@article {pmid42051102,
year = {2026},
author = {T, M and Gowda, J and M, R and Goudanavar, P and Akondi, BR},
title = {Mobilising Computational Strategies in Enzyme Inhibition: Reconciling Therapeutic Innovation and Environmental Integrity from Molecular Targets to Ecosystem Disruptors.},
journal = {Current drug metabolism},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.2174/0113892002420090251206171649},
pmid = {42051102},
issn = {1875-5453},
abstract = {Enzyme inhibition has become a cornerstone of modern therapeutics, targeting key molecular pathways implicated in cancer, metabolic disorders, and infectious diseases. This review explores diverse strategies of enzyme inhibition from classical active site-directed inhibitors to innovative biofilm-targeting enzymatic cocktails, emphasising their clinical utility. Beyond medicine, enzyme inhibitors are routinely employed to modulate nitrogen fixation, methanogenesis, and microbial dynamics in industrial and environmental settings. However, this dual-edged sword reveals its paradox: the very agent that heals can also harm. Their ecological persistence and bioaccumulation risks disrupt microbial ecosystems, foster antibiotic resistance, and affect non-target organisms. This review navigates the fine line between pharmaco-logical promise and environmental peril, evaluating risk assessment frameworks, mitigation strategies, and forward-looking approaches such as high-throughput screening, machine learning, and enzyme engineering. Ultimately, it advocates for a symbiotic integration of pharmaceutical innovation and environmental stewardship to create eco-friendly strategies that can enhance therapeutic efficacy without compromising ecological balance.},
}

@article {pmid42052549,
year = {2026},
author = {Nassif, N and El-Khoury, JR},
title = {Understanding media's leverage in the national elite sport ecosystems.},
journal = {Frontiers in sports and active living},
volume = {8},
number = {},
pages = {1788596},
pmid = {42052549},
issn = {2624-9367},
abstract = {Media's role in elite sport has grown exponentially from the second part of the 20th to the first part of the 21st century. It encompasses many aspects such as visibility, revenue generation, fan engagement, athlete branding, event promotion, policy decisions, international benchmarking, national pride, and cultural influence. A strong and symbiotic relationship between elite sports and the media is essential for sustained success and growth in the modern sports industry. The objective of this paper is to highlight the leverage that media has in a country's national elite sport ecosystem. This evaluation will consist of two frameworks of analysis, one that explains media's structural role in nations' success in international competitions, and another which explains its capacity to elevate sport into an instrument of power in international relations. This research identifies the unique position that media has in a country's national elite sport ecosystem and is recommended for theoretical advancement and practical application.},
}

@article {pmid42053873,
year = {2026},
author = {Wu, P and Zou, Z and Wu, Z and Feng, Y},
title = {Ubiquitination as a multi-layer regulatory network in legume-rhizobium symbiosis.},
journal = {Plant cell reports},
volume = {45},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {42053873},
issn = {1432-203X},
support = {AMLKF202510//the open funds of the State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology/ ; 24KJB180002//Natural Science Foundation of The Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions of China/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis/physiology ; *Ubiquitination/physiology ; *Fabaceae/microbiology/metabolism/physiology ; *Rhizobium/physiology ; Nitrogen Fixation/physiology ; Signal Transduction ; Plant Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Plant Root Nodulation ; Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases/metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Root Nodules, Plant/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) by legumes is essential for sustainable agriculture, providing plant-available nitrogen while reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers. The establishment of legume-rhizobium symbiosis requires tightly regulated host signaling to coordinate rhizobia infection, nodule development, and nitrogen fixation, while preventing excessive colonization or immune activation. Accumulating evidence indicates that ubiquitination, mediated by E1, E2, E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinating enzymes, plays a central role in controlling multiple stages of this process. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on ubiquitination-mediated regulation of symbiotic nitrogen fixation, with a focus on early symbiotic signaling and nodule development. We highlight key E3 ligases that modulate Nod factor receptor homeostasis, receptor-associated kinases, transcription factors, and infection thread growth, and discuss how ubiquitination interfaces with nutrient and stress signaling pathways. Finally, we outline key knowledge gaps and discuss the potential of manipulating ubiquitination pathways to improve nodulation efficiency and nitrogen use efficiency in crops.},
}

*Symbiosis/physiology
*Ubiquitination/physiology
*Fabaceae/microbiology/metabolism/physiology
*Rhizobium/physiology
Nitrogen Fixation/physiology
Signal Transduction
Plant Proteins/metabolism/genetics
Plant Root Nodulation
Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases/metabolism
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
Root Nodules, Plant/microbiology

@article {pmid42054996,
year = {2026},
author = {Cornwallis, CK and Van Nuland, ME and Wegmann, A and Manley, BF and Elhance, J and Stewart, JD and Daws, C and Venturini, AM and Hynson, NA and Peay, KG and Kiers, ET and West, SA},
title = {Symbiotic fungi underlie the regeneration potential of island rainforests.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2026.03.087},
pmid = {42054996},
issn = {1879-0445},
abstract = {Symbioses can be vital on islands, where low species diversity leaves few alternative partners and the failure of associations can cascade into broader community collapse. Key to the functioning of many island ecosystems is the rainforest tree, Pisonia grandis (pisonia). Pisonia attracts nesting seabirds whose guano delivers intense nutrient pulses that fuel coral reef ecosystems. Symbiotic mycorrhizal fungi have been hypothesized to be crucial for capturing and distributing these nutrients to pisonia trees. However, little is known about the factors that influence the distribution of mycorrhizal fungi on islands. Here, we map the diversity and distribution of mycorrhizal fungi in relation to pisonia and other tree species across Palmyra Atoll, the most remote island on Earth that is a US territory in the Northern Line Islands. We found that pisonia is obligately associated with specific Tomentella fungi that are able to survive in the extreme nutrient environments created by seabird feces (guano). Tomentella was widespread in soils across different habitats, and its abundance was predicted by distance to pisonia. In addition, burrowing by crabs, the dominant group of land animals on Palmyra Atoll, was associated with increased fungal diversity, including new or globally rare fungal species. These findings support the hypothesized critical role of mycorrhizal fungi for key atoll tree species, indicating that fungal distributions may affect the success of restoration projects. More broadly, this work highlights the importance of specific interactions between species in isolated island ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid42056285,
year = {2026},
author = {de Souza, RF and Dutra E Silva, S and Teixeira, MF and Silva Neto, CME and Sousa, CM and de Moura, JB},
title = {Underground Baristas: ecology of mycorrhizal fungi in Cerrado coffee cultivation.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-49789-1},
pmid = {42056285},
issn = {2045-2322},
abstract = {The symbiosis between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and coffee plants can improve nutrient use and crop resilience in low-fertility tropical soils. In this study, the activity and diversity of AMF in the rhizosphere of 35 Coffea arabica genotypes grown under Brazilian Cerrado conditions were characterized. Spore density, root colonization, and community composition were assessed by morphological characterization of field-collected spores and by multivariate analyses (CCA, PCA, and hierarchical clustering). No significant differences in spore density or root colonization were detected among the genotypes, which suggests a predominantly generalist symbiotic pattern under the uniform edaphoclimatic and management conditions of the experiment. Even so, 13 AMF genera were recorded, indicating substantial community diversity, with Glomus, Claroideoglomus, and Racocetra occurring most frequently. Ordination and clustering analyses revealed only subtle differences in community composition and no clear genotype-based grouping. These findings support the ecological relevance of AMF in Cerrado coffee systems and indicate that mycorrhizal monitoring may assist in integrated soil management and the future design of locally adapted fungal consortia.},
}

@article {pmid42046096,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, T and Zhang, B and Liang, H and Huang, J and Sun, Y and Wei, Z and Manullang, C and Huang, H and Lin, S},
title = {Dual urea utilization enzyme systems in Symbiodiniaceae coral symbionts under warming.},
journal = {BMC biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12915-026-02610-x},
pmid = {42046096},
issn = {1741-7007},
support = {42206116//Natural Science Foundation of China grants/ ; 2024A1515011467//Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province/ ; LTMB202302//Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province open fund/ ; MELRS2325//MEL Visiting Fellowship of the State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science/ ; FJHY-YYKJ-2024-1-18-6//Fujian Province Marine Service and Fishery High-Quality Development Special Fund Project/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Urea has been shown to be important as a nitrogen (N) nutrient for coral holobionts, but the mechanism underpinning urea utilization by symbiotic algae is not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the molecular pathways underlying urea utilization in the Symbiodiniaceae family and the responses of these pathways to different N-nutrient conditions and heat stress through comprehensive genomic screening, multi-omics analysis and stable isotope pulse-chase experiments.

RESULTS: Genome screening revealed that two urea hydrolysis systems, urease (URE) and urea amidolyase (UAL), were present in Symbiodiniaceae, positioning this lineage as one of the few non-green algae that possess UAL. Furthermore, our data reveal an interesting evolutionary trajectory of UAL. While subunit DUR2 occurs in most symbiodiniacean genomes sequenced to date, only two species (Cladocopium goreaui and Cladopium c92) possess the complete UAL system (DUR1 with DUR2). In the phylogenetic tree of UAL sequences, Symbiodiniaceae clustered more closely with coral symbiotic bacteria than with other eukaryotes, but show clear distinct genetic features such as GC content and codon usage, suggesting evolutionary horizontal gene transfer from bacteria. Furthermore, ex-hospite C. goreaui exhibited better growth and achieved higher maximum specific growth rates when urea was provided as the sole nitrogen source, compared to ammonium. Notably, when experimenting on the Cladocopium-dominating Pocillopora damicornis holobiont using [15]N isotope tracer, we found that under heat stress (HS) conditions, the in-hospite Symbiodiniaceae significantly increased urea uptake but decreased NO3[-] and NH4[+] uptake. Omics analyses suggest that responses to different nitrogen, light, and temperature conditions were more likely mediated by UAL.

CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals two distinct urea utilization systems in the coral ecosystem and their differential responses to warming, highlighting the importance of urea as N-nutrient when facing global warming.},
}

@article {pmid42047250,
year = {2026},
author = {Miller, BW and Lim, AL and Bailey, J and Cleofas, MJB and Lacerna, N and Altamia, MA and Seale, JT and Robes, JMD and Naka, H and Manoil, C and Haygood, MG and Schmidt, EW and Concepcion, GP},
title = {Butuanimides, Fatty Acid Synthesis-Inhibiting Antibiotics from Symbiotic Bacteria.},
journal = {ACS chemical biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acschembio.6c00130},
pmid = {42047250},
issn = {1554-8937},
abstract = {With the ongoing antibiotic drug resistance crisis, new molecules with new mechanisms of action are essential. Here, we characterized quorum sensing-regulated butuanimides from symbiotic γ-proteobacteria, Teredinibacter sp. 2052S, which kill Gram-positive bacterial and human cells with micromolar and submicromolar potencies, respectively. Butuanimides share a peptide-imide moiety with andrimid-class antibiotics that target bacterial acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), the rate-limiting step in fatty acid biosynthesis. Similarly, site-directed mutagenesis in Acinetobacter baylyi identified the ACC carboxyl transferase (CT) subunit as responsible for butuanimide antibacterial activity. The andrimid-like peptide-imide moiety is attached to a longer, halogenated polyene chain that initiates with an unusual starter unit likely derived from phenylalanine. The resulting epoxyquinone is unstable in solution over a period of hours to days, enabling redox control of antibiotic action. Comparison of the hybrid polyketide synthase-nonribosomal peptide synthetase (PKS-NRPS) biosynthetic gene clusters of butuanimides and andrimid suggests the repurposing of a key phenylalanine-derived motif. The butuanimide structures link the thailandamide- and andrimid-class ACC inhibitors, which should aid ongoing efforts in the development of ACC inhibitors to treat multidrug-resistant infections.},
}

@article {pmid42047849,
year = {2026},
author = {Pires, TG and de Oliveira Filho, LCI and de Liz Ronsani, A and Klauberg-Filho, O},
title = {Ecotoxicological effect of imidacloprid on spore germination of phylogenetically distinct arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi species.},
journal = {Mycorrhiza},
volume = {36},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {42047849},
issn = {1432-1890},
}

@article {pmid42048341,
year = {2026},
author = {Xuefeng, X and Xiu, T and Gang, H and Lu, X and Rui, H and Yue, Z},
title = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improve drought toleration in Cinnamomum migao H.W.Li seedlings by increasing plant growth, nutrient uptake and biomass accumulation.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {21},
number = {4},
pages = {e0347670},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0347670},
pmid = {42048341},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology ; *Seedlings/growth & development/microbiology/metabolism ; *Droughts ; Biomass ; *Cinnamomum/microbiology/growth & development/metabolism ; Plant Roots/microbiology/growth & development ; Symbiosis ; China ; Nutrients/metabolism ; Soil/chemistry ; Stress, Physiological ; Soil Microbiology ; Fungi ; },
abstract = {Drought stress is a primary factor reducing field crop productivity, and its impact is predicted to intensify and occur more often because of human-influenced environmental and climate changes. Which exerts a critical influence on plant growth and distribution, especially in semi-arid Karst regions including southwest China. Cinnamomum migao H.W.Li (C. migao), a tree in the Cinnamomum genus of Lauraceae family, is a medicinally important tree species endemic to southwest China. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) symbiosis mitigates drought stress in plants, yet the inoculation method affects the establishment and function of this symbiosis remains unclear. Therefore, we conducted an experiment examining the influence of different AMF (Funneliformis mosseae (F. mosseae) and Claroideoglomus etunicatum (C. etunicatum) their combination (Mixed)) on C. migao seedlings. AMF colonization rates, root vigor, seedling growth and biomass, soil physicochemical properties, and enzyme activities were measured. The results showed that all three AMF treatments significantly enhanced the growth, plant biomass, and soil enzyme activity of C. migao seedlings. Among them, C. etunicatum demonstrated the most effective overall promotion. Therefore, the application of AMF, particularly C. etunicatum, can enhance the drought resistance of C. migao, which supports its large-scale cultivation and offers insights for ecological restoration in semi-arid regions.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology
*Seedlings/growth & development/microbiology/metabolism
*Droughts
Biomass
*Cinnamomum/microbiology/growth & development/metabolism
Plant Roots/microbiology/growth & development
Symbiosis
China
Nutrients/metabolism
Soil/chemistry
Stress, Physiological
Soil Microbiology
Fungi

@article {pmid42048464,
year = {2026},
author = {Ishigami, K and Jang, S and Yoshioka, A and Morimura, H and Yokota, A and Moulin, L and Lirette, AO and Takeshita, K and Nakane, D and Mergaert, P and Kikuchi, Y},
title = {A Trojan horse pathogen breaking through partner-choice barriers in the insect gut.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {123},
number = {18},
pages = {e2533244123},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2533244123},
pmid = {42048464},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {22KJ0057//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; 22H05066//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; 22H05068//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; 22H05068//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; 18KK0211//JSPS-CNRS Bilateral Open Partnership Joint Research Project/ ; 18KK0211//JSPS-CNRS Bilateral Open Partnership Joint Research Project/ ; RS-2024-00336247//National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF)/ ; ANR-19-CE20-0007//Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR)/ ; ANR-19-CE20-0007//Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Burkholderia/pathogenicity/physiology ; *Gastrointestinal Tract/microbiology ; *Heteroptera/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Mutualistic symbioses are potentially vulnerable to exploitation, particularly in hosts that acquire symbionts from the environment, where harmful exploiters inhabit. The independent evolution and persistence of intricate partner-choice mechanisms in many symbioses testify the threat by specialized exploiters of mutualisms, although only few have been documented in nature. We report here a lethal "Trojan horse" pathogen, Burkholderia sp. SJ1, exploiting the stinkbug-Caballeronia gut symbiosis. This bacterium resembles symbionts by using wrapping motility to traverse the host's sorting organ, inducing symbiotic organ morphogenesis and colonizing it. Unlike mutualists, however, it resists host digestion for nutrient acquisition, breaches the gut epithelium, and causes sepsis, rapidly killing the host. Colonization of the symbiotic organ is essential for its lethality. This case shows how pathogens can exploit mutualisms, highlighting the evolutionary pressures shaping partner-choice mechanisms and the fragility of even highly specialized mutualisms.},
}

Animals
*Symbiosis
*Burkholderia/pathogenicity/physiology
*Gastrointestinal Tract/microbiology
*Heteroptera/microbiology

@article {pmid42048646,
year = {2026},
author = {Mooney, BC},
title = {Symbiosis saboteur: Ribonuclease PR10 executes nodule cell death.},
journal = {The Plant journal : for cell and molecular biology},
volume = {126},
number = {2},
pages = {e70906},
doi = {10.1111/tpj.70906},
pmid = {42048646},
issn = {1365-313X},
}

@article {pmid42036782,
year = {2026},
author = {Song, B and Zeb, J},
title = {The mosquito midgut harbors stable bacteria that enhance host hemolymph immunity.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.70720},
pmid = {42036782},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//City University of Hong Kong and the University of Hong Kong./ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Mosquito symbionts have the potential to control mosquito-borne diseases by reducing vector competence through direct or indirect interactions with pathogens. However, the microbiome of field-collected mosquitoes is often unstable, and it remains unclear whether certain symbiont species can both colonize their hosts stably and modulate host immunity. In this study, we collected second-instar Aedes albopictus and Culex pipiens larvae from field water sources in Hong Kong and reared them to fourth-instar larvae and adults under laboratory conditions. We investigated microbiome changes from water to mosquito midguts and identified stable bacterial species (≥ 0.01% relative abundance) across mosquito stages using 16S rRNA-based bacteriome analysis. We further isolated symbiotic bacteria on culture plates, screened stable species by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, and evaluated their functional potential.

RESULTS: Mosquito microbiomes were influenced by water source, developmental stage, and host species. Taxonomically, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes dominated mosquito midguts. Each mosquito species maintained four stable bacterial species (≥ 0.01% relative abundance) throughout development. We confirmed culturable Comamonas thiooxydans as a stable symbiont of Culex pipiens and Vibrionimonas magnilacihabitans in Aedes albopictus. Genomic predictions suggested their involvement in antimicrobial peptide synthesis. Functionally, these bacteria enhanced host survival and increased hemolymph antimicrobial activity against Erwinia carotovora subspecies carotovora 15 (ECC15), but not across mosquito species.

CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that mosquitoes harbor generally unstable bacterial communities with only a few species-specific stable symbionts, which may contribute to host survival and immune function. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid42036985,
year = {2026},
author = {Sun, Y and Kramer, N and Melarkey, MK and Altera, AK and Tresguerres, M and Wangpraseurt, D and Chen, S},
title = {A 3D-Bioprinted Artificial Coral Platform for Investigating Structural Effects on Microalgal Photophysiology.},
journal = {ACS biomaterials science & engineering},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acsbiomaterials.6c00243},
pmid = {42036985},
issn = {2373-9878},
abstract = {Coral skeletal morphology and optical properties play critical roles in regulating light distribution to symbiotic dinoflagellates and shaping their growth and photosynthetic performance. However, existing experimental approaches lack precise control over skeletal microgeometry and optical scattering, limiting comprehensive studies of coral photophysiology. Here, we present a 3D bioprinted artificial coral platform integrating engineered hydrogel-based tissue with tunable skeletal structures to investigate coral-algal light interactions. Diffusion-optimized hyaluronic acid glycidyl methacrylate (HAGM) hydrogels supported robust growth and photosynthesis of encapsulated dinoflagellates. Using natural coral skeletons from shallow and mesophotic environments, we demonstrate that algal growth within the HAGM tissue layer is regulated by the underlying skeletal morphology. We further fabricated artificial coral skeletons with fine-scale corallite geometries by incorporating cellulose nanocrystals to enhance light scattering. Evaluation under varying light intensities revealed photosynthetic performance trends consistent with those observed under natural conditions. This platform provides a controllable in vitro model for studying coral-algal photophysiology.},
}

@article {pmid42037241,
year = {2026},
author = {Thieme, MW and Nishiguchi, MK},
title = {Lighting the way: how the squid-Vibrio model can inform thermal impacts on symbiotic dynamics.},
journal = {The Journal of experimental biology},
volume = {229},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1242/jeb.251773},
pmid = {42037241},
issn = {1477-9145},
support = {DBI-2214028//National Science Foundation/ ; 80NSSC18K1053//NASA Astrobiology Institute/ ; //University of California, Merced/ ; //University of California, Merced/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; Animals ; *Decapodiformes/microbiology/physiology ; *Vibrio/physiology ; Temperature ; Biological Evolution ; },
abstract = {As global temperatures are shifting, so too is the landscape of organismal fitness and, by extension, the role of the symbiotic microbes they house. As these host-microbe partnerships grapple with changing environments, current research struggles to keep pace with the complexity of microbial symbioses acclimating, adapting and evolving as environmental conditions change around them. Wild-caught organisms have been used to test adaptation to extreme environments, but extrapolating and interpreting data on how separate partners within a symbiosis respond to detrimental conditions is difficult. The beneficial association between bobtail squids and bioluminescent Vibrio bacteria is a model that has been used for over three decades to uncover evolutionary and ecological mechanisms of symbiogenesis. The system is highly amenable to a broad range of physiological and molecular techniques and has been used to study many dimensions of symbiotic interactions. This beneficial association has demonstrated that host selection of environmentally available Vibrio symbionts can be influenced by various abiotic conditions, such as temperature. Complex biochemical communication has been charted extensively between host and symbiont, revealing universally conserved traits that are temperature sensitive. Additionally, temperature can influence co-evolution of the partners, and this system can be used to predict symbiotic cooperation over evolutionary time scales. While one model system cannot provide exhaustive insight, the bobtail squid-Vibrio mutualism has laid extensive, pioneering groundwork that can be used to develop targeted questions about symbioses under changing climates.},
}

*Symbiosis
Animals
*Decapodiformes/microbiology/physiology
*Vibrio/physiology
Temperature
Biological Evolution

@article {pmid42037529,
year = {2026},
author = {Underwood, TJ and Jorrin, B and Turnbull, LA and Poole, PS},
title = {Pea plants conditionally sanction less effectively fixing rhizobia at the level of whole nodules rather than single cells.},
journal = {Journal of experimental botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jxb/erag191},
pmid = {42037529},
issn = {1460-2431},
abstract = {Legumes sanction root nodules containing rhizobial strains with low nitrogen fixation rates (less effectively fixing). Pea (Pisum sativum) nodules contain both undifferentiated bacteria and terminally differentiated nitrogen-fixing bacteroids. It is critical to understand how sanctions act on both bacteria and bacteroids, and how they differ. In addition, less effective strains could potentially evade sanctioning by entering the same nodule as an effective strain i.e., piggybacking. P. sativum was co-inoculated with pairwise combinations of three strains of rhizobia with different effectiveness, to test whether ineffective strains can evade sanctions in this way. We assessed the effect of sanctions on nodule populations of bacteria and bacteroids using flow cytometry and the effects on nodule internal structure using confocal microscopy. We show that sanctioning lowered bacteroid populations and caused a reduction in the size of bacteria. Sanctions also precipitated an early change in nodule cell morphology. In nodules containing two strains that differed in their nitrogen-fixation ability, both were treated equally. Thus, peas sanction whole nodules based on their nitrogen output, but do not sanction at the cellular level. Our results demonstrate peas conditionally sanction at the whole nodule level, providing stability to the symbiosis by reducing the fitness of ineffective strains, but cannot target individual strains in a mixed nodule.},
}

@article {pmid42037654,
year = {2026},
author = {Peng, X and Liu, Q and Li, Q and Huang, X},
title = {Geographical Divergence and Environmental Drivers of the Symbiotic Bacterial Community Structure in a Koelreuteria-Feeding Aphid Species Complex.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {e73580},
pmid = {42037654},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Symbiotic bacteria play a crucial role in the life history of insects. Aphids and their diverse symbiotic bacteria serve as an excellent model for studying the bacterial-insect symbiotic relationship. Our recent study revealed that the aphid Periphyllus koelreuteriae, an important ornamental pest specifically feeding on Koelreuteria plants and widely distributed in the temperate and subtropical regions of China, is actually a species complex that includes three species (P. koelreuteriae, P. blackmani, and P. guangxuei). To characterize the composition and abundance of the symbiotic bacterial communities within this species complex, we employed Illumina NovaSeq high-throughput sequencing to assess symbiotic bacterial diversity and further investigated the associations between symbiont community profiles and aphid species, geographic populations, and host plants. The results show that two dominant symbiotic bacteria were detected, namely Buchnera and Serratia. The mean relative abundance of Buchnera exhibited the trend: P. guangxuei (88.41%) < P. blackmani (95.36%) < P. koelreuteriae (98.51%), which are distributed in subtropical highland, subtropical humid, and temperate regions, respectively, whereas Serratia showed the opposite pattern. Redundancy analysis (RDA) revealed that latitude (LAT) and the minimum temperature of the coldest month (BIO6) are critical environmental factors affecting the composition of symbiotic bacteria in the P. koelreuteriae species complex. The relative abundance of Buchnera significantly decreased with decreasing latitude and increasing minimum temperature of the coldest month, whereas the relative abundance of Serratia exhibited the opposite. These results indicate that the composition and abundance of symbiotic bacteria in this species complex are influenced by both aphid species and geographic-climatic conditions, with latitude (LAT) and the minimum temperature of the coldest month (BIO6) identified as key environmental factors shaping the community structure. This study elucidates the distribution patterns of symbiotic bacteria across closely allied aphid species and along environmental gradients, providing a theoretical foundation for understanding the ecological adaptation mechanisms of this aphid species complex and laying a scientific basis for developing targeted integrated management strategies in the future.},
}

@article {pmid42039907,
year = {2026},
author = {Ganimet, Ş and Yıkmış, S and Karrar, E and Aljobair, MO and Mohamed Ahmed, IA and Althawab, SA},
title = {Bioactive potential of green tea kombucha with propolis: in vitro bioavailability investigation.},
journal = {Frontiers in nutrition},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1811711},
pmid = {42039907},
issn = {2296-861X},
abstract = {Kombucha tea, which is frequently preferred among functional drinks, is prepared by fermenting sweetened tea with a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY). Kombucha has various therapeutic potentials thanks to its rich bioactive components and high antioxidant capacity. Propolis, which has health benefits like antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-tumor, can be added to improve the nutritional content of kombucha tea. The effectiveness of bioactive compounds in a beverage is linked to how well these compounds are absorbed by the body. Bioavailability refers to the portion of a dietary nutrient or bioactive compound that is usable for physiological processes and can be stored in the body. In this study, the in vitro bioavailability of green tea kombucha with propolis was investigated by adding propolis to improve kombucha tea's nutritional content. The study used the response surface methodology to obtain optimized green tea kombucha with propolis (GTK-P). Bioactive compound contents, bioavailability levels, and sensory analysis parameters of GTK-P samples and propolis-free kombucha (GTK) samples at 0, 7, 14, and 21 days were investigated comparatively. According to the results, bioactive compound content increased in both GTK and GTK-P samples as the storage period progressed. However, GTK-P had significantly higher bioactive compound concentrations and intestinal recovery rates (% recovery) relative to the GTK control (p < 0.05). In conclusion, GTK-P increases its therapeutic potential as a functional beverage with higher bioactive compound content and bioavailability. These findings reveal that kombucha with propolis could be a favorable functional food in terms of health-promoting effects.},
}

@article {pmid42040280,
year = {2026},
author = {Ledger, T and Renlund, A and Cantillo-González, Á and Poupin, MJ and González, B},
title = {Aluminum stress responses and beneficial bacterial traits in Medicago legumes.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1801139},
pmid = {42040280},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Legumes of the genus Medicago are agronomically important forage crops that also enhance soil fertility through biological nitrogen fixation. Beyond their agricultural value, Medicago species show promise for the ecological restoration of degraded soils, particularly through their symbiotic associations with soil microbial communities (rhizobacteria). However, in acidic soils-common in degraded environments-the presence of toxic metals such as aluminum (Al) poses a major constraint to plant establishment and microbial functioning. However, the specific impacts of Al stress on each symbiotic partner-and on the dynamics of their interaction-remain poorly understood. This review systematizes and describes recent advances in the effects of Al on Medicago legumes, which underlie increased tolerance to metal phytotoxicity, and aims to identify synergistic functions among plant and microbial partners. Al produces morphological and functional changes in Medicago species. Key strategies for metal tolerance involve detoxification mechanisms, such as organic acids production, that effectively mitigate the stress caused by metallic ions. Diverse plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) contribute significantly to each of these strategies, either by the direct production of metal-chelating compounds or by the induction of metal sequestration and/or transport functions in the host. These microorganisms, alone or in combination, display traits that can influence Al mobilization and removal for phytoremediation applications. Mechanisms underlying the effect of PGPR on Medicago gene expression during metal exposure have begun to be elucidated, as has the role of symbiotic interactions with arbuscular mycorrhizae. Additional studies employing transcriptomics, metabolomics, and genetic engineering are also necessary to fully understand their impact on common metal stress responses and tolerance mechanisms in the genus Medicago.},
}

@article {pmid42042025,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, C and Shen, Y and Qi, L and Sun, X},
title = {From "Omics" to Field: Deciphering the Stress Adaptation Networks and Breeding Potential of Medicago ruthenica L.},
journal = {Current issues in molecular biology},
volume = {48},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/cimb48040365},
pmid = {42042025},
issn = {1467-3045},
support = {2025-ZJ-717//the Natural Science Foundation of Qinghai Province/ ; 2023QHSKXRCTJ28//Qinghai Province Kunlun Talent "Young and Middle-aged Scientific and Technological Talent" Support Project/ ; 2023-SF-A5//Major Science and Technology Project of Qinghai Province/ ; 54M2025006//2025 Graduate Student Innovation Project of Qinghai Minzu University/ ; },
abstract = {Medicago ruthenica L., a superior forage crop within the genus Medicago (Fabaceae), is endowed with remarkable stress tolerance and an abundance of bioactive compounds, conferring significant ecological and forage value. Existing reviews primarily focus on a single research direction, and the most recent findings are dated, failing to cover breakthroughs at the molecular level. This paper systematically synthesizes the latest research progress in five key areas: genetic diversity and genomic studies, biotic stress responses, abiotic stress tolerance mechanisms (drought, salinity, and low temperature, etc.), utilization (including genetic breeding, ecological restoration, and forage development), and future research prospects. This review addresses critical gaps in existing literature, particularly regarding advances in genomic sequencing, biotic stresses, and research on stress-associated microorganisms. Research indicates that M. ruthenica exhibits extensive genetic diversity, and its genome contains numerous positive selection signals associated with stress resistance. It can tolerate multiple abiotic and biotic stresses through morphoplasticity, physiological metabolic regulation, and transcriptional regulation. Furthermore, its symbiosis with microorganisms such as rhizobia significantly enhances its stress tolerance. M. ruthenica demonstrates outstanding application potential in degraded grassland restoration and high-quality forage production. Future research should focus on mining stress-resistant genes, optimizing molecular breeding techniques, and integrating artificial intelligence into breeding practices. That will facilitate its transformation from a regional endemic resource to a commercially viable functional species, thereby providing robust support for ecological security and the sustainable development of grassland-based livestock husbandry in cold and arid regions.},
}

@article {pmid42042367,
year = {2026},
author = {Lai, Y and Fan, C and Zhang, Z and Yan, R and Zhu, D and Yang, H},
title = {Transposable Element-Driven Genomic Plasticity: Unveiling the Evolutionary Mechanisms of Lifestyle Transition and Ecological Adaptation in Endophytic Fungi.},
journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {12},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/jof12040273},
pmid = {42042367},
issn = {2309-608X},
abstract = {The genomic basis underlying the remarkable ecological flexibility of endophytic fungi (EF), particularly their potential to transition between symbiotic, saprophytic, and pathogenic lifestyles, remains poorly understood. Through comparative genomics of 75 Ascomycota and a validation set of 36 Fusarium genomes, we uncovered a distinct pattern of genome evolution in EF, contrasting with the well-known "gene loss" model in obligate symbionts. Our analysis reveals that EF genomes are significantly expanded, primarily driven by the accumulation of DNA transposable elements (TEs). Crucially, this TE-mediated genomic plasticity is coupled with the retention and significant expansion of gene families for both saprotrophy and potential pathogenesis. We propose a novel "dual-trophic potential" model: TE-driven genomic expansion and plasticity provide the genetic raw material for EF to maintain a versatile repertoire of ecological tools, facilitating adaptive shifts across the endophytic-saprophytic-pathogenic continuum. This study reframes our understanding of fungal endophytism from a static symbiotic state to a dynamic, genetically enabled ecological strategy.},
}

@article {pmid42042409,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, X and Ye, Z and Wu, S and Lv, Y and Ren, Y and Luo, Q and Yang, H},
title = {Insect Gut Microbiota-Research Strategies and Perspectives.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {17},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects17040367},
pmid = {42042409},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {2024YFA0917000//the National Key R&D Program of China/ ; },
abstract = {Insects are widely distributed across the globe and exhibit strong adaptability in diverse living environments, a capability closely linked to the diversity of their gut microbiota. The composition of insect gut bacteria varies with species, living environment, diet, and development stage. In recent years, the widespread application of culture-independent strategies based on molecular biology techniques has provided substantial information for studies on the interaction mechanisms between insects and their gut microbiota. However, culture-dependent strategies aimed at isolating pure cultures remain indispensable. Only by integrating multi-techniques such as bacterial isolation and pure culture, axenic insect technology, and molecular biology can in-depth research be conducted on key gut bacteria of insects. This review summarizes culture-dependent and -independent strategies used for the analysis of the diversity and functions of insect gut microbiota, focusing on the traditional methods and new strategies for microbial cultivation, multi-omics techniques, and axenic insect technology. Recent studies showed that the application of integrated techniques is powerful for illustrating the microbial function and evolution of gut microbiota, and the interactions between intestinal bacteria and their hosts. Studies have shown that the insect gut microbiota plays important roles in the promotion of host growth and development by regulating host metabolic pathways, contributing to host nutrition, and supporting the host in defending against pathogens or degrading toxic compounds. Future research directions and strategies are also proposed, providing insights into further exploration of the interaction mechanisms between symbiotic insect gut bacteria and their hosts, as well as future applications in various fields.},
}

@article {pmid42042479,
year = {2026},
author = {Kan, Y and Wang, R and Zhang, B and Liu, Y and Liu, R and Zhang, Z and Zhang, Z and Ayra-Pardo, C and Li, D},
title = {Contrasting Toxicity Classes Differentially Affect Gut Microbiota Composition in Honey Bees.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {17},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects17040437},
pmid = {42042479},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {251111113200 and 231111111000//Key Research Project of Henan Province/ ; 2024.10667.CEECIND//Portuguese FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, I.P., under the Scientific Employment Stimulus program/ ; },
abstract = {Honey bees rely on a specialized gut microbiota for nutrition, detoxification, and immune function, yet the effects of emerging insecticides on this symbiotic system remain poorly understood. We compared the acute toxicity and short-term gut microbiota responses of Apis mellifera ligustica workers exposed to two insecticides with contrasting toxicity classes: the highly toxic emamectin benzoate-lufenuron (EB-LFR) and the low-toxicity ecdysone agonist RH-5849. EB-LFR was associated with observed reductions in core gut symbionts (Gilliamella, Snodgrassella, Lactobacillus), a transient increase in Bifidobacterium, and the detection of opportunistic taxa such as Serratia marcescens and Enterobacter hormaechei. In contrast, RH-5849 was associated with broad reductions in beneficial bacteria without detectable pathogen emergence, suggesting a more moderate alteration of microbiota composition. Because microbiota analyses were based on single pooled samples per treatment, these results represent exploratory, qualitative insights into early microbial responses. Together with acute toxicity data, the findings suggest that insecticides with contrasting toxicity classes may differentially affect gut microbiota composition in honey bees and highlight the value of incorporating gut microbiota endpoints into pesticide risk-assessment frameworks to better anticipate sublethal effects on pollinator health.},
}

@article {pmid42042783,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, J and Huang, S and Lai, Y and Wang, P and Wang, F and Pan, D and Zhao, F and Gong, H},
title = {Effects of Aeromonas veronii and Its Vaccine on Immune-Related Gene, Liver Transcriptomics, and Gill Microbiota in Crucian Carp.},
journal = {Vaccines},
volume = {14},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/vaccines14040307},
pmid = {42042783},
issn = {2076-393X},
support = {2023YFD2400702-2//National Key Research and Development Program of China Stem Cell/ ; CARS-45//China Agriculture Research System of MOF and MARA/ ; 0202020023//Guangdong Province Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/ ; },
abstract = {Background: Aeromonas veronii is an important bacterial pathogen in crucian carp and can cause serious disease outbreaks and substantial economic losses in aquaculture. Objectives: To evaluate how A. veronii infection and its inactivated vaccine modulate immune responses in Carassius auratus. Methods: 270 juveniles were allocated into three groups: a saline-injected control group (Ctrl), a vaccination group receiving an inactivated A. veronii vaccine (Vac), and an artificial infection group (AIG) subjected to stimulation. Liver, spleen, head kidney, gill, and intestine samples were collected from fish after anesthesia. The relative transcript levels of IgM, IgD, BAFF, MHCII, CD4, BCL6, MyD88, and NF-κB were quantified. For liver transcriptome analysis, the effective library concentration was determined. And the 16S rRNA gene resulting reads of fish gill symbiotic microbiota were processed for downstream bioinformatic analysis. Results: The results showed that the Vac achieved an RPS of 73.33%, and vaccination significantly upregulated multiple immune-related genes in different fish organs. With BAFF transcription across organs emerging as a robust sentinel readout. The Pearson correlation coefficient (r) of BAFF between other genes were all ≥0.8. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicated that AIG had more DEGs than Vac (5885 vs. 4008) and Ctrl (6910 vs. 6178), respectively. Some genes in AIG revealed significant over-representation of immune pathways, such as BCL6, MyD88, and NF-κB. The fish gill microbiota comprised a diverse set of low-abundance taxa, the phylum level was dominated by Proteobacteria and Fusobacteriota across all groups; whereas, the Vac group remained broadly closer to the Ctrl group in overall composition. Conclusions: These results indicated marked post-challenge immune-metabolic coupling in the liver, and suggested coordinated immunophysiological interplay between the liver and the spleen. Gill microecology of symbiotic bacteria was affected by vaccination or challenge reactions, which in turn affects the health of the gills or the organism itself.},
}

@article {pmid42045908,
year = {2026},
author = {Sousa, B and Chiavassa, A and Delgado, L and Gomes, R and Mendes, C and Serpa, J},
title = {Metabolic reprogramming and molecular crosstalk at the cancer-endothelial interface in ovarian carcinoma.},
journal = {Molecular cancer},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12943-026-02673-y},
pmid = {42045908},
issn = {1476-4598},
support = {2025.00998.BDANA//Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia/ ; UIDB/04462/2020, UIDP/04462/2020 and LA/P/0087/2020//Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia/ ; },
}

@article {pmid41845220,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, W and Li, J and Zhao, X and Hu, X and Wang, G and Zhang, Q and Zheng, H and Bai, P and Miao, L and Wang, X},
title = {Comprehensive genome-wide identification of the NPF gene family and functional characterization of GmNPF6.8 regulating root development in soybean.},
journal = {BMC plant biology},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41845220},
issn = {1471-2229},
support = {2208085MC61//the Natural Science Foundation of Anhui Province/ ; U24A20394//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The nitrate transporter 1/peptide transporter family (NPF) plays a key role in nitrate uptake, transport, and nitrogen use efficiency in plants. Although NPF genes have been widely studied in many species, their genomic organization, evolutionary patterns, and functional roles in soybean remain unclear. Soybean is an important legume with high nitrogen demand and the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen through symbiosis.

RESULTS: In this study, 126 GmNPF genes were identified in the Wm82.a4.v1 genome. These genes were classified into 8 subfamilies and were unevenly distributed across 19 chromosomes. Family expansion was mainly driven by segmental duplication. Ka/Ks analysis indicated strong purifying selection. Promoter analysis revealed cis-regulatory elements associated with light response, phytohormone signaling, and abiotic stress. Expression profiling across tissues showed clear spatial and temporal patterns for 112 GmNPF genes. GmNPF6.8 was predominantly expressed in roots. Under low-nitrogen conditions, many GmNPF genes were differentially expressed. GmNPF5.13, GmNPF5.5, GmNPF7.13, GmNPF7.12, GmNPF7.14, and GmNPF2.11 were significantly upregulated, whereas GmNPF6.8 and GmNPF6.9 were significantly downregulated in soybean roots. Genetic diversity analysis of GmNPF6.8 in 4,068 soybean accessions identified 3 coding-region haplotypes. GmNPF6.8[Hap1] showed clear evidence of strong artificial selection. Subcellular localization assays confirmed that GmNPF6.8 is localized to the plasma membrane. Overexpression of GmNPF6.8 in Arabidopsis and soybean hairy roots significantly reduced root length and root density. It also altered the expression of key genes involved in root development. Further analysis showed that GmARF11 directly binds to the promoter of GmNPF6.8 and represses its transcription.

CONCLUSIONS: This study clarified the genomic and evolutionary features of the GmNPF family and identified GmNPF6.8 as a negative regulator of root development. These findings provide a potential target for improving nitrogen use efficiency in soybean breeding.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12870-026-08559-x.},
}

@article {pmid42033317,
year = {2026},
author = {Perez-Etayo, L and Salvador-Bescós, M and Aragón-Aranda, B and Alonso-Urmeneta, B and Moriyón, I and Conde-Álvarez, R},
title = {Isolation of luminescent symbiont bacteria from marine cephalopods: a practical activity for the study of bacterial quorum sensing.},
journal = {FEMS microbiology letters},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/femsle/fnag050},
pmid = {42033317},
issn = {1574-6968},
abstract = {This work describes a laboratory activity designed to illustrate the phenomenon of bacterial Quorum Sensing (QS), a communication mechanism in bacterial communities. The activity focuses on the bioluminescence production regulated by QS of bacteria that live in symbiosis with cephalopods. This activity targets undergraduate students in biology, biochemistry, or other sciences and aims to promote their interest in microbiology and to help students to understand the role and mechanism of QS in microorganisms by means of a visual example of symbiotic interactions between bacteria and animals. At the same time, students are expected to develop lab skills in bacterial isolation, pure culture obtention and interpretation of microbiological results. The work also provides references and resources to help students understand the subject and teachers assess student learning.},
}

@article {pmid42033327,
year = {2026},
author = {Williams, CE and Tacoaman, YFL and Fontaine, SS and Logan, ML},
title = {The lizard microbiome: patterns, drivers, and functional implications.},
journal = {FEMS microbiology letters},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/femsle/fnag049},
pmid = {42033327},
issn = {1574-6968},
abstract = {The lizard microbiome is a dynamic community that plays a crucial role in the health and survival of these animals. As global change poses significant threats to lizard populations around the world, understanding the interactions between lizards and their microbial communities is increasingly important. Here, we synthesize a rapidly growing body of research on the composition, diversity, transmission, and functional roles of lizard microbiomes. We discuss the implications of microbiome variation for lizard physiology, as well as the potential for microbiomes to inform conservation strategies for threatened species. Finally, we highlight priorities for future research, which include the need to quantify microbiome diversity and function across additional taxa, as lizards remain underrepresented in the microbiome literature. We also stress the importance of experimental and field research that can reveal the adaptive significance of lizard microbiomes in the face of environmental change. Our synthesis highlights the contributions of lizard microbiome science to the fields of ecology, evolution, and conservation biology and demonstrates how the microbial communities that live in and on lizards enhance our understanding of their biodiversity and inform efforts to protect vulnerable populations.},
}

@article {pmid42033968,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, X and Xi, Y and Fang, K and Li, C and Li, Y and Wang, S and Bi, R and Chi, Z and Tian, J and Zeng, X},
title = {Influence of suspended particulate matter input on phytoplankton community structure in estuarine environments.},
journal = {Marine environmental research},
volume = {219},
number = {},
pages = {108069},
doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.108069},
pmid = {42033968},
issn = {1879-0291},
abstract = {Riverine suspended particulate matter (SPM) inputs play a crucial role in regulating phytoplankton sedimentation and stability in estuarine ecosystems, thereby mediating organic matter cycling. However, our understanding of how the physicochemical properties of SPM influence the short-term response mechanisms of phytoplankton remains insufficient. This study focuses on the sedimentation phase following SPM input and employs a controlled microcosm experimental system. Through short-term sedimentation experiments, it thoroughly investigates the effects of SPM particle size and surface charge on the sedimentation behavior and community composition of marine phytoplankton. The results show that SPM sedimentation substantially decreased phytoplankton biomass in seawater, with sedimentation rates increasing significantly as SPM particle size decreased. Surface charge also strongly enhanced phytoplankton sedimentation. In terms of community composition, SPM markedly altered phytoplankton structure by significantly reducing the relative abundance of Bacillariophyta and Dinophyta while increasing that of Heterokontophyta. Among the examined factors, SPM particle size emerged as a primary driver of these changes. Additionally, SPM inputs increased the relative abundance of microalgae-associated symbiotic bacteria, and combined with the changes in community composition and the results of co-occurrence network analysis, it is hypothesized that the enriched microalgae-associated bacteria may form potential ecological associations with phytoplankton under SPM disturbance conditions. Overall, this study provides new insights into the short-term responses of marine phytoplankton to riverine SPM input during the initial sedimentation phase, and offers preliminary mechanistic references for understanding particulate matter-driven plankton dynamics in estuarine systems.},
}

@article {pmid42034058,
year = {2026},
author = {Uchida, T and Yamashita, H and Shimada, G and Kawamitsu, M and Shoguchi, E and Shinzato, C},
title = {Genomic insights into photosymbiosis in giant clams and comparisons with coral strategies.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2026.03.075},
pmid = {42034058},
issn = {1879-0445},
abstract = {Giant clams are representative bivalves in coral reef ecosystems that host photosynthetic dinoflagellates extracellularly and rely on their photosynthates, functioning as "solar-powered animals." Unlike corals, which harbor intracellular dinoflagellates, the molecular mechanisms and evolutionary history underlying this symbiosis remain largely unknown. In the present study, we integrated chromosome-scale genome assembly, transcriptome profiling, and bleaching experiments involving giant clams, Tridacna crocea, to explore the genetic basis of extracellular symbiosis. Signals associated with sterol transport by Niemann-Pick type C2 (NPC2) proteins and carbon-concentrating mechanisms suggest that giant clams share some nutrient exchange strategies with corals. Strikingly, the nitrate transporter NRT2, a "plant-like" gene previously thought to be absent in animals, represents an unexpected evolutionary retention that enables nitrate-based nutrient supply, highlighting a fundamental difference from coral symbiosis. Our findings reveal both conserved and distinct molecular strategies of photosymbiosis in reef-dwelling marine invertebrates and provide insights into evolution and ecological resilience of coral reef ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid42034993,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, Y and Zhu, W and Zhong, Y and Li, Y and Wen, T and Chen, J and Wang, P},
title = {Medicago phosphate exporter PHO1.3 regulates arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis.},
journal = {BMC plant biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12870-026-08850-x},
pmid = {42034993},
issn = {1471-2229},
support = {32300251//National Natural Sciences Foundation of China/ ; 2024JJ4029//Department of Science and Technology of Hunan Province/ ; 2025T180746//China Postdoctoral Science Foundation/ ; },
}

@article {pmid42035497,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, Z and Yu, H and Gang, D and Lu, Q and Ji, H and Mu, J and Zheng, X and Qi, J and Hu, C and Qu, J},
title = {Alterations in the ecological amplitude of summer-dormant submerged macrophyte serve as sensitive indicators for the ecological risk of PFAS in water.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {511},
number = {},
pages = {142184},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142184},
pmid = {42035497},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {The gaps in aquatic biological monitoring during cold seasons compromise the accuracy of year-round water quality and contaminant risk assessments. To address this challenge, this study surveyed over 350 aquatic plant species worldwide and selected a summer-dormant submerged macrophyte (Potamogeton crispus) for research. Through a mesocosm experiment, the exposure responses of P. crispus to typical emerging contaminants (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, PFAS) were investigated, demonstrating that the ecological amplitude of P. crispus can be used as an indicator of PFAS risk during low-temperature seasons. Results revealed significant PFAS accumulation in plant tissues, particularly in leaves, with bioaccumulation factors for PFOA reaching 412.71 L/kg in leaves, which is 4-17 times higher than those of short-chain PFAS. Under PFAS exposure, P. crispus maintains physiological stability and reduces oxidative damage through adaptive phenotypic plasticity involving multi-level antioxidant defense and photosynthetic regulation. Metabolomic analysis identified significant perturbations in nucleotide metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and ascorbate metabolism pathways. The assembly and dispersion strategies of symbiotic microbial communities shift from stochastic-dominated to deterministic-dominated processes as PFAS concentrations increase. A partial least squares path model (PLS-PM) confirmed the effects of traits and ecological functions of P. crispus through both direct accumulation and indirect interference. This study proposes the feasibility of using P. crispus as a sensitive bio-indicator for PFAS risk assessment during low-temperature seasons and supports future ecological monitoring and restoration strategies.},
}

@article {pmid42035689,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, Y and Yang, X and Liu, X and Feng, J and Xie, S and Lv, J},
title = {Calcium-mediated cross-kingdom carbon-iron metabolism coordination boots microalgal activity in high-sludge microalgal-bacterial symbiosis system.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {405},
number = {},
pages = {129729},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.129729},
pmid = {42035689},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Robust microalgal activity is critical for the microalgal-bacterial symbiosis system (MBSS) to enable wastewater resource recovery, but microalgal performance can be affected by high concentrations of sludge. Ca[2+] may regulate microalgal performance. Nevertheless, the mechanism of Ca[2+]-mediated regulation, particularly under high concentrations of sludge, remains unclear. This study integrated physiological and genomic analyses to investigate microalgal responses to sludge (100-800 mg/L) and Ca[2+] supplementation (10-50 mM). Results showed that high-concentration sludge (400-800 mg/L) reduced microalgal growth, pigment synthesis, and photosynthetic efficiency by 65.6%-86.6%, 20.1%-39.2%, and 1.6%-7.0%, respectively, while Ca[2+] restored these parameters by up to 39.9%, 39.7%, and 8.5%. At the genetic level, Ca[2+] activated microalgal Ca[2+] signaling pathways (43.9%-226.4% increase in CaM, CDPK, and CBL). It upregulated antioxidant enzyme genes (76.1%-373.0% increase in SOD, CAT, and POD) to mitigate cell damage and photosynthetic genes (e.g. 95.0%-260.9% increase in psbA and rbcL) to restore chloroplast function. Concurrently, Ca[2+] promoted bacterial central carbon metabolism genes (e.g., 1.6%-26.2% increase in CS, IDH and OGDH) to increase CO2 release for microalgal carbon fixation and recruited siderophore-producing bacteria (e.g., 120.6%-154.3% increase in Sphingopyxis) to improve iron bioavailability for microalgal photosynthesis. Therefore, a positive feedback loop was formed through the supplementation of Ca[2+]. Microalgal photosynthesis supplied organic carbon/O2 for bacteria, while bacterial metabolism provided CO2 and iron for microalgae. Collectively, Ca[2+] optimized microalgal activity via cross-kingdom coordination of carbon-iron metabolism, offering a mechanistic basis for optimizing MBSS applications in wastewater treatment and biological resource recovery by using Ca[2+] as an effective regulator.},
}

@article {pmid42035947,
year = {2026},
author = {Painenao, CA and Taladriz, JG and Neculpán, MN and Vargas-Straube, MJ and Bojko, J and Ceballos, R and Fernandez, N and Navarro, PD},
title = {From blueprint to biocontrol: Integrating complete genome, metabolic profiling and in vivo evaluation of Xenorhabdus magdalenensis IMI397775 for insect pest control.},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108640},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2026.108640},
pmid = {42035947},
issn = {1096-0805},
abstract = {The symbiotic bacterium Xenorhabdus magdalenensis has a complex life cycle that alternates between a mutualistic relationship with the native entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema australe and a pathogenic stage with the insect host. Although several nematode-bacteria are well studied, the S. australe-X. Magdalenensis complex, originally isolated from southern Chile, remains poorly understood. In this study, we provide the first complete circular 4.086 Mb genome of the Xenorhabdus magdalenensis IMI397775 strain and genomically and chemically describe the bacteria at their ecological stages: in the IJs' receptacle as symbionts and in the insect's hemolymph as pathogens. We conduct a genomic analysis of X. magdalenensis IMI397775 using genmarks and Prokka for functional annotation and comparative tools to assess the evolutionary history of the most related Xenorhabdus spp. Genomic data were integrated with biochemical metabolic profiling using the API 50 CG test to validate the genotype-phenotype relationship. Our results showed an architecture of IMI397775 strain characterized by 20 rearrangements relative to X. doucetiae, its closest relative, suggesting a rapid evolutionary diversification. The identification of 25 BCGs with low similarity to known databases, and over 60% of which may encode novel molecule positions, makes this strain an important reservoir for natural product discovery. Our in vivo evaluation of CFS confirms that the genomic potential of this strain may be a potent biological tool with high efficacy and a potential candidate for the development of new-generation biopesticides.},
}

@article {pmid42036711,
year = {2026},
author = {Gao, Y and Wang, H and Dai, X and Gao, D and Zeng, W and Lambers, H and Hu, M and Meng, S and Yang, F and Kou, L and Fu, X},
title = {Mycorrhizal type shifts the controls on tree root exudation from soil-driven to carbohydrate-driven mechanisms.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.71216},
pmid = {42036711},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {31971634//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32330071//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32471848//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; ZR2023QC300//Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province/ ; XBS2456//the Annual New Talent Research Project of Jinan University/ ; },
abstract = {Exudation is crucial for carbon and nutrient cycling in forests. However, the underlying mechanism controlling exudation in mature trees, especially its dependence on mycorrhizal type, remains unknown. Based on the control of carbon acquisition by roots, we propose an updated 'push-trade-off-pull' framework for exudation. We investigated three controlling categories, that is, nonstructural carbohydrates (NSCs) in branches and roots, root functional traits, and soil nutrients, as proxies for 'push', 'trade-off', and 'pull', respectively, over exudation for trees colonized by arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) or ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi in subtropical forests of China. The NSCs, root traits, and soil nutrients together controlled exudation of trees, particularly distinguishing AM from ECM species. Soil nutrients dominantly impacted the exudation of AM species (47%), that is, increased exudation linked with decreased soil nutrients, supporting the 'pull' effect. However, the NSCs mainly mediated that of ECM species (56%), that is, enhanced exudation associated with declined NSCs, which rejects the 'push' effect. For the 'trade-off', greater exudation was correlated with greater root branching for AM and with lower root tissue density for ECM species. Our findings highlight the mycorrhizal symbiosis-dependent mechanism of exuded carbon that provides a new perspective for understanding exudate-mediated belowground carbon cycling in forests.},
}

@article {pmid42033197,
year = {2026},
author = {Haldar, I and Arif, W and Devaraju, P and Sihag, KK and Srirama, S and Balakrishnan, V and Srinivasan, P and Ramasamy, A and Rahi, M},
title = {First report of Culex flavivirus and its association with Wolbachia in Culex quinquefasciatus from Puducherry, India.},
journal = {Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/trstmh/trag047},
pmid = {42033197},
issn = {1878-3503},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Symbiotic insect-specific viruses, such as Culex flavivirus (CxFV), are increasingly recognized for their ability to modulate arboviral replication in mosquitoes. However, the prevalence of CxFV in Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes from Puducherry, India-a region previously endemic for filariasis-and its interaction with the endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia pipientis, remain unexplored.

METHODS: Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes were collected from villages in and around Puducherry. A total of 150 pools were screened for CxFV by PCR targeting the NS-5 gene and the amplicons were sequenced. Further, 100 individual mosquitoes were tested for both CxFV and the relative density of Wolbachia.

RESULTS: The study identified a CxFV prevalence of 3.73% (95% CI 2.27-5.46) among the mosquito pools by Bayesian estimation approach. Phylogenetic analysis classified the circulating strain as genotype 2 of CxFV. The median relative density of Wolbachia was observed to be 0.170 (IQR 0.009-0.683) in CxFV-positive mosquitoes and 0.132 (IQR 0.021-0.570) in CxFV-negative mosquitoes, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS: Thus, with the first report on the circulation of CxFV-infected mosquitoes in Puducherry, the study highlights a probable lack of association between the relative density of Wolbachia and CxFV.

ACCESSION NUMBERS: The raw sequence reads have been deposited in GenBank (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nuccore/) with the following accession numbers: PQ586414, PQ586415, PQ586416, PQ586417, PQ586418, PQ586419, PQ586420, PQ586421, PQ586422, PQ586423.},
}

@article {pmid42027002,
year = {2026},
author = {Singh, A and Mir, NR and Sharma, R and Singh, AD and Sharma, M and Ohri, P and Bhardwaj, R and Kapoor, N},
title = {Unveiling the Power of Strigolactones in Abiotic Stress Management: A Comprehensive Review.},
journal = {Biotechnology and applied biochemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/bab.70175},
pmid = {42027002},
issn = {1470-8744},
support = {221610017140//University Grants Commission/ ; },
abstract = {In the face of continuous climate change, environmental stress has become a major threat to agricultural productivity. To address these challenges, one key strategy is the application of phytohormones like abscisic acid, ethylene, auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, salicylic acid, jasmonates, brassinosteroids, and strigolactones (SLs). These hormones are important for supporting overall plant growth under stress, as they activate the key signaling pathways that help plants adapt to adverse conditions and mitigate productivity losses. Among these crucial phytohormones, SLs have gained attention for their unique act in plant adaptation to stress. Strigolactones are a newly identified class of phytohormones synthesized from carotenoids and were first identified as ecological signals involved in triggering the germination of parasitic seeds and facilitating symbiotic interactions between plants and beneficial microbes. Further studies have revealed their involvement in diverse developmental processes, such as root growth, shoot branching, reproductive development, and leaf senescence. Hence, the present review focuses on the roles of SLs in plant development and stress responses, covering their discovery, biosynthesis, and signaling pathways. It emphasizes the significance of SLs in mitigating abiotic stresses, including heavy metal toxicity, thermal stress, nutrient deficiencies, and oxidative stress. Finally, it outlines the future research directions and the potential of SLs to enhance plant resilience and productivity in changing environments.},
}

@article {pmid42027295,
year = {2026},
author = {Sangodkar, N and Gonsalves, MJ and Nazareth, DR},
title = {Methanotrophy dominated symbiosis in novel species Gigantidas niobengalensis from the cold seeps of Krishna-Godavari basin.},
journal = {FEMS microbes},
volume = {7},
number = {},
pages = {xtag014},
pmid = {42027295},
issn = {2633-6685},
abstract = {Bathymodiolus mussels, which are prominent invertebrates at cold seeps and hydrothermal vents, are known for hosting symbiotic microbes within their gills. In this study, the microbial communities associated with the gills of novel bathymodioline mussel Gigantidas niobengalensis from an active cold seep site of Krishna-Godavari (K-G) basin was investigated by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. The average abundance of culturable methanotrophs in the gill tissues was 3.4 ± 0.9 × 10[4] CFU g[-1] with average methane oxidation rates of 1.71 ± 0.04 to 1.89 ± 0.02 µM g[-1] d[-1] under aerobic and 1.86 ± 0.001 to 1.98 ± 0.005 µM g[-1] d[-1] under anaerobic conditions. Metagenomic analysis revealed dominance of methanotrophs within the microbial communities comprising of >55% bacterial and >28% archaeal methanotrophs; with phyla Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Verrucomicrobia, Actinobacteria, Euryarchaeota, and Crenarcheaota being prevalent. Functional classification highlighted methane metabolism (20%) and carbon fixation (22%) as major energy metabolism pathways. This study represents the first metagenomic characterization of gill-associated symbionts in the novel cold seep mussel G. niobengalensis from the Indian Ocean. The findings fill a knowledge gap on chemosynthetic symbioses in Indian cold seep ecosystems and provide insights into metabolic adaptation of G. niobengalensis in the cold seep ecosystem.},
}

@article {pmid42027459,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, F and Wang, Z and Hu, Y and Wu, X and Liu, L and Yang, H and Zhang, Y and Wang, Y and Hong, G},
title = {Mechanisms by stand density regulates soil multifunctionality via soil environment and microbial network topology in a Pinus sylvestris plantation.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1796389},
pmid = {42027459},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {In arid sandy plantations, stand density critically regulates belowground ecosystems, yet its effects on microbial network complexity, stability, and function are not fully understood. This study examined Pinus sylvestris var. mongholica plantations along a density gradient (Very high density (VHD): 2,450 trees ha[-1], High density (HD): 1,633 trees ha[-1], Moderate density (MD): 1,067 trees ha[-1], Low density (LD): 583 trees ha[-1]) at two soil depths (0-20, 20-40 cm) in the Otingdag Sandy Land, integrating soil physicochemical, enzymatic, and microbial network analyses. Key findings were: (1) Soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, key enzyme activities [urease (URE), acid phosphatase (PHO), and nitrate reductase (NR)], and ecosystem multifunctionality showed a unimodal response, peaking at medium densities. (2) Microbial responses diverged: bacterial α-diversity changed but composition remained stable, whereas fungal composition was highly density-sensitive. Mid- to low densities promoted more complex, modular, and stable microbial networks. Mantel tests identified pH, URE, and Ammonium nitrogen (NH4[+]-N, AN) as key drivers for bacterial phyla, and pH, Soil organic carbon (SOC), Total nitrogen (TN), PHO, and Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) for differentiating Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. (3) Random Forest regression identified microbial network stability as the top predictor of multifunctionality, surpassing diversity. Partial Least Squares Path Modeling (PLS-PM) analysis revealed that stand density enhances multifunctionality primarily by improving the soil environment, with microbial networks acting as environment-dependent regulators. This study demonstrates that moderate stand densities optimize microbial network resilience and ecosystem multifunctionality in sandy plantations, providing a novel perspective from microbial network stability.},
}

@article {pmid42028466,
year = {2026},
author = {Wei, C and Sun, S and Wang, Y and Liu, L and Pearson, S and Wang, Y and Dorjee, T and Mace, E and Jordan, D and Yang, Y and Tao, Y},
title = {Complete telomere-to-telomere genomes of cowpea reveal insights into centromere evolution in Phaseoleae.},
journal = {Horticulture research},
volume = {13},
number = {4},
pages = {uhaf359},
pmid = {42028466},
issn = {2662-6810},
abstract = {Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is a versatile legume crop providing a critical source of grain, vegetable and forage globally. Cultivated cowpea is classified into two main subspecies, subsp. sesquipedalis for fresh-pod vegetable and subsp. unguiculata for grain production. Here, we present two complete telomere-to-telomere (T2T) assemblies for the grain-type inbred lines HJD and vegetable-type FC6 through integrating PacBio HiFi reads, Oxford Nanopore ultralong reads, and Hi-C data. The T2T genomes demonstrated improved contiguity, completeness, and accuracy compared to existing genomes, revealing clear telomeric and centromeric features. Comparative analysis of the T2T genomes highlighted inversions underlying subspecies divergence in cowpea. Evolutionary analysis uncovered contraction of gene families related to symbiosis in HJD, consist with its reduced root nodules compared to FC6. Distribution and composition of tandem repeat arrays and transposable elements in centromeric regions were largely conserved in cowpea, but displayed pronounced variation among Phaseoleae. Furthermore, frequent shifts of centromeric locations coincided with inversions found in Phaseoleae. Overall, this study provides a set of fundamental resources for cowpea improvement and enhances our understanding of cowpea subspecies divergence and genome evolution in Phaseoleae.},
}

@article {pmid42029765,
year = {2026},
author = {Boyno, G and Tatar, NA and Usta, M and Teniz, N and Demir, S},
title = {Integration of whey and mycorrhizal symbiosis: a sustainable biocontrol strategy against Zucchini yellow mosaic virus in squash.},
journal = {Mycorrhiza},
volume = {36},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {42029765},
issn = {1432-1890},
}

@article {pmid42031051,
year = {2026},
author = {Wan, K and Xu, H and Cao, B and Wang, G and Chi, R and Xiao, C},
title = {Synergistic effects of phosphorus and fluorine on the structural and metabolic strategies of microbial communities in phosphogypsum stockpiles.},
journal = {Environmental research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {124578},
doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2026.124578},
pmid = {42031051},
issn = {1096-0953},
abstract = {The continuous leaching of phosphorus (P) and fluorine (F) from phosphogypsum (PG) stockpiles poses an increasing threat to surrounding soil environments. Microorganisms play a crucial role in soil nutrient cycling; however, the effects of P and F on their community structure and function remain unclear. Therefore, this study analyzed the form and content of P and F at five elevation-gradient sampling locations within a PG stockpile and investigated their effects on microbial community structure and metabolic function. Results showed that P and F in the PG stockpile, influenced by pH as well as Fe, Al, and Ca levels, existed primarily as Fe/Al-P (4.36 ± 0.94 - 12.27 ± 0.79%), Ca-P (11.93 ± 0.87% - 47.51 ± 9.21%), Res-P (38.94 ± 11.06 - 81.67 ± 1.38%), and Res-F (77.63 ± 1.66 - 90.15 ± 0.26%). In the central locations of the PG stockpile (L1 - L3), the dominant microbes were the tolerant bacteria Sphingomonas and Occallatibacter and the plant-symbiotic fungi Rhizophagus and Glomus. They accounted for 10.47 ± 2.87 - 11.43 ± 6.20% and 5.16 ± 3.34 - 5.63 ± 1.46% of the bacterial communities, and 30.31 ± 6.61 - 62.78 ± 3.87% and 5.37 ± 3.60 - 11.59±0.74% of the fungal communities, respectively, showing positive correlations with P and F levels. Piecewise structural equation modeling indicated that pH indirectly regulates microbial metabolism by influencing P, F, nutrient, and metal ion levels. Consequently, both pH and the multifunctionality index of microbial C, N, P metabolism increased with distance from the stockpile. This study provides a foundation for the management and ecologically remediating PG stockpiles.},
}

@article {pmid42031854,
year = {2026},
author = {Yuan, Y and Wu, L and Zhang, J and Chen, C and Zhou, Q and Chen, Y},
title = {Mechanisms underlying rhizosheath dynamics in Kengyilia hirsuta in response to alternating drought and rewatering.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-49036-7},
pmid = {42031854},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {31802123//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Under increasing frequency of extreme climate events, plant adaptation to alternating drought-rewatering stress is critical. Kengyilia hirsuta, a pioneer forage grass in alpine desert ecosystems, relies on rhizosheath formation for drought resistance. This study conducted indoor pot experiments with six water treatments: three drought-rewatering cycles (W1-W3, re‑watered to 10%, 25%, and 40% of field capacity, FC) and three sustained drought levels (W4-W6, maintained at 10%, 25%, and 40% FC). Root architecture, biomass allocation, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonization, and rhizosheath formation were examined over three successive 7‑day periods (T1-T3). Results revealed dynamic responses of rhizosheath accumulation to water regimes: maintained 25% FC (W5) significantly promoted rhizosheath biomass, maintained 40% FC (W6) enhanced early‑stage development, and re‑watering to 10% FC (W1) boosted later‑stage formation. AMF colonization increased progressively, with total colonization rising from 41.51% at T1 (day 7) to 61.40% at T3 (day 21). The W5 treatment consistently exhibited the highest vesicle, arbuscule, and hyphal colonization, along with increased soil spore density and hyphal density by T3. Root morphological traits-including tip number, volume, hair length, and hair density-also peaked under W5. Structural equation modelling identified AMF colonization (total effect: -0.90) and root hair traits (total effect: +0.80) as pivotal regulators of rhizosheath formation. This negative total effect of AMF colonization does not indicate overall inhibition, but rather reflects the feedback regulation intensity mediated by microbial competition and the carbon allocation trade-off within the plant-fungal symbiosis under resource-limited conditions. These factors interact through biomass allocation, root architecture, and soil microenvironment, forming a multidimensional adaptive network. These findings elucidate the ecophysiological mechanisms of plant-AMF collaboration in rhizosheath formation under water fluctuation, supporting the selection of stress‑tolerant grasses for restoring desertified grasslands.},
}

@article {pmid42020953,
year = {2026},
author = {Flatau, R and Bickley, CD and Altamia, MA and Gasser, MT and Distel, DL},
title = {Metabolic potential structures gill symbiont communities in two common shipworm species.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ismejo/wrag089},
pmid = {42020953},
issn = {1751-7370},
abstract = {Shipworms (Bivalvia: Teredinidae) are the most prolific wood consumers in marine environments. These wormlike marine bivalves digest wood using carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) produced by intracellular bacterial endosymbionts housed within their gills. Although several shipworm species are known to host multiple co-occurring symbiont species, the factors that influence symbiont community assembly, including the phylogenetic identity and metabolic capabilities of the symbionts, remain poorly understood. We sequenced gill symbiont metagenomes from multiple specimens of two shipworm species, Teredo bartschi (22 specimens) and Lyrodus pedicellatus (14 specimens), which have sympatric distribution in the wild, and which were reared together in laboratory co-culture. From these metagenomes, we assembled 90 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) representing seven distinct symbiont species. The metagenome of each host specimen contained between 1 and 5 symbiont species, with each including at least one nitrogen-fixing symbiont. Six of the seven identified symbiont species were found in both host species, demonstrating a lack of host species specificity in these symbioses. We identified patterns of symbiont occurrence and co-occurrence in these two hosts and used these patterns to constrain the core set of CAZyme and nitrogen-fixation gene classes necessary to support host survival. Our results indicate that, in these two host species, symbiont community composition reflects the symbionts' capabilities for carbohydrate degradation and nitrogen fixation, rather than strict species-specific mechanisms of host and symbiont sorting.},
}

@article {pmid42022125,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, S and Xie, L and Yan, Z and Ma, J and Zhao, R},
title = {Hybrid expert system for robust detection of rare sequence signals: a computational proof-of-concept in host-dominated backgrounds.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1821073},
pmid = {42022125},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Deciphering microbial symbiosis in robust environmental and host-associated systems increasingly depends on the reliable recovery of weak biological signals from sequencing data dominated by non-target background. In practice, low-abundance symbiont-derived signatures are often obscured by background DNA, recurrent technical artifacts, and context-dependent false-positive calls, limiting the accuracy of downstream ecological and functional inference. Here, we present SymbioFilter, a hybrid expert system designed to improve the specificity and stability of rare-signal detection in host-associated microbiome sequencing data with substantial background noise. (i.e., overwhelming host-derived DNA, recurrent alignment errors, and sequencing artifacts). Specifically, this framework is intended for specialized usage cases where standard host-depletion strategies fail, such as capturing minor microbe-induced host somatic mutations or rare microbial homologs, which reflect subtle and intimate interactions between microbes and the host. SymbioFilter integrates three coordinated layers: (i)ensemble-based candidate detection, (ii)machine-learned background/noise discrimination using an XGBoost classifier, and (iii) rule-guided suppression of artifact-prone genomic regions using curated repetitive and blacklist annotations. Rather than relying on a single decision rule, the framework combines probabilistic classification with expert-defined constraints to preserve weak true signals while reducing recurrent false positives. This design specifically targets analytical failure modes common to host-dominated and low-input datasets, where precision is frequently compromised by rare-event noise. As a stringent proof-of-concept benchmark, we evaluated SymbioFilter in synthetic gradient spike-in datasets. Crucially, to ensure rigorous computational evaluation with an absolute ground truth-a standard that is currently unattainable in complex, real-world microbiome samples at ultra-low abundances-we utilized plasma cfDNA-like low-frequency conditions as a highly controlled, demanding proxy. Across gradient abundance levels, the framework consistently reduced false-positive inflation, improved agreement with the known ground truth, and maintained stable classification performance. Compared with a baseline pipeline and a widely used variant-calling workflow, SymbioFilter achieved lower mean squared error, stronger true-positive/true-negative balance, and consistently high precision-recall behavior, particularly under the most challenging low-abundance settings. Although validated here in a proxy benchmark environment, the computational principles of SymbioFilter address a broader class of sequencing problems central to microbial symbiosis research: identifying rare, functionally relevant biological signals in complex, noise-prone backgrounds. By providing a transferable, modular, and open computational strategy for robust signal recovery, SymbioFilter offers a useful methodological foundation for future studies of host-microbe interactions, resilient community assembly, and symbiosis-associated ecosystem stability. The code is freely available for academic use at https://github.com/hello-json/SymbioFilter.},
}

@article {pmid42023664,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, HH and Chen, XW and Xing, MG and Zhao, YX and Zhang, MM and Cai, QY and Li, H},
title = {Nanoplastics interfere with plant-mycorrhizal communication and limit plant growth.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ismejo/wrag101},
pmid = {42023664},
issn = {1751-7370},
abstract = {More than 80% of land plants form symbiotic relationships with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi for nutrient uptake. As emerging soil pollutants, nanoplastics (NPs) accumulate in both crop and AM fungal tissue, posing non-negligible toxicity and health risks. However, whether and how NPs can impact plant-AM fungal partnership throughout the symbiotic process remains poorly understood. Here, using axenic root-fungal culture, fluorescence NP tracking, and real-time symbiotic signal monitoring, we show that during pre-colonization phase, NPs reduced spore germination rates (-48%) due to the NP accumulation on spore surface, hindering symbiotic signal perception. During the colonization phase, NPs entered fungal cells, disrupted organelles, and accelerated hyphal senescence, consequently reducing hyphal branching length (-22%) and secondary spore production (-32%). In real-world soil, inoculation of secondary spores (reproduced under NPs) formed fewer arbuscule structures (-46%) within maize roots with reduced carbon allocation to AM fungus, leading to lower hyphal length density (HLD) (-24%). During the post-colonization phase, lower HLD impaired the well-known function of phosphorus (P) mineralization by hyphae-enriched bacteria, reduced soil available P (-5.7%) and maize shoot P (-20%), eventually resulting in compromised plant performance. Our findings reveal an integrated yet largely underexplored mechanism of how NPs hinder plant performance by disrupting the dynamic relationship between plants and their symbiotic partners. In a broader context, understanding the alteration of plant-microbial interaction (rather than separately) under emerging stress can provide ecologically relevant implications for sustaining agricultural and terrestrial ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid42023686,
year = {2026},
author = {Virjamo, V and Repo, T and Lehto, T},
title = {Freezing tolerance and recovery of arbuscular-mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal Thuja occidentalis.},
journal = {Tree physiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/treephys/tpag048},
pmid = {42023686},
issn = {1758-4469},
abstract = {Mycorrhizal symbiosis increases nutrient uptake of the host plant, and it can also improve their stress tolerance. Roots are considered as the most frost sensitive plant parts. However, the freezing tolerance of mycorrhizas, and especially arbuscular mycorrhizas (AM) is poorly understood. Here, we studied the freezing tolerance and recovery of AM and non-mycorrhizal (NM) Thuja occidentalis (L.). After a simulated summer and autumn, whole-plant freezing tests were done using seven exposure temperatures from 5°C to -45°C. Then freezing damage of needles was assessed by relative electrolyte leakage (REL). The seedlings were kept for two weeks in long-day recovery conditions with day temperature either 10°C or 22°C, and then visual damage, shoot and root mass, nutrient concentrations and mycorrhizal colonization were analyzed. Before the frost exposure, AM plants had higher P concentrations and similar growth as NM plants. Needle freezing tolerance was -23°C (corresponding to lethal temperature for 50% of specimens) and was not affected by AM. Visual investigation after the recovery period showed a similar result. Lower foliar N concentration and root mass in seedlings exposed to -18°C in both AM and NM plants suggests that fine-root damage had taken place already before -18°C. Recovery in 22°C increased nutrient uptake and growth only in seedlings exposed to +5°C and -5°C, but specific root length increased also after -18°C. AM plant shoots grew less than NM ones during the recovery period. AM increased foliar N during recovery in all non-lethally exposed seedlings, and P concentrations in seedlings exposed to +5°C and -5°C. This was due to a concentration effect by the lower dry mass increment. These results suggest that the functioning of AM fungi can be limited by short growing seasons or in cold soil conditions, which may affect their distribution in cold regions.},
}

@article {pmid42024426,
year = {2026},
author = {Kabir, AH and Thapa, A and Pant, B and Khan, M and Saiful, SA and Talukder, SK},
title = {Trichoderma afroharzianum behaves differently in interaction with pea plants under varying iron availability.},
journal = {Journal of applied microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jambio/lxag107},
pmid = {42024426},
issn = {1365-2672},
abstract = {AIMS: Trichoderma afroharzianum T22 is widely recognized for enhancing plant stress resilience, yet its effects in pea plants may vary depending on iron (Fe) availability.

METHODS AND RESULTS: We assessed the impact of T22 on pea grown under differential Fe status through integrated physiological and omics analyses. We found that the benefits of T22 are highly context dependent, demonstrating improvements in photosynthesis and Fe/N accumulation under Fe deficiency but minimal effects under sufficiency. RNA-seq identified 262 DEGs under Fe deficiency and 555 DEGs under Fe sufficiency following T22 inoculation, with the latter primarily associated with basal metabolic functions, indicating potential colonization costs rather than adaptive responses. Particularly, T22 inoculation upregulated symbiosis-related genes (Nodule-specific GRPs, Major facilitator, sugar transporter-like), Fe transporters (NRAMPs, HMAs), and redox-associated genes (Glutathione S-transferase, Glutathione peroxidase) in the roots under Fe shortage, reflecting a coordinated response to enhance nutrient acquisition and stress tolerance. Microbiome profiling revealed that T22 reshaped the root community by enriching several bacterial taxa such as Comamonadaceae, Pseudomonadaceae and Mitsuaria under Fe deficiency. These enriched bacterial taxa may act as potential 'helpers' to T22 by providing complementary beneficial effects under Fe deficiency. In contrast, under Fe-sufficient conditions, microbial restructuring was largely limited to the enrichment of Rhizobiaceae and Pararhizobium. Fungal taxa showed minimal changes, except for the enrichment of Paecilomyces in response to T22 under Fe-deficient conditions.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that T22 acts in a context-dependent manner, with bacterial enrichment varying with Fe availability, while fungal taxa were largely unaffected.},
}

@article {pmid42026456,
year = {2026},
author = {Pandharikar, G and Mathe-Hubert, H and Gatti, JL and Simon, JC and Poirié, M and Frendo, P},
title = {Plant and aphid genotypes modulate legume rhizobium-induced defense against aphids.},
journal = {BMC plant biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12870-026-08737-x},
pmid = {42026456},
issn = {1471-2229},
support = {ANR-11-LABX-0028//LABEX SIGNALIFE/ ; },
}

@article {pmid42015150,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, J and Li, Y and Zhan, Z and Liu, X and Shi, M and Xu, K},
title = {Gene loss and vesicular transport remodeling underpin heterotrophic adaptations of scleractinian corals.},
journal = {BMC biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12915-026-02582-y},
pmid = {42015150},
issn = {1741-7007},
support = {41930533//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; KEXUE2019GZ04; KEXUE2020GZ02//the Senior User Project of R/V KEXUE of the Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Azooxanthellate scleractinian corals, which lack symbiotic dinoflagellates, occur from shallow waters to deep-sea environments. In deep-sea benthic ecosystems, they serve as foundation species and are considered highly vulnerable to environmental disturbances. However, their genomic diversities and the genetic basis of their fully heterotrophic lifestyles remain poorly understood.

RESULTS: In this study, the genome of a deep-sea solitary coral, Polymyces sp., was sequenced. Integrated with the published genomes of the deep-sea colonial coral Desmophyllum pertusum and two shallow-water azooxanthellate corals Dendrophyllia cribrosa and Catalaphyllia jardinei, the adaptive mechanisms of fully heterotrophic lifestyles were investigated. For genomic diversity comparisons, Illumina short-read data for deep-sea (Polymyces sp., D. pertusum, and Madrepora oculata) and zooxanthellate corals (Porites australiensis) were generated. The results indicated that reduced genomic diversity was found in azooxanthellate scleractinians compared with zooxanthellate relatives. Signatures of recent inbreeding were detected in Polymyces sp. and D. cribrosa, potentially contributing to their low recent effective population sizes and the endangered status of D. cribrosa. Lineage-specific gene losses affecting circadian rhythm, immunity, and autophagy were also detected in the above two species, suggesting overly streamlined energy-saving trade-offs that may impair functional flexibility. Interestingly, the cosmopolitan deep-sea D. pertusum retained complete light-sensing and circadian clock complements, whereas deep-sea Polymyces sp. with evidence of recent inbreeding showed substantial reductions, suggesting that photosensitivity and biological clocks may remain important for ecological success even in the deep-sea environment. Convergent adaptations were supported by concordant patterns of gene-family contraction and positive selection shared among the four azooxanthellate scleractinians. The contractions were concentrated in functions related to photosensitivity, lipid metabolism, and mitochondrial processes, consistent with life in dark and oligotrophic habitats, whereas significant signatures of positive selection were detected on vesicle transport-related genes, highlighting the key roles of vesicle-mediated endosomal pathways in a photosymbiosis-free lifestyle.

CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a genomic perspective on the evolution of heterotrophic strategies in scleractinian corals and highlights conservation concerns for nonsymbiotic corals under accelerating global stressors.},
}

@article {pmid42015498,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhou, Y and Yu, G and Lu, D},
title = {The ubiquitin code of receptor kinases in plants.},
journal = {Journal of integrative plant biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/jipb.70267},
pmid = {42015498},
issn = {1744-7909},
support = {2023M742277//China Postdoctoral Science Foundation/ ; 32400262//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Ubiquitination is a central mechanism that regulates receptor kinases (RKs) in plants, where the ubiquitin code controls RK stability, endocytosis, and kinase activity, ensuring precise signaling during development and immunity. As transmembrane signaling hubs, RKs are dynamically controlled by E3 ubiquitin ligases, whose activity is itself regulated by RK phosphorylation, forming intricate feedback loops. Ubiquitination directs RKs toward degradation via either the endocytic-vacuolar or 26S proteasome pathways, with emerging evidence suggesting functional interplay between these routes. Beyond proteolysis, ubiquitination can also directly suppress RK activity. Phosphorylation of E3 ligases by activated RKs or their co-receptors modulates ligase activity, substrate binding, and ubiquitin chain linkage, enabling dynamic signal regulation. This reciprocal control establishes a sophisticated network that maintains receptor homeostasis and signaling fidelity. Despite significant progress, key questions remain about degradation pathway integration, structural mechanisms of E3-substrate-E2 complexes, and crosstalk with other post-translational modifications. Elucidating these regulatory circuits will deepen our understanding of RK-mediated cellular signaling and provide strategies to enhance crop resilience and symbiotic efficiency.},
}

@article {pmid42016316,
year = {2026},
author = {Pröts, P and Ott, JA},
title = {From muscle to gland: The reorganization of the terminal bulb within the symbiotic Stilbonematinae (Nematoda, Desmodoroidea).},
journal = {Journal of nematology},
volume = {58},
number = {1},
pages = {1-17},
pmid = {42016316},
issn = {0022-300X},
abstract = {The Stilbonematinae live in symbiosis with ectosymbiotic bacteria covering their cuticle, which evidently constitute their food. In different Stilbonematinae genera, two pharynx types are found, depending on the arrangement of the bacterial coat. Species descriptions show that most Stilbonematinae species with a thick multilayer of symbionts have a two-part pharynx with a predominantly muscular posterior bulb. In contrast, in cases of a thin monolayer of bacteria, the nematodes predominantly show a three-part pharynx with a distinctly swollen muscular corpus at their anterior end. This indicates a shift of the main pumping structure from the terminal bulb to the anterior corpus. Consequently, the amount of contractile filaments in the terminal bulb should decrease. Using phalloidin staining in combination with confocal laser scanning microscopy, light microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, we measured and compared the filamentous actin (F-actin) volume in the posterior bulb in several Stilbonematinae species representing both pharynx types. Two-part pharynges had a larger relative F-actin volume in the terminal bulb than three-part pharynges. In the latter, prominent gland tissue occupied most of the space between the reduced muscles. This supports our hypothesis of two distinct feeding modes: ingestion of large amounts of food in species with a two-part pharynx ("gourmands") requiring a muscular terminal bulb vs discriminant grazing on a thin bacterial coat in species with a three-part pharynx ("gourmets").},
}

@article {pmid42016819,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, Y and Shi, J and Li, X and Wang, W and Zhong, Y},
title = {Coordination of PTI and ETI in legume-rhizobium mutualism.},
journal = {aBIOTECH},
volume = {7},
number = {2},
pages = {100042},
pmid = {42016819},
issn = {2662-1738},
abstract = {The plant immune system plays crucial roles in interactions with microbes- both pathogenic and beneficial. During the past few decades, great progress has been made in understanding the molecular mechanisms of plant immune responses, including during legume-rhizobium mutualism. Here, we summarize recent progress uncovering the roles of the two layers of plant immunity, pathogen-triggered immunity (PTI) and effector-triggered immunity (ETI), in the association between legumes and rhizobia. We propose that crosstalk occurs between PTI and ETI in legumes to regulate symbiotic interactions with rhizobia. This concept enhances our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the relationships between plant immunity and legume-rhizobium mutualism.},
}

@article {pmid42016948,
year = {2026},
author = {Dong, M and Li, X and Hu, X and Sun, S},
title = {Leaf Fungal Endophyte Differs Among Plant Functional Groups in an Alpine Meadow.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {16},
number = {3},
pages = {e73239},
pmid = {42016948},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Although numerous studies have documented the differences in leaf fungal endophyte (LFE) communities among various plant species inhabiting the same environments, the disparities in LFE among distinct species groups have rarely been examined at the community level. The composition and structure of the LFE community are known to be influenced by the abundance of host plants and the leaf functional traits at the species level. Given that various plant functional groups exhibit differences in relative abundance and leaf functional traits, we hypothesize that these distinct plant functional groups may support unique LFE communities, which are likely correlated with their specific functional demands. In this study, we investigated LFE community across 45 plant species, which were categorized into four functional groups: grasses, legumes, dicot forbs, and monocot forbs from an alpine meadow, utilizing high-throughput sequencing techniques. We assessed the differences in LFE among the plant functional groups and analyzed these differences in relation to plant abundance and leaf functional traits. The LFE community exhibited significant differences among plant functional groups. The dicot forbs demonstrated a higher richness of LFE compared to the other three functional groups. Ascomycota was found to be the dominant phylum across all plant functional groups. Additionally, marker operational taxonomic units (OTUs) associated with a symbiotic lifestyle were more prevalent in legumes than in the other three functional groups. Leaf mass per area is identified as the primary determinant of variation in LFE community across different plant functional groups, with water content and leaf nitrogen concentration serving as secondary factors. Furthermore, species abundance also plays a significant role in explaining the variation observed in LFE. Our research enhances the understanding of microbial-plant interactions and indicates a potential role of LFEs in shaping community structure and dynamics.},
}

@article {pmid42016957,
year = {2026},
author = {Neff, EE and Gould, AL},
title = {Geographic Structure Without Co-Divergence: Genomic Insights Into a Highly Specific Symbiosis Between Siphamia Cardinalfish and Their Bioluminescent Symbiont.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {16},
number = {3},
pages = {e73200},
pmid = {42016957},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Symbiotic relationships with microorganisms are fundamental to life on Earth, yet relatively little is known about how these interactions persist through time, how they co-diverge, and to which degree they are genetically constrained. In this study, three cardinalfish species in the genus Siphamia, S. tubifer, S. mossambica, and S. fuscolineata, from locations throughout the hosts' broad Indo-Pacific distribution were analyzed for patterns of genetic divergence along with their luminous bacterial symbionts. Using whole genome sequencing (WGS) of the fish light organs, we investigated whether the specificity of the association is maintained across host species and over a broad geographic range and whether there are patterns of symbiont divergence associated with either host or geography. The results indicated that the light organ symbionts of all three Siphamia species examined were Photobacterium mandapamensis, suggesting high specificity of the symbiosis is conserved. There was evidence of biogeographic structure in the symbiont between the three sampling regions, but no co-diversification between the hosts and their symbionts (p = 0.92). However, an analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) between two S. tubifer populations from Japan and the Philippines indicated moderate genetic differentiation in the host (F ST = 0.043) with phylogenetically distinct clades of symbionts. Overall, these findings indicate that the association between Siphamia hosts and P. mandapamensis is highly conserved, yet there is significant genetic diversity within the symbionts driven by geography and possibly host ecology.},
}

@article {pmid42016983,
year = {2026},
author = {Nandi, S and Stephens, TG and Chille, EE and Goyen, S and Bay, LK and Bhattacharya, D},
title = {Metaproteome Analysis of Short-Term Thermal Stress in Three Sympatric Coral Species Reveals Divergent Host Responses.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {16},
number = {3},
pages = {e73275},
pmid = {42016983},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Anthropogenic climate change has contributed to the accelerating loss of coral reefs worldwide. This crisis has led to a myriad of studies aimed at understanding the basis of coral resilience to support reef conservation. Here, we compare physiological, proteomic, and metabolomic responses to acute thermal stress to identify both diverged and conserved stress response strategies and molecular markers of bleaching susceptibility in three different coral species. We find species-specific responses with the thermally sensitive Acropora hyacinthus exhibiting a rapid decline in endosymbiont physiology (~19% decline in photosynthetic efficiency and a -1.88 fold change in abundance), coupled with one-third of proteins showing a reduction in abundance. In contrast, Porites lobata displayed a delayed physiological and proteomic (~5% initial; ~14% prolonged) response to stress, suggesting greater resilience. Stylophora pistillata initially showed shifts in the proteome (~11%) followed by colony "bail-out", that is, rapid tissue loss. Overall, we observed markedly different responses in most biochemical pathways in the three coral species. Nonetheless, some known biomarkers of stress, including heat-shock proteins, showed conserved, cross-species responses to thermal stress with differences in temporal abundance reflecting bleaching resistance. Metabolomic profiling revealed an increase in stress-associated dipeptides and free amino acids in all three species, although species-specific and temporally variable responses occurred. Our results underscore the species-specific nature of coral responses to thermal stress and highlight proteomic signatures associated with symbiosis breakdown, offering mechanistic insights into coral bleaching susceptibility and resilience. Overall, these findings enhance our ability to identify early-warning indicators of bleaching and underscore the challenges associated with the development of universal coral stress biomarkers.},
}

@article {pmid42019001,
year = {2026},
author = {Wu, J and Wang, W and Guan, Y and Dong, R and Duan, Y and Xiao, A and Li, H and Guo, B and Guo, X and Zhu, H and Cao, Y},
title = {Nodulin cleavage by the cysteine protease CYP35 promotes soybean root nodule senescence.},
journal = {The Plant cell},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/plcell/koag123},
pmid = {42019001},
issn = {1532-298X},
abstract = {In legumes, symbiotic root nodules undergo senescence in response to developmental or environmental cues. This process determines the maintenance and nitrogen-fixing capacity of the root nodules, but the molecular mechanisms underlying its initiation are poorly understood. The cysteine protease CYP35 is a positive regulator of nodule senescence in soybean (Glycine max), but its substrates remain unknown. Here, we demonstrate that CYP35 promotes nodule senescence by cleaving a subset of Nodule-Enriched Nodulin proteins (NENs). Sequence and phylogenetic analyses indicate that CYP35 is a cathepsin L-like cysteine protease, with Cys149 as a key catalytic residue. CYP35 physically interacts with a distinct subfamily of eight NENs, NEN1-8. Soybean quadruple and quintuple nen mutants obtained by multiplex gene editing develop nodules with accelerated senescence and reduced nitrogenase activity, whereas over-expression of NEN2 or NEN5 delays senescence and enhances nodule function. CYP35 proteolyzes NEN2, NEN5, NEN6, and NEN7 in vitro and cleaves NEN2 in vivo in a Cys149-dependent manner. Our findings establish a direct molecular link between cysteine protease-mediated Nodulin cleavage and the onset of nodule senescence in soybean, providing insights into the regulation of nodule lifespan and nitrogen fixation.},
}

@article {pmid42020388,
year = {2026},
author = {McGaley, J and Orvošová, M and Schneider, B and Chiu, CH and Roth, R and Bowden, S and Hope, MS and Davis, JL and Khalif, W and Wallington, EJ and Paszkowski, U},
title = {Symbiotic phosphate transporter dynamics in rice expose functional plasticity of the arbuscules.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41467-026-71496-8},
pmid = {42020388},
issn = {2041-1723},
abstract = {Mutualism in the symbiosis between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and plants is based upon the exchange of carbon for soil minerals, with phosphate being of central importance. The exchange of nutrients occurs when the fungus transiently colonises root cells, producing hyphal structures called arbuscules. The movement of phosphate from fungus to plant is well established, however its coordination and regulation at the ephemeral arbuscules remains elusive. Here, non-invasive imaging captures the complete growth and collapse of the arbuscules in unprecedented resolution, revealing heterogeneity in arbuscule development. Tracking the dynamics of rice PHosphate Transporter 1;11 (OsPHT1;11/ PT11) as a proxy for symbiotic phosphate transport shows consistent localisation across diverse arbuscules. However, we uncover phosphate-responsive variability in PT11 abundance, representing an essential, cellular-level layer of nutrient regulation. Such plasticity in arbuscule phosphate uptake capacity evidences uncoupling of arbuscule presence and arbuscule function, thereby demonstrating that arbuscules are not identical units of nutrient exchange.},
}

@article {pmid41959305,
year = {2026},
author = {Bagchi, B and Van Vlaenderen, L and Wheeler, T and Provencal, E and Conner, WR and McGuire, K and Cooper, BS and Shropshire, JD},
title = {Temperature-sensitive cytoplasmic incompatibility across divergent Wolbachia partly reflects cifB transcription, not endosymbiont density.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41959305},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {P20 GM103474/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R35 GM124701/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Maternally transmitted Wolbachia bacteria are common in insects, with many strains altering host reproduction through cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). CI kills embryos fertilized by Wolbachia-bearing males unless those embryos also carry Wolbachia, which favors females with Wolbachia and drives the endosymbiont to higher frequencies in host populations. Strong CI now underpins successful applications that rely on maintaining pathogen-blocking Wolbachia transinfections in vector populations to reduce arboviral disease transmission. Temperature modulates CI strength (the proportion of embryos killed), with consequences for Wolbachia prevalence in natural and transinfected populations. Yet the mechanisms regulating temperature-sensitive CI-strength variation are poorly understood. We quantified CI strength across eight divergent Drosophila-associated Wolbachia strains at four temperatures (18°C-26°C), while characterizing development time, Wolbachia and Wovirus densities, and transcription of the CI-inducing gene cifB. Four of eight Wolbachia strains exhibited temperature-sensitive CI, three of which induced CI at multiple temperatures. Of these three, two expressed significantly more cifB at the temperature yielding stronger CI, whereas testes Wolbachia density did not predict CI strength. Notably, cifB-transcript levels were consistently decoupled from Wolbachia and Wovirus densities, suggesting that cifB transcription is not regulated solely by symbiont abundance. We also report temperature-sensitive rescue of CI, Wolbachia-associated developmental acceleration, and strain-specific Wovirus-Wolbachia covariance. Our findings reveal temperature as a pervasive modulator of Wolbachia-host interactions at multiple levels and extend evidence that cifB transcription partly predicts variable CI strength across strain identities, male ages, and now temperatures. CI variation unaccounted for by cifB transcription points toward additional regulatory or post-transcriptional mechanisms that we discuss.},
}

@article {pmid42008187,
year = {2026},
author = {Bai, X and Kong, K and Liu, M and Wang, Y and Li, W and Zhou, J and Wu, H and Yin, C and Zhang, Y},
title = {Diversity, antibacterial and phytotoxic activities of culturable gut fungi from the insect Anax parthenope.},
journal = {Journal of applied microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jambio/lxag099},
pmid = {42008187},
issn = {1365-2672},
abstract = {AIMS: Insect gut fungi, as specialized symbiotic microorganisms, represent a valuable source for the discovery of novel bioactive metabolites. This study aims to explore the diversity and bioactivity of culturable gut fungal communities in Anax parthenope.

METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 53 fungal strains from the gut of A. parthenope were distributed across three classes in 22 genera. Antibacterial tests showed that 10 strains exhibited antibacterial activity against at least one pathogenic bacterium. Phytotoxic tests indicated that 16 strains showed significant phytotoxic activity against Echinochloa crusgalli with inhibition rates exceeding 80%, and 11 strains showed potent phytotoxic activity against Abutilon theophrasti with inhibition rate exceeding 70%. Furthermore, four metabolites were isolated from the Alternaria sp. QZB-4. Compound 2 exhibited moderate antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa) and Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), with inhibition zone diameter (IZD) of 17.0 and 11.7 mm respectively, which were comparable to those of the positive gentamicin sulfate. Compound 3 also showed moderate antibacterial activity against Xoo and Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola (Xoc) with the IZD of 12.2 and 12.3 mm, respectively, which were less effective than those of positive control. In addition, at a concentration of 100 μg·mL-1, compounds 1 and 3 exhibited strong phytotoxic activity against E. crusgalli and A. theophrasti, with inhibition rates of 90% and 93%, respectively, which were slightly lower than those of the positive 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid with the inhibition rate of 100%.},
}

@article {pmid42010874,
year = {2026},
author = {Johnston, BG and Garing, MR and Klein, AR and Chan, WY and Nitschke, MR and van Oppen, MJH},
title = {Heat-evolved coral photosymbionts exhibit dampened stress responses across distinct physiological contexts.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.71177},
pmid = {42010874},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {//Australian Research Council/ ; //Paul G. Allen Family Foundation/ ; //Australian Government's Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, which support RRAP/ ; AS233/IRM/20458//Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation/ ; },
abstract = {Experimental evolution under elevated temperatures has generated heat-evolved (HE) strains of Symbiodiniaceae that enhance coral bleaching tolerance. However, the biomolecular mechanisms underlying this resilience remain poorly understood. We conducted a laboratory heat-stress experiment and applied synchrotron-based Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy to examine physiological and biomolecular responses of HE (strain: SS8) and wild-type (strain: WT10) Cladocopium proliferum to thermal stress across three physiological contexts: in hospite, expelled, and cultured. In hospite, both strains exhibited heat-induced increases in free amino acids, phosphorylated compounds, and lipids, coupled with reduced protein content - hallmarks of cellular stress. SS8, however, showed a dampened response overall, in line with an improved thermotolerance based on holobiont phenotypes. Expelled and in hospite cells shared broadly similar biomolecular profiles, though expelled cells of both strains responded less strongly - indicating expulsion may relieve host-imposed stress. Cultured cells differed from in hospite and expelled cells but showed similar strain-specific trends. WT10 responded strongly to heat stress - displaying depleted amino acids, phosphorylated metabolites, and disrupted lipid balance - whereas SS8 mounted a relatively muted metabolic response. These findings support the potential of HE symbionts for reef restoration, highlight the importance of physiological context in assessing Symbiodiniaceae thermotolerance, and the utility of single-cell FTIR microspectroscopy.},
}

@article {pmid42011849,
year = {2026},
author = {Huang, J and Cao, S and Ma, W and Yang, Z and Han, Y and Yu, X and Xue, J and Lu, H and Ma, H and Wu, C},
title = {Biomimetic Symbiotic Engineering: Mycelial Bioceramics to Activate Energy Metabolism for Enhanced Osteogenesis.},
journal = {Advanced materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e16328},
doi = {10.1002/adma.202516328},
pmid = {42011849},
issn = {1521-4095},
support = {32225028//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32130062//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 52572309//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 121631ZYLH20240014//Joint Research Unit Plan of Chinese Academy of Sciences/ ; 23SW0200Y//Jiangsu Research Institute of Advanced Inorganic Materials Industrialization Fund Project of the Biomedical Materials Innovation Center/ ; 2023YFB3813000//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 2021249//Youth Innovation Promotion Association of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/ ; 24520750100//Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality/ ; },
abstract = {The repair of bone defects remains a considerable challenge, primarily due to the lack of biomimetic hierarchical structures and the insufficient supply of bioenergy in implants. Inspired by the symbiotic structural relationship between mycelium and plants, we developed a biomimetic engineering strategy to construct mycelial bioceramics. This strategy enabled directing the growth of mycelium within bioceramic scaffolds, resulting in the spontaneous generation of a hierarchical structure. Such a hierarchical structure was attributed to the spontaneously microscale porous network of mycelium and the channel structure of the three-dimensional (3D) printed bioceramic scaffold. In addition, the mycelial bioceramics could release a variety of bioactive components, including glucose, calcium ions, and other ions. Hierarchical structure and bioactive components synergistically promoted cellular energy metabolism and osteogenic differentiation by enhancing glycolysis and the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) process. Furthermore, the mycelial bioceramics effectively activated the YAP/Piezo pathway, driving key mitochondrial biogenesis processes. The siYAP experiment combined with mRNA sequencing demonstrated that the elevated energy metabolism subsequently regulated osteogenic differentiation via PI3K-AKT signaling. In vivo studies using a rabbit femoral defect model demonstrated that mycelial bioceramics could improve cellular energy metabolism and ultimately enhance osteogenesis. In conclusion, the mycelial symbiotic strategy presents a novel approach in designing functional bioceramics for accelerating bone regeneration. Moreover, it may shed light on harnessing microorganisms for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.},
}

@article {pmid42013452,
year = {2026},
author = {Wu, W and Zhang, CL and Yang, YL and Gao, L and Zeng, Y and Luo, Z and Dong, X and Zhang, X and Chen, X},
title = {A Bone Marrow-Targeted Nanomodulator as a Histone Lactylation Inhibitor for Reversing Immune Tolerance in Multiple Myeloma.},
journal = {ACS nano},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acsnano.5c21396},
pmid = {42013452},
issn = {1936-086X},
abstract = {The metabolic-epigenetic symbiosis between tumor cells and macrophages in the bone marrow microenvironment (BMM) plays a crucial role in immune evasion and therapeutic resistance in multiple myeloma. Here, we present a copper-based nanomodulator, NanoCURE (Cu-activated Reprogramming Eraser), that targets the glycolysis-lactate-lactylation axis to reprogram metabolism and epigenetics in the BMM. To construct NanoCURE, lactate oxidase (LOx) and bortezomib (BTZ) are coencapsulated within a tumor-activated Cu[2+] nanoassembly, facilitating bone marrow (BM)-specific delivery via an in vivo hijacking monocyte/macrophage pathway. Mechanistically, NanoCURE acts as a multifunctional modulator that disrupts the metabolic-epigenetic positive feedback loop by directly blocking histone lactylation through site-specific binding while simultaneously suppressing the upstream Akt/mTOR/c-Myc signaling axis. Moreover, NanoCURE can trigger the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to mitochondrial dysfunction that amplify epigenetic interference. Consequently, these synergistic effects effectively disrupt the metabolic and epigenetic support of MM and reverse immunosuppressive M2 macrophage polarization to enhance the therapeutic effect of proteasome inhibitors in an orthotopic xenograft mouse model. Furthermore, NanoCURE achieves precise bone marrow enrichment via monocyte hijacking while maintaining low systemic copper levels, thereby ensuring high biosafety, preserving hematopoietic integrity, and exhibiting no observable organ toxicity. In summary, this work introduces a carrier-as-drug platform that targets the glycolysis-lactate-lactylation axis to enable in situ metabolic-epigenetic-immune reprogramming, offering a promising strategy to overcome therapeutic resistance in multiple myeloma.},
}

@article {pmid42014089,
year = {2026},
author = {Cesar, CS and Miranda, VH and Silveira, ER and de Oliveira, TA and Cogni, R},
title = {Virus infection significantly decreases insect fitness: a meta-analysis.},
journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences},
volume = {293},
number = {2069},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1098/rspb.2025.3143},
pmid = {42014089},
issn = {1471-2954},
support = {//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; //Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Insecta/virology/physiology ; *Genetic Fitness ; Host-Pathogen Interactions ; },
abstract = {Organisms are constantly at risk of being infected by pathogens such as viruses, which can impose substantial fitness costs on hosts. In insects, viral infections are widespread, yet the magnitude of their effects on host fitness and the factors shaping this variation remain poorly quantified. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis to assess the degree to which viral infection affects the fitness (survival and fecundity) and fitness-related traits (development time and body size) of insect hosts, and which factors may influence the impact of viral infection on hosts, such as whether the insect host is a disease vector and whether the insect is new or the natural host of the virus. We gathered 953 effect sizes from 145 studies. Overall, viruses significantly reduce host fitness, especially their survival. The reduction in fitness was higher in non-vector than in vector insects, and no difference was observed between infections in new and natural hosts. These findings show that viruses exert severe harmful effects on hosts by decreasing their fitness. More broadly, our findings highlight the potential for viral infection in wild insect populations to influence the occurrence and persistence of symbiotic bacteria, such as Wolbachia.},
}

Animals
*Insecta/virology/physiology
*Genetic Fitness
Host-Pathogen Interactions

@article {pmid42014410,
year = {2026},
author = {Lei, Y and Wang, Y and Bao, H and Sun, Y and Yuan, J and Liu, H and Ye, Y and Xin, D and Zhu, H and Cao, Y},
title = {Phosphorylation of rhizobial effector NopZ by soybean NORK promotes association with NENA and enhances nodulation.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41467-026-72277-z},
pmid = {42014410},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {32090063//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; },
abstract = {Legume-rhizobial symbiosis, involving the intracellular accommodation of rhizobia within host cells for nitrogen fixation, represents a unique model among plant-microbe interactions. While this symbiosis requires sophisticated regulatory networks, direct host control over symbiont proteins remains largely elusive. Here, we demonstrate that soybean Nodulation Receptor Kinase (GmNORK) interacts with and directly phosphorylates the Sinorhizobium fredii HH103 effector NopZ. This host-mediated phosphorylation promotes NopZ nuclear/perinuclear enrichment and is associated with enhanced NopZ interaction with the nucleoporin GmNENA at the nuclear envelope/nuclear pore complex, establishing a key signaling step that links membrane-proximal symbiotic signaling to the nuclear pore. Expression of phosphomimetic NopZ variants enhances soybean nodulation, whereas GmNENA-silencing in soybean roots reduces nodule numbers. Our findings reveal a previously unknown model for plant-microbe interactions, where the direct phosphorylation of a bacterial effector by a host receptor kinase provides an essential regulatory mechanism to direct effector localization and promote the symbiotic program.},
}

@article {pmid42002664,
year = {2026},
author = {Luo, X and Geng, X and Zhou, J and Chen, J and Cheng, B and Li, X},
title = {A semi-hydroponic cultivation system designed for collecting root exudates from maize in symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi.},
journal = {Journal of plant research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42002664},
issn = {1618-0860},
support = {2023YFD1901002//National Key R&D Program of China/ ; },
abstract = {The collection of root exudates, particularly those from plants symbiotically associated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), is notably challenging. A semi-hydroponic cultivation system (SHCS) was designed to collect rhizosphere exudates from maize in symbiosis with AMF. This system utilizes perlite as a solid support to simulate soil barriers, combined with drip irrigation to facilitate symbiosis and the collection of maize root exudates. SHCS consists of a culture bottle, a solution bottle providing nutrients, a peristaltic pump for powering the system, silicone tubes connecting all components, a flat-jaw pinchcock for operation, and a device shelf for placing all items. Then it was used to collect root exudates from maize-wild type B73 and AMF-inoculated B73, followed by metabolomics analysis using LC-MS/MS. Through comparative analysis, we identified significant differences in metabolite levels between B73 and RiB73. Briefly, a total of 54 metabolites exhibited AMF-related characteristics, and these metabolites were enriched in 15 metabolic pathways. Key metabolites include lumichrome, riboflavin, indolelactic acid, abscisic acid, gibberellin a116, and l-histidinol phosphate. Among them, l-histidinol phosphate significantly decreased after AMF inoculation, while the other metabolites showed a notable increase in content.},
}

@article {pmid42003247,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, LX and Li, CC and Wang, X and Luo, YQ and Lv, N and Fu, NN and Tang, JY},
title = {The relationship between the wood-boring pest Anoplophora glabripennis and pathogen Fusarium solani in the native range.},
journal = {Insect science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1744-7917.70286},
pmid = {42003247},
issn = {1744-7917},
support = {Gaufx-04Y08//Gansu Agricultural University/ ; 32501666//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32160379//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Wood-feeding insects often rely on microbial symbionts to thrive on nutrient-poor xylem. Anoplophora glabripennis is a wood-boring pest that inhabits a wide range of healthy deciduous hosts. The fungus Fusarium solani is associated with A. glabripennis. This study investigated their relationship in the native range of A. glabripennis, and evaluated how F. solani is carried and transmitted, as well as the phylogenetic relationship of F. solani species complex (FSSC) populations from different countries. Fungal communities differed among eggs carried by adult, oviposition secretions, healthy phloem adjacent to the oviposition pit, and soft rot phloem consumed by newly hatched larvae; but were similar in eggs and secretions. F. solani was highly enriched in eggs (93.07%), oviposition secretions (86.39%), and soft rot phloem (63.44%), but was absent in healthy phloem. The F. solani isolation rate from oviposition pits was 100% across different hosts and locations, and it was found in larval guts and frass at all life stages. In addition, GFP-labeled F. solani was only detected in larval guts (10, 40, 60 days post-feeding), but not in the fat body or epidermal tissue. Newly hatched larvae had the highest FSSC-specific copy numbers in their guts than those at other life stages. FSSC isolated from the gut of A. glabripennis in China forms a separate clade, with a relatively distant genetic relationship to the United States larval isolates. These results support the symbiotic relationship between A. glabripennis and F. solani, and demonstrate that F. solani is transmitted via female adult oviposition and carried in the guts by larval feeding.},
}

@article {pmid42003643,
year = {2026},
author = {Galib, FA and Kafi, AA and Biswas, S and Hasnat, S and Gupta, DR and Hoque, MN and Rahman, MM and Rahman, MM and Islam, T},
title = {Genome sequence of Escherichia coli H1G2: a B1 lineage isolated from the gut of Hilsa shad (Tenualosa ilisha) of Bangladesh.},
journal = {Microbiology resource announcements},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0013826},
doi = {10.1128/mra.00138-26},
pmid = {42003643},
issn = {2576-098X},
abstract = {We characterized the 4.8 Mbp genome of Escherichia coli H1G2, a B1 lineage isolated from the gut of Bangladesh's national fish, Hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha). The complete assembly reveals specialized genes for sugar metabolism and adhesion, facilitating niche-specific colonization, thereby providing insights into the microbial ecology of this commercially significant species' gastrointestinal tract.},
}

@article {pmid42004141,
year = {2010},
author = {, },
title = {Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of a health claim related to fermented milk containing Lactobacillus casei DN-114 001 plus yoghurt symbiosis (Actimel®), and reduction of Clostridium difficile toxins in the gut of patients receiving antibiotics and reduced risk of acute diarrhoea in patients receiving antibiotics pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.},
journal = {EFSA journal. European Food Safety Authority},
volume = {8},
number = {12},
pages = {1903},
pmid = {42004141},
issn = {1831-4732},
abstract = {Following an application from Danone Produits Frais France submitted pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 via the Competent Authority of France, the Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies was asked to deliver an opinion on the scientific substantiation of a health claim related to a fermented milk drink Actimel® containing Lactobacillus casei (Lc) DN-114 001 and reduction of the presence of Clostridium difficile toxins in the gut which reduces the incidence of acute diarrhoea. The Panel considers that the food constituent, Actimel®, which is the subject of the health claim, is sufficiently characterised. The Panel considers that reducing the risk of Clostridium difficile diarrhoea by reducing the presence of C. difficile toxins is a beneficial physiological effect. In total the applicant indicated seven publications on human studies, three unpublished human studies, eight published and one unpublished non-human studies to be pertinent for the claimed effect. In weighing the evidence, the Panel took into account that human and animal studies showed partial survival of Lc DN-114 001 during its gastrointestinal passage, that one human intervention study with Actimel® which showed a statistically significant risk reduction for CDAD had considerable limitations, that there were only limited data on the effect of Actimel® on the reduction C. difficile toxins (the risk factor) in humans, that one study which showed an inhibitory effect of Lc DN-114 001 on the growth of C. difficile in vitro does not predict the occurrence of an effect against C. difficile in humans, that five further human studies do not support the proposed mechanisms by which Actimel® could exert the claimed effect, and that the evidence provided from a further two animal and three in vitro studies does not establish that effects of Actimel® or Lc DN-114 001 in these model systems related to immune function and infection can predict the occurrence of such effects in humans. The Panel concludes that the evidence provided is insufficient to establish a cause and effect relationship between the consumption of Actimel® and a reduction of the risk of C. difficile diarrhoea by reducing the presence of C. difficile toxins.},
}

@article {pmid42004950,
year = {2026},
author = {Suarez, LJ and Vargas-Sanchez, PK and Angelov, N and Mylonakis, E and Arce, RM},
title = {Host-pathogen interactions in periodontitis: an integrative interkingdom perspective.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1797726},
pmid = {42004950},
issn = {1664-3224},
abstract = {Periodontitis is an infectious, inflammatory, non-communicable disease characterized by tissue destruction driven by host responses to dysbiotic shifts in oral microbial communities. The subgingival microbiome constitutes a complex ecosystem in which bacteria, fungi, viruses, and archaea interact via interkingdom communication to modulate the inflammatory response through molecular mechanisms that remain largely unknown. This narrative review aims to understand how functional imbalances within the microbiome alter the microenvironment and promote uncontrolled inflammation responsible for periodontal tissue damage, with implications for systemic disease. The search strategy was conducted according to the PRISM-S extension, to include studies evaluating interkingdom host-pathogen interactions at the gingiva interphase leading to microbial and immune dysbiosis. The discovery of fungi acting as opportunistic pathogens highlights their role in enhancing biofilm virulence and exacerbating host responses, contributing to the total inflammatory burden. Similarly, viruses and archaea influence bacterial metabolism through mechanisms including lysis, nutrient recycling, horizontal gene transfer, and interspecies hydrogen transfer. This interkingdom crosstalk disrupts symbiosis, facilitating enhanced biofilm formation, increased production of virulence factors, and antibiotic resistance. A better understanding of the interkingdom perspective necessitates a comprehensive polymicrobial approach to diagnosis and treatment that extends beyond simply controlling bacteria to include the modulation of interkingdom communication systems. Developing new therapeutic alternatives that address these complex interactions is essential for improving outcomes achieved with mechanical therapy and managing the interrelationships between periodontitis and other systemic diseases.},
}

@article {pmid42007585,
year = {2026},
author = {De Santiago, A and Barnes, S and Pereira, TJ and Marcellino-Barros, M and Durden, L and Han, MK and Thrash, JC and Bik, HM},
title = {Pseudoalteromonas is a symbiont of marine invertebrates that exhibits broad patterns of phylosymbiosis.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ismejo/wrag091},
pmid = {42007585},
issn = {1751-7370},
abstract = {Despite growing insights into the composition of marine invertebrate microbiomes, our understanding of their ecological and evolutionary patterns remains poor, owing to limited sampling depth and low-resolution datasets. Previous studies have provided conflicting results that both confirm and deny the existence of phylosymbiosis between marine invertebrates and marine bacteria. Here, we investigated potential animal-microbe symbioses in Pseudoalteromonas, a bacterial genus consistently identified as a core microbiome taxon in diverse invertebrates. Using a pangenomic analysis of 236 free-living and invertebrate-associated bacterial strains (including two new nematode-associated isolates generated in this study), we confirm that Pseudoalteromonas is a symbiont with substantial evidence of phylosymbiosis across at least three marine invertebrate phyla (e.g., Nematoda, Mollusca, and Cnidaria). Patterns of symbiosis were consistent irrespective of geography (including in Antarctica), with FISH images from nematodes indicating that bacterial symbionts form biofilms in the mouth and esophagus and are sometimes present in female nematode ovaries exhibiting stunted development. The evolutionary history of Pseudoalteromonas is marked by substantial host-switching and lifestyle transitions, and host-associated genomes suggest that these bacteria are facultative symbionts involved in nutritional symbioses. In marine environments, we hypothesize that horizontally acquired symbionts may have co-evolved with invertebrates, using host mucus as a physical niche and food source, while providing their animal hosts with Vitamin B, amino acids, and bioavailable carbon compounds in return.},
}

@article {pmid42007760,
year = {2026},
author = {Brignoli, D and Colla, D and Frickel-Critto, E and Castells, CB and Pérez-Giménez, J and Lodeiro, AR},
title = {A synthetic microbial community for soybean biofertilization designed via chlorophyll-based iterative selection.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0254825},
doi = {10.1128/aem.02548-25},
pmid = {42007760},
issn = {1098-5336},
abstract = {Improving the effectiveness of microbial inoculants for soybean is essential to enhance biological nitrogen fixation and reduce fertilizer dependence; however, inoculated Bradyrhizobium strains frequently display inconsistent field performance. Inoculation is usually carried out with single-strain formulations, overlooking the possible influence of the native soil microbiota on nodulation success. This limitation may be addressed by formulating inoculants with consortia that include selected members of the soil microbiota. To this end, a synthetic microbial community (SynCom) was developed through a host-mediated microbiome engineering approach guided by leaf chlorophyll content as a rapid, non-destructive plant trait. The experiment was initiated by inoculating soybean plants with a consortium of 9 Bradyrhizobium spp. and 14 non-rhizobial soil isolates. Across eight consecutive selection rounds under gnotobiotic conditions, rhizosphere communities associated with superior plant performance were pooled and propagated. Recurrent selection induced significant shifts in community composition, consistently favoring Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens as the dominant nodulating member and enriching taxa from Pseudomonadales, Burkholderiales, and Sphingomonadales. Sequencing-based profiling and network analysis suggested the emergence of a cohesive and functionally enriched community, with increased potential for nitrogen transformations and organic matter turnover. When evaluated in non-sterile soil, the SynCom derived from the sixth selection round increased nodule number and biomass relative to an uninoculated control and a commercial inoculant strain. These results suggest that plant-guided selection can steer rhizosphere community assembly toward beneficial configurations and support the development of improved soybean bioinoculants.IMPORTANCESoybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is a major global crop characterized by high seed protein content, which demands elevated nitrogen assimilation. To meet this demand, the crop can utilize atmospheric nitrogen through the process of biological nitrogen fixation in symbiosis with Bradyrhizobium bacteria, thus mitigating soil nitrogen depletion. Although Bradyrhizobium-based inoculants are applied at sowing, their interplay with other members of the rhizosphere microbiota remains poorly understood. It is well documented that plants and rhizosphere microbiota interact to shape plant growth and soil productivity. Therefore, this work evaluated the inoculation of soybean with a synthetic microbial consortium as a strategy to develop new-generation inoculants. These bioinputs are designed to harness plant-soil-microbe interactions to improve soybean productivity while preserving soil properties.},
}

@article {pmid41989608,
year = {2026},
author = {Adhikari, B and Khadka, J and Owen, KJ and Gough, EC and Zwart, RS},
title = {Variable suppression by mycorrhiza of root-lesion nematode Pratylenchus thornei reproduction among mung bean genotypes has implications for phenotyping.},
journal = {Mycorrhiza},
volume = {36},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41989608},
issn = {1432-1890},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Mung bean (Vigna radiata and Vigna mungo) is susceptible to the endoparasitic root-lesion nematode Pratylenchus thornei (Pt), which limits crop productivity. Mung bean roots host symbiotic arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), which improve nutrient uptake and plant growth. The interaction of these organisms was previously reported in a single mung bean cultivar to increase P. thornei reproduction, suggesting potential consequences for phenotyping. Therefore, twelve diverse mung bean genotypes were evaluated to investigate the effect of AMF on P. thornei reproduction. A factorial design of genotypes, P. thornei and the AMF species Funneliformis mosseae (Fm) was evaluated in two glasshouse experiments. At 16 weeks after sowing, in mung bean inoculated with F. mosseae, there was a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in P. thornei population densities in nine genotypes whereas no significant effect on P. thornei population densities was observed in the remaining three genotypes. Root colonisation by F. mosseae was not affected by the presence or absence of P. thornei, with consistent root colonisation of ~ 26% across all genotypes. The widest range of P. thornei reproduction between genotypes, and hence the best discrimination of responses, occurred without F. mosseae inoculation. Consequently, it is recommended that mung bean germplasm should be screened for P. thornei resistance in the glasshouse in the absence of AMF for maximal differentiation between genotypes.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00572-026-01261-8.},
}

@article {pmid41999050,
year = {2026},
author = {Brands, M and Ramírez, V and Armbruster, L and Eichfeld, R and Bidru Endeshaw, A and Nassr, T and Saake, P and Pauly, M and Zuccaro, A},
title = {Host-adapted enzymatic deconstruction of acetylated xylan limits immune activation and facilitates mutualistic colonization of monocot roots.},
journal = {Molecular plant},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.molp.2026.04.006},
pmid = {41999050},
issn = {1752-9867},
abstract = {Intracellular accommodation of beneficial fungi requires host cell wall remodeling that avoids excessive immune activation. The root endophyte Serendipita indica, a generalist mutualist capable of colonizing both monocot and dicot plants, employs a monocot-specific enzymatic module to deconstruct acetyl-xylan, the dominant hemicellulose of grasses. Central to this module are the glycoside hydrolase SiGH11, which releases acetylated xylooligosaccharides, and SiAXE, a previously uncharacterized SGNH-like acetyl-xylan esterase that sequentially removes acetyl groups from soluble XOS. Both enzymes are co-expressed within a monocot-enriched transcriptional program that also includes sugar transporters and metabolic regulators. Their coordinated activity, together with co-expressed exo-enzymes, promotes efficient xylan hydrolysis while limiting the prolonged accumulation of immunogenic damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Functional genetics demonstrated that SiAXE is required for sustained intracellular growth in monocot roots: its deletion impaired colonization, whereas overexpression transiently accelerated entry but provoked immune responses, underscoring the importance of temporal regulation and enzyme coordination for immune-compatible colonization. These findings provide mechanistic insight into an immune-compatible fungal strategy for host cell wall remodeling and reveal how a broadly colonizing mutualist has repurposed ancestral saprotrophic enzymes into specialized host-adapted modules that balance nutrient acquisition with immune modulation.},
}

@article {pmid41999166,
year = {2026},
author = {Hernández-Hernández, EJ and Dautt-Castro, M and Jijón-Moreno, S and Padrón-Rodríguez, F and García-Ortega, LF and González-López, MDC and Estrada-Rivera, M and Casas-Flores, S},
title = {Cross-kingdom sRNA Ta_sRNA1 silences PRIM2 to fine-tune Arabidopsis immunity during symbiosis with Trichoderma atroviride.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.71187},
pmid = {41999166},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {IFC-2016-1538//Secretaría de Ciencia, Humanidades, Tecnología e Innovación (SECIHTI)/ ; },
abstract = {Beneficial root-colonizing fungi such as Trichoderma promote plant growth and immunity, yet the contribution of fungal small RNAs (sRNAs) to these interactions remains poorly understood. Here, we identified Ta_sRNA1, a highly abundant Trichoderma atroviride sRNA that accumulates in Arabidopsis root cells and associates with ARGONAUTE 1 and 2 (AGO1/2) complexes to modulate host gene expression. Using stem-loop reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, AGO immunoprecipitation, transgenic lines and a fungal overexpression strain, we examined the function of Ta_sRNA1 and identified PRIM2, encoding the large subunit of DNA primase, as a host target associated with Ta_sRNA1 activity. Ta_sRNA1-mediated repression of PRIM2 restricts fungal overcolonization and enhances resistance to Botrytis cinerea. This regulation is associated with systemic immune priming, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and maintenance of plant growth. By contrast, PRIM2 overexpression suppresses ROS and increases pathogen susceptibility. These findings indicate that a Trichoderma-derived cross-kingdom sRNA modulates plant immunity by targeting the susceptibility-associated gene PRIM2. This mechanism fine-tunes the balance between beneficial colonization and defense responses, highlighting fungal sRNAs as regulators of plant immune homeostasis during beneficial plant-microbe interactions.},
}

@article {pmid42000306,
year = {2026},
author = {Campos-López, A and Valdez-Cruz, NA and Garibay-Orijel, R and Trujillo-Roldán, MA},
title = {Mannitol concentration is a determinant of the mycorrhizal infectivity of the Laccaria trichodermophora mycelium produced in liquid culture.},
journal = {Fungal biology},
volume = {130},
number = {3},
pages = {101738},
doi = {10.1016/j.funbio.2026.101738},
pmid = {42000306},
issn = {1878-6146},
mesh = {*Mannitol/metabolism/analysis ; *Mycorrhizae/growth & development/pathogenicity/metabolism ; *Mycelium/growth & development/metabolism/pathogenicity ; Culture Media/chemistry ; *Laccaria/growth & development/pathogenicity/metabolism ; Symbiosis ; Trehalose/metabolism ; Pinus/microbiology ; Nitrogen/metabolism ; Carbon/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) play a crucial role in temperate forest ecosystems, facilitating enhanced nutrient uptake and increased plant resilience. Laccaria trichodermophora, an EMF commonly associated with juvenile pine species, has recently emerged as a model organism for studying fungal development and symbiotic interactions. Submerged liquid culture of this species has shown promise for producing high volumes of vegetative EMF inoculum. In this context, the carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio in culture media is a crucial factor that affects fungal metabolism, particularly the production of storage carbohydrates such as trehalose and mannitol. These storage molecules are linked to the infectivity of pathogenic fungi and symbionts. However, it remains unclear how the storage metabolic status influences the infectivity of the EMF inoculum and whether these storage molecules can serve as indicators of infectivity. Here, we show that while trehalose accumulation does not affect infectivity, intracellular mannitol concentration, modulated by the C:N ratio, positively correlates with inoculum infectivity. Our findings indicate that intracellular mannitol plays a pivotal role in enhancing the infective ability of EMF inoculum, aiding effective colonization of host roots during the early stages of symbiosis establishment. Considering the above, liquid cultures of ectomycorrhizal fungi under conditions that favor intracellular mannitol concentration produce a high-quality inoculant with higher mycorrhizal infectivity. These findings have significant implications for biotechnological production of mycorrhizal inoculants intended for reforestation and sustainable forestry.},
}

*Mannitol/metabolism/analysis
*Mycorrhizae/growth & development/pathogenicity/metabolism
*Mycelium/growth & development/metabolism/pathogenicity
Culture Media/chemistry
*Laccaria/growth & development/pathogenicity/metabolism
Symbiosis
Trehalose/metabolism
Pinus/microbiology
Nitrogen/metabolism
Carbon/metabolism

@article {pmid42000316,
year = {2026},
author = {Luna-Fontalvo, JA and Riquelme, M and Martínez, O and Balocchi, O},
title = {Artificial inoculation of native endophytic fungi and Epichloë in Bromus valdivianus Phil.: successful establishment and growth promotion.},
journal = {Fungal biology},
volume = {130},
number = {3},
pages = {101756},
doi = {10.1016/j.funbio.2026.101756},
pmid = {42000316},
issn = {1878-6146},
mesh = {*Epichloe/growth & development/physiology ; *Endophytes/growth & development/physiology ; *Bromus/microbiology/growth & development ; Penicillium/growth & development ; Chile ; },
abstract = {This study reports the first successful artificial inoculation of Bromus valdivianus with Epichloë uncinata and five native non-Clavicipitaceae fungi, thereby revealing new avenues for bioinoculant development in southern Chilean forage grasses. Using seedling slit and foliar spray methods, we assessed colonization success, fungal metabolite production, and effects on key agronomic traits under controlled conditions. All inoculated plants showed high survival rates and successful tissue colonization, confirmed by re-isolation, ergosterol quantification, and microscopy. Notably, Penicillium sanguifluum 012BV and Epichloë uncinata achieved the highest colonization frequencies (84%). Chromatographic analysis revealed substantial production of auxins and alkaloids, including 133 μg/mL of loline-type alkaloids in E. uncinata. Inoculated plants exhibited significant increases in height, tillering, leaf development, and dry biomass compared to controls, with isolate-specific effects. These findings demonstrate the feasibility and agronomic potential of artificial endophyte inoculation in native grasses. The superior performance of P. sanguifluum and E. uncinata highlights their utility as bioinoculants for sustainable forage production, with implications for grassland resilience under climate change.},
}

*Epichloe/growth & development/physiology
*Endophytes/growth & development/physiology
*Bromus/microbiology/growth & development
Penicillium/growth & development
Chile

@article {pmid42000555,
year = {2026},
author = {Guedes-García, SK and García-Tomsig, NI and Matos, RG and Saramago, M and Arraiano, CM and Jiménez Zurdo, JI},
title = {RNase III influences microaerobic symbiotic pathways and RNA regulation in Sinorhizobium meliloti.},
journal = {Microbiological research},
volume = {309},
number = {},
pages = {128526},
doi = {10.1016/j.micres.2026.128526},
pmid = {42000555},
issn = {1618-0623},
abstract = {Bacterial ribonucleases (RNases) are central components of post-transcriptional networks underlying environmental adaptation. However, their contribution to the ecological specialization of bacteria with complex lifestyles, such as nitrogen-fixing legume symbionts, remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated the role of the double-stranded RNase III ortholog (SmRNase III) in Sinorhizobium meliloti, the symbiotic partner of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Loss of SmRNase III function affected the expression of nearly 30% of protein-coding genes and 12% of annotated non-coding RNAs (sRNAs). Remarkably, more than 70% of these changes occurred under the microaerobic conditions typical of symbiotic nodules. Many SmRNase III-dependent transcripts encode pathways supporting microaerobic metabolism and nitrogen fixation in endosymbiotic bacteroids. Analysis of sequencing read coverage identified putative consensus cleavage signatures enriched in mRNA 5' untranslated regions, suggesting preferential processing at these sites. Altered expression of sRNAs and/or their predicted mRNA targets further supports a role for SmRNase III in sRNA-mediated silencing. Consistently, in vitro assays showed that base‑pairing between nifK (encoding the β‑subunit of the nitrogenase MoFe protein) and the antisense RNA asNifK promotes SmRNase III-mediated cleavage. In vivo assays further supported that silencing of nifK and dctA (encoding a major dicarboxylate transporter) requires SmRNase III, with dctA regulation involving a base‑pairing interaction between the trans‑sRNA AbcR1 and a predicted SmRNase III cleavage site within the mRNA. Our findings reveal a major impact of SmRNase III on shaping the symbiotic transcriptome of S. meliloti and provide a foundation for deeper investigation into RNase III-mediated regulation in rhizobia.},
}

@article {pmid42001003,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, Y and Wang, Z and Xu, T and Chen, H and Hu, W and Tang, M},
title = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis enhances the cadmium stress tolerance of Medicago sativa in association with regulation of the aminolevulinic acid pathway.},
journal = {BMC plant biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12870-026-08798-y},
pmid = {42001003},
issn = {1471-2229},
support = {3257141073//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32071639//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; NZ2021025//Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture Project/ ; },
}

@article {pmid41993064,
year = {2026},
author = {Karnkowska, A and García-Cunchillos, I and Sałek, M},
title = {Living together: evolutionary and ecological dimensions of protist endosymbiosis.},
journal = {microLife},
volume = {7},
number = {},
pages = {uqag013},
pmid = {41993064},
issn = {2633-6693},
abstract = {Protists, which comprise the majority of eukaryotic diversity, frequently engage in endosymbiotic relationships with other unicellular eukaryotes or prokaryotes. These interactions have profoundly shaped eukaryotic evolution, not only through the origin of endosymbiotic organelles and the subsequent diversification of eukaryotes, but also via less studied endosymbioses that have influenced the evolution of diverse eukaryotic lineages. Endosymbioses often alter host metabolic capabilities, enabling the colonisation of new ecological niches and significantly contributing to ecosystem functioning. In recent years, interest in these interactions has increased, driven by methodological innovations and new discoveries that reveal the diversity, mechanisms, and ecological roles of protist endosymbioses. Despite these advances, key questions remain: How widespread and ecologically impactful are protist endosymbioses? What functions do symbionts provide, and how do associations form, persist, or break down? Addressing these questions requires systematic studies of protists in their natural environments, combining microscopy and sequencing using both high-throughput and single-cell approaches, along with experimental manipulations of host-symbiont interactions. Here, we review current knowledge, highlight recent breakthroughs, and discuss ongoing challenges in the study of protist endosymbioses.},
}

@article {pmid41995266,
year = {2026},
author = {Patel, V and Kucuk, RA and Haines-Eitzen, BR and Russell, JA and Oliver, KM},
title = {Emergent symbiont strains provide thermally robust protection against co-evolved and novel parasitoids of introduced pea aphids.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ismejo/wrag098},
pmid = {41995266},
issn = {1751-7370},
abstract = {Climate change and biological invasions pose synergistic threats; however, organisms may rapidly adapt through microbial symbiosis. We investigated how defensive symbionts in invasive pea aphids, Acyrthosiphon pisum, respond to emerging threats. Previously rare strains of the protective symbiont Hamiltonella defensa increased from <0.5% to 58% in aphid populations over just a few years. Bioassays revealed that these strains confer reciprocal, enemy-specific defences. One strain (C11) protected against Praon pequodorum, a native parasitoid that only began attacking pea aphids post-introduction, but provided no defence against the co-evolved parasitoid Aphidius ervi. Conversely, a closely related strain (C9) protected strongly against A. ervi but not P. pequodorum. When the APSE bacteriophage was spontaneously lost from H. defensa C11 during cultivation, protection against P. pequodorum was completely eliminated, experimentally confirming the essential role of phage-encoded defences. Cultivation-assisted genomic analyses implicate divergent phage virulence cassettes in enemy-targeted defence, creating complementary protection portfolios within populations. The modular architecture of APSE phages enables rapid acquisition of novel capabilities through horizontal gene transfer. Critically, both strains maintained robust anti-parasitoid defence under simulated heatwave conditions, in contrast to previous findings in which modest temperature increases disabled protection in other H. defensa strains. Our findings demonstrate the potential for heritable symbionts to provide rapid adaptive responses to anthropogenic stressors within ecological timescales, representing a widespread mechanism for host persistence under accelerating global change and having important implications for biological control and ecosystem management.},
}

@article {pmid41996342,
year = {2026},
author = {Rajan, FV and Bucking, C},
title = {Effects of salinity and broad-range antibiotics on oxalate production, transport, and degradation in Poecilia latipinna.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {21},
number = {4},
pages = {e0347147},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0347147},
pmid = {41996342},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Salinity ; *Oxalates/metabolism ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; *Poecilia/metabolism/microbiology ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects ; Seawater ; Biological Transport/drug effects ; Kidney/metabolism/drug effects ; },
abstract = {Oxalate is an anion that readily binds calcium and is thought to contribute to osmoregulation. This study investigated how environmental salinity influences oxalate homeostasis in euryhaline sailfin mollies (Poecilia latipinna), with a focus on the interplay between microbial symbiosis and host transport processes. Gut microbiome profiling demonstrated regional specialization, with the posterior intestine enriched in oxalate-degrading bacterial families. Community shifts across salinities suggests functional redundancy and resilience, ensuring maintenance of oxalate-catabolizing capacity. Antibiotic treatment disrupted this system, impairing microbial degradation and causing systemic oxalate stress. Oxalate concentrations were also measured in the liver, intestine, and kidney, organs central to oxalate metabolism, under freshwater and seawater conditions. Salinity induced a redistribution of oxalate among these organs, with the gut assuming an auxiliary excretory role in seawater. This functional shift parallels mammalian colon physiology and highlights the gut's role in balancing ion and oxalate flux. Expression analyses of the oxalate transporters SLC26A3 (solute carrier family 26, member 3) and SLC26A6 (solute carrier family 26, member 6) revealed organ-specific and salinity-dependent regulation. Both transporters displayed distinct responses to seawater exposure, indicating specialized roles in oxalate handling. These patterns suggest coordinated but nonredundant mechanisms that govern absorption and secretion, linking salt transport with oxalate clearance. These findings underscore the microbial contribution to oxalate balance and reveal that osmoregulatory challenges shape gut microbial composition and function. Collectively, this study presents the first comprehensive analysis of oxalate metabolism in a euryhaline teleost and demonstrates a coordinated host-microbe system that mitigates oxalate accumulation across salinities. By integrating metabolic and osmoregulatory demands, P. latipinna reallocates excretory function from kidney to gut and leverages microbial symbiosis to preserve homeostasis. These findings expand our understanding of teleost physiology and highlight oxalate metabolism as a critical axis of environmental adaptation.},
}

Animals
*Salinity
*Oxalates/metabolism
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
*Poecilia/metabolism/microbiology
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects
Seawater
Biological Transport/drug effects
Kidney/metabolism/drug effects

@article {pmid41997356,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhao, J and Li, S and Xu, K and Fei, Q and Qiao, Y and Shao, Y and Tian, S},
title = {Serendipita indica improves phytoextraction efficiency of cadmium and lead by Sedum alfredii via stress alleviation and enhanced metal translocation.},
journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {128137},
doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128137},
pmid = {41997356},
issn = {1873-6424},
abstract = {Heavy metal co-contamination, particularly by cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb), poses a severe environmental challenge, threatening ecosystem and human health. This study investigated the symbiotic role of the endophytic fungus Serendipita indica (S. indica) in enhancing the phytoremediation efficiency of Cd and Pb by the hyperaccumulator plant Sedum alfredii (S. alfredii). Inoculation with S. indica significantly promoted plant growth, increasing root and shoot dry weights by 16.22% and 20.45%, respectively, and improved root system architecture with total root length and root tips increasing by up to 106.28% and 121.34%. The fungus enhanced metal uptake and accumulation, elevating Cd and Pb concentrations in roots, stems, and leaves, and raising translocation factors by 34.03% for Cd and 15.17% for Pb. Mechanistically, S. indica alleviated oxidative stress by reducing superoxide anion accumulation and modulating hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and glutathione (GSH) levels, while maintaining photosynthetic function. These findings demonstrate that S. indica enhances phytoremediation through synergistic growth promotion, improved stress tolerance, and optimized metal translocation, providing a promising strategy for the remediation of Cd-Pb co-contaminated soils.},
}

@article {pmid41997461,
year = {2026},
author = {Gu, Q and Yu, J and Liu, Y and Wang, Y and Li, C and Zhuang, Y},
title = {Harnessing bioreactor heterogeneity: From gradient understanding to autonomous control via multiscale modeling and intelligent optimization.},
journal = {Biotechnology advances},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108899},
doi = {10.1016/j.biotechadv.2026.108899},
pmid = {41997461},
issn = {1873-1899},
abstract = {The industrialization of biomanufacturing is constrained by the "scale-up effect", a phenomenon which is rooted in spatiotemporal heterogeneities that arise from multiscale interactions between hydrodynamics and cellular physiology in large-scale bioreactors. This review proposes a framework for a paradigm shift from passive observation to active, intelligent control. We first analyze how environmental gradients create distinct "cellular lifelines", which drive diverse physiological responses ranging from metabolic oscillations to population heterogeneity. We then demonstrate how multiscale modeling (which integrates computational fluid dynamics with physiological models) enables a strategic transition in scale-up strategy, shifting the focus from the futile elimination of gradients to their deliberate exploitation, with the ultimate aim of replicating a cell's critical environmental history. In addition, we explore the formation of a "mechanism-data symbiotic" hybrid modeling paradigm, wherein artificial intelligence enhances mechanistic foundations to facilitate real-time, adaptive optimization. Finally, we propose the digital twin as the ultimate embodiment of this evolution: a closed-loop autonomous system that transforms bioreactors from static vessels into cognitive entities capable of perception, learning, and self-optimization. While challenges in model generalizability and data integration remain, this roadmap points the way toward autonomous, efficient, and sustainable biomanufacturing.},
}

@article {pmid41997958,
year = {2026},
author = {Duan, S and Dong, J and Chen, Y and Yu, L and Liu, S and Yu, R and Du, Z and Shen, Y and Lu, X and Fu, J and Yang, R and Fang, C},
title = {Kombucha inoculated fermentation reshapes microbial ecology and flavour metabolism in Yunnan Arabica coffee.},
journal = {NPJ science of food},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41538-026-00852-1},
pmid = {41997958},
issn = {2396-8370},
support = {Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Green Health Food (China & Thailand) (grant no.202203AP140011)//Chongye Fang/ ; },
abstract = {This study evaluates the flavor-enhancing effects of kombucha-inoculated fermentation on Coffea arabica L. and uncovers regulatory mechanisms across microbial succession, physicochemical shifts, amino acid remodeling, and volatile formation. Controlled fermentations using kombucha symbiotic consortium for 144 h was comparedwith spontaneous fermentation. At endpoint, bacterial richness in the KT group was 34% higher compared to the CK group. The KT group exhibited a significantly lower pH (4.21) than the CK group (4.95). Komagataeibacter and Zygosaccharomyces were enriched 2-6 fold, while Enterobacter and Aspergillus were suppressed. Kombucha coffee showed lower pH, titratable acidity increased by 64%, and reducing sugars decreased by 43%. Sweet-taste FAAs increased and bitter FAAs decreased, correlating with floral-fruity esters (r ≥ 0.74). Volatiles such as phenylethyl alcohol (42%), phenethyl acetate (200%), and ethyl isovalerate (89%), while off-flavor acids and smoky phenols decreased. Sensory scores improved in floral, fruity, and sweet attributes. Multi-omics linked dominant taxa to upregulated pathways (ester biosynthesis, aromatic amino acid degradation, Maillard products) and key functional genes. These results establish kombucha Inoculated Fermentation as a reproducible, mechanism-based strategy for targeted flavor optimization in speciality coffee and other high-value agricultural products.},
}

@article {pmid41998093,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, YY and Shen, XY and Xiong, XH and Zhao, DS and Hong, XY},
title = {Wolbachia-driven host miRNAs mediate arthropod reproduction in a Wolbachia density-dependent manner.},
journal = {Communications biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s42003-026-10077-3},
pmid = {41998093},
issn = {2399-3642},
support = {32020103011, 32202290//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia is a widespread endosymbiont and a promising tool for pest control due to its ability to manipulate arthropod reproduction. However, how Wolbachia shapes host microRNA regulation remains poorly understood. Here, we profile the Wolbachia-driven host miRNAs using small RNA-seq in spider mite Tetranychus truncatus to uncover their roles in reproduction and symbiosis. Enrichment analyses of predicted miRNA targets suggest that Wolbachia-driven miRNAs may be involved in Wolbachia-host interactions. Functional assays show that several Wolbachia-driven miRNAs influence host fecundity, with some also affecting Wolbachia density. Inhibition of novel-33 or novel-40 reduces host fecundity and is accompanied by reduced Wolbachia density, whereas inhibition of novel-65 reduces fecundity without altering density. These findings indicate that specific miRNAs contribute to the regulation of reproduction and Wolbachia density in T. truncatus, highlighting host miRNAs regulated by Wolbachia as a mechanism of host manipulation and offering opportunities for Wolbachia-based pest management.},
}

@article {pmid41988208,
year = {2026},
author = {He, J and Li, N and Li, DW and Guo, Y and Chen, SS and Sun, F and Wang, JW and Huang, L},
title = {Two new species and four new host records of Fusarium species (Nectriaceae, Hypocreales) associated with Semanotus bifasciatus causing Taxodium hybrid 'Zhongshanshan' dieback.},
journal = {MycoKeys},
volume = {130},
number = {},
pages = {355-391},
pmid = {41988208},
issn = {1314-4049},
abstract = {Semanotus bifasciatus (Motschulsky) (Cerambycidae, Coleoptera) is a quarantine wood-boring pest that severely damages cypress trees in China and poses a significant threat to forest ecological security. However, the knowledge of Fusarium species associated with this beetle is inadequate in China. In this study, 16 strains of Fusarium were isolated from beetle galleries in infected Taxodium hybrid 'Zhongshanshan' samples. Morphological and molecular multi-locus analyses, based on internal transcribed spacer region of the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF-1α), RNA polymerase largest subunit (RPB1) and RNA polymerase second largest subunit (RPB2) genes, identified four new host records species (F. annulatum, F. fujikuroi, F. ipomoeae and F. oblongum) and two new species (F. semanoti sp. nov. and F. taxodii sp. nov.) are introduced in the present study, with pathogenicity tests confirming all six species could cause T. hybrid 'Zhongshanshan' dieback. This study provides the first documentation of Fusarium diversity associated with S. bifasciatus in China, offering new perspectives for understanding the beetle-fungus symbiotic system and their synergistic pathogenicity to T. hybrid 'Zhongshanshan'.},
}

@article {pmid41989168,
year = {2026},
author = {Yao, Z and Xue, C and Ang, Y and Wu, Z and Liu, X and Liu, Y and Liu, F and Pan, Q},
title = {Diversity of the Cnaphalocrocis medinalis gut bacterial community and its contribution to reproduction.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0387825},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.03878-25},
pmid = {41989168},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: The pest Cnaphalocrocis medinalis has a high reproductive rate and causes significant damage in rice. Previous research demonstrated the effect of larval gut microbiota on the fecundity of C. medinalis, but the role of adult gut bacteria in reproduction remains unclear. Here, we characterized the gut microbiota of field and laboratory adult populations using 16S rRNA sequencing and examined their effects on female reproduction. Enterococcus, Asaia, Enterobacter, and unclassified Enterobacteriaceae constituted 55%-85% of the microbiota in laboratory adults, while Asaia, Acinetobacter, Apibacter, unclassified Orbaceae, and unclassified Enterobacteriaceae comprised ~50% of the microbiota in field adults. Several genera, including Enterobacter, were shared between the two populations. The abundance of Enterobacter increased gradually during ovarian development in laboratory females and was enriched in field female guts, showing a positive correlation with reproductive activity. Antibiotic-mediated microbiota depletion significantly reduced ovariole length, ovarian size, and egg deposition in females fed with a 2.5% honey solution (HS) diet but not with 5% or 10% HS. A total of 17 and 14 bacterial species were isolated from laboratory and field adults, respectively. Monoassociation with Enterobacter bugandensis (from laboratory females) or Enterobacter roggenkampii (from field females) increased egg production by 1.73- and 1.94-fold as compared to antibiotic-treated females supplied with 2.5% HS, respectively. Monoassociation with Providencia rettgeri from laboratory females reduced egg production by 51.17% as compared to the conventionally reared females supplied with 10% HS. These results indicate that gut microbiota regulate reproduction in C. medinalis and present a potential target for sustainable pest management.

IMPORTANCE: The rice leaf roller, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis, is a notorious migratory rice pest whose high reproductive rate drives population growth. However, the role of its gut microbiota in regulating reproduction remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that gut bacteria are essential for the fecundity of C. medinalis under nutrient stress. Depleting gut bacteria severely impaired reproduction, while reintroducing two key symbionts, Enterobacter bugandensis and Enterobacter roggenkampii (isolated from laboratory and field C. medinalis adult populations, respectively), significantly restored reproductive capacity under low-nutrient conditions. These bacteria were predominantly located in the female adult gut. In contrast, monoassociation with Providencia rettgeri substantially reduced fecundity even under normal nutrient conditions. Our work highlights the contribution of gut bacteria in lepidopteran insect reproduction and provides novel insights into gut microbe-host symbiosis as well as host nutritional adaptation.},
}

@article {pmid41990463,
year = {2026},
author = {Jiao, Y and Hu, Y and Chen, Q and Li, S and Wang, Y and Li, W and Zhou, Y},
title = {Aspergillus terreus DZ-Q1-1 enhances maize salt tolerance and growth via transcriptional reprogramming of hormone signaling, sphingolipid metabolism, and ion homeostasis.},
journal = {Microbiological research},
volume = {309},
number = {},
pages = {128527},
doi = {10.1016/j.micres.2026.128527},
pmid = {41990463},
issn = {1618-0623},
abstract = {Salt stress is widely recognized as a major abiotic factor constraining global crop growth and productivity, while soil salinization continues to pose substantial challenges to agricultural sustainability and food security. Salt-tolerant endophytic fungi, serving as key functional components within plant-microbe symbiotic systems, exhibit considerable capacity to improve plant resilience under adverse conditions. In this study, the salt-tolerant fungal strain Aspergillus terreus DZ-Q1-1, originally isolated as an endophyte from the roots of the halophyte Sesuvium portulacastrum, was selected as the experimental strain. By means of co-cultivation with maize seedlings, its regulatory roles and the associated molecular mechanisms involved in maize growth modulation and salt tolerance enhancement were systematically examined. The results demonstrated that inoculation with strain DZ-Q1-1 exerted a dual regulatory effect by simultaneously stimulating growth and strengthening salt tolerance in maize seedlings. Under non-stress conditions, the tryptophan metabolic pathway and plant hormone signal transduction pathway were activated, accompanied by upregulated expression of auxin synthesis-related genes (IAA24, ARFTF27, and saur48) and tryptophan biosynthesis-related genes (cl10273_1a, LOC103630607, and IDP2427a). Consequently, seedling fresh weight, plant height, and root length were increased by 12.58%, 9.18%, and 18.92%, respectively. When co-cultivated with maize seedlings under 250 mM NaCl stress, DZ-Q1-1 inoculation significantly alleviated salt-induced growth inhibition, leading to increases of 25.28%, 44.59%, and 15.81% in fresh weight, plant height, and root length, respectively, compared to the salt-stressed control. Under salt stress conditions, DZ-Q1-1 induced extensive transcriptional reprogramming in maize leaves. Specifically, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities were markedly enhanced, thereby mitigating oxidative damage linked to reactive oxygen species accumulation, decreasing leaf relative electrical conductivity, and facilitating the recovery of chlorophyll synthesis. Similarly, cellular membrane structural integrity was maintained via enhanced expression of key genes in the sphingolipid metabolism and glycosphingolipid biosynthesis pathways (IDD18, ONM22238, and LOC100191284). Moreover, ionic homeostasis was effectively regulated, leading to increases of 44.65% and 67.86% in the K[+]/Na[+] ratio in maize shoots and roots, respectively, which substantially alleviated Na[+] toxicity. Collectively, these findings confirm that DZ-Q1-1 enhances maize salt tolerance and promotes growth via coordinated physiological regulation and molecular reprogramming, thereby providing valuable microbial resources for saline-alkali soil improvement and offering a theoretical basis for elucidating stress-resistant symbiotic mechanisms between plants and endophytic fungi.},
}

@article {pmid41990910,
year = {2026},
author = {Irudayarajan, L and Ravindran, C},
title = {Characterization of pink pigmented lesions and its associated inflammatory-like responses that influence resilience in a scleractinian coral.},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108630},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2026.108630},
pmid = {41990910},
issn = {1096-0805},
abstract = {The reef-building Scleractinian coral Porites lutea is widely affected by abnormal pink inflammations including Pink line syndrome (PLS) and Pink spot (PS). However, the immune responses of these non-normal pink pigmented tissue lesions in P. lutea are poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the histopathological changes, innate immune responses, and microbial community shifts associated with pink-pigmented lesions in P. lutea in order to better understand disease severity and recovery. Healthy and pigmented tissues were analyzed using comparative histopathology, microscopy, enzymatic assays, protease profiling, and genome-level screening of microbial communities and functional response genes. Histopathology revealed fragmentation, degradation, and disintegration of the polyp gastrodermal architecture and mesoglea in pigmented tissues. Bacterial colonizers occurred in both healthy and pigmented tissues, whereas ciliates were detected only in the lesions. Pigmented tissues also showed reduced numbers and surface area of symbiotic algae, ova, and mesenterial filaments, indicating compromised survival and fecundity. Increased melanin deposition and mucus secretion, together with elevated phenol oxidase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and protease activities, indicated strong innate immune and oxidative stress responses in inflamed tissues. Genome-level screening further revealed shifts in microbial communities and stress-related functions between healthy and pigmented tissues. These findings show that pink inflammatory lesions in P. lutea are associated with major tissue damage, immune activation, and microbial reorganization, and provide insight into the resilience of this massive coral under biotic and abiotic stress.},
}

@article {pmid41991721,
year = {2026},
author = {Calheiros de Carvalho, A and Hurtado-Lopez, N and Cano Prieto, C and von Bargen, M and Damas-Ramos, LC and Undabarrena, A and Rago, D and Chen, L and Gadar Lopez, AE and Jayachandran, S and Trejo Alarcon, LM and Li, X and Arsovska, D and Ahonen, L and Kandasamy, V and Sondt-Marcussenv, L and Arango Saavedra, M and Karyofyllis, I and Exley, KP and de Bekker, C and Brogaard, JS and Keasling, JD and Cruz-Morales, P},
title = {A biosynthetic survey of hypocrealean biocontrol fungi.},
journal = {Nature chemical biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41991721},
issn = {1552-4469},
support = {NNF20CC0035580//Novo Nordisk Fonden (Novo Nordisk Foundation)/ ; NNF24SA0100980//Novo Nordisk Fonden (Novo Nordisk Foundation)/ ; NNF17SA0031362//Novo Nordisk Fonden (Novo Nordisk Foundation)/ ; },
abstract = {Pests cause up to 40% of global crops losses. Pesticide overuse drives resistance and poses notable risks to public health and the environment. Many hypocrealean fungi form symbiotic relationships with plants while antagonizing pests, making them valuable sources of biocontrol agents and biopesticides. However, little is known about their biosynthetic capabilities. Here we use phylogenomics, metabolomics and heterologous expression to catalog the biosynthetic repertoire of 82 plant-associated and insect-associated Hypocreales species. Annotation of 5,221 biosynthetic gene clusters reveals that ~80% of them encode unknown products. By linking biosynthetic gene clusters to molecules, we investigate the biosynthesis of several natural products, including pyridones, dethiosecoemestrin and efrapeptin. Additionally, by combining our metabologenomics workflow with synthetic biology, we characterize four nonribosomal peptide synthetase-like synthetases involved in the biosynthesis of hitherto unknown products. We believe that this work lays the groundwork for future efforts toward sustainable pest control in agriculture.},
}

@article {pmid41787302,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, Y and Liu, L and Long, M and Guan, D and Deng, W},
title = {Habitat-driven variation in gut microbiome composition and function of the pygmy grasshopper (Tetrix japonica) across diverse ecosystems in China.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {27},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41787302},
issn = {1471-2164},
support = {2023GXNSFDA026037//Natural Science Foundation of Guangxi Province,China/ ; 32360124//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The gut microbiome plays an important role in insect adaptation, yet how habitat variation shapes microbial communities in pygmy grasshoppers remains unclear. We investigated this question using Tetrix japonica, which inhabits diverse ecosystems across China and provides an ideal model to study microbiome-environment interactions. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing was performed on gut samples from six populations representing coniferous forest, broadleaf forests in Shandong and Shaanxi, grassland, shrubland, and laboratory-reared populations.

RESULTS: Microbial diversity and community composition varied significantly among habitats, with field populations exhibiting higher diversity than laboratory-reared ones. Despite environmental differences, a core microbiome comprising 1,162 shared species was consistently detected, suggesting stable symbiotic relationships. Habitat-specific microbial signatures were most evident between forest and grassland populations, with lignocellulose-degrading taxa enriched in forest habitats. Moreover, geographic separation between Shandong and Shaanxi broadleaf forests led to distinct microbial profiles despite similar vegetation. Functional analysis revealed differential enrichment of genes related to plant polymer degradation, nitrogen cycling, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis across habitats.

CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate that both habitat conditions and geography influence gut microbiome assembly in T. japonica, with microbiome plasticity facilitating adaptation. The reduced diversity observed in laboratory populations highlights the importance of natural habitats for maintaining functional microbiome integrity.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-026-12725-8.},
}

@article {pmid41973129,
year = {2026},
author = {Delaeter, M and Ndour, PMS and Tisserant, B and Randoux, B and Abdellatif, L and Stefani, F and Magnin-Robert, M and Lounès-Hadj Sahraoui, A},
title = {Co-occurrence networks reveal candidate AMF-microbe assemblages for generalist and crop-specific inocula.},
journal = {Mycorrhiza},
volume = {36},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41973129},
issn = {1432-1890},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are widespread root symbionts increasingly used as bioinoculants. Because symbiotic efficiency depends on interactions with other plant-beneficial microbes, identifying compatible taxa and positive interaction patterns across hosts and niches could improve the design of crop-specific AMF-based inocula. Using amplicon sequencing and co-occurrence network analyses, microbial communities (AMF, fungi and bacteria) from the rhizosphere and roots of wheat were characterized and compared with those of two highly mycotrophic plant species: leek (monocotyledon) and clover (dicotyledon). Results showed that AMF diversity associated with wheat roots was 1.37- and 1.24-fold lower than that observed in leek and clover, respectively. Across all plant species, Glomus and Rhizophagus taxa dominated root-associated communities, whereas Diversispora prevailed in the rhizosphere. In contrast, wheat harboured the highest bacterial and fungal richness compared with leek and clover, whereas leek and clover roots were enriched in several functional bacterial groups, including nitrogen-fixing bacteria, denitrifying and nitrifying bacteria and plant growth promoting bacteria. Co-occurrence network analyses revealed niche partitioning with bacterial interactions predominant in roots and fungal interactions in the rhizosphere, but with fewer and less-positive connections in wheat than in leek and clover. AMF showed positive associations with beneficial bacterial taxa (e.g. Rhizobium, Pseudomonas, Streptomyces) and fungal taxa (e.g. Serendipita), with interaction patterns varying among plant species. Together, these results demonstrate that plant identity and niche jointly shape the diversity and interaction patterns of root and rhizosphere-associated microbial communities, and they highlight specific AMF-microbe assemblages as promising candidates for the development of generalist or crop-specific AMF-based inocula.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00572-026-01257-4.},
}

@article {pmid41982106,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, W and Zhou, J and Wang, J and Jiang, Y and Lu, Z and Lian, P and Li, Z and Yuan, F and Liu, X and Wei, C},
title = {Bacterial endosymbionts initiate morphogenesis of symbiotic organs at specific locations in auchenorrhynchan insects of Hemiptera.},
journal = {Insect science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1744-7917.70281},
pmid = {41982106},
issn = {1744-7917},
support = {32270496//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32400366//Young Scientists Fund of the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Plant sap-feeding insects (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha) with rich species diversity generally harbor obligate endosymbionts within their specialized symbiotic organs (i.e., bacteriomes) to supplement them with essential amino acids (EAAs) and B vitamins that are unavailable in their nutritionally unbalanced diet, representing a typical model of insect-microbe symbioses. However, the processes of symbiont translocation and morphogenesis of bacteriomes during embryonic development remain unclear in Auchenorrhyncha. Here, we assessed symbiont replacement events in representative species across the five auchenorrhynchan superfamilies, and investigated the symbiont communities of eggs and morphogenesis of symbiotic organs during embryonic development as well as nutritional roles that related obligate symbionts play using multiple approaches. We revealed differences in the provision of EAAs by the same obligate symbiont across various auchenorrhynchan lineages, and demonstrated that the morphogenesis of symbiotic organs is closely associated with the symbiont community: (i) hosts acquiring only obligate symbiotic bacteria form bacteriomes to harbor them; (ii) hosts having only a yeast-like fungal symbiont (YLS) form fat bodies to harbor the YLS cells, but no bacteriomes evolved; and (iii) hosts harboring both obligate symbiotic bacteria and YLS form bacteriomes to harbor bacteria, and YLS gradually migrate to the fat bodies with the development of the host insects, although they initially co-colonized the bacteriomes. The results indicate that only the obligate bacterial symbiont(s) initiate the morphogenesis and formation of the bacteriomes. It highlights adaptive mechanisms underlying the origin and evolution of symbiotic organs in plant sap-feeding insects and provides new insights into their co-evolution with microbial partners.},
}

@article {pmid41982299,
year = {2026},
author = {Jose, JK and K R L, S},
title = {Humboldtia Vahl - An under-utilised, under-researched, and vulnerable tree genus endemic to the Western Ghats-Sri Lanka biodiversity hotspot.},
journal = {Plant diversity},
volume = {48},
number = {2},
pages = {433-437},
pmid = {41982299},
issn = {2468-2659},
abstract = {•Humboldtia, is a scientifically valuable yet underexplored endemic genus from the Western Ghats - Sri Lanka Biodiversity hotspot.•Comprising just eight species, all of which are under threat of extinction, the genus is one of the evolutionarily unique plant lineages within the region's flora.•The genus shows ecological adaptations, such as domatia-mediated ant-plant symbiosis and cauliflorous flowering, which are important in its natural habitat.•Humboldtia is an exceptional model for investigating speciation dynamics, biogeographical diversification, and ecological specialisation in tropical forest ecosystems.•However, the genus remains poorly studied and inadequately protected, calling for increased attention in both research and conservation efforts.},
}

@article {pmid41982351,
year = {2026},
author = {Xue, Y},
title = {The spiral symbiosis of skill and interest: the psychological mechanism of their synergistic development in PE classes.},
journal = {Frontiers in psychology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1791070},
pmid = {41982351},
issn = {1664-1078},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: A longstanding contradiction has persisted in the field of physical education (PE). On the one hand, teaching oriented toward "fun PE" can overemphasize immediate enjoyment; yet because it often lacks substantive skill improvement, students' interest becomes surface-level and difficult to sustain. On the other hand, traditional skill-centered teaching emphasizes technical proficiency, but its dull, repetitive process frequently extinguishes learners' enthusiasm. This coexistence of two outcomes-students either have fun but do not really learn, or learn but do not enjoy it-has become a bottleneck hindering PE from developing toward higher quality.

PURPOSE: To address this problem, the present study attempts to move beyond either-or thinking and clarify how skill and interest are connected. Based on foundational theories in contemporary motivational psychology-especially interpretations of the needs for competence and autonomy within Self-Determination Theory (SDT), and complementing this with other frameworks like Achievement Goal Theory-and combined with stage models of interest development, we propose and test a new theoretical framework: the Skill-Interest Spiral Symbiosis (SISS) Model. We aim to clarify how skill mastery is associated with learning interest through an indirect psychological pathway, and how interest in turn may feed back into further skill refinement, forming a potential feedback cycle.

METHODS: To verify the generalizability of the SISS Model, we conducted an anonymous cross-sectional survey among adult participants enrolled in sport-related courses using the Wenjuanxing platform. A total of 620 valid responses were collected (valid response rate: 88.6%), covering a wide range of sport programs such as basketball, yoga, swimming, and more. Key measures included: skill self-appraisal, perceived competence, perceived teacher autonomy support, situational interest, and long-term participation intention. Data were preliminarily processed with SPSS, and a structural equation model (SEM) was constructed in AMOS to empirically test the hypothesized paths. Bootstrap methods were further used to examine mediation and moderation effects.

RESULTS: Model fit indices for the SEM (χ [2] /df = 2.41, CFI = 0.95, RMSEA = 0.050), together with mediation and moderation tests, jointly validated a potentia feedback cycle of "skill → competence → interest → engagement." The SEM showed that: (1) skill self-appraisal was an important positive predictor of perceived competence; (2) perceived competence played a key "bridge" role between skill self-appraisal and interest (partial mediation); (3) teacher autonomy support significantly "catalyzed" the conversion from competence to interest-under high autonomy-supportive environments, competence more readily was associated with interest; and (4) situational interest strongly and positively predicted behavioral engagement and long-term persistence, forming a complete pathway from psychological processes to behavior.

CONCLUSION: The central argument is that skill and interest are not mutually exclusive choices; rather, they can form a symbiotic relationship that can mutually nourish and spiral upward. Skill improvement is the "fuel" that is associated with ignited interest, while interest is the "engine" that drives skill refinement. In this symbiotic cycle, perceived competence is the crucial psychological converter, and autonomy support in the teaching environment is the key "catalyst" determining conversion efficiency. While acknowledging the limitations of our cross-sectional data, establishing the SISS Model provides new ideas and practical leverage points for resolving the longstanding "learning vs. fun" dilemma in physical activity education, and offers guidance for designing more effective and attractive learning experiences.},
}

@article {pmid41982394,
year = {2026},
author = {Stepanskyy, N and Meliani, J and Tökölyi, J and Nedelcu, AM and Ujvari, B and Thomas, F and Dujon, AM},
title = {Symbiont Reintroduction Alters Tumor Progression and Life-History Traits in the Tumor-Bearing Freshwater Cnidarian Hydra oligactis.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {16},
number = {4},
pages = {e73458},
pmid = {41982394},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Environmental changes can disrupt long-standing host-symbiont associations and influence tumor dynamics; however, how these two aspects interact remains poorly understood, particularly when previously co-evolved symbionts are reintroduced into tumor-prone hosts. We experimentally reintroduced a native commensal ciliate symbiont (Kerona pediculus) into two long-term cultured symbiont-free lines of the freshwater cnidarian, Hydra oligactis, differing in tumor affliction: one harbors a transmissible tumor, and one has historically low spontaneous tumor incidence. Unexpectedly, spontaneous tumors emerged at high frequency in the latter, independently of ciliate acquisition, fundamentally reshaping the experimental framework and enabling comparisons of how symbiont reintroduction affects hosts with either transmissible or de novo tumors. While ciliate infection did not alter tumor incidence, it slightly accelerated tumor onset, increased the likelihood of supernumerary tentacle formation, and reduced asexual reproduction (particularly at high symbiont densities) across tumor contexts. Spontaneous tumors appeared later than transmissible tumors, were less often associated with supernumerary tentacles, and induced an earlier reproductive burst. Our findings show that symbiont reintroduction and tumor context shape tumor dynamics and life-history traits in tumor-bearing hosts, emphasizing the potential role of symbiotic history and tumor evolutionary context when assessing the outcomes of such pressures in vulnerable host populations.},
}

@article {pmid41982398,
year = {2026},
author = {Moffett, MW},
title = {The First Cleaner Ant? A Novel Partnership in the Arizona Desert.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {16},
number = {4},
pages = {e73308},
pmid = {41982398},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {I give an account of the first known example of an ant (i.e., an undescribed Dorymyrmex) that licks and nips the much larger workers of a different ant species (Pogonomyrmex barbatus) in a manner remarkably parallel to the actions of cleaner fish that clean other species of fish. Specifically, the potentially aggressive individuals being tended encourage these attentions by stationing themselves in a distinctive, rigid posture at particular locations (in the case of the ant, near the nest of the cleaner species) and even permit a cleaner to inspect between their open mandibles. The payoffs of this activity for both the cleaners and the tended workers have yet to be worked out.},
}

@article {pmid41982879,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, R and Wang, X and Meng, Q and Liu, X and Yan, H and Zhang, Z and Fu, Y and Liang, A},
title = {Detection and functional analysis of horizontal gene transfer events in the ciliate Euplotes.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1782463},
pmid = {41982879},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Horizontal gene transfer (HGT), the movement of heritable materials between distantly related organisms, is a key evolutionary force shaping eukaryotic genomes. Euplotes are free-living unicellular eukaryotes belonging to the phylum Ciliophora, and are tended to establish endosymbiotic relationships with different bacteria. However, the scale of HGT in Euplotes, and its possible roles in driving their diversification and adaptation remains unexplored.

METHODS: A large-scale phylogeny-based bacterial HGT detection was performed across five genome sequenced Euplotes. Gene structure and expression of the HGT-acquired genes were analyzed based on the transcriptome data. Putative functions of these genes were annotated based on BLAST search in the protein family (Pfam), the Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and RNA interference (RNAi) were performed to validate the function of the prevalent HGT-acquired genes encoding mannan endo-1,4-β-mannosidase (Man) from E. amieti.

RESULTS: We systematically examined HGT in five Euplotes genomes and found that they acquired a total of 342 genes exhibiting diverse functions, including enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, sulfur metabolism, and the cell signaling. HGT-acquired genes displayed similar genomic features with the native genes, including GC content, the proportion of intron-contained gene, and coding sequences (CDS) length, implying ancient acquisition events. Five putative endosymbiont-derived genes encoding glycoside hydrolases from E. vannus were identified. Furthermore, among the 342 HGT candidates, only seven HGT families were putatively transferred into the last common ancestor of all five Euplotes. Further qPCR analysis showed that the mRNA levels of mannan endo-1,4-β-mannosidase A (Ea-ManA) and mannan endo-1,4-β-mannosidase B (Ea-ManB) increased after feeding with Chlorogonium elongatum in E. amieti. Knockdown of Ea-Man genes by RNAi increased mortality which suggested that Ea-Man genes are essential for E. amieti.

CONCLUSION: Based on these findings, we suggest that the endosymbionts of Euplotes are potential donor organisms for HGT-acquired genes, and HGT is a prevalent mechanism that is actively used in Euplotes to expand their adaptive capabilities.},
}

@article {pmid41983303,
year = {2026},
author = {Fiedor, TM and Messinides, SN and Gustafson, KD},
title = {Uncoiling Host-Parasite Interrelationships: Bounded Snail-Host Flexibility Amid Conserved Trematode Morphology.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {35},
number = {8},
pages = {e70347},
doi = {10.1111/mec.70347},
pmid = {41983303},
issn = {1365-294X},
support = {2151820//National Science Foundation/ ; 2334053//National Science Foundation/ ; P20 GM103429/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*Trematoda/genetics/classification/anatomy & histology ; Animals ; *Snails/parasitology/genetics ; *Host-Parasite Interactions/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Biological Evolution ; Cercaria/genetics ; },
abstract = {Host-parasite communities are shaped by the tension between evolutionary constraints and ecological opportunity. Digenetic trematodes, which rely on snail hosts to produce diverse larval stages, offer a powerful system to test hypotheses about evolutionary conservatism and ecological flexibility with implications for community structure. Across 120 sites spanning three ecoregions, 6.5% of 14,623 snails were infected by trematodes. Sequencing (18S and 28S) from 104 cercariae among 12 morphotypes revealed 22 trematode families concentrated in a few keystone host taxa. Model-based analyses showed that cercaria morphotypes exhibited nearly perfect phylogenetic signal. In contrast, host use, defined by the snail lineages each trematode infects, evolves under an Ornstein-Uhlenbeck model of stabilizing selection. This asymmetry indicates that cercaria morphotypes are evolutionarily stable relative to host use, which remains flexible but bounded within an adaptive landscape. Our data elucidate complex life cycles, uncovers parasite diversity maintained by keystone host taxa and reveals recurrent 'evolutionary reunions', in which distantly related trematodes revisit ancestral snail associations through ecological fitting and adaptations toward common host lineages. Evolutionary reunions help resolve the long-standing parasite paradox-how parasites remain specialized yet occasionally capture or shift hosts-by demonstrating that host-parasite evolution is not a linear process of continual novelty but a dynamic interplay of constraint, contingency and opportunity. Together, these findings provide a molecular framework linking evolutionary and ecological processes to identify general rules of symbiotic interrelationships, with implications for predicting the origins of emerging diseases, the persistence of coevolutionary networks and biodiversity responses to environmental change.},
}

*Trematoda/genetics/classification/anatomy & histology
Animals
*Snails/parasitology/genetics
*Host-Parasite Interactions/genetics
Phylogeny
Biological Evolution
Cercaria/genetics

@article {pmid41983569,
year = {2026},
author = {Vogel, MA and Machairas, F and Ferchiou, S and Osvatic, J and Alzubaidy, H and Séneca, J and Hausmann, B and Klun, K and Petersen, JM},
title = {Symbiont diversity within Loripes orbiculatus and the case for multiple hosts.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ismejo/wrag094},
pmid = {41983569},
issn = {1751-7370},
abstract = {Seagrasses support immense biodiversity and are critical for maintaining coastal ecosystem health. These foundation species benefit from a 'three-way' facultative relationship with one of the common inhabitants of seagrass meadows, lucinid bivalves, which host specific bacterial Ca. Thiodiazotropha symbionts. Relatives of the bivalve symbionts have been detected on seagrass roots raising the possibility that these symbionts may colonize both animals and plants; however, no study has yet compared bivalve- and seagrass-associated symbionts at the same site and time. Our combination of 16S rRNA gene amplicon and metagenome sequencing revealed a greater diversity than was previously observed within both lucinid bivalves and on seagrass roots from the Adriatic Sea and resulted in the closed genome of one prominent symbiont species. We show that two of the Ca. Thiodiazotropha ASVs found on seagrass roots are identical to those found in bivalve hosts at the same site. This suggests that symbiont sharing may occur in the seagrass habitat between these two host species, which has important evolutionary and ecological implications for both hosts and symbionts.},
}