {41597691},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {2021ZX008//the financial support of the Science and Technology Plan of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Zhejiang Province/ ; },
abstract = {Orchid seed germination requires symbiotic association with mycorrhizal fungi that provide essential nutrients for germination and subsequent growth. Extensive research has elucidated the pivotal role of the mycorrhizal fungus Tulasnella sp. in the modulation of seed germination and growth processes in Bletilla striata (Thunb.) Reiehb.f. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this symbiosis remain poorly characterized. Our integrated transcriptomic-metabolomic analysis of symbiotic germination revealed that co-cultivation of Tulasnella sp. bj1 with B. striata seeds significantly downregulates the expression of plant-derived flavonoid biosynthetic genes, with flavonoid degradation potentially alleviating germination and growth inhibition. The bj1 strain modulates indoleacetic acid (IAA) biosynthesis in B. striata by upregulating the expression of plant-derived tryptophan decarboxylase (TDC) in the tryptophan pathway and hydrolytic enzymes (NtAMI) in the indoleacetamide pathway, with elevated IAA potentially contributing to seed germination and growth. Moreover, bj1 suppresses the jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthetic pathway of B. striata by downregulating key plant-derived biosynthetic genes, concurrently promoting the accumulation of 12-hydroxyjasmonic acid-a metabolite associated with plant immune regulation that may favor colonization and symbiotic establishment with B. striata seeds. Additionally, bj1 induces the expression of polysaccharide-degrading enzymes, potentially improving carbon source utilization to support protocorm development. In conclusion, bj1 modulates the immune response of B. striata seeds, facilitating the establishment of a symbiotic relationship. Subsequently, the germination and growth of B. striata seeds are enhanced through reduced flavonoid accumulation, increased IAA synthesis, and improved carbon source utilization. Consequently, this investigation provides a crucial foundation for elucidating mechanisms governing symbiotic germination in B. striata.},
}

@article {pmid41597634,
year = {2026},
author = {Nishu, SD and No, JH and Wee, GN and Lee, TK},
title = {A Drought-Activated Bacterial Symbiont Enhances Legume Resilience Through Coordinated Amino Acid Metabolism.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms14010114},
pmid = {41597634},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {2020R1C1C1006249//National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; },
abstract = {Drought stress severely impacts agricultural productivity, yet mechanisms underlying microbial enhancement of plant drought tolerance remain poorly understood. This study investigated whether Sphingobacterium nripensae DR205 exhibits drought-specific plant growth promotion through conditional metabolic activation. We combined plant cultivation experiments, genome sequencing, and comparative transcriptomics to evaluate DR205 responses under normal and drought conditions with or without root exudates. DR205 showed minimal growth promotion under normal conditions but enhanced plant biomass by 74-344% specifically under drought stress. Genome analysis revealed complete pathways for both stress tolerance (osmolyte biosynthesis and antioxidant systems) and plant interaction (IAA production and nutrient mobilization). Transcriptomics uncovered dramatic metabolic reprogramming under drought, with branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) biosynthesis genes shifting from 27-fold suppression under root exudates to 17-fold upregulation under drought. Lysine biosynthesis showed similar drought-specific activation patterns. Critically, drought signals overrode plant signals maintaining BCAA activation regardless of root exudate presence and ensuring metabolic investment in plant support occurred specifically during water deficit. This conditional mutualism represents a novel bacterial strategy where plant support is selectively activated during environmental stress. These findings challenge conventional PGPR paradigms and offer new approaches for developing climate-resilient agricultural systems through targeted application of stress-responsive beneficial microbes.},
}

@article {pmid41597618,
year = {2026},
author = {Yuan, X and Qin, H and Wang, Y and Wu, S and Zhang, Z and Fan, M and Li, L and Tian, L and Fu, Y},
title = {Coupled Effects of Tree Species and Understory Morel on Modulating Soil Microbial Communities and Nutrient Dynamics.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms14010099},
pmid = {41597618},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {SZKJXM202215//Suzhou Science and Technology Plan Project 2022/ ; 2023AH040313//Anhui University Scientific Research Project 2023/ ; },
abstract = {Morel mushrooms (Morchella spp.) are highly prized for their culinary and economic value. Understory cultivation, leveraging the symbiotic relationship between morels and trees, has gained increasing popularity. However, the effects of this practice on belowground microbial communities and nutrient dynamics remain poorly understood. In this study, we examined how understory cultivation of morels (Morchella sextelata) under five different tree species affects soil bacterial and fungal communities, as well as nutrient availability and mineral element content. The results revealed that soil physicochemical properties responded variably to morel cultivation under different tree species. Notably, understory morel cultivation reduced soil NO3[-]-N by 38-67% across tree species, whereas NH4[+]-N remained stable, reflecting the distinct nutrient preference of Morchella and associated trees, and suggesting targeted nitrate fertilization could mitigate nitrogen limitations. Understory cultivation significantly increased soil mineral elements, with Zelkova serrata (Z. serrata) showing the highest concentrations, elevating available potassium (AK), calcium (ECa), manganese (AMn) and boron (AB) by approximately 20%, 13%, 30%, and 168%, highlighting its potential for soil quality improvement. Microbial community composition was also significantly altered, with fungal communities exhibiting more pronounced shifts than bacterial communities, likely due to their closer ecological associations with morels. Importantly, Z. serrata markedly promoted microbial-mediated soil carbon and nitrogen accumulation, driven by mineral binding, root secretions and soil pH value. These findings enhance understanding of belowground effects of morel understory cultivation, revealing that select tree species like Z. serrata can improve soil quality and nutrient cycling, while targeted nitrate fertilization supports sustaining morel cultivation systems.},
}

@article {pmid41597611,
year = {2025},
author = {Ghareeb, RY and Eid, SM and Alfy, H and Elsheikh, MH},
title = {Repercussions of Symbiotic Bacteria Associated with Entomopathogenic Nematodes and Their Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles on Immune Responses at Root-Knot Nematode Suppression.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms14010092},
pmid = {41597611},
issn = {2076-2607},
abstract = {Root-knot nematodes (RKNs) of the Meloidogyne genus impact various plants, including crops, fruits, and vegetables. Few chemical control options exist globally, and many nematicides are banned due to health and environmental risks. This study tested a new nematicidal agent, the symbiotic bacterium Xenorhabdus indica, which was molecularly identified (PV845100). Cell-free culture supernatants of Xenorhabdus spp. and their biogenic Ag-NPs were used in nematicidal assays. Meloidogyne incognita showed high mortality rates of 95.3%, 74.6%, and 72.6% after 72 h of treatment with the X. indica filtrate at three concentrations. At the same concentrations, biogenic Ag-NPs resulted in 82.0%, 90.0%, and 85.3% mortality rates, respectively. After 72 h, hatchability decreased by 53%, 74.6%, and 72.6% for the X. indica filtrate and 82.0%, 90.0%, and 85.3% for Ag-NPs. Quantitative real-time PCR (Q-PCR) revealed that Mi-Ache1 expression was lower in M. incognita second-stage juveniles (J2s) treated with the filtrate and Ag-NPs after 72 h compared to controls. Mi-Ache2 expression was also decreased, but only slightly. Furthermore, both the X. indica filtrate and biogenic Ag-NPs were safe in human lung (WI-38) and skin (HFB4) cell lines. These findings suggest that bacterial filtrates and their biogenic Ag-NPs could serve as cost-effective, environmentally friendly alternatives to commercial nematicides.},
}

@article {pmid41597576,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, L and Zhao, Y},
title = {The Response of Substrate Microbial Communities to the Addition of Mineral Nutrients During the Growth Period of Straw Mushroom Volvariella volvacea.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms14010056},
pmid = {41597576},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {No. 2024YFD1200204//National Key R&D Program of China/ ; No. 21N51900500//Shanghai Committee of Science and Technology/ ; 2020-02-08-00-12-F01479//Shanghai Agricultural Commission Program/ ; KFKT2023-03//the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genetics and Breeding/ ; },
abstract = {Volvariella volvacea were grown on an abandoned cotton-based substrate, which was divided into two conditions: a group with added nutrients (N3P3) and a control group (CK). Using metagenomic sequencing technology, the study investigated the effect of nutrient addition during the growth process of V. volvacea on the microbial community and metabolic pathways of the substrate. The study found that the main bacteria in the N3P3 group were Proteus and Microsporidium, while in the CK group, Bacillus marinosus and Microsporidium globosa were more common. At all stages of V. volvacea growth, Proteobacteria and Firmicutes dominated. Metabolic function analysis showed that the N3P3 group significantly increased amino acid metabolism, nitrogen metabolism, genetic information processing, and cellular processes, while reducing the contents of pathogenic and saprophytic symbiotic fungi. Nitrogen metabolism, phosphorus metabolism, and carbon metabolism were closely related to the growth of V. volvacea, and nutrient addition significantly improved microbial community diversity and metabolic levels, which can be used as a substrate optimization formula. This is of great significance for the development of sustainable agriculture.},
}

@article {pmid41596418,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, J and Zeng, NK and Zhang, X},
title = {Tuber Inoculation Drives Rhizosphere Microbiome Assembly and Metabolic Reprogramming in Corylus.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {27},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms27020768},
pmid = {41596418},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {2019RC185 and 320RC597//Natural Science Foundation of HainanProvince/ ; (2024)171//Project of Science and Technology Programs of Guizhou Province/ ; Gui(2024)TG12//Project of Central Government Financial Fund for Forest Reform and Development/ ; },
mesh = {*Rhizosphere ; *Microbiota ; Mycorrhizae/physiology ; Symbiosis ; Plant Roots/microbiology/metabolism ; Metabolomics/methods ; *Plant Tubers/microbiology/metabolism ; Soil Microbiology ; Metabolic Reprogramming ; },
abstract = {To elucidate the potential of integrated multi-omics approaches for studying systemic mechanisms of mycorrhizal fungi in mediating plant-microbe interactions, this study employed the Tuber-inoculated Corylus system as a model to demonstrate how high-throughput profiling can investigate how fungal inoculation reshapes the rhizosphere microbial community and correlates with host metabolism. A pot experiment was conducted comparing inoculated (CTG) and non-inoculated (CK) plants, followed by integrated multi-omics analysis involving high-throughput sequencing (16S/ITS), functional prediction (PICRUSt2/FUNGuild), and metabolomics (UPLC-MS/MS). The results demonstrated that inoculation significantly restructured the fungal community, establishing Tuber as a dominant symbiotic guild and effectively suppressing pathogenic fungi. Although bacterial alpha diversity remained stable, the functional profile shifted markedly toward symbiotic support, including antibiotic biosynthesis and environmental adaptation. Concurrently, root metabolic reprogramming occurred, characterized by upregulation of strigolactones and downregulation of gibberellin A5, suggesting a potential "symbiosis-priority" strategy wherein carbon allocation shifted from structural growth to energy storage, and plant defense transitioned from broad-spectrum resistance to targeted regulation. Multi-omics correlation analysis further revealed notable associations between microbial communities and root metabolites, proposing a model in which Tuber acts as a core regulator that collaborates with the host to assemble a complementary micro-ecosystem. In summary, the integrated approach successfully captured multi-level changes, suggesting that Tuber-Corylus symbiosis constitutes a fungus-driven process that transforms the rhizosphere from a competitive state into a mutualistic state, thereby illustrating the role of mycorrhizal fungi as "ecosystem engineers" and providing a methodological framework for green agriculture research.},
}

*Rhizosphere
*Microbiota
Mycorrhizae/physiology
Symbiosis
Plant Roots/microbiology/metabolism
Metabolomics/methods
*Plant Tubers/microbiology/metabolism
Soil Microbiology
Metabolic Reprogramming

@article {pmid41595563,
year = {2025},
author = {Hulin, A and Rifflet, A and Castelli, F and Giai Gianetto, Q and Fenaille, F and Aissat, A and Matondo, M and Fellahi, S and Tournigand, C and Junot, C and Sansonetti, P and Gomperts-Boneca, I and Mestivier, D and Sobhani, I},
title = {Potential Impact of Microbial Dysbiosis and Tryptophan Metabolites in Advanced Stages of Colorectal Cancer.},
journal = {Biomedicines},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biomedicines14010026},
pmid = {41595563},
issn = {2227-9059},
support = {Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer 2004 financement de la cohorte CCR//LNCC/ ; },
abstract = {Background/Objectives: We conducted an untargeted metabolomic study in serum, urine, and fecal water in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients compared to healthy controls. The aim was to define the interactions between metabolites and microbiota. Methods: Effluents were collected before colonoscopy. Metabolites were analyzed using LC-HRMS. Bioinformatics analyses included Limma test, along with spectral house and public databases for annotations. Whole-genome shotgun sequencing was performed on fecal samples. Species-metabolite interactions were calculated using Spearman correlation. Interleukins and inflammatory proteins were measured. Results: Fifty-three patients (11 stage I, 10 stage II, 10 stage III, and 22 stage IV) and twenty controls were included. Derivatives of deoxycholic acid, cholic acid, and fatty acids were lower in serum, while urinary bile acids were higher in stage IV CRC patients (versus controls). Metabolites related to tryptophan and glutamate were found significantly altered in stage IV: upregulation of kynurenine and downregulation of indole pathways. This was linked to increased inflammatory protein and microbial metabolites and to the imbalance between virulent pro-inflammatory bacteria (Escherichia and Desulfovibrio) and symbiotic (Ruminococcus and Bifidobacterium) bacteria. Conclusions: E. coli-related tryptophan catabolism shift is shown through stage IV CRC as compared to controls. As a consequence, tryptophan/kynurenine metabolite may become a promising marker for detecting the failure to immune response during therapy.},
}

@article {pmid41594931,
year = {2026},
author = {Han, D and Yang, C and Bao, L and Dong, L and He, H and Tang, P and Zhang, Y and Xiong, F and Liu, H and Yang, S},
title = {Comprehensive Metabolomic-Transcriptomic Analysis of the Regulatory Effects of Armillaria mellea Source Differences on Secondary Metabolism in Gastrodia elata.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {15},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biology15020196},
pmid = {41594931},
issn = {2079-7737},
abstract = {Armillaria mellea (A. mellea) serves as a crucial nutritional source for Gastrodia elata (GE) growth, and its origin directly influences the GE quality and yield. This study analyzed GE symbiotic with A. mellea from different sources using metabolomics and transcriptomics. Results demonstrated that Group A exhibited significant differences in metabolites and gene expression compared to other groups. Group A showed significantly higher accumulation of active components like gastrodin and p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol than others, but its yield was lower than Group B. Metabolomic analysis identified 2418 metabolites, while transcriptomic sequencing produced 964,110,904 clean reads, with 14,637 annotated transcripts. KEGG analysis revealed that Group A's DEGs and DEMs were co-enriched in three key pathways, including flavonoid biosynthesis, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and plant hormone signal transduction, such as the positive regulatory roles of key genes (CHS, 4CL, MYC2) on metabolites such as hesperetin, ferulate, and jasmonic acid, respectively. The coordinated upregulation of gene-metabolite interactions in Group A GE may be closely related to the accumulation of major active components, indirectly suggesting the influence of the A. mellea source on metabolic and transcriptional response differences in GE. This study, centered on the host GE, indirectly deduces the association between A. mellea and GE, providing a theoretical basis for screening high-quality "fungus-GE" combinations. Further in-depth research and validation experiments will be conducted in conjunction with fungal omics.},
}

@article {pmid41594929,
year = {2026},
author = {Duan, M and Dai, Q and Luo, W and Fu, Y and Feng, B and Zhou, H},
title = {Response Strategies of Giant Panda, Red Panda, and Forest Musk Deer to Human Disturbance in Sichuan Liziping National Nature Reserve.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {15},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biology15020194},
pmid = {41594929},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {32470538//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {The persistent expansion in the intensity and scope of human disturbance has become a key driver of global biodiversity loss, affecting wildlife behavior and population stability across multiple dimensions. As a characteristic symbiotic assemblage in the subalpine forest ecosystems of Sichuan, the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), red panda (Ailurus fulgens), and forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii) exhibit significant research value in their responses to human disturbance. However, existing studies lack systematic analysis of multiple disturbances within the same protected area. This study was conducted in the Sichuan Liziping National Nature Reserve, where infrared camera traps were deployed using a kilometer-grid layout. By integrating spatiotemporal pattern analysis and Generalized Additive Models (GAM), we investigated the characteristics of human disturbance and the response strategies of the three species within their habitats. The results show that: (1) A total of seven types of human disturbance were identified in the reserve, with the top three by frequency being cattle disturbance, goat disturbance, and walking disturbance; (2) Temporally, summer and winter were high-occurrence seasons for disturbance, with peaks around 12:00-14:00, while the giant panda exhibited a bimodal diurnal activity pattern (10:00-12:00, 14:00-16:00), the red panda peaked mainly at 8:00-10:00, and the forest musk deer preferred crepuscular and nocturnal activity-all three species displayed activity rhythms that temporally avoided peak disturbance periods; (3) Spatially, giant pandas were sparsely distributed, red pandas showed aggregated distribution, and forest musk deer exhibited a multi-core distribution, with the core distribution areas of each species spatially segregated from high-disturbance zones; (4) GAM analysis revealed that the red panda responded most significantly to disturbance, the giant panda showed marginal significance, and the forest musk deer showed no significant response. This study systematically elucidates the spatiotemporal differences in responses to multiple human disturbances among three sympatric species within the same landscape, providing a scientific basis for the management of human activities, habitat optimization, and synergistic biodiversity conservation in protected areas. It holds practical significance for promoting harmonious coexistence between human and wildlife.},
}

@article {pmid41594894,
year = {2026},
author = {Dvoretsky, AG and Dvoretsky, VG},
title = {New Records of Symbiotic Amphipods on Red King Crabs in the Coastal Barents Sea.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {15},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biology15020160},
pmid = {41594894},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {//Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation/ ; },
abstract = {Monitoring epibiotic communities on the invasive red king crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus) in the Barents Sea is crucial for understanding the co-adaptation between this species and the local benthic fauna. Red king crabs were collected during regular diving surveys conducted in the coastal Barents Sea in 2015, 2021, and 2022. A detailed examination revealed the presence of two amphipod species, Metopa pusilla and Crassicorophium bonellii, which were not previously documented as epibionts on this host. With these additions, the total number of epibiotic amphipods on Barents Sea red king crabs rises to nine species (versus two in the native Sea of Okhotsk). Amphipod colonization was skewed toward large males, likely reflecting their greater migratory behavior. The prevalence of Metopa pusilla ranged from 1.9% to 4.3%, with a mean intensity of one individual per infested crab; Crassicorophium bonellii exhibited prevalence of 4.7-14.3% and mean intensity of 1.3-3.3 individuals. The primary colonization sites were the carapace and limbs. Given the low infestation parameters and the epibionts' localization away from critical structures like the gills and egg clutches, it is concluded that these amphipods pose a negligible risk to host health.},
}

@article {pmid41594860,
year = {2026},
author = {Carvajal-Rodríguez, A},
title = {Life as a Categorical Information-Handling System: An Evolutionary Information-Theoretic Model of the Holobiont.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {15},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biology15020125},
pmid = {41594860},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {ED431C 2024/22//Xunta de Galicia/ ; PID2022-137935NB-I00//Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades/ ; ED431G 2023/07//Centro singular de investigación de Galicia/ ; },
abstract = {Living systems can be understood as organized entities that capture, transform, and reproduce information. Classical gene-centered models explain adaptation through frequency changes driven by differential fitness, yet they often overlook the higher-order organization and causal closure that characterize living systems. Here we revisit several evolutionary frameworks, from the replicator equation to group selection and holobiont dynamics, and show that evolutionary change in population frequencies can be expressed as a Jeffreys divergence. Building on this foundation, we introduce a categorical model of Information Handlers (IHs), entities capable of self-maintenance, mutation, and combination. This abstract architecture illustrates the usefulness of category theory for framing evolutionary processes that range from very simple to highly complex. The same categorical scheme can represent basic allele-frequency change as well as more elaborate scenarios involving reproductive interactions, symbiosis, and other organizational layers. A key feature of the framework is that different levels of evolutionary change can be summarized through a measure that quantifies the information generated, thereby distinguishing diverse types of evolutionary transformation, such as individual and sexual selection, mate choice, or even holobiont selection. Finally, we show that the informational partition associated with host-microbiome pairings in holobionts generalizes the information-theoretic structure previously developed for non-random mating, revealing a common underlying architecture across biological scales.},
}

@article {pmid41594849,
year = {2026},
author = {Zheng, Z and Lucas, JR and Zhang, C and Sun, C},
title = {Do Symbiotic Microbes Drive Chemical Divergence Between Colonies in the Pratt's Leaf-Nosed Bat, Hipposideros pratti?.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {15},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biology15020114},
pmid = {41594849},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {32400377//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32300392//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; C2023205017//Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province/ ; C2023205010//Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province/ ; BJ2025044//Science Research Project of Hebei Education Department/ ; C20230345//Hebei Province to introduce overseas students funding project/ ; },
abstract = {Host odour may be affected by symbiotic microbes that produce metabolites. As a result, chemical signal production may be influenced. Few studies to date have assessed how symbiotic microbes influence variation in geography of animal chemical signals. This is important because chemical signal divergence can affect mate choice, species recognition, and ultimately speciation in a broad range of animals. However, the underlying driving forces of chemical signal divergence are still rather poorly understood. To study chemical signals, bats provide a good model system because they are such social mammals. Because males roost in dark spaces during the daytime, they rely on chemical and acoustic signals. We identified three colonies across a large geographic area and collected male forehead gland secretions from Pratt's leaf-nosed bats (Hipposideros pratti). We examined the role symbiotic microbes played in potential variation in the geography of chemical signals. We observed significant colony-level differences in compound categories and in the amount of specific compounds. We also found significant colony-level differences in forehead gland microbiota. However, there was no significant relationship between bat-gland bacterial community composition and variation in chemical composition across colonies. These results suggest that bacterial communities may fail to shape the chemical signalling profiles of the different colonies in Pratt's leaf-nosed bats.},
}

@article {pmid41594709,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, T and Feng, P and Alexander, PG and Lee, JY and Sowa, GA and Vo, NV},
title = {Lactate Metabolism in the Intervertebral Disc: Mechanistic Insights and Pathological Implications.},
journal = {Biomolecules},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biom16010170},
pmid = {41594709},
issn = {2218-273X},
support = {1R01AR081234-22/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Intervertebral Disc/metabolism/pathology ; *Lactic Acid/metabolism ; *Intervertebral Disc Degeneration/metabolism/pathology ; Animals ; Glycolysis ; Nucleus Pulposus/metabolism/pathology ; },
abstract = {The intervertebral disc (IVD) is the largest avascular structure in the human body, and its nucleus pulposus (NP) cells predominantly generate large amounts of lactate through glycolysis, accompanied by an acidic microenvironment-features that represent characteristic metabolic traits of disc cells. In recent years, knowledge of the biological roles of lactate has undergone a conceptual shift. On the one hand, lactate can serve as a context-dependent auxiliary biofuel in specific regions of the IVD, particularly within annulus fibrosus (AF) regions adjacent to the NP. On the other hand, lactate functions in disc cells as a signaling molecule and a metabolic-epigenetic regulator, influencing transcriptional programs through lactylation and modulating multiple molecular pathways associated with cellular stress adaptation and fate determination. This review summarizes current knowledge on lactate production, transport, and clearance in the intervertebral disc, as well as emerging evidence for the roles of lactate in disc health and pathophysiology. In addition, we outline research perspectives and future directions aimed at advancing our understanding of lactate biology and evaluating its potential as a therapeutic target for intervertebral disc degeneration.},
}

Humans
*Intervertebral Disc/metabolism/pathology
*Lactic Acid/metabolism
*Intervertebral Disc Degeneration/metabolism/pathology
Animals
Glycolysis
Nucleus Pulposus/metabolism/pathology

@article {pmid41594402,
year = {2026},
author = {Sun, J and Ju, H and Du, X and Xu, C and Chang, MS and Liu, Z and Li, X},
title = {An Annotated Checklist of Symbiotic Copepods of Mollusks in the Global Oceans: A Review of Diversity, Hosts and Geographical Distributions.},
journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI},
volume = {16},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ani16020212},
pmid = {41594402},
issn = {2076-2615},
support = {D2025204008//Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province/ ; YJ2020020//Scientific Research Project for Talented Scholars of Hebei Agricultural University/ ; 2021KY15//Innovation and Entrepreneurship Project of the Ocean College, Hebei Agricultural University/ ; 32300422//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Symbiotic copepods have a wide host group, including not only invertebrates but also vertebrates, with variable symbiotic sites and morphological characteristics. Even though symbiotic copepods exhibit remarkable diversity, our knowledge of them is still very limited, causing significant lacunae in our understanding of their taxonomic characteristics, host associations, and geographical distributions. To fill these knowledge gaps, we have compiled a comprehensive list of symbiotic copepods and their molluscan hosts in the global oceans based on an extensive literature review. The inventory provides a comprehensive synthesis of the diversity, hosts, and geographical distributions of the symbiotic copepods. This review summarizes information on copepods symbiotic with mollusks from 1863 to 2025. Our compilation records a total of 342 symbiotic copepod species associated with more than 435 species of mollusks. This total includes some copepod species for which no specific host has been identified. For each copepod species, we provide details on its hosts, geographical distributions and the original references.},
}

@article {pmid41592659,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, K and Tong, L and Zhao, Y and Zhang, J and Yan, Y and Ji, H and Sheng, J and Zhao, C and Wang, H},
title = {Combined use of microalgae-bacteria-fungi symbionts with 5-deoxystrigol to increase the removal of nutrients and antibiotics from swine wastewater during different breeding periods.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {134090},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2026.134090},
pmid = {41592659},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {This study evaluated four microalgae-based technologies for nutrient (total nitrogen, TN; total phosphorus, TP; chemical oxygen demand, COD) and six antibiotic removal from swine wastewater across four breeding periods. Using Chlorella pyrenoidosa (C. pyrenoidosa), Bacillus cereus (B. cereus), and Rhizopus oryzae (R. oryzae), we established monoculture, binary co-cultures, and tripartite co-culture (Treatment 4). Treatment 4 outperformed the other treatments in the late fattening stage and non-pregnant sow stage, achieving TN removal of 89.67 ± 5.45%, TP removal of 87.58 ± 6.64%, COD removal of 92.58 ± 4.71%, and antibiotic removal of 88.54-96.35% (P < 0.05). Adding 5-deoxystrigol (5-DS) at 10[-6] M maximized the efficiency, increasing the TN, TP, COD, and Oxytetracycline (OTC) removal efficiencies by 3.81-4.67% compared to those of the control (P < 0.05). This system provides a standardized solution for intensive treatment of swine wastewater.},
}

@article {pmid41592653,
year = {2026},
author = {Ayed, L and Dhif, H and Torjmèn, S and Chaieb, K},
title = {Optimization of physicochemical and antimicrobial properties of functional kombucha beverage sweetened with dried fruits using simplex centroid mixture and Plackett-Burman designs.},
journal = {Journal of microbiological methods},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {107408},
doi = {10.1016/j.mimet.2026.107408},
pmid = {41592653},
issn = {1872-8359},
abstract = {Traditional foods and beverages represent alternative strategies to counteract bacterial virulence. The fermentation of tea, sugar, supplemented with a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) produces kombucha beverage, which offers several health advantages and is similar to soft drinks. This study investigates the effect of various fermentation factors on the growth levels of Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, total phenolic content and antimicrobial activities of Green Tea, Black Tea and Moringa kombucha beverage (GTBTMK) prepared with a starter SCOBY culture. Formulation of kombucha beverage was optimized using a Simplex-Centroid Mixture Design and Plackett-Burman Design. The best optimized kombucha formulation (18.98 g/L; Dried Apricot was 20 g/L; Dried plum was 10 g/L, Dried Grape was 20 g/L,11.763 g/L Green tea, 0.01238 g/L Black tea and 8.1127 g/L Moringa) contain a high phenolic content of 86.79 mg GAE/mL and exhibited a significant antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus ATCC 11778, Micrococcus luteus NCIMB 8166 and Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Candida albicans ATCC 90028, Cryptococcus neoformans ATCC 14116, Aspergillus brasiliensis ATCC 16404 (Inhibition zone more than 20 mm). This research provides new insights into the development of innovative, functional kombucha beverage potentially expanding the spectrum of health-promoting fermented drinks available to consumers.},
}

@article {pmid41591679,
year = {2026},
author = {Xue, Y and Wang, W and Lu, Y and Chen, J and Zhang, G and Liu, W and Wan, F and He, Z and Zhang, Y},
title = {Genetic Diversity and Endosymbiont Infection Patterns of the Greenhouse Whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum, in China.},
journal = {Neotropical entomology},
volume = {55},
number = {1},
pages = {3},
pmid = {41591679},
issn = {1678-8052},
support = {110202401016(LS-06)//Major Special Projects for Green Pest Control, China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/microbiology/genetics ; China ; *Symbiosis ; *Genetic Variation ; Phylogeny ; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics ; Haplotypes ; },
abstract = {The greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), is a globally invasive pest that affects both horticultural and agricultural systems, causing substantial economic losses. However, comprehensive studies on its invasion genetics and associated symbiotic landscape in China are lacking. In this study, we analyzed the genetic diversity based on the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene and examined the infection patterns of six key secondary endosymbionts in 1702 individuals from 73 populations across 18 provinces in China. Phylogenetic analysis incorporating global sequences revealed that Chinese populations are comprised of ten haplotypes. Genetic diversity was extremely low, with haplotype H1 being overwhelmingly dominant (97.60% of individuals) and shared with global invasive lineages. Endosymbiont screening showed a high prevalence of Arsenophonus (78.56%) and Hamiltonella (44.98%), with frequent co-infections. These results suggest that the widespread invasion of T. vaporariorum in China likely originated from a limited number of founder individuals, resulting in a significant genetic bottleneck. The invasion success appears to be associated with a "genotype-symbiotype complex"-the dominant H1 maternal lineage combined with a beneficial symbiotic toolkit. These findings provide insights into the invasion dynamics of this pest and implications for targeted control strategies.},
}

Animals
*Hemiptera/microbiology/genetics
China
*Symbiosis
*Genetic Variation
Phylogeny
Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics
Haplotypes

@article {pmid41591199,
year = {2026},
author = {Kelman, MJ and Renaud, JB and Tanney, JB and Machado, M and Sumarah, MW},
title = {High-Resolution LC-MS Characterization of Ramaria flavobrunnescens, a Coral Mushroom Toxic to Livestock, Reveals Fungal, Bacterial, and Eucalyptus Tree Metabolites.},
journal = {Toxins},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/toxins18010053},
pmid = {41591199},
issn = {2072-6651},
mesh = {*Eucalyptus/metabolism ; Animals ; Chromatography, Liquid ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; Livestock ; Secondary Metabolism ; *Agaricales/metabolism ; *Bacteria/metabolism ; Metabolomics ; Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry ; },
abstract = {Ramaria flavobrunnescens is an ectomycorrhizal coral mushroom that is often found growing in eucalyptus forests. The mushroom has been linked to accidental ingestion-associated livestock poisonings in South America, though the toxicological agent has not yet been described. Mushroom samples identified as R. flavobrunnescens were analyzed by liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to determine the potential source of the toxicity, and to provide a metabolomic profile of the species. Previously reported Ramaria secondary metabolites were detected, including ramarins, ramariolides, pistillarin and arsenic-containing compounds. A number of bacterial species were isolated from R. flavobrunnescens that produced iron-chelating cyclic peptides, which were detected in the mushroom samples. Interestingly, we detected a series of eucalyptus tree secondary metabolites in abundance from R. flavobrunnescens fruiting bodies, some of which have reported toxicities and bioactivities. To our knowledge, this is the first report of eucalyptus secondary metabolites in a mushroom. The diversity of secondary metabolites identified in the mushroom extracts provides insight into the potential complex ecological interactions between R. flavobrunnescens, its associated microbiota, and its mycorrhizal interaction with eucalyptus trees.},
}

*Eucalyptus/metabolism
Animals
Chromatography, Liquid
Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Livestock
Secondary Metabolism
*Agaricales/metabolism
*Bacteria/metabolism
Metabolomics
Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

@article {pmid41590718,
year = {2026},
author = {Tian, X and Lyu, C and Zhou, Y and Zhang, L and Fan, A and Liu, Z},
title = {A Structure-Based Deep Learning Framework for Correcting Marine Natural Products' Misannotations Attributed to Host-Microbe Symbiosis.},
journal = {Marine drugs},
volume = {24},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/md24010020},
pmid = {41590718},
issn = {1660-3397},
support = {2022YFC2804900//the National Key R&D Program of China/ ; 7244465//the Beijing Natural Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Biological Products/chemistry/pharmacology ; *Symbiosis ; *Deep Learning ; *Aquatic Organisms/chemistry ; Animals ; Drug Discovery/methods ; *Host Microbial Interactions ; Multigene Family ; },
abstract = {Marine natural products (MNPs) are a diverse group of bioactive compounds with varied chemical structures, but their biological origins are often misannotated due to complex host-microbe symbiosis. Propagated through public databases, such errors hinder biosynthetic studies and AI-driven drug discovery. Here, we develop a structure-based workflow of origin classification and misannotation correction for marine datasets. Using CMNPD and NPAtlas compounds, we integrate a two-step cleaning strategy that detects label inconsistencies and filters structural outliers with a microbial-pretrained graph neural network. The optimized model achieves a balanced accuracy of 85.56% and identifies 3996 compounds whose predicted microbial origins contradict their Animalia labels. These putative symbiotic metabolites cluster within known high-risk taxa, and interpretability analysis reveal biologically coherent structural patterns. This framework provides a scalable quality-control approach for natural product databases and supports more accurate biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) tracing, host selection, and AI-driven marine natural product discovery.},
}

*Biological Products/chemistry/pharmacology
*Symbiosis
*Deep Learning
*Aquatic Organisms/chemistry
Animals
Drug Discovery/methods
*Host Microbial Interactions
Multigene Family

@article {pmid41590551,
year = {2026},
author = {Kim, J and Park, SJ and Lee, YJ and Hwang, HJ and Kim, E and Nam, Y and Park, JD and Seyedsayamdost, MR and Yun, H and Lee, SR},
title = {Algal-Bacterial Interaction-Driven Secondary Metabolites From Phaeobacter inhibens and Their Anti-Allergic Effects on Th2 Cell Immune Response.},
journal = {Archiv der Pharmazie},
volume = {359},
number = {1},
pages = {e70192},
doi = {10.1002/ardp.70192},
pmid = {41590551},
issn = {1521-4184},
support = {2024 BK21 FOUR Program//Pusan National University/ ; RS-2024-00403999//Korea Basic Science Institute/ ; RS-2025-23525419//National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; RS-2025-02214034//Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology/ ; },
mesh = {*Th2 Cells/drug effects/immunology ; *Anti-Allergic Agents/pharmacology/isolation & purification/chemistry ; *Haptophyta/microbiology/metabolism ; Animals ; *Rhodobacteraceae/metabolism/chemistry ; Mice ; Secondary Metabolism ; Cytokines/metabolism ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; },
abstract = {The Roseobacter clade, a versatile Rhodobacteraceae lineage, comprises up to 20% of marine bacteria and drives key biogeochemical cycles. Phaeobacter inhibens, a representative model species, is associated with the alga Emiliania huxleyi, exhibiting a dual lifestyle that alternates between promoting symbiotic growth and displaying pathogenicity during algal senescence. In this study, we investigated the metabolic responses of P. inhibens cultured with sinapic acid, an algal-derived lignin catabolite known to modulate algal-bacterial interactions. Detailed LC-MS/UV-guided analysis of the sinapic acid-treated culture identified 10 metabolites, including two new compounds, roseochelins C (1) and D (2). All isolated compounds were tested for anti-allergic effects in Th2 cell-mediated immune responses, and sinatryptin A (4) showed the strongest activity by reducing Th2 cytokine production and blocking Th2 differentiation through inhibition of the IL-4/STAT6-GATA3/IRF4 pathway. These findings expand the chemical diversity of algal-bacterial interactions, and anti-allergic assays of the isolated metabolites highlight the potential of Roseobacter-derived compounds as novel bioactive resources.},
}

*Th2 Cells/drug effects/immunology
*Anti-Allergic Agents/pharmacology/isolation & purification/chemistry
*Haptophyta/microbiology/metabolism
Animals
*Rhodobacteraceae/metabolism/chemistry
Mice
Secondary Metabolism
Cytokines/metabolism
Dose-Response Relationship, Drug

@article {pmid41590486,
year = {2026},
author = {Jin, D and Xin, L and Tu, P and Song, H and Zou, Y and Bian, Z and Feng, Z},
title = {Root and Leaf-Specific Metabolic Responses of Ryegrass to Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Under Cadmium Stress.},
journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/jof12010074},
pmid = {41590486},
issn = {2309-608X},
support = {2024YFC3909300//Ministry of Science and Technology of China/ ; GZSTCKP[2025]019//Department of Science and Technology of Guizhou Province/ ; 2022YFE0210800//Ministry of Science and Technology of China/ ; },
abstract = {Cadmium (Cd) drastically inhibits plant growth and metabolism, whereas arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi can enhance plant Cd tolerance through metabolic regulation. To clarify tissue-specific responses, we conducted a pot experiment combined with GC-MS to examine how AM fungi influence root and leaf metabolism of ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) under different Cd levels. Root and leaf metabolomes diverged substantially in composition and function. In total, 83 metabolites were identified in roots, mainly phenolics, amines, and sugars associated with carbon-nitrogen metabolism and stress-defense pathways, whereas 75 metabolites were identified in leaves, largely related to photosynthetic metabolism. Roots were more sensitive to Cd, showing significant metabolic alterations at Cd ≥ 5 mg·kg[-1], including disruption of galactose metabolism, while leaves exhibited notable changes only at Cd ≥ 100 mg·kg[-1], with suppression of citrate, L-aspartate, and starch and sucrose metabolism. AM fungi modulated plant metabolism more strongly under Cd stress. Specifically, AM fungi restored Cd-suppressed galactose and glyoxylate/dicarboxylate metabolism in roots, enhanced starch and sucrose metabolism and amino acid pathways in leaves, and increased stress-related amino acids and organic acids in both tissues. Overall, AM fungi substantially alleviated Cd-induced metabolic inhibition, particularly at Cd ≥ 50 mg·kg[-1], providing mechanistic insight into AM-enhanced Cd tolerance and supporting the application of AM symbiosis in remediation of Cd-contaminated soils.},
}

@article {pmid41590477,
year = {2026},
author = {Xie, XG and Jiang, HJ and Sun, K and Zhao, YY and Li, XG and Han, T and Chen, Y and Dai, CC},
title = {Fungal Endophyte Comprehensively Orchestrates Nodulation and Nitrogen Utilization of Legume Crop (Arachis hypogaea L.).},
journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/jof12010065},
pmid = {41590477},
issn = {2309-608X},
support = {32571876//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; PAPD//project funded by the Priority Academic Program Development (PAPD) of the Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions of China/ ; },
abstract = {(1) Background: Improving nitrogen use efficiency in peanuts is essential for achieving a high yield with reduced nitrogen fertilizer input. This study investigates the role of the fungal endophyte Phomopsis liquidambaris in regulating nitrogen utilization throughout the entire growth cycle of peanuts. (2) Methods: Field pot experiments and a two-year plot trial were conducted. The effects of Ph. liquidambaris colonization on the rhizosphere microbial community, soil nitrogen forms, and peanut physiology were analyzed. (3) Results: Colonization by Ph. liquidambaris significantly suppressed the abundance of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and bacteria (AOB) in the rhizosphere at the seedling stage. This led to a transient decrease in nitrate and an increase in ammonium availability, which enhanced nodulation-related physiological responses. Concurrently, the peanut-specific rhizobium Bradyrhizobium sp. was enriched in the rhizosphere, and the root exudates induced by the fungus further stimulated nodulation activity. These early-stage effects promoted the establishment of peanut-Bradyrhizobium symbiosis. During the mid-to-late growth stages, the fungus positively reshaped the composition of key functional microbial groups (including diazotrophs, AOA, and AOB), thereby increasing rhizosphere nitrogen availability. (4) Conclusions: Under low nitrogen fertilization, inoculation with Ph. liquidambaris maintained yield stability in long-term monocropped peanuts by enhancing early nodulation and late-stage rhizosphere nitrogen availability. This study provides a promising microbe-based strategy to support sustainable legume production with reduced nitrogen fertilizer application.},
}

@article {pmid41590465,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, J and Li, J and Li, T and Wang, Z and Li, C},
title = {The Compatibility of the Epichloë bromicola-Hordeum Association.},
journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/jof12010053},
pmid = {41590465},
issn = {2309-608X},
support = {2025ZNSFSC0970//The study reported here was funded by the Natural Science Foundation of Sichuan Province/ ; 31971756//The Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32001396//The Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2022GAAS62//The Doctor Foundation of Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Artificial inoculation of Epichloë endophytes into elite forage germplasm aims to establish beneficial symbioses for developing high-yield, high-quality, and stress-tolerant cultivars, but host specificity of the fungi often causes compatibility issues in non-natural hosts.

METHODS: The E. bromicola isolated from native wild barley was inoculated into cultivated wild barley (Hordeum brevisubulatum) and cultivated barley (Hordeum valgare), forming Hb+Eb and Hv+Eb. The NHb+Eb (native wild barley naturally infected with E. bromicola) served as a control. We analyzed fungal colonization patterns and symbiotic gene regulation to clarify the compatibility between E. bromicola and non-natural hosts.

RESULTS: Compared with NHb+Eb and Hb+Eb, E. bromicola in Hv+Eb showed obvious hyphal vacuolization. E. bromicola colonization altered host trichome morphology and induced stomatal closure. Correspondingly, expression of the siderophore biosynthesis gene sidN and the NADPH oxidase complex genes (NoxA, NoxB, NoxR, RacA) was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in Hv+Eb than in Hb+Eb and NHb+Eb.

CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals that the incompatibility between cultivated barley and E. bromicola is characterized by altered hyphal morphology, which is linked to the downregulation of sidN and Nox. These findings provide a critical theoretical foundation for developing highly compatible cereal-Epichloë germplasms.},
}

@article {pmid41590453,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, K and Cai, Y and Shi, X and Yan, Z and Huang, Q and Perez-Moreno, J and Liu, D and Yang, Z and Yang, C and Yu, F and Liu, W},
title = {Symbiosis Among Naematelia aurantialba, Stereum hirsutum, and Their Associated Microbiome in the Composition of a Cultivated Mushroom Complex JinEr.},
journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/jof12010041},
pmid = {41590453},
issn = {2309-608X},
support = {202205AD160036//Fuqiang Yu/ ; Yunnan Revitalization Talent Support Program//Jesús Pérez-Moreno, Xinhua He/ ; },
abstract = {The JinEr mushroom ("Golden Ear"), a globally rare edible and medicinal macrofungus, comprises a symbiotic complex formed by the symbiotic association of Naematelia aurantialba (Tremellomycetes) and Stereum hirsutum (Agaricomycetes). However, the interactions between these fungi and their associated microbiome remain poorly understood. This study employed high-throughput amplicon sequencing, in situ microbial isolation and culture, and microbial confrontation assays to analyze microbial diversity, community structure, and potential functional roles of the endomycotic bacterial community within JinEr basidiomata and its cultivation substrate. Molecular analysis confirmed the heterogenous composition of the basidiomata, revealing N. aurantialba constitutes less than 20% of the fungal biomass, while S. hirsutum predominates, accounting for approximately 80%. Endomycotic fungi accounted for 0.33% (relative abundance) of the fungal community. Prokaryotic analysis identified Delftia and Sphingomonas as the dominant endomycotic bacterial genera within basidiomata, comprising 85.42% of prokaryotic sequences. Endomycotic bacterial diversity differed significantly (p < 0.05) between basidiomata and substrate, indicating host-specific selection. Cultivation-based approaches yielded 140 culturable bacterial isolates (spanning four families and seven genera) from basidiomata core tissues. In vitro co-culture experiments demonstrated that eight representative bacterial strains exhibited compatible growth with both hosts, while one Enterobacteriaceae strain displayed antagonism towards them. These findings confirm that the heterogeneous JinEr basidiomata harbor a specific prokaryotic assemblage potentially engaged in putative symbiotic or commensal associations with the host fungi. This research advances the understanding of microbial ecology in this unique fungal complex and establishes a culture repository of associated bacteria. This collection facilitates subsequent screening for beneficial bacterial strains to enhance the JinEr cultivation system through the provision of symbiotic microorganisms.},
}

@article {pmid41590439,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhao, Z and Zhang, W and Xie, W and Lei, Y and Li, Y and Sun, Y},
title = {Diversity of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Rhizosphere Soil of Maize in Northern Xinjiang, China, and Evaluation of Inoculation Benefits of Three Strains.},
journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/jof12010027},
pmid = {41590439},
issn = {2309-608X},
support = {31860003//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), which significantly enhances the absorption capacity of plant roots, forms a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship with plants and is known as the "underground internet of plants". To explore the community characteristics, environmental driving factors, and growth-promoting effects of AMF on maize in saline-alkaline habitats, this research attempts a survey of the rhizosphere soil of saline-alkali maize fields in four areas of northern Xinjiang (20 samples). High-throughput sequencing and morphological methods were used to analyze the diversity of AMF, and the correlation analyses of Mantel and Pearson were used to explore the relationship between AMF and soil environmental factors. The results showed that eleven genera of AMF belonging to three orders and seven families were identified in the rhizosphere soil of maize in Xinjiang, and Glomus was the absolute dominant group. The relationship analysis of the environmental factors and diversity of AMF shows that total nitrogen, total potassium and acid phosphatase are the main factors affecting the community structure of AMF. Through spore isolation and pot experiments, Rhizophagus intraradices, Acaulospora denticulata and Glomus melanosporum were successfully screened and identified. Among them, Rhizophagus intraradices, which can effectively improve the plant biomass, promote the root growth and enhance the absorption of phosphorus and potassium nutrients, promoted the growth of maize remarkably. This study systematically revealed the diversity of AMF as an environmental driving mechanism as well as plant growth promoter, establishing it as a candidate for application in the maize rhizosphere in northern Xinjiang. This provides a theoretical basis for AMF resource development and agricultural application in this saline-alkali area.},
}

@article {pmid41590432,
year = {2025},
author = {Batool, A and Li, SS and Dong, HJ and Bahadur, A and Tu, W and Zhang, Y and Xiao, Y and Feng, SY and Wang, M and Zhang, J and Sheng, HB and He, S and Li, ZY and Kang, HR and Lan, DY and He, XY and Xiao, YL},
title = {Battle of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Against Drought Stress: A Gateway to Sustainable Agriculture.},
journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/jof12010020},
pmid = {41590432},
issn = {2309-608X},
support = {204202505004//Huanggang Normal University/ ; 2042023059//Huanggang Normal University/ ; 31701466//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Around 85% of all land plants have symbiotic relationships with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, microscopic soil fungi that build extensive filamentous network in and around the roots. These links strongly influence plant development, water uptake, mineral nutrition, and defense against abiotic stresses. In this context, the use of AMF as a biological instrument to enhance plant drought resistance and phenotypic plasticity, through the formation of mutualistic associations, seems like a novel strategy for sustainable agriculture. This review synthesizes current understanding on the mechanisms through which AMF alleviates drought stress in agriculture. We focus on how AMF help maintain nutrient and water homeostasis by modulating phytohormones and signaling molecules, and by orchestrating associated biochemical and physiological responses. Particular emphasis is placed on aquaporins (AQPs) as key water-and stress-related channels whose expression and activity are modulated by AMF to maintain ion, nutrient, and water balance. AMF-mediated host AQP responses exhibit three unique patterns under stressful conditions: either no changes, downregulation to limit water loss, or upregulation to promote water and nutrient uptake. Nevertheless, little is known about cellular and molecular underpinnings of AMF effect on host AQPs. We also summarize evidence that AMF enhance antioxidant defenses, osmotic adjustment, soil structure, and water retention, thereby jointly improving plant drought tolerance. This review concludes by outlining the potential of AMF to support sustainable agriculture, offering critical research gaps, such as mechanistic studies on fungal AQPs, hormonal crosstalk, and field-scale performance, which propose future directions for deploying AMF in drought-prone agroecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid41590418,
year = {2025},
author = {Sun, J and Zhao, S and Yang, L and Liang, Y and Yang, X and Shen, L and Guo, E and Li, Q and Jia, Y and Zhang, L and Liu, H and Sun, R},
title = {Influence of Suillus grevillea on the Root Morphology, Growth and Rhizosphere Soil Properties of Quercus variabilis Blume Seedlings with Root Pruning.},
journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/jof12010006},
pmid = {41590418},
issn = {2309-608X},
support = {252300423598//Henan Provincial Natural Science Foundation Project/ ; 247578//Postdoctoral Fund Project in Henan Province/ ; KJCX2020A06//Young Innovation Fund of Henan Agricultural University/ ; KJCX2020A05//Young Innovation Fund of Henan Agricultural University/ ; },
abstract = {Root pruning affects the ability of roots of Quercus variabilis Blume to absorb water and nutrients. Suillus grevillea can form a mutualistic symbiosis with Quercus variabilis Blume. A pot experiment in three compartments with two inoculation treatments (inoculation with Suillus grevillea and noninoculation control) and four different root pruning treatments (0, 1/4, 1/3, and 1/2 of the main root length pruned) was conducted. The shoot dry weight, root dry weight, shoot and root N, P and K contents, root morphological and physiological parameters of Quercus variabilis Blume seedlings, and soil properties were measured. The results showed that root pruning affected root endogenous hormone levels, root morphology, shoot and root nutrient absorption, and biomass accumulation. Compared with those without inoculation, the shoot dry weight, root dry weights, shoot and root N, and P and K contents of inoculated plants were greater, regardless of the degree of root pruning. The root length, root projection area, root surface area, root average diameter, root density, root volume, and root tip number increased in response to Suillus grevillea. The root auxin (IAA), cytokinin (CTK), gibberellin (GA), zeatin riboside (ZR), and salicylic acid (SA) contents were greater in inoculated Quercus variabilis Blume seedlings than in noninoculated plants. Inoculation with Suillus grevillea improved the soil microenvironment around the seedlings. Suillus grevillea can compensate for the adverse effects of root pruning on nutrient absorption, root morphological and physiological growth and the soil properties of Quercus variabilis Blume seedlings.},
}

@article {pmid41589623,
year = {2026},
author = {Sun, Z and An, Z and Hong, W and He, C and Liu, J and Wang, Y and Xue, C and Dong, N},
title = {Microbial extracellular vesicles from min pigs remodel macrophage polarization via STING to sustain intestinal immune homeostasis.},
journal = {Gut microbes},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {2620126},
doi = {10.1080/19490976.2026.2620126},
pmid = {41589623},
issn = {1949-0984},
mesh = {Animals ; *Extracellular Vesicles/immunology/metabolism ; *Macrophages/immunology ; Mice ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/immunology ; Homeostasis ; Colitis/immunology/chemically induced/microbiology ; *Membrane Proteins/genetics/metabolism/immunology ; Signal Transduction ; *Intestines/immunology/microbiology ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Dextran Sulfate ; Swine ; Mice, Knockout ; Intestinal Mucosa/immunology ; STING Protein ; },
abstract = {Intestinal immune homeostasis is crucial for intestinal function and health. Increasing evidence suggests that certain gut microbiota can enhance the host's intestinal immune regulatory capacity. However, the mechanisms by which the microbiota confers beneficial traits and robust immunity to the host, as well as the cross-species reproducibility of these effects, remain unclear. This study, through multi-omics integration comparison and functional validation, revealed that Streptococcus hyointestinalis from Min pigs regulates macrophage polarization homeostasis by targeting and inhibiting the excessive activation of the STING signaling pathway and its downstream pro-inflammatory cascade reactions through its extracellular vesicles (EVs), thereby shifting them toward the M2 phenotype. This process ensures the integrity of the intestinal barrier and alleviates colitis induced by the combined effects of low temperature and sodium sulfate-induced colitis (DSS). Notably, in Sting[-/-] mice, the EV-mediated intestinal protective effect was eliminated, confirming its targeted efficacy. Our data reveal a microbial EV‒STING‒macrophage axis in which symbiotic bacterial exosomes promote reparative macrophage programs by regulating STING signaling and maintaining intestinal integrity under environmental stress. These findings reveal a novel host-microbiota communication pathway with therapeutic potential for the treatment of inflammation-driven intestinal diseases.},
}

Animals
*Extracellular Vesicles/immunology/metabolism
*Macrophages/immunology
Mice
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/immunology
Homeostasis
Colitis/immunology/chemically induced/microbiology
*Membrane Proteins/genetics/metabolism/immunology
Signal Transduction
*Intestines/immunology/microbiology
Mice, Inbred C57BL
Dextran Sulfate
Swine
Mice, Knockout
Intestinal Mucosa/immunology
STING Protein

@article {pmid41589045,
year = {2026},
author = {Tang, Y and Yan, D and Liang, C and Wei, J and He, J and Cui, H},
title = {Unprecedented Meroterpenoids Exert Anti-inflammatory Activity by Targeting NF-κB and PI3K Signaling Pathways.},
journal = {Organic letters},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.orglett.5c04695},
pmid = {41589045},
issn = {1523-7052},
abstract = {Four classes of unprecedented meroterpenoids (1-10), together with 10 new analogues, were isolated from the symbiotic fungi biotransformation extract. Among them, compounds 1-3 were characterized as the inaugural meroterpenoids containing a 5/3/6/6/6 fused carbon ring system. Compounds 4 and 5 were identified as the first meroterpenoids featuring the rare 6/6/6/6 tetracyclic carbon skeleton. Compound 6 stood out as the first meroterpenoid exhibiting a novel 5/3/6/6/5 pentacyclic framework. Notably, compounds 7-10 were reported as a novel 6/6/6/5 carbon skeleton architecture. Furthermore, 1 and 6 showed stronger inhibitory activities against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 cells with IC50 values of 7.46 and 6.02 μM, respectively, than the positive control (indomethacin, IC50 = 31.17 μM). Meanwhile, 1 and 6 significantly downregulated the expression of inflammatory enzyme iNOS and also inhibited the phosphorylation of NF-κB, PI3K, and IκB-α in a concentration-dependent manner.},
}

@article {pmid41588874,
year = {2026},
author = {Nickerson, MN and Tfaily, MM and Meredith, LK and U'Ren, JM},
title = {Fungal Microbiome-Metabolome Relationships in Sphagnum and Two Co-Occurring Alaskan Mosses.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {35},
number = {2},
pages = {e70242},
doi = {10.1111/mec.70242},
pmid = {41588874},
issn = {1365-294X},
support = {AGS-1933280//National Science Foundation/ ; DGE-2022055//National Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Sphagnopsida/microbiology ; *Metabolome/genetics ; Alaska ; *Fungi/genetics/classification ; *Microbiota/genetics ; Ecosystem ; *Bryophyta/microbiology ; *Mycobiome ; Tundra ; },
abstract = {In boreal and tundra ecosystems, mosses are abundant and ecologically important members of the vegetation due to their ability to insulate permafrost and maintain soil moisture. Mosses also harbour diverse bacterial and fungal symbionts that can provide nutrients and protection against environmental stressors. Sphagnum mosses are particularly important due to their significant role in carbon sequestration, which has been attributed in part to the production of antimicrobial metabolites that slow decomposition. Although Sphagnum leachate has been shown to inhibit bacteria, how Sphagnum chemical traits impact fungal communities remains understudied. Here, we used culture-free and culture-based methods to examine the relationship between moss fungal communities and metabolomes in living and senescing tissues of Sphagnum and two co-occurring moss genera across four Alaskan boreal/tundra sites. Although their richness was similar among moss genera, fungal and metabolite composition differed significantly among moss genera, regardless of tissue age. Importantly, mosses with more similar metabolome composition harboured more similar fungal communities, particularly in living tissues. Numerous OTU-metabolite correlations suggest direct interactions whereby fungi may consume, degrade, and/or be inhibited by metabolites; however, in vitro growth of moss-associated fungi showed inhibition in only 25% of replicates with two phenolic metabolites. Overall, our data suggest that metabolites may be a key factor structuring fungal communities in Sphagnum and other mosses, although not solely via inhibitory effects. Given the significance of mosses to ecosystem function and carbon sequestration in northern regions, it is critical to better understand factors that shape fungal communities potentially involved in stress adaptation and decomposition.},
}

*Sphagnopsida/microbiology
*Metabolome/genetics
Alaska
*Fungi/genetics/classification
*Microbiota/genetics
Ecosystem
*Bryophyta/microbiology
*Mycobiome
Tundra

@article {pmid41588861,
year = {2026},
author = {Yu, K and Chua, ST and Zhao, R and Smith, A and Kühl, M and Smith, AG and Ellis, T and Vignolini, S},
title = {Artificial Symbiosis for Bulk Production of Bacterial Cellulose Composites.},
journal = {Advanced materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e14125},
doi = {10.1002/adma.202514125},
pmid = {41588861},
issn = {1521-4095},
support = {CoS-101001637//ERC BiTe ERC-2020/ ; NNF24OC0094451//Novo Nordisk Fonden/ ; GBMF9206//Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation/ ; 198750//SNSF Sinergia/ ; BB/M011194/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; EP/P030467/1//EPSRC Underpinning Multi-User Equipment Call/ ; },
abstract = {Symbiotic relationships between micro-organisms are key to the function of all global ecosystems. Here we extrapolate this concept for biomaterial fabrication by creating artificial symbiotic relationships between species that are usually not grown synergistically in nature. Specifically, we combine the cellulose-producing bacterium Komagataeibacter hansenii and the green microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii to obtain bulk growth of bacterial cellulose. Usually, bacterial cellulose is produced as floating pellicles at the air-liquid interface of the growing media, because free oxygen, together with the nutrients in the culture medium, is required for the bacteria to synthesize the cellulose fibers. In the co-culture, bacterial cellulose production can be achieved in bulk beyond the spatial restriction of the air-liquid interface as the motile microalgae with photosynthetic activities act as oxygen-generating sites within the culture medium. In exchange, the highly porous and mechanically robust scaffold provided by the cellulose allows the algal-bacterial community to form a bio-composite up to several centimeters in thickness. We demonstrate that this symbiotic growth platform allows the simultaneous production of bulk bacterial cellulose in static incubation conditions, taking up an arbitrary and yet tunable 3D shape, dependent on the geometry of the culture vessel.},
}

@article {pmid41588828,
year = {2026},
author = {Shaw, D and Gentekaki, E and Tsaousis, AD},
title = {The Microbiome Within a Microbe: Rethinking Blastocystis Biology.},
journal = {The Journal of eukaryotic microbiology},
volume = {73},
number = {1},
pages = {e70056},
doi = {10.1111/jeu.70056},
pmid = {41588828},
issn = {1550-7408},
support = {CA21105//COST/ ; //University of Kent/ ; },
mesh = {*Blastocystis/physiology/microbiology/virology ; Humans ; *Microbiota ; Blastocystis Infections/parasitology ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; },
abstract = {Blastocystis spp., one of the most prevalent microeukaryotes in the human gut, has long puzzled researchers with its ambiguous role in health and disease. Decades-old microscopy studies reported bacterial- and viral-like particles within Blastocystis spp. cells, but these findings have been mainly overlooked. Comparable associations in other protozoa, such as those between Trichomonas vaginalis and Mycoplasma, as well as protozoan-virus interactions, are known to influence metabolism, immune evasion, and ecological fitness. Here, we revisit these neglected observations in Blastocystis spp., framing them within the holobiont concept and proposing that this protist may host its own microbial consortium. We also propose potential mechanisms, ecological implications, and modern experimental strategies-from organ-on-a-chip to single-cell multi-omics-to rigorously test this hypothesis. Recognizing Blastocystis spp. as a possible "microbiome within a microbe" could transform our understanding of its biology and its place in gut microbial ecology.},
}

*Blastocystis/physiology/microbiology/virology
Humans
*Microbiota
Blastocystis Infections/parasitology
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome

@article {pmid41588607,
year = {2026},
author = {Meng, Y and Wang, H and Mu, D and Zeng, S and Wang, S},
title = {Host genetic variation and gut microbiome in pediatric diseases.},
journal = {Chinese medical journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41588607},
issn = {2542-5641},
abstract = {Pediatric health is the foundation for people's lifelong health. The co-evolution of host genetics and the gut microbiome fosters a symbiotic relationship that is important for pediatric growth and the pathogenesis of various diseases. However, a comprehensive overview of the human genetic-gut microbiome axis in pediatric diseases remains unavailable. This review summarizes the human genetic variants that are associated with pediatric diseases, affecting the nervous, respiratory, and immune systems, as well as those linked to preterm birth (PTB), as identified by genome-wide association studies (GWAS). As the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in pediatric health, we have systematically discussed microbial biomarkers associated with the onset and progression of pediatric diseases, with an emphasis on their clinical impact across four key axes: the gut-brain, gut-lung, gut-skin, and gut-immune axes. The GWAS on the gut microbiome revealed numerous genetic variants that intricately regulate its composition. These variants predispose individuals to gut microbiome dysbiosis, potentially initiating or exacerbating pediatric disease manifestations, as discussed below. Moreover, the underrepresentation of populations from low- and middle-income countries in existing microbiome-related data, coupled with technical challenges, limits our understanding of the association between microbiome and health. Finally, we emphasize the promising potential of elucidating and modulating host gene-gut microbiome interactions to offer novel insights for advancing precision pediatric medicine and developing innovative therapeutic strategies.},
}

@article {pmid41588561,
year = {2026},
author = {Yang, H and Zhang, P and Wang, G and Wang, J and Wang, D and Li, M and Yin, H},
title = {Root Exudate Chemodiversity Bridges Acquisitive-Conservative Strategy Synergy Between Roots and Rhizosphere Microbes in a Subtropical Forest.},
journal = {Ecology letters},
volume = {29},
number = {1},
pages = {e70323},
doi = {10.1111/ele.70323},
pmid = {41588561},
issn = {1461-0248},
support = {Creation of Nutrient-Enhancing Biofertilizers//Strategic Priority Research Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences/ ; 2024M763188//fellowship of China Postdoctoral Science Foundation/ ; 32171757//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32301446//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; U23A2051//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; XZ202301YD0028C//Science and technology program of Tibet Autonomous Region/ ; XZ202301ZR0047G//Science and technology program of Tibet Autonomous Region/ ; },
mesh = {*Plant Roots/microbiology/chemistry/physiology ; *Rhizosphere ; *Soil Microbiology ; *Trees/microbiology/physiology ; *Forests ; *Plant Exudates/chemistry/metabolism ; *Microbiota ; Tropical Climate ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Root exudates act as key energy and signalling carriers linking roots with rhizosphere microbes, yet how their quantity and quality mediate root-microbe coordination remains unclear. Here, we measured fine root exudation rates and chemical composition, functional traits, and soil microbial communities across 13 coexisting subtropical tree species. Root exudation release rates and composition tightly aligned with the conservative-acquisitive root economics spectrum, bridging strategic synergy between roots and their microbial partners. Acquisitive roots with higher nitrogen concentrations released exudates at higher rates and greater chemodiversity, supporting more diverse microbial communities enriched in fast-growing copiotrophs and saprotrophic fungi, but with reduced symbiotic fungal abundance, whereas conservative roots with higher tissue density showed the opposite pattern. These results highlight root exudate, especially its chemical composition, as a key trait shaping the root-microbe functional continuum, providing novel insights into mechanisms of belowground functional integrations which affect species coexistence and ecosystem functioning under environmental change.},
}

*Plant Roots/microbiology/chemistry/physiology
*Rhizosphere
*Soil Microbiology
*Trees/microbiology/physiology
*Forests
*Plant Exudates/chemistry/metabolism
*Microbiota
Tropical Climate
Symbiosis

@article {pmid41588422,
year = {2026},
author = {Monshizadeh, Z and Rismani, E and Abdi, F and Pakdel, JD and Ghanbarnejad, N and Raz, A},
title = {Inhibition of carboxypeptidase b1 from Anopheles stephensi by the potato carboxypeptidase inhibitor: a foundational step toward paratransgenesis-based malaria control.},
journal = {Malaria journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12936-026-05790-7},
pmid = {41588422},
issn = {1475-2875},
support = {596/CU/CSP VA/United States ; },
abstract = {Vector-borne diseases such as malaria are a threat to global public health and the economy. These diseases were proposed to be managed and controlled by new preventive strategies such as paratransgenesis. This is an innovative technique that makes use of symbiotic microorganisms to influence vector or targeted pathogens. The performed studies on Anopheles stephensi and Anopheles gambiae demonstrated that the carboxypeptidase-B1 enzyme plays a vital role in the sexual development of the Plasmodium parasite in the mosquito midgut by its enzymatic activity. Therefore, inhibiting its enzymatic activity could be a target for preventing approaches. Potato Carboxypeptidase Inhibitor (PCI) has desirable characteristics that make it a promising effector molecule for paratransgenesis. In this study, the inhibitory effect of PCI on Carboxypeptidase-1 from An. stephensi (CPBAs1) was evaluated. The coding sequence of the cpbas1 and pci genes were cloned into the pET-23a expression vector, expressed, and purified. Finally, the inhibitory effect of the PCI on CPBAs1 was evaluated in parallel with the 1,10-phenanthroline as the commercial-specific inhibitor. Our findings revealed that PCI could inhibit the enzymatic activity of the CPBAs1 efficiently in low concentrations. Given PCI's remarkable inhibition activity against the CPBAs1 and its suitable structural features, PCI could be considered as a potential effector molecule for use in the paratransgenesis approach in future related studies.},
}

@article {pmid41588237,
year = {2026},
author = {Yousefi, A and Mehregan, I and Hamedi, J and Asri, Y and Khan, G and Albach, DC},
title = {Belowground allies, aboveground threats: the vulnerability of the Persian oak (Quercus Brantii Lindl.)- arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi symbiosis in a changing climate.},
journal = {Mycorrhiza},
volume = {36},
number = {1},
pages = {4},
pmid = {41588237},
issn = {1432-1890},
mesh = {*Quercus/microbiology ; *Mycorrhizae/physiology/classification ; *Symbiosis ; *Climate Change ; Iran ; Soil Microbiology ; Plant Roots/microbiology ; Biodiversity ; Droughts ; Microbiota ; },
abstract = {Climate change poses a major threat to ecosystems worldwide, including Iran's ecologically important Zagros oak forests. These forests are experiencing accelerating decline due to climate-related stress and intensified human pressures, despite their key role in sustaining regional biodiversity. Soil health and the crucial symbiotic partnership between oak trees and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are crucial for resilience in drought-prone Mediterranean environments. Due to a lack of comprehensive studies, this research aimed to analyze the root-associated microbiome of Persian oak (Quercus brantii) across western and southwestern Iran, specifically focusing on AMF diversity and their ecological role. Our study employed Illumina high-throughput sequencing of ITS and 18 S rRNA V4 markers of root-associated fungal communities to assess taxonomic composition and diversity of 160 trees across eight different sites. Analyses revealed dominant fungal groups, including key AMF taxa like Glomeraceae and Claroideoglomeraceae, with significant spatial variation in diversity and community structure, likely influenced by regional and abiotic factors. In addition, the findings highlight the important ecological function of the Persian oak canopy in creating a favorable microclimate and the essential symbiotic partnership with AMF for drought tolerance and nutrient uptake. However, our study ultimately concludes that despite this crucial symbiosis, the Zagros oak forests remain highly vulnerable to increasing pressures from agricultural expansion and the escalating impacts of climate change, seasonal wildfires, and declining groundwater levels, which pose significant threats to their long-term survival.},
}

*Quercus/microbiology
*Mycorrhizae/physiology/classification
*Symbiosis
*Climate Change
Iran
Soil Microbiology
Plant Roots/microbiology
Biodiversity
Droughts
Microbiota

@article {pmid41587217,
year = {2026},
author = {Caflisch, N and Hund, A and Muller, O and Walter, A and Keller, B},
title = {High-Throughput, In-Field Screening of Photosynthetic Efficiency in Crop Plants Using an Autonomous Robot.},
journal = {Journal of visualized experiments : JoVE},
volume = {},
number = {227},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3791/69530},
pmid = {41587217},
issn = {1940-087X},
mesh = {*Photosynthesis/physiology ; *Crops, Agricultural/metabolism/physiology ; *Robotics/methods/instrumentation ; *High-Throughput Screening Assays/methods/instrumentation ; Photosystem II Protein Complex/metabolism ; Autonomous Robots ; },
abstract = {Photosynthesis supplies energy not only for plant biomass production but also for symbiotic processes such as nitrogen (N) fixation. Whereas the potential for further genetic gains in productivity of major crops from improved light interception and harvest index has largely been exhausted, naturally occurring or induced genetic variation in photosynthetic traits still offers considerable potential for further yield improvement. However, since photosynthesis is highly dynamic under fluctuating field conditions, it is difficult to conduct a targeted selection for photosynthetic performance unless high spatial and temporal resolution data are available. To bridge this gap, we installed a light-induced fluorescence transient (LIFT) device on an autonomous field robot to measure the quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fq'/Fm'), which has been shown to be well correlated with overall photosynthetic performance. The LIFT method uses sub-saturating flashes at a fast repetition rate to induce maximum fluorescence, enabling measurements in less than 1 ms from a distance of up to 1 m. The robot moves at a speed of 0.5 m s[-1], autonomously navigating the entire field based on global navigation satellite system (GNSS) coordinates. Spectral measurements and stereo red, green, and blue (RGB) cameras provide additional information about three-dimensional (3D) plant architecture-related traits, such as leaf angle and light intensity on the target leaf. The resulting high spatiotemporal resolution maps of photosynthetic efficiency provide detailed information about the growth performance of plants in agronomic field trials or plant breeding nurseries.},
}

*Photosynthesis/physiology
*Crops, Agricultural/metabolism/physiology
*Robotics/methods/instrumentation
*High-Throughput Screening Assays/methods/instrumentation
Photosystem II Protein Complex/metabolism
Autonomous Robots

@article {pmid41586374,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhu, FC and Yang, YB and Yin, QJ and Chen, XY and Yu, S},
title = {Comparison of intestinal and environmental microbiota of the snapping shrimp (Alpheus brevicristatus) in a seagrass bed.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1735708},
pmid = {41586374},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Symbiotic bacteria associated with benthic invertebrates in seagrass beds play an important role in mediating host adaptability and maintaining ecosystem health; however, the taxonomic composition and functional characteristics of the symbiotic microbiota in these invertebrates remain poorly understood. In this study, the intestinal microbiota of seagrass bed-associated snapping shrimp Alpheus brevicristatus was characterized, and their composition was further compared with that of surrounding seawater and sediment using 16S amplicon sequencing. Our results revealed that the intestinal microbiota were dominated by unclassified Alphaproteobacteria and Vibrio. Compared to that of the environment, the microbiota of shrimp intestines showed lower alpha diversity, yet distinct microbial assemblages. Shrimp intestinal microbiota shared more species with sediment than seawater microbiota, suggesting sediment as a primary microbial source. Beta diversity analysis showed marked differences in microbial structure among habitats. The neutral community model and null model analyses indicated that stochastic processes exerted a significant influence on intestinal microbiome assembly. These findings highlight the complex interplay between host physiology and environmental exposure in shaping intestinal microbiota, providing foundational insights into host-microbe-environment interactions in benthic marine invertebrates.},
}

@article {pmid41586371,
year = {2025},
author = {Zimmermann, SD and Taschen, E and Robin, A and Calvo-Polanco, M},
title = {Editorial: Advancing mycorrhizal research for sustainable ecosystem and agricultural practices.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1760087},
pmid = {41586371},
issn = {1664-302X},
}

@article {pmid41584838,
year = {2025},
author = {Sun, S and Zhao, P and Wang, C and Du, J and Zhang, T and He, X and Zuo, Z and Li, N and Zhou, R},
title = {Prominent protumoral cellular compartments of the tumor microenvironment in triple-negative breast cancer.},
journal = {Frontiers in cell and developmental biology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1668583},
pmid = {41584838},
issn = {2296-634X},
abstract = {Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive subtype of breast cancer characterized by the absence of estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptor expression. This malignancy is often associated with a poor prognosis, early recurrence, and limited treatment options. The tumor microenvironment (TME) in TNBC plays a pivotal role in tumor progression, immune evasion, and therapeutic resistance. In recent years, an increasing body of evidence has highlighted the critical interactions between cancer cells and the components within the TME, including immune cells and soluble components. These interactions influence not only the biological behavior of the tumor but also its response to treatment. Exploring the complex interplay between tumor cells and immune components continues to inform the development of more effective therapeutic approaches. In this study, we provide a synopsis of advancements regarding the TME in TNBC. In light of different cellular compartments, we delineate multiscale interplays within the stroma-tumor symbiosis and highlight their antitumor functions and promising targeting strategies.},
}

@article {pmid41584179,
year = {2025},
author = {Zeng, Q and Huang, C and Zhu, J},
title = {AI-driven transformation of precision medicine: a comprehensive narrative review of key application areas, emerging paradigms, and future directions.},
journal = {Frontiers in public health},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1656603},
pmid = {41584179},
issn = {2296-2565},
mesh = {*Precision Medicine/methods/trends ; Humans ; *Artificial Intelligence ; Machine Learning ; Telemedicine ; Deep Learning ; Natural Language Processing ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: This study aims to elucidate the pivotal role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in driving the transformation of precision medicine, comprehensively analyzing how it reshapes healthcare systems from traditional diagnosis and treatment paradigms into personalized health management ecosystems.

METHODS: A comprehensive narrative review was conducted to systematically synthesize and critically evaluate the innovative applications, paradigm shifts, and future prospects of AI across the entire precision medicine value chain. A comprehensive literature search was performed across multiple databases up to April 30, 2025, with a focus on the clinical implementation and breakthroughs of technologies such as deep learning (DL), machine learning (ML), and natural language processing (NLP).

RESULTS: AI technologies have significantly enhanced the accuracy and efficiency of disease diagnosis through medical image analysis, genomics, and multimodal data fusion. At the treatment level, AI enables the development of personalized therapeutic plans and drug dosing optimization, while revolutionarily accelerating the drug development pipeline from discovery to clinical trials. Integrated with wearable devices and telemedicine platforms, AI facilitates full-cycle health monitoring. However, the clinical translation of AI faces challenges, including an uneven evidence base, insufficient model generalizability, and ethical concerns regarding data privacy, algorithmic fairness, and interpretability.

CONCLUSION: AI is a key driver of paradigm shift in precision medicine. To address existing challenges, future efforts should focus on generating more robust clinical evidence, adopting technologies like federated learning to ensure data privacy, and promoting the human-centered, collaborative framework of Symbiotic AI (SAI). By establishing sound ethical and governance structures, the deployment of AI technologies can be ensured to be not only efficient and advanced but also equitable and trustworthy, ultimately paving the way for an intelligent and inclusive healthcare ecosystem.},
}

*Precision Medicine/methods/trends
Humans
*Artificial Intelligence
Machine Learning
Telemedicine
Deep Learning
Natural Language Processing

@article {pmid41584067,
year = {2026},
author = {Mahajan, S and Helbing, D},
title = {Revisiting big data optimism: risks of data-driven black box algorithms for society.},
journal = {Ethics and information technology},
volume = {28},
number = {1},
pages = {13},
pmid = {41584067},
issn = {1388-1957},
abstract = {This paper critically examines the growing use of big data algorithms and AI in science, society, and public policy. While these tools are often introduced with the goal of increasing efficiency, the results do not always lead to greater empowerment or fairness for individuals or communities. Persistent issues such as bias, measurement error, and over-reliance on prediction can undermine success and produce outcomes that are neither fair nor transparent, especially when automated decisions replace human judgment. Beyond technical limitations, the widespread use of data-driven methods also shapes the distribution of power, influences public trust, and raises questions about the health of techno-socio-economic institutions. We argue that the pursuit of optimality cannot succeed without careful evaluation of ethical risks and societal side effects. Responsible innovation demands open standards, ongoing scrutiny, and a focus on human values alongside technical performance. Our goal is to encourage a fundamental reorientation of the big data paradigm away from a focus on short-term optimization and towards a framework of "systemic resilience" and "participatory oversight" or even co-creation. We propose specific pathways to achieve this, arguing that responsible innovation requires considering complexity science while integrating constitutional and cultural values to achieve technologies that are not just efficient, but symbiotic with human self-organization.},
}

@article {pmid41581623,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, Y and Zheng, X and Hu, R and Tao, J and Han, Z and Chen, K and Zhou, Y and Zhang, Y and Chen, W},
title = {Low‑intensity aeration enhances algal-bacterial synergy to improve nitrogen removal from wastewater with low carbon-to-nitrogen ratio.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {445},
number = {},
pages = {134055},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2026.134055},
pmid = {41581623},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {Algal-bacterial symbiosis systems (ABS) are promising for sustainable wastewater treatment, yet their nitrogen removal performance is often compromised under low carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratios commonly encountered in practical applications. In this study, a low dissolved oxygen aeration strategy was developed to construct a functional "microalgae-bacteria" network centered on nitrogen transformation. Three ABS were operated under low, medium, and high aeration intensities (10, 100, and 400 mL·min[-1]·L[-1], designated as l-ABS, M-ABS, and H-ABS, respectively). The l-ABS achieved significantly higher total inorganic nitrogen removal than M-ABS and H-ABS, with improvements of 12.1%-13.6% (p < 0.05). Low‑intensity aeration alleviated growth constraints on Chlorella sorokiniana, promoted stable and synergistic algal-bacterial interactions, and enriched functional genes associated with nitrogen transport, electron transfer, and energy supply. Overall, this study provides a feasible and energy-efficient strategy for treating low C/N wastewater, reducing reliance on external carbon sources and intensive aeration while improving system robustness.},
}

@article {pmid41580841,
year = {2026},
author = {de Luca, KL and Ravichandran, Y and Dörr, M and Voolstra, CR},
title = {International workshop report on "Animal resilience and organismal response to environmental change: insights from basal metazoans", Tutzing (Germany), 22-25 September 2025.},
journal = {Frontiers in zoology},
volume = {23},
number = {1},
pages = {4},
pmid = {41580841},
issn = {1742-9994},
support = {568822875//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; },
abstract = {The 2025 Tutzing Workshop, held at the Evangelische Akademie on the shores of Lake Starnberg, continued a long tradition of highly integrative meetings focused on the biology and evolution of basal metazoans. The meeting was organized by Christian R. Voolstra (University of Konstanz, Germany) and Ulrich Technau (University of Vienna, Austria), with kind support from the German Research Foundation (DFG). Building on the successful 2023 event, this year's symposium brought together close to 100 participants from Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia, representing newest research and scientific insight ranging from molecular evolution and functional genomics to ecology, developmental biology, and symbiosis. The central theme "Animal resilience and organismal response to environmental change: insights from basal metazoans" reflects an ongoing effort to leverage early-branching animals such as cnidarians (hydrozoans, anemones, jellyfish, corals), sponges, and ctenophores to address fundamental questions about the origins of multicellularity, the mechanisms of tissue regeneration, and the processes by which organisms adapt to environmental change. The symposium was structured around thematic sessions, poster presentations, roundtable discussions, and an invited keynote lecture. Scientific highlights included new genome assemblies, advances in single-cell transcriptomics, insights into epigenetic regulation and transposable element activity, as well as exciting discoveries about nervous system evolution, biomechanics of tissue regeneration, and immune responses in cnidarians. Beyond the empirical advances, the meeting fostered interdisciplinary discussion and outlined clear priorities for future collaborative research.},
}

@article {pmid41580652,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, L and Zhang, X and Song, B and Xiao, Y and Zhuang, W},
title = {Oasis or trap? Divergent survival strategies of two desert herbs under shrub fertile Islands.},
journal = {BMC plant biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12870-026-08160-2},
pmid = {41580652},
issn = {1471-2229},
support = {XSY202501042//Graduate School-level Research and Innovation Project at Xinjiang Normal University/ ; XJ2025G195//the Graduate Scientific Research Innovation Fund Project of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region/ ; 42467046//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2023TSYCCX0084//Tianshan Talent Training Program/ ; 2025D01E16//the Outstanding Young Scientists Fund of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous/ ; 2025D14018//the Tianshan Innovation Team of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region/ ; },
abstract = {The "fertile island" effect of desert shrubs creates "high nutrients - low water" environmental gradient, driving divergent adaptive strategies in herbaceous plants: shallow-rooted species exhibit high growth plasticity yet vulnerability to water stress, while deep-rooted species maintain stability through deep - water access. Our findings demonstrate that water availability overrides nutrient enrichment as the primary factor governing these adaptations, providing new insights into plant-plant interactions in arid ecosystems. To clarify this, this study investigated a typical desert shrub, Calligonum mongolicum, in the Gurbantunggut Desert. We analyzed biomass, stoichiometry, and rhizosphere soil properties of two associated herbaceous species-shallow-rooted Centaurea pulchella and deep-rooted Ceratocarpus arenarius-across four distances (0-100 cm) from C. mongolicum. The results showed that both the biomass and nutrient content of herbaceous plants increased with increasing distance from the shrub center. Total biomass of both herbaceous species peaked at the distal zone (D4: 90-100 cm), showing 2.84-fold (Cer. arenarius) and 2.08-fold (Cen. pulchella) increases relative to the proximal shrub zone (D1: 0-10 cm). Plants nearer the shrub exhibited elevated root-to-shoot ratios, indicating that symbiotic plants respond to survival pressures through biomass allocation strategies. Soil water content (SWC) increased with increasing distance from the shrub, and showing a trend of first increasing and then decreasing with soil depth, peaking at 5-10 cm. Deep-rooted plants and shallow-rooted plants employ different biomass allocation strategies under varying soil moisture conditions. Although the "fertile island" effect of shrubs could enrich soil nutrients, it simultaneously triggers water competition with symbiotic herbaceous plants. This competition for water inhibits the growth of these coexisting herbaceous species. Our study suggested that the "fertile island" effect primarily limited herbaceous plant growth through water competition, with root strategies of Cer. arenarius and Cen. pulchella determining the plants' resistance to disturbances. This research contributes to a advancing understanding of the shrub-herbaceous plant symbiotic mechanisms and ecological stability in desert ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid41580129,
year = {2026},
author = {Lin, K and Xu, H and Liu, H and Jiang, H and Mei, H and Jiang, L and Du, Z and Tan, W and Li, X and Zhou, J and Li, J},
title = {Bioprinted dressing with symbiotic microbes for oxygen supply and antibacterial therapy for enhanced diabetic wound healing.},
journal = {Journal of controlled release : official journal of the Controlled Release Society},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {114653},
doi = {10.1016/j.jconrel.2026.114653},
pmid = {41580129},
issn = {1873-4995},
abstract = {Diabetic chronic wounds exhibit delayed healing due to the high blood sugar, persistent inflammation, and bacterial infections, drawing remarkable attention worldwide. Current therapeutic approaches (e.g., surgical debridement, offloading treatment, antibiotic therapy) commonly target individual factors but fall short of modulating the complex wound microenvironment, particularly the chronic hypoxia. The symbiotic relationship between photosynthetic microorganisms and antibacterial probiotics offers a unique approach to this clinical challenge. Here, we engineer a 3D-printed bioactive microbial hydrogel (BMH) dressing by embedding Chlorella zofingiensis and Bacillus subtilis in gelatin methacryloyl as an artificial symbiotic system for modulating the diabetic wound microenvironment to promote wound healing. This BMH system demonstrates photosynthetic self‑oxygenation capability and potent antibacterial activity, thus boosting fibroblast migration and angiogenesis under hyperglycemic conditions. In diabetic rat models, BMH mitigates wound hypoxia and inflammation while enhancing vascularization and collagen deposition, thereby accelerating the healing of diabetic chronic wounds. RNA sequencing results further suggest the upregulation of genes in immune-regulation and skin-regeneration pathways. This study presents a multimodal therapeutic strategy for diabetic chronic wounds, offering insights into the design of living materials for regenerative engineering and clinical translation.},
}

@article {pmid41579212,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, J and Liang, J and Chen, Y and An, M and Li, X},
title = {Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses reveal the role of flavonoids in ectomycorrhizal symbiosis.},
journal = {Mycorrhiza},
volume = {36},
number = {1},
pages = {3},
pmid = {41579212},
issn = {1432-1890},
support = {CAFYBB2019ZA001//the National Nonprofit Institute Research Fund/ ; 32370018//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
}

@article {pmid41578329,
year = {2026},
author = {Pinton, F and Rimskaya-Korsakova, NN and Felbel, K and Grimmer, E and Hejnol, A},
title = {Absence of conserved immune signalling pathways and increased pathogen susceptibility associated to photosymbiosis in acoels.},
journal = {BMC biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12915-026-02506-w},
pmid = {41578329},
issn = {1741-7007},
support = {FlexPool//Deutsches Zentrum für integrative Biodiversitätsforschung Halle-Jena-Leipzig/ ; 766053//H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions/ ; 519107654//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; P2022-05-002//Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Host immunity plays an important role in coral symbiosis with dinoflagellates. Photosymbiosis (the association between hosts and photosynthetic endosymbionts) has evolved multiple times within animals, e.g. within acoels, which are soft-bodied marine invertebrates whose immunity remains so far undescribed.

RESULTS: Our predicted proteome searches show that acoels lack major signal transduction pathways usually involved in animal immunity. Their loss in acoels predates the occurrence of photosymbiosis in this clade. Immune challenges with the coral pathogen and bleaching agent, Vibrio coralliilyticus, increase acoel mortality and decrease symbiont abundance in adults of the photosymbiotic acoel Convolutriloba macropyga. Mortality in aposymbiotic C. macropyga juveniles or aposymbiotic species Hofstenia miamia is not affected. Ultrastructural studies of immune-challenged animals by transmission electron microscopy show damages at the cellular and organelle level, as well as a degradation of potential pathogens by the host. In situ hybridisation and differential gene expression analysis point to some areas of interaction between pattern recognition receptors and microbes, as well as to the involvement of acoel-specific or uncharacterised genes.

CONCLUSIONS: Based on our findings, photosymbiosis evolution in acoels could have been favoured by the loss of immune signalling pathways. Photosymbiosis in acoels seems to increase susceptibility to pathogen exposure and is disrupted by pathogens. Our data also suggests phagocytosis of pathogens and the possibility of a novel molecular immune response specific to acoels.},
}

@article {pmid41577483,
year = {2026},
author = {Betts, MM and Hultin, EA and Hallerman, EM and Maurakis, EG and Frimpong, EA},
title = {Embryonic selfish-herding blurs the line between brood parasitism and mutualism for communal-breeding stream fishes.},
journal = {Ecology},
volume = {107},
number = {1},
pages = {e70302},
doi = {10.1002/ecy.70302},
pmid = {41577483},
issn = {1939-9170},
support = {2039692//National Science Foundation/ ; //National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Nesting Behavior/physiology ; Reproduction/physiology ; *Cyprinidae/physiology/embryology ; *Embryo, Nonmammalian/physiology ; Rivers ; Female ; Male ; },
abstract = {Mutualisms are complex, interspecific relationships, which sometimes create "selfish-herds" as individuals of each species compete to maximize their own fitness. Nest association, where individuals of different species spawn on a nest created by a host species, is a reproductive interaction characteristic of some minnows (Leuciscidae) and is considered mutualistic despite mimicking the behavior labeled "brood parasitism." We studied the spawning behaviors of bluehead chub (Nocomis leptocephalus) and its nest associates, testing the hypothesis that bluehead chub exploits the selfish-herd dynamic in a novel manner by arranging embryos within its nest to maximize the survival of its own offspring at the expense of the nest associates' offspring. Our results show that embryos were not uniformly distributed within a nest, as one section representing one-sixth of the nest's total volume contained a disproportionate percentage of embryos (x¯ = 40.0% ± 6.1% SE). We found three-quarters of host embryos within deeper nest sections safer from embryo predators, whereas only a third of all associate embryos were found in the same sections. These results support our hypothesis that male Nocomis leptocephalus create "embryonic selfish-herds" within their nests. This is the first study to document the existence of embryonic selfish-herds, a phenomenon that warrants the reexamination of some vertebrate reproductive interactions labeled as brood parasitism.},
}

Animals
*Symbiosis
*Nesting Behavior/physiology
Reproduction/physiology
*Cyprinidae/physiology/embryology
*Embryo, Nonmammalian/physiology
Rivers
Female
Male

@article {pmid41576587,
year = {2026},
author = {Bouchet, VMP and Muller, L and Brown, A and Deldicq, N and Deiss, A and Tailliez, L and Bertile, F},
title = {Exposure to aged polypropylene nurdle leachates disrupts photosymbiosis in a kleptoplastic unicellular eukaryote.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {1015},
number = {},
pages = {181394},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2026.181394},
pmid = {41576587},
issn = {1879-1026},
abstract = {Kleptoplasty, i.e. the sequestration of functional algal chloroplasts by a host organism, represents a natural case of photosymbiosis from which the host derives crucial energetic benefits. We explored here how this host-symbiont relationship is affected by polypropylene nurdle leachates in a kleptoplastidic foraminifera. When exposed to virgin nurdles, a mild proteome regulation was observed in the host, whereas photosynthetic proteins were more abundant in kleptoplasts, supplying energy to the host. These results show that, de novo protein synthesis in stolen chloroplasts and delivery of host proteins and algal proteins encoded by the host following horizontal gene transfer are necessary to maintain efficient photosymbiosis in a virgin nurdle leachate polluted environment. Conversely, aged nurdles strongly reduced the content of photosynthesis-related proteins in kleptoplasts, disrupting the host-symbiont association. Remodeling of the proteome nevertheless suggested the possibly for an increased energy production in foraminifera, through a switch from mixotrophy to heterotrophy. Benthic foraminifera are therefore truly efficient unicellular eukaryotes, with diverse and sophisticated metabolic adaptive strategies that we are just beginning to discover.},
}

@article {pmid41576067,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, J and Luo, Z and Wang, J and Lin, J and Xie, F},
title = {Nitrate-induced NLP1 SUMOylation regulates nitrate signaling and root nodulation.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {123},
number = {4},
pages = {e2518288123},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2518288123},
pmid = {41576067},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {2024YFA0918200//MOST | National Key Research and Development Program of China (NKPs)/ ; XDB0630103//Straegic Priority Research Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences/ ; 32470248 32100194//MOST | National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)/ ; 2023ZD04072//STI 2030-Major Projects/ ; },
mesh = {*Sumoylation ; *Medicago truncatula/metabolism/genetics ; *Arabidopsis/metabolism/genetics ; *Nitrates/metabolism ; *Signal Transduction ; *Arabidopsis Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; *Plant Root Nodulation/physiology ; Symbiosis ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Lysine/metabolism ; NADPH Oxidases ; },
abstract = {Nitrate serves both as an essential nutrient and a key signaling molecule that shapes plant growth. In legumes, high nitrate concentrations suppress symbiotic nitrogen fixation, a process mediated by MtNLP1 (NIN-like protein1). Although nitrate minimally affects NLP transcript levels, it strongly controls their nuclear localization. How posttranslational modifications regulate MtNLP1 function, however, has remained unclear. Here, we show that nitrate induces SUMOylation of MtNLP1 at lysine 589 and 795 and that this modification is essential for its biological activity. Loss of these SUMO sites compromises nitrate-mediated inhibition of nodulation and weakens MtNLP1 interactions with MtNIN and itself. Components of the SUMOylation machinery in Medicago truncatula physically interact and are essential for both nodulation and nitrate responsiveness, indicating broader roles for SUMOylation in symbiosis. A SUMO-deficient Arabidopsis thaliana AtNLP73KR mutant fails to complement the Atnlp7-1 phenotype, demonstrating that SUMOylation is a conserved regulatory mechanism among NLPs. Together, our findings reveal SUMOylation as a previously unrecognized layer of regulation that integrates nutrient signaling with root nodule symbiosis.},
}

*Sumoylation
*Medicago truncatula/metabolism/genetics
*Arabidopsis/metabolism/genetics
*Nitrates/metabolism
*Signal Transduction
*Arabidopsis Proteins/metabolism/genetics
*Plant Root Nodulation/physiology
Symbiosis
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
Lysine/metabolism
NADPH Oxidases

@article {pmid41575703,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, S and Liu, C and Zhang, Z and Lu, J and Gao, Z and Li, G and Wei, F},
title = {Ecological and evolutionary drivers of trait-based symbiosis and phylosymbiosis in avian gut microbiota.},
journal = {Science China. Life sciences},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41575703},
issn = {1869-1889},
}

@article {pmid41574302,
year = {2025},
author = {Mehrnia, N and Van Dyke, TE},
title = {Microbial dysbiosis and immune dysregulation in periodontitis and peri-implantitis.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1678163},
pmid = {41574302},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {*Dysbiosis/immunology/microbiology ; *Peri-Implantitis/immunology/microbiology/pathology ; Humans ; *Periodontitis/immunology/microbiology/pathology ; Microbiota/immunology ; Inflammation/immunology ; Animals ; Cytokines/metabolism ; Adaptive Immunity ; Immunity, Innate ; Biofilms/growth & development ; },
abstract = {Periodontitis and peri-implantitis are chronic inflammatory diseases which are primarily driven by excessive and dysregulated immune responses. This would result in irreversible tissue destruction around teeth and implants. Although the microbiome serves as an initiator of inflammation and leads to microbial dysbiosis, persistent and unresolved inflammation is the primary driver of tissue and bone loss. These conditions result from a dynamic interplay between the host immune response and pathogenic biofilms. Microbial dysbiosis results from a shift from a eubiotic (symbiotic) oral microbiome to a dysbiotic microbial community. This is initiated by excessive inflammation and manipulates host immunity to promote chronic inflammation. Concurrently, immune dysregulation, including imbalances in innate and adaptive immune responses that result from a failure of resolution of inflammation pathways, exacerbates tissue destruction through the overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the activation of destructive pathways, such as neutrophil-mediated degradation and osteoclast activation. This review explores the mechanisms underlying microbial dysbiosis and immune dysregulation in periodontitis and peri-implantitis, emphasizing their contribution to inflammation, bone resorption, and disease progression.},
}

*Dysbiosis/immunology/microbiology
*Peri-Implantitis/immunology/microbiology/pathology
Humans
*Periodontitis/immunology/microbiology/pathology
Microbiota/immunology
Inflammation/immunology
Animals
Cytokines/metabolism
Adaptive Immunity
Immunity, Innate
Biofilms/growth & development

@article {pmid41573225,
year = {2025},
author = {Calderon, RB and Gouli, S and Barphagha, I and Ham, JH},
title = {Growth promotion and stress tolerance of soybean plants driven by seed treatment with synthetic bacterial community of soybean-associated beneficial bacteria.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1729743},
pmid = {41573225},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Beneficial microbes provide a sustainable approach to improving crop production and reducing risks from intensive farming. Microbial consortia, complementary traits, often outperform single strains in promoting plant health. This study aimed to develop an effective biological strategy to enhance soybean growth and health using beneficial bacterial consortia.

METHODS: Bacteria were isolated from the root endosphere and rhizosphere of field-grown soybean plants and screened for traits such as nutrient solubilization, hormone production, and pathogen suppression. Seven synthetic bacterial communities (SBCs), each comprising 5 to 20 SABB strains, were constructed to evaluate their potential in promoting soybean growth and health. Impact of SBC seed treatments on the structure of soybean microbiota was also investigated.

RESULTS: Two SBC sets, Set2 and Setm4, demonstrated superior performances in enhancing plant growth and resistance to the fungal pathogen Rhizoctonia solani when applied via seed treatment. Notably, seed treatment with Set2 or Setm4 also improved soybean resilience to abiotic stresses, including drought and waterlogging. Profiling of the root endosphere and rhizosphere microbiota revealed that SBC application through seed treatment significantly altered the composition of soybean-associated microbial community, including the enrichment of key symbiotic taxa, such as Bradyrhizobium elkanii, and increased microbial network complexity.

DISCUSSION: The beneficial effects of SBC through seed treatment are closely related to microbiome restructuring in soybean roots. This study provides valuable insights into the development of innovative and sustainable crop management strategies, highlighting the potential of SBC-based seed treatments to enhance growth and stress resilience in soybeans and other major crops.},
}

@article {pmid41572938,
year = {2026},
author = {Wilmsen, S and Kost, C},
title = {A New Classification Framework to Understand Evolutionary Transitions in Individuality.},
journal = {BioEssays : news and reviews in molecular, cellular and developmental biology},
volume = {48},
number = {1},
pages = {e70098},
doi = {10.1002/bies.70098},
pmid = {41572938},
issn = {1521-1878},
mesh = {*Biological Evolution ; Animals ; Humans ; },
abstract = {Life on Earth has evolved as a series of evolutionary transitions, during which lower-level units merged to form a new and more complex higher-level entity. Besides few canonical examples, many life forms exist for which it remains unclear whether or not they are about to complete the transition. This paucity of mechanistic understanding is likely due to an overemphasis on few model systems and a lack of criteria to compare disparate biological units. Here, we aim at filling this gap by proposing a new framework to classify different forms of biological organization, which considers two fundamental aspects: (i) the physiological component and (ii) the evolutionary component. Categorizing different biological units according to whether and how these aspects are represented yields six types of structural organization. Our framework allows to compare different organizational forms, and, in this way, provide insight into the evolutionary processes giving rise to these arrangements.},
}

*Biological Evolution
Animals
Humans

@article {pmid41572842,
year = {2026},
author = {Ahmadi, P and Honardoost, M and Janzadeh, A and Taherkhani, S},
title = {Flavonoids and Their Influence on the Gut Microbiome: Implications for Cardiovascular Health.},
journal = {Nutrition bulletin},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nbu.70039},
pmid = {41572842},
issn = {1467-3010},
abstract = {Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, necessitating effective preventive and therapeutic strategies. Flavonoids and polyphenols, which are abundant in colourful fruits and vegetables, have emerged as promising bioactive compounds for mitigating CVD. This study elucidates the mechanisms by which flavonoids exert cardioprotective effects through their antioxidant, prebiotic, and mitochondrial restorative properties. Flavonoids function as hydrogen donors, scavenging free radicals such as nitric oxide (NO[•]), superoxide anions (O[•]), and hydroxyl radicals (OH[•]), thereby reducing oxidative stress by decreasing inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity while enhancing endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) functionality to promote vasodilation and prevent hypertension. Additionally, flavonoids act as prebiotics, fostering the symbiotic gut microbiota (GM), including Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus, which produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and suppress pathogenic trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO)-producing bacteria. This enhances gut epithelial barrier integrity, reduces inflammation mediated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and protects against heart failure, ischaemia, and atherosclerosis. Under ischemic and heart failure conditions, flavonoids inhibit apoptosis, necrosis, ferroptosis, and fibrosis by restoring hypoxia-damaged mitochondrial function and cardiac energy metabolism. Furthermore, flavonoids prevent arteriosclerosis by inhibiting low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, reducing cholesterol absorption, promoting bile salt-hydrolysing bacteria, and decreasing vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 expression on coronary vessels. Here, we aim to advance the understanding of flavonoid-mediated cardioprotection by considering their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and gut microbiome-modulating effects, offering novel insights into dietary interventions for CVD prevention and management. The findings underscore the potential of flavonoids as accessible, natural agents to address global health disparities in CVD burden.},
}

@article {pmid41572707,
year = {2026},
author = {Chu, X and Zhao, B and Wan, X and Gao, L and Li, H and Guo, D and Liu, Q and Hu, Y},
title = {Bioactivities of Secondary Metabolites from Endophytes: A Recent Review.},
journal = {Current pharmaceutical biotechnology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.2174/0113892010415786251029061350},
pmid = {41572707},
issn = {1873-4316},
abstract = {Endophytes are symbiotic microbial communities residing within plants and represent a significant source of bioactive secondary metabolites. As integral components of plant microecosystems, endophytes establish stable and mutually beneficial interactions with their hosts, which not only contribute to plant growth and stress resistance but also drive the diversity of their secondary metabolic products through long-term coevolution. These metabolites exhibit diverse biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, antiviral, and antioxidant effects, and these bioactive properties make them promising candidates for the development of new agents in multiple fields, including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and functional materials, due to their natural origins and relatively low environmental impact. This review comprehensively summarizes recent advances in understanding the bioactivities of endophyte- derived secondary metabolites, highlighting novel compounds and their pharmacological potential. Alongside traditional approaches, recent technological advancements in separation, purification, and structural identification have further facilitated the discovery and characterization of these metabolites, expanding the pool of potential bioactive molecules for research and application. We also detail common methodologies for investigating endophyte metabolites, such as fermentation optimization and biotransformation, and briefly touch on how these strategies have been widely adopted to enhance metabolite production and explore structural modifications. With the deepening of interdisciplinary research involving microbiology, chemistry, pharmacology, and biotechnology, the exploration of endophyte secondary metabolites has entered a more systematic and in-depth stage. Finally, we discuss current challenges in translating these findings into practical applications, including issues related to resource accessibility, production scalability, and comprehensive efficacy evaluation, and outline promising future research directions for drug discovery in the field of medicine, encompassing the excavation of untapped endophytic resources, the optimization of production processes, and the in-depth evaluation of safety and efficacy, so as to better harness their potential for human health and sustainable development.},
}

@article {pmid41572573,
year = {2026},
author = {Winning, CS and Rubia, MI and Liu, W and Bronitt, D and Zamarreño, ÁM and García-Mina, JM and Smith, P and Larrainzar, E and Djordjevic, MA},
title = {Symbiosis-associated UMAMIT transporters required for establishing efficient nitrogen fixation in Medicago truncatula.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.70917},
pmid = {41572573},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {PC169-170 UMAMIT//Gobierno de Navarra/ ; DP200101884//Australian Research Council/ ; PID2021-122740OB-I00//Agencia Estatal de Investigación/ ; },
abstract = {To address a critical gap in understanding amino acid transport in legume-Rhizobium symbiosis, we investigated the role of symbiosis-associated USUALLY MULTIPLE ACIDS MOVE IN AND OUT TRANSPORTERS (UMAMITs) in Medicago truncatula nodulation. Transcript profiling, phylogenetic analysis and promoter-reporter fusions identified five symbiosis-associated MtUMAMIT genes. CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing generated two triple mutant lines lacking MtUMAMIT14, -17 and -36. Physiological assays, amino acid quantification, and immunolocalisation using a MtUMAMIT17-specific antibody were performed to assess symbiotic function and protein localisation. The induction of MtUMAMIT14, -17 and -36 required Nod factor perception. Triple mutant nodules exhibited reduced nitrogen fixation, leading to nitrogen starvation symptoms, lower leghaemoglobin and amino acid levels, as well as increased starch accumulation. Immunolocalisation revealed MtUMAMIT17 at symbiosome and infection thread membranes, and vascular and uninfected zone III nodule cells. MtUMAMIT17 localised in the cell periphery in zone II cells, while it colocalised with the symbiosomes in infected zone III cells. We conclude that MtUMAMIT14, -17 and -36 are essential for efficient nitrogen fixation, functioning in amino acid transport across symbiotic interfaces and vascular tissues. We propose that their recruitment into nodulation programs represents a key evolutionary adaptation facilitating nutrient exchange critical for symbiotic success.},
}

@article {pmid41569423,
year = {2026},
author = {Navarro, J and Hancock, PA and Seguin, P and Reynaud, E},
title = {Human-Technology Symbiosis at work: a brain morphometric investigation of inter-individual differences in smart-tool proneness.},
journal = {Ergonomics},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-14},
doi = {10.1080/00140139.2026.2616346},
pmid = {41569423},
issn = {1366-5847},
abstract = {This study reveals that individuals' affinity for smart tools is linked to specific brain structures. These findings support the theory of Human-Technology Symbiosis and highlight how technology use is associated with brain anatomy, with implications for technology design and user training.},
}

@article {pmid41568888,
year = {2026},
author = {Zarraga-Barco, F and Bastías, DA and Gundel, PE},
title = {Drought and Herbivory Enhance Epichloë-Mediated Resistance to Insect Herbivores via Modulation of Alkaloid Precursors and Oxidative Processes.},
journal = {Physiologia plantarum},
volume = {178},
number = {1},
pages = {e70757},
doi = {10.1111/ppl.70757},
pmid = {41568888},
issn = {1399-3054},
support = {//Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Alkaloids/metabolism ; *Droughts ; Endophytes/physiology ; *Epichloe/physiology ; *Herbivory/physiology ; *Insecta/physiology ; Oxidative Stress ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism ; },
abstract = {In the Pooideae subfamily, resistance to insect herbivores often depends on a defensive mutualism with Epichloë fungal endophytes, which produce anti-invertebrate alkaloids such as lolines and peramine. Herbivory can induce alkaloid accumulation and enhance endophyte-conferred resistance, a response interpreted as analogous to classical herbivore-induced resistance in plants. Yet, abiotic stressors, particularly drought, also stimulate alkaloid production and resistance, suggesting a more general response linked to oxidative stress. Despite these insights, no quantitative synthesis exists, and the regulation of alkaloid induction under stress remains poorly understood. Using a meta-analysis, we synthesized published data to test whether herbivory or drought enhance Epichloë-mediated resistance and increase the in planta concentrations of lolines and peramine. Both stressors significantly elevated resistance, associated with higher alkaloid concentrations, particularly lolines. Peramine increased under drought but not consistently with herbivory. Published molecular and biochemical studies implicate oxidative stress, particularly changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, in regulating alkaloid production through precursor accumulation and fungal signaling pathways involving NADPH oxidases and stress-activated MAP kinases. Given that Epichloë enhances plant tolerance to stress and that ROS play a key role in the plant-endophyte communication, we propose that alkaloid induction and herbivore resistance are beneficial by-products of endophyte-mediated stress responses, rather than solely adaptive outcomes of coevolution with herbivores. This perspective highlights how herbivory and drought converge on oxidative stress pathways to modulate plant-endophyte associations, with implications for plant defense under climate-driven stress scenarios.},
}

Animals
*Alkaloids/metabolism
*Droughts
Endophytes/physiology
*Epichloe/physiology
*Herbivory/physiology
*Insecta/physiology
Oxidative Stress
Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism

@article {pmid41568587,
year = {2026},
author = {Xu, Y and Ling, N and Mony, C and Vandenkoornhuyse, P},
title = {Differential 'resuscitation' from the seed microbiota: a plant-holobiont ecological strategy for buffering stresses.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.70920},
pmid = {41568587},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {2023-NK-147//Fundamental Research Funds for the Leading Scientist Project of Qinghai Province/ ; },
abstract = {The plant and its associated microbiota constitute a holobiont. Within this framework, the seed endophyte reservoir, shaped through multigenerational selection, exhibits pronounced host specificity, mutualistic potential, and signatures of co-evolution. We hypothesise that this reservoir operates as a 'symbiotic toolbox' forming an 'Anticipated Utility Microbiota' within the holobiont. Upon germination, specific microbes from this toolbox may undergo resuscitation to buffer environmental stresses, thereby influencing plant fitness. Using axenic Vicia sativa seeds, we simulated cold, salinity, and drought stresses and applied 16S rRNA sequencing to track seed symbiont resuscitation. Taxa showing resuscitation across stresses were classified as generalists, whilst those resuscitating under specific stresses were specialists. Microbial inoculants from these taxa were then tested in pots for host growth effects. As expected, distinct resuscitation patterns under different stresses supported the hypothesised seed 'symbiotic toolbox'. We identified 115 generalist amplicon sequence variants (e.g. Methylobacterium, Pantoea, and Sphingomonas) and stress-specific specialists: 60 cold specialists (e.g. Stenotrophomonas and Geobacter), 79 salt specialists (e.g. Leptotrichia), and 13 drought specialists (e.g. Proteobacteria). Strikingly, generalist microbial inoculants consistently promoted seedling growth across stresses, whilst specialist inoculants showed stress-specific efficacy. This study elucidates a holobiont mechanism whereby vertically transmitted seed microbes constitute a 'symbiotic toolbox' that differentially resuscitates under stress, thereby enhancing seedling fitness.},
}

@article {pmid41568056,
year = {2025},
author = {Tang, X and Guo, X and Wang, H and Yang, Q and Zhang, Y and Ling, J and Sun, H and Dong, J and Zhang, Y},
title = {Elaborating the molecular characteristics of corals' different tolerance to environmental stress in Sanya Luhuitou based on multi-omics analysis.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1664176},
pmid = {41568056},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The resistance to environmental perturbations varies significantly among coral species. Corals are holobionts that are symbiotic with dinoflagellates and microbiomes, which makes their physiological responses to environmental stress complex. In order to restore coral reefs, it is essential to discover the molecular characteristics associated with coral environmental stress tolerance and to understand the molecular mechanisms that contribute to physiological adaptation.

METHODS: Using high throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing, combined with transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome analyses, we analyzed the differences in coral associated bacterial communities between the branching coral (Pocillopora damicornis) and massive corals (Porites lutea and Galaxea fascicularis), as well as the profiling of environmental stress resistance related genes, proteins and metabolites in these coral species.

RESULTS: The results showed that beneficial bacteria were more abundant in massive corals than in branching corals, while pathogenic bacteria were more abundant in branching corals. Genes and proteins that can counteract environmental stress were found more abundant in branching corals as compared to massive corals. Branching corals contained higher levels of metabolites associated with environmental stress, such as LysoPC (15:0). Massive corals possess simultaneously higher basal expression genes (or proteins) involved in amino acid metabolism, which may contribute to their higher tolerance.

DISCUSSION: Based on molecular characteristics, branching corals' resistance to environmental stress was weaker than that of massive corals, which provided a valuable reference for coral reef protection in the future.},
}

@article {pmid41568041,
year = {2025},
author = {Liang, Y and Feng, Y and Jia, Q and Zhu, J and Guo, S and Tang, Q and Fan, Y and Zhang, Z},
title = {Diversity analysis of endohyphal bacteria in oil-producing fungi inhabiting arid environments.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1712713},
pmid = {41568041},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Endohyphal bacteria are microorganisms that inhabit fungal hyphae or reproductive structures, which influence fungal physiology and contribute to broader ecosystem processes. However, current knowledge regarding endohyphal bacteria associated with oil-producing fungi in arid environments remains scarce and warrants further investigation.

METHOD: Oil-producing fungi were isolated and screened from arid soil samples collected in Toksun County, Xinjiang, China. A preliminary assessment of the presence of endohyphal bacteria within these fungi was conducted using SYTO 9 green fluorescent staining. High-throughput sequencing was employed to analyze the distribution patterns and community composition of the endohyphal bacteria.

RESULTS: Endohyphal bacteria were detected in 16 fungal strains, which constituted 61.5% of the total 26 oil-producing strains obtained. High-throughput sequencing analysis identified 63 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) belonging to 6 phyla and 35 genera, with Proteobacteria representing the dominant phylum. Most fungi contained multiple endohyphal bacterial taxa and exhibited pronounced interspecific variation in community composition. Functional prediction analysis indicated a significant enrichment of pathways related to metabolism, environmental information processing, and genetic information processing in the endohyphal bacteria associated with distinct fungal hosts.

DISCUSSION: Oil-producing fungi may establish interactive systems through symbiotic associations with diverse endohyphal bacteria. These symbiotic interactions may promote lipid accumulation and enhance ecological adaptability in oil-producing fungi, potentially mediated by the metabolic synergy and functional complementarity described above. In conclusion, this study provides a preliminary characterization of the diversity and community structure of endohyphal bacteria associated with oil-producing fungi in arid environments, establishing a basis for future investigations into their functional interactions.},
}

@article {pmid41567836,
year = {2026},
author = {Yang, J and Park, JS and Oh, SO and Oh, SY and Hur, JS},
title = {Fungal Microbiome Within Lichen as a Potential Bioindicator of Climate Change: Insights from Transplant Field Study.},
journal = {Mycobiology},
volume = {54},
number = {1},
pages = {146-160},
pmid = {41567836},
issn = {1229-8093},
abstract = {Global warming is a major driver of ecological change, yet its impacts on bioindicators such as lichens remain unclear. Lichens, formed by symbiotic associations between fungi and photosynthetic partners, are widely used to assess environmental conditions. However, studies relying on traditional physiological measures, including chlorophyll content and photosynthetic activity, have reported inconsistent responses to climate change. We hypothesized that short-term exposure of lichens to elevated temperatures would not alter these conventional physiological traits but might instead lead to changes in their associated microbiomes. Using a field transplant experiment, we exposed lichens to higher temperature environments and assessed both physiological and microbiome responses. Chlorophyll content and tissue damage showed no significant differences between control and warmed conditions. In contrast, high-throughput sequencing of 16S and ITS regions revealed pronounced shifts in microbial communities. Fungal assemblages exhibited marked declines in alpha diversity, co-occurrence network complexity, and stability of the core microbiome. By comparison, bacterial communities demonstrated greater resilience. Notably, the black yeast Cutaneotrichosporon debeurmannianum became dominant in high-temperature environments. Our findings show that while traditional physiological traits of lichens remain stable under short-term warming, their fungal microbiomes are highly sensitive to thermal stress. We identify fungal community structure-particularly the presence of C. debeurmannianum-as a promising indicator of climate change. These results highlight the importance of considering microbial symbionts when evaluating the ecological responses of lichens to global warming.},
}

@article {pmid41566997,
year = {2026},
author = {Dauphin, B and Baril, T and Morin, E and Oggenfuss, U and Pfister, S and De Freitas Pereira, M and Grigoriev, IV and Kohler, A and Martin, F and Croll, D and Peter, M},
title = {Chromosome-scale genome assembly of the most abundant ectomycorrhizal fungus Cenococcum geophilum reveals massive TE expansion and RIP defence mechanism.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/gbe/evag017},
pmid = {41566997},
issn = {1759-6653},
abstract = {Transposable elements (TEs) play crucial roles in genome evolution and ecological adaptation in fungi, yet their dynamics in ectomycorrhizal species remain poorly understood. Cenococcum geophilum, the most widespread ectomycorrhizal fungus in boreal and temperate forests with its large, repeat-rich genome, represents an ideal system to investigate TE-mediated adaptation to the physical environment and symbiotic lifestyle. However, previous studies have been limited by fragmented genome assemblies that prevented the resolution of repeat-rich regions. We assembled a telomere-to-telomere reference genome of C. geophilum strain 1.58 using PacBio HiFi and Hi-C datasets, resulting in a 178.54 Mbp genome with seven contiguous chromosomes. We identified 14,145 genes and over 78% of the genome consists of transposable elements (TEs). Of these, 94% are affected by repeat-induced point mutations (RIP), a genome defence mechanism that acts during the sexual reproduction phase, indicating cryptic or ancient sexual reproduction in this putatively asexual fungus. LTR retrotransposons, LINEs, and DNA transposons dominated, with three TE families (Ty3, Ty1, and Tad1) contributing over 60% of the genome size, indicating recent transposition bursts. Screening of 15 additional C. geophilum strains revealed recent and lineage-specific TE expansions, implying that several TEs escaped the RIP machinery and retained potential activity. Supporting TE activity in the context of symbiosis, we found 56 TEs differentially transcribed between ectomycorrhizal and free-living mycelium tissues. An even higher number (n = 66) of TEs were differentially expressed between stress resistance morphology (i.e., sclerotia) and free-living mycelium. This supports that TEs are differentially regulated as a response to symbiotic and stress-related conditions. Our results demonstrate that the C. geophilum genome expansion was driven by a few lineage-specific TE families in recent history, with high RIP activity attesting to sexual reproduction. We also provide insights how TEs could respond to lifestyle transitions and traits associated with desiccation resistance.},
}

@article {pmid41566783,
year = {2026},
author = {Zou, Z and Zhu, Y and Su, C and Cao, Y},
title = {Evolution and variation of gene modules associated with symbiotic nitrogen fixation in the nitrogen-fixing clade.},
journal = {Molecular plant},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.molp.2026.01.008},
pmid = {41566783},
issn = {1752-9867},
}

@article {pmid41564456,
year = {2026},
author = {Arnull, J and Hashim, AS and Ganeshram, RS and Wilson, AMW and Moosa, H and Reay, DS and Ziyadh, AM and Tudhope, AW},
title = {Experimental nutrient enrichment during thermal stress reduces bleaching severity in an oligotrophic reef setting, Maldives.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {225},
number = {},
pages = {119305},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.119305},
pmid = {41564456},
issn = {1879-3363},
abstract = {Coral bleaching events are intensifying with rising sea surface temperatures, yet the role of nutrient availability in influencing coral responses to thermal stress remains complex. Excessive nutrient enrichment often increases bleaching susceptibility, but moderate, balanced enrichment may provide physiological benefits. We tested this through a six-month in situ enrichment experiment on an oligotrophic reef in the Maldives during a mild bleaching event. Diffusers supplied either nitrogen-rich (High N; elevated N relative to P) or balanced nitrogen-phosphorus (High P; relative to typical Redfield N:P ratios) fertiliser to Pocillopora spp. colonies, and responses were assessed using bleaching surveys and stable isotope analyses (δ[15]N, δ[13]C, and C:N ratios) of host tissue and algal symbionts to monitor changes nitrogen assimilation strategies. Enriched colonies bleached significantly less than controls during peak heat stress. Isotopic signatures shifted toward fertiliser values, with δ[15]N reduced by up to 2 ‰ in symbionts and ∼ 1 ‰ in tissue, indicating assimilation of external nitrogen. Symbiont C:N ratios also declined under enrichment, consistent with reduced N limitation and altered metabolic balance within the symbiosis. Together, these results provide the first field evidence from the Indian Ocean that short-term nutrient enrichment in oligotrophic reef environments can reduce bleaching severity under mild heat stress by enhancing metabolic flexibility, i.e., the capacity of corals and their symbionts to adjust nutrient assimilation and internal resource use under stress. However, the long-term consequences of sustained or unbalanced nutrient exposure remain uncertain, highlighting the need for caution in management applications.},
}

@article {pmid41562275,
year = {2026},
author = {Palaka, BK and Das, S and Kulkarni, KR and Abhilasha, A and Soyam, P and Roy Choudhury, S},
title = {Functional analysis of NFR1 delineates a conserved residue and a region of juxtamembrane domain essential for nodulation in chickpea.},
journal = {Journal of experimental botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jxb/erag031},
pmid = {41562275},
issn = {1460-2431},
abstract = {Root nodule symbiosis signaling is initiated by the perception of the rhizobial Nod Factors (NFs) by two plant Lysin motif (LysM) containing nod factor receptors (NFR1 and NFR5). Here, we identified the NFR1 homologue from chickpea and functionally established its role by a gene silencing approach. To achieve valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of CaNFR1, we evaluated a highly conserved residue in its activation loop and a specific region of the juxtamembrane (ΔJM) domain. The substitution of threonine with alanine at position 476 has significant implications, causing the loss of a phosphorylation event and disrupting the interaction with NFR5. The elimination of ΔJM domain of CaNFR1 also weakens the interaction strength with CaNFR5. Based on molecular docking and simulation studies, these structural alterations align with our yeast-based and in planta protein-protein interaction data, as well as a significant reduction in nodule number, size, and infection cell abundance after overexpression of CaNFR1 variants. Cross-species genetic complementation in lyk3 mutant of Medicago truncatula highlights the critical role of the evolutionarily conserved T476 in the activation loop and ΔJM domain of NFR1, in its interaction with NFR5, underscoring a crucial step in the receptor-mediated activation mechanism leading to root nodulation in legumes.},
}

@article {pmid41561036,
year = {2025},
author = {Xie, J and Zheng, X and Chen, Q and Liang, X and Dong, H and Zhou, S and Yuan, X and Zhang, J},
title = {Comparative analysis of intestinal morphology and intestinal microbiota composition of bullfrogs (Aquarana catesbeiana) at different growth stages.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1715163},
pmid = {41561036},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {The intestinal microbiota is a complex and dynamic community that contributes to digestion and plays a crucial role in regulating immune health. In this study, post-metamorphic bullfrogs (Aquarana catesbeiana) at different ages (1, 2, 3, and 4 months) were investigated. Growth performance assessment, intestinal histomorphological analysis, and 16S rRNA sequencing were employed to systematically examine the dynamics and diversity of microbial communities in the small intestinal segments (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum). Results showed that bullfrog growth indices increased with age, with faster body weight gain during 2-3 months; notably, this was significantly positively correlated with intestinal morphological development (villus height and muscle layer thickness) (p < 0.05). In terms of microbial composition, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Fusobacteria, and Actinobacteria were dominant phyla, while different intestinal segments harbored specific dominant genera. Among them, Cetobacterium was consistently detected throughout the growth period, suggesting it is likely the core symbiont in bullfrog intestines. Moreover, microbiota function varied with growth stages: at 1-2 months, Bifidobacterium and Cetobacterium synergistically participated in immune regulation and basic metabolism, whereas at 3-4 months, Weissella, Lactococcus, and Bacteroides became dominant, with their functions shifting toward efficient energy conversion. Additionally, Alpha diversity analysis showed a decreasing trend in the Simpson index with development, while Beta diversity analysis revealed that microbiota composition was similar among different intestinal segments at the same age but that significant differences existed in each segment during 2-3 months. Overall, this study reveals the specific distribution characteristics of probiotic microbiota in bullfrogs at different growth stages, thereby providing a scientific basis for screening growth-promoting frog-derived probiotics that match host physiological traits.},
}

@article {pmid41560754,
year = {2025},
author = {Rudrapal, M and de Oliveira, AM and Singh, RP},
title = {Dietary polyphenols maintain human health through modulation of gut microbiota.},
journal = {Frontiers in pharmacology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1710088},
pmid = {41560754},
issn = {1663-9812},
abstract = {The symbiotic interplay between dietary polyphenols and gut microbiota constitutes a focal point in contemporary scientific investigations, with profound impact in human health and diseases. The human gastrointestinal milieu serves as the locus for a diverse consortium of microbial organisms, collectively constituting the gut microbiota, which intricately modulate host metabolism, immune responses, and overall homeostasis. Dysregulation of gut microbial composition and functionality, known as dysbiosis, has been implicated in the progression of a plethora of gastrointestinal and systemic maladies, encompassing inflammatory bowel diseases, metabolic syndromes and neurological disorders, and so on. Polyphenols abundant in plant-derived food, exert multifaceted biological activities, encompassing antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, among many others. These polyphenolic metabolites inextricably interact with the gut microbiota, exerting modulatory effects on microbial composition and functionality, thereby promoting the symbiotic physiological relationships between microbe and human host. In reciprocal fashion, the gut microbiota serves as pivotal vectors in the metabolism and bioavailability of polyphenols, engendering bioactive signalling metabolites which regulate systemic physiological effects and thereby maintain host health. This review emphasizes the imperative of comprehensively delineating an interplay between polyphenolic metabolites and gut microbiota in maintaining host health, while reflecting potential interventions of protective health outcomes in disease conditions.},
}

@article {pmid41402734,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, Q and Zhao, X and Yuan, X and Liu, ZJ and Zhang, Y},
title = {The regulatory mechanisms of CAM/CML gene family in governing mycorrhizal fungi in Cremastra appendiculata (Orchidaceae).},
journal = {BMC plant biology},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {100},
pmid = {41402734},
issn = {1471-2229},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Calmodulin (CAMs) and calmodulin-like proteins (CMLs) play pivotal roles in sensing and decoding Ca[2+] signals, thereby regulating of various physiological processes. Although CAM/CML genes in numerous plants have been extensively studied, their specific functions and mechanisms in orchids remain unexplored. In order to reveal the characteristics of the CAM/CML family in Cremastra appendiculata, a comprehensive analysis was performed at the genome-wide level, focusing on its physicochemical attributes, phylogenetic associations, gene structure, Cis-acting elements, and qRT-PCR.

RESULTS: A total of 78 CAM/CML genes were identified in C. appendiculata, including five CAPPCAM and 73 CAPPCML, divided into ten subgroups (Subgroup I-X). Subgroups I and II contain one to four coding DNA sequences (CDS), while subgroup IX includes 9 genes with only one CDS and the remaining genes possess 4–12 CDS. The collinearity analysis revealed seven collinear CAM/CML gene pairs between C. appendiculata and Arabidopsis thaliana, indicating the homology of CAM/CML genes between these two species. The cis-elements in the CAPPCAMs/CMLs promoter mainly enrich methyl jasmonate (MeJA) elements (202/1120, 18%). The qRT-PCR analysis revealed that the CAPPCAM/CAPPCML gene family plays important roles in responding to mycorrhizal symbiosis. Notably, root tissues demonstrated a marked induction effect upon symbiosis, with gene expression regulation exhibiting distinct tissue specificity.

CONCLUSIONS: This study not only lays the foundation for clarifying the functions of such genes in mycorrhizal symbiosis of C. appendiculata, but also highlights its potential for biotechnology development.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12870-025-07889-6.},
}

@article {pmid41559069,
year = {2026},
author = {Yoshioka, A and Shimada, YY and Omori, T and Uemura, NA and Takeshita, K and Ishigami, K and Morimura, H and Furubayashi, M and Kan, T and Wada, H and Kikuchi, Y and Nakane, D},
title = {Bacteria break through one-micrometer-square passages by flagellar wrapping.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {713},
pmid = {41559069},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {22H05066//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; 22H05068//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; 22H05066//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; 22H05067//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; 22H05068//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; JPMJFR2411//MEXT | Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)/ ; },
mesh = {*Flagella/physiology ; Animals ; Lab-On-A-Chip Devices ; Symbiosis ; Movement ; Bacteria ; },
abstract = {Confined spaces are omnipresent in the micro-environments, including soil aggregates and intestinal crypts, yet little is known about how bacteria behave under such conditions where movement is challenging due to spatial confinement that limited effective diffusion. Stinkbug symbiont Caballeronia insecticola navigates a narrow gut passage about one micrometer in diameter to reach the stinkbug's symbiotic organ. Here, we developed a microfluidic device mimicking the host's sorting organ, wherein bacterial cells are confined in a quasi-one-dimensional fashion, and revealed that this bacterium wraps flagellar filaments around its cell body like a screw thread to control fluid flow and generate propulsion for smooth and directional movement in narrow passages. Physical simulations and genetic experiments revealed that hook flexibility is essential for this wrapping; increasing hook rigidity impaired both wrapping motility and infectivity. Thus, flagellar wrapping likely represents an evolutionary innovation, enabling bacteria to break through confined environments using their motility machinery.},
}

*Flagella/physiology
Animals
Lab-On-A-Chip Devices
Symbiosis
Movement
Bacteria

@article {pmid41558481,
year = {2026},
author = {Keller, V and Calchera, A and Otte, J and Tuovinen Nogerius, V and Schmitt, I},
title = {Ubiquitous occurrence of the black fungus Melanina gundecimermaniae in the lichen Umbilicaria pustulata.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2025.12.046},
pmid = {41558481},
issn = {1879-0445},
abstract = {Lichen symbioses frequently include additional fungal associates beyond the canonical mycobiont (fungus) and photobiont (alga/cyanobacterium). Despite the prevalence and diversity of these lichen cohabitants, their geographic distribution and role within the lichen consortium remain poorly understood. Combining genomics, metagenomics, and advanced microscopy, we identified the black fungus Melanina gundecimermaniae as a constant cohabitant in the lichen Umbilicaria pustulata. We analyzed metagenomes from 149 individuals across 15 populations, spanning the Europe-wide range of U. pustulata. Additionally, we screened pooled metagenomes of U. pustulata and Umbilicaria phaea along five elevation gradients (Europe and North America). Genome mapping, using a near-complete reference genome of M. gundecimermaniae, revealed that the black fungus was present in 100% of the screened lichen metagenomes, with 0.85%-3.78% of reads mapping against the reference. Among all lichen-associated fungi, it was one of the most common. These findings indicate that the black fungus is widely distributed and associated with different lichen species, underscoring its potential ecological significance. Using fluorescence in situ hybridization coupled with confocal laser scanning microscopy, we confirmed the presence of M. gundecimermaniae within various structures of U. pustulata, including vegetative symbiotic propagules involved in dispersal. Elucidating its widespread occurrence across continents, consistent presence in U. pustulata, and ability to be dispersed together with the lichens' canonical partners, our findings suggest a potential interaction of M. gundecimermaniae that extends beyond incidental colonization. Our study contributes to the growing body of evidence that organismal complexity within lichens is a prevalent and largely unexplored dimension of the lichen symbiosis.},
}

@article {pmid41558455,
year = {2026},
author = {González Ortega-Villaizán, A and Haro, R and Conchillo, LB and Guerrero-Galán, C and Pollmann, S and Benito, B},
title = {Transcriptional regulation of the Arabidopsis transportome by salt stress and symbiosis with Serendipita indica.},
journal = {Plant physiology and biochemistry : PPB},
volume = {231},
number = {},
pages = {111053},
doi = {10.1016/j.plaphy.2026.111053},
pmid = {41558455},
issn = {1873-2690},
abstract = {Serendipita indica, a widely studied beneficial root-colonizing fungal endophyte, promotes plant growth under saline conditions by reducing Na[+] accumulation in host plants, including Arabidopsis thaliana. This reduction in Na [+] levels likely contributes to salt detoxification, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Previous studies have demonstrated that SOS1, a key Na[+] transporter and major determinant of salt tolerance in plants, is not involved in this reduction. To explore whether other plant transporters might participate in Na[+] reduction, we first characterized the full Arabidopsis transportome, with putative substrates and subcellular localizations, and performed a comprehensive transcriptomic analysis of the full set of transporter proteins. In this study, we investigated and excluded the possible contribution of HKT1, another relevant Na[+] transporter implicated in salt adaptation in Arabidopsis. By examining differentially expressed transporters under salt stress, we identified a subset of candidate genes potentially involved in Na[+] transport. Among these, we evaluated the role of CNGC10 and CNGC13 using mutant lines under both S. indica- and non-colonized conditions. Interestingly, both transporters appeared to be involved in the endophyte-induced decrease in Na[+] accumulation although, other, yet-unidentified transporters may also contribute to this phenomenon.},
}

@article {pmid41556683,
year = {2026},
author = {Nassehi, D},
title = {Symbiotic intelligence in health care.},
journal = {Tidsskrift for den Norske laegeforening : tidsskrift for praktisk medicin, ny raekke},
volume = {145},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.4045/tidsskr.25.0694},
pmid = {41556683},
issn = {0807-7096},
}

@article {pmid41555417,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, L and Spaink, HP},
title = {The function of Toll-like receptor 2 in control of transcriptome responses to the microbiome and microbiome composition.},
journal = {Animal microbiome},
volume = {8},
number = {1},
pages = {5},
pmid = {41555417},
issn = {2524-4671},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) plays a pivotal role in innate immunity and has recently emerged as a critical regulator of host-microbiome interactions. However, how TLR2 influences host transcriptional responses to colonized microbiome and microbial community dynamics remains largely unclear. A comparison between germ free (GF) and conventionalized zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae provides a valuable system to investigate how the microbiome influences host transcriptomic responses in a tlr2 mutant versus wild-type control. Vice versa, to understand the role of Tlr2 in regulating the microbiome, we have analyzed microbial community composition in both tlr2 mutant and wild-type zebrafish at larval and adult stages.

RESULTS: RNAseq analysis revealed that approximately 2.6% of the zebrafish genome (827 genes) exhibited transcriptomic alterations in tlr2 mutant larvae compared to the wild type under microbiome-colonized conditions, whereas around 2% of the genome (639 genes) showed differential expression under GF conditions. KEGG enrichment analyses show that under both microbiome-colonized and GF conditions major differences between the tlr2 mutant and wild type are related to metabolism. Furthermore, there is a striking difference in endoplasmic reticulum stress responses, including well-known markers for inflammatory bowel disease which are all downregulated in the mutant under the microbiome-colonized condition. Microbiome colonization elicited a broader transcriptional response in tlr2 wild-type larvae than in the mutant, with specifically the ferroptosis, apoptosis and inflammation related pathways differently regulated. In terms of how Tlr2 influences microbial composition, 16 S rRNA gene sequencing showed large differences in beta diversity between the tlr2 mutant and wild type. The tlr2 mutant exhibited higher microbial alpha diversity during early development, whereas alpha diversity was higher in wild-type adults. For larvae at the genus level, tlr2 mutant larvae showed increased Chryseobacterium and Flectobacillus but reduced Gracilibacteria abundance relative to wild-type controls. For adult gut samples, the relative abundance of Cetobacterium was higher in the tlr2 mutants, indicating a developmental stage-specific restructuring of the microbiome.

CONCLUSIONS: TLR2 not only modulates host transcriptional responses to microbial colonization, but also shapes gut microbial diversity, composition, and metabolic potential. Our findings highlight the critical role of TLR2 in orchestrating immune-metabolic homeostasis and provide new insights into its broader function in maintaining host-microbiota symbiosis across developmental stages.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s42523-025-00502-z.},
}

@article {pmid41556134,
year = {2026},
author = {Contreras Delgado, MA and Chibomba, V and Thomas, BR and Reynolds, AJ and Bilham, LJ and Miller, JB},
title = {Symbiosis signalling genes negatively regulate root responses to salt stress via the CCaMK-IPD3 module in Medicago truncatula.},
journal = {Journal of experimental botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jxb/erag025},
pmid = {41556134},
issn = {1460-2431},
abstract = {Legumes are important sources of dietary protein and are key crops for sustainable agriculture because they fix atmospheric nitrogen via symbiotic interactions with rhizobia bacteria. However, legume plants are particularly sensitive to salt stress, with salinity negatively affecting development of the root nodule symbiosis. Genes that control salt-symbiosis crosstalk or trade-offs are largely unknown and poorly characterised. To assess the role of symbiosis signalling genes in salt stress, we analysed wildtype and symbiosis signalling mutants of Medicago truncatula grown in the presence of NaCl, sorbitol and/or rhizobia bacteria. We assessed root growth, plant biomass, nodule number and gene expression responses in plants exposed to stress. Our findings demonstrate that several symbiosis signalling genes play a previously undescribed role in regulating root responses to salt stress, including a calcium- and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CCaMK) and its interacting partner and downstream transcription factor, IPD3. Our results also show that the identified responses to salt stress are due to sodium toxicity rather than osmotic stress. We conclude that symbiosis signalling genes, including the CCaMK-IPD3 signalling module, may mediate signalling crosstalk between salt stress and symbiosis. These findings open new research avenues to explore how the environment regulates the legume-Rhizobium symbiosis.},
}

@article {pmid41555761,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, L and Zhao, S and Tan, W and Zhang, M and Jia, M and Wei, G and Chou, M},
title = {Early nodulin-like protein MtENODL29 inhibits nodule senescence in Medicago truncatula.},
journal = {Plant physiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/plphys/kiag008},
pmid = {41555761},
issn = {1532-2548},
abstract = {The early nodulin-like (ENODL) subfamily, part of the phytocyanin, arabinogalactan protein, and nodulin-like families, is involved in plant growth and stress resistance. However, its role in symbiotic nodulation remains poorly understood. In barrel medic (Medicago truncatula), we found MtENODL29 was strongly activated at the late stages of nodule development, particularly in the infection zone of nodules. Both RNA interference (RNAi) and mutation of MtENODL29 caused a considerable reduction in nodule numbers, an increase in cysteine protease activity, a dramatic decrease in leghemoglobin content, and signs of premature senescence in nodule cells, suggesting that disruption of MtENODL29 accelerates nodule aging. Transcriptome analysis of 7-dpi (day post inoculation) inoculated roots and 28-dpi nodules in enodl29 mutants showed significant downregulation of symbiotic genes, accompanied by differential expression of genes associated with lipid metabolism and transport. MtENODL29 mutation also negatively impacted plant growth and development. MtENODL29 bound to MtnsLTP (non-specific lipid transfer protein), MtKCR (very-long-chain 3-oxoacyl-CoA reductase), and MtSec61γ (gamma subunit of the translocase complex Sec61) through its ALR (arabinogalactan protein-like region) domain. MtENODL29 co-localized with these proteins in the plasma membrane and endoplasmic reticulum. Notably, MtnsLTP showed high expression in the nodules, similar to MtENODL29, while MtKCR and MtSec61γ were also highly expressed in the leaves and stems. These results suggest that MtENODL29 participates in membrane lipid modification and transport by interacting with MtnsLTP, MtKCR, and MtSec61γ, facilitating the formation of symbiosome membranes as alfalfa rhizobium (Sinorhizobium meliloti) strain 1021 are released into nodule cells. Moreover, MtENODL29 influences plant growth, highlighting its role in coordinating plant development and symbiosis.},
}

@article {pmid41555050,
year = {2026},
author = {Nakayama-Imaohji, H and Tada, A and Ogiwara, S and Munyeshyaka, E and Tabassum, N and Mori, T and Fujikawa, R and Suzuki, K and Kuwahara, T},
title = {α-Amylase in Aspergillus oryzae-fermented rice promotes the growth of human symbiotic Faecalibacterium Prausnitzii.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-36928-x},
pmid = {41555050},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {25K14867//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; },
abstract = {Diet is one of the critical factors that govern the human gut microbiome. Fermented foods provide beneficial effects for human health by supplying diverse nutrients and digestive enzymes. We aimed to investigate the effect of fermented rice extract prepared with Aspergillus oryzae on the growth of human symbiotic Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. After steamed rice was fermented by A. oryzae, a water-soluble fraction was prepared by centrifugation and used as rice-koji extract. The growth of F. prausnitzii in the media supplemented with 1% rice-koji extract was enhanced compared to that in a control medium. Fractionation of the rice-koji extract with an anion-exchange column and mass spectrometry analysis were conducted to identify the growth-promoting factors for F. prausnitzii. LC-MS/MS analysis revealed that the fractions showing a growth-promoting effect were rich in α-amylase from A. oryzae. The addition of purified A. oryzae-derived α-amylase and starch to the culture media increased the growth and butyrate production from F. prausnitzii. These findings suggest that A. oryzae-derived enzymes in fermented rice-koji possess a growth-promoting effect, enabling F. prausnitzii to efficiently uptake and utilize starch degradation products.},
}

@article {pmid41554938,
year = {2026},
author = {Ouyang, H and Jiang, D and Hu, Y and Cheng, S and Zhang, Z and Shi, B and Wang, E and Xue, J and Shan, Y and Xu, L and Zou, Y and Weng, S and Li, H and Niu, H and Gu, M and Luo, L and Chao, S and Tan, P and Yao, Y and Wang, N and Fan, Y and Wang, ZL and Hua, W and Li, Z},
title = {Symbiotic transcatheter pacemaker for lifelong energy regeneration and therapeutic function in porcine disease model.},
journal = {Nature biomedical engineering},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41554938},
issn = {2157-846X},
support = {T2125003//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 52373256//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 82100325//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; JQ20038//Natural Science Foundation of Beijing Municipality (Beijing Natural Science Foundation)/ ; L212010//Natural Science Foundation of Beijing Municipality (Beijing Natural Science Foundation)/ ; },
abstract = {Lifelong pacing is one of the ultimate goals of cardiac pacemakers. However, meeting the critical energy condition for lifelong service is a tremendous challenge. Here we report a symbiotic transcatheter pacemaker that regenerates electric energy from heart motion via electromagnetic induction and surpasses the critical energy condition for lifelong service. The pacemaker can be closely integrated with the body owing to favourable biocompatibility and hemocompatibility, and its small size enables interventional delivery. To minimize energy loss and eliminate mechanical collision and friction, we propose a straightforward magnetic levitation energy cache structure. The energy regeneration module has a near-zero boot threshold, high kinetic energy conversion efficiency and intracardiac root mean square output power. We show the energy regeneration and therapeutic function of the symbiotic transcatheter pacemaker over a month-long autonomous operation in a porcine model of brady-arrhythmia. These advances may provide a potential path to extend the service life of pacemakers to the level of the natural heart.},
}

@article {pmid41554441,
year = {2026},
author = {Zheng, M and Wang, W and Yan, Z and Liu, Y and Wang, S and Dong, F and Zhao, C and Peng, S and Chen, Z},
title = {Low-carbon nature-based system for industrial wastewater treatment: harnessing H2/CO2 to drive robust algae-bacteria symbiosis.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {444},
number = {},
pages = {134039},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2026.134039},
pmid = {41554441},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {Aeration-free algae-bacteria symbiosis systems (ABSS) represent a promising low-carbon alternative for wastewater treatment, but stability is often compromised when treating toxic industrial effluents with a low carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio. This study proposes engineering the system with an oxygen-deprived H2/CO2 headspace to enhance its resilience and elucidates the underlying synergistic mechanisms. The headspace composition was optimized and the performance was evaluated under increasing quinoline stress. The optimized H2/CO2 atmosphere created a dynamically buffered reaction environment, achieving > 90 % total inorganic nitrogen removal. Under stringent oxygen-deprived conditions, the system demonstrated remarkable stability, removing 84 % total nitrogen at 100 mg/L quinoline. Mechanistic analysis elucidated a "dual-engine" denitrification enabled by H2, stress-induced algal-bacterial aggregation for physical protection, and an adaptive community shift dominated by the ecosystem engineer Zoogloea. This work revealed that aeration-free ABSS overcomes key metabolic bottlenecks in nature-based systems, offering a robust, low-carbon paradigm for toxic industrial wastewater treatment.},
}

@article {pmid41554027,
year = {2025},
author = {Ireri, SW and Cao, M},
title = {CRISPR-Cas9-based Mutagenesis in the Entomopathogenic Nematode Steinernema hermaphroditum and the Maintenance of Mutant Lines.},
journal = {Journal of visualized experiments : JoVE},
volume = {},
number = {226},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3791/68932},
pmid = {41554027},
issn = {1940-087X},
mesh = {Animals ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Mutagenesis ; *Rhabditida/genetics ; Microinjections/methods ; Gene Editing/methods ; },
abstract = {Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) in the genus Steinernema and Heterorhabditis maintain mutualistic interactions with Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus symbiotic bacteria, respectively. Together, these nematode-bacterium pairs infect and kill insect hosts that are primarily larvae from the orders of Lepidoptera and Coleoptera, forming a tractable tripartite system for dissecting the molecular basis of mutualism and parasitism. A key step towards fully utilizing this model is the development of stable and transgenerational genetic tools in EPNs. Here, we demonstrate a reliable CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing platform in the emerging model Steinernema hermaphroditum, a species that is readily maintained in vivo and in vitro, and is highly amenable to gonadal microinjection. Importantly, its hermaphroditic reproduction greatly streamlines the generation and maintenance of homozygous mutant lines. We provide a detailed protocol for efficient, targeted gene disruption using microinjection-based delivery of Cas9 ribonucleoprotein complexes. As a proof of concept, we modified the conserved muscle-associated gene unc-22, generating a characteristic twitching phenotype that validates targeted mutagenesis in this system. This CRISPR-Cas9 platform opens the door to stable genetic manipulation in S. hermaphroditum, such as transgene expression, and provides a framework that can be extended to additional EPN species of agricultural and ecological importance.},
}

Animals
*CRISPR-Cas Systems
Mutagenesis
*Rhabditida/genetics
Microinjections/methods
Gene Editing/methods

@article {pmid41553678,
year = {2026},
author = {Scheifler, M and Wilhelm, L and Visser, B},
title = {Lipid Metabolism in Parasitoids and Parasitized Hosts.},
journal = {Advances in experimental medicine and biology},
volume = {1494},
number = {},
pages = {445-477},
pmid = {41553678},
issn = {0065-2598},
mesh = {Animals ; *Lipid Metabolism/physiology ; *Host-Parasite Interactions/physiology ; *Insecta/parasitology/metabolism ; Triglycerides/metabolism ; Larva/metabolism/parasitology ; },
abstract = {Parasitoids have an exceptional lifestyle where juvenile development is spent on or in a single host insect, but the adults are free-living. Unlike parasites, parasitoids kill the host. How parasitoids use such a limiting resource, particularly lipids, can affect chances to survive and reproduce. In part 1, we describe the parasitoid lifestyle, including typical developmental strategies. Lipid metabolism in parasitoids has been of interest to researchers since the 1960s and continues to fascinate ecologists, evolutionists, physiologists, and entomologists alike. One reason of this interest is that the majority of parasitoids do not accumulate triacylglycerols as adults. Early research revealed that some parasitoid larvae mimic the fatty acid composition of the host, which may result from a lack of de novo triacylglycerol synthesis. More recent work has focused on the evolution of lack of adult triacylglycerol accumulation and consequences for life history traits. In part 2 of this chapter, we discuss research efforts on lipid metabolism in parasitoids from the 1960s onwards. Parasitoids are also master manipulators of host physiology, including lipid metabolism, having evolved a range of mechanisms to affect the release, synthesis, transport, and take-up of lipids from the host. We lay out the effects of parasitism on host physiology in part 3 of this chapter.},
}

Animals
*Lipid Metabolism/physiology
*Host-Parasite Interactions/physiology
*Insecta/parasitology/metabolism
Triglycerides/metabolism
Larva/metabolism/parasitology

@article {pmid41553674,
year = {2026},
author = {Lafont, R and Dinan, L},
title = {Insect Sterols and Steroids.},
journal = {Advances in experimental medicine and biology},
volume = {1494},
number = {},
pages = {115-162},
pmid = {41553674},
issn = {0065-2598},
mesh = {Animals ; *Insecta/metabolism/physiology ; *Sterols/metabolism/chemistry ; *Steroids/metabolism/chemistry ; Phytosterols/metabolism/chemistry ; Ecdysteroids/metabolism/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Insects are incapable of biosynthesising sterols de novo so they need to obtain them from their diets or, in certain cases, from symbiotic microorganisms. Sterols serve a structural role in cellular membranes and act as precursors for signalling molecules and defence compounds. Many phytophagous insects dealkylate phytosterols to yield primarily cholesterol, which is also the main sterol that carnivorous and omnivorous insects obtain in their diets. Some phytophagous species have secondarily lost the capacity to dealkylate and consequently use phytosterols for structural and functional roles. The polyhydroxylated steroid hormones of insects, the ecdysteroids, are derived from cholesterol (or phytosterols in non-dealkylating phytophagous species) and regulate many crucial aspects of insect development and reproduction by means of precisely regulated titres resulting from controlled synthesis, storage and further metabolism/excretion. Ecdysteroids differ significantly from vertebrate steroid hormones in their chemical, biochemical and biological properties. Defensive steroids (cardenolides, bufadienolides, cucurbitacins and ecdysteroids) can be accumulated from host plants or biosynthesised within the insect, depending on species, stored in significant amounts in the insect and released when it is attacked. Other allelochemical steroids serve as pheromones. Vertebrate-type steroids have also been conclusively identified from insect sources, but debate continues about their significance. Side chain dealkylation of phytosterols, ecdysteroid metabolism and ecdysteroid mode of action are targets of potential insect control strategies.},
}

Animals
*Insecta/metabolism/physiology
*Sterols/metabolism/chemistry
*Steroids/metabolism/chemistry
Phytosterols/metabolism/chemistry
Ecdysteroids/metabolism/chemistry

@article {pmid41553672,
year = {2026},
author = {Visser, B and Scheifler, M},
title = {Insect Lipid Metabolism in the Presence of Symbiotic and Pathogenic Viruses and Bacteria.},
journal = {Advances in experimental medicine and biology},
volume = {1494},
number = {},
pages = {419-443},
pmid = {41553672},
issn = {0065-2598},
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis/physiology ; *Lipid Metabolism ; *Wolbachia/physiology/metabolism ; Humans ; *Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology/metabolism/virology ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology ; *Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/virology/metabolism ; *Insecta/microbiology/metabolism/virology ; Host-Pathogen Interactions ; },
abstract = {Insects, like most animals, have intimate interactions with microorganisms that can influence the insect host's lipid metabolism. In this chapter, we describe what is known so far about the role prokaryotic microorganisms play in insect lipid metabolism. We start exploring microbe-insect lipid interactions focusing on endosymbionts, and more specifically the gut microbiota that has been predominantly studied in Drosophila melanogaster. We then move on to an overview of the work done on the common and well-studied endosymbiont Wolbachia pipientis, also in interaction with other microbes. Taking a slightly different angle, we then look at the effect of human pathogens, including dengue and other viruses, on the lipids of mosquito vectors. We extend the work on human pathogens and include interactions with the endosymbiont Wolbachia that was identified as a natural tool to reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. Research on lipid metabolism of plant disease vectors is up and coming and we end this chapter by highlighting current knowledge in that field.},
}

Animals
*Symbiosis/physiology
*Lipid Metabolism
*Wolbachia/physiology/metabolism
Humans
*Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology/metabolism/virology
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology
*Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/virology/metabolism
*Insecta/microbiology/metabolism/virology
Host-Pathogen Interactions

@article {pmid41553401,
year = {2026},
author = {Yuan, S and Leng, P and Zhang, H and Jin, F and Ke, D and Liang, W and Zhang, C and Huang, Y and Yang, Z and Chen, S and Chen, H},
title = {Nodule-specific cystatin GmCYS18 promotes soybean nodulation by inhibiting expression of the cysteine protease GmCYP17.},
journal = {Journal of experimental botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jxb/erag014},
pmid = {41553401},
issn = {1460-2431},
abstract = {Phytocystatins (plant cystatin) are a type of protease inhibitor widely studied for their specific and reversible inhibitory effects on cysteine proteases. The equilibrium between phytocystatins and their cysteine proteases plays key roles in biotic and abiotic stresses, plant immunity and so on. However, the roles of this balanced relationship in legume-rhizobium symbiosis remain poorly characterized. In the present study, we identified a nodule-specific cystatin gene GmCYS18 as a positive regulator of nodulation and nodule development in soybean. Over-expression of GmCYS18 increased Chlorophyll SPAD value, nodule number, plant height, weights of shoot, root and nodule, and the expression of nodulation marker genes, especially in the stable transgenic line GmCYS18-OX-1. Surprisingly, we found that GmCYS18 suppressed the expression of six root nodule symbiosis-related papain-like cysteine proteases (PLCP) in nodules. Furthermore, the GmPLCP gene, GmCYP17, which shows high homology to GmCYS9 that plays a negative regulatory role in soybean nodulation, was silenced by RNA interference (RNAi) system. The results showed that GmCYP17 inhibits nodulation, nodule development and the expression of nodulation marker genes in soybean. Our findings enriched the function of phytocystatins and provided insights into the correlation between cystatin and cysteine protease in nodule symbiosis.},
}

@article {pmid41551468,
year = {2026},
author = {Cabell, EM and Hunter, CL},
title = {Spatial and host-specific structuring in symbiont community composition of an endemic Hawaiian octocoral, Sarcothelia edmondsoni (Verrill 1928).},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {e20549},
pmid = {41551468},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; Hawaii ; Animals ; *Anthozoa/parasitology/physiology ; *Dinoflagellida/genetics/physiology/classification ; Coral Reefs ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {Coral reefs are increasingly threatened by climate-induced bleaching, yet some taxa-like the Hawaiian endemic octocoral Sarcothelia edmondsoni-exhibit notable stress tolerance. This study investigates whether distinct color morphotypes (blue and brown) of S. edmondsoni maintain stable or flexible symbiont associations that might underlie this resilience. Using high-throughput ITS2 sequencing and SymPortal analyses, we characterized Symbiodiniaceae communities across morphotypes on three Hawaiian Islands. Assemblages were overwhelmingly dominated (>99%) by Symbiodinium (Clade A), particularly S. tridacnidorum (ITS2 type A3), with blue morphotypes consistently hosting more diverse symbiont profiles. Dinoflagellate community composition varied significantly by morphotype and location, with no ITS2 profile shared across all morphotype-island combinations. Bray-Curtis analyses revealed strong ecological structuring, while UniFrac (a measure of evolutionary relatedness) indicated phylogenetic similarity, suggesting intragenomic or ecotypic divergence within a conserved lineage. Morphotype-specific associations may reflect environmental adaptation or host-symbiont specificity. The greater symbiont diversity in blue morphotypes, coupled with the lack of profile overlap among sites, points to fine-scale host-symbiont structuring shaped by local environmental conditions. These results demonstrate that Sarcothelia edmondsoni hosts morphotype- and location-specific Symbiodiniaceae communities within a conserved lineage, revealing fine-scale ecological structuring and potential symbiont ecotypes that may contribute to this species' resilience across variable reef environments. This study supports previous findings that symbiont community structure is shaped by the combined influence of host specificity and local environmental conditions.},
}

*Symbiosis
Hawaii
Animals
*Anthozoa/parasitology/physiology
*Dinoflagellida/genetics/physiology/classification
Coral Reefs
Phylogeny

@article {pmid41549649,
year = {2026},
author = {Hassan, MA and Kibbe, RR and Muddiman, DC and Chang, CY},
title = {Integrating Remote Sensing and Metabolomics to Assess Synergistic Effects of Phosphate Deficiency, Drought, and AMF Symbiosis in Soybean.},
journal = {Physiologia plantarum},
volume = {178},
number = {1},
pages = {e70679},
doi = {10.1111/ppl.70679},
pmid = {41549649},
issn = {1399-3054},
support = {CRIS #8042-21660-001-00D//the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service/ ; R01GM087964/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; DE-SC0014664//ARS Research Participation Program, administered by ORISE through an interagency agreement between USDA and DOE/ ; //North Carolina State University/ ; },
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology ; *Symbiosis/physiology ; *Glycine max/physiology/microbiology/metabolism ; Droughts ; *Metabolomics/methods ; *Phosphates/deficiency/metabolism ; Plant Roots/physiology/microbiology/metabolism ; Photosynthesis ; Chlorophyll/metabolism ; *Remote Sensing Technology/methods ; Plant Leaves/physiology ; Stress, Physiological ; Genotype ; },
abstract = {Soybean growth and yield are susceptible to abiotic stresses such as phosphate (P) deficiency and drought. Symbiotic association of plant roots with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can improve water uptake, thereby increasing stress resilience. This study evaluates the interactive effects of P availability, drought, and AMF symbiosis on physiology, reflectance traits, roots, and metabolite responses in two soybean genotypes during the early reproductive stages. Under P deficiency (P-), AMF colonization significantly (p < 0.05) increased, enhancing root hair development and maintaining ~30% lower leaf water potential (Ψ) under drought stress. Drought significantly (p < 0.05) negatively impacted photosynthesis as well as triggered shifts in metabolite accumulation and reflectance-based vegetation indices in both P treatments. P- sufficient (P+) plants developed significantly higher biomass. Chlorophyll-related vegetation indices were more responsive to P during drought, showing 45%-60% reductions in P- plants compared with only 25%-35% in P+ plants. The ratio of red-to-far-red chlorophyll fluorescence also significantly decreased (10%) under drought, indicating altered canopy spectral balance and stress-induced pigment changes. Carbohydrates, jasmonic acid, and amino acids exhibited significant variations (p < 0.05) among genotypes and P treatment under drought. Interestingly, a metabolite involved in phylloquinone biosynthesis (C11H12O6) was strongly upregulated under drought in P- plants with a strong correlation (r = 0.72) to Ψ. These findings highlight the critical role of P in AMF symbiosis for drought resistance. The integration of remote sensing and mass spectrometry-based metabolite profiling provides a comprehensive multiscale approach to link physiological and molecular responses, facilitating rapid and informed breeding decisions under diverse environmental stresses.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology
*Symbiosis/physiology
*Glycine max/physiology/microbiology/metabolism
Droughts
*Metabolomics/methods
*Phosphates/deficiency/metabolism
Plant Roots/physiology/microbiology/metabolism
Photosynthesis
Chlorophyll/metabolism
*Remote Sensing Technology/methods
Plant Leaves/physiology
Stress, Physiological
Genotype

@article {pmid41549602,
year = {2026},
author = {Decelle, J},
title = {The Romantic Discovery of Radiolaria in the Ocean.},
journal = {The Journal of eukaryotic microbiology},
volume = {73},
number = {1},
pages = {e70062},
doi = {10.1111/jeu.70062},
pmid = {41549602},
issn = {1550-7408},
support = {//Natural History Museum/ ; },
mesh = {History, 19th Century ; Oceans and Seas ; *Marine Biology/history ; *Aquatic Organisms ; History, 20th Century ; *Seawater/parasitology ; *Rhizaria ; },
abstract = {Radiolaria are unicellular marine organisms (protists) that have been drifting in oceanic plankton for hundreds of millions of years. These mineral architects can build extraordinarily complex skeletons, which fascinated and puzzled naturalists observing water samples through rudimentary microscopes. In the 19th century, the discovery and study of Radiolaria are associated with scientific voyages and human adventures. Naturalists who studied medicine and anatomy in European universities were captivated by the morphology of Radiolaria and expressed a profound wanderlust to collect them in the ocean. These intrepid and workaholic adventurers devoted their restless lives to studying microscopic life, while also actively engaging in teaching and sharing their observations and hypotheses with students. This article aims to retrace the discovery of Radiolaria through the lives of prominent naturalists and marine biologists, primarily Christian Gottfried Ehrenberg, Thomas Henry Huxley, Johannes Müller, and Ernst Haeckel. It also highlights the intellectual and geographic influences that shaped their research, including figures such as Johannes Wolfgang von Goethe and Alexander von Humboldt, as well as places like Jena, Helgoland, Villefranche-sur-Mer and Italy, which served as sampling locations and sources of romantic and artistic inspiration. Pioneering work on Radiolaria played a central role in shaping several emerging concepts (e.g., cell theory, individuality) and fields (e.g., taxonomy, evolution of morphology, symbiosis). The discovery of Radiolaria therefore reveals that even the most elusive marine microorganisms can deeply transform our understanding of life.},
}

History, 19th Century
Oceans and Seas
*Marine Biology/history
*Aquatic Organisms
History, 20th Century
*Seawater/parasitology
*Rhizaria

@article {pmid41548640,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, Z and Lou, J and Yan, M and Cui, R and Jin, Y and Zhang, M and Zhang, R and Mao, S and Chen, J and Sun, L and Lu, T and Qian, H},
title = {Environmental stress and symbiotic shifts: the impact of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) on soil microbe-plant networks.},
journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {127688},
doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2026.127688},
pmid = {41548640},
issn = {1873-6424},
abstract = {Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a persistent per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) frequently detected at extremely high concentrations in soils near industrial contamination sources, yet plant-microbe responses under such extreme conditions remain poorly understood. Here, Arabidopsis thaliana was exposed to PFOA at concentrations approaching the upper levels reported in contaminated soils (1, 10, and 100 mg/kg) to investigate integrated physiological, transcriptomic, and microbiological responses over a 14-day period. Plant growth was inhibited in a clear concentration-dependent manner, with progressive reductions in fresh biomass, root length, and rosette leaf number, and the strongest suppression observed at 100 mg/kg. PFOA exposure also induced oxidative stress, as indicated by elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Transcriptomic analysis revealed distinct dose- and pathway-specific response patterns. Only 37 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected at 1 mg/kg, whereas 2184 and 4999 DEGs were identified at 10 and 100 mg/kg, respectively. 10 mg/kg PFOA exposure predominantly activated antioxidant defense and adaptive stress-response pathways, including glutathione metabolism, phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthesis, MAPK signaling, and plant hormone signal transduction. In contrast, extreme exposure (100 mg/kg) was characterized by widespread repression of primary metabolic pathways, particularly photosynthesis, carbon fixation, oxidative phosphorylation, and glycolysis, indicating metabolic collapse. Rhizosphere microbial communities responded more strongly than bulk soils to PFOA stress, exhibiting reduced α-diversity, enhanced β-diversity separation, enrichment of putatively tolerant taxa (e.g., Pseudomonas, Sphingomonas, Burkholderiaceae, and Ascomycota), and increased network connectivity. Overall, these results demonstrate coordinated plant and rhizosphere microbial responses to severe PFOA contamination, providing ecological insights into PFAS hotspot soils.},
}