@article {pmid42962555,
year = {2026},
author = {Cordova, B and Milletich, PL and Jones, MP and McKinley, KL and Mearig, AJ and Triplett, EW and Ludvigsson, J},
title = {Gut microbial functional associations with subsequent irritable bowel syndrome in a prospective, paediatric case-control study.},
journal = {EBioMedicine},
volume = {133},
number = {},
pages = {106521},
pmid = {42962555},
issn = {2352-3964},
mesh = {Humans ; *Irritable Bowel Syndrome/microbiology/etiology/epidemiology/diagnosis ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Male ; Infant ; Child ; Prospective Studies ; Feces/microbiology ; Metagenomics/methods ; Dysbiosis ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The infant gut microbiome undergoes rapid maturation that shapes lifelong gastrointestinal health. Although adults with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) show characteristic microbial and metabolic alterations, it remains unclear whether these differences precede disease onset. Here, microbiome composition and function in infancy were prospectively associated with future IBS development.

METHODS: Stool samples collected from the All Babies in Southeast Sweden (ABIS) cohort at a mean age of 12.4 (±1.5) months, were analysed using a nested case-control design. Cases included future IBS and/or pelvic and abdominal pain, with the average time between age at stool collection and diagnosis being 11.8 (±5.2) years and a mean age at diagnosis of 12.8 (±5.2) years. Microbial composition was profiled with 16S rRNA gene sequencing (n = 396). Data were processed with DADA2, taxonomically assigned using SILVA database, and predicted functionally with PICRUSt2. Descriptive statistics were analysed using χ[2] or Fisher's exact test, global differences with PERMANOVA, differential abundance with ANCOM-BC2, and pathway enrichment with GSEA.

FINDINGS: Infants with future IBS risk demonstrated microbial divergence, marked by depletion of short-chain fatty acid producers and expansion of facultative and mucosa-disruptive taxa. Inferred functional profiles exhibited reduced fermentative capacity, greater respiratory potential, accelerated degradation of neuroactive aromatic amines, and case-enrichment of cytochrome bc1 complex respiratory unit.

INTERPRETATION: Gut microbiome dysbiosis in infants with IBS risk is present many years prior to diagnosis and includes early disruptions in fermentation, redox balance, and amine metabolism that potentially compromise epithelial resilience and promote visceral hypersensitivity. Early detection of microbiome dysbiosis suggests probiotic-based interventions.

FUNDING: Barndiabetesfonden; Swedish Council for Working Life and Social Research; Swedish Research Council; Östgöta Brandstodsbolag; Medical Research Council of Southeast Sweden; JDRF-Wallenberg Foundation; Linköping University; Horizon Europe INITIALISE grant.},
}

Humans
*Irritable Bowel Syndrome/microbiology/etiology/epidemiology/diagnosis
Case-Control Studies
Female
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Male
Infant
Child
Prospective Studies
Feces/microbiology
Metagenomics/methods
Dysbiosis

@article {pmid43007868,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, XX and Xie, QJ and Qu, YN and Tang, Q and Cai, C and Chen, LX and Hua, ZS},
title = {Lineage-specific metabolic transcription across environmental gradients in geothermal microbial communities.},
journal = {Cell reports},
volume = {45},
number = {11},
pages = {118279},
doi = {10.1016/j.celrep.2026.118279},
pmid = {43007868},
issn = {2211-1247},
abstract = {Understanding how environmental heterogeneity shapes microbial metabolism remains a central challenge. While metagenomics has revealed extensive metabolic potential, how these functions are transcriptionally represented across environmental gradients and microbial lineages remains unclear. Here, we integrated genome-resolved metagenomics and metatranscriptomics with co-expression network analysis to examine metabolic transcription across geothermal environments. Across Tengchong hot springs, metabolic transcription varies with pH, temperature, and organic matter. Acidic, organic-rich springs show prominent heterotrophic and sulfur-metabolism-related transcription, with Mesoaciditogales primarily associated with coenzyme and purine biosynthesis and Thermoplasmatales with sulfur reduction and central carbon metabolism. In contrast, non-acidic thermal springs show carbon fixation transcripts from Aquificales and Cyanobacteriales and sulfur oxidation transcripts from Aquificales and Deinococcales. Under more extreme conditions, carbon-fixation pathways become less diverse and increasingly biased toward energetically efficient strategies, while nitrogen-cycling transcription remains restricted. These findings reveal how microbial functional programs and their lineage associations reflect environmental heterogeneity across geothermal habitats.},
}

@article {pmid43008439,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, Y and Tong, B and Lu, H and Han, X and Wang, J and Song, L and Zuo, R and Zhai, Y},
title = {Dissolved organic nitrogen and ammonium trigger distinct pathways of geogenic Mn mobilization in groundwater.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {518},
number = {},
pages = {144167},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.144167},
pmid = {43008439},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {Nitrogen (N) is a key groundwater quality indicator and an important component of biogeochemical cycleing. Existing evidence indicates that elevated manganese (Mn) concentrations in groundwater are closely associated with increases in dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) and ammonium nitrogen (NH4[+]-N). However, the mechanisms by which N influences Mn mobilization in aquifer sediment remain poorly understood. In this study, through microcosm experiments, 16S rRNA analysis, and metagenomic techniques, we elucidated the effects of exogenous DON and NH4[+]-N inputs on dissolved Mn release from aquifer sediments and the underlying microbial mechanisms. At the same N loading, proteinaceous DON induced greater dissolved Mn release than amino acid DON; relative to day 0, dissolved Mn concentrations in the G and B groups increased by 278.5% and 994.7% at day 30, respectively, and this process was mainly associated with microbial processes. In the NH4[+]-N system, dissolved Mn release was likely driven by both biotic and abiotic processes. Relative to day 0, dissolved Mn increased by 70.3% in the N group at day 30, and by 111.9% with AQDS addition at day 30. These findings demonstrate that distinct N-driven Mn mobilization pathways in aquifer sediments, providing mechanistic insights into geogenic Mn release under high-N-loading conditions.},
}

@article {pmid43008440,
year = {2026},
author = {Huang, L and Chen, B and Liu, X and Guo, Z and Zhang, G and Li, J and Fu, Q},
title = {Seasonal variation in the spatial distribution, community assembly, and associated factors of antibiotic resistance genes in tropical drinking water reservoirs of Hainan, China.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {518},
number = {},
pages = {144123},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.144123},
pmid = {43008440},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have been widely investigated in temperate and subtropical reservoirs but remain poorly understood in tropical drinking-water reservoirs. We sampled four drinking-water reservoirs in Hainan during both winter and summer, integrating physicochemical, heavy-metal, and metagenomic data to investigate the diversity, spatiotemporal patterns, and assembly of ARGs, mobile genetic elements (MGEs), and microbial communities. ARG composition and community structure differed significantly by season and reservoir. Contig-based analysis identified ARG-MGE arrangements in diverse putative hosts; sul1 and qacEdelta1 co-occurred with integrases and transposases, demonstrating MGE co-localization. Null-model analysis indicated reservoir-specific ARG assembly in winter but predominantly stochastic assembly in summer, whereas microbial community assembly was deterministic in both seasons. Mantel and Spearman analyses showed seasonal variation in ARG relationships: stronger correlations with environmental factors in winter and more positive correlations with MGEs in summer. Summer co-occurrence networks were larger and more connected, with more positive ARG-MGE-microbial genus associations. Partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) showed positive MGE-ARG associations in both seasons, whereas microbial community composition was negatively associated with ARGs only in winter. These results characterize seasonal ARG variation and its associations with MGEs and microbial communities in tropical reservoirs, providing a baseline for monitoring regional drinking-water sources.},
}

@article {pmid43008445,
year = {2026},
author = {Xu, Y and Chen, Z and Capo, E and Kang, S and Guo, J and Wang, S and Zhang, W and Liu, G and Chen, T and Zhang, B},
title = {Microbial lineages and metabolic capacities associated with mercury methylation in supraglacial cryoconite.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {518},
number = {},
pages = {144159},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.144159},
pmid = {43008445},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {Supraglacial cryoconite concentrates mercury (Hg), but the transcriptionally active putative Hg-methylating lineages and their metabolic organization remain poorly resolved. We combined an 8 h in situ HgCl2 perturbation with metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, expression-based functional prioritization, and genome-resolved analyses. Initial post-dose total Hg (THg) was positively associated with endpoint methylmercury (MeHg) after controlling for sampling site (within-site ρ = 0.749, permutation P = 0.0002). hgcA transcripts were detected in 29 of 30 treatment units across all six treatment levels, with prominent contributions from Bacteroidota and Desulfobacterota. We recovered 512 HgcA-like sequences, including 258 with conserved cap-helix motifs. Among 34 candidate metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), 26 had same-contig HgcAB support and 32 reached ≥ 90% genome breadth in at least one 2023 DNA sample. Functional prioritization highlighted corrinoid, heme/siroheme, and amino-acid/C1 metabolism. Their recurrence in candidate MAGs, together with model-predicted cobalt, iron, and amino-acid uptake, defines cofactor, methyl-donor, and cellular redox capacities relevant to established HgcAB biochemistry. These findings resolve transcriptionally active putative Hg-methylating lineages and their metabolic organization in glacier-surface ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid43008459,
year = {2026},
author = {Sun, J and Zhao, X and Yan, WJ and Li, WT and Sun, WL and Zhang, PD},
title = {Roots through time: dynamics of the rhizosphere microbiome and its nutrient-cycling potential in Zostera marina meadows with implications for microbiome-based restoration.},
journal = {Marine environmental research},
volume = {223},
number = {},
pages = {108529},
doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.108529},
pmid = {43008459},
issn = {1879-0291},
abstract = {The seagrass rhizosphere microbiome is critical for sedimentary nutrient turnover, yet the spatiotemporal dynamics of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur cycling across Zostera marina developmental stages remain poorly understood. Leveraging metagenomic sequencing and 147 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), we resolved functional gene profiles in rhizosphere and bulk sediments across three discrete developmental stage (vegetative, reproductive and dormant). Temporal variation (i.e., sampling period) explained 48.1-57.4% of the variance in nutrient-cycling-associated microbial community composition, whereas spatial partitioning between rhizosphere and bulk compartments accounted for 11.6-20.0%. Carbon fixation genes were significantly enriched in the rhizosphere during reproduction but reached peak abundance in bulk sediments during dormancy. Nitrogen fixation and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) genes were enriched in the rhizosphere during both vegetative and dormant stages. Phosphorus mobilization-associated genes displayed parallel enrichment patterns, with the regulatory two-component system gene phoR broadly conserved across MAGs. Sulfur oxidation genes were enriched in the rhizosphere during vegetative and dormant stages, yet exhibited higher relative abundance in bulk sediments during reproduction. Critically, multiple Desulfobacterota MAGs co-occurred with nitrogen fixation and sulfate reduction genes, and the alkaline phosphatase gene phoD was identified in several of these genomes. Together, these findings reveal developmentally orchestrated shifts in microbial nutrient-cycling potential, underscoring the importance of protecting the native rhizosphere microbiome in eelgrass restoration, while considering site-specific biogeochemical constraints, particularly nutrient availability and sulfide conditions.},
}

@article {pmid43008853,
year = {2026},
author = {Luo, Y and Chen, J and Ye, F and Zhang, M and Zhang, Y and Zhan, Z and He, Y and Zhu, Z},
title = {Tumor-mimicking brain parenchymal granuloma with molecular detection of Mycobacterium xenopi by metagenomic sequencing and targeted PCR: a case report.},
journal = {Journal of infection and chemotherapy : official journal of the Japan Society of Chemotherapy},
volume = {32},
number = {12},
pages = {103121},
doi = {10.1016/j.jiac.2026.103121},
pmid = {43008853},
issn = {1437-7780},
abstract = {Central nervous system infection caused by Mycobacterium xenopi is exceptionally rare and may mimic intracranial neoplasia. A 60-year-old woman with poorly controlled diabetes presented with progressive headache and left homonymous hemianopia. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an irregularly enhancing right occipital mass-like lesion with marked edema and tumor-like magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Stereotactic biopsy demonstrated chronic granulomatous inflammation without neoplasia; periodic acid-Schiff, Gomori methenamine silver, and acid-fast stains were negative. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing of sterile, unfixed lesional brain tissue detected 2347 species-specific reads assigned to M. xenopi, with a negative laboratory control. Targeted mycobacterial PCR performed during the diagnostic work-up on remaining biopsy-derived brain tissue was also reported positive for M. xenopi, providing concordant molecular support. Because tissue was limited, no separate specimen was submitted for culture or susceptibility testing. The patient received oral rifampicin, ethambutol, clarithromycin, and moxifloxacin. Headache resolved within 2 weeks, bedside visual-field assessment suggested partial improvement, and available records documented treatment for more than 6 months without clinically apparent adverse events. One-year non-contrast computed tomography showed right occipital encephalomalacic evolution without an obvious persistent mass-like lesion or mass effect. This case highlights the value of tissue-based molecular testing in tumor-mimicking central nervous system granulomas when conventional staining is nondiagnostic, while underscoring the continuing importance of culture, susceptibility testing, and prolonged objective follow-up.},
}

@article {pmid43008859,
year = {2026},
author = {Zheng, Y and Zhi, L and Wang, T and Gao, X and Yu, H and Teng, Y},
title = {Highly effective removal of trichloroethylene in groundwater by modified nano zero-valent iron coupled with microbial degradation.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {136223},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2026.136223},
pmid = {43008859},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {Trichloroethylene (TCE) contamination in groundwater poses a serious environmental concern due to its persistence, toxicity, and potential risks to human health. Although nano-zero-valent iron (nZVI) coupled with microbial degradation has shown promise for TCE remediation, the limited stability, aggregation, and potential microbial toxicity of nZVI remain major challenges. In this study, a carboxymethyl cellulose-stabilized nZVI (CMC-nZVI) coupled with an aerobic microbial consortium was developed to enhance TCE removal and improve the compatibility between nZVI and microorganisms. The effects of CMC modification on nZVI stability, microbial activity, and TCE degradation performance were systematically investigated. Results demonstrated that CMC modification improved the dispersion stability and environmental compatibility of nZVI, thereby promoting synergistic interactions between nZVI and microorganisms. The optimized CMC-nZVI coupled system containing 4% microbial inoculum and 1.0 g/L CMC-nZVI achieved 83.21% removal of 100 mg/L TCE within 5 days and maintained sustainable degradation performance during the subsequent degradation cycle. CMC-nZVI reduced the accumulation of toxic intermediates and facilitated a more favorable TCE transformation pathway. Furthermore, metagenomic analysis indicated that the coupled system caused limited disturbance to microbial community richness while enriching potential TCE-degrading genera and enhancing the abundance of functional genes associated with pollutant transformation. These findings provide direction for further elucidating the mechanisms of coupled dehalogenation processes, optimizing coupled systems, and advancing in-situ remediation.},
}

@article {pmid43008860,
year = {2026},
author = {Kuang, Y and Chen, S and Ma, D and Zhao, J and Wang, H and Sun, Y and Wang, J},
title = {Perfluorooctane sulfonate impairs propionate-to-methane carbon transfer by disrupting syntrophic electron and thermodynamic coupling during sludge anaerobic digestion.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {465},
number = {},
pages = {136219},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2026.136219},
pmid = {43008860},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) accumulates in sewage sludge, yet the metabolic step most sensitive to PFOS during anaerobic digestion remains unclear. Here, substrate-specific activity tests, [13]C3-propionate tracing, redox and thermodynamic measurements, metagenomics, and microbial network analysis were combined to investigate how PFOS disrupts propionate-to-methane conversion. At 5.0 mg/L PFOS, cumulative methane production decreased by 12.2%, whereas the maximum propionate degradation rate declined by 47.8%. Under the same exposure, acetoclastic and H2/CO2-dependent methanogenic activities decreased by 18.0% and 21.0%, respectively. The propionate fraction in residual volatile fatty acid‌ (VFA) increased from 22.6% to 51.8%. [13]C tracing showed that [13]CH4 recovery fell from 41.6% to 13.9% and carbon-transfer efficiency from 45.7% to 26.1%. PFOS also caused H2 accumulation to 4.9 × 10[-4] atm, reduced ATP and ETSA by 42.8% and 39.9%, and shifted the ΔG of propionate oxidation to - 1.9 kJ/mol. Metagenomic and network analyses further showed losses of propionate oxidizers, hydrogenotrophic methanogens, related functions, and syntrophic connectivity. PFOS therefore primarily destabilized anaerobic digestion by decoupling syntrophic propionate oxidation.},
}

@article {pmid43008925,
year = {2026},
author = {Tan, L and Mei, J and Song, X and Bai, X and Chen, B and Wang, Y and Shi, J and Xu, X and Jiang, Z and Liu, Z and Liu, W and Yue, X and Zhou, A},
title = {Coordinating substrate accessibility with indigenous microorganisms functionality to enhance medium-chain fatty acid production from waste activated sludge.},
journal = {Environmental research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {126132},
doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2026.126132},
pmid = {43008925},
issn = {1096-0953},
abstract = {Efficient medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) production from waste activated sludge (WAS) depends on both substrate accessibility and microbial conversion. To clarify their roles in chain elongation (CE), three pretreatments were evaluated in a two-stage fermentation system with indigenous microorganisms retained or inactivated. Thermal-alkaline pretreatment achieved the highest MCFA production (4973.9 ± 274.2 mg COD/L) by improving substrate accessibility, although its relatively low selectivity indicated that greater precursor availability did not necessarily favor carbon allocation to MCFA. Retaining indigenous microorganisms increased MCFA production by 35.8-76.9% compared with corresponding autoclaved reactors and altered ethanol consumption and short-chain fatty acid dynamics, suggesting their involvement in intermediate utilization. Community analysis associated effective CE with complementary hydrolytic, acidogenic, and chain-elongating populations, including Macellibacteroides, Romboutsia, Clostridium, and Caproiciproducens, rather than the enrichment of chain-elongating bacteria alone. Metagenomic analysis of the thermal-alkaline system indicated differences in genetic potential for substrate degradation, glycolysis, electron transfer, acetyl-CoA formation, and reverse β-oxidation. These results suggest that coordinating pretreatment-driven substrate supply with indigenous microbial conversion capacity is essential for improving sludge-derived MCFA production.},
}

@article {pmid43009102,
year = {2026},
author = {Bouzid, YY and Oliver, A and Blecksmith, SE and Wilson, SMG and Alkan, Z and Huang, L and Bennett, BJ and Kable, ME and Stephensen, CB and Lemay, DG},
title = {Cross-Sectional Association between Fiber Intake and Gastrointestinal Inflammation is Dependent on FUT2 Secretor Status in Healthy Adults.},
journal = {The Journal of nutrition},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {101938},
doi = {10.1016/j.tjnut.2026.101938},
pmid = {43009102},
issn = {1541-6100},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Gut microbes consume mucins in the absence of dietary fermentable fiber. People with non-secretor alpha-1-2-L-fucosyltransferase 2 (FUT2) genotypes produce gastrointestinal (GI) mucins that lack terminal fucose and have increased risk for inflammatory bowel disease.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine whether associations between fiber intake and subclinical GI inflammation and/or microbiome function are modified by FUT2 genotype in healthy adults.

METHODS: We assessed interactions between fiber intake, FUT2 genotype, and GI inflammation markers in a cross-sectional observational study of healthy adults. Participants with 24-h dietary recalls and food frequency questionnaires to characterize recent and habitual diet, respectively, and fecal samples, plasma samples and/or shotgun metagenomes (n=297) were included in this analysis. Differences in microbiome composition between secretors and non-secretors were analyzed using PERMANOVA and machine learning. A custom-designed TaqMan[TM] probe was used to genotype a single nucleotide polymorphism (rs601338) to determine secretor status. ELISA was used to measure fecal calprotectin, myeloperoxidase, and neopterin, as well as plasma lipopolysaccharide binding protein. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were measured in fecal samples. Relationships between fiber intake, FUT2 genotype and outcomes were analyzed using linear mixed effect models.

RESULTS: Higher energy-adjusted total recent fiber, total habitual fiber, and soluble fiber intake was associated with lower calprotectin levels in secretors, but not in non-secretors. Overall microbiome composition did not differ by secretor status. However, the ratio of mucin-degrading to plant-degrading enzymes, Muc2Plant, in the gut microbiome was positively associated with increased fecal calprotectin in secretors, but not in non-secretors. There was no interaction between dietary fiber intake, the FUT2 genotype, and fecal SCFAs.

CONCLUSION: The association of higher dietary fiber intake with lower subclinical GI inflammation and lower mucin-degrading enzymes was observed in secretors, but not in non-secretors. Clinical trials in nutrition are needed to determine if non-secretors are less responsive to dietary fiber.},
}

@article {pmid43009116,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhao, X and Sun, Y and Ding, J and Fei, F and Gu, W and Qu, X and Wang, B and Jiang, X},
title = {Herbicide-based control of Spartina alterniflora disrupts microbial functional potential in a coastal wetland.},
journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {129508},
doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2026.129508},
pmid = {43009116},
issn = {1873-6424},
abstract = {Herbicide-based control of invasive plants is increasingly implemented in coastal wetlands, yet the ecological consequences of herbicide residues for sediment microbiome-mediated biogeochemical functioning remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated how herbicide exposure associated with Spartina alterniflora management reshapes sediment microbial communities and biogeochemical potentials in Hangzhou Bay, China. Using metagenomic sequencing and a microbe-based Index of Functional Integrity (M-IFI), we quantified alterations in microbial potentials involved in methane, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur cycling. Higher concentrations of haloxyfop and imazapyr were detected in areas subjected to herbicide-based management. Treated sediments exhibited lower α-diversity of methane-cycling genes, and more than 65% of reconstructed biogeochemical pathways had lower relative abundances, with reductions in methanogenesis-associated genes. Nitrogen and sulfur cycling pathways underwent extensive restructuring, whereas phosphorus acquisition, transport, and utilization potentials were broadly impaired. Genome-resolved analyses recovered 300 metagenome-assembled genomes and revealed distinct patterns of functional specialization and metabolic complementarity among microbial populations. Complete methane, nitrogen, and sulfur cycling potentials were sustained through community-level metabolic cooperation, whereas phosphorus cycling was disproportionately supported by a limited number of metabolically versatile populations. Herbicide exposure markedly decreased M-IFI values, with over 70% of treated sediments classified as moderately or severely disturbed. Collectively, our findings reveal that chemical control of invasive plants can impose hidden belowground ecological costs by disrupting microbiome-supported biogeochemical networks and reducing microbial functional integrity, highlighting the need to incorporate microbiome-based indicators into sustainable coastal wetland management.},
}

@article {pmid43009621,
year = {2026},
author = {Nachman, EJ and Wozniak, KJ and Danhof, HA and Di Rienzi, SC and Britton, RA},
title = {The small intestine microbiome: composition, host interactions and therapeutic potential.},
journal = {Nature reviews. Microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {43009621},
issn = {1740-1534},
abstract = {The human microbiome, the collection of microorganisms that inhabit the human body, has been extensively studied over the past two decades and has been shown to play a critical part in health and disease. These research efforts renewed interest in developing microbial therapeutics to promote human health and treat disease. However, the vast majority of human gut microbiome research has been focused on fecal microbial strains and communities, leaving most of the gastrointestinal tract understudied. The dynamic environment of the small intestine provides distinct opportunities for microorganisms to interact with the host and diet. In this Review, we discuss the current state of research on the microbiome of the small intestine, how interactions between the small intestine and its microbiome influence host physiology, and we posit that small intestinal microorganisms are a unique source of novel therapeutics for treating human disease. Next-generation microbial therapeutics that emerge from the small intestinal microbiome are anticipated to be relevant to improving small intestinal diseases as well as systemic human health.},
}

@article {pmid43009628,
year = {2026},
author = {Okechukwu, VO and Adelusi, OA and Fagbohun, TR and Awafong, PM and Njobeh, PB},
title = {Biodegradation mechanisms of PBDE - 209: enzymatic, microbial, and omics-driven insights.},
journal = {Biodegradation},
volume = {37},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {43009628},
issn = {1572-9729},
mesh = {*Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers/metabolism/chemistry ; Biodegradation, Environmental ; Multiomics ; *Bacteria/metabolism/genetics/enzymology ; *Environmental Pollutants/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Decabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE - 209) is the most extensively produced and environmentally persistent congener among polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and remains widely detected in soils, sediments, sludge, dust, and biota despite global regulatory restrictions. Its extreme bromination, strong hydrophobicity, and resistance to physicochemical degradation limit natural attenuation and complicate remediation efforts. Although biological processes are increasingly recognized as key drivers of BDE - 209 transformation, current knowledge remains fragmented across microbial, enzymatic, and molecular scales, hindering predictive understanding and effective remediation strategies. Unlike previous PBDE reviews that examine microbial taxa or degradation reactions in isolation, this review provides a systems-level synthesis that integrates microbial ecology, enzyme catalysis, metabolic bottlenecks, and multi-omics evidence to explain why PBDE - 209 biodegradation frequently remains incomplete in both natural and engineered systems. Reductive debromination, oxidative transformation, and stepwise formation of lower-brominated intermediates are critically examined alongside with their environmental relevance and toxicity implications. Recent advances in metagenomic, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics are integrated to identify key functional genes, active enzymes, metabolic constraints, and cooperative microbial interactions governing degradation efficiency. The review further evaluates emerging biotechnological strategies, such as bioaugmentation, biostimulation, engineered microbial systems, immobilized enzymes, synthetic consortia, rhizoremediation, and advanced bioreactor configurations, with emphasis on overcoming bioavailability limitations and minimizing accumulation of toxic intermediate. By consolidating mechanistic insights across biological scales, this review establishes a comprehensive systems-level framework to advance predictive understanding and guide the development of effective, field-applicable remediation strategies for BDE - 209 contaminated environment.},
}

*Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers/metabolism/chemistry
Biodegradation, Environmental
Multiomics
*Bacteria/metabolism/genetics/enzymology
*Environmental Pollutants/metabolism

@article {pmid43009709,
year = {2026},
author = {Damgaard, F and Justesen, US},
title = {Metagenomic evidence for persistent gut colonization of colibactin-producing Escherichia coli in colorectal cancer patients.},
journal = {Cancer causes & control : CCC},
volume = {37},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {43009709},
issn = {1573-7225},
mesh = {Humans ; *Polyketides/metabolism ; *Colorectal Neoplasms/microbiology ; *Escherichia coli/genetics/metabolism ; *Peptides/metabolism ; Female ; Male ; Metagenomics/methods ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics ; *Escherichia coli Infections/microbiology ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; },
abstract = {Colibactin-producing Escherichia coli (pks[+] E. coli) has been linked to colorectal cancer (CRC) through double-strand DNA breaks and distinct mutational signatures. Whether gut colonization by pks[+] E. coli is persistent and has direct implications for whether it represents a modifiable risk factor in diagnosed patients. Based on whole-genome metagenomic sequencing data from 638 individuals it was found that pks[+] E. coli was significantly more prevalent in CRC patients (34.7%) than in controls (17.2%; OR = 2.76, 95% CI 1.86-4.09, p < 0.001). These findings indicate that colonization by pks[+] E. coli might not be confined to early carcinogenesis but may persist in a substantial proportion of CRC patients.},
}

Humans
*Polyketides/metabolism
*Colorectal Neoplasms/microbiology
*Escherichia coli/genetics/metabolism
*Peptides/metabolism
Female
Male
Metagenomics/methods
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics
*Escherichia coli Infections/microbiology
Middle Aged
Aged

@article {pmid43009755,
year = {2026},
author = {Bhatt, D and Shelat, R and Bharwad, K and Singh, NK and Joshi, C and Bagatharia, S and Shekh, S and Patel, A},
title = {Investigating the biotechnological potential of thermophiles using integrated culture-dependent and metagenomic approaches from Tapovan hot springs for industrial thermozymes.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {43009755},
issn = {1471-2180},
support = {GBRC/GoG/DST/JD-2/BS14/2017-18//Department of Science and Technology, Government of Gujarat/ ; },
mesh = {*Hot Springs/microbiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Metagenomics/methods ; Phylogeny ; *Bacteria/genetics/classification/isolation & purification/enzymology ; India ; Soil Microbiology ; Biotechnology ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; *Enzymes ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; },
abstract = {Hot springs are prolific reservoirs for bioprospecting novel biomolecules with industrial relevance. The present study reports the first integrated culture-dependent and culture enriched and sequencing based assessment of microbial diversity and metabolic potential at the Tapovan hot spring (Uttarakhand, India). Fifteen genera belonging to five major phyla were identified from soil and water samples using both culture-dependent culture-enriched and culture-independent (16S amplicon sequencing) approaches. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing of culturable isolates, Paenibacillus phoenicis, Paenibacillus naphthalenovorans, Paenibacillus faecis, and Aeribacillus pallidus were preliminarily identified; their presence at Tapovan extends the known geographical and ecological range of these species. Additional genome-based research will be necessary to confirm their taxonomic identity and ecological importance. Qualitative and quantitative enzyme screening revealed that isolates produced key industrial enzymes including amylase, cellulase, xylanase, mannanase, and pectinase. Importantly, most characterised strains demonstrated the ability to produce multiple enzymes simultaneously, reflecting broad metabolic versatility. These findings demonstrate the potential of Tapovan hot spring as a source of thermostable, multi-functional enzymes, and indicate the need for further genome level characterisation of its thermophilic community for biotechnological exploitation.},
}

*Hot Springs/microbiology
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
*Metagenomics/methods
Phylogeny
*Bacteria/genetics/classification/isolation & purification/enzymology
India
Soil Microbiology
Biotechnology
DNA, Bacterial/genetics
*Enzymes
Sequence Analysis, DNA

@article {pmid43009760,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, S and Yu, Z and Jin, Y and Ma, K and Sha, L and Qian, M and Chen, X and Han, S},
title = {Gut microbiome and metabolite profiling in term SGA infants: a multi-omics approach to physical development.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {43009760},
issn = {1471-2180},
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Feces/microbiology/chemistry ; Female ; Male ; Multiomics ; Infant, Newborn ; Case-Control Studies ; Prospective Studies ; *Infant, Small for Gestational Age/growth & development/metabolism ; Infant ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification/metabolism ; *Metabolome ; Metabolomics/methods ; Metagenomics/methods ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Early-life gut microbial composition and fecal metabolic profiles may be altered in infants born small for gestational age (SGA), but evidence specifically concerning term SGA infants remains limited.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize gut microbial composition, predicted microbial functions, and fecal metabolite profiles in term SGA infants and explore their associations with early growth.

METHODS: This prospective nested case-control study included 62 term infants (31 SGA and 31 appropriate for gestational age [AGA]). Fecal samples were collected at 3 months. Untargeted metabolomics was performed in the full cohort, and shotgun metagenomic sequencing was conducted in a nested subset of 20 infants (10 SGA and 10 AGA). Differential taxa, KEGG orthologs (KOs), metabolites, and cross-omics correlations were analyzed.

RESULTS: Alpha diversity did not differ significantly between groups, whereas microbial composition and species-level abundance patterns differed between SGA and AGA infants. Functional analysis identified 135 differential KOs, including 36 with higher and 99 with lower abundance in the SGA group. These KOs were mapped to 25 metabolic pathways, including galactose, butanoate, D-amino acid, aromatic amino acid, fructose-mannose, pyruvate, propanoate, and lipid metabolism. Twelve fecal metabolite features differed between groups, including 5'-methylthioadenosine, taurocholate, β-alanine, and 17α-hydroxypregnanolone. Exploratory integration identified connections among microbial species, KOs, and metabolites. Several microbial and metabolite features showed nominal associations with 6-month growth indices, but most cross-omics and metabolite-growth associations did not remain significant after false discovery rate correction.

CONCLUSIONS: Term SGA infants showed differences in gut microbial composition, predicted metabolic potential, and fecal metabolite profiles at 3 months. Associations with subsequent growth were exploratory and require validation in larger longitudinal studies.},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Feces/microbiology/chemistry
Female
Male
Multiomics
Infant, Newborn
Case-Control Studies
Prospective Studies
*Infant, Small for Gestational Age/growth & development/metabolism
Infant
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification/metabolism
*Metabolome
Metabolomics/methods
Metagenomics/methods

@article {pmid43009984,
year = {2026},
author = {Lu, Q and Zhou, D and Yang, R and Ban, Y and Gao, C and Li, P and Wang, J and Dai, Y and Yang, Y and Chen, R and Xie, S and Tian, X},
title = {Effects of different feeding regimes on growth performance, antioxidant activity, rumen fermentation, rumen microbiota and rumen metabolism in beef cattle.},
journal = {BMC veterinary research},
volume = {22},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {43009984},
issn = {1746-6148},
support = {Qiankehe Foundation [2024] Youth 106//Basic Research Program (Natural Science) Youth Guidance Project of Guizhou Province/ ; Qianjiaoji [2024] 33//Youth Science and Technology Talent Development Project of Guizhou Province/ ; none//the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Department Project of Guizhou Province (Exploration and Utilization of Excellent Germplasm Resources of Guanling Cattle)/ ; Qiankexie KJLYRC-[2026] 078//Science and Technology Project of Guizhou Province/ ; 32260849 and 32302779//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Cattle/growth & development/microbiology/metabolism/physiology ; *Rumen/microbiology/metabolism ; *Antioxidants/metabolism ; Fermentation ; *Diet/veterinary ; Animal Feed/analysis ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Male ; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The feeding regime significantly impacts on the production performance, ruminal fluid microbiota, and metabolites of ruminants. However, studies comparing the microbial metagenomics and metabolites in ruminal fluid of beef cattle fed pasture-based grazing and housed total mixed ration (TMR) feeding regimes have rarely been reported.

METHODS: Forty healthy Guanling beef cattle were divided into two equal groups according to a randomized complete block design. The pasture-based grazing group (BG) was allowed to the grazing period was 08:00-18:00 at a natural ranch. The housed TMR feeding group (BB) was reared under a housed feeding system and fed a TMR diet. Each treatment consisted of 20 beef cattle, and the experimental period lasted for 90 d. The metagenomics and metabolomics were used analysis ruminal fluid microbiota and metabolism.

RESULTS: The results indicated that the BB group showed significantly higher levels of average daily gain, total antioxidant capacity, catalase, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity, ammonia nitrogen, and volatile fatty acid (P < 0.05), whereas it had significantly lower levels of malondialdehyde and hydroxyl free radical relative to the BG group (P < 0.05). Compared with the BB group, the BG group exhibited a significantly increased (P < 0.05) abundance of Bacillota at the phylum level but a significantly decreased (P < 0.05) abundance of Prevotella at the genus level. The modules associated with these relative abundance levels (Reductive citrate cycle (Arnon-Buchanan cycle), and Guanine ribonucleotide degradation, GMP = > Urate) were significantly more important in the BG group (P < 0.05) than in the BB group. Glycosyltransferase 2_Glycos_transf_2 was significantly enriched in the BB group, whereas glycoside hydrolase (GH)3, GH78, and GH36 were significantly enriched in the BG group. Metabolomic analysis revealed that linoleic acid metabolism was the dominant pathway in the rumen.

CONCLUSION: Overall, the housed TMR-fed cattle enhanced growth performance, antioxidant activity, rumen fermentation, and Prevotella abundance, whereas the pasture-based grazing fed cattle enhanced Bacillota abundance and linoleic acid metabolism.},
}

Animals
Cattle/growth & development/microbiology/metabolism/physiology
*Rumen/microbiology/metabolism
*Antioxidants/metabolism
Fermentation
*Diet/veterinary
Animal Feed/analysis
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Male
Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena

@article {pmid43009990,
year = {2026},
author = {Jia, Z and Zheng, P and Zhang, H and Zhang, J and Lin, Y and Wu, J and Pan, T and Song, Y and Liu, W and Wu, M},
title = {Longitudinal metagenomic profiling of gut microbiome dynamics in B-cell lymphoma patients receiving CAR-T cell therapy.},
journal = {Journal of translational medicine},
volume = {24},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {43009990},
issn = {1479-5876},
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics ; Longitudinal Studies ; *Metagenomics ; Male ; *Lymphoma, B-Cell/microbiology/therapy/immunology ; *Immunotherapy, Adoptive ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; *Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/metabolism ; Aged ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy has improved outcomes in B-cell malignancies, but treatment response and immune-related toxicities remain heterogeneous. We characterized peri-infusion gut microbiome dynamics and examined their associations with subsequent response and toxicity.

METHODS: We performed shotgun metagenomic sequencing of 103 fecal samples from 21 patients with B-cell lymphoma collected on days -7, 0, 7, 14 and 28 relative to CAR-T infusion. We assessed pre-infusion stability, longitudinal microbiome remodeling, and associations with treatment response, cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). Longitudinal data were analyzed using mixed-effects models, and composition-aware sensitivity analyses incorporated centered log-ratio transformation and false-discovery-rate correction. Day -7 clinical and microbial features were also evaluated using exploratory nested cross-validation for response and CRS.

RESULTS: The gut microbiome remained broadly stable at the community level before infusion but underwent early, patient-specific remodeling after CAR-T therapy, characterized by a transient decline in alpha diversity and increased within-patient compositional deviation from baseline. Against this dynamic background, pre-infusion microbial variation was associated with subsequent clinical outcomes. Responders differed from non-responders in baseline microbial diversity, community structure and selected Sutterella and Segatella taxa. Patients who developed CRS showed lower microbial diversity and distinct community composition, whereas no comparable association was detected for ICANS. Exploratory nested cross-validation yielded AUCs of 0.51, 0.55 and 0.72 for the clinical, microbiome and combined response models, respectively, and 0.44, 0.85 and 0.83 for the corresponding CRS models.

CONCLUSIONS: CAR-T therapy was accompanied by early, patient-specific gut microbiome remodeling, while pre-infusion microbial variation was associated with subsequent treatment response and CRS occurrence. These hypothesis-generating findings require confirmation in larger, independent prospective cohorts.},
}

Humans
Female
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics
Longitudinal Studies
*Metagenomics
Male
*Lymphoma, B-Cell/microbiology/therapy/immunology
*Immunotherapy, Adoptive
Middle Aged
Treatment Outcome
*Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/metabolism
Aged

@article {pmid43010179,
year = {2026},
author = {Tracey, H and Antolín, A and Teichenne, J and Jones, OAH and Van, TTH and Puig, J and Ramos, R and Garre-Olmo, J and Fernández-Real, JM and Mayneris-Perxachs, J and Del Bas, JM},
title = {Human cognitive performance-associated gut microbiota influences learning and memory in mice through arginine and pterin metabolism.},
journal = {Gut microbes},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {2750588},
doi = {10.1080/19490976.2026.2750588},
pmid = {43010179},
issn = {1949-0984},
mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; Male ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Mice ; *Cognition ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology ; *Arginine/metabolism ; *Memory ; Fecal Microbiota Transplantation ; Feces/microbiology ; Aged ; Hippocampus/metabolism ; Bacteria/classification/isolation & purification/genetics/metabolism ; *Learning ; },
abstract = {The human gut microbiome undergoes changes across the lifespan and has been implicated in age-related decline. The symbol digit modalities test (SDMT) is a measure of information processing speed and is sensitive to mild cognitive impairment. Here, we assessed SDMT scores and fecal shotgun metagenomics in older individuals from the Imageomics cohort (n = 867) and performed fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from human donors to male C57BL/6 mouse recipients. In mice, we evaluated cognitive performance using the Morris water maze (MWM) and measured neurone density, fecal shotgun metagenomics, hippocampal metabolomics, and cortical gene expression to identify microbial-derived functional properties related to cognitive performance. In humans, both microbial species composition and functional profiles were associated with cognitive performance. FMT from high-SDMT donors improved cognitive performance and increased neuronal density in recipient mice compared with FMT from low-SDMT donors. In both humans and mice, higher cognitive performance was associated with arginine and proline metabolism and pterin-related pathways. In mice receiving microbiota from high-SDMT donors, cortical gene expression showed enrichment of dopamine receptor pathways and reduced dopamine reuptake and catecholamine biosynthesis. Our findings highlight the potential role of the gut microbiome in cognitive performance among older individuals, particularly information processing speed, and identify potential mechanisms involving alterations in arginine and pterin metabolism. Integrating human and mouse data supports a model in which microbiota-associated metabolic remodeling influences cognitive performance.},
}

Animals
Humans
Male
Mice, Inbred C57BL
Mice
*Cognition
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology
*Arginine/metabolism
*Memory
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation
Feces/microbiology
Aged
Hippocampus/metabolism
Bacteria/classification/isolation & purification/genetics/metabolism
*Learning

@article {pmid43011613,
year = {2026},
author = {Ma, Y and Sui, Y and Xia, X and Zhou, L and Yue, J and Dong, B and Ge, N and Liu, X},
title = {The interaction mechanisms between sarcopenia and gut microbiota based on the gut-muscle axis.},
journal = {Frontiers in medicine},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1892866},
pmid = {43011613},
issn = {2296-858X},
abstract = {Advances in high-throughput sequencing and metagenomics have improved our understanding of the gut microbiota and its associations with disease development and treatment response. The relationship between the gut microbiota and sarcopenia has attracted increasing attention in recent years. In this narrative review, we searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang Data, and VIP through April 2,026 and synthesized 29 human studies included in the narrative analysis together with relevant preclinical evidence. We summarize reported alterations in microbial diversity, taxonomic composition, functional potential, and microbiota-related metabolites in community-based or age-related sarcopenia, disease-associated sarcopenia, and related muscle phenotypes. This narrative review aims to provide a mechanistic framework for understanding the gut-muscle axis and to identify potential directions for the prevention and management of sarcopenia.},
}

@article {pmid43011761,
year = {2026},
author = {Sun, C and Han, F and Xu, W and Wang, X and Wang, X},
title = {Deciphering the gut-lung axis in non-small cell lung cancer: from immune microenvironment crosstalk to clinical translation.},
journal = {Frontiers in oncology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1975256},
pmid = {43011761},
issn = {2234-943X},
abstract = {Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis have established a new standard of care for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, clinical efficacy is frequently limited by primary resistance, acquired (secondary) resistance, and immune-related adverse events. The heterogeneity of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) is a critical determinant of therapeutic response, a state effectively regulated by the gut microbiota via the gut-lung axis. This review systematically examines the mechanistic crosstalk between intestinal commensals and the pulmonary TIME. We first delineate how specific bacterial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids and indole-3-acetic acid, alongside bacterial-fungal trans-kingdom interactions, modulate innate and adaptive immune responses within the lung through epigenetic remodeling and metabolic signaling, and we map the discrete points at which these gut-derived signals converge on the intrinsic metabolic programmes of pulmonary tumor cells. Furthermore, we analyze the dual role of the microbiome as a predictive biomarker, discussing the evolution from simple taxonomic abundance profiling to complex ecological topology scores and the identification of therapeutic toxicity driven by molecular mimicry, and we examine whether pre-intervention alpha or beta diversity metrics are required for patient selection. Finally, we evaluate emerging therapeutic strategies, including next-generation probiotics, bacterial-derived extracellular vesicles, and combinational interventions that aim to overcome ICI resistance by restructuring the host-microbe ecosystem, with particular attention to acquired resistance to PD-1 blockade. We also critically appraise the barriers that currently impede clinical translation, including the inter-cohort non-reproducibility of taxonomic biomarkers, methodological heterogeneity between 16S amplicon and shotgun metagenomic profiling, and the safety and regulatory constraints on fecal microbiota transplantation in immunocompromised patients. This synthesis underscores the necessity of integrating microbiome profiling into standard oncological practice to facilitate precision immunotherapy.},
}

@article {pmid43011784,
year = {2026},
author = {Kumbhare, SV and Pedroso, I and Sinha, R and Almonacid, DE},
title = {Pharmacomicrobiomics of GLP-1 receptor agonist gastrointestinal tolerability: integrating host genetics and the gut microbiome.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiomes},
volume = {5},
number = {},
pages = {2016564},
pmid = {43011784},
issn = {2813-4338},
abstract = {Gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, remain a dominant barrier to the sustained use of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), driving discontinuation independently of the drug's metabolic benefits. Two host-side biological systems have been independently established as determinants of this variability. The first is host genetics, anchored by a 2026 genome-wide association study in which GLP1R variants predicted both weight-loss efficacy and nausea or vomiting risk, while a GIPR signal for vomiting was restricted to tirzepatide users. The second system is the gut microbiome, which regulates endogenous GLP-1 secretion through short-chain fatty acid and bile acid signaling and is itself reshaped by GLP-1 RA exposure. Pharmacomicrobiomics integrates host genetic and microbiome data to explain drug response. In the literature surveyed for this review, these two determinants are consistently examined in parallel rather than jointly: we did not identify a study, in GLP-1 RA therapy or in another drug class, that fit a 'host-genotype-by-microbiome' interaction model against a drug tolerability outcome. Published methodological studies have suggested why such a study would be challenging: both interaction detection and the measurement unreliability associated with single-timepoint microbiome profiling impose substantial sample size penalties. This review summarizes what host genetics and the microbiome individually do and do not explain about GLP-1 RA tolerability, and describes the study design features, paired genotyping, repeat-sample metagenomics, and prospective symptom capture that a future joint analysis would require.},
}

@article {pmid43012185,
year = {2026},
author = {Molefe-Madlaliso, RR and Amoo, AE and Babalola, OO},
title = {Unveiling Microbial Gene Functions in Maize Cultivars With Varying Drought Resistance.},
journal = {Journal of basic microbiology},
volume = {66},
number = {11},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/jobm.70213},
pmid = {43012185},
issn = {1521-4028},
support = {UID123634//National Research Foundation of South Africa/ ; UID132595 OOB//National Research Foundation of South Africa/ ; },
mesh = {*Zea mays/microbiology/genetics/physiology ; *Drought Resistance/genetics ; Rhizosphere ; *Microbiota/genetics ; Stress, Physiological/genetics ; Droughts ; *Bacteria/genetics/classification/isolation & purification ; Soil Microbiology ; Metagenomics ; Genotype ; Plant Roots/microbiology ; },
abstract = {The rhizosphere microbiome is recognized as a "biological tool" for mitigating drought stress on plant development. However, the functional genes involved in plant-microbe interactions, particularly in drought-sensitive and drought-tolerant cultivars, remain poorly understood. This study comparatively evaluated the functional gene set of the maize rhizosphere microbiome in Monsanto DKC 72-70 (drought-tolerant) and CRN-3505 (drought-sensitive) maize genotypes at water holding capacity (WHC) values of 60, 80, and 100% via shotgun metagenomics. The findings revealed that both cultivars contained a variety of microbial taxa, such as Actinobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, and Bacilli, with plant stress tolerance genes. The analysis of beta diversity indicated significant differences between drought-stressed (60% WHC) and well-watered (100% WHC) conditions in both cultivars (R ≈ 0.57, 0.58; p < 0.01), which implies that the functional gene composition is different and that there are intermediate patterns at 80% WHC. In terms of functional responses, drought-sensitive maize presented increased expression of genes related to sulfur oxidation (soxA, soxB, soxD) and osmoprotectant synthesis (BetI, betC, CHCH), indicating a reactive stress response. Conversely, drought- tolerant maize presented regulated expression of the nitrogen metabolism (glnA) and iron homeostasis (FUR) genes in all the WHCs, thus indicating efficient adaptation. In addition, the drought-tolerant maize cultivar selectively expressed stress-response genes (SigB, AhpC) and protein protection genes (dnaJ, dnaK), whereas the drought-sensitive maize cultivar constitutively expressed these genes across conditions. This study provides novel evidence of cultivar-specific functional microbial signatures and demonstrates how microbial gene functions underpin drought tolerance in maize under varying water availability conditions.},
}

*Zea mays/microbiology/genetics/physiology
*Drought Resistance/genetics
Rhizosphere
*Microbiota/genetics
Stress, Physiological/genetics
Droughts
*Bacteria/genetics/classification/isolation & purification
Soil Microbiology
Metagenomics
Genotype
Plant Roots/microbiology

@article {pmid43012412,
year = {2026},
author = {Goemann, HM and Stern, L and Perry, MA and Gogul, G and Hillary, LS and Emerson, JB},
title = {PEONY: a global reference database of DNA viral (vOTU) sequences from viral size-fractionated metagenomes (viromes).},
journal = {Microbiology resource announcements},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0075126},
doi = {10.1128/mra.00751-26},
pmid = {43012412},
issn = {2576-098X},
abstract = {We present an update to the Phages and Integrated Genomes Encapsidated or Not reference database of DNA viral sequences (viral operational taxonomic units [vOTUs], mostly dsDNA bacteriophages) from global ecosystems. To reflect the inclusion of only virus size-fractionated metagenome- (virome-)derived vOTUs, we reintroduce the database as Phages Encapsidated ONlY.},
}

@article {pmid43012419,
year = {2026},
author = {Saito, D and Saito, CPB and Tsai, SM},
title = {Draft genome sequences of Desulfobulbus oralis strains reconstructed from archeological dental calculus of ancient Pacific Islanders.},
journal = {Microbiology resource announcements},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0075626},
doi = {10.1128/mra.00756-26},
pmid = {43012419},
issn = {2576-098X},
abstract = {We present draft metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) of Desulfobulbus oralis strains reconstructed from ancient Pacific Islander dental calculus. MAGs were reconstructed via reference-guided read recruitment, de novo assembly, and metagenomic binning, displaying average nucleotide identities ≥96.4% to the D. oralis ATCC HOT041 reference genome, with completeness ≥50% and contamination ≤2.38%.},
}

@article {pmid43012523,
year = {2026},
author = {Cox, CR and Wolf, MJ and Norgan, AP and Yao, JD and Patel, R and Simner, PJ},
title = {Evaluation of the DISQVER metagenomic sequencing platform for detection of microbial cell-free DNA in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid.},
journal = {Journal of clinical microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0103726},
doi = {10.1128/jcm.01037-26},
pmid = {43012523},
issn = {1098-660X},
}

@article {pmid43012685,
year = {2026},
author = {Jing, Y and Bai, X and Li, J and Feng, X and Gu, Y and Ji, Y and Zhai, Z and Hao, Y},
title = {Synbiotic of 2'-FL and B. longum subsp. infantis BXY2 Alleviates Colitis in Toddler Microbiota-Associated Mice: Potential Involvement of Gut Microbial Arachidonic Acid Metabolism.},
journal = {Journal of agricultural and food chemistry},
volume = {74},
number = {44},
pages = {34900-34914},
doi = {10.1021/acs.jafc.6c11011},
pmid = {43012685},
issn = {1520-5118},
support = {2022YFF1100105//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Mice ; *Colitis/microbiology/metabolism/drug therapy ; *Synbiotics/administration & dosage ; *Arachidonic Acid/metabolism ; *Bifidobacterium/metabolism ; Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Male ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Female ; },
abstract = {Increasing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) incidence in toddlers requires safe interventions. We developed a synbiotic combining 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL) with Bifidobacterium strain and evaluated its protective efficacy against DSS-induced colitis in toddler microbiota-associated (TMA) mice. Among 30 Bifidobacterium strains, Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis BXY2 and Bifidobacterium. breve BG4 utilized 2'-FL in vitro. However, only the 2'-FL and BXY2 synbiotic significantly alleviated colitis. The 400 mg/kg 2'-FL and BXY2 synbiotic showed the greatest protective effect, restoring body weight and colon length, reducing disease activity and histological scores, improving barrier function, attenuating inflammation. Compared with 2'-FL or BXY2 alone, the synbiotic enhanced goblet cells and barrier proteins. Metagenomics revealed enrichment of B. longum subsp. infantis and Phascolarctobacterium faecium. Metabolomics showed reduced fecal arachidonic acid (AA). These results indicated that gut microbial AA metabolism might be involved in alleviating colitis in TMA mice. Thus, this synbiotic is a promising preventive strategy for toddler IBD.},
}

Animals
Mice
*Colitis/microbiology/metabolism/drug therapy
*Synbiotics/administration & dosage
*Arachidonic Acid/metabolism
*Bifidobacterium/metabolism
Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Male
Mice, Inbred C57BL
Female

@article {pmid43012686,
year = {2026},
author = {Zheng, X and Ying, Y and Yang, J and Liu, X and Ye, H and Dong, Z and Zhang, Y and Tan, X and Zhang, W},
title = {l-Arginine Ameliorates IBS-D by Modulating the Ligilactobacillus murinus-LCA-FXR/eNOS Signaling Axis.},
journal = {Journal of agricultural and food chemistry},
volume = {74},
number = {44},
pages = {34915-34932},
doi = {10.1021/acs.jafc.6c11871},
pmid = {43012686},
issn = {1520-5118},
support = {82274475//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2025M783052//China Postdoctoral Science Foundation/ ; GZY-KJS-ZJ-2026-008//State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the People's Republic of China/ ; GZY-KJS-ZJ-2026-008//Zhejiang Traditional Chinese Medicine Administration/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Arginine/administration & dosage ; *Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III/metabolism/genetics ; Signal Transduction/drug effects ; Mice ; Male ; Humans ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; *Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/metabolism/genetics ; *Irritable Bowel Syndrome/microbiology/metabolism/drug therapy/genetics ; Receptor, Farnesoid X-Activated ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects ; Intestinal Barrier Function ; },
abstract = {l-Arginine is a semiessential amino acid with diverse metabolic functions and has been implicated in gastrointestinal health through interactions with the gut microbiota; however, its therapeutic potential in diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) remains unclear. Here, an IBS-D mouse model was established in C57BL/6J mice, and multiomics analyses combined with in vivo and in vitro validation were performed to investigate the mechanisms underlying l-arginine-mediated protection. l-Arginine supplementation significantly alleviated IBS-D-like symptoms and improved intestinal barrier function. Transcriptomic analysis revealed the activation of the FXR/PI3K/AKT/eNOS signaling pathway, which was associated with enhanced nitric oxide production. Integrated metagenomic and transcriptomic analyses identified Ligilactobacillus murinus (L. murinus) as a key microbiota component associated with bile acid metabolism and eNOS expression. Furthermore, L. murinus transplantation reproduced the beneficial effects of l-arginine, and metabolomic analysis identified lithocholic acid (LCA) as a microbiota-derived metabolite involved in this process. In vitro experiments demonstrated that LCA alleviated lipopolysaccharide-induced epithelial inflammation and barrier dysfunction via FXR/eNOS activation. Collectively, these findings reveal that l-arginine ameliorates IBS-D through microbiota remodeling, LCA-mediated bile acid regulation, and activation of the colonic FXR/PI3K/AKT/eNOS axis, highlighting its potential as a microbiota-targeted therapeutic strategy.},
}

Animals
*Arginine/administration & dosage
*Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III/metabolism/genetics
Signal Transduction/drug effects
Mice
Male
Humans
Mice, Inbred C57BL
*Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/metabolism/genetics
*Irritable Bowel Syndrome/microbiology/metabolism/drug therapy/genetics
Receptor, Farnesoid X-Activated
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects
Intestinal Barrier Function

@article {pmid43012855,
year = {2026},
author = {Mihalčin, M and Fašaneková, L and Kašpárková, B},
title = {[Differential diagnosis of aseptic meningitis in Central Europe: An overview of less common infectious etiologies].},
journal = {Klinicka mikrobiologie a infekcni lekarstvi},
volume = {32},
number = {3},
pages = {104-110},
pmid = {43012855},
issn = {1211-264X},
mesh = {Humans ; Diagnosis, Differential ; *Meningitis, Aseptic/diagnosis/etiology/virology/microbiology ; Europe ; },
abstract = {Aseptic meningoencephalitis in immunocompetent adults in Central Europe is most commonly attributed to Borrelia burgdorferi, enteroviruses, herpesviruses (HSV, VZV), and tick-borne encephalitis virus. While these agents retain diagnostic priority, a range of less common yet clinically relevant etiologies are frequently overlooked in differential diagnosis, potentially affecting disease course and patient prognosis. This narrative review focuses on such underrecognized infectious agents in patients without a travel history outside Central Europe and adjacent regions. Discussed pathogens include hepatitis E virus (particularly genotype HEV-3, with its neurological manifestations such as neuralgicamyotrophy and Guillain-Barré syndrome), acute HIV infection, neurosyphilis, leptospirosis, bartonellosis, tularemia,Rickettsia, Anaplasma, and Coxiella infections, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Tropheryma whipplei. Particular attention is given to vector-borne neurotropic viruses relevant to the Central European region (West Nile virus, Usutu virus, Tahyna virus, Borna disease virus 1, Toscana virus, Sindbis virus, and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus), respiratory viruses (influenza, SARS-CoV-2, measles, mumps, etc.), and opportunistic pathogens in immunocompromised patients. For each pathogen, key epidemiological associations, typical clinical presentation, and recommended diagnostic approach are summarized, including limitations of serological methods (notably cross-reactivity among flaviviruses) and the potential role of next-generation metagenomic sequencing. The aim of this review is to provide clinicians with a practical tool for broadening the differential diagnosis of aseptic meningoencephalitis and to highlight epidemiological and clinical clues that may facilitate earlier recognition of these overlooked, yet treatable or prognostically significant, etiologies. Keywords: aseptic meningitis, meningoencephalitis, differential diagnosis, neuroinfection, Central Europe.},
}

Humans
Diagnosis, Differential
*Meningitis, Aseptic/diagnosis/etiology/virology/microbiology
Europe

@article {pmid43013135,
year = {2026},
author = {Krueger, C and Schaefers, C and Guenther, T and Leypoldt, L and Ahrens, R and Alsdorf, W and Al-Bazaz, M and Weisel, K and Kadel, SK and Rasche, L and Weinhold, N and Raab, M and Hoppe, J and Postel, A and Heim, D and Reumann, K and Robitaille, A and Bluemke, P and Fischbach, F and Schlemm, E and Friese, M and Magnus, T and Nierhaus, A and Kluge, S and Ondruschka, B and Kresbach, C and Dottermusch, M and Luetgehetmann, M and Fischer, N and Grundhoff, A},
title = {Measles-like hypermutation of a Newcastle disease virus drives fatal encephalitis during BCMA × CD3 T-cell-redirecting immunotherapy.},
journal = {Acta neuropathologica},
volume = {152},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {43013135},
issn = {1432-0533},
support = {SFB 1648/1 [2024] - Project-ID 512741711//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; NUM-SAR 01KX2524.//Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Newcastle disease virus/genetics ; *Immunotherapy/adverse effects/methods ; Fatal Outcome ; Mutation ; *Encephalitis, Viral/virology/immunology ; Male ; T-Lymphocytes/immunology ; },
abstract = {Newcastle disease virus (NDV or AOaV-1) is an avian paramyxovirus that typically causes only mild, self-limiting disease in humans. Here, we report fatal neuroinvasive AOaV-1 infection in a patient with multiple myeloma receiving maintenance therapy with teclistamab, daratumumab, and lenalidomide following frontline teclistamab-based treatment and autologous stem cell transplantation. Following rapidly progressive brainstem-cerebellar encephalitis and negative conventional microbiological testing, unbiased metagenomic RNA sequencing of a cerebellar biopsy identified AOaV-1 at high intraparenchymal abundance. Viral genome analysis revealed striking A-to-G and U-to-C substitutions selectively concentrated in the matrix gene, consistent with ADAR-mediated RNA editing. Long-read sequencing resolved two genetically distinct, independently hypermutated CNS haplotypes. Post-mortem analysis demonstrated widespread dissemination and continued viral diversification in multiple brain regions, whereas a peripheral urine sample contained a minimally mutated putative ancestral lineage. These findings support peripheral infection followed by CNS seeding and compartmentalized within-host evolution. The selective matrix-gene hypermutation closely parallels persistent measles virus infection in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, revealing a shared mechanism of paramyxovirus adaptation to the CNS. Profound immunotherapy-associated immune dysfunction may thus create niches enabling normally low-pathogenic zoonotic viruses to persist, evolve, and acquire severe neurovirulence.},
}

Humans
*Newcastle disease virus/genetics
*Immunotherapy/adverse effects/methods
Fatal Outcome
Mutation
*Encephalitis, Viral/virology/immunology
Male
T-Lymphocytes/immunology

@article {pmid43000952,
year = {2026},
author = {Ha, S and Lv, C and Cui, J and Yu, H and Sun, L},
title = {A validated low-abundance uterine microbial signature associated with chronic endometritis.},
journal = {Zygote (Cambridge, England)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-15},
doi = {10.1017/S0967199426100677},
pmid = {43000952},
issn = {1469-8730},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Chronic endometritis (CE) is a persistent inflammatory endometrial disorder associated with infertility, recurrent implantation failure, and pregnancy loss. While previous microbiome studies have focused on Lactobacillus depletion and common genital tract bacteria, low-abundance microbial lineages remain poorly characterised.

OBJECTIVE: To identify reproducible low-abundance microbial signatures associated with CE and evaluate their robustness through external validation and complementary analyses.

METHODS: Uterine lavage specimens from infertile women with CE (n = 29) and non-CE controls (n = 16) were analysed by 16S rRNA sequencing in a discovery cohort. An independent cohort of 58 participants was used for external validation. CE was diagnosed by hysteroscopy and CD138 immunohistochemistry (≥5 stromal plasma cells/10 high-power fields). Multiple negative controls were included, and contaminants were assessed using decontam. Prespecified analyses included cervicovaginal source tracking, shotgun metagenomics in a subset, cytokine profiling, and post-treatment follow-up.

RESULTS: CE samples exhibited increased richness and modestly higher diversity. Presence/absence-based beta diversity demonstrated clearer separation between CE and controls. CE was associated with enrichment of Patescibacteria, Planctomycetota, Bdellovibrionota, and selected archaeal-lineage signals. After contaminant filtering, major rare-lineage features remained enriched. Patescibacteria and Bdellovibrio-related signals correlated with CD138-positive plasma-cell counts and inflammatory cytokines. A nested discovery model achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.84, and the locked marker panel achieved an AUC of 0.81 in external validation.

CONCLUSIONS: CE is associated with a reproducible low-abundance microbial signature in uterine lavage samples. These findings highlight candidate microbial lineages for further investigation but do not establish causality or uterine residency.},
}

@article {pmid43001068,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, H and Xie, W and Yang, Y and Tang, C and Liang, X and Yuan, Y and Wang, J and Zhou, Y and Yang, H and Huang, Q and Quan, W and Yu, W and Wang, H and Wu, D and Wang, Y and Lu, S},
title = {Parenteral CHIKV mRNA Vaccination Reshapes the Gut Microbial, Metabolic, and Immune Landscapes.},
journal = {MedComm},
volume = {7},
number = {11},
pages = {e71138},
pmid = {43001068},
issn = {2688-2663},
abstract = {The gut microbiota is increasingly recognized as a critical modulator of vaccine efficacy. However, how parenteral vaccines-particularly those against non-enteric viruses-reshape the intestinal microenvironment remains poorly defined. Here, we investigated the impact of two validated CHIKV mRNA vaccines on gut microbial composition, metabolic activity, and immune features in rhesus macaques. Using a longitudinal multi-omics approach, including metagenomics, metabolomics, and proteomics, and comparing with CHIKV-infected animals, we assessed whether systemic vaccination alone, in the absence of intestinal viral replication, was associated with changes in the gut microenvironment. We demonstrate that vaccination induces reproducible shifts in gut microbiota composition, notably enriching Segatella copri, similar to infection-associated changes. These alterations are accompanied by remodeling of purine and bile acid metabolism, with persistent increases in xanthine and uric acid. Upon viral challenge, vaccinated animals exhibit reduced intestinal viral burden, attenuated pathology, and elevated expression of proteins related to antigen presentation, immunoglobulins, and epithelial barrier function. These findings provide direct evidence that systemic CHIKV mRNA vaccination is associated with changes in the gut microbial, metabolic, and immune landscapes, highlighting the gastrointestinal tract as an active and responsive target of parenteral vaccinations.},
}

@article {pmid43001270,
year = {2026},
author = {Kallapura, G and Prakash, AS and Prasad, R and Josphine, I and Maurya, M and Dhar, D},
title = {Gut microbiota composition of India's Baiga tribe: Insights from an indigenous particularly vulnerable tribal group.},
journal = {iScience},
volume = {29},
number = {11},
pages = {118082},
pmid = {43001270},
issn = {2589-0042},
abstract = {The transition from traditional foraging lifestyles to modernized urban environments is associated with reduced human gut microbiome diversity. To examine this shift within the Indian subcontinent, we used shotgun metagenomics to compare the gut microbiota of 50 adults: 25 from the indigenous, foraging, and particularly vulnerable Baiga tribe and 25 from an urban population in Bhopal, Central India. The Baiga maintained a diverse ecosystem enriched with fiber-degrading bacteria such as Roseburia and Faecalibacterium, forming networks suited to complex carbohydrate fermentation. The urban microbiome showed lower phylogenetic diversity and evenness, with higher relative abundance of Prevotella copri and dairy-adapted taxa. Functionally, the tribal gut retained pathways for environmental sensing and complex plant metabolism, whereas the urban gut was enriched in pathways associated with potential inflammation. These findings identify the Baiga as a reservoir of preserved human microbial diversity relevant to metabolic health.},
}

@article {pmid43001783,
year = {2026},
author = {Paris, ER and Salcedo, RSR and Buessecker, S and Pozarycki, C and Desmarais, M and Sephus, CD and Schartup, AT and Bartlett, DH and Ingall, ED and Doran, PT and Andersson, A and Glass, JB and Quartini, E and Schmidt, BE and Bowman, JS and Dekas, AE},
title = {Free-living autotrophs drive a carbon fixation peak within the Orca Basin chemocline while heterotrophs dominate total activity from seawater to brine.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ismejo/wrag279},
pmid = {43001783},
issn = {1751-7370},
abstract = {Deep hypersaline anoxic basins (DHABs) are stratified, polyextreme environments found within enclosed and semi-enclosed seas worldwide. Here, we quantified microbial activity in Orca Basin, the largest known DHAB, to investigate carbon cycling across its steep chemical and salinity gradients. We measured total anabolic activity and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) fixation as a function of metabolic lifestyle (autotroph or heterotroph) and spatial niche (free-living or particle-associated) using dual-isotope labeling experiments and single-cell analysis by nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (nanoSIMS). Activity was detected within all ten depths investigated from seawater to hypersaline brine, including by most cells within the brine. DIC fixation and total anabolic activity peaked within the oxic-anoxic interface, notably separate from the peak in cell and particle density deeper in the halocline. Autotrophs drove the peak in DIC fixation, but heterotrophs drove that of total activity; autotrophs were more abundant than heterotrophs at this depth but on average smaller and slower growing. Particle-associated heterotrophs, but not autotrophs, were significantly more active than their free-living counterparts within the interface. Heterotrophic communities derived an average of 4% to 10% of their biomass from DIC across the vertical transect, contributing just 2% of total DIC fixation within the peak but the majority within overlying seawater. Metagenomic analysis of catabolically active, sorted cells indicated members of at least five phyla were active within the oxic-anoxic interface, including putatively autotrophic Thermoproteota. These data provide high-sensitivity microbial activity measurements in Orca Basin and highlight the widespread viability of the resident microbiome.},
}

@article {pmid43001789,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, Q and He, X and Han, B and Shi, L and Hu, H and Liu, F and Nie, J and Chen, Y and Zhou, J and Li, Y and Zhao, K and Ni, K and Zhang, L and Jia, S and Shao, X},
title = {Temperature effects on life history strategies for rapid growth potential of leaf epiphytic bacteria.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ismejo/wrag281},
pmid = {43001789},
issn = {1751-7370},
abstract = {Phyllosphere bacteria, occupying both epiphytic and endophytic habitats, constitute a critical plant-atmosphere interface. However, their community assembly and life-history strategies (LHSs) in response to temperature increase remain poorly understood. Here, we compared leaf phyllosphere bacterial communities with those in other plant compartments across four representative plant species from an alpine meadow on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. By combining observations along an elevational gradient with a controlled warming experiment, we found that temperature was closely associated with the deterministic assembly of leaf phyllosphere bacterial communities. Elevated temperature corresponded to shifts in taxonomic composition, diversity, assembly process, cross-compartment bacterial source, and co-occurrence network. Furthermore, elevated temperature was associated with a shift toward r-strategists in leaf phyllosphere bacterial LHSs, evidenced by higher ribosomal RNA operon (rrn) copy numbers for rapid growth potential and corroborated by genome assemblies of four warming-responsive epiphytic isolates and metagenomic sequencing. Based on 880 public 16S rRNA gene datasets from 45 locations on six continents, we identified a global increase in the rrn copy number in leaf epiphytic bacterial communities across diverse plant species, which was associated with elevated temperatures and enhanced diurnal fluctuation. Finally, we proposed a concept of four LHSs (growth, stress tolerance, competition, and resource acquisition) based on functional inference from 16S rRNA data, supported by the assembled epiphytic bacterial genomes and metagenomes. Collectively, our findings established a trait-based framework for understanding responses of leaf phyllosphere bacteria to future warming.},
}

@article {pmid43001898,
year = {2026},
author = {Mazzoni, C and Yassour, M},
title = {IBD is associated with species-specific changes in gut microbial gene diversity.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0082726},
doi = {10.1128/msystems.00827-26},
pmid = {43001898},
issn = {2379-5077},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Intra-species genomic variation provides the raw material for natural selection and can reflect the recent diversification history of microbial populations. Environmental stress may be regarded as the ultimate accelerator of the evolutionary process, especially for microorganisms, which can alter their DNA if presented with nutrient limitation, toxins, or pathogen attack. Chronic intestinal inflammation, as in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), represents prolonged environmental stress for gut commensal bacteria, bringing many enteric species down to undetectable levels. However, it remains unclear how microbes that colonize IBD patients actually respond to IBD-associated stressors and whether stress-driven bacterial dynamics may be identified at the population level from the bacterial gut metagenome. To investigate IBD-associated strain-level population dynamics, we performed metagenomic analyses focusing on measuring within-individual bacterial diversity for a panel of gut commensals present across IBD patients and Controls. First, we found species-specific differences in genome-level bacterial diversity. Then, we found that certain genes and functions may harbor different levels and kinds of genetic divergence within the same species across IBD patients and Controls. Functions that were enriched in IBD with both neutral divergence and functional divergence were associated with motility and iron-scavenging, among others. These results may point toward functions that are under selection in the context of IBD stress and could inform future mechanistic work, exploring previously unknown routes of bacterial diversification and adaptation to stress in the gut microbiome.

IMPORTANCE: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by profound alterations in the gut microbiome composition, and most research so far has focused on changes in species-level abundance to understand gut microbiome contributions to disease dynamics. However, investigating strain-level variation has the potential to uncover previously unknown factors underlying bacterial persistence during gut inflammation, hence revealing key aspects driving gut dysbiosis. Here, we showed that IBD is associated with species-specific changes in gut microbial population-level genetic diversity and identified individual genes and functions that seem to harbor differential genetic diversity within IBD-associated strains. More broadly, our results highlight how intra-species population- and gene-level diversity could be used as sensors of environmental stress in the gut microbiome, and further studies could follow up on the functions highlighted in this work to establish causal links between gut inflammatory conditions and processes of bacterial adaptation to stress.},
}

@article {pmid43002177,
year = {2026},
author = {Wei, B and Sun, H and Wang, Y and Luo, Y and Xie, T and Chang, Y and Wang, Y and Tang, Q},
title = {Microbiota-dependent biofunctionality of sulfated fucans from Saccharina japonica during intestinal epithelial development in juvenile mice: Limosilactobacillus reuteri L11 as a microbial responder.},
journal = {Food & function},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1039/d6fo04530h},
pmid = {43002177},
issn = {2042-650X},
abstract = {Previous studies have demonstrated that sulfated fucans from Saccharina japonica (SJ-FUC) promote intestinal epithelial development in juvenile mice. However, whether this biofunctionality depends on the gut microbiota and which microbial responders contribute to this process remain unclear. Here, we integrated in vitro anaerobic fermentation, metagenomic analysis, antibiotic-mediated microbiota depletion, bacterial isolation, and juvenile mouse intervention to investigate the microbial basis underlying the intestinal biofunctionality of SJ-FUC. In vitro fecal fermentation showed that SJ-FUC markedly remodeled the gut microbiota derived from both conventional and SJ-FUC-adapted mice and selectively enriched specific bacterial taxa. Limosilactobacillus reuteri exhibited a consistent response to SJ-FUC, with a higher baseline abundance in adapted microbiota and further enrichment after fermentation. In antibiotic-treated mice, microbiota depletion markedly attenuated SJ-FUC-induced intestinal stem cell-associated responses, epithelial proliferation, and secretory lineage differentiation, demonstrating that the intestinal effects of SJ-FUC are largely microbiota-dependent. A strain of L. reuteri, designated L11, was subsequently isolated from the SJ-FUC fecal fermentation system and functionally evaluated in juvenile mice. Both viable L11 and its cell-free supernatant upregulated the intestinal stem cell markers Lgr5, Olfm4, and Ascl2, enhanced Wnt/β-catenin-related gene expression and epithelial proliferation, and promoted secretory lineage differentiation. Overall, these findings establish the gut microbiota as an important contributor to the intestinal biofunctionality of SJ-FUC and identify L. reuteri L11 as a functional microbial responder associated with these effects. This study provides new insight into how an edible-algae-derived sulfated polysaccharide influences juvenile intestinal epithelial development through interactions with the gut microbiota.},
}

@article {pmid43002229,
year = {2026},
author = {Trecourt, A and Gorkiewicz, G and Adle-Biassette, H and Rabodonirina, M and Cathomas, G and Langer, R and Devouassoux-Shisheboran, M and Menotti, J and Hofman, P and , },
title = {Integrating PCR and sequencing for the identification of pathogenic fungi on formalin-fixed tissues: a systematic review toward a pragmatic histomolecular solution.},
journal = {Virchows Archiv : an international journal of pathology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {43002229},
issn = {1432-2307},
abstract = {Although histopathology is a gold standard for the diagnosis of invasive fungal infections, the morphological analysis does not provide an accurate genus and/or species identification. Because this specific identification is required for antifungal therapy prescription, the implementation of molecular techniques to identify fungi on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue in practice is crucial, especially when specimen has not been simultaneously sent to the mycology laboratory. However, such approaches/procedures remain heterogenous. The objective of this systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD420261420594) was to gather data from the literature to support future efforts toward the standardisation of diagnostic practices for fungal identification on FFPE tissue. Among the 1,550 records found on MEDLINE-PubMed and Google Scholar, 57 studies were included. Thirty-two, 27, and 10 studies investigated the use on FFPE tissue of taxon-specific fungal PCR (n = 1421 FFPE samples tested), panfungal PCR followed by Sanger sequencing (n = 1647 FFPE samples tested), and targeted next-generation sequencing/massive parallel sequencing (NGS/MPS) or untargeted metagenomics (n = 408 FFPE samples tested; some studies reported several techniques), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the techniques, according to pre-analytical, histopathological, and molecular criteria were reported and discussed. Advantages and limitations of each technique are presented. While taxon-specific fungal PCR are widely available and highly sensitive, sequencing-based techniques have a broader spectrum for identification purpose. Finally, because of the contamination of tissue sections and the presence of fungi belonging to microbiota on samples, the molecular identification should always be correlated to the pathogenic fungi's morphology, to ensure an accurate and reliable integrated histomolecular diagnosis.},
}

@article {pmid43002368,
year = {2026},
author = {Kshirsagar, S and Narwal, N and Rajendran, V and Vinchurkar, RV and Kelkar, S and Kadyan, S and Vishweswaraiah, RH and Vij, S and Pradhan, D},
title = {From Phenotype to Phylogenomics: Evolution of Lactobacillaceae Taxonomy, the 2020 Reclassification and its Technological and Regulatory Implications.},
journal = {Probiotics and antimicrobial proteins},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {43002368},
issn = {1867-1314},
abstract = {Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are a diverse group of microorganisms with major importance in food fermentation, biopreservation, probiotic development, and biotechnology. Advances in molecular biology and whole-genome sequencing have revealed limitations of traditional phenotype-based classification, driving a transition toward genome-based taxonomy and fundamentally reshaping the classification of the family Lactobacillaceae. This review traces the evolution of LAB taxonomy from classical phenotypic classification through the molecular era to contemporary phylogenomic approaches. It examines the genomic methodologies underpinning modern bacterial systematics, including whole-genome sequencing, Average Nucleotide Identity (principally a species-level measure), Average Amino Acid Identity, and core-genome phylogenetics, which culminated in the landmark 2020 reclassification of the former genus Lactobacillus into 25 phylogenetically coherent genera. The review further evaluates the scientific evidence supporting this reclassification and its validation through subsequent phylogenomic, pangenomic, and ecological studies. Genome-based taxonomy has established a more evolutionarily coherent and biologically informative classification of Lactobacillaceae, improving our understanding of ecological adaptation, metabolic diversity, and functional potential. Genus-level taxonomy provides a useful framework for comparative research, but its predictive value is limited by the strain-specific nature of many functional and safety traits. The revised taxonomy has nevertheless strengthened comparative genomics, microbiome research, strain selection, and communication across scientific, industrial, and regulatory domains. Although the nomenclatural transition has created challenges for product labeling, regulatory documentation, database harmonization, and scientific communication, it provides a more robust evolutionary framework for future research and industrial innovation. Remaining challenges, including limitations of 16 S rRNA-based identification, uncertainty surrounding genomic thresholds, and incorporation of uncultured diversity through metagenomics and pangenomics, indicate that Lactobacillaceae taxonomy will continue to evolve as genomic resources and analytical approaches advance.},
}

@article {pmid43003140,
year = {2026},
author = {Nhi-Cong, LT and Toan, VD and Lam, DV and Mai, TT and Mai, CTN and Anh, BTK and Linh, DD},
title = {Bioremediation of Chlorpyrifos Contaminated Soil: Microcosm Investigation and 16S rRNA Gene Amplicon Sequencing.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology reports},
volume = {18},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {43003140},
issn = {1758-2229},
support = {NCUD.01-2024.03//National Foundation for Science and Technology Development/ ; //Thuyloi University/ ; },
mesh = {*Chlorpyrifos/metabolism ; Biodegradation, Environmental ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Soil Microbiology ; *Soil Pollutants/metabolism ; *Bacillus/genetics/metabolism/isolation & purification/classification ; *Pseudomonas aeruginosa/genetics/metabolism/isolation & purification ; Saccharum ; Phylogeny ; Biofilms/growth & development ; Cellulose ; Insecticides/metabolism ; Bacteria/genetics/classification/isolation & purification/metabolism ; },
abstract = {This study describes the isolation and characterization of two biofilm-forming bacterial strains, Pseudomonas aeruginosa MD3 and Bacillus toyonensis LD07, capable of degrading chlorpyrifos. These isolates demonstrated remarkable phenotypic plasticity, maintaining biofilm formation across varying pH, temperature and salinity levels. To maximize microbial stability and metabolic efficiency, sugarcane bagasse was utilized as a support matrix. Analytical characterization (EDX, BET and XRD) confirmed that the bagasse possesses a highly porous architecture, serving as a protective scaffold and an auxiliary carbon source for synergistic co-metabolism. A bio-product formulated via solid-state fermentation on this matrix exhibited exceptional bioremediation efficacy, eliminating 99% of chlorpyrifos at an extreme concentration of 4500 ppm within 35 days. Furthermore, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing of coffee-growing soils across different treatments (natural control, pesticide-stressed and 10% bio-product amended) with accession numbers PRJNA1529359 revealed distinct shifts in microbial community dynamics. While the taxonomic landscape was broadly dominated by Bacillota, Pseudomonadota and Actinomycetota, the bio-product amendment caused P. aeruginosa and B. toyonensis to become the dominant taxa. Ultimately, these insights underscore the viability of cost-effective agricultural by-products for cell immobilization and highlight metagenomics as a powerful predictive framework for monitoring the remediation of anthropogenically stressed ecosystems.},
}

*Chlorpyrifos/metabolism
Biodegradation, Environmental
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
*Soil Microbiology
*Soil Pollutants/metabolism
*Bacillus/genetics/metabolism/isolation & purification/classification
*Pseudomonas aeruginosa/genetics/metabolism/isolation & purification
Saccharum
Phylogeny
Biofilms/growth & development
Cellulose
Insecticides/metabolism
Bacteria/genetics/classification/isolation & purification/metabolism

@article {pmid43003344,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhu, Y and Wang, K and Qin, F and Zhang, Q and Shen, W and Pu, C and Li, M},
title = {PFBS exposure alters gut microbial functional potential and colon immune responses: an integrated metagenomic and transcriptomic analysis.},
journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {129526},
doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2026.129526},
pmid = {43003344},
issn = {1873-6424},
abstract = {PER: and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants of global concern, yet the impacts of short-chain substitutes such as perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS) on gut microbial functional potential and host intestinal responses remain poorly understood. Here, we integrated metagenomic sequencing and transcriptomic profiling to investigate the effects of PFBS exposure in C57BL/6 mice administered PFBS through drinking water for 30 days. PFBS exposure increased serum PFBS concentrations and was associated with colon shortening, reduced goblet cell numbers, and decreased mucus-associated staining. Metagenomic analysis revealed alterations in gut microbial composition and functional profiles, including enrichment of sulfate-reducing bacteria, particularly Desulfovibrio species, and increased abundance of sulfate reduction-associated genes. Colon transcriptomic analysis identified 51 differentially expressed genes, with enrichment of pathways including complement and coagulation cascades. Immune cell abundance estimation and F4/80 immunohistochemistry indicated increased macrophage-associated signals in the PFBS-exposed group. Notably, Desulfovibrio abundance was positively correlated with macrophage-associated scores and the expression of complement genes C1qa, C1qb, and C1qc, whose upregulation was further confirmed by RT-qPCR. Increased hydrogen sulfide concentrations in colon contents were also observed following PFBS exposure. Together, these findings suggest that PFBS exposure was associated with coordinated alterations in Desulfovibrio abundance and colon immune-associated gene expression, highlighting potential microbiota-host interactions relevant to the intestinal effects of short-chain PFAS.},
}

@article {pmid43003844,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, Y and Xu, X and Chen, X and Zhang, Y and Zheng, W and Zhang, T},
title = {Scellmate enables contamination aware curation and host mobilome linkage analysis of large SAG datasets.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {43003844},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {17212124//Research Grants Council, University Grants Committee (RGC, UGC)/ ; },
mesh = {*Genome, Bacterial/genetics ; *Microbiota/genetics ; Single-Cell Analysis/methods ; Metagenome/genetics ; *Bacteria/genetics/classification ; *Data Curation/methods ; Biocuration ; Metagenomics/methods ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {Single-cell genomics enables cell-resolved insights into in-situ microbial communities, yet single amplified genomes (SAGs) are often fragmented, taxonomically ambiguous, and prone to contamination, limiting their biological interpretation. Here, we present Scellmate, a scalable, semi-supervised framework that integrates whole-SAG curation, species-level taxonomic anchoring and SAG-mobilome linkage analysis for large-scale SAG datasets. Following benchmarking of its SAG curation and SAG-eMGE linkage modules using in silico and four-strain mock SAG datasets, respectively, Scellmate was applied to 11,976 sewage-derived SAGs. This approach yielded 4,198 SAGs passing Scellmate's whole-SAG curation, which captured pronounced heterogeneity masked by bulk methods. At the species level, we resolved extensive hidden diversity within abundant taxa such as Aliarcobacter that was unresolved by matched metagenome-assembled genomes; at the strain level, we pinpointed a distinct Agathobacter rectalis cluster carrying specialized carbon-utilization pathways, suggesting niche differentiation. Leveraging these curated SAGs, we identified 6,474 host-mobilome linkages across 2,378 SAGs; these linkages not only showed high concordance with host-association data within the Integrated Microbial Genomes (IMG) system but also significantly expanded species-level host assignments. Furthermore, we detected frequent inter-species sharing patterns of diverse cryptic plasmids within the order Bacteroidales. Together, this work demonstrates that high-throughput single-cell genomics, empowered by the robust framework, resolves fine-scale heterogeneity and host-mobilome dynamics, advancing culture-independent microbiome research.},
}

*Genome, Bacterial/genetics
*Microbiota/genetics
Single-Cell Analysis/methods
Metagenome/genetics
*Bacteria/genetics/classification
*Data Curation/methods
Biocuration
Metagenomics/methods
Phylogeny

@article {pmid43004170,
year = {2026},
author = {El-Shahidy, SM and Zakaria, AM and Ibrahim, MA and Diab, AM},
title = {Whole-genome characterization and genomic stability of Mastadenovirus F40 and F41 in pediatric gastroenteritis.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {43004170},
issn = {1471-2180},
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastroenteritis/virology/epidemiology ; Phylogeny ; *Genome, Viral ; Child, Preschool ; *Mastadenovirus/genetics/isolation & purification/classification ; Infant ; Feces/virology ; Female ; Male ; Whole Genome Sequencing ; Child ; Genotype ; *Adenoviridae Infections/virology/epidemiology ; Genetic Variation ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Human adenovirus types 40 and 41 (HAdV-40 and HAdV-41), belonging to the species Mastadenovirus faecale, are among the leading viral causes of acute gastroenteritis in children. Despite their clinical importance, whole-genome data on circulating strains remain limited. This study investigated the epidemiological and genomic characteristics of enteric Mastadenoviruses detected in children with acute gastroenteritis.

METHODS: A total of 632 stool specimens collected from hospitalized children with acute gastroenteritis were screened using a multiplex gastrointestinal real-time PCR panel. Five representative Mastadenovirus-positive samples underwent shotgun metagenomic sequencing followed by genome reconstruction, phylogenetic analysis, pairwise sequence identity comparisons, genome-wide variant analysis, amino acid substitution profiling, and recombination analysis.

RESULTS: Mastadenoviruses were detected in 60/632 (9.5%) children, with the highest positivity observed among those aged 1-3 years. Co-infections occurred predominantly involving bacterial pathogens. Complete or near-complete genomes were recovered for all five sequenced isolates with high sequencing depth (2,806 × -34,120 ×), genome coverage (94.8%-100% at ≥ 10 ×), and nucleotide identity (99.19%-99.78%) relative to genotype-matched reference genomes. Phylogenetic analyses identified two HAdV-F40 and three HAdV-F41 isolates. Gene-specific phylogenies of the hexon, penton base, fiber, and DNA polymerase genes consistently confirmed genotype assignment. Pairwise sequence identity analysis and recombination analysis further supported classification with no evidence of intergenotypic recombination.

CONCLUSIONS: The sequenced enteric Mastadenovirus isolates exhibited high genomic conservation with limited within-genotype diversity and no detectable evidence of recent recombination. The concordance between gene-specific phylogenies, sequence identity analyses, and whole-genome comparisons supports the robustness of current molecular typing approaches and expands the limited genomic data available for circulating HAdV-F40 and HAdV-F41 strains.},
}

Humans
*Gastroenteritis/virology/epidemiology
Phylogeny
*Genome, Viral
Child, Preschool
*Mastadenovirus/genetics/isolation & purification/classification
Infant
Feces/virology
Female
Male
Whole Genome Sequencing
Child
Genotype
*Adenoviridae Infections/virology/epidemiology
Genetic Variation

@article {pmid43004363,
year = {2026},
author = {Trivett, H and Dalby, MJ and Peel, N and Heavens, D and Kiu, R and Acuna-Gonzalez, A and Mohamad, M and Humayun, G and Leggett, RM and Patel, VC and Hall, LJ},
title = {Decoding the microbiome and resistome of advanced chronic liver disease through long-read metagenomics.},
journal = {Genome medicine},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {43004363},
issn = {1756-994X},
support = {BBX011089/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; BB/R012490/1; BB/X011054/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; 220876/Z/20/Z/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Metagenomics/methods ; Metagenome ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *Microbiota ; Liver Cirrhosis/microbiology ; Chronic Disease ; Male ; Female ; Enterococcus faecium/genetics ; Acute-On-Chronic Liver Failure/microbiology ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics ; Bacteria/genetics ; *Liver Diseases/microbiology ; Middle Aged ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Patients with advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD) and underlying cirrhosis frequently require repeated courses of antimicrobial therapy, with both the frequency and spectrum of antimicrobial exposure increasing alongside disease progression. In this population, impaired immune function and increased intestinal barrier dysfunction contribute to a heightened susceptibility of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.

METHODS: To comprehensively characterise the gastrointestinal microbiome and antimicrobial resistance gene (ARG) landscape across the clinical spectrum of ACLD, and to identify microbial and resistome signatures associated with disease severity, we employed long-read metagenomic sequencing (Oxford Nanopore Technologies) to profile the gastrointestinal microbiome and resistome in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), decompensated cirrhosis (DC), and stable cirrhosis (SC), compared to healthy controls (HC).

RESULTS: ACLF patients showed marked enrichment of Enterococcus faecium, with six of 28 samples showing >95% relative abundance, highlighting its potential as a bacterial biomarker of advanced cirrhosis. We reconstructed 28 high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) of E. faecium from cirrhosis patients, 17 from ACLF cases. E. faecium dominance was associated with substantially reduced microbial diversity and a marked depletion of key commensal taxa, including Blautia, Akkermansia, Faecalibacterium, and Bifidobacterium. Consistent with these compositional shifts, resistome analysis revealed significant enrichment of clinically relevant antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in DC and ACLF, including determinants conferring resistance to aminoglycosides, beta-lactams, and glycopeptides, consistent with prior antimicrobial exposure.

CONCLUSION: Long-read metagenomics enables high-resolution characterisation of microbial and resistome dynamics across ACLD severities. By capturing taxonomic shifts, functional potential, and ARG enrichment, this approach provides valuable insights into microbiome trajectories linked with disease severity, informing mechanistic research and potential clinical interventions.},
}

Humans
*Metagenomics/methods
Metagenome
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
*Microbiota
Liver Cirrhosis/microbiology
Chronic Disease
Male
Female
Enterococcus faecium/genetics
Acute-On-Chronic Liver Failure/microbiology
Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics
Bacteria/genetics
*Liver Diseases/microbiology
Middle Aged

@article {pmid43004478,
year = {2026},
author = {Peruzzo, A and Asnicar, D and Moschino, V and Baggio, G and Toscan Massignam, E and Fabbri, G and Marčeta, T and Marin, MG and Losasso, C},
title = {Microplastics host distinct microbial communities enriched in potentially pathogenic taxa and antibiotic resistance genes: evidence from environmental and experimentally aged plastics in a coastal marine environment.},
journal = {Environmental microbiome},
volume = {21},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {43004478},
issn = {2524-6372},
support = {RC_IZSVE_02/20; RF-2021-12372336//Ministero della Salute/ ; RC_IZSVE_02/20; RF-2021-12372336//Ministero della Salute/ ; RC_IZSVE_02/20; RF-2021-12372336//Ministero della Salute/ ; RC_IZSVE_02/20; RF-2021-12372336//Ministero della Salute/ ; RC_IZSVE_02/20; RF-2021-12372336//Ministero della Salute/ ; RC_IZSVE_02/20; RF-2021-12372336//Ministero della Salute/ ; RC_IZSVE_02/20; RF-2021-12372336//Ministero della Salute/ ; RC_IZSVE_02/20; RF-2021-12372336//Ministero della Salute/ ; RC_IZSVE_02/20; RF-2021-12372336//Ministero della Salute/ ; },
abstract = {Microplastics (MPs) represent persistent pollutants in marine environments and may act as substrates for complex microbial biofilms, collectively referred to as the plastisphere. However, the extent to which microplastic-associated communities differ from surrounding water microbiota and contribute to the environmental dissemination of potentially pathogenic taxa and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) remains incompletely understood. In this study, we investigated environmental MPs collected in the Northern Adriatic Sea together with polyethylene MPs experimentally aged for eight months under mesocosm conditions. Using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, shotgun metagenomics and droplet digital PCR, we compared MP-associated biofilms with the corresponding marine and lagoon water microbiota and assessed selected ARG profiles. Microplastic-associated biofilms displayed significantly lower alpha-diversity and distinct beta-diversity patterns compared with free-living communities, indicating that MPs harboured microbial communities differing from the surrounding water microbiota. Both environmental and experimentally aged MPs showed a higher relative presence of potentially pathogenic genera, with Vibrio representing the dominant genus within the potentially pathogenic component of the plastic microbiota. Shotgun metagenomic analysis revealed a richer and more diverse resistome on environmental MPs compared to seawater, including resistance classes exclusively detected on MPs. Digital droplet PCR confirmed higher normalized abundances of key ARGs (tetA, tetB, sul2) on MPs, together with the preferential detection of clinically relevant genes such as mcr-1 and qnr variants. By integrating environmental MPs, experimentally aged polyethylene MPs, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, shotgun metagenomics and ddPCR validation, this study provides a combined environmental and experimental assessment of MP-associated microbial communities and selected ARGs in marine and lagoon environments. Together, these findings demonstrate that marine MPs may act as persistent biologically active substrates for biofilm-forming microbial communities that differ from surrounding free-living communities and may contribute to the spread of ARGs, highlighting the need for integrated monitoring of MPs pollution and antimicrobial resistance.},
}

@article {pmid43004552,
year = {2026},
author = {Stähli, A and Lang, KN and Ademi, M and Sculean, A and Salvi, GE and Eick, S},
title = {Advances in the microbiological characteristics of peri-implant health and peri-implant diseases. A systematic review.},
journal = {Periodontology 2000},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/prd.70101},
pmid = {43004552},
issn = {1600-0757},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Peri-implant diseases represent a major and increasingly prevalent clinical challenge. Peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis are inflammatory conditions associated with dysbiotic biofilms, yet the specific microbial features that distinguish peri-implant health from disease have still to be conclusively demonstrated. The present systematic review compared microbiological profiles across peri-implant health, peri-implant mucositis, and peri-implantitis, with particular emphasis on how conventional and next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based detection methods influence reported microbial findings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This review was registered in the PROSPERO registry (CRD42020182626) and conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Electronic searches of MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were conducted up to December 31st 2025. Comparative experimental or observational studies reporting microbiological outcomes for at least two peri-implant conditions (health, mucositis, peri-implantitis) were eligible. Study selection, data extraction, and risk-of-bias assessment (adapted Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, evaluated across four domains: selection, comparability, outcome assessment, and statistical analysis) were performed independently by three reviewers. Twenty-eight studies were included, using either conventional methods (culture, checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization, and PCR-based techniques) or next-generation sequencing (16S rRNA sequencing and shotgun metagenomics).

RESULTS: Across studies using conventional detection methods, classical periodontal pathobionts-including Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, Prevotella intermedia, and Fusobacterium nucleatum-were detected more frequently at diseased than at healthy implant sites, while healthy sites were characterized by higher proportions of commensal taxa such as Streptococcus sp. NGS-based studies similarly reported a higher relative abundance of periodontal pathobionts at diseased sites, but findings on microbial diversity were inconsistent: some studies reported higher alpha diversity at healthy implant sites, whereas others reported the opposite, suggesting that abundance and diversity shifts do not necessarily follow the same pattern across studies. The risk of bias assessment identified comparability and confounder control as the most frequent methodological limitations. Substantial heterogeneity in disease definitions, patient characteristics, sampling strategies, and microbiological methodologies limited direct comparisons across studies and detection methods.

CONCLUSION: Across both conventional and NGS-based detection methods, mucositis and peri-implantitis are consistently associated with enrichment of periodontal pathobionts and depletion of health-associated commensals, supporting a dysbiotic shift in peri-implant diseases. However, findings on microbial diversity are inconsistent, and methodological heterogeneity, including variable risk of bias across studies, limits the strength of cross-study conclusions. Standardization of disease definitions and sampling protocols, along with comparison of methodological approaches (including sequencing targets, platforms, and reference databases), is needed before microbiological profiles can inform clinical predictions or treatment implications.},
}

@article {pmid43005165,
year = {2026},
author = {Sun, T and Mei, G and Li, M and Mo, J and Zhang, C and Ma, Y and Zhao, J and Peng, S and Lin, F and Chen, JL and Li, Z},
title = {Compound microbial intelligent membrane fermentation reshapes the bacterial community and reduces antibiotic, metal, and biocide resistance genes and virulence factors in duck litter.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1997145},
pmid = {43005165},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Contaminated duck litter is a leading cause of flock disease and a bottleneck for the sustainable development of large-scale dry-rearing systems.

METHODS: We applied shotgun metagenomics to litter from four positions within each of three independent compound microbial intelligent membrane fermentation beds, with unfermented litter from the same three batches as the control. We investigated the bacterial community alongside the abundance of antibiotic, metal and biocide resistance genes (ARGs, MRGs and BRGs) and of virulence factor genes (VFGs).

RESULTS: Fermented litter was consistently enriched in thermophilic and thermotolerant taxa and in beneficial genera such as Paenibacillus and Bacillus, while opportunistic pathogens including Streptococcus, Mycobacterium and Escherichia were clearly reduced. The total burden of the ARG and VFG classes fell in every fermented position, and representative determinants were consistently depleted: floR, qacEdelta1 and sul2 among the ARGs, ruvB among the MRGs, mexF, ideR and sodA among the BRGs, and htpB, clpV and katA among the VFGs. A small number of genes, tet(L), fexA and bacA among them, rose in the most active zones, indicating structural remodeling of the resistance reservoir rather than uniform removal. Fermentation was not spatially uniform: the upper and edge layers were more active, and the center-lower layer remained closest to the unfermented control.

CONCLUSION: Intelligent membrane fermentation reduced the overall abundance of resistance and virulence determinants in the litter microbiome, and spatial uniformity is important for the process. Because these data are DNA-based, they describe the abundance of resistance and virulence determinants and not resistance or virulence phenotypes.},
}

@article {pmid43005183,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, F and Chen, Z and Zhou, X and Liu, X and Jiang, Y and Fang, G and Su, Y and Rong, C and Ji, S and Hou, G},
title = {Metagenomic insights into carbon and nitrogen cycling functions in an integrated rice-crayfish farming system with straw return.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1940285},
pmid = {43005183},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Straw return is an important strategy for agricultural residue utilization, and functional microbial communities are known to play a pivotal role in straw decomposition and nutrient cycling. Nevertheless, the decomposition dynamics and associated microbial functional outcomes in rice-aquaculture systems remain poorly documented. This study established a rice-crayfish integrated system with straw return and assessed the mechanisms of straw decomposition and the resulting improvement on soil fertility through soil physicochemical characterization, enzyme activity assays, and metagenomic sequencing. Soil samples were obtained in July (PF7, the rice transplanting stage following the crayfish farming period) and November (PF11, the post-harvest field drying period), with surrounding ditches as controls (CK7 and CK11). The results showed that straw was effectively decomposed, releasing potassium and nitrogen nutrients, while urease and cellulase activities were markedly increased in the paddy field. Metagenomic analysis revealed that Pseudomonadota was the dominant phylum, whereas Euryarchaeota and Nitrososphaerota exhibited the most pronounced changes, with their abundances in PF11 being 0.23-fold and 10.57-fold of those in CK11, respectively. In the C cycle, C degradation was the most abundant pathway, in which amino acid degradation (primarily derived from crayfish farming) dominated, followed by aromatic compound degradation (associated with straw decomposition). For the methane metabolic pathway, the greenhouse gas emission potential was reduced, as evidenced by lower mcrA abundances in PF than in CK. N cycling was primarily mediated through organic N metabolism (81.63-84.14%), with the remaining fraction dominated by nitrification and denitrification. Furthermore, the relevant analysis consistently indicated that C cycling genes occupy more central positions and TN showed a negative effect on these genes. Collectively, this integrated system was associated with straw decomposition, facilitated terminal organic C and N mineralization, while greenhouse gas-related functional potentials were reduced, supporting sustainable straw utilization in rice-crayfish agroecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid43005289,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhou, L and Zang, Z and Zhang, H and Fei, X and Zhu, G and Mu, Y and Jiang, P and Wang, X and Zhao, M and Ai, Z and Cao, X and Liu, Z and Yin, H and Li, L and Tian, J and Yang, H and Fan, X and Tan, S and Li, S},
title = {Butyrate Deficiency due to Microbial Dysbiosis Promotes Anxiety.},
journal = {Research (Washington, D.C.)},
volume = {9},
number = {},
pages = {1470},
pmid = {43005289},
issn = {2639-5274},
abstract = {Individuals with diabetes frequently suffer from anxiety; however, the mechanism for this association remains incompletely understood. Diabetes-associated genes have been implicated in the control of central nervous system (CNS) disorders. In the current study, we observed a marked down-regulation of secretagogin (SCGN) across multiple organs in diabetic mouse models, and Scgn knockout (Scgn [-/-]) mice developed diabetes, confirming SCGN as a diabetes-associated gene. Behavioral analyses revealed that Scgn [-/-] mice exhibited anxiety-like phenotypes compared to wild-type (WT) mice. Notably, germ-free (GF) Scgn [-/-] mice did not manifest these behavioral abnormalities, suggesting that SCGN influences anxiety through gut microbiota-dependent mechanisms. Subsequent shotgun metagenomic sequencing confirmed gut microbiota dysbiosis in Scgn [-/-] mice. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from Scgn [-/-] donors into GF mice recapitulated the anxiety-like phenotypes. Given the established roles of microbial metabolites in gut-brain axis signaling, we identified a substantial depletion of butyrate, a key neuroactive metabolite, in fecal and plasma samples from Scgn [-/-] mice. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed neural overactivation, as reflected by c-Fos expression in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of Scgn [-/-] mice, which was corroborated by metabolomic profiling indicating dysregulated tryptophan metabolism in this region. Mechanistically, up-regulation of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) and kynureninase (KYNU) led to excessive production of quinolinic acid, an NMDA receptor agonist that increased pyramidal neuron excitability in the mPFC, thereby promoting anxiety-like behaviors in Scgn [-/-] mice. Supplementation with Odoribacter splanchnicus, a butyrate-producing bacterium, could reverse this abnormal signaling pathway and alleviate anxiety-like behaviors. Critically, butyrate administration mitigated this anxiogenic cascade in vivo and in vitro, as validated by electrophysiological recordings. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that SCGN deficiency induces gut dysbiosis, reduces butyrate availability, and promotes excitotoxicity in the mPFC, at least in part, through disrupted tryptophan metabolism, ultimately leading to anxiety. This SCGN-modulated gut-brain axis highlights potential new therapeutic targets for the treatment of diabetes-associated anxiety.},
}

@article {pmid43005491,
year = {2026},
author = {Fijabi, O and Morenikeji, OB and Ivey, SL and Loest, C and Idowu, M and Ashley, R and Ogunade, IM and Taiwo, G},
title = {Feed additives as systems-level modulators of the ruminant host-microbiome interaction: a multi-omics perspective on efficiency, resistance, and reproduction.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1995937},
pmid = {43005491},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Ruminant livestock face converging pressures from climatic variation, antimicrobial agents, and the imperative for sustainable intensification. However, the molecular imprints through which nutritional interventions modulate host-microbiome interactions across physiological contexts remain fragmented across disciplinary themes. Here, we synthesize evidence from metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, metabolomics, and host transcriptomics to propose that feed additives operate as systems-level modulators of a functionally integrated rumen-liver-immune-reproductive axis, rather than acting on isolated metabolic pathways. Prevotella, Butyrivibrio, Ruminococcus, and Fibrobacter recurrently emerged across studies to be associated with feed efficiency, immune modulation, resistome dynamics, and reproductive fitness. However, their relationship is context dependent and not causal. Furthermore, hepatic transcriptomic and microRNA (miRNA)-mediated regulatory networks could serve as a molecular bridge connecting ruminal fermentation events to systemic phenotypic outcomes. The ruminant resistome may also represent a potential interface with public health rather than an isolated ecological phenomenon, given the capacity for horizontal gene transfer through mobile genetic elements, although the extent of transmission to humans remains to be quantified. Early-life microbial programming and reproductive tract microbiome composition also represent tractable intervention windows for precision management. This integrated framework could reframe feed additive research from a single pathway to a systems-level perspective, offering a basis for precision ruminant production.},
}

@article {pmid43005644,
year = {2026},
author = {Kazemzadeh, S and Rusinova, M and Burakova, I and Smirnova, Y and Morozova, P and Shabunin, S and Syromyatnikov, M},
title = {Resistance gene profiles and expression patterns in Escherichia coli isolates from swine with colibacillosis.},
journal = {Veterinary research forum : an international quarterly journal},
volume = {17},
number = {9},
pages = {607-617},
pmid = {43005644},
issn = {2008-8140},
abstract = {Swine colibacillosis, caused by colonization of the piglet small intestine with enterotoxigenic strains of Escherichia coli, imposes a significant economic burden on the swine industry. Due to high mortality rates and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, it is considered one of the major welfare concerns in the livestock industry. This study elucidated the genetic basis and expression patterns of key antibiotic resistance genes in porcine E. coli isolates with colibacillosis. Intestinal contents from five affected piglets were subjected to high-throughput sequencing, revealing 26 resistance genes across seven antibiotic classes. Four strains (428, 430, 432, 433) were further analyzed for mRNA expression levels of six resistance genes (blaTEM, tetA, tetB, tetM, qnrB, and qnrS) under exposure to ampicillin, tetracycline and ciprofloxacin at three concentrations (0.01, 0.001, 0.0001% w/v). Our findings revealed five distinct expression patterns: (1) dose dependent upregulation/downregulation, (2) inverse response to concentration changes, (3) maximal downregulation at intermediate dose, (4) minimal down-regulation at intermediate dose, and (5) sustained upregulation. Strain 428 uniformly followed pattern one for all resistance genes, in strain 430, tetB followed pattern three while blaTEM matched pattern one, strain 432 exhibited patterns two for all tetracycline- and β-lactam-resistance genes, and pattern four for qnrB; strain 433 showed patterns three for both fluoroquinolone-resistance genes, pattern four for tetB, and pattern five for blaTEM. These findings highlighted strain-specific and dose-dependent gene expression responses in swine colibacillosis. This work underscored the need for tailored antibiotic strategies, targeted interventions and well-validated monitoring frameworks for antibiotic resistance in veterinary.},
}

@article {pmid43005677,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, GL and Zhang, ZC and Lyu, XM and Li, MX and Lin, PY and Yu, HS and Zhu, YY and Zhang, GH and Duan, CG and Cheung, Y and Li, W and Zhang, ZJ and Xu, TS and Chen, F and Huang, MW},
title = {Current research status of risk assessment models for oral squamous cell carcinoma based on microbiome databases.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1894946},
pmid = {43005677},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common oral malignancies. Due to insidious early symptoms, high invasiveness, and frequent cervical lymph node metastasis, patient survival remains poor. Recent studies demonstrate significant associations between oral dysbiosis and OSCC. To address limited early screening and suboptimal survival rates, this review systematically summarizes OSCC microbiome research and disease risk assessment applications. Studies reveal marked oral dysbiosis in patients with OSCC, characterized by enrichment of Fusobacterium and Porphyromonas, reduced Neisseria abundance, and altered community stability. These promote tumorigenesis through chronic pro-inflammatory signaling, the production of carcinogenic metabolites, and direct oncogenic pathway interference. Consequently, the oral microbiome offers non-invasive, sensitive biomarkers for early detection. We identify and distinguish four categories of predictive models in the current literature: (1) detection/discrimination of prevalent OSCC, (2) prediction of malignant transformation from oral potentially malignant disorders, (3) prediction of recurrence or metastasis after treatment, and (4) prognostic models for survival prediction. Existing databases include comprehensive and OSCC-specific collections with multi-omics integration. Risk assessment models encompass traditional statistics, machine learning, deep learning, and multimodal fusion, and have shown promising performance in retrospective cohorts. However, standardized databases are lacking, and existing models face confounding interference, limited generalizability, and insufficient interpretability. Furthermore, current predictive models are predominantly based on 16S rRNA sequencing (bacteriome-centric), whereas comprehensive risk assessment requires integrating interkingdom entities, including fungi, viruses, and archaea, through metagenomic and virome profiling. Critically, the distinction between promising retrospective discrimination and validated prospective clinical utility remains a major translational barrier. Future directions include developing standardized longitudinal databases, integrating multi-omics, using explainable artificial intelligence, and conducting prospective validation studies to achieve personalized precision treatment.},
}

@article {pmid43005720,
year = {2026},
author = {Shree, S and Chaudhary, A and Kumar, S and Singh, K and Dubey, N},
title = {Beneficial microbes in plant salt stress tolerance: mechanisms, antioxidant defense, and multi-omics insights.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1965097},
pmid = {43005720},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Salinity stress represents a significant environmental challenge that affects plant growth, resulting in adverse impacts on crop productivity and overall yield. Salt accumulation in plants affects cellular homeostasis and provokes osmotic and ionic imbalance. It stimulates higher reactive oxygen species (ROS) production leading to oxidative stress damage and eventual cellular dysfunction. Beneficial microorganisms like plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, endophytic fungi, and rhizosphere-associated microbes have recently emerged as resources for sustainable solutions to enhance plant resiliency against salinity stress. Their effects can involve osmotic adjustment, ion sequestration, oxidative-stress mitigation, phytohormone regulation, and rhizosphere-mediated stress buffering. The mechanisms to impart such benefits may include improved nutrients acquisition, assist in osmotic regulation, modulation of phytohormones signaling, and maintenance of cellular ion homeostasis. Often, beneficial microorganisms carry the potential to trigger both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense mechanisms. These responses contribute to oxidative-stress mitigation, yet, their interpretation requires contemplation of fine balance between oxidative damage and plant responses. For example, selected microbial inoculation studies have reported changes in the activity of crucial antioxidant enzymes, like superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, and glutathione reductase. However, the magnitude and the direction of these responses are context dependent. Multi-omics approaches, including amplicon and shotgun metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, host transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, have expanded our understanding of the taxa, genes, transcripts, proteins, and metabolites associated with plant-microbe interactions under salinity. Therefore, here an effort has been made to present the evidential support for reported microbial effects and their proposed mechanisms of salt tolerance, with a focus on enzymatic and non-enzymatic defense mechanisms and the learnings of multi-omics studies. Frontier integrative mechanisms, including microbiome engineering, synthetic microbial consortia, and systems biology frameworks, are discussed for cultivating climate-resilient crops and sustainable agricultural systems in the salt-affected environments.},
}

@article {pmid43005948,
year = {2026},
author = {Bei, Q and Blasi, DD and Williams, NLR and Mallo, A and Williams, J and Fuhrman, JA},
title = {Strong agreement in absolute marine prokaryote abundance from epifluorescence microscopy and internal-standard-corrected metagenomics.},
journal = {ISME communications},
volume = {6},
number = {1},
pages = {ycag297},
pmid = {43005948},
issn = {2730-6151},
abstract = {Quantifying microbial cell abundance in natural environments with taxonomic resolution remains a central challenge in microbial ecology. While epifluorescence microscopy reliably enumerates free-living cells, it lacks taxonomic specificity and is less suitable for quantifying cells in sediments, soils, and on surfaces. Furthermore, most omics approaches profile microbial communities, but they typically provide only relative abundances. Recent advances in quantitative metagenomics using single-copy marker genes and genomic internal standards enable taxon-specific abundance estimates in absolute units (e.g. haploid genome equivalents L[-1]). Here, we directly compared SYBR Green-based epifluorescence cell counts with spike-in metagenomic estimates derived from bacterial recA and archaeal radA gene abundances in seawater samples collected monthly at five depths (5 to 890 m) from the San Pedro Ocean Time-series (SPOT) during 2023-2024. Across all depths, quantitative metagenomic estimates of prokaryotic abundance closely matched SYBR Green-based counts (slope = 1.05; Pearson's r = 0.85). In addition to validating total abundance, quantitative metagenomics provided high-resolution, taxon-specific estimates across depths and sampling dates. The strong agreement between microscopy cell counts and metagenomic estimates from unfractionated SPOT samples suggests that most prokaryotes were free-living rather than particle associated. These results validate quantitative metagenomics as a robust approach for estimating absolute prokaryotic abundance, establishing a framework for taxonomically resolved quantification in microbial ecology and ecosystem modeling.},
}

@article {pmid43006134,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, Q and Guo, C and Wang, L and Fan, G and Qu, X and Li, S and Feng, M and Ma, J and Tong, Z and Song, H and Wu, L},
title = {gcPathogen 2.0: an expanded multi-omics database advancing global pathogen surveillance and One Health research.},
journal = {Nucleic acids research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/nar/gkag1166},
pmid = {43006134},
issn = {1362-4962},
support = {2025ZD01900200//Prevention and Control of Emerging and Major Infectious Diseases National Science and Technology Major Project/ ; WSJK2024MS229//Joint Program on Health Science & Technology Innovation of Hainan Province/ ; XDA0460000//Chinese Academy of Sciences/ ; 110202202006//China National Tobacco Corporation/ ; },
abstract = {Launched in 2024, gcPathogen established a critical foundation for the genomic surveillance of human pathogens. Here, we present gcPathogen 2.0, a major multi-omics update designed to address key analytical bottlenecks, including the integration of genomic and transcriptional profiles, systematic tracking of cross-habitat distribution, and large-scale discovery of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). This release expands coverage from 1134 to 1506 pathogenic species, spanning 557 bacteria, 508 fungi, 258 viruses, and 183 parasites, and increases total genomic records past 2.3 million. By incorporating 12 597 transcriptomes across 148 species, gcPathogen 2.0 bridges the gap between gene carriage and functional expression for risk assessment. Furthermore, the platform integrates 285 925 pathogen metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) spanning human, animal, and environmental niches. Mapped across 68 Environment Ontology (ENVO) habitat categories, these MAGs enable comprehensive tracking of cross-habitat distribution of pathogens, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), virulence factors (VFs), and mobile genetic elements (MGEs). Leveraging a nonredundant reference set curated from seven public databases, we identified over 77 million AMPs belonging to >55 000 families across 438 bacterial pathogens. Finally, pan-genome analyses of 440 bacterial species map intraspecies functional distributions across core, accessory, and unique gene repertoires. gcPathogen 2.0 is publicly accessible at https://nmdc.cn/gcpathogen/.},
}

@article {pmid43006240,
year = {2026},
author = {Dorrazehi, GM and Penner, M and Athanasiou, C and Boursinhac, L and Mobarec, JC and Webster, CI and Papworth, M and Hollfelder, F},
title = {Cell-free expression and NGS-powered substrate profiling reveal a thermostable metagenomic meganuclease from an extreme environment with novel specificity.},
journal = {Nucleic acids research},
volume = {54},
number = {21},
pages = {},
pmid = {43006240},
issn = {1362-4962},
support = {//AstraZeneca/ ; 10058118//Horizon Europe/ ; 721613//Horizon Europe/ ; },
mesh = {Substrate Specificity ; Enzyme Stability ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Metagenomics ; Models, Molecular ; Temperature ; DNA/metabolism/chemistry ; },
abstract = {As an alternative to historical enzyme isolation, metagenomic databases (e.g. MGnify) provide information on vast unculturable microbial diversity, including extreme environments, and constitute an enormous source of functional proteins. Conservative mining of these data by close sequence homology alone tends to identify merely different versions of known enzymes. Here we present a discovery strategy for meganucleases based on wider capture of less homologous enzymes in metagenomic databases, and incorporating metadata with their homology. We use cell-free expression to bypass host incompatibility and the need for purification, along with deep sequencing for experimental assessment of substrate specificity and cleavage pattern, thereby circumventing classical gel-based profiling. Specifically, we discovered the temperature-stable (>55°C), intron-encoded LAGLIDADG meganuclease I-MG11 that recognizes a GC-rich 17 base pair sequence to generate 4-nt palindromic 3'-overhangs-the first monomeric meganuclease to produce such overhangs. Co-folding models of I-MG11 bound to DNA provide a structural context for enzyme-DNA interactions, highlighting differences from other monomeric LAGLIDADG meganucleases (e.g. I-SceI) shaped by InDels (insertion-deletions) in the DNA-binding region that may cause specificity changes. Our strategy streamlines general bona fide identification and annotation of meganucleases, while the unique properties of I-MG11 expand the toolbox of molecular genome engineering.},
}

Substrate Specificity
Enzyme Stability
High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
Metagenomics
Models, Molecular
Temperature
DNA/metabolism/chemistry

@article {pmid43006868,
year = {2026},
author = {Ramudu, B and Sreya, PK and Vighnesh, L and Biswas, R and Mahima, D and Sushmita, M and Hari Naga Papa Rao, A and Sasikala, C and Venkata Ramana, C},
title = {Ecological and genomic insights into seaweed-associated Verrucomicrobiota from the Gulf of Mannar.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0346025},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.03460-25},
pmid = {43006868},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Members of the phylum Verrucomicrobiota are increasingly recognized for their ecological versatility and capacity to degrade complex polysaccharides across diverse marine and freshwater ecosystems. In this study, we recovered 11 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) affiliated with the orders Puniceicoccales and Verrucomicrobiales from seaweed-associated microbiomes in the Gulf of Mannar, India. Verrucomicrobiota constituted 0.6%-2.9% of the total bacterial community across the analyzed algal samples, indicating their consistent presence but low abundance in these habitats. Five high-quality MAGs (JB022, JB024, JB025, JB027, JB023; completeness >90%, contamination <5%) were selected for detailed genomic and ecological characterization. Phylogenomic analyses revealed that these MAGs form distinct lineages within known Verrucomicrobiota families, expanding the known diversity of this phylum in marine algal ecosystems. Comparative genomic analysis showed that these genomes encode diverse biosynthetic gene clusters and a rich repertoire of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) and sulfatases, suggesting adaptation to the degradation of polysaccharides typical of seaweed substrates. These binned genomes also possess genes related to fermentative metabolism, nitrogen fixation, and partial denitrification, indicating metabolic versatility and potential contributions to nutrient cycling within algal holobionts. These findings reveal that seaweed-associated Verrucomicrobiota from the Gulf of Mannar represent phylogenomically distinct and functionally specialized lineages with ecological relevance in carbon and nitrogen cycling in coastal marine ecosystems. This study provides the first genomic insights into seaweed-associated Verrucomicrobiota from India, representing potential new taxa and underscoring their potential roles in polysaccharide degradation and holobiont functioning.

IMPORTANCE: Coastal biomes harbor a rich diversity of microorganisms, and only a few studies have focused on the diversity and functional role of members of the phylum Verrucomicrobiota. Despite their low abundance, members of the phylum Verrucomicrobiota can play an important role in regulating the fate of carbon within marine ecosystems. This study presents the first identification of novel Verrucomicrobial taxa from India, particularly from the Gulf of Mannar, a marine biodiversity hotspot with limited prior microbial investigations. Through metagenome-resolved genomic analysis, this work infers the potential ecological role of these newly discovered Verrucomicrobiota members and suggests their probable role in the carbon cycling and ecosystem processes.},
}

@article {pmid43007170,
year = {2026},
author = {Yang, Y and Zhang, W and Ma, Y and Zhang, Y and Liu, J and Niu, Z},
title = {Outer Membrane Vesicles as a Potential Pathway for Antibiotic Resistance Transfer between Cyanobacteria and Bacteria.},
journal = {Environmental science & technology},
volume = {60},
number = {44},
pages = {31992-32007},
doi = {10.1021/acs.est.6c07291},
pmid = {43007170},
issn = {1520-5851},
support = {2025YFA0921700//National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program)/ ; 42277374//National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)/ ; 42477409//National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)/ ; },
mesh = {*Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; *Drug Resistance, Microbial/genetics ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics ; *Cyanobacteria ; Escherichia coli ; },
abstract = {Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have profoundly exacerbated environmental risks to public health, evolving into a pressing ecological dilemma. Distinct from traditional pathways, outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are emerging as important vectors for horizontal gene transfer (HGT) in aquatic environments, yet their role in inter-phylum ARG dissemination remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that OMVs mediate bidirectional HGT of ARGs between the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and Escherichia coli DH5α. Co-incubation experiments confirmed that OMVs derived from either strain could associate with the other, accompanied by successful functional expression of transferred resistance genes. In simulated aquatic environmental conditions, OMVs supplementation increased HGT frequency by 1.49-2.27 folds compared to the control group on day 5. Metagenomic analysis further revealed that OMVs carrying resistance genes induced subtle shifts in coastal microbial community composition. Our findings establish OMVs as mobile genetic packages that enable ARGs exchange between cyanobacteria and heterotrophic bacteria, highlighting a previously overlooked pathway for environmental dissemination of ARGs and providing a theoretical basis for mitigating antibiotic resistance risks in aquatic ecosystems.},
}

*Gene Transfer, Horizontal
*Drug Resistance, Microbial/genetics
Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics
*Cyanobacteria
Escherichia coli

@article {pmid43007171,
year = {2026},
author = {Xue, Y and Li, L and Wang, Y and Xiong, Y and Deng, M and Song, K},
title = {Elevation Amplifies Carrier-Type Differences in Nitrogen Cycling and N2O Dynamics in Lake Biofilms.},
journal = {Environmental science & technology},
volume = {60},
number = {44},
pages = {31569-31582},
doi = {10.1021/acs.est.6c06836},
pmid = {43007171},
issn = {1520-5851},
support = {2025CSA138//Science and Technology Program of Hubei Province/ ; 2020GDASYL-20200101002//GDAS? Project of Science and Technology Development/ ; 2022GDASZH-2022010104-2//GDAS? Project of Science and Technology Development/ ; 2023GDASZH-2023010103//GDAS? Project of Science and Technology Development/ ; 2023YFC3205801//National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program)/ ; 2024040801020252//Natural Science Foundation of Wuhan/ ; 2025BCB040//Technical Innovation Plan Program of Hubei Province/ ; 42222709//National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)/ ; 42577458//National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)/ ; 42677518//National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)/ ; BYQ20231202//Project of southern marine science and engineering Guangdong laboratory (Guangzhou)/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms ; *Lakes ; Denitrification ; *Nitrogen Cycle ; Nitrogen ; },
abstract = {Lake biofilms are microbial habitats for nitrogen transformation, but how carrier type and elevation influence N2O dynamics remains unclear. We examined abiotic- and biotic-carrier biofilms from 12 lakes spanning 4-4272 m using anoxic incubations, 15N tracing, selective inhibition, isotopocule analysis, and metagenomics. Net N2O emission potential increased with elevation in both carrier types, with the largest carrier contrast at high elevation, where biotic-carrier biofilms showed the highest net N2O emission potential. 15N partitioning showed a marked shift in emission sources. At low elevation, heterotrophic nitrification dominated abiotic-carrier biofilms (∼91%), whereas denitrification contributed ∼57% in biotic-carrier biofilms. At high elevation, denitrification accounted for 67-97% of net N2O emission across both carriers, and bacterial denitrification dominated the total denitrification rate potential. Metagenomic profiles provided mechanistic support: high-elevation biotic-carrier biofilms showed higher relative representation of genes for dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium and nitrogen fixation, but had few nosZ-carrying genomes, indicating weak terminal N2O reduction capacity. Overall, carrier type and elevation jointly shape nitrogen transformation pathways. High-elevation lake ecosystems, particularly those with abundant biotic substrates, may harbor disproportionately important biofilm N2O hotspots under global change.},
}

*Biofilms
*Lakes
Denitrification
*Nitrogen Cycle
Nitrogen

@article {pmid43007215,
year = {2026},
author = {Chakraborty, D and Vanderhyde, M and Camuy-Velez, L and Saha, B and Fayshal, MA and Elvers, R and Dragt, H and Rodriguez, S and Xu, J and Iskander, SM and Banerjee, S},
title = {Longitudinal Multiomics Reveals Core Microbiome Disruption and Potential Keystone-Associated Recovery Following Pesticide Exposure.},
journal = {Environmental science & technology},
volume = {60},
number = {44},
pages = {32021-32033},
doi = {10.1021/acs.est.6c07798},
pmid = {43007215},
issn = {1520-5851},
support = {37000-7690-02442-FARG006387//NDSU Development Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Microbiota/drug effects ; *Pesticides ; Multiomics ; Soil Microbiology ; Bacteria ; Fungi ; },
abstract = {Pesticides have become indispensable in modern agriculture, serving as a primary tool to minimize crop loss amid increasing human population pressures. While the negative effects of pesticides on the soil microbiome have been reported, the temporal dynamics of soil microorganisms under pesticide use remain underexplored. Specifically, limited knowledge exists regarding how the soil microbiome responds to pesticides before and after the manufacturer-labeled 'safe period' of 21 days after application. We conducted a longitudinal microcosm study to investigate the temporal impacts of herbicide, fungicide, and insecticide on soil microbial diversity, composition, network complexity, and functional pathways across five time points. Our results show that soil microbial communities are negatively impacted by pesticide applications, but there is a trend of recovery after 21 days. We found a significant impact of the temporal persistence of pesticides on both bacterial and fungal community composition, with a stronger effect on fungi. Network analysis revealed that core microbiome networks were negatively impacted by pesticide applications, with the core microbial nodes, raw associations, and modularity declining in pesticide-treated soils, and this negative effect was particularly strong for pyrethroid insecticides. We identified several differentially abundant taxa, including Xanthobacteraceae and Vicinamibacteriales among bacteria, and Mortierella, Mytilinidales among fungi, which could serve as useful biomarkers for pesticide-affected soils. Results from microbial co-occurrence network analysis revealed that one ASV assigned to the Methyloligellaceae family consistently emerged as a keystone taxon in pesticide-treated soils. Using genome-resolved metagenomics, we assembled the genomes (MAGs) of Methyloligellaceae members and found these taxa harbor putative genes associated with pesticide degradation and antimicrobial resistance, suggesting their possible role in community recovery. Given the remarkably dynamic nature of soil microbial communities, our findings bridge an important knowledge gap regarding the short-term dynamics of microbial structures and functional pathways in response to major pesticides.},
}

*Microbiota/drug effects
*Pesticides
Multiomics
Soil Microbiology
Bacteria
Fungi

@article {pmid41760668,
year = {2026},
author = {Wu, M and Wen, X and Liu, S and Ngo, HH and Cai, Z and Zhou, J},
title = {Unveiling the hidden viral biodiversity and potential ecological functions with global coral holobiont virome database.},
journal = {NPJ biofilms and microbiomes},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41760668},
issn = {2055-5008},
support = {2025M780823//China Postdoctoral Science Foundation/ ; 41907126//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; KCXFZ20230731093402005//Shenzhen Science and Technology Program/ ; 2025A1515010643//Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province/ ; },
mesh = {*Biodiversity ; *Anthozoa/metabolism/microbiology/virology ; Virome ; *Viruses/classification/genetics/growth & development ; Host Specificity ; Metagenome ; Datasets as Topic ; Contig Mapping ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis ; *Coral Reefs ; Animals ; Nutrients/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Viruses are integral yet underexplored components of coral holobionts, with their roles in shaping microbial diversity, modulating symbioses, and contributing to Darwin's paradox remaining largely unresolved. Here, we present the Global Coral Holobiont Virome Database (GCHVD), encompassing 76,755 viral contigs and 36,860 unique viral operational taxonomic units (vOTUs) identified from 36 coral species across 18 regions worldwide. The virome is dominated by Uroviricota, Nucleocytoviricota, Preplasmiviricota, and Artverviricota, with lytic lifestyles prevailing. Host identity emerged as the primary determinant of viral community structure, exerting a stronger influence than geographic factors. Extensive virus-microbe interaction networks revealed that viruses enhance biogeochemical cycling by augmenting host metabolic processes. Functional profiling uncovered a diverse repertoire of auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs) associated with P, Fe, S, N, and CH4 metabolism. Moreover, controlled microcosm experiments demonstrated that viral addition reshapes microbial community composition, enhances diversity, and drives elemental cycling within the holobiont. Together, these findings establish viruses as previously overlooked regulators of coral symbioses, orchestrating microbial dynamics, fueling nutrient fluxes, and sustaining reef productivity. Our work provides new insights into resolving Darwin's paradox from a viral ecological perspective.},
}

*Biodiversity
*Anthozoa/metabolism/microbiology/virology
Virome
*Viruses/classification/genetics/growth & development
Host Specificity
Metagenome
Datasets as Topic
Contig Mapping
Phylogeny
Symbiosis
*Coral Reefs
Animals
Nutrients/metabolism

@article {pmid42999078,
year = {2026},
author = {Schizas, NV and García-Hernández, JE and Lopez, JV and Pruzinsky, N and Oatley, G and Sinclair, E and Aunin, E and Gettle, N and Santos, C and Paulini, M and Niu, H and McKenna, V and O'Brien, R and , and , and , and , and , },
title = {The chromosomal genome sequence of the Caribbean fire coral, Millepora alcicornis Linnaeus, 1758 (Anthoathecata: Milleporidae) and its associated microbial metagenome sequences.},
journal = {Wellcome open research},
volume = {11},
number = {},
pages = {685},
pmid = {42999078},
issn = {2398-502X},
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa/genetics/microbiology ; *Metagenome ; Molecular Sequence Annotation ; *Chromosomes/genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Genome, Mitochondrial ; Caribbean Region ; },
abstract = {We present a genome assembly from a specimen of Millepora alcicornis (Cnidaria; Hydrozoa; Anthoathecata; Milleporidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 3,065.30 megabases. Most of the assembly (97.85%) is scaffolded into 15 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled, with a length of 14.8 kilobases. Gene annotation of this assembly by Ensembl identified 18,786 protein-coding genes. From the metagenome data, we recovered four bins, of which one was a high-quality metagenome-assembled genome.},
}

Animals
*Anthozoa/genetics/microbiology
*Metagenome
Molecular Sequence Annotation
*Chromosomes/genetics
Sequence Analysis, DNA
Genome, Mitochondrial
Caribbean Region

@article {pmid42999090,
year = {2026},
author = {Melendez Hebib, V and Earls, B and Stoll, B and Vonderohe, C and Guthrie, G and Haiser, HJ and Paton, M and Balani, SK and Hesse, M and Burrin, D},
title = {Pharmacokinetics and Efficacy of the FimH Inhibitor Sibofimloc in Preventing Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Piglets.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.64898/2026.10.12.758546},
pmid = {42999090},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a disease in preterm infants associated with an increased abundance of Enterobacteriaceae. FimH, a mannose-binding adhesin on Enterobacteriaceae type 1 fimbriae, mediates mucosal attachment and TLR4-dependent inflammatory cascades. We evaluated the safety, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of an oral FimH inhibitor (Sibofimloc) to reduce Enterobacteriaceae colonization and prevent NEC in preterm piglets. We performed a 9-d dose-escalation safety study (10, 25, 50 mg/kg BID) assessing absorption and tolerability and a 10-d randomized efficacy study. Piglets in the efficacy study received an infant formula diet with or without oral sibofimloc (40 mg/kg BID), or donor human milk (DHM) as a healthy control. NEC incidence, tissue histopathology, and gut microbiota composition via metagenomic whole-genome sequencing (WGS) were evaluated. Systemic exposure data reveal that sibofimloc was dose-dependently absorbed, while plasma levels decreased from postnatal day 2 to day 8, indicating reduced drug absorption with maturation of the intestinal barrier. Treatment with sibofimloc did not reduce NEC incidence (100% in sibofimloc in formula controls) or severity, whereas DHM-fed piglets experienced 0% NEC. Sibofimloc-treated animals exhibited significantly reduced crypt depths, demonstrating heightened mucosal injury and impaired regenerative capacity. WGS revealed that sibofimloc-treated animals maintained a gut luminal microbiota composition similar to untreated formula controls, dominated by Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens). Selective targeting of FimH-expressing Enterobacteriaceae was insufficient to prevent NEC or alter the gut microbiota in this preterm piglet model, underscoring the complexity of NEC-associated microbial communities and suggesting that additional microbial targets and other colonization mechanisms may contribute to disease development.},
}

@article {pmid42999137,
year = {2026},
author = {Nien, TS and Grathwohl, K and Koenig, A and Borries, C and Lu, A and Mallott, EK},
title = {Shifts in the Maternal Gut Microbiome Across Pregnancy are Associated with Energetic Status in Phayre's Leaf Monkeys.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.64898/2026.10.15.759161},
pmid = {42999137},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: During pregnancy, mothers experience physiological changes that support fetal development, including shifts in energy utilization and increasing insulin resistance during late gestation. While these changes benefit the fetus, they can also impose energetic costs that affect the mother's physical condition and metabolic phenotype. Previous studies suggest that the gut microbiome, a key regulator of female metabolism and energy harvest, may play a critical role in mediating these physiological challenges.

RESULTS: In this study, metagenomic sequencing of the gut microbiome of 120 samples revealed dramatic shifts in gut bacterial composition and function associated with pregnancy and lactation in 14 wild Phayre's leaf monkeys, Trachypithecus phayrei crepusculus , from two groups at the Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand. Alpha diversity, beta diversity, and taxonomic composition all differed between cycling and the 3 [rd] trimester. Furthermore, bacterial dissimilarity between these states was negatively correlated with postpartum physical condition; that is, mothers whose gut microbiota remained more stable during pregnancy recovered sooner after giving birth. Functional profiling revealed a depletion of pathways involved in purine salvage and glutamate degradation during the 3 [rd] trimester.

CONCLUSION: Overall, our study demonstrates that the gut microbiome undergoes substantial changes during pregnancy, and the stability of these microbial communities predicts postpartum maternal health and potentially influence lifetime reproductive output.},
}

@article {pmid42999235,
year = {2026},
author = {Niraula, S and Jang, JW and Jung, J and Stirewalt, SL and Alagna, M and Du, J and Staley, C and Seed, P and Green, SJ and Ho, KJ},
title = {Shotgun metagenomic and untargeted metabolomic analysis of gut microbiome associated with peripheral artery disease.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.64898/2026.10.16.757428},
pmid = {42999235},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: While the human gut microbiome is a potentially important and modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, the links between the gut microbiome and peripheral artery disease (PAD) and its clinical subgroups (claudication and chronic limb-threatening ischemia; CLTI) are not well understood.

METHODS: We used shotgun metagenomics and untargeted metabolomics to analyze the fecal samples of people with PAD and age- and sex-matched non-PAD controls collected in a cross-sectional manner. We used functional prediction pathways, a network analysis, and weighted gene co-expression network analysis of metagenomic, metabolomics, and clinical data to better understand PAD-associated dysbiosis.

RESULTS: Alpha and beta diversity were similar between the PAD (n=78) and non-PAD (n=20) groups. Differentially abundant species were dominated by those belonging to the Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae and Enterobacteriaceae families. Fecal butyrate levels were reduced between the non-PAD and PAD groups, but differences were not statistically significant. There was significantly reduced alpha diversity in the samples of the CLTI compared to claudication subgroup. Abundance of multiple butyrate producers were greater in the claudication group compared to CLTI. Network analysis revealed 5 meta-modules, each with specific associations to PAD presentation and metabolomic profiles, and species that are both top module hubs and differentially abundant between groups. Community interconnectedness appears to increase in claudication, followed by community disintegration in CLTI.

CONCLUSIONS: This metagenomic-metabolomic analysis of the gut microbiome of individuals with PAD, highlights the importance of studying functional capacity, diversity, and connectivity between species. Microbial modules may allow an integrative view of the microbial ecology relevant to presence and progression of PAD.},
}

@article {pmid42999364,
year = {2026},
author = {Prakash, H and Avadhanula, V and Tisza, MJ and Cormier, J and Ross, MC and Perez, RK and Chang, JD and Mazurek, CR and Deegan, J and Petrosino, JF and Piedra, PA and Clark, JR and Boerwinkle, E and Maresso, AW},
title = {Four Years of Continuous Weekly Wastewater Analysis Reveals Sequencing as a Robust Alternative to PCR for Respiratory Virome Surveillance.},
journal = {medRxiv : the preprint server for health sciences},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.64898/2026.10.13.26364774},
pmid = {42999364},
abstract = {Wastewater-based epidemiology uses both targeted and non-targeted bioanalytical approaches to detect and track disease-causing microbes in wastewater. Targeted approaches such as quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) remain widely used while sequencing-based approaches have slowly gained popularity. However, concordance between established targeted molecular assays and sequencing approaches remains incompletely characterized. To assess the validity of sequencing as an alternative to qPCR, we compared outcomes of both methods targeting five respiratory viruses in wastewater samples collected across 16 Texas cities over 4 years (May 2022-July 2026) of continuous sampling. We found positive correlations between qPCR and sequencing measurements, with both methods independently correlating with statewide clinical emergency department visits. qPCR positivity also increased with genomic sequencing coverage, and sequencing demonstrated greater potential than qPCR as an early respiratory virus outbreak detection method. Our findings support metagenomic sequencing as a sensitive and highly specific alternative to targeted qPCR for wastewater surveillance, and reinforce its utility towards long-term longitudinal monitoring of respiratory viruses.},
}

@article {pmid42999392,
year = {2026},
author = {An, Y and Xia, Y and Sun, J},
title = {Disrupted microbial queuosine biosynthesis contributes to dysbiosis in human inflammatory bowel disease.},
journal = {medRxiv : the preprint server for health sciences},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.64898/2026.10.12.26365231},
pmid = {42999392},
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND AIMS: As a microbiome/diet-derived vitamin, queuine (q) is a micronutrient that eukaryotes acquire from microbiota or diet. Vitamin q, the free base form of queuosine (Q), is used for Q-modification of transfer RNA (tRNA). Although tRNA-Q-modification in regulating eukaryotic cell physiology is recognized, the relationship between Q-tRNA-modification and the human microbiome in health and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) remains unknown. Which bacteria produce q and how the q-producing bacteria contributing to human health and IBD are not explored. Here, we hypothesize that disrupted microbial Q-biosynthesis contributes to the dysbiosis of human IBD. We performed comprehensive multi-omics integrative analyses using publicly available datasets. Specifically, we re-analyzed publicly available shotgun metagenomic, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), metabolic datasets, and completed meta-analysis.

METHODS: To systematically investigate microbial Q-biosynthesis in healthy individuals and IBD patients, we performed a systematic secondary analysis by integrating 9 publicly available metagenomic datasets, 15 scRNA-seq datasets and one metabolic dataset published prior to 2026. We present a novel secondary bioinformatic reanalysis of sequence outputs mapped to the latest microbial taxonomy, functional pathways and microbial Q-related genes. Longitudinal study of shotgun metagenomics across the human lifespan (3146 samples) enabled taxonomic and functional profiling.

RESULTS: We first identified key q-producing bacteria (e.g., Bacteroides and Alistipes) in healthy populations. We then found that patients with IBD had significantly reducation of q-producing bacteria and a coordinated downregulation of the Q-related pathways, including Q, preQ 0 , de novo guanosine ribonucleotide biosynthesis and de novo guanosine deoxyribonucleotide biosynthesis pathways. This functional impairment was primarily driven by reduced contributions from Bacteroides , Alistipes and Akkermansia . The longitudinal stability of the q-producing bacteria community across the human lifespan (1638 samples). We observed a significant negative correlation between host age and the abundance of q-producing bacteria in patients with UC. Moreover, Queuine tRNA-ribosyltransferase 1 (QTRT1) expression in human intestinal epithelial cells was significantly reduced in patients with IBD compared to healthy controls.

CONCLUSIONS: Our study used multi-omics datasets to define a novel functional dysbiosis characterized by a reduction of microbial Q-biosynthesis in patients with IBD. Vitamin q and its tRNA modification is lesser-recognized in human IBD. Understanding the cellular and organismal mechanisms of this microbiome-dependent micronutrient will advance the prevention of IBD and improve the quality of life of patients with IBD.

Queuine, vitamin q, is a highly conserved hypermodified nucleoside micronutrition could only be acquired from microbiota or diet. It is used for modification of transfer RNA to protein transitional fidelity, but the specific microbial pathways evolved and the relationship with IBD are unclear.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS: This study identifies a novel functional dysbiosis in IBD patients characterized by the depletion of q-producing gut bacteria (e.g., Bacteroides and Alistipes) and the downregulated microbial Q biosynthesis pathways, which correlates with host QTRT1 deficiency to potentially drive IBD pathogenesis.

1. Identifies the altered Q-biosynthesis pathway in human IBD. Establishes the "Microbial Q-synthesis-Host tRNA modification" axis as a novel mechanistic link, shifting human IBD microbiome research from taxonomic description to functional epitranscriptomics.Overcomes the inherent biases of traditional meta-analyses through a unified secondary bioinformatic reanalysis, leveraging HMP unified metabolic analysis network 3 (HUMAnN3)-based modeling of 3,000+ samples, to reveal a universal breakdown of the microbial Q-biosynthetic supply chain across all IBD subtypes.Recognize vitamin q as a critical gut-health micronutrient, influencing dietary guidelines and the regulation of functional medical foods for IBD management.},
}

@article {pmid42999460,
year = {2026},
author = {Omeir, K and Ancira, J and Gabrilska, R and Tipton, C and Phillips, N and Wolcott, J and Phillips, CD},
title = {The Structural Genome Shapes the Chronic Wound Microbiome.},
journal = {medRxiv : the preprint server for health sciences},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.64898/2026.10.13.26365461},
pmid = {42999460},
abstract = {Recent studies report associations between the patient genome and the chronic wound microbiome, suggesting a causal relationship. Guided by the expectation that larger genomic perturbations are less likely to be neutral, here we study the association of genomic copy number variants (CNVs) with abundances of wound species. Genomic and metagenomic data were collected from 597 patients with chronic wounds at initial clinical visit. Association studies included 831 CNVs and 68 species, implementing a two-cohort design and study-wide significance threshold. There were 47 CNVs (5.7%) associated with 25 species (36.8%); an additional 1,730 associations achieved study-wide significance in one cohort. Associations with haplotype dosage variation dominated significant associations (69.4%) indicating haplotype dosage is important beyond simply locus copy count. Significant co-occurrences between associated and non-associated species, all involving anaerobes, support a model in which the genome selects for certain species that in turn shape the broader microbiome through ecological interactions. Significant CNVs encompassed 66 genes which were functionally overrepresented for several terms, with extracellular matrix (ECM) and ECM-cell interaction terms emphasized. Four collagen and collagen remodeling genes were distributed across four unlinked significant CNVs, a result that strikingly aligns with the previous studies reporting other collagen or ECM component associations. Related, cytoskeletal dynamics are also strongly implicated. Heritability estimates drawing on all available data and controlling for species correlation and patient factors yielded 30 species with significant heritabilities, 24 of which were greater than 20%. These findings extend the genomic basis of the chronic wound microbiome by emphasizing importance of genomic structural variation and suggest a prominent role for variation across ECM-cellular connections as mechanisms defining microbial selection.},
}

@article {pmid42999505,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, X and Wang, Z and Gong, Y and Wu, Z and Chen, S and Yang, H and Gao, X and Chen, Y},
title = {Gluten Aggravates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice by Modulating the Gut Microbiota to Promote M1 Macrophage Polarization.},
journal = {Phenomics (Cham, Switzerland)},
volume = {6},
number = {5},
pages = {592-610},
pmid = {42999505},
issn = {2730-5848},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Gluten, a protein complex found in wheat, rye, and barley, is increasingly implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), though its mechanistic role remains poorly understood. We identified a significant correlation between fecal gluten concentrations and disease activity in 30 IBD patients (six with ulcerative colitis, 24 with Crohn's disease). In a murine model, gluten intake exacerbated dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis, worsening intestinal epithelial damage and increasing both local and systemic inflammation. Histological and flow cytometry analyses revealed that gluten promoted macrophage infiltration and M1 polarization in the intestines. Antibiotic-mediated microbiota depletion attenuated these effects, indicating a microbiota-mediated mechanism. Furthermore, fecal microbiota transplantation from gluten-exposed mice recapitulated macrophage dysregulation and barrier damage in recipients. Microbial profiling through 16S rRNA sequencing showed that gluten reduced beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and increased harmful bacteria such as Desulfovibrio. Pearson and Mantel tests demonstrated a negative correlation between gluten exposure and Lactobacillus abundance, while a corresponding increase in M1 macrophage pro-inflammatory markers was observed. Metagenomic analysis of IBD patient cohorts validated these findings, showing reduced Lactobacillus abundance in the high fecal-gluten subgroup. These results suggest that dietary gluten induces gut dysbiosis characterized by Lactobacillus depletion, which drives macrophage infiltration and M1 polarization, ultimately exacerbating inflammation and compromising intestinal barrier integrity in IBD.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at https://doi.org/10.1007/s43657-025-00287-w.},
}

@article {pmid42999625,
year = {2026},
author = {Mudhluli, TE and Nel Van Zyl, K and Kujawska, M and Mashingaidze-Mano, R and Marsh, CC and Chitsike, I and Zia, N and Manasa, J and Hall, LJ and Gomo, E and Zhou, DT},
title = {Changes in the Gut Microbiota Composition and Metabolic Pathways in Six-Week-Old HIV Exposed Breastfed Infants Receiving Antiretroviral Prophylaxis.},
journal = {Pediatric health, medicine and therapeutics},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {596049},
pmid = {42999625},
issn = {1179-9927},
support = {D43 TW010313/TW/FIC NIH HHS/United States ; D43 TW011326/TW/FIC NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Understanding the association of HIV exposure, antiretroviral therapy (ART) prophylaxis and human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) on the gut microbiota of breastfed infants is crucial for developing strategies to promote infant health. Our study explored gut microbiota diversity and development in breastfed infants, analysing the influence of nevirapine (NVP) in HIV Exposed infants and HMOs in HIV Unexposed infants.

METHODS: Infants delivered vaginally and exclusively breastfed were recruited from City Council Clinics in Harare, Zimbabwe, at six weeks postpartum. A total of 110 infants were enrolled, and stool samples were collected for shotgun metagenomic sequencing. Dried blood spots from HIV-exposed infants were analyzed for nevirapine using HPLC-MS/MS, and breast milk from HIV-uninfected mothers was analyzed for human milk oligosaccharides using UPLC-MS. Of the collected samples, 93 stool specimens passed all bioinformatics quality filters. Alpha diversity and beta diversity were assessed, and associations between microbial diversity and HIV exposure, nevirapine levels, and HMO concentrations were evaluated using MaAsLin2.

RESULTS: Our analysis showed no significant differences in microbial diversity across various NVP concentrations in HE infants or in 3'SL and 6'SL in the HU infants group (p ≥ 0.05). HIV exposure was associated with higher levels of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Mediterraneibacter faecis (corrected p-values 2.08×10[-5] and 0.00246), respectively. Moreover, HIV exposure was linked to changes in specific metabolic pathways.

CONCLUSION: Although overall diversity remained stable across NVP concentrations in HE infants and HMO levels in HU infants, specific taxa and functional pathways differed by HIV exposure, highlighting that compositional and functional changes can occur independently of global diversity metrics. Therefore, HIV exposure itself may influence gut microbiota composition and metabolic functions at species level, particularly with an increased abundance of specific bacteria and altered metabolic pathways leading to disturbances in vitamin metabolism.},
}

@article {pmid43000189,
year = {2026},
author = {Morioka, T and Miyaoka, D and Nakatani, S and Kakutani, Y and Miyamoto, S and Nagakura, Y and Uematsu, M and Hirano, T and Yae, H and Yamamoto, M and Sato, N and Fujimoto, K and Emoto, M and Imoto, S and Uematsu, S},
title = {Longitudinal Taxonomic and Predicted Functional Gut Microbiome Responses to Tirzepatide and Semaglutide: An Exploratory Secondary Analysis of the OMDOT-1 Randomized Controlled Trial.},
journal = {Diabetes, obesity & metabolism},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/dom.71533},
pmid = {43000189},
issn = {1463-1326},
support = {23K15232//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; JP25K02682//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; JP25K22560//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; JP26H02419//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; JP26K19344//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; JP26ae0121040//Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development/ ; JP26ae0121048//Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development/ ; },
abstract = {AIMS: Glucagon-like peptide-1-based therapies improve metabolic outcomes, but longitudinal gut microbiome dynamics remain poorly characterized. We compared taxonomic and predicted functional microbiome responses to tirzepatide and semaglutide in Type 2 diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This exploratory secondary analysis included 36 participants from a randomized controlled trial comparing tirzepatide, semaglutide and conventional treatment. Faecal samples were collected at five time points over 16 weeks and analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Genus-level features were screened using MaAsLin2, and candidate genera were further evaluated using longitudinal mixed-effects models. Predicted microbial functions were inferred using PICRUSt2 and analyzed using MaAsLin2. Primary analyses were adjusted for baseline body mass index, with exploratory sensitivity analyses additionally adjusted for changes in body weight and haemoglobin A1c.

RESULTS: No significant between-group differences in beta diversity were observed. Alpha diversity increased predominantly in the tirzepatide group, with a significant time-by-treatment interaction versus control. Longitudinal trajectories relative to the control group differed for several genera, including Romboutsia_B, Barnesiella and Ruminococcus_E with both treatments and Vescimonas with tirzepatide (q < 0.05). Across 2106 predicted EC features, longitudinal effects were positively correlated between tirzepatide and semaglutide (67.1% concordant direction; Pearson r = 0.450, p < 0.001). Treatment-versus-control analyses identified predicted functional changes involving energy and carbohydrate metabolism.

CONCLUSIONS: Tirzepatide and semaglutide were associated with partially distinct taxonomic changes, accompanied by broadly similar predicted functional patterns. These longitudinal findings complement, while remaining distinct from, Week-16 shotgun metagenomic endpoint analyses.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCT), jRCT1051240017.},
}

@article {pmid43000198,
year = {2026},
author = {Mukherjee, M and Roy, AR and Seal, P and Islam, KH and Sarkar, A and Karmakar, S and Mukherjee, J and Das, R},
title = {Estuarine Biofilm Communities Adapt to Changing Conditions While Retaining Crucial Pollutant-Combatting Functions.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {28},
number = {11},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1462-2920.70455},
pmid = {43000198},
issn = {1462-2920},
support = {SCP/2022/000739//Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)/ ; 09/096(0997)/2019-EMR-I//Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, India/ ; RFD/2022-23/GEN/ENV/314//Indian Council of Social Science Research/ ; Faculty Recharge Programme (FRP-74)//University Grants Commission/ ; 72 (Sanc.)-BT/P/Budget/RD-34/2017//Department of Biotechnology, Government of West Bengal/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Geologic Sediments/microbiology/chemistry ; *Estuaries ; *Water Pollutants, Chemical/metabolism ; Biodegradation, Environmental ; *Bacteria/metabolism/genetics/classification ; Metagenome ; },
abstract = {Industrialization has increased the influx of toxicants into intertidal and estuarine ecosystems. Intertidal sediments are exposed to heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, pesticides, and other xenobiotics through effluents, shipping, spillages, battery disposal, and agricultural run-off. Pollutants accumulate in sediments, disrupting nutrient cycling and impairing primary productivity, thereby threatening coastal food webs. Sediment-bound biofilms or microphytobenthos are complex assemblages of microorganisms embedded in extracellular polymeric substances and play vital roles in biogeochemical cycling, sediment stabilization, and pollutant remediation. Their functional responses to contaminant exposure remain poorly understood, particularly in tropical estuaries. Biofilms from contaminated estuarine sediments were analysed using metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) and genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs) in a paired field-laboratory approach. Greater metabolic diversity of field biofilms indicated broader functional capacities to sustain pollutant exposure. Conserved genes linked to organic compound degradation and metal transport co-occurred across MAGs, suggesting integrated detoxification strategies. GEM-based simulations revealed metabolic cross-feeding underlying contaminant transformation. Culture conditions shaped microbial succession and ecological roles, yet core pollutant degradation and nutrient processing functions persisted, operated by dominant taxa. Microphytobenthic experimental studies rely on laboratory-cultured communities derived from field-collected samples. Contrasting community dynamics and altered metabolism due to 'bottle effect' are foundational for correctly interpreting laboratory-based experimental outcomes.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Geologic Sediments/microbiology/chemistry
*Estuaries
*Water Pollutants, Chemical/metabolism
Biodegradation, Environmental
*Bacteria/metabolism/genetics/classification
Metagenome

@article {pmid43000789,
year = {2026},
author = {Rott, PC and Filloux, D and Daugrois, JH and Fernandez, E and Julian, C and Galzi, S and Beiriger, R and Odero, DC and Sood, SG and Roumagnac, P},
title = {Investigations into the Virome of Grasses Growing in the Environment of Sugarcane in Florida.},
journal = {Plant disease},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1094/PDIS-07-26-1474-RE},
pmid = {43000789},
issn = {0191-2917},
abstract = {Samples of 26 plant species and the aphid Melanaphis sorghi were collected in the Everglades Agricultural Area (South Florida) from 2017-2019 to investigate the virome of grasses growing in the environment of sugarcane. Leaf samples were obtained from cultivated as well as from wild species. Detection and identification of the viruses present in 388 plant and 11 aphid samples were performed using the virion-associated nucleic acid (VANA)-metagenomics approach. Twenty-four viruses were identified, and 12 plant species and the aphid were infected by at least one virus. Fourteen of these 24 viruses were known viruses whereas 10 were putatively new virus species, including an alphaendornavirus (family Endornaviridae), an alphanucleorhabdovirus (Rhabdoviridae), an amalgavirus (Amalgaviridae), a marafivirus (Tymoviridae), a mastrevirus (Geminiviridae), and a sobemovirus (Solemoviridae). The highest number of viruses was detected in Columbus grass and sorghum (10 and 11, respectively). Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV; Potyvirus sacchari, Potyviridae) and maize chlorotic dwarf virus (Waikavirus zeae, Secoviridae) were the most widespread viruses, occurring in nine and seven plant species, respectively, and were also detected in the aphid. In a phylogenetic tree constructed with partial genome sequences (4,000 nt) of SCMV obtained from GenBank and herein, virus isolates from eight plant species were distributed in three different lineages, thus suggesting significant diversity of this virus in Florida. Only two Saccharum-infecting viruses, SCMV and sugarcane yellow leaf virus (Polerovirus SCYLV, Solemoviridae) were detected in sorghum and other grasses. These plants may, therefore, serve as putative reservoirs for the causal agents of two sugarcane diseases in Florida.},
}

@article {pmid43000839,
year = {2026},
author = {Xie, YS and Wu, ZL and Wei, FQ and Zheng, SG},
title = {[Characterization of the caries-associated oral microbiome across age groups based on global metagenomic species-level genome bins data].},
journal = {Zhonghua kou qiang yi xue za zhi = Zhonghua kouqiang yixue zazhi = Chinese journal of stomatology},
volume = {61},
number = {11},
pages = {1622-1632},
doi = {10.3760/cma.j.cn112144-20260122-00038},
pmid = {43000839},
issn = {1002-0098},
support = {82501126//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Objective: Based on the analysis of global multicenter metagenomic species-level genome bin (SGB), this study aims to identify core cariogenic SGBs across all age groups and provide a basis for the precise diagnosis and age-stratified prevention and treatment of dental caries. Methods: Eight published studies available in the National Center for Biotechnology Information database before August 2024 were included, with a total of 496 oral metagenomic samples enrolled. Samples were stratified into saliva and dental plaque groups across three age segments (<6, 6 to<13, and≥13 years). Taxonomic profiling, core microbiota identification, and differential analysis of strains were conducted. Results: Analysis at the SGB level revealed that 652 SGBs were detected in plaque samples and 931 SGBs in saliva samples. Specific core SGB clusters were identified in each age group (<6, 6 to<13, and≥13 years), with 13 SGBs consistently detected across all groups (detection rate>50%). Differential analysis indicated that caries was accompanied by marked ecological dysbiosis. These differential patterns were highly age-and sample-specific. Saliva samples in the group aged<6 years identified the most numerous differential SGBs (227). In plaque samples of aged 6 to<13 years, the caries group was characterized by Streptococcus enrichment versus Capnocytophaga in the healthy group. Notably, in the≥13-year-old group, the caries-associated microbiome shifted to anaerobic Prevotella species alongside Streptococcus. Heatmap analysis confirmed clear ecological turnovers across all ages, with the sharpest demarcation found in the youngest age group. Conclusions: Analysis at the SGB level unveils microbial dysbiosis patterns with greater precision than traditional species-level profiling, providing a novel theoretical basis for the precision diagnosis and age-specific management of dental caries.},
}

@article {pmid43000914,
year = {2026},
author = {Ramayanam, NR and Amarnath, RN and Buke, SPN and Thangavelmahalingam, V and Alagbonsi, AI and Onohuean, H},
title = {ER22/23EK polymorphisms of the glucocorticoid receptor are not associated with the response of alcohol-associated hepatitis patients to prednisolone treatment.},
journal = {Physiological reports},
volume = {14},
number = {21},
pages = {},
doi = {10.14814/phy2.71163},
pmid = {43000914},
issn = {2051-817X},
mesh = {Humans ; *Receptors, Glucocorticoid/genetics ; *Prednisolone/therapeutic use ; Male ; Female ; *Hepatitis, Alcoholic/drug therapy/genetics ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics/metabolism ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; *Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use ; Adult ; Prospective Studies ; Aged ; },
abstract = {The effects of prednisolone on biochemical parameters in patients with alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH) have been reported. However, data on the pharmacogenetic determinants of prednisolone response in these patients remain limited. Because the ER22/23EK polymorphism of the glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) has been linked with relative glucocorticoid resistance in other settings, this study investigated its prevalence and influence among prednisolone-responsive and non-responsive AH patients. A total of 134 patients with AH were enrolled in this prospective study. Biochemical parameters diagnostic of liver function, messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and ER22/23EK (rs6189 and rs6190) genotypes were assessed. Prednisolone response was defined using the Lille score after 7 days of therapy. Beyond classical biochemical parameters of liver function and the Lille score, ER22/23EK genotype polymorphisms of the glucocorticoid receptor were not associated with patients' response to prednisolone treatment in this cohort. TNF-α mRNA expression was higher in AH patients who responded to prednisolone than in those who did not respond to treatment. TNF-α mRNA was higher at day 7 among prednisolone responders than non-responders. More importantly, in this cohort, prednisolone response among AH patients was not statistically associated with the ER22/23EK genotype. These findings should be interpreted cautiously because additional glucocorticoid receptor targets, 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase expression, and functional GR assays were not assessed.},
}

Humans
*Receptors, Glucocorticoid/genetics
*Prednisolone/therapeutic use
Male
Female
*Hepatitis, Alcoholic/drug therapy/genetics
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics/metabolism
Middle Aged
Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
*Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use
Adult
Prospective Studies
Aged

@article {pmid42996391,
year = {2026},
author = {Gao, Z and Fang, H and Li, F and Wang, M and Zhang, Z and Huo, X and Du, X},
title = {Tissue-resolved transcriptomic and proteomic profiling reveals organ-specific molecular signatures associated with inter-animal variation in glycemic response to metformin in obese diabetic Mongolian gerbils.},
journal = {Frontiers in endocrinology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1954533},
pmid = {42996391},
issn = {1664-2392},
mesh = {Animals ; *Metformin/pharmacology ; Gerbillinae ; *Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapy/metabolism/genetics ; *Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacology ; *Obesity/metabolism/drug therapy/genetics/complications ; Proteomics/methods ; Male ; *Transcriptome/drug effects ; Liver/metabolism/drug effects ; *Blood Glucose/metabolism/drug effects ; Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism/drug effects ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Diabesity ; Multiomics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Metformin remains first-line therapy for obese T2DM; yet, 30-40% of patients fail to achieve adequate glycemic control with monotherapy, the magnitude of HbA1c reduction varies two- to threefold between individuals, and the multi-organ coordination underlying this inter-animal variation in glycemic response remains unclear.

METHODS: Obese diabetic Mongolian gerbils were administered metformin (100 mg/kg/day, oral gavage; n = 4) or vehicle (n = 3) for 5 weeks. We performed matched transcriptomic (RNA-seq) and data-independent acquisition proteomic profiling of liver, skeletal muscle, and inguinal white adipose tissue. Cross-omics analyses were anchored to glycemic parameters, and key hepatic findings were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Gut microbiota were profiled via metagenomic sequencing.

RESULTS: Metformin lowered 2-hour post-load glucose (2hPG) and ameliorated hepatic steatosis. In the liver, integrated transcriptomic-proteomic analysis revealed concordant downregulation of mitochondrial substrate carriers (Slc25a47, Slc25a29, Slc25a30) and lipid-handling factors (e.g. Apoa5, Apoc2), correlating with systemic glycemic burden among treated animals. In skeletal muscle, pathway-level integration supported the activation of metabolic remodeling programs, including PPAR signaling, that were tracked with the degree of glycemic improvement among treated animals. In iWAT, transcriptomic enrichment of immune and chemokine pathways, supported by proteomic trends, suggested that, among treated animals, higher residual inflammatory activity was associated with a weaker glycemic response. Gut metagenomic profiling revealed no detectable alterations in microbial diversity or community structure.

CONCLUSION: Hepatic mitochondrial-lipid remodeling and muscle metabolic activation aligned with glycemic improvement, while adipose tissue immune signatures may contribute to inter-animal variation in glycemic response, providing a multi-organ, data-supported framework for metformin's systemic pharmacology.},
}

Animals
*Metformin/pharmacology
Gerbillinae
*Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapy/metabolism/genetics
*Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacology
*Obesity/metabolism/drug therapy/genetics/complications
Proteomics/methods
Male
*Transcriptome/drug effects
Liver/metabolism/drug effects
*Blood Glucose/metabolism/drug effects
Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism/drug effects
Gene Expression Profiling
Diabesity
Multiomics

@article {pmid42996471,
year = {2026},
author = {Shao, H and Li, X and Miao, X and Tang, L and Gu, Y and Qin, Z and Han, J and Li, J and Wang, Q and Yang, W and Chen, H and Wu, J},
title = {Characterization of lower-airway microbial communities in pulmonary tuberculosis by BALF metagenomic sequencing.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1938581},
pmid = {42996471},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {Humans ; *Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid/microbiology ; *Tuberculosis, Pulmonary/microbiology ; *Metagenomics/methods ; *Microbiota ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Female ; Mycobacterium tuberculosis/genetics/isolation & purification ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Bronchoscopy ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Metagenome ; Adult ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is an infectious disease caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC). This study aimed to characterize the lower-airway microbiome in patients with PTB and compare it with that of patients without PTB (Non-PTB) undergoing bronchoscopy for pulmonary disease, in order to describe differences in microbial composition between the two groups and improve our understanding of pulmonary microbial ecology in tuberculosis.

METHODS: We performed metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from 75 patients (38 PTB, 37 Non-PTB). Microbial diversity, composition, and differential taxa were analyzed using standard bioinformatics tools.

RESULTS: PTB samples showed higher Shannon and Simpson indices, whereas Richness did not differ significantly between groups. Beta diversity analyses revealed modest but statistically detectable differences in microbial community composition between PTB and Non-PTB samples. The PTB group showed higher relative abundances of MTBC and several oral-associated taxa (e.g., Prevotella and Fusobacterium), whereas Non-PTB samples showed higher relative abundances of taxa including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aspergillus fumigatus.

CONCLUSION: This BALF metagenomic study characterized lower-airway microbial features in patients with PTB and identified differences in microbial community composition and structure between PTB and patients with heterogeneous Non-PTB pulmonary diseases.},
}

Humans
*Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid/microbiology
*Tuberculosis, Pulmonary/microbiology
*Metagenomics/methods
*Microbiota
High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
Female
Mycobacterium tuberculosis/genetics/isolation & purification
Male
Middle Aged
Bronchoscopy
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Metagenome
Adult

@article {pmid42996472,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, X and Wang, H and Xing, J and Zhao, H and Liu, Y and Jiao, J},
title = {Microecological-metabolic links along the brain-gut-muscle axis in Tuina analgesia from the perspectives of gut metagenomics and untargeted metabolomics.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1957609},
pmid = {42996472},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Chronic pain involves multilevel processes including central sensitization, peripheral tissue abnormalities, neuroimmune responses, metabolic alterations, and changes in gut microecology. Tuina and related manual therapies can influence local soft-tissue status, peripheral sensory input, autonomic activity, inflammatory responses, and muscle metabolism, whereas the links between their distal systemic effects and gut microecology remain insufficiently characterized. The brain, gut, and skeletal muscle can interact through autonomic pathways, immune-inflammatory signaling, circulating metabolites, myokines, and other distal signals, providing a biological context for analyzing cross-organ changes related to Tuina analgesia. A limited number of studies have reported changes in gut microbiota after Tuina, massage, or combined manual interventions; however, direct evidence continuously linking mechanical stimulation, microbial function, metabolic signaling, and pain improvement remains limited. Gut metagenomics extends analysis beyond species composition to strains, functional genes, and metabolic pathway potential, whereas untargeted metabolomics captures metabolic changes jointly shaped by the host and microbiota. Short-chain fatty acids, bile acids, tryptophan derivatives, and molecules related to lipid and energy metabolism have shown functional associations with neuroimmune regulation, sensory neural activity, and pain sensitization in different pain models. Myokines, metabolites, and extracellular vesicle signals derived from skeletal muscle also provide a possible biological basis for bidirectional gut-muscle communication. Nevertheless, most of these mechanisms originate from studies of pain, the microbiome, or exercise physiology and cannot be directly equated with mechanisms of Tuina analgesia. Integrated metagenomic and metabolomic analyses can identify candidate links involving microbial functions, metabolic alterations, host responses, and pain phenotypes, thereby narrowing the scope of subsequent functional validation. Their interpretation remains influenced by Tuina stimulation parameters, diet, gut transit, medication use, circadian rhythms, and other host factors. Standardization of the intervention, longitudinal multi-omics observation, targeted quantification, functional experiments, and cross-center replication will help clarify the temporal relationships and functional significance of these changes. Microecological-metabolic links across the brain, gut, and skeletal muscle can therefore serve as a cross-organ framework for investigating the systemic effects of Tuina analgesia, although specific pathways and their clinical predictive value still require direct experimental and prospective validation.},
}

@article {pmid42996709,
year = {2026},
author = {Kelly, D and Yogananthan, K and Subramaniam, P and Talts, T and Manso, CF and Kele, B and Bibby, DF and Zuckerman, M and Mbisa, JL},
title = {Evaluation of whole genome sequencing protocols and target-capture panels for detection of respiratory viruses in clinical specimens.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1964559},
pmid = {42996709},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Respiratory viruses are major contributors to global morbidity and mortality. When viral mutations compromise detection by conventional diagnostic assays, identifying cases and tracing transmission becomes challenging. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) improves on conventional diagnostics as it can detect viruses with novel mutations. This study evaluated the performance of the ePlex, a rapid multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay (RMPA), an in-house real-time reverse transcription PCR assay (RT-qPCR) and WGS for detecting respiratory virus infections in clinical specimens. Sixty-one sequence libraries were prepared, and bait enriched from nasopharyngeal swabs, collected in 2021, which were negative for SARS-CoV-2 but positive for co-infections of respiratory viruses detected by the ePlex. An in-house bioinformatics pipeline enabled a metagenomic analysis approach to be compared with the ePlex and RT-qPCR. In most swabs, respiratory viruses were detected by WGS (average genome recovery: 85.9%) or RT-qPCR which concurred with the ePlex result, but as single viruses rather than co-infections. WGS recovered respiratory syncytial viruses (80%) and metapneumoviruses (70%) most often. This study demonstrates the power of WGS and bait capture in resolving the genomes of respiratory pathogens from limited clinical material. Detection of a single virus, rather than co-infections, in this instance could highlight the targeted nature of bait capture technology or competition between viruses during bait hybridization. The number of respiratory syncytial viruses detected (16/20) could be due to a spike in activity detected after the alleviation of non-pharmaceutical interventions in the COVID-19 pandemic.},
}

@article {pmid42998368,
year = {2026},
author = {Dall, SM and Møllekær, AH and Kousgaard, SJ and Jakobsen, SS and Larsen, L and Sørensen, B and Thorlacius-Ussing, O and Albertsen, M},
title = {Microbial and antimicrobial resistance signatures differentiate healthy and inflamed ileal pouches in patients with ulcerative colitis.},
journal = {Journal of Crohn's & colitis},
volume = {20},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {42998368},
issn = {1876-4479},
support = {81-A.21//Svend Andersen Fonden/ ; 10.46540/4308-00176B//Independent Research Fund Denmark/ ; 101078234//European Union/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Colitis, Ulcerative/microbiology/surgery ; *Pouchitis/microbiology ; Female ; *Colonic Pouches/microbiology ; Male ; Feces/microbiology ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics ; Escherichia coli/genetics ; Fecal Microbiota Transplantation ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from healthy donors with a normally functioning colon has limited clinical effect in the treatment of chronic pouchitis. However, a normally functioning ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) physiology differs from individuals with a healthy intact colon. We aimed to investigate the microbial characteristics of patients with a normally functioning IPAA (HealthyPouch) compared with chronic pouchitis (SickPouch), ulcerative colitis (UC), and a healthy intact colon microbiome (NormalGut). Furthermore, we investigated how repeated antibiotic use influences antimicrobial resistance on a bacterial genome level.

METHODS: Fecal samples from 190 participants were collected; HealthyPouch (n = 38), SickPouch (n = 37), UC (n = 23), and NormalGut (n = 92) and sequenced with Illumina and taxonomically profiled. Samples from HealthyPouch, SickPouch, and NormalGut were also long-read sequenced using Oxford Nanopore Technologies for reconstruction of 12 282 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs). DNA methylation motifs were used for plasmid-host association.

RESULTS: The HealthyPouch microbiome is distinct from both the UC, NormalGut, and SickPouch microbiome. Escherichia coli MAGs in the SickPouch (n = 21) microbiome had significantly higher co-occurring ciprofloxacin resistance mutations in the gyrA and parC genes, compared to both HealthyPouch (n = 26; BH adjusted P < .05) and NormalGut (n = 40; BH adjusted P < .05). Based on DNA methylation pattern, three plasmids were associated with E. coli carrying extended-spectrum beta lactamase genes.

CONCLUSIONS: HealthyPouch microbiota differs from NormalGut microbiota, and could therefore be more appropriate for FMT treatment of chronic pouchitis. The association between E. coli and resistance gene-carrying plasmids underscores the importance of integrating plasmid analysis into metagenome-based approaches for personalized antibiotic treatment and resistance monitoring.},
}

Humans
*Colitis, Ulcerative/microbiology/surgery
*Pouchitis/microbiology
Female
*Colonic Pouches/microbiology
Male
Feces/microbiology
Adult
Middle Aged
Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics
*Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics
Escherichia coli/genetics
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation

@article {pmid42998424,
year = {2026},
author = {Mei, Y and Ge, L and Wang, Y and Yang, M and Lai, H and Zhao, J and Du, Q and Li, H and Liu, S and Hu, K and Liu, D and Zhao, N},
title = {Variety-specific interrelationships between glucosinolate-related metabolite profiles and microbial communities in fermented mustard with divergent physicochemical and volatile properties.},
journal = {Food chemistry},
volume = {533},
number = {Pt 1},
pages = {152001},
doi = {10.1016/j.foodchem.2026.152001},
pmid = {42998424},
issn = {1873-7072},
abstract = {Mustard exhibits varietal diversity in glucosinolate (GSL) composition, potentially affecting fermentation microbiota and product quality. Two varieties, LM01 (Brassica juncea var. longepetiolata Yang et Chen) and LM05 (Brassica juncea var. latipa), were selected from eight varieties and analyzed using volatile profiling, widely targeted GSL metabolomics, and metagenomics. After 20 d fermentation, LM05 had lower reducing sugars content but higher total acidity than LM01 (0.71 vs. 0.53 g/100 g) and retained higher levels of differential GSLs. The relative abundance of Lactiplantibacillus reached 89% in LM05 compared with 77% in LM01, accompanied by the enrichment of glycoside hydrolase-related functions, indicating distinct microbial functional potential associated with GSL transformation. Correlation analyses revealed distinct association patterns: LM01 exhibited a relatively simplified LAB-dominated network suggestive of a "stress-adaptive" pattern, whereas LM05 showed broader associations among LAB, yeasts, and GSL-derived metabolites. These findings provide a basis for targeted inoculation to improve fermentation performance across mustard varieties.},
}

@article {pmid42998483,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, H and Zhang, S and Zhuang, W and Huang, M and Mao, D and Tong, Y and Wang, X and Luo, Y},
title = {Transmission risk and mechanism of antibiotic resistance genes driven by glacier melt: Insight from Asian water tower to global significance.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {518},
number = {},
pages = {144143},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.144143},
pmid = {42998483},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {Accelerated glacier melt due to climate change is increasingly releasing sequestered antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). However, ARG transmission risk and driven mechanisms that are associated with glacier retreat remain poorly understood. We employed genome-resolved metagenomics along a 246.5 km sampling transect spanning two distinct hydrological seasons and multiple habitats to track the dissemination of ARGs along the hydrological continuum of the Kuoqionggangri Glacier on Tibetan Plateau. Our results demonstrate that hydrological connectivity facilitates the physical transport of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Specific microbial lineages, particularly pathogenic Ralstonia pickettii were traced continuously from glacial sources to downstream rivers, disseminating both ARGs and virulence factors. Beyond host-mediated transport, glacier-derived ARGs can spread into downstream indigenous microbial communities via horizontal gene transfer. Genomic evidence confirmed that sulfonamide and β-lactam determinants transfer across taxonomic boundaries, disseminating from upstream environmental taxa (e.g., Novosphingobium) into downstream opportunistic pathogens. Finally, integrating 156 global glacier metagenomes revealed that the Tibetan Plateau yields an exceptionally high absolute ARG concentration (8.85 ± 0.07 log10 copies/L). Surpassing > 99% of the surveyed regions globally, the sheer magnitude of this genetic discharge identifies glacial melt as a critical emission hotspot, overwhelming downstream aquatic systems with severe ecological resistance risks.},
}

@article {pmid42998559,
year = {2026},
author = {Sun, X and Tang, M and Gu, P and Cao, S and Du, R and Peng, Y},
title = {Iron-associated functional differentiation between granules and flocs enhances resilience and phosphorus recovery in a CEPT-PDA treating low-strength wastewater.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {309},
number = {Pt B},
pages = {127269},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2026.127269},
pmid = {42998559},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {Carbon fluctuations destabilize microbial ecosystems by disrupting metabolic interactions, yet how community heterogeneity drives resilience remains unclear. Using a CEPT-PDA system, we show that iron associates functional differentiation between granules and flocs under alternating COD disturbances. High‑COD shocks allowed recovery within 5-7 days, whereas low‑COD starvation required 12-15 days. Iron accelerated recovery, achieving NH4[+]‑N (99.1%), PO4[3-]‑P (70.0%), and TN (99.2%) average removal rate. Mechanistically, iron promoted niche differentiation: granules sustained anammox (Candidatus. Brocadia, 33.3%), while flocs supported denitrification (Thauera, 50.1%). Metagenomics revealed distinct Fe utilization: granules enhanced Fe(II) transport, flocs enriched Fe(III) uptake, iron-sulfur cluster assembly, and denitrification-related pathways. Iron also sequestered P as ferric phosphate and vivianite. Thus, iron acts as an ecological regulator that reorganizes microbial resource use and spatial functional differentiation, enhancing resilience to carbon fluctuations while enabling nutrient removal and recovery.},
}

@article {pmid42998561,
year = {2026},
author = {Shi, X and Duan, S and Zhang, Y and Hou, B and Zhang, L},
title = {Genomic convergence and geographical divergence: multi-scale salinity adaptation mechanisms of microbiomes in shale gas flowback and produced water.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {309},
number = {Pt B},
pages = {127270},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2026.127270},
pmid = {42998561},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {Shale gas flowback and produced water (FPW) represents a spatially heterogeneous artificial hypersaline ecosystem, in which the salt‑tolerance‑related genetic repertoire of indigenous microorganisms and the mechanisms shaping in‑situ community salinity adaptation patterns remain poorly clarified. Here, we collected metagenomic data from major shale gas-producing regions worldwide, encompassing 68 FPW samples from five basins: the Sichuan Basin, Anadarko Basin, Denver-Julesburg Basin, Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin, and Permian Basin. Based on these data, we constructed a genomic dataset comprising 699 high-quality MAGs to unravel the multi-scale salt adaptation mechanisms of the FPW microbiomes. Genomic results revealed that over 80% of FPW microbes encoded salt-in and salt-out pathways, demonstrating widespread genetic functional redundancy across geographically isolated basins. Despite convergent genomic potential, FPW microbiomes exhibited basin-specific adaptive differentiation, with Sichuan and Permian Basins favoring the salt‑in pattern and Anadarko Basin favoring the salt‑out pattern. Given the high conservation of gene repertoires and the physicochemical differences across basins, such salinity adaptation patterns decoupling between genomic repertoire and community adaptation may be driven primarily by environmental filtering. Machine learning identified trehalose metabolism genes (e.g., K00697, K17311 and K17313) and K[+] uptake genes (e.g., K03498) as the biomarkers governing salt‑out and salt‑in pattern biases, respectively. Metabolic cross-feeding mediated by trehalose public metabolites, supported by keystone taxa of Thermotogota and Bacillota, potentially further enhanced community-level salt tolerance via interspecific metabolic synergy. This study elucidates the hierarchical adaptation mechanism coupling intrinsic genomic potential and local environmental filtering, providing novel ecological insights into microbial salinity adaptation and theoretical support for hypersaline wastewater biological treatment.},
}

@article {pmid42998563,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, B and Liu, J and Zhuo, M and Cai, C and Zhou, Y},
title = {Impact of organic carbon on biogas valorization consortium: shift of intracellular storage and microbial succession.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {309},
number = {Pt B},
pages = {127284},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2026.127284},
pmid = {42998563},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {Methanotroph-microalgae consortia can convert CH4 and CO2 into biomass, but the responses of the consortia to external organic carbon remain insufficiently characterized. This study investigated the effects of stepwise addition of acetate, which was used as a model organic carbon source, on a continuously operated biogas fed methanotroph-microalgae consortium. Reactor performance, carbon transformation, biomass composition, microbial succession, and metagenomic functional-gene profiles were examined. During operation with 50 mg acetate C/L, biomass concentration increased from the acetate-free baseline of 1.25 to 1.88 g/L, alongside improved ammonium removal and without compromising the efficiency of biogas conversion. Across the acetate-fed stages, the proportion of prokaryotic sequences increased, accompanied by changes in biomass composition. The glycogen-equivalent carbohydrate fraction increased from 25% to 52% of biomass dry weight. This enrichment coincided with higher abundances of glgM, glgE, and glgB, whereas protein content decreased from 44% to 30% and lipids dropped to below 10%. These synthetic model-system findings provide a basis for investigating integrated wastewater treatment and biogas conversion, with practical applicability requiring validation using real waste streams.},
}

@article {pmid42998751,
year = {2026},
author = {Silva, LHDSE and da Silva, SP and da Silva, FS and Dias, DD and Hernández, LHA and de Castro, PHG and Maurício, KD and da Silva, SLS and Reis, HCF and Dos Santos, LEC and do Nascimento, BLS and Brandão, RCF and Vieira, DBR and Nunes, BTD and Cruz, ACR and Martins, LC and Neto, JPN},
title = {Detection and characterization of RNA viruses in ticks of the genus Amblyomma Koch, 1844 (Arachnida: Acari: Ixodidae) from the Brazilian Amazon reveals a putative novel virus.},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108789},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2026.108789},
pmid = {42998751},
issn = {1096-0805},
abstract = {Ticks are among the major vectors of infectious agents to humans. These arthropods are known to transmit a complex of encephalitis-causing viruses responsible for severe acute and chronic neurological infections in both animals and humans. This study aimed to investigate the RNA virus of Amblyomma cajennense s.s. and Amblyomma geayi ticks collected in various municipalities within the state of Pará, in the Brazilian Amazon, using a viral RNA metagenomics approach. A total of 12 viral sequences were identified, distributed across four families: Chuviridae (n = 1), Rhabdoviridae (n = 7), Orthototiviridae (n = 1), and Partitiviridae (n = 3). Among the detected viruses, Geayi mivirus, identified in Amblyomma geayi, represents a possible new virus described in this study, thereby expanding knowledge regarding RNA viruses associated with ticks of the genus Amblyomma in the Brazilian Amazon.This study presents a comprehensive characterization of RNA viruses from Amblyomma cajennense s.s. and Amblyomma geayi in the Brazilian Amazon. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first characterization of RNA viruses from A. geayi and the first report of members of the family Partitiviridae in A. cajennense s.s. in Brazil. Furthermore, a possible new virus, named Geayi mivirus, was identified in A. geayi. We highlight the underrepresentation of RNA viruses associated with Brazilian ticks in reference databases, underscoring the importance of expanding metagenomic surveillance.},
}

@article {pmid42992200,
year = {2026},
author = {Fang, C and Xu, L},
title = {Epidemiology, Clinical Features, and Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment of Chlamydia psittaci Pneumonia: A Narrative Review.},
journal = {Infection and drug resistance},
volume = {19},
number = {},
pages = {655983},
pmid = {42992200},
issn = {1178-6973},
abstract = {Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia is an underrecognized zoonotic infectious disease that primarily involves the lungs but frequently affects extrapulmonary organ systems. Clinical and radiological features are nonspecific, and diagnosis remains challenging. Culture, although the gold standard, is slow, low-yield, and requires biosafety level 3 facilities; serology is limited by cross-reactivity and the need for paired sera; and polymerase chain reaction, although rapid, generally targets selected genes and is often used only when clinical suspicion is high. The widespread use of metagenomic next-generation sequencing and targeted next-generation sequencing has increased the reported detection of C. psittaci, largely reflecting improved diagnostic capability rather than a proven increase in disease incidence. Tetracyclines remain first-line therapy; macrolides and fluoroquinolones are alternatives, although fluoroquinolone monotherapy may fail in severe disease. Evidence for combination therapy and newer agents such as omadacycline remains limited, and the true disease burden is likely underestimated because surveillance is incomplete. This narrative review summarizes current evidence on epidemiology, clinical and radiological features, diagnosis, and treatment of C. psittaci pneumonia and highlights key evidence gaps.},
}

@article {pmid42992684,
year = {2026},
author = {Nitayanon, P and Phoonthong, S and Peizner, MT and Kraipasspong, S and Kamolvit, W and Tansirichaiya, S},
title = {Off-panel resistance determinants in a high-resistance setting: comparative evaluation of syndromic multiplex PCR, metagenomic sequencing, and phenotypic AST in bloodstream infections.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0325226},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.03252-26},
pmid = {42992684},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {Rapid syndromic molecular panels substantially reduce turnaround time for bloodstream infection diagnosis by identifying common pathogens and selected antimicrobial resistance determinants directly from positive blood cultures. However, their fixed target repertoires may limit diagnostic coverage in settings with diverse endemic resistance mechanisms and clinically relevant off-panel organisms. This retrospective comparative diagnostic study evaluated direct-from-positive-blood-culture metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS), the BioFire Blood Culture Identification 2 (BCID2) panel, and routine microbiological methods across 165 positive blood-culture episodes from 145 patients at a tertiary-care center with a high burden of antimicrobial resistance. Complete recovery of the routine-culture organism set was achieved in 155/165 episodes (93.9%) by mNGS and 142/165 (86.1%) by BCID2. Among 23 episodes with incomplete routine-set recovery by BCID2, mNGS restored complete coverage in 18 (78.3%). For meropenem resistance, sensitivity was numerically higher with mNGS than with BCID2 (90.0% versus 75.0%), whereas ceftriaxone-resistance sensitivity among Enterobacterales was numerically higher with BCID2 (97.5% versus 85.0%); neither paired difference was statistically significant. BCID2 meropenem very major errors were concentrated among non-fermenting gram-negative organisms, particularly Acinetobacter baumannii, and were frequently associated with off-panel blaOXA-23 detected by mNGS. Overall, targeted syndromic testing and mNGS demonstrated complementary diagnostic performance, with mNGS extending organism and resistance-mechanism coverage beyond predefined molecular targets, while phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing remained necessary for definitive susceptibility assessment.IMPORTANCERapid molecular blood-culture panels provide clinically actionable results, but are inherently restricted to predefined pathogen and resistance targets. This limitation is particularly relevant in regions where local antimicrobial resistance epidemiology includes mechanisms not represented within commercial panel repertoires. In this study, metagenomic sequencing improved recovery of routine-culture organisms and identified off-panel carbapenem resistance determinants underlying several false-susceptible panel results, particularly OXA-23 in Acinetobacter baumannii. However, broader genomic detection did not consistently improve phenotypic resistance prediction across antimicrobial classes. These findings illustrate that diagnostic breadth and phenotypic predictive accuracy are distinct attributes and support the use of metagenomic sequencing as a complementary approach to rapid targeted testing and conventional antimicrobial susceptibility testing.},
}

@article {pmid42992831,
year = {2026},
author = {Gulyaeva, A and Mutz, P and Liu, Q and Wolf, YI and Han, G-Z and Koonin, EV and Dolja, VV},
title = {Diversity and evolution of the ribovirian class Stelpaviricetes.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0216226},
doi = {10.1128/mbio.02162-26},
pmid = {42992831},
issn = {2150-7511},
abstract = {Metatranscriptome mining has dramatically expanded the known diversity of ribovirians at all taxonomic levels. We explored the class Stelpaviricetes in the phylum Pisuviricota that currently includes three orders and six recognized virus families: order Stellavirales with family Astroviridae infecting vertebrates; Patatavirales with families Potyviridae, the largest known family of plant ribovirians, and Potyliviridae; and Hypofuvirales consisting of three families of viruses associated largely with phytopathogenic fungi. Using an order-specific collection of Hidden Markov Model profiles for the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP), the hallmark protein of ribovirians, we identified 103 putative families within Stelpaviricetes, most of which share an astrovirus-like genome architecture, encoding three protein domains: the RdRP, a chymotrypsin-like protease, and a single jellyroll capsid protein. The topology of the phylogenetic tree of the RdRP implies that the common ancestor of Stelpaviricetes had an astrovirus-like genome. The ancestor of the order Patatavirales acquired two additional domains, a papain-like protease and a superfamily 2 helicase, whereas the capsid protein was replaced with an unrelated one, forming filamentous capsids. The ancestor of Hypofuvirales also encoded a superfamily 2 helicase and a papain-like protease, but had lost the capsid protein. Hypofuvirales might have derived from Patatavirales or evolved independently from an astro-like ancestor. For the vast majority of Stelpaviricetes identified in metatranscriptomes, host assignment remains elusive. Nevertheless, analysis of endogenous virus elements and isolated viruses provides some clues suggesting that the common ancestor of Potyviridae and Potyliviridae had a fungal host, whereas the common ancestor of Stelpaviricetes might have been a protist virus.IMPORTANCEThe enormous diversity of viruses on Earth is only now coming to light through extensive metagenome and metatranscriptome mining. Using vast databases of ribovirus genomes, we performed phylogenomic analysis of the class Stelpaviricetes, which includes the families Astroviridae and Potyviridae, the former comprising animal viruses and the latter comprising plant viruses. We identified more than 100 family-level groups of viruses, most of which have small, astrovirus-like genomes, likely resembling the common ancestor of Stelpaviricetes. In contrast, the putative common ancestor of Potyviridae and its sister family Potyliviridae exhibits higher genome complexity that apparently emerged in viruses of fungi. The most plausible scenario for the origin of Potyviridae involves horizontal transfer of a virus across kingdoms between plant-associated fungi and plants.},
}

@article {pmid42992843,
year = {2026},
author = {Morel, C and Gil, P and Kaboré, DPA and Exbrayat, A and Charriat, F and Soma, DD and Sawadogo, SP and Ouédraogo, GA and Van de Perre, P and Baldet, T and Dabiré, RK and Gutierrez, S},
title = {Sex influences the mosquito virome in a host-specific way.},
journal = {Journal of virology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0124426},
doi = {10.1128/jvi.01244-26},
pmid = {42992843},
issn = {1098-5514},
abstract = {Mosquitoes harbor diverse eukaryotic viruses. These viral communities, or viromes, probably influence mosquito physiology, including pathogen transmission. However, the factors shaping the virome remain largely unstudied, limiting our understanding of its role in mosquito biology. Here, we assess the influence of sex on the eukaryotic virome of mosquitoes. Ecological differences between males and females, such as female-specific blood feeding, may lead to differential viral exposure and virome structure. We investigated the influence of sex in sympatric populations of Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti, two major human pathogen vectors. A total of 5,743 mosquitoes were collected in various habitats in Burkina Faso (West Africa) over 2 years. Shotgun sequencing of 115 pools revealed 47 viral taxonomic units (VTUs) from 28 viral families. Viromes differed between the two mosquito species, enabling within-species analysis of sex effects. Significant differences in beta diversity were observed between sexes in both species, while alpha diversity differences were significant only in C. quinquefasciatus. Additionally, five indicator viruses, taxonomically diverse and including two novel species, were identified associated with sex. Most indicator VTUs were found in both sexes but with different infection rates. Their low prevalence suggests that sex-based differences are not present in all individuals but are detectable at the population level. Our findings unveil that sex can influence the mosquito virome, and that this effect depends on mosquito species. Moreover, our results provide a first model of the virome structure as a function of sex in two mosquito species of public health significance.IMPORTANCEMosquitoes carry many viruses that do not infect humans but can influence how mosquitoes interact with pathogens that threaten human health. Yet, the factors that shape these viral communities in nature remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated whether male and female mosquitoes differ in the viruses they carry. Sex could affect the virome because males and females have distinct ecological and physiological traits, such as blood feeding in females. We examined the viromes of two major disease vectors, Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus, collected in large numbers in Burkina Faso and screened using metagenomics. We found that males and females harbor different viral communities, and that these differences vary between species. These patterns were not driven by sex-specific viruses but by viruses that differed in prevalence between sexes. Our findings show that sex influences mosquito viromes in the field and offer new insight into mosquito-virus interactions.},
}

@article {pmid42992936,
year = {2026},
author = {Hu, Y and Sun, L and Huang, Y and Jiang, F and Tong, X and Yang, J and Ju, Y and Yang, Z and Liufu, S and Hu, Y and Ma, W and Guo, R and Li, W and Zhang, T and Zhu, X and Zhang, Z},
title = {Integrated optimization of experimental and computational workflows improves genome recovery in long-read gut metagenomics.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0113826},
doi = {10.1128/msystems.01138-26},
pmid = {42992936},
issn = {2379-5077},
abstract = {Short-read metagenomic sequencing has been widely applied in microbial research due to its high quality and decreasing cost. However, short reads are inherently fragmented, which limits assembly contiguity and the recovery of complete microbial genomes. In contrast, long-read sequencing, with significantly longer read lengths, helps overcome these limitations. Achieving complete and accurate genome recovery is the core goal of metagenomics. To address this challenge, we systematically evaluated and optimized the long-read metagenomic workflow, from sample processing to computational assembly, using the CycloneSEQ platform.IMPORTANCEOur results suggest that upstream experimental protocols are important contributors to long-read metagenomic performance within the evaluated framework. In particular, magnetic-plate DNA extraction, together with pretreatment, was associated with more favorable input and downstream sequencing-related characteristics for long-read analysis. These changes were also associated with broader microbial recovery in the evaluated data sets. Assembly benchmarking further showed that integrating matched long-read (CycloneSEQ) and short-read (DNBSEQ) data sets provided a favorable balance across multiple evaluation dimensions. In our fecal metagenomic data set, long-read-first assembly followed by short-read polishing showed strong overall performance when recovery, contiguity, and sequence accuracy were considered together, although workflow performance remained metric dependent.},
}

@article {pmid42993179,
year = {2026},
author = {Scranton, C and Obergh, V and Goforth, M and Ravi, K and Jayakrishna, P and Khan, A and Boone, SA and Gerba, CP and Ijaz, MK and Xu, FY and Krupp, K and Madhivanan, P and Cooper, KK},
title = {Characterization of household microbiomes from three unique cities around the world.},
journal = {Microbial genomics},
volume = {12},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {42993179},
issn = {2057-5858},
mesh = {*Microbiota/genetics ; Humans ; Metagenomics/methods ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; India ; United Arab Emirates ; Cities ; United States ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Shotgun Sequencing ; Family Characteristics ; Metagenome ; Housing ; },
abstract = {Characterizing the household bacterial microbiome allows for a stronger understanding of the various microbes to which a person is exposed every day in their home. Exploring household microbiomes in different countries around the world increases our understanding of the impact human behaviour might have on niche microbial communities in the house. The goal of this study was to use shotgun metagenomics to characterize the microbiome from ten locations around the house in ten different houses from three countries (Mysuru, India; Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE); and Tucson, USA). There was a significant difference in alpha diversity between the three countries (ANOVA, P<0.001), with homes in Mysuru, India, showing significantly higher bacterial diversity compared with those in Tucson, AZ, USA and Dubai, UAE. Beta diversity analysis of the homes found that bacterial communities differed significantly by geographic location [permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA), P=0.001] and, within cities, by household location (PERMANOVA, P=0.001), with geographic location explaining 5.3% and household location explaining 7.3% of variation. Household location was a strong driver of diversity within each of the three cities individually, accounting for 14-18% of microbiome variation. The highest levels of bacterial diversity across the three cities were found underneath the toilet rim and within bathroom and kitchen sinks. A core microbiome of classes Actinomycetota and Gammaproteobacteria was found in all homes in all three cities. Within each city, a core microbiome was identified at the species level within specific household locations. Many bacterial taxa found in the homes were a part of the human-associated phyla Actinomycetota (e.g. genera Brevibacterium, Mycolicibacterium and Rhodococcus), Pseudomonadota (e.g. genera Acinetobacter, Moraxella, Paracoccus and Pseudomonas) and Bacillota (genus Streptococcus), which is comparable to previous studies. The household microbiome is variable across different locations within the house and on a global scale. Factors such as human activity, cultural practices, climate and surface type and use may drive this diversity. Characterizing the household microbiome on a global scale allows for a better understanding of what drives microbial diversity, increasing our understanding of how microbial communities are shaped by the environment and how humans influence their dynamics, as well as any risks to human health that the built microbiome may potentially pose.},
}

*Microbiota/genetics
Humans
Metagenomics/methods
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
India
United Arab Emirates
Cities
United States
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Shotgun Sequencing
Family Characteristics
Metagenome
Housing

@article {pmid42993418,
year = {2026},
author = {Fjordside, L and Pedersen, MS and Ellegaard, K and Stegger, M and Florescu, AM and Dos, AH and Brandt, CT and Jepsen, MPG and Stenør, C and Mens, H and Lebech, AM},
title = {Borrelia-specific cell-free DNA in plasma from adults with Lyme neuroborreliosis: an explorative study.},
journal = {European journal of clinical microbiology & infectious diseases : official publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42993418},
issn = {1435-4373},
abstract = {Current blood-based diagnostic modalities for LNB have significant limitations. Using Next Generation Sequencing, we investigated blood samples from patients with LNB and non-LNB controls for Borrelia burgdorferi-specific cfDNA (Bb-cfDNA). Blood-samples from 61 adults suspected for LNB were analysed with amplification-free Nanopore metagenomic sequencing and detected cfDNA was cross-referenced with human and Bb-genome databases to identify Bb-specific-cfDNA. Bb-cfDNA was detected in 3 of 45 patients with LNB (6.7%) and in none of the 16 controls. Positive samples contained low levels of Borrelia-classified reads. Bb-cfDNA is unlikely to become a relevant blood-based diagnostic test for LNB in immunocompetent adults.},
}

@article {pmid42994299,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, C and He, Y and Liang, W and Zhu, T and Li, W and Liu, H and Gao, H and Jin, W and Kang, X and Li, Z and Sun, G},
title = {γ-Aminobutyric acid attenuates intestinal alterations associated with prolonged feed deprivation in older breeding roosters: metagenomic and transcriptomic analyses.},
journal = {Poultry science},
volume = {105},
number = {12},
pages = {107797},
doi = {10.1016/j.psj.2026.107797},
pmid = {42994299},
issn = {1525-3171},
abstract = {Prolonged feed deprivation imposes severe nutritional stress that can compromise intestinal structure and host-microbial homeostasis in poultry. This study evaluated the effects of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) supplementation in drinking water in older breeding roosters subjected to 15 days of complete feed deprivation. Prolonged feed deprivation impaired ileal morphology and increased serum interleukin-17 (IL-17), whereas serum IgA, IgG, and IgM were not significantly altered. GABA supplementation reduced serum IL-17 and partially attenuated the alterations in villus height, crypt depth, and the villus height to crypt depth ratio. However, these indices did not fully return to F15N levels. Metagenomic analysis identified Negativicutes, Acidaminococcaceae, Acidaminococcales, and Atopobiaceae as shared microbial biomarkers of the F15N and F15D groups relative to the F15E group. Transcriptomic analysis showed enhanced MAPK-related transcriptional responses following prolonged feed deprivation and reduced MAPK pathway enrichment following GABA supplementation. Correlation analysis further revealed predominantly negative associations between these shared microbial biomarkers and MAPK-related genes. Collectively, GABA supplementation partially attenuated intestinal, inflammatory, microbial, and transcriptional alterations associated with severe prolonged feed deprivation, supporting further evaluation of its effects under more production-relevant stress conditions.},
}

@article {pmid42994635,
year = {2026},
author = {Abbaszadeh, A and Damirchi, MH and Soleimani, M and Ortega-Yago, A and Javad Mortazavi, SM and Citak, M and Parvizi, J},
title = {Microenvironment of Bone and Joint Infection: Examining the Microenvironment.},
journal = {The Journal of arthroplasty},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.arth.2026.11.010},
pmid = {42994635},
issn = {1532-8406},
abstract = {Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a major complication of arthroplasty, and conventional diagnostic methods for PJI remain limited by suboptimal sensitivity, long turnaround times, high cost, and patient inconvenience, particularly in biofilm-associated and culture-negative infections. Emerging data suggest that the infected joint microenvironment contains host- and pathogen-derived molecular signatures with substantial diagnostic potential. This review evaluates current evidence on microenvironment-related biomarkers in PJI, including host extracellular vesicles, host cell-free nucleic acids (microRNA/cell-free DNA), non-host-derived biomarkers, and sequencing-based pathogen detection techniques. Host-derived biomarkers show favorable discriminatory capability by characterizing inflammatory and immune responses, and metagenomic and sequencing-based technologies improve pathogen identification. Despite encouraging diagnostic performance, widespread clinical implementation remains limited due to a lack of standardization, cost, and limited prospective validation. Future prospective multicenter studies should integrate conventional microbiological methods with molecular and microenvironment-based approaches to improve diagnostic accuracy.},
}

@article {pmid42994691,
year = {2026},
author = {Moran-Ramos, S and Alvarado-Calderon, J and Cerqueda-Garcia, D and Lopez-Contreras, BE and Villamil-Ramirez, H and Leon-Mimila, P and Aguilar-Salinas, C and Garcia, OP and Canizales-Quinteros, S},
title = {Children at risk of vitamin A deficiency exhibit taxonomic dysbiosis and functional remodeling of the gut microbiome: a matched case-control study.},
journal = {The Journal of nutrition},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {101933},
doi = {10.1016/j.tjnut.2026.101933},
pmid = {42994691},
issn = {1541-6100},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Vitamin A deficiency is one of the most prevalent micronutrient deficiencies worldwide. This condition increases susceptibility to infections and due to its role in intestinal barrier integrity, it has been suggested that it could predispose to gut dysbiosis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to identify whether the gut microbiome of school-aged children at risk of vitamin A deficiency is associated with a dysbiotic state.

METHODS: This 1:2 matched case-control study for children at risk of vitamin A deficiency included thirteen school-aged children (6-9 years old) at risk of VAD and 26 with adequate vitamin A levels (VAA) from the ORSMEC cohort. Habitual diet was determined with a FFQ, plasma retinol levels were determined through HPLC, and gut microbial characterization was performed through shotgun sequencing.

RESULTS: In the present study, children at risk of VAD showed significantly higher levels of serum CRP (P=0.026). Although taxonomic gut microbial characterization showed no differences in alpha or beta diversity among groups, children at risk of VAD showed an enrichment of some facultative anaerobes, proposed to be established pathogens mainly from Streptococcus and Enterococcus genera (PFDR<0.1). At a functional level vitamin A status explained 7.09% of the variation in gut microbial functionality, when evaluated with the Bray-Curtis dissimilarity metric (P=0.008). Specifically, pathways related to pathogenicity such as O-antigen biosynthesis, heme biosynthesis and ethanolamine utilization were significantly enriched in children at risk of VAD (PFDR<0.1). In contrast, abundance of pathways related to B vitamins metabolism such as folate transformations, the super pathway for Coenzyme A biosynthesis and its precursor phosphopantothenate (vitamin B5) were depleted (PFDR<0.1).

CONCLUSION: Overall, our study showed that in school-aged children, being at risk of vitamin A deficiency is associated with an enrichment of potential pathobionts and a shift in gut microbial functionality that could be related to greater pathogenicity.},
}

@article {pmid42994817,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, B and Simijiang, Y and Kaheman, G and Cui, Y and Akemu, Y and Shawutali, N},
title = {Intestinal tuberculosis with multiple intestinal perforations in a 5-month-old infant: The role of metagenomic next-generation sequencing: a case report and literature review.},
journal = {Medicine},
volume = {105},
number = {45},
pages = {e51329},
doi = {10.1097/MD.0000000000051329},
pmid = {42994817},
issn = {1536-5964},
mesh = {Humans ; *Intestinal Perforation/etiology/surgery/diagnosis/microbiology ; Male ; *Tuberculosis, Gastrointestinal/complications/diagnosis/drug therapy ; Infant ; Antitubercular Agents/therapeutic use ; Mycobacterium tuberculosis/genetics/isolation & purification ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/methods ; Metagenomics ; Bacilloscopy ; },
abstract = {RATIONALE: Intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and is relatively rare in infants. However, severe complications such as intestinal perforation can pose significant clinical challenges. We report the clinical features, diagnosis, and therapeutic management of intestinal perforation caused by ITB in an infant.

PATIENT CONCERNS: A 5-month-old male infant presented with fever and abdominal distension, which progressed to intestinal obstruction and multiple perforations involving the distal ileum and appendiceal region. The clinical presentation was atypical.

DIAGNOSES: The diagnosis was established through surgical exploration and metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS).Conventional investigations, including the tuberculin skin test using purified protein derivative and interferon-gamma release assay, were negative. mNGS of peritoneal drainage fluid detected mycobacterium tuberculosis complex with 2868,520 sequence reads, and Ziehl-Neelsen staining of mesenteric nodule specimens was positive for acid-fast bacilli.

INTERVENTIONS: The infant underwent surgical intervention for the intestinal perforations, followed by the standard four-drug anti-TB regimen (rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol) together with linezolid, imipenem, and amikacin.

OUTCOMES: The infant showed substantial clinical improvement, with weight gain and encouraging developmental progress; although the ileostomy remains in situ, closure is planned after full nutritional recovery. To our knowledge, this is among the youngest reported cases of postnatally acquired primary ITB presenting with multiple intestinal perforations in an infant without a known history of TB exposure.

LESSONS: In infants with severe unexplained intra-abdominal infection and inconclusive conventional TB investigations, mNGS may facilitate the early diagnosis of ITB. Timely surgical intervention combined with anti-TB therapy may improve outcomes in these critically ill patients.},
}

Humans
*Intestinal Perforation/etiology/surgery/diagnosis/microbiology
Male
*Tuberculosis, Gastrointestinal/complications/diagnosis/drug therapy
Infant
Antitubercular Agents/therapeutic use
Mycobacterium tuberculosis/genetics/isolation & purification
High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/methods
Metagenomics
Bacilloscopy

@article {pmid42995195,
year = {2026},
author = {Qi, W and Chen, X and Guo, H and Zhu, S and Zhou, Z and Xu, L and Yan, Q and Gu, FF and Liu, JX and Sun, HZ},
title = {Microbiome-derived proline dipeptides underpin improved nitrogen utilization efficiency in dairy cattle.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42995195},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {no. 32322077//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Cattle ; *Dipeptides/metabolism ; *Nitrogen/metabolism ; *Proline/metabolism ; Rumen/microbiology/metabolism ; Female ; Fermentation ; Milk/metabolism ; *Microbiota ; Dairying ; Metagenomics ; Metabolomics ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; },
abstract = {Dairy production is constrained by low nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUE; milk N/intake N), leading to nitrogen losses and environmental pollution. Although the rumen microbiome is central to nitrogen turnover, the role of small peptides, a critical nitrogen pool, remains poorly understood. Here, we constructed a genome-resolved atlas of predicted small-peptide metabolism and integrated high-performance chemical isotope-labeling metabolomics with metagenomics in 30 dairy cows. Among 349 detected small peptides, proline-containing dipeptides were associated with higher NUE, together with an S15 peptidyl-peptidase with Xaa-Pro dipeptide-generating activity. In vitro rumen fermentation, metatranscriptomics and targeted quantification showed that proline-dipeptide accumulation coincided with transcriptional patterns consistent with nitrogen assimilation and amino acid biosynthesis. Bacterial incubation and heterologous expression confirmed that S15.001 hydrolyzed Xaa-Pro substrates. These findings identify a microbial proline-dipeptide axis associated with NUE and provide a basis for precision nutrition strategies targeting ruminal peptide metabolism.},
}

Animals
Cattle
*Dipeptides/metabolism
*Nitrogen/metabolism
*Proline/metabolism
Rumen/microbiology/metabolism
Female
Fermentation
Milk/metabolism
*Microbiota
Dairying
Metagenomics
Metabolomics
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome

@article {pmid42995511,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, Q and Han, Z and Yin, B and Zhang, S and Lu, Y and Zang, Y and Zhou, X and Li, T and Salem, H and Zhang, Y},
title = {Microbial Life-History Strategies Shape Biocrusts Soil Multifunctionality Responses to Multi-Year Snow-Cover Change.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {32},
number = {11},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.71194},
pmid = {42995511},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {42471073//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2025B03021//Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Key Research and Development Program/ ; 2022D01D083//Key Project of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Natural Science Foundation/ ; 42161144004//the Key Project of the UNEP-NSFC International Cooperation Project/ ; },
mesh = {*Snow ; *Soil Microbiology ; *Lichens/physiology ; *Cyanobacteria/physiology ; Seasons ; *Microbiota ; Soil/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Winter snowfall is a critical water source sustaining the survival and ecological functioning of biocrusts in desert ecosystems, yet how different biocrust types respond to altered snow-depth conditions and maintain soil multifunctionality (SMF) through microbial community adjustments and life-history strategies remains poorly understood. Based on a field snow-manipulation experiment, we compared SMF responses in cyanobacterial and lichen crusts under snow removal, ambient snow, and double-snow treatments across different treatment-duration categories and further explored the underlying microbial regulatory mechanisms. Cyanobacterial and lichen crusts exhibited contrasting SMF responses to altered snow conditions. SMF significantly increased in cyanobacterial crusts in the short-term treatment plots (1 year), whereas lichen crusts showed a significant decline only under short-term snow removal. In the medium- and long-term treatment plots (8 and 11 years), differences in SMF between altered-snow and ambient-snow conditions were reduced for both biocrust types. Lichen crusts mainly showed increases in bacterial and total microbial diversity under snow manipulation, whereas significant diversity responses in cyanobacterial crusts were primarily associated with fungi. Microbial life-history strategies showed clear but biocrust-type-specific associations with SMF. Random forest and structural equation modeling (SEM) analyses indicated that SMF in cyanobacterial crusts was strongly constrained by the S strategy, while Y-related metabolic pathways were positively associated with SMF; in contrast, SMF in lichen crusts was positively associated with the A strategy but negatively associated with the S strategy. Soil physicochemical properties also played an important role in regulating SMF, but their effects and interactions with microbial attributes differed between the two biocrust types. Overall, this study demonstrates that altered snow conditions regulate biocrust SMF through the coupling of soil environmental changes and microbial functional responses, with the underlying regulatory pathways strongly dependent on biocrust type.},
}

*Snow
*Soil Microbiology
*Lichens/physiology
*Cyanobacteria/physiology
Seasons
*Microbiota
Soil/chemistry