@article {pmid40371968,
year = {2025},
author = {Jansen, D and Deleu, S and Caenepeel, C and Marcelis, T and Simsek, C and Falony, G and Machiels, K and Sabino, J and Raes, J and Vermeire, S and Matthijnssens, J},
title = {Virome drift in ulcerative colitis patients: faecal microbiota transplantation results in minimal phage engraftment dominated by microviruses.},
journal = {Gut microbes},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {2499575},
pmid = {40371968},
issn = {1949-0984},
mesh = {Humans ; *Fecal Microbiota Transplantation ; *Colitis, Ulcerative/therapy/virology/microbiology ; *Virome ; Male ; Female ; Feces/virology ; Adult ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Middle Aged ; *Bacteriophages/genetics/isolation & purification/classification ; Young Adult ; },
abstract = {Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease characterized by recurrent colonic inflammation. Standard treatments focus on controlling inflammation but remain ineffective for one-third of patients. This underscores the need for alternative approaches, such as fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), which transfers healthy donor microbiota to patients. The role of viruses in this process, however, remains underexplored. To address this, we analyzed the gut virome using metagenomic sequencing of enriched viral particles from 320 longitudinal fecal samples of 44 patients enrolled in the RESTORE-UC FMT trial. Patients were treated with FMTs from healthy donors (allogenic, treatment) or themselves (autologous, control). We found that colonic inflammation, both its presence and location, had a greater impact on the gut virome than FMT itself. In autologous FMT patients, the virome was unstable and showed rapid divergence over time, a phenomenon we termed virome drift. In allogenic FMT patients, the virome temporarily shifted toward the healthy donor, lasting up to 5 weeks and primarily driven by microviruses. Notably, two distinct virome configurations were identified and linked to either healthy donors or patients. In conclusion, inflammation strongly affects the gut virome in UC patients, which may lead to instability and obstruct the engraftment of allogeneic FMT.},
}

Humans
*Fecal Microbiota Transplantation
*Colitis, Ulcerative/therapy/virology/microbiology
*Virome
Male
Female
Feces/virology
Adult
Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Middle Aged
*Bacteriophages/genetics/isolation & purification/classification
Young Adult

@article {pmid40369676,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, Y and Liu, H and Jing, H},
title = {Community differences and potential function along the particle size spectrum of microbes in the twilight zone.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {121},
pmid = {40369676},
issn = {2049-2618},
support = {424QN341//the Hainan Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; JRC2023C37//the Innovational Fund for Scientific and Technological Personnel of Hainan Province/ ; 2023YFC2812804//the National Key R&D Program of China/ ; 183446KYSB20210002//the International Partnership Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences for Big Science/ ; },
mesh = {Particle Size ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/metabolism/isolation & purification ; *Seawater/microbiology/chemistry ; *Microbiota/genetics ; Metagenomics/methods ; Carbon/metabolism ; Metagenome ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The twilight zone, which extends from the base of the euphotic zone to a depth of 1000 m, is the major area of particulate organic carbon (POC) remineralization in the ocean. However, little is known about the microbial community and metabolic activity that are directly associated with POC remineralization in this consistently underexplored realm. Here, we utilized a large-volume in situ water transfer system to collect the microbes on different-sized particles from the twilight zone in three regions and analyzed their composition and metabolic function by metagenomic analysis.

RESULTS: Distinct prokaryotic communities with significantly lower diversity and less endemic species were detected on particles in the South East Asian Time-series Study (SEATS) compared with the other two regions, perhaps due to the in situ physicochemical conditions and low labile nutrient availability in this region. Observable transitions in community composition and function at the upper and lower boundaries of the twilight zone suggest that microbes respond differently to (and potentially drive the transformation of) POC through this zone. Substantial variations among different particle sizes were observed, with smaller particles typically exhibiting lower diversity but harboring a greater abundance of carbon degradation-associated genes than the larger particles. Such a pattern might arise due to the relatively larger surface area of the smaller particles relative to their volume, which likely provides more sites for microbial colonization, increasing their chance of being remineralized. This makes them less likely to be transferred to the deep ocean, and thus, they contribute more to carbon recycling than to long-term sequestration. Both contig-based and metagenome-assembled genome-(MAG-) based analyses revealed a high diversity of the Carbohydrate-Active enZymes (CAZy) family. This indicates the versatile carbohydrate metabolisms of the microbial communities associated with sinking particles that modulate the remineralization and export of POC in the twilight zone.

CONCLUSION: Our study reveals significant shifts in microbial community composition and function in the twilight zone, with clear differences among the three particle sizes. Microbes with diverse metabolic potential exhibited different responses to the POC entering the twilight zone and also collectively drove the transformation of POC through this zone. These findings provided insights into the diversity of prokaryotes in sinking particles and their roles in POC remineralization and export in marine ecosystems. Video Abstract.},
}

Particle Size
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/metabolism/isolation & purification
*Seawater/microbiology/chemistry
*Microbiota/genetics
Metagenomics/methods
Carbon/metabolism
Metagenome

@article {pmid40368959,
year = {2025},
author = {Song, XL and Wang, ZJ and Yin, XW and Sun, YL and Jang, DJ and Hong, SK},
title = {The impact of nitrogen deposition on nitrogen metabolism in ryegrass lawn with different soil nutrient levels.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {16755},
pmid = {40368959},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {*Nitrogen/metabolism ; *Lolium/metabolism ; *Soil/chemistry ; Soil Microbiology ; Nitrogen Fixation ; Nitrification ; *Nutrients/metabolism ; Denitrification ; Nitrogen Cycle ; Microbiota ; Nitrates/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Nitrogen deposition is a crucial factor in global change, which is widespread across various regions globally. It has drawn extensive attention due to its direct modification of soil nitrogen retention and nitrogen species distribution, thereby influencing nitrogen metabolism across entire ecosystems. Previous studies on its influence on nitrogen metabolism have not reached a consensus. In an urban ryegrass lawn mesocosm experiment, we set two levels of nitrogen deposition and soil nutrients respectively, aiming to study the impacts of these factors on the N-cycling process through metagenomic analysis. The results demonstrated nitrogen deposition increased nitrification, nitrogen fixation, denitrification, and dissimilatory nitrate reduction, but decreased assimilatory nitrate reduction in the nitrogen metabolism process by changing soil nitrogen availability and the abundance of N-cycling functional genes in the soil microbial community. The soil nutrient levels exhibited effects opposite to those of nitrogen deposition, negatively impacting nitrification, denitrification, and nitrogen fixation in the nitrogen metabolism process. This work further elucidates the impacts of nitrogen deposition on the ecological functions of the ryegrass lawn with different soil nutrient levels, and predicts the potential impacts of intensified nitrogen deposition on these ecological functions. It provides valuable theoretical support for understanding and evaluating complex ecological interactions.},
}

*Nitrogen/metabolism
*Lolium/metabolism
*Soil/chemistry
Soil Microbiology
Nitrogen Fixation
Nitrification
*Nutrients/metabolism
Denitrification
Nitrogen Cycle
Microbiota
Nitrates/metabolism

@article {pmid40368948,
year = {2025},
author = {Serivichyaswat, PT and Scholte, T and Wilms, T and Stranddorf, L and van der Valk, T},
title = {Metagenomic biodiversity assessment within an offshore wind farm.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {16786},
pmid = {40368948},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {*Biodiversity ; *Metagenomics/methods ; North Sea ; Animals ; *Wind ; Seawater ; *DNA, Environmental/genetics/analysis ; Ecosystem ; *Metagenome ; Denmark ; },
abstract = {Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis can be a powerful tool for monitoring biodiversity and assessing human impacts on ecosystems. In this study, we employed a genome-wide metagenomic eDNA approach to assess the marine biodiversity within and around the Horns Rev 1 offshore wind farm in the Danish North Sea. Seawater samples were collected from both within the windfarm and surrounding control sites, sequenced, and analyzed using a combination of DNA k-mer matching and alignment-based classification methods. We identified a wide range of species across the tree of life-highlighting the species richness of this marine ecosystem. Our results revealed a high degree of species diversity congruence between the wind farm and control sites. While this could suggest minimal ecological disruption of the wind farm, we cannot rule out that the influence of ocean currents and water mixing the DNA from different regions dominate the species detection. We detected bioindicator species, such as Thalassiosira, Phaeocystis and Skeletonema, which can provide insights into water quality. Our metagenomic approach also enabled us to obtain population genomics insights for species, such as the European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) and the diatom Rhizosolenia setigera, and genetically confirmed the origin of the invasive Sea walnut (Mnemiopsis leidyi) in the North Sea. This study highlights the potential of genome-wide eDNA metagenomics as a framework for assessing marine biodiversity and detecting population-level genetic signals, contributing to informed and scalable ecosystem monitoring strategies.},
}

*Biodiversity
*Metagenomics/methods
North Sea
Animals
*Wind
Seawater
*DNA, Environmental/genetics/analysis
Ecosystem
*Metagenome
Denmark

@article {pmid40367945,
year = {2025},
author = {Antonaru, LA and Rad-Menéndez, C and Mbedi, S and Sparmann, S and Pope, M and Oliver, T and Wu, S and Green, DH and Gugger, M and Nürnberg, DJ},
title = {Evolution of far-red light photoacclimation in cyanobacteria.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2025.04.038},
pmid = {40367945},
issn = {1879-0445},
abstract = {Cyanobacteria oxygenated the atmosphere of early Earth and continue to be key players in global carbon and nitrogen cycles. A phylogenetically diverse subset of extant cyanobacteria can perform photosynthesis with far-red light through a process called far-red light photoacclimation, or FaRLiP. This phenotype is enabled by a cluster of ∼20 genes and involves the synthesis of red-shifted chlorophylls d and f, together with paralogs of the ubiquitous photosynthetic machinery used in visible light. The FaRLiP gene cluster is present in diverse, environmentally important cyanobacterial groups, but its origin, evolutionary history, and connection to early biotic environments have remained unclear. This study takes advantage of the recent increase in (meta)genomic data to help clarify this issue: sequence data mining, metagenomic assembly, and phylogenetic tree networks were used to recover more than 600 new FaRLiP gene sequences, corresponding to 51 new gene clusters. These data enable high-resolution phylogenetics and-by relying on multiple gene trees, together with gene arrangement conservation-support FaRLiP appearing early in cyanobacterial evolution. Sampling information shows that considerable FaRLiP diversity can be observed in microbialites to the present day, and we hypothesize that the process was associated with the formation of microbial mats and stromatolites in the early Paleoproterozoic. The ancestral FaRLiP cluster was reconstructed, revealing features that have been maintained for billions of years. Overall, far-red-light-driven oxygenic photosynthesis may have played a significant role in Earth's early history.},
}

@article {pmid40339893,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, L and Wang, S and Jia, Y and Liu, Z and Yao, J and Chen, Y},
title = {Alterations in microbial communities and antibiotic resistance genes pre- and post-sludge bulking in a wastewater treatment plant.},
journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)},
volume = {376},
number = {},
pages = {126391},
doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126391},
pmid = {40339893},
issn = {1873-6424},
mesh = {*Waste Disposal, Fluid/methods ; *Wastewater/microbiology ; *Drug Resistance, Microbial/genetics ; *Sewage/microbiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S ; *Microbiota ; Bacteria/genetics ; Genes, Bacterial ; },
abstract = {Sludge bulking is a common issue in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) that can disrupt microbial communities and potentially impact the abundance and spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) within treatment systems. This study employed high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metagenomic sequencing to examine the changes in microbial communities and ARGs in a WWTP during non-bulking and bulking periods. The results indicated that bacterial diversity decreased in bulking sludge while maintaining a high removal efficiency of conventional pollutants. Significant differences were detected at the bacterial genus level between non-bulking and bulking sludge (p < 0.05). The proliferation of Candidatus_Microthrix contributed to sludge bulking, while Micropruina improved sludge settleability. When treating wastewater with the same water quality and quantity, anaerobic/anoxic/oxic (A[2]/O) exhibited the highest resistance to sludge bulking, followed by Bardenpho and the Carrousel oxidation ditch. The abundance of ARGs in bulking sludge (28.15-43.63 ppm) was lower than that in non-bulking sludge (51.72-59.01 ppm). The ARGs removal efficiency reached 96.24 % and 94.34 % during bulking and non-bulking periods, respectively. Network analysis revealed that Candidatus_Microthrix was positively correlated with aadS and tetX, and norank_f_Saprospiraceae exhibited positive correlations with vanRO and ANT(3″)-Iia. These findings provide valuable insights into the impacts of sludge bulking on WWTP performance and ARGs dynamics, informing evidence-based policies for sustainable wastewater treatment.},
}

*Waste Disposal, Fluid/methods
*Wastewater/microbiology
*Drug Resistance, Microbial/genetics
*Sewage/microbiology
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S
*Microbiota
Bacteria/genetics
Genes, Bacterial

@article {pmid40222673,
year = {2025},
author = {Fu, CM and Luo, SQ and Tang, DR and Zhang, YM and Xu, JW and Lin, LB and Zhang, QL},
title = {Effect of bacteriocin RSQ01 on milk microbiota during pasteurized milk preservation.},
journal = {Journal of dairy science},
volume = {108},
number = {6},
pages = {5705-5718},
doi = {10.3168/jds.2025-26395},
pmid = {40222673},
issn = {1525-3198},
mesh = {Animals ; *Milk/microbiology ; *Bacteriocins/pharmacology ; Pasteurization ; *Microbiota/drug effects ; Food Preservation/methods ; },
abstract = {Milk has high risk for microbial contamination. RSQ01, a bacteriocin, previously has shown potentiality for pasteurized milk preservation. This study analyzed the effects of RSQ01 on milk microbiota by comparison of bacterial number and composition in 3 pasteurized milk groups: controls without RSQ01, treatment group with the addition of 2× MIC (low concentration), and treatment group with the addition of 4× MIC RSQ01 (high concentration). Integrated 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing and metagenomics of these groups after 3 d of storage showed inhibition of RSQ01 on microbiota diversity. Pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella showed a decrease in relative abundance after RSQ01 treatment, whereas probiotic bacteria such as Lactococcus showed an increase, indicating that RSQ01 contributed to milk preservation by maintaining a low abundance of pathogens and a relatively high abundance of probiotics. Further investigations revealed that milk preservation was primarily attributed to the ability of RSQ01 to decrease the relative abundance of genes related to metabolism of energy and nutrients (e.g., vitamins, lipids, and AA) of microbiota, with change of genetic, environmental, and cellular processes. Interestingly, RSQ01 generally reduced the relative abundance of virulence factors and quorum-sensing-related genes in microbiota, likely reducing virulence and resistance. The findings provided insights into microbiomics mechanisms regarding pasteurized milk preservation of bacteriocins.},
}

Animals
*Milk/microbiology
*Bacteriocins/pharmacology
Pasteurization
*Microbiota/drug effects
Food Preservation/methods

@article {pmid40185271,
year = {2025},
author = {Guajardo-Leiva, S and Díez, B and Rojas-Fuentes, C and Chnaiderman, J and Castro-Nallar, E and Catril, V and Ampuero, M and Gaggero, A},
title = {From sewage to genomes: Expanding our understanding of the urban and semi-urban wastewater RNA virome.},
journal = {Environmental research},
volume = {276},
number = {},
pages = {121509},
doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2025.121509},
pmid = {40185271},
issn = {1096-0953},
mesh = {*Wastewater/virology ; *Virome ; *Sewage/virology ; *RNA Viruses/genetics ; Chile ; *Genome, Viral ; Phylogeny ; Environmental Monitoring ; RNA, Viral ; Metagenomics ; },
abstract = {Wastewater is a hotspot for viral diversity, harboring various microbial, plant, and animal viruses, including those that infect humans. However, the dynamics, resilience, and ecological roles of viral communities during treatment are largely unknown. In this study, we explored RNA virus ecogenomics using metagenomics from influent and effluent samples across three wastewater catchment areas in Chile, with a population of 7.05 million equivalent inhabitants. We identified 14,212 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP)-coding sequences from the Orthornavirae kingdom, clustering into 4989 viral species. Using extensive databases of 14,150 family-level representative sequences, we classified 90 % of our sequences at the family level. Our analysis revealed that treatment reduced viral richness and evenness (Shannon index), but phylogenetic diversity remained unchanged. Effluents showed lower richness and evenness than influents with similar phylogenetic diversity. Species turnover, influenced by catchment area and treatment, accounted for 54 % of sample dissimilarities (Weighted Unifrac). Biomarker analysis indicated that families like Astroviridae and Fiersviridae were more abundant in influents, while Reoviridae and Virgaviridae dominated effluents. This suggests that viral resistance to treatment varies and cannot be solely attributed to genome type, size, or morphology. We traced viral genomes through time and space, identifying sequences like the Pepper Mild Mottle Virus (PMMoV) from the Virgaviridae family over large distances and periods, highlighting its wastewater marker potential. High concentrations of human pathogens, such as Rotavirus (Reoviridae) and Human Astrovirus (Astroviridae), were found in both influents and effluents, stressing the need for continuous monitoring, especially for treated wastewater reuse.},
}

*Wastewater/virology
*Virome
*Sewage/virology
*RNA Viruses/genetics
Chile
*Genome, Viral
Phylogeny
Environmental Monitoring
RNA, Viral
Metagenomics

@article {pmid40174744,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, M and Wang, S and Zhou, H and Liu, H and Huang, D and Liu, L and Li, Q and Chen, H and Lei, Y and Jin, LN and Zhang, W},
title = {Thermal environment driving specific microbial species to form the visible biofilms on the UNESCO World Heritage Dazu Rock Carvings.},
journal = {Environmental research},
volume = {276},
number = {},
pages = {121510},
doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2025.121510},
pmid = {40174744},
issn = {1096-0953},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; Bacteria/classification ; Fungi ; *Microbiota ; Temperature ; },
abstract = {The Dazu Rock Carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage site with over a millennium of history, are facing significant deterioration from microbial biofilms. However, the key microbial species responsible and the environmental factors driving their growth remain unclear. To address this gap, we conducted metagenomic sequencing to characterize the microbial community on the carvings, followed by correlation analyses with a variety of environmental factors in the surrounding air and within the rocks. Bacterial communities exhibited significantly higher richness and diversity than eukaryotic communities, though diversity metrics showed no significant differences between visibly colonized and uncolonized surfaces. We identified a distinctive consortium of 64 bacterial species, 35 fungal species, and 1 algal species specifically associated with visible biofilms, occurring at 9.56-fold higher relative abundance in colonized areas. These microorganisms contribute to characteristic green, brown-black, and white coloration on the carvings. Statistical analysis revealed absolute humidity and dew point temperature as key environmental factors influencing biofilm visibility, with thresholds of 21.00 g/m[3] and 23.4 °C respectively, above which biofilms became visible. This study provides precise targets for conservation efforts and establishes critical environmental parameters to guide preservation strategies for this irreplaceable cultural heritage.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
Bacteria/classification
Fungi
*Microbiota
Temperature

@article {pmid40366862,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, L and Chen, X and Pollock, NR and Villafuerte Gálvez, JA and Alonso, CD and Wang, D and Daugherty, K and Xu, H and Yao, J and Chen, Y and Kelly, CP and Cao, Y},
title = {Metagenomic analysis reveals distinct patterns of gut microbiota features with diversified functions in C. difficile infection (CDI), asymptomatic carriage and non-CDI diarrhea.},
journal = {Gut microbes},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {2505269},
pmid = {40366862},
issn = {1949-0984},
support = {R01 AI116596/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; T32 DK007760/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics ; *Diarrhea/microbiology ; *Clostridium Infections/microbiology ; Feces/microbiology ; Female ; Male ; *Clostridioides difficile/genetics/physiology ; Metagenomics ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Adult ; *Carrier State/microbiology ; Aged, 80 and over ; },
abstract = {Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) has been recognized as a leading cause of healthcare-associated infections and a considerable threat to public health globally. Increasing evidence suggests that the gut microbiota plays a key role in the pathogenesis of CDI. The taxonomic composition and functional capacity of the gut microbiota associated with CDI have not been studied systematically. Here, we performed a comprehensive shotgun metagenomic sequencing in a well-characterized human cohort to reveal distinct patterns of gut microbiota and potential functional features associated with CDI. Fecal samples were collected from 104 inpatients, including : (1) patients with clinically significant diarrhea and positive nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) and received CDI treatment (CDI, n = 47); (2) patients with positive stool NAAT but without diarrhea (Carrier, n = 17); (3) patients with negative stool NAAT but with diarrhea (Diarrhea, n = 14); and (4) patients with negative stool NAAT and without diarrhea (Control, n = 26). Downstream statistical analyses (including alpha and beta diversity analysis, differential abundance analysis, correlation network analysis, and potential functional analysis) were then performed. The gut microbiota in the Control group showed higher Chao1 index (p < 0.05), while Shannon index at KEGG module level was higher in CDI than in Carrier and Control (p < 0.05). Beta diversity for species composition differed significantly between CDI vs Carrier/Control cohorts (p < 0.05). Microbial Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size and ANCOM analysis both identified 8 species (unclassified_f_Enterobacteriaceae, Veillonella_parvula, unclassified_g_Klebsiella and etc.) were enriched in CDI, Enterobacter_aerogenes was enriched in Diarrhea, Collinsella_aerofaciens, Collinsella_sp_4_8_47FAA, Collinsella_tanakaei and Collinsella_sp_CAG_166 were enriched in Control (LDA >3.0, adjusted p < 0.05). Correlation network complexity was higher in CDI with more negative correlations than in other three cohorts. Modules involved in iron complex transport system (M00240) was enriched in CDI, ABC-2 type transport system (M00254), aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis (M00359), histidine biosynthesis (M00026) and inosine monophosphate biosynthesis (M00048) were enriched in Carrier, ribosome (M00178 and M00179) was enriched in Diarrhea, fluoroquinolone resistance (M00729) and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis (M00360) were enriched in Control (LDA > 2.5, adjusted p < 0.05). Resistance functions of acriflavine and glycylcycline were enriched in CDI, while resistance function of bacitracin was enriched in Carrier (LDA > 3.0, adjusted p < 0.05), and the contributions of phylum and species to resistance functions differed among the four groups. Our results reveal alterations of gut microbiota composition and potential functions among four groups of differential colonization/infection status of Clostridioides difficile. These findings support the potential roles of gut microbiota and their potential functions in the pathogenesis of CDI.},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics
*Diarrhea/microbiology
*Clostridium Infections/microbiology
Feces/microbiology
Female
Male
*Clostridioides difficile/genetics/physiology
Metagenomics
Middle Aged
Aged
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Adult
*Carrier State/microbiology
Aged, 80 and over

@article {pmid40366141,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, J and Zheng, K and Ding, W and Lu, L and Liang, Y and Xiong, Y and Wei, Z and Gao, C and Su, Y and Wang, Z and Chen, X and Bao, Z and Hu, X and McMinn, A and Wang, M},
title = {Healthy and moribund Zhikong scallops (Chlamys farreri) developed different viral communities during a mass mortality event.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0034225},
doi = {10.1128/msystems.00342-25},
pmid = {40366141},
issn = {2379-5077},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Viral assemblages of scallops are still relatively unknown. Here, metagenomic analysis was used to study virus communities in the gut of scallops to establish the first scallop virome data set (SVD); this contains 7,447 viral operational taxonomic units. Protein-sharing networks and phylogenetic analyses demonstrated the high diversity and novelty of the SVD, which is very different from viromes from other habitats. Potentially pathogenic viruses are prevalent in the gut of scallops. In particular, the novel smacoviruses were identified, indicating that scallops may be a potential hotspot for this viral group. Inference of virus-host associations found extensive interactions between viruses and major prokaryotic lineages. Intriguingly, moribund scallops showed a higher diversity of auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs) related to amino acid metabolism and cofactor and vitamin genes, while healthy scallops had fewer AMGs, with those present focusing on secondary metabolite biosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism. These findings provide the first landscape of scallop gut viruses based on metagenomes and highlight the potential roles of diverse and unique gut viruses for the health of filter-feeding bivalves.

IMPORTANCE: This study uses metagenome sequencing to establish the first scallop virome database. The study reveals previously unknown diversity of scallop-associated viruses and provides insights into links between disease status and viral diversity and genome content. The study will interest many aquatic virologists and could have important implications in managing marine resources.},
}

@article {pmid40365061,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, L and Wang, Z and Luo, C and Deng, Y and Wu, W and Jin, Y and Wang, Y and Huang, H and Wei, Z and Zhu, Y and He, X and Guo, L},
title = {Beneficial soil microbiome profiles assembled using tetramycin to alleviate root rot disease in Panax notoginseng.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1571684},
pmid = {40365061},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Root rot disease is a major threat to the sustainable production of Panax notoginseng. Tetramycin has a broad-spectrum fungicidal efficacy, low toxicity, and high efficiency, However, the prevention and control of root rot disease of P. notoginseng and the specific mechanism of action are still unclear.

METHODS: In this paper, a combination of indoor and pot experiments was used to assess the effectiveness of tetramycin at alleviating root rot disease challenges encountered by P. notoginseng. Amplicon sequencing, metagenomic analysis with microbial verification were used to investigate the microecological mechanisms underlying tetramycin's ability to reduce soil biological barriers.

RESULTS: We found that tetramycin significantly inhibited mycelial growth and spore germination of pathogenic fungi. Tetramycin, T2 (1000×) and T3 (500×), applied to continuous cropping soil, increased the seedling survival rates of P. notoginseng. Additionally, tetramycin reduced fungal α-diversity and shifted the fungal community assembly from deterministic to stochastic process. The microbial functions influenced by tetramycin were primarily associated with antibiotic synthesis and siderophore synthesis. Antibiotic efflux and inactivation have also been identified as the main resistance mechanisms. Microbial verification results showed that the artificially assembled tetramycin-regulated microbial community could indeed alleviate the occurrence of diseases. Furthermore, the cross-kingdom synthetic community assembled by the three key strains (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Variovorax boronicumulans, and Cladosporium cycadicola) significantly improved the control of root rot disease and promoted plant growth.

DISCUSSION: This study provides novel insights into developing efficient biological control strategies and elucidates the role and mechanism of tetramycin in modulating soil microflora assembly to strengthen host disease resistance.},
}

@article {pmid40363788,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhou, L and Li, J and Ding, C and Zhou, Y and Xiao, Z},
title = {Mechanistic Advances in Hypoglycemic Effects of Natural Polysaccharides: Multi-Target Regulation of Glycometabolism and Gut Microbiota Crosstalk.},
journal = {Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {30},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {40363788},
issn = {1420-3049},
support = {2024JJ8163//Hunan Natural Science Foundation/ ; C2023005//Key Project of Hunan Provincial Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine/ ; 201923//Key Project of Hunan Provincial Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine/ ; 2022ZYYGN06//2022 Annual Natural Drug Resources and Function Development Fund Project/ ; },
mesh = {*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects ; Humans ; *Polysaccharides/pharmacology/chemistry/therapeutic use ; Animals ; *Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacology/chemistry/therapeutic use ; Signal Transduction/drug effects ; Insulin Resistance ; Glucose/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Natural polysaccharides (NPs), as a class of bioactive macromolecules with multitarget synergistic regulatory potential, exhibit significant advantages in diabetes intervention. This review systematically summarizes the core hypoglycemic mechanisms of NPs, covering structure-activity relationships, integration of the gut microbiota-metabolism-immunity axis, and regulation of key signaling pathways. Studies demonstrate that the molecular weight, branch complexity, and chemical modifications of NPs mediate their hypoglycemic activity by influencing bioavailability and target specificity. NPs improve glucose metabolism through multiple pathways: activating insulin signaling, improving insulin resistance (IR), enhancing glycogen synthesis, inhibiting gluconeogenesis, and regulating gut microbiota homeostasis. Additionally, NPs protect pancreatic β-cell function via the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/Antioxidant Response Element (ARE) antioxidant pathway and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) anti-inflammatory pathway. Clinical application of NPs still requires overcoming challenges such as resolving complex structure-activity relationships and dynamically integrating cross-organ signaling. Future research should focus on integrating multi-omics technologies (e.g., metagenomics, metabolomics) and organoid models to decipher the cross-organ synergistic action networks of NPs, and promote their translation from basic research to clinical applications.},
}

*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects
Humans
*Polysaccharides/pharmacology/chemistry/therapeutic use
Animals
*Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacology/chemistry/therapeutic use
Signal Transduction/drug effects
Insulin Resistance
Glucose/metabolism

@article {pmid40362493,
year = {2025},
author = {Žukienė, G and Narutytė, R and Rudaitis, V},
title = {Association Between Vaginal Microbiota and Cervical Dysplasia Due to Persistent Human Papillomavirus Infection: A Systematic Review of Evidence from Shotgun Metagenomic Sequencing Studies.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {26},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {40362493},
issn = {1422-0067},
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; *Papillomavirus Infections/complications/microbiology/virology ; *Vagina/microbiology/virology ; *Microbiota/genetics ; Metagenomics/methods ; *Uterine Cervical Dysplasia/microbiology/virology/etiology ; Papillomaviridae ; Dysbiosis/microbiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; },
abstract = {The role of vaginal dysbiosis in the progression of human papilloma virus (HPV) associated cervical lesions has gained attention in recent years. While many studies use 16S rRNA gene sequencing for microbiota analysis, shotgun metagenomic sequencing offers higher taxonomic resolution and insights into microbial gene functions and pathways. This systematic review evaluates the relationship between compositional and functional changes in the vaginal microbiome during HPV infection and cervical lesion progression. A literature search was performed according to PRISMA guidelines in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and ScienceDirect databases. Seven studies utilizing metagenomic sequencing in patients with HPV infection or HPV-associated cervical lesions were included. Progression from HPV infection to cervical lesions and cancer was associated with a reduction in Lactobacillus species (particularly Lactobacillus crispatus) and an enrichment of anaerobic and pathogenic species, especially Gardnerella vaginalis. Heterogeneous enriched metabolic pathways were also identified, indicating functional shifts during lesion progression. As most studies were conducted in Asia, further research in diverse regions is needed to improve the generalizability of findings. Future studies employing metagenomic sequencing may help identify biomarkers for early pre-cancerous lesions and clarify the role of vaginal microbiota in persistent HPV infection and cervical dysplasia.},
}

Humans
Female
*Papillomavirus Infections/complications/microbiology/virology
*Vagina/microbiology/virology
*Microbiota/genetics
Metagenomics/methods
*Uterine Cervical Dysplasia/microbiology/virology/etiology
Papillomaviridae
Dysbiosis/microbiology
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics

@article {pmid40362462,
year = {2025},
author = {Chakraborty, N and Holmes-Hampton, G and Rusling, M and Kumar, VP and Hoke, A and Lawrence, AB and Gautam, A and Ghosh, SP and Hammamieh, R},
title = {Delayed Impact of Ionizing Radiation Depends on Sex: Integrative Metagenomics and Metabolomics Analysis of Rodent Colon Content.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {26},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {40362462},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {xxxxx//AFRRI/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Male ; Female ; Mice ; *Metabolomics/methods ; *Metagenomics/methods ; *Radiation, Ionizing ; *Colon/radiation effects/metabolism/microbiology ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/radiation effects ; Sex Factors ; Whole-Body Irradiation/adverse effects ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; },
abstract = {There is an escalating need to comprehend the long-term impacts of nuclear radiation exposure since the permeation of ionizing radiation has been frequent in our current societal framework. A system evaluation of the microbes that reside inside a host's colon could meet this knowledge gap since the microbes play major roles in a host's response to stress. Indeed, our past study suggested that these microbes might break their symbiotic association with moribund hosts to form a pro-survival condition exclusive to themselves. In this study, we undertook metagenomics and metabolomics assays regarding the descending colon content (DCC) of adult mice. DCCs were collected 1 month and 6 months after 7 Gy or 7.5 Gy total body irradiation (TBI). The assessment of the metagenomic diversity profile in DCC found a significant sex bias caused by TBI. Six months after 7.5 Gy TBI, decreased Bacteroidetes were replaced by increased Firmicutes in males, and these alterations were reflected in the functional analysis. For instance, a larger number of networks linked to small chain fatty acid (SCFA) synthesis and metabolism were inhibited in males than in females. Additionally, bioenergy networks showed regression dynamics in females at 6 months post-TBI. Increased accumulation of glucose and pyruvate, which are typical precursors of beneficial SCFAs coupled with the activated networks linked to the production of reactive oxygen species, suggest a cross-sex energy-deprived state. Overall, there was a major chronic adverse implication in male mice that supported the previous literature in suggesting females are more radioresistant than males. The sex-biased chronic effects of TBI should be taken into consideration in designing the pertinent therapeutics.},
}

Animals
Male
Female
Mice
*Metabolomics/methods
*Metagenomics/methods
*Radiation, Ionizing
*Colon/radiation effects/metabolism/microbiology
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/radiation effects
Sex Factors
Whole-Body Irradiation/adverse effects
Mice, Inbred C57BL

@article {pmid40334798,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhu, X and Chen, L and Yang, P and Luo, S and Teng, M and Zhu, W and Li, Y and Zhao, D and Wang, N and Chen, X and Cheng, M and Tu, H and Huang, W and Yang, F and Wang, L and Liu, X and Ning, K},
title = {Microbiome catalog and dynamics of the Chinese liquor fermentation process.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {431},
number = {},
pages = {132620},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132620},
pmid = {40334798},
issn = {1873-2976},
mesh = {*Fermentation ; *Microbiota/genetics ; *Alcoholic Beverages/microbiology ; Multigene Family ; China ; Bacillus licheniformis/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Fermented food remains poorly understood, largely due to the lack of knowledge about microbes in food fermentation. Here, this study constructed Moutai Fermented Grain Catalog (MTFGC), a representative liquor fermented by one of the most complex fermentations. MTFGC comprised 8,379,551 non-redundant genes and 5,159 metagenome-assembled genomes, with 20% species and 20% genes being novel. Additionally, 25,625 biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) and 28 BGC-enriched species were identified. Moreover, the microbial community assembly was deterministic, with significant species and gene changes in early fermentation stages, while stabilizing in later stages. Further BGC-knockout experiments verified Bacillus licheniformis, a BGC-enriched species, employed its BGCs for synthesizing the aroma-related lipopeptide lichenysin. This study has established the largest genetic resource for fermented food, uncovering its uniqueness and high metabolic potential. These findings facilitate the transition potential from traditional fermentation to precision-driven synthetic biology in food systems.},
}

*Fermentation
*Microbiota/genetics
*Alcoholic Beverages/microbiology
Multigene Family
China
Bacillus licheniformis/genetics/metabolism

@article {pmid40361215,
year = {2025},
author = {Ma, Y and Jiang, J and Yang, Z and Li, Y and Bai, H and Liu, Z and Zhang, S and Zhi, Z and Yang, Q},
title = {Changes of gastric microflora and metabolites in patients with chronic atrophic gastritis.},
journal = {Journal of translational medicine},
volume = {23},
number = {1},
pages = {537},
pmid = {40361215},
issn = {1479-5876},
support = {No.21377724D//Hebei Provincial Department of Science and Technology/ ; No. 18//National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Science and Technology/ ; 246W7701D//Provincial Science and Technology Plan of Hebei Province/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastritis, Atrophic/microbiology/metabolism ; Chronic Disease ; Middle Aged ; Female ; Male ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Metabolome ; *Stomach/microbiology ; Metabolomics ; *Microbiota ; Bacteria/genetics/metabolism ; Adult ; Aged ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) is related to the body's microbial and metabolic systems. Combined studies of microbiome and metabolomics can clarify the mechanisms of disease occurrence and progression. We used 16S rRNA sequencing, metagenomics sequencing and metabolomics sequencing to depict the landscapes of bacterium and metabolites, construct correlation networks of different bacterium and metabolites describe potential pathogenic mechanisms of chronic atrophic gastritis.

METHODS: The gastric juices of 30 non-atrophic gastritis (NAG) patients and 30 CAG patients were collected. Gastric microflora was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing and metagenomics sequencing. Gastric metabolites were analyzed by LC-MS analysis. Different bioinformatics methods were used to analyze the data of microbiome and metabolome, and to analyze the relationship between them.

RESULTS: In atrophic gastritis, bacteria diversity decreased. The genera with a mean decrease in Gini greater than 1.5 included peptostreptococcus, fusobacterium, prevotella, sphingomonas and bacteroides. KEGG pathway included renal cell carcinoma, proximal tubule bicarbonate reclamation, citrate cycle and aldosterone synthesis and secretion with significant enrichment of differential metabolites. Peptostreptococcus, fusobacterium, prevotella and sphingomonas were in pivot positions of the correlation network of differential metabolites and differential bacterium. Viral carcinogenesis, glycine serine and threonine metabolism, RNA polymerase, galactose metabolism and retinol metabolism were enriched in chronic atrophic gastritis based on the metagenomic sequencing data.

CONCLUSION: Peptostreptococcus, fusobacterium, prevotella, sphingomonas and bacteroides were the essential features that distinguish atrophic gastritis from non-atrophic gastritis, and caused disease by altering various metabolic pathways. Viral carcinogenesis, glycine serine and threonine metabolism, RNA polymerase, galactose metabolism and retinol metabolism may be related to the occurrence and progression of CAG.},
}

Humans
*Gastritis, Atrophic/microbiology/metabolism
Chronic Disease
Middle Aged
Female
Male
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Metabolome
*Stomach/microbiology
Metabolomics
*Microbiota
Bacteria/genetics/metabolism
Adult
Aged
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome

@article {pmid40360994,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhai, R and Zhao, C and Chang, L and Liu, J and Zhao, T and Jiang, J and Zhu, W},
title = {The gut-liver axis plays a limited role in mediating the liver's heat susceptibility of Chinese giant salamander.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {475},
pmid = {40360994},
issn = {1471-2164},
support = {31900327//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2023NSFSC1153//Natural Science Foundation of Sichuan Province of China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Liver/metabolism ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *Caudata/physiology/genetics/microbiology ; Heat-Shock Response ; Transcriptome ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Energy Metabolism ; Larva ; },
abstract = {The Chinese giant salamander (CGS, Andrias davidianus), a flagship amphibian species, is highly vulnerable to high temperatures, posing a significant threat under future climate change. Previous research linked this susceptibility to liver energy deficiency, accompanied by shifts in gut microbiota and reduced food conversion rates, raising questions about the role of the gut-liver axis in mediating heat sensitivity. This study investigated the responses of Chinese giant salamander larvae to a temperature gradient (10-30 °C), assessing physiological changes alongside histological, gut metagenomic, and tissue transcriptomic analyses. Temperatures above 20 °C led to mortality, which resulted in delayed growth. Histological and transcriptomic data revealed metabolic exhaustion and liver fibrosis in heat-stressed salamanders, underscoring the liver's critical role in heat sensitivity. While heat stress altered the gut microbiota's community structure, their functional profiles, especially in nutrient absorption and transformation, remained stable. Both gut and liver showed temperature-dependent transcriptional changes, sharing some common variations in actins, heat shock proteins, and genes related to transcription and translation. However, their energy metabolism exhibited opposite trends: it was downregulated in the liver but upregulated in the gut, with the gut showing increased activity in the pentose phosphate pathway and oxidative phosphorylation, potentially countering metabolic exhaustion. Our findings reveal that the liver of the larvae exhibits greater thermal sensitivity than the gut, and the gut-liver axis plays a limited role in mediating thermal intolerance. This study enhances mechanistic understanding of CGS heat susceptibility, providing a foundation for targeted conservation strategies in the face of climate change.},
}

Animals
*Liver/metabolism
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
*Caudata/physiology/genetics/microbiology
Heat-Shock Response
Transcriptome
Gene Expression Profiling
Energy Metabolism
Larva

@article {pmid40360555,
year = {2025},
author = {Baek, JW and Lim, S and Park, N and Song, B and Kirtipal, N and Nielsen, J and Mardinoglu, A and Shoaie, S and Kim, JI and Son, JW and Koh, A and Lee, S},
title = {Extensively acquired antimicrobial-resistant bacteria restructure the individual microbial community in post-antibiotic conditions.},
journal = {NPJ biofilms and microbiomes},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {78},
pmid = {40360555},
issn = {2055-5008},
support = {2021R1C1C1006336, 2021M3A9G8022959, RS-2024-00419699//National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; 2021R1C1C1006336, 2021M3A9G8022959, RS-2024-00419699//National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; 2021R1C1C1006336, 2021M3A9G8022959, RS-2024-00419699//National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; 2021R1C1C1006336, 2021M3A9G8022959, RS-2024-00419699//National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; 2021R1C1C1006336, 2021M3A9G8022959, RS-2024-00419699//National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; 2021R1C1C1006336, 2021M3A9G8022959, RS-2024-00419699//National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; HR22C141105//the Korea Health Industry Development Institute/ ; HR22C141105//the Korea Health Industry Development Institute/ ; HR22C141105//the Korea Health Industry Development Institute/ ; HR22C141105//the Korea Health Industry Development Institute/ ; HR22C141105//the Korea Health Industry Development Institute/ ; HR22C141105//the Korea Health Industry Development Institute/ ; 2024-ER2108-00, 2024-ER0608-00//Korea National Institute of Health/ ; 2024-ER2108-00, 2024-ER0608-00//Korea National Institute of Health/ ; 2024-ER2108-00, 2024-ER0608-00//Korea National Institute of Health/ ; 2024-ER2108-00, 2024-ER0608-00//Korea National Institute of Health/ ; 2024-ER2108-00, 2024-ER0608-00//Korea National Institute of Health/ ; 2024-ER2108-00, 2024-ER0608-00//Korea National Institute of Health/ ; 2024-ER2108-00, 2024-ER0608-00//Korea National Institute of Health/ ; GIST-MIT research Collaboration grant//GIST Research Institute/ ; GIST-MIT research Collaboration grant//GIST Research Institute/ ; GIST-MIT research Collaboration grant//GIST Research Institute/ ; GIST-MIT research Collaboration grant//GIST Research Institute/ ; GIST-MIT research Collaboration grant//GIST Research Institute/ ; GIST-MIT research Collaboration grant//GIST Research Institute/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; *Bacteria/drug effects/genetics/classification/isolation & purification ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects/genetics ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Metagenome ; *Microbiota/drug effects ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Metagenomics ; },
abstract = {In recent years, the overuse of antibiotics has led to the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria. To evaluate the spread of AMR bacteria, the reservoir of AMR genes (resistome) has been identified in environmental samples, hospital environments, and human populations, but the functional role of AMR bacteria and their persistence within individuals has not been fully investigated. Here, we performed a strain-resolved in-depth analysis of the resistome changes by reconstructing a large number of metagenome-assembled genomes from the gut microbiome of an antibiotic-treated individual. Interestingly, we identified two bacterial populations with different resistome profiles: extensively acquired antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (EARB) and sporadically acquired antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, and found that EARB showed broader drug resistance and a significant functional role in shaping individual microbiome composition after antibiotic treatment. Our findings of AMR bacteria would provide a new avenue for controlling the spread of AMR bacteria in the human community.},
}

Humans
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
*Bacteria/drug effects/genetics/classification/isolation & purification
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects/genetics
*Drug Resistance, Bacterial
Metagenome
*Microbiota/drug effects
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Metagenomics

@article {pmid40358997,
year = {2025},
author = {Connan, C and Fromentin, S and Benallaoua, M and Alvarez, AS and Pons, N and Quinquis, B and Morabito, C and Nazare, JA and Borezée-Durant, E and , and Haimet, F and Ehrlich, SD and Valeille, K and Cavezza, A and Blottière, H and Veiga, P and Almeida, M and Doré, J and Benamouzig, R},
title = {Associations Among Diet, Health, Lifestyle, and Gut Microbiota Composition in the General French Population: Protocol for the Le French Gut - Le Microbiote Français Study.},
journal = {JMIR research protocols},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {e64894},
doi = {10.2196/64894},
pmid = {40358997},
issn = {1929-0748},
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology/genetics ; France ; *Life Style ; Feces/microbiology ; *Diet ; Adult ; Prospective Studies ; *Health Status ; Female ; Male ; Metagenomics/methods ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Over the past 2 decades, the gut microbiota has emerged as a key player in human health, being involved in many different clinical contexts. Yet, many aspects of the relationship with its host are poorly documented. One obstacle is the substantial variability in wet-laboratory procedures and data processing implemented during gut microbiota studies, which poses a challenge of comparability and potential meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The study protocol described here aimed to better understand the relationship between health, dietary habits, and the observed heterogeneity of gut microbiota composition in the general population. "Le French Gut - Le microbiote français" aimed to collect, sequence, and analyze 100,000 fecal samples from French residents using a high-quality shotgun metagenomic pipeline, complemented with comprehensive health, lifestyle, and dietary metadata.

METHODS: "Le French Gut - Le microbiote français" is a prospective, noninterventional French national study involving individuals, the creation of a biological collection (feces), and the exploitation of data from questionnaires and the National Health Data System (Système National des Données de Santé). This national study is open to all metropolitan French adult residents, excluding those who have undergone a colectomy or digestive stoma, or who have had a colonoscopy or taken antibiotics in the last 3 months. This is a home-based trial in which volunteers complete a questionnaire with insights about their health and habits, and in which stool samples are self-collected. Data analysis is structured into 6 work packages, each focusing on a specific aspect of the gut microbiome, including its composition and associations with lifestyle, quality of life, and health.

RESULTS: This paper outlines the study protocol, with recruitment having started in September 2022 and expected to continue until the end of December 2025. As of January 2025, a total of 20,000 participants have been enrolled. The first scientific publications based on the data analysis are expected by mid-2025.

CONCLUSIONS: "Le French Gut" aims to provide a reference database and new ecosystem tools for understanding the relationship between the gut microbiota, its host, and diet. We expect to be able to find new signatures or targets and promote the design of innovative preventive strategies, personalized nutrition, and precision medicine.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05758961; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05758961.

DERR1-10.2196/64894.},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology/genetics
France
*Life Style
Feces/microbiology
*Diet
Adult
Prospective Studies
*Health Status
Female
Male
Metagenomics/methods

@article {pmid40356191,
year = {2025},
author = {Charalambous, H and Brown, C and Vogazianos, P and Katsaounou, K and Nikolaou, E and Stylianou, I and Papageorgiou, E and Vraxnos, D and Aristodimou, A and Chi, J and Costeas, P and Shammas, C and Apidianakis, Y and Antoniades, A},
title = {Dysbiosis in the Gut Microbiome of Pembrolizumab-Treated Non-Small Lung Cancer Patients Compared to Healthy Controls Characterized Through Opportunistic Sampling.},
journal = {Thoracic cancer},
volume = {16},
number = {9},
pages = {e70075},
pmid = {40356191},
issn = {1759-7714},
support = {//Investigator-Initiated Studies Program of Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects ; *Dysbiosis/chemically induced/microbiology/pathology ; Male ; *Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/drug therapy/pathology/microbiology ; Female ; *Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy/pathology/microbiology ; *Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/therapeutic use/pharmacology/adverse effects ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Case-Control Studies ; *Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/therapeutic use ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The gut microbiome influences the host immune system, cancer development and progression, as well as the response to immunotherapy during cancer treatment. Here, we analyse the composition of the gut bacteriome in metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) patients receiving Pembrolizumab immunotherapy within a prospective maintenance trial through opportunistic sampling during treatment.

METHODS: The gut microbiome profiles of NSCLC patients were obtained from stool samples collected during Pembrolizumab treatment and analysed with 16S rRNA metagenomics sequencing. Patient profiles were compared to a group of healthy individuals of matching ethnic group, age, sex, BMI and comorbidities.

RESULTS: A significant decrease in the treated patients was observed in two prominent bacterial families of the phylum Firmicutes, Lachnospiraceae and Ruminoccocaceae, which comprised 31.6% and 21.8% of the bacteriome in the healthy group but only 10.9% and 14.2% in the treated patient group, respectively. Species within the Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae families are known to break down undigested carbohydrates generating short chain fatty acids (SCFA), such as butyrate, acetate and propionate as their major fermentation end-products, which have been implicated in modifying host immune responses. In addition, a significant increase of the Bacteroidacaeae family (Bacteroidetes phylum) was observed from 10.7% in the healthy group to 23.3% in the treated patient group. Moreover, and in agreement with previous studies, a decrease in the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio in the metastatic NSCLC Pembrolizumab-treated patients was observed.

CONCLUSION: The observed differences indicate dysbiosis and a compromised intestinal health status in the metastatic NSCLC Pembrolizumab-treated patients. This data could inform future studies of immunotherapy treatment responses and modulation of the gut microbiome to minimise dysbiosis prior or concurrent to treatment.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: SWIPE Trial (NCT02705820).},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects
*Dysbiosis/chemically induced/microbiology/pathology
Male
*Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/drug therapy/pathology/microbiology
Female
*Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy/pathology/microbiology
*Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/therapeutic use/pharmacology/adverse effects
Middle Aged
Aged
Prospective Studies
Case-Control Studies
*Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/therapeutic use

@article {pmid40304520,
year = {2025},
author = {Flörl, L and Meyer, A and Bokulich, NA},
title = {Exploring sub-species variation in food microbiomes: a roadmap to reveal hidden diversity and functional potential.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {91},
number = {5},
pages = {e0052425},
doi = {10.1128/aem.00524-25},
pmid = {40304520},
issn = {1098-5336},
support = {310030_204275//Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung (SNF)/ ; 101060247//HORIZON EUROPE European Research Council/ ; 22.00210//Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research, and Innovation/ ; //Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship/ ; },
mesh = {*Microbiota ; *Food Microbiology ; *Biodiversity ; *Bacteria/genetics/classification/isolation & purification ; Fermented Foods/microbiology ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; },
abstract = {Within-species diversity of microorganisms in food systems significantly shapes community function. While next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods have advanced our understanding of microbiomes at the community level, it is essential to recognize the importance of within-species variation for understanding and predicting the functional activities of these communities. This review highlights the substantial variation observed among microbial species in food systems and its implications for their functionality. We discuss a selection of key species in fermented foods and food systems, highlighting examples of strain-level variation and its influence on quality and safety. We present a comprehensive roadmap of methodologies aimed at uncovering this often overlooked underlying diversity. Technologies like long-read marker-gene or shotgun metagenome sequencing offer enhanced resolution of microbial communities and insights into the functional potential of individual strains and should be integrated with techniques such as metabolomics, metatranscriptomics, and metaproteomics to link strain-level microbial community structure to functional activities. Furthermore, the interactions between viruses and microbes that contribute to strain diversity and community stability are also critical to consider. This article highlights existing research and emphasizes the importance of incorporating within-species diversity in microbial community studies to harness their full potential, advance fundamental science, and foster innovation.},
}

*Microbiota
*Food Microbiology
*Biodiversity
*Bacteria/genetics/classification/isolation & purification
Fermented Foods/microbiology
High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing

@article {pmid40300605,
year = {2025},
author = {Lopez, JA and McKeithen-Mead, S and Shi, H and Nguyen, TH and Huang, KC and Good, BH},
title = {Abundance measurements reveal the balance between lysis and lysogeny in the human gut microbiome.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {35},
number = {10},
pages = {2282-2294.e11},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2025.03.073},
pmid = {40300605},
issn = {1879-0445},
mesh = {*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology ; Humans ; *Bacteriophages/physiology/genetics ; *Lysogeny ; Mice ; Animals ; *Bacteria/virology/genetics ; *Virome ; },
abstract = {The human gut contains diverse communities of bacteriophage, whose interactions with the broader microbiome and potential roles in human health are only beginning to be uncovered. Here, we combine multiple types of data to quantitatively estimate gut phage population dynamics and lifestyle characteristics in human subjects. Unifying results from previous studies, we show that an average human gut contains a low ratio of phage particles to bacterial cells (∼1:100) but a much larger ratio of phage genomes to bacterial genomes (∼4:1), implying that most gut phage are effectively temperate (e.g., integrated prophage and phage-plasmids). By integrating imaging and sequencing data with a generalized model of temperate phage dynamics, we estimate that phage induction and lysis occur at a low average rate (∼0.001-0.01 per bacterium per day), imposing only a modest fitness burden on their bacterial hosts. Consistent with these estimates, we find that the phage composition of a diverse synthetic community in gnotobiotic mice can be quantitatively predicted from bacterial abundances alone while still exhibiting phage diversity comparable to native human microbiomes. These results provide a foundation for interpreting existing and future studies on links between the gut virome and human health.},
}

*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology
Humans
*Bacteriophages/physiology/genetics
*Lysogeny
Mice
Animals
*Bacteria/virology/genetics
*Virome

@article {pmid40250042,
year = {2025},
author = {Menichini, D and De Seta, F and Mastrolia, SA and Cetin, I and Carafa, A and Santagni, S and Foschi, C and Cerboneschi, M and Smeazzetto, S and Neri, I and Facchinetti, F},
title = {Probiotics in pregnancy and group B streptococcus colonization: A multicentric, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study with a focus on vaginal microbioma.},
journal = {European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology},
volume = {310},
number = {},
pages = {113976},
doi = {10.1016/j.ejogrb.2025.113976},
pmid = {40250042},
issn = {1872-7654},
mesh = {Female ; Humans ; Pregnancy ; *Probiotics/therapeutic use/administration & dosage ; Double-Blind Method ; *Vagina/microbiology ; Adult ; *Streptococcus agalactiae ; *Streptococcal Infections/prevention & control/microbiology ; *Microbiota/drug effects ; *Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/microbiology ; Young Adult ; Pregnancy Trimester, Third ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and effects of the use of probiotics in pregnancy, starting in the third trimester, on rectovaginal colonization of group B streptococcus (GBS) in women at low obstetric risk.

METHODS: A multicentre, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group study was conducted in three tertiary hospitals in northern Italy and included low-risk pregnant women. The intervention consisted of oral administration of two capsules of probiotics or placebo from 30 weeks of pregnancy until 37 weeks of pregnancy. The primary outcome was GBS colonization, evaluated with rectovaginal swabs. In a subgroup, selected at random, changes in the vaginal microbiome after treatment administration were evaluated using 16S Metagenomic Sequencing Library Preparation sequencing and analysis.

RESULTS: In total, 267 pregnant women were randomized to receive probiotics (n = 133) or placebo (n = 134). The two groups were similar at baseline. After treatment, no differences were found in the rates of positive rectovaginal swabs (p = 0.24) and antibiotic administration (p = 0.27). Only one case of postpartum fever (>38 °C) was found in the placebo group. Labour and delivery outcomes and neonatal outcomes were similar in both groups. Analysis of the vaginal microbiota showed that the relative abundance of Lactobacillus spp. was not modified significantly by the probiotics, but the relative abundance of Gardnerella spp. decreased significantly (3.6 ± 7.9 vs 5.5 ± 10.2; p = 0.03). Interestingly, the relative abundance of Lactobacillus spp. reduced significantly in women who subsequently presented with partial rupture of membranes (46.9 ± 43.6 vs 77.7 ± 24.9; p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION: Although the clinical outcomes were unaffected, administration of probiotics led to favourable changes in vaginal microbiota. It remains to be established how this effect could be translated into clinical advantage.},
}

Female
Humans
Pregnancy
*Probiotics/therapeutic use/administration & dosage
Double-Blind Method
*Vagina/microbiology
Adult
*Streptococcus agalactiae
*Streptococcal Infections/prevention & control/microbiology
*Microbiota/drug effects
*Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/microbiology
Young Adult
Pregnancy Trimester, Third

@article {pmid40064809,
year = {2025},
author = {Ouarabi, L and Taminiau, B and Daube, G and Barache, N and Bendali, F and Drider, D and Lucau-Danila, A},
title = {Insights into fungal diversity and dynamics of vaginal mycobiota.},
journal = {Brazilian journal of microbiology : [publication of the Brazilian Society for Microbiology]},
volume = {56},
number = {2},
pages = {1095-1101},
pmid = {40064809},
issn = {1678-4405},
support = {Alibiotech CPER/FEDER 2016-2021//Région Hauts-de-France/ ; },
mesh = {Female ; *Vagina/microbiology ; Humans ; *Fungi/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; *Mycobiome ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; *Biodiversity ; Algeria ; Young Adult ; Metagenomics ; Phylogeny ; Microbiota ; },
abstract = {Although less studied than its bacterial counterpart, the fungal component of the vaginal microbiota plays a critical role in maintaining vaginal homeostasis. Most research on the composition of the vaginal mycobiota has focused on pathological conditions, with relatively few studies involving healthy women. To gain comprehensive insights into the vaginal mycobiota of Algerian women in two different age groups, we performed a targeted metagenomic analysis using ITS2 region sequencing data from 14 vaginal samples collected from healthy women in reproductive and postmenopausal stages. A single dominant fungal species per individual was observed in both young and postmenopausal women, with differences in fungal community composition between the two groups being related to hormone levels. Our results show that Candida and Saccharomyces were the dominant genera in both young and postmenopausal women. Notably, the postmenopausal group had twice as many species, along with the presence of uncommon taxa such as Dipodascus and Fusarium, indicating greater taxonomic diversity. These findings suggest that menopause is associated with increased microbial variability, likely due to hormonal changes that disrupt the vaginal environment. This study paves the way for more extensive analyses involving diverse age groups and ethnic backgrounds.},
}

Female
*Vagina/microbiology
Humans
*Fungi/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
*Mycobiome
Adult
Middle Aged
*Biodiversity
Algeria
Young Adult
Metagenomics
Phylogeny
Microbiota

@article {pmid39932663,
year = {2025},
author = {da Silva Pereira, M and Alcantara, LM and de Freitas, LM and de Oliveira Ferreira, AL and Leal, PL},
title = {Microbial Rumen proteome analysis suggests Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes as key producers of lignocellulolytic enzymes and carbohydrate-binding modules.},
journal = {Brazilian journal of microbiology : [publication of the Brazilian Society for Microbiology]},
volume = {56},
number = {2},
pages = {817-833},
pmid = {39932663},
issn = {1678-4405},
support = {Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior//Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior/ ; Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado da Bahia//Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado da Bahia/ ; Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; },
mesh = {*Rumen/microbiology ; *Lignin/metabolism ; Animals ; *Bacteroidetes/enzymology/genetics/metabolism ; *Firmicutes/enzymology/genetics/metabolism ; *Proteome/genetics ; *Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Carbohydrate Metabolism ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; },
abstract = {Lignocellulosic biomass, rich in cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, offers a sustainable source for biofuels and and production of other materials such as polymers, paper, fabrics, bioplastics and biofertilizers. However, its complex structure hinders efficient conversion. Chemical, enzymatic, and microbial methods aim to unlock the trapped sugars and phenols. The rumen microbiome, a fascinating ecosystem within ruminant animals, holds particular promise. The Hungate 1000 project sequenced 410 microbial genomes from the rumen, enabling in silico screening for lignocellulolytic enzymes. This approach saves time and resources, supporting the development of sustainable bioconversion technologies aligned with the UN's 2030 agenda goals. Analysis of these 410 predicted proteomes revealed diverse carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) and carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs) across various microorganisms. Notably, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes dominated CAZyme and CBM production, suggesting collaborative efforts among different phyla during degradation. The presence of CBM50 and chitinases hints at the ability to utilize chitin from fungal cell walls. Interestingly, the absence of ligninolytic auxiliary activity enzymes reaffirms the rumen microbiome's incapability of directly degrading lignin. However, enzymes facilitating the loosening of the cell wall by cleaving lignin-hemicellulose linkages were identified. This suggests a strategy for making cellulose more accessible to hydrolytic enzymes. This study highlights the intricate relationship between rumen microbes, contributing necessary enzymes for plant cell wall deconstruction in this unique environment. Additionally, it underlines the power of in silico techniques for analyzing big data, paving the way for advancements in sustainable bioconversion.},
}

*Rumen/microbiology
*Lignin/metabolism
Animals
*Bacteroidetes/enzymology/genetics/metabolism
*Firmicutes/enzymology/genetics/metabolism
*Proteome/genetics
*Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics
Carbohydrate Metabolism
Gastrointestinal Microbiome

@article {pmid38969095,
year = {2025},
author = {Huang, Y and Xu, W and Dong, W and Chen, G and Sun, Y and Zeng, X},
title = {Anti-diabetic effect of dicaffeoylquinic acids is associated with the modulation of gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism.},
journal = {Journal of advanced research},
volume = {72},
number = {},
pages = {17-35},
doi = {10.1016/j.jare.2024.06.027},
pmid = {38969095},
issn = {2090-1224},
mesh = {*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects ; Animals ; *Bile Acids and Salts/metabolism ; Mice ; *Quinic Acid/analogs & derivatives/pharmacology ; Male ; *Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacology ; *Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/drug therapy/metabolism/microbiology ; Fibroblast Growth Factors/metabolism ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Lipid Metabolism/drug effects ; Liver/metabolism/drug effects ; Ilex/chemistry ; Signal Transduction/drug effects ; Humans ; Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/metabolism ; Amidohydrolases ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The human gut microbiome plays a pivotal role in health and disease, notably through its interaction with bile acids (BAs). BAs, synthesized in the liver, undergo transformation by the gut microbiota upon excretion into the intestine, thus influencing host metabolism. However, the potential mechanisms of dicaffeoylquinic acids (DiCQAs) from Ilex kudingcha how to modulate lipid metabolism and inflammation via gut microbiota remain unclear.

OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: The objectives of the present study were to investigate the regulating effects of DiCQAs on diabetes and the potential mechanisms of action. Two mice models were utilized to investigate the anti-diabetic effects of DiCQAs. Additionally, analysis of gut microbiota structure and functions was conducted concurrently with the examination of DiCQAs' impact on gut microbiota carrying the bile salt hydrolase (BSH) gene, as well as on the enterohepatic circulation of BAs and related signaling pathways.

RESULTS: Our findings demonstrated that DiCQAs alleviated diabetic symptoms by modulating gut microbiota carrying the BSH gene. This modulation enhanced intestinal barrier integrity, increased enterohepatic circulation of conjugated BAs, and inhibited the farnesoid X receptor-fibroblast growth factor 15 (FGF15) signaling axis in the ileum. Consequently, the protein expression of hepatic FGFR4 fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) decreased, accompanied by heightened BA synthesis, reduced hepatic BA stasis, and lowered levels of hepatic and plasma cholesterol. Furthermore, DiCQAs upregulated glucolipid metabolism-related proteins in the liver and muscle, including v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog (AKT)/glycogen synthase kinase 3-beta (GSK3β) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), thereby ameliorating hyperglycemia and mitigating inflammation through the down-regulation of the MAPK signaling pathway in the diabetic group.

CONCLUSION: Our study elucidated the anti-diabetic effects and mechanism of DiCQAs from I. kudingcha, highlighting the potential of targeting gut microbiota, particularly Acetatifactor sp011959105 and Acetatifactor muris carrying the BSH gene, as a therapeutic strategy to attenuate FXR-FGF15 signaling and ameliorate diabetes.},
}

*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects
Animals
*Bile Acids and Salts/metabolism
Mice
*Quinic Acid/analogs & derivatives/pharmacology
Male
*Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacology
*Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/drug therapy/metabolism/microbiology
Fibroblast Growth Factors/metabolism
Mice, Inbred C57BL
Lipid Metabolism/drug effects
Liver/metabolism/drug effects
Ilex/chemistry
Signal Transduction/drug effects
Humans
Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/metabolism
Amidohydrolases

@article {pmid40356165,
year = {2025},
author = {Park, C and Park, J and Chang, D and Kim, S},
title = {Development of reference-based model for improved analysis of bacterial community.},
journal = {Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)},
volume = {211},
number = {},
pages = {116380},
doi = {10.1016/j.foodres.2025.116380},
pmid = {40356165},
issn = {1873-7145},
mesh = {RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Probiotics ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/methods ; *Bacteria/genetics/classification ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods ; },
abstract = {Probiotic bacteria play a vital role in maintaining gut microbial homeostasis and are widely used in various commercial products. Although 16S rRNA amplicon-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) is commonly used to analyze probiotic products, biases can arise from various 16S rRNA amplification regions, sequencing platforms, and library kits. In this study, a reference-based bias correction model was developed to correct sequencing biases. The model was validated using eight mock communities and 12 commercial products, which were analyzed across multiple NGS platforms and various 16S rRNA regions. Specific primer-probe assays were developed for accurate bacterial quantification, and their specificity was validated and used in conjunction with droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) to establish initial bacterial ratios within communities. Analysis of the mock communities revealed platform- and region-specific biases, with specific species consistently over- or under-represented. Similarly, commercial product analyses have shown biased outcomes owing to varying sequencing protocols. The correction model, based on PCR efficiencies from the reference communities, successfully corrected biased ratios across different amplification regions and platforms to achieve results that closely matched the proportions predicted by ddPCR. The model effectively corrected the biases arising from the different polymerases. Notably, partial references containing approximately 40 % of the species achieved correction results that were comparable to those of the complete references. This approach demonstrates the potential for improving microbiome analysis accuracy within predictable ranges, and could serve as a model for addressing sequencing bias in metagenomic research.},
}

RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
*Probiotics
High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/methods
*Bacteria/genetics/classification
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics
DNA, Bacterial/genetics
Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods

@article {pmid40356145,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, S and Zheng, C and Bu, C and Guo, D and Zhang, C and Xie, Q and Pan, J and Sun, J and Chen, W and Jiang, S and Zhai, Q},
title = {Role of sn-2 palmitate on the development of the infant gut microbiome: A metagenomic insight.},
journal = {Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)},
volume = {211},
number = {},
pages = {116488},
doi = {10.1016/j.foodres.2025.116488},
pmid = {40356145},
issn = {1873-7145},
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects/genetics ; *Infant Formula/chemistry ; Infant ; Feces/microbiology ; *Metagenomics/methods ; Milk, Human/chemistry ; Female ; Male ; Breast Feeding ; *Palmitates/pharmacology ; Infant, Newborn ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {The infant gut microbiome, which develops from birth, has profound and lasting effects on human health. Its establishment in early life is influenced by events such as delivery mode and feeding type. This study examined the effects of formula milk enriched with sn-2 palmitate on the gut microbiota of healthy term infants. We conducted a 16-week comparative analysis of three feeding groups: infants receiving high sn-2 palmitate formula (n = 30), regular vegetable oil formula (n = 32), and breast milk (n = 30). Using shotgun metagenomic sequencing of fecal samples, we performed a comprehensive assessment of the gut microbiota. While overall microbial composition and diversity were comparable across groups, the functional profile of the microbiome in infants receiving sn-2 palmitate-enriched formula more closely resembled that of breastfed infants compared to the control formula group. This similarity extended to microbial species interactions, virulence gene abundance, and metabolic pathway expression patterns. In addition, sn-2 palmitate promoted the proliferation of Bifidobacterium breve and enhanced the robustness of the gut microbial ecology. Notably, the phylogenetic analysis of B. breve strains in the sn-2 palmitate group showed closer alignment with the breastfed group compared to the control group. These findings suggest that sn-2 palmitate-enriched formula may confer gut microbiota functional benefits that more closely resemble those of breast milk compared to control formula milk. This study provides scientific evidence for the development of future functional infant formulas.},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects/genetics
*Infant Formula/chemistry
Infant
Feces/microbiology
*Metagenomics/methods
Milk, Human/chemistry
Female
Male
Breast Feeding
*Palmitates/pharmacology
Infant, Newborn
Phylogeny

@article {pmid40356136,
year = {2025},
author = {Luo, Y and Tang, R and Huang, Y},
title = {Differences in structure, antioxidant capacity and gut microbiota modulation of red raspberry pectic polysaccharides extracted by different methods.},
journal = {Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)},
volume = {211},
number = {},
pages = {116474},
doi = {10.1016/j.foodres.2025.116474},
pmid = {40356136},
issn = {1873-7145},
mesh = {*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects ; *Rubus/chemistry ; *Antioxidants/pharmacology/chemistry ; *Pectins/chemistry/pharmacology ; Prebiotics/analysis ; *Polysaccharides/chemistry/pharmacology ; *Fruit/chemistry ; Humans ; *Plant Extracts/chemistry/pharmacology ; },
abstract = {Red raspberries are associated with various health benefits, with pectic polysaccharides as their primary component and potential key contributor to these effects. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and prebiotic potential of four red raspberry pectic polysaccharides (RP)-EN-RP (enzyme-assisted extraction), AC-RP (acid-assisted extraction), AL-RP (alkali-assisted extraction), and US-RP (ultrasound-assisted extraction)-and to elucidate the relationship between their structure and function. AC-RP and US-RP contained higher proportions of homogalacturonan (HG) at 50.92 % and 53.10 %, respectively, while EN-RP and AL-RP exhibited higher proportions of rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-I) at 63.89 % and 43.37 %, respectively. All four polysaccharides demonstrated significant antioxidant and prebiotic properties. AL-RP exhibited the strongest DPPH radical scavenging activity, while US-RP showed the highest hydroxyl radical scavenging ability. These pectic polysaccharides were highly fermentable, significantly modulating gut microbiota composition and promoting the production of propionic acid, particularly EN-RP and AL-RP. Compared to the blank group, RP intervention significantly enriched Bacteroides, Phocaeicola, Bifidobacterium, Limosilactobacillus, and Paraprevotella. Carbohydrate-active enzyme genes in metagenomes revealed that glycoside hydrolases played a vital role in the degradation and utilization of red raspberry polysaccharides. Furthermore, correlation analysis indicated that a higher RG-I proportion and an elevated Rha/GalA ratio enhanced the abundance of certain beneficial microbial species and increased propionic acid production. These findings advance the understanding of the structure-function relationship of natural pectic polysaccharides and highlight their potential for tailoring gut microbiota and promoting health through precise dietary interventions.},
}

*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects
*Rubus/chemistry
*Antioxidants/pharmacology/chemistry
*Pectins/chemistry/pharmacology
Prebiotics/analysis
*Polysaccharides/chemistry/pharmacology
*Fruit/chemistry
Humans
*Plant Extracts/chemistry/pharmacology

@article {pmid40355385,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, L and Chen, Y and Wang, Q and Wang, F},
title = {Microbial imbalances linked to early pregnancy loss: a comparative analysis of vaginal microbiota.},
journal = {The journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine : the official journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians},
volume = {38},
number = {1},
pages = {2496787},
doi = {10.1080/14767058.2025.2496787},
pmid = {40355385},
issn = {1476-4954},
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; Pregnancy ; *Vagina/microbiology ; Case-Control Studies ; *Abortion, Spontaneous/microbiology ; Adult ; *Microbiota ; Young Adult ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To explore the role and related functions of vaginal microbiota in early pregnancy loss.

METHODS: This study was a case-control study with a comparison group (reference group). We recruited 178 women, including 73 who had experienced at least one early clinical pregnancy loss and 105 patients with one live birth and no history of pregnancy loss. Data on demographics, disease history, menstrual and reproductive history was collected. The case group patients were sampled immediately upon presenting with pregnancy loss at their first visit. The reference group patients underwent samples when they chose to participate voluntarily. All vaginal discharge was performed DNA Preparation and Metagenomics Sequencing. DNA extraction was performed using the phenol/trichloromethane method and the DNA fragments were then size-selected to 300-700 bp using magnetic beads. The selected fragments were repaired and ligated with indexed adaptors. The captured DNA was amplified again by PCR and circularized to create a single-stranded circular (ssCir) library. The ssCir library was subsequently amplified through rolling circle amplification (RCA) to produce DNA nanoballs (DNBs). The DNBs were then loaded onto a flow cell and sequenced using the DNBSEQ Platform. Nonparametric tests, including Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon tests, were employed. Relative abundance between groups was compared, and differential species selection was performed using the LEfSe software with linear discriminant analysis.

RESULTS: 1. PCoA analysis based on Bray-Curtis distances at the species level revealed a difference between the groups (p = 0.011). At the genus level, α-diversity, assessed using the Shannon, Simpson, and Inverse Simpson indices, indicated higher bacterial richness and diversity in the control group (Shannon: mean 0.554 vs. 0.383, p = 0.0044; Simpson: mean 0.254 vs. 0.179, p = 0.0043; Inverse Simpson: mean 1.636 vs. 1.414, p = 0.0043); At the genus level, 107 microbial genera were identified, 18 of which displayed statistically significant differences. At the species level, 23 microbial species showed significant differences between the two groups. 2. We analyzed the differences in the most abundant phyla, genera, and species, with a particular focus on the top 20 most abundant genera and species. Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were significantly more prevalent among patients with pregnancy loss (PL). Among the top 20 most abundant genera, Streptococcus and Porphyromonas were significantly more abundant in patients with PL, whereas Bifidobacterium was significantly more prevalent in the reference group. Among the 20 most abundant species, Lactobacillus crispatus was significantly more prevalent in patients with PL, whereas common in the control group. 3. Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA) of Bray-Curtis distances, highlight their distinct clustering patterns, suggesting a notable difference between the metabolic pathways of the two groups. Key pathways with a negative correlation to PL include those related to amino acid biosynthesis, lipid metabolism, and nucleotide biosynthesis.

CONCLUSION: Our study highlights the association between vaginal microbiota dysbiosis and EPL, identifying specific microbial taxa that may contribute to pregnancy loss. These findings underscore the importance of the vaginal microbiome in reproductive health and open up new avenues for research into microbiome-based diagnostics and therapies. By integrating microbial, immune, and environmental data, future research has the potential to uncover the mechanisms underlying EPL and develop targeted interventions to improve pregnancy outcomes.},
}

Humans
Female
Pregnancy
*Vagina/microbiology
Case-Control Studies
*Abortion, Spontaneous/microbiology
Adult
*Microbiota
Young Adult

@article {pmid40350519,
year = {2025},
author = {Schultz, J and Jamil, T and Sengupta, P and Sivabalan, SKM and Rawat, A and Patel, N and Krishnamurthi, S and Alam, I and Singh, NK and Raman, K and Rosado, AS and Venkateswaran, K},
title = {Genomic insights into novel extremotolerant bacteria isolated from the NASA Phoenix mission spacecraft assembly cleanrooms.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {117},
pmid = {40350519},
issn = {2049-2618},
support = {BAS/1/1096-01-01//KAUST Baseline Grant/ ; PPR-ROSES-2006//National Aeronautical and Space Administration/ ; },
mesh = {*Spacecraft ; United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration ; *Bacteria/genetics/isolation & purification/classification ; United States ; Biofilms/growth & development ; Space Flight ; *Extremophiles/genetics/isolation & purification/classification ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Humans ; Microbiota/genetics ; Genomics ; Metagenome ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Human-designed oligotrophic environments, such as cleanrooms, harbor unique microbial communities shaped by selective pressures like temperature, humidity, nutrient availability, cleaning reagents, and radiation. Maintaining the biological cleanliness of NASA's mission-associated cleanrooms, where spacecraft are assembled and tested, is critical for planetary protection. Even with stringent controls such as regulated airflow, temperature management, and rigorous cleaning, resilient microorganisms can persist in these environments, posing potential risks for space missions.

RESULTS: During the Phoenix spacecraft mission, genomes of 215 bacterial isolates were sequenced and based on overall genome-related indices, 53 strains belonging to 26 novel species were recognized. Metagenome mapping indicated less than 0.1% of the reads associated with novel species, suggesting their rarity. Genes responsible for biofilm formation, such as BolA (COG0271) and CvpA (COG1286), were predominantly found in proteobacterial members but were absent in other non-spore-forming and spore-forming species. YqgA (COG1811) was detected in most spore-forming members but was absent in Paenibacillus and non-spore-forming species. Cell fate regulators, COG1774 (YaaT), COG3679 (YlbF, YheA/YmcA), and COG4550 (YmcA, YheA/YmcA), controlling sporulation, competence, and biofilm development processes, were observed in all spore-formers but were missing in non-spore-forming species. COG analyses further revealed resistance-conferring proteins in all spore-formers (n = 13 species) and eight actinobacterial species, responsible for enhanced membrane transport and signaling under radiation (COG3253), transcription regulation under radiation stress (COG1108), and DNA repair and stress responses (COG2318). Additional functional analysis revealed that Agrococcus phoenicis, Microbacterium canaveralium, and Microbacterium jpeli contained biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) for ε-poly-L-lysine, beneficial in food preservation and biomedical applications. Two novel Sphingomonas species exhibited for zeaxanthin, an antioxidant beneficial for eye health. Paenibacillus canaveralius harbored genes for bacillibactin, crucial for iron acquisition. Georgenia phoenicis had BGCs for alkylresorcinols, compounds with antimicrobial and anticancer properties used in food preservation and pharmaceuticals.

CONCLUSION: Despite stringent decontamination and controlled environmental conditions, cleanrooms harbor unique bacterial species that form biofilms, resist various stressors, and produce valuable biotechnological compounds. The reduced microbial competition in these environments enhances the discovery of novel microbial diversity, contributing to the mitigation of microbial contamination and fostering biotechnological innovation. Video Abstract.},
}

*Spacecraft
United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration
*Bacteria/genetics/isolation & purification/classification
United States
Biofilms/growth & development
Space Flight
*Extremophiles/genetics/isolation & purification/classification
*Genome, Bacterial
Humans
Microbiota/genetics
Genomics
Metagenome
Phylogeny

@article {pmid40327666,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, X and Zhang, Y and Xu, Y and Xu, Y and Zhang, M and Guan, Q and Hu, W and Tun, HM and Xia, Y},
title = {Microbial Disturbances Caused by Pesticide Exposure and Their Predictive Implications for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.},
journal = {Environmental science & technology},
volume = {59},
number = {19},
pages = {9449-9460},
doi = {10.1021/acs.est.5c01076},
pmid = {40327666},
issn = {1520-5851},
mesh = {Female ; *Diabetes, Gestational ; Pregnancy ; Humans ; *Pesticides ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects ; Adult ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S ; Biomarkers ; },
abstract = {Previous studies have suggested that pesticide exposure and gut microbiome alterations are associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) risk. Understanding the complex interactive effect of these factors on GDM is essential. In a cohort of 852 pregnant women, we assessed pesticide levels in serum and analyzed the gut microbiota using 16S rRNA and shotgun metagenomic sequencing. We explored the interactions between pesticides and gut microbiota, assessed their roles in GDM development, and proposed a predictive model based on identified biomarkers. We identified an environmental risk score (ERS), denoting the pesticide mixture level significantly associated with GDM, with the gut microbiota, particularly involving the Dorea branch, playing a crucial mediating role. In addition, we found an interactive effect of pesticide exposure and gut microbiota on GDM risk. Notably, low Prevotella enrichment combined with high ERS arisen from pesticide levels led to a 10.36-fold increased GDM risk. The identified pesticide and gut microbial biomarkers achieved high predictive accuracy for GDM (AUC: 0.833, 95% CI: 0.748-0.918). Collectively, maternal pesticide exposure may induce disrupted microbiome-dependent glycemic alteration, necessitating future assessment of clinical implications. Potential GDM markers can serve as targets for therapeutic intervention caused by pesticides, leading to prevention.},
}

Female
*Diabetes, Gestational
Pregnancy
Humans
*Pesticides
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects
Adult
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S
Biomarkers

@article {pmid40326765,
year = {2025},
author = {Lindner, BG and Graham, KE and Phaneuf, JR and Hatt, JK and Konstantinidis, KT},
title = {SourceApp: A Novel Metagenomic Source Tracking Tool that can Distinguish between Fecal Microbiomes Using Genome-To-Source Associations Benchmarked Against Mixed Input Spike-In Mesocosms.},
journal = {Environmental science & technology},
volume = {59},
number = {19},
pages = {9507-9516},
doi = {10.1021/acs.est.5c03603},
pmid = {40326765},
issn = {1520-5851},
mesh = {*Feces/microbiology ; *Metagenomics ; Animals ; *Microbiota ; Metagenome ; },
abstract = {Methodologies utilizing metagenomics are attractive to fecal source tracking (FST) aims for assessing the presence and proportions of various fecal inputs simultaneously. Yet, compared to established culture- or PCR-based techniques, metagenomic approaches for these purposes are rarely benchmarked or contextualized for practice. We performed shotgun sequencing experiments (n = 35) of mesocosms constructed from the water of a well-studied recreational and drinking water reservoir spiked with various fecal (n = 6 animal sources, 3 wastewater sources, and 1 septage source) and synthetic microbiome spike-ins (n = 1) introduced at predetermined cell concentrations to simulate fecal pollution events of known composition. We built source-associated genome databases using publicly available reference genomes and metagenome assembled genomes (MAGs) recovered from short- and long-read sequencing of the fecal spike-ins, and then created an associated bioinformatic tool, called SourceApp, for inferring source attribution and apportionment by mapping the metagenomic data to these genome databases. SourceApp's performance varied substantially by source, with cows being underestimated due to under sampling of cow fecal microbiomes. Parameter tuning revealed sensitivity and specificity near 0.90 overall, which exceeded all alternative tools. SourceApp can assist researchers with analyzing and interpreting shotgun sequencing data and developing standard operating procedures on the frontiers of metagenomic FST.},
}

*Feces/microbiology
*Metagenomics
Animals
*Microbiota
Metagenome

@article {pmid40298386,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, Z and Zhang, Z and Nie, BN and Huang, W and Zhu, Y and Zhang, L and Xu, M and Wang, M and Yuan, C and Liu, N and Wang, X and Tian, J and Ba, Q and Wang, Z},
title = {Temporal network analysis of gut microbiota unveils aging trajectories associated with colon cancer.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {10},
number = {5},
pages = {e0118824},
doi = {10.1128/msystems.01188-24},
pmid = {40298386},
issn = {2379-5077},
support = {2022YQ066//Shanghai Municipal Health Commission/ ; 82304777//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 23YF1442800//Science and Technology Innovation Plan Of Shanghai Science and Technology Commission/ ; WL-HBQN-2021004K,WL-QNPY-2022004K//Shanghai Medical Innovation and Development Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; *Aging ; Aged ; *Colonic Neoplasms/microbiology ; Adult ; Feces/microbiology ; Metagenomics/methods ; Case-Control Studies ; Colorectal Neoplasms/microbiology ; },
abstract = {UNLABELLED: The human gut microbiome's role in colorectal cancer (CRC) pathogenesis has gained increasing recognition. This study aimed to delineate the microbiome characteristics that distinguish CRC patients from healthy individuals, while also evaluating the influence of aging, through a comprehensive metagenomic approach. The study analyzed a cohort of 80 CRC patients and 80 matched healthy controls, dividing participants into a normal and a CRC group, further categorized by age into young, middle-aged, and old-aged subgroups. Extensive metagenomic sequencing of fecal samples allowed for the exploration of both the structural and functional profiles of the microbiome, with findings validated in an independent cohort to ensure robustness. Our results highlight notable differences in microbiome composition between CRC patients and healthy individuals, which exhibit age-dependent variations. Specifically, a higher prevalence of pathogenic bacteria, such as Bacteroides vulgatus, known to drive inflammation and carcinogenesis, was observed in CRC patients, alongside a reduction in beneficial microbes, including Lactobacillus. Functionally, the CRC-associated microbiome showed an increase in pathways related to DNA repair, cell cycle regulation, and metabolic activities, such as the Citrate cycle and Galactose metabolism, underscoring distinct microbial alterations in CRC patients that could influence disease onset and progression. These insights lay a foundation for future research into microbiome-based diagnostics and treatments for CRC.

IMPORTANCE: This study underscores the critical role of the gut microbiome in colorectal cancer (CRC) pathogenesis, particularly in the context of aging. By identifying age-specific microbial biomarkers and functional pathways associated with CRC, our findings provide novel insights into how microbiome composition and metabolic activities influence disease progression. These discoveries pave the way for developing personalized microbiome-based diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies, potentially improving CRC prevention and treatment outcomes across different age groups. Understanding these microbial dynamics could also inform interventions targeting gut microbiota to mitigate CRC risk and progression.},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics
Male
Female
Middle Aged
*Aging
Aged
*Colonic Neoplasms/microbiology
Adult
Feces/microbiology
Metagenomics/methods
Case-Control Studies
Colorectal Neoplasms/microbiology

@article {pmid40298367,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhou, Z and Ma, Y and Zhang, D and Ji, R and Wang, Y and Zhao, J and Ma, C and Zhu, H and Shen, H and Jiang, X and Niu, Y and Lu, J and Zhang, B and Tu, L and Zhang, H and Ma, X and Chen, P},
title = {Microbiome and fragmentation pattern of blood cell-free DNA and fecal metagenome enhance colorectal cancer micro-dysbiosis and diagnosis analysis: a proof-of-concept study.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {10},
number = {5},
pages = {e0027625},
doi = {10.1128/msystems.00276-25},
pmid = {40298367},
issn = {2379-5077},
support = {24ZDFA001//Gansu Provincial Science and Technology Major Project/ ; 2024-8-27,2024-8-30,2024-4-2//The Lanzhou Municipal Science and Technology Program/ ; 20240260001,20240260017//The College Students' Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program of Lanzhou University, China/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Colorectal Neoplasms/microbiology/diagnosis/blood ; *Feces/microbiology ; Male ; Female ; *Metagenome/genetics ; Middle Aged ; *Dysbiosis/microbiology/diagnosis/blood ; *Cell-Free Nucleic Acids/blood ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics ; Adenoma/microbiology/diagnosis/blood ; Proof of Concept Study ; Aged ; Adult ; *Microbiota/genetics ; },
abstract = {Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer, and it can be prevented by performing early screening. As a hallmark of cancer, the human microbiome plays important roles in the occurrence and development of CRC. Recently, the blood microbiome has been proposed as an effective diagnostic tool for various diseases, yet its performance on CRC deserves further exploration. In this study, 133 human feces and 120 blood samples are collected, including healthy individuals, adenoma patients, and CRC patients. The blood cfDNA and fecal genome are subjected to shotgun metagenome sequencing. After removing human sequences, the microbial sequences in blood are analyzed. Based on the differential microbes and functions, random forest (RF) models are constructed for adenoma and CRC diagnosis. The results show that alterations of blood microbial signatures can be captured under low coverage (even at 3×). RF diagnostic models based on blood microbial markers achieve high area under the curve (AUC) values for adenoma patients (0.8849) and CRC patients (0.9824). When the fragmentation pattern is combined with microbial and KEGG markers, higher AUC values are obtained. Furthermore, compared to the blood microbiome, the fecal microbiome shows a different community composition, whereas their changes in KEGG pathways are similar. Pathogenic bacteria Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) in feces increased gradually from the healthy group to the adenoma and CRC groups. Additionally, F. nucleatum in feces and blood shows a positive correlation in CRC patients. Cumulatively, the integration of blood microbiome and fragmentation pattern is promising for CRC diagnosis.IMPORTANCEThe cell-free DNA of the human microbiome can enter the blood and can be used for cancer diagnosis, whereas its diagnostic potential in colorectal cancer and association with gut microbiome has not been explored. The microbial sequences in blood account for less than 1% of the total sequences. The blood microbial composition, KEGG functions, and fragmentation pattern are different among healthy individuals, adenoma patients, and CRC patients. Machine learning models based on these differential characteristics achieve high diagnostic accuracy, especially when they are integrated with fragmentation patterns. The great difference between fecal and blood microbiomes indicates that microbial sequences in blood may originate from various organs. Therefore, this study provides new insights into the community composition and functions of the blood microbiome of CRC and proposes an effective non-invasive diagnostic tool.},
}

Humans
*Colorectal Neoplasms/microbiology/diagnosis/blood
*Feces/microbiology
Male
Female
*Metagenome/genetics
Middle Aged
*Dysbiosis/microbiology/diagnosis/blood
*Cell-Free Nucleic Acids/blood
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics
Adenoma/microbiology/diagnosis/blood
Proof of Concept Study
Aged
Adult
*Microbiota/genetics

@article {pmid40272147,
year = {2025},
author = {Dai, X and Cao, Y and Li, L and Gao, Y-X and Wang, J-X and Liu, Y-J and Ma, T-T and Zheng, J-M and Zhan, P-P and Shen, Z-Y},
title = {Gut microbiome and metabolome profiles in renal allograft rejection from multiomics integration.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {10},
number = {5},
pages = {e0162624},
doi = {10.1128/msystems.01626-24},
pmid = {40272147},
issn = {2379-5077},
support = {82241219//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82127808//National Major Science and Technology Projects of China/ ; 81921004//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; NKTM2023005//Institute of Transplantation Medicine NanKai University/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *Kidney Transplantation/adverse effects ; Female ; *Graft Rejection/metabolism/microbiology/diagnosis ; Male ; *Metabolome ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Metabolomics/methods ; Feces/microbiology ; Multiomics ; },
abstract = {UNLABELLED: The gut microbiome and metabolome play crucial roles in renal allograft rejection progression. Integrated multiomics analyses may provide a comprehensive understanding of specific underlying mechanisms, which remain elusive. This study aimed to identify new approaches for clinical renal allograft rejection diagnosis and treatment. Thirty-five patients were divided into three groups: the rejection (n = 16), dysfunction (n = 7), and control (n = 12) groups. Metagenomic sequencing and nontargeted metabolomics were used to analyze stool and plasma samples. Significant microbiota, metabolites, and signaling pathways were identified. LASSO regression was used to construct a diagnostic model, and its diagnostic value was assessed via receiver operating characteristic curves. The microbiota composition and the related genes in the rejection group significantly differed from that in the dysfunction and control groups at the phylum, genus, and species levels (P < 0.001). The core species in the rejection group networks were Escherichia coli and Ruminococcus gnavus, while core species in the dysfunction group networks were Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Bacteroides ovatus. The balance of specific microbial species was associated with kidney function in rejection patients. Spearman analysis revealed that specific differential species like Agathobaculum butyriciproducens and Gemmiger qucibialis were closely linked to the levels of serum 4-pyridoxic acid, 4-acetamidobutanoate, and fecal tryptamine from specific differential pathways. Finally, we constructed four clinical models to distinguish the rejection and dysfunction groups, and the model had excellent diagnostic performance. Altered gut microbiota may contribute to changes in metabolic pathway activity and metabolite abundance in rejection and dysfunction patients, which are strongly correlated with host immunological rejection. The diagnostic model, developed based on the gut microbiota and metabolites, has high clinical value for diagnosing renal rejection.

IMPORTANCE: This study aimed to screen new markers for non-invasive diagnosis by the gut microbiome and metabolome analysis, providing new insights into rejection mechanisms and identifying new approaches for clinical renal allograft rejection diagnosis.},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
*Kidney Transplantation/adverse effects
Female
*Graft Rejection/metabolism/microbiology/diagnosis
Male
*Metabolome
Adult
Middle Aged
Metabolomics/methods
Feces/microbiology
Multiomics

@article {pmid40261064,
year = {2025},
author = {Žuštra, A and Leonard, VR and Holland, LA and Hu, JC and Mu, T and Holland, SC and Wu, LI and Begnel, ER and Ojee, E and Chohan, BH and Richardson, BA and Kinuthia, J and Wamalwa, D and Slyker, J and Lehman, DA and Gantt, S and Lim, ES},
title = {Longitudinal dynamics of the nasopharyngeal microbiome in response to SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant and HIV infection in Kenyan women and their children.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {10},
number = {5},
pages = {e0156824},
doi = {10.1128/msystems.01568-24},
pmid = {40261064},
issn = {2379-5077},
support = {R01HD092311/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; BAA 75D30121C11084/CC/CDC HHS/United States ; 390237/CAPMC/CIHR/Canada ; 447944/CAPMC/CIHR/Canada ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; *COVID-19/virology/epidemiology/microbiology/complications ; *HIV Infections/microbiology/virology/epidemiology/complications ; *Nasopharynx/microbiology/virology ; Kenya/epidemiology ; *SARS-CoV-2/genetics ; *Microbiota ; Longitudinal Studies ; Adult ; Child ; Male ; Child, Preschool ; Infant ; },
abstract = {UNLABELLED: The nasopharynx and its microbiota are implicated in respiratory health and disease. The interplay between viral infection and the nasopharyngeal microbiome is an area of increased interest. The impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the etiological agent of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, on the nasopharyngeal microbiome among individuals living with HIV is not fully characterized. Here, we describe the nasopharyngeal microbiome before, during, and after SARS-CoV-2 infection in a longitudinal cohort of Kenyan women (21 living with HIV and 14 HIV-uninfected) and their children (18 HIV-exposed, uninfected and 7 HIV-unexposed, uninfected) between September 2021 and March 2022. We show using genomic epidemiology that mother and child dyads were infected with the same strain of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant that spread rapidly across Kenya. We used metagenomic sequencing to characterize the nasopharyngeal microbiome of 20 women and children infected with SARS-CoV-2, six children negative for SARS-CoV-2 but experiencing respiratory symptoms, and 34 timepoint-matched SARS-CoV-2-negative mothers and children. Since individuals were sampled longitudinally before and after SARS-CoV-2 infection, we could characterize the short- (within a week of infection) and longer- (average of 38 days post-infection) term impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the nasopharyngeal microbiome. We found that mothers and children had significantly different microbiome composition and bacterial load (P-values < 0.0001). In both mothers and children, the nasopharyngeal microbiome did not differ before and after SARS-CoV-2 infection, regardless of HIV exposure status. Our results indicate that the nasopharyngeal microbiome is resilient to SARS-CoV-2 infection and was not significantly modified by HIV.

IMPORTANCE: The nasopharyngeal microbiome plays an important role in human health. The degree of impact that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has on the nasopharyngeal microbiome varies among studies and may be influenced by diverse SARS-CoV-2 variants and variations in the microbiome between individuals. Our results show that the nasopharyngeal microbiome was not altered substantially by SARS-CoV-2 infection nor by HIV infection in mothers or HIV exposure in children. Our findings highlight the resilience of the nasopharyngeal microbiome after SARS-CoV-2 infection. These findings advance our understanding of the nasopharyngeal microbiome and its interactions with viral infections.},
}

Humans
Female
*COVID-19/virology/epidemiology/microbiology/complications
*HIV Infections/microbiology/virology/epidemiology/complications
*Nasopharynx/microbiology/virology
Kenya/epidemiology
*SARS-CoV-2/genetics
*Microbiota
Longitudinal Studies
Adult
Child
Male
Child, Preschool
Infant

@article {pmid40197051,
year = {2025},
author = {Shamash, M and Sinha, A and Maurice, CF},
title = {Improving gut virome comparisons using predicted phage host information.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {10},
number = {5},
pages = {e0136424},
doi = {10.1128/msystems.01364-24},
pmid = {40197051},
issn = {2379-5077},
mesh = {*Bacteriophages/genetics/classification/physiology ; *Virome/genetics ; Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics ; Animals ; Mice ; Feces/virology/microbiology ; Metagenomics/methods ; Computational Biology/methods ; Bacteria/virology ; },
abstract = {UNLABELLED: The human gut virome is predominantly made up of bacteriophages (phages), viruses that infect bacteria. Metagenomic studies have revealed that phages in the gut are highly individual specific and dynamic. These features make it challenging to perform meaningful cross-study comparisons. While several taxonomy frameworks exist to group phages and improve these comparisons, these strategies provide little insight into the potential effects phages have on their bacterial hosts. Here, we propose the use of predicted phage host families (PHFs) as a functionally relevant, qualitative unit of phage classification to improve these cross-study analyses. We first show that bioinformatic predictions of phage hosts are accurate at the host family level by measuring their concordance to Hi-C sequencing-based predictions in human and mouse fecal samples. Next, using phage host family predictions, we determined that PHFs reduce intra- and interindividual ecological distances compared to viral contigs in a previously published cohort of 10 healthy individuals, while simultaneously improving longitudinal virome stability. Lastly, by reanalyzing a previously published metagenomics data set with >1,000 samples, we determined that PHFs are prevalent across individuals and can aid in the detection of inflammatory bowel disease-specific virome signatures. Overall, our analyses support the use of predicted phage hosts in reducing between-sample distances and providing a biologically relevant framework for making between-sample virome comparisons.

IMPORTANCE: The human gut virome consists mainly of bacteriophages (phages), which infect bacteria and show high individual specificity and variability, complicating cross-study comparisons. Furthermore, existing taxonomic frameworks offer limited insight into their interactions with bacterial hosts. In this study, we propose using predicted phage host families (PHFs) as a higher-level classification unit to enhance functional cross-study comparisons. We demonstrate that bioinformatic predictions of phage hosts align with Hi-C sequencing results at the host family level in human and mouse fecal samples. We further show that PHFs reduce ecological distances and improve virome stability over time. Additionally, reanalysis of a large metagenomics data set revealed that PHFs are widespread and can help identify disease-specific virome patterns, such as those linked to inflammatory bowel disease.},
}

*Bacteriophages/genetics/classification/physiology
*Virome/genetics
Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics
Animals
Mice
Feces/virology/microbiology
Metagenomics/methods
Computational Biology/methods
Bacteria/virology

@article {pmid40350492,
year = {2025},
author = {Ding, Y and Ke, J and Hong, T and Zhang, A and Wu, X and Jiang, X and Shao, S and Gong, M and Zhao, S and Shen, L and Chen, S},
title = {Microbial diversity and ecological roles of halophilic microorganisms in Dingbian (Shaanxi, China) saline-alkali soils and salt lakes.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {287},
pmid = {40350492},
issn = {1471-2180},
support = {STEP 2024QZKK02010//Supported by the Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research Program/ ; 2208085MC39//Natural Science Foundation of Anhui Province, China/ ; },
mesh = {China ; *Lakes/microbiology/chemistry ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Soil Microbiology ; *Archaea/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Phylogeny ; DNA, Archaeal/genetics ; Salinity ; *Biodiversity ; Alkalies/analysis ; Soil/chemistry ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Sodium Chloride ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Bacteria/classification/genetics ; },
abstract = {Halophilic microorganisms abound in numerous hypersaline environments, such as salt lakes, salt mines, solar salterns, and salted seafood. In the northwest of Dingbian county (Shaanxi province, China), there exists a belt of hypersaline habitats extending from the west to the north consisting of saline-alkali soil and salt lakes. Theoretically, such a hypersaline environment has a high probability of containing abundant halophilic archaea communities. Nevertheless, there is nearly no systematic research on halophilic archaea in this area. Here, we employed a combination of culture-dependent and culture-independent methods to analyze the collected samples. The high-throughput sequencing results of the archaeal 16S rRNA gene indicated that the richness of halophilic archaea in saline-alkali soils was significantly higher than that in salt lakes. In saline-alkali soils, the Natronomonas genus of archaea was more predominant compared to other genera, while in salt lakes, the Halonotius, Halorubrum, and Haloarcula genera of archaea had relatively higher abundances. However, the dominant families of halophilic archaea in both environments were mainly Haloferacaceae (30.96-72%), Halomicrobiaceae (17-53.19%) and Nanosalinaceae (1-19.08%). Based on the outcomes of pure culture experiments, a total of 26 genera and 98 strains were identified. Among the identified halophilic microorganisms, the predominant species were Halorubrum and Fodinibius, accounting for 33.67% and 13.27%, respectively. The remainder were mostly low-abundance groups within the community, and 22 potential novel taxa were discovered. Additionally, metagenomic technology was employed in our research. The analysis results demonstrated that the microorganisms in this area possess metabolic pathways capable of degrading various pollutants such as atrazine, methane, and dioxins, suggesting that some microorganisms in this area play a positive role in environmental remediation. This study roughly reveals the diversity composition and dominant species of halophilic archaea in these hypersaline environments and provides a scientific basis for the possible ecological functions of microorganisms in this area during long-term survival. It also offers scientific evidence for the development and utilization of halophilic microbial resources and ecological protection.},
}

China
*Lakes/microbiology/chemistry
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
*Soil Microbiology
*Archaea/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Phylogeny
DNA, Archaeal/genetics
Salinity
*Biodiversity
Alkalies/analysis
Soil/chemistry
High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
Sodium Chloride
Sequence Analysis, DNA
Bacteria/classification/genetics

@article {pmid40350460,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, X and Zhong, R and Wu, J and Tan, Z and Jiao, J},
title = {Dietary selection of distinct gastrointestinal microorganisms drives fiber utilization dynamics in goats.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {118},
pmid = {40350460},
issn = {2049-2618},
support = {32372829, 31972992//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2023JJ10047//Hunan Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2022RC1158//The Science and Technology innovation Program of Hunan Province/ ; 2023382//Youth Innovation Promotion Association CAS/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Goats/microbiology ; *Dietary Fiber/metabolism ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Rumen/microbiology/metabolism ; Animal Feed/analysis ; Metagenomics/methods ; Fermentation ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/metabolism/isolation & purification ; Fibrobacter/metabolism/genetics/isolation & purification ; Ruminococcus/metabolism/genetics/isolation & purification ; Diet/veterinary ; Cecum/microbiology/metabolism ; Cellulose/metabolism ; Fatty Acids, Volatile/metabolism ; Polysaccharides/metabolism ; *Gastrointestinal Tract/microbiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Dietary fiber is crucial to animal productivity and health, and its dynamic utilization process is shaped by the gastrointestinal microorganisms in ruminants. However, we lack a holistic understanding of the metabolic interactions and mediators of intestinal microbes under different fiber component interventions compared with that of their rumen counterparts. Here, we applied nutritional, amplicon, metagenomic, and metabolomic approaches to compare characteristic microbiome and metabolic strategies using goat models with fast-fermentation fiber (FF) and slow-fermentation fiber (SF) dietary interventions from a whole gastrointestinal perspective.

RESULTS: The SF diet selected fibrolytic bacteria Fibrobacter and Ruminococcus spp. and enriched for genes encoding for xylosidase, endoglucanase, and galactosidase in the rumen and cecum to enhance cellulose and hemicellulose utilization, which might be mediated by the enhanced microbial ATP production and cobalamin biosynthesis potentials in the rumen. The FF diet favors pectin-degrading bacteria Prevotella spp. and enriched for genes encoding for pectases (PL1, GH28, and CE8) to improve animal growth. Subsequent SCFA patterns and metabolic pathways unveiled the favor of acetate production in the rumen and butyrate production in the cecum for SF goats. Metagenomic binning verified this distinct selection of gastrointestinal microorganisms and metabolic pathways of different fiber types (fiber content and polysaccharide chemistry).

CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide novel insights into the key metabolic pathways and distinctive mechanisms through which dietary fiber types benefit the host animals from the whole gastrointestinal perspective. Video Abstract.},
}

Animals
*Goats/microbiology
*Dietary Fiber/metabolism
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Rumen/microbiology/metabolism
Animal Feed/analysis
Metagenomics/methods
Fermentation
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/metabolism/isolation & purification
Fibrobacter/metabolism/genetics/isolation & purification
Ruminococcus/metabolism/genetics/isolation & purification
Diet/veterinary
Cecum/microbiology/metabolism
Cellulose/metabolism
Fatty Acids, Volatile/metabolism
Polysaccharides/metabolism
*Gastrointestinal Tract/microbiology

@article {pmid40350266,
year = {2025},
author = {Ohyama, Y and Miura, T and Furukawa, M and Shimamura, M and Asami, Y and Yamazoe, A and Uchino, Y and Kawasaki, H},
title = {A HPLC-based Method for Counting the Genome Copy Number of Cells Allows the Production of a High-quality Mock Community of Bacterial Cells.},
journal = {Microbes and environments},
volume = {40},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1264/jsme2.ME24076},
pmid = {40350266},
issn = {1347-4405},
mesh = {Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods ; *Bacteria/genetics/isolation & purification/classification ; Humans ; *Microbiota/genetics ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Metagenomics/methods ; Reproducibility of Results ; },
abstract = {Improving the reliability of a metagenomic sequencing ana-lysis requires the use of control samples, known as mock communities. Therefore, mock communities must be prepared with high accuracy and reproducibility, which is particularly challenging for cellular mock communities. In the present study, we prepared a cellular mock community consisting of bacterial strains representative of the human and surrounding environmental microbiomes to demonstrate the suitability of a HPLC-based method that measures the genome number of cells. This method proved to be more accurate and reproducible for preparing cellular mock communities than traditional cell counting-based enumeration methods.},
}

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods
*Bacteria/genetics/isolation & purification/classification
Humans
*Microbiota/genetics
*Genome, Bacterial
Metagenomics/methods
Reproducibility of Results

@article {pmid40349120,
year = {2025},
author = {Jiang, S and Huang, S and Zhang, Z and Ma, W and Han, Z and Song, Y and Huo, D and Cui, W and Zhang, J},
title = {Gut microbiota drives structural variation of exogenous probiotics to enhance colonization.},
journal = {Gut microbes},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {2503371},
pmid = {40349120},
issn = {1949-0984},
mesh = {*Probiotics/pharmacology ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics ; Animals ; Mice ; *Lactobacillus plantarum/genetics/growth & development ; Gastrointestinal Tract/microbiology ; Bile Acids and Salts ; Metagenomics ; },
abstract = {Probiotics encounter colonization resistance from native gut microbiomes, affecting their effectiveness. Genetic engineering of probiotics lacks universal applicability, as gut microbiotas are highly individualized. Here, we employed probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HNU082 (Lp082) to test whether Lp082 gut-adapted mutants can resolve colonization resistance in a new gut environment. Relying on culture-based methods and metagenomics, two distinct evolutionary clades of Lp082 in mice gut were observed, where one clade, which acquired more mutations, exhibited a longer survival time. However, these Lp082 isolates carrying many single nucleotide variants (SNVs) still exhibited phenotypic inconsistencies, with 13 strains of enhanced acid resistance. Thus, nanopore sequencing was proposed to identify structural variations (SVs). Among them, 12 strains had the Cro/C1-type HTH DNA-binding domain insertion, which enhanced growth and reproduction under bile salt stress, thereby increasing colonization time and quantity in the gut. The gut domestication process can drive probiotics to undergo many SNVs and SVs, thereby enhancing their colonization ability, which provides new insights into the colonization mechanisms and offers an ecology-based strategy.},
}

*Probiotics/pharmacology
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics
Animals
Mice
*Lactobacillus plantarum/genetics/growth & development
Gastrointestinal Tract/microbiology
Bile Acids and Salts
Metagenomics

@article {pmid40348945,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, J and Liu, J and Liu, S and Li, Z and Gao, C and Wang, Z and Huang, S and Jiang, Z and Yang, H},
title = {Multiomics reveals the synergistic response of gut microbiota and spider A. ventricosus to lead and cadmium toxicity.},
journal = {Bulletin of environmental contamination and toxicology},
volume = {114},
number = {5},
pages = {77},
pmid = {40348945},
issn = {1432-0800},
support = {32001205//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2023JJ30299//Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province/ ; 2019JJ50236//Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Cadmium/toxicity ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects ; *Lead/toxicity ; *Spiders/physiology/drug effects ; Metagenomics ; Multiomics ; },
abstract = {The potential crosstalk between the host and gut microbiota (GM) under heavy metal compound pollution remains unexplored. Herein, using comprehensive analysis of metagenomics, metabolomics, behavioral analysis, and cell morphology to investigate the causal relationship between GM and host responses to cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) toxicities. Results indicate that Pb and Cd pollution, alone or together, hinder spider predatory behavior and change the composition and function of GM. Combined exposure reduces protein and exogenous compound metabolism, while single exposure affects energy and lipid metabolism. Gut microbiota helps spider antioxidant activity by increasing glutathione, lipoic acid, and L-cysteine. Oxidative damage, increased Enterobacteriaceae (Salmonella), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) may harm the midgut barrier. Upregulation of choline and acetylcholine, and downregulation of spermidine, may initiate neurotoxicity. Inhibiting actinomycetes might boost sodium gallate for detoxifying single contaminants. Combined pollution detoxification may involve downregulation of indole synthesis metabolic bacteria, tryptophan, indole metabolites, cytochrome P450 (CYP450), and an increase in Desulfobulbia could remove heavy metals and reduce oxidative stress. Combined pollution has a synergistic effect, making the toxicity of multiple pollutants greater than their individual effects, impacting metal resistance genes (MRGs), and antibiotic resistance ontology (AROs) which used for classifying and describing antibiotic resistance, midgut barrier integrity, oxidative stress, and detoxification. The results help to elucidate the interplay of GM and host's reactions, and aid in monitoring and bioremediation of heavy metal pollution.},
}

Animals
*Cadmium/toxicity
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects
*Lead/toxicity
*Spiders/physiology/drug effects
Metagenomics
Multiomics

@article {pmid40338610,
year = {2025},
author = {Gan, X and Yu, Q and Hu, X and Qian, Y and Mu, X and Li, H},
title = {Metagenomic and metatranscriptomic analysis reveals the enzymatic mechanism of plant polysaccharide degradation through gut microbiome in plateau model animal (Ochotona curzoniae).},
journal = {FEMS microbiology letters},
volume = {372},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/femsle/fnaf045},
pmid = {40338610},
issn = {1574-6968},
support = {32471575//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Polysaccharides/metabolism ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics ; Metagenomics ; *Lagomorpha/microbiology/metabolism ; *Bacteria/genetics/classification/metabolism/enzymology/isolation & purification ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Glycoside Hydrolases/genetics/metabolism ; Transcriptome ; Poaceae/metabolism ; Altitude ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Cellulase/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Herbivorous animals can obtain energy by decomposing plant polysaccharides through gut microbiota, but the mechanism of gut microbiota decomposing plant polysaccharides in high-altitude model animals is still unclear. Plateau pika (Ochotona curzoniae) is a key model animal native to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau with a high intake of grass. Thus, Plateau pika is an excellent animal model for studying how herbivorous animals digest and metabolize grass polysaccharides. Here, we used 16S rDNA, 16S rRNA, metagenomic, and metatranscriptomic sequencing to characterize gut microbial composition, gene potential, and expressed function in pikas from different altitudes. Unlike total bacteria, Oscillospira and Ruminococcus were main active bacterial genera in pika's gut. The metabolic pathways of cellulose and hemicellulose were up-regulated in the middle and high-altitude groups; those genes encoding polysaccharide enzymes were enriched. Notably, the proportion of lignin metabolic genes expressed in pika's gut was the highest, followed by cellulase and hemicellulase genes. According to comparative metagenomics of different animals, the number and relative abundance of cellulase and hemicellulase genes in pika's gut were at a higher level compared with steer, etc. These results indicated that plateau pika obtained sufficient energy from grass-based diet by increasing the expression of related metabolic enzymes.},
}

Animals
*Polysaccharides/metabolism
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics
Metagenomics
*Lagomorpha/microbiology/metabolism
*Bacteria/genetics/classification/metabolism/enzymology/isolation & purification
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Glycoside Hydrolases/genetics/metabolism
Transcriptome
Poaceae/metabolism
Altitude
Gene Expression Profiling
Cellulase/genetics/metabolism

@article {pmid39876557,
year = {2025},
author = {Morsink, MC and van Schaik, EN and Bossers, K and Duijker, DA and Speksnijder, AGCL},
title = {Metagenomics education in a modular CURE format positively affects students' scientific discovery perception and data analytical skills.},
journal = {Biochemistry and molecular biology education : a bimonthly publication of the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology},
volume = {53},
number = {3},
pages = {311-320},
doi = {10.1002/bmb.21888},
pmid = {39876557},
issn = {1539-3429},
mesh = {*Metagenomics/education ; *Students/psychology ; Humans ; Microbiota ; Animals ; Anthozoa/microbiology ; Computational Biology/education ; Curriculum ; },
abstract = {Targeted metagenomics is a rapidly expanding technology to analyze complex biological samples and genetic monitoring of environmental samples. In this research field, data analytical aspects play a crucial role. In order to teach targeted metagenomics data analysis, we developed a 4-week inquiry-driven modular course-based undergraduate research experience (mCURE) using publicly available Australian coral microbiome DNA sequencing data and associated metadata. Since an enormous amount of metadata was provided alongside the DNA sequencing data, groups of students were able to develop their own authentic research questions. Throughout the course, the student groups worked on these research questions and were supported with bioinformatics and statistics lessons. Additionally, practical aspects of data collection and analysis were addressed during hands-on field work on a nearby Dutch beach. Evaluation of the course indicated that the majority of students (1) achieved the intended metagenomics-based learning outcomes and (2) experienced scientific discovery while working on their research projects. In conclusion, the huge amount of data and metadata available in the coral microbiome data set facilitated the development of a strongly inquiry-driven course. Different groups of students were able to develop and conduct their own distinct microbiome research projects and our current mCURE format positively affected students' metagenomics data analytical skills and scientific discovery perception.},
}

*Metagenomics/education
*Students/psychology
Humans
Microbiota
Animals
Anthozoa/microbiology
Computational Biology/education
Curriculum

@article {pmid40348492,
year = {2025},
author = {Quigley, EMM},
title = {Microbial Influences on Irritable Bowel Syndrome.},
journal = {Gastroenterology clinics of North America},
volume = {54},
number = {2},
pages = {351-365},
doi = {10.1016/j.gtc.2024.12.003},
pmid = {40348492},
issn = {1558-1942},
mesh = {*Irritable Bowel Syndrome/microbiology ; Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Feces/microbiology ; Metabolomics ; Metagenomics ; Dysbiosis ; },
abstract = {Since the description of postinfection irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a role for gut microbes in the pathogenesis of IBS has been proposed. Molecular microbiological tools have now been applied to IBS, though data are largely derived from fecal samples with attendant limitations. Metagenomics, metabolomics, and other 'omics facilitate a comprehensive picture of the microbiome and its metabolic activity. Has a microbial signature characteristic of IBS been identified? The answer is no; this should not be a surprise given the heterogeneity of the phenotype and each individual's microbiome profile.},
}

*Irritable Bowel Syndrome/microbiology
Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Feces/microbiology
Metabolomics
Metagenomics
Dysbiosis

@article {pmid40346812,
year = {2025},
author = {Pryor, JC and Nieva, C and Talley, NJ and Eslick, GD and Duncanson, K and Burns, GL and Hoedt, EC and Keely, S},
title = {Microbial-derived peptidases are altered in celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, and functional dyspepsia: a systematic review and re-analysis of the duodenal microbiome.},
journal = {Gut microbes},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {2500063},
pmid = {40346812},
issn = {1949-0984},
mesh = {Humans ; *Celiac Disease/microbiology/enzymology ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *Glutens/metabolism ; *Duodenum/microbiology ; *Dyspepsia/microbiology ; *Peptide Hydrolases/metabolism/genetics ; *Bacteria/enzymology/genetics/classification/isolation & purification ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; },
abstract = {Dietary gluten triggers symptoms in patients with gluten-related disorders (GRDs) including celiac disease (CeD), non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), and subsets of patients with functional dyspepsia (FD). The gastrointestinal microbiota is altered in these patients when compared to healthy individuals. As the microbiota is crucial for the hydrolysis of gluten, we hypothesized that the capacity of the microbiota to digest gluten is reduced in these conditions. We systematically reviewed and re-analyzed published datasets to compare gastrointestinal microbiomes of GRD patients and identify signals explaining gluten responses. A systematic search of five databases was conducted to identify studies where the microbiota of CeD, NCGS, or FD patients was analyzed by 16S rRNA amplicon or shotgun metagenomic sequencing and compared to control populations. Where available, raw duodenal microbiota sequence data were re-analyzed with a consistent bioinformatic pipeline. Thirty articles met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review. Microbiota diversity metrics were not impacted by the diseases; however, genera including Streptococcus, Neisseria, and Lactobacillus were commonly altered in GRD patients. Re-analysis of duodenal 16S rRNA data was possible for five included articles but did not identify any consistent differentially abundant taxa. Predicted functional analysis of the microbiome revealed that peptidases including aminopeptidase, proline iminopeptidase, and Xaa-Pro dipeptidase are altered in CeD, NCGS, and FD, respectively. These microbial-derived peptidases hydrolyze bonds in proline-rich gluten peptides. While the gastrointestinal microbiota in patients with GRDs differ from controls, no distinct phenotype links them. However, alterations to the predicted functional capacity of the microbiome to produce gluten-hydrolyzing enzymes suggest that inappropriate digestion of gluten by the microbiome impacts host responses to dietary gluten in these conditions. These findings have implications for therapeutic management of GRDs, as treatment with gluten-degrading enzymes or tailored probiotics could improve disease outcomes by enhancing gluten digestion into non-reactive peptides.},
}

Humans
*Celiac Disease/microbiology/enzymology
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
*Glutens/metabolism
*Duodenum/microbiology
*Dyspepsia/microbiology
*Peptide Hydrolases/metabolism/genetics
*Bacteria/enzymology/genetics/classification/isolation & purification
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics

@article {pmid40346542,
year = {2025},
author = {Gao, H and Xu, L and Liu, Y and Wang, X and Zhu, S and Lin, H and Gao, Y and Mao, D and Lu, X and Luo, Y},
title = {Whole genome comparisons reveal gut-to-lung translocation of Escherichia coli and Burkholderia cenocepacia in two cases of ventilator-associated pneumonia in ICU patients.},
journal = {Respiratory research},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {178},
pmid = {40346542},
issn = {1465-993X},
support = {2022BKY015//the Tianjin Graduate Research and Innovation Projects/ ; 42377426//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 18ZXDBSY00100//the Tianjin Science and Technology Plan Project/ ; 21JCYBJC01200//the Tianjin Municipal Natural Science Foundation/ ; 2023220//the Research Project on Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine of Tianjin Municipal Health Commission/ ; 2020YFC1806904//the National Key R&D Program of China/ ; 41831287//the Key Projects of the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Aged ; Animals ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mice ; Middle Aged ; *Bacterial Translocation/physiology/genetics ; *Burkholderia cenocepacia/genetics/isolation & purification/pathogenicity ; *Escherichia coli/genetics/isolation & purification/pathogenicity ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Intensive Care Units/trends ; *Lung/microbiology ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; *Pneumonia, Ventilator-Associated/microbiology/diagnosis/genetics ; Whole Genome Sequencing/methods ; Case-Control Studies ; Adult ; Aged, 80 and over ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Identifying the sources of pathogenic bacteria causing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. However, the scarcity of reported cases with confirmed sources limits the ability to evaluate and manage VAP, which remains a major challenge for healthcare systems globally.

METHODS: Pathogens were isolated from endotracheal aspirate (ETA) samples of VAP patients using conventional culture techniques. Whole-genome comparisons, based on average nucleotide identity (ANI), were performed to identify genetically identical strains by comparing pulmonary isolate genomes with gut metagenome-derived bacterial genomes. Mouse models of pneumonia and colitis were used to validate the translocation of pathogenic bacteria from the gut to the lungs. Metagenomic analysis was performed to characterize the gut microbiome and resistome.

RESULTS: Pathogenic isolates were obtained from the ETA samples of seven VAP patients, with one isolate per sample. Among these, Escherichia coli (Ec1) and Burkholderia cenocepacia (Bc1) from two patients were genetically identical to strains in their respective gut microbiota, with ANI values above 99%, indicating gut-to-lung translocation. The Ec1 strain demonstrated increased resistance to cefazolin while remaining susceptible to gentamicin, amikacin, and kanamycin, compared to previously reported pneumonia-associated E. coli strains. The Bc1 strain showed elevated resistance to macrolides, chloramphenicols, and tetracyclines relative to pneumonia-associated B. cenocepacia strains. Metagenomic analysis revealed a highly individualized gut microbiota composition among VAP patients. Notably, the translocated bacteria were not dominant within their gut microbiota. Additionally, these patients showed a marked increase in the total abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in their gut microbiota. The translocation ability of the Ec1 strain was validated in a mouse pneumonia model, where it caused more severe lung damage. Furthermore, elevated levels of Escherichia-Shigella were detected in the lung tissues of colitis mice, suggesting that gut-to-lung bacterial translocation may occur in a severely inflamed host, potentially leading to pneumonia.

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the gut-to-lung translocation of E. coli and B. cenocepacia, highlighting their role in the development and progression of VAP in ICU patients. These findings provide valuable insights for implementing targeted prevention and treatment strategies for VAP in ICU settings.},
}

Aged
Animals
Female
Humans
Male
Mice
Middle Aged
*Bacterial Translocation/physiology/genetics
*Burkholderia cenocepacia/genetics/isolation & purification/pathogenicity
*Escherichia coli/genetics/isolation & purification/pathogenicity
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics
*Genome, Bacterial
Intensive Care Units/trends
*Lung/microbiology
Mice, Inbred C57BL
*Pneumonia, Ventilator-Associated/microbiology/diagnosis/genetics
Whole Genome Sequencing/methods
Case-Control Studies
Adult
Aged, 80 and over

@article {pmid40328090,
year = {2025},
author = {Xia, Y and Lan, Y and Xu, Y and Liu, F and Chen, X and Luo, J and Xu, H and Liu, Y},
title = {Effects of microplastics and tetracycline induced intestinal damage, intestinal microbiota dysbiosis, and antibiotic resistome: metagenomic analysis in young mice.},
journal = {Environment international},
volume = {199},
number = {},
pages = {109512},
doi = {10.1016/j.envint.2025.109512},
pmid = {40328090},
issn = {1873-6750},
mesh = {Animals ; Mice ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects ; *Microplastics/toxicity ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/toxicity ; *Tetracycline/toxicity ; *Dysbiosis/chemically induced ; Metagenomics ; *Intestines/drug effects ; *Drug Resistance, Microbial/genetics ; },
abstract = {Microplastics (MPs) and antibiotic tetracycline (TC) are widespread in the environment and constitute emerging combined contaminants. Young individuals are particularly vulnerable to agents that disrupt intestinal health and development. However, the combined effects of MPs and TC remain poorly understood. In this study, we developed a young mouse model exposed to polystyrene MPs, either alone or in combination with TC for 8 weeks to simulate real-life dietary exposure during early life. Our findings revealed that concurrent exposure to MPs and TC caused the most severe intestinal barrier dysfunction driven by inflammatory activation and oxidative imbalance. Moreover, exposure to MPs and TC reduced the abundance of potential probiotics while promoting the growth of opportunistic pathogens. Metagenomic analysis further indicated that co-exposure to MPs and TC enhanced the abundance of bacteria carrying either antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) or virulence factor genes (VFGs), contributing to the widespread dissemination of potentially harmful genes. Finally, a strong positive correlation was observed between microbiota dysbiosis, ARGs, and VFGs. In general, this study highlighted the hazards of MPs and antibiotics to intestinal health in young mice, which provided a new perspective into the dynamics of pathogens, ARGs, and VFGs in early-life intestinal environments.},
}

Animals
Mice
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects
*Microplastics/toxicity
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/toxicity
*Tetracycline/toxicity
*Dysbiosis/chemically induced
Metagenomics
*Intestines/drug effects
*Drug Resistance, Microbial/genetics

@article {pmid40327993,
year = {2025},
author = {Grafakou, ME and Pferschy-Wenzig, EM and Aziz-Kalbhenn, H and Kelber, O and Moissl-Eichinger, C and Bauer, R},
title = {Bidirectional interactions between St. John´s wort and gut microbiome: Potential implications on gut-brain-axis.},
journal = {Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie},
volume = {187},
number = {},
pages = {118111},
doi = {10.1016/j.biopha.2025.118111},
pmid = {40327993},
issn = {1950-6007},
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects/physiology ; *Hypericum/chemistry ; *Plant Extracts/pharmacology ; *Brain/drug effects/metabolism ; Male ; Adult ; Female ; Feces/microbiology ; Antidepressive Agents/pharmacology ; *Brain-Gut Axis/drug effects ; },
abstract = {Emerging evidence highlights the role of gut microbiome in mental health disorders, including depression, raising the question whether the action of antidepressants could be mediated, at least in part, via the microbiome-gut-brain axis. To explore this, we subjected a St. John's wort extract (STW 3-VI), clinically proven to be effective in mild to moderate depression, to a model of the upper and lower intestinal tract, including static in vitro predigestion followed by ex vivo incubation with human microbiota samples. To cover the interindividual diversity of gut microbiome composition, fecal samples from ten healthy volunteers were used. Although unchanged levels of most annotated compounds were observed during simulated upper intestinal tract digestion, incubation with fecal microbiota led to a significant change of the chemical profile of the extract. While hyperforins remained stable, flavonoids and hypericins were rapidly biotransformed, suggesting that they may act as prodrugs. Several metabolites were formed, many of which are known to be involved in gut-brain communication. Differential abundance analysis revealed significant changes in microbiome composition, particularly for taxa known to be potentially associated with depression. Among others, the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, known to be lowered in depressive patients, was increased. Functional profiling revealed modulation of pathways involved in gut-brain communication, such as tyrosine and tryptophan metabolism. These bidirectional interactions suggest for the first time the gut microbiome as a potential mediator of the pharmacological effects of St. John's wort extracts via the microbiome-gut-brain axis.},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects/physiology
*Hypericum/chemistry
*Plant Extracts/pharmacology
*Brain/drug effects/metabolism
Male
Adult
Female
Feces/microbiology
Antidepressive Agents/pharmacology
*Brain-Gut Axis/drug effects

@article {pmid40216167,
year = {2025},
author = {Sangfuang, N and Xie, Y and McCoubrey, LE and Taub, M and Favaron, A and Mai, Y and Gaisford, S and Basit, AW},
title = {Investigating the bidirectional interactions between senotherapeutic agents and human gut microbiota.},
journal = {European journal of pharmaceutical sciences : official journal of the European Federation for Pharmaceutical Sciences},
volume = {209},
number = {},
pages = {107098},
doi = {10.1016/j.ejps.2025.107098},
pmid = {40216167},
issn = {1879-0720},
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects ; Quercetin/pharmacology ; *Senotherapeutics/pharmacology ; Dasatinib/pharmacology ; Sirolimus/pharmacology ; Flavonoids/pharmacology ; Bacteria/drug effects/genetics ; Adult ; Male ; Flavonols/pharmacology ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aging/drug effects ; },
abstract = {Biological ageing is a time-dependent process that has implications for health and disease. Cellular senescence is a key driver in ageing and age-related diseases. Senotherapeutic agents have been shown to slow biological ageing by eliminating senescent mammalian cells. Given the increasing awareness of the gut microbiome in regulating human health, this study aimed to investigate the effects of senotherapeutic agents as pharmacological interventions on the human gut microbiota. In this study, the bidirectional effects of four senotherapeutic agents, quercetin, fisetin, dasatinib, and sirolimus, with the gut microbiota sourced from healthy human donors were investigated. The results revealed that quercetin was completely biotransformed by the gut microbiota within six hours, while dasatinib was the most stable of the four compounds. Additionally, metagenomic analysis confirmed that all four compounds increased the abundance of bacterial species associated with healthy ageing (e.g., Bacteroides fragilis, Bifidobacterium longum, and Veillonella parvula), and decreased the abundance of pathogenic bacteria primarily associated with age-related diseases (e.g., Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus spp.). The findings from this study provide a comprehensive understanding of the pharmacobiomics of senotherapeutic interventions, highlighting the potential of microbiome-targeted senolytics in promoting healthy ageing.},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects
Quercetin/pharmacology
*Senotherapeutics/pharmacology
Dasatinib/pharmacology
Sirolimus/pharmacology
Flavonoids/pharmacology
Bacteria/drug effects/genetics
Adult
Male
Flavonols/pharmacology
Female
Middle Aged
Aging/drug effects

@article {pmid40147302,
year = {2025},
author = {Keneally, C and Chilton, D and Dornan, TN and Kidd, SP and Gaget, V and Toomes, A and Lassaline, C and Petrovski, R and Wood, L and Brookes, JD},
title = {Multi-omics reveal microbial succession and metabolomic adaptations to flood in a hypersaline coastal lagoon.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {280},
number = {},
pages = {123511},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2025.123511},
pmid = {40147302},
issn = {1879-2448},
mesh = {*Floods ; Salinity ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Geologic Sediments/microbiology ; Metabolomics ; Microbiota ; Multiomics ; },
abstract = {Microorganisms drive essential biogeochemical processes in aquatic ecosystems and are sensitive to both salinity and hydrological changes. As climate change and anthropogenic activities alter hydrology and salinity worldwide, understanding microbial ecology and metabolism becomes increasingly important for managing aquatic ecosystems. Biogeochemical processes were investigated on sediment microbial communities during a significant flood event in the hypersaline Coorong lagoon, South Australia (the largest in the Murray-Darling Basin since 1956). Samples from six sites across a salinity gradient were collected before and during flooding in 2022. To assess changes in microbial taxonomy and metabolic function, 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing was employed alongside untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to assess changes in microbial taxonomy and metabolic function. Results showed a decrease in microbial richness and diversity during flooding, especially in hypersaline conditions. Pre-flood communities were enriched with osmolyte-degrading and methanogenic taxa, alongside osmoprotectant metabolites, such as glycine betaine and choline. Flood conditions favored taxa such as Halanaerobiaceae and Beggiatoaceae, inducing inferred metagenomic shifts indicative of sulfur cycling and nitrogen reduction pathways, while also enriching a greater diversity of metabolites including Gly-Phe dipeptides and guanine. This study demonstrates that integrating metabolomics with microbial community analysis enhances understanding of ecosystem responses to disturbance. These findings suggest microbial communities rapidly change in response to salinity reductions while maintaining key biogeochemical functions. Such insights are valuable for ecosystem management and predictive modelling under environmental stressors such as flooding.},
}

*Floods
Salinity
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Geologic Sediments/microbiology
Metabolomics
Microbiota
Multiomics

@article {pmid40090144,
year = {2025},
author = {Deng, B and Ren, Z and Li, Q and Zhang, Z and Xu, C and Wang, P and Zhao, H and Yuan, Q},
title = {Black soldier fly larvae mediate Zinc and Chromium transformation through the ZnuCBA and citric acid cycle system.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {280},
number = {},
pages = {123483},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2025.123483},
pmid = {40090144},
issn = {1879-2448},
mesh = {Animals ; Larva/metabolism ; *Zinc/metabolism ; *Chromium/metabolism ; *Citric Acid Cycle ; *Simuliidae/metabolism ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; },
abstract = {Intestinal microbiota and metal regulatory proteins (MRPs) underlie the transformation of heavy metals (HMs) by the black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), but the mechanisms involved are still not fully defined. Here, using 16S rRNA and metagenomics-assisted tracing, we found that zinc (Zn) and chromium (Cr) stress led to enrichment of Proteobacteria in the BSFL intestine. Support of Proteobacteria also led to increased levels of the Zn transporter proteins ZnuC/B/A and the Zn efflux proteins zntR/A. Meanwhile, the genes MltE, CitT, and SLT, which mediate the citric acid cycle, were also significantly up-regulated and involved in the cellular uptake of Cr. Although Zn and Cr stress affected the expression of antibiotic resistance genes and pathogenic genes, the BSFL intestine tended to form stable microbial communities (MCs) to transform HMs through a mechanism driven by ZupT and chrA. In addition, the expression of SCARB1 and LdcA was significantly down-regulated by acute HMs stimulation, but BSFL were still able to complete the life cycle. Therefore, we determined the protective role of MCs and MRPs on BSFL during the transformation of HMs.},
}

Animals
Larva/metabolism
*Zinc/metabolism
*Chromium/metabolism
*Citric Acid Cycle
*Simuliidae/metabolism
Gastrointestinal Microbiome

@article {pmid40343328,
year = {2025},
author = {McLamb, F and Vazquez, A and Olander, N and Vasquez, MF and Feng, Z and Malhotra, N and Bozinovic, L and Najera Ruiz, K and O'Connell, K and Stagg, J and Bozinovic, G},
title = {Comparative Three-Barcode Phylogenetics and Soil Microbiomes of Planted and Wild Arbutus Strawberry Trees.},
journal = {Plant direct},
volume = {9},
number = {5},
pages = {e70078},
pmid = {40343328},
issn = {2475-4455},
abstract = {Taxonomic identification of closely related plants can be challenging due to convergent evolution, hybridization, and overlapping geographic distribution. To derive taxonomic relationships among planted and wild Arbutus plants across a large geographic range, we complemented three standard plastid barcodes rbcL, matK, and trnH-psbA with soil and fruit chemistry, soil microbiome, and plant morphology analyses. Soil and plant sampling included planted Arbutus from manicured sites in Southern California, USA, wild plants from Southern and Northern California, and wild populations from Mediterranean island of Hvar, Croatia. We hypothesized that phenotypic variation within and between sites correlates with plants' genotype and geographic distribution. Similar fruit chemistry corresponds to geographical proximity and morphological resemblance, while bulk soil bacterial content defines three distinct clusters distinguishing planted versus wild trees and continent of origin. The soil microbiome of wild California Arbutus was characterized by an abundance of Nitrobacter, while the presence of Candidatus Xiphinematobacter was high in wild Hvar samples and most planted samples, but low in all wild California samples. Although all three barcodes resolved four main groups, the position of samples varies across barcodes. The rbcL phylogram is relatively unbalanced, suggesting slower diversification among wild California populations and exhibiting greater resolution than other barcodes among planted individuals. While our data demonstrate an overall agreement among standard plant barcodes relative to geo-distribution and plant morphology, sustained efforts on cost-effective global plant DNA barcode library standardization for closely related and geographically overlapping plants is recommended.},
}

@article {pmid40341642,
year = {2025},
author = {Humińska-Lisowska, K and Michałowska-Sawczyn, M and Kosciolek, T and Łabaj, PP and Kochanowicz, A and Mieszkowski, J and Proia, P and Cięszczyk, P and Zielińska, K},
title = {Gut microbiome and blood biomarkers reveal differential responses to aerobic and anaerobic exercise in collegiate men of diverse training backgrounds.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {16061},
pmid = {40341642},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {2018/29/N/NZ7/02800//Narodowe Centrum Nauki/ ; 2018/29/N/NZ7/02800//Narodowe Centrum Nauki/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Male ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology ; *Biomarkers/blood ; *Exercise/physiology ; Young Adult ; Feces/microbiology ; Exercise Test ; Athletes ; Anaerobiosis ; Adult ; },
abstract = {The gut microbiome influences physiological responses to exercise by modulating inflammatory markers and metabolite production. Athletes typically exhibit greater microbial diversity, which may be associated with improved performance, but the mechanisms linking different exercise modalities to the gut microbiome are not fully understood. In this study, blood and stool samples were collected from endurance athletes, strength athletes, and non-athletic controls performing two maximal exercise tests (the anaerobic Wingate test and the aerobic Bruce Treadmill Test) to integrate serum biomarker data with gut bacterial metagenomic profiles. While most biochemical markers showed similar post-exercise trends across groups, SPARC (secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine) and adiponectin levels showed modality-specific responses. Strength-trained participants showed unique microbiome-biomarker associations after the Wingate test. In addition, baseline enrichment of certain bacterial taxa, including Clostridium phoceensis and Catenibacterium spp., correlated with reduced Bruce Treadmill test response in strength-trained individuals. These findings, while requiring further validation, indicate the complex interplay between exercise type, training background, and the gut microbiome, and suggest that specific microbial species may help shape recovery and adaptation.},
}

Humans
Male
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology
*Biomarkers/blood
*Exercise/physiology
Young Adult
Feces/microbiology
Exercise Test
Athletes
Anaerobiosis
Adult

@article {pmid40220715,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, Y and Chen, Z and Liang, L and Li, J and Meng, L and Yuan, W and Xie, B and Zhang, X and Feng, L and Jia, Y and Fu, Z and Su, P and Tong, Z and Zhong, J and Liu, X},
title = {Multi-kingdom gut microbiota dysbiosis is associated with the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension.},
journal = {EBioMedicine},
volume = {115},
number = {},
pages = {105686},
pmid = {40220715},
issn = {2352-3964},
mesh = {*Dysbiosis/microbiology/complications ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Animals ; Rats ; Humans ; Fecal Microbiota Transplantation ; Male ; Disease Models, Animal ; *Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension/etiology/microbiology ; Metagenomics/methods ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Bacteria/genetics/classification ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Gut microbiota dysbiosis has been implicated in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, the exact roles and underlying mechanisms of multi-kingdom gut microbiota, including bacteria, archaea, and fungi, in PAH remain largely unclear.

METHODS: The shotgun metagenomics was used to analyse multi-kingdom gut microbial communities in patients with idiopathic PAH (IPAH) and healthy controls. Furthermore, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was performed to transfer gut microbiota from IPAH patients or monocrotaline (MCT)-PAH rats to normal rats and from normal rats to MCT-PAH rats.

FINDINGS: Gut microbiota analysis revealed substantial alterations in the bacterial, archaeal, and fungal communities in patients with IPAH compared with healthy controls. Notably, FMT from IPAH patients or MCT-PAH rats induced PAH phenotypes in recipient rats. More intriguingly, FMT from normal rats to MCT-PAH rats significantly ameliorated PAH symptoms; restored gut bacteria, archaea, and fungi composition; and shifted the plasma metabolite profiles of MCT-PAH rats toward those of normal rats. In parallel, RNA-sequencing analysis demonstrated the expression of genes involved in key signalling pathways related to PAH. A panel of multi-kingdom markers exhibited superior diagnostic accuracy compared with single-kingdom panels for IPAH.

INTERPRETATION: Our findings established an association between multi-kingdom gut microbiota dysbiosis and PAH, thereby indicating the therapeutic potential of FMT in PAH. More importantly, apart from gut bacteria, gut archaea and fungi were also significantly associated with PAH pathogenesis, highlighting their indispensable role in PAH.

FUNDING: This work was supported by Noncommunicable Chronic Diseases-National Science and Technology Major Projects No. 2024ZD0531200, No. 2024ZD0531201 (Research on Prevention and Treatment of Cancer, Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Respiratory Diseases, and Metabolic Diseases), the National Natural Science Foundation of China of China (No. 82170302, 82370432), Financial Budgeting Project of Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine (Ysbz2025004, Ysbz2025007), National clinical key speciality construction project Cardiovascular Surgery, Reform and Development Program of Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine (Ggyfz202417, Ggyfz202501), Clinical Research Incubation Program of Beijing Chaoyang Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University (CYFH202209).},
}

*Dysbiosis/microbiology/complications
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Animals
Rats
Humans
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation
Male
Disease Models, Animal
*Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension/etiology/microbiology
Metagenomics/methods
Female
Middle Aged
Bacteria/genetics/classification

@article {pmid40188743,
year = {2025},
author = {Deng, K and Wang, L and Nguyen, SM and Shrubsole, MJ and Cai, Q and Lipworth, L and Gupta, DK and Zheng, W and Shu, XO and Yu, D},
title = {A dietary pattern promoting gut sulfur metabolism is associated with increased mortality and altered circulating metabolites in low-income American adults.},
journal = {EBioMedicine},
volume = {115},
number = {},
pages = {105690},
pmid = {40188743},
issn = {2352-3964},
support = {R01 HL149779/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; U01 CA202979/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *Diet ; *Sulfur/metabolism ; Adult ; *Poverty ; *Metabolome ; Aged ; Black or African American ; Metabolomics/methods ; Biomarkers ; Prospective Studies ; United States/epidemiology ; White ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Excessive hydrogen sulfide in the gut, generated by sulfur-metabolising bacteria from foods, has been linked to intestinal inflammation and human diseases. We aim to investigate the interplay between diet and sulphur-metabolising bacteria in relation to mortality and circulating metabolites in understudied populations.

METHODS: In the Southern Community Cohort Study (SCCS), a prospective cohort of primarily low-income American adults, habitual diets were assessed using a food frequency questionnaire at baseline (2002-2009). A sulfur microbial diet score (SMDS) was developed among 514 Black/African American participants by linking habitual dietary intakes with the abundance of sulfur-metabolising bacteria profiled by faecal shotgun metagenomics. The SMDS was then constructed among all eligible SCCS participants (50,114 Black/African American and 23,923 non-Hispanic White adults), and its associations with mortality outcomes were examined by Cox proportional hazards model and Fine-Grey subdistribution hazard model. The association between SMDS and 1110 circulating metabolites was examined by linear regression among 1688 SCCS participants with untargeted metabolomic profiling of baseline plasma samples.

FINDINGS: Over an average 13.9-year follow-up, SMDS was associated with increased all-cause mortality (HR [95% CI] for the highest vs. lowest quartiles: 1.21 [1.15-1.27]) and cardiovascular disease (1.18 [1.08-1.29]), cancer (1.13 [1.02-1.25]), and gastrointestinal cancer-specific (1.22 [1.00-1.49]) mortality among Black/African American participants (all P-trend<0.05). The associations were largely consistent across participant subgroups. Similar results were observed among non-Hispanic White participants. The SMDS was associated with 112 circulating metabolites, which mediated 36.15% of the SMDS-mortality association (P = 0.002).

INTERPRETATION: A dietary pattern promoting sulfur-metabolising gut bacteria may contribute to increased total and disease mortality in low-income American adults.

FUNDING: This study was funded by the National Institutes of Health, United States, to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, United States, and Anne Potter Wilson Chair endowment to Vanderbilt University, United States.},
}

Humans
Female
Male
Middle Aged
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
*Diet
*Sulfur/metabolism
Adult
*Poverty
*Metabolome
Aged
Black or African American
Metabolomics/methods
Biomarkers
Prospective Studies
United States/epidemiology
White

@article {pmid40101514,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, X and Wu, L and Gu, L and Jiang, Q and He, Z and Qi, Y and Zheng, X and Xu, T},
title = {Dietary areca nut extract supplementation modulates the growth performance and immunity of Jiaji ducks (Cairina moschata).},
journal = {Poultry science},
volume = {104},
number = {5},
pages = {104971},
pmid = {40101514},
issn = {1525-3171},
mesh = {Animals ; *Ducks/growth & development/immunology ; Dietary Supplements/analysis ; Animal Feed/analysis ; Diet/veterinary ; *Plant Extracts/administration & dosage/metabolism ; Random Allocation ; *Areca/chemistry ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects ; Nuts/chemistry ; *Immunity, Innate/drug effects ; },
abstract = {Areca nut extract (ANE) has a variety of pharmacological effects on animals. Here, we investigated the influence of ANE on the slaughter performance and immune function of Jiaji ducks. One hundred and fifty 42-day-old healthy Jiaji ducks were randomly divided into 2 groups (5 replicates of 15 ducks each), named DCK group (control) and DNT group (treatment), respectively. Ducks in the DCK group were fed a basal diet and ducks in the DNT group were fed a basal food supplemented with 0.08 g ANE per kg of basal diet. Additionally, using proteomics, untargeted metabolomics, and metagenomics, we analyzed the impact of ANE on the protein profile of the spleen, the composition of plasma metabolites, and the structure of the cecal microbiota. The results showed that the dietary inclusion of ANE significantly increased the slaughter rate of Jiaji ducks. Proteomic analysis revealed 78 differentially expressed proteins in the spleens of ANE-treated birds, including 54 proteins up-regulated and 24 proteins down-regulated in the DNT group, mainly enriched in cell adhesion molecules and glutathione metabolic pathways. Untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed that 117 serum metabolites were differentially regulated between the ANE and DCK groups; meanwhile, KEGG pathway analysis indicated that these metabolites were mainly involved in arachidonic acid metabolism, phospholipase D signaling pathway and eicosanoids. Furthermore, a metagenomic analysis showed that the genus Methanobrevibacter was significantly downregulated in the ANE supplementation group. Combined, the results of the metagenomic and metabolomic analyses showed that the relative abundance of Prevotella was significantly lower in the ANE group than in the DCK group and that Prevotella was negatively correlated with the levels of the anti-inflammatory compound hydrocinnamic acid and the lipid metabolism regulator ganoderic acid A. This study provides a reference for the application of ANE as a supplement in the diet of Jiaji ducks.},
}

Animals
*Ducks/growth & development/immunology
Dietary Supplements/analysis
Animal Feed/analysis
Diet/veterinary
*Plant Extracts/administration & dosage/metabolism
Random Allocation
*Areca/chemistry
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects
Nuts/chemistry
*Immunity, Innate/drug effects

@article {pmid38898177,
year = {2025},
author = {Enav, H and Paz, I and Ley, RE},
title = {Strain tracking in complex microbiomes using synteny analysis reveals per-species modes of evolution.},
journal = {Nature biotechnology},
volume = {43},
number = {5},
pages = {773-783},
pmid = {38898177},
issn = {1546-1696},
support = {Core//Max-Planck-Gesellschaft (Max Planck Society)/ ; NA//Max-Planck-Gesellschaft (Max Planck Society)/ ; },
mesh = {Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide/genetics ; Humans ; *Synteny/genetics ; *Microbiota/genetics ; *Evolution, Molecular ; Genome, Bacterial/genetics ; Metagenome/genetics ; Metagenomics/methods ; Software ; },
abstract = {Microbial species diversify into strains through single-nucleotide mutations and structural changes, such as recombination, insertions and deletions. Most strain-comparison methods quantify differences in single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and are insensitive to structural changes. However, recombination is an important driver of phenotypic diversification in many species, including human pathogens. We introduce SynTracker, a tool that compares microbial strains using genome synteny-the order of sequence blocks in homologous genomic regions-in pairs of metagenomic assemblies or genomes. Genome synteny is a rich source of genomic information untapped by current strain-comparison tools. SynTracker has low sensitivity to SNPs, has no database requirement and is robust to sequencing errors. It outperforms existing tools when tracking strains in metagenomic data and is particularly suited for phages, plasmids and other low-data contexts. Applied to single-species datasets and human gut metagenomes, SynTracker, combined with an SNP-based tool, detects strains enriched in either point mutations or structural changes, providing insights into microbial evolution in situ.},
}

Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide/genetics
Humans
*Synteny/genetics
*Microbiota/genetics
*Evolution, Molecular
Genome, Bacterial/genetics
Metagenome/genetics
Metagenomics/methods
Software

@article {pmid40340756,
year = {2025},
author = {Laue, HE and Willis, AD and Wang, F and MacDougall, MC and Xu, Y and Karagas, MR and Madan, JC and Fleisch, AF and Lanphear, BP and Cecil, KM and Yolton, K and Chen, A and Buckley, JP and Braun, JM},
title = {Early-life and concurrent predictors of the healthy adolescent microbiome in a cohort study.},
journal = {Genome medicine},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {50},
pmid = {40340756},
issn = {1756-994X},
support = {K99/R00ES034086 , P01ES011261, R01ES0272244, R01ES025214//National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences,United States/ ; K99/R00ES034086 , P01ES011261, R01ES0272244, R01ES025214//National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences,United States/ ; K99/R00ES034086 , P01ES011261, R01ES0272244, R01ES025214//National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences,United States/ ; K99/R00ES034086 , P01ES011261, R01ES0272244, R01ES025214//National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences,United States/ ; K99/R00ES034086 , P01ES011261, R01ES0272244, R01ES025214//National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences,United States/ ; K99/R00ES034086 , P01ES011261, R01ES0272244, R01ES025214//National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences,United States/ ; K99/R00ES034086 , P01ES011261, R01ES0272244, R01ES025214//National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences,United States/ ; K99/R00ES034086 , P01ES011261, R01ES0272244, R01ES025214//National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences,United States/ ; R35GM133420/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; UL1TR001425/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; UL1TR001425/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; UL1TR001425/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; UL1TR001425/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; UL1TR001425/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; UL1TR001425/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; UL1TR001425/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Adolescent ; Female ; Male ; Child ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Feces/microbiology ; Cohort Studies ; Metagenomics/methods ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The microbiome of adolescents is poorly understood, as are factors influencing its composition. We aimed to describe the healthy adolescent microbiome and identify early-life and concurrent predictors of its composition.

METHODS: We performed metagenomic sequencing of 247 fecal specimens from 167 adolescents aged 11-14 years participating in the Health Outcomes and Measures of the Environment (HOME) Study, a longitudinal pregnancy and birth cohort (Cincinnati, OH). We described common features of the adolescent gut microbiome and applied self-organizing maps (SOMs)-a machine-learning approach-to identify distinct microbial profiles (n = 4). Using prospectively collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle, diet, and sexual maturation, we identified early-life and concurrent factors associated with microbial diversity and phylum relative abundance with linear regression models and composition with Kruskal-Wallis and Fisher's exact tests.

RESULTS: We found that household income and other sociodemographic factors were consistent predictors of the microbiome, with higher income associated with lower diversity and differential relative abundances of Firmicutes (increased) and Actinobacteria (decreased). Sexual maturation, distinct from chronological age, was related to higher diversity in females and differences in phylum relative abundances and compositional profiles in both males and females.

CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that adolescence is a unique window for gut microbial composition and that it may be shaped by both early-life and concurrent exposures, highlighting its potential in future epidemiologic research.},
}

Humans
Adolescent
Female
Male
Child
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Feces/microbiology
Cohort Studies
Metagenomics/methods

@article {pmid40324646,
year = {2025},
author = {Shen, H and Wang, D and Huang, Y and Yang, Y and Ji, S and Zhu, W and Liu, Q},
title = {2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran modulates intestinal microbiota and tryptophan metabolism in mice.},
journal = {Life sciences},
volume = {373},
number = {},
pages = {123679},
doi = {10.1016/j.lfs.2025.123679},
pmid = {40324646},
issn = {1879-0631},
mesh = {Animals ; *Tryptophan/metabolism ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects ; Mice ; Male ; *Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins/toxicity ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Environmental Pollutants/toxicity ; Indoles/metabolism/pharmacology ; Intestinal Mucosa/metabolism/drug effects ; *Benzofurans/toxicity ; },
abstract = {Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are known to disrupt gut microbiota composition and host metabolism, primarily through dietary exposure. In this study, we investigate the impact of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF) on gut microbiota and host metabolic processes. RNA-seq analysis revealed that TCDF exposure significantly affected tryptophan metabolism, lipid metabolic pathways, and immune system function. Metagenomic and metabolomic analyses further showed that TCDF reduced the abundance of Mucispirillum schaedleri and levels of two key tryptophan metabolites, indole-3-carboxaldehyde (3-IAld) and Indole acrylic acid (IA). Supplementation with 3-IAld and IA alleviated TCDF-induced liver toxicity in mouse, as evidenced by reduced Cyp1a1 expression, and mitigated intestinal inflammation, reflected by lower pro-inflammatory cytokines (Ifn-γ and Il-1β) in the colon. Additionally, 3-IAld and IA supplementation enhanced intestinal barrier function, as demonstrated by increased Mucin 2 (MUC2) expression in the gut mucosa of mouse. These findings suggest that TCDF exposure disrupts the gut microbiome and host metabolic balance, and highlight the potential therapeutic role of tryptophan-derived metabolites in mitigating environmental pollutant-induced damage.},
}

Animals
*Tryptophan/metabolism
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects
Mice
Male
*Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins/toxicity
Mice, Inbred C57BL
Environmental Pollutants/toxicity
Indoles/metabolism/pharmacology
Intestinal Mucosa/metabolism/drug effects
*Benzofurans/toxicity

@article {pmid40315837,
year = {2025},
author = {Baker, JS and Qu, E and Mancuso, CP and Tripp, AD and Conwill, A and Lieberman, TD},
title = {Intraspecies dynamics underlie the apparent stability of two important skin microbiome species.},
journal = {Cell host & microbe},
volume = {33},
number = {5},
pages = {643-656.e7},
doi = {10.1016/j.chom.2025.04.010},
pmid = {40315837},
issn = {1934-6069},
mesh = {Humans ; *Skin/microbiology ; *Microbiota/genetics ; *Staphylococcus epidermidis/genetics/isolation & purification/classification ; *Propionibacterium acnes/genetics/isolation & purification/classification ; Adult ; Metagenome ; Genome, Bacterial ; Phylogeny ; Male ; Skin Microbiome ; },
abstract = {Adult human facial skin microbiomes are remarkably similar at the species level, dominated by Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis, yet each person harbors a unique community of strains. Understanding how person-specific communities assemble is critical for designing microbiome-based therapies. Here, using 4,055 isolate genomes and 356 metagenomes, we reconstruct on-person evolutionary history to reveal on- and between-person strain dynamics. We find that multiple cells are typically involved in transmission, indicating ample opportunity for migration. Despite this accessibility, family members share only some of their strains. S. epidermidis communities are dynamic, with each strain persisting for an average of only 2 years. C. acnes strains are more stable and have a higher colonization rate during the transition to an adult facial skin microbiome, suggesting this window could facilitate engraftment of therapeutic strains. These previously undetectable dynamics may influence the design of microbiome therapeutics and motivate the study of their effects on hosts.},
}

Humans
*Skin/microbiology
*Microbiota/genetics
*Staphylococcus epidermidis/genetics/isolation & purification/classification
*Propionibacterium acnes/genetics/isolation & purification/classification
Adult
Metagenome
Genome, Bacterial
Phylogeny
Male
Skin Microbiome

@article {pmid40287117,
year = {2025},
author = {Lu, W and Liu, Z and Song, Z and Wang, C and Yu, Z and Peng, S and Tian, Z and Lyu, A and Ning, Z},
title = {Vinegar-processed frankincense ameliorates ulcerative colitis by targeting BSH-active bacteria preference-mediated GDCA hydrolysis.},
journal = {Journal of ethnopharmacology},
volume = {348},
number = {},
pages = {119845},
doi = {10.1016/j.jep.2025.119845},
pmid = {40287117},
issn = {1872-7573},
mesh = {*Colitis, Ulcerative/drug therapy/chemically induced/microbiology ; Animals ; Mice ; *Acetic Acid/chemistry/pharmacology ; Hydrolysis ; Male ; *Amidohydrolases/metabolism ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects ; Disease Models, Animal ; Dextran Sulfate ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Bacteria/drug effects ; },
abstract = {Frankincense, is extensively used in both traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Indian practices for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). In TCM, it is typically subjected to process with vinegar, which is believed to enhance its therapeutic efficacy. However, the underlying mechanism has yet to be elucidated.

AIM OF THE STUDY: To elucidate the underlying mechanism of frankincense vinegar processing from the perspective of bile salt hydrolase (BSH)-active bacteria preference and glycodeoxycholic acid (GDCA) hydrolysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced UC model was used to elucidate the superior improving effects of vinegar-processed frankincense (PF). 16S rRNA and metagenomic sequencing along with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectroscopy (UHPLC-TQ-MS) were employed to reveal the differential bacteria and its related disturbance of GDCA. The effects of PF and GDCA on BSH-active bacteria were confirmed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and in vitro experiments. Finally, the pro-inflammatory effects of GDCA and the mechanisms by which PF ameliorates UC were verified by establishing a UC pseudo-sterile mice model with GDCA intervention.

RESULTS: PF exhibited remarkable mitigating effects on UC (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Specifically, PF enhanced the BSH activity of Bifidobacterium longum and Lactobacillus acidophilus (P < 0.01), thereby promoting their dissociation efficiency toward glycine-conjugated bile acids (G-CBAs), particularly GDCA (P < 0.01). Furthermore, PF reduced GDCA levels by regulating the dissociation efficiency of Bifidobacterium longum and Lactobacillus acidophilus toward GDCA, thereby alleviating GDCA-induced exacerbation of UC.

CONCLUSION: PF exhibits its superior amelioration effects on UC by enhancing the dissociation efficiency of Bifidobacteruum longum and Lactobacillus acidophilus towards G-CBAs, particularly GDCA.},
}

*Colitis, Ulcerative/drug therapy/chemically induced/microbiology
Animals
Mice
*Acetic Acid/chemistry/pharmacology
Hydrolysis
Male
*Amidohydrolases/metabolism
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects
Disease Models, Animal
Dextran Sulfate
Mice, Inbred C57BL
Bacteria/drug effects

@article {pmid40179570,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, P and Liu, Y and Xu, M and Zhang, J and Xia, J and Shi, Y and Wang, J and Han, B and Feng, G},
title = {Gut microbiota characteristics and prognostic value in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: A clinical study.},
journal = {Journal of clinical neuroscience : official journal of the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia},
volume = {136},
number = {},
pages = {111200},
doi = {10.1016/j.jocn.2025.111200},
pmid = {40179570},
issn = {1532-2653},
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology ; *Subarachnoid Hemorrhage/microbiology/diagnosis ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Adult ; Aged ; Feces/microbiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: This study aims to explore the characteristics of gut microbiota in the aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) group and the healthy control group, as well as in the good prognosis group and the poor prognosis group. It also investigates the relationship between the severity of aSAH and gut microbiota, and the predictive value of gut microbiota for the prognosis outcome of patients with aSAH.

METHODS: Stool samples from 22 patients with aSAH and 11 healthy controls were subjected to metagenomic sequencing, and species annotations were obtained through the taxonomic information database corresponding to the NR database. The characteristics of the gut microbiota in the aSAH group versus the healthy control group, and the good prognosis group versus the poor prognosis group were analyzed.The correlations between differential microbiota and clinical hematology markers between the aSAH and control groups and between gut microbiota and aSAH severity were analyzed. The prognosis of patients with aSAH after three months was assessed. Finally, gut microbiota with significant effects were screened for potential as biomarkers, and the predictive value of gut microbiota for different prognostic outcomes in patients with aSAH was explored.

RESULTS: Gut microbiota composition, diversity, and abundance differed significantly between patients in the aSAH group and the control group. Additionally, the composition, diversity, and abundance differed between patients with good and poor prognosis. Five dominant genera--Bacillus, Eggerthia, Hominisplanchenecus, Carnobacterium, and Bifidobacterium were identified as potential biomarkers for predicting aSAH outcomes.

CONCLUSION: Patients with aSAH have altered gut microbiota composition, structure, and diversity compared with the healthy population. These alterations may be potential biomarkers for aSAH diagnosis and outcome prediction.},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology
*Subarachnoid Hemorrhage/microbiology/diagnosis
Male
Female
Middle Aged
Prognosis
Adult
Aged
Feces/microbiology

@article {pmid40340623,
year = {2025},
author = {Deng, J and Zhang, J and Su, M and Li, J and Su, Y and Zhong, Q and Hu, J and Chen, Y and Liao, S and Lin, D and Guo, X},
title = {Fusobacterium mortiferum and its metabolite 5-aminovaleric acid promote the development of colorectal cancer in obese individuals through Wnt/β-catenin pathway by DKK2.},
journal = {Gut microbes},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {2502138},
pmid = {40340623},
issn = {1949-0984},
mesh = {*Colorectal Neoplasms/metabolism/microbiology/genetics/pathology ; Animals ; Humans ; Mice ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *Fusobacterium/metabolism ; *Wnt Signaling Pathway/drug effects ; *Obesity/microbiology/metabolism/complications ; *Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Male ; Female ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; },
abstract = {Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide, with high incidence and mortality rates. An increasing body of research suggests that obesity is a significant risk factor for the development of CRC. Moreover, recent findings have highlighted the close association between the gut microbiota and both obesity and CRC. Despite this, the specific mechanisms by which the gut microbiota influences obesity and CRC remain unclear. This study aims to explore the role of the gut bacterium Fusobacterium mortiferum and its metabolite 5-aminovaleric acid (5-AVA) in the development of obesity and CRC. Our study found that the metabolite 5-aminovaleric acid produced by Fusobacterium mortiferum significantly inhibits the expression of the tumor suppressor DKK2. This inhibition leads to enhanced proliferation of CRC cells. Furthermore, we discovered that Fusobacterium mortiferum and 5-AVA can activate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by inhibiting DKK2, thereby promoting tumor growth. This finding was validated in CRC mouse models and in vitro experiments. Additional mechanistic studies revealed that 5-AVA interacts with the demethylase KDM6B, affecting the demethylation process of DKK2 and subsequently activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Our study retrospectively collected fecal samples from patients who underwent gastrointestinal endoscopy at the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University over the past five years. Participants were stratified into a healthy control group and an adenoma group based on the outcomes of their colonoscopies. Following this, we conducted metagenomic analysis to identify differential bacteria, and based on the results, we performed bacterial cultivation and metabolomic profiling. The roles of the targeted bacteria and their metabolites were further validated through animal models and cellular assays, employing techniques such as Western Blot, qPCR, immunohistochemistry, molecular docking simulations, and gene overexpression studies. This study uncovers the potential carcinogenic effects of Fusobacterium mortiferum and 5-AVA in the development of obesity and CRC. Our research emphasizes the complex interplay between the gut microbiota and host metabolism and suggests new directions for future research to explore how modulation of the gut microbiota could prevent and treat CRC.},
}

*Colorectal Neoplasms/metabolism/microbiology/genetics/pathology
Animals
Humans
Mice
Gastrointestinal Microbiome
*Fusobacterium/metabolism
*Wnt Signaling Pathway/drug effects
*Obesity/microbiology/metabolism/complications
*Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism/genetics
Male
Female
Cell Line, Tumor
Cell Proliferation
Mice, Inbred C57BL

@article {pmid40335921,
year = {2025},
author = {Jia, S and Mi, H and Su, Y and Liu, Y and Ming, Z and Lin, J},
title = {Changes of intestinal microbiome and its relationship with painful diabetic neuropathy in rats.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {281},
pmid = {40335921},
issn = {1471-2180},
support = {22SXQT0125//Bureau of Science and Technology Nanchong Municipality/ ; 22SXQT0125//Bureau of Science and Technology Nanchong Municipality/ ; 22SXQT0125//Bureau of Science and Technology Nanchong Municipality/ ; 22SXQT0125//Bureau of Science and Technology Nanchong Municipality/ ; 22SXQT0125//Bureau of Science and Technology Nanchong Municipality/ ; 22SXQT0125//Bureau of Science and Technology Nanchong Municipality/ ; CBY22-ZDA09//School-level Key Scientific Research Project of North Sichuan Medical College/ ; CBY22-ZDA09//School-level Key Scientific Research Project of North Sichuan Medical College/ ; CBY22-ZDA09//School-level Key Scientific Research Project of North Sichuan Medical College/ ; CBY22-ZDA09//School-level Key Scientific Research Project of North Sichuan Medical College/ ; CBY22-ZDA09//School-level Key Scientific Research Project of North Sichuan Medical College/ ; CBY22-ZDA09//School-level Key Scientific Research Project of North Sichuan Medical College/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *Diabetic Neuropathies/microbiology/pathology ; Rats ; Male ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/microbiology/complications ; Interleukin-1beta/metabolism ; Feces/microbiology ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/microbiology/complications ; Colon/pathology/microbiology ; Spinal Cord/pathology/metabolism ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To analyze the gut bacterial microbiome in rats with painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) compared to normal rats.

METHODS: Type 2 diabetes was induced in rats via a high-fat and high-sugar diet combined with a low dose of streptozotocin. Glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity were evaluated using intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests and insulin tolerance tests. The progression of peripheral neuropathy was assessed using the mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency. Histopathological analysis of rat colon tissues was performed using hematoxylin-eosin staining to observe morphological changes. The expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β in spinal cord tissues were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Fecal samples were then collected for metagenomic sequencing and analysis.

RESULT: Behavioral tests revealed reduced mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency in PDN rats. Histological analysis showed significant colonic mucosal damage and inflammatory cell infiltration, suggesting impaired intestinal barrier function. Elevated TNF-α and IL-1β levels in spinal cord tissues further highlight peripheral inflammation's role in PDN. Sequencing analysis revealed significant differences in gut microbiota composition between PDN and control rats, with altered Bacillota/Bacteroidota ratios and increased Lactobacillus abundance. Functional annotation analysis, based on the KEGG, EggNOG, and CAZy databases, indicated significant enrichment of metabolic pathways related to carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism, and cell structure biogenesis in PDN rats. Cluster analysis identified higher functional clustering in Metabolism and Genetic Information Processing pathways in PDN rats.

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that PDN leads to altered gut microbiota composition, disrupted metabolic pathways, and increased inflammation, contributing to the pathological progression of diabetic neuropathy. This study provides new insights into the interplay between gut microbiota and diabetic neuropathy, offering potential avenues for therapeutic interventions targeting microbiome and metabolism.},
}

Animals
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
*Diabetic Neuropathies/microbiology/pathology
Rats
Male
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/microbiology/complications
Interleukin-1beta/metabolism
Feces/microbiology
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/microbiology/complications
Colon/pathology/microbiology
Spinal Cord/pathology/metabolism

@article {pmid40335750,
year = {2025},
author = {Deepali, D and Tejoprakash, N and Sudhakara Reddy, M},
title = {Diversity of Bacterial Communities in Seleniferous Soils and Their Impact on Plant Growth and Selenium Toxicity.},
journal = {Current microbiology},
volume = {82},
number = {6},
pages = {285},
pmid = {40335750},
issn = {1432-0991},
mesh = {*Selenium/toxicity/metabolism ; *Soil Microbiology ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification/metabolism/drug effects ; *Soil/chemistry ; *Zea mays/growth & development/microbiology/drug effects ; Biodiversity ; *Microbiota ; Plant Roots/microbiology/growth & development ; *Soil Pollutants/toxicity ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {The present study aimed to investigate the diversity of bacterial communities in seleniferous soils using Illumina Mi-Seq Next-Generation Sequencing. This study also compared seleniferous soils (SE) with non-seleniferous (NS) soils to evaluate Selenium (Se) impact on microbial communities and soil properties. Metagenomic analysis identified Proteobacteria as the predominant phylum in both environments, with SE soils exhibiting a higher dominance (48%) than NS soils (31%). The most dominant operational taxonomic unit (OTU) across both soil types belonged to the genus Bacillus. Se altered microbial community composition, increasing the abundance of the Bacillaceae family (30%) and Pseudomonadaceae family (25%) compared to NS soil. Bacillus was the dominant genus in the SE environment indicating its tolerance to selenium. Diversity indices indicated that control soils had higher species richness, while SE soils exhibited a more stressed microbial structure. A consortium of bacterial isolates (Proteus terrae Se3, Halopseudomonas formosensis Se5, and Corynebacterium glutamicum Se38) was inoculated in maize plants cultivated in natural seleniferous soils. Plants inoculated with bacterial consortium grew more healthy and had greater biomass in their roots, shoots, and seeds. Bacterial inoculation results in lesser selenium accumulation in the roots, shoots and seeds of maize plants compared to non-inoculated plants. These results suggest that bacterial species from seleniferous soils may be employed as biofertilizers to enhance plant growth and help plants tolerate Se toxicity in seleniferous soils.},
}

*Selenium/toxicity/metabolism
*Soil Microbiology
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification/metabolism/drug effects
*Soil/chemistry
*Zea mays/growth & development/microbiology/drug effects
Biodiversity
*Microbiota
Plant Roots/microbiology/growth & development
*Soil Pollutants/toxicity
Phylogeny

@article {pmid40335510,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhi, J and Liang, Y and Zhao, W and Qiao, J and Zheng, Y and Peng, X and Li, L and Wei, X and Wang, W},
title = {Oral microbiome-derived biomarkers for non-invasive diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.},
journal = {NPJ biofilms and microbiomes},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {74},
pmid = {40335510},
issn = {2055-5008},
support = {82403470//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82401333//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 21JCYBJC01570//Tianjin Municipal Science and Technology Committee/ ; 24JCQNJC01170//Tianjin Municipal Science and Technology Project/ ; TJWJ2023XK013//Tianjin Municipal Health Commission/ ; TJYXZDXK-046A//Tianjin Municipal Health Commission/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/diagnosis/microbiology ; *Microbiota ; Male ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Middle Aged ; Female ; *Head and Neck Neoplasms/diagnosis/microbiology ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Aged ; Metagenomics ; Dysbiosis/microbiology ; *Mouth/microbiology ; Adult ; Biomarkers/analysis ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Machine Learning ; Biomarkers, Tumor ; },
abstract = {Mounting evidence suggests that sustained microbial dysbiosis is associated with the development of multiple cancers, while the species-level bacterial taxa and metabolic dysfunction of oral microbiome in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains unclear. In this cross-sectional study, comprehensive metagenomic and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing analyses of oral swab samples from 172 patients were performed. Unsupervised clustering algorithms of relative microbial abundance profiles revealed three distinctive microbiome clusters. Based on the metagenomic and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing data, machine learning-based methods were used to construct the HNSCC diagnostic classifier, which exhibited high area under the curve values of 0.78-0.89. Our study provided the first exhaustive metagenomic and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing analyses to date, revealing that microbial-metabolic dysbiosis is a potential risk factor for HNSCC progression and therefore providing a robust theoretical basis for potential diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for HNSCC patients.},
}

Humans
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
*Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/diagnosis/microbiology
*Microbiota
Male
Cross-Sectional Studies
Middle Aged
Female
*Head and Neck Neoplasms/diagnosis/microbiology
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Aged
Metagenomics
Dysbiosis/microbiology
*Mouth/microbiology
Adult
Biomarkers/analysis
DNA, Bacterial/genetics
Sequence Analysis, DNA
Machine Learning
Biomarkers, Tumor

@article {pmid40170118,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, J and Sun, W and Cao, Y and Wu, J and Duan, L and Zhang, M and Luo, X and Deng, Q and Peng, Z and Mou, X and Li, W and Wang, P},
title = {Increased temperature enhances microbial-mediated lignin decomposition in river sediment.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {89},
pmid = {40170118},
issn = {2049-2618},
support = {32200090//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 91951205//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2023A1515012270//Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation, China/ ; },
mesh = {*Lignin/metabolism ; *Geologic Sediments/microbiology/chemistry ; *Rivers/microbiology/chemistry ; *Bacteria/metabolism/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Carbon Dioxide/metabolism ; Temperature ; Microbiota ; Carbon Isotopes ; Metagenomics ; Benzaldehydes/metabolism ; Carbon Cycle ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Lignin, as the most abundant recalcitrant organic carbon in terrestrial ecosystems, plays a crucial role in the Earth's carbon cycle. After lignin entering aquatic environments, portion of it tends to accumulate in sediments, forming a stable carbon relatively reservoir. However, the increasing temperature caused by human activities may impact microbial-mediated lignin decomposition, thereby affecting sedimentary carbon reservoirs. Therefore, revealing how temperature affects microbial-mediated lignin decomposition in river sediment, a topic that remains elusive, is essential for comprehending the feedbacks between river carbon reservoirs and climate. To address this, we conducted stable isotope probing of river surface sediment using [13]C-lignin and [13]C-vanillin, and utilized a series of techniques, including CO2 production analysis, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, metagenomics, and metatranscriptomics, to identify the lignin-decomposing microbes and the effects of temperature on microbial-mediated lignin decomposition.

RESULTS: We found that elevated temperatures not only increased the total sediment respiration (total CO2) and the CO2 emissions from lignin/vanillin decomposition, but also enhanced priming effects. The [13]C-labled taxa, including Burkholderiales, Sphingomonadales, and Pseudomonadales, were identified as the main potential lignin/vanillin decomposers, and their abundances and activity significantly increased as temperature increased. Furthermore, we observed that increasing temperature significantly increased the activity of lignin decomposing pathways, including β-aryl ether fragments and 4,5-PDOG pathway. Additionally, as temperature increases, the transcriptional abundances of other carbon cycling related genes, such as pulA (starch decomposition) and xyla (hemicellulose decomposition), also exhibited increasing trends. Overall, our study elucidated the potential lignin-decomposing microbes and pathways in river sediment and their responses to temperature increasing.

CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that the temperature increasing can increase the rate of lignin/vanillin decomposition via affecting the activity of lignin-decomposing microbes. This finding indicates that the ongoing intensification of global warming may enhance the decomposition of recalcitrant organic carbon in river sediment, thereby impacting global carbon cycling. Video Abstract.},
}

*Lignin/metabolism
*Geologic Sediments/microbiology/chemistry
*Rivers/microbiology/chemistry
*Bacteria/metabolism/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Carbon Dioxide/metabolism
Temperature
Microbiota
Carbon Isotopes
Metagenomics
Benzaldehydes/metabolism
Carbon Cycle

@article {pmid40335465,
year = {2025},
author = {Romano, S and Wirbel, J and Ansorge, R and Schudoma, C and Ducarmon, QR and Narbad, A and Zeller, G},
title = {Machine learning-based meta-analysis reveals gut microbiome alterations associated with Parkinson's disease.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {4227},
pmid = {40335465},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {BB/R012490/1//RCUK | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)/ ; BBS/E/F/000PR10356//RCUK | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)/ ; SEG 9093//European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO)/ ; EMBO ALTF 1030-2022//European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO)/ ; 395357507 - SFB 1371//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; },
mesh = {*Parkinson Disease/microbiology/diagnosis ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics ; Humans ; *Machine Learning ; Metagenome ; },
abstract = {There is strong interest in using the gut microbiome for Parkinson's disease (PD) diagnosis and treatment. However, a consensus on PD-associated microbiome features and a multi-study assessment of their diagnostic value is lacking. Here, we present a machine learning meta-analysis of PD microbiome studies of unprecedented scale (4489 samples). Within most studies, microbiome-based machine learning models accurately classify PD patients (average AUC 71.9%). However, these models are study-specific and do not generalise well across other studies (average AUC 61%). Training models on multiple datasets improves their generalizability (average LOSO AUC 68%) and disease specificity as assessed against microbiomes from other neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, meta-analysis of shotgun metagenomes delineates PD-associated microbial pathways potentially contributing to gut health deterioration and favouring the translocation of pathogenic molecules along the gut-brain axis. Strikingly, microbial pathways for solvent and pesticide biotransformation are enriched in PD. These results align with epidemiological evidence that exposure to these molecules increases PD risk and raise the question of whether gut microbes modulate their toxicity. Here, we offer the most comprehensive overview to date about the PD gut microbiome and provide future reference for its diagnostic and functional potential.},
}

*Parkinson Disease/microbiology/diagnosis
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics
Humans
*Machine Learning
Metagenome

@article {pmid40335388,
year = {2025},
author = {Dwivedi, SL and Vetukuri, RR and Kelbessa, BG and Gepts, P and Heslop-Harrison, P and Araujo, ASF and Sharma, S and Ortiz, R},
title = {Exploitation of rhizosphere microbiome biodiversity in plant breeding.},
journal = {Trends in plant science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.tplants.2025.04.004},
pmid = {40335388},
issn = {1878-4372},
abstract = {Climate change-induced stresses are perceived by plants at the root-soil interface, where they are alleviated through interactions between the host plant and the rhizosphere microbiome. The recruitment of specific microbiomes helps mitigate stress, increases resistance to pathogens, and promotes plant growth, development, and reproduction. The structure of the rhizosphere microbiome is shaped by crop domestication and variations in ploidy levels. Here we list key genes that regulate rhizosphere microbiomes and host genetic traits. We also discuss the prospects for rigorous analysis of symbiotic interactions, research needs, and strategies for systematically utilizing microbe-crop interactions to improve crop performance. Finally, we highlight challenges of maintaining live rhizosphere microbiome collections and mining heritable variability to enhance interactions between host plants and their rhizosphere microbiomes.},
}

@article {pmid40333159,
year = {2025},
author = {Gao, Y and Lou, Y and Hui, Y and Chen, H and Sang, H and Liu, F},
title = {Characterization of the Gut Microbiota in Patients with Psoriasis: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {40333159},
issn = {2076-0817},
support = {22LCYY-QH10//Jinling Hospital/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Dysbiosis/microbiology/therapy ; Fecal Microbiota Transplantation ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Probiotics/administration & dosage ; *Psoriasis/microbiology/therapy ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; },
abstract = {Background: Psoriasis is a prevalent and persistent inflammatory disorder with systemic manifestations. Emerging evidence implicates the gut microbiota in regulating inflammatory responses, metabolic pathways, and immune homeostasis. This review synthesizes current evidence on gut microbiota dysbiosis in psoriasis and evaluates the therapeutic potential of probiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in disease management. Method: Following PRISMA guidelines, we systematically reviewed studies investigating gut microbiome profiles in psoriasis through the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases (January 2015-December 2024). Included studies utilized 16S rRNA gene sequencing or metagenomic analyses for microbial characterization. Results: Comparative analyses revealed distinct gut microbiota patterns in psoriasis patients compared with healthy controls, although specific microbial signatures exhibited inconsistencies across studies. Notably, interventions modulating gut microbiota composition-particularly probiotic supplementation-demonstrated measurable improvements in psoriasis severity scores and inflammatory markers. Conclusions: Gut microbiome modulation represents a promising therapeutic strategy for psoriasis; however, current evidence highlights the need for standardized microbial analysis methodologies and larger longitudinal studies to establish causality. Future research should prioritize the functional characterization of microbiota-host interactions to optimize therapeutic applications.},
}

Humans
*Dysbiosis/microbiology/therapy
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Probiotics/administration & dosage
*Psoriasis/microbiology/therapy
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics

@article {pmid40333054,
year = {2025},
author = {Matos, JSS and Demoliner, M and Gularte, JS and Filippi, M and de Abreu Góes Pereira, VM and da Silva, MS and Weber, MN and de Barros, MP and Spilki, FR},
title = {Virome of Terrestrial Mammals and Bats from Southern Brazil: Circulation of New Putative Members of the Togaviridae Family and Other Findings.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {40333054},
issn = {2076-0817},
support = {405786/2022-0//CNPQ/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Brazil/epidemiology ; *Chiroptera/virology ; *Virome ; *Mammals/virology ; Phylogeny ; Metagenomics ; Humans ; },
abstract = {The surveillance of wildlife viromes is essential for identifying zoonotic threats within the One Health framework. This study analyzed rectal and oral swabs from 88 individuals representing 13 species as felids, wild rodents, marsupials and non-human primates in Southern Brazil using metagenomic sequencing. Akodon montensis (n = 15 individuals) and Coendou spinosus (n = 4) harbored Chikungunya virus (ChikV, Togaviridae), marking its first detection in these hosts. Molossus molossus (n = 17) presented Coronaviridae and Orthoherpesviridae, while Eptesicus furinalis (n = 1) also carried Coronaviridae. A broad virome diversity, including Togaviridae and Adenoviridae members, was identified in Didelphis albiventris (n = 43), with significant relevance to human health. Additional species, such as Callithrix jacchus (n = 1), Leopardus guttulus (n = 1), Myocastor coypus (n = 1), Monodelphis iheringi (n = 1), Thaptomys nigrita (n = 1), Sooretamys angouya (n = 1), Brucepattersonius iheringi (n = 1), and Lasiurus blossevillii (n = 1), contributed to insights into viral reservoirs. These results underscore the importance of virome studies in regions harboring high biodiversity, emphasizing genomic surveillance as a vital tool for monitoring zoonotic viruses and safeguarding global health.},
}

Animals
Brazil/epidemiology
*Chiroptera/virology
*Virome
*Mammals/virology
Phylogeny
Metagenomics
Humans

@article {pmid40330019,
year = {2025},
author = {Fang, P and Wen, Y and Deng, W and Liang, R and He, P and Wang, C and Fan, N and Huo, K and Zhao, K and Li, C and Bai, Y and Ma, Y and Hu, L and Guan, Y and Yang, S},
title = {Investigation of dynamic microbial migration patterns in the respiratory tract.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1542562},
pmid = {40330019},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {Humans ; *Respiratory Tract Infections/microbiology ; Prospective Studies ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; *Microbiota ; Sputum/microbiology ; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid/microbiology ; Aged ; *Respiratory System/microbiology ; Adult ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Metagenomics ; Oropharynx/microbiology ; Bayes Theorem ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The role of the respiratory microbiome in lung diseases is increasingly recognized, with the potential migration of respiratory pathogens being a significant clinical consideration. Despite its importance, evidence elucidating this phenomenon remains scarce.

METHODS: This prospective study collected clinical samples from patients with suspected lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI), including oropharyngeal swabs (OPS), sputum, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) was employed to analyze respiratory microbial diversity, complemented by Bayesian source tracking and sequence alignment analyses to explore pathogen migration patterns.

RESULTS: A cohort of 68 patients was enrolled, with 56 diagnosed with LRTI and 12 with non-infectious respiratory conditions. A statistically significant disparity in respiratory microbiome diversity was observed between infected and non-infected groups (p < 0.05). Intriguingly, no significant variations in microbial community structure, including alpha and beta diversity, were detected across different respiratory tract sites within individuals. The Bayesian source tracking analysis revealed a pronounced migration pattern among pathogens compared to the overall microbial community, with migration ratios of 51.54% and 1.92%, respectively (p < 0.05). Sequence similarity analysis further corroborated these findings, highlighting a notable homology among specific migrating pathogens.

CONCLUSION: This study represents a pioneering effort in deducing pathogen migration patterns through microbial source tracking analysis. The findings provide novel insights that could significantly advance clinical diagnostics and therapeutic strategies for respiratory infections.},
}

Humans
*Respiratory Tract Infections/microbiology
Prospective Studies
Male
Female
Middle Aged
*Microbiota
Sputum/microbiology
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid/microbiology
Aged
*Respiratory System/microbiology
Adult
High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
Metagenomics
Oropharynx/microbiology
Bayes Theorem
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification

@article {pmid40329426,
year = {2025},
author = {Ren, L and Yang, J and Xiao, Y and Guo, L and Rao, J and Wu, C and Wang, X and Wang, Y and Zhang, L and Zhang, L and Jiang, X and Zhong, J and Zhong, J and Yang, W and Wang, C and Wang, J and Li, M},
title = {Transmission of the human respiratory microbiome and antibiotic resistance genes in healthy populations.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {115},
pmid = {40329426},
issn = {2049-2618},
support = {2020-I2M-2-013//Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences (CIFMS)/ ; 2023-I2M-2-001//Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences (CIFMS)/ ; 2023-I2M-2-001//Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences (CIFMS)/ ; 2019PT310029//Non-profit Central Research Institute Fund of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/ ; 2022YFA1304300//National Key R&D Program of China/ ; 2022YFA1304300//National Key R&D Program of China/ ; NSFC82221004//Foundation for Innovative Research Groups of the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Microbiota/genetics ; Female ; *Bacteria/genetics/classification/isolation & purification/drug effects ; Male ; Adult ; Metagenomics/methods ; *Oropharynx/microbiology ; Middle Aged ; *Drug Resistance, Microbial/genetics ; Family Characteristics ; Young Adult ; Metagenome ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The human microbiome is transmissible between individuals, including pathogens and commensals with metabolic and immune-modulating effects, which could influence susceptibility, severity, and outcomes of both infection and non-infection diseases. However, limited studies of respiratory microbiome transmission within populations have been conducted. Herein, we performed species- and strain-level metagenomic analyses on oropharyngeal (OP) swabs from 1046 healthy urban dwellers across 13 districts, including 111 households with at least two cohabitants, to elucidate the transmission dynamics of the respiratory microbiome within households and communities.

RESULTS: We found that geographic districts accounted for the greatest variation in the OP microbiome, with unrelated individuals from the same district showing greater microbiome similarity and higher strain-sharing rates than those from different districts. Cohabitants, especially spouses and siblings, exhibited similar microbial abundances and shared more strains, with 16.7% (IQR 0.0-33.3%) of strains shared among cohabitants, compared to 0.0% (IQR 0.0-11.1%) in non-cohabiting pairs (p < 0.05). Both respiratory commensals and opportunistic pathogens were shared among cohabitants. In contrast, no evidence of vertical transmission was detected between mother-offspring pairs. Additionally, the OP microbiome contained diverse antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), with 15.0% linked to mobile genetic elements (MGEs) or plasmids; the flanking sequences of these ARGs were more conserved across species than those of non-MGE-associated ARGs, suggesting horizontal transfer of ARGs among respiratory microorganisms.

CONCLUSIONS: In summary, we characterized the transmissible nature of the OP microbiome and the risk of ARG dissemination among respiratory microorganisms. These findings underscore the role of respiratory microbes and ARGs exchange in shaping the microbiome of healthy populations and emphasize their relevance to public health strategies for respiratory health management. Video Abstract.},
}

Humans
*Microbiota/genetics
Female
*Bacteria/genetics/classification/isolation & purification/drug effects
Male
Adult
Metagenomics/methods
*Oropharynx/microbiology
Middle Aged
*Drug Resistance, Microbial/genetics
Family Characteristics
Young Adult
Metagenome

@article {pmid40329425,
year = {2025},
author = {Vigneron, A and Cloarec, LA and Brochier-Armanet, C and Flandrois, JP and Troussellier, M and Bernard, C and Agogué, H and Oger, PM and Hugoni, M},
title = {Genomic characterisation of novel extremophile lineages from the thalassohaline lake Dziani Dzaha expands the metabolic repertoire of the PVC superphylum.},
journal = {Environmental microbiome},
volume = {20},
number = {1},
pages = {48},
pmid = {40329425},
issn = {2524-6372},
support = {project SUBSILAKE, ANR-21-CE02-0027//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; project MARWEL, ANR-21-CE20-0049//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; project SUBSILAKE, ANR-21-CE02-0027//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Extreme environments are useful systems to investigate limits of life, microbial biogeography and ecology, and the adaptation and evolution of microbial lineages. Many novel microbial lineages have been discovered in extreme environments, especially from the Planctomycetota-Verrucomicrobiota-Chlamydiota (PVC) superphyla. However, their evolutionary history and roles in ecosystem functioning and microbiome assemblage are poorly understood.

RESULTS: Applying a genome-centric approach on an 8-year metagenomic timeseries produced from the hypersaline and hyperalkaline waters of Lake Dziani Dzaha (Mayotte), we recovered 5 novel PVC extremophilic candidate lineages from the biosphere of the lake. Sibling to Elusimicrobia and Omnitrophota, these lineages represented novel halophilic clades, with global distributions bounded to soda lakes and hypersaline hydrosystems. Genome mining of these newly defined clades revealed contrasted, but ecologically relevant, catabolic capabilities involved in the carbon, hydrogen and iron/electron cycles of the Dziani Dzaha ecosystem. This also includes extracellular electron transfer for two of them, suggesting metal reduction or potential electron exchanges with other members of the lake community. By contrast, a putative extracellular giant protein with multiple carbohydrate binding domains and toxin-like structures, as observed in virulence factors, was identified in the genome of another of these clades, suggesting predatory capabilities.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results provided genomic evidences for original metabolism in novel extremophile lineages of the PVC superphyla, revealing unforeseen implications for members of this widespread and diverse bacterial radiation in aquatic saline ecosystems. Finally, monitoring the in-situ distribution of these lineages through the timeseries reveals the drastic effects of environmental perturbations on extreme ecosystem biodiversity.},
}

@article {pmid40329386,
year = {2025},
author = {Hou, L and Zhao, Z and Steger-Mähnert, B and Jiao, N and Herndl, GJ and Zhang, Y},
title = {Microbial metabolism in laboratory reared marine snow as revealed by a multi-omics approach.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {114},
pmid = {40329386},
issn = {2049-2618},
support = {42206098//National Natural Science Foundation of China-China Academy of General Technology Joint Fund for Basic Research/ ; 42125603//National Natural Science Foundation of China-China Academy of General Technology Joint Fund for Basic Research/ ; MELRS2327//State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science/ ; I4978-B//Austrian Science Fund/ ; },
mesh = {*Snow/microbiology ; Gammaproteobacteria/metabolism/genetics/classification ; Metagenomics/methods ; Metagenome ; *Seawater/microbiology ; *Microbiota ; *Bacteria/classification/metabolism/genetics/isolation & purification ; Phytoplankton/microbiology/metabolism ; Multiomics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Marine snow represents an organic matter-rich habitat and provides substrates for diverse microbial populations in the marine ecosystem. However, the functional diversity and metabolic interactions within the microbial community inhabiting marine snow remain largely underexplored, particularly for specific metabolic pathways involved in marine snow degradation. Here, we used a multi-omics approach to explore the microbial response to laboratory-reared phytoplankton-derived marine snow.

RESULTS: Our results demonstrated a dramatic shift in both taxonomic and functional profiles of the microbial community after the formation of phytoplankton-derived marine snow using a rolling tank system. The changes in microbial metabolic processes were more pronounced in the metaproteome than in the metagenome in response to marine snow. Fast-growing taxa within the Gammaproteobacteria were the most dominant group at both the metagenomic and metaproteomic level. These Gammaproteobacteria possessed a variety of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) and transporters facilitating substrate cleavage and uptake, respectively. Analysis of metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) revealed that the response to marine snow amendment was primarily mediated by Alteromonas, Vibrio, and Thalassotalea. Among these, Alteromonas exclusively expressing auxiliary activities 2 (AA2) of the CAZyme subfamily were abundant in both the free-living (FL) and marine snow-attached (MA) microbial communities. Thus, Alteromonas likely played a pivotal role in the degradation of marine snow. The enzymes of AA2 produced by these Alteromonas MAGs are capable of detoxifying peroxide intermediates generated during the breakdown of marine snow into smaller poly- and oligomers, providing available substrates for other microorganisms within the system. In addition, Vibrio and Thalassotalea MAGs exhibited distinct responses to these hydrolysis products of marine snow in different size fractions, suggesting a distinct niche separation. Although chemotaxis proteins were found to be enriched in the proteome of all three MAGs, differences in transporter proteins were identified as the primary factor contributing to the niche separation between these two groups. Vibrio in the FL fraction predominantly utilized ATP-binding cassette transporters (ABCTs), while Thalassotalea MAGs in the MA fraction primarily employed TonB-dependent outer membrane transporters (TBDTs).

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings shed light on the essential metabolic interactions within marine snow-degrading microbial consortia, which employ complementary physiological mechanisms and survival strategies to effectively scavenge marine snow. This work advances our understanding of the fate of marine snow and the role of microbes in carbon sequestration in the ocean. Video Abstract.},
}

*Snow/microbiology
Gammaproteobacteria/metabolism/genetics/classification
Metagenomics/methods
Metagenome
*Seawater/microbiology
*Microbiota
*Bacteria/classification/metabolism/genetics/isolation & purification
Phytoplankton/microbiology/metabolism
Multiomics

@article {pmid40328944,
year = {2025},
author = {Kim, Y and Worby, CJ and Acharya, S and van Dijk, LR and Alfonsetti, D and Gromko, Z and Azimzadeh, PN and Dodson, KW and Gerber, GK and Hultgren, SJ and Earl, AM and Berger, B and Gibson, TE},
title = {Longitudinal profiling of low-abundance strains in microbiomes with ChronoStrain.},
journal = {Nature microbiology},
volume = {10},
number = {5},
pages = {1184-1197},
pmid = {40328944},
issn = {2058-5276},
support = {R35GM143056//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ ; R21AI154075//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ ; R35GM149270//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ ; R01DK121822//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ ; U19AI110818//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ ; R35GM141861//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Microbiota/genetics ; Feces/microbiology ; Female ; *Metagenomics/methods ; Bayes Theorem ; Longitudinal Studies ; Escherichia coli/genetics/isolation & purification/classification ; Infant ; Algorithms ; Enterococcus faecalis/genetics/isolation & purification/classification ; Adult ; *Bacteria/genetics/classification/isolation & purification ; },
abstract = {The ability to detect and quantify microbiota over time from shotgun metagenomic data has a plethora of clinical, basic science and public health applications. Given these applications, and the observation that pathogens and other taxa of interest can reside at low relative abundance, there is a critical need for algorithms that accurately profile low-abundance microbial taxa with strain-level resolution. Here we present ChronoStrain: a sequence quality- and time-aware Bayesian model for profiling strains in longitudinal samples. ChronoStrain explicitly models the presence or absence of each strain and produces a probability distribution over abundance trajectories for each strain. Using synthetic and semi-synthetic data, we demonstrate how ChronoStrain outperforms existing methods in abundance estimation and presence/absence prediction. Applying ChronoStrain to two human microbiome datasets demonstrated its improved interpretability for profiling Escherichia coli strain blooms in longitudinal faecal samples from adult women with recurring urinary tract infections, and its improved accuracy for detecting Enterococcus faecalis strains in infant faecal samples. Compared with state-of-the-art methods, ChronoStrain's ability to detect low-abundance taxa is particularly stark.},
}

Humans
*Microbiota/genetics
Feces/microbiology
Female
*Metagenomics/methods
Bayes Theorem
Longitudinal Studies
Escherichia coli/genetics/isolation & purification/classification
Infant
Algorithms
Enterococcus faecalis/genetics/isolation & purification/classification
Adult
*Bacteria/genetics/classification/isolation & purification

@article {pmid40328731,
year = {2025},
author = {Wei, C and Xu, X and Zhang, J and Wang, X and Han, T and Zhang, Y and Pan, S and Ming, Z and Li, R and Lou, F and Cheng, Y and Xu, H and Sun, X and Geng, G and Pan, Y and Liu, Q and Qi, H and Yan, X and Dang, K and Zhou, J and Sun, C and Li, Y},
title = {Timing of unsaturated fat intake improves insulin sensitivity via the gut microbiota-bile acid axis: a randomized controlled trial.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {4211},
pmid = {40328731},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {Key Program 82030100//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; Joint Fund Project U24A20768//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology ; Middle Aged ; Male ; *Insulin Resistance/physiology ; Female ; *Bile Acids and Salts/metabolism ; Blood Glucose/metabolism ; Postprandial Period ; Insulin/blood/metabolism ; Double-Blind Method ; Aged ; *Dietary Fats, Unsaturated/administration & dosage ; Feces/microbiology/chemistry ; Adult ; Prediabetic State/metabolism/diet therapy/microbiology ; },
abstract = {The timing of dietary total fat intake influences glucose homeostasis, however, the impact of unsaturated fat (USFA) intake has yet to be explored. This 12-week, double-blind, randomized, controlled, 2 × 2 factorial-designed feeding trial investigated the effects of timing (lunch or dinner) and types of dietary USFA (high monounsaturated fat or polyunsaturated fat diet) intake on glucose metabolism in seventy prediabetes participants (mean age, 57 years). Sixty participants with completed fecal samples were included in the final analysis (n = 15 for each group). Postprandial serum glucose was first primary outcome, postprandial insulin levels and insulin sensitivity indices were co-primary outcomes Secondary outcomes were continuous glucose levels, serum fatty acid profile, gut microbiome (metagenomic sequencing) and fecal metabolites. Results showed no significant differences in postprandial glucose between groups. However, USFA intake at lunch (vs. dinner) improved insulin sensitivity and reduced postprandial insulin and serum free saturated fatty acid (Ptiming < 0.05, Ptype > 0.05, Pinteraction > 0.05), which was associated with alterations in gut microbiome and bile acid metabolism, regardless of USFA type. In summary, these results suggest that advancing timing of USFA intake improves insulin sensitivity through the gut microbiome and bile acid metabolism. Trial registration: ChiCTR2100045645.},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology
Middle Aged
Male
*Insulin Resistance/physiology
Female
*Bile Acids and Salts/metabolism
Blood Glucose/metabolism
Postprandial Period
Insulin/blood/metabolism
Double-Blind Method
Aged
*Dietary Fats, Unsaturated/administration & dosage
Feces/microbiology/chemistry
Adult
Prediabetic State/metabolism/diet therapy/microbiology

@article {pmid40325616,
year = {2025},
author = {Xu, HY and Jiang, MT and Yang, YF and Huang, Y and Yang, WD and Li, HY and Wang, X},
title = {Microalgae-Based Fucoxanthin Attenuates Rheumatoid Arthritis by Targeting the JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway and Gut Microbiota.},
journal = {Journal of agricultural and food chemistry},
volume = {73},
number = {19},
pages = {11708-11719},
doi = {10.1021/acs.jafc.4c12474},
pmid = {40325616},
issn = {1520-5118},
mesh = {*Xanthophylls/administration & dosage ; *Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy/microbiology/genetics/metabolism/immunology ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects ; Humans ; Signal Transduction/drug effects ; Animals ; *Microalgae/chemistry ; Mice ; Male ; *Janus Kinases/genetics/metabolism/immunology ; *STAT Transcription Factors/genetics/metabolism/immunology ; *Diatoms/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Fucoxanthin, an abundant carotenoid in marine algae, has garnered attention for its diverse health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation and damage. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of fucoxanthin extracted from Phaeodactylum tricornutum in collagen-induced RA. Our results demonstrated that fucoxanthin significantly alleviated RA symptoms, including weight loss, joint swelling, and decreased appetite. Histological analysis revealed that fucoxanthin mitigated synovial inflammation, cartilage damage, and bone erosion. Mechanistically, transcriptomic analysis and cell experiments indicated that fucoxanthin suppressed the JAK-STAT signaling pathway by downregulating the expression of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 and IL-1β. Furthermore, metagenomic analysis suggested that fucoxanthin restored the altered gut microbiota composition associated with RA. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of fucoxanthin from P. tricornutum in the management of RA by targeting multiple pathways, including inflammation and gut microbiota.},
}

*Xanthophylls/administration & dosage
*Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy/microbiology/genetics/metabolism/immunology
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects
Humans
Signal Transduction/drug effects
Animals
*Microalgae/chemistry
Mice
Male
*Janus Kinases/genetics/metabolism/immunology
*STAT Transcription Factors/genetics/metabolism/immunology
*Diatoms/chemistry

@article {pmid40250281,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, Y and Hu, S and Hu, B and Li, Y and Chen, Z},
title = {Functional insights into microbial community dynamics and resilience in mycorrhizal associated constructed wetlands under pesticide stress.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {492},
number = {},
pages = {138315},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.138315},
pmid = {40250281},
issn = {1873-3336},
mesh = {*Wetlands ; *Mycorrhizae/drug effects/genetics/physiology ; *Pesticides/toxicity ; *Microbiota/drug effects ; Soil Microbiology ; Stress, Physiological ; Bacteria/genetics ; },
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are critical mutualistic symbionts in most terrestrial ecosystems, where they facilitate nutrient acquisition, enhance plant resilience to environmental stressors, and shape the surrounding microbiome. However, its contributions (especially for microorganisms) to constructed wetlands (CWs) under pesticide stress remain poorly understood. This study investigated the effects of AMF on microbial community composition, diversity, metabolic pathways, and functional genes by metagenomics in CWs exposed to pesticides stress. Using comparative analyses of AMF-colonized and non-colonized CWs, we found that AMF enhanced overall microbial diversity, as evidenced by increases of 2.22 % (Chao1) and 2.83 % (observed species). Under fungicide stress, nitrogen-cycling microorganisms (e.g., Nitrososphaerota and Mucoromycota) increased in relative abundance, while carbon cycle-related microorganisms (e.g., Pseudomonadota and Bacteroidota) generally declined. AMF colonization improved microbial resilience, demonstrated by a 312 % rise in Rhizophagus abundance and significant increases in phosphorus-cycling microorganisms (e.g., Bradyrhizobium and Mesorhizobium). Functional gene analysis further revealed that AMF helped mitigate fungicide-induced reductions in genes related to nitrogen and carbon cycling, lowering the average decline rates to 4.02 % and 1.44 %, respectively, compared to higher rates in non-AMF treatments. In summary, these findings highlight the crucial role of AMF in enhancing pesticide stress resilience, maintaining microbial community stability, and improving the bioremediation capacity of CWs.},
}

*Wetlands
*Mycorrhizae/drug effects/genetics/physiology
*Pesticides/toxicity
*Microbiota/drug effects
Soil Microbiology
Stress, Physiological
Bacteria/genetics

@article {pmid40250268,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, JH and Huang, DQ and Wu, GG and Han, NN and Fan, NS and Jin, RC},
title = {Quorum sensing-mediated microecological homeostasis in anammox consortia.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {492},
number = {},
pages = {138285},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.138285},
pmid = {40250268},
issn = {1873-3336},
mesh = {*Quorum Sensing ; Homeostasis ; *Ammonium Compounds/metabolism ; *Microbial Consortia ; Oxidation-Reduction ; Nitrogen/metabolism ; 4-Butyrolactone/analogs & derivatives/pharmacology ; Bioreactors/microbiology ; Bacteria/metabolism/genetics ; Anaerobiosis ; },
abstract = {Quorum sensing (QS) mediated by signal molecules regulates bacterial communication and further affects the performance and microbial physiological characteristics of anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) process. The potential application of low concentrations of typical exogenous signal molecules into maintaining the long-term homeostasis of anammox consortia were evaluated in this study. The results of 150-d continuous-flow experiment showed that 30 μg L[-1]N-hexanoyl-homoserine lactone (C6-HSL) and diffusible signaling factor (DSF) could maintain the stable nitrogen removal efficiency of anammox systems (90.3 ± 3.6 % and 90.2 ± 3.8 %). C6-HSL and DSF also significantly promoted the anammox activity and the production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Microbial community analysis indicated that the relative abundance of Candidatus Kuenenia fluctuated and finally maintained at 27.0 % and 39.3 %, which was still significantly higher than that of initial phase. Meanwhile, the abundances of functional genes related to anammox process (hzsA, hdh and nirS) increased significantly. Metagenomic analysis revealed that the abundances of main functional genes involved in nitrogen metabolism, amino acid metabolism and QS were significantly upregulated. The interspecies interactions were also enhanced through QS-mediated intercellular communication, which was beneficial to microecological homeostasis in anammox systems. In contrast, DSF exhibited the more significant and longer-lasting promotion impact, while the effect of C6-HSL was rapid. These findings reveal the potential regulatory mechanism of exogenous signaling molecules on anammox consortia and drive the potential application of signaling molecules in the anammox process to treat real wastewater.},
}

*Quorum Sensing
Homeostasis
*Ammonium Compounds/metabolism
*Microbial Consortia
Oxidation-Reduction
Nitrogen/metabolism
4-Butyrolactone/analogs & derivatives/pharmacology
Bioreactors/microbiology
Bacteria/metabolism/genetics
Anaerobiosis

@article {pmid40207938,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhao, D and Salas-Leiva, DE and Williams, SK and Dunn, KA and Shao, JD and Roger, AJ},
title = {Eukfinder: a pipeline to retrieve microbial eukaryote genome sequences from metagenomic data.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {16},
number = {5},
pages = {e0069925},
doi = {10.1128/mbio.00699-25},
pmid = {40207938},
issn = {2150-7511},
support = {FRN-142349//Canadian Government | Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)/ ; },
mesh = {*Metagenomics/methods ; Humans ; *Eukaryota/genetics ; *Computational Biology/methods ; *Blastocystis/genetics ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics ; Metagenome ; Whole Genome Sequencing ; Software ; },
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Whole-genome shotgun (WGS) metagenomic sequencing of microbial communities enables the discovery of the functions, physiologies, and evolutionary histories of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbes. However, metagenomic studies of microbial eukaryotes lag due to challenges in identifying and assembling high-quality genomes from WGS data. To address this problem, we developed Eukfinder, a bioinformatics pipeline that identifies potential eukaryotic sequences from WGS metagenomic data, with a complementary binning workflow for recovering nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. Eukfinder uses two specialized databases for read/contig classification, customizable to specific data sets or environments. We tested Eukfinder on simulated gut microbiome data sets which included varying numbers of reads from the protist Blastocystis, a human gut commensal. We also applied Eukfinder to previously published human gut microbiome WGS metagenomic data to recover new genomes of Blastocystis. Compared to other workflows, Eukfinder offers the potential to recover high-quality, near-complete genomes of diverse eukaryotes, including different Blastocystis subtypes, without relying on a reference genome. With sufficient sequencing depth, Eukfinder outperforms similar tools for recovering eukaryotic genomes from metagenomic data. Eukfinder is a valuable tool for reference-independent and cultivation-free studies of eukaryotic microbial genomes from environmental WGS metagenomic samples.

IMPORTANCE: Advancements in next-generation sequencing have made whole-genome shotgun (WGS) metagenomic sequencing an efficient method for de novo reconstruction of microbial genomes from various environments. Thousands of new prokaryotic genomes have been characterized; however, the large size and complexity of protistan genomes have hindered the use of WGS metagenomics to sample microbial eukaryotic diversity. Eukfinder enables the recovery of eukaryotic microbial genomes from environmental WGS metagenomic samples. Retrieval of high-quality protistan genomes from diverse metagenomic samples increases the number of reference genomes available. This aids future metagenomic investigations into the functions, physiologies, and evolutionary histories of eukaryotic microbes in the gut microbiome and other ecosystems.},
}

*Metagenomics/methods
Humans
*Eukaryota/genetics
*Computational Biology/methods
*Blastocystis/genetics
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics
Metagenome
Whole Genome Sequencing
Software

@article {pmid40188549,
year = {2025},
author = {Sun, J and Yang, W and Li, M and Zhang, S and Sun, Y and Wang, F},
title = {Metagenomic analysis reveals soil microbiome responses to microplastics and ZnO nanoparticles in an agricultural soil.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {492},
number = {},
pages = {138164},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.138164},
pmid = {40188549},
issn = {1873-3336},
mesh = {*Zinc Oxide/toxicity ; *Microplastics/toxicity ; *Soil Microbiology ; *Microbiota/drug effects ; *Soil Pollutants/toxicity ; Metagenomics ; *Nanoparticles/toxicity ; Bacteria/drug effects/genetics ; Agriculture ; Fungi/drug effects/genetics ; Soil/chemistry ; *Metal Nanoparticles/toxicity ; },
abstract = {Both microplastics (MPs) and engineered nanoparticles are pervasive emerging contaminants that can produce combined toxicity to terrestrial ecosystems, yet their effects on soil microbiomes remain inadequately understood. Here, metagenomic analysis was employed to investigate the impacts of three common MPs [i.e., polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polylactic acid (PLA)] and zinc oxide nanoparticles (nZnO) on soil microbiomes. Both MPs and nZnO significantly altered the taxonomic, genetic, and functional diversity of soil microbes, with distinct effects depending on dosage or type. Archaea, fungi, and viruses exhibited more pronounced responses compared to bacteria. Higher doses of MPs and nZnO reduced gene abundance for nutrient cycles like C degradation and N cycling, but enhanced CO2 fixation and S metabolism. nZnO consistently decreased the complexity, connectivity, and modularity of microbial networks; however, these negative effects could be mitigated by co-existing MPs, particularly at elevated doses. Notably, PLA (10 %, w/w) exhibited greater harm to fungal communities and increased negative interactions between microbes and nutrient-cycling genes, posing unique risks compared to PE and PS. These findings demonstrate that MPs and nZnO interact synergistically, complicating ecological predictions and emphasizing the need to consider pollutant interactions in ecological risk assessments, particularly for biodegradable MPs.},
}

*Zinc Oxide/toxicity
*Microplastics/toxicity
*Soil Microbiology
*Microbiota/drug effects
*Soil Pollutants/toxicity
Metagenomics
*Nanoparticles/toxicity
Bacteria/drug effects/genetics
Agriculture
Fungi/drug effects/genetics
Soil/chemistry
*Metal Nanoparticles/toxicity

@article {pmid40168930,
year = {2025},
author = {Tang, GX and Huang, YH and Feng, LW and Hu, YC and Wei, JL and Lü, H and Liu, LH and Zhao, HM and Xiang, L and Li, H and Mo, CH and Li, YW and Cai, QY},
title = {New insights into rhizosphere bacterial community shaped by lettuce genotypes for divergent degradation efficiencies of phthalates.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {492},
number = {},
pages = {138077},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.138077},
pmid = {40168930},
issn = {1873-3336},
mesh = {*Rhizosphere ; *Lactuca/genetics/microbiology/metabolism ; Genotype ; *Soil Pollutants/metabolism ; *Bacteria/genetics/metabolism ; Soil Microbiology ; Biodegradation, Environmental ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Plant Roots/microbiology/metabolism ; *Diethylhexyl Phthalate/metabolism ; *Phthalic Acids/metabolism ; Microbiota ; },
abstract = {Rhizosphere dissipation of organic pollutants benefits safe utilization of the polluted agricultural soil. Nevertheless, dissipation variation of phthalates (PAEs) in rhizosphere among different vegetable genotypes and the related microbial mechanisms remain unknown. Here, twelve lettuce cultivars with different genetic relationships identified by 18S rRNA gene sequencing were cultivated in soil spiked with di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). Bacterial communities and function genes in rhizosphere of lettuce were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene and metagenomic sequencing. Results showed significant variations in DEHP concentrations of roots (2.8-15.3 mg/kg) and shoots (0.70-1.8 mg/kg) among 12 cultivars. Notably, cultivars L11 and L12 showed the lowest DEHP accumulation in roots and shoots, being lower by 82 % and 58 % than the highest accumulators (cultivars L5 and L6), respectively. This accumulation variation was closely connected with their genetic relationships and exhibited genotype-dependent trait. The significantly different bacterial community diversities and structures were recorded in rhizosphere among 12 cultivars. Especially, bacterial communities in rhizosphere of cultivars L11 and L12 (low-DEHP accumulators with high DEHP dissipation) strengthened their adaptation by enriching pollutant-resistant taxa, increasing extracellular polymeric substance contents and biofilm formation, as well as constructing complex ecological networks under DEHP pollution. Moreover, PAE-degrading bacteria and genes (e.g., hydrolase65, phtAb, and pcaI) in rhizosphere were enriched by low-DEHP accumulators, which benefited DEHP removal and subsequently safe agricultural products. This study provides new insights into microbial mechanisms on rhizosphere DEHP degradation and its correlation with accumulation variation among different crop genotypes.},
}

*Rhizosphere
*Lactuca/genetics/microbiology/metabolism
Genotype
*Soil Pollutants/metabolism
*Bacteria/genetics/metabolism
Soil Microbiology
Biodegradation, Environmental
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Plant Roots/microbiology/metabolism
*Diethylhexyl Phthalate/metabolism
*Phthalic Acids/metabolism
Microbiota

@article {pmid40131312,
year = {2025},
author = {Herazo-Álvarez, J and Mora, M and Cuadros-Orellana, S and Vilches-Ponce, K and Hernández-García, R},
title = {A review of neural networks for metagenomic binning.},
journal = {Briefings in bioinformatics},
volume = {26},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {40131312},
issn = {1477-4054},
support = {2022-21221825//National Agency for Research and Development/ ; EQM210185//Fondequip/ ; },
mesh = {*Metagenomics/methods ; *Neural Networks, Computer ; *Metagenome ; Humans ; Microbiota ; Machine Learning ; Deep Learning ; },
abstract = {One of the main goals of metagenomic studies is to describe the taxonomic diversity of microbial communities. A crucial step in metagenomic analysis is metagenomic binning, which involves the (supervised) classification or (unsupervised) clustering of metagenomic sequences. Various machine learning models have been applied to address this task. In this review, the contributions of artificial neural networks (ANN) in the context of metagenomic binning are detailed, addressing both supervised, unsupervised, and semi-supervised approaches. 34 ANN-based binning tools are systematically compared, detailing their architectures, input features, datasets, advantages, disadvantages, and other relevant aspects. The findings reveal that deep learning approaches, such as convolutional neural networks and autoencoders, achieve higher accuracy and scalability than traditional methods. Gaps in benchmarking practices are highlighted, and future directions are proposed, including standardized datasets and optimization of architectures, for third-generation sequencing. This review provides support to researchers in identifying trends and selecting suitable tools for the metagenomic binning problem.},
}

*Metagenomics/methods
*Neural Networks, Computer
*Metagenome
Humans
Microbiota
Machine Learning
Deep Learning

@article {pmid40086246,
year = {2025},
author = {Han, NN and Yang, JH and Wu, GG and Yang, JH and Jin, JA and Fan, NS and Jin, RC},
title = {Differential size-dependent response patterns and antibiotic resistance development mechanism in anammox consortia.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {491},
number = {},
pages = {137886},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.137886},
pmid = {40086246},
issn = {1873-3336},
mesh = {*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; *Sulfamethazine/pharmacology ; Sewage/microbiology ; *Drug Resistance, Microbial/genetics ; Oxidation-Reduction ; *Ammonia/metabolism ; Anaerobiosis ; Pseudomonas/genetics/drug effects/metabolism ; *Microbial Consortia ; },
abstract = {Antibiotic resistance is a global threat to human and animal health. Anaerobic ammonia oxidation (anammox) is an efficient and innovative wastewater treatment technology, which can be served as a promising approach to teat antibiotic wastewater. This study systematically investigated effects of sulfamethazine on the performance, microbial community dynamics and the resistome in anammox systems inoculated with different-sized granular sludge. The activity and performance of small (< 0.5 mm) anammox granules were more susceptible to sulfamethazine stress than those of medium (0.5-1.0 mm) and large (1.0-2.0 mm) granules. Sulfamethazine addition greatly increased the diversity and abundance of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Based on the metagenomic analysis, the horizontal transfer of ARGs in the anammox system was upregulated through bacterial oxidative stress, pili synthesis and type IV secretion system. In addition, two strains of sulfamethazine-resistant bacteria (Pseudomonas asiatica sp. nov. and Pseudomonas shirazica sp. nov.) were isolated from the anammox system. Their whole genome sequencing results showed that the most abundant plasmid was pkF7158B, which mediated the horizontal transfer of two main multidrug resistance genes (cpxR and mexB). This work provides a holistic insight into microbial heterogeneity of different-sized anammox granular sludge and their evolution and resistance development mechanism.},
}

*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
*Sulfamethazine/pharmacology
Sewage/microbiology
*Drug Resistance, Microbial/genetics
Oxidation-Reduction
*Ammonia/metabolism
Anaerobiosis
Pseudomonas/genetics/drug effects/metabolism
*Microbial Consortia

@article {pmid40318372,
year = {2025},
author = {Chu, D and Zhang, H and Wang, Z and Ning, K},
title = {Microbial resources and interactions across three-dimensional space for a freshwater ecosystem.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {980},
number = {},
pages = {179522},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179522},
pmid = {40318372},
issn = {1879-1026},
mesh = {*Ecosystem ; *Fresh Water/microbiology ; China ; *Water Microbiology ; *Microbiota ; Bacteria ; Metagenome ; Lakes/microbiology ; *Environmental Monitoring ; },
abstract = {Freshwater ecosystems are important natural resources but face serious threats. Nevertheless, they host diverse microorganisms crucial for biosynthetic potential and global biochemical cycles. To fully understand the enrichment and interaction of species and functional resources in freshwater ecosystems, it is essential to profile the microbial resources in the whole three-dimensional space. We profiled 131 metagenomic samples to construct the Honghu Microbial Catalog, comprising 2617 metagenome-assembled genomes, 1718 candidate species, over 60 million non-redundant gene clusters, and 7396 biosynthetic gene clusters. We emphasized surface water may be the primary source of microbial species and ARGs for Honghu Lake. We also found the impact of surface water on groundwater had an "influence sphere". Furthermore, we have identified groundwater as a potential refuge for microbial resources, enriched with CPR bacteria and ARGs. These findings are crucial for the understanding, management, and protection of freshwater ecosystems.},
}

*Ecosystem
*Fresh Water/microbiology
China
*Water Microbiology
*Microbiota
Bacteria
Metagenome
Lakes/microbiology
*Environmental Monitoring

@article {pmid40315414,
year = {2025},
author = {Galperina, A and Lugli, GA and Milani, C and De Vos, WM and Ventura, M and Salonen, A and Hurwitz, B and Ponsero, AJ},
title = {The Aggregated Gut Viral Catalogue (AVrC): A unified resource for exploring the viral diversity of the human gut.},
journal = {PLoS computational biology},
volume = {21},
number = {5},
pages = {e1012268},
pmid = {40315414},
issn = {1553-7358},
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics ; *Virome/genetics ; *Viruses/genetics/classification ; Computational Biology/methods ; Feces/virology ; Metagenome/genetics ; Infant ; Databases, Genetic ; },
abstract = {The growing interest in the role of the gut virome in human health and disease, has led to several recent large-scale viral catalogue projects mining human gut metagenomes each using varied computational tools and quality control criteria. Importantly, there has been to date no consistent comparison of these catalogues' quality, diversity, and overlap. In this project, we therefore systematically surveyed nine previously published human gut viral catalogues. While these catalogues collectively screened >40,000 human fecal metagenomes, 82% of the recovered 345,613 viral sequences were unique to one catalogue, highlighting limited redundancy between the ressources and suggesting the need for an aggregated resource bringing these viral sequences together. We further expanded these viral catalogues by mining 7,867 infant gut metagenomes from 12 large-scale infant studies collected in 9 different countries. From these datasets, we constructed the Aggregated Gut Viral Catalogue (AVrC), a unified modular resource containing 1,018,941 dereplicated viral sequences (449,859 species-level vOTUs). Using computational inference tools, annotations were obtained for each vOTU representative sequence quality, viral taxonomy, predicted viral lifestyle, and putative host. This project aims to facilitate the reuse of previously published viral catalogues by the research community and follows a modular framework to enable future expansions as novel data becomes available.},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics
*Virome/genetics
*Viruses/genetics/classification
Computational Biology/methods
Feces/virology
Metagenome/genetics
Infant
Databases, Genetic

@article {pmid40252413,
year = {2025},
author = {Okamura, T and Hasegawa, Y and Ohno, Y and Saijo, Y and Nakanishi, N and Honda, A and Hamaguchi, M and Takano, H and Fukui, M},
title = {Oral exposure to nanoplastics and food allergy in mice fed a normal or high-fat diet.},
journal = {Chemosphere},
volume = {379},
number = {},
pages = {144401},
doi = {10.1016/j.chemosphere.2025.144401},
pmid = {40252413},
issn = {1879-1298},
mesh = {Animals ; *Food Hypersensitivity/immunology ; *Diet, High-Fat/adverse effects ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects ; Ovalbumin/immunology ; Immunoglobulin E/blood ; *Microplastics/toxicity ; Administration, Oral ; *Polystyrenes/toxicity ; Female ; },
abstract = {The global prevalence of food allergies, particularly IgE-mediated responses, is increasing at an alarming rate. This trend is likely driven by environmental factors such as nanoplastics (NPs) ingestion and the westernization of dietary and lifestyle habits. This study examines the impact of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced food allergies in mice subjected to either a normal diet (ND) or a high-fat diet (HFD). BALB/c mice were stratified into eight groups based on dietary regimen, NP exposure, and OVA sensitization. Food allergy was induced via OVA administration, and multiple physiological and immunological parameters were evaluated, including body weight, intestinal permeability, cytokine profiles, gut microbiota composition, and small intestinal gene expression. Mice in the HFD + OVA + NP group exhibited significant increases in intestinal permeability, diarrhea severity, and serum OVA-specific IgE levels compared to other groups. Flow cytometric analysis revealed an expansion of innate lymphoid cells (ILC2 and ILC1) within the lamina propria of the small intestine. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing demonstrated gut microbiota dysbiosis, characterized by a reduction in beneficial bacterial populations in the HFD + OVA + NP cohort. Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) identified a negative correlation between NPs exposure or OVA sensitization and the expression of Slc1a1, Slc5a8, and Mep1a, while a positive correlation was observed with Aa467197 expression. These findings indicate that oral exposure to PS-NPs exacerbates OVA-induced food allergies, particularly in the context of an HFD, through mechanisms involving increased intestinal permeability, gut microbial dysbiosis, and gene expression modulation. This study highlights the potential health hazards posed by environmental microplastic contamination and its possible contribution to the escalating incidence of food allergies.},
}

Animals
*Food Hypersensitivity/immunology
*Diet, High-Fat/adverse effects
Mice
Mice, Inbred BALB C
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects
Ovalbumin/immunology
Immunoglobulin E/blood
*Microplastics/toxicity
Administration, Oral
*Polystyrenes/toxicity
Female

@article {pmid40252261,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, B and Liang, C and Xu, B and Song, P and Liu, D and Zhang, J and Gu, H and Jiang, F and Gao, H and Cai, Z and Zhang, T},
title = {Extreme winter environment dominates gut microbiota and metabolome of white-lipped deer.},
journal = {Microbiological research},
volume = {297},
number = {},
pages = {128182},
doi = {10.1016/j.micres.2025.128182},
pmid = {40252261},
issn = {1618-0623},
mesh = {Animals ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology ; *Deer/microbiology/metabolism ; *Seasons ; *Metabolome ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/metabolism/isolation & purification ; Metagenomics ; Fatty Acids, Volatile/metabolism ; Tibet ; Feces/microbiology ; Metabolomics ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) is marked by harsh environments that drive the evolution of unique nutrient metabolism mechanism in indigenous animal gut microbiotas. Yet, responses of these microbiotas to different extreme environments remain poorly understood. White-lipped deer (Przewalskium albirostris), a native endangered species in the QTP, serves as an ideal model to study how gut microbiotas adapt to season and human disturbances. Here, a multi-omics integrated analysis of 16S rRNA, metagenomics, and untargeted metabolomics was performed to investigate the composition, function, and metabolic characteristics of gut microbiota in White-lipped deer across different seasons and living environments. Our results revealed that extreme winter environment dominated the composition, function, and metabolism of gut microbiota in white-lipped deer. The white-lipped deer exhibited an enriched gut microbiota associated with producing short-chain fatty acids in winter, with core feature genera including norank_o_Rhodospirillales, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, and unclassified_c_Clostridia. However, potential pathogenic bacteria and few short-chain fatty acid producers, with core feature genera including norank_f_p-2534-18B5_gut_group, Cellulosilyticum, and Paeniclostridium, showed enrichment in captivity. Pathways associated with carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and immune regulation showed enrichment in winter group as an adaptation to the cold and food scarcity. Among these, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group and unclassified_c_Clostridia contributed significantly to these metabolic pathways. The gut microbiota of white-lipped deer exhibited enrichment in pathways related to intestinal inflammation and enhanced immune regulation to alleviate the stress of captivity. Among these, norank_f_p-2534-18B5_gut_group contributed the most to these pathways. Butyric, valeric, and valproic acids were significantly more abundant in the winter group, while 3-hydroxybutyric and (S)-beta-aminoisobutyric acids were higher in the captive group. Furthermore, enriched metabolites and associated pathways in both groups further supported the inferences on metagenomic functions. This study confirms the key role of specific gut microbiota in adapting to high-altitude winters and anthropogenic disturbances, emphasizing its importance for environmental resilience in wild, high-altitude mammals.},
}

Animals
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology
*Deer/microbiology/metabolism
*Seasons
*Metabolome
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/metabolism/isolation & purification
Metagenomics
Fatty Acids, Volatile/metabolism
Tibet
Feces/microbiology
Metabolomics
Phylogeny

@article {pmid40172536,
year = {2025},
author = {Madison, JD and Osborne, OG and Ellison, A and Garvey Griffith, CN and Gentry, L and Gross, H and Gratwicke, B and Grayfer, L and Muletz-Wolz, CR},
title = {Probiotic colonization of Xenopus laevis skin causes short-term changes in skin microbiomes and gene expression.},
journal = {Infection and immunity},
volume = {93},
number = {5},
pages = {e0056924},
doi = {10.1128/iai.00569-24},
pmid = {40172536},
issn = {1098-5522},
support = {IOS-2131060//National Science Foundation/ ; IOS-2131061//National Science Foundation/ ; BB/W013517/1//UKRI | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Probiotics/pharmacology/administration & dosage ; *Skin/microbiology/immunology ; *Xenopus laevis/microbiology/immunology/genetics ; *Microbiota/drug effects ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Batrachochytrium ; Transcriptome ; },
abstract = {Probiotic therapies have been suggested for amelioration efforts of wildlife disease such as chytridiomycosis caused by Batrachochytrium spp. in amphibians. However, there is a lack of information on how probiotic application affects resident microbial communities and immune responses. To better understand these interactions, we hypothesized that probiotic application would alter microbial community composition and host immune expression in Xenopus laevis. Accordingly, we applied three amphibian-derived and anti-Batrachochytrium bacteria strains (two Pseudomonas spp. and one Stenotrophomonas sp.) to X. laevis in monoculture and also as a cocktail. We quantified microbial community structure using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We also quantified genes involved in X. laevis immune responses using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and skin transcriptomics over 1 and 3-week periods. All probiotic treatments successfully colonized X. laevis skin for 3 weeks, but with differential amplicon sequence variant (ASV) sequence counts over time. Bacterial community and immune gene effects were most pronounced at week 1 post-probiotic exposure and decreased thereafter. All probiotic treatments caused initial changes to bacterial community alpha and beta diversity, including reduction in diversity from pre-exposure anti-Batrachochytrium bacterial ASV relative abundance. Probiotic colonization by Pseudomonas probiotic strain RSB5.4 reduced expression of regulatory T cell marker (FOXP3, measured with RT-qPCR) and caused the greatest gene expression changes detected by transcriptomics. Single bacterial strains and mixed cultures, therefore, altered amphibian microbiome-immune interactions. This work will help to improve our understanding of the role of the microbiome-immune interface underlying both disease dynamics and emergent eco-evolutionary processes.IMPORTANCEAmphibian skin microbial communities have an important role in determining disease outcomes, in part through complex yet poorly understood interactions with host immune systems. Here we report that probiotic-induced changes to the Xenopus laevis frog skin microbial communities also result in significant alterations to these animals' immune gene expression. These findings underscore the interdependence of amphibian skin immune-microbiome interactions.},
}

Animals
*Probiotics/pharmacology/administration & dosage
*Skin/microbiology/immunology
*Xenopus laevis/microbiology/immunology/genetics
*Microbiota/drug effects
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Batrachochytrium
Transcriptome

@article {pmid39543873,
year = {2025},
author = {Saraswat, I and Goel, A},
title = {Therapeutic Modulation of the Microbiome in Oncology: Current Trends and Future Directions.},
journal = {Current pharmaceutical biotechnology},
volume = {26},
number = {5},
pages = {680-699},
pmid = {39543873},
issn = {1873-4316},
mesh = {Humans ; *Neoplasms/microbiology/therapy/immunology ; Probiotics/therapeutic use ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects ; Animals ; *Microbiota/drug effects ; },
abstract = {Cancer is a predominant cause of mortality worldwide, necessitating the development of innovative therapeutic techniques. The human microbiome, particularly the gut microbiota, has become a significant element in cancer research owing to its essential role in sustaining health and influencing disease progression. This review examines the microbiome's makeup and essential functions, including immunological modulation and metabolic regulation, which may be evaluated using sophisticated methodologies such as metagenomics and 16S rRNA sequencing. The microbiome influences cancer development by promoting inflammation, modulating the immune system, and producing carcinogenic compounds. Dysbiosis, or microbial imbalance, can undermine the epithelial barrier and facilitate cancer. The microbiome influences chemotherapy and radiation results by modifying drug metabolism, either enhancing or reducing therapeutic efficacy and contributing to side effects and toxicity. Comprehending these intricate relationships emphasises the microbiome's significance in oncology and accentuates the possibility for microbiome-targeted therapeutics. Contemporary therapeutic approaches encompass the utilisation of probiotics and dietary components to regulate the microbiome, enhance treatment efficacy, and minimise unwanted effects. Advancements in research indicate that personalised microbiome-based interventions, have the potential to transform cancer therapy, by providing more effective and customised treatment alternatives. This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the microbiome's influence on the onset and treatment of cancer, while emphasising current trends and future possibilities for therapeutic intervention.},
}