@article {pmid40572138,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, Y and Zhao, M and Li, G and Wang, Y and Shen, Q and Yang, J and Asseri, TAY and Wang, Y and Guo, M and Ahmed, W},
title = {Molecular Tactics of Biocontrol Fungi to Hack Plant Immunity for Successful Host Colonization-A Focus on Trichoderma Fungi.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {40572138},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {202401AT071224//Yunnan Fundamental Research Projects/ ; },
abstract = {To play a role effectively, biocontrol fungi must fight against plant immune response and establish a symbiotic interaction with their host. After successfully colonizing the host plant, the biocontrol fungi may deliver beneficial effects related to plant health and resistance against phytopathogens. These fungi use a variety of tactics to bypass the host immune response, including the production of effector proteins, miRNA interference, manipulation of host defense mechanisms, and others. In this review article, we discussed these strategies of biocontrol fungi based on recent findings. These methods enable the fungi to escape the plant's intrinsic immunity and finely adjust the plant's defense signaling cascades. Additionally, we discussed the importance of the physical barrier in the form of host cell walls and elucidated how biocontrol fungi use a combination of mechanical and enzymatic tactics to overcome this obstacle. Given the evolving comprehensions from molecular biology, genomics, and ecology, this review article highlights the prospective for a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to improve our understanding of the biocontrol mechanism.},
}

@article {pmid40572131,
year = {2025},
author = {Chang, T and Yang, T and Ren, M and Li, X and Fang, X and Niu, B and Yang, H and Wang, L and Chen, X},
title = {Screening and Validation of Rhizobial Strains for Improved Lentil Growth.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {40572131},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {32241046//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 202304010930003-27//Shanxi Houji Laboratory Autonomous Project/ ; YZGC069//The Biological Breeding Project of Shanxi Agricultural University/ ; 20230206//Xinzhou City Key Research and Development Plan in Agriculture/ ; TYGC-33//2024 "Special" and "Excellent" Agricultural High-quality Agricultural Development Science and Technology Support Project/ ; 2021YFD1600600//National Key R & D Program Project/ ; 202101140601027//Major Science and Technology Project of Shanxi Province/ ; 202204051001020//Shanxi Province Science and Technology Innovation Talent Team Project/ ; },
abstract = {Lentil is a nutritionally valuable legume crop, rich in protein, carbohydrates, amino acids, and vitamins, and is also used as green manure. Symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) plays a crucial role in lentil growth and development, yet there is limited research on isolating and identifying lentil rhizobia related to nodulation and nitrogen fixation. This study employed tissue block isolation, line purification, and molecular biology to isolate, purify, and identify rhizobial strains from lentils, analyzing their physiological characteristics, including bromothymol blue (BTB) acid and alkali production capacity, antibiotic resistance, salt tolerance, acid and alkali tolerance, growth temperature range, and drought tolerance simulated by PEG6000. Additionally, the nodulation capacity of these rhizobia was assessed through inoculation experiments using the identified candidate strains. The results showed that all isolated rhizobial strains were resistant to Congo red, and nifH gene amplification confirmed their potential as nitrogen fixers. Most strains were positive for H2O2 and BTB acid and base production, with a preference for alkaline environments. In terms of salt tolerance, the strains grew normally at 0.5-2% NaCl, and six strains were identified as salt stress resistant at 4% NaCl. The temperature range for growth was between 4 °C and 49 °C. Antibiotic assays revealed resistance to ampicillin and low concentrations of streptomycin, while kanamycin significantly inhibited growth. Two drought-tolerant strains, TG25 and TG55, were identified using PEG6000-simulated drought conditions. Inoculation with candidate rhizobial strains significantly increased lentil biomass, highlighting their potential for enhancing crop productivity.},
}

@article {pmid40572111,
year = {2025},
author = {Lucero, J and Nishiguchi, MK},
title = {Host-Associated Biofilms: Vibrio fischeri and Other Symbiotic Bacteria Within the Vibrionaceae.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {40572111},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {1T32GM141862-24S3/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; DBI 2214038//National Science Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {Biofilm formation is important for microbial survival, adaptation, and persistence within mutualistic and pathogenic systems in the Vibironaceae. Biofilms offer protection against environmental stressors, immune responses, and antimicrobial treatments by increasing host colonization and resilience. This review examines the mechanisms of biofilm formation in Vibrio species, focusing on quorum sensing, cyclic-di-GMP signaling, and host-specific adaptations that influence biofilm structure and function. We discuss how biofilms differ between mutualistic and pathogenic species based on environmental and host signals. Recent advances in omics technologies such as transcriptomics and metabolomics have enhanced research in biofilm regulation under different conditions. Horizontal gene transfer and phase variation promote the greater fitness of bacterial biofilms due to the diversity of environmental isolates that utilize biofilms to colonize host species. Despite progress, questions remain regarding the long-term effects of biofilm formation and persistence on host physiology and biofilm community dynamics. Research integrating multidisciplinary approaches will help advance our understanding of biofilms and their implications for influencing microbial adaptation, symbiosis, and disease. These findings have applications in biotechnology and medicine, where the genetic manipulation of biofilm regulation can enhance or disrupt microbiome stability and pathogen resistance, eventually leading to targeted therapeutic strategies.},
}

@article {pmid40571923,
year = {2025},
author = {Sedeek, AM and Elfeky, H and Hanora, AS and Solyman, SM},
title = {Genomic insights into biosynthesis and adaptation in the bioactive marine bacterium Streptomyces albidoflavus VIP-1 from the Red Sea.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {372},
pmid = {40571923},
issn = {1471-2180},
mesh = {*Streptomyces/genetics/isolation & purification/classification/metabolism/physiology ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Indian Ocean ; Phylogeny ; Animals ; Genomics ; *Seawater/microbiology ; Secondary Metabolism ; Multigene Family ; *Adaptation, Physiological/genetics ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/biosynthesis ; Biosynthetic Pathways/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Marine actinobacteria represent a diverse and biotechnologically rich group of microorganisms that have adapted to the unique challenges of marine ecosystems, including fluctuating salinities, temperatures, pressures, and nutrient levels. These environmental pressures have enhanced their biosynthetic capabilities, making them a prolific source of novel bioactive compounds.

RESULTS: In this research, we report the isolation of a novel marine bacterium "Streptomyces albidoflavus VIP-1" associated with the marine invertebrate Molgula citrine isolated from the Red Sea. The secondary metabolites from the isolated strain exhibited significant in vitro antimicrobial and antitumor activities. The isolate has an estimated genome length of 7,090,100 base pairs. Based on the phylogenomic analysis and the values of digital DNA-DNA hybridization, average amino acids identity, and average nucleotide identity in comparison to genomes of known type strains, the isolated strain was found to belong to the species of Streptomyces albidoflavus. The genome of S. albidoflavus VIP-1 revealed genetic adaptations enabling its survival in harsh environments, including stress response genes and regulatory systems. Moreover, a wide variety of biosynthetic gene clusters belonging to polyketides, terpenes, and non-ribosomal peptides were detected. Finally, a comparative genome analysis with related marine and terrestrial strains highlighted its elevated biosynthetic potential.

CONCLUSIONS: The genome of S. albidoflavus VIP-1 reflects its potential as a valuable resource for biotechnological and biomedical applications. It reveals genetic adaptation to the marine environment through various anti-stress mechanisms and competitive strategies, including the production of antimicrobial metabolites.},
}

*Streptomyces/genetics/isolation & purification/classification/metabolism/physiology
*Genome, Bacterial
Indian Ocean
Phylogeny
Animals
Genomics
*Seawater/microbiology
Secondary Metabolism
Multigene Family
*Adaptation, Physiological/genetics
Anti-Bacterial Agents/biosynthesis
Biosynthetic Pathways/genetics

@article {pmid40571449,
year = {2025},
author = {Cameron, TC and Broad, RC and Smith, PMC and Reid, D},
title = {Opportunities and challenges to optimise symbiotic nitrogen fixation.},
journal = {Trends in microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.tim.2025.06.005},
pmid = {40571449},
issn = {1878-4380},
abstract = {Legumes are not only major cash crops but also contribute valuable nitrogen to cropping systems due to their ability to form a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing rhizobia in specialised root organs called nodules. To balance the cost of carbon provision to the rhizobia, nodulation is finely regulated in legumes across various spatiotemporal levels, including host-microbe signalling within the rhizosphere, infection of the legume host, and nodule initiation, function, and senescence. Since symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) evolved in natural ecosystems which lack resemblance to modern agricultural systems, opportunities present themselves to genetically improve SNF. Based on recent findings and the opportunities arising with new breeding technologies, we review here the many opportunities to optimise SNF and highlight the key challenges associated with these approaches.},
}

@article {pmid40570397,
year = {2025},
author = {Ruini, A and Sporchia, F and Niccolucci, V and Pulselli, FM and Bastianoni, S},
title = {Rethinking environmental benefit allocation in industrial symbiosis.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {992},
number = {},
pages = {179932},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179932},
pmid = {40570397},
issn = {1879-1026},
abstract = {Industrial Symbiosis (IS) enables enterprises that typically operate independently to collaborate through the exchange of energy, materials, services, and knowledge. This approach helps reduce reliance on virgin resources, minimize waste, and contribute to climate change mitigation, among other impacts. Recently, the potential of this approach has gained attention, as policymakers are integrating IS into ambitious targets, such as 2050 climate neutrality. Moreover, initially mainly driven by cost savings, now IS is valued for its environmental gains. This shift has sparked interest in quantifying the advantages to both the overall network and individual enterprises. However, a standardized method for assessing these benefits has yet to be established. Most of the current methodologies found in literature and guidelines take a reductionist approach, addressing the multifunctionality issue in IS by isolating one or a few enterprises at a time, thus fragmenting the complex system. This approach, which focuses on identifying 'who benefits' among the enterprises involved in IS, overlooks the complexity of the entire system. To address the tension between the need for a systemic perspective and the desire to quantify each enterprise's contribution and environmental gains, this study proposes a new redistribution approach. This approach ensures that each enterprise improves its score in line with the overall rate of improvement in the industrial symbiosis, compared to a scenario where no symbiotic practices are implemented. This approach is based on the idea that, regardless of the types of products and organizations involved, the environmental benefits of IS are emergent properties of the entire industrial symbiosis network, a composite system. That is why rather than focusing on inputs, this approach redistributes the overall benefits and impacts across the network, shifting the allocation process from the Life Cycle Inventory stage to the Life Cycle Impact Assessment stage.},
}

@article {pmid40570170,
year = {2025},
author = {Yan, L and Hayes, PE and Nge, FJ and Rogers, EIE and Wright, IJ and Ranathunge, K and Ellsworth, DS and Lambers, H},
title = {Leaf manganese concentrations reveal phosphorus-mining strategies and trait diversification of Myrtaceae in south-eastern Australia.},
journal = {Annals of botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/aob/mcaf129},
pmid = {40570170},
issn = {1095-8290},
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Phosphorus (P)-impoverished soils shape plant adaptation in biodiverse ecosystems worldwide, from Australian heathlands to Amazonian rainforests to southern China's karst regions. While non-mycorrhizal lineages like Proteaceae and Cyperaceae use carboxylate exudation that mobilise P, and are celebrated for such strategies, the mechanisms allowing mycorrhizal Myrtaceae-especially eucalypts-to thrive in these soils without fungal assistance remain unclear. Given Myrtaceae's dominance in P-impoverished Australian ecosystems, a key question arises: How do mycorrhizal plants succeed in P-impoverished environments without relying on fungal symbiosis? We challenge the paradigm that carboxylate-driven P acquisition is exclusive to non-mycorrhizal species.

METHODS: Using leaf manganese concentrations ([Mn]) as a proxy for carboxylate exudation, we assessed trait diversification across Myrtaceae genera. We collected leaf and soil samples from 34 species of eucalypt (Angophora, Blakella, Corymbia, Eucalyptus) and other Myrtaceae from 18 sites in south-eastern Australia.

KEY RESULTS: Our findings reveal consistently high leaf [Mn] in many Myrtaceae, comparable to that in known carboxylate-releasing species, indicating intensive P mining. This suggests convergent evolution of carboxylate exudation in mycorrhizal Myrtaceae, fundamentally reshaping our understanding of nutrient acquisition in symbiotic plants. Significant interspecific variation was observed, with Angophora showing markedly higher [Mn] than Eucalyptus, suggesting divergent P-acquisition strategies within Myrtaceae. Weak phylogenetic signals for leaf [Mn] and [P] in eucalypts imply repeated evolutionary change in these traits, similar to what is known in other Australian species adapted to P scarcity.

CONCLUSIONS: By demonstrating carboxylate-driven P mining in mycorrhizal Myrtaceae, we redefine the mechanisms behind their dominance in low-P environments. Trait diversity-linked to variation in carboxylate-mediated P acquisition and plant-soil feedbacks-likely drives niche differentiation and genus-level distribution across south-eastern Australia. Connecting leaf [Mn] to carboxylate-driven P mining advances our understanding of trait evolution in Myrtaceae and provides a framework for predicting plant-soil interactions in P-impoverished ecosystems globally.},
}

@article {pmid40569661,
year = {2025},
author = {Giovannini, L and Del Boccio, P and Pagliarani, C and Chitarra, W and Conte, A and Montesano, V and Petrozza, A and Summerer, S and Cellini, F and Cañizares, E and Spanos, A and Bergese, F and Sillo, F and Vergine, M and Vita, F and De Rose, S and González-Guzmán, M and Fotopoulos, V and Arbona, V and Balestrini, R},
title = {Phenotyping as a tool to study the impact of seed priming and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on tomato response to water limitation.},
journal = {FEMS microbiology letters},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/femsle/fnaf064},
pmid = {40569661},
issn = {1574-6968},
abstract = {This study explores the effects of natural seed priming compounds (i.e. chitosan alone and in combination with salicylic acid or melatonin) with the symbiosis of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on the capability of two Italian tomato varieties (Principe Borghese and San Marzano nano) to withstand water deprivation through high-throughput plant phenotyping (HTPP) technology. Plant responses have been automatically evaluated by integrating physiological, morpho-biometric and biochemical data. Under water deprivation, AMF-inoculated plants exhibited enhanced physiological performance, by reducing oxidative damage and improving stomatal function. Digital phenotyping provides a non-invasive approach to assess the effects of external factors, such as the impact of mycorrhizal fungi on plant development. RGB (visible light) imaging enables the analysis of morphological traits like plant size and growth patterns, and of colourimetric changes use as proxy of physiological responses. Biochemical analyses revealed increased carotenoid and flavonoid content in chitosan + salicylic acid-treated plants with AMF, particularly in Principe Borghese. Genotype-dependent differences were evident in terms of fruit production, where Principe Borghese plants showed significantly more red fruits AM-inoculated plants. Results underline the potential of combined AMF and natural compounds application as sustainable strategy for improving tomato resilience to water stress, contributing to resource-efficient agricultural practices and climate change mitigation.},
}

@article {pmid40569657,
year = {2025},
author = {Henry, Y and Dahirel, M and Wallisch, J and Ginesi, S and Vorburger, C},
title = {A test of specific adaptation to symbiont-conferred host resistance in natural populations of a parasitoid wasp.},
journal = {Journal of evolutionary biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jeb/voaf083},
pmid = {40569657},
issn = {1420-9101},
abstract = {Parasitoids are important natural enemies of insects, imposing strong selection for the evolution of resistance. In aphids, the heritable defensive endosymbiont Hamiltonella defensa is a key determinant of resistance, making symbiont-conferred defense a potential target for specific adaptation by parasitoids. We tested this hypothesis in the aphid parasitoid Lysiphlebus fabarum and four of its host species, Aphis fabae fabae, A. hederae, A. urticata, and A. ruborum. The parasitoids show host-associated genetic differentiation indicative of host specialization, and each of these aphid species harbors 1-3 distinct strains of H. defensa, with no shared strains. We introduced eight H. defensa strains from all four aphid species into a common host background (a laboratory strain of symbiont-free A. f. fabae) and then tested the ability of 35 field-collected L. fabarum lines from the same four hosts to parasitize the H. defensa-carrying aphids. The natural origin of symbionts was a key determinant of parasitism success, with strains from A. f. fabae and A. hederae conferring strong protection, and strains from A. urticata and A. ruborum providing virtually no protection. For one strain each from A. f. fabae and A. hederae, we found a signature of specific adaptation by parasitoids, as parasitoids able to overcome their protection mostly came from the same hosts as the symbiont strains. Two other strains were so strongly protective that they permitted very little parasitism independent of where parasitoids came from. While not fully conclusive, these results are consistent with specialized parasitoids adapting to certain defensive symbionts of their host species, supporting the notion of symbiont-mediated coevolution.},
}

@article {pmid40569479,
year = {2025},
author = {Galotta, MP and Omacini, M and Fernández, PC},
title = {Symbiosis with Mycorrhizal Fungi Alters Sesquiterpene but not Monoterpene Profile in the South American Willow Salix humboldtiana.},
journal = {Journal of chemical ecology},
volume = {51},
number = {4},
pages = {70},
pmid = {40569479},
issn = {1573-1561},
support = {PICT-2020-01559//Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica/ ; PIP21-23 Nr. 11220200102849//Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas/ ; Proyecto INTA-PE-E1-I600//Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria/ ; },
mesh = {*Salix/microbiology/metabolism/growth & development/chemistry/physiology ; *Mycorrhizae/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; Volatile Organic Compounds/metabolism/analysis ; *Sesquiterpenes/metabolism/analysis ; Animals ; *Monoterpenes/metabolism/analysis ; Larva/physiology ; Plant Leaves/metabolism/growth & development/chemistry ; Herbivory ; },
abstract = {The emission of volatile organic compounds (VOC) in plants can be influenced by abiotic factors such as light, temperature and moisture, as well as biotic factors like herbivory, oviposition, and pathogen damage. The influence of symbiotic microorganisms on VOC emission is less explored. Although it is widely known that arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi can significantly affect host plant metabolism, their role in VOC emission in trees remains under-investigated. Here, we examine the impact of AM fungi on VOC production in the South American willow tree, Salix humboldtiana. We assessed the effects of inoculation with AM fungi on plant growth and larval feeding by the willow sawfly Nematus oligospilus, as well as its impact on the plant's VOC emission profile. Willow plants inoculated with AM fungi exhibited increased leaf biomass and reduced damage incidence from willow sawfly larvae, supporting the role of mycorrhiza as a protective symbiosis. Notably, AM fungi-inoculated plants emitted 40% less total VOC compared to non-inoculated plants. Both groups emitted similar levels of monoterpenes; however, inoculated plants produced 30% fewer sesquiterpenes. Herbivory did not alter total VOC emission, but non-inoculated plants showed a reduction in (E)-β-ocimene, which was not observed in inoculated plants. The significant decline in sesquiterpene emission of inoculated willow saplings points out the importance of considering the symbiotic microorganisms in the study of plant defenses and insect-plant interactions.},
}

*Salix/microbiology/metabolism/growth & development/chemistry/physiology
*Mycorrhizae/physiology
*Symbiosis
Volatile Organic Compounds/metabolism/analysis
*Sesquiterpenes/metabolism/analysis
Animals
*Monoterpenes/metabolism/analysis
Larva/physiology
Plant Leaves/metabolism/growth & development/chemistry
Herbivory

@article {pmid40569380,
year = {2025},
author = {Maeda, GP and Dang, V and Kelly, MK and Sundar, A and Arnott, RLW and Marcotte, EM and Moran, NA},
title = {Heritable symbiont producing nonribosomal peptide confers extreme heat sensitivity and antifungal protection on its host.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {122},
number = {26},
pages = {e2509873122},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2509873122},
pmid = {40569380},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {R35 GM131738/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; F-1515//Welch Foundation (The Welch Foundation)/ ; R35 GM122480/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; W911NF-12-1-0390//DOD | USA | AFC | CCDC | Army Research Office (ARO)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Aphids/microbiology/physiology ; Peptide Synthases/genetics/metabolism ; *Antifungal Agents/metabolism/pharmacology ; Hot Temperature ; *Peptides/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Insects frequently form associations with maternally transmitted symbiotic bacteria. This transmission mode ensures that symbiont-conferred effects, both beneficial and negative, are passed onto offspring. Here, we report an extreme example of symbiont-mediated temperature sensitivity imposed by a vertically transmitted, defensive symbiont. Pea aphids infected with the bacterial endosymbiont, Fukatsuia symbiotica, resist infection by fungal pathogens but produce few or no offspring when moved from cool (15 °C) to mildly warmer temperatures (20 °C). This temperature-dependent reduction in host fitness is associated with increased symbiont abundance, disordered symbiont localization, and high expression of a horizontally acquired nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) locus. This NRPS operon is syntenic with the locus responsible for the production of Herbicolin A, a known antifungal produced by some plant-associated Erwiniaceae. Activity of chemical extracts from infected aphids is predictive of in vivo protection against entomopathogenic fungi, indicating that an Herbicolin A-like molecule is the likely source of Fukatsuia's protective effects against fungal pathogens. Injection of the same chemical extracts into naive aphids partially recapitulates developmental defects observed in natural infections at 20 °C, suggesting that increased levels of this compound contribute to disrupted embryonic development. Finally, the purification of the causal agent revealed Fukatsuia produces a compound similar but not identical to Herbicolin A, that exhibits both antifungal and hemolytic activity. These results suggest that F. symbiotica infection imposes a trade-off between antifungal defense and disrupted embryonic development, mediated by a single genetic locus.},
}

Animals
*Symbiosis
*Aphids/microbiology/physiology
Peptide Synthases/genetics/metabolism
*Antifungal Agents/metabolism/pharmacology
Hot Temperature
*Peptides/metabolism

@article {pmid40569073,
year = {2025},
author = {Kobiałka, M and Świerczewski, D and Walczak, M and Urbańczyk, W},
title = {Extremely distinct microbial communities in closely related leafhopper subfamilies: Typhlocybinae and Eurymelinae (Cicadellidae, Hemiptera).},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0060325},
doi = {10.1128/msystems.00603-25},
pmid = {40569073},
issn = {2379-5077},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Among the Hemiptera insects, a widespread way of feeding is sucking sap from host plants. Due to their nutrient-poor diet, these insects enter into obligate symbiosis with their microorganisms involved in the synthesis of components essential for host survival. However, within the Cicadellidae family, there is a relatively large group of mesophyll feeders-Typhlocybinae-that is considered to be devoid of obligate symbiotic companions. In this work, we examine the composition of microorganisms in this subfamily and compare the results with their close relatives-the Eurymelinae subfamily. To study the microbiome, we used high-throughput next-generation sequencing (NGS, Illumina) and advanced microscopic techniques, such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), in a confocal microscope. In the bodies of Typhlocybinae insects, we did not detect the presence of microorganisms deemed to be obligate symbionts. Their microbial communities consist of facultative symbionts, mainly alphaproteobacteria such as Wolbachia or Rickettsia as well as others that can be considered as facultative, including Spiroplasma, Acidocella, Arsenophonus, Sodalis, Lariskella, Serratia, Cardinium, and Asaia. On the other hand, the Eurymelinae group is characterized by a high diversity of microbial communities, both obligate and facultative, similar to other Cicadomorpha. We find co-symbionts involved in the synthesis of essential amino acids such as Karelsulcia, betaproteobacteria Nasuia, or gammaproteobacteria Sodalis. In other representatives, we observed symbiotic yeast-like fungi from the family Ophiocordycipitaceae or Arsenophonus bacteria inhabiting the interior of Karelsulcia bacteria. Additionally, we investigated some aspects of symbiont transmission and the phylogeny of symbiotic organisms and their hosts.

IMPORTANCE: The Typhlocybinae and Eurymelinae leafhoppers differ significantly in their symbiotic communities. They have different diets, as Typhlocybinae insects feed on parenchyma, which is richer in nutrients, while Eurymelinae, like most representatives of Auchenorrhyncha, consume sap from the phloem fibers of plants. Our work presents comprehensive studies of 42 species belonging to the two above-mentioned, and so far poorly known, Cicadomorpha subfamilies. Phylogenetic studies indicate that the insects from the studied groups have a common ancestor. The diet shift in the Typhlocybinae leafhoppers contributed to major changes in the composition of microorganisms inhabiting the body of these insects. Research on the impact of diet on the microbiome and the subsequent consequences on the evolution and adaptation of organisms plays an important role in the era of climate change.},
}

@article {pmid40569035,
year = {2025},
author = {Valadez-Ingersoll, M and Rivera, HE and Da-Anoy, J and Kanke, MR and Gomez-Campo, K and Martinez-Rugerio, MI and Metz, S and Sweet, M and Kwan, J and Hekman, R and Emili, A and Gilmore, TD and Davies, SW},
title = {Cell type-specific immune regulation under symbiosis in a facultatively symbiotic coral.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ismejo/wraf132},
pmid = {40569035},
issn = {1751-7370},
abstract = {Many cnidarians host single-celled algae within gastrodermal cells, yielding a mutually beneficial exchange of nutrients between host and symbiont, and dysbiosis can lead to host mortality. Previous research has uncovered symbiosis tradeoffs, including suppression of immune pathways in hosts, and correlations between symbiotic state and pathogen susceptibility. Here, we used a multiomic approach to characterize symbiotic states of the facultatively symbiotic coral Oculina arbuscula by generating genotype-controlled fragments of symbiotic and aposymbiotic tissue. 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed no difference in bacterial communities between symbiotic states. Whole-organism proteomics revealed differential abundance of proteins related to immunity, confirming immune suppression during symbiosis. Single-cell RNAseq identified diverse cell clusters within seven cell types across symbiotic states. Specifically, the gastrodermal cell clusters containing algal-hosting cells from symbiotic tissue had higher expression of nitrogen cycling and lipid metabolism genes than aposymbiotic gastrodermal cells. Furthermore, differential enrichment of immune system gene pathways and lower expression of genes involved in immune regulation were observed in these gastrodermal cells from symbiotic tissue. However, there were no differences in gene expression in the immune cell cluster between symbiotic states. We conclude that there is growing evidence for compartmentalization of immune system regulation in specific gastrodermal cells in symbiosis. This compartmentalization may limit symbiosis tradeoffs by dampening immunity in algal-hosting cells while simultaneously maintaining general organismal immunity.},
}

@article {pmid40568966,
year = {2025},
author = {Singh, J and Mendoza-Soto, AB and Tiwari, M and Acevedo-Sandoval, TT and Formey, D and Ané, JM and Isidra-Arellano, MC and Valdés-López, O},
title = {Phosphate deficiency reduces nodule formation through a Phosphate Starvation Response -Like protein in Phaseolus vulgaris.},
journal = {Plant & cell physiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/pcp/pcaf069},
pmid = {40568966},
issn = {1471-9053},
abstract = {Phosphate deficiency reduces nodule formation in various legumes, which hinders nitrogen fixation and crop yield. We previously showed that phosphate deficiency reduces nodule formation by activating the autoregulation of nodulation (AON) pathway. We also observed that some genetic components of the AON pathway contain P1BS cis-regulatory elements in their promoter regions, which are recognized by the phosphate starvation response 1 (PHR1) transcription factor. This evidence led us to hypothesize that host plant phosphate levels regulate the expression of genes essential for forming nodules through a PHR-Like protein. In the present study, we provide evidence supporting the participation of PvPHR-Like 7 (PvPHR-L7) in regulating nodule formation in Phaseolus vulgaris. Modulation of PvPHR-L7's expression by RNA interference (RNAi) and overexpression suggested that this transcription factor may control the expression of crucial symbiotic genes involved in nodule development in P. vulgaris. An RT-qPCR analysis revealed that the expression of PvPHR-L7, PvNIN, and PvTML is regulated in accordingly to the plant host Pi levels. Transactivation assays in Nicotiana benthamiana and P. vulgaris transgenic roots indicate that PvPHR-L7 can upregulate the expression of PvNIN and PvTML in the absence of rhizobia. In contrast, PvPHR-L7 downregulates the expression of PvNIN under symbiotic conditions with rhizobia. The data presented shed light on the potential role that PvPHR-L7 plays in the root nodule symbiosis.},
}

@article {pmid40567942,
year = {2025},
author = {Zheng, W and Su, M and Hong, N and Ye, P},
title = {Gut-eye axis.},
journal = {Advances in ophthalmology practice and research},
volume = {5},
number = {3},
pages = {165-174},
pmid = {40567942},
issn = {2667-3762},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The gut microbiome, colonizing the human gastrointestinal tract, is increasingly recognized for its symbiotic relationship with the immune system in maintaining overall host health. This emerging understanding raises intriguing questions about potential connections between the gut microbiome and anatomically distant organs, such as the eye, possibly mediated through immune pathways.

MAIN TEXT: This review synthesizes contemporary research on ocular diseases with the framework of the burgeoning "gut-eye axis" concept. Investigations spanning from the ocular surface to the fundus suggest correlations between the gut microbiome and various ocular disorders. By elucidating the putative pathogenic mechanisms underlying these ocular conditions, we offer novel perspectives to inform future diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in ophthalmology.

CONCLUSIONS: By presenting a critical analysis of current knowledge regarding the role of gastrointestinal microbiota in ocular health, this review shed light on the complex interplay between gut dysbiosis and eye disorders. Our work endeavors to catalyze interdisciplinary research and foster innovative clinical applications, thereby bridging the gap between the gut microbiota and the ocular well-being.},
}

@article {pmid40567412,
year = {2025},
author = {Mo, Z and Wang, H and Sun, L and Zhang, Y and Wei, S and Huang, H},
title = {Rhizocompartments drive the structure of root-associated fungal communities in halophytes with different life forms.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1584398},
pmid = {40567412},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Symbiotic fungi with plants are important for plant nutrient uptake and resource redistribution.

METHODS: High-throughput sequencing was used to investigate the composition and driving factors of fungal communities in three rhizocompartments (root endosphere, rhizosphere soil, and non-rhizosphere soil) of different halophyte life forms in the National Nature Reserve of Ebinur Lake Wetland in Xinjiang, China.

RESULTS: (1) The α-diversity index differed significantly among the three rhizocompartments of halophytes with different life forms (P < 0.05), and α and β-diversity were mainly driven by rhizocompartments. (2) Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were the dominant communities across various rhizocompartments in the different life forms. Aporospora and Monosporascus were the dominant fungal genera in the root endosphere of all three plant life forms. Alternaria was dominant in both rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils in herb. Penicillium and Knufia were the dominant in the rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils in shrub, respectively. While Penicillium and Aspergillus were dominant in both rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils in abor. (3) The complexity of the fungal co-occurrence network varied among plant life forms; the highest complexity was found in the rhizosphere soil of herb (11.102), the root endosphere of shrub (23.837) and in the non-rhizosphere soil of arbor (9.920). Furthermore, the co-occurrence networks of the three plant life forms in the three rhizocompartments were mainly positively correlated (86.73%-97.98%). (4) Root-associated fungal communities were significantly and strongly correlated with soil and root water content, soil and root total nitrogen, root and leaf total phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, nitrate nitrogen and salt content in herb. While in shrub, root-associated fungal communities were strongly correlated with soil water content, available phosphorus, catalase and total phosphorus. However, arbor exhibited no significant correlations with soil and plant physicochemical factors.

DISCUSSION: These results provide a theoretical foundation for understanding the complex interaction mechanism between desert halophytes and fungi and are of great significance for strengthening desert vegetation management and vegetation restoration in arid areas.},
}

@article {pmid40566686,
year = {2025},
author = {Jing, S and Li, M and Li, C and Zhang, C and Zhu, L and Du, L and Li, Y and Wei, X and Zhang, M and Ma, B and Ruan, Y and Ma, F},
title = {ABA promotes fatty acid biosynthesis and transport to boost arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis in apple roots.},
journal = {Plant communications},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {101426},
doi = {10.1016/j.xplc.2025.101426},
pmid = {40566686},
issn = {2590-3462},
abstract = {The roots of most land plants are in symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. The fungus promotes nutrient uptake from the soil while receiving plant photosynthate as lipids and sugars. Nutrient exchange must be regulated by both partners, but the mechanisms underlying the regulation of lipid supplement from the plant to the AM fungus remain elusive. Here, we conducted a molecular study on the role of increased abscisic acid (ABA) levels during AM fungus infection in the roots of apple (Malus spp.). AM fungus induced the expression of two ABA synthesis genes, MdNCED3.1 and 3.2, in apple roots and increased the ABA content, which promoted the growth of the AM fungus. The effect of ABA on symbiosis was confirmed in transgenic apple roots either overexpressing or silencing MdNCED3.1 or MdNCED3.2. Transcriptome analysis and transgenic manipulation revealed that the transcription factor MdABF2 played a key role in the ABA-mediated formation of symbiosis during AM infection and that MdABF2 could regulate the expression levels of genes related to fatty acid (FA) synthesis (e.g., MdKASIII) and translocation (such as MdSTR2) in apple roots. Activation of these genes boosted the levels of available fatty acids in the roots and increased the AM fungal colonization and arbuscule development in the roots. These results reveal a molecular pathway in which ABA signaling positively regulates fatty acid synthesis and transport, thereby enhancing lipid supply to AM fungi and promoting AM symbiosis.},
}

@article {pmid40565508,
year = {2025},
author = {Shi, S and Zhang, Z and Lin, X and Lu, L and Fu, K and He, M and Lee, SY and Yin, H and Yu, J},
title = {Comparative and Phylogenetic Analysis of the Complete Chloroplast Genomes of Lithocarpus Species (Fagaceae) in South China.},
journal = {Genes},
volume = {16},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {40565508},
issn = {2073-4425},
support = {GDZZDC20228703//Investigation of forest germplasm resources in Guangdong Province/ ; },
mesh = {*Genome, Chloroplast/genetics ; Phylogeny ; China ; *Fagaceae/genetics/classification ; Microsatellite Repeats/genetics ; Evolution, Molecular ; Base Composition ; },
abstract = {Background/Objectives: In South China, Lithocarpus species dominate mixed evergreen broadleaf forests, forming symbiotic relationships with ectomycorrhizal fungi and serving as food resources for diverse fauna, including frugivorous birds and mammals. The limited understanding of chloroplast genomes in this genus restricts our insights into its species diversity. This study investigates the chloroplast genome (cp genome) sequences from seven Lithocarpus species, aims to elucidate their structural variation, evolutionary relationships, and functional gene content to provide effective support for future genetic conservation and breeding efforts. Methods: We isolated total DNA from fresh leaves and sequenced the complete cp genomes of these samples. To develop a genomic resource and clarify the evolutionary relationships within Lithocarpus species, comparative chloroplast genome studies and phylogenetic investigations were performed. Results: All studied species exhibited a conserved quadripartite chloroplast genome structure, with sizes ranging from 161,495 to 163,880 bp. Genome annotation revealed 130 functional genes and a GC content of 36.72-37.76%. Codon usage analysis showed a predominance of leucine-encoding codons. Our analysis identified 322 simple sequence repeats (SSRs), which were predominantly palindromic in structure (82.3%). All eight species exhibited the same 19 SSR categories in similar proportions. Eight highly variable regions (ndhF, ycf1, trnS-trnG-exon1, trnk(exon1)-rps16(exon2), rps16(exon2), rbcL-accD, and ccsA-ndh) have been identified, which could be valuable as molecular markers in future studies on the population genetics and phylogeography of this genus. The phylogeny tree provided critical insights into the evolutionary trajectory of Fagaceae, suggesting that Lithocarpus was strongly supported as monophyletic, while Quercus was inferred to be polyphyletic, showing a significant cytonuclear discrepancy. Conclusions: We characterized and compared the chloroplast genome features across eight Lithocarpus species, followed by comprehensive phylogenetic analyses. These findings provide critical insights for resolving taxonomic uncertainties and advancing systematic research in this genus.},
}

*Genome, Chloroplast/genetics
Phylogeny
China
*Fagaceae/genetics/classification
Microsatellite Repeats/genetics
Evolution, Molecular
Base Composition

@article {pmid40563984,
year = {2025},
author = {Saavedra-Tralma, D and Gaete, A and Merino-Guzmán, C and Parada-Ibáñez, M and Nájera-de Ferrari, F and Jofré-Fernández, I},
title = {Functional and Genomic Evidence of L-Arginine-Dependent Bacterial Nitric Oxide Synthase Activity in Paenibacillus nitricinens sp. nov.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {14},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {40563984},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {Fondecyt Iniciación 11230807//Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo/ ; },
abstract = {Although nitric oxide (NO) production in bacteria has traditionally been associated with denitrification or stress responses in model or symbiotic organisms, functionally validated L-arginine-dependent nitric oxide synthase (bNOS) activity has not been documented in free-living, non-denitrifying soil bacteria. This paper reports Paenibacillus nitricinens sp. nov., a bacterium isolated from rainforest soil capable of synthesizing NO via a bNOS under aerobic conditions. A bnos-specific PCR confirmed gene presence, while whole-genome sequencing (6.7 Mb, 43.79% GC) revealed two nitrogen metabolism pathways, including a bnos-like gene. dDDH (<70%) and ANI (<95%) values with related Paenibacillus strains support the delineation of this isolate as a distinct species. Extracellular and intracellular NO measurements under aerobic conditions showed a dose-dependent response, with detectable production at 0.1 µM L-arginine and saturation at 100 µM. The addition of L-NAME reduced NO formation, confirming enzymatic mediation. The genomic identification of a bnos-like gene strongly supports the presence of a functional pathway. The absence of canonical nitric oxide reductase (Nor) genes or other typical denitrification-related enzymes reinforces that NO production arises from an alternative, intracellular enzymatic mechanism rather than classical denitrification. Consequently, P. nitricinens expands the known repertoire of microbial NO synthesis and suggests a previously overlooked source of NO flux in well-aerated soils.},
}

@article {pmid40563329,
year = {2025},
author = {Shoham, S and Pintel, N and Avni, D},
title = {Oxidative Stress, Gut Bacteria, and Microalgae: A Holistic Approach to Manage Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.},
journal = {Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {40563329},
issn = {2076-3921},
support = {101000501//European Commission/ ; },
abstract = {Oxidative stress is a recognized contributor to the pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), exacerbating chronic inflammation and tissue damage. While traditional IBD therapies primarily focus on immune modulation, alternative approaches that address oxidative stress and promote gut microbial health present new opportunities for symptom relief and disease management. Microalgae, known for their potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and prebiotic properties, show promise in alleviating oxidative damage and supporting beneficial gut bacteria. This review explores the multifaceted role of oxidative stress in IBD and highlights the therapeutic potential of microalgae-derived compounds. In addition, it examines the synergistic benefits of combining microalgal antioxidants with probiotics to promote gut homeostasis. Advances in delivery systems, including nanotechnology and symbiotic bacteria-microalgae interactions, are also discussed as emerging approaches for targeted treatment. The review concludes by identifying future research priorities focused on clinical translation and microalgae-based bioengineering innovations to enhance the efficacy and accessibility of therapeutics for IBD patients.},
}

@article {pmid40563081,
year = {2025},
author = {Hatami, H and Bahrami, Y and Kakaei, E},
title = {Endophytic actinobacteria from Mentha longifolia and Lonicera nummulariifolia: a novel source against antibiotic resistance.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {365},
pmid = {40563081},
issn = {1471-2180},
support = {4000326//Deputy for Research and Technology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The escalating global challenge of antibiotic resistance severely restricts our ability to treat common infectious diseases, necessitating the urgent need for the development of novel antibiotics with distinct mechanisms of action. Actinobacteria, a diverse group of bacteria with medical, industrial, pharmaceutical, and ecological significance, produce approximately two-thirds of clinically used antibiotics. Endophytic actinobacteria (EA), residing within various plant species, represent a promising source for discovering novel antibiotics to combat this raising threat. This study aimed to explore the diversity and antibacterial characteristics of EA isolated from Mentha longifolia and Lonicera nummulariifolia, leveraging the host specificity and adaptation of EA to different plant species. Healthy plant samples were surface-sterilized and cultured on four distinct isolation media.

RESULTS: Nine EA isolates were identified from the roots, stems, and leaves of the plants based on morphological and molecular characterization. These isolates were taxonomically classified into two different families, Nocardiaceae and Streptomycetaceae, with Streptomyces being the dominant genus. All strains, except KUMS-B13, were reported as endophytes for the first time. Among the isolates, KUMS-B9 showed 98.66% sequence similarity to its closest relative strain, classifying it as a potential rare novel strain. The isolates exhibited diverse spore morphologies, including cylindrical, cubic, biconvex, oval, or ovoid shapes, with smooth or wrinkled surfaces. Six of the nine isolates displayed antibacterial activity against at least one of the tested bacteria: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. Isolate KUMS-B11, closely related to Streptomyces flavogriseus, showed broad-spectrum inhibition against all tested bacteria. Notably, a majority of the isolates demonstrated antagonistic activity against P. aeruginosa.

CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights EA isolated from Mentha longifolia and Lonicera nummulariifolia as a valuable source of medically bioactive metabolites with potential applications in human health. The isolation of new EA presents a promising approach to discovering novel therapeutic agents from unexplored ecological niches to battle antibiotic resistance. Furthermore, these findings emphasize the potential of plant-symbiotic bacteria in producing bioactive compounds with significant medicinal, pharmaceutical, and biotechnological applications.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12866-025-04089-y.},
}

@article {pmid40562331,
year = {2025},
author = {Martin, WF},
title = {ATP requirements for growth reveal the bioenergetic impact of mitochondrial symbiosis.},
journal = {Biochimica et biophysica acta. Bioenergetics},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {149564},
doi = {10.1016/j.bbabio.2025.149564},
pmid = {40562331},
issn = {1879-2650},
abstract = {Studies by microbiologists in the 1970s provided robust estimates for the energy supply and demand of a prokaryotic cell. The amount of ATP needed to support growth was calculated from the chemical composition of the cell and known enzymatic pathways that synthesize its constituents from known substrates in culture. Starting in 2015, geneticists and evolutionary biologists began investigating the bioenergetic role of mitochondria at eukaryote origin and energy in metazoan evolution using their own, widely trusted-but hitherto unvetted-model for the costs of growth in terms of ATP per cell. The more recent model contains, however, a severe and previously unrecognized error that systematically overestimates the ATP cost of amino acid synthesis up to 200-fold. The error applies to all organisms studied by such models and leads to conspicuously false inferences, for example that the synthesis of an average amino acid in humans requires 30 ATP, which no biochemistry textbook will confirm. Their ATP 'cost' calculations would require that E. coli obtains ~100 ATP per glucose and that mammals obtain ~240 ATP per glucose, untenable propositions that invalidate and void all evolutionary inferences so based. By contrast, established methods for estimating the ATP cost of microbial growth show that the first mitochondrial endosymbionts could have easily doubled the host's available ATP pool, provided (i) that genes for growth on environmental amino acids were transferred from the mitochondrial symbiont to the archaeal host, and (ii) that the host for mitochondrial origin was an autotroph using the acetyl-CoA pathway. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Life is a chemical reaction. It requires energy release in order to proceed. The currency of energy in cells is adenosine triphosphate ATP. Five decades ago, microbiologists were able to measure and understand the amount of ATP that cells require to grow. New studies by evolutionary biologists have appeared in the meantime that brush aside the older microbiological findings, using their own methods to calculate the ATP cost of growth instead. Science is, however, an imperfect undertaking. The new studies contain a major error, similar to conflating centimeters with yards. The error affects many publications and their conclusions. Using the old methods, we can still meaningfully study the role of energy in evolution, including the origin of complex, nucleus-bearing cells.},
}

@article {pmid40561903,
year = {2025},
author = {Guillier, C and Giraudo, M and Clergeaud, F and Thorel, E and Chapron, L and Marcon, L and Lebaron, P and Houël, E and Stien, D},
title = {Mineral UV filters and their effects on Pocillopora damicornis metabolome.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {991},
number = {},
pages = {179961},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179961},
pmid = {40561903},
issn = {1879-1026},
abstract = {The rising use of sunscreens and cosmetics containing ultraviolet (UV) filters has increased their presence in marine ecosystems. UV filters encompass a wide range of organic and mineral compounds with diverse behaviors and properties in aquatic environments. The mineral filters titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) are commonly found in cosmetic products as particles or nanoparticles (NPs) and are increasingly used as alternatives to organic UV filters. In this study, the effects of a coated form of TiO2 (Solaveil™ XTP1, 60 nm, hydrophobic) and uncoated ZnO particles from two different sizes (Zano®10 and Zano®M, 60 and 250 nm, hydrophilic) were assessed on the symbiotic tropical coral Pocillopora damicornis using an untargeted metabolomic approach. Corals were exposed for seven days to environmentally relevant particle concentrations (5 to 1000 μg.L[-1]), and their metabolomes were analyzed using UHPLC-HRMS/MS. While TiO2 exposure did not induce significant metabolomic changes, both sizes of ZnO particles caused shifts in the metabolome of the coral's symbiotic dinoflagellates, leading to a noticeable decrease in the relative concentrations of symbiont lipids and pigments. A size-dependent toxicity of ZnO was observed: ZnO NPs triggered signs of bleaching at concentrations as low as 300 μg.L[-1], whereas larger ZnO particles exhibited only mild effects at the highest concentration tested (1000 μg.L[-1]). This underscores the critical role of particle size in determining toxicity. This research highlights the contrasting effects of different mineral UV filters on symbiotic corals and aims to inform cosmetic companies in selecting mineral filters that minimize harmful impacts on coral reefs.},
}

@article {pmid40561607,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, X and Wang, Q and Wang, Y and Shen, S and Ge, Y and Pan, K and Guo, X and Lei, Y and Gao, Y},
title = {Strategy for nitrogen fertilizer substitution: Co-composting of agricultural waste to regulate vegetable quality and rhizosphere microorganisms.},
journal = {Ecotoxicology and environmental safety},
volume = {302},
number = {},
pages = {118573},
doi = {10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118573},
pmid = {40561607},
issn = {1090-2414},
abstract = {Agricultural waste compost is being used as an alternative to traditional chemical fertilizers as an effective way to achieve sustainable agricultural development. In this study, a mixed compost derived from human faeces, livestock manure, and crop residues was used as a proportional replacement for traditional chemical fertilizers, and the mechanisms of its effects on pakchoi quality and soil rhizosphere microorganisms were systematically explored. The results showed that co-composting of agricultural waste effectively reduced the required amount of nitrogen fertilizer, with the combination of 40 % mixed compost + 60 % chemical fertilizer application (T60) yielding the highest pakchoi biomass and quality, notably increasing the fresh weight by 138.91 % and reaching a peak vitamin C content of 13.80 mg·100 g[-1]. In addition, the application of compost as a chemical fertilizer substitute changed the composition of the soil microbial community, with a greater impact on bacteria than fungi. Composting could improve the growth and quality indices of pakchoi by increasing rhizobacterial alpha diversity. Proteobacteria and Ascomycota are important microbial families that affect the growth and quality indicators of pakchoi, respectively. Functional analysis showed that the compost mainly regulated the growth and quality of pakchoi by upregulating the relative abundance of functional genes related to carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism, and exogenous biodegradation and metabolism, as well as by increasing the abundance of symbiotic and saprotrophic fungi while decreasing that of pathotrophic fungi. This research can provide a foundation and theoretical support for the resource utilization of agricultural waste and the reduction of traditional chemical fertilizers.},
}

@article {pmid40560611,
year = {2025},
author = {Kochanowsky, JA and Betts, EL and Encinas, G and Amoah, J and Johnson, PJ},
title = {Trichomonas vaginalis extracellular vesicles suppress IFNε-mediated responses driven by its intracellular bacterial symbiont Mycoplasma hominis.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {122},
number = {26},
pages = {e2508297122},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2508297122},
pmid = {40560611},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {R01AI103182//HHS | NIH | National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)/ ; R01AI148475//HHS | NIH | National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)/ ; T32AI007323//HHS | NIH | National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)/ ; F32AI186416//HHS | NIH | National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)/ ; DBI-2149582//NSF (NSF)/ ; },
mesh = {*Trichomonas vaginalis/immunology ; *Extracellular Vesicles/immunology/metabolism/microbiology ; *Mycoplasma hominis/immunology/physiology ; Humans ; *Symbiosis/immunology ; Female ; Immunity, Innate ; *Mycoplasma Infections/immunology/microbiology ; Animals ; },
abstract = {Trichomonas vaginalis is a common, extracellular, sexually transmitted parasite which is often found in symbiosis with the intracellular bacterium Mycoplasma hominis (Mh), an opportunistic pathogen of the female reproductive tract. How this symbiosis affects infection outcomes and the host cell innate immune response is poorly understood. Here, we show that infection with T. vaginalis in symbiosis with M. hominis or M. hominis alone triggers a noncanonical type I interferon, interferon-epsilon (IFNε), but infection with T. vaginalis alone does not. We also demonstrate that extracellular vesicles (TvEVs) produced by the parasite downregulate host cell IFNε, counteracting this symbiont-driven response and elevating infection. We further demonstrate that IFNε, a hormonally regulated cytokine produced in the human reproductive system, is protective against T. vaginalis cytoadherence and cytolysis of host cells. These studies provide insight into how a parasite and its bacterial symbiont work in concert to regulate host cell innate immune responses to drive infection.},
}

*Trichomonas vaginalis/immunology
*Extracellular Vesicles/immunology/metabolism/microbiology
*Mycoplasma hominis/immunology/physiology
Humans
*Symbiosis/immunology
Female
Immunity, Innate
*Mycoplasma Infections/immunology/microbiology
Animals

@article {pmid40559515,
year = {2025},
author = {Brar, AK and Bilodeau, KM and Trickey, DJ and Mackey, CS and Redfern, BL and Fisher, GT and Simms, EL and Jones, KM},
title = {Non-Nitrogen-Fixing Sinorhizobium meliloti Can Escape Sanctions in Indeterminate Alfalfa Nodules, Exhibiting Parasitic Growth.},
journal = {Molecular plant-microbe interactions : MPMI},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1094/MPMI-06-25-0074-R},
pmid = {40559515},
issn = {0894-0282},
abstract = {The soil bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti can proliferate by leveraging its nitrogen-fixing symbiosis with legumes that form indeterminate root nodules, such as Medicago sativa (alfalfa) and M. truncatula. In contrast to determinate-nodulating legumes, e.g. Glycine max (soybean) and Lotus japonicus, indeterminate-nodulating legumes impose terminal differentiation on nitrogen-fixing (N2-fixing) rhizobia. Thus, the bacterial population is split between those that benefit the plant by N2 fixation, but are a reproductive dead end, and those that are undifferentiated, capable of resuming free-living growth, but not fixing nitrogen. We show that, in mixed nodules colonized by nearly-isogenic strains, with one N2-fixing and one unable to fix N2 (Fix-), alfalfa do not preferentially penalize the Fix- strain, allowing 'cheating' at the expense of the plant and the N2-fixer. Thus, a Fix- strain that successfully co-nodulates with a N2-fixing strain can benefit from resources the host provides to the nodule in response to N2 fixed by the co-nodulating strain. Co-invasion of alfalfa nodules with a N2-fixing strain may be a successful strategy for a Fix- strain to cheat both the plant that provides fixed carbon and the N2-fixing strain.},
}

@article {pmid40559314,
year = {2025},
author = {Ukwattage, NL and Zhiyong, Z},
title = {Impacts of Cerium Dioxide Nanoparticles on the Soil-Plant System and Their Potential Agricultural Applications.},
journal = {Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {40559314},
issn = {2079-4991},
abstract = {Cerium dioxide nanoparticles (CeO2-NPs) are increasingly used in various industrial applications, leading to their inevitable release into the environment including the soil ecosystem. In soil, CeO2-NPs are taken up by plants, translocated, and accumulated in plant tissues. Within plant tissues, CeO2-NPs have been shown to interfere with critical metabolic pathways, which may affect plant health and productivity. Moreover, their presence in soil can influence soil physico-chemical and biological properties, including microbial communities within the rhizosphere, where they can alter microbial physiology, diversity, and enzymatic activities. These interactions raise concerns about the potential disruption of plant-microbe symbiosis essential for plant nutrition and soil health. Despite these challenges, CeO2-NPs hold potential as tools for enhancing crop productivity and resilience to stress, such as drought or heavy metal contamination. However, understanding the balance between their beneficial and harmful effects is crucial for their safe application in agriculture. To date, the overall impact of CeO2-NPs on soil -plant system and the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, this review analyses the recent research findings to provide a comprehensive understanding of the fate of CeO2-NPs in soil-plant systems and the implications for soil health, plant growth, and agricultural productivity. As the current research is limited by inconsistent findings, often due to variations in experimental conditions, it is essential to study CeO2-NPs under more ecologically relevant settings. This review further emphasizes the need for future research to assess the long-term environmental impacts of CeO2-NPs in soil-plant systems and to develop guidelines for their responsible use in sustainable agriculture.},
}

@article {pmid40559074,
year = {2025},
author = {Joseph, RA and Tirmizi, E and Masoudi, A and Keyhani, NO},
title = {Cell Structure of the Preoral Mycangia of Xyleborus (Coleoptera: Curculiondiae) Ambrosia Beetles.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {40559074},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {IOS-2418026//National Science Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {Ambrosia beetles have evolved specialized structures termed "mycangia", which house and transport symbiotic microbes. Microbial partners include at least one obligate mutualistic filamentous fungus used as food for larvae and adults, and potentially secondary filamentous fungi, yeasts, and bacteria. Beetles in the genus Xyleborus possess paired pre-oral mycangial structures located within the head on either side of the mouth parts. Mycangia develop in pupae, with newly emerged adults acquiring partners from the environment. However, information concerning the cellular structure and function of Xyleborus mycangia remains limited. We show that in X. affinis, mycangia are lined with a layer of striated dense material, enclosing layers of insect epithelial cells, with diverse spine-like structures. Larger (5-10 μm) projections were concentrated within and near the entrance of mycangia, with smaller filaments (4-8 μm) within the mycangia itself. Rows of "eyelash" structures lined the inside of mycangia, with fungal cells free-floating or in close association with these projections. Serial sections revealed mandibular articulations, and mandibular, pharyngeal, and labial muscles, along with the mycangial entry/exit channel. Sheets of comb-like spines at the mycangial entrance and opposite the mycangia attached to the roof of the labrum or epipharynx may serve as an interlocking mechanism for opening/closing the mycangia and guiding fungal cells into entry/exit channels. Additionally, mandibular fibra (muscle tissue) potentially enervating and affecting the mechanism of mycangial functioning were noted. These data add crucial mechanistic detail to the model of pre-oral mycangia in Xyleborus beetles, their cellular structures, and how they house and dispense microbial symbionts.},
}

@article {pmid40559044,
year = {2025},
author = {Castrejón-Antonio, JE and Tamez-Guerra, P},
title = {Overview and Recent Advances in Bioassays to Evaluate the Potential of Entomopathogenic Fungi Against Ambrosia Beetles.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {40559044},
issn = {2075-4450},
abstract = {Ambrosia beetles, known for their symbiotic relationship with fungi cultivated within the tissues of host trees, have become significant pests, particularly when they serve as vectors for pathogenic fungi such as Raffaelea lauricola. Given the regulatory and environmental constraints for chemical application as a tool for their control, entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) represent a promising pest management alternative. This review presents an overview of bioassays assessing the pathogenicity and virulence of EPF against ambrosia beetles. Most studies have been performed in vivo (artificial diet) under laboratory conditions, focusing on exotic species and testing EPF genera such as Beauveria, Metarhizium, Isaria, and Purpureocillium. However, variations in inoculation methods, environmental conditions, and fungal formulations, have led to diverse results. In addition, the complex biology of these insects, particularly their dependence on symbiotic fungi, represents significant methodological challenges. Field trials (in situ bioassays) are still scarce, and there is a need to move toward standardized protocols and more objective experimental models that consider not only insects' behavior but also ecological factors. Bridging this gap is essential for successfully implementing EPF-based strategies to assess ambrosia beetles' biocontrol.},
}

@article {pmid40559041,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, M and Cao, X and Xu, L and Lin, L and Wu, X and Fan, S and Zhang, X and Zhou, F},
title = {Laboratory Test Indirectly Reveals the Unreliability of RNA-Dependent 16S rRNA Amplicon Sequences in Detecting the Gut Bacterial Diversity of Delia antiqua.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {40559041},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {32272530//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2024KJI002//Young Innovation Team Project of Higher Education in Shandong Province/ ; SDAIT-31-04//Shandong Province Key Agricultural Project for Application Technology Innovation/ ; 2024ZDZX10//QLU Major innovation projects of education-industry integration pilot/ ; },
abstract = {In insect-microbe symbiosis, understanding the diversity of associated bacteria is crucial. DNA-dependent sequence methods are widely used to assess microbial diversity in insects, but they cannot distinguish between live and dead microbes. In contrast, RNA-dependent sequencing can identify alive bacterial communities, making them more suitable for evaluating alive microbiota diversity. However, its practical reliability in insect-microbe symbiosis remains poorly validated. This study investigated larval gut bacteria diversity of Delia antiqua, a major pest of Liliaceae crops, by employing both DNA- and RNA-dependent 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. The reliability of both sequencing methods was evaluated by comparing the effects of synthetic communities (SynComs, constructed according to DNA- or RNA-dependent sequencing) and bacterial communities from wild larvae on axenic larvae. Results revealed significant differences in bacterial community between DNA- and RNA-dependent sequence samples. Compared to bacterial communities from wild larvae, the SynCom constructed based on RNA-dependent sequencing exhibited inhibition effects on D. antiqua larvae survival and body weight, while DNA-dependent SynCom did not, suggesting that DNA-dependent methods were superior for assessing symbiotic microbiota in D. antiqua. This work will provide insights into microbial diversity detection in D. antiqua and offer a framework for other insect-microbe studies.},
}

@article {pmid40559014,
year = {2025},
author = {Jia, J and Liang, M and Zhao, Z and Huang, W and Feng, Q and Lin, Z and Ji, X},
title = {Effects of Periodic Short-Term Heat Stress on Biological Characteristics and Gut Bacteria of Spodoptera frugiperda.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {40559014},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {FW20230002//This work was supported by the technical innovation project of the provincial scientific research institute of the Hainan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China/ ; },
abstract = {In this study, the migratory agricultural pest Spodoptera frugiperda was exposed to three periodic short-term heat stress regimes at 37 °C, 40 °C, and 43 °C (2 h daily), with a constant 26 °C control. We systematically evaluated the effects of periodic thermal stress on developmental traits across all life stages. Combined with 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing, we analyzed the structural and functional characteristics of the gut bacterial community in adults under heat stress. The results demonstrated that 37 °C exposure accelerated egg-to-adult development, whereas 43 °C markedly extended it. Additionally, 43 °C heat stress suppressed pupation and eclosion rates. Increasing stress temperatures were negatively correlated with pupal weight and body size in both sexes. Notably, 43 °C heat stress caused complete loss of hatching ability in offspring eggs, thereby rendering population reproduction unattainable. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that Proteobacteria (>90%) dominated the gut bacterial community at the phylum level across all treatments. Under 43 °C heat stress, although female and male adults exhibited an increase in specific bacterial species within their gut bacteria, Alpha diversity analysis revealed no significant differences in the diversity (Shannon index) and richness (Chao index) of gut bacterial communities between sexes under temperature treatments. PICRUSt2 functional prediction indicated that metabolic pathways, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, and microbial metabolism in diverse environments constituted the dominant functions of gut bacteria in both sexes, while heat stress exerted minimal effects on the functional profiles of gut bacteria in S. frugiperda. These findings not only provide a theoretical basis for predicting summer population dynamics and formulating ecological control strategies for S. frugiperda but also offer critical insights into the adaptive interactions between this pest and its gut bacterial community under heat stress. The results lay a foundation for further exploring the interactions between insect environmental adaptability and bacterial symbiosis.},
}

@article {pmid40558966,
year = {2025},
author = {Xue, Y and Wang, Y and Shi, J and Wei, J and Wang, Q and Song, W},
title = {Plant Functional Traits and Soil Nutrients Drive Divergent Symbiotic Fungal Strategies in Three Urban Street Tree Species.},
journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {11},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {40558966},
issn = {2309-608X},
support = {32301442//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Understanding species-specific mechanisms governing symbiotic fungal responses to plant traits and soil factors is critical for optimizing urban tree "plant-soil-fungus" systems under pollution stress. To address this gap, we combined δ[13]C/δ[15]N isotope analysis and ITS sequencing for three common street trees in Beijing: Sophora japonica, Ginkgo biloba, and Populus tomentosa. In S. japonica, symbiotic fungal abundance was positively associated with leaf δ[15]N, indicating root exudate-mediated "plant-microbe" interactions during atmospheric NOx assimilation. G. biloba, with weak NOx assimilation, exhibited a negative correlation between fungal abundance and soil available N/P, suggesting mycorrhizal nutrient compensation under low fertility. P. tomentosa showed decreased fungal abundance with increasing soil N/P ratios and specific leaf area, reflecting carbon allocation trade-offs that limit mycorrhizal investment. These results demonstrate that symbiotic fungi respond to atmospheric and edaphic drivers in a tree species-dependent manner. Urban greening strategies should prioritize S. japonica for its NOx mitigation potential and optimize fertilization for G. biloba (nutrient-sensitive fungi) and P. tomentosa (nutrient balance sensitivity). Strategic mixed planting of P. tomentosa with S. japonica could synergistically enhance ecosystem services through complementary resource acquisition patterns. This study provides mechanism-based strategies for optimizing urban tree management under atmospheric pollution stress.},
}

@article {pmid40558568,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, Y and Yang, L and Yang, Y and Deng, H and Su, S and Xia, Y and Su, J and Liu, Y and Wu, J and Zhang, J and Liao, Y and Wang, L},
title = {Bacteroides Fragilis-Derived Outer Membrane Vesicles Deliver MiR-5119 and Alleviate Colitis by Targeting PD-L1 to Inhibit GSDMD-Mediated Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Formation.},
journal = {Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e00781},
doi = {10.1002/advs.202500781},
pmid = {40558568},
issn = {2198-3844},
support = {2023A04J0559//Science and Technology Plan Project of Guangzhou/ ; SL2023A04J0252//Guangzhou Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation/ ; GZC20230601//Postdoctoral Fellowship Program of China Postdoctoral Science Foundation/ ; 2023ZDZX2048//Department of Education of Guangdong Province/ ; 81902081//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2020A1515011573 2023A1515220167//Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province/ ; 2024A03J0791//Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Science and Technology Fund/ ; 2022KQNCX061//Youth Innovation Talent Project of Ordinary university in Guangdong Province/ ; },
abstract = {Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) results from a breakdown in the symbiotic relationship between the intestinal commensal microflora and the mucosal immune system. Non-toxigenic Bacteroides fragilis, a common human colon symbiote, has been shown to alleviate colitis. However, the underlying mechanisms of this alleviation remain incompletely understood. Herein, it is demonstrated that promoting the secretion of B. fragilis outer membrane vesicles (Bf[OMVs+]) enhances its ability to alleviate dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis, while inhibiting B. fragilis OMV secretion (Bf[OMVs-]) reduces this effect. Bf[OMVs+] alleviates colitis by inhibiting neutrophil recruitment and neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation. Further, B. fragilis OMVs (Bf-OMVs) are isolated and extracted, then administered them intraperitoneally to DSS-induced colitis mice, observing that Bf-OMVs can target intestinal tissues, the spleen, and bone marrow, and they are internalized by neutrophils to inhibit NET formation, thereby alleviating colitis. The expression profile of miRNAs in Bf-OMVs is assessed, revealing that Bf-OMVs are enriched with mmu-miR-like sRNA, miR-5119, which targets and inhibits PD-L1, leading to the suppression of GSDMD-mediated NET release and promoting the proliferation of intestinal stem cells (ISCs), culminating in the alleviation of colitis. These findings provide new insights into the role of B. fragilis OMVs in the pathogenesis and treatment of IBD.},
}

@article {pmid40556900,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, Q and Wang, X and Cheng, P and Huo, S and Liu, C and Yu, Z},
title = {Editorial: Recent advances in agricultural waste recycling by microorganisms and their symbiosis.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1631828},
doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2025.1631828},
pmid = {40556900},
issn = {1664-302X},
}

@article {pmid40556894,
year = {2025},
author = {Cruz, LF and Menocal, O and Dunlap, C and Cooperband, MF and Cloonan, KR and Tabanca, N and Carrillo, D},
title = {Insights on the symbiotic associations of the tea shot hole borer (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1589710},
pmid = {40556894},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The tea shot hole borer (TSHB), Euwallacea perbrevis (Schedl 1951) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is an invasive ambrosia beetle that carries multiple symbiotic fungi and vectors Fusarium spp. to avocado (Persea americana Mill.). This study investigated the role of six fungal species (Fusarium sp. FL-1, Fusarium sp. AF-8, Fusarium sp. AF-6, Graphium sp., Acremonium sp., and Acremonium murorum) as nutritional symbionts of TSHB, and the role of Fusarium species in plant pathogenicity.

METHODS: Four experimental approaches were used: (1) testing each of the six symbionts as a food source for TSHB larvae, (2) examining the stability of symbiotic associations by rearing TSHB on substrates previously colonized by individual fungi, (3) establishing TSHB colonies with single Fusarium symbionts (Mono-Fusarium Lines, MFL), (4) testing disease development in avocado trees infested with MFL.

RESULTS: Fusarium sp. FL-1 and Fusarium sp. AF-8 supported the highest percentage of larval development among the tested fungi. These two fungi persisted in the mycangia of beetles reared on a substrate pre-inoculated with other symbionts. In addition, both fungal species caused the largest lesions in avocado branches. TSHB feeding on the other tested symbionts (Fusarium sp. AF-6, Graphium sp., Acremonium sp. or Acremonium murorum) resulted in poor larval development and/or overall reduced reproduction compared to feeding upon Fusarium sp. FL-1 and AF-8 and the symbiont blend (control).

DISCUSSION: These findings demonstrate the dual role of Fusarium sp. FL-1 and AF-8 as nutritional symbionts of TSHB and as key drivers of pathogenicity in avocado.},
}

@article {pmid40556499,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, Y and Jin, X and Zhao, Z},
title = {Distribution and Evolutionary Trajectories of β-Lactamases in Vibrio: Genomic Insights from CARB-Type Enzymes in the Harveyi and Cholerae Clades.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/gbe/evaf128},
pmid = {40556499},
issn = {1759-6653},
abstract = {Antibiotic resistance mediated by β-lactamases (BLs), encoded by bla genes, is a significant global health threat, necessitating systematic studies of their diversity and evolution, particularly among pathogenic bacteria lineages. Leveraging over 6,000 quality-filtered Vibrio genomes alongside six newly sequenced marine symbiotic strains representing 128 nominal and 57 unclassified Vibrio species, our study extends taxonomic breadth and resolution for investigating BL diversity. We identified 4,431 BLs across 41 species, encompassing all four Ambler Classes (A∼D). Among these, CARBenicillin-hydrolyzing Class A BLs (CARBs encoded by blaCARB family) were the most prevalent (60.7%) and exhibited a clade-centric distribution particularly in Harveyi clade and V. cholerae, underscoring influence of specific ecological and evolutionary pressures. We refined CARB classification into two subfamilies: CARB-17-like (blaCARB-17-like) confined to Harveyi clade, and CARB-1-like (blaCARB-1-like) found exclusively outside Harveyi clade, based on phylogenetic placement, sequence similarity, and inheritance patterns, providing a clearer framework for delineating their functional and phylogenetic nuances. Notably, blaCARB-17-like genes in non-pathogenic Harveyi Subclade II showed significantly relaxed selection, accompanied by unusual mutations within key conserved motifs especially catalytic serine residues, suggesting evolutionary drift that may compromise canonical enzymatic activity. Furthermore, blaCARB-17-like genes, present as a single copy, emerged as a core gene in Harveyi clade, showing promise as a diagnostic marker for clinically significant Harveyi clade species, despite limited yet significant interspecies genetic exchanges mediated by recombination or mobile genetic elements. Our study advances the understanding of BL evolution and genomic distribution in Vibrio, with broad implications for diagnostic applications and resistance management strategies.},
}

@article {pmid40556045,
year = {2025},
author = {Jia, J and Lu, Y and Li, Y and Li, Y and Li, L and Zhang, H},
title = {Functional Characterization of Acer Truncatum PHT1 Family Phosphate Transporter Genes and Their Involvement in Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis.},
journal = {Physiologia plantarum},
volume = {177},
number = {4},
pages = {e70346},
doi = {10.1111/ppl.70346},
pmid = {40556045},
issn = {1399-3054},
support = {C2021204002//Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province/ ; 42277027; 31700530//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology ; *Phosphate Transport Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; *Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; *Acer/genetics/microbiology/metabolism ; Phosphorus/metabolism ; Nicotiana/genetics ; Plant Roots/microbiology/genetics/metabolism ; Fungi ; },
abstract = {Acer truncatum Bunge, an economically significant species, is often growth-limited by phosphorus availability. Phosphate transporters, especially the PHT1 family, are crucial for plant phosphorus absorption, transport, and redistribution. This study aimed to elucidate the role of Acer truncatum PHT1 genes in phosphorus transport. We cloned five PHT1 family genes (AtPT1, AtPT2, AtPT4, AtPT9, and AtPT11) and investigated their expression and function under varying phosphorus regimes in the context of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis with Rhizophagus irregularis. Real-time quantitative PCR revealed differential gene expression patterns in response to AM colonization and phosphorus levels. Functional characterization through yeast complementation, tobacco overexpression, subcellular localization, and GUS reporter gene assays confirmed the plasma membrane localization and typical PHT1 family traits of these transporters. AM colonization upregulated AtPT4 and AtPT11, with AtPT11 having a specific induction pattern for mycorrhizal phosphorus acquisition. AtPT4 was linked to phosphorus uptake via mycorrhizal symbiosis, AtPT1 is involved in phosphorus remobilization within plant tissues, AtPT2 in phosphorus transport and remobilization (suppressed by AM colonization), and AtPT9 in phosphorus uptake and transport efficiency under high-phosphorus conditions. These findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying phosphorus homeostasis in Acer truncatum and its mycorrhizal interactions.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology
*Phosphate Transport Proteins/genetics/metabolism
*Symbiosis/genetics
*Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
*Acer/genetics/microbiology/metabolism
Phosphorus/metabolism
Nicotiana/genetics
Plant Roots/microbiology/genetics/metabolism
Fungi

@article {pmid40555950,
year = {2025},
author = {Liang, Z and Zhao, Y and Ji, H and Li, Z},
title = {Algae-bacteria symbiotic biofilm system for low carbon nitrogen removal from municipal wastewater: A review.},
journal = {World journal of microbiology & biotechnology},
volume = {41},
number = {7},
pages = {218},
pmid = {40555950},
issn = {1573-0972},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Wastewater/microbiology/chemistry ; *Nitrogen/metabolism ; *Symbiosis ; *Carbon/metabolism ; Water Purification/methods ; *Microalgae/physiology/metabolism/growth & development ; *Bacteria/metabolism/growth & development ; Denitrification ; Sewage/microbiology ; Biodegradation, Environmental ; },
abstract = {The treatment of municipal wastewater has become a significant challenge due to its intricate composition and low carbon-to-nitrogen ratio. In order to meet the discharge standards, a large amount of energy is consumed. In this context, the incorporation of microalgae into the conventional activated sludge process has become a promising strategy for low-carbon denitrification. This study aims to integrate research on algal-bacterial symbiotic systems with biofilm technology to enhance energy-efficient nitrogen removal in municipal wastewater treatment. Through comprehensive analysis, this paper elucidates (1) the developmental dynamics of algal-bacterial symbioses, (2) the process of combining algal-bacterial symbiotic systems with biofilm systems, (3) the fundamentals and operational determinants of algal-bacterial symbiotic membrane systems, and (4) the potential applications in sustainable water treatment. The proposed hybrid system demonstrates significant potential for carbon-neutral wastewater treatment through synergistic pollutant degradation, offering an innovative approach to address critical challenges in environmental sustainability and water resource management.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Wastewater/microbiology/chemistry
*Nitrogen/metabolism
*Symbiosis
*Carbon/metabolism
Water Purification/methods
*Microalgae/physiology/metabolism/growth & development
*Bacteria/metabolism/growth & development
Denitrification
Sewage/microbiology
Biodegradation, Environmental

@article {pmid40555346,
year = {2025},
author = {Rooy, PV and Wu, CJ and Liu, C and Wang, Y},
title = {Insect gut-dwelling fungus Zancudomyces culisetae: A hidden player in mosquito development.},
journal = {Journal of insect physiology},
volume = {164},
number = {},
pages = {104842},
doi = {10.1016/j.jinsphys.2025.104842},
pmid = {40555346},
issn = {1879-1611},
abstract = {Mosquitoes and their gut-dwelling fungi have been documented worldwide, yet their relationships remain poorly understood. Harpellales fungi (Kickxellomycotina, Zoopagomycota) have traditionally been considered commensals, but recent studies suggest they may exhibit parasitic or mutualistic characteristics under certain conditions. In this study, we explored these interactions using two well-established laboratory models: Aedes aegypti and Zancudomyces culisetae. Specifically, we investigated the impact of the gut-dwelling fungus Z. culisetae on A. aegypti larval development by measuring body size and development time under different nutritional conditions, with or without the fungus in the hindgut. Significant differences in body size and development time were observed during larval development in the presence of the gut fungus compared to the control group. Larvae colonized by the fungus exhibited larger body sizes and accelerated development. These effects were consistent under both nutrient-rich and nutrient-deficient conditions, underscoring the symbiotic roles of the gut-dwelling fungus. Interestingly, our results also revealed that even dead fungal spores enhanced mosquito larval development, suggesting previously unrecognized beneficial mechanisms associated with the fungal tissue. Transmission electron microscopy provided additional evidence of mosquito-fungus interactions, showing electron-dense particles within mosquito cells at sites of close contact with fungal cells, although further investigation is required to confirm their identity. Collectively, our findings challenge the traditional view of insect relationships with gut-dwelling fungi, providing evidence for a potential shift from commensalism to mutualism.},
}

@article {pmid40554681,
year = {2025},
author = {Jalal, RS and Aloufi, AS and Al-Andal, A and Alotaibi, NM and Abuauf, HW and Alshehrei, FM and Refai, MY and Alshareef, SA and Alnahari, AA and Sefrji, FO and Almutrafy, AM and Abulfaraj, AA},
title = {Enriched enzymes and crosstalking KEGG pathways in the rhizospheric soil fungiome of the wild plant Moringa oleifera.},
journal = {Functional plant biology : FPB},
volume = {52},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1071/FP24297},
pmid = {40554681},
issn = {1445-4416},
mesh = {*Moringa oleifera/microbiology/enzymology ; *Soil Microbiology ; *Rhizosphere ; *Mycobiome ; *Fungi/enzymology/genetics ; },
abstract = {We aimed to identify the genes encoding predominant KEGG enzymes within the rhizospheric soil fungiome of Moringa oleifera . We also aimed to uncover how the rhizospheric fungiome drives intricate biochemical networks that bolster soil health, plant vitality, nutrient cycling, metabolic efficiency and resilience to environmental stress. These findings offer valuable insights that could enhance the efficacy of innovative agricultural practices. Previous research has focused on the role of soil microbiomes, including both bacteriomes and fungiomes, in the ecological dynamics of native and cultivated plants. The rhizospheric fungiome plays a critical role in plant health by suppressing pathogens, decomposing plant residues and facilitating nutrient assimilation in various environmental conditions. Fungal taxa from the phylum Mucoromycota, including Rhizophagus , Mucor ambiguus , Phycomyces blakesleeanus , Mortierella elongata , Absidia glauca , Mucor circinelloides and the taxon Basidiobolus meristosporus from Zoopagomycota, were identified as primary hosts of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG)-enriched enzymes in the rhizospheric soil of M. oleifera . These enzymes participate in crosstalk pathways within KEGG categories such as 'Metabolism', 'Genetic Information Processing', and 'Environmental Information Processing'. These fungal enzymes contribute to the biosynthesis of critical metabolites, including carbamoyl-P, lipoyllysine, acetyl-CoA, isoleucine, valine and nucleotides (dADP, dGDP, dCDP, dUDP) that are essential for cellular functions such as DNA repair, replication and transcription. The symbiotic relationship between these enzymes and plant roots regulates nitrogen levels in the rhizosphere and supports mitochondrial stability. Metabolites also aid in cellular development, membrane metabolism, plant signal transduction and energy metabolism, including fueling the citric acid cycle. Our findings highlight the potential of crosstalking pathways in the rhizospheric fungiome of M. oleifera to enhance energy metabolism and maintain plant cell integrity. We propose that this research can serve as a foundation for advancing sustainable agricultural practices.},
}

*Moringa oleifera/microbiology/enzymology
*Soil Microbiology
*Rhizosphere
*Mycobiome
*Fungi/enzymology/genetics

@article {pmid40552053,
year = {2025},
author = {Menéndez, E and Brígido, C},
title = {Editorial: Deciphering the root nodule microbiome: implications for legume fitness and stress resilience.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1634838},
pmid = {40552053},
issn = {1664-302X},
}

@article {pmid40551765,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhu, J and Giri, K and Lin, Z and Cogan, NO and Jacobs, JL and Smith, KF},
title = {Estimation of ryegrass (Lolium) dry matter yield using genomic prediction considering genotype by environment interaction across south-eastern Australia.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1579376},
pmid = {40551765},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Genomic Prediction (GP) considering Genotype by Environment (G×E) interactions was, for the first time, used to assess the environment-specific seasonal performance and genetic potential of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) in a regional evaluation system across southeastern Australia. The study analysed the Dry Matter Yield (DMY) of 72 base cultivars and endophyte symbiotic effects using multi-harvest, multi-site trial data, and genomic data in a best linear unbiased prediction framework. Spatial analysis corrected for field heterogeneities, while Leave-One-Out Cross Validation assessed predictive ability. Results identified two distinct mega-environments: mainland Australia (AUM) and Tasmania (TAS), with cultivars showing environment-specific adaptation (Base and Bealey in AUM; Platinum and Avalon in TAS) or broad adaptability (Shogun). The G×E-enhanced GP model demonstrated an overall 24.9% improved predictive accuracy (Lin's Concordance Correlation Coefficient, CCC: 0.542) over the Australian industry-standard best linear unbiased estimation model (CCC: 0.434), with genomic information contributing a 12.7% improvement (CCC: from 0.434 to 0.489) and G×E modelling providing an additional 10.8% increase (CCC: from 0.489 to 0.542). Narrow-sense heritability increased from 0.31 to 0.39 with G×E inclusion, while broad-sense heritability remained high in both mega-environments (AUM: 0.73, TAS: 0.74). These findings support informed cultivar selection for the Australian dairy industry and enable genomics-based parental selection in future breeding programs.},
}

@article {pmid40551761,
year = {2025},
author = {Soldek, JN and Ballesteros-Gutiérrez, M and Díaz-Sáez, L and Delgado-Santamaría, I and Palacios, JM and Albareda, M},
title = {Two zinc ABC transporters contribute to Rhizobium leguminosarum symbiosis with Pisum sativum and Lens culinaris.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1598744},
pmid = {40551761},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {The establishment of the rhizobium-legume symbiosis requires adjusting the behavior of both partners to nodule conditions in which transition metals are delivered to the bacteria, as many rhizobial metalloenzymes are essential for bacteroid functions and symbiotic performance. A previous proteomic analysis revealed the existence of a relevant number of proteins differentially expressed in bacteroids induced by Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae (Rlv) UPM791 in pea and lentil nodules. Among these proteins, a metal-binding protein (RLV_3444) component of an ABC-transporter system (RLV_3442-3444) was shown to be overexpressed in pea bacteroids, suggesting that metal provision to the bacteroid is more restrictive in the rhizobium-pea symbiosis. In this work, protein sequence analysis and structural modelling have revealed that RLV_3444 is highly similar to the functionally characterized zinc-binding protein ZniA from Klebsiella pneumoniae, so the host-dependent binding protein was renamed as ZniA and the transporter system as ZniCBA. The genome of Rlv UPM791 also encodes the conserved high-affinity ZnuABC transporter system. We demonstrate that at least one of the two systems must be present for Rlv to grow under zinc-limiting conditions and for optimal symbiotic performance with pea and lentil plants. The three conserved histidine residues present in multiple Zn[2+]-binding proteins have been shown as essential for the function of Rlv ZniA, and in-silico modelling suggests that they might participate in metal coordination. We also demonstrate that both ZniCBA and ZnuA are regulated by zinc in a Zur-dependent manner, consistent with the presence of a Zur box in their regulatory region. The expression patterns revealed that ZniCBA is expressed at lower levels than ZnuA, and its expression increased in a znuA mutant under both free-living and symbiotic conditions. These results, along with the observed increment in the expression of ZniCBA in pea versus lentil bacteroids, suggest that the host-dependent transporter system might play an auxiliary function for zinc uptake under zinc starvation conditions and might play a relevant role in the adaptation of rhizobia to the legume host.},
}

@article {pmid40550998,
year = {2025},
author = {Hu, Y and Liu, Z and Yao, H and Wu, S and Zhang, Q and Pan, S and Shi, S},
title = {Colonization patterns of intestinal pioneering microbiota of different broiler breeds and their effects on composition of intestinal mucosal barrier during early life.},
journal = {Science China. Life sciences},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40550998},
issn = {1869-1889},
abstract = {Intestinal pioneering microbiota can affect host growth, development, and health via microbial programming. However, the presence of microbial colonization in the intestine of embryonic chickens, development and colonization patterns of intestinal pioneering microbiota of different broiler breeds and their effects on the composition of intestinal mucosal barrier during early life remain unknown. Arbor Acres (AA) chickens exhibiting high growth efficiency traits and Chinese local Tibetan chickens exhibiting high environmental adaptability traits were used as experimental animals to verify the absence of bacterial colonization and a sterile state in embryonic chickens intestine under normal maternal health. During neonatal early stage, jejunal mucosal structure and barrier function of AA chickens with higher growth efficiency were more conducive to digestion and absorption, corresponding to persistently higher microbial maturity, whereas those of Tibetan chickens with lower growth efficiency were more conducive to stress resistance, corresponding to lower microbial maturity. Colonization patterns of intestinal pioneering microbiota were significantly different between the two breeds. The dominant microbiota of AA chickens, such as Erysipelatoclostridium, Hydrogenoanalobacterium and Shuttleworthia, were related to growth and metabolic functions, whereas those of Tibetan chickens, such as Limosilactobacillus, Ligilactobacillus and Prevotella, were related to immune and anti-stress functions. Transplanting intestinal pioneering microbiota of the donor could transfer the abundance of dominant microbiota to the recipient in a symbiotic state. Growth efficiency and adaptability of transplanted AA chickens improved, accompanied by optimized jejunal mucosal structure and function. However, the growth efficiency of transplanted Tibetan chickens was not affected by the modified microbiota diversity. It was suggested that cross-FMT technology achieved inter-breed complementary advantages of high growth efficiency and high adaptability traits of broilers during neonatal early life; the higher maturity of intestinal pioneering microbiota of the recipient, the more growth efficiency of the recipient would be susceptibly affected by transplanting intestinal pioneering microbiota of the donor.},
}

@article {pmid40550670,
year = {2025},
author = {Nie, Q and Zhang, S and Chen, C and Zou, J and Nie, S},
title = {[Mining and dietary interventions of gut microbiota-derived metabolites].},
journal = {Sheng wu gong cheng xue bao = Chinese journal of biotechnology},
volume = {41},
number = {6},
pages = {2275-2289},
doi = {10.13345/j.cjb.240681},
pmid = {40550670},
issn = {1872-2075},
mesh = {*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology ; Humans ; Dysbiosis/microbiology ; *Metabolic Diseases/prevention & control/microbiology/metabolism ; *Diet ; },
abstract = {The intestine is a complex symbiotic system, and the gut microbiota is closely related to host health. Studies have indicated that the gut microbiota influences physiological functions of the host by producing a variety of metabolites, which act as signaling molecules and substrates for metabolic reactions in the host. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota affects the abundance of gut microbiota-derived metabolites, thereby influencing host health by disrupting signal transduction in multiple organs. Additionally, dietary compounds can shape the gut microbiota, affecting gut microbiota-derived metabolite levels and regulating host metabolism. This article introduces the methods for mining gut microbiota-derived metabolites, reviews the roles of these metabolites in metabolic diseases and related dietary interventions. Which provides a perspective on the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases by targeting these metabolites, enriching the knowledge on the role of gut microbiota in the regulation of host metabolism.},
}

*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology
Humans
Dysbiosis/microbiology
*Metabolic Diseases/prevention & control/microbiology/metabolism
*Diet

@article {pmid40550427,
year = {2025},
author = {Akber, MA and Cui, Y and Zhang, J and Fang, X},
title = {Genomics of plant-associated fungi: research progress and highlights in forage crops.},
journal = {Plant science : an international journal of experimental plant biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {112624},
doi = {10.1016/j.plantsci.2025.112624},
pmid = {40550427},
issn = {1873-2259},
abstract = {Plant-associated fungi are fungal groups that exhibit different interactions with plants, such as symbiosis (mycorrhizae), antagonistic (pathogenic) and beneficial (biocontrol), and commensal relationships. Since the publication of the first fungal genome sequence of the rice blast pathogen Magnaporthe grisea in 2005, a new chapter in the genome exploration of plant-associated fungi has been initiated. Research in past decades showed about 1385 sequenced fungal genomes associated with plants. These genomes are linked with grain crops (e.g., wheat, rice), cash crops (e.g., soybean, cotton), and forage crops. The reported fungal functional groups associated with plants include pathogens, endophytes, mycorrhizal fungi, and saprotrophs. Based on our results, among surveyed functional groups, pathogenic fungi were dominant, comprising 96%, followed by endophytes (2%) and other fungi with unclear plant-associated roles (2%). There is no doubt that forage crops support animal nutrition and the sustainability of grasslands. However, only 3.5% of sequenced genomes are associated with forage crops, compared with 67% for food and cash crops. The top 3 host crops with the highest sequenced fungal genomes are wheat (285), rice (178), and apple (94). In this study, we systematically reviewed fundamental information and challenges related to genomics studies of plant-associated fungi to provide a theoretical basis for subsequent research. The results clearly show that only a few studies have focused on sequencing fungi associated with forage crops. Therefore, it is necessary to accelerate genomic research on forage crop-associated fungi. The findings of the current study address critical gaps in genomic knowledge about plant-associated fungi and provide a foundation for future research targeting forage crop fungi.},
}

@article {pmid40549446,
year = {2025},
author = {Gao, K and He, X and Wang, H and Chen, C and Gu, X and Lai, Q and Perez, M and Kojima, S and Amano, K and Sun, J},
title = {Phylogenomic analyses of Pliocardiinae (Bivalvia: Vesicomyidae) update genus-level taxonomy and shed light on trait evolution.},
journal = {Cladistics : the international journal of the Willi Hennig Society},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/cla.70001},
pmid = {40549446},
issn = {1096-0031},
support = {LSKJ202203104//Science and Technology Innovation Project of Laoshan Laboratory/ ; ZR2023JQ014//Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province/ ; 202172002//Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities/ ; 202241002//Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities/ ; tsqn202103036//Young Taishan Scholars Program of Shandong Province/ ; },
abstract = {Vesicomyid clams in the subfamily Pliocardiinae are chemosymbiotic and specific to deep-sea chemosynthetic ecosystems with wide bathymetric and geographic ranges, making them a suitable model to study molecular adaptation and biogeography. Its phylogeny, however, still remains contentious due to limited molecular markers. Here, we elucidate the evolutionary relationships among pliocardiines based on phylogenomics data. By testing a wide range of matrices with methods including maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony, Bayesian inference, and a coalescent approach, we present a robust phylogenomic tree at the genus level supported by AU-test and GLS analyses. We revise the genus-level taxonomy of pliocardiines updating from Johnson et al. (Syst. Biodivers. 2017, 15, 346) synonymising a number of species in the "gigas-group" with Archivesica-also supported by a mitogenome phylogeny. Our fossil-calibrated tree based on the phylogenomic backbone reveals that Pliocardiinae originated earlier than [41.06, 42.00] Ma in the middle Eocene, while its diversification has been concurrent with global climatic cooling events. Ancestral state reconstruction analyses found two independent invasions into the abyssal zone, and a shift from harbouring the Ca. Ruthia symbionts to Ca. Vesicomyosocius symbionts. Our results present a solid backbone for future investigations into molecular adaptation, biogeography and symbiosis in this fascinating group of molluscs.},
}

@article {pmid40548332,
year = {2025},
author = {Pita, L and Maldonado, M and Koutsouveli, V and Riesgo, A and Hentschel, U and Oatley, G and Sinclair, E and Aunin, E and Gettle, N and Santos, C and Paulini, M and Niu, H and McKenna, V and O'Brien, R and , and , and , and , and , },
title = {The chromosomal genome sequence of the kidney sponge, Chondrosia reniformis Nardo, 1847, and its associated microbial metagenome sequences.},
journal = {Wellcome open research},
volume = {10},
number = {},
pages = {283},
pmid = {40548332},
issn = {2398-502X},
abstract = {We present a genome assembly from a specimen of Chondrosia reniformis (kidney sponge; Porifera; Demospongiae; Chondrillida; Chondrillidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 117.37 megabases. Most of the assembly (99.98%) is scaffolded into 14 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 17.45 kilobases in length. Several symbiotic bacterial genomes were assembled as MAGs. Gene annotation of the host organism assembly on Ensembl identified 17,340 protein-coding genes. The metagenome of the specimen was also assembled and 53 binned bacterial genomes were identified, including 40 high-quality MAGs that were representative of a typical high microbial abundance sponge and included three candiate phyla (Poribacteria, Latescibacteria, Binatota).},
}

@article {pmid40548224,
year = {2025},
author = {Tüsüz Önata, E and Özdemir, Ö},
title = {Fecal microbiota transplantation in allergic diseases.},
journal = {World journal of methodology},
volume = {15},
number = {2},
pages = {101430},
pmid = {40548224},
issn = {2222-0682},
abstract = {Microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites living in the human intestine constitute the human intestinal microbiota. Dysbiosis refers to compositional and quantitative changes that negatively affect healthy gut microbiota. In recent years, with the demonstration that many diseases are associated with dysbiosis, treatment strategies targeting the correction of dysbiosis in the treatment of these diseases have begun to be investigated. Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is the process of transferring faeces from a healthy donor to another recipient in order to restore the gut microbiota and provide a therapeutic benefit. FMT studies have gained popularity after probiotic, prebiotic, symbiotic studies in the treatment of dysbiosis and related diseases. FMT has emerged as a potential new therapy in the treatment of allergic diseases as it is associated with the maintenance of intestinal microbiota and immunological balance (T helper 1/T helper 2 cells) and thus suppression of allergic responses. In this article, the definition, application, safety and use of FMT in allergic diseases will be discussed with current data.},
}

@article {pmid40548169,
year = {2025},
author = {De Silva, C and Rathor, P and Warkentin, TD and Poudel, HP and Thilakarathna, MS},
title = {Effect of cultivar selection on symbiotic nitrogen fixation and yield traits of pea cultivars in intercropping with wheat.},
journal = {Discover agriculture},
volume = {3},
number = {1},
pages = {93},
pmid = {40548169},
issn = {2731-9598},
abstract = {In recent decades, agricultural practices have shifted from diverse cropping systems to monocropping, leading to soil degradation, nutrient depletion, and reduced biodiversity, which threaten long-term productivity and ecosystem sustainability. This study aimed to explore how legume cultivar selection influences pea (Pisum sativum L.)-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) intercropping, focusing on symbiotic nitrogen (N) fixation, yield, seed N, and land productivity. A greenhouse experiment was conducted using various pea cultivars that were released in different decades [Century (1960), Trapper (1970), CDC Golden (2002), CDC Amarillo (2012), and CDC Spectrum (2016)] under monocropping and intercropping with wheat to evaluate the yield parameters and symbiotic N fixation capabilities of pea. The old, long-vined pea cultivars (Century and Trapper) had higher seed dry weight (62.9-66.3%), number of pods (82.7-100%) and number of seeds (126.9-163.5%) than the newer, moderate vine length cultivars (CDC Golden, CDC Amarillo and CDC Spectrum) under intercropping. On the other hand, the companion wheat crop had a greater yield (29.8-69.9%) and seed N (31.1-65.5%) when intercropped with the newer pea cultivars. Intercropping enhanced N fixation (0.7-7.5%) in peas across cultivars; however, the older cultivars contributed more to the overall system's N fixation and N carry-over compared to the newer cultivars. While the harvest index, land equivalent ratio (LER), and N-based LER (LERN) of intercropped wheat were not significantly higher than mono-cropped wheat, the increased partial LER and LERN for wheat highlight intercropping benefits. Overall, newer pea cultivars enhanced pea-wheat intercropping by improving productivity and resource efficiency, highlighting the importance of legume cultivar selection in intercropping.},
}

@article {pmid40547945,
year = {2025},
author = {Zeng, J and He, Z and Wang, G and Ma, Y and Zhang, F},
title = {Interaction Between Microbiota and Immunity: Molecular Mechanisms, Biological Functions, Diseases, and New Therapeutic Opportunities.},
journal = {MedComm},
volume = {6},
number = {7},
pages = {e70265},
pmid = {40547945},
issn = {2688-2663},
abstract = {The microbiota is pivotal for our health. It includes different phyla like Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia. The interaction between microbiota and immunity shares a bidirectional relationship. The microbiota helps to stimulate immunity development. The immunity influences microbial composition in turn. This interaction is critical for maintaining homeostasis, preventing pathogen invasion, and regulating the immune system. Furthermore, this symbiotic relationship is crucial for maintaining overall health and preventing various diseases. The microbiota-immune system contributes to immune system maturation, while the immune system selects for beneficial microbiota composition, thus enhancing our immunity. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms and biological functions of the interaction between microbiota and immunity, offering solid evidence for the role of microbiota in immune regulation. Notably, the review categorizes microbiota according to phyla and explains disease associations, molecular effectors, and functional outcomes about the microbiota-immune system. We also introduced three core molecular mechanisms of the microbiota-immune systems. Moreover, we detail the progression from target discovery to clinical trial design for bacterial and immune-related diseases. Finally, we propose four therapeutic strategies for diseases.},
}

@article {pmid40547885,
year = {2025},
author = {Lim, SW and Chou, W and Chen, L},
title = {SankeyNetwork: A clear and concise visualization tool for bibliometric data.},
journal = {MethodsX},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {103379},
pmid = {40547885},
issn = {2215-0161},
abstract = {This study proposes a novel framework to overcome the limitations of traditional bibliometric visualizations-such as co-word network charts-by integrating Sankey diagrams with author collaborations and co-word occurrences to better identify key contributors and themes. Analyzing 2252 articles published in the Journal of METHODSX (2020-2024), the study focuses on ten essential metadata elements commonly used in bibliometric evaluations, including country, institution, department, authorship, and keywords. Three complementary approaches are introduced: (1) a summarized performance sheet to present key metrics across entities, (2) Sankey diagrams for streamlined cluster visualization using the Following-Leading Clustering Algorithm (FLCA), and (3) slope graphs to track temporal trends and research bursts. Findings highlight the dominance of the United States, Symbiosis International in India, and author Fengxiang X Han, with the keyword "MODEL" emerging as most frequent. A 2020 article by Wondimagegn Mengist received the highest citation count (370). Slope graphs showed upward trends in four core elements over the past four years. The study concludes that these methods provide clearer insights while reducing visual complexity, and recommends combining performance sheets, Sankey diagrams, and slope graphs in future bibliometric analyses to better detect hotspots and evolving research patterns.•Sankey diagrams to enhance traditional bibliometric visualization methods.•Analyzing 2252 articles from Journal of METHODSX (2020-2024) to highlight author collaborations.•Key insights include the prominence of U.S., and Symbiosis International (India) in author collaborations.},
}

@article {pmid40547299,
year = {2025},
author = {Najafi, M and Çokuysal, B and Rezaee Danesh, Y and Farda, B and Mignini, A and Pellegrini, M},
title = {Evaluation of Funneliformis mosseae inoculation effects on growth, nutrient uptake, and essential oil content in Turkish oregano under drought stress.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {e19499},
pmid = {40547299},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {*Origanum/microbiology/growth & development/metabolism ; *Oils, Volatile/metabolism/analysis ; *Droughts ; *Mycorrhizae/physiology ; Plant Roots/microbiology/growth & development ; Turkey ; Nutrients/metabolism ; *Glomeromycota/physiology ; Stress, Physiological ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Turkish oregano (Origanum onites L.) is a perennial herb widely recognized for its medicinal, cosmetic, and culinary uses due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Drought is a significant stressor for crops, particularly affecting O. onites quality and yield. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) establish symbiotic relationships with plant roots, enhance plant growth, and improve tolerance to abiotic stresses such as drought.

METHODS: This study investigates the effects of Funneliformis mosseae inoculation on O. onites growth, nutrient content, and essential oil yield under varying drought conditions. A factorial experiment was conducted with eight treatments, consisting of two factors: irrigation levels (100%, 75%, 50%, and 25%) and AMF inoculation (with and without). The experimental design was completely randomized with three replicates.

RESULTS: Results demonstrated that AMF inoculation significantly improved the fresh and dry weight of O. onites compared to non-inoculated controls (+11% and +16%, respectively). Moreover, AMF-inoculated plants showed notable increases in potassium (+7%) and nitrogen (+12%) contents. The essential oil yield was also significantly higher in AMF-inoculated plants (+3%). Increasing water stress levels significantly decreased the number of AMF spores (-47%) and the percentage of fungal colonization (-57%). Nevertheless, under drought stress mycorrhizal inoculation significantly maintained plant biomass and nutrient uptake comparable to full irrigation. The AMF drought tolerance effects were confirmed at 75%, 50%, and 25% irrigation rates.},
}

*Origanum/microbiology/growth & development/metabolism
*Oils, Volatile/metabolism/analysis
*Droughts
*Mycorrhizae/physiology
Plant Roots/microbiology/growth & development
Turkey
Nutrients/metabolism
*Glomeromycota/physiology
Stress, Physiological

@article {pmid40545848,
year = {2025},
author = {Han, K and Ma, X and Li, H and Liu, L and Deng, X and Song, L and Lin, L and Liu, Y and Zhao, Y and Huang, W},
title = {A Biomimetic Copper Silicate-MOF Hybrid for Highly Stable Zn Metal Anode.},
journal = {Advanced materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e2503046},
doi = {10.1002/adma.202503046},
pmid = {40545848},
issn = {1521-4095},
support = {No. 22371043 52472150//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; Y07204080K13//Fujian Normal University/ ; },
abstract = {To promote the electrochemical performance of aqueous zinc-ion batteries, various artificial interlayers are developed to mitigate dendrite growth and H2O-induced side reactions of Zn anode. Metal-organic framework (MOF) interlayers show much potential in solving these problems, yet their practical usage is inhibited by their inferior structural stability during cycles. Herein, inspired by the biological mechanism and symbiotic architecture of drosera rotundifolia, this challenge is tackled by constructing a hierarchical hollow CuSiO3-MOF hybrid through in situ MOF conversion. For protecting Zn anode, this biomimetic hybrid offers good structural stability, abundant zincophilic sites, strong desolvation capability, and fast ion migration, which collectively enable highly stable dendrite-free Zn plating/stripping processes and suppress H2O-related side reactions. Consequently, the Zn@CuSiO3-MOF symmetric battery achieves an ultralong lifespan exceeding 3500 h with low voltage hysteresis. Remarkably, it maintains stable cycling behaviors of 1200 and 400 h even under high depths of discharge of 45% and 90%, outperforming the most reported MOF-modified anodes. Moreover, full cells with MnO2 and C@V2O3 cathodes exhibit exceptional cycling performance and rate capability, highlighting the practical applications of Zn@CuSiO3-MOF anode for grid storage and wearable electronics. This bioinspired strategy provides a feasible approach to constructing stable MOF-based hybrid for high-performance Zn anode.},
}

@article {pmid40545786,
year = {2025},
author = {Haq, F and Camuel, A and Carcagno, M and Biondi, EG and Pacquit, V and Deslandes, L and Giraud, E and Mergaert, P},
title = {The rhizobial type III effectors ErnA and Sup3 hijack the SUMOylation pathway to trigger nodule formation in Aeschynomene species.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.70334},
pmid = {40545786},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {ANR-10-INBS-04//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; ANR-11-IDEX-0003-02//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; ANR-20-CE20-0012//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; },
abstract = {Rhizobial type III effectors (T3Es) play a crucial role in the symbiotic relationship between rhizobia and legumes by manipulating host cellular processes to promote nodule formation. Previously, we identified two T3Es, ErnA and Sup3, that trigger nodulation in Aeschynomene spp. in the absence of Nod factors. Here, we further investigate the mode of action of these T3Es during root nodule symbiosis. We employed protein interaction assays, in vitro binding and enzymatic activity assays, mutational analyses, and functional nodulation tests to dissect the roles of ErnA and Sup3 and their interactions with the host Small Ubiquitin-like MOdifier (SUMO) pathway (SUMOylation). We demonstrate that ErnA contains a SUMO-interacting motif (SIM) at its C terminus, which promotes its interaction with SUMO proteins in vitro and in plant nuclei. Additionally, we show that Sup3 possesses a C-terminal SUMO protease domain, which not only interacts with SUMO proteins in vitro and in the nucleus but also exhibits SUMO protease activity. Deletion of the SIM in ErnA or mutation of the catalytic site in Sup3 abolished their ability to trigger nodulation in Aeschynomene indica. These findings suggest that type III secretion system-dependent symbiosis is regulated by posttranslational modification through SUMOylation and that ErnA and Sup3 modulate this SUMOylation pathway to trigger nodulation.},
}

@article {pmid40545364,
year = {2025},
author = {Nakanishi, E and Cornette, R and Shimura, S and Kikawada, T},
title = {Microbiome Associated with Polypedilum sp. (Diptera; Chironomidae), a Midge Adapted to an Extremely Acidic Environment.},
journal = {Microbes and environments},
volume = {40},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1264/jsme2.ME24090},
pmid = {40545364},
issn = {1347-4405},
mesh = {Animals ; *Chironomidae/microbiology/physiology/growth & development ; Larva/microbiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; *Microbiota ; Phylogeny ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Japan ; Symbiosis ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Rivers/chemistry ; Acids ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; },
abstract = {Chironomids (Diptera; Chironomidae), non-biting midges, are a highly diverse family of holometabolous insects, many of which are known for their tolerance to extreme environmental conditions, such as desiccation, pollution, and high acidity. The contribution of microbial symbionts to these adaptations was recently suggested. Therefore, we herein exami-ned the microbiome associated with the larvae of the undescribed acid-tolerant chironomid species, Polypedilum sp., which inhabits the Yukawa River (Gunma, Japan), an environment that is characterized by an extremely low pH (≤2) and high concentrations of heavy metal ions (including arsenic). Amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene revealed a distinct larval microbiome with a lower alpha diversity value and more enriched and specific bacterial taxa than the surrounding river water and detritus. Full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing using nanopore long-read technology identified several previously undescribed operational taxonomic units (OTUs), among which OTU_Bacillaceae_Yukawa was consistently present in larvae reared in the laboratory for more than 4 months, suggesting persistent, possibly vertically transmitted, symbiosis. An inferred pathway ana-lysis suggested the contribution of the larval microbiome to host nutritional physiology. The possibly acid-sensitive OTU_Bacillaceae_Yukawa localized to midgut segments, indicating internal pH-buffered niches for microbial survival. These results provide novel insights into the ecology of acid-tolerant chironomids and lay the groundwork for further examinations of holobiont-based stress tolerance.},
}

Animals
*Chironomidae/microbiology/physiology/growth & development
Larva/microbiology
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
*Microbiota
Phylogeny
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Japan
Symbiosis
DNA, Bacterial/genetics
Rivers/chemistry
Acids
Sequence Analysis, DNA

@article {pmid40545206,
year = {2025},
author = {Yi, W and Tang, Y and Kawsar, MA and Huang, K and Jin, X and Yu, Z and Mao, F and Zhang, Y},
title = {A novel C1q domain-containing protein from Tridacna crocea exhibits dual functionality in symbiont recognition and immune defense.},
journal = {Fish & shellfish immunology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {110509},
doi = {10.1016/j.fsi.2025.110509},
pmid = {40545206},
issn = {1095-9947},
abstract = {C1q domain-containing (C1qDC) proteins function as versatile pattern recognition receptors that mediate host-microbe interactions through their C-terminal C1q domains. In this study, a novel C1qDC protein named TcC1qDC was characterized from Tridacna crocea, featuring a 690 bp open reading frame encoding 229 amino acids. TcC1qDC exhibited constitutive but tissue-enriched expression, with the highest transcript levels in the outer mantle and hepatopancreas. Functional analyses revealed that recombinant TcC1qDC protein not only binds to symbiotic dinoflagellates but is also predicted to recognize multiple microbial carbohydrates, as demonstrated by molecular docking. Furthermore, this protein also displayed broad-spectrum binding activity against pathogen-associated molecular patterns (lipopolysaccharides, peptidoglycan, lipoteichoic acids, and mannan) and corresponding microorganisms, along with significant microbial agglutination capacity for Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria, and fungi. These findings collectively establish TcC1qDC as a dual-function receptor bridging symbiont recognition and immune defense in giant clams.},
}

@article {pmid40544582,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhuang, W and Feng, X and Li, R and Hu, X},
title = {Molecular phylogeny and taxonomy of three anaerobic ciliates including Bothrostoma aporobustum nov. spec. (Ciliophora, Metopida).},
journal = {European journal of protistology},
volume = {100},
number = {},
pages = {126155},
doi = {10.1016/j.ejop.2025.126155},
pmid = {40544582},
issn = {1618-0429},
abstract = {The order Metopida is a species-rich taxon within the obligate anaerobic ciliate class Armophorea. Metopids have garnered increasing interest due to their potential to shed light on mitochondrial evolution and symbiotic relationship between eukaryotes and prokaryotes. However, the majority of metopid species remain poorly or incompletely studied, largely due to limitations in earlier research methodologies. In this study, three species, Bothrostoma aporobustum nov. spec., Brachonella mitriformis and Planometopus contractus, were examined using a morpho-molecular approach. The new species is distinguished by a short proboscis-shaped snout, an average of 33 somatic kineties, and 21 adoral membranelles. Brachonella mitriformis is characterized by a broad obpyriform body with a narrow and flattened posterior end, an average of 53 somatic kineties and 77 adoral membranelles, and unevenly distributed dikinetids on the preoral dome. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed the validity and monophyly of the genera Bothrostoma and Brachonella, and robustly resolved the phylogenetic position of Brachonella mitriformis. Representatives of geographically distant populations of Planometopus contractus are morphologically highly similar and cluster together with strong support in SSU rRNA gene phylogenies.},
}

@article {pmid40544518,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, J and Xiong, X and Li, P and Wan, HF and Yang, YH},
title = {Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Rhizosphere Microbial Communities of Tuber himalayense-Corylus heterophylla Ectomycorrhizosphere.},
journal = {Polish journal of microbiology},
volume = {74},
number = {2},
pages = {177-191},
doi = {10.33073/pjm-2025-015},
pmid = {40544518},
issn = {2544-4646},
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/genetics/classification/growth & development/physiology ; *Rhizosphere ; *Soil Microbiology ; Soil/chemistry ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; *Microbiota ; Seedlings/microbiology/growth & development ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Biodiversity ; Nitrogen/analysis ; Phylogeny ; Fungi/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Plant Roots/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Microbial diversity plays a crucial role within the plant rhizosphere ecosystem, serving as a pivotal indicator of plant health and stability. In order to explore the correlation between the growth of mycorrhizal seedlings and the nutrition and microbial diversity of the ectomycorrhizosphere, the soil of the ectomycorrhizosphere with different growth conditions was used as the research object, and the ITS1 region and 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing technology were used to explore the inter-relationship. The findings indicated that the primary phyla within the rhizosphere soil microbial communities of various mycorrhizal seedlings were comparable, although their relative abundances varied. The relative abundance of Tuberaceae in good-growing mycorrhizal seedlings (CHTG) was 17.87% and 15.58% higher than in medium-growing (CHTM) and bad-growing (CHTB), respectively. Comparing the diversity indexes Chao1, Shannon and Simpson, it was found that CHTG had the lowest richness. Redundancy analysis (RDA)/canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) analysis revealed that Tuber was positively correlated with soil pH and negatively correlated with available nitrogen, organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium, available potassium, and available phosphorus. Rhizosphere core species analysis showed that symbiotic Ascomycota dominated the rhizosphere soil fungi, and the bacterial community was composed mainly of Proteobacteria. There was a positive correlation between most genera of bacteria and fungi. This study proved that in the bionic cultivation of Tuber himalayense-Corylus heterophylla, the growth of mycorrhizal seedlings can be promoted by adjusting the pH to weakly alkaline and enhancing the advantages of Plectosphaerella in the soil flora, without adding other nutrients, which provides a theoretical basis for the establishment of truffle plantations, soil improvement and ecosystem stability.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/genetics/classification/growth & development/physiology
*Rhizosphere
*Soil Microbiology
Soil/chemistry
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
*Microbiota
Seedlings/microbiology/growth & development
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Biodiversity
Nitrogen/analysis
Phylogeny
Fungi/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Plant Roots/microbiology

@article {pmid40543842,
year = {2025},
author = {Kato, Y and Watanabe, H},
title = {Crosstalk between environmental factors and sex determination pathway: Insights from lepidopteran insects and cladoceran crustaceans.},
journal = {Current opinion in insect science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {101403},
doi = {10.1016/j.cois.2025.101403},
pmid = {40543842},
issn = {2214-5753},
abstract = {Insects exhibit a remarkable diversity of sex-determination systems. Sex-determining mechanisms have been extensively analyzed using the genetic model insects, such as Drosophila melanogaster, revealing that insect sex is determined in a cell-autonomous manner. The sexual identity of each cell is governed by the conserved transcription factor Doublesex, while the regulatory mechanisms controlling its expression are species-specific. In contrast, our understanding of how environmental factors modulate the sex determination pathway remains limited. In this review, we summarize recent discoveries on the crosstalk between environmental factors and sex determination pathways in the lepidopteran insects and the cladoceran crustaceans, which are closely related to insects. We discuss how the symbiotic bacterium Wolbachia hijacks the host WZ/ZZ sex determination pathway in the lepidopteran Ostrinia furnacalis. In addition, we highlight how males that are genetically identical to females are produced in response to environmental stimuli in the cladoceran crustacean Daphnia magna. Based on these findings, we explore the evolutionary, ecological, and applied implications of the molecular mechanisms underlying environmentally influenced sex determination.},
}

@article {pmid40541578,
year = {2025},
author = {Tian, J and Hu, J and Xiong, Y and Deng, X and Fang, Y and Wang, G and Chi, R and Xiao, C},
title = {Metagenomic and metabolomic insights into microalgal-bacterial symbiosis under low carbon-to-nitrogen ratios.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {132849},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132849},
pmid = {40541578},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {Microalgal-bacterial symbiotic system (MBSS) is expected to efficiently treat ammonia nitrogen (NH4[+]-N) wastewater at low carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (CNR). In this study, MBSS was constructed and operated at CNRs of 0, 2, and 4 for 36 days, named as L (low CNR), M (medium CNR), and H (high CNR). Microbial interaction mechanisms were explored through metagenomics and non-targeted metabolomics. The average NH4[+]-N removal efficiencies of L, M, and H were 9.2 ± 4.3 %, 33.6 ± 10.9 %, and 51.6 ± 14.1 %, respectively. CNR significantly influenced NH4[+]-N removal. Metagenomics and metabolomics showed that bacteria dominate MBSS, with phylum Pseudomonadota having a large advantage. Addition of simple organic carbon sources may inhibit the generation of complex organic compounds by microalgae, consequently leading to bacteria utilizing simple carbon sources. Certain key microorganisms, genes, and metabolites respond to different CNRs to regulate MBSS performance. This study provides new insights into MBSS nitrogen removal at low CNR.},
}

@article {pmid40541502,
year = {2025},
author = {Jhu, MY and Moura de Souza, VH and Schiessl, K},
title = {From hosts to parasites: hormones driving symbiosis-induced de novo organogenesis.},
journal = {Trends in plant science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.tplants.2025.05.015},
pmid = {40541502},
issn = {1878-4372},
abstract = {Plants have evolved diverse adaptations in signal perception, hormone regulation, and organ development that enable the formation of specialised structures such as nematode-induced galls, rhizobia-induced nodules, and host-induced parasitic plant haustoria that facilitate both parasitic and mutualistic symbiosis. Despite their differences, these organs share common gene regulatory mechanisms with lateral root development. By comparing their mechanisms of hormonal regulation, we illuminate the shared genetic underpinnings and how plants repurpose vegetative development pathways in response to biotic stimuli. This adaptive retooling positions plants along the symbiotic spectrum from exploited hosts to mutualistic partners and strategic predators. Comparative analysis of the hormonal mechanisms that drive symbiotic organogenesis highlights the plasticity of developmental processes and the interplay between internal signalling and external environmental cues.},
}

@article {pmid40541096,
year = {2025},
author = {Guo, J and Hou, J and Wan, Y and Yang, Z and Li, Y and Zhu, Y and Wang, K and Ding, W},
title = {Integrating thermal vibration and local surface plasmon resonance effect boosted "Symbiotic Co-evolution" for efficient solar evaporation, antimicrobial and antibiotic resistance genes removal.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {284},
number = {},
pages = {123997},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2025.123997},
pmid = {40541096},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {Integrating photocatalytic processes into solar-driven interfacial evaporation technology is an effective approach to combat pollutants threat. However, the challenge lies in synergizing each component to achieve "Symbiotic Co-evolution", which is critical for achieving more with less. Our strategy for the fabrication of hydrogel evaporator (TA-Fe-SA/CoV2O6@Ti3C2Tx evaporator) was integrated by thermal vibration and local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect, achieving efficient degradation and evaporation. On the one hand, the integration of thermal vibration and LSPR effect boosted the heat storage and local heating capacity of evaporator, while reducing equivalent enthalpy for enhancing evaporation. On the other hand, the synergistic effect of thermal vibration and LSPR triggered the efficient electron transfer of CoV2O6@Ti3C2Tx MXene Mott-Schottky heterojunction. As a result, it could achieve nearly 100 % bacteriostatic efficiency and 82 % ARGs removal within 1 hour. Additionally, the rapid generation of vapor and enhanced photothermal conversion strengthened thermal convection formation, accelerating gas release from the reaction system and improving the efficiency of the interfacial photothermal evaporation-photocatalytic process. These results highlighted the feasibility and scientific value of achieving synergy through the deliberate integration of photothermal materials and photothermal-catalysts into SIE technology, providing new perspectives for designing high-performance evaporators.},
}

@article {pmid40540389,
year = {2025},
author = {Huang, YC and Lu, HY and Zhang, L and Olivier, A and Wu, TL and Hsu, CY and LeGrand, C and Zeng, H and Curran, S and Wang, Q and Nannapaneni, R and Zhang, X and Ticó, M and Mariotti, M and Wu, RTY and Combs, GF and Cheng, WH},
title = {Dietary Selenium Deficiency Accelerates the Onset of Aging-Related Gut Microbial Changes in Aged Telomere-Humanized Mice, With Akkermansia muciniphila Being the Most Prominent and Alleviating Selenium Deficiency-Induced Type 2 Diabetes.},
journal = {Aging cell},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e70130},
doi = {10.1111/acel.70130},
pmid = {40540389},
issn = {1474-9726},
support = {DK117407/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; 3062-51000-050-00D//Agricultural Research Service/ ; },
abstract = {Previous studies have shown that dietary selenium (Se) deficiency in mice reshapes gut microbiota, exacerbates healthspan deterioration (e.g., type 2 diabetes), and paradoxically activates beneficial longevity pathways. This study demonstrated that dietary Se deficiency accelerated many age-related gut microbial changes in aged telomere-humanized C57BL/6J diabetic mice in a sexually dimorphic manner, with Akkermansia muciniphila showing the greatest enrichment in males. However, dietary Se deficiency did not enrich A. muciniphila in mature or middle-aged male C57BL/6J wild-type mice. Oral gavage of A. muciniphila alleviated Se deficiency-induced type 2 diabetes-like symptoms, reversed mucosal barrier dysfunction and gut inflammation, and resulted in a trend of symbiotic and competitive suppression changes in certain gut bacteria in mature wild-type mice under conventional conditions. The beneficial effects of A. muciniphila appeared to be independent of selenoproteins sensitive to dietary Se deficiency, such as GPX1, SELENOH, and SELENOW, in the liver and muscle. Altogether, these results show that dietary Se deficiency accelerates age-related A. muciniphila enrichment specifically in aged male mice with severe insulin resistance and pancreatic senescence, indicating a potential hormetic response to Se deficiency through reshaped gut microbiota, which alleviates hyperglycemia and partially compensates for healthspan decline.},
}

@article {pmid40540139,
year = {2025},
author = {Su, C and Dong, X and Li, X},
title = {MtLICK1/2: gatekeepers of symbiosis and immunity in Medicago truncatula.},
journal = {Science China. Life sciences},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40540139},
issn = {1869-1889},
}

@article {pmid40539942,
year = {2025},
author = {Stewart, JD and Corrales, A and Canteiro, C and Qin, C and Gupta, MM and Otgonsuren, B and Peña-Venegas, CP and Van Nuland, ME and Kohout, P and Větrovský, T and Kokkoris, V and Manley, BF},
title = {Advancing knowledge on the biogeography of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi to support Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.},
journal = {FEMS microbiology letters},
volume = {372},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/femsle/fnaf055},
pmid = {40539942},
issn = {1574-6968},
support = {024.004.014//Schmidt Family Foundation/ ; 101076062//European Union/ ; CZ.02.01.01/00/22_008/0004597//Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports/ ; },
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/genetics/classification/physiology ; *Sustainable Development ; Soil Microbiology ; Biodiversity ; Symbiosis ; Plants/microbiology ; Ecosystem ; United Nations ; Phylogeography ; },
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are fundamental to planetary health, enhancing plant nutrient uptake, stabilizing soils, and supporting biodiversity. Due to their prevalence and ecological importance, AM fungi are critical to achieving the environmental targets within the United Nations (UN) Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) framework, including SDG 15: Life on Land. Despite these fungi engaging in the most widespread and ancient plant-microbe symbiosis, many fundamental aspects of the biogeography of AM fungi remain poorly resolved. This limits our ability to understand and document these fungal species' contributions to preserving terrestrial life on Earth. Using the largest global dataset of AM fungal eDNA sequences, we highlight that > 70% of ecoregions have no available data generated from soil using AM fungal specific metabarcoding. Drawing attention to these severe data gaps can optimize future sampling efforts in key habitats. Filling these gaps and developing a more complete picture on the biogeographic distributions of AM fungal species will help to clarify their contributions to environmental targets.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/genetics/classification/physiology
*Sustainable Development
Soil Microbiology
Biodiversity
Symbiosis
Plants/microbiology
Ecosystem
United Nations
Phylogeography

@article {pmid40538040,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, DS and Tran, TT and Kazuki, H and Yin, HY and Chou, JY},
title = {Unveiling the Antibacterial Activity Against Staphylococcus aureus of Slime Molds: The Role of Symbiotic Bacteria.},
journal = {Journal of basic microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e70072},
doi = {10.1002/jobm.70072},
pmid = {40538040},
issn = {1521-4028},
support = {//This study received support from grants provided by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST 111-2621-B-018-001 to Jui-Yu Chou). We express our gratitude to the members of the Chou Laboratory for their valuable discussions and insightful comments on the manuscript./ ; },
abstract = {The emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens has significantly reduced the efficacy of current antimicrobial treatments against bacterial and fungal infections. To combat this challenge, the exploration of novel antimicrobial sources or the development of synthetic antibiotics is imperative. Microbes have emerged as promising natural reservoirs for antimicrobial compounds, with slime molds garnering attention due to their unique bioactive metabolites in recent years. Some of these metabolites demonstrate potent antibiotic properties. This study investigates the inhibitory effects of slime mold extracts on pathogenic bacteria, attributing this activity primarily to symbiotic bacteria associated with the slime molds rather than to the slime mold cells themselves. Furthermore, we demonstrate that this antibacterial effect can be horizontally transferred through bacterial ingestion, enabling recipient slime molds to exhibit antibacterial properties upon extraction. Importantly, slime molds selectively acquire bacteria from their environment to enhance their antibacterial characteristics, a process that appears non-random and persists through sexual cycles. These findings underscore slime molds as valuable reservoirs of antimicrobial agents. Nevertheless, it remains critical to ascertain whether these antimicrobial agents originate solely from symbiotic bacteria or result from complex interactions between these bacteria and their slime mold hosts. Understanding the mechanisms behind this antimicrobial activity not only expands our knowledge of host-microbe interactions but also provides new avenues for bioprospecting novel antibiotics. Investigating how slime molds selectively acquire and retain beneficial bacteria may offer insights into microbial symbiosis that could be leveraged for antimicrobial discovery, potentially addressing the urgent need for alternative treatments against resistant pathogens.},
}

@article {pmid40537475,
year = {2025},
author = {Doyle, JJ and Ren, J and Pawlowski, K and James, EK and Gao, Y},
title = {One versus many independent assemblies of symbiotic nitrogen fixation in flowering plants.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {5345},
pmid = {40537475},
issn = {2041-1723},
mesh = {*Nitrogen Fixation/physiology/genetics ; *Symbiosis/physiology ; Phylogeny ; Plant Root Nodulation/genetics ; *Magnoliopsida/microbiology/genetics ; Root Nodules, Plant/microbiology ; Fabaceae/microbiology/genetics ; Mycorrhizae ; },
abstract = {Some species of legumes and nine other flowering plant families form symbioses with bacteria that fix atmospheric nitrogen within specialized plant structures called nodules. How and how often nodulation symbiosis originated has implications for engineering symbiotic nitrogen fixation in non-legume crops. The prevailing hypothesis of a single origin with massive parallel losses has been challenged in a phylogenomic study favoring 16 origins and 10 losses. Nodulation has been assembled once or many times from existing processes (e.g., mycorrhizal symbiosis) and therefore almost nothing about it is truly novel. Because any feature of nodulation can be explained either as divergence from a common origin or as convergence in unrelated taxa, tests are needed that can distinguish whether assembly of homologous components has occurred uniquely or convergently. Much needs to be learned about nodulation symbioses across the proposed independent origins, especially involving the master nodulation transcription factor, Nodule Inception (NIN).},
}

*Nitrogen Fixation/physiology/genetics
*Symbiosis/physiology
Phylogeny
Plant Root Nodulation/genetics
*Magnoliopsida/microbiology/genetics
Root Nodules, Plant/microbiology
Fabaceae/microbiology/genetics
Mycorrhizae

@article {pmid40536527,
year = {2025},
author = {Storb, R and Svriz, M and Aranda, E and Fracchia, S and Spinedi, N and Scervino, JM},
title = {Association between a liverwort and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi: a promising strategy for the phytoremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.},
journal = {Mycorrhiza},
volume = {35},
number = {4},
pages = {44},
pmid = {40536527},
issn = {1432-1890},
support = {PID2021-123164OB-I00 MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033//ERDF A way of making Europe/ ; PINI 04/B253//Universidad Nacional del Comahue/ ; PICT 00073-2019//Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica/ ; },
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology/metabolism ; Biodegradation, Environmental ; *Hepatophyta/microbiology/metabolism ; *Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons/metabolism ; *Soil Pollutants/metabolism ; *Glomeromycota/metabolism/physiology ; Symbiosis ; *Anthracenes/metabolism ; Fungi ; },
abstract = {Soil contamination with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) represents a major environmental challenge and requires cost-effective and environmentally friendly remediation technologies. Phytoremediation, enhanced by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), is an effective and extensive technique for PAHs remediation, although, its application with non-vascular plants, is largely unexplored. This study investigates the role of the AMF Rhizophagus irregularis in the uptake and bioaccumulation of anthracene in the liverwort Lunularia cruciata under in vitro conditions. The thallus and the AMF were able to absorb and bioaccumulate anthracene in the cell wall and spores, hyphae and arbuscules respectively. Our results indicate that the liverwort-fungus system employs multiple phytoremediation mechanisms, including phytoaccumulation and phytostabilization. At intermediate contamination levels, the fungal symbiont enhanced contaminant accumulation in the plant, whereas at higher contamination levels, this effect diminished, suggesting a potential limitation in fungal-mediated uptake under extreme conditions. These findings highlight the potential of AMF symbiosis in liverworts for developing biological tools for PAHs remediation, emphasizing the dependence on pollutant concentration for the effectiveness of phytoremediation.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology/metabolism
Biodegradation, Environmental
*Hepatophyta/microbiology/metabolism
*Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons/metabolism
*Soil Pollutants/metabolism
*Glomeromycota/metabolism/physiology
Symbiosis
*Anthracenes/metabolism
Fungi

@article {pmid40502178,
year = {2025},
author = {Tristao Santini, A and Cerqueira, AES and Moran, NA and Resende, HC and Santana, WC and de Paula, SO and da Silva, CC},
title = {Gut microbiota of Brazilian Melipona stingless bees: dominant members and their localization in different gut regions.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40502178},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {R35 GM131738/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {The gut microbiome of eusocial corbiculate bees, which include honeybees, bumblebees, and stingless bees, consists of anciently associated, host-specific bacteria that are vital for bee health. Two symbionts, Snodgrassella and Gilliamella, are ubiquitous in honeybees and bumblebees. However, their presence varies in the stingless bee clade (Meliponini), a group with pantropical distribution. They are absent or rare in the diverse genus Melipona, indicating a shift in microbiota composition in this lineage. To identify the main members of the Melipona microbiota, we combined newly collected and published data from field-collected individuals of several species. Additionally, we identified the localization of the dominant microbiota members within the gut regions of Melipona quadrifasciata anthidioides. The dominant microbiota of Melipona species includes members of the genera Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Apilactobacillus, Floricoccus, and Bombella. Among these, Apilactobacillus and Bombella dominate in the crop, whereas Apilactobacillus and other members of the Lactobacillaceae dominate the ventriculus. The ileum lacks Snodgrassella or Gilliamella but contains a putative new symbiont close to Floricoccus, as well as strains of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillaceae (including Apilactobacillus), and Bombella. The rectum is dominated by Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. In summary, the Melipona microbiota is compositionally distinct but shows spatial organization paralleling that of other eusocial corbiculate bees.},
}

@article {pmid40536287,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, Y and Yang, Y and Ma, Y and Wang, D and Wang, X and Zhang, L and Meng, L and Xu, K and Li, X and Shangguan, X and Zheng, X and Li, L and Zang, Z and Kang, G and Li, C},
title = {A Mycorrhiza-Induced Phosphate Transporter TaPT31-7A Regulating Inorganic Phosphate Uptake, Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Symbiosis, and Plant Growth in Wheat.},
journal = {Journal of agricultural and food chemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.jafc.5c05299},
pmid = {40536287},
issn = {1520-5118},
abstract = {Phosphate transporters play a key role in improving crop yield. In this study, TaPT31-7A is a high-affinity phosphate transporter strongly induced in arbuscular-mycorrhizal (AM) wheat roots. It restores Pi uptake in yeast mutant MB192 and localizes to the plasma membrane. TaPT31-7A overexpression lines accumulated more shoot and root phosphorus than the wild type under both low- and high-Pi conditions. When inoculated with AM in Pi-deficient soil, these overexpression lines displayed enhanced Pi uptake, higher mycorrhization, and improved growth, ultimately increasing the spikelet number per spike, spike length, 1000-grain weight, grain length, and grain width. Transcriptome and coexpression analyses of TaPT31-7A OE lines and control plants showed altered expression of phosphate-starvation and AM-development genes, while docking and yeast two-hybrid assays confirmed its interaction with PP2C phosphatase TaPP2C12-6A. These results establish TaPT31-7A as a central regulator of Pi uptake, AM symbiosis, and productivity in wheat and highlight its potential for breeding phosphorus-efficient cultivars.},
}

@article {pmid40536173,
year = {2025},
author = {Kazmerski, TM and Kidd, KM and Jain, R and Jathal, I and Stransky, OM and Lee, M and Salyer, RE and Tangpricha, V and Palla, J and Alpern, AN and Lunn, MR and Obedin-Maliver, J and Greenberg, J and Prangley, A and , and Sawicki, GS},
title = {Investigating the Interplay Between Having Cystic Fibrosis and Being a Member of the LGBTQIA+ Community: Protocol for the PRIDE CF Study.},
journal = {Pediatric pulmonology},
volume = {60},
number = {6},
pages = {e71154},
pmid = {40536173},
issn = {1099-0496},
support = {//This study was supported by Cystic Fibrosis Foundation./ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Cystic Fibrosis/psychology/epidemiology ; *Sexual and Gender Minorities/psychology/statistics & numerical data ; Male ; Female ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Young Adult ; Research Design ; },
abstract = {The impact of the intersectional lived experience of having a chronic health condition and identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual or another sexual or gender minority (LGBTQIA+) on health and wellbeing is largely unknown. In this article, we describe the development and structure of PRIDE CF, an innovative, large-scale epidemiologic study using a mixed-methods team science approach to understand the experiences and health outcomes of people with cystic fibrosis (PwCF) who identify as a gender or sexual minority. Our four separate but symbiotic projects utilize the PRIDE CF cohort (n ~ 300) with the shared goal of better understanding the needs of LGBTQIA+ PwCF. We use a fully decentralized study design to recruit a national group of participants from a small population within a small population and strive to protect participants' confidentiality and privacy. Results will inform intervention development and testing to improve health for this population. This study is the first to comprehensively investigate the long-term impact and experiences of LGBTQIA+ identity on a person with any chronic condition and, thus, can serve as a model for future collaborations outside of cystic fibrosis.},
}

Humans
*Cystic Fibrosis/psychology/epidemiology
*Sexual and Gender Minorities/psychology/statistics & numerical data
Male
Female
Adolescent
Adult
Child
Young Adult
Research Design

@article {pmid40536155,
year = {2025},
author = {Bonfante, P and Genre, A},
title = {The increasingly powerful term mycorrhiza warrants attention.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.70324},
pmid = {40536155},
issn = {1469-8137},
}

@article {pmid40536153,
year = {2025},
author = {Xing, Z and Wu, L and Biere, A and Yu, H and Ding, J},
title = {Foliar Herbivory Suppresses Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Colonisation by Weakening Symbiosis Signalling in Root Exudates.},
journal = {Plant, cell & environment},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/pce.70024},
pmid = {40536153},
issn = {1365-3040},
support = {//This study was supported by National Key R&D Program of China (2024YFF1307500) and National Science Foundation of China (U21A20190, 32301323)./ ; },
abstract = {Foliar insect herbivory could affect arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), yet the underlying mechanisms remain understudied. Here, we examined the response of AMF symbiosis signals to foliar herbivory, using six herbaceous plant species and a generalist herbivorous insect. We found AMF colonisation was suppressed by foliar herbivory. After insect attack, plants allocated more biomass to belowground parts and the attack induced defence responses in aboveground parts. Notably, foliar herbivory increased shoot flavonoid concentrations but decreased root flavonoid concentrations. Moreover, quercetin and strigol concentrations in the root exudates were reduced by foliar herbivory. We further tested effect of the root exudates on the in-vitro germination of spores of two common AMF species. Spore germination was lower in treatments with herbivore-induced root exudates than in treatments with no-herbivore root exudates. Moreover, addition of herbivory-modified root exudates reduced AMF colonisation of healthy plants when compared to addition of root exudates from non-herbivory plants. Our results suggest that foliar herbivory weakened symbiosis signalling in root exudates, which could have contributed to the observed lower AMF colonisation following herbivory. Therefore, herbivore-induced symbiosis signalling needs to be considered when studying plant-mediated interactions between foliar herbivores and root microbes.},
}

@article {pmid40534881,
year = {2025},
author = {Mu, Y and Yang, M and Liu, J and Yao, Y and Sun, H and Zhuang, J},
title = {Exosomes in hypoxia: generation, secretion, and physiological roles in cancer progression.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1537313},
pmid = {40534881},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {Humans ; *Exosomes/metabolism ; *Neoplasms/pathology/metabolism ; Tumor Microenvironment ; Disease Progression ; Animals ; *Hypoxia/metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; Cell Hypoxia ; },
abstract = {The hypoxic microenvironment represents a universal hallmark feature of most solid tumors, profoundly shaping cancer progression through multifaceted mechanisms. Acting as nanoscale molecular envoys, exosomes transport oncogenic cargoes (including non-coding RNAs, mutated proteins, and metabolites) to reprogram stromal cells, prime pre-metastatic niches, and establish tumor-host metabolic symbiosis. Their lipid bilayer architecture ensures the protection of labile hypoxia-responsive factors, positioning them as critical amplifiers of intercellular crosstalk within the tumor microenvironment. Despite significant advances, critical gaps persist in understanding the spatiotemporal regulation of exosomal release under hypoxia, particularly the organ-specific variations in hypoxic exosome signatures revealed by single-vesicle analyses. This review synthesizes recent advances in the intricate interplay between hypoxia and exosomes, emphasizing hypoxia-related signaling pathways that directly modulate exosome biogenesis and indirectly activate hypoxia-associated microenvironmental remodeling, alongside their distinct regulatory effects on exosomal cargo composition. Furthermore, it delineates the pivotal role of hypoxia-specific exosomes in driving cancer malignancy, including metastatic dissemination, immune evasion, and therapy resistance. By integrating molecular mechanisms with clinically actionable insights, this work establishes a translational framework for targeting the hypoxic exosome network in precision oncology, offering strategic references for biomarker discovery and therapeutic development.},
}

Humans
*Exosomes/metabolism
*Neoplasms/pathology/metabolism
Tumor Microenvironment
Disease Progression
Animals
*Hypoxia/metabolism
Signal Transduction
Cell Hypoxia

@article {pmid40533170,
year = {2025},
author = {Kumari Nawarathna, TNT and Fujii, N and Yamamoto, K and Kuroda, K and Narihiro, T and Ozaki, N and Ohashi, A and Kindaichi, T},
title = {Metagenomic Insights into Candidatus Scalindua in a Long-term Cultivated Marine Anammox Consortium: The Important Role of Tetrahydrofolate-mediated Carbon Fixation.},
journal = {Microbes and environments},
volume = {40},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1264/jsme2.ME25007},
pmid = {40533170},
issn = {1347-4405},
mesh = {*Bacteria/metabolism/genetics/classification/isolation & purification ; *Carbon Cycle ; Metagenomics ; *Microbial Consortia/genetics ; *Ammonia/metabolism ; Folic Acid/metabolism/biosynthesis ; *Seawater/microbiology ; Metagenome ; Bioreactors/microbiology ; Metabolic Networks and Pathways ; Phylogeny ; Genome, Bacterial ; Wastewater/microbiology ; Carbon/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Marine anammox bacteria have been an exciting research area in recent years due to their high effectiveness in treating ammonia-containing saline wastewater. However, their direct implementation in the wastewater industry faces challenges due to slow growth, difficulty obtaining pure cultures, and their tendency to exist as part of an anammox consortium, interacting symbiotically with other bacteria. In the present study, 91 draft genome metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from a long-term-operated reactor were recovered to clarify detailed symbiotic interactions within an anammox consortium. One marine anammox bacterial MAG, identified as Candidatus Scalindua, was successfully recovered and was abundant within the sampled microbial community. A comprehensive metabolic pathway ana-lysis revealed that Ca. Scalindua exhibited the complete anammox pathway and the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway for carbon fixation. The folate biosynthesis pathway in Ca. Scalindua was incomplete, lacking dihydrofolate reductase, a key enzyme for tetrahydrofolate (THF) production. The folate biopterin transporter, essential for transporting folate-related metabolites among coexisting bacteria, was identified exclusively in Ca. Scalindua. In addition, the impact of exogenously supplied THF on microbial activity and carbon uptake rates was investigated in batch experiments using [14]C-labeled bicarbonate. The results obtained revealed that 2‍ ‍mg L[-1] of exogenous THF resulted in a 43% increase in the carbon uptake rate, while anammox activity remained unaffected. The present results suggest that THF is a key intermediate for carbon fixation in Ca. Scalindua and may be essential for their growth.},
}

*Bacteria/metabolism/genetics/classification/isolation & purification
*Carbon Cycle
Metagenomics
*Microbial Consortia/genetics
*Ammonia/metabolism
Folic Acid/metabolism/biosynthesis
*Seawater/microbiology
Metagenome
Bioreactors/microbiology
Metabolic Networks and Pathways
Phylogeny
Genome, Bacterial
Wastewater/microbiology
Carbon/metabolism

@article {pmid39989254,
year = {2025},
author = {Coyle, A and O'Hare, L and Ramey, D},
title = {Synapse: A co-designed neurodivergent peer support programme for higher education settings.},
journal = {Autism : the international journal of research and practice},
volume = {29},
number = {7},
pages = {1711-1726},
pmid = {39989254},
issn = {1461-7005},
abstract = {Transitioning to higher education can be challenging for neurodivergent students and they can be particularly vulnerable to experiencing stress in this new environment, resulting in higher levels of non-completion. To address this issue, this study details the co-design of a support programme for neurodivergent students in higher education. It used logic modelling workshop methodology to identify the short-term and long-term outcomes, activities and resources required for implementation. The logic model was produced during a workshop that involved a range of stakeholders, including researchers, neurodivergent and neurotypical students and disability service staff at an Irish university. The qualitative data were analysed through thematic analysis and three key outcomes were generated from the logic modelling process: 'connectedness', 'knowledge and awareness of neurodiversity' and 'empowerment'. The main activities desired by stakeholders included one-to-one mentoring and group-based mentoring, which would allow neurodivergent students to establish new friendships and develop a sense of belonging within the university. The implementation factors identified were providing a dedicated space and mentor pairing. A key finding was that stakeholders did not favour traditional peer mentoring labels of 'mentor' and 'mentee'. Instead, students preferred the development of a symbiotic co-mentoring relationship between peers, with both participants being referred to as 'mentors'.Lay abstractNeurodivergent students may require support with the social aspects of university life. Peer mentoring describes a relationship where a more experienced student helps a less experienced student by providing advice, support and knowledge. It is an effective way to support students' transition to higher education. This study involved a wide range of stakeholders including neurodivergent students, neurotypical students, disability service staff and researchers in the design of a peer mentoring programme called Synapse. A visual representation of the proposed programme (i.e. logic model) was produced during a workshop with the stakeholders. This visual showed the key outcomes or aims of the programme that was agreed upon by the stakeholders. The workshop was audio recorded and the transcripts were analysed to highlight the main conversation themes. Stakeholders stated that neurodivergent students wanted to feel more connected to others at the university to develop a sense of belonging, they also wanted people to learn more about neurodiversity to reduce stigma and finally, they wanted to feel empowered to take control of their lives and have a voice in decision-making. The two preferred activities of the programme were one-to-one and group mentoring. Uniquely, the participants were concerned with traditional terminology around peer mentoring, in particular the terms mentor and mentee, as it inferred an unequal power dynamic in a relationship. The stakeholders believed that students in the Synapse programme should be valued and treated equally, regardless of diagnosis or experience. Therefore, all members of the Synapse programme were paired within a co-mentoring relationship.},
}

@article {pmid40532609,
year = {2025},
author = {Demidova, MA and Vishnyakov, AE and Karagodina, NP and Kotenko, ON and Nekliudova, UA and Bogdanov, EA and Ostrovsky, AN},
title = {Vertical transfer of bacterial symbionts via a placental analogue in the cyclostome bryozoan Patinella verrucaria (Stenolaemata): Ultrastructural and molecular evidence.},
journal = {Zoology (Jena, Germany)},
volume = {171},
number = {},
pages = {126281},
doi = {10.1016/j.zool.2025.126281},
pmid = {40532609},
issn = {1873-2720},
abstract = {Symbiotic associations with prokaryotes are common among marine filter-feeding invertebrates. In the almost exclusively colonial phylum Bryozoa, however, such associations have only been recorded in some species of the order Cheilostomata (class Gymnolaemata). Here we describe for the first time symbiotic bacteria in the colonies, larvae and developing ancestrulae of the bryozoan Patinella verrucaria from the order Cyclostomata (class Stenolaemata) using transmission electron and fluorescent microscopy. Ultrastructural and molecular data suggest the existence of two distinct bacterial species, both from the family Rhodobacteraceae. The presence of bacteria in all three stages of the bryozoan life cycle indicates a vertical transfer of symbionts. Both intracellular and free bacteria were recorded in the colonies, being presumably transported by amoebocytes from autozooids to the colonial incubation chamber. The bacteria are accumulated in the placental analogue and in associated cells surrounding developing embryos and larvae, and are presumably transmitted to the mature ciliated larvae during rupture of the placenta facilitated by the movements of their cilia before and/or during larval release. Thus, the nourishing function of the placenta is complemented by the symbiont transfer, which can be regarded as an example of extension of functions. This is the first example of a placenta providing bacterial infection to the progeny in invertebrates.},
}

@article {pmid40528946,
year = {2025},
author = {Miao, Y and Sun, M and Huo, R and Chen, Y and Xie, J and Dong, T and Zhang, M},
title = {Metagenomics and volatile metabolomics reveal microbial succession and flavor formation mechanisms during fermentation of Novel Pasture-style Laozao.},
journal = {Food chemistry: X},
volume = {28},
number = {},
pages = {102598},
pmid = {40528946},
issn = {2590-1575},
abstract = {Novel Pasture-style Laozao (NPLZ) is a local specialty fermented food with unique flavor and mouthfeel. This study investigated the dynamic changes of physicochemical properties, volatile flavor substances and microbial community succession during the fermentation of NPLZ and revealed their interactions through the joint analysis of metagenomics and volatile metabolomics. Differences in the contents of 52 characteristic flavor substances were the main reasons for the changes in aroma. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Pseudomonas oryzihabitans, and Pantoea vagans were the dominant microbial communities during fermentation. Under symbiotic conditions, five species including Paenibacillus piri and Methyloversatilis thermotolerans were found to be crucial in influencing microbial community succession. The accumulation of organic acids was identified as the primary environmental factor driving changes in microbial community structure. Through correlation analysis, eight microbial species were identified as core microorganisms affecting flavor differences, and the metabolic networks of key flavor metabolites were reconstructed in conjunction with the KEGG database.},
}

@article {pmid40528245,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, Q and Zhang, H and Qiu, JW and Huang, D and Zhou, X and Zheng, X},
title = {Symbiotic Symbiodiniaceae mediate coral-associated bacterial communities along a natural thermal gradient.},
journal = {Environmental microbiome},
volume = {20},
number = {1},
pages = {72},
pmid = {40528245},
issn = {2524-6372},
support = {2022YFC3102003//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 2020017//he Scientific Research Foundation of the Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China/ ; 2019017//the Scientific Research Foundation of the Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China/ ; 42376110//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2023J06043//the Fujian Provincial Natural Science Funds for Distinguished Young Scholar/ ; },
abstract = {The coral-associated microbiome plays a vital role in the holobiont, enabling coral adaptation to diverse environments by modulating its composition and mediating interactions among its constituents. However, the responses of coral microbiomes, particularly the interactions between Symbiodiniaceae and bacteria, to environmental changes remain unclear. To fill this knowledge gap, we examined Pocillopora acuta, an environmentally sensitive coral species, collected from three sites along the southeastern coast of Hainan which exhibit moderate environmental differences. We measured the physiological characteristics of Symbiodiniaceae and conducted amplicon sequencing to analyze the structure of Symbiodiniaceae and bacterial communities. Our results revealed that P. acuta in southeastern Hainan maintains stable symbiosis with Symbiodiniaceae sub-clades such as C1, C42.1, C3, D1, D4, and D6, as evidenced by ΔF/Fm' values ranging from 0.45 for P. acuta dominated by Durusdinium (PaD) to 0.6 for counterparts dominated by Cladocopium (PaC). However, the composition of Symbiodiniaceae varied among the three sites, primarily due to differences in the abundance of dominant sub-clades. These variations may reflect adaptations to distinct environmental conditions, which in turn significantly influence the associated bacterial communities. Notably, our results suggest that Symbiodiniaceae may exert a greater regulatory role on the coral-associated bacterial community than environmental differences. Specific bacteria, such as Endozoicomonas and Synechococcus_CC9902, exhibit strong correlations with particular Symbiodiniaceae genera or sub-clades, indicating that the dominant Symbiodiniaceae shape bacterial community dynamics. Despite the observed variations, we identified modular co-occurrence patterns in bacterial networks, with PaC exhibiting a more complex and stable structure. Overall, these results highlight the critical role of various Symbiodiniaceae genera in influencing bacterial community dynamics, emphasizing their importance in maintaining coral health and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.},
}

@article {pmid40527464,
year = {2025},
author = {Titelboim, D and Dedman, CJ and Hodgson, RP and Knowles, LS and Liu, X and Lenzi, L and Tudor, J and Vamos, E and Rickaby, REM},
title = {Exogenous diatoms ameliorate thermal bleaching of symbiont bearing benthic foraminifera.},
journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences},
volume = {292},
number = {2049},
pages = {20250596},
pmid = {40527464},
issn = {1471-2954},
support = {/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; //H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions/ ; },
mesh = {*Foraminifera/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Diatoms/physiology ; Temperature ; Hot Temperature ; },
abstract = {Many marine calcifiers engage in obligatory algal symbiosis which is threatened by ocean warming. Large benthic foraminifera are prominent carbonate and sand producers in shallow environments with a wide range of species-specific thermal tolerances assumed to be related to their diverse algal symbionts. We examine two diatom-bearing benthic foraminifera species which differ in their thermal physiological tolerance and symbiont community composition. Our findings demonstrate that the less thermally tolerant host, Amphistegina lobifera Larsen, 1976, 'shuffles' the dominant players of the internal symbiont community with increasing temperature while the more thermally tolerant host Pararotalia calcariformata McCulloch, 1977, is dominated by Arcocellulus cornucervis Medlin, 1990, at all temperatures. Although this diatom species was present in A. lobifera from all treatments, it became more abundant only under the most severe temperature stress. Symbionts were isolated from the thermally tolerant foraminifera P. calcariformata, with only one species of symbiont surviving at 35°C, while the others failed to survive at 32°C. Supplementation of isolated symbionts reduced bleaching of A. lobifera under heat stress suggesting that while increased temperature creates shuffling at the family level, heat tolerance of the holobiont is related to changes at the species level of the symbiont algae.},
}

*Foraminifera/physiology
*Symbiosis
*Diatoms/physiology
Temperature
Hot Temperature

@article {pmid40527262,
year = {2025},
author = {Lynn, KD and Queirós, A and Talbot, E and Mesher, T and Pascoe, C and Quijón, PA},
title = {The disruption of a symbiotic sea anemone by light pollution: Non-linear effects on zooxanthellae and molecular indicators.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {990},
number = {},
pages = {179906},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179906},
pmid = {40527262},
issn = {1879-1026},
abstract = {Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) is a pervasive stressor that may affect coastal organisms, particularly sessile forms associated with photosynthetic symbionts. We examined the effects of ALAN upon the symbiotic snakelocks anemone (Anemonia viridis)'s relationship with photosynthetic zooxanthellae, as well as molecular indicators of oxidative stress and metabolism. Anemones were exposed to natural daylight/night or either mild or strong ALAN intensities for four weeks, before quantifying zooxanthellae, superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes, and respiration rates. In comparison to natural conditions, anemones exposed to ALAN showed significantly higher and lower zooxanthellae counts, under mild and strong ALAN, respectively. In turn, SOD concentrations were lower and much higher when exposed to mild and strong ALAN, respectively, with no change in respiration rates. Concurrent bleaching suggests that ALAN is harmful to this, and possibly other species associated with symbiotic microalgae. And while we didn't measure heat stress, such bleaching may potentially act synergistically with other larger-scale forms of bleaching associated with rising ocean temperatures.},
}

@article {pmid40524261,
year = {2025},
author = {Leach, WB and Babonis, L and Juliano, CE and Nakanishi, N and Schnitzler, CE and Steinmetz, PRH and Layden, MJ},
title = {Discoveries and innovations in cnidarian biology at Cnidofest 2024.},
journal = {EvoDevo},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {9},
pmid = {40524261},
issn = {2041-9139},
support = {2436941//NSF/ ; 2436941//NSF/ ; },
abstract = {The third iteration of the Cnidarian Model Systems Meeting (Cnidofest) was held August 14-17th, 2024 at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA. The meeting featured presentations from laboratories representing 11 countries, covering a broad range of topics related to cnidarian species. The research highlighted diverse topics, with sessions focused on regeneration, evo-devo, genomics, symbiosis, cell biology, physiology, neurobiology, and development. A notable shift at this meeting was the extent to which established cnidarian model systems have caught up with the classical laboratory models such as Drosophila and vertebrates, with modern genomic, genetic, and molecular tools now routinely applied. In addition, more cnidarian systems are now being developed for functional studies by the community, enhancing our ability to gain fundamental insights into animal biology that are otherwise difficult in the complex bilaterian model systems. Together, the integration of cnidarian and bilaterian model systems provides researchers with a broader toolkit for selecting animal models best suited to address their specific biological questions.},
}

@article {pmid40523202,
year = {2025},
author = {Dal Bó, B and Guo, Y and Mayr, MJ and Pereira, OS and Levin, LA and Orphan, VJ and Goffredi, SK},
title = {Methane-powered sea spiders: Diverse, epibiotic methanotrophs serve as a source of nutrition for deep-sea methane seep Sericosura.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {122},
number = {26},
pages = {e2501422122},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2501422122},
pmid = {40523202},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {OCE-2048481//NSF (NSF)/ ; OCE-2048720//NSF (NSF)/ ; OCE-2048666//NSF (NSF)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Methane/metabolism ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Symbiosis ; Male ; *Spiders/microbiology/physiology ; Bacteria/metabolism/genetics ; Female ; Methanol/metabolism ; Pacific Ocean ; },
abstract = {Methane seeps harbor uncharacterized animal-microbe symbioses with unique nutritional strategies. Three undescribed sea spider species (family Ammotheidae; genus Sericosura) endemic to methane seeps were found along the eastern Pacific margin, from California to Alaska, hosting diverse methane- and methanol-oxidizing bacteria on their exoskeleton. δ[13]C tissue isotope values of in situ specimens corroborated methane assimilation (-45‰, on average). Live animal incubations with [13]C-labeled methane and methanol, followed by nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry, confirmed that carbon derived from both compounds was actively incorporated into the tissues within five days. Methano- and methylotrophs of the bacterial families Methylomonadaceae, Methylophagaceae and Methylophilaceae were abundant, based on environmental metagenomics and 16S rRNA sequencing, and fluorescence and electron microscopy confirmed dense epibiont aggregations on the sea spider exoskeleton. Egg sacs carried by the males hosted identical microbes suggesting vertical transmission. We propose that these sea spiders farm and feed on methanotrophic and methylotrophic bacteria, expanding the realm of animals known to harness C1 compounds as a carbon source. These findings advance our understanding of the biology of an understudied animal lineage, unlocking some of the unique nutritional links between the microbial and faunal food webs in the oceans.},
}

Animals
*Methane/metabolism
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Symbiosis
Male
*Spiders/microbiology/physiology
Bacteria/metabolism/genetics
Female
Methanol/metabolism
Pacific Ocean

@article {pmid40521991,
year = {2025},
author = {Kulkarni, AS and Carrara, GMP and Jin, J and Laro, J and Peramuna, T and McCall, LI and Garg, N},
title = {Mass spectrometry-based metabolomics approaches to interrogate host-microbiome interactions in mammalian systems.},
journal = {Natural product reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40521991},
issn = {1460-4752},
support = {R01 GM145649/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R35 GM150870/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Covering: 2015 to 2025Chemical crosstalk is universal to all life, niche-specific, and essential to thrive. This crosstalk is mediated by a large diversity of molecules, including metal ions, small molecules, polysaccharides, nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins. Among these, specialized small molecules referred to as natural products (NPs) play an important role in microbe-drug/environment interactions, microbe-microbe, and microbe-host interactions. Microbial communication using NPs allows microbes to sense quorum, form biofilms, eliminate competition, establish symbiosis, evade immune attack, and respond to stress. In most cases, the elucidation of small molecule mediators and effectors of microbe-host interactions presents a major challenge due to the relatively low abundance of microbial metabolites in a milieu of host, microbe, and environmental metabolites. Advances in analytical instrumentation, such as mass spectrometers, and both experimental as well as computational methods to analyze data, coupled with the use of model organisms, have enabled fundamental discoveries of mechanisms of small molecule-mediated host-microbe interactions. The focus of this review is to detail the approaches applied in the last decade to disentangle microbiome-derived NPs in human and murine model systems. Select recent findings from diverse biological ecosystems are discussed to inform relevant parallels and potential strategies for research in human health.},
}

@article {pmid40520149,
year = {2025},
author = {Maldonado, M and Pita, L and Hentschel, U and Erpenbeck, D and Oatley, G and Sinclair, E and Aunin, E and Gettle, N and Santos, C and Paulini, M and Niu, H and McKenna, V and O'Brien, R and , and , and , and , and , },
title = {The chromosomal genome sequence of the sponge Crambe crambe (Schmidt, 1862) and its associated microbial metagenome sequences.},
journal = {Wellcome open research},
volume = {10},
number = {},
pages = {275},
pmid = {40520149},
issn = {2398-502X},
abstract = {We present a genome assembly from an individual Crambe crambe (Porifera; Demospongiae; Poecilosclerida; Crambeidae). The host genome sequence is 143.20 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 18 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 19.53 kilobases in length. Several symbiotic prokaryotic genomes were assembled as MAGs, including two relevant sponge symbionts, the Candidatus Beroebacter blanensis/ AqS2 clade (Tethybacterales, Gammaproteobacteria) of LMA sponges, and the widely distributed archaeal Nitrosopumilus sp. clade.},
}

@article {pmid40519728,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, F and Sun, Y and Wang, J and Zhan, J},
title = {Study on the pathogenesis of idiopathic pediatric acute pancreatitis by combining intestinal microbiome and metabolome.},
journal = {Translational pediatrics},
volume = {14},
number = {5},
pages = {855-870},
pmid = {40519728},
issn = {2224-4344},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Idiopathic pediatric acute pancreatitis (IPAP) represents a significant health threat to children and adolescents, yet its underlying pathogenesis remains poorly understood, necessitating further research to elucidate its mechanisms. This study aims to explore the roles of intestinal microbiota, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and serum metabolites in the pathogenesis of IPAP, as well as to assess the therapeutic potential of acetic acid intervention in this condition.

METHODS: Fecal and serum samples from 22 cases of IPAP (excluding biliary origin) and 10 healthy controls were collected and analyzed. Intestinal microbial was characterized using 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) sequencing, while SCFAs and serum metabolites were quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Omics analysis was employed to identify microbial-metabolite regulation and regulatory networks and potential disease biomarkers. To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of acetic acid in acute pancreatitis (AP), AP was induced in animal models by intraperitoneal injection of caerulein (50 µg/kg; once daily for seven days), followed by oral administration of acetic acid (10 mL/kg, once daily) in 4-, 6-, and 8-week models. Pancreatic and ileum tissues were examined for histopathological changes, serum enzymes levels, and intestinal barrier integrity.

RESULTS: The results of 16S rRNA sequencing revealed significant differences in the composition and abundance of intestinal microbial communities between the control (Con) and IPAP groups. Pathogenic bacteria, such as f_Tannerellaceae and c_Bacteroidia, as well as certain symbiotic bacteria, were significantly enriched in the IPAP group. SCFAs metabolome analysis indicated that acetic acid, as a key intermediate metabolite, may play a regulatory role in the pathogenesis of IPAP. The construction of a microbial-metabolite regulatory network demonstrated that microorganisms such as g_Monoglobus and g_Morganella were closely associated with SCFAs, including acetic acid, suggesting that the development of IPAP is influenced by upstream and downstream regulatory mechanisms. Furthermore, significant associations were identified between serum metabolites and gut microbes. For instance, (4E,15E)-bilirubin and creatinine showed significant positive correlations with g_Bacteroides (P<0.01). Similarly, 1,2-ethanediol monoricinoleate was significantly positively correlated with g_Hungatella (P<0.01), while pubescenol and tecastemizole were significantly positively correlated with g_Parabacteroides (P<0.01). Animal experiments demonstrated that pancreatic and intestinal tissue damage was alleviated to varying degrees following treatment. Compared to the disease model group, the acetic acid treatment group exhibited significantly reduced serum levels of D-lactic acid, amylase, and lipase, along with a significantly increased positive staining surface density of intestinal barrier proteins (occludin, claudin-1, and ZO-1).

CONCLUSIONS: Intestinal flora, SCFAs and serum metabolites were significantly altered in IPAP, and the interaction regulated the development of IPAP. Acetic acid can effectively intervene the occurrence of IPAP.},
}

@article {pmid40519530,
year = {2025},
author = {Smith, S and Bongrand, C and Lawhorn, S and Ruby, EG and Septer, AN},
title = {Application of hsp60 amplicon sequencing to characterize microbial communities associated with juvenile and adult Euprymna scolopes squid.},
journal = {ISME communications},
volume = {5},
number = {1},
pages = {ycaf085},
pmid = {40519530},
issn = {2730-6151},
abstract = {The symbiotic relationship between Vibrio (Aliivibrio) fischeri and the Hawaiian bobtail squid, Euprymna scolopes, serves as a key model for understanding host-microbe interactions. Traditional culture-based methods have primarily isolated V. fischeri from the light organs of wild-caught squid, yet culture-independent analyses of this symbiotic microbiome remain limited. This study aims to enhance species-level resolution of bacterial communities associated with E. scolopes using hsp60 amplicon sequencing. We validated our hsp60 sequencing approach using pure cultures and mixed bacterial populations, demonstrating its ability to distinguish V. fischeri from other closely related vibrios and the possibility of using this approach for strain-level diversity with further optimization. This approach was applied to whole-animal juvenile squid exposed to either seawater or a clonal V. fischeri inoculum, as well as ventate samples and light organ cores from wild-caught adults. V. fischeri accounted for the majority of the identifiable taxa for whole-animal juvenile samples and comprised 94%-99% of amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) for adult light organ core samples, confirming that V. fischeri is the dominant, if not sole, symbiont typically associated with E. scolopes light organs. In one ventate sample, V. fischeri comprised 82% of reads, indicating the potential for non-invasive community assessments using this approach. Analysis of non-V. fischeri ASVs revealed that Bradyrhizobium spp. and other members of the Rhodobacterales order are conserved across juvenile and adult samples. These findings provide insight into the presence of additional microbial associations with the squid host tissue outside of the light organ that have not been previously detected through traditional culture methods.},
}

@article {pmid40517925,
year = {2025},
author = {Banerjee, S and Jha, S and Chakraborty, S and Ghosh, S and Sarkar, D and Datta, R and Bhattacharya, SS and Bhattacharyya, P},
title = {Mycorrhiza-assisted phytoremediation of spiked chromium-contaminated soil: Assessing AMF-vetiver symbiosis for Cr accumulation and soil quality enhancement.},
journal = {Environmental research},
volume = {283},
number = {},
pages = {122143},
doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2025.122143},
pmid = {40517925},
issn = {1096-0953},
abstract = {Chromium (Cr) is a hazardous pollutant in industrial and mining areas and threatens soil ecosystems. Mycorrhiza-assisted phytoremediation serves as an eco-friendly and effective approach to mitigate Cr contamination from soil. In this investigation, varying Cr dosages (100 mg kg[-1], 500 mg kg[-1], and 1000 mg kg[-1]) were applied into the soil alongside vetiver plants (Chrysopogon zizanioides L.) inoculated with three different AMF species (Claroideoglomus claroideum, Glomus hoi, and Claroideoglomus etunicatum). The results indicated that AMF inoculation enhanced Cr accumulation (1.96 folds, 1.63 folds) in the root tissue of vetiver compared to the control. Among the AMF species, Glomus hoi demonstrated the highest effectiveness in reducing Cr bioavailability (P10: 0.247 mg kg[-1], P11: 1.117 mg kg[-1], and P12: 4.789 mg kg[-1]) in the soil, followed by Claroideoglomus claroideum and Claroideoglomus etunicatum at post-harvest. Additionally, microbial and enzymatic activity improved in the presence of AMF compared to the control, as AMF alleviated Cr-induced stress by stimulating antioxidant activity. AMF enhanced soil glomalin-related proteins and colonization percentage, thereby promoting plant growth. The correlation and principal component analysis depict a positive association between Cr accumulation in vetiver (root and shoot) and the different Cr phases. Interestingly, in the presence of Glomus hoi, the VTF (<1) and VBCF (>1) indicate that this symbiotic association is well-suited for phytoremediation applications. Hence, AMF-assisted phytoremediation emerges as a viable and sustainable approach, offering advantages over other remediation techniques and providing potential solutions for managing soil Cr contamination.},
}

@article {pmid40517638,
year = {2025},
author = {Deng, X and Zhao, D and Li, Y and Li, K and Xia, J and Yu, S and Wang, J and Lin, J},
title = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi confer aluminum toxicity tolerance in Ricinus communis via modulating root metabolic mechanisms and the composition and quantity of root exudates.},
journal = {Plant physiology and biochemistry : PPB},
volume = {227},
number = {},
pages = {110149},
doi = {10.1016/j.plaphy.2025.110149},
pmid = {40517638},
issn = {1873-2690},
abstract = {Aluminum (Al) phytotoxicity is an essential factor that severely threatens plant productivity in acidic soil with pH < 5. Nevertheless, the specific interactions and functional contributions of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) in the adaptability of Ricinus communis to Al stress remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the changes in biomass, Al accumulation, antioxidant system, sucrose metabolism, gene expression, and root exudates of R. communis when regulated by AMF (Rhizophagus intraradices, Funneliformis mosseae, and Diversispora versiformis) under Al stress (0-1.2 g kg[-1]). Al detoxification by AMF - R. communis symbiosis was manifested by activating antioxidant levels, sucrose metabolism, thereby alleviating lipid peroxidation (MDA decreased 11.44 %-24.89 %) and increasing plant biomass (10.34 %-33.33 %). Meanwhile, transcriptome analysis revealed 659 differentially expressing genes (DEGs) in AMF-inoculated plants in comparison to non-inoculated plants subjected to Al stress. Furthermore, AMF colonization induced 929 differential metabolites (DAMs) from the perspective of root exudates. The integrating analysis of gene expression and root exudate changes indicating that AMF colonization under Al stress was closely related to ABC transporters, glutathione metabolism, nitrogen metabolism, cyanoamino acid metabolism, starch and sucrose metabolism. Altogether, the result of this study suggest that AMF confer Al tolerance to R. communis via antioxidant activation, sucrose metabolism regulation, and reshaping root exudates and gene networks. The present study provides new insights into the crucial role of AMF in improving Al-tolerance of R. communis.},
}

@article {pmid40516677,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, A and Wang, Z and Shi, C and Li, N and Bai, M and Yao, J and Hrynsphan, D and Qian, H and Hu, S and Wei, J and Chen, J},
title = {Enhanced denitrification performance via biochar-mediated electron shuttling in Pseudomonas guariconensis: mechanistic insights from enzymatic and electrochemical analyses.},
journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {126667},
doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126667},
pmid = {40516677},
issn = {1873-6424},
abstract = {Nitrogen pollution constitutes a critical environmental challenge for aquatic ecosystems, where biological denitrification serves as a critical mechanism for nitrogen removal in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Pseudomonas guariconensis, a key denitrifying bacterium in WWTPs, demonstrates stable symbiotic relationships with organic carbon substrates under operational conditions. This study investigated the biochar-mediated enhancement mechanism of denitrification performance using Pseudomonas guariconensis strain XYH-2. Experimental results revealed that 0.5% (w/w) biochar addition significantly improved denitrification efficiency, elevating NO3[-]-N removal from 39% to 94% within 16 hours while reducing N2O accumulation by 81.7% (from 837 to 153 ppm). Electrochemical characterization and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) analysis demonstrated biochar's role as an electron shuttle, evidenced by a 48.5% increase in electron transfer system activity (ETSA) and enhanced redox currents. Notably, biochar stimulation elevated the activities of four key denitrifying enzymes: nitrate reductase (NAR, +75.6%), nitrite reductase (NIR, +25.4%), nitric oxide reductase (NOR, +33.3%), and nitrous oxide reductase (N2OR, +159.4%). Structural characterization revealed biochar-induced conformational modifications in N2OR that enhanced substrate binding affinity, particularly explaining the dramatic N2O mitigation. These findings provided mechanistic insights into biochar-bacteria synergism, proposing an effective strategy for optimizing denitrification processes in nitrogen-contaminated wastewater treatment systems.},
}

@article {pmid40516400,
year = {2025},
author = {Ju, X and Sun, H and Ruan, C and Wang, H and Shi, B and Alvarez, PJJ and Yu, P},
title = {Prophage induction and quorum sensing enhance biofilm stability and resistance under ammonia-oxidizing bacteria-mediated oxidative stress.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {284},
number = {},
pages = {124010},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2025.124010},
pmid = {40516400},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {Ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and prophage-carrying bacteria are prevalent in water treatment and reuse systems, yet their interactions and implications for biofilm formation and microbial risks remain insufficiently understood. Here, we demonstrate that oxidative stress arising from the metabolism of the AOB Nitrosomonas europaea induces prophage activation in lysogenized Escherichia coli (λ+). This activation triggers cellular lysis, leading to the release of intracellular components (e.g., protein and DNA) and upregulated quorum sensing (QS) followed by biosynthesis and excretion of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS). Integrated transcriptomic and proteomic analysis revealed that the presence of N. europaea significantly upregulated QS- and EPS-related genes by 2.14-2.93 and 2.81-3.11 folds in E. coli (λ+), respectively. Surviving E. coli (λ+) exhibited enhanced prophage-bacterium symbiosis and activated toxin-antitoxin systems, enhancing their resilience to environmental stress. These microbial adaptations markedly increased EPS production, fostering biofilm development and conferring enhanced biofilm resilience to disinfectants and bacterial antibiotic tolerance. Furthermore, metagenomic analysis at the microbial community wide level demonstrated that ammonia addition-driven AOB enrichment stimulated multi-species biofilm formation, promoted bacterium-phage interactions, and increased bacterial antibiotic resistance. Overall, our findings reveal that oxidative stress driven by AOB accelerates biofilm development, an overlooked phenomenon with potential to exacerbate microbial risks.},
}

@article {pmid40516069,
year = {2025},
author = {di Michele, F},
title = {The symbiotic relationship in a case of hysterical psychosis.},
journal = {Psychiatria Danubina},
volume = {37},
number = {1},
pages = {108-109},
pmid = {40516069},
issn = {0353-5053},
}

@article {pmid40515627,
year = {2025},
author = {Hasan, MR and Thapa, A and Kabir, AH},
title = {Iron retention coupled with trade-offs in localized symbiotic effects confers tolerance to combined iron deficiency and drought in soybean.},
journal = {Journal of experimental botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jxb/eraf263},
pmid = {40515627},
issn = {1460-2431},
abstract = {Iron (Fe) and water availability are closely interlinked, with deficiencies in both adversely affecting soybean growth. However, the strategies employed by soybean to tolerate such conditions remain poorly understood. This study elucidates the interactions of host factors, and microbial associations using multi-omics approaches in Clark (tolerant) and Arisoy (sensitive) genotypes exposed to Fe deficiency and drought. Clark exhibited resilience to stress through sustained osmotic regulation, nutrient uptake, and photosynthetic activity, in contrast to Arisoy. Particularly, Fe retention in Clark, accompanied by the upregulation of ferritin-like proteins, may mitigate oxidative stress by reducing Fenton reactions. Furthermore, higher jasmonic and salicylic acid levels in Clark may contribute to its enhanced stress adaptation compared to Arisoy. RNA-seq analysis revealed 818 and 500 upregulated, along with 931 and 361 downregulated genes, in the roots of Clark and Arisoy, respectively, under stress. We observed the upregulation of symbiotic genes, such as Chalcone-flavonone isomerase 1 and SWEET10, accompanied by increased rhizosphere siderophore and root flavonoid in Clark. This indicates a significant role of microbes in mediating differential stress tolerance in soybean. Particularly, the combined stress led to distinct root and nodule microbiome dynamics, with Clark recruiting beneficial microbes such as Variovorax and Paecilomyces, whereas Arisoy exhibited the opposite pattern. In addition, Clark maintained nodule Bradyrhizobium and tissue nitrogen status, supported by ammonium retention and induction of Ammonium transporter 1 in the roots. Furthermore, in vitro compatibility between V. paradoxus and P. lilacinus suggests a synergistic interaction, with their localized signals benefiting Clark. Remarkably, enriched microbiomes significantly improved growth parameters, accompanied by elevated rhizosphere siderophore in sensitive genotypes under stress. This study is the first to uncover mechanisms of dual stress tolerance in soybean that may offer promising targets for breeding programs and microbiome-based biofertilizer strategies to improve combined stress tolerance in soybean and other legumes.},
}

@article {pmid40515619,
year = {2025},
author = {Ochiai, KK and Goshima, G},
title = {Ruegeria strains promote growth and morphogenesis of the giant coenocytic alga Bryopsis.},
journal = {Journal of experimental botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jxb/eraf262},
pmid = {40515619},
issn = {1460-2431},
abstract = {An evolutionarily intriguing life form among extant organisms is the giant coenocyte, exemplified by green macroalgae in the order Bryopsidales. In these algae, cell separation does not follow nuclear division, resulting in a body composed of a single multinucleated cell. How a single cell grows to over 10 cm and undergoes characteristic morphogenesis without cell division or differentiation remains poorly understood. Macroalgae are known to associate with numerous microbes, and in some cases, these interactions influence algal cell division and differentiation. Here, we show that specific bacterial strains can promote the growth and morphogenesis of the coenocytic macroalga Bryopsis. Among >100 bacterial isolates obtained from Bryopsis, four strains belonging to the genus Ruegeria were found to accelerate the growth of the main axis and induce side-branch formation when co-cultured with the alga. The same effects were observed using conditioned seawater in which Ruegeria had been pre-cultured and subsequently removed. Seasonal microbiome analysis revealed that cultured Bryopsis associates with hundreds of bacterial species, exhibiting seasonal variations in community composition. However, Ruegeria was one of the few bacterial genera consistently associated with the cultured strain, suggesting a symbiotic relationship. Notably, although Ruegeria was not detected in Bryopsis strains isolated from other regions, its effects on growth and morphogenesis were observed in co-culture experiments. These findings suggest that Bryopsis, like multicellular macroalgae, utilises associated bacteria for growth and development without strict specificity.},
}

@article {pmid40515450,
year = {2025},
author = {Berrios, L},
title = {Is it all about timing? Identifying the symbiosis critical points that govern interactions among bacteria, ectomycorrhizal fungi, and land trees.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.70298},
pmid = {40515450},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {//Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability Discovery Grant/ ; 2109481//Directorate for Biological Sciences/ ; },
abstract = {Tree health and fitness depend on the interactions among soil microbiota across space and time. Recent evidence, for instance, has shown that understanding the individual and interactive lifestyles of bacteria and ectomycorrhizal fungi (EcMF)-two of the most dominant and influential soil microbes in tree microbiomes-enhances our predictions of plant responses and ecosystem functions. The spatial features that shape the coexistence and plasticity of bacteria-EcMF interactions have long been a primary research interest and have therefore revealed key insights in the field. The temporal features of these interactions, however, have received considerably less attention, yet emerging evidence suggests that interactions at a particular time in space may have a disproportionate impact on the stability and outcome of relationships. In light of these observations, I outline bacteria-EcMF-tree interactions across the life cycle of EcMF and highlight the importance of 'symbiosis critical points' across developmental time, providing testable hypotheses and experimental frameworks that aim to advance the field moving forward. Though this viewpoint article focuses on the symbioses among these three organisms, the concepts, hypotheses, and frameworks presented herein extend to diverse multispecies systems.},
}

@article {pmid40514722,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, M and Xiao, Y and Song, Q and Li, Z},
title = {Antarctic ice-free terrestrial microbial functional redundancy in core ecological functions and microhabitat-specific microbial taxa and adaptive strategy.},
journal = {Environmental microbiome},
volume = {20},
number = {1},
pages = {70},
pmid = {40514722},
issn = {2524-6372},
support = {2022YFC280410//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Although ice-free terrestrial ecosystems in Antarctica cover only limited areas, they harbor diverse and metabolically active microbial communities. These ecosystems encompass distinct microhabitats such as mosses, lichens, and soils, each offering unique ecological niches. However, how different microbial taxa respond to microhabitat heterogeneity, ecological strategies such as functional redundancy and specialization contribute to adaptation in extreme environments remains underexplored. To address these questions, we employed high-throughput 16 S rRNA gene and ITS sequencing in combination with GeoChip-based functional gene profiling to assess the structure and functional potential of microbial communities across moss, lichen and soil microhabitats in Antarctic ice-free terrestrial ecosystem.

RESULTS: Microhabitat type has a greater influence on microbial community structure and function in the ice-free Antarctic terrestrial ecosystem than geographical location. Though all prokaryotic communities were dominated by Pseudomonadota, Nostoc and Endobacter were significantly enriched in the moss and lichen microhabitats, respectively. Meanwhile, all fungal communities were primarily dominated by Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, with Byssoloma and Usnea showing significant enrichment in the moss and lichen microhabitats, respectively. Despite these taxonomic differences, the three microhabitats show similar core ecological functions with widespread microbial functional redundancy. Nevertheless, clear microhabitat-specific functional specialization was suggested. For example, moss microhabitat was enriched in Pyoverdin_pvcC and Zeaxanthin_glucosyltransferase, sdhA, lichen microhabitat harbored higher levels of nhaA, nikC, vacuolar_iron_transport, mttB, glucoamylase, pel_Cdeg, pme_Cdeg, rgh, rgl, while soil microhabitat was enriched in 5f1_ppn and isopullulanase. Notably, genes involved in carotenoid biosynthesis were significantly more abundant in moss and lichen microhabitats than in soil microhabitat, indicating the adaptive capacity of symbiotic microorganisms to mitigate ultraviolet radiation and oxidative stress to protect their hosts.

CONCLUSIONS: Microbial communities associated with distinct microhabitats (i.e. mosses, lichens, and soils) in Antarctic ice-free terrestrial ecosystem exhibit both functional redundancy in core ecological functions and microhabitat-specific specialization in key microbial taxa and adaptive strategy.},
}

@article {pmid40514454,
year = {2025},
author = {Veloso Soares, SP and Jarquín-Díaz, VH and Veiga, MM and Karl, S and Czirják, GÁ and Weyrich, A and Metzger, S and East, ML and Hofer, H and Heitlinger, E and Benhaiem, S and Ferreira, SCM},
title = {Mucosal immune responses and intestinal microbiome associations in wild spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta).},
journal = {Communications biology},
volume = {8},
number = {1},
pages = {924},
pmid = {40514454},
issn = {2399-3642},
support = {GRAKO 2046//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; DFG-Grako 2046//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; DFG-Grako 2046//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; GRK 2046//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; GRK 2046//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; GRK 2046//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; GRK 2046//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; GRK 2046//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/immunology ; *Hyaenidae/microbiology/immunology ; *Immunity, Mucosal ; Feces/microbiology/chemistry ; Female ; Male ; Tanzania ; Bacteria/classification/genetics ; },
abstract = {Little is known about host-gut microbiome interactions within natural populations at the intestinal mucosa, the primary interface. We investigate associations between the intestinal microbiome and mucosal immune measures while controlling for host, social and ecological factors in 199 samples of 158 wild spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. We profile the microbiome composition using a multi-amplicon approach and measure faecal immunoglobulin A and mucin. Probabilistic models indicate that both immune measures predicted microbiome similarity among individuals in an age-dependent manner. These associations are the strongest within bacteria, intermediate within parasites, and weakest within fungi communities. Machine learning models accurately predicted both immune measures and identify the taxa driving these associations: symbiotic bacteria reported in humans and laboratory mice, unclassified bacteria, parasitic hookworms and fungi. These findings improve our understanding of the gut microbiome, its drivers, and interactions in wild populations under natural selection.},
}

Animals
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/immunology
*Hyaenidae/microbiology/immunology
*Immunity, Mucosal
Feces/microbiology/chemistry
Female
Male
Tanzania
Bacteria/classification/genetics

@article {pmid40511412,
year = {2025},
author = {Yan, C and Wang, Y and Guo, Q and Huan, H and Wang, S and Fan, X and Xie, X},
title = {Silencing Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Gene Using Chitosan Nanoparticle-Mediated dsRNA Delivery System.},
journal = {Bio-protocol},
volume = {15},
number = {11},
pages = {e5326},
pmid = {40511412},
issn = {2331-8325},
abstract = {It has been discovered that many phytopathogenic fungi can absorb exogenous double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) to silence target genes, inhibiting fungal growth and pathogenicity for plant protection. In our recent report, the beneficial arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are capable of acquiring external naked dsRNAs; however, whether the dsRNAs can be delivered into AM fungi through nanocarriers remains to be investigated. Here, we introduce a simple and advanced method for in vitro synthesizing chitosan (CS)/dsRNA polyplex nanoparticles (PNs) to silence the target gene in the AM fungus Rhizophagus irregularis. This method is straightforward, requiring minimal modifications, and is both efficient and eco-friendly, offering potential for rapid application in elucidating gene functions in AM fungi. Key features • The chitosan can carry the dsRNA derived from the AM fungus Rhizophagus irregularis. • CS/dsRNA polyplex nanoparticles (PNs) can successfully silence the target gene in the AM fungus R. irregularis. • CS/dsRNA PNs can be applied to the characterization of AM fungal genes via the spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) approach. • This protocol can be applied in asymbiotic and symbiotic cultures of AM fungi. Graphical overview Overview of the chitosan/dsRNA gene silencing procedures.},
}

@article {pmid40510663,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, Y and Ma, Y and Ma, X and Li, C},
title = {Temporal changes in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi communities and their driving factors in Xanthoceras sorbifolium plantations.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1579868},
pmid = {40510663},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) communities are influenced by soil nutrients and plant and litter traits during forest ecosystem development. However, the extent to which these factors influence AMF communities in Xanthoceras sorbifolium plantations is unclear. In this study, rhizosphere soil samples were collected from 5-, 13-, 24-, 35-, 47-, and 56-year-old X. sorbifolium plantations. The AMF community was analyzed using Illumina MiSeq sequencing, and AMF spores were isolated and identified by wet sieving. The results showed that X. sorbifolium can establish a symbiotic relationship with AMF at different forest ages. In total, 5,876 AMF amplicon sequence variant (ASVs) were obtained from the soil samples and classified into 1 phylum, 4 classes, 6 orders, 12 families, and 15 genera. Glomus was the dominant genus. In addition, the diversity of AMF communities increased and then decreased with the age of X. sorbifolium, with no significant changes observed between 35-, 47-, and 56-year-old plantations. AMF community variance was primarily determined by soil-specific factors, with soil pH and root C content being the most influential. The results revealed the factors that drive AMF communities during the development of X. sorbifolium and provide valuable information for future conservation and planting management.},
}