@article {pmid41570365,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhu, S and Yu, F and Yang, B and Zhang, M and Zhang, H and Wang, Z and Liu, Y},
title = {Deciphering the roles of AcrAB-TolC efflux pump in promoting the transmission of antibiotic resistance.},
journal = {Drug resistance updates : reviews and commentaries in antimicrobial and anticancer chemotherapy},
volume = {85},
number = {},
pages = {101358},
doi = {10.1016/j.drup.2026.101358},
pmid = {41570365},
issn = {1532-2084},
mesh = {*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Plasmids/genetics/metabolism ; *Membrane Transport Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; *Escherichia coli Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Quorum Sensing/drug effects/genetics ; *Escherichia coli/genetics/drug effects/metabolism ; Chlorpromazine/pharmacology ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; *Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/genetics ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics ; Conjugation, Genetic ; *Carrier Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; *Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; Lipoproteins ; ATP-Binding Cassette, Sub-Family C Proteins ; },
abstract = {Plasmid-mediated conjugative transfer drives the global dissemination of antimicrobial resistance, posing a global threat to public health. Besides extruding antibiotics, bacterial multidrug efflux pumps modulate virulence, yet their influence on resistance plasmid spread in antibiotic-free settings remains undefined. Herein, we demonstrate that the AcrAB-TolC efflux pump is critical for the horizontal transfer of model plasmid RP4-7 and diverse clinical resistance plasmids. Single deletions of acrA, acrB or tolC significantly reduce plasmid transfer, and complementation fully restores conjugative frequencies to control levels. Mechanistic investigations reveal that acrB deficiency reduces interbacterial contact, diminishes energy metabolism, and impairs activity of the glutamate decarboxylase, quorum sensing and the conjugative systems. Furthermore, we identify chlorpromazine as a potential AcrB ligand, which blocks plasmid transfer both in vivo and in vitro. Collectively, our findings reveal the role of efflux pumps in plasmid transfer and underscore AcrB as a druggable target to curtail the spread of antibiotic resistance.},
}

*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Plasmids/genetics/metabolism
*Membrane Transport Proteins/genetics/metabolism
*Escherichia coli Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Quorum Sensing/drug effects/genetics
*Escherichia coli/genetics/drug effects/metabolism
Chlorpromazine/pharmacology
Gene Transfer, Horizontal
*Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/genetics
*Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics
Conjugation, Genetic
*Carrier Proteins/genetics/metabolism
*Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
Lipoproteins
ATP-Binding Cassette, Sub-Family C Proteins

@article {pmid42242469,
year = {2026},
author = {Ren, Q and Ji, G and Huang, Y and Li, H and Dai, X},
title = {Identification of three phage lysozymes and their function in innate immunity of Mercenaria mercenaria.},
journal = {Fish & shellfish immunology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {111490},
doi = {10.1016/j.fsi.2026.111490},
pmid = {42242469},
issn = {1095-9947},
abstract = {Phage lysozyme, a protein traditionally associated with bacteriophages, has recently been identified in certain molluscs, which is thought to be acquired through horizontal gene transfer. However, the immune functions of phage lysozyme genes in Mercenaria mercenaria remain unclear. In this study, three phage lysozyme genes, designated as MmpLyso1, MmpLyso2, and MmpLyso3, were identified from M. mercenaria. MmpLyso1 encodes a 154-amino-acid protein, while MmpLyso2 and MmpLyso3 encode proteins of 171 and 225 amino acids, respectively. Genomic structure analysis showed that MmpLyso1 lacks introns and contains a single exon, whereas MmpLyso2 consists of two exons and one intron, and MmpLyso3 comprises three exons and two introns. Protein domain prediction revealed that MmpLyso1 and MmpLyso3 possess a conserved phage lysozyme domain, while MmpLyso2 contains a signal peptide and a 1LWK|A domain. Phylogenetic analysis classified MmpLyso1-3 into two distinct subgroups. Tissue distribution analysis demonstrated that these three genes are widely expressed in multiple tissues of M. mercenaria, with the highest expression levels detected in the marginal zone of the mantle. Expression pattern analysis indicated that the transcriptional levels of MmpLyso1-3 in the mantle were significantly upregulated to varying degrees after stimulation. Furthermore, in vivo knockdown of each phage lysozyme gene individually led to a significant decrease in the bacterial clearance ability of M. mercenaria. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that MmpLyso1-3 play crucial roles in the innate immune defense of M. mercenaria, thereby providing novel insights into the function and evolutionary origin of phage lysozyme genes in molluscs.},
}

@article {pmid42243268,
year = {2026},
author = {Desai, D and Sharma, T and Gandham, N and Khopkar-Kale, P and Bharti, N and Kasibhatla, SM and Sonavane, U and Banerjee, R},
title = {Genomic characterization of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates from India.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-54711-w},
pmid = {42243268},
issn = {2045-2322},
abstract = {Klebsiella pneumoniae is an emerging global threat driven by rising antimicrobial resistance and the spread of hypervirulent lineages. To investigate its evolving genomic landscape in India, we characterized two clinical K. pneumoniae isolates, NG_299 and NG_300, obtained from a tertiary care hospital in Pune and analyzed them in the context of Indian and global isolate collections. Comprehensive phenotypic and genomic analyses were performed using antimicrobial susceptibility testing, Illumina NovaSeq whole-genome sequencing and PCR-based confirmation of resistance and virulence markers. Both isolates exhibited multidrug resistance, remaining susceptible to only a limited subset of tested antibiotics. NG_299 (ST231) was susceptible to amikacin, colistin, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, whereas NG_300 (ST20) was found to be susceptible only to colistin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Genomic profiling revealed thirty-two resistance determinants in NG_299 and fifty-two in NG_300, both of which produce extended-spectrum β-lactamases. Carbapenem resistance was linked to metallo-β-lactamase activity and the presence of AmpC was confirmed by antimicrobial susceptibility testing and PCR in NG_300. Pan-genome resistome analysis of global isolates identified conserved core genes (CRP, PhoP, rpoB) and a sparse occurrence of AMR genes (NDM, CTX-M, KPC, OXA, mcr) associated with horizontal gene transfer. Notably, NDM and CTX-M were present in both study isolates, with OXA variants detected in NG_299. Distinct missense mutations within shared resistance genes highlighted independent evolutionary trajectories. Both isolates carried virulence factors associated with adhesion, biofilm formation, iron acquisition, and secretion systems, including siderophores. Plasmid analysis identified IncF replicons in both isolates and blaNDM-5 on an IncFII plasmid in NG_299. These findings document the circulation of multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae in Pune and underscore the urgent need for strengthened genomic surveillance.},
}

@article {pmid42243567,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, Z and Wang, L and Zhu, C and Yan, D and Cheng, Y and Ma, F and Yan, K and He, S},
title = {Virulence and antibiotic resistance characteristics of Pasteurella multocida from sheep: integrated genomic and phenotype analysis.},
journal = {World journal of microbiology & biotechnology},
volume = {42},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {42243567},
issn = {1573-0972},
support = {no. 31702306//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Pasteurella multocida (Pm), a ubiquitous Gram-negative bacterium, causes respiratory diseases that pose a significant threat to the livestock industry. In this study, we performed whole genome sequencing, biological characteristics analysis, comparative genomics, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and pathogenicity assessment to comprehensively characterize a clinical Pm isolate (designated YPm; GenBank accession number CM129929.1) from sheep. The genome of YPm comprises 2,304,730 base pairs with a GC content of 40.3% and encodes 2,140 protein-coding genes, including 126 virulence factors and 57 antimicrobial resistance genes. Genomic analysis identified the toxA gene within a genomic island and prophage region, suggesting its potential acquisition through horizontal gene transfer. The phenotypic characteristics of YPm were consistent with the genomic predictions, including high metabolic capacity and intermediate resistance to lincomycin. Concurrently, comparative genomics revealed the distinctive genomic structure and evolutionary distinctions of YPm. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed intermediate resistance to lincomycin and clindamycin, while demonstrating sensitivity to all other tested antibiotics. Infection experiments in mice demonstrated significant bacterial colonization in the liver and lungs, accompanied by tissue damage and inflammatory reaction. This study characterizes the high virulence and multiple predicted antimicrobial resistance genes of an ovine-derived Pm capsular serotype D strain, providing molecular insights to inform clinical prevention and control.},
}

@article {pmid42243673,
year = {2026},
author = {Fenclova, D and Hrazdilova, K and Coufalova, M and Ter Beek, J and Berntsson, RP and Zurek, L and Cihalova, K},
title = {Prolonged zinc exposure modulates biofilm metabolic activity and conjugation in Enterococcus faecalis.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12866-026-05250-x},
pmid = {42243673},
issn = {1471-2180},
support = {IGA24-AF-IP-032//Ministerstvo Školství, Mládeže a Tělovýchovy/ ; 2023-02423//Svenska Forskningsrådet Formas/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Zinc oxide (ZnO), including its nanoparticulate form (ZnONPs), is widely used in agriculture and accumulates in the environment, where it may impose sustained selective pressure on microbial communities. However, the impact of prolonged zinc exposure on horizontal gene transfer and conjugation dynamics in Enterococcus faecalis remains poorly understood.

RESULTS: We exposed Enterococcus faecalis OG1RF:pCF10 (donor) and OG1SSp (recipient) to prolonged zinc exposure (20 serial passages) and analyzed phenotypic and transcriptional changes associated with conjugation and virulence-related traits. Chronic exposure to ZnO and ZnONPs was associated with pronounced aggregation in the plasmid-carrying donor strain, reduced optical density values, and significantly lower recoverable CFU/mL at 24 h, although extensive clumping likely affected CFU recovery. Zinc exposure was also associated with increased metabolic activity within established biofilms, while gelatinase production and antibiotic susceptibility remained unchanged. ZnONP-adapted recipient cells showed a significant increase in conjugation frequency, whereas ZnO-adapted recipients and zinc-adapted donors showed non-significant upward trends. Notably, transcription of genes within the plasmid-encoded prgQ conjugation operon was increased even in the absence of exogenous pheromone stimulation. In contrast, short-term zinc exposure did not enhance plasmid transfer, indicating that increased conjugation required long-term adaptation rather than acute stress.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that prolonged zinc exposure is associated with altered aggregation, biofilm-associated metabolic activity, and conjugation dynamics in E. faecalis. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unresolved and may involve a combination of physiological, regulatory, and genetic adaptations arising from long-term exposure.},
}

@article {pmid42245496,
year = {2026},
author = {Satharasinghe, DA and Pellissery, AJ and Kariyawasam, S and Bommineni, YR and Simon, DA and Zhou, L and Abramzon, Y and Stanek, D and Denagamage, T},
title = {Integrative phenotypic and functional genomic characterization of virulence and antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella enterica isolates from reptiles.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1841627},
pmid = {42245496},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {The popularity of reptiles as exotic pets has increased over the years. Reptiles can harbor zoonotic pathogens, including Salmonella, posing a significant public health risk. This study evaluated the diversity of hosts affected by non-typhoidal Salmonella infections in reptiles, as well as the antimicrobial resistance (AMR), multidrug resistance (MDR), and virulence factor (VF) genes in whole-genome, plasmid DNA, and RNA in Salmonella isolated from reptiles in Florida, United States. Data on Salmonella culture testing from 2018 to 2025, available at the Bronson Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, were analyzed for host diversity in Salmonella infections. Functional genomic analysis was conducted using whole-genome sequences (WGS), plasmid DNA, and RNA obtained from selected Salmonella isolates, targeting AMR and VF genes. The Salmonella culture case positivity rate in reptiles was 16.41% during the study period. The highest positivity percentage was observed in the order Squamata (35%), which includes lizards, dragons, iguanas, and snakes, followed by the orders Testudines and Crocodilia (12.2%). The antibiotic susceptibility testing of 24 Salmonella enterica isolates revealed that 58.3% were MDR and specifically resistant to beta-lactams (62.5%), aminoglycosides (62.5%), and tetracyclines (8.3%). Genomic analysis confirmed phenotypic AMR and revealed the presence of 55 AMR genes, with the majority showing resistance to fluoroquinolones (18.2%), carbapenems and quinolones (16.4%), tetracyclines and rifamycins (14.5%), amphenicols (12.7%), and other classes. The presence of the tetA gene in both the genomic and plasmid DNA of a tetracycline-resistant isolate highlighted reptiles' role as stable zoonotic reservoirs for highly mobile genetic elements that can facilitate rapid horizontal gene transfer among pathogens. Transcriptomic analysis of isolates with MDR revealed differential expression patterns largely consistent with WGS analysis and identified additional AMR-related genes associated with MDR, efflux pumps, and membrane transport systems. A total of 239 VF genes were identified in isolates. Despite the health status of reptiles, the largest number of genes was associated with the Type III secretory system, invasion, motility, iron uptake, siderophore, fimbrial adherence, endotoxin, and lipopolysaccharides. Findings from this study underscore the importance of ongoing surveillance and improved hygiene practices when handling reptiles to reduce the risk of reptile-associated salmonellosis in humans.},
}

@article {pmid42245501,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, M and Yang, X and Li, R and Qian, J and Hao, R and Xu, L and He, Q and Shen, Z and Wang, J and Zhu, Y and Qiu, Z},
title = {A newly discovered Aerococcus urinae mediates transfer of the pCF10 plasmid via SPI-WT regulation.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1817926},
pmid = {42245501},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Pheromone-regulated horizontal transfer serves as the core mechanism for horizontal gene transfer of antibiotic resistance genes, playing a pivotal role in driving the spread of resistance. Given the strict species-specific constraints of this regulatory system, it is imperative to determine whether novel regulatory signal peptides and cross-genus receptors responsive to these signals exist, thereby elucidating its potential for disseminating resistance across broader microbial communities.

METHODS: This study isolated and screened a Gram-positive coccus, Aerococcus urinae Ae1, from the gut microbiota, and confirmed that Ae1 can undergo intergeneric plasmid transfer with Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis), challenging the conventional understanding that the pCF10 plasmid spreads only within the same species.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Results showed an intergeneric plasmid transfer frequency of (3.41 ± 0.26) × 10[-3] in Ae1, which increased to (7.97 ± 1.77) × 10[-3] upon exogenous addition of the cCF10 signal peptide, indicating cCF10's regulatory role in this process. Furthermore, the Ae1 signal peptide SPI-WT appeared to functionally resemble the cCF10 mechanism, possibly by acting on the prgZ/prgX pathway to promote pCF10 intergeneric transfer. This study suggests that Aerococcus urinae can acquire the pCF10 plasmid via intergeneric transfer and provides preliminary evidence that its endogenous signal peptide SPI-WT may play a regulatory role via the prgZ/prgX pathway. However, direct proof of natural secretion, physical binding, intracellular uptake, and relief of transcriptional repression is lacking; these remain important questions for future investigation. Nonetheless, our findings provide new insights into the dissemination pathways of intestinal antibiotic resistance genes.},
}

@article {pmid42246191,
year = {2026},
author = {Das, D and Dixit, R and Pandey, M},
title = {The Biliary Multi-Omics Landscape: Integrating Microbiome and Metabolomics in Gallbladder Carcinogenesis.},
journal = {Journal of gastroenterology and hepatology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/jgh.70462},
pmid = {42246191},
issn = {1440-1746},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a highly aggressive malignancy with a dismal prognosis, frequently diagnosed at advanced stages. While cholelithiasis is a primary risk factor, the role of the biliary microbiome and its metabolic products in driving carcinogenesis is increasingly recognized. This review synthesizes multi-omics data to elucidate the interplay between microbial dysbiosis and metabolomic shifts in GBC.

METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed (up to January 2026) focusing on biliary bacteria, the gut-bile axis, and multi-omics markers. A narrative synthesis integrated findings from metagenomic, metaproteomic, and metabolomic studies involving human cohorts and experimental models.

RESULTS: GBC is characterized by profound biliary dysbiosis, specifically the enrichment of Enterobacteriaceae, Streptococcus, and Helicobacter species. This taxonomic shift triggers a pro-carcinogenic metabolomic flux, where microbial 7α-dehydroxylation converts primary bile acids into secondary bile acids, such as deoxycholic acid (DCA), which induce DNA damage and promote tumor growth. Metaproteomic signatures identify bacterial proteins (e.g., QDR3, ompA) that facilitate biofilm formation and oxidative stress evasion. Furthermore, emerging paradigms like cross-species horizontal gene transfer (HGT) suggest that microbial genetic material can directly modulate host oncogenic pathways.

CONCLUSION: The GBC multi-omics landscape reveals a complex gut-bile axis where microbial and chemical factors converge. These integrated signatures offer potential as noninvasive biomarkers for early diagnosis and precision therapy.},
}

@article {pmid42247751,
year = {2026},
author = {Nabiabad, HS and Amini, M},
title = {Gene expression profiling of antibiotic resistance genes in multidrug-resistant bacteria in Northeast Syria: Evolving challenges in a conflict-affected region.},
journal = {Diagnostic microbiology and infectious disease},
volume = {116},
number = {3},
pages = {117498},
doi = {10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2026.117498},
pmid = {42247751},
issn = {1879-0070},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Conflict-affected regions represent under-characterized reservoirs for antimicrobial resistance (AMR), where healthcare disruption, population displacement, limited diagnostic capacity, and sustained antibiotic exposure may accelerate the emergence and dissemination of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying resistance gene regulation in Syria remain poorly characterized.

METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional quantitative study in hospitals across Northeast Syria between June 2023 and September 2025. A total of 910 patients were screened for bacterial isolation and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Representative multidrug-resistant isolates were subsequently analyzed using RT-qPCR to investigate transcriptional profiles of 273 resistance-associated genes across seven clinically important bacterial pathogens: Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, Citrobacter freundii, and Staphylococcus aureus. Promoter regions of resistance determinants were sequenced to identify regulatory mutations.

RESULTS: Multiple resistance genes, including blaOXA-23, blaVEB-1, blaVIM, rmpA, blaSHV-1, GIM, and strB, demonstrated significantly elevated transcription in resistant isolates, whereas integron-associated genes, cfxA, and fosA showed no significant differences, potentially reflecting local antibiotic prescribing practices. Promoter analyses revealed recurrent base substitutions, notably a triple TG (TGTGTG) motif within the -18 region, consistent with enhanced transcriptional activity.

CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that sustained antibiotic pressure in conflict settings promotes promoter-level regulatory adaptations that enhance resistance gene expression. Such mechanisms may enable the persistence of multidrug resistance independent of ongoing horizontal gene transfer, highlighting the urgent need for context-specific antimicrobial stewardship in fragile healthcare systems.},
}

@article {pmid42247893,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, Z and Huang, J and Li, Y and Cao, F and Gao, X and Lin, Y and Li, Y},
title = {Type VI secretion system: Central regulator of antimicrobial resistance dynamics via indirect mechanisms.},
journal = {Microbiological research},
volume = {311},
number = {},
pages = {128574},
doi = {10.1016/j.micres.2026.128574},
pmid = {42247893},
issn = {1618-0623},
abstract = {Multidrug resistance (MDR) in bacteria poses a significant global threat to public health. Elucidating the core molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying MDR is crucial for developing novel intervention strategies. In Gram-negative bacteria, the phage-derived Type VI Secretion System (T6SS) functions as a versatile "molecular weapon". Beyond its classical role in interbacterial antagonism, T6SS acts as a key indirect regulatory hub for modulating bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in a strain-specific and environment-dependent manner. Although T6SS does not directly participate in the expression of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) or the catalytic activity of AMR-related enzymes, it profoundly influences the development and dissemination of AMR across strains and species through multiple indirect mechanisms. This review systematically analyzes four core T6SS-mediated mechanisms: (1) secretion of AMR-associated effectors and biofilm modulation to establish resistant phenotypes; (2) formation of synergistic regulatory networks with biofilm development, oxidative stress response, efflux pumps, and other secretion systems, which specifically enhances bacterial antibiotic tolerance (distinct from antibiotic resistance phenotypes); (3) acceleration of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of ARGs through natural transformation, plasmid conjugation, and outer membrane vesicle (OMV)-mediated transport; (4) targeted interbacterial killing enabling antimicrobial-resistant strains to overcome colonization resistance, gain ecological advantages, and exacerbate clinical infections. Building on this framework, novel anti-AMR strategies targeting T6SS are outlined, including direct disruption of T6SS assembly and function, interference with upstream regulators (e.g., quorum sensing), optimization of CRISPR-Cas gene editing, and engineered T6SS-targeted delivery platforms. By dissecting the T6SS-driven AMR network and its clinical translational potential, this review provides a foundation for designing next-generation therapies to reverse AMR and block ARG transmission and also discusses existing bottlenecks limiting the clinical translation of T6SS-targeted therapies, while identifying critical future research directions such as deciphering species-specific mechanisms and enhancing targeted delivery efficiency.},
}

@article {pmid42248075,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, Q and Wu, Q and Song, H and Liu, Q and Zou, L and Zhou, Q and Qiu, D and Wu, Z and Xiao, E},
title = {Cracking the trade-off in waste activated sludge valorization: A synergistic engineering framework integrating alkali-activated ammonium persulfate pretreatment for concurrent carbon recovery and antibiotic resistance risk control.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {303},
number = {},
pages = {126226},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2026.126226},
pmid = {42248075},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {Anaerobic fermentation (AF) of waste activated sludge (WAS) for short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) recovery holds significant resource potential. However, the pretreatment-driven enhancement of acidogenesis may inadvertently alter the occurrence and dissemination risks of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), whose net effects and dominant mechanisms remain poorly understood. Therefore, an alkali-activated ammonium persulfate (AP/Alk) pretreatment-AF system was constructed to elucidate ARG fate alongside SCFA promotion. Results showed that AP/Alk achieved a maximal SCFA yield of 5001.8 mg COD/L and increased total ARG abundance by 57.2%, while simultaneously curbing the horizontal gene transfer (HGT) risk of ARGs. Mechanistically, AP/Alk synergy shifted dissolved organic matter (DOM) from lignin-like toward more bioavailable protein/amino-sugar, carbohydrates and lipids. This restructuring favored hydrolytic and acidogenic bacteria, specific lineages of which served as ARG hosts. Crucially, mobile genetic elements (MGEs) decreased by 26.9% alongside widespread downregulation of type IV secretion systems (T4SS), effectively decoupling ARG enrichment from HGT potential. Network analysis and partial least squares path modeling confirmed that DOM restructuring reshaped the microbial community and activated metabolism, creating a cascade effect that promoted SCFA accumulation while driving ARG enrichment primarily via vertical gene transfer (VGT) during host proliferation. Accordingly, a retrofittable engineering route integrating pretreatment, AF, and solid-liquid separation is proposed. Beyond this specific configuration, future system design should shift its objective from maximizing product yield under acceptable risk to achieving the greatest net risk reduction and net resource recovery per unit of carbon footprint or cost, a life-cycle perspective essential for advancing circular and low-carbon wastewater infrastructure.},
}

@article {pmid42248101,
year = {2026},
author = {Xu, Z and Zhang, L and Zhu, D and Zhi, S and Ashbolt, NJ and Li, G and Luo, W and Nghiem, LD},
title = {Optimising composting to reduce plasmid and integrative conjugative element conjugation to minimise antibiotic resistomes in livestock manure for safe organic fertilisation.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {514},
number = {},
pages = {142573},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142573},
pmid = {42248101},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {Antimicrobial resistance is a critical threat to organic fertilizer production from livestock manure by composting. This study provides new insights to the dynamics of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) during composting to propose strategies for their elimination. Results from genome-resolved metagenomics, meta-analysis, and quantitative assessment showed temperature and moisture content as key factors governing ARG dynamics during composting. Although integrative conjugative elements (ICE) could be transferable by some thermophilic bacteria, composting temperature to above 60 °C reduces mobile ARGs driven by plasmid conjugation for elimination. Further controlling moisture content to low than 60% inhibits the secretion of extracellular polymeric substances to restrain ARG rebound by ICE conjugation, particularly at the maturation stage of composting. These results are significantly useful for China, where swine manure accounted for most of livestock manure-derived ARGs (91.5%). Applying findings from this study to optimise the composting of livestock manure could reduce ARG proliferation by up to 59.3% in China.},
}

@article {pmid42248139,
year = {2026},
author = {Yuan, J and Zhang, X and Li, S and Wang, K and Sun, Y and Luo, M and Su, Y and Kou, Q and Liu, C and Yu, Y and Li, R and Wang, L and Li, X and Chu, K and Xiang, J and Li, F},
title = {Deep-sea megafauna co-opts microbial energy metabolism genes to withstand ultra-long starvation.},
journal = {Cell},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.cell.2026.05.012},
pmid = {42248139},
issn = {1097-4172},
abstract = {The deep-sea supergiant isopod is renowned for surviving over 5 years without food, which is a crucial adaptive trait for megafauna inhabiting extreme environments. Here, morphological, physiological, and genomic comparisons of deep-sea isopods reveal a dual adaptive strategy underlying this trait: a distended, food-retentive stomach that enables episodic hyperphagia and a markedly reduced basal metabolic rate (BMR). Notably, central to this adaptation is the ancient horizontal acquisition of the microbial energy metabolism-related gene ND1, which thereafter achieved significant dosage enhancement via post-transfer duplication and ultra-high expression that is specifically regulated by histone acetylation at its promoter. Functional assays in transgenic zebrafish, nematodes, and cell lines demonstrate that ND1 reduces BMR by downregulating endogenous energy-production genes and thus extends starvation survival under cold-induced metabolic suppression. These findings uncover an exceptional evolutionary strategy whereby deep-sea megafauna co-opts and epigenetically optimizes exogenous microbial genes to reconcile the metabolic conflict between energy-demanding gigantism and extreme energy limitation.},
}

@article {pmid42248261,
year = {2026},
author = {Qi, H and Ruan, C and Yuan, MM and Byeon, H and Liao, J and Zhu, L and Yu, P},
title = {Longitudinal transcriptomic insights into microbial aggregation, trophic cooperation, and genomic adaptation during algal-bacterial granular sludge formation.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {135082},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2026.135082},
pmid = {42248261},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {Microbial aggregates such as algal-bacterial granular sludge (ABGS) rely on tightly coordinated microbial interactions to maintain structural stability and functional performance. Despite the significance of co-assembly of phototrophs and heterotrophs in ABGS systems, the ecological and genomic succession during their formation remains poorly understood. Here, time-series multi-omics analysis was conducted to track the dynamic shifts in microbial interactions during ABGS maturation. The granulation process entailed the establishment of extensive cross-phylum nutrient exchange networks between Cyanobacteria and core heterotrophs (e.g., Pseudomonadota and Bacteroidota). Concurrently, metatranscriptomic profiling revealed a significant upregulation of genes associated with biofilm formation (e.g., rpoS, glgC, and cysE) and quorum sensing processes (e.g., yidC and secG) in Cyanobacteria as ABGS stabilized. Furthermore, the spatial densification and metabolic stabilization were accompanied by distinct shifts in community evolutionary strategies: the enrichment of energetically costly antiviral defense systems (R[2] = 0.65, P < 0.05) but decreased frequency of horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Additionally, analyses of public datasets confirmed that these structural, metabolic, and genomic patterns were conserved across diverse structured algal-bacterial communities. Collectively, our findings demonstrate how physical aggregation, trophic cooperation, and genomic adaptation co-evolve during ABGS formation, providing new insights into the ecological principles governing engineered ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid42248870,
year = {2026},
author = {Vasquez, YM and Romero, MF and Bowers, RM and Rohwer, RR and McMahon, KD and Woyke, T and Schulz, F},
title = {Vicennial metagenomic time series unveils evolutionary dynamics of giant viruses in a freshwater ecosystem.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41467-026-73437-x},
pmid = {42248870},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {DE-AC02-05CH11231//DOE | Office of Science (SC)/ ; },
abstract = {Giant viruses play crucial ecological roles in aquatic ecosystems, yet their evolutionary dynamics in response to environmental changes, particularly in freshwater environments, are not well understood. We analyzed a 20-year time series (2000-2019) of 471 co-assembled metagenomes from Lake Mendota (USA) to reconstruct 1512 giant virus metagenome-assembled genomes, providing insights into viral genome evolution. Viruses in the order Imitervirales dominate the virome, remaining consistent across seasons and years. Our findings reveal gene duplication (23% of genes) and horizontal gene transfer (29% of genes) as key drivers of genomic innovation. A co-occurrence network analysis indicates increased virus-host interactions following the introduction of an invasive predatory zooplankton in 2009, highlighting potential hosts in Bigyra, Perkinsea, and Euglenozoa. While single nucleotide polymorphism analysis shows predominantly purifying selection in viral genes, there is a significant increase in positively selected genes post-invasion, particularly those related to infection. Comparative evolutionary analyses reveal that giant viruses exhibit genome-wide substitution rates similar to co-occurring bacteria but significantly slower than smaller dsDNA phages, suggesting both stability and adaptability. Our study demonstrates that freshwater giant viruses employ various evolutionary strategies to respond to environmental change. These results underscore their significant yet often underappreciated role in freshwater ecosystem dynamics.},
}

@article {pmid41666937,
year = {2026},
author = {Vaughan, AL and Glare, TR and Hefer, CA and Hurst, MRH},
title = {Conjugative Transfer of Disease-Encoding Plasmid Variants in Serratia spp. Alter Production of Enzymes and Virulence Properties.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology reports},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {e70292},
pmid = {41666937},
issn = {1758-2229},
support = {//Tertiary Education Commission/ ; },
mesh = {*Serratia/genetics/pathogenicity/enzymology ; *Plasmids/genetics ; Animals ; Virulence ; *Conjugation, Genetic ; Coleoptera/microbiology ; *Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; *Virulence Factors/genetics/metabolism ; New Zealand ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Some strains of Serratia entomophila, S. proteamaculans and S. quinivorans (Enterobacterales: Yersiniaceae) are entomopathogens of the New Zealand pasture pest Costelytra giveni (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). Virulence is encoded by variants of the amber disease-associated plasmid (pADAP), collectively termed Serratia transmissible adaptive megaplasmids (STAMPs), whose diverse insect-active complexes impart hypervirulence to chronic pathotypes. An estimated 40%-60% of New Zealand Serratia are plasmid-free non-virulent conspecifics to STAMP-carrying entomopathogens, implying a complex evolutionary relationship between the plasmid, host and disease. To further define this relationship, plasmids from chronic and hypervirulent pathotypes were conjugated into recipient strains, allowing experimental comparison of virulence relative to donor and naïve strains. Through competitive bioassays and plate-based enzyme assays, transconjugants (strains selectively conjugated with donor plasmids) showed altered enzymatic activity and variable disease phenotypes. Transconjugants were also found to have reduced fitness, outcompeted by naïve plasmid-free and native plasmid-bearing strains within the host and in vitro cultures, suggesting a degree of coevolution. Transcriptomic analysis comparing naïve strains and transconjugants revealed differentially expressed genes associated with virulence, including plasmid-encoded anti-feeding prophage (Afp) genes and chromosomal chitinases and proteases. Results further support that STAMPs have speciated to their host chromosome and that naturally occurring Serratia plasmid-containing isolates have coevolved accordingly.},
}

*Serratia/genetics/pathogenicity/enzymology
*Plasmids/genetics
Animals
Virulence
*Conjugation, Genetic
Coleoptera/microbiology
*Gene Transfer, Horizontal
*Virulence Factors/genetics/metabolism
New Zealand
Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism

@article {pmid42234203,
year = {2026},
author = {Noori Goodarzi, N and Badmasti, F},
title = {Comparative genome analysis of carbapenemase-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa: gene diversity, clonal distribution, and genome dynamics.},
journal = {Molecular genetics and genomics : MGG},
volume = {301},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42234203},
issn = {1617-4623},
abstract = {Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) represents a major health threat due to its extensive resistance to last‑resort antibiotics. Although carbapenemase determinants are key drivers of global CRPA dissemination, comprehensive genomic investigations delineating their chromosomal versus plasmid contexts are sparse. Therefore, in this study we conducted an integrated comparative genomic analysis of P. aeruginosa strains harboring major carbapenemase genes (blaGES, blaKPC, blaSPM, blaNDM, blaVIM, and blaIMP), with a focus on their genomic localization, surrounding genetic architectures, and associated mobility elements. Chromosomes and plasmids carrying carbapenemase genes (retrieved from GenBank through 2025) were systematically characterized for sequence types, genetic environments, co‑occurring antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), and plasmid mobility features using established bioinformatic pipelines. Genetic relatedness of plasmids was inferred via ClustAGE and UPGMA clustering. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was employed to assess clonal relatedness of isolates. Among 398 carbapenemase-carrying genomic fragments, blaVIM, blaKPC, and blaGES were the most prevalent. blaVIM, blaIMP, and blaNDM showed broad geographic distribution. High-risk clones including ST235, ST111, ST233, ST357, ST308, and ST277 were among the most common sequence types. Notably, a minority (10.28%) of carbapenemase-carrying plasmids were predicted to be conjugative or mobilizable. The mex, and opr families, and sul1 were most frequent co-existing ARGs. These findings highlight the dominant role of established high-risk lineages and integrative mobile elements in shaping the epidemiology of resistance. The relatively low frequency of self-transmissible plasmids suggests that horizontal resistance dissemination is likely mediated through a combination of integrative mobile genetic elements and clonal expansion. Our results underscore the necessity for enhanced genomic surveillance strategies that integrate clonal tracking with mobile resistance determinant monitoring to better understand and control the spread of carbapenem resistance.},
}

@article {pmid42234326,
year = {2026},
author = {Mascarenhas, YVC and Felice, AG and Zen, FL and Ceballos, VAS and de Castro Soares, S},
title = {Pangenomics insights of enterococcus faecium human isolates and identification of novel therapeutic targets by in silico subtractive genomics.},
journal = {Brazilian journal of microbiology : [publication of the Brazilian Society for Microbiology]},
volume = {57},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42234326},
issn = {1678-4405},
abstract = {Enterococcus faecium is a Gram-positive bacteria that infects the human gastrointestinal tract and it is a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections, due to its ability to cause various types of infections, such as endocarditis, bacteremia, urinary tract infections, and others, exacerbated by its multidrug resistance, notably to vancomycin. Because they are linked to major infections that are difficult to manage, and also due to the widespread acquisition of resistance genes, management remains difficult. This study employs pangenomic analyses and subtractive genomics to explore genetic diversity and identify novel therapeutic targets across 20 human-derived E. faecium genomes. Phylogenomic analyses revealed four distinct clades, with genomic rearrangements and horizontal gene transfer events underscoring adaptive evolution. Comparative genomics identified 20 pathogenicity islands and 12 resistance islands, alongside pan-resistome profiling highlighting prevalent resistance to aminoglycosides, elfamycins, and glycopeptides (e.g., vancomycin in 14/20 strains). Core genome analyses, filtered for non-human homologs, prioritized cytoplasmic proteins critical for survival. Subtractive genomics predicted five high-confidence drug targets: phosphocarrier protein HPr (metabolic regulation), GNAT family N-acetyltransferase (antibiotic resistance), translation initiation factor IF-1 (protein synthesis), HU family DNA-binding protein (genome stability), and a sugar-binding domain protein (nutrient uptake). Structural modeling identified these targets as druggable with conserved roles in bacterial viability. This integrative approach elucidates E. faecium's genomic plasticity and resistance mechanisms while proposing candidates for targeted therapies, addressing the urgent need for novel interventions against this resilient pathogen.},
}

@article {pmid42234628,
year = {2026},
author = {Adhikari, S and Khanal, S and Adhikari, A},
title = {The livestock drinking water system as an active reservoir for antimicrobial resistance: A systematic review and one health gap analysis.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {21},
number = {6},
pages = {e0349556},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0349556},
pmid = {42234628},
issn = {1932-6203},
abstract = {Livestock drinking water distribution systems represent a critical but understudied interface in the epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance. While engineered for production, these systems frequently function as unintended bioreactors where biofilms protect pathogens and facilitate horizontal gene transfer. Following PRISMA and SWiM guidelines, we systematically searched four databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, AGRIS, PubAg) through November 2025 for primary research on antimicrobial resistance in livestock water biofilms. Eligible studies underwent risk-of-bias assessment using JBI tools. Due to substantial methodological heterogeneity in sampling and assays, data were synthesized narratively to characterize resistance prevalence and reservoir dynamics. The synthesis reveals that DWDS biofilms harbor distinct microbial communities compared to transient planktonic or fecal inputs. Critically, these matrices sustain critical priority traits, including multidrug efflux pumps (adeF) in swine systems, plasmid-mediated colistin (mcr-1 to mcr-5) and carbapenemase (blaNDM) genes. Evidence indicates that standard disinfection protocols often fail to eliminate established biofilms, allowing rapid recolonization by resistant populations within days of treatment. These findings suggest that farm water infrastructure acts as a persistent reservoir for genetic resistance traits, capable of reseeding animal cohorts despite distinct production cycles. We identify a critical surveillance blind spot and conclude that current One Health surveillance strategies should expand beyond bulk water testing to include targeted biofilm sampling. Effective mitigation requires engineering solutions and enzymatic treatments specifically designed to disrupt the protective matrix, thereby closing a significant gap in on-farm biosecurity.},
}

@article {pmid42237383,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, J and Shi, X and Peng, S and Zhang, C and Qiao, S and Yu, H},
title = {Icariin shapes post-withdrawal fecal resistome dynamics in layer hens.},
journal = {Journal of animal science and biotechnology},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42237383},
issn = {1674-9782},
support = {B2024064//Hubei Provincial Department of Education Scientific Research Project/ ; 2025RZ026//Research and Innovation Initiatives of Wuhan Polytechnic University/ ; 202409//Open Fund of Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science/ ; 32402807//Young Scientists Fund of the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: While the livestock industry actively seeks alternatives to antibiotics, residual low-dose exposures continue to drive the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Icariin, a plant-derived compound, is recognized for improving poultry growth and immunity. However, it remains unclear how this compound influences the environmental persistence of ARGs, mobile genetic elements (MGEs), and horizontal gene transfer (HGT) during the vulnerable recovery phase after antibiotic withdrawal.

RESULTS: We designed a two-phase feeding trial with laying hens, using longitudinal metagenomic sequencing to track post-withdrawal resistance dynamics. Following initial exposure to a low-dose antibiotic mixture that established a baseline of elevated resistance, hens received either a basal diet, an icariin-supplemented diet, or a copper sulfate-supplemented diet. The data indicate that icariin supplementation consistently reduced the burdens of both ARGs and MGEs. It also suppressed the potential for HGT and restricted the diversity of microbial hosts harboring these resistance elements. Conversely, copper sulfate-a traditional metal-based additive-exacerbated resistance risks by expanding both the abundance and the host range of ARGs and MGEs. Across all treatments, the population of Escherichia and the prevalent ARG subtype bacA correlated strongly with total resistance loads, tracking the overall resistome burden.

CONCLUSIONS: Compared to conventional copper sulfate treatments, icariin facilitates a safer ecological recovery in the poultry gut by actively lowering ARG and MGE reservoirs after antibiotic withdrawal. These genomic insights, combined with its known physiological benefits, support icariin as a sustainable feed additive. Furthermore, the Escherichia-bacA correlation provides a reliable, streamlined indicator for monitoring resistance risks in farm environments. However, as these findings rely on short-term fecal metagenomic tracking, further validation through multi-environment studies is warranted.},
}

@article {pmid42119293,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, H and Xu, Y and Lin, T and Hu, C and Yang, Z and Su, H},
title = {Overwintering waterbirds are important reservoirs for the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs): Shared patterns at the waterbird-environment interface and the risk of horizontal transfer.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {512},
number = {},
pages = {142298},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142298},
pmid = {42119293},
issn = {1873-3336},
mesh = {Animals ; *Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; *Drug Resistance, Microbial/genetics ; *Birds/microbiology ; Seasons ; *Genes, Bacterial ; China ; Wetlands ; Ecosystem ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics ; },
abstract = {The global spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) has become a critical challenge to public health. Long-distance migratory waterbirds are recognized as important biological vectors in the transregional spread of ARGs. However, the sharing patterns of ARGs and the horizontal transfer risks between these birds and their habitats during the wintering period remain poorly understood. This limits a comprehensive understanding of their role in ARG transmission. This study investigated a typical wintering wetland in southwestern China along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, using metagenomic approaches to systematically characterize the distribution patterns, sharing profiles, and horizontal transfer risks of ARGs in the guts of overwintering waterbirds and their associated aquatic and terrestrial habitats. The results show that multidrug resistance genes are the predominant type of resistance observed both in the guts of overwintering waterbirds and in their habitats. Extensive sharing of ARGs occurs between the guts of overwintering waterbirds and their habitats, with approximately 50% of the 1250 identified ARG subtypes shared by both. We detected 55 high-risk ARG subtypes belonging to 10 resistance categories. Among these, β-lactam resistance genes (e.g., blaNDM-5 and blaCTX-M-15) were the predominant types. In addition, the co-localization of ARGs with mobile genetic elements (MGEs) (e.g., transposons and plasmids) suggests that the gut of waterbirds and aquatic environments may represent potential hotspots for horizontal transfer of ARGs. This study highlights the high connectivity of ARGs between overwintering waterbirds and their habitats, offering important insights into ecological and public health risks related to ARG spread.},
}

Animals
*Gene Transfer, Horizontal
*Drug Resistance, Microbial/genetics
*Birds/microbiology
Seasons
*Genes, Bacterial
China
Wetlands
Ecosystem
*Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics

@article {pmid42228244,
year = {2026},
author = {Kumar, D and S, AT and Hijam, RS and Pranay, and Kumar, V},
title = {Soil microorganisms in the age of plastic pollution: effects of micro- and nano-plastics on soil health.},
journal = {Environmental science and pollution research international},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42228244},
issn = {1614-7499},
abstract = {Micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) are emerging contaminants in soil ecosystems that influence microbial communities and key ecological processes through complex physicochemical and biological interactions. This review synthesizes current knowledge on MNP-microbe interactions, highlighting the central role of the eco-corona, which governs particle bioavailability and mediates interactions with microbial cells in realistic soil environments. At the nanoscale, MNPs exhibit distinct molecular mechanisms, including surface charge-driven interactions, hydrophobic insertion into lipid bilayers, and cellular internalization, leading to oxidative stress and membrane disruption. The formation of plastisphere biofilms is identified as a critical factor shaping microbial community dynamics and acting as a hotspot for antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) enrichment and horizontal gene transfer (HGT). In addition, the impacts of weathered plastics, additive leaching, and co-contaminant transport are discussed in relation to their enhanced ecological risks. The review also adopts a critical perspective on microbial degradation, distinguishing superficial surface modifications from true biodegradation involving polymer depolymerization and mineralization, and highlights the limited evidence for effective degradation of conventional plastics. Despite recent advances, significant knowledge gaps remain regarding long-term environmental behavior, standardized analytical approaches, and realistic soil conditions, underscoring the need for more integrated and mechanistic research to better understand the ecological implications of MNP contamination.},
}

@article {pmid42228528,
year = {2026},
author = {Lippegaus, A and Haycocks, JRJ and O'Driscoll, E and Sprenger, M and Thriene, K and Jung, EM and Siemers, M and Krautwurst, S and Grainger, DC and Papenfort, K},
title = {A 3'UTR-derived small RNA modulates the life cycle of the cholera toxin-encoding filamentous phage, CTXϕ.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {123},
number = {23},
pages = {e2535142123},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2535142123},
pmid = {42228528},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {CRC1127-3 - Project-ID 239748522//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)/ ; EXC 2051 - Project-ID 390713860//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)/ ; CoG-101088027//EC | Horizon Europe | Excellent Science | HORIZON EUROPE European Research Council (ERC)/ ; },
mesh = {*Vibrio cholerae/virology/genetics ; *Cholera Toxin/genetics/metabolism ; *3' Untranslated Regions/genetics ; *Inovirus/genetics ; *RNA, Small Untranslated/genetics/metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; },
abstract = {Bacteriophages (phages) are well known to be one of the major driving forces in bacterial evolution. This also applies to virulent microorganisms, such as the major human pathogen Vibrio cholerae, whose pathogenic potential and epidemic proliferation largely depends on the interaction with environmental phages. Specifically, integration of the CTXϕ phage genome into the first chromosome of V. cholerae also introduced the ctxAB genes, encoding the primary toxin responsible for the severe acute diarrheal disease, cholera. Whereas the mechanisms underlying CTXϕ-associated horizontal gene transfer and transcriptional control of the ctxAB genes have been intensively studied over the past years, posttranscriptional regulation affecting the CTXϕ life cycle has not been documented. Here, we report the identification and characterization of the CisR small RNA (sRNA) that is produced from the 3'UTR (untranslated region) of the prtV gene and inhibits the expression of the CTXϕ-encoded cep mRNA. CisR-mediated repression of cep involves Hfq-assisted base-pairing of the two transcripts and results in reduced CTXϕ production under stress conditions. We further demonstrate that transcription of prtV-cisR requires both the master quorum-sensing regulator HapR and CRP (cAMP receptor protein), a global regulator of carbon metabolism. Taken together, our work provides evidence that V. cholerae employs sRNA-mediated posttranscriptional gene regulation to coordinate CTXϕ activation with both cell density and nutrient availability.},
}

*Vibrio cholerae/virology/genetics
*Cholera Toxin/genetics/metabolism
*3' Untranslated Regions/genetics
*Inovirus/genetics
*RNA, Small Untranslated/genetics/metabolism
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial

@article {pmid42230304,
year = {2026},
author = {Breeze, B and Babiker, A and Konda, S and Robinson, AL and Green, SJ and Babbs, CC and Cunha, F and Shen, KY and Hammond, IS and Fritz, SA and Logan, LK},
title = {Role of Households with Children in Community Spread of Multidrug-Resistant Enterobacterales, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.},
journal = {Emerging infectious diseases},
volume = {32},
number = {6},
pages = {914-924},
doi = {10.3201/eid3206.251655},
pmid = {42230304},
issn = {1080-6059},
abstract = {Community-acquired multidrug-resistant (MDR) Enterobacterales bacteria are an increasing public health concern, yet whether households play a role in community spread remains unclear. We investigated 150 households with children in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, for MDR Enterobacterales. We cultured swab specimens from household members and environmental surfaces for identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. We also performed whole-genome sequencing in the 53 (35%) households where >1 MDR Enterobacterales species were recovered. Enterobacter hormaechei predominated, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pantoea species. Whole-genome sequencing revealed closely related strains shared between persons and environmental surfaces, suggesting potential intra-household transmission. We identified >1 horizontal gene transfer event between Enterobacterales genera within a household. On multivariable analysis, households that had children attending daycare, a member with an ADHD diagnosis, and dog ownership were associated with increased odds of household MDR Enterobacterales colonization. Households likely serve as major contributors in acquisition and community spread of MDR Enterobacterales.},
}

@article {pmid42231155,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, M and Wang, J and Wang, C and Liu, C and Chen, J and Liang, Y and Liu, J and Yang, C and Yin, Z and Zhou, C and Mu, H and Du, Y},
title = {Pan-genome insights into genetic diversity, evolutionary dynamics, and pathogenic traits of Staphylococcus agnetis.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12864-026-13008-y},
pmid = {42231155},
issn = {1471-2164},
support = {TJYXZDXK-3-026C//Tianjin Key Medical Discipline (Specialty) Construction Project/ ; A202304//Chinese Pharmacists Association Commissioned research project/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND STAPHYLOCOCCUS AGNETIS: is an emerging pathogen primarily associated with bovine mastitis and avian lameness. Despite increasing reports of its occurrence across animal hosts, its genomic diversity and the distribution of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and virulence-associated genes remain insufficiently characterized. RESULTS: The species S. agnetis possesses an open pan-genome, dominated by cloud gene families enriched in defense mechanisms and genomic plasticity, consistent with gene flux. Evolutionary reconstruction indicated that purifying selection and gene loss are the main signatures of evolutionary dynamics in the S. agnetis pan-genome, with extensive gene loss particularly affecting cell wall biogenesis functions. Notably, significant gene gain events were observed at early-diverging internal nodes of the phylogeny, suggesting that gene acquisition occurred during the early diversification of S. agnetis. AMR profiling identified a limited repertoire of AMR genes. However, the detection of a plasmid-borne AMR gene and the distribution of plasmids highlight the potential for plasmid-mediated dissemination of AMR in S. agnetis. Virulence profiling identified 28 chromosomally located putative virulence-related genes, predominantly homologous to S. aureus, including core adherence factors and sporadically distributed enterotoxin homologs suggestive of acquisition via horizontal gene transfer (HGT). CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, this study provides comprehensive insights into the genomic diversification of S. agnetis and highlights its emerging AMR traits and putative virulence potential in animal-associated settings.},
}

@article {pmid42232210,
year = {2026},
author = {Udawatte, NS and Liu, C and Staples, R and Han, P and Kumar, PS and Arumugam, TV and Ivanovski, S and Seneviratne, CJ},
title = {Transient restructuring of the active oral resistome during probiotic Streptococcus salivarius K12 colonization in a 3D polymicrobial biofilm model.},
journal = {Journal of oral microbiology},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {2680793},
pmid = {42232210},
issn = {2000-2297},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The oral cavity harbours a complex and transcriptionally active antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) reservoir shaped by polymicrobial biofilm ecology. Whether probiotic-mediated ecological modulation can remodel the active resistome without promoting horizontal gene transfer remains poorly understood.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of Streptococcus salivarius K12 (Ssk12) colonisation on active resistome dynamics within saliva derived polymicrobial biofilms and determine whether probiotic driven ecological restructuring transiently alters resistance-associated transcriptional signatures.

DESIGN: Saliva-derived polymicrobial biofilms were established on three-dimensional melt electrowritten poly(ε-caprolactone) (MEW-mPCL) scaffolds and exposed to Ssk12. Metatranscriptomic profiling was performed across four time points (Baseline, Day 4, Day 7, and Day 10), complemented by quantitative PCR validation and ARG-mobile genetic element (MGE) co-localisation analysis to characterise resistome restructuring during probiotic colonisation and decolonisation.

RESULTS: Baseline biofilms contained 27 ARGs spanning 16 antibiotic classes, predominantly ermB, tet(M), and tet(W). During peak Ssk12 colonisation (Days 4-7), total ARG abundance declined to approximately 17% of baseline levels, with marked reductions in efflux-associated and β-lactam/fluoroquinolone resistance-associated transcripts. Partial resistome recovery occurred by Day 10 (~32% of baseline), indicating reversible ecological modulation rather than permanent dysbiotic restructuring. ARG dynamics were primarily reshaped by ARG-bearing taxa rather than enrichment of high-confidence putatively mobile resistance determinants.

CONCLUSIONS: S. salivarius K12 transiently remodelled the transcriptionally active oral resistome within structured polymicrobial biofilms without evidence of enhanced putative horizontal resistance gene mobilisation. These findings support a proof-of-concept model in which probiotic driven ecological restructuring may create a transient resistome state potentially associated with altered responsiveness to selected antibiotic classes.},
}

@article {pmid42233672,
year = {2026},
author = {Wu, K and Chen, W and Fan, C and Lu, X and Zhang, B and Miao, M},
title = {Bacterial domain fusion drives biomineralization innovation in Colepidae ciliates.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0365425},
doi = {10.1128/mbio.03654-25},
pmid = {42233672},
issn = {2150-7511},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Mineralized external structures have evolved independently across unicellular eukaryotes. Within the phylum Ciliophora, this trait's restriction to the family Colepidae makes it an ideal model for dissecting the genomic basis of this innovation. Here, we assembled high-quality macronuclear genomes for three Colepidae species (Coleps hirtus, Levicoleps biwae, and Coleps viridis), and uncovered a marked expansion of gene families implicated in calcium carbonate biomineralization. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that a novel aldo-keto reductase (Aldo) domain was horizontally transferred from bacteria to the Colepidae lineage. This domain was incorporated into a novel fusion protein exclusive to Colepidae, where the N-terminal Aldo domain is fused to a canonical carbonic anhydrase (Carb) catalytic domain. RNA interference shows that Carb::Aldo is required for calcified armor and normal physiology. Together, these findings reveal a previously underappreciated evolutionary route to complex phenotypes in eukaryotes, mediated by bacterial domain fusion and gene-family expansion. This work highlights that subgene-scale horizontal gene transfer (HGT) from bacteria may be an overlooked mechanism driving the evolution of eukaryotic complexity.

IMPORTANCE: Biomineralization is a key ecological trait, yet its genomic basis in early-branching eukaryotes remains largely elusive. Here, we establish the ciliate family Colepidae as a tractable genomic model for studying calcium carbonate biomineralization. We reveal that the emergence of their calcified armor coincides with a massive expansion of biomineralization-related gene families and a highly unusual subgene-scale horizontal gene transfer from bacteria. We functionally validated that a novel fusion protein, which combines a co-opted bacterial domain with a eukaryotic catalytic domain, is strictly required for armor synthesis. This study not only illuminates the molecular machinery of ciliate biomineralization but also profoundly reshapes our understanding of evolutionary innovation, demonstrating how the hijacking and repurposing of bacterial genetic fragments can orchestrate complex structural adaptations in eukaryotes.},
}

@article {pmid42233853,
year = {2026},
author = {Cai, TG and Lin, D and Ma, LJ and Wang, YN and Ni, B and Ye, M and Wang, YF and Zhu, D},
title = {Drought Amplifies Degradable Microplastic Diversity Effects on Soil Bacterial and Viral Ecology.},
journal = {Environmental science & technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.est.6c01941},
pmid = {42233853},
issn = {1520-5851},
abstract = {Microplastic (MP) contamination and drought are pervasive global stressors threatening soil ecosystem stability. Yet, the combined effects of MP diversity and drought on soil microbial and viral ecology remain largely unexplored. Here, we conducted a controlled microcosm experiment to examine how increasing MP diversity (0, 1, 3, and 5 types) influences soil bacterial and viral communities, biogeochemical cycling, and ecological risk under drought stress. Degradable MPs exerted stronger effects than nondegradable MPs, altering microbial composition and functional gene profiles. Compared to adequate moisture, drought significantly altered the composition of bacterial and viral communities, enhanced the abundance of functional genes related to carbon and nitrogen fixation, and elevated the prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and virulence factor genes (VFGs) as the diversity of degradable MPs increased. In response to the increasing diversity of degradable MPs under drought, viral communities exhibited an increased abundance of auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs) and a higher prevalence of lysogenic lifestyles as an adaptive strategy to environmental stress. Rhizobacter, a key host lacking annotated antiviral defense systems, carried abundant ARGs and VFGs and showed strong positive associations with viral abundance, which suggests it may serve as a crucial hotspot for horizontal gene transfer. These findings reveal that increasing diversity of degradable MPs under drought altered microbial composition, potentially accelerated nutrient turnover, and amplified ecological risks, emphasizing the need to consider multistressor interactions in environmental risk assessments.},
}

@article {pmid42224759,
year = {2026},
author = {Xu, M and Qi, S and Yu, X and Han, S and Xiao, R and Guo, J and Wang, C and Zhu, N and Lu, H},
title = {Resistome risks of biological wastewater treatment communities: A global dataset of activated sludge, anaerobic digestion, and anammox.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {514},
number = {},
pages = {142561},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142561},
pmid = {42224759},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {Activated sludge (AS), anaerobic digestion (AD), and anammox (AMX) systems are widely used for wastewater treatment. Their microbial communities harbor resistomes, including but not limited to antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and metal resistance genes (MRGs), which may pose potential risks to human and ecological health if they are mobilized or transferred to pathogenic hosts. However, cross-process comparisons of resistome risks are limited at a global scale. This study analyzed 225 metagenomic datasets (210 public: 70 each for AS, AD, AMX; plus 15 in-house AMX) to assess resistome risks and identified key influential factors. Overall, within the constraints of current data availability, North America, Europe and Asia systems exhibited comparable risk levels. AD systems exhibited more than 2-fold higher human health resistome risks (potentials for human pathogens of acute resistance concern to acquire ARGs) than AS and AMX systems. Mesophilic and co-digestion AD systems posed 30-90% higher risks than thermophilic and mono-digestion systems with higher abundance of pathogens, ARGs, and MRGs. AMX systems, otherwise, showed higher ecological resistome risks (overall mobility of ARGs/MRGs and potentials for pathogen acquisition) than AS and AD. The conservative AMX communities contained core taxa that harbor 19.8% more ARGs/MRGs per genome and exhibit 31.4% higher horizontal gene transfer potential than non-core taxa. Key operating factors influencing resistome risks included temperature for AD, and organic loading, influent antibiotics and heavy metals for AMX. These findings provide insights into future wastewater treatment towards improved efficacy and reduced resistome risks.},
}

@article {pmid42224776,
year = {2026},
author = {Menezes, J and Chambino, I and Belas, A},
title = {Silent carriage of mcr-9 on IncHI2 plasmid in an Enterobacter hormaechei strain causing a urinary tract infection in a dog from Portugal.},
journal = {Veterinary microbiology},
volume = {320},
number = {},
pages = {111104},
doi = {10.1016/j.vetmic.2026.111104},
pmid = {42224776},
issn = {1873-2542},
abstract = {The emergence of plasmid-mediated colistin resistance genes (mcr genes) poses a major threat to public health. Among these, the mcr-9 gene is frequently detected without conferring phenotypic resistance. An mcr-9-positive Enterobacter hormaechei isolated from a canine urinary tract infection in Portugal was characterized by whole-genome sequencing, revealing a multidrug-resistant IncHI2 plasmid carrying the mcr-9 gene. This plasmid showed structural similarity to other publicly available plasmid sequences from human and animal sources worldwide. The strain harbored a conserved genetic region composed of the nickel/copper-associated operon rcnR-rcnA-pcoE-ISSgsp1-pcoS-IS903-mcr-9-wbuC, which is involved in metal homeostasis and copper tolerance under anaerobic conditions. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed colistin susceptibility. Notably, the regulatory genes qseC and qseB, which have been implicated in the activation of mcr-9 expression, were absent, potentially explaining this phenotype. These findings highlight the silent dissemination potential of mcr-9 in companion animals and reinforce the importance of genomic surveillance under a One Health framework.},
}

@article {pmid42225063,
year = {2026},
author = {Schmidt, H and Raphael, BJ},
title = {The tree labeling polytope: A unified approach to ancestral reconstruction problems.},
journal = {Cell systems},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {101615},
doi = {10.1016/j.cels.2026.101615},
pmid = {42225063},
issn = {2405-4720},
abstract = {A common problem in phylogeny is to reconstruct the ancestral states of a feature measured at the present time. The classic Fitch-Hartigan and Sankoff algorithms compute the most parsimonious or most likely reconstruction. However, these approaches do not readily extend to structured ancestral reconstruction problems, such as those encountered when inferring the routes of metastases in cancer, deriving the transmission history of viruses, or detecting horizontal gene transfer in phylogenetic networks. We develop a combinatorial optimization approach to ancestral reconstruction problems based on the tree-labeling polytope, a geometric object whose vertices represent the ancestral labelings of a tree. We derive algorithms for three structured ancestral reconstruction problems: parsimonious migration history, softwired small parsimony, and convex recoloring. We apply these algorithms to analyze routes of metastasis in a mouse model of lung adenocarcinoma using lineage-tracing data from thousands of single cells.},
}

@article {pmid42227959,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhou, Y and Mu, H and Nie, X and Gao, Y and Wang, H and Fang, L and Luan, T and Ganmanee, M and Qiu, JW and Sun, J and Ip, JC},
title = {Two Routes to Land: Genomic Underpinnings of Parallel Aerial Egg Deposition in Aquatic Old-World Pila and New-World Pomacea (Ampullariidae).},
journal = {Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e22371},
doi = {10.1002/advs.202522371},
pmid = {42227959},
issn = {2198-3844},
support = {2022YFC2601302//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; tsqn202103036//Young Taishan Scholars Program of Shandong Province/ ; 23100224//Research Grants Council (HKSAR)'s Early Career Scheme/ ; 12102623//General Research Fund/ ; 13100725//General Research Fund/ ; },
abstract = {The evolution of aerial oviposition in Old-World Pila and New-World Pomacea apple snails-diverged since the Gondwanan breakup-offers a powerful model for probing genomic adaptations underpinning key evolutionary innovations. We generate a chromosomal-level genome for Pila celebensis and a scaffold-level genome for Pila pesmei, revealing a genus-specific doubling in genome size driven by transposable element expansions. Analyses of macrosynteny and topologically associating domains (TAD) identified lineage-specific chromosomal rearrangements associated with positive selection in gene blocks enriched for environmental sensing, metabolism, and stress response. Breakpoints in aerial egg layers preferentially are localized within TADs, suggesting convergent rewiring of gene regulation. Gene family evolution revealed parallel expansions in cellulases, β-D-xylosidases, and immune genes, alongside convergent positive selection in aquaporins critical for aerial osmoregulation. Perivitelline fluid (PVF) proteomics uncovered the central role of PVF1, likely acquired via ancient horizontal gene transfer (HGT) from viruses in the Ampullariidae ancestor in the Jurassic. Subsequent duplications enabled lineage-specific adaptation; PVF1 in aerial eggs shows parallel increases in hydrophobicity and aromatic residues (notably phenylalanine), enhancing desiccation resistance. Collectively, these convergent genomic mechanisms-structural rearrangement, gene family dynamics, and HGT-driven innovation-underpin the independent evolution of aerial oviposition in Pila and Pomacea, providing a multi-layered blueprint for understanding key ecological transitions.},
}

@article {pmid41501627,
year = {2026},
author = {Xia, P and Wu, H and Chen, W and Tian, R and Yang, M and Xu, S and Zhang, C and Zeng, T and Xia, L},
title = {Genomic analysis of Enterococcus faecium co-carrying optrA and poxtA from a swine farm: dissemination across the human-animal-environment interface.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {125},
pmid = {41501627},
issn = {1471-2180},
support = {No. 32360910//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; No.: 2023SNGGGCC008//Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region "Tianshan Talents" Cultivation Program-"Three Rural" Key Talent Development Project/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Enterococcus faecium/genetics/drug effects/isolation & purification/classification ; Swine/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; Humans ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; *Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/genetics ; Farms ; Whole Genome Sequencing ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; *Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections/microbiology/veterinary/transmission ; Genome, Bacterial ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; Plasmids/genetics ; Thiamphenicol/pharmacology/analogs & derivatives ; Genomics ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics ; Linezolid/pharmacology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The transferable resistance genes optrA and poxtA mediate cross-resistance to florfenicol and linezolid, posing serious challenges to both veterinary and human healthcare. Swine farms serve as critical ecological niches for the development and dissemination of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium) strains. However, the mechanisms by which E. faecium harboring optrA and poxtA disseminates and persists across the human-animal-environment interface remain unclear.

RESULTS: In this study, 61 multidrug-resistant E. faecium isolates carrying optrA and/or poxtA were recovered from swine, farm workers, and surrounding environments. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, conjugation assays, whole-genome sequencing, and phylogenomic analysis were performed. The predominant resistance genes were optrA (78.7%), poxtA (28.5%), and fexA (74.9%). Phylogenetic analysis of 18 representative isolates identified six distinct clades, including a novel sequence type (ST2514) shared across all three sources, suggesting potential inter-host transmission. One representative strain (RX23) harbored optrA and poxtA on two distinct multi-replicon plasmids. Experimental exposure to florfenicol increased plasmid stability (> 90% retention) and resistance levels (2-4-fold MIC elevation), indicating adaptive persistence under antibiotic pressure. Although co-transfer imposed an initial fitness cost, this burden was mitigated over serial passages, enabling long-term plasmid retention.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide evidence that both plasmid-mediated transfer and ecological selection contribute to the dissemination and persistence of optrA/poxtA-positive E. faecium in swine farms. The presence of shared lineages across humans, animals, and environmental niches highlights a potential public health threat. Integrated surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship under the One Health framework are essential to prevent further dissemination along the food production chain.},
}

Animals
*Enterococcus faecium/genetics/drug effects/isolation & purification/classification
Swine/microbiology
Phylogeny
Humans
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
*Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/genetics
Farms
Whole Genome Sequencing
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
*Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections/microbiology/veterinary/transmission
Genome, Bacterial
Gene Transfer, Horizontal
Plasmids/genetics
Thiamphenicol/pharmacology/analogs & derivatives
Genomics
Bacterial Proteins/genetics
Linezolid/pharmacology

@article {pmid42215376,
year = {2026},
author = {Kiguchi, Y and Suzuki, Y},
title = {Giants within: a new class of microbial mobile elements.},
journal = {Trends in genetics : TIG},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.tig.2026.05.004},
pmid = {42215376},
issn = {0168-9525},
abstract = {Prokaryotes harbor a diverse spectrum of extrachromosomal elements (ECEs), which are intracellular replicons maintained independently of the primary chromosome. Historically, the ECE research field has focused on relatively small ECEs, such as plasmids. However, the advent of long-read sequencing has revealed that prokaryotes also harbor various types of giant ECEs, spanning hundreds of kilobases to over 1 Mb, that were not hitherto recognized. In this review, we describe how long-read sequencing has enabled the discovery of giant ECEs and compare the genetic architectures and functional repertoires of several recently characterized examples. The functions of most genes in these ECEs remain uncharacterized, and current computational tools frequently misclassify or overlook them. We further discuss how the discovery of these giant ECEs challenges existing classification frameworks that attempt to distinguish megaplasmids, chromids, and chromosomes. Together, these findings highlight giant ECEs as a largely unexplored layer of microbial genetics, whose characterization will have broad implications for our understanding of microbial adaptation and horizontal gene transfer.},
}

@article {pmid42217234,
year = {2026},
author = {Touati, A and Boufahja, F and Touaitia, R and Khezami, L and Idres, T and Grenni, P},
title = {Inhibiting horizontal gene transfer to contain antimicrobial resistance: conjugation and plasmid maintenance as druggable targets.},
journal = {Expert review of anti-infective therapy},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1080/14787210.2026.2683605},
pmid = {42217234},
issn = {1744-8336},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is propelled by horizontal gene transfer (HGT), with conjugative plasmids enabling rapid, cross-species spread and stable carriage of resistance. Interventions that reduce plasmid transmission or persistence can complement bactericidal therapies and infection-control programs.

AREAS COVERED: We review druggable vulnerabilities in conjugation (mating-pair formation, type IV secretion/ATPase motors, coupling proteins, and relaxosome functions) and in plasmid maintenance (replication, partition, and toxin - antitoxin enforcement). The review is grounded in a narrative search of recent mechanistic, ecological, and in vivo literature. We cover biological antagonists (exclusion, fertility inhibition, and host defenses), chemical and metabolic inhibitors, and genetic strategies that repress transfer functions or selectively eliminate resistance elements.

EXPERT OPINION: HGT inhibition is moving from proof-of-concept to actionable containment, but progress depends on mechanism-confirmed leads, standardized transfer metrics, plasmid confirmation, and safety evaluation in complex microbiomes and environments. Near-term impact is most likely as an adjunct to stewardship and infection prevention, aiming to reduce new acquisition and shorten carriage of high-risk resistance plasmids.},
}

@article {pmid42218921,
year = {2026},
author = {Guo, F and Fu, W and Topalović, O and Zhang, Q and Li, K and Li, H and Qing, X},
title = {Genomic insights into nematode microbiomes reveal novel endosymbionts Rickettsiella.},
journal = {Molecular phylogenetics and evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108650},
doi = {10.1016/j.ympev.2026.108650},
pmid = {42218921},
issn = {1095-9513},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Bacterial endosymbionts are key drivers of invertebrate ecology and evolution. While the diversity and functional role of the nematode microbiome remain poorly explored.

METHODOLOGY: We reconstructed and characterized 108 metagenome-assembled genomes from 10 published and 15 newly sequenced nematode genomes.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We report the first evidence of Rickettsiella in nematodes and discovered novel endosymbionts Cardinium and Wolbachia in plant-parasitic nematodes. The nematode microbiome is enriched with genes for carbohydrate metabolism and the biosynthesis of essential amino acids and vitamins, indicating a potential primary role in host nutrition. Notably, mobile genetic elements like prophages and insertion sequences (IS) are widespread and carry passenger genes involved in vitamin biosynthesis, suggesting horizontal gene transfer facilitates metabolic adaptation. Genomic reduction in the nematode Rickettsiella lineage, reveals extensive gene loss, particularly in amino acid biosynthesis. Crucially, we find no evidence of purifying selection on its residual nutritional pathways, and thus cannot clearly support a mutualistic role for this association.

CONCLUSION: Our findings expand the known host range of major endosymbiont groups and reveal a spectrum of symbiotic relationships in nematodes, from putative mutualism driven by nutritional supplementation to associations with neutral or parasitic traits, shaped by pervasive horizontal gene transfer and reductive genome evolution.},
}

@article {pmid42221499,
year = {2026},
author = {Chang, N and Li, N and Li, W and Xue, J and Zheng, Y and Zhao, C and Zhang, S and Zhang, Y and Yin, G and Bao, M and Shen, W},
title = {Control efficacy and groundwater risk of antibiotic resistance genes in semi-arid landfill leachate treatment: seasonal insights and engineering implications.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1807935},
pmid = {42221499},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Landfill leachate is a critical reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and mobile genetic elements (MGEs), posing prominent risks to groundwater, especially in semi-arid regions. This study focused on the performance of landfill leachate treatment system in Hohhot (Inner Mongolia, semi-arid region), investigating the seasonal variation across three seasons (spring, summer, and autumn), migration characteristics, and control effect of ARGs/MGEs through process optimization-oriented monitoring. Metagenomic sequencing was employed to analyze four key matrices (raw leachate, ultrafiltration effluent, treated leachate, and adjacent groundwater) across three seasons. The treatment system achieved efficient removal of conventional pollutants but failed to eliminate ARGs, MGEs, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Instead, it enriched high-risk hosts (e.g., Pseudomonas_E) and transposases (e.g., tnpA), exacerbating horizontal gene transfer potential. ARGs abundance showed pronounced peaks in summer and autumn among the sampled seasons. Notably, the resistome profile of treated leachate was highly similar to that of groundwater, indicating incomplete ARG containment and hydrological connectivity between the treatment system and groundwater. A dual-track health-environmental risk framework was applied to the detected ARG subtypes, revealing that overall risk burden was concentrated in a small set of high-priority determinants. The top contributors were dominated by mobility- and co-selection-linked markers (intI1, tnpA, IS6100, IS26, and qacE△1) together with clinically relevant resistance genes (sul1, aacA, and aadA), underscoring the coupling between resistance functions and genetic mobility in the leachate-groundwater continuum. Collectively, these findings indicate that semi-arid landfill systems can act as both sinks and sources of high-risk resistance determinants, and they highlight the need to integrate ARGs/MGEs-targeted treatment upgrades, seasonally adaptive operational strategies, and risk-based dual-track monitoring into leachate management. This study therefore provides actionable engineering insights for optimizing leachate treatment performance and mitigating cross-media contamination in water-scarce environments.},
}

@article {pmid42223530,
year = {2026},
author = {Pokharel, SK and Walsh, S and Shehata, N and Ahearne, A and Belin, D and Larson, B and Tabor, B and Wall, D and Stevens, DC},
title = {Predator avoidance promotes inter-bacterial symbiosis with myxobacteria in polymicrobial communities.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ismejo/wrag140},
pmid = {42223530},
issn = {1751-7370},
abstract = {Myxobacteria are predatory soil bacteria with the largest known bacterial genomes, rich in biosynthetic gene clusters for specialized metabolites. Despite their ecological importance as potential keystone taxa in soil food webs, there is a disconnect between laboratory-isolated myxobacteria and abundant Myxococcota detected in environmental metagenomic studies. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of stable myxobacterial swarm consortia from rhizospheric soil, consisting of myxobacteria associated with novel Microvirga species. Using metagenomic sequencing, we assembled metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) for four consortia, revealing phylogenetically distinct yet stably associated bacterial partnerships. Comparative genomics identified evidence of horizontal gene transfer, including acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) synthases and ankyrin repeat (ANKYR) proteins shared between consortium members, and genome-scale metabolic modeling predicted complementary auxotrophies. Time-lapse microscopy revealed that Archangium exhibited reduced predation toward its Microvirga companion (0.7% predation rate) compared to non-symbiotic Myxococcus xanthus (14.9% predation rate) but maintained robust predatory capacity against Escherichia coli prey. These findings indicate that predation avoidance and metabolic complementarity can drive stable inter-bacterial symbiosis in predatory myxobacterial communities, providing foundational insights into previously overlooked myxobacterial partnerships that may be prevalent in natural soil ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid42223704,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, L and Wang, Q and Wang, GY and Wang, HT},
title = {Marine microorganisms as probiotics in the aquaculture of sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus).},
journal = {Antonie van Leeuwenhoek},
volume = {119},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {42223704},
issn = {1572-9699},
support = {no. 2019KYCXJJYB15//Research Innovation Foundation in Harbin Institute of Technology at Weihai/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Probiotics ; *Aquaculture/methods ; *Sea Cucumbers/microbiology/growth & development ; Seawater/microbiology ; *Stichopus/microbiology/growth & development ; Disease Resistance ; },
abstract = {Marine microorganisms have been used as probiotics to improve the growth performance and disease resistance of sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) in laboratories and culture ponds. Considering the importance of probiotics in sea cucumber aquaculture, the selection of appropriate probiotics to improve growth performance and disease resistance requires further research. Studies on the sources and diversity of probiotics as well as their methods of use, mechanisms of action, and effects on sea cucumber growth, disease resistance, intestinal microbial composition, and seawater quality from 2010 to 2026 were reviewed. In total, 56 strains of microorganisms isolated from seawater, sediments, sea cucumbers, and other marine animals have been used as probiotics in sea cucumber aquaculture. These microbial strains have been used in the aquaculture of sea cucumbers as mono- and multi-species probiotics. Probiotics improve the growth performance of sea cucumbers by enhancing digestive enzyme activity and altering intestinal morphology. Furthermore, probiotics strengthen the resistance of sea cucumbers to specific pathogens by inhibiting pathogen growth, enhancing nonspecific immunity, and increasing the expression of immunity-related genes. In addition, probiotics improve seawater quality by breaking down organic pollutants, reducing harmful substance concentrations, and inhibiting pathogen growth. This review critically evaluates the safety implications of probiotics, with a focus on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) risks arising from horizontal gene transfer. This review provides important insights for improving our understanding of the performance and applications of probiotics in sustainable sea cucumber aquaculture.},
}

Animals
*Probiotics
*Aquaculture/methods
*Sea Cucumbers/microbiology/growth & development
Seawater/microbiology
*Stichopus/microbiology/growth & development
Disease Resistance

@article {pmid42214309,
year = {2026},
author = {Guo, N and Chen, J and Lei, Z and Qu, L and Xie, W and Yin, K and Yang, Y},
title = {Evidence for the connectivity of antibiotic resistance genes between seamount and coastal environments.},
journal = {Ecotoxicology and environmental safety},
volume = {319},
number = {},
pages = {120325},
doi = {10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.120325},
pmid = {42214309},
issn = {1090-2414},
abstract = {Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have drawn global attention and are ubiquitously detected in marine environments. Seamounts, prominent seafloor features with high biodiversity, may be hotspots for ARG proliferation and transfer. However, little is known about the existence, microbial associations, or connectivity with terrestrial sources of ARGs in seamounts. In this study, high-throughput sequencing approaches were employed to investigate the distribution, hosts, mobility, and coastal connectivity of ARGs in sediments from the Zhongnan Seamount, South China Sea. The most abundant ARG types were elfamycin, aminoglycoside, and tetracycline. ARG abundance was significantly higher in abyssopelagic zone sediments, suggesting the seamount acts as a sink and deep-sea regions are a major ARG reservoir. Results indicated high horizontal gene transfer potential, with key genes EF-Tu, rpsJ, parC, and parE as predominant mediators. Metagenome-assembled genomes identified 36 bacterial genera as ARG hosts, dominated by Methylomirabilota and Pseudomonadota. The source tracking and genetic connectivity analysis revealed a clear input of coastal ARGs to the seamount, emphasizing the need to investigate global ARG dissemination and its potential ecological effects. Overall, these findings identify the seamount environment as a deep-sea ARG hotspot, providing valuable insights into the prevalence, hosts, and sources of ARGs in the marine ecosystem.},
}

@article {pmid42215089,
year = {2026},
author = {Sheng, H and Suo, J and Yan, Y and Lü, Z and Yang, Q and Li, J and Wang, Y and Zhou, W and Yang, B},
title = {Prevalence, plasmid transmission, and chromosomal integration of blaCTX-M genes in Salmonella isolated from retail chicken and pork meats in China.},
journal = {Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)},
volume = {238},
number = {},
pages = {119421},
doi = {10.1016/j.foodres.2026.119421},
pmid = {42215089},
issn = {1873-7145},
mesh = {Animals ; Chickens/microbiology ; China ; *Plasmids/genetics ; *beta-Lactamases/genetics ; *Salmonella/genetics/isolation & purification/drug effects/enzymology ; *Pork Meat/microbiology ; Swine ; Food Microbiology ; Prevalence ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; *Red Meat/microbiology ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Chromosomes, Bacterial/genetics ; },
abstract = {Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Salmonella poses a growing threat to food safety, yet the transmission of blaCTX-M genes in foodborne Salmonella remains incompletely understood. This study investigated the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance profiles, horizontal transferability, and genetic characteristics of blaCTX-Ms in 950 Salmonella isolates recovered from retail chicken and pork in China. A total of 103 (10.8%) blaCTX-M-positive isolates were identified, with a significantly higher prevalence in chicken (20.7%, 96/464) than in pork (1.4%, 7/486). Geographically, blaCTX-M-positive isolates were more prevalent in the 3 northern provinces (19.93%, 59/296) than in the 5 southern provinces (6.73%, 44/654). These isolates represented 11 "sequence type (ST)-serotype" combinations, predominantly ST26 Salmonella enterica serovar Thompson (S. Thompson) (36.9%, 38/103), ST198 S. Kentucky (31.1%, 32/103), and ST17 S.Indiana (13.8%, 18/103). Nine blaCTX-M subtypes were identified, dominated by blaCTX-M-55 (33.0%, 34/103) and blaCTX-M-65 (33.0%, 34/103). Overall, 78.6% (81/103) of blaCTX-M-positive isolates failed to yield detectable transconjugants in Escherichia coli C600, with no transconjugants detected in ST198 S. Kentucky or ST17 S.Indiana. The blaCTX-Ms were mainly carried by IncHI2-HI2A plasmids, which exhibited significantly lower conjugation frequencies than blaCTX-M-positive IncN and IncFII-X1 plasmids. Chromosomal integration of blaCTX-Ms was detected in ST198 S. Kentucky, ST26 S. Thompson, ST17 S.Indiana, and ST13 S. Agona, characterized by signature direct repeats and mediated by ISEcp1, IS15, and IS26. Consistent with these findings, further analysis of 418 blaCTX-M-positive complete Salmonella genomes from the NCBI database showed that 310 plasmids carried blaCTX-Ms, mainly on IncHI2-HI2A plasmids (33.9%, 105/310), whereas 117 isolates carried chromosomal blaCTX-Ms, dominated by blaCTX-M-55 (76.1%, 89/117) and most frequently occurring in ST413 S. Mbandaka, ST198 S. Kentucky, and ST13 S. Agona. Our findings highlight that blaCTX-Ms disseminate in Salmonella through plasmid-mediated transfer and chromosomal integration, providing a mechanistic basis for the long-term persistence of ESBL-producing Salmonella and associated food safety risk.},
}

Animals
Chickens/microbiology
China
*Plasmids/genetics
*beta-Lactamases/genetics
*Salmonella/genetics/isolation & purification/drug effects/enzymology
*Pork Meat/microbiology
Swine
Food Microbiology
Prevalence
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
*Red Meat/microbiology
Gene Transfer, Horizontal
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Chromosomes, Bacterial/genetics

@article {pmid42176434,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, J and Zuo, J and Yang, J and Hu, Y and Li, C and Wang, H},
title = {Elevated temperature enhances rpoE/degP-dependent bacterial membrane vesicle biogenesis and blaNDM-5 dissemination in pig-derived carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli.},
journal = {Veterinary microbiology},
volume = {318},
number = {},
pages = {111076},
doi = {10.1016/j.vetmic.2026.111076},
pmid = {42176434},
issn = {1873-2542},
mesh = {Animals ; *Escherichia coli/genetics/drug effects ; Swine/microbiology ; Carbapenems/pharmacology ; *Hot Temperature ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; *beta-Lactamases/genetics ; *Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae/genetics ; *Escherichia coli Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Temperature ; *Escherichia coli Infections/veterinary/microbiology ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; },
abstract = {The emergence and dissemination of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in livestock production systems pose a serious threat to animal health and food safety. Bacterial membrane vesicles (BMVs) have recently been recognized as effective vehicles for the horizontal dissemination of antimicrobial resistance genes. However, beyond antibiotic exposure, the contribution of host-derived physiological cues associated with infection, particularly elevated temperature, modeled here as an in vitro high-temperature condition, to BMV biogenesis and vesicle-mediated resistance dissemination remains poorly understood. Here, using a pig-derived carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) strain, we investigated the effects of elevated temperature conditions (37 ℃ and 42 ℃) on BMV production, vesicular DNA cargo loading, and resistance gene transfer efficiency. Exposure to elevated temperature (42 ℃) significantly increased BMV release by approximately 1.47-fold (P < 0.001) without affecting bacterial growth or vesicle size distribution. BMVs produced under elevated-temperature conditions exhibited a pronounced enrichment of the carbapenem resistance gene blaNDM-5, with vesicular gene copy numbers increasing over two-fold and vesicle-mediated transfer frequency enhanced by approximately 4-5 fold. Transcriptomic profiling revealed that elevated temperature induced a coordinated transcriptional response characterized by remodeling of cell envelope-associated functions and enhanced energy metabolism. Functional genetic analyses further identified the rpoE/degP envelope regulatory axis as a critical determinant linking elevated temperature to increased vesiculation and amplified resistance dissemination. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that elevated temperature can act as a potent non-antibiotic driver of BMV-mediated antimicrobial resistance spread in livestock-associated bacteria under in vitro conditions. These results provide new mechanistic insight into resistance dissemination under disease-relevant physiological conditions.},
}

Animals
*Escherichia coli/genetics/drug effects
Swine/microbiology
Carbapenems/pharmacology
*Hot Temperature
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
*beta-Lactamases/genetics
*Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae/genetics
*Escherichia coli Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Temperature
*Escherichia coli Infections/veterinary/microbiology
Gene Transfer, Horizontal

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

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

@article {pmid42206066,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, Q and Li, S and Wang, X and Sun, Y and Liu, J and Gao, J and Deng, C and Zhao, W and Ma, Y and Quan, J and Yin, Q and Jian, D and Zhang, R and Qi, R},
title = {Multi-metal contamination shapes abundance, co-occurrence, and mobility potential of resistance and virulence genes in mining-impacted soils.},
journal = {Infectious medicine},
volume = {5},
number = {2},
pages = {100260},
pmid = {42206066},
issn = {2772-431X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance is a growing global public health concern, posing a serious threat to human health. This study aimed to characterize the composition and distribution of microbial communities, metal resistance genes (MRGs), antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and virulence factor genes (VFGs) under multi-metal stress and assess the impacts of metal and soil properties on the diversity, abundance, carrying rate (proportion of gene carriers), co-occurrence rate (proportion of microorganisms co-carrying multiple gene types), and mobility potential (MP, likelihood of horizontal gene transfer) of these genes.

METHODS: Soil samples were collected from eight sampling sites within a metal mining area (metal-contaminated soil group, MS) and four sites located more than 3 km away from the mining area (control group). Metal concentrations and physicochemical properties of the soils were measured using standard methods. Metagenomic sequencing was performed to characterize the composition and distribution of the microbiome, resistome, and virulome. Statistical modeling was applied to examine the effects of heavy metal content and soil properties on the relative abundance, co-occurrence, and mobilome potential of the three gene types.

RESULTS: Fe, V, Cr, and Cu primarily promoted the diversity, carrying rate, and co-occurrence rate of microbial communities, MRGs, ARGs, and VFGs. In contrast, Ni and Zn exhibited overall inhibitory effects. For every unit increase in Fe and V, the MP of MRGs and VFGs was associated with an increase of 3.0 × 10⁻⁵ and 1.2 × 10⁻⁵, respectively. A per 1 mg/kg increase in Cr and Cu was correlated with a decrease of 4.3 × 10⁻⁵ and 1.1 × 10⁻⁴ in the MP of ARGs and of MRGs, respectively. Positive correlations were found between the MP of plasmid‑mediated ARGs and Cr, and between transposon‑mediated ARGs and Cr/V. The MP of transposon‑mediated MRGs correlated positively with Fe, while Cu correlated negatively with plasmid‑mediated ARGs but positively with insertion sequence‑mediated ARGs. Ni concentration was positively associated with the MP of IS‑mediated VFGs.

CONCLUSIONS: Metals alter the composition and distribution of microbial communities, MRGs, ARGs, and VFGs. A key mechanism underlying this regulation is the modulation of their mobile potential, which either facilitates or restricts horizontal gene transfer.},
}

@article {pmid42207421,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, X and Shaukat, A and Al-Rasheed, M and Ujjan, NA and Buzdar, JA and Yuan, T},
title = {Paraprobiotics in Modern Broiler Production: Stability, Safety, and Multifunctional Benefits - a Comprehensive Review.},
journal = {Probiotics and antimicrobial proteins},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42207421},
issn = {1867-1314},
abstract = {The growing restrictions on in-feed antibiotics and the global rise of antimicrobial resistance have intensified the demand for safe and sustainable alternatives to support animal health and productivity. Paraprobiotics, defined as non-viable or inactivated bacterial cells, have recently emerged as a promising class of functional bioactives capable of conferring health benefits without the risks associated with live probiotics. Unlike conventional probiotics, paraprobiotics mediate their effects through intact cell structures and microbial metabolites that engage host pattern-recognition receptors, thereby modulating both innate and adaptive immune responses. This review critically examines the antimicrobial efficacy of paraprobiotics in poultry, emphasizing their mechanistic role in maintaining gut barrier integrity, regulating microbial ecology, and mitigating inflammation-induced oxidative stress. Evidence indicates that paraprobiotics suppress pathogenic colonization enhance epithelial function, stimulating antimicrobial peptide production, and improve nutrient utilization and growth performance. Moreover, their stability during feed processing, prolonged shelf-life, and minimal risk of horizontal gene transfer further enhance their suitability for large-scale, intensive production systems. Additionally, emerging inactivation technologies, optimized dosing strategies, and synergistic applications with prebiotics and phytobiotics offer avenues to maximize their functional potential. Collectively, paraprobiotics exemplify a paradigm shift in antimicrobial nutrition providing "dead cells with living functions" that combine safety, efficacy, and sustainability. Their integration into antibiotic-free poultry system hold significant promise for enhancing disease resilience, productive performance and overall sustainability of modern poultry production.},
}

@article {pmid42207801,
year = {2026},
author = {Abed, S and Beig, M and Soltani, S and Pahlevani, M and Speck, P and Shafiei, M and Shahraki, AH and Ghorbani, A},
title = {Genomic and functional characterization of a novel halophilic bacteriophage targeting carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {21},
number = {5},
pages = {e0348054},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0348054},
pmid = {42207801},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Klebsiella pneumoniae/virology/drug effects ; Animals ; *Bacteriophages/genetics/isolation & purification/physiology ; Genome, Viral ; *Carbapenems/pharmacology ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice ; *Klebsiella Infections/therapy/microbiology ; Genomics ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; },
abstract = {Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) is a multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogen causing severe infections in immunocompromised patients, prompting the exploration of alternative therapies like bacteriophage therapy. In this study, we isolated and characterized a novel halophilic lytic bacteriophage, Halo KS-7, targeting K. pneumoniae, and used an AI-driven annotation pipeline in Python to analyze its genome and therapeutic potential. Bacteriophages were isolated from Hospital wastewater, purified through plaque isolation, and confirmed using the double-layer agar method. Morphological analysis via transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and plaque assays assessed lytic activity. In vitro assays, including one‑step growth curve and MOI determination, were performed to evaluate the replication kinetics and lytic activity of bacteriophage Halo KS‑7 against carbapenem‑resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. In vivo efficacy was assessed using a BALB/c mouse wound infection model by monitoring wound contraction and performing blinded histopathological analysis following phage treatment. DNA sequencing was done using Illumina HiSeq 2000, followed by genome assembly, AI-guided annotation, gene prediction, protein function classification, and comparative genomics using CLC Genomics Workbench. We also evaluated host range, temperature stability, pH sensitivity, and salt stress tolerance to assess therapeutic potential. Halo KS-7 exhibited strong lytic activity against CRKP and was classified as a Myoviridae bacteriophage by TEM. Phenotypic assays demonstrated optimal activity at 37 °C and neutral pH, effective activity from pH 4-10, and enhanced performance in high-salinity conditions. Bacteriophage Halo KS-7 exhibited a short latent period (~20 min), a modest burst size (5.73 PFU/cell), and optimal antibacterial activity at MOI 0.1, resulting in sustained suppression of K. pneumoniae growth in vitro. In vivo, Halo KS-7 treatment significantly enhanced wound healing in infected BALB/c mice, achieving near-complete wound closure, effective infection control, and improved histopathological regeneration comparable to uninfected controls. Halo KS-7 have 58.716 kb linear dsDNA genome (44.4% G + C), contains 49 predicted ORFs, lacks integrase, lysogeny, or antibiotic-resistance genes, and includes three tRNA genes (tRNATyr, tRNAPro, and tRNAAsn). It also includes a toxin gene and auxiliary factors like MazG, pyrophosphatase, and HNH endonucleases that enhance bacterial killing without promoting horizontal gene transfer or resistance. Functional annotation assigned ~65% of ORFs to structural, replication, and packaging roles. Comparative genomics showed moderate similarity to other Myoviridae but with distinct accessory features, emphasizing its novelty and therapeutic value. Halo KS-7 is a novel, strictly lytic bacteriophage with strong antibacterial activity and stress resilience, supporting its use as a promising biocontrol agent against CRKP and its potential for clinical development in managing MDR infections.},
}

*Klebsiella pneumoniae/virology/drug effects
Animals
*Bacteriophages/genetics/isolation & purification/physiology
Genome, Viral
*Carbapenems/pharmacology
Mice, Inbred BALB C
Mice
*Klebsiella Infections/therapy/microbiology
Genomics
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology

@article {pmid42208292,
year = {2026},
author = {Majumdar, A and Bagchi, D and Kotta-Loizou, I and Buck, M},
title = {The One Health resistome: Integrating environmental, microbial, and human antimicrobial resistance surveillance and risk analysis in the digital age.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {513},
number = {},
pages = {142431},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142431},
pmid = {42208292},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and antibiotic resistance (ABR) represent one of the most pressing global health threats, driven by the complex interplay between human, animal, and environmental factors. The One Health resistome framework recognises that resistance genes circulate continuously across clinical, agricultural, and environmental compartments through horizontal gene transfer, co-selection mechanisms, and anthropogenic contamination. This comprehensive review synthesises current evidence on integrated AMR surveillance, examining how digital technologies are transforming our capacity to monitor, predict, and respond to resistance emergence. Key advances include whole-genome sequencing enabling high-resolution pathogen tracking, metagenomics revealing environmental resistome diversity, machine learning algorithms predicting resistance phenotypes with > 85% accuracy, and point-of-care diagnostics extending sophisticated testing to resource-limited settings. Geographic information systems facilitate spatial hotspot identification, while wastewater-based surveillance provides early warning capabilities, detecting resistance genes before clinical manifestation. Despite technological progress, substantial challenges persist: fragmented data streams across sectors, lack of standardised environmental monitoring methods, limited laboratory capacity in low- and middle-income countries, and chronic underfunding. Emerging technologies, portable nanopore sequencing, CRISPR-based diagnostics, artificial intelligence, and blockchain-enabled data governance promise to address these gaps. Realising comprehensive One Health resistome surveillance requires sustained investment in interoperable digital infrastructure, international standardisation, capacity building, and political commitment to cross-sectoral coordination, prioritising equitable global implementation.},
}

@article {pmid42209562,
year = {2026},
author = {Wijaya, AJ and Anžel, A and Hattab, G},
title = {Evaluating ensemble learning approaches for horizontal gene transfer detection.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42209562},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {*Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; Ensemble Learning ; *Genomic Islands/genetics ; *Machine Learning ; Genomics/methods ; Computational Biology/methods ; Classification Algorithms ; },
abstract = {Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is widely recognized as a major driver of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) dissemination, with genomic islands (GIs) as one of the drivers facilitating the spread. Detecting GIs is essential for improving AMR surveillance. Numerous computational approaches have been developed for GIs detection, including recent advances in machine learning (ML). Several studies in other fields have shown that ML model performance depends on data representations. Combining multiple data representations in ensemble learning has been shown to improve performance in other genomics tasks. However, this approach has not yet been evaluated for GIs detection. To this end, we investigate the efficacy of integrating diverse data representations in ensemble learning for GIs detection, particularly for classification task. Then, we assess its applicability to localizing GIs, which are clusters of genes acquired through HGT, in a genomic sequence. We implemented a two-stage ensemble selection strategy to determine the optimal combination of data representations. Our ensemble selection strategy reveals that combining low-correlated data representations in an ensemble classifier yields a slightly higher Recall than individual representation for the classification task, but the improvement is not statistically significant. Nevertheless, the ensemble classifier could not localize GIs better, suggesting that the cross-task generalizability remains constrained. This finding presents an opportunity for future research to advance the field by redefining the problem formulation of GIs detection.},
}

*Gene Transfer, Horizontal
Ensemble Learning
*Genomic Islands/genetics
*Machine Learning
Genomics/methods
Computational Biology/methods
Classification Algorithms

@article {pmid42213201,
year = {2026},
author = {Pal, A and Chaki, MG},
title = {Operonic architecture of bacterial metal response: envelope constraints, evolutionary mobility, and bioremediation design rules.},
journal = {World journal of microbiology & biotechnology},
volume = {42},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {42213201},
issn = {1573-0972},
mesh = {*Metals/metabolism ; *Bacteria/genetics/metabolism ; Biodegradation, Environmental ; *Operon/genetics ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; Cell Membrane/metabolism ; Homeostasis ; Gram-Negative Bacteria/genetics/metabolism ; Evolution, Molecular ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Cell Wall/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Bacteria encounter metals as both essential micronutrients and persistent toxins. These conflicting requirements are managed by genetic components, often organized as operons or coordinated regulons, which link sensing to trafficking, buffering, export, detoxification, biotransformation, and, in certain instances, storage. This review develops a gene-organization-focused perspective on bacterial metal responses, emphasizing metallostasis, resistance, envelope topology, evolutionary mobility, and bioremediation relevance, highlighting two key principles. Firstly, metallostasis maintains homeostatic set-points for essential metals by regulating uptake, allocation, and overflow. Secondly, the cell envelope's topology serves as a primary constraint. In contrast, resistance mechanisms for toxic metals and metalloids strive to achieve near-zero intracellular concentrations by facilitating rapid clearance. Gram-negative bacteria often employ compartmental "handoff" strategies that connect cytosolic relief to high-capacity envelope clearance. Conversely, Gram-positive envelopes tend to favor responses that involve inner-membrane export, along with cytosolic or cell wall buffering. This review structures the components into a modular toolkit, encompassing sensors and regulators, uptake control, exporters and clearance pumps, periplasmic partners, detoxification enzymes, and the dichotomy between sequestration and storage. It further seeks to link recurring architectures to evolutionary mobility and co-selection with antibiotic resistance. Ultimately, these insights are applied to bioremediation.},
}

*Metals/metabolism
*Bacteria/genetics/metabolism
Biodegradation, Environmental
*Operon/genetics
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
Cell Membrane/metabolism
Homeostasis
Gram-Negative Bacteria/genetics/metabolism
Evolution, Molecular
Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Cell Wall/metabolism

@article {pmid41975425,
year = {2026},
author = {Di Pierro, F and Thacharodi, A and Kumaraswami, M and Suvorov, A and Zupet, J and Zerbinati, N},
title = {From lab to law: emerging applications, potential benefits, evolving regulatory framework and challenges for engineered probiotics.},
journal = {Microbial cell factories},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41975425},
issn = {1475-2859},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Engineered probiotics are emerging as versatile biological platforms capable of delivering therapeutic functions, modulating host–microbiota interactions, and enabling innovative strategies for preventing or treating metabolic, infectious, and inflammatory conditions. Advances in synthetic biology have expanded microbial engineering along a continuum ranging from self-cloned or intragenic modifications—based on deletions or recombination events that recapitulate naturally plausible genomic changes—to fully transgenic constructs expressing heterologous bacterial, viral, or human genes. This technological diversity demands proportionate and mechanistically informed safety evaluation, with particular emphasis on genetic stability, ecological compatibility, and the potential for horizontal gene transfer (HGT). This review examines the principal applications of engineered probiotics in human health, including strains designed to enhance endogenous functions, eliminate detrimental activities, neutralize toxins, interfere with pathogen signaling, degrade biofilms, express therapeutic proteins, act as mucosal vaccine platforms, serve as tumor-targeted immunotherapeutic vectors, or enable emerging systemic and brain-directed delivery strategies. We also highlight the current regulatory heterogeneity across international frameworks and discuss the relevance of recent EFSA guidance, which clarifies that modifications involving only deletions or the reinsertion of native sequences may entail markedly different regulatory obligations compared with constructs carrying truly novel genetic traits. To promote regulatory convergence, we propose a unified safety-assessment framework that integrates classical toxicological testing with a construct-specific evaluation of HGT potential. This approach combines whole-genome sequencing to define the engineered locus, validated qPCR assays for highly specific detection, and controlled exposure experiments using competent microbiota and environmental recipient strains to quantify the extremely low probability of gene transfer under worst-case conditions. Such a structured methodology provides a scalable, evidence-driven basis for evaluating engineered probiotics according to the biological nature of the modification rather than a one-size-fits-all model. Engineered probiotics hold substantial translational promise, provided that safety assessments remain adaptive, risk-proportionate, and aligned with mechanistic understanding of microbial genetics and ecology.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12934-026-02997-w.},
}

@article {pmid42198949,
year = {2026},
author = {Durão, P and Cardoso, LL and Martins, LO},
title = {Ecological Context Shapes Resistance Selection Under Antibiotic Pollution.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {28},
number = {6},
pages = {e70333},
doi = {10.1111/1462-2920.70333},
pmid = {42198949},
issn = {1462-2920},
support = {2021.00778.CEECIND/CP1657/CT0009//Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia/ ; UIDB/04612/2020//Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia/ ; UIDP/04612/2020//Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia/ ; },
mesh = {*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; *Selection, Genetic ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; *Bacteria/drug effects/genetics ; *Environmental Pollution ; *Drug Resistance, Microbial ; Microbial Interactions ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; },
abstract = {Anthropogenic activities such as pharmaceutical manufacturing, antibiotic use, and waste disposal have increased environmental antibiotic contamination, exposing natural microbial communities to concentrations ranging from sub-inhibitory to strongly selective levels. While antibiotic pollution is widely assumed to promote antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the ecological conditions under which environmental exposure leads to measurable community-level selection remain poorly understood. Here, we integrate eco-evolutionary principles with measured environmental antibiotic concentrations to examine how ecological context shapes the emergence, maintenance, and spread of resistance across environments. We discuss how environmental conditions modulate mutation, horizontal gene transfer, fitness costs, epistasis, and compensatory evolution under antibiotic exposure, and how microbial interactions can either buffer or amplify resistance selection within communities. We further examine how co-selection, environmental heterogeneity, antibiotic degradation products, and alternative ecological functions of antibiotics influence resistance dynamics. Together, these observations support the view that resistance selection thresholds are not fixed concentrations, but ecologically dependent properties shaped by environmental conditions, community composition, and microbial interactions.},
}

*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
*Selection, Genetic
*Drug Resistance, Bacterial
*Bacteria/drug effects/genetics
*Environmental Pollution
*Drug Resistance, Microbial
Microbial Interactions
Gene Transfer, Horizontal

@article {pmid42200512,
year = {2026},
author = {Vergara, E and Khaleque, HN and Neira, G and Watkin, ELJ and Valdés, JH and Holmes, DS},
title = {Sulphur metabolism as a key factor in the evolution of environmental adaptation of Acidihalobacter.},
journal = {Microbial genomics},
volume = {12},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1099/mgen.0.001732},
pmid = {42200512},
issn = {2057-5858},
mesh = {Phylogeny ; *Sulfur/metabolism ; *Adaptation, Physiological/genetics ; *Rhodobacteraceae/genetics/metabolism/classification ; Genome, Bacterial ; Evolution, Molecular ; Hydrothermal Vents/microbiology ; Australia ; Oxidation-Reduction ; Italy ; Metagenome ; Pacific Ocean ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {This study compares predicted sulphur metabolism genes across four Acidihalobacter type strains and two metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), revealing genomic differences that appear to correspond to ecological specialization. Phylogenomic analysis separates the species into two clades: clade I includes Acidihalobacter ferrooxydans from a geothermal region in Italy and the two MAGs derived from deep-sea hydrothermal vents in the Pacific Ocean, while clade II comprises Acidihalobacter aeolianus and Acidihalobacter prosperus from a geothermal region in Italy and Acidihalobacter yilgarnensis from a saline and acidic drainage in Australia. Variations in sulphide/quinone oxidoreductases (SQRs) across the species, in particular in Ah. ferrooxydans and Ah. yilgarnensis, likely relate to the availability and speciation of sulphur substrates, which are strictly governed by local redox potential (Eh) and metal redox cycling in their respective habitats. Notably, only Ah. ferrooxydans (clade I) lacks the canonical sulphur/thiosulphate oxidation (Sox) system for thiosulphate oxidation found in clade II and instead encodes components of an alternative S4I pathway. We hypothesize that this difference reflects an adaptation to dynamic microniches going from highly reduced (sulphide-rich) to oxidized metastable sulphur intermediates. In contrast, the retention of the Sox system in clade II suggests a distinct strategy permitting greater metabolic versatility under fluctuating Eh-pH conditions.Differences in clade I terminal oxidases (cbb3-type cytochrome, bc1 complex) and regulatory elements appear to support further adaptation to environments with elevated H2S, setting this clade apart from clade II members. These adaptations, mainly evidenced by gene redundancy, gene loss and horizontal gene transfer, seem to reflect a unique ecological microniche and evolutionary trajectory for Ah. ferrooxydans distinct from other members of the genus, particularly from a sulphur-based energy metabolism perspective.},
}

Phylogeny
*Sulfur/metabolism
*Adaptation, Physiological/genetics
*Rhodobacteraceae/genetics/metabolism/classification
Genome, Bacterial
Evolution, Molecular
Hydrothermal Vents/microbiology
Australia
Oxidation-Reduction
Italy
Metagenome
Pacific Ocean
Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism

@article {pmid42186200,
year = {2026},
author = {Diaz-Amigo, C and Bartolomé Del Pino, LE and Lejeune, J and Pinto Ferreira, J and Bessy, C},
title = {Antimicrobial resistance and the human gut microbiome-a food safety perspective.},
journal = {Critical reviews in food science and nutrition},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-29},
doi = {10.1080/10408398.2026.2629533},
pmid = {42186200},
issn = {1549-7852},
abstract = {The gastrointestinal environment is where the resident gut microbiome encounters foodborne microorganisms, antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), and bioactive substances from food, all of which may influence the acquisition and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Although resistant bacteria and ARGs are frequently detected in food and food production environments, their contribution to the gut resistome remains unclear. Most ingested microbes are transient and constrained by ecological barriers; however, the conditions that enable horizontal gene transfer in vivo are not well characterized. Multiple factors (e.g., microbial composition and density, the presence of mobile genetic elements, antimicrobial residues, and host physiology) can modulate ARG persistence and mobility, but their relative impact within the gut ecosystem and its associated resistome needs to be better understood. Resistance acquisition also depends on fitness costs and adaptive responses within complex microbial communities. Methodological variability and limited in vivo data further limit comparability and interpretation. This review summarizes current knowledge of AMR dynamics in the gut following dietary exposure and highlights significant knowledge gaps that limit our understanding of factors influencing ARG transfer and persistence in the gastrointestinal environment. Reducing these uncertainties is crucial for strengthening AMR risk assessment and designing more effective mitigation strategies.},
}

@article {pmid42186476,
year = {2026},
author = {Shao, L and Li, S and Yang, L and Wei, S and Shen, G and Shi, L and Zhu, J and Ding, B and Liu, Y and Shi, Y and Liu, Y},
title = {Analysis of microbial structure and function in fermented grains during the fermentation process of Congjiang WeiJiu based on high-throughput sequencing.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {e21180},
pmid = {42186476},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {*Fermentation ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; China ; *Microbiota ; *Alcoholic Beverages/microbiology ; *Edible Grain/microbiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: WeiJiu was a traditional specialty liquor from the Zhuang ethnic villages in Congjiang County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province. It was brewed using glutinous Xianghe rice, mountain spring water, and ancestral koji as raw materials. Its core production processes consist of five stages: (1) raw material preparation; (2) spreading, cooling and yeast mixing; (3) fermentation and liquor extraction; (4) simmering treatment; (5) sealing and aging. WeiJiu had a dark brown color, a mellow, soft, and sweet taste, and featured the characteristic of becoming more aromatic as it ages. As an intangible cultural heritage item of Qiandongnan Prefecture, its craftsmanship inheritance had long been confined to an empirical paradigm. Due to the lack of research on the composition and function of the microbial community in Congjiang WeiJiu, the microbial changes and metabolite changes during the fermentation process, its quality characteristics and brewing mechanism remain unclear. Therefore, in-depth understanding of the brewing mechanism and essentially improving its quality and production was an urgent priority for research related to Congjiang WeiJiu.

METHOD: In this study, the fermented grains of Congjiang WeiJiu at various fermentation stages: CQ: early fermentation stage (7 d), ZQ: middle fermentation stage (11 d) and WQ: late fermentation stage (15 d) were used as the research objects. High-throughput sequencing technology was employed to analyze microbial community structure and diversity. Functional annotations were performed against KEGG and CAZys databases to explore metabolic pathways and carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZys) characteristics.

RESULTS: The microbial community exhibited significant stage-specific succession synchronized with fermentation processes. At the phylum level, Bacillota and Pseudomonadota dominated in CQ, Bacillota became predominant in ZQ, and Actinomycetota increased significantly in WQ. At the genus level, Aspergillus, Saccharomyces, and Hyphopichia served as core functional genera in respective stages. Functional annotations showed stage-specific expression of metabolic pathways: KEGG pathways focused on energy and amino acid metabolism (in CQ), carbohydrate metabolism (in ZQ), and stress adaptation (in WQ). CAZys families corresponded to fermentation substrates degradation (GH28, AA1 in CQ), macromolecule conversion (GH13, CBM50 in ZQ), and metabolite modification (GH18, GH16 in WQ). Core functional bacteria enhanced adaptability through evolutionary mechanisms such as horizontal gene transfer, genome streamlining, and plasmid-mediated gene acquisition. The unique simmering process and smoked cellar storage shaped the distinct microbial community and flavor, differing from traditional Luzhou-flavor liquor in yeast succession, lactic acid bacteria metabolism, and mold survival period.},
}

*Fermentation
High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
China
*Microbiota
*Alcoholic Beverages/microbiology
*Edible Grain/microbiology

@article {pmid42186547,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, Q and Gentekaki, E and Leger, MM and Zou, S and Zhang, GA and Omar, A and Fu, Y and Gong, J},
title = {Single-cell transcriptomics reveals lateral transfers of multiple functional genes from prokaryotes to free-living ciliated protists in detrital food webs.},
journal = {Marine life science & technology},
volume = {8},
number = {2},
pages = {352-370},
pmid = {42186547},
issn = {2662-1746},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Lateral gene transfer (LGT) is a key driver of evolutionary innovation, underlying protists' lifestyles and interactions in anaerobic environments. Yet, its significance in free-living protists remains underexplored. Here, we address this gap by presenting the first single-cell transcriptomes of Metopus yantaiensis and genome-wide LGT screens across 36 omics datasets from nine anaerobic APM ciliates (classes Armophorea, Muranotrichea, and Parablepharismea)-a group in soil/sediment environments. Through phylogenetic analyses and validation testing, we identified 63 candidate prokaryotic LGT genes preferentially enriched in APM ciliates. Among these, 19 form interconnected pathways for degrading complex organics (polysaccharides, amino sugars); their high diversity and completeness are rarely seen in reported protist LGTs. A rare fused gene (arcC-OTC) and two novel genes (acs, ME2) were exclusively identified in APM ciliates, with their potential as the first evidence of LGT-mediated carbon metabolite retention and ammonia assimilation in phagotrophic protists inferred. Notably, 27 LGTs (including arcC-OTC, acs, and ME2) trace to candidate phyla radiation (CPR) bacteria or described prokaryotes, marking the first CPR-to-eukaryote LGT documentation. Collectively, these 63 LGTs are predicted to enhance nutrient utilization (complex organics, other carbon metabolites, inorganic elements), bioenergetic efficiency, and stress resistance (heavy metals, oxygen), facilitating soil/sediment adaptation. Overall, our results highlight lateral prokaryotic gene acquisition may be key for free-living anaerobic ciliates' adaptation to new environments, shedding light on protists' evolutionary dynamics and ecological roles.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42995-026-00382-5.},
}

@article {pmid42192676,
year = {2026},
author = {Hassen, KA and Fafetine, J and Augusto, L and Mandomando, I and Garrine, M and Marcos, R and Sileshi, GW},
title = {Mobile Genetic Elements Associated with Antimicrobial Resistance Across One Health Interfaces in Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/antibiotics15050456},
pmid = {42192676},
issn = {2079-6382},
support = {500003545//Centre of Excellence in Agri-Food Systems and Nutrition (CE-AFSN), Eduardo Mondlane Univer-sity/ ; },
abstract = {Background: High infectious disease burden and uncontrolled antibiotic usage across human, animal, and environmental contaminants make antimicrobial resistance (AMR) a growing public health problem in Africa. Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) such plasmids, transposons, integrons, conjugative elements, and phages help spread AMR via horizontal gene transfer (HGT) across human, animal, food, and environmental sources. Despite growing evidence for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), Africa lacks a one-health-focused synthesis of mobile genetic element-mediated AMR. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to consolidate information on MGEs and ARGs in AMR dissemination throughout Africa's one health interface. Methods: The literature was searched using PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. Observational. molecular epidemiology, whole genome sequencing (WGS), and metagenomic investigations of MGE-associated AMR in Africa were eligible. The study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed by two independent reviewer and quality was graded using ROBVIS 2 utilizing Rayyan software. Narrative synthesis, random-effect meta-analysis, subgroup analysis, and meta-regression were utilized. Results: A total of 109 studies were included, with 91 studies contributing to the meta-analysis. MGEs reported were plasmids (71.7%) and integrons (54.8%). ARGs carried by MGEs were blaCTMX-M-15 (78.6%), Sul2 (69.6%), blaTEM (59.1%), and tetA (49.9%). Horizontal gene transfer was seen in 259 instances; however, transmission was unclear. In 442 observations, transmission pathways across human, animal, and environmental interfaces showed AMR prevalence of 75.1% in human, 98.0% in human-animal, and 61.3% in one health interface. Whole-genome sequencing was the most frequently used method for detecting MGEsThe pooled pathogen and AMR prevalence rates were 73.3% (95% CI: 60.5-83.7%) and 94% (95% CI: 85-98%), with significant heterogeneity (I[2] = 97.8% and 97.4%, respectively). The prevalence of Escherichia coli was 93% and Salmonella enterica 85% in subgroup analysis. Fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, and beta-lactams were prevalent in humans (89.7%) and human-animal interactions (98.0%) according to AMR Class. Conclusions: Horizontal gene transfer has propagated MGE-mediated antimicrobial resistance across human, animal, and environmental interfaces in Africa. To combat AMR in Africa, coordinated, genomics-informed One Health surveillance and antibiotic stewardship are needed. Due to variability and publication bias, these data should be considered cautiously. Pooled data may only show descriptive patterns, and not necessarily precise continent-wide prevalence estimates.},
}

@article {pmid42192724,
year = {2026},
author = {Skotareva, AE and Sokolova, EA and Voronina, EN},
title = {West Siberian Soil Resistome: Mobile Antibiotic Resistance in Agricultural Microbiomes.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/antibiotics15050502},
pmid = {42192724},
issn = {2079-6382},
support = {125012300671-8//Russian state-funded project/ ; },
abstract = {Background/Objectives: Soil microbiomes in agroecosystems are natural reservoirs of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and mobile genetic elements (MGEs), creating conditions for horizontal gene transfer (HGT) to clinically relevant bacteria. Southern West Siberia-a globally significant grain-producing region-lacks metagenomic characterization of its soil resistome. This study aimed to establish the first baseline profile of resistome and mobilome composition for West Siberian agricultural soils. Methods: Twelve composite soil samples were collected from agroecosystems under seven crop types across diverse soil types in southern West Siberia (September 2022). Shotgun metagenomics was performed on an Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform. Taxonomic profiling used Kraken2/Bracken; ARG annotation used Prokka/DeepARG (identity ≥ 70%, probability score ≥ 0.8); while MGE characterization used Platon, HMMER v3.3.2, and Prokka-based integrase annotation. Resistome load was normalized to the single-copy housekeeping gene rpoB; ARG-MGE associations were defined as co-localization within 10 kb on the same contig. Results: Microbial communities were dominated by Pseudomonadota and Bacillota, with a stable core of Streptomycetaceae, Nitrobacteraceae, and Sphingomonadaceae. Normalized resistome load (N/rpoB 2.30-5.37) indicated moderate anthropogenic pressure. Dominant ARGs included efflux pumps (emrA, drrA, tetA, bcr, fsr), target modification (lnrL), and lipid A modification (arnA) genes. Class 1 integron integrase (intI1/rpoB 0.64-1.59) was detected in all 12 samples, exceeding unity in 9 of 12. ARG-MGE co-localizations were found in 11 of 12 samples. In sample Mg_155, genes emrA-emrB and bcr (NODE_16) and arnA and lnrL (NODE_6) were each independently associated with distinct prophage IntA integrase copies within Pseudomonas contigs, documenting multiple parallel horizontal transfer events encompassing resistance to five antibiotic classes. Conclusions: This work establishes the first metagenomic baseline of resistome and mobilome for West Siberian agroecosystems. The obtained data indicate moderate anthropogenic pressure on soil microbiomes, consistent with temperate agricultural systems with limited organic fertilizer input. The detected ARG-MGE co-localizations and evidence of prophage-mediated transfer of resistance determinants beyond their natural hosts suggest that mobilization potential in the region warrants consideration in future AMR monitoring programs.},
}

@article {pmid42192737,
year = {2026},
author = {Balasubramanian, B and Shanmugam, S and Kim, IH},
title = {Companion Dogs and Cats as Key Reservoirs of Antimicrobial Resistance: Evidence and One Health Implications.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/antibiotics15050515},
pmid = {42192737},
issn = {2079-6382},
abstract = {Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in companion animals is an escalating concern at the interface of veterinary medicine and public health. Dogs and cats, the most commonly treated companion species, are frequently prescribed antimicrobials for dermatological, otic, urinary, and respiratory infections-often involving drug classes that are critically important in human medicine. This overlap underscores the need for judicious use and integrated stewardship within a One Health framework. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on AMR in companion animals and its implications for One Health. Studies were included if they reported AMR in dogs and cats and addressed zoonotic aspects. Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, S. aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus sp. are examples of clinically significant organisms that are becoming more resistant to several antibiotic classes, which can result in treatment failures and extended illness. Horizontal gene transfer facilitates the spread of resistance determinants across bacterial populations. Improved surveillance systems, prudent antibiotic use, regular culture and susceptibility testing, and enhanced antimicrobial stewardship in veterinary practice are just a few of the many strategies needed to address AMR in companion animals. The integration of companion animals into AMR surveillance, stewardship programs, and infection control strategies is essential. Coordinated One Health interventions are urgently required to mitigate the spread of AMR.},
}

@article {pmid42197392,
year = {2026},
author = {Jiang, RH and Liu, ZK and Han, B and Liao, DN and Li, JY and Wu, Y},
title = {Molecular Epidemiology of the blaCTX-M Gene in Escherichia coli from a Pig Farm: Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles, Genetic Background, and Its Horizontal Transfer and Environmental Dissemination.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms14051007},
pmid = {42197392},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {Project No.: S202410537038//Hunan Provincial College Student Innovation Training Program/ ; Grant No.QL20230182//Hunan Province graduate scientific research innovation project/ ; },
abstract = {This study investigated the epidemiology, antimicrobial resistance, and transmission risks of β-lactamase, cefotaxime-hydrolyzing, Munich (blaCTX-M)-positive Escherichia coli (CTX-M-EC) in large-scale pig farms in Jiangxi Province (China). In total, 278 samples (manure, wastewater, drinking water, and flies) were collected. CTX-M-EC strains were isolated and analyzed using antimicrobial susceptibility testing, resistance gene profiling, multilocus sequence typing, and genetic environment analysis with gene transfer assessed by transduction experiments. Twenty-seven CTX-M-EC strains (9.71%) were isolated, all exhibiting multi-drug resistance with 100% resistance to cefotaxime, ciprofloxacin, and tetracycline, and >90% resistance to ceftazidime, florfenicol, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Four blaCTX-M subtypes were identified. blaCTX-M-55 was the predominant subtype (70.37%) and was distributed across diverse sequence types and serotypes. Each strain harbored multiple antibiotic resistance genes, plasmids, and virulence genes. Mobile elements such as ISEcp1 and IS26 were detected surrounding the blaCTX-M gene, and 96.29% of strains successfully transferred the blaCTX-M gene via transduction. Clones highly homologous to pig manure strains were detected in flies and sewage, suggesting that this resistance gene can spread between animals, the environment, and vectors. These findings highlight the high transmission risk of blaCTX-M and underscore the need for rational antibiotic use, waste management, and vector control within a One Health framework.},
}

@article {pmid42197441,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhou, Y and Xi, R and Wang, S and Li, B and Wu, Y and Wen, C and Zhang, D},
title = {Antimicrobial Susceptibility and Characterization of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamases in Escherichia coli Isolated from Buffalo Mastitis Milk in Guangdong Province, China.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms14051055},
pmid = {42197441},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {31772795//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Escherichia coli (E. coli) from food-producing animals constitutes a substantial public health concern. This study characterized antimicrobial resistance profiles, phylogenetic diversity, virulence-gene distribution, and plasmid-borne extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) determinants of E. coli isolates recovered from water buffaloes with subclinical mastitis. Among the 54 ESBL-producing E. coli isolates, all were resistant to ampicillin and cefotaxime. High resistance rates were also observed for cephalothin (75.9%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (74.0%), ceftiofur (70.4%), florfenicol (68.5%), and cefazolin (63.0%). Lower resistance was recorded for colistin sulfate (40.7%), enrofloxacin (33.3%), and gentamicin (25.9%). Phylogenetic analysis of ESBL producers identified phylogroup B1 (42.6%) as predominant, followed by groups A (29.6%) and D (25.9%). Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) revealed that ST50 (20.4%) was the most common sequence type, and serogroup O150 was dominant (70.4%). Virulence genes, such as iss (81.5%), astA (59.3%), and espP (38.9%), were frequently detected among ESBL isolates. ESBL genes were predominantly blaCTX-M-1 (27.8%) in all isolates, while the narrow-spectrum β-lactamase genes blaTEM-1 (55.6%) and blaOXA-10 (14.8%) were also commonly co-detected. Bioinformatic analysis predicted that all ESBL genes were associated with plasmid-derived contigs, with the predicted plasmid size ranging from approximately 32 to 187 kb and belonging to IncFIB, IncFIA, IncI1, IncFIA + I1, and IncFII replicon types. Conjugation frequencies ranged from 4.8 × 10[-7] to 4.1 × 10[-2], and plasmids were predicted to carry additional resistance genes mediating resistance to chloramphenicol (floR), sulfonamides (sul1, sul3), tetracyclines (tet(A) and tet(B)), and trimethoprim (dfrA1, dfrA12). The co-carriage of ESBL genes with additional antimicrobial resistance and virulence determinants suggests the potential role of water buffaloes as reservoirs of clinically relevant resistance traits that may disseminate through horizontal gene transfer.},
}

@article {pmid42198651,
year = {2026},
author = {Popa, I and Iancu, I and Popa, SA and Gligor, A and Imre, K and Tîrziu, E and Bochiș, T and Pop, C and Degi, J and Ivan, AA and Dahma, M and Plotuna, AM and Pentea, M and Herman, V and Nichita, I},
title = {Antimicrobial Resistance in Veterinary Bacterial Pathogens: Resistance Patterns, Zoonotic Risks and One Health Implications.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/pathogens15050525},
pmid = {42198651},
issn = {2076-0817},
mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *One Health ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; *Zoonoses/microbiology ; *Bacterial Zoonoses/microbiology/transmission ; *Bacteria/drug effects/genetics ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; *Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial ; *Bacterial Infections/microbiology/veterinary ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; Livestock/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as one of the most significant global health challenges affecting both human and veterinary medicine. The growing prevalence of resistant bacterial strains in livestock and companion animals not only compromises treatment efficacy but also poses serious public health risks through potential zoonotic transmission. Recent molecular and genomic studies have shown the widespread dissemination of resistance genes across different ecological compartments, emphasizing the need for integrated monitoring systems. Antimicrobial stewardship programs and evidence-based interventions are therefore essential in veterinary medicine to mitigate these trends. This is particularly important because the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens is increasingly associated with mobile genetic elements, such as plasmids, transposons, and integrons, which facilitate horizontal gene transfer within and across bacterial species.},
}

Animals
Humans
*One Health
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use
*Zoonoses/microbiology
*Bacterial Zoonoses/microbiology/transmission
*Bacteria/drug effects/genetics
*Drug Resistance, Bacterial
*Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial
*Bacterial Infections/microbiology/veterinary
Gene Transfer, Horizontal
Livestock/microbiology

@article {pmid42184326,
year = {2026},
author = {Goncharov, ID and Alekseev, AA and Morozova, NE and Sadova, AI and Khodorkovskii, MA},
title = {[Functional and Structural Features of RecA and RAD51 Recombinases in the Contexts of Antibiotic Resistance of Pathogenic Bacteria and Therapy of Cancer].},
journal = {Molekuliarnaia biologiia},
volume = {60},
number = {1},
pages = {144-167},
doi = {10.7868/S3034555326010096},
pmid = {42184326},
issn = {0026-8984},
mesh = {*Rec A Recombinases/genetics/metabolism/antagonists & inhibitors/chemistry ; *Rad51 Recombinase/genetics/metabolism/antagonists & inhibitors/chemistry ; Humans ; *Neoplasms/genetics/drug therapy/enzymology ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics ; *Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism/antagonists & inhibitors/chemistry ; SOS Response, Genetics ; *Bacteria/genetics/enzymology/drug effects/pathogenicity ; },
abstract = {The RecA and RAD51 proteins are pivotal enzymes in homologous recombination in bacteria and eukaryotic cells. The proteins, organized into nucleoprotein filaments, mediate precise repair of severe DNA damage, and this repair is essential for maintaining genome stability. Investigating the structures, functions, and regulatory mechanisms of RecA and RAD51 holds significant practical importance. Dysregulation of human recombinase RAD51 has been implicated in various oncological diseases. RAD51 overexpression is frequently observed in malignant tumors and correlates with their drug resistance, underscoring the urgent need for the development of RAD51 inhibitors. In bacteria, RecA activates the SOS response and SOS-induced mutagenesis and participates in horizontal gene transfer, that is, processes directly linked to the emergence and dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes. The global spread of bacterial resistance poses a major challenge worldwide. A potential strategy to address this issue is identifying and developing RecA inhibitors for use in adjuvant therapies aimed at suppressing the mechanisms of bacterial adaptation to antibiotics. This review explores the structural and functional characteristics of the RecA and RAD51 proteins and the nucleoprotein filaments they form. Their roles in recombination repair are considered along with the mechanisms governing their regulation. Furthermore, approaches to inhibition of RecA and RAD51 activities are discussed with a focus on their practical applications.},
}

*Rec A Recombinases/genetics/metabolism/antagonists & inhibitors/chemistry
*Rad51 Recombinase/genetics/metabolism/antagonists & inhibitors/chemistry
Humans
*Neoplasms/genetics/drug therapy/enzymology
*Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics
*Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism/antagonists & inhibitors/chemistry
SOS Response, Genetics
*Bacteria/genetics/enzymology/drug effects/pathogenicity

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

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

@article {pmid42185652,
year = {2026},
author = {Ocaña-Pallarès, E and Richards, TA and Gabaldón, T and Szöllősi, GJ},
title = {Signatures of gene transfer in the parallel evolution of osmotrophic specialization in eukaryotes.},
journal = {Nature ecology & evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42185652},
issn = {2397-334X},
abstract = {Recurrent transitions in feeding strategies have shaped the eukaryotic tree of life, as unrelated groups independently evolved similar solutions to common ecological challenges. One of the most interesting yet poorly studied of these shifts is the transition towards osmotrophy. We reconstructed the evolution of four eukaryotic groups that specialized in osmotrophy through convergent evolution. Here we show that these groups arose most likely during the Tonian period (1,000-720 million years ago) or slightly before, and possess a genetic toolkit enriched in shared metabolic functions. We report signatures that are compatible with horizontal gene transfer encompassing at least 20% of this toolkit. Phylogenetic reconciliation analyses show that this fraction of the toolkit ranks in the upper percentiles for inferred horizontal gene transfers, particularly in the period in which the osmotrophic groups originated. Moreover, analyses of the total gene content using supervised phylogenetic screening identified 166 gene tree topologies that are supportive of transfer events involving distantly related eukaryotic osmotrophs. These data include transfer highways between Fungi and Pseudofungi and between Labyrinthulea and Teretosporea. Our work thus unravels the evolutionary history of four independent transitions towards specialization in osmotrophy within the eukaryotes, supporting a role of gene transfer in the evolution of these groups.},
}

@article {pmid42177575,
year = {2026},
author = {Gaddafi, MS and Saeed, SI and Eltai, NO and Lawal, H and Ibrahim, DD and Musawa, IA and Garba, B and Goni, MD and Yakubu, Y},
title = {Climate change and the global spread of antimicrobial resistance in livestock systems: a comprehensive review.},
journal = {One health outlook},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s42522-026-00219-2},
pmid = {42177575},
issn = {2524-4655},
abstract = {Climate change and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are converging threats to livestock systems, food security, and public health. This review synthesizes mechanistic evidence linking climate variables to the proliferation of AMR in livestock and proposes integrated mitigation strategies. Elevated temperatures compromise livestock immunity, increase disease susceptibility, and drive antimicrobial use, while enhancing horizontal gene transfer (HGT) through increased plasmid stability, integrase activity, and bacterial stress responses. Altered precipitation and humidity influence biofilm formation, pathogen survival, and the mobilization of resistant bacteria and antimicrobial residues from manure into soil and water. Floods and droughts further concentrate or disperse resistance determinants across environmental reservoirs, creating transmission bridges between livestock, wildlife, and humans. Key evidence gaps include understudied climate variables (humidity, soil temperature), geographic blind spots (Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia), and a scarcity of field data validating laboratory-based HGT mechanisms. Addressing these challenges requires climate-smart livestock practices (improved housing, adaptive breeding), enhanced antimicrobial stewardship (vaccination, probiotics, biosecurity), and sustainable waste management (anaerobic digestion, composting). Global coordination under a One Health framework, supported by robust policy mechanisms and targeted research funding, is essential to safeguard animal and public health from AMR in a changing climate.},
}

@article {pmid42177952,
year = {2026},
author = {Nieto, ÁVA and Diaz, AH and Millán, MH and Sagredo, D and Gacitua, JA},
title = {Molecular Pathways and Clinical Applications of Probiotics as Effective Supporters of Intestinal, Neurologic, and Cardiovascular Health: a Narrative Review.},
journal = {The Journal of nutritional biochemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {110424},
doi = {10.1016/j.jnutbio.2026.110424},
pmid = {42177952},
issn = {1873-4847},
abstract = {PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This narrative review aims to synthesize current knowledge on the molecular mechanisms and clinical applications of probiotics across three major health domains: intestinal, neurologic, and cardiovascular.

RECENT FINDINGS: •Intestinal health: Probiotics such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 reinforce epithelial integrity via upregulation of tight-junction proteins (occludin, claudin-1), attenuate inflammation through cytokine modulation (↑IL-10, ↓TNF-α, IL-6), and restore eubiosis in conditions including IBS, constipation, and antibiotic-associated diarrhea. • Neurologic health: "Psychobiotic" strains (e.g., L. rhamnosus JB-1, B. longum 1714, L. helveticus R0052 + B. longum R0175) modulate neurotransmitter synthesis (GABA, serotonin), dampen HPA-axis hyperactivity, and reduce neuroinflammation, yielding improvements in anxiety, stress resilience, cognitive function, and slowing brain-atrophy progression in MCI and Alzheimer's disease. • Cardiovascular health: Meta-analyses of 30+ RCTs demonstrate that probiotic supplementation (notably L. acidophilus, L. plantarum, B. longum) lowers total and LDL cholesterol (-7 to -10 mg/dL) via bile-salt hydrolase activity, SCFA-mediated GPR signaling, direct cholesterol assimilation, and modestly reduces systolic (-2 to -4 mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure through anti-inflammatory pathways and improved endothelial function. • Safety: While generally safe in healthy populations, rare adverse events (bacteremia, D-lactic acidosis, horizontal gene transfer) have been reported in immunocompromised or critically ill individuals, underscoring the need for individualized risk-benefit assessments and rigorous adverse-event surveillance.

SUMMARY: Probiotics exert strain-specific, multi-mechanistic benefits on gut barrier integrity, neuroendocrine signaling, and cardiometabolic regulation. To fully realize their therapeutic promise, future research must pursue large-scale, head-to-head clinical trials, integrate multi-omics and precision-design approaches, and establish standardized frameworks for safety monitoring and personalized formulation.},
}

@article {pmid42178378,
year = {2026},
author = {Fueangbangluang, P and Matsutani, M and Kataoka, N and Yakushi, T and Matsushita, K and Trakulnaleamsai, S},
title = {Draft genome and physiological characterization of a newly isolated L-arabinose-utilizing Corynebacterium glutamicum CS176.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-54441-z},
pmid = {42178378},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {JPMJAL1106//the Advanced Low Carbon Technology Research and Development Program (ALCA) of the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)/ ; },
abstract = {This study reports the physiological and genomic characterization of Corynebacterium glutamicum CS176, a newly isolated strain exhibiting a rare combination of traits: efficient L-arabinose utilization and L-glutamate production without chemical induction, even under excess biotin conditions. Genome analysis of the 3.10 Mb draft sequence (54.20% GC) revealed a 7.8 kb L-arabinose utilization gene cluster highly similar to those of arabinose-assimilating strains, suggesting acquisition via horizontal gene transfer. To link genotype with phenotype, the effects of temperature, oxygen availability, carbon sources, and biotin concentration on bacterial growth and L-glutamate production were systematically evaluated under controlled conditions. Optimal growth was observed at 30-37 °C under high oxygen conditions, whereas maximal L-glutamate production (up to 2.5 g/L in mixed substrates) occurred at 37-39.5 °C under medium-low oxygen conditions. Notably, CS176 maintained L-glutamate production across a wide range of biotin concentrations (0-200 µg/L), in contrast to the typical biotin-dependent regulation observed in C. glutamicum. Furthermore, glucose-arabinose co-utilization enhanced both growth and L-glutamate production, highlighting metabolic flexibility. Together, these findings identify CS176 as a promising strain that overcomes key limitations in conventional glutamate fermentation and provides insights for metabolic engineering and sustainable bioprocess development.},
}

@article {pmid42178922,
year = {2026},
author = {Hu, Y and Yang, Y and Hu, X and Mahillon, J and Chen, Z and Xia, H},
title = {Identification of the Integration/Excision Module and Regulatory Elements Involved in the Mobility of IME8, an Integrative and Mobilizable Element From Mosquitocidal Lysinibacillus sphaericus.},
journal = {Microbial biotechnology},
volume = {19},
number = {5},
pages = {e70387},
doi = {10.1111/1751-7915.70387},
pmid = {42178922},
issn = {1751-7915},
support = {32170008//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32211530564//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; JXBS014//key R&D Program of Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory/ ; CZZ26003//Fundamental Research Fund for the Central Universities of South-Central Minzu University/ ; },
mesh = {*Bacillaceae/genetics ; *Recombination, Genetic ; Plasmids ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Lysinibacillus sphaericus, a bacterium successfully used in the control of mosquitoes, bears its insecticidal traits in GI8, a recently identified mosquitocidal genomic island. GI8 is renamed IME8 in the present work, as it displays a typical genetic organization of an Integrative and Mobilizable Element (IME) and its circularized form is not self-conjugative but mobilizable by the pBsph-like plasmid p1593. The IME8 integration module (int-operon) encodes two integrase-like proteins (Int1 and Int2) belonging to the family of tyrosine recombinases, and a hypothetical protein (Hp3). All three ORFs are necessary and function as an essential excision unit of IME8. The chimeric construct "attL-int1-int2-hp3-kan-attR" (hereafter named mini-IME8 cassette) displays integrating property. The integration is specific to an acnL-yolD(attB)-uvrX operon target region, which is not only distributed in various L. sphaericus isolates but is also present among other Lysinibacillus species. The regulation module, reg-operon, encodes an HTH-domain-carrying protein (Reg16) and a putative lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase (LPMO17). Knockout of the reg-operon remarkably increases IME8 excision and transcription levels of int1/int2/hp3 compared to the wild-type situation. However, expression of reg16 or the complete reg-operon both increase the int-operon promoter (Pint) activity in β-galactosidase activity assays, suggesting a complex regulation of the int-operon.},
}

*Bacillaceae/genetics
*Recombination, Genetic
Plasmids
Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism

@article {pmid42181995,
year = {2026},
author = {Mahanta, U and Waßmuth, R and Brighty, S and Treuner-Lange, A and Sharma, G},
title = {Diversity, classification, and evolution of myxobacterial PilY1 proteins.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1826482},
pmid = {42181995},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Type IVa pili (T4aP) mediate one of the most widespread forms of bacterial surface motility through coordinated cycles of extension, attachment, and retraction that generate pulling forces to propel cells forward. This process is well characterized in diverse Gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas, Myxococcus, and Neisseria, where T4aP filaments are composed of thousands of major pilin subunits and a tip complex formed by minor pilins and the PilY1 adhesin proteins. PilY1 is a multifunctional protein localized at the T4aP machine and pilus tip, playing critical roles in pilus priming, surface adhesion, motility, and virulence. Myxococcus xanthus possesses three distinct PilY1 adhesins with conserved C-terminal but different N-terminal, where each is encoded within separate minor pilin/pilY1 gene clusters, suggesting functional specialization. This study investigates the extent of PilY1 diversity and domain architecture conservation across the phylum Myxococcota using genomic, phylogenetic, and structural approaches, suggesting a remarkable evolutionary strategy for tailoring T4aP tip complexes to diverse environmental and physiological demands. Our analysis of sixty-seven representative genomes reveals that PilY1 proteins are widely distributed and typically occur in multiple copies, with an average of two homologs per genome. Phylogenetic reconstruction identifies several well-supported clades supported by myxobacterial taxonomy, domain architecture, protein length, and cysteine content. Notably, M. xanthus paralogs PilY1.1 and PilY1.2 form a conserved lineage characterized by a DUF4114 domain and appear to have evolved primarily through vertical inheritance, whereas PilY1.3 clusters with homologs from diverse bacterial phyla, suggesting acquisition via horizontal gene transfer. We reconfirmed that pilY1 genes frequently occur in conserved operons with minor pilins (pilX, pilW, pilV, and fimU), supporting their role in forming priming complexes initiating pilus assembly. Structural modeling predicts conserved interaction patterns within minor pilins and PilY1 via β-strand complementation between PilX and PilY1, highlighting a potentially conserved structural feature of T4aP tip complexes. Together, our findings reveal extensive diversification of PilY1 proteins within Myxococcota and suggest that variation in their N-terminal domains contributes to functional specialization of T4aP systems. Future experimental studies will be essential to determine how this diversity shapes mechanosensing, adhesion, and environmental adaptation in myxobacteria and other bacteria.},
}

@article {pmid42183934,
year = {2026},
author = {Halema, AA and Elarabi, NI and Henawy, AR and Almutairi, HH and El-Beltagi, H and Al-Dossary, O and Alsubaie, B and Rezk, AA and Abdelhadi, AA and Abdelhaleem, HAR},
title = {Genome-based characterization of a multifunctional plant growth-promoting and heavy metal-resistant Escherichia coli FACU2024 isolated from Jatropha rhizosphere.},
journal = {World journal of microbiology & biotechnology},
volume = {42},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {42183934},
issn = {1573-0972},
support = {KFU251835//Deanship of Scientific Research, Vice Presidency for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia/ ; },
mesh = {*Rhizosphere ; *Escherichia coli/genetics/isolation & purification/drug effects/classification/metabolism ; *Jatropha/microbiology/growth & development ; Soil Microbiology ; *Genome, Bacterial ; *Metals, Heavy/toxicity/metabolism ; Indoleacetic Acids/metabolism ; Plant Roots/microbiology ; Whole Genome Sequencing ; Phosphates/metabolism ; Phylogeny ; Plant Growth Regulators/metabolism ; Plant Development ; },
abstract = {Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of microbial isolates is a valuable tool for mapping the genomes of novel organisms and is helpful for understanding plant-bacteria interactions. The close relationships between bacteria and plants are essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems, whether the bacteria reside the plant or in the rhizosphere surrounding its roots. In this study, isolation, characterization, and WGS were performed to identify promising plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) using the rhizospheric soil sample of jatropha tree roots. Out of 100 isolates, six (FACU 2024, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6) exhibited phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) traits, including solubilizing phosphate and producing indole acetic acid (IAA), and the ability of other plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits was tested. Isolate FACU 2024 exhibited the highest values for IAA production (12.1 µg/ml), soluble phosphate release (300 µg/ml), and phosphate solubilization index (6.7). Therefore, FACU 2024 was molecularly identified as Escherichia coli. The WGS analysis revealed that E. coli FACU 2024 possesses one chromosome and one plasmid with a total length of 4.8 Mb and were submitted on GenBank under accession numbers CP147009 and CP147010. The bacterial genome contained about 142 PGP genes, ranging from 258 to 3744 bp and associated with phosphate solubilization, siderophore production, indole acetic acid (IAA) production, nitrogen metabolism, nitrogen fixation, and nitrite/nitrate reduction. Moreover, genomic islands (GIs) were enriched with genes associated with horizontal gene transfer (HGT), stress response, and environmental adaptation, and prophage analyses were carried out. In addition, 15 heavy metal resistance genes were annotated, such as those for As, Cd, Zn, Pb, Cu, Fe, and Co, ranging from 426 to 2505 bp. This study provides the first comprehensive genetic evidence linking E. coli to key PGPR traits alongside genes conferring resistance to multiple heavy metals. This strain demonstrates potential as a PGPR in addition to heavy metal bioremediation.},
}

*Rhizosphere
*Escherichia coli/genetics/isolation & purification/drug effects/classification/metabolism
*Jatropha/microbiology/growth & development
Soil Microbiology
*Genome, Bacterial
*Metals, Heavy/toxicity/metabolism
Indoleacetic Acids/metabolism
Plant Roots/microbiology
Whole Genome Sequencing
Phosphates/metabolism
Phylogeny
Plant Growth Regulators/metabolism
Plant Development

@article {pmid42172112,
year = {2026},
author = {Deng, K and Guo, R and Lv, S and Zhang, Y and Zhang, C and Xiao, L},
title = {Dual-Track Genome Evolution in Curvularia muehlenbeckiae Suggests Host Jump to Pecan via Putative Mini-Chromosome Acquisition and Zn2Cys6-Centric Co-adaptation.},
journal = {Plant disease},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1094/PDIS-04-26-0660-RE},
pmid = {42172112},
issn = {0191-2917},
abstract = {Curvularia muehlenbeckiae (P-6) is an emerging fungal pathogens responsible for severe leaf spot disease in pecan (Carya illinoinensis), however, the genomic mechanisms underlying its host jump remain elusive. Here, we present the first near complete genome assembly of P-6 (33.77 Mb), revealing a karyotype of 14 chromosomes, including two putative mini-chromosomes (Chr13/Chr14) that harbor 17% and 22% of the pathogen's candidate virulence factors, respectively. Notably, Chr14 contains a transposase-flanked secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene cluster (SM_BGC), a configuration often associated with horizontal gene transfer in fungi. Pan-genome analysis exposed a conserved Curvularia virulome (99.55% of P-6 virulence orthogroups) alongside lineage-specific expansions of Major Facilitator Superfamily (MFS) transporters (299 genes) and Zn2Cys6 transcription factors (126 genes) that facilitate adaptation to woody hosts - a signature distinct from graminaceous-infecting Curvularia species. Time-resolved transcriptomics revealed a Zn2Cys6-centric biphasic infection strategy: an early phase (0.5 h post-inoculation [hpi]) governed by Zn2Cys6 hubs regulating MFS transporters and reactive oxygen species (ROS) detoxification genes, and a late necrotrophic phase (72 hpi) mediated by distinct Zn2Cys6 factors inducing carbohydrate metabolism (AMY1, INV2) and toxin production (PKS7, NRPS3). Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) confirmed stage-specific modules associated with these Zn2Cys6 transcription factors. Ecological profiling indicated optimal growth at 28°C and pH 5.0-6.0, consistent with subtropical disease epidemiology. Our findings support a dual-track evolutionary model where putative mini-chromosomes may facilitate virulence gene acquisition, while correlated expansions of Zn2Cys6 transcription factors and MFS transporters forms a co-regulated network associated with a biphasic infection strategy, identification of these hubs will provide promising targets for eco-friendly management of pecan leaf spot.},
}

@article {pmid42172586,
year = {2026},
author = {Singh, R and Gupta, P and Singh, R and Basant, N},
title = {Environmental Antibiotic Contamination and AMR: Integrating Pathways, Impacts, and AI-Driven Mitigation.},
journal = {Environmental toxicology and chemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/etojnl/vgag115},
pmid = {42172586},
issn = {1552-8618},
abstract = {The widespread contamination of the environment with antibiotic residues is a significant factor contributing to the global crisis of antimicrobial resistance. Antibiotics from various sources, such as effluents from municipal and hospital wastewater treatment plants, agricultural runoffs, discharges from pharmaceutical manufacturing and improper disposal of expired or unused medicines, create selective pressures in the spread of antibiotic resistance genes. These environmental reservoirs act as hotspots for horizontal gene transfer, facilitating the emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens. Conventional detection methods including culture-based assays, chromatographic quantification, and molecular diagnostics, provide essential insights but are limited by low throughput, reduced sensitivity to new Antibiotic Resistance Genes, and challenges in real-time monitoring across complex environments. Recent advances, such as whole-genome sequencing, metagenomics, and biosensor-based detection, help to address these gaps by enabling more comprehensive surveillance of the resistome. Artificial intelligence further enhances these approaches by improving data interpretation and pattern recognition, thus complementing traditional and molecular methods rather than replacing them. This review examines the pathways of environmental antibiotic contamination, ecological and health impacts of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), and limitations of conventional detection methods. It aims to clarify how these pathways contribute to the AMR crisis, assess the effectiveness of existing surveillance techniques, and identify gaps in current research.},
}

@article {pmid42175760,
year = {2026},
author = {Sudianto, E and Baurain, D and Cornet, L},
title = {Horizontal Gene Transfers Underpin Ribose Heterotrophy and Central Carbon Metabolism Remodeling in Gloeobacteraceae.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/gbe/evag127},
pmid = {42175760},
issn = {1759-6653},
abstract = {Gloeobacterales occupy a key phylogenetic position among cyanobacteria and are distinguished by the absence of thylakoid membranes. Using comparative genomics and phylogenetic analyses, we show that horizontal gene transfer has played a major role in shaping the central carbon metabolism of this lineage. In Gloeobacteraceae-one of the two families within the order-we identify a complete ribose ATP synthase binding cassette (ABC) importer and associated metabolic enzymes that enable ribose uptake and assimilation into central carbon metabolism alongside photosynthesis, indicative of a photomixotrophic lifestyle. Beyond ribose utilization, their central carbon metabolism exhibits a mosaic architecture shaped by the integration of foreign genes into the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle, the pentose phosphate pathway, and the Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas pathway. Uniquely, these genes appear to have been acquired through multiple independent transfer events, as reflected by their dispersed genomic locations and diverse bacterial donors, including other cyanobacteria and Pseudomonadota. These findings highlight Gloeobacterales as a dynamic lineage that continues to adapt and evolve through metabolic innovation and the assimilation of foreign genes into its genomes.},
}

@article {pmid42176173,
year = {2026},
author = {Khan, SA and Siddiqui, SA and Samreen, and Ahmad, I and Neyaz, LA and Abulreesh, HH},
title = {ESBL and carbapenemase-producing enteric pathogens in animal-origin foods: a one health perspective.},
journal = {Folia microbiologica},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42176173},
issn = {1874-9356},
abstract = {The frequent detection of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL-E) and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) in foods of animal origin raises concerns regarding the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Dairy products, poultry, beef, and pork are considered key reservoirs. Multiple studies have indicated a correlation between isolates of food, animal, and human origin. Animal food chains often encompass high ESBL prevalence, whereas comparatively less prevalent CPE are also globally emerging in retail meat and poultry. Antibiotic resistance genes (blaOXA-48, blaNDM, and blaCTX-M) encoded by mobile genetic elements are known to contribute to dissemination across bacterial species as well as in the ecological niche. Horizontal gene transfer of plasmid-mediated genes further contaminates other environmental reservoirs, which complicates control points. Several studies depict a significant variation between low- and middle-income countries, often having high prevalence due to limited food safety controls and antibiotic stewardship. Such food-borne pathogens colonize human systems through food intake, occupational exposure, or handling, leading to serious public health implications. The current review summarizes global evidence on the prevalence and transmission of ESBL-E and CPE in animal food origin with particular emphasis on resistance mechanisms, reservoir and regional occurrence patterns within a One Health framework, and the need for integrated cross-sectoral surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship strategies to mitigate their spread.},
}

@article {pmid42176632,
year = {2026},
author = {Cai, Y and Liu, Y and Li, G and Wong, PK and An, T and Zhao, H},
title = {Dynamic shifts and molecular regulatory mechanisms of three predominant horizontal antibiotic resistance gene transfer modes during photocatalytic disinfection.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {513},
number = {},
pages = {142480},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142480},
pmid = {42176632},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {The spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) through horizontal gene transfer (HGT) during disinfection processes poses a significant challenge to water safety. However, the pathway-specific dynamics and regulatory mechanisms remain insufficiently elucidated. This study employed engineered strains harboring plasmids carrying six different ARGs targeting distinct cellular processes to demonstrate photocatalytic disinfection exhibiting unique and time-resolved effects on HGT. The results demonstrate that, although conjugation initially dominated HGT (37.7% - 98.3%), prolonged photocatalytic disinfection triggered a marked shift toward transduction (70% - 92% after 40 min), revealing a critical transduction-associated residual risk. The conjugation of various ARGs was transiently and heterogeneously enhanced (1.6 - 11.6 folds) during early photocatalysis (10 - 20 min), with strains carrying protein-targeting ARG exhibiting the greatest and most sustained promotion due to their higher tolerance to photocatalytic stress. This finding elucidates the role of resistance targets in modulating conjugation during disinfection. Transformation exhibited a sustained enhancement (1.4 - 2.6 folds), whereas transduction maintained remarkably stable throughout the treatment. Mechanistically, photocatalytic disinfection elevated intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, total antioxidant capacity, and membrane permeability. These changes synergistically regulated key functional genes, characterized by an initial up-regulation of conjugation-related genes (ftsY, tesB), followed by the sustained activation of SOS response genes (lexA, umuD) and stringent response genes (sspA, rpoS), providing a mechanistic explanation for the dynamic shifts among the three HGT modes. These findings highlight the inadequacy of relying solely on bacterial inactivation as an efficacy metric for disinfection and elucidate the differential regulation of HGT among ARGs with distinct resistance targets.},
}

@article {pmid42177136,
year = {2026},
author = {Ali, I and Xu, X},
title = {Soil carbon regulates antibiotic resistance gene dynamics.},
journal = {Trends in microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.tim.2026.05.002},
pmid = {42177136},
issn = {1878-4380},
abstract = {Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are widespread in soils, yet their persistence is often viewed only through the lens of chemical selection. Here, we propose soil carbon as an integrative ecological driver structuring ARG dynamics in terrestrial systems. By shaping microbial growth, community assembly, colonization resistance, and horizontal gene transfer, soil carbon can either constrain ARG persistence or, under certain conditions, facilitate ARG spread.},
}

@article {pmid42171474,
year = {2026},
author = {Kant, P and Petersen, B and Sicheritz-Pontén, T and Kondabagil, K},
title = {On the Low Abundance of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Bacteriophage Genomes and Their Random Acquisition via Specialized Transduction.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {18},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {42171474},
issn = {1759-6653},
mesh = {*Bacteriophages/genetics ; *Genome, Viral ; *Drug Resistance, Microbial/genetics ; *Transduction, Genetic ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics ; Prophages/genetics ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; },
abstract = {The role of bacteriophages in spreading antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) has been debated for over a decade. Several questions regarding the ARG dissemination potential of bacteriophages remain. For example, do phages frequently carry ARGs? Besides generalized transduction (GT), could specialized transduction (ST) play an essential role in the spread of ARGs? To address these questions, we thoroughly analyzed the available phage genomes, viromes, temperate phages, and prophage sequences for the presence of all known ARGs and their genomic context. Out of the 38,861 phage genome sequences we analyzed, 82 phages were found to possess 141 ARGs in their genomes. Interestingly, a few of the Streptococcus phages were found to carry an entire ARG cluster with four or more genes. An uncharacterized Caudoviricetes phage was found to possess the complete vancomycin operon. In literature, the role of ST in phage-based ARG dissemination is often overlooked. Based on the presence of lysogenic markers, the terminal location of ARGs on phage genomes, and ARG clusters transferred to phages, we suggest that ARGs are predominantly acquired from pathogenic hosts by temperate phages via ST. These findings indicate that, in addition to GT, ST can also play a crucial role in phage-based ARG dissemination. Our study also suggests that the acquisition of ARGs by phages is sporadic. Overall, we propose that phage-mediated gene transfer is governed by a complex interplay of gene transfer bottlenecks and microenvironmental parameters, such as microbial density, diversity, and external stress, in addition to phage properties.},
}

*Bacteriophages/genetics
*Genome, Viral
*Drug Resistance, Microbial/genetics
*Transduction, Genetic
*Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics
Prophages/genetics
Gene Transfer, Horizontal

@article {pmid42158020,
year = {2026},
author = {Jaber, R and Mattei, C and Accary, C and Roufayel, R and Abi Khattar, Z and Fajloun, Z},
title = {Animal Venom Pharmacological Resources: Exploiting Bioactive Peptides to Target Multi-Drug-Resistant Bacteria.},
journal = {Biochemistry research international},
volume = {2026},
number = {},
pages = {5088674},
pmid = {42158020},
issn = {2090-2247},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The escalating rise of multi-drug-resistant (MDR) bacterial strains significantly threatens global health, creating a "silent pandemic" prompted by natural selection, gene mutation, and horizontal gene transfer. This crisis is worsened by the deficit in the development of new treatments, necessitating the innovative discovery of new potent antibacterial agents.

OBJECTIVE: This review examines animal venom, a complex mixture of an evolutionary array of bioactive molecules, as an important emergent source of broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), creating potential drug templates for next-generation therapeutics.

RESULTS: We highlight numerous identified AMPs from various venomous taxa, including scorpions, snakes, spiders, frogs, bees, and wasps, characterized by their bactericidal activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. They exhibit diverse mechanisms of action, characterized by rapid membrane disruption models, biofilm inhibition, bacterial enzyme dysregulation, immunomodulatory effects, and the control of intracellular targets. These bioresources serve as a structural base for the development of analogs with enhanced potency, higher selectivity, and less systemic toxicity. We also discuss repurposing strategies applied to the native AMPs, the potential application of nanoparticle technologies and the usage of computational methods.

CONCLUSION: These advanced approaches accelerate the examination of large databases to optimize structure-function characteristics, providing a roadmap for the development of future potential antimicrobial treatments derived from the rich reservoir of animal venom bioactive molecules.},
}

@article {pmid42161273,
year = {2026},
author = {Maurais, EG and Mazzagatti, A and Lin, YF and Narozna, M and Hu, Q and Dahiya, R and Santiago-Ferrer, D and Herlihy, CP and Krebs, M and Pateraki, N and Parcharidou, E and Papathanasiou, S and Beliveau, BJ and Gorbsky, GJ and Cortés-Ciriano, I and Ly, P},
title = {Genome instability triggers intercellular DNA transfer between human cells.},
journal = {Cell},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42161273},
issn = {1097-4172},
support = {R01 CA289435/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; R35 GM146610/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {The mammalian genome is safeguarded within the confines of the interphase nucleus. However, genomic instability can trigger the mislocalization of nuclear DNA to the cytoplasm within micronuclei or as fragmented chromosomes. Beyond activating cell-autonomous signaling programs, whether such cytoplasmic DNA can elicit non-cell-autonomous consequences to nearby cells remains unclear. Here, we show that cytoplasmic DNAs undergo intercellular transfer through contact-dependent, cytoskeleton-based nanotube structures connecting adjacent human cells. Diverse sources of genomic instability-including exposure to mitotic spindle poisons, ionizing radiation, and Cas9-induced chromosome breakage-promote nanotube-mediated DNA transfer in both cancerous and non-cancerous cells. Transferred DNA fragments are stably inherited as functional extrachromosomal genetic elements in the recipient host genome, thereby conferring heritable phenotypic traits to the recipient cell. Our findings uncover a horizontal gene transfer-like mechanism through which direct cell-cell contact can propagate genomic instability and reshape mammalian genomes.},
}

@article {pmid42164320,
year = {2026},
author = {Ren, Z and Zhao, M and Chen, R and Zhang, X},
title = {Vertical stratification and functional coupling of antibiotic resistance and carbon metabolism in thermokarst lake sediments.},
journal = {ISME communications},
volume = {6},
number = {1},
pages = {ycag107},
pmid = {42164320},
issn = {2730-6151},
abstract = {Thermokarst lakes are biogeochemical hotspots and reservoirs of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), yet their vertical organization remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated the vertical stratification of ARGs in sediment cores from thermokarst lakes on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, quantifying their distribution and associations with mobile genetic elements (MGEs) and carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes). The results revealed pronounced vertical differentiation, with ARG richness decreasing but β-diversity increasing with depth. A total of 386 ARGs were identified, of which 39% increased and 22% decreased significantly along the depth gradient. Multidrug and glycopeptide resistance genes dominated the profiles, while macrolide, tetracycline, and fluoroquinolone resistance were most abundant overall. MGEs, primarily transposase and recombinase genes, were strongly correlated with ARGs, underscoring horizontal gene transfer as a key mechanism for their persistence and dispersal. Co-occurrence analyses further revealed both positive and negative associations between ARGs and CAZymes, indicating synergistic and antagonistic couplings between antibiotic resistance and microbial carbon metabolism. Genes involved in energy-efficient carbon degradation (e.g. glycoside hydrolases and glycosyltransferases) were positively correlated with resistance genes enhancing stress tolerance, whereas negative interactions reflected trade-offs between carbon utilization and resistance maintenance. These findings demonstrate that ARGs are vertically structured and functionally integrated within microbial metabolic networks, providing new insights into their ecological roles in thermokarst lakes.},
}

@article {pmid42168873,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhao, K and Wang, W and Ma, M and Feng, J and Qi, T and Wang, J and He, J},
title = {Genomic characterization of an extensively drug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae co-harboring mcr-3.11, blaNDM-5 and blaCTX-M-27 isolated from pelvic effusion in a colon cancer patient.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12866-026-05193-3},
pmid = {42168873},
issn = {1471-2180},
support = {20260521//Medical Science Research Project of Hebei/ ; USIP2025389//Undergraduate Students' Innovative Pilot Project of Hebei Medical University/ ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to characterize the genomic features and possible transmission mechanisms of an extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP2024). The isolate was recovered from pelvic effusion of a postoperative colon cancer patient in Hebei, China, with a focus on the rare mcr-3.11 gene as well as blaNDM-5 and blaCTX-M-27.

RESULTS: Genetic analysis of key resistance determinants identified three epidemiologically important plasmids: an IncFIB plasmid carrying blaCTX-M-27 (pKP2024-1), an IncFII plasmid carrying mcr-3.11 (pKP2024-3), and an IncX3 plasmid carrying blaNDM-5 (pKP2024-4). Comparative genomic analysis indicated that blaCTX-M-27 was located within a highly conserved transposition unit mediated by ISEcp1. Additionally, mcr-3.11 and diacylglycerol kinase (dgkA) formed a conserved mobile genetic element, while blaNDM-5 was located within a typical Tn3-IS3000-IS5-blaNDM-5-bleMBL-trpF-IS26-ISKox3 structure on the IncX3 plasmid. All these plasmids harbored complete conjugative transfer systems or mobile genetic elements, indicating a high potential for horizontal gene transfer.

CONCLUSION: This study reports an XDR K. pneumoniae co-harboring mcr-3.11, blaNDM-5, and blaCTX-M-27, isolated from the postoperative pelvic effusion of a colon cancer patient. Multiple key resistance genes are distributed on different types of plasmids, conferring resistance to "last-line" clinical agents such as carbapenems and colistin. The co-existence of multiple plasmids and the co-evolution of resistance genes may further increase the risk of resistance transmission, highlighting the importance of enhancing clinical surveillance for such highly resistant clones.},
}

@article {pmid42169756,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, Y and Yu, K and Sun, Y and Yan, Y and Yin, G and Wang, J and Li, X and Tang, S and Pronyk, P and Xia, Y},
title = {Plastic leachates drive conjugative transfer of antibiotic resistance genes.},
journal = {Environmental science and ecotechnology},
volume = {31},
number = {},
pages = {100705},
pmid = {42169756},
issn = {2666-4984},
abstract = {Plastic pollution pervades aquatic ecosystems worldwide, releasing leachates that interact intimately with microbial communities. Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) disseminate rapidly through horizontal gene transfer via plasmid conjugation, posing a severe and accelerating threat to public health and environmental stability. While microplastic particles are known to promote ARG exchange within biofilms, the influence of soluble chemical leachates derived from degrading plastics has remained unclear. Here we show that photodegraded leachate from polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-a widely used material in water infrastructure-substantially enhances conjugative transfer of ARGs in both laboratory model systems and natural aquatic microbiomes. Exposure increased transconjugant abundance up to 26.4-fold and conjugation efficiency up to 44.6-fold, with non-monotonic responses modulated by leachate concentration and microbial community diversity. Characterization of the leachate revealed high proportions of biolabile dissolved organic matter alongside additives; mechanistic assays demonstrated that these effects arise through elevated intracellular reactive oxygen species (21% increase), activation of the SOS response and DNA-repair pathways, increased extracellular protein production facilitating cell-cell contact, and compensatory adjustments in the electron transport chain that maintain ATP homeostasis. These results demonstrate that plastic leachates act as potent but previously overlooked facilitators of ARG dissemination beyond the physical effects of microplastics. Our findings reveal a critical synergy between plastic pollution and the global antimicrobial-resistance crisis, underscoring the urgent need for targeted regulations on plastic additives and degradation products in aquatic systems.},
}

@article {pmid42171365,
year = {2026},
author = {Song, Z and Zhou, L and Xu, W and Tian, M and Yu, L and Zhang, X and Song, R and Li, J and Ma, L},
title = {Genomic epidemiology and molecular characterization of Streptococcus pyogenes isolates from pediatric infections in Beijing, China.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0391425},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.03914-25},
pmid = {42171365},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus, GAS) remains a formidable global public health challenge. In this study, we conducted a high-resolution genomic epidemiology study on 176 non-invasive throat GAS isolates collected from pediatric patients in Beijing, China, between June 2024 and March 2025. Whole-genome sequencing was employed to characterize population structure, phylogenetic relationships, virulence genes, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) determinants. The results showed that the population of GAS isolates in this study was dominated by emm12/ST36 (77.8%) and emm1 (22.2%) types. The emm1 isolates primarily belonged to ST1274 and ST28, with ST1274 being a single-locus variant of ST28. Crucially, the global M1UK lineage was not detected. Phylogenomic analysis revealed that the emm12 population is structured into a dominant, conserved monophyletic clone (Clade A) co-circulating with diverse ancestral lineages. Pan-genome analysis further demonstrated an open genomic architecture characterized by a vast reservoir of accessory genes, indicating high evolutionary plasticity. While emm1 and emm12 exhibited distinct virulence signatures, a core virulence genome, including the the capsule-encoding hasABC operon, was universally conserved. Notably, we identified one emm12 isolate that acquired the emm1-associated superantigen speA gene via the ΦMGAS5005.1-like prophage. Furthermore, resistance to macrolides (97.7%) and tetracyclines (96.6%) was pervasive across both lineages, underscoring the severity of antimicrobial resistance in circulating GAS isolates. In conclusion, this study illuminates a distinct GAS epidemiological landscape in Beijing characterized by the local expansion of multidrug-resistant emm12 and emm1 clones. These findings emphasize the urgent need for continuous genomic surveillance to monitor the emergence of novel, hypervirulent recombinant variants within this distinct epidemiological context.IMPORTANCEGroup A Streptococcus poses a persistent global health challenge, capable of causing life-threatening invasive infections; thus, monitoring its evolving epidemiology is critical. Global surveillance activities have recently identified an upsurge of the hypervirulent M1UK lineage, and our study of pediatric infections in Beijing identifies a distinct local trajectory dominated by multidrug-resistant emm12 and emm1 lineages. Notably, we documented a horizontal gene transfer event where a multidrug-resistant emm12 isolate acquired the speA superantigen gene-a virulence factor typically associated with the emm1 lineage. This finding illustrates that endemic clones possess the genomic plasticity to combine high virulence potential with existing antimicrobial resistance. Our work highlights that beyond monitoring global high-risk clones like M1UK, observing local evolutionary dynamics is essential to anticipate emerging regional threats.},
}

@article {pmid42156565,
year = {2026},
author = {Ballaben, AS and Cabrera, JM and Moreira, LM and Chandler, M and Varani, AM},
title = {One Health Genomic Perspective on Pseudescherichia vulneris: A Neglected Reservoir of Last-Resort Resistance Genes.},
journal = {Current microbiology},
volume = {83},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {42156565},
issn = {1432-0991},
mesh = {*Genome, Bacterial ; Humans ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Plasmids/genetics ; Animals ; One Health ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; *Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/genetics ; *Enterobacteriaceae/genetics/drug effects ; Genomics ; Interspersed Repetitive Sequences ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics ; Enterobacteriaceae Infections/microbiology/veterinary ; },
abstract = {Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global threat, often driven by horizontal gene transfer mediated by mobile genetic elements (MGEs) such as plasmids, transposons, and integrons. Among Enterobacterales, IncHI2/IncHI2A plasmids are of particular concern, as they combine broad host range, conjugative potential, and mosaic architecture enriched with antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), biocide tolerance, and heavy-metal resistance. This study provides the first systematic comparative genomics of Pseudescherichia vulneris, an underrecognized yet genomically versatile species at the human-animal-environment interface. All 30 publicly available genomes were analyzed to reconstruct the pangenome, resistome, virulome, and associated MGEs. The pangenome was open, reflecting ongoing diversification and strong potential for horizontal gene acquisition. Resistomes were highly heterogeneous, ranging from minimal repertoires in most animal and environmental isolates to multidrug-resistance profiles in hospital-associated and occasional animal genomes. Clinically significant determinants, including blaKPC-2, blaKPC-3, blaCTX-M-9, and mcr-9, were frequently linked to MGEs. blaKPC alleles were mobilized by Tn4401-like elements, while mcr-9 occurred either within IncHI2/IncHI2A plasmids or integrated into chromosomal contexts, underscoring diverse mobilization routes. In contrast, the virulome was comparatively conserved, dominated by motility, chemotaxis, and siderophore systems, unlike pathogenic Enterobacterales that carry broad MGE-associated virulence factors. Co-occurrence analyses showed modular independence between resistance and virulence, with limited overlaps shaped by ecological origins, suggesting that resistome content may adapt to distinctive environments. Collectively, these findings establish P. vulneris as a reservoir and conduit of last-resort resistance genes, reinforcing its relevance for One Health surveillance and highlighting the urgent need for its systematic inclusion in global antimicrobial resistance monitoring frameworks.},
}

*Genome, Bacterial
Humans
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Plasmids/genetics
Animals
One Health
Gene Transfer, Horizontal
*Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/genetics
*Enterobacteriaceae/genetics/drug effects
Genomics
Interspersed Repetitive Sequences
*Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics
Enterobacteriaceae Infections/microbiology/veterinary

@article {pmid42156749,
year = {2026},
author = {Sommer, MOA and Munck, C},
title = {Reply to: Genome contamination may lead to an overestimation of horizontal gene transfer inferences.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42156749},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {R140-2013-13496//Lundbeckfonden (Lundbeck Foundation)/ ; },
}

@article {pmid42155923,
year = {2026},
author = {Chao, S and Wen, P and Wang, XN and Liang, JL and Fang, Y and Qin, Y and Liao, JW and Shu, WS and Yi, X and Li, JT},
title = {Genomic expansion of efflux pumps is associated with metal-antibiotic super-resistance in bacteria from mining environments.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {512},
number = {},
pages = {142417},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142417},
pmid = {42155923},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {The synergistic selective pressure of metals on antibiotic resistance can drive the emergence of metal-antibiotic super-resistance in bacteria, representing a critical yet understudied environmental health risk. Moreover, the genetic mechanisms underpinning this risk remain unclear. To address these knowledge gaps, we comprehensively profiled the phenotypic and genotypic metal-antibiotic co-resistance of bacteria from mine tailings and acid mine drainage sediments, which are widespread reservoirs of metal pollution. Our cultivation yielded 48 bacterial strains spanning four phyla and 29 genera. Remarkably, all 22 strains used for resistance test exhibited exceptional multi-drug and multi-metal co-resistance, with minimal inhibitory concentrations exceeding the established breakpoints for pathogens by 10- to 1000-fold. Whole-genome sequencing of two representative resistant strains (WK.6 and WK.16) revealed that they harbored 74 and 48 putative antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), respectively. Strikingly, the majority of these putative ARGs (62 in WK.6 and 31 in WK.16) were identified as efflux pump genes, accounting for 82% and 65% of their respective antibiotic resistomes. Comparative genomic analysis against reference genomes from public datasets further indicated a significant enrichment of these efflux pump genes in the two strains. Additionally, 14.7% of the putative ARGs in WK.6 and 35% in WK.16 were found to be located within the active range of a specific mobile genetic element, suggesting a potential for horizontal gene transfer. Collectively, our findings suggest that the genomic expansion of efflux pumps may serve as a key genetic foundation for metal-antibiotic super-resistance, highlighting a potentially prevalent adaptive mechanism that may exacerbate the environmental dissemination of such super-resistance.},
}

@article {pmid42146701,
year = {2026},
author = {Hambücken, L and Baurain, D and Cornet, L},
title = {Exploring Thylakoid Emergence: Evolution of Membrane Biogenesis and Photosystem II assembly in early-diverging Cyanobacteria.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1101/2025.11.06.686923},
pmid = {42146701},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {Thylakoid membranes (TM) in cyanobacteria and chloroplasts host the light-dependent reactions of oxygenic photosynthesis. Gloeobacterales, the earliest-diverging cyanobacterial lineage, lack TM and perform photosynthesis in the cytoplasmic membrane, representing an ancestral state relative to other cyanobacteria (Phycobacteria). This study investigates the evolutionary origin of TM.Phylogenomic analyses were performed across a phylogenetically diverse set of cyanobacteria, including extensive representation of basal lineages (Gloeobacterales, Thermostichales, Gloeomargaritales and Pseudanabaenales), as well as micro- and macrocyanobacteria, using orthologous proteins involved in membrane dynamics and Photosystem II (PSII) assembly, together with structural modelling using AlphaFold3.We identified two candidate proteins associated with membrane trafficking that may contribute to TM biogenesis, including the SPFH family member Slr1106, proposed to have been acquired by lateral gene transfer. Analysis of 36 PSII assembly factors revealed modifications in late-stage assembly, notably in manganese homeostasis. Structural changes in the YidC translocase may have facilitated relocation of linear electron transfer components from the cytoplasmic membrane to TM.Altogether, these phylogenetic and functional prediction analyses provide new insight into the molecular innovations that led to TM emergence, including membrane trafficking systems, PSII assembly changes, and protein targeting adaptations.},
}

@article {pmid42149652,
year = {2026},
author = {Holtappels, D and Rickus, GEJ and Morgan, T and de Rezende, RR and Koskella, B and Alfenas-Zerbini, P},
title = {Comparative genomics reveals high prophage diversity and horizontal gene transfer of effectors and phage defence systems in the Pseudomonas syringae complex.},
journal = {Microbial genomics},
volume = {12},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {42149652},
issn = {2057-5858},
mesh = {*Pseudomonas syringae/genetics/virology ; *Prophages/genetics ; *Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; *Genomics/methods ; Bacteriophages/genetics ; Genome, Bacterial ; Genetic Variation ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {The mobilome, defined as the collection of mobile genetic elements within a bacterial genome, plays a role in the adaptation of bacteria to abiotic and biotic drivers. In particular, prophages have been reported to contribute to bacterial resistance to virulent bacteriophages, to competitive interactions among bacterial hosts within microbial communities and to pathogenicity and virulence. It is, therefore, critical to better understand the role of prophages in distributing genes and functions within and among bacterial species to predict how bacteria adapt to their biotic environment. Pseudomonas syringae offers an ideal study system to ask these questions, both because of its broad range of lifestyles (spanning from environmental growth to plant pathogens) and its high intraspecies diversity. To examine the role of prophages in this species complex, we compared 587 genomes available from public databases and annotated the defence mechanisms, effectors and prophages in the genomes. We found that this species complex has an elaborate phage pandefensome consisting of 139 defence mechanisms. Assessing taxonomical signatures of the observed prophages uncovered broad differences in the types and numbers of genes encoded by different phage families, emphasizing how the evolutionary advantages conferred to hosts can depend on the prophage composition and offering insight into how these genes might disperse within a community. Our study highlights the intimate association of specific phage families with their hosts and their potential role in shaping key ecological traits of these important species.},
}

*Pseudomonas syringae/genetics/virology
*Prophages/genetics
*Gene Transfer, Horizontal
*Genomics/methods
Bacteriophages/genetics
Genome, Bacterial
Genetic Variation
Phylogeny

@article {pmid42151510,
year = {2026},
author = {de Souza Pereira, LF and Tavares, TCS and Martins, DT and Dias Dantas, CW and de Souza, FOR and Prazeres, MCC and Faturi, C and Rogez, HLG and Ramos, RTJ and Cardenas Alegria, OV and Ribeiro Carneiro Nunes, A},
title = {Characterization of defensome genes and mobile genetic Elements in different types of pasture soil agroecosystems from the Brazilian Amazon.},
journal = {International microbiology : the official journal of the Spanish Society for Microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42151510},
issn = {1618-1905},
abstract = {The Amazon rainforest represents nearly 40% of the world's tropical forests and has undergone extensive conversion to pasture, profoundly altering soil microbial communities. Given that bacteriophage-driven selective pressure shapes bacterial defense systems (the defensome) as well as mobile genetic elements (MGEs), we examined the diversity and distribution of these genetic components in native forest soils and in pasture soils under two management regimes (with and without fertilization) in the Brazilian Amazon. Metagenomic sequencing revealed pronounced differences in bacterial community structure between forest and pasture sites (R = 0.942), whereas phages communities exhibited no significant variation. Pasture soils-particularly those under fertilization-showed higher abundances of functional genes and mobile genetic elements, including conjugative plasmid-associated genes and insertion sequences. Defensome analyses indicated an increased prevalence of retrons and Pycsar systems in managed soils, while a greater diversity of defense genes was observed in non-fertilized pastures. A strong positive correlation was observed between defensome diversity and MGE diversity, suggesting coordinated dynamics between viral selective pressure and horizontal gene transfer. These findings indicate that forest-to-pasture conversion reshapes microbial functional potential and amplifies genetic mechanisms linked to phage defense and gene mobility, with potential consequences for ecosystem functioning and the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance.},
}

@article {pmid42152762,
year = {2026},
author = {Yang, W and Guo, J},
title = {Unveiling the Hidden Resistome: A Comprehensive Risk Assessment of Latent Antibiotic Resistance Genes in China's Wastewater.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {28},
number = {5},
pages = {e70330},
doi = {10.1111/1462-2920.70330},
pmid = {42152762},
issn = {1462-2920},
support = {2021YFD1600400//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; },
mesh = {*Wastewater/microbiology ; China ; Risk Assessment ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics ; *Bacteria/genetics/drug effects ; Metagenome ; Genes, Bacterial ; Escherichia coli/genetics/drug effects ; *Drug Resistance, Microbial/genetics ; },
abstract = {Wastewater systems are important reservoirs of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), but the ecological and health risks of numerous latent ARGs (LARGs) remain unclear. In this study, we analysed 636 wastewater metagenomic samples from China and constructed a database containing 1587 LARGs. Across all environments, LARGs encoding serine-β-lactamases were the most abundant and prevalent. A comprehensive risk assessment, integrating host pathogenicity, gene mobility and environmental prevalence, was performed on 561 LARGs identified in metagenome-assembled genomes. Most LARGs exhibited low levels across all three dimensions, suggesting limited transmission risk. Nevertheless, 37 high-risk LARGs were identified, indicating non-negligible threats. Functional validation showed that the top three extremely high-risk LARGs significantly enhanced host resistance to ampicillin and ciprofloxacin when expressed in Escherichia coli, while AlphaFold3 revealed typical resistance protein folding, further supporting their functional activity. Horizontal gene transfer analysis indicated that these high-risk genes have disseminated from wastewater to natural water bodies such as rivers via plasmid-mediated mechanisms. Collectively, wastewater acts not only as an 'accumulation pool' for LARGs but also as a potential source releasing 'super-risky' resistance gene into the environment. Therefore, urgent efforts are needed to monitor and control these high-risk LARGs and their mobile genetic elements to block their environmental spread.},
}

*Wastewater/microbiology
China
Risk Assessment
Gene Transfer, Horizontal
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
*Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics
*Bacteria/genetics/drug effects
Metagenome
Genes, Bacterial
Escherichia coli/genetics/drug effects
*Drug Resistance, Microbial/genetics

@article {pmid42155712,
year = {2026},
author = {Geng, R and Huang, B and Duan, Z and Zhao, F and Lü, X and Jiang, Z and Yi, Y},
title = {Antimicrobial Efficacy and Food Application Potential of Bacteriocins LL3 and LL4 from Traditional Dairy-Derived Lactococcus lactis.},
journal = {Journal of dairy science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3168/jds.2026-28309},
pmid = {42155712},
issn = {1525-3198},
abstract = {To combat foodborne pathogens like Salmonella, this study employed an activity-based screening followed by metagenomic mining of the active isolates to discover and characterize bacteriocins from Inner Mongolian dairy products. From the 15 active isolates, Lactococcus lactis D63 and D64 were identified as harboring a putative biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) encoding 2 bacteriocins, LL3 and LL4. Both peptides form amphipathic α-helical structures that disrupt bacterial membranes, leading to intracellular leakage and cell death. They exhibited effective antimicrobial activity, particularly against Salmonella Typhimurium. Crucially, when applied in a simulated milk model under standard refrigeration (4°C), synthesized LL4 demonstrated robust preservative efficacy by effectively controlling S. Typhimurium, showing comparable performance to the commercial preservative Nisin. Genetic analysis revealed that this BGC exhibits low basal transcription under standard laboratory growth conditions and shares high homology with plasmid elements, suggesting it is a mobile genetic element acquired via horizontal gene transfer. This study presents LL3 and LL4 as promising natural preservatives and validates metagenomic mining as an efficient strategy for uncovering antimicrobial genes.},
}

@article {pmid42142566,
year = {2026},
author = {Huang, H and Huang, D and Wang, G and Du, L and Chen, H and Zhou, W and Xu, W and Lei, Y},
title = {Microplastic-mediated antimicrobial resistance in aquatic environments: plastisphere dynamics, ecological risks, and mitigation strategies.},
journal = {Environmental research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {124779},
doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2026.124779},
pmid = {42142566},
issn = {1096-0953},
abstract = {The plastisphere, formed by microbial colonization on microplastics (MPs) surfaces, is widely recognized as a key reservoir for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). The persistence of MP-associated biofilms further exacerbates the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). How to mitigate MPs and ARGs becomes an emerging issue under the context of One Health. However, given the increasingly fragmented focus of current research, there is a lack of comprehensive reviews on the removal of MPs and ARGs. With this in mind, this paper discusses the mechanisms by which MPs promote AMR production and transfer, as well as the multi-level ecological risks of MPs-ARGs combined pollution. More importantly, we systematically summarize the mechanisms of various wastewater treatment technologies for the simultaneous elimination of ARGs and MPs, including comprehensive biological processes (wastewater treatment plants, constructed wetlands and membrane bioreactors) and physical/chemical processes (adsorption and advanced oxidation processes). Besides, the efficiency and disadvantages of these methods in removing MPs and ARGs from wastewater and future prospects are discussed. In summary, this article offers valid information to reveal the tip of the iceberg of the severity of MPs and ARGs combined pollution. And it promotes the progress of novel and viable methods for the simultaneous removal of MPs and ARGs.},
}

@article {pmid42143575,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, P and Zhao, M and Cheng, Z and Ding, Y and Xia, S and Guo, J},
title = {Bile acid metabolism dysregulation following Helicobacter pylori eradication promotes plasmid-mediated antimicrobial resistance in the gut microbiome.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ismejo/wrag126},
pmid = {42143575},
issn = {1751-7370},
abstract = {Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) transmission within the gut microbiome poses a major health risk during antibiotic exposure, primarily via horizontal gene transfer (HGT). However, how antibiotic-induced metabolic remodeling of the intestinal environment modulates plasmid-mediated AMR dissemination remains unclear. Herein, integrating metagenomics, metabolomics, in vitro conjugation assays, and in vivo mouse models, we show that Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy reshapes gut metabolism in ways that enhance transfer of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Metagenomic analysis revealed the expansion of Escherichia populations and the enrichment of plasmid-borne ARGs after H. pylori eradication. Fecal filtrates from treated individuals significantly increased conjugation frequencies of the broad-host-range plasmid RP4 in E. coli. Metabolomic profiling identified a pronounced accumulation of primary bile acids, including glycocholic acid, taurocholic acid, glycochenodeoxycholic acid, and taurochenodeoxycholic acids, which could increase bacterial membrane permeability, induce the SOS response, and upregulate conjugation and pilus assembly genes, thereby accelerating ARG transfer. Molecular docking further suggested these bile acids may likely participates in interacting with global plasmid repressors KorA/KorB, derepressing conjugation operons. In mice, H. pylori eradication therapy elevated fecal primary bile acid levels and significantly promoted in vivo plasmid transfer, with the critical role of bile acids further confirmed through interventions using the bile acid sequestrant cholestyramine or glycocholic acid. Together, these findings demonstrate that dysregulation of bile acid metabolism due to H. pylori eradication creates a permissive gut niche for plasmid-mediated ARG dissemination, providing mechanistic insight into how clinical antibiotic regimens can unintentionally promote microbiome-associated AMR risk.},
}

@article {pmid42143834,
year = {2026},
author = {Zheng, B and Qi, J and Ma, L and Hao, C and Zheng, X and Li, Y and Cheng, Y and Yue, C and Liu, Y},
title = {A risk assessment of the environmental and clinical implications of aquaculture-associated, multidrug-resistant Aeromonas veronii.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {301},
number = {},
pages = {126007},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2026.126007},
pmid = {42143834},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {The emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) mediated by mobile genetic elements (MGEs) pose a significant threat to public and environmental health. While aquaculture ecosystems are recognised as critical reservoirs for ARGs, the genomic architecture of MGEs that facilitate resistance dissemination in aquatic pathogens - particularly Aeromonas veronii (A. veronii) - remains underexplored. This study isolated a highly virulent, multidrug-resistant strain of A. veronii (Y6) from diseased largemouth bass, underscoring its potential dual threat to aquaculture and public health. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that strain Y6 harbours a chromosomal genomic island, GI22, containing a integron 1, which encodes 15 ARGs. Embedded within this island is a novel composite transposon, TnY6-1, which carries five of these ARGs and has the potential to facilitate horizontal gene transfer. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that strain Y6 clusters closely with human clinical isolates, underscoring its zoonotic potential. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that the resistance gene cassettes in integron 1 of strain Y6 are highly conserved across fish, human, and environmental isolates, suggesting the possibility of ARG transmission between different ecosystems. To quantify the environmental threat posed by TnY6-1, we applied a multidimensional risk assessment framework adapted from the PIPdb database. This marks the first classification of TnY6-1 as a Level IV high-risk MGE. These findings highlight the importance of implementing risk-based surveillance systems targeting hazardous MGEs in aquaculture to reduce the environmental-to-clinical spillover of antimicrobial resistance.},
}

@article {pmid42145856,
year = {2026},
author = {Lopes, IDS and Moreira, AJS and de Barros, M and Bueno, LMS and da Silva, GC and Rosa, JN and Caldeira, JLA and Barros, RA and Bazzolli, DMS and Moreira, MAS},
title = {Fingerprinting PCR Reveals Potential Dissemination of Multidrug Efflux System Genes and Antimicrobial Resistance in Staphylococcus aureus Across Primary Healthcare Units in Brazil.},
journal = {International journal of microbiology},
volume = {2026},
number = {},
pages = {9287240},
pmid = {42145856},
issn = {1687-918X},
abstract = {Multidrug efflux systems (MESs) are major contributors to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Staphylococcus aureus, yet their role in primary healthcare settings is poorly understood. Under a One Health framework, we investigated MES-mediated resistance in 38 S. aureus isolates (27 from humans, 11 from dogs) from three Basic Health Units (BHUs) in Viçosa, Brazil. Isolates were characterized by antimicrobial susceptibility testing, PCR for six key efflux genes, and (GTG)5-PCR fingerprinting. Phenotypic efflux activity was evaluated using ethidium bromide fluorescence assays. Thirty-seven isolates were resistant to at least one antimicrobial, most commonly penicillin (57.9%) and erythromycin (55.3%), while all remained susceptible to chloramphenicol, trimethoprim, and linezolid. While the msrA gene was rare (10.5%), other efflux genes like norA/B/C, lmrS, and tet38 were nearly ubiquitous (> 94%). This high genetic prevalence contrasted with low phenotypic resistance, indicating that most MES genes were not expressed. Fingerprinting revealed seven genetic clusters, demonstrating the circulation of closely related strains between human and animal hosts across different health units. Eight isolates showed clear genotype-phenotype concordance, with MES activity confirmed phenotypically. The four msrA-positive, erythromycin-intermediate isolates formed two clonal groups (100% similarity): one shared between two users from different BHUs and another shared between a healthcare worker and a dog from different BHUs, providing direct evidence of interhost and cross-geographic AMR dissemination. Moreover, co-colonization of a single individual with two genetically distinct tetracycline-resistant strains (60% similarity) suggests possible horizontal gene transfer. Although phenotypic MES-mediated resistance was limited (21%), we demonstrate the potential AMR spread across hosts and geographic boundaries, as primary healthcare settings harbor a significant reservoir of MES genes in S. aureus even if they are silent. These results highlight the critical need for integrated One Health surveillance in community settings to mitigate AMR dissemination.},
}

@article {pmid42139776,
year = {2026},
author = {Majumdar, A and Kotta-Loizou, I and Buck, M and Roychowdhury, T},
title = {Temperature-dependent biofilm and sublancin production arrest soil arsenic and antibiotic resistance gene mobility.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {512},
number = {},
pages = {142339},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142339},
pmid = {42139776},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {Climate change-induced warming and arsenic soil contamination synergistically threaten agricultural sustainability by restructuring microbial communities and accelerating antimicrobial resistance dissemination. Here, through integrated greenhouse and field trials, we demonstrate that Bacillus subtilis 168-derived biofilm and sublancin, a glycosylated antimicrobial peptide, simultaneously immobilise rhizospheric arsenic and suppress horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Temperature-dependent biofilm formation (25-35°C) enhanced arsenic sequestration within the extracellular polymeric substance matrix, with SEM-EDX revealing a 74% increase in arsenic weight percentage at 35°C and ToF-SIMS confirming ∼14-fold and ∼9-fold increases in root-associated arsenic on biofilm-colonised surfaces in greenhouse and field trials, respectively. Sublancin production peaked at 30°C (129.72 mg L[-1]), selectively suppressing all 12 tested pathogenic Gram-positive species by 74-86% while preserving Gram-negative communities. Bio-amendment reduced horizontal gene transfer frequency by 74.7% (p < 0.001) across all temperature regimes. Transcriptomic profiling revealed coordinated upregulation of exopolysaccharide biosynthesis (FDR ∼1.0 × 10[-27]) and sublancin machinery (sunA: +3.5 log2), alongside downregulation of conventional ARGs (vanA, blaTEM: -2.5 to -4.0 log2). These findings establish sublancin as a dual-function, climate-adaptive soil bio-amendment simultaneously addressing arsenic bioaccumulation and antibiotic resistance gene dissemination under warming scenarios.},
}

@article {pmid42140123,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, SY and Tang, YM and Zhu, D and Huang, K and Zhao, FJ},
title = {Exposure to arsenic and cadmium promotes conjugative transfer of plasmid-borne antibiotic resistance genes among soil microbiota.},
journal = {Ecotoxicology and environmental safety},
volume = {318},
number = {},
pages = {120269},
doi = {10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.120269},
pmid = {42140123},
issn = {1090-2414},
abstract = {The spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) via horizontal gene transfer (HGT) poses a major global health threat. While cadmium (Cd) is known to influence ARG transfer in pure cultures, the effects of arsenic (As) and As-Cd co-exposure on plasmid-mediated conjugation, especially in soil, remain unclear. Here, we show that individual As (100-250 µM) or Cd (100-1000 µM) promoted the conjugative transfer of ARGs carried by plasmids R388 and RP4 in liquid medium, increasing frequency by 1.4- to 3.5-fold. In contrast, the As-Cd combination achieved similar promotion at only 25-50 µM each for the RP4 plasmid. In soil, the As-Cd mixture at concentrations slightly above or equal to environmentally relevant levels enhanced RP4 plasmid transfer to soil bacteria by 1.7- to 3.0-fold over 10 days, whereas individual metal(loid)s at the same concentrations had no significant effect. Metal(loid) exposure altered the composition of the soil transconjugant community, with some enriched taxa exhibiting potential metal(loid) resistance and pathogenic traits. Mechanistically, As exposure induced oxidative stress, SOS response, membrane damage, and viability reduction primarily in the donor (Escherichia coli SM10λπ), while Cd triggered the same four mechanisms mainly in the recipient (Pseudomonas putida KT2440). Their combination synergistically affected both strains at lower concentrations, eliciting a coordinated stress response encompassing all four pathways. Our findings demonstrate that both individual and combined As and Cd stress promote ARG dissemination, but their co-exposure achieves this promotion at substantially lower concentrations, highlighting a heightened risk in co-contaminated soils.},
}

@article {pmid42141512,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, Y and Sun, J and Dai, Z and Jin, LN and Chen, Z and Lin, D and Zhu, L},
title = {Antibiotic Metabolites Are an Overlooked Driver of Resistance Dissemination in Plant Systems.},
journal = {Environmental science & technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.est.6c04146},
pmid = {42141512},
issn = {1520-5851},
abstract = {Antibiotic pollution in agroecosystems is widely recognized, yet the risks posed by their metabolites remain insufficiently addressed. Using lettuce as a model, we investigated how tetracycline (TC) and its metabolites, anhydrotetracycline (ATC) and epitetracycline (ETC), contribute to the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). TC primarily accumulated in roots and declined during translocation, whereas ATC exhibited greater persistence and became the predominant residue through in planta transformation. At environmentally relevant concentrations (≤0.1 mg·L[-1]), ATC more effectively expanded the mobilizable resistome than the parent compound by inducing reactive oxygen species, activating the SOS response, increasing membrane permeability, and promoting RP4 plasmid conjugative transfer. These processes facilitated the acquisition of multidrug resistance and the colonization of plant tissues by human pathogens, including Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, thereby increasing ARG burdens in both rhizosphere and phyllosphere compartments. Metagenomic analysis further confirmed the coselection of nontetracycline ARGs, such as aph3'-I and catB, and the enrichment of efflux systems (acr/emr) in pathogenic bacteria. Our findings challenge the parent-compound-centered paradigm of antibiotic risk assessment by identifying ATC as a key high-risk driver of ARG dissemination in food plants and highlighting the need to incorporate transformation products into future management strategies.},
}

@article {pmid42142453,
year = {2026},
author = {Pan, Z and Ngoc, MN and Xie, Z and Wang, Q and Wang, J and Chen, X and Chen, C and Lin, Q},
title = {Persistence and dynamics of antibiotic resistance genes in livestock manure during anaerobic digestion.},
journal = {Waste management (New York, N.Y.)},
volume = {220},
number = {},
pages = {115590},
doi = {10.1016/j.wasman.2026.115590},
pmid = {42142453},
issn = {1879-2456},
abstract = {Livestock manure is a primary reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes, and anaerobic digestion is widely employed for its treatment. However, the reduction efficiencies of antibiotic resistance genes during anaerobic digestion vary drastically across studies, and the underlying mechanisms remain obscured by microbial complexity. This work systematically reviews the persistence and dynamics of antibiotic resistance genes in livestock manure anaerobic digestion through the lens of ecological community assembly, specifically examining the tradeoff between deterministic processes (e.g., temperature and pH filtering) andstochastic processes(e.g., microbial immigration and drift). We identify that microbial community diversity and interspecies interactions (cooperation vs. competition) play dual roles: high diversity can act as a barrier to antibiotic resistance gene invasion but also increases the range of potential horizontal gene transfer recipients. Furthermore, the role of viruses is re-evaluated, suggesting that their contribution to host lysis likely outweighs transduction in stable anaerobic digestion systems. By synthesizing evidence from manure-specific studies and bridging mechanistic gaps with fundamental anaerobic digestion microbiology, this review proposes that effective antibiotic resistance gene control requires shifting from simple parameter adjustment to the precise regulation of ecological niches, thereby minimizing environmental dissemination risks.},
}

@article {pmid42138983,
year = {2026},
author = {Touceda-Suárez, M and Ponsero, AJ and Barberán, A},
title = {Urban greenspaces harbour distinct plasmid communities enriched in heavy metal resistance and competitive traits in arid soils.},
journal = {Microbiology (Reading, England)},
volume = {172},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1099/mic.0.001705},
pmid = {42138983},
issn = {1465-2080},
mesh = {*Plasmids/genetics ; *Soil Microbiology ; *Metals, Heavy/pharmacology ; Soil/chemistry ; *Bacteria/genetics/drug effects/classification/isolation & purification ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; Metagenome ; Microbiota/genetics ; Cities ; Humans ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics ; },
abstract = {Plasmids drive horizontal gene transfer, a fundamental mechanism for soil bacterial evolution and antibiotic resistance emergence. In arid regions, the transformation of natural soils into urban greenspaces introduces dramatic environmental changes that influence the adaptive strategies of soil micro-organisms. Additionally, urban greenspaces can act as interfaces of antibiotic resistance spread between environmental and human microbiomes. Here, we inferred plasmids from soil metagenomes of urban greenspaces in Tucson, AZ, USA, and nearby natural arid habitats. We found urban greenspaces to select for plasmids that carried genes that confer competitive advantages, including motility, prokaryotic defence and resistance to heavy metals. Notably, urban greenspace plasmids exhibited reduced diversity (genetic and functional variants), which could in turn constrain their adaptability to rapid environmental changes. These findings underscore the importance of plasmids as agents mediating soil microbial adaptation to human activities.},
}

*Plasmids/genetics
*Soil Microbiology
*Metals, Heavy/pharmacology
Soil/chemistry
*Bacteria/genetics/drug effects/classification/isolation & purification
Gene Transfer, Horizontal
Metagenome
Microbiota/genetics
Cities
Humans
*Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics