@article {pmid40328313,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, D and Jin, R and Shi, X and Guo, H and Tan, X and Zhao, A and Lian, X and Dai, H and Li, S and Xin, K and Tian, C and Yang, J and Chen, W and Macho, AP and Wang, E},
title = {A kinase mediator of rhizobial symbiosis and immunity in Medicago.},
journal = {Nature},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41586-025-09057-0},
pmid = {40328313},
issn = {1476-4687},
abstract = {Legume roots secure nitrogen by forming a symbiosis with soil rhizobia but remain resistant to pathogenic bacteria[1-4]. How this tolerance to rhizobia is achieved without compromising plant immunity is largely unknown. Here, we identify the cytoplasmic kinase MtLICK1/2, which interacts with nodulation factor receptor MtLYK3 to drive symbiotic signaling and suppress plant immunity. Rhizobial infection and nodule development are defective in Mtlick1/2, phenocopying the Mtlyk3-1 mutant. MtLICK1/2 and MtLYK3 undergo reciprocal trans-phosphorylation during rhizobial symbiosis. Phosphorylated MtLYK3 activates the receptor-like kinase MtDMI2 to stimulate symbiotic signaling. MtLICK1/2 is activated in the rhizobia infection area to suppress plant immunity. Thus, MtLICK1/2 and MtLYK3 together amplify symbiotic signaling and dampen host immunity to enable legume-rhizobium symbiosis.},
}

@article {pmid40328220,
year = {2025},
author = {Doremus, MR and Hunter, MS},
title = {Symbiosis: An escalating arms race between a butterfly and bacterium.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {35},
number = {9},
pages = {R339-R341},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2025.03.061},
pmid = {40328220},
issn = {1879-0445},
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; Animals ; *Butterflies/microbiology/physiology ; *Wolbachia/physiology/genetics ; Male ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; },
abstract = {Symbiotic bacteria such as Wolbachia can dramatically affect the reproduction of their arthropod hosts, in some instances causing male progeny to die as embryos. A recent paper describes an escalating arms race over Wolbachia-mediated male-killing in a tropical butterfly, with butterfly suppression of male-killing being overcome by acquisition of an additional male-killing gene via phage-mediated horizontal gene transfer.},
}

*Symbiosis
Animals
*Butterflies/microbiology/physiology
*Wolbachia/physiology/genetics
Male
Gene Transfer, Horizontal

@article {pmid40328215,
year = {2025},
author = {Hughes, C and Ringelberg, JJ and Bruneau, A},
title = {Legumes.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {35},
number = {9},
pages = {R323-R328},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2025.03.049},
pmid = {40328215},
issn = {1879-0445},
mesh = {*Fabaceae/physiology/microbiology/genetics ; Symbiosis ; Crops, Agricultural ; Nitrogen Fixation ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Whatever continent you are on (besides Antarctica), whatever type of vegetation you are in, and however that vegetation has been disturbed and modified by humans, there will very likely be a legume growing nearby. Leguminosae or Fabaceae, commonly known as legumes, with ∼22,500 species is the third largest family of flowering plants, after the daisies (Asteraceae) and orchids (Orchidaceae). A central question in legume biology is understanding why the family is so diverse, geographically widespread and abundant, and how legumes came to form significant components of almost all terrestrial ecosystems across the globe. Economically, legumes are also important as major world food crops, and have been so since the dawn of agriculture. The ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen through root nodule symbiosis with bacteria - the hallmark of many legumes - is important in both ecosystem functioning and agriculture, and current research even aims to engineer nodulation in non-legume crops. This combined eco-evolutionary and societal importance means that legumes have occupied a central position in botanical and wider biological research ever since the late 19[th] century, when Gregor Mendel used the garden pea in his experiments, which famously provided early insights into genetics. In this Primer, we present an overview of the diversity, evolution and ecological and economic importance of legumes across the globe, and discuss the evolution of nodulation, one of the key traits of the family.},
}

*Fabaceae/physiology/microbiology/genetics
Symbiosis
Crops, Agricultural
Nitrogen Fixation
Ecosystem

@article {pmid40328120,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, X and Xia, X and Riaz, M and Babar, S and El-Desouki, Z and Qasim, M and Wang, J and Jiang, C},
title = {Biochar amendment modulate microbial community assembly to mitigate saline-alkaline stress across soil depths.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {385},
number = {},
pages = {125574},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.125574},
pmid = {40328120},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {While microbial community assembly in saline-alkali topsoils is well-documented, distribution patterns across biochar application depths and soil layers remain unclear. This incubation study evaluated five treatment: no biochar (CK), homogeneous application (EB), and concentrated applications in upper (FB: 0-10 cm), middle (MB: 10-20 cm), or bottom layers (DB: 20-30 cm). Biochar application significantly accelerated vertical salt migration, with FB inducing 45.55 % and 61.01 % increases in water-soluble Na[+] and Cl[-] accumulation in the bottom layer. Microbial network complexity and interspecies interactions were highest in the upper layer (edges: 926), contrasting sharply with simplified communities in deeper layer (edges ≤552). Community assembly across layers was primarily driven by salt gradients, with deep-layer communities dominated by salt-tolerant taxa (such as Halomonas and Desulfobacterota). Among treatments, FB led to the highest biomarker abundance and α-diversity. Mechanistically, FB mitigated microbial diversity loss in mid-deep layers by establishing a symbiotic consortium of salt-tolerant keystone taxa (Bacillus-Pseudomonas-Ascomycota), which enhanced stress resilience via cross-feeding. These findings demonstrate that stratified biochar application (FB) optimizes salt redistribution while fostering stress-adapted microbial consortia across soil profiles, offering a targeted strategy for saline-alkali soil remediation.},
}

@article {pmid40327715,
year = {2025},
author = {Radzikowska-Kujawska, D and Piechota, T and Jarzyniak, K and Kowalczewski, PŁ and Wojewódzki, P},
title = {Effects of biopreparations based on Bacillus and Trichoderma, combined with mineral and organic fertilization and a Pisum sativum L. forecrop on improving the tolerance of Maize plants to drought stress.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {5},
pages = {e0322718},
pmid = {40327715},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Zea mays/physiology/microbiology/growth & development ; *Droughts ; *Fertilizers ; *Trichoderma/physiology ; Photosynthesis ; *Bacillus/physiology ; *Pisum sativum/growth & development/physiology ; Minerals/pharmacology ; *Stress, Physiological ; Symbiosis ; Chlorophyll/metabolism ; Soil/chemistry ; },
abstract = {The increased frequency of extreme weather phenomena, such as heat waves and drought, adversely affects the condition of plants. The need to strive for more sustainable methods of growing plants requires undertaking researches that focus on strengthening the immunity of plants using methods that have a positive impact on both crops and the natural environment. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness and compare the effects of selected microbiological preparations based on Bacillus bacteria and Trichoderma symbiotic fungi, combined with mineral (NPK) and organic fertilization (manure) and a Pisum sativum L. forecrop on improving the tolerance of maize plants to drought stress. The pot experiment was carried in 2023 as a two-factor experiment in three replicates. Physiological parameters were assessed based on measurements of photosynthetic efficiency (A - CO2 assimilation rate, E - Transpiration Rate, Gs - Stomatal Conductance) and chlorophyll content (CCI) and fluorescence (F0 - initial fluorescence, Fm - maximum fluorescence, Fv/Fm - maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII, Yield - quantum yield of the photochemical reaction in PSII, ETR - electron transport rate, NPQ - Non - Photo-chemical Quenching), as well as soil respiration (NCER- Net CO2 Exchange Rate, W flux- Net H2O Exchange Rate, Ce- Soil Respiration) and biometric measurements (dry mass of shoots and roots).The measurement of photosynthesis efficiency under drought stress clearly indicated the highest, significant effect caused by Trichoderma preparation with both fertilizers. In the control, CO2 assimilation was practically inhibited due to drought (98% drop), while in the plants in which the Trichoderma preparation was used together with half dose of NPK and manure, there was only a slight decrease (1% and 13% respectively). A greatest, significant improvement in the DM of roots under drought was noted in plants in which the Pisum forecrop was applied together with NPK and manure (230% and 168% respectively). Pisum forecrop and treatments with microbiological preparation containing Trichoderma, make it possible to reduce the fertilization dose by at least half. This is particularly important in view of the global trend of increasing drought stress and efforts to improve soil quality.},
}

*Zea mays/physiology/microbiology/growth & development
*Droughts
*Fertilizers
*Trichoderma/physiology
Photosynthesis
*Bacillus/physiology
*Pisum sativum/growth & development/physiology
Minerals/pharmacology
*Stress, Physiological
Symbiosis
Chlorophyll/metabolism
Soil/chemistry

@article {pmid40327507,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, CY and Naqvi, NI},
title = {Endophytic mycobiont provides growth benefits via a phenylpropanoid-auxin axis in host plants.},
journal = {Cell reports},
volume = {44},
number = {5},
pages = {115648},
doi = {10.1016/j.celrep.2025.115648},
pmid = {40327507},
issn = {2211-1247},
abstract = {Beneficial association with symbiotic fungi helps improve growth and fitness in most land plants and shows great potential as biofertilizers in precision agriculture. Here, we demonstrated that a root fungal endophyte, Tinctoporellus species isolate AR8, enabled yield improvement in Brassicaceae leafy green choy sum (Brassica rapa var. parachinensis). Mechanistically, AR8 colonized the root cortex/endosphere and channeled the metabolic flux to phenylpropanoids and requisite secondary metabolites to promote plant growth. AR8-assisted biosynthesis of auxin improved root growth and provided an intrinsic source for long-distance signaling that enhanced shoot biomass. Chemical complementation with exogenous p-coumaric acid restored auxin signaling and enhanced growth in AR8-inoculated pal1 mutant plants, thus implicating such a phenylpropanoid-auxin nexus as a pivotal regulator of symbiotic plant growth. Comparative metabolomics established hydroxycinnamic acid and p-coumaric acid as major plant-growth-promoting hubs that bridge the phenylpropanoid pathway and auxin signaling in the cross-kingdom AR8 symbiotic interaction model.},
}

@article {pmid40327084,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, M and Hu, Y and Ma, Y and Hou, T and Wang, J and Che, Q and Chen, B and Wang, Q and Feng, G},
title = {Soil Bacterial Diversity and Community Structure of Cotton Rhizosphere under Mulched Drip-Irrigation in Arid and Semi-arid Regions of Northwest China.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {88},
number = {1},
pages = {39},
pmid = {40327084},
issn = {1432-184X},
mesh = {*Gossypium/microbiology/growth & development ; *Rhizosphere ; *Soil Microbiology ; China ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Soil/chemistry ; *Agricultural Irrigation/methods ; Biodiversity ; Desert Climate ; Microbiota ; Alkaline Phosphatase/genetics ; },
abstract = {Xinjiang is situated in an arid and semi-arid region, where abundant heat and sunlight create highly favorable conditions for cotton cultivation. Xinjiang's cotton output accounts for nearly one-quarter of global production. Moreover, the implementation of advanced planting techniques, such as 'dwarfing, high-density, early-maturing' strategies combined with mulched drip irrigation, ensures stable and high yields in this region. Despite these advancements, limited research has focused on the microbial mechanisms in cotton fields employing these advanced planting methods. In this study, high-throughput sequencing technology was utilized to investigate the diversity and composition of bacterial and phoD (Alkaline phosphatases encoding gene) communities in the rhizosphere of cotton grown under different yield levels in Xinjiang Province, China. The Mantel test, redundancy analysis (RDA) and partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) were employed to explore the interactions between soil bacterial and phoD communities, their network structures, and environmental factors. The bacterial and phoD communities in the cotton rhizosphere were predominantly composed of nine bacterial phyla (i.e., Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, Chloroflexi, Bacteroidetes, Rokubacteria, Firmicutes, and Nitrospirae) and five phoD phyla (i.e., Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Planctomycetes, Acidobacteria, and Firmicutes), respectively. Alpha diversity analysis indicated that the medium yield cotton field (MYF) exhibited higher bacterial richness and diversity indices compared to low yield (LYF) and high yield (HYF) fields. The symbiotic network analysis of LYF revealed greater values of average degree, number of edges, and modularity, suggesting a more complex network structure in both bacterial and phoD communities. The Mantel test, RDA, and PLS-PM model identified soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic phosphorus (OP), available phosphorus (AP), total nitrogen (TN), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and clay content as the main driving factors influencing changes in the rhizosphere bacterial community diversity and network structure. These findings provide a theoretical basis for future research aimed at improving soil quality and cotton yield.},
}

*Gossypium/microbiology/growth & development
*Rhizosphere
*Soil Microbiology
China
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Soil/chemistry
*Agricultural Irrigation/methods
Biodiversity
Desert Climate
Microbiota
Alkaline Phosphatase/genetics

@article {pmid40324680,
year = {2025},
author = {Jones, JE and Court, R and Kageyama, D and Obbard, DJ and Hurst, GDD},
title = {Variable prevalence of protective Spiroplasma infection over time in two natural populations of Drosophila hydei.},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108349},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2025.108349},
pmid = {40324680},
issn = {1096-0805},
abstract = {The temporal dynamics of protective symbionts have rarely been characterized outside of aphid hosts. Here, we determine the prevalence of Spiroplasma in two populations of Drosophila hydei where Spiroplasma infection had been previously recorded (UK and Japan). We observe that infection in both populations is variable over time and confirm the persistence of Spiroplasma in the UK population for 9 years. Thus, variable prevalence over time appears to be a common feature of these symbioses.},
}

@article {pmid40324391,
year = {2025},
author = {Schatz, D and Le Blevenec, A and Moratti, FG and Chung, KP and Mercier, P and Iqbal, RK and Vallet, E and Dietrich, A and Bock, R and Weber-Lotfi, F and Gualberto, JM},
title = {R-loop control and mitochondrial genome stability require the 5'-3' exonuclease/flap endonuclease OEX1.},
journal = {The Plant cell},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/plcell/koaf104},
pmid = {40324391},
issn = {1532-298X},
abstract = {Maintenance of the plant organelle genomes involves factors mostly inherited from their symbiotic ancestors. In bacteria, DNA Polymerase I (Pol I) performs multiple replication and repair functions through its 5'-3'-exonuclease/flap-endonuclease domain. Plant organelles possess two DNA polymerases that are evolutionarily derived from Pol I but lack this key domain. ORGANELLAR EXONUCLEASES 1 and 2 (OEX1 and OEX2) compensate for this missing function and are targeted to mitochondria and chloroplasts, respectively, in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Loss of OEX1 causes developmental and fertility defects that increase with increasing differential segregation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) subgenomes generated by recombination. OEX1 activity is modulated by alternative splicing, which generates two isoforms that variably affect mtDNA stability and repair. OEX1 has 5'-3'-exonuclease and flap endonuclease activities, with a high affinity for RNA-DNA hybrids. It rapidly degrades RNA in Okazaki-like structures and R-loops. Consistent with a role in suppressing R-loops, oex1 mutant plants accumulate RNA-DNA hybrids in highly transcribed mtDNA regions. Taken together, our results identify OEX1 as an important factor that compensates for the missing activity of plant organellar polymerases, playing multiple important roles in the processing of replication and recombination intermediates, such as replication primers and R-loops, whose accumulation can lead to genome instability.},
}

@article {pmid40324302,
year = {2025},
author = {Tleuken, A and Rogetzer, P and Fraccascia, L and Yazan, DM},
title = {Designing a stakeholder engagement framework with critical success factors for Hubs for Circularity.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {384},
number = {},
pages = {125324},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.125324},
pmid = {40324302},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {This paper introduces a framework aimed at evaluating stakeholder involvement within Hubs for Circularity (H4C), which play a critical role in advancing the circular economy. It demonstrates the significance of collaboration among stakeholders and the need for a structured approach to assess the effectiveness of H4C initiatives. As a result of the literature review synthesis, the paper proposes a novel and actionable framework for stakeholder engagement. It is composed of several key elements: it begins with the identification and analysis of the different stakeholder groups participating in H4C projects. Next, it advocates for a comprehensive review of the factors influencing H4C implementation through an analysis of drivers, barriers, and enablers. It also emphasizes the development of success criteria aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals to measure the outcomes of H4C initiatives. The paper concludes by proposing future research directions, such as integrating the Societal Readiness Level and utilizing social network analysis and regional input-output modeling to assess the socio-economic impacts of H4C projects. Overall, the paper highlights the critical role of stakeholder engagement and effective evaluation frameworks in the success of H4C initiatives and the advancement of sustainability goals.},
}

@article {pmid40323933,
year = {2025},
author = {Pacheco, R and Juárez-Verdayes, MA and Chávez-Martínez, AI and Palacios-Martínez, J and Leija, A and Nava, N and Cárdenas, L and Quinto, C},
title = {The non-specific phospholipase C of common bean PvNPC4 modulates roots and nodule development.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {5},
pages = {e0306505},
pmid = {40323933},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Phaseolus/enzymology/microbiology/genetics/growth & development ; Symbiosis ; *Root Nodules, Plant/growth & development/microbiology ; *Plant Roots/growth & development/microbiology/genetics/enzymology ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; *Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; *Type C Phospholipases/metabolism/genetics ; Rhizobium tropici/physiology ; Indoleacetic Acids/metabolism ; RNA Interference ; },
abstract = {Plant phospholipase C (PLC) proteins are phospholipid-degrading enzymes classified into two subfamilies: phosphoinositide-specific PLCs (PI-PLCs) and non-specific PLCs (NPCs). PI-PLCs have been widely studied in various biological contexts, including responses to abiotic and biotic stresses and plant development; NPCs have been less thoroughly studied. No PLC subfamily has been characterized in relation to the symbiotic interaction between Fabaceae (legume) species and the nitrogen-fixing bacteria called rhizobia. However, lipids are reported to be crucial to this interaction, and PLCs may therefore contribute to regulating legume-rhizobia symbiosis. In this work, we functionally characterized NPC4 from common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) during rhizobial symbiosis, findings evidence that NPC4 plays an important role in bean root development. The knockdown of PvNPC4 by RNA interference (RNAi) resulted in fewer and shorter primary roots and fewer lateral roots than were seen in control plants. Importantly, this phenotype seems to be related to altered auxin signaling. In the bean-rhizobia symbiosis, PvNPC4 transcript abundance increased 3 days after inoculation with Rhizobium tropici. Moreover, the number of infection threads and nodules, as well as the transcript abundance of PvEnod40, a regulatory gene of early stages of symbiosis, decreased in PvNPC4-RNAi roots. Additionally, transcript abundance of genes involved in autoregulation of nodulation (AON) was altered by PvNPC4 silencing. These results indicate that PvNPC4 is a key regulator of root and nodule development, underscoring the participation of PLC in rhizobial symbiosis.},
}

*Phaseolus/enzymology/microbiology/genetics/growth & development
Symbiosis
*Root Nodules, Plant/growth & development/microbiology
*Plant Roots/growth & development/microbiology/genetics/enzymology
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
*Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism
*Type C Phospholipases/metabolism/genetics
Rhizobium tropici/physiology
Indoleacetic Acids/metabolism
RNA Interference

@article {pmid40323127,
year = {2025},
author = {Almahal, ZH and Hasan, A and Razzak, SA and Nzila, A and Uddin, S},
title = {Molecular Perspective of Dietary Influences on the Gut Microbiome alongside Neurological Health: Exploring the Gut-Brain Axis.},
journal = {ACS chemical neuroscience},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acschemneuro.5c00058},
pmid = {40323127},
issn = {1948-7193},
abstract = {Gut-brain axis, an intricate, two-way communication network between gut microorganisms and the central nervous system, plays a critical role in controlling brain function and thereby influencing mental health. Changes to this axis, frequently due to shifts in gut microbiota, can greatly affect brain function by hindering the creation of essential metabolites. This review examines new nutritional trends, including fermented foods and diets rich in prebiotics, that demonstrate the potential to improve microbial diversity and metabolic well-being. Although current studies emphasize possible advantages, most concentrate mainly on older populations, leaving research in younger groups limited. The field of nutritional psychiatry encounters difficulties due to the diversity in research methodologies and the intricacies of nutrient balance, potentially hindering prompt interventions. This review highlights the necessity for prolonged research to evaluate the effects of eating habits, especially regarding Western dietary patterns. Promising fields include the influence of the Mediterranean diet, the role of symbiotic and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and the importance of high-fiber foods, polyphenols, and fruits and vegetables in enhancing mental health through gut-derived metabolites. We promote interdisciplinary methods that combine nutrition science, microbiology, and neurology to create tailored dietary recommendations focused on enhancing brain health.},
}

@article {pmid40323071,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhao, Z and Yuan, Z and Li, Y and Huang, X},
title = {The Balance and Imbalance of Microbial Communities: Oral-Gut Microbiota and Colorectal Cancer.},
journal = {American journal of clinical oncology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1097/COC.0000000000001213},
pmid = {40323071},
issn = {1537-453X},
abstract = {The microbiome is a significant multimicrobial community that coexists with the human body in a symbiotic relationship. These microbial communities participate in mechanisms, such as defense against infections, absorption of nutrients, and maintenance of internal homeostasis. Although the microbiome is involved in physiological processes that are beneficial to host health, it can also lead to serious problems. Despite being far apart, the oral cavity and colon are both highly colonized by different microbial communities. Studies have shown that oral bacteria can migrate to and colonize the colon, which is most evident in diseases such as periodontitis. These oral pathogenic bacteria, which contain a large number of carcinogenic factors such as Fusobacterium nucleatum and Porphyromonas gingivalis, can penetrate the large intestine and cause intestinal microbial imbalance and dysfunction, thereby stimulating carcinogenesis. Increasing evidence suggests that oral microbiota, especially certain periodontal pathogens, may be used as biomarkers for colorectal cancer (CRC). Understanding the exact mechanisms of microbiome interactions and their impact on CRC will provide future opportunities for the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer, and is an important prerequisite for its use as a precise noninvasive biomarker, which is crucial for the early detection of CRC. This review aims to summarize the current research status of oral microbiota, gut microbiota, and their association with CRC, and to evaluate the effectiveness of oral microbiome-derived biomarkers.},
}

@article {pmid40320570,
year = {2025},
author = {Torres Ascurra, YC and Müller, LM},
title = {Signaling peptides control beneficial and pathogenic plant-microbe interactions.},
journal = {Journal of experimental botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jxb/eraf180},
pmid = {40320570},
issn = {1460-2431},
abstract = {Interactions between organisms, such as those between plants and microbes, require extensive signaling between and within each organism to detect and recognize the partner and elicit an appropriate response. Multiple families of small signaling peptides regulate plant interactions with beneficial or pathogenic microbes, and sometimes both. Some of these signaling peptides transmit information between different cells or organs of the host and allow plants to orchestrate a coordinated response towards microbial mutualists or pathogens. However, not only plants produce signaling peptides required for the interactions. Microbes themselves also secrete peptide signals, which are detected by host receptors and required for infection. Among these are microbial peptides mimicking those of plants, allowing mutualistic or pathogenic microbes to hijack endogenous plant signaling pathways and evade the host immune system. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of current knowledge on host- and microbe-derived signaling peptides and their cognate receptors regulating mutualistic and parasitic plant-microbe interactions. Furthermore, we describe how microbes hijack endogenous host signaling pathways, and discuss possible crosstalk between the plant signaling pathways controlling mutualism with those modulating immune responses to pathogens.},
}

@article {pmid40320362,
year = {2025},
author = {Johansson, A and Sarrette, B and Boscari, A and Prudent, M and Gruber, V and Brouquisse, R and Jacquet, C and Gough, C and Pauly, N},
title = {The role of reactive oxygen, nitrogen and sulphur species in the integration of (a)biotic stress signals in legumes.},
journal = {Journal of experimental botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jxb/eraf175},
pmid = {40320362},
issn = {1460-2431},
abstract = {Legumes are crops of considerable economic and ecological significance. They are suitable for cultivation in a variety of environments and temperatures. They are able to form a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing soil bacteria called rhizobia contributing to the enrichment of marginal soils with this essential nutrient, and reduces artificial fertilizer use. Similarly, legumes establish a widespread mutualistic association with soil fungi, involving a reciprocal transfer of nutrients. Global warming is reshaping plant interactions with its environment, exerting profound effects on global agricultural systems. Plants have evolved sensing, signaling, and adaptive molecular mechanisms to respond to (a)biotic stimuli. Reactive oxygen, nitrogen, and sulphur species (RONSS) are key players in stress tolerance mechanisms, and their homeostasis, mainly accomplished by antioxidant enzymes and metabolites, is essential to allow redox signaling while preventing oxidative damage. Here, we review recent findings, highlighting metabolic pathways of RONSS and antioxidants, with emphasis on their functions in signaling and protection in response to (a)biotic constraints in legumes. Special attention is paid to the molecular crosstalk between RONSS in response to multiple stimuli and notably how redox homeostasis adjustment can increase (a)biotic stress tolerance and potentially be exploited to mitigate the negative effects of climate change.},
}

@article {pmid40320312,
year = {2025},
author = {Thia, JA and Dorai, APS and Hoffmann, AA},
title = {Symbiotic bacteria and pest control: plant toxins, chemical pesticides, and fungal entomopathogens.},
journal = {Trends in microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.tim.2025.04.007},
pmid = {40320312},
issn = {1878-4380},
abstract = {Bacterial symbionts in pests are being increasingly investigated to assess their potential uses for sustainable control approaches. We undertook a review and analysis of the impacts of endosymbionts and gut symbionts on responses to toxins from plants and pesticides, and to attack by fungal entomopathogens. Despite methodological issues affecting estimates of effect sizes, there is evidence for symbionts increasing resistance to all three agents. However, impacts can be small, and for pesticides, these may not reach levels required for resistance at field rates. Negative or neutral effects may be underreported. Further complications arise because host genotype and the environment impact symbiont effects. We anticipate rapid progress in this area over coming years that should clarify practical implications of these effects.},
}

@article {pmid40319919,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, Y and Yang, M and Li, N and Huang, Y and Yang, C},
title = {Black ink staining protocol: A cost-effective substitute in quantifying arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization in plant roots.},
journal = {Journal of microbiological methods},
volume = {232-234},
number = {},
pages = {107141},
doi = {10.1016/j.mimet.2025.107141},
pmid = {40319919},
issn = {1872-8359},
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, ubiquitously distributed across diverse terrestrial ecosystems, establish symbiotic associations with the majority of vascular plants, fulfilling essential physiological and ecological functions. Mycorrhizal development represents the initiation of host-fungus interactions and serves as a metric for assessing mutualistic efficacy. However, mycorrhizal detection underscores the urgent need to develop cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally benign dyestuff. Therefore, wild-collected and laboratory-grown roots of Medicago sativa were selected. Six reagents including black ink, red ink, acid fuchsin, trypan blue, Sudan IV, and aniline blue were evaluated in conjunction with computer vision techniques to identify optimal one. Concurrently, root characteristics were quantified, and interrelationships among root traits, image quality, and colonization indices were analyzed to unravel the mechanism of their interactions. The findings demonstrated that wild roots exhibited pronounced lignification, achieving a mycorrhizal colonization rate of 100 %, which was better than the two laboratory groups. And the fungal community displayed a markedly greater colonization intensity compared to the Claroideoglomus etunicatum. Evaluation of the six reagents revealed distinct staining efficacy, with significant variations in image clarity, gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) indices, and colonization parameters across treatments. Specifically, aniline blue proved ineffective, while Sudan IV showed selective binding. Notably, black ink in glacial acetic acid achieved optimal mycorrhizal detection efficacy. Moreover, correlation matrix identified microscopic image quality as critical determinant of quantification accuracy, influenced by both reagent types and root properties, and AvgDiam exerted the most substantial impact (|R| > 0.75).},
}

@article {pmid40319781,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, Z and Zeng, T and Wang, J and Wang, Z and Zhao, D and Wei, J and Peng, Y and Miao, L},
title = {AHL-mediated quorum sensing drives microbial community succession and metabolic pathway in algal-bacterial biofilm system.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {282},
number = {},
pages = {123702},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2025.123702},
pmid = {40319781},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {Microalgae, ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), and anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (AnAOB) have been proven to form an integrated algal-bacterial biofilm system with over 93 % of total nitrogen removal. Compared to conventional nitrification-denitrification process, this system operated without additional organic carbon or aeration. In order to understand the interaction mechanisms between bacteria and algae, this study investigated microbial community succession, the changes in metabolic pathways and the potential role of acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL)-mediated quorum sensing (QS) during the formation of the algae/partial nitrification/anammox biofilm system. Within this algal-bacterial symbiotic biofilm, the dominant genera identified were Candidatus_Brocadia (AnAOB), Nitrosomonas (AOB), and Geitlerinema (microalgae), with relative abundances of 13.86 %, 6.37 %, and 2.88 %, respectively. Compared with the first two stages, the abundance of genes related to nitrogen metabolism pathways (anaerobic ammonium oxidation, denitrification, and ammonia assimilation) increased, indicating enhanced nitrogen transformation capacity in the algal-bacterial symbiotic stage. Co-occurrence network analysis also revealed enhanced microbial interactions, with increased negative correlations (from 36.07 % to 39.38 %), high average standard betweenness centrality (from 0.193 to 0.304), and reduced community vulnerability (from 0.037 to 0.028), contributing to biofilm stability and resilience. The variations in AHLs provided direct evidence for more frequent interspecies communication, facilitating the ecological reconfiguration in the biofilm. Overall, the close synergistic relationship between microalgae and bacteria supports stable biofilm development and high nitrogen removal efficiency.},
}

@article {pmid40319203,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, JF and Yang, LY and Zhang, Z and Huang, XR and Li, H and Li, S and Yang, XR},
title = {Asymbiotic Nitrogen Fixation in the Phyllosphere of Urban Green Spaces.},
journal = {Current microbiology},
volume = {82},
number = {6},
pages = {276},
pmid = {40319203},
issn = {1432-0991},
support = {42277110//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 42177097//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {*Nitrogen Fixation ; *Plant Leaves/microbiology/chemistry ; *Bacteria/genetics/metabolism/classification/isolation & purification ; Cities ; Nitrogen/metabolism ; Symbiosis ; Biodiversity ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) is an important source of nitrogen in ecosystems. Compared to symbiotic nitrogen-fixing microorganisms, free-living diazotrophic bacteria have a broader distribution and greater diversity, demonstrating greater potential for application. Leaf surfaces constitute one of the largest microbial reservoirs on Earth, harboring a variety of free-living diazotrophic bacteria, contributing significantly to plant N acquisition and growth. The distribution patterns, abundance, diversity, and the environmental variables affecting the asymbiotic nitrogen fixation (ANF) rates of free-living diazotrophic bacteria of non-leguminous plants in urban green spaces were investigated using high-throughput sequencing of nifH gene amplicons and the acetylene reduction method. Both green space type and plant species significantly impact ANF rates and nifH gene abundance in the phyllosphere, with green space type having a more pronounced effect. Leaf metal elements iron (Fe), molybdenum (Mo), and the free-living diazotrophic bacteria of the genus Skermanella collectively influence the ANF rates in the phyllosphere of urban green spaces. Linear regression analysis revealed that metal elements Fe, Mo, and potassium (K) in the leaves were significantly positive correlated with the diversity of the free-living diazotrophic bacteria and the abundance of the N-fixing gene nifH. The alpha diversity and symbiotic network structure of the free-living diazotrophic bacterial community in the phyllosphere indicated a significant negative correlation between human disturbance and environmental perturbation and the biodiversity and network complexity of these bacteria. This study provides a crucial foundation for understanding the nitrogen-fixing functions of microbes in urban ecosystems and their contributions to the nitrogen cycle.},
}

*Nitrogen Fixation
*Plant Leaves/microbiology/chemistry
*Bacteria/genetics/metabolism/classification/isolation & purification
Cities
Nitrogen/metabolism
Symbiosis
Biodiversity
Ecosystem

@article {pmid40318826,
year = {2025},
author = {Campos-Herrera, R and Georgis, R and Londoño, DK and Malan, A and Molina, C and Shapiro-Ilan, D and Soler, R and Patricia Stock, S and Vandenbossche, B},
title = {Connecting academia and industry: Advancing the use of entomopathogenic nematodes to tackle emerging challenges and opportunities in modern agriculture.},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108350},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2025.108350},
pmid = {40318826},
issn = {1096-0805},
abstract = {The collaboration among academia, industry, and government is crucial for scientific progress and innovation. Academia generates fundamental knowledge, which industry translates into sound applications, considering government policies. This partnership is vital to feed progress and constant development and address global challenges like climate change and food security. Sustainable crop protection is a topical theme, with efforts to reduce pesticide reliance and promote alternatives to chemical pest management, and it continues to grow and be accepted worldwide. In this respect, biopesticides such as entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) offer a promising solution for pest and disease management as an eco-friendly alternative. However, EPN continue to face adoption barriers due to regulatory, commercialization and basic and applied knowledge gaps. Thus, stronger collaborations are needed to unlock their full potential, as highlighted in the 2024 congress organized in La Rioja (Spain) to commemorate the 100 years since the discovery of the first EPN. This review examines the gap between academia and industry, suggesting strategies to bridge it, thereby promoting the advancement of EPN in 21st-century agriculture. Despite decades of research demonstrating their efficacy, EPN commercialization remains limited by production, formulation, and application challenges. Universities and government research agencies have driven fundamental innovation through the discovery of new EPN-bacteria partnerships in new regions of the world, which are helping us understand their distribution and habitant adaptations which are required for their registration and in establishing global regulations. Research conducted both in academia and the private sector (both big and small start-up companies) has and continues to play a key role in the characterization of EPN and in assessing their performance for their subsequent formulation, product optimization, and commercialization. These are fundamental steps to reach the ultimate goal, which is to provide growers with reliable products that are cost-effective and sustainable. In this review, we summarize key findings that have led to the commercialization and application of EPN, spanning from the characterization of EPN and their symbiotic bacteria to production, formulation, and the requirements for their registration. We also highlight critical knowledge gaps and opportunities for collaboration between academia, government agencies, and industry. Strengthening these partnerships will drive EPN adoption in agriculture, establishing them as a desirable biocontrol solution.},
}

@article {pmid40318822,
year = {2025},
author = {Uthra, C and Shunmugam, S and Nagaraj, K and Muralitharan, G and Albeshr, MF and Velmurugan, G},
title = {Ultra-fast liquid chromatography detection of β-N-methylamine-L-alanine and its isomers in cycad seeds and cyanobacterial symbionts for neurotoxic risk assessment.},
journal = {Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {115503},
doi = {10.1016/j.fct.2025.115503},
pmid = {40318822},
issn = {1873-6351},
abstract = {The cyanobacterial neurotoxin has been implicated in various neurological disorders, posing a potential global health risk. Initial studies revealed alarming levels of β-N-methylamine-L-alanine (BMAA) in cyanobacteria, particularly in symbiotic species, suggesting widespread exposure. This study aimed to validate the efficacy of ultra-fast liquid chromatography (UFLC) technique for the detection and quantification of BMAA in various samples. Derivatizing agents, including 6-aminoquinolyl-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl carbamate (AQC) and N-(2-aminoethyl) glycine (AEG), were synthesized and confirmed via nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to enhance the detection of isomeric neurotoxic compounds. Among the samples analyzed cycad seeds, leaves, male cones, cyanobacterial symbionts, coralloid roots, and processed cycad seed flour BMAA and its isomers (2,4-diaminobutyric acid (2,4-DAB) and AEG) were detected in cycad seeds, cyanobacterial symbionts, and coralloid roots. The retention times for L-BMAA, AEG, and 2,4-DAB were 5.4, 5.6, and 6.1 minutes, respectively. Quantification revealed lower levels of these toxic isomers in seeds compared to high levels in cyanobacterial symbionts. Furthermore, UFLC methods effectively reduced the levels of neurotoxic compounds in cycad seeds to below detectable limits (6 × 10[3] ng/mL). This study underscores the utility of UFLC method combined with derivatization for the efficient detection and separation of L-BMAA and its isomers, providing a reliable approach for neurotoxin analysis.},
}

@article {pmid40318807,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, R and Guo, L and Shi, D and Sun, X and Shang, M and Zhao, Y and Wang, X and Yang, Y and Xiao, S and Li, J},
title = {Multilayer cascade-response nanoplatforms as metabolic symbiotic disruptors to reprogram the immunosuppressive microenvironment.},
journal = {Journal of controlled release : official journal of the Controlled Release Society},
volume = {383},
number = {},
pages = {113797},
doi = {10.1016/j.jconrel.2025.113797},
pmid = {40318807},
issn = {1873-4995},
abstract = {Nanomedicine is extensively utilized in tumor treatment, however, the restricted permeability of nanomaterials within tumor tissues, along with the inherent metabolic complexity of these tissues, have hindered effective control of tumor progression. Hypoxic and normoxic tumor cells utilize monocarboxylic acid transporters (MCTs) for the rapid reutilization of lactate, facilitating accelerated tumor growth. Here, cascade-response nanoplatforms (NPs) with contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging (CEUI) capability had been established, incorporating basigin siRNA internally and featuring hyaluronidase (HAase) and γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT)-responsive lipid coatings externally (GHB NPs). The GHB NPs took advantage of GGT-responsive HAase release to facilitate deep tumor penetration. Furthermore, ultrasound (US) irradiation decreased the expression of glycolysis-related proteins through the modulation of the β-catenin/c-Myc pathway, and US irradiation induced mitochondrial damage, leading to a low-energy state in tumor cells. On this basis, GHB NPs was paired with US stimulation to provide a combination therapy that disturbed tumor cell metabolic symbiosis and remodeled the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. This study formulates an effective therapeutic approach for metabolic-immunotherapy, potentially offering a viable candidate for tumor treatment.},
}

@article {pmid40318614,
year = {2025},
author = {Ma, Q and Xu, B and Bititci, U},
title = {Unpacking financial aspects of circular economy: A systematic literature review.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {384},
number = {},
pages = {125507},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.125507},
pmid = {40318614},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {The integration of circular economy (CE) principles into practical applications is accelerating, driving rapid growth in research within this field. However, critical financial aspects that could facilitate the wider adoption of CE practices remain underexplored. This study aims to address this gap through a systematic literature review to analyse the key financial topics related to CE. Specifically, we categorise financial themes in CE research into three distinct areas: the financial performance of CE practices, diverse financing approaches and their impact on CE adoption, and strategies for de-risking CE projects. By synthesising the existing literature, identifying research gaps, and presenting a case study of a UK-based SME that exemplifies both the challenges and opportunities within the industrial symbiosis concept, our review provides deeper insights into the financial implications of CE practices. Additionally, we propose a conceptual framework to highlight current knowledge and gaps, offering a guide for future investigations in this area.},
}

@article {pmid40317738,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, J and Shao, Z and Cheng, K and Yang, Q and Ju, H and Tang, X and Zhang, S and Li, J},
title = {Coral-associated Symbiodiniaceae exhibit host specificity but lack phylosymbiosis, with Cladocopium and Durusdinium showing different cophylogenetic patterns.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.70184},
pmid = {40317738},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {42122045//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; U23A2036//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Altering the composition of the Symbiodiniaceae community to adapt to anomalous sea water warming represents a potential survival mechanism for scleractinian corals. However, the processes of Symbiodiniaceae assembly and long-standing evolution of coral-Symbiodiniaceae interactions remain unclear. Here, we utilized ITS2 (internal transcribed spacer 2) amplicon sequencing and the SymPortal framework to investigate the diversity and specificity of Symbiodiniaceae across 39 scleractinian coral species. Furthermore, we tested phylosymbiosis and cophylogeny between coral hosts and their Symbiodiniaceae. In our study, environmental samples exhibited the highest Symbiodiniaceae diversity. Cladocopium and Durusdinium dominated the Symbiodiniaceae communities, with significant β-diversity differences among coral species. Additionally, host specificity was widespread in Symbiodiniaceae, especially Durusdinium spp., yet lacked a phylosymbiotic pattern. Moreover, Cladocopium spp. showed cophylogenetic congruence with their hosts, while there was no evidence for Durusdinium spp. Furthermore, host switching was the predominant evolutionary event, implying its contribution to Cladocopium diversification. These findings suggest that Symbiodiniaceae assembly does not recapitulate host phylogeny, and host specificity alone does not drive phylosymbiosis or cophylogeny. As environmental reservoirs, free-living Symbiodiniaceae may influence symbiotic communities. Additionally, Durusdinium-coral associations lack cophylogenetic signals, indicating more flexible partnerships than Cladocopium. Overall, our results enhance understanding of Symbiodiniaceae assembly and coral-Symbiodiniaceae evolutionary interactions.},
}

@article {pmid40317021,
year = {2025},
author = {Pasinato, A and Singh, G},
title = {Bioinformatic exploration of RiPP biosynthetic gene clusters in lichens.},
journal = {Fungal biology and biotechnology},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {6},
pmid = {40317021},
issn = {2054-3085},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Ribosomally synthesized and posttranslationally modified peptides (RiPPs) represent a relatively recent addition to the biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) repertoire of fungi. These BGCs are primarily involved in toxins production and defense-related functions and resulting metabolites also have a significant therapeutic potential. While only a limited number of fungal RiPPs, primarily from a few model fungi, have been characterized, genome mining approaches show that RiPP BGCs are nearly ubiquitous across the fungal kingdom. However, the RiPP biosynthetic landscape of fungi involved in intricate relationship as symbiosis, such as lichen-forming fungi (LFF), remains unexplored.

RESULTS: This study presents the first comprehensive survey of RiPP BGCs across 111 LFF genomes employing an integrative framework that combines genome mining, phylogenetic inference, and gene network reconstruction. We identified 987 RiPP BGCs, constituting approximately 17% of the total biosynthetic diversity in LFF, a proportion significantly higher than previously estimated. Most lichen RiPP BGCs are unique and do not cluster with any known RiPP gene cluster. We found two RiPP BGCs that were shared among the members of the family Parmeliaceae (Lecanoromycetes), with the signature gene homologous to ustiloxin signature enzyme, indicating a putative similarity to fungal mycotoxin-related BGCs. While one of these BGCs, members of Clan R1, contains the accessory genes for dikaritin synthesis (tyrosinase and methyltransferase), the accessory genes of other BGCs, members of Clan R2, have not yet been reported from any characterized fungal RiPP BGC but only from bacteria. Additionally, for lichen RiPP BGCs that do not cluster with any known BGCs in the RiPP network, we unraveled the presence of the conserved HXXHC motif in the signature gene and, based on this we report the widespread distribution of putative dikaritin homologs across Lecanoromycetes.

CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the presence and distribution of RiPP BGCs in Lecanoromycetes and identifies two conserved RiPP clusters putatively homologous to dikaritins (involved in mycotoxin production) within the Lecanoromycete family Parmeliaceae and a general prevalence of putative signature dikaritin genes (not the cluster) in Lecanoromycetes. Our study highlights the widespread presence of putative mycotoxin-related BGCs in lichenized fungi.},
}

@article {pmid40315931,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, L and Sun, X and Li, H and Hao, R and Liu, F},
title = {New insights into microalgal-bacterial immobilization systems for wastewater treatment: mechanisms, enhancement strategies, and application prospects.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {132609},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132609},
pmid = {40315931},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {The wastewater treatment based on the symbiosis of microalgae and bacteria has attracted increasing attention for its excellent pollutant removal efficiency, energy savings, and resource recovery. Among them, the microalgae-bacteria immobilization (MABI) system stands out by enhancing the electron transfer efficiency through carrier domain confinement, thereby overcoming bottlenecks of low light energy utilization and challenging biomass recycling. MABI is considered a key breakthrough for advancing engineering applications. However, a comprehensive exploration of MABI systems remains lacking. This review systematically summarizes the latest advancements, covering major immobilization techniques and the intrinsic mechanisms underlying microalgae-bacteria interactions and electron transport. Additionally, it explores enhancement strategies aimed at balancing microbial light energy allocation, optimizing nutrient supply, and constructing complementary ecological niches. The advantages and application prospects of MABI systems are highlighted. The review contributes to structuring the knowledge framework of MABI research and identifies critical gaps for future investigation.},
}

@article {pmid40315358,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, L and Tian, T and Deng, Y and Ji, J and Liang, J and Guan, Y and Li, R and Huang, X and Wang, Y and Ning, G and Fan, Q and Becana, M and Duanmu, D},
title = {Plant glutamyl-tRNA reductases coordinate plant and rhizobial heme biosynthesis in nitrogen-fixing nodules.},
journal = {The Plant cell},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/plcell/koaf095},
pmid = {40315358},
issn = {1532-298X},
abstract = {Heme is biosynthesized in legume root nodules to meet the demand for leghemoglobins (Lbs) and other heme-binding proteins. However, the main source of nodule heme remains unknown. Both the plant host and rhizobia possess a complete heme biosynthetic pathway, differing slightly in the production of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), a key regulatory step catalyzed by glutamyl-tRNA reductase (GluTR) in the plant and by HemA in the rhizobia. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that many plant heme biosynthetic genes, including GluTR2 but not GluTR1, are upregulated in nodules compared to roots, whereas expression of related rhizobial genes, including both HemA1 and HemA2, is generally inhibited under symbiotic conditions compared to free-living conditions. Knockout of Lotus japonicus GluTR2, but not of HemA1 and HemA2, led to a significant decrease (∼50%) in nodule heme content. The stable heterozygous mutant of GluTR1 or transient knockdown of GluTR1 exhibited a ∼20% reduction in nodule heme content. Overexpression of Fluorescent in blue light (FLU), a feedback inhibitor of GluTR activity, caused a much greater reduction in nodule heme content (∼75%) and an increased level of apo-Lb and, in combination with the hemA1 hemA2 mutant, a drastic inhibition of nitrogenase activity (>90%). This study provides genetic evidence supporting a major role of plant GluTRs in coordinating heme biosynthesis between the two symbionts by supplying heme to assemble with cytoplasmic apo-Lbs and by providing ALA for heme synthesis in the bacteroids.},
}

@article {pmid40315234,
year = {2025},
author = {Abeysingha, DN and Dinesh, S and Kottage, SM and Chen, L and Roopesh, MS and Thilakarathna, MS},
title = {Effects of cold plasma seed treatment on pea (Pisum sativum L.) plant performance under drought and well-watered conditions.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {5},
pages = {e0322108},
pmid = {40315234},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Pisum sativum/growth & development/drug effects/physiology ; *Droughts ; *Seeds/drug effects/growth & development ; *Plasma Gases/pharmacology ; Water/metabolism ; Nitrogen Fixation/drug effects ; Plant Roots/growth & development/drug effects ; Stress, Physiological ; Plant Shoots/growth & development/drug effects ; },
abstract = {Cold plasma (CP) technology is an emerging technology with the potential to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. Although its application in crop production is still in the early stages, CP seed treatment has demonstrated promise in improving various growth parameters, especially in legumes. We hypothesized that CP seed treatment can improve nodulation, symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF), root and shoot growth, overall productivity, and drought stress resistance in field pea. A controlled environmental study was conducted to investigate the effects of dielectric barrier discharge-generated CP seed treatment for 6 min on yellow field pea under different moisture regimes [30%, 45%, 60%, and 75% field capacity (FC)], focusing on nodulation, and root and shoot growth parameters at the flowering stage. Based on experiment-1 findings, 30% and 75% FC were selected as drought and well-watered conditions, respectively, to study the effect of CP seed treatments on SNF parameters at the flowering stage and nitrogen fixation, yield, and seed quality parameters at maturity. CP seed treatment improved root growth parameters at the flowering stage and an increasing trend was observed for shoot and nodulation parameters across different moisture levels. As an independent factor, moisture stress negatively affected nodulation and shoot growth parameters at the flowering stage. CP seed treatment improved nitrogen fixation and yield parameters under well-watered conditions compared to drought conditions at seed maturity. However, the seed protein content or the quality was not improved by the CP seed treatment. Grain yield, yield parameters, grain nitrogen, and nitrogen fixation were reduced under drought stress compared to the well-watered condition. Therefore, these findings underscore the potential of CP to enhance crop performance in well-watered conditions. The underperformance of the CP-treated seeds at drought conditions is not well understood and warrants further investigation.},
}

*Pisum sativum/growth & development/drug effects/physiology
*Droughts
*Seeds/drug effects/growth & development
*Plasma Gases/pharmacology
Water/metabolism
Nitrogen Fixation/drug effects
Plant Roots/growth & development/drug effects
Stress, Physiological
Plant Shoots/growth & development/drug effects

@article {pmid40315204,
year = {2025},
author = {Ayra, L and Jiménez-Nopala, G and Guerrero, G and Fuentes, SI and Leija, A and Ramírez, M and Hernández, G},
title = {Expression profiling and transcriptional regulation of the SRS transcription factor gene family of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) in symbiosis with Rhizobium etli.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {5},
pages = {e0321784},
pmid = {40315204},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Symbiosis/genetics ; *Phaseolus/genetics/microbiology/metabolism ; *Transcription Factors/genetics/metabolism ; *Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; *Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Phylogeny ; *Rhizobium etli/physiology ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Root Nodules, Plant/genetics/microbiology ; Multigene Family ; },
abstract = {The SRS/STY transcription factors from the model legumes: Lotus japonicus and Medicago truncatula, are part of regulatory networks that play relevant roles for nodule development during the N-fixing symbiosis with rhizobia. In this work we analyzed the participation of the PvSRS transcription factors from common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), a most important legume crop, in the symbiosis with Rhizobium etli. Our phylogenetic analysis of SRS TFs across five plant species, including four legumes and Arabidopsis thaliana, identified clades that group SRS proteins that are highly expressed in legume nodules and in Arabidopsis roots. A qRT-PCR expression analysis of the 10 PvSRS in root/nodule of inoculated plants, revealed that all the PvSRS genes are expressed at different stages of the symbiosis, albeit at different levels. Based on what is known for L. japonicus, we demonstrated that the PvSRS10 gene -with highest expression during symbiosis- is transcriptionally activated by NF-Y transcription factor, thus indicating its participation in the NIN-NF-Y regulatory cascade. Based on our previous work about the relevant role of members from the MADS-domain/AGL transcription factors as regulators of the N-fixing symbiosis, in this work we demonstrated the transcriptional regulation of PvSRS10 by the MADS-TF PvFUL-like. Analysis of protein-protein interaction networks predicted thatPvSRS5 and PvSRS6 interact with proteins involved in transcriptional regulation and the auxin-activated signaling pathway. The regulatory mechanisms of PvSRS TF in common bean symbiosis may be related to auxin biosynthesis regulation, that is essential for determinate nodules development. Our study highlights the role of PvSRS TF in the N-/fixing symbiosis, a relevant process for sustainable agriculture.},
}

*Symbiosis/genetics
*Phaseolus/genetics/microbiology/metabolism
*Transcription Factors/genetics/metabolism
*Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
*Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Phylogeny
*Rhizobium etli/physiology
Gene Expression Profiling
Root Nodules, Plant/genetics/microbiology
Multigene Family

@article {pmid40314411,
year = {2025},
author = {Meilhoc, E and Boscari, A and Pauly, N and Lepetit, M and Frendo, P and Bruand, C and Puppo, A and Brouquisse, R},
title = {"Oxygen and derived reactive species in Legume - Rhizobia interactions: paradoxes and dual roles".},
journal = {Journal of experimental botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jxb/eraf160},
pmid = {40314411},
issn = {1460-2431},
abstract = {Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) between legumes and Rhizobia is the result of a symbiosis characterized by the formation of a new organ, the nodule, in which the plants house and feed the bacteria. Oxygen (O2) concentration inside the nodule is very low (on the order of a few tens of nanomolar). The nitrogenase which is responsible for the reduction of atmospheric nitrogen (N2) to ammonia (NH3) is irreversibly inhibited by traces of O2, while O2 is required for the overall process of N2 fixation which consumes high amounts of energy and reducing power. How is this paradox solved? The set-up of a physical and chemical O2 diffusion barrier, including the synthesis of numerous leghemoglobins, a class of hemoproteins with a very high O2 absorption capacity, was evidenced. However, why are so many leghemoglobin genes present while they appear to be mainly expressed in the same nodule zone? Furthermore, why do the bacterial symbionts contain multiple O2 sensors despite the existence of a very low O2 tension inside the nodule? On the other hand, the O2 derived reactive species, such as superoxide radical, hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide, which play important metabolic and signalling roles in the symbiotic process, appear to act as Janus molecules. They exhibit opposite effects throughout symbiosis establishment and nodule life. The aim of this review is to provide possible answers to the questions asked and to highlight the dual roles of O2 reactive species in nodule development, functioning and senescence.},
}

@article {pmid40314323,
year = {2025},
author = {Webster, SS},
title = {From the archives: Nitrogen matters in crop domestication, rice nitrogen nutrition, and symbiotic nitrogen fixation.},
journal = {The Plant cell},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/plcell/koaf099},
pmid = {40314323},
issn = {1532-298X},
}

@article {pmid40313410,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, J and Zhou, Y and Feng, J and Cai, C and Zhang, S},
title = {Comparative metagenomic analysis reveals the adaptive evolutionary traits of siboglinid tubeworm symbionts.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1533506},
pmid = {40313410},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Tubeworms flourish in marine cold seeps and hydrothermal vents through the establishment of symbiotic relationships with chemosynthetic bacteria. However, the environmental adaptations and evolutionary relationships of tubeworm symbionts across diverse habitats and hosts remain largely unknown. In this study, we characterized the genomes of 26 siboglinid tubeworm symbionts collected from deep-sea hydrothermal vents, cold seeps, and deep-sea mud, including two sequenced in this study and 24 previously published. Phylogenetic analysis classified the 26 symbiont genomes into five distinct clusters at the genus level. The findings highlight the remarkable diversity in symbiont classification, influenced by the habitat and species of tubeworm, with the symbiont genome characteristics of various genera revealing unique evolutionary strategies. Siboglinid symbionts exhibit functional metabolic diversity, encompassing chemical autotrophic capabilities for carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur metabolism, hydrogen oxidation, and a chemoorganotrophic ability to utilize various amino acids, cofactors, and vitamins. Furthermore, the symbiont's homeostatic mechanisms and CRISPR-Cas system are vital adaptations for survival. Overall, this study highlights the metabolic traits of siboglinid symbionts across different genera and enhances our understanding of how different habitats and hosts influence symbiont evolution, offering valuable insights into the strategies that symbionts use to adapt and thrive in extreme environments.},
}

@article {pmid40311709,
year = {2025},
author = {Bai, B and Wang, L and Guan, F and Pi, H and Wang, A and Zhai, L},
title = {Maturity phase is crucial for removing antibiotic resistance genes during composting: novel insights into dissolved organic matter-microbial symbiosis system.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {132607},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132607},
pmid = {40311709},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {Composting is widely regarded as an effective method for reducing antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in livestock and poultry manure. However, the critical mechanism of ARGs in different composting phase is still unclear. In this study, normal compost and two various rapid composting (without mature phase) were used to analyze the removal of ARGs and the succession of dissolve organic matter (DOM). Compared to normal composting, rapid composting reactivated tetracyclines, sulfonamide, and quinolones resistance genes during the maturation phase and reduced the total ARGs removal rates by 45.58 %-57.87 %. Humus-like components could inhibit the proliferation of ARGs, and the enrichment of protein-like components increased abundances of Pusillimonas, Persicitalea, and Pseudomonas, indirectly reducing the removal. This study is the first to demonstrate that contribution of DOM and microbial community to ARGs removal, emphasizing the importance of the maturation phase for ARGs elimination. This research provides guidance for producing safe compost products.},
}

@article {pmid40311530,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, HM and Zhou, J and Ma, CY and Wu, XH and Ullah, Y and Zhang, ZH and Li, Y and Wang, XX and Dai, CC},
title = {Identification of a small secreted protein, PlSSP, that contributes to the symbiotic association of Phomopsis liquidambaris with rice under nitrogen starvation.},
journal = {Plant physiology and biochemistry : PPB},
volume = {224},
number = {},
pages = {109969},
doi = {10.1016/j.plaphy.2025.109969},
pmid = {40311530},
issn = {1873-2690},
abstract = {Endophytic fungi are crucial for enhancing plant growth and stress tolerance. Phomopsis liquidambaris B3, a broad-spectrum endophytic fungus, significantly improves plant nitrogen uptake and growth under nitrogen-limited conditions. In this study, we identified a small secreted protein, PlSSP, which localizes to the cytoplasmic matrix of host cells and modulates plant immune responses. Using proteomic and transcriptomic approaches, we found that PlSSP upregulates key defense-related genes, including members of the PR and WRKY families, as well as genes involved in reactive oxygen species scavenging and nitrogen assimilation. Structural analysis revealed PlSSP's secondary and thermal stability features, which likely contribute to its functional interaction with host cellular components. Functional analyses demonstrated that PlSSP expression correlates with increased fungal colonization and rice biomass accumulation under nitrogen-starved conditions. These results advance our understanding of how P. liquidambaris promotes plant resilience and nutrient uptake, providing insights with potential applications in sustainable agriculture.},
}

@article {pmid40310917,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhou, S and Li, M and Wang, P and Guo, C and Zhang, J and Luo, X and Fan, YC and Chen, EQ and Qi, X and Chen, J and Ye, L and Yuan, HY and Yin, WB and Wang, K and Zheng, MH and Pang, Y and Qiao, J and Jiang, C},
title = {A symbiotic filamentous gut fungus ameliorates MASH via a secondary metabolite-CerS6-ceramide axis.},
journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)},
volume = {388},
number = {6746},
pages = {eadp5540},
doi = {10.1126/science.adp5540},
pmid = {40310917},
issn = {1095-9203},
mesh = {Animals ; Male ; Mice ; *Ceramides/metabolism ; Disease Models, Animal ; *Fusarium/metabolism/isolation & purification/physiology ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Secondary Metabolism ; *Sphingosine N-Acyltransferase/metabolism/antagonists & inhibitors ; *Symbiosis ; *Fatty Liver/metabolism/microbiology/therapy ; *Cell Culture Techniques ; },
abstract = {The gut microbiota is known to be associated with a variety of human metabolic diseases, including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Fungi are increasingly recognized as important members of this community; however, the role of fungal symbionts in metabolic diseases is unknown. We have systematically isolated and characterized gut fungi, identifying Fusarium foetens as an intestinal symbiotic filamentous fungus in mice. F. foetens reverses MASH progression in mouse models through an intestinal ceramide synthetase 6 (CerS6)-ceramide axis. Moreover, we identified FF-C1, a secondary metabolite from F. foetens, as a CerS6 inhibitor that has an endogenous protective effect on MASH progression.},
}

Animals
Male
Mice
*Ceramides/metabolism
Disease Models, Animal
*Fusarium/metabolism/isolation & purification/physiology
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Mice, Inbred C57BL
Secondary Metabolism
*Sphingosine N-Acyltransferase/metabolism/antagonists & inhibitors
*Symbiosis
*Fatty Liver/metabolism/microbiology/therapy
*Cell Culture Techniques

@article {pmid40310603,
year = {2025},
author = {Hutmacher, F and Conrad, B and Appel, M and Schwan, S},
title = {Mediated autobiographical remembering in the digital age: insights from an experimental think-aloud study.},
journal = {Cognitive research: principles and implications},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {18},
pmid = {40310603},
issn = {2365-7464},
mesh = {Humans ; *Memory, Episodic ; Female ; Male ; Adult ; Young Adult ; *Mental Recall/physiology ; *Thinking/physiology ; },
abstract = {Autobiographical remembering may undergo significant transformations in the digital age, in which the omnipresence of digital tools has led to an increased density of recorded life episodes. To gain deeper insights into these processes, we conducted an experimental think-aloud study in which participants (N = 41) had to remember an important day and a random day that happened about one year ago. As the results demonstrate, participants repeatedly switched between information stored in their minds and information stored in external resources when remembering these events, with digital resources playing a particularly prominent role. The number of changes between internal memories and external resources as well as the number of digital resources that individuals used were higher when remembering the random day. In sum, this suggests that the iterative combination of information stored in one's mind and information stored in external resources can be considered a potentially symbiotic process.},
}

Humans
*Memory, Episodic
Female
Male
Adult
Young Adult
*Mental Recall/physiology
*Thinking/physiology

@article {pmid40308943,
year = {2025},
author = {Sharp, V and Pfeil, K and Kitch, K and Medina, M},
title = {Cassiopea xamachana polyp feeding under husbandry conditions.},
journal = {microPublication biology},
volume = {2025},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40308943},
issn = {2578-9430},
abstract = {Research on the upside-down jellyfish Cassiopea xamachana has increased in the past few decades, hence the need for more efficient husbandry protocols. We tested the effect of weekly feeding frequencies, light cycles, and nutrient supplements on symbiotic and aposymbiotic polyp asexual reproduction and mortality. C. xamachana polyps have better survivorship and reproduction when kept in a day/night cycle and given additional food beyond Artemia nauplii.},
}

@article {pmid40308709,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhao, Y and Xiong, C and Wang, B and Li, D and Liu, J and Wei, S and Hou, Y and Zhou, Y and Zheng, R},
title = {The Discovery of Phages in the Substantia Nigra and Its Implication for Parkinson's Disease.},
journal = {Research (Washington, D.C.)},
volume = {8},
number = {},
pages = {0657},
pmid = {40308709},
issn = {2639-5274},
abstract = {Background: A century ago, a mystery between a virus and Parkinson's disease (PD) was described. Owing to the limitation of human brain biopsy and the challenge of electron microscopy in observing virions in human brain tissue, it has been difficult to study the viral etiology of PD. Recent discovery of virobiota reveals that viruses coexist with humans as symbionts. Newly developed transcriptomic sequencing and novel bioinformatic approaches for mining the encrypted virome in human transcriptome make it possible to study the relationship between symbiotic viruses and PD. Nevertheless, whether viruses exist in the human substantia nigra (SN) and whether symbiotic viruses underlie PD pathogenesis remain unknown. Methods: We collected current worldwide human SN transcriptomic datasets from the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. We used bioinformatic approaches including viruSITE and the Viral-Track to identify the existence of viruses in the SN of patients. The comprehensive RNA sequencing-based virome analysis pipeline was used to characterize the virobiota in the SN. The Pearson's correlation analysis was used to examine the association between the viral RNA fragment counts (VRFCs) and PD-related human gene sequencing reads in the SN. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the SN between PD patients and non-PD individuals were used to examine the molecular signatures of PD and also evaluate the impact of symbiotic viruses on the SN. Findings: We observed the existence of viruses in the human SN. A dysbiosis of virobiota was found in the SN of PD patients. A marked correlation between VRFC and PD-related human gene expression was detected in the SN of PD patients. These PD-related human genes correlated to VRFC were named as the virus-correlated PD-related genes (VPGs). We identified 3 bacteriophages (phages), including the Proteus phage VB_PmiS-Isfahan, the Escherichia phage phiX174, and the Lactobacillus phage Sha1, that might impair the gene expression of neural cells in the SN of PD patients. The Proteus phage VB_PmiS-Isfahan was a common virus in the SN of patients from the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. VPGs and DEGs together highlighted that the phages might dampen dopamine biosynthesis and weaken the cGAS-STING function. Interpretation: This is the first study to discover the involvement of phages in PD pathogenesis. A lifelong low symbiotic viral load in the SN may be a contributor to PD pathogenesis. Our findings unlocked the black box between brain virobiota and PD, providing a novel insight into PD etiology from the perspective of phage-human symbiosis.},
}

@article {pmid40308308,
year = {2025},
author = {Sujkowska-Rybkowska, M and Rusaczonek, A},
title = {Editorial: Plant-microbes interactions and resistance against abiotic stress.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1599870},
pmid = {40308308},
issn = {1664-462X},
}

@article {pmid40308299,
year = {2025},
author = {Lei, M and Wang, X and Chen, K and Wei, Q and Zhou, M and Chen, G and Su, S and Tai, Y and Zhuang, K and Li, D and Liu, M and Zhang, S and Wang, Y},
title = {Sugar transporters: mediators of carbon flow between plants and microbes.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1536969},
pmid = {40308299},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Pathogens and symbiotic microorganisms significantly influence plant growth and crop productivity. Enhancing crop disease resistance and maximizing the beneficial role of symbiotic microorganisms in agriculture constitute critical areas of scientific investigation. A fundamental aspect of plant-microorganisms interactions revolves around nutritional dynamics, characterized by either "food shortage" or "food supply" scenarios. Notably, pathogenic and symbiotic microorganisms predominantly utilize photosynthetic sugars as their primary carbon source during host colonization. This phenomenon has generated substantial interest in the regulatory mechanisms governing sugar transport and redistribution at the plant-microorganism interface. Sugar transporters, which primarily mediate the allocation of sugars to various sink organs, have emerged as crucial players in plant-pathogen interactions and the establishment of beneficial symbiotic associations. This review systematically categorized plant sugar transporters and highlighted their functional significance in mediating plant interactions with pathogenic and beneficial microorganisms. Furthermore, we synthesized recent advancements in understanding the molecular regulatory mechanisms of these transporters and identified key scientific questions warranting further investigation. Elucidating the roles of sugar transporters offers novel strategies for enhancing crop health and productivity, thereby contributing to agricultural sustainability and global food security.},
}

@article {pmid40307010,
year = {2025},
author = {Fujiwara, A and Hagiwara, H and Tsuchimoto, M and Tsuchida, T},
title = {Prevalence, Symbiosis with Rickettsia, and Transmission of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus of Invasive Bemisia tabaci MED Q2 in Japan.},
journal = {Microbes and environments},
volume = {40},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1264/jsme2.ME24095},
pmid = {40307010},
issn = {1347-4405},
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/virology/microbiology ; *Begomovirus/physiology/isolation & purification ; Japan ; *Plant Diseases/virology ; *Symbiosis ; *Rickettsia/physiology/isolation & purification/genetics ; *Insect Vectors/virology/microbiology ; Introduced Species ; Prevalence ; Solanum lycopersicum/virology ; },
abstract = {The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, is a notorious insect pest that transmits plant pathogenic viruses to a wide range of economically important crops. An invasive genetic group of B. tabaci, Mediterranean Q2 (MED Q2), has recently spread to Europe, USA, and Asia. In the present study, we investigated the prevalence of MED Q2 in Japanese agricultural sites and found that its distribution has expanded since it was initially detected in 2013. A polymerase chain reaction ana-lysis revealed that all MED Q2 individuals were infected with Rickettsia. Rickettsia titers increased during nymphal development, presumably in response to the nutritional needs of the host. A fluorescence in situ hybridization ana-lysis revealed that Rickettsia was densely located near Portiera-containing bacteriocytes at all growth stages. Therefore, Rickettsia may play an important role, such as supplying nutrients to the host, in cooperation with Portiera. Transfer experiments indicated that MED Q2 was as effective a vector for Tomato yellow leaf curl virus as MED Q1 and, thus, is a high-risk agricultural pest. These results provide important insights into the biology and ecology of invasive MED Q2 to effectively control its spread and minimize its impact on crops.},
}

Animals
*Hemiptera/virology/microbiology
*Begomovirus/physiology/isolation & purification
Japan
*Plant Diseases/virology
*Symbiosis
*Rickettsia/physiology/isolation & purification/genetics
*Insect Vectors/virology/microbiology
Introduced Species
Prevalence
Solanum lycopersicum/virology

@article {pmid40307009,
year = {2025},
author = {Moriuchi, M and Kuzunuki, K and Ikenishi, F and Sameshima, R and Nakagiri, A and Toyoda, S and Katsuyama, C and Kakizaki, K and Itakura, M and Yoshida, N and Suwa, Y and Minamisawa, K},
title = {Fusarium Fungi Produce Nitrous Oxide (N2O) from Nitrite (NO2[-]) in a Model Pot System Simulating the Soybean Rhizosphere.},
journal = {Microbes and environments},
volume = {40},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1264/jsme2.ME24092},
pmid = {40307009},
issn = {1347-4405},
mesh = {*Nitrous Oxide/metabolism ; *Rhizosphere ; *Glycine max/microbiology ; Soil Microbiology ; *Nitrites/metabolism ; Phylogeny ; *Fusarium/metabolism/isolation & purification/genetics/classification ; Plant Roots/microbiology ; Denitrification ; },
abstract = {Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a key atmospheric greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming, with anthropogenic N2O emissions from agriculture being a particular concern. Among agricultural sources, unknown soil organisms in the legume rhizosphere emit N2O from degraded root nodules. To discriminate between fungal and bacterial N2O emissions, we adopted an isotopomer ana-lysis, which provides site preference values (the difference in [15]N abundance of the central and terminal N atoms in the N2O molecule). The addition of nitrite instead of nitrate to soybean nodulated roots significantly increased SPN2O from -3.5‰ to 4.2‰ in a pot system. Moreover, a mutation of the nirK gene (encoding dissimilatory nitrite reductase) in symbiotic bradyrhizobia significantly increased SPN2O from 4.2‰ to 13.9‰ with nitrite. These results suggest that nitrite-utilizing N2O emissions via fungal denitrification occurred in the model pot system of the soybean rhizosphere. Microscopic observations showed fungal hyphae and crescent spores around N2O-emitting nodules. Therefore, we isolated single spores from soybean nodules under a microscope. A phylogenetic ana-lysis revealed that all 12 fungal isolates were Fusarium species, which exist in soybean field soil. When these isolates were cultivated in glycerol-peptone medium supplemented with nitrate or nitrite (1‍ ‍mM), 11 of the 12 isolates strongly converted nitrite to N2O; however, no N2O emissions were noted in the presence of nitrate. A [15]N-nitrite tracer experiment revealed that one N2O molecule was derived exclusively from two molecules of nitrite (NO2[-]) in the fungal culture. These results suggest that nitrite-utilizing Fusarium fungi mediate N2O emissions in the soybean rhizosphere.},
}

*Nitrous Oxide/metabolism
*Rhizosphere
*Glycine max/microbiology
Soil Microbiology
*Nitrites/metabolism
Phylogeny
*Fusarium/metabolism/isolation & purification/genetics/classification
Plant Roots/microbiology
Denitrification

@article {pmid40306340,
year = {2025},
author = {Yan, R and Ji, H and Liu, ZC and Ren, MQ and Wang, S and Yang, LM and Cui, D},
title = {Construction and optimization of low carbon-to-nitrogen ratio-adapted Chlorococcum-Bacteria symbiosis for energy-efficient wastewater remediation.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {132601},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132601},
pmid = {40306340},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {This study developed a microalgae-bacteria symbiosis (MBS) system using Chlorococcum robustum AY122332.1 isolated from rare earth tailings wastewater to treat synthetic municipal wastewater. Systematic optimization identified a 1:1 bacteria-microalgae ratio (MBS 1) as optimal, achieving nearly 100 % removal of ammonia and 92.2 ± 0.6 % of chemical oxygen demand. Microbial community analysis identified significant enrichment of nitrogen-transforming consortia in MBS 1, particularly Thauera (7.43 % relative abundance), whose nitrite reductase activity and polyhydroxyalkanoate biosynthesis capacity enhanced simultaneous nitrification-denitrification. The optimized system showed superior stability with an elevated zeta potential (+17.72 mV) driven by protein-rich extracellular polymeric substances production and humic acid accumulation. These biopolymers facilitated microaggregate formation through ligand bridging and hydrophobic interactions, creating redox-stratified microenvironments that supported functional microbial niches. The synergistic interactions in the MBS system enabled efficient nutrient recovery while maintaining ecological resilience under carbon-limited conditions, providing new insights into sustainable wastewater bioremediation processes.},
}

@article {pmid40304278,
year = {2025},
author = {Lentendu, G and Singer, D and Agatha, S and Bahram, M and Hannula, SE and Helder, J and Tedersoo, L and Traunspurger, W and Geisen, S and Lara, E},
title = {EukFunc: A Holistic Eukaryotic Functional Reference for Automated Profiling of Soil Eukaryotes.},
journal = {Molecular ecology resources},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e14118},
doi = {10.1111/1755-0998.14118},
pmid = {40304278},
issn = {1755-0998},
support = {PID2021-128499NB-I00 10.13039/501100011033//Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades/ ; 182531//Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung/ ; },
abstract = {The soil eukaryome constitutes a significant portion of Earth's biodiversity that drives major ecosystem functions, such as controlling carbon fluxes and plant performance. Currently, however, we miss a standardised approach to functionally classify the soil eukaryome in a holistic way. Here we compiled EukFunc, the first functional reference database that characterises the most abundant and functionally important soil eukaryotic groups: fungi, nematodes and protists. We classified the 14,060 species in the database based on their mode of nutrient acquisition into the main functional classes of symbiotroph (40%), saprotroph (26%), phototroph (17%), predator (16%) and unknown (2%). EukFunc provides further detailed information about nutrition mode, including a secondary functional class (i.e., for organisms with multiple nutrition modes), and preyed or associated organisms for predatory or symbiotic taxa, respectively. EukFunc is available in multiple formats for user-friendly functional analyses of specific taxa or annotations of metabarcoding datasets, both embedded in the R package EukFunc. Using a soil dataset from alpine and subalpine meadows, we highlighted the extended ecological insights obtained from combining functional information across the entire soil eukaryome as compared to focusing on fungi, protists or nematodes individually. EukFunc streamlines the annotation process, enhances efficiency and accuracy, and facilitates the investigation of the functional roles of soil eukaryotes-a prerequisite to better understanding soil systems.},
}

@article {pmid40303862,
year = {2025},
author = {Munene, R and Mustafa, O and Loftus, S and Banfield, CC and Rötter, RP and Bore, EK and Mweu, B and Mganga, KZ and Otieno, DO and Ahmed, MA and Dippold, MA},
title = {Contribution of arbuscular mycorrhiza and exoenzymes to nitrogen acquisition of sorghum under drought.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1514416},
pmid = {40303862},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: For low-fertile and degraded soils of sub-Saharan Africa, nitrogen (N) is often the most growth-limiting factor restricting crop yields. The often-suggested exploitation of advantageous rhizosphere traits such as enzyme secretion and/or the symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) remains to be validated as a potential strategy to overcome N limitation, especially when N deficiency co-occurs with further abiotic stresses such as water scarcity.

METHODS: Three sorghum genotypes were cultivated in soil mesocosms with a root-exclusion compartment, where only AMF could scavenge for nutrients under drought and optimal conditions. Plant carbon (C) investment into the rhizosphere and N uptake were tracked by [15]N application coupled with [13]CO2 labeling.

RESULTS: Under drought, uptake of mineral [15]N by AMF from the root-exclusion compartment increased 4-12 times compared to well-watered conditions. In addition, water stress enhanced below-ground allocation of recently assimilated C into microbial biomass. Drought reduced the enzymatic potential (Vmax) of chitinase while increasing leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) activity. This suggests that N acquisition via protein mineralization in soil was relatively enhanced compared to that of chitin following moisture limitation. LAP substrate affinity (Km) was reduced by drought compared to that of chitinase with genotype-specific shifts in the rhizosphere enzyme systems observed.

CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that below-ground C allocation activated AMF symbiosis and its associated microbiome. This not only led to a shift in enzyme-driven exploitation of distinct organic N sources but also induced a strong increase in AMF-based mineral N acquisition from the mycosphere. This trait plasticity in response to drought may be harnessed to stabilize food production from low-fertile soil under the increasingly negative impacts of droughts due to climate change.},
}

@article {pmid40303176,
year = {2024},
author = {Li, Z and Wu, X and Zhang, Y and Li, Q and Gao, J and Hu, Y and Yuan, J and Hu, H and Jin, X and Wei, Z},
title = {Isolation and Pathogenicity of a Chinese Porcine Astrovirus Type 5 Strain HNPDS-01 and Its Influence on Cecum Microbiota in Piglets.},
journal = {Transboundary and emerging diseases},
volume = {2024},
number = {},
pages = {5777097},
pmid = {40303176},
issn = {1865-1682},
mesh = {Animals ; *Astroviridae/pathogenicity ; *Astroviridae Infections/veterinary/virology/microbiology ; *Cecum/microbiology/virology ; China/epidemiology ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Genome, Viral ; Phylogeny ; Swine ; *Swine Diseases/virology/microbiology ; Virulence ; },
abstract = {Astroviruses have frequently been found in mammals and poultry, but only a few have been successfully isolated for extensive research. Here, we isolated a strain of porcine astrovirus type 5 (PAstV 5) on LLC-porcine kidney (LLC-PK) cells, from the intestinal contents of diarrhea piglets, namely PAstV 5-HNPDS-01. The complete genome sequence length of this strain was 6,419 nt, which has 77.2%-91.1% nucleotide homology with other PAstV 5 strains and 45.0%-50.0% nucleotide homology with other mammalian astroviruses. The recombination analysis indicated that the recombination events were occurred in ORF 2 region (4,444-5,323 nt) in PAstV 5-HNPDS-01 strain. Subsequently, the pathogenicity of PAstV 5-HNPDS-01 was evaluated in 5-day-old piglets. It showed that the PAstV 5-HNPDS-01 could cause mild diarrhea, growth retardation, minor damage to intestinal villi clinically. Meanwhile, PAstV 5-HNPDS-01 infection could affect the microbiota diversity and composition of cecum in piglet from phylum to genus level. After infected with PAstV 5, there was a significant downregulation of beneficial bacteria, including Faecalibacterium, Bacteroides, Lactobacillus, and Prevotella, while harmful bacteria such as Subdoligranulun showed a significant upregulation. These results provided a research basis for pathogenic mechanisms, vaccine development, and beneficial symbiotic bacteria development for PAstV 5 infection.},
}

Animals
*Astroviridae/pathogenicity
*Astroviridae Infections/veterinary/virology/microbiology
*Cecum/microbiology/virology
China/epidemiology
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Genome, Viral
Phylogeny
Swine
*Swine Diseases/virology/microbiology
Virulence

@article {pmid40302384,
year = {2025},
author = {Sharma, V and Sheershwal, A and Bisht, S},
title = {Rhizobacteria Revolution: Amplifying Crop Resilience and Yield in a Changing Climate Through Plant Growth Promotion.},
journal = {Journal of basic microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e039},
doi = {10.1002/jobm.70039},
pmid = {40302384},
issn = {1521-4028},
abstract = {The rapid progression of climate change poses significant challenges to global agriculture, necessitating innovative solutions to ensure food security for an expanding population. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) offer a promising avenue for sustainable agriculture by enhancing crop resilience and productivity under environmental constraints. These beneficial microbes regulate key physiological processes in plants, such as phytohormone synthesis and nutrient solubilization. This enhances root architecture, improves soil fertility, and enables crops to adapt to resource-limited conditions. Moreover, PGPR strengthen plant defenses against abiotic stressors such as salinity, drought, and nutrient deficiencies, as well as biotic threats like pathogens. Empirical evidence demonstrates that PGPR inoculation can significantly enhance crop yields across diverse agroecosystems by increasing nutrient use efficiency and stress tolerance. Despite their proven potential, the effective deployment of PGPR in farming systems requires addressing critical issues related to scalability, formulation, and integration with existing practices. This review underscores the role of PGPR in mitigating climate-induced agricultural challenges, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary collaborations and robust knowledge-sharing networks to drive the adoption of PGPR-based interventions. By leveraging these microbial allies, we can pave the way for climate-resilient farming systems and safeguard global food security amidst an uncertain future.},
}

@article {pmid40302234,
year = {2025},
author = {Dallstream, C and Milder, L and Powers, JS and Soper, FM},
title = {Strong scale-dependent relationships between fine-root function and soil properties uncovered with spatially coupled sampling.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.70143},
pmid = {40302234},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {2020-04556//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; //Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation/ ; 40533//Canadian Foundation for Innovation John F. Evans Leadership Fund/ ; 333545//Fonds de recherche du Québec - Nature et technologies/ ; },
abstract = {Substantial fine-root trait variation is found at fine spatial scales but rarely linked to edaphic variation. We assessed the spatial scales of variation in fine-root traits and adjacent soils using a spatially coupled, nested sampling scheme along a fertility gradient in a seasonally dry tropical forest tree, Handroanthus ochraceus. We examined relationships among fine-root traits and identified edaphic drivers of fine-root function. We collected fine-root samples at three scales: multiple samples within individual trees (separated by > 1 m), among trees in a site (3-60 m) and across three sites (15-60 km). We quantified physiological, symbiotic, morphological, chemical and architectural traits, and paired soil physical and chemical properties. Fine-root traits and soils often varied most at fine spatial scales. Root arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization and phosphomonoesterase activity were coordinated and driven by coarse-scale heterogeneity in bulk density, magnesium and phosphate. The trade-off between large diameter and high specific root length, respiration rate and nitrogen concentration was driven by fine-scale heterogeneity in ammonium. The role of base cations was notable, with nitrogen and phosphorus being less influential than expected. Intraspecific fine-root responses to edaphic properties can occur at multiple spatial scales simultaneously and be detected when variation in both is properly captured and spatially matched.},
}

@article {pmid40302032,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, Y and Rui, W and Sheng, X and Deng, X and Li, X and Meng, L and Huang, H and Yang, J},
title = {Bifidobacterium breve synergizes with Akkermansia muciniphila and Bacteroides ovatus to antagonize Clostridioides difficile.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ismejo/wraf086},
pmid = {40302032},
issn = {1751-7370},
abstract = {The development of ecologically based in vivo microecological formulations for treating Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a current research focus. Here, we selected three microorganisms-Akkermansia muciniphila (AM), Bacteroides ovatus (BO), and Bifidobacterium breve (BB)-to formulate a mixed bacterial formulation (ABB). Subsequently, we evaluated the ecological interactions among these three microorganisms and investigated their therapeutic efficacy in a CDI murine model. Our investigation revealed the presence of a commensalism relationship among AM, BO, and BB. These microorganisms collectively formed a robust and densely packed symbiotic biofilm, with BB being the predominant member in terms of numerical abundance. This phenomenon was concomitant with a marked elevation in the levels of AI-2 and c-di-GMP. ABB exhibits the capability to inhibit crucial biological indicators of C. difficile (CD), such as toxin production, through the secretion of substantial quantities of lactic acid. Additionally, ABB indirectly suppresses CD by activating the NF-κB signaling pathway in Raw 264.7 cells, which stimulates the secretion of significant quantities of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and IL-1β. ABB demonstrated exceptional efficacy in a CDI murine model, as evidenced by a substantial enhancement in survival rates and intestinal short-chain fatty acid (SCFAs) level, the down-regulation of inflammation-associated cytokine secretion, a notable reduction in fecal CD toxin levels, and CD viable bacterial counts. Concurrently, there was an augmentation in the level of gut microbial diversity, accompanied by a rapid reduction in Enterococcus abundance. This ABB formulation holds promise for further development into a novel microecological formulation for the treatment of CDI.},
}

@article {pmid40301729,
year = {2025},
author = {Hariprasath, K and Dhanvarsha, M and Mohankumar, S and Sudha, M and Saranya, N and Saminathan, VR and Subramanian, S},
title = {Characterization of gut microbiota in Apis cerana Across different altitudes in the Peninsular India.},
journal = {BMC ecology and evolution},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {39},
pmid = {40301729},
issn = {2730-7182},
mesh = {Bees/microbiology ; Animals ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; India ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics/analysis ; *Altitude ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Honey bees are vital to global ecosystems and agriculture due to their role as key pollinators. The gut microbiota of honey bees is essential for their health, providing nutrition and protection against pathogens. While extensive research has been conducted on Western honey bees, Less is understood about the gut microbiota of Apis cerana, an economically important species in South Asia. This study aimed to identify and describe the gut microbiota of Apis cerana across different elevations in the Indian peninsula to understand how these bacterial communities adapt to various ecological niches.

RESULTS: High-throughput metagenome sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene (V1-V9 region) showed that the core microbiota genera in Apis cerana guts across elevations were Gilliamella, Lactobacillus, Snodgrassella, and Frischella. Gilliamella apicola and Lactobacillus kunkeei were identified as the most abundant species. Alpha diversity analysis showed a trend of decreasing species diversity as altitude increased from 200 to 1200 m, with a slight increase observed above 1400 m. Culturable bacterial species identified through 16S rRNA amplification belonged to the Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria phyla. Different elevations harboured distinct bacterial communities, with some species being unique to certain altitudes.

CONCLUSIONS: This study provides valuable insights into the diversity and adaptations of Apis cerana gut microbiota across various ecological niches in the Indian peninsula. The observed variations in microbial communities at different elevations suggest that environmental factors play a significant role in shaping the gut microbiota of honey bees. Understanding these microbial dynamics could help in developing strategies to improve bee health and address critical questions in host-microbe symbiosis. Furthermore, this research lays the groundwork for future studies on the functional roles of these bacterial communities in Apis cerana and their potential applications in beekeeping practices.},
}

Bees/microbiology
Animals
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
India
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics/analysis
*Altitude
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification

@article {pmid40301151,
year = {2025},
author = {Kaufmann, H and Salvador, C and Salazar, VW and Cruz, N and Dias, GM and Tschoeke, D and Campos, L and Sawabe, T and Miyazaki, M and Maruyama, F and Thompson, F and Thompson, C},
title = {Genomic Repertoire of Twenty-Two Novel Vibrionaceae Species Isolated from Marine Sediments.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {88},
number = {1},
pages = {36},
pmid = {40301151},
issn = {1432-184X},
mesh = {*Geologic Sediments/microbiology ; *Vibrionaceae/genetics/classification/isolation & purification ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Phylogeny ; Japan ; *Seawater/microbiology ; Genetic Variation ; },
abstract = {The genomic repertoire of vibrios has been extensively studied, particularly regarding their metabolic plasticity, symbiotic interactions, and resistance mechanisms to environmental stressors. However, little is known about the genomic diversity and adaptations of vibrios inhabiting deep-sea marine sediments. In this study, we investigated the genomic diversity of vibrios isolated from deep-sea core sediments collected using a manned submersible off Japan. A total of 50 vibrio isolates were obtained and characterized phenotypically, and by genome sequencing. From this total, we disclosed 22 novel species examining genome-to-genome distance, average amino acid identity, and phenotypes (Alivibrio: 1; Enterovibrio: 1; Photobacterium: 8; Vibrio: 12). The novel species have fallen within known clades (e.g., Fisheri, Enterovibrio, Profundum, and Splendidus) and novel clades (JAMM0721, JAMM0388, JAMM0395). The 28 remainder isolates were identified as known species: Aliivibrio sifiae (2), A. salmonicida (1), Enterovibrio baiacu (1), E. norvegicus (1), Photobacterium profundum (3), P. angustum (1), P. chitiniliticum (1), P. frigidiphilum (1), Photobacterium indicum (1), P. sanguinicancri (1). P. swingsii (2), Vibrio alginolyticus (3), V. anguillarum (1), V. campbellii (1), V. fluvialis (1), V. gigantis (1), V. lentus (1), V. splendidus (4), and V. tasmaniensis (1). Genomic analyses revealed that all 50 vibrios harbored genes associated with high-pressure adaptation, including sensor kinases, chaperones, autoinducer-2 (AI-2) signaling, oxidative damage repair, polyunsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, and stress response mechanisms related to periplasmic and outer membrane protein misfolding under heat shock and osmotic stress. Additionally, alternative sigma factors, trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) respiration, and osmoprotectant acquisition pathways were identified, further supporting their ability to thrive in deep-sea environments. Notably, the genomes exhibited a high prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes, with antibiotic efflux pumps being the most abundant group. The ugd gene expanded in number in some novel species (Photobacterium satsumensis sp. nov. JAMM1754: 4 copies; Vibrio makurazakiensis sp. nov. JAMM1826: 3 copies). This gene may confer antibiotic (polymyxin) resistance to these vibrios.},
}

*Geologic Sediments/microbiology
*Vibrionaceae/genetics/classification/isolation & purification
*Genome, Bacterial
Phylogeny
Japan
*Seawater/microbiology
Genetic Variation

@article {pmid40301143,
year = {2025},
author = {Weitzman, CL and Day, K and Brown, GP and Gibb, K and Christian, K},
title = {Differential Temporal Shifts in Skin Bacteria on Wild and Captive Toads.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {88},
number = {1},
pages = {35},
pmid = {40301143},
issn = {1432-184X},
support = {DP210102176//Australian Research Council/ ; DP210102176//Australian Research Council/ ; DP210102176//Australian Research Council/ ; DP210102176//Australian Research Council/ ; DP210102176//Australian Research Council/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Skin/microbiology ; Seasons ; *Bacteria/classification/isolation & purification/genetics ; *Bufo marinus/microbiology ; *Microbiota ; Ecosystem ; Australia ; Animals, Wild/microbiology ; Animals, Zoo/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Skin bacteria on amphibian hosts play an important role in host health, but those communities are also constantly shifting based on environmental and host-related feedback. On some hosts, stability of skin communities depends on relatively abundant taxa, with less abundant taxa more readily entering and exiting the system. Cane toads (Rhinella marina) have invaded widespread, diverse tropical ecosystems, with varying ecology, physiology, and behaviour in different environments. In this study, we described temporal patterns of skin bacterial communities on cane toads at a site in northern Australia through the wet and dry seasons over two years. Toads in the wild population were paired with a captive-held population, housed in a semi-natural environment, to detect effects of time and season on wild toads, explore bacterial transience and volatility in skin taxa, and determine the extent to which skin communities on captive toads represent those on the wild population. We found community differences by captivity status, sampling timepoint, and season, with increased richness in the wet season on wild toads. Bacterial communities also became more similar among individuals (lower dispersion) in the wet season. Captive toads harboured more stable communities over time, likely owing to the reduced bacterial reservoirs experienced while in captivity. We propose that cane toads, with varied movement patterns among their diverse invaded habitats, provide an interesting direction for future work understanding the influences of habitat and movement on skin microbes, and the flexibility of microbial symbiotic interactions in invasive hosts.},
}

Animals
*Skin/microbiology
Seasons
*Bacteria/classification/isolation & purification/genetics
*Bufo marinus/microbiology
*Microbiota
Ecosystem
Australia
Animals, Wild/microbiology
Animals, Zoo/microbiology

@article {pmid40300365,
year = {2025},
author = {Fan, X and Wang, C and Kong, L and Wang, J and Tan, Y and Yu, Z and Xu, X and Zhu, L},
title = {Spatial heterogeneity of EPS-mediated microplastic aggregation in phycosphere shapes polymer-specific Trojan horse effects.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {281},
number = {},
pages = {123686},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2025.123686},
pmid = {40300365},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {The pervasive contamination of aquatic ecosystems by microplastics represented a critical environmental challenge. While algal-bacterial symbiosis systems demonstrated potential for microplastic aggregation via extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), prior studies have focused on temporal dynamics rather than spatial heterogeneity in phycosphere. This study systematically investigated the adsorption mechanisms of Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS) across stratified EPS fractions, tightly bound (TB-EPS), loosely bound (LB-EPS), and soluble (S-EPS), in phycosphere. Combining controlled aggregation assays with multimodal characterization, we revealed a hierarchical spatial framework governing EPS-microplastic interactions. Adsorption efficiency governed by polymer-specific interfacial energies and EPS organic composition. EPS at distinct hierarchical levels exhibited material-specific adsorption preferences for microplastics. PVC and PET demonstrated higher affinities for hydrocarbon components, while PE and PS were preferentially captured through interactions with polysaccharides and amide I groups, respectively. The adsorption and aggregation behaviors between EPS and microplastics in the phycosphere promoted eco-corona formation and induced the Trojan horse effect. However, the energy barrier of interaction forces and EPS spatial configurations jointly governed the hierarchical stabilization of polymer-specific microplastics. PVC and PET primarily colonized the outermost S-EPS layer, PS preferentially accumulated in the intermediate LB-EPS layer, and PE penetrated into the innermost TB-EPS layer. These findings addressed a key knowledge gap by delineating the ecological niche-specific distribution of EPS-microplastic binding, offering novel insights for optimizing bioremediation strategies and informing regulatory measures targeting particulate plastic pollution in hydrologic systems.},
}

@article {pmid40299131,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, Y and Liu, Y and Liang, W},
title = {Breeding barn swallows recognize householders from strangers.},
journal = {Animal cognition},
volume = {28},
number = {1},
pages = {33},
pmid = {40299131},
issn = {1435-9456},
support = {2023YFF1304600//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Swallows/physiology ; Female ; Humans ; *Recognition, Psychology ; China ; },
abstract = {The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of barn swallows (Hirundo rustica) to recognize humans. A field study was conducted in Caoyang Village, Zhanjiang City, Guangdong Province, South China. We assessed the responses of female barn swallows to the recognition of different types of human individuals by measuring their flight initiation distance (FID) when they incubated eggs in the nests. Our results demonstrated that barn swallows can identify the householder where their nest is located, displaying lower FID when the householder approaches, compared to an unfamiliar experimenter. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in FID between swallows reacting to householders who were rarely at home versus those who were frequently present, suggesting that barn swallows may possess the capability to recognize and retain memory of individual humans over time. Our findings provide evidence that barn swallows exhibit remarkable cognitive abilities. The long-standing symbiotic relationship between barn swallows and humans provides a unique model for studying the adaptation of species to environments with close human interactions. Research on their behavior and survival strategies can offer insights into the influence of symbiotic relationships on species adaptability and evolution.},
}

Animals
*Swallows/physiology
Female
Humans
*Recognition, Psychology
China

@article {pmid40299062,
year = {2025},
author = {Harumoto, T and Moriyama, M and Fukatsu, T},
title = {Peculiar structural features of midgut symbiotic organ in the early development of the stinkbug Plautia stali Scott, 1874 (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae).},
journal = {Die Naturwissenschaften},
volume = {112},
number = {3},
pages = {34},
pmid = {40299062},
issn = {1432-1904},
support = {JPMJER1902//JST ERATO/ ; JPMJER1902//JST ERATO/ ; JPMJER1902//JST ERATO/ ; JP24H02294//JSPS KAKENHI/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis/physiology ; *Heteroptera/microbiology/growth & development/ultrastructure/anatomy & histology ; Pantoea/physiology ; Nymph/microbiology/ultrastructure/growth & development ; Gastrointestinal Tract/microbiology/ultrastructure ; Digestive System/microbiology/ultrastructure ; *Hemiptera/microbiology/growth & development/ultrastructure ; },
abstract = {Many insects have symbiotic microorganisms within their body. Such microbial symbiosis underpins the survival and prosperity of insects through multiple means. The brown-winged green stinkbug Plautia stali, which is notorious as an agricultural pest and utilized as an experimental model insect, harbors a bacterial symbiont Pantoea in a posterior part of the midgut, which is essential for the host's development and reproduction. From both basic and applied research perspectives, it is important to investigate the mechanistic bases underpinning the insect-microbe symbiotic association. Here, we performed detailed electron and optical microscopic analyses of the early nymphal midguts to reveal the type of cellular structure and property that orchestrates the symbiont colonization in the restricted part of the midgut. We identified two peculiar structural features of the nymphal midgut that develop in a region-restricted manner: long and heterogenous cellular protrusions (microvilli) solely emerged in the midgut symbiotic region and highly developed circular muscle cell layers specifically observed in the junction of non-symbiotic and symbiotic regions of the midgut. We discuss the potential roles of these unique structures in the midgut bacterial symbiosis.},
}

Animals
*Symbiosis/physiology
*Heteroptera/microbiology/growth & development/ultrastructure/anatomy & histology
Pantoea/physiology
Nymph/microbiology/ultrastructure/growth & development
Gastrointestinal Tract/microbiology/ultrastructure
Digestive System/microbiology/ultrastructure
*Hemiptera/microbiology/growth & development/ultrastructure

@article {pmid40299055,
year = {2025},
author = {Belechheb, T and Yemalahi, A and Bouhnik, O and Hassani, MZ and El Galiou, O and Laglaoui, A and Bakkali, M and El Idrissi, MM and Arakrak, A},
title = {Plant Growth of the Wild Forage Legume Genista monspessulana is Improved by Bradyrhizobium sp. sv. Genistearum in the Acidic Soils of Northern Morocco.},
journal = {Current microbiology},
volume = {82},
number = {6},
pages = {267},
pmid = {40299055},
issn = {1432-0991},
mesh = {Morocco ; *Bradyrhizobium/genetics/classification/isolation & purification/physiology ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis ; *Soil Microbiology ; Root Nodules, Plant/microbiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Genista/microbiology/growth & development ; Nitrogen Fixation ; Soil/chemistry ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics/chemistry ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics ; },
abstract = {Genista monspessulana is a wild legume of high fodder value in northern Morocco, where it contributes to livestock feeding, particularly during the lean season. The plant fixes nitrogen in symbiosis with soil bacteria known as rhizobia. To identify and characterize its symbiotic partners, we isolated twenty-two bacteria inhabiting the plant nodules and assessed their phenotypic and genetic diversity as well as their symbiotic efficiency. The 16S rRNA sequences analysis proved that 7 isolates were affiliated with the genus Bradyrhizobium, which significantly improve plant growth under nitrogen deficiency. Based on multi-locus sequence analysis using five different housekeeping genes, three representative strains were selected for further analyses. The phylogenetic analysis of the concatenated sequences of the five genes showed that the closest type strain is Bradyrhizobium canariense LMG 2122265T. The strains nodulate also other Genisteae such as Cytisus villosus and Lupinus luteus besides their host plant. The phylogenetic analysis of the symbiotic nodC gene allowed the assignment of the strains to the symbiovar genistearum. The three strains proved to be very efficient in the fixation of N2 as revealed by their relative and absolute efficiency indexes and may be used as effective individual or mixed inocula, to improve the plant growth in its natural habitat and contribute to soil restoration, and revegetation in Northern Morocco.},
}

Morocco
*Bradyrhizobium/genetics/classification/isolation & purification/physiology
Phylogeny
Symbiosis
*Soil Microbiology
Root Nodules, Plant/microbiology
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
*Genista/microbiology/growth & development
Nitrogen Fixation
Soil/chemistry
DNA, Bacterial/genetics/chemistry
Bacterial Proteins/genetics

@article {pmid40298621,
year = {2025},
author = {Antache, A and Simionov, IA and Petrea, ȘM and Nica, A and Georgescu, PL and Oprică, L and Grigore, MN and Oroian, M and Jitaru, D and Liteanu, A and Ciobîcă, AS and Poroch, V},
title = {Insect-Antioxidants Symbiotic Nexus-Pathway for Sustainable and Resilient Aquaculture: A Case Study for Evaluating Koi Carp Growth and Oxidative Stress Status.},
journal = {Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {40298621},
issn = {2076-3921},
abstract = {Various innovative fish feeds were tested for the production of koi carp in a recirculating aquaculture system, considering insect meal (Acheta domestica) as the main protein source and phytogenic additives (Curcuma longa-turmeric and Beta vulgaris-beetroot) as antioxidants, in the spirit of sustainable aquaculture practice. The growth performance, metabolic rate (respirometry), hematological profile, blood biochemical indicators, and oxidative stress of koi carp were determined, using feeds according to the following experimental design: CF-commercial feed, IF-innovative feed based on cricket meal, BIF-innovative feed (IF) with beetroot, and TIF-innovative feed (IF) with turmeric. The TIF recorded the best growth rate. The lowest values of lipid peroxidation (MDA), standard metabolic rate (SMR), and routine metabolic rate (RMR) were registered for the IF and TIF variants. A reduction in MDA was noted, correlated to the decrease in the metabolic rate regarding SMR and RMR for the IF and TIF. An intensification in amylase was recorded in the TIF and BIF. Compared with the CF, it seems that the IF, TIF, and BIF had a beneficial effect on the koi carp by reducing cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, triglycerides, and urea and by increasing the concentration of calcium and growth hormone in the blood plasma.},
}

@article {pmid40298441,
year = {2025},
author = {Peng, S-X and Gao, S-M and Lin, Z-L and Luo, Z-H and Zhang, S-Y and Shu, W-S and Meng, F and Huang, L-N},
title = {Biogeography and ecological functions of underestimated CPR and DPANN in acid mine drainage sediments.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0070525},
doi = {10.1128/mbio.00705-25},
pmid = {40298441},
issn = {2150-7511},
abstract = {Recent genomic surveys have uncovered candidate phyla radiation (CPR) bacteria and DPANN archaea as major microbial dark matter lineages in various anoxic habitats. Despite their extraordinary diversity, the biogeographic patterns and ecological implications of these ultra-small and putatively symbiotic microorganisms have remained elusive. Here, we performed metagenomic sequencing on 90 geochemically diverse acid mine drainage sediments sampled across southeast China and recovered 282 CPR and 189 DPANN nonredundant metagenome-assembled genomes, which collectively account for up to 28.6% and 31.2% of the indigenous prokaryotic communities, respectively. We found that, remarkably, geographic distance represents the primary factor driving the large-scale ecological distribution of both CPR and DPANN organisms, followed by pH and Fe. Although both groups might be capable of iron reduction through a flavin-based extracellular electron transfer mechanism, significant differences are found in their metabolic capabilities (with complex carbon degradation and chitin degradation being more prevalent in CPR whereas fermentation and acetate production being enriched in DPANN), indicating potential niche differentiation. Predicted hosts are mainly Acidobacteriota, Bacteroidota, and Proteobacteria for CPR and Thermoplasmatota for DPANN, and extensive, unbalanced metabolic exchanges between these symbionts and putative hosts are displayed. Together, our results provide initial insights into the complex interplays between the two lineages and their physicochemical environments and host populations at a large geographic scale.IMPORTANCECandidate phyla radiation (CPR) bacteria and DPANN archaea constitute a significant fraction of Earth's prokaryotic diversity. Despite their ubiquity and abundance, especially in anoxic habitats, we know little about the community patterns and ecological drivers of these ultra-small, putatively episymbiotic microorganisms across geographic ranges. This study is facilitated by a large collection of CPR and DPANN metagenome-assembled genomes recovered from the metagenomes of 90 sediments sampled from geochemically diverse acid mine drainage (AMD) environments across southeast China. Our comprehensive analyses have allowed first insights into the biogeographic patterns and functional differentiation of these major enigmatic prokaryotic groups in the AMD model system.},
}

@article {pmid40298336,
year = {2025},
author = {Kumar, RN and Scolarici, MJ and Gorsline, C and Danziger-Isakov, L and Baddley, J and Harris, CE},
title = {Research Advice for Early Career Transplant Infectious Disease Clinicians.},
journal = {Transplant infectious disease : an official journal of the Transplantation Society},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e70041},
doi = {10.1111/tid.70041},
pmid = {40298336},
issn = {1399-3062},
abstract = {As part of an ongoing series of social media discussions, the Transplant Infectious Diseases Early Career Network hosted an open forum for the transplant infectious disease community to discuss the development of research careers for junior faculty. Topics discussed included opportunities for research, identifying potential research questions, institutional support, grant funding, common barriers to research, and trainee involvement. The forum highlighted symbiotic relationships between junior faculty and trainees. The insights from the forum provide a valuable resource for early-career transplant infectious diseases (TID) researchers.},
}

@article {pmid40298200,
year = {2025},
author = {Thapa, A and Hasan, MR and Kabir, AH},
title = {Trichoderma afroharzianum T22 Induces Rhizobia and Flavonoid-Driven Symbiosis to Promote Tolerance to Alkaline Stress in Garden Pea.},
journal = {Plant, cell & environment},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/pce.15581},
pmid = {40298200},
issn = {1365-3040},
support = {//This study was supported by Louisiana Biomedical Research Network (grant ID: KAB004) and a startup grant (grant ID: 5SFAES-293007) from the University of Louisiana at Monroe./ ; },
abstract = {Soil alkalinity is a limiting factor for crops, yet the role of beneficial fungi in mitigating this abiotic stress in garden pea is understudied. In this study, Trichoderma afroharzianum T22 colonised the roots of garden pea cultivars exposed to soil alkalinity in a host-specific manner. In alkaline-exposed Sugar Snap, T22 improved growth parameters, consistent with increased tissue mineral content, particularly Fe and Mn, as well as enhanced rhizosphere siderophore levels. The split-root assay demonstrated that the beneficial effects of T22 on alkaline stress mitigation are the result of a whole-plant association rather than localised root-specific effects. RNA-seq analysis showed 575 and 818 differentially expressed genes upregulated and downregulated in the roots inoculated with T22 under alkaline conditions. The upregulated genes were mostly involved in the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway (monooxygenase activity, ammonia-lyase activity, 4-coumarate-CoA ligase), along with genes related to mineral transport and redox homoeostasis. Further, a flavonoid precursor restored plant health even in the absence of T22, confirming the role of microbial symbiosis in mitigating alkaline stress. Interestingly, T22 restored the abundance of rhizobia, particularly Rhizobium leguminosarum and Rhizobium indicum, along with the induction of NifA, NifD, and NifH in nodules, suggesting a connection between T22 and rhizobia under soil alkalinity. Further, the elevated rhizosphere siderophore, root flavonoid, expression of PsCoA (4-coumarate-CoA ligase) as well as the relative abundance of TaAOX1 and R. leguminosarum diminished when T22 was substituted with exogenous Fe. This suggests that exogenous Fe eliminates the need for microbiome-driven mineral mobilisation, while T22-mediated alkaline stress mitigation depends on flavonoid-driven symbiosis and R. leguminosarum abundance. It was further supported by the positive interaction of T22 on R. leguminosarum growth in alkaline media. Thus, the beneficial effect of T22 on rhizobia likely stems from their interactions, not solely from the improved mineral status, particularly Fe, in plants. This study provides the first mechanistic insights into T22 interactions with host and rhizobia, advancing microbiome strategies to alleviate soil alkalinity in peas and other legumes.},
}

@article {pmid40297613,
year = {2025},
author = {Liang, L and Ma, C and Li, Y and Mijiti, Y and Zhang, L and Liu, Y},
title = {Vaginal microbiota changes of persistent human papillomavirus infection after cervical conization.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1544794},
pmid = {40297613},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; *Vagina/microbiology ; *Papillomavirus Infections/microbiology/virology/surgery ; *Microbiota ; Adult ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; China ; *Conization/adverse effects ; Middle Aged ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; *Persistent Infection/microbiology/virology ; Cervix Uteri/surgery/microbiology ; Vaginosis, Bacterial/microbiology ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Papillomaviridae ; Young Adult ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: We investigated the changes in vaginal microbiota among females with persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection following cervical conization in Xinjiang, China.

METHODS: A total of 108 female participants were enrolled in the study, including 37 HPV-positive females without cervical conization (Group P1), 37 HPV-positive females after cervical conization (Group P2), and 34 HPV-negative females after cervical conization (Group N). DNA was extracted from vaginal secretions, and the V3-V4 regions of bacterial 16S rDNA were amplified and sequenced using NovaSeq technology. The diversity analysis of the bacterial microbiota was conducted using QIIME2 and R software, while the phenotypic analysis was performed with Bugbase software.

RESULTS: Lactobacillus was the predominant genus in the vaginal microbiota of women with persistent HPV infection after cervical conization in Xinjiang. Following partial cervical resection, the α-diversity of the vaginal microbiota decreased, particularly among patients who had cleared HPV. Bacterial vaginosis-associated anaerobes were common in the vaginal environment, with their relative abundance increasing in cases of persistent HPV infection. Postoperative persistent HPV infection was found to be correlated not only with pathogens linked to bacterial vaginosis but also with those associated with aerobic vaginitis. Gardnerella and Atopobium, as well as Bifidobacterium and Streptococcus, demonstrated a symbiotic synergy. Both Lactobacillus and Gardnerella exhibited negative correlations with many pathogenic bacteria. Anaerobic and biofilm formation were the most evident phenotypes in individuals with persistent HPV infection after conization.

CONCLUSION: The vaginal microbiota of women with persistent HPV infection following cervical conization is characterized by the coexistence of Lactobacillus dominance and increased microbial diversity. Anaerobic bacteria and biofilm formation may play a significant role in the persistence of HPV infection post-surgery, and the role of Gardnerella in the vaginal flora under an HPV-infected state warrants further study.},
}

Humans
Female
*Vagina/microbiology
*Papillomavirus Infections/microbiology/virology/surgery
*Microbiota
Adult
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
China
*Conization/adverse effects
Middle Aged
Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
*Persistent Infection/microbiology/virology
Cervix Uteri/surgery/microbiology
Vaginosis, Bacterial/microbiology
DNA, Bacterial/genetics
Papillomaviridae
Young Adult

@article {pmid40297298,
year = {2025},
author = {Kudriashova, TR and Kryukov, AA and Gorenkova, AI and Yurkov, AP},
title = {Aquaporins and their role in plant-microbial systems.},
journal = {Vavilovskii zhurnal genetiki i selektsii},
volume = {29},
number = {2},
pages = {238-247},
doi = {10.18699/vjgb-25-27},
pmid = {40297298},
issn = {2500-0462},
abstract = {Global losses of agricultural products from water scarcity could be greater than from all other causes combined. Water deficiency in plants can result from insufficient precipitation, elevated air temperatures, and other factors that reduce the water available in the soil. Most terrestrial plants are able to form symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Arbuscular mycorrhiza plays a key role in the mineral nutrition of many terrestrial plant species. Water transport in plants is regulated primarily by aquaporins, transmembrane proteins. Aquaporins help plants save water, which is an important component of the plant's adaptation strategy to water scarcity. Some studies suggest that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi can decrease the expression of aquaporin genes in plants under drought conditions, which reduces water transport within host plant tissues and conserves available water. On the other hand, there is little scientific evidence of the interaction mechanisms between plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi during aquaporin regulation. In addition, the information in different sources on the aquaporin functions in different plant species may be contradictory. Plant aquaporins are represented by several subfamilies; their number varies for different species. A more comprehensive study of these transporters can enhance our understanding of water transport in plants and assess how arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi can influence it. This review contains data on the history of studies of the structure, localization, phylogeny, and functions of aquaporins. Advancing the study of the symbiotic system functioning may contribute to the development of biofertilizers based on soil microorganisms for agricultural uses in the Russian Federation.},
}

@article {pmid40297295,
year = {2025},
author = {Kuzmina, DO and Zorin, EA and Sulima, AS and Romanyuk, DA and Gordon, ML and Zhernakov, AI and Kulaeva, OA and Akhtemova, GA and Shtark, OY and Tikhonovich, IA and Zhukov, VA},
title = {Transcriptomic analysis of the symbiotic responsivity trait in pea (Pisum sativum L.).},
journal = {Vavilovskii zhurnal genetiki i selektsii},
volume = {29},
number = {2},
pages = {248-258},
doi = {10.18699/vjgb-25-28},
pmid = {40297295},
issn = {2500-0462},
abstract = {Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is an important crop culture and a model object for studying the molecular genetic bases of nitrogen-fixing symbiosis and arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM). Pea genotypes with high and low responsivity to inoculation with nodule bacteria (rhizobia) and AM fungi have been described: the 'responsive' genotypes demonstrate an increase in seed weight under inoculation, while 'non-responsive' ones do not show such a reaction. In order to get insight into the molecular genetic mechanisms underlying the symbiotic responsivity, a transcriptomic analysis of whole root systems of pea plants of the 'responsive' genotype k-8274 (cv. Vendevil, France) and 'non-responsive' genotype k-3358 (unnamed cultivar, Saratov region, Russia) grown in soil without inoculation (control) and inoculated either with rhizobia (single inoculation) or with rhizobia together with AM fungi (double inoculation) was performed. It was shown that the 'responsive' genotype, indeed, demonstrated a pronounced transcriptomic response to single and double inoculation, in contrast to the 'non-responsive' genotype. In k-8274, single inoculation led to specific up-regulation of genes related to catabolism of polyamines, lipid metabolism, and jasmonic acid and salicylic acid signaling. Under double inoculation, the specifically up-regulated genes in k-8274 were related to arbuscular mycorrhiza infection, and the down-regulated genes were related to nodulation. This fact matches the phenotype of the plants: the number of nodules was lower in k-8274 under double inoculation as compared to the control. Thus, strict control over the nodule number may be one of the mechanisms underlying the symbiotic responsivity of pea. Finally, a comparison of expression profiles in k-8274 and k-3358 roots under double inoculation also allowed us to identify the transcriptomic signatures characteristic of the symbiotically responsive genotype. Further work will be focused on validation of these transcriptomic markers of the symbiotic responsivity trait in pea.},
}

@article {pmid40295205,
year = {2025},
author = {Linda, TM and Maisyaroh, DP and Berlyansah, A and Tasliyah, BJ and Juliantari, E and Zul, D and Fibriarti, BL and Agesti, ARA and Haryani, Y},
title = {Efficacy of Endophytic Bacterium Serratia marcescens B.SB 1.1 associated with Sea Fern (Acrostichum aureum L.) as an Antidiabetic Agent.},
journal = {Journal of microbiology and biotechnology},
volume = {35},
number = {},
pages = {e2412031},
doi = {10.4014/jmb.2412.12031},
pmid = {40295205},
issn = {1738-8872},
mesh = {*Serratia marcescens/isolation & purification/genetics/chemistry/classification/metabolism ; alpha-Amylases/antagonists & inhibitors ; *Endophytes/isolation & purification/chemistry/genetics/metabolism/classification ; *Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacology/chemistry/isolation & purification ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Ferns/microbiology ; Plant Stems/microbiology ; Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology/chemistry ; Phytochemicals ; Flavonoids ; },
abstract = {Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a primary global health concern, often progressing unnoticed until complications arise. Current antidiabetic therapies primarily aim to inhibit the α-amylase enzyme, thereby reducing blood glucose levels. Some medicinal plants are proven to be symbiotic with endophytic bacteria that produce bioactive compounds capable of inhibiting α-amylase activity. This study investigated the potential of endophytic bacteria isolated from the stem of the sea fern (Acrostichum aureum L.) to act as α-amylase inhibitors, using both in vitro and in silico studies. Phytochemical analysis of both the stem extract and cultured bacterial isolates showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins. Isolate B.SB 1.1 was identified as Serratia marcescens based on 16S rRNA sequencing. The α-amylase inhibition assay demonstrated the strain as showing significant inhibitory activity, with 32.57% inhibition at 2% starch substrate concentration. In silico docking studies using LC-MS data predicted 4-propylbiphenyl and benzoin as compounds with the lowest binding energy to α-amylase, suggesting their potential as effective inhibitors. These findings highlight the efficacy and therapeutic potential of endophytic strain S. marcescens B.SB 1.1 as a novel antidiabetic agent.},
}

*Serratia marcescens/isolation & purification/genetics/chemistry/classification/metabolism
alpha-Amylases/antagonists & inhibitors
*Endophytes/isolation & purification/chemistry/genetics/metabolism/classification
*Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacology/chemistry/isolation & purification
Molecular Docking Simulation
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
*Ferns/microbiology
Plant Stems/microbiology
Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology/chemistry
Phytochemicals
Flavonoids

@article {pmid40294446,
year = {2025},
author = {Södergren, K and Palm, J},
title = {Governing industrial and urban symbiosis: Internal and external strategies for municipal development.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {384},
number = {},
pages = {125469},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.125469},
pmid = {40294446},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Industrial and urban symbiosis (IUS) is an emerging sustainability strategy in which organizations collaborate to optimize resource flows and minimize waste within urban environments. Rooted in circular economy principles, IUS has gained global attention as cities seek innovative solutions to enhance resource efficiency and resilience. However, local authorities play a critical yet underexplored role in governing IUS. While previous studies recognize their importance in initiating and expanding such initiatives, limited research has systematically examined how municipalities balance internal governance with external engagement strategies to manage IUS effectively. This study addresses this gap by analyzing the internal and external governing strategies employed by Swedish municipalities with emerging or established IUS initiatives. A survey of 22 municipalities revealed that while IUS is widely prioritized, the level of municipal engagement varies. Findings suggest that broader administrative involvement can strengthen capacity for circular solutions. Internally, self-governing strategies, particularly political anchoring, were key to successful implementation. Externally, municipalities adopted enabling, provision, and partnership strategies, emphasizing coordination and facilitation over legal enforcement. The results provide valuable insights for policymakers and urban planners in and beyond Sweden, offering governance strategies applicable to cities and regions seeking to integrate IUS into their sustainability agendas.},
}

@article {pmid40294273,
year = {2025},
author = {Wu, Z and Wu, X and Wang, Z and Ye, X and Pang, L and Wang, Y and Zhou, Y and Chen, T and Zhou, S and Wang, Z and Sheng, Y and Zhang, Q and Chen, J and Tang, P and Shen, X and Huang, J and Drezen, JM and Strand, MR and Chen, X},
title = {A symbiotic gene stimulates aggressive behavior favoring the survival of parasitized caterpillars.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {122},
number = {18},
pages = {e2422935122},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2422935122},
pmid = {40294273},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {U22A20485//Key Program of Regional Innovation and Development of National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2021C02045//Key Research and Development Program of Zhejiang Province (Key R&D plan of Zhejiang Province)/ ; 32325044//MOST | National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Larva/parasitology/genetics/virology/physiology ; *Moths/parasitology/genetics/virology/physiology ; *Wasps/virology/genetics/physiology ; *Aggression/physiology ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; Host-Parasite Interactions/genetics ; Polydnaviridae/genetics ; Octopamine/metabolism ; Behavior, Animal ; Mixed Function Oxygenases ; },
abstract = {Animals often exhibit increased aggression in response to starvation, while parasites often manipulate host behavior. In contrast, underlying molecular mechanisms for these behavioral changes are mostly unknown. The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, is an agricultural pest that feeds on cruciferous plants as larvae, while Cotesia vestalis is a parasitoid wasp that parasitizes diamondback moth larvae. In this study, we determined that unparasitized diamondback moth larvae exhibit increased aggression and cannibalism when starved, while starved larvae parasitized by C. vestalis were more aggressive than unparasitized larvae. C. vestalis harbors a domesticated endogenized virus named Cotesia vestalis bracovirus (CvBV) that wasps inject into parasitized hosts. Starvation increased octopamine (OA) levels in the central nervous system (CNS) of diamondback moth larvae while a series of experiments identified a CvBV-encoded gene product named Assailant that further increased aggression in starved diamondback moth larvae. We determined that Assailant increases OA levels by activating tyramine beta-hydroxylase (PxTβh), which is a key enzyme in the OA biosynthesis pathway. Ectopic expression of assailant in Drosophila melanogaster likewise upregulated expression of DmTβh and OA, which increased aggressive behavior in male flies as measured by a well-established assay. While parasitized hosts are often thought to be at a competitive disadvantage to nonparasitized individuals, our results uncover how a parasitoid uses an endogenized virus to increase host aggression and enhance survival of offspring when competing against unparasitized hosts.},
}

Animals
Larva/parasitology/genetics/virology/physiology
*Moths/parasitology/genetics/virology/physiology
*Wasps/virology/genetics/physiology
*Aggression/physiology
*Symbiosis/genetics
Host-Parasite Interactions/genetics
Polydnaviridae/genetics
Octopamine/metabolism
Behavior, Animal
Mixed Function Oxygenases

@article {pmid40293550,
year = {2025},
author = {Cui, Z and Li, X and Han, P and Chen, R and Dong, Y and Geng, G and Yu, L and Liu, J and Xu, Y and Wang, Y},
title = {Integrative transcriptomic and physiological analyses uncover mechanisms by which arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi mitigate salt stress in sugar beet.},
journal = {Mycorrhiza},
volume = {35},
number = {3},
pages = {35},
pmid = {40293550},
issn = {1432-1890},
support = {32372159//the National Natural Science Foundation of China Project/ ; LH2023C091//Natural Science Foundation of Heilongjiang Province/ ; CARS-17//Science Foundation for Distinguished Young Scholars of Heilongjiang University, Initiation Fund for Postdoctoral Research in Heilongjiang Province, Agriculture Research System Fund/ ; G2023011004L//Introduction Project for High-end Foreign Experts/ ; 2021-KYYWF-0023//Basic research business fund for provincial higher education institutions in Heilongjiang Province/ ; },
mesh = {*Beta vulgaris/microbiology/physiology/genetics/growth & development ; *Mycorrhizae/physiology ; *Salt Stress ; *Transcriptome ; Salt Tolerance ; Symbiosis ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Plant Roots/microbiology ; Seedlings/microbiology/physiology/growth & development ; Gene Expression Profiling ; },
abstract = {Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) is cultivated extensively worldwide as an important cash crop, and soil salinity is a critical factor influencing both its yield and sugar content. Consequently, enhancing the salt tolerance of sugar beet is of paramount importance. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi form symbiotic associations with approximately 80% of vascular plants, thereby improving the adaptability of host plants to adverse conditions. However, the mechanisms by which the AM symbiosis assists sugar beet in coping with salt stress remain poorly understood. To investigate the adaptation strategies employed by AM symbiotic sugar beet under salt stress, we examined physiological and transcriptomic changes in sugar beet seedlings subjected to various treatments, using the KWS1176 variety as the experimental material. The results indicated that AM symbiotic sugar beet demonstrated superior performance under salt stress, characterized by improved seedling growth, alterations in antioxidant enzyme activities, modifications in osmoregulatory substance levels, reduced Na[+] uptake, and enhanced K[+] influx within the root system. Notably, most of the differentially expressed genes were implicated in pathways related to reactive oxygen species scavenging, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and phytohormone signal transduction. Furthermore, pivotal genes identified through weighted gene co-expression network analysis were validated via reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, revealing that the salt tolerance of AM symbiotic sugar beet may be associated with its ionic homeostasis, antioxidant enzyme activities, and regulation of photosynthesis at both transcriptional and physiological levels.},
}

*Beta vulgaris/microbiology/physiology/genetics/growth & development
*Mycorrhizae/physiology
*Salt Stress
*Transcriptome
Salt Tolerance
Symbiosis
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
Plant Roots/microbiology
Seedlings/microbiology/physiology/growth & development
Gene Expression Profiling

@article {pmid40293514,
year = {2025},
author = {Gu, L and Guo, M and Wang, P and Zhao, J and Wu, Z and Wang, Z and Zhang, S and Yang, X and Ma, R and Wang, L and Ye, X and Huang, J and Chen, XX and Wang, Z},
title = {Symbiotic bracovirus of a parasite modulate host ecdysis process.},
journal = {Cellular and molecular life sciences : CMLS},
volume = {82},
number = {1},
pages = {183},
pmid = {40293514},
issn = {1420-9071},
support = {U22A20485//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32272607//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 226-2024-00070//Fundamental Research Funds for Central Universities of the Central South University/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Polydnaviridae/physiology/genetics ; Ecdysterone/metabolism/biosynthesis ; Larva/parasitology/growth & development/virology/metabolism/genetics ; *Moths/parasitology/virology/growth & development/genetics ; *Molting/genetics ; *Host-Parasite Interactions ; *Wasps/virology/physiology ; Symbiosis ; Insect Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Ecdysone ; Viral Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; },
abstract = {Parasitoids modulate host development for the survival of their offspring, but the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain largely unknown. Here, we found that the endoparasitoid Cotesia vestalis disrupted the larval-larval ecdysis in its host Plutella xylostella by the 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) synthesis pathway. After parasitization by C. vestalis, the 20E peak of host larvae disappeared before the onset of ecdysis and the expression of ecdysone synthesis genes was significantly downregulated. We further found that a Cotesia vestalis bracovirus (CvBV) gene CvBV_28 - 5 was transiently high-level expressed prior to the host's 20E peak, enabling the precise suppression of this critical developmental signal. Consistently, the knockdown of CvBV_28 - 5 affected the expression of 20E response transcription factors in the cuticle and several ecdysis-related genes. Furthermore, we found that CvBV_28 - 5 bound directly to the Raf, a MAP3K member of the MAPK pathwaythat functions as a critical regulator of ecdysone synthesis genes in hosts. Collectively, our results provide the first evidence that parasitoids modulate host ecdysis by affecting MAPK-20E signaling during a defined developmental window and provide novel insights into the mechanism of parasitoid regulation of host development.},
}

Animals
*Polydnaviridae/physiology/genetics
Ecdysterone/metabolism/biosynthesis
Larva/parasitology/growth & development/virology/metabolism/genetics
*Moths/parasitology/virology/growth & development/genetics
*Molting/genetics
*Host-Parasite Interactions
*Wasps/virology/physiology
Symbiosis
Insect Proteins/metabolism/genetics
Ecdysone
Viral Proteins/metabolism/genetics

@article {pmid40293198,
year = {2025},
author = {Mao, F and Xiao, S and Dang, X and Cui, G and Gaitán-Espitia, JD and Thiyagarajan, V and Vidal-Dupiol, J and Yi, W and Jin, X and Yu, Z and Zhang, Y},
title = {Metabolic Shifts and Muscle Remodeling as Pro-Survival and Energy Compensation Strategies in Photosymbiotic Giant Clams after Bleaching.},
journal = {Environmental science & technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.est.5c00474},
pmid = {40293198},
issn = {1520-5851},
abstract = {Tropical photosymbiotic giant clams are increasingly threatened by climate change, leading to widespread bleaching. Decline in density of symbionts caused mortality events in symbiotic organisms; however, giant clams appear to exhibit prior survival capacity against these detrimental effects. It remains unclear whether giant clams can mitigate the adverse impacts of bleaching. Herein, we found that bleaching events after chronic heat stress induce remarkable changes and remodeling in symbiotic tissue of the giant clam Tridacna crocea. The density and structure of unique muscle fibers with high collagen content, observed in siphonal mantle of these animals, were negatively altered after heat stress. These changes were associated with a metabolic shift from carbohydrates and fatty acids to amino acids as the breakdown of collagen-rich muscle fibers can partially compensate for energy loss during bleaching. Such a shift was proposed to be regulated by AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling and FoxO-atrogin pathways. Overall, our study highlights a pro-survival mechanism in giant clams through plastic regulation, which likely contributes to their relatively high environmental resilience during bleaching.},
}

@article {pmid40290873,
year = {2025},
author = {Gohar, D and Põldmaa, K and Pent, M and Rahimlou, S and Cerk, K and Ng, DYK and Hildebrand, F and Bahram, M},
title = {Genomic evidence of symbiotic adaptations in fungus-associated bacteria.},
journal = {iScience},
volume = {28},
number = {4},
pages = {112253},
pmid = {40290873},
issn = {2589-0042},
abstract = {Fungi harbor diverse bacteria that engage in various relationships. While these relationships potentially influence fungal functioning, their underlying genetic mechanisms remain unexplored. Here, we aimed to elucidate the key genomic features of fungus-associated bacteria (FaB) by comparing 163 FaB genomes to 1,048 bacterial genomes from other hosts and habitats. Our analyses revealed several distinctive genomic features of FaB. We found that FaB are enriched in carbohydrate transport/metabolism- and motility-related genes, suggesting an adaptation for utilizing complex fungal carbon sources. They are also enriched in genes targeting fungal biomass, likely reflecting their role in recycling and rebuilding fungal structures. Additionally, FaB associated with plant-mutualistic fungi possess a wider array of carbon-acquisition enzymes specific to fungal and plant substrates compared to those residing with saprotrophic fungi. These unique genomic features highlight FaB' potential as key players in fungal nutrient acquisition and decomposition, ultimately influencing plant-fungal symbiosis and ecosystem functioning.},
}

@article {pmid40290476,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, Y and Zhang, G and Li, J and Li, X and Jiang, S and Zha Xi, Y and Guo, Y and Lu, J},
title = {Glycyrrhiza uralensis extract supplementation mitigated the negative effects of prolonged low-dose exposure to Deoxynivalenol and Zearalenone on growth performance and intestinal health of broiler chickens.},
journal = {Frontiers in veterinary science},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {1570265},
pmid = {40290476},
issn = {2297-1769},
abstract = {Deoxynivalenol (DON) and Zearalenone (ZEN), common symbiotic mycotoxins found in mold-contaminated cereal feed, adversely affect broiler' health. Glycyrrhiza uralensis has various pharmacological effects including antibacterial, antioxidant and immunomodulatory. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the long-term intake of low doses of DON and ZEN on growth performance and intestinal health of broilers, as well as the potential protective effect of supplementary Glycyrrhiza uralensis extract (GUE) in an 84-day feeding experiment. A total of 315 one-day-old male Liangfeng broilers were randomly assigned to three treatments: basal diet (CON), MOL diet (where 5% of corn in the basal diet was replaced with an equal amount of naturally moldy corn) containing DON and ZEN at 1.25 and 1.29 mg/kg, and MGUE diet supplemented with 0.1% GUE in the MOL diet. The MOL diet reduced the body weight (BW) of broilers at 56 and 84 day, body weight gain (BWG) and feed intake (FI) aged 1-56 and 1-84 days, and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) aged 1-84 days, as well as villus height (VH) and the villus/crypt (V/C) ratio, SOD and GSH-Px activities, and the expression of claudin-1, occludin and ZO-1, while increasing MDA level, the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β and IFN-γ in the jejunum of broilers. Additionally, MOL diet decreased the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio and abundances of Lactobacillus (L.gallinarum and L.crispatus), and B.vulgatus, while increasing Bacteroides (B.fragilis and B.dore), Helicobacter (H.pullorum), and Escherichia (E.coli) in the ceca. In contrast, MGUE diet improved growth performance and returned it to a level comparable to that of the CON diet, increased VH and V/C ratio, SOD and GSH-Px activity, claudin-1, occludin and ZO-1 expression, while reducing MDA level, the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β and IFN-γ in the jejunum. Moreover, MGUE diet had a greater F/B ratio and abundance of Lactobacillus (L.gallinarum and L.crispatus) and B.vulgatus, while reducing Bacteroides (B.fragilis and B.dorei), Helicobacter (H.pullorum) and Escherichia (E.coli) in cecum. In conclusion, the long-term consumption of a low-dose DON-ZEN contaminated diet decreases growth performance and disrupts intestinal health and microbiota balance in broilers; however, dietary supplementation with GUE effectively mitigates the damage caused by DON-ZEN contamination.},
}

@article {pmid40289066,
year = {2025},
author = {Dos Reis, JBA and Steindorff, AS and Lorenzi, AS and Pinho, DB and do Vale, HMM and Pappas, GJ},
title = {How genomics can help unravel the evolution of endophytic fungi.},
journal = {World journal of microbiology & biotechnology},
volume = {41},
number = {5},
pages = {153},
pmid = {40289066},
issn = {1573-0972},
support = {Funding code 001//Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior-Brasil (CAPES)/ ; No. DE-AC02-05CH11231//Office of Science of the U.S. Department of Energy/ ; FAPESC N.º: 1580/2024//Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa e Inovação do Estado de Santa Catarina/ ; },
mesh = {*Endophytes/genetics/physiology ; *Fungi/genetics/classification/physiology ; *Genomics/methods ; Symbiosis ; *Plants/microbiology ; *Genome, Fungal ; *Evolution, Molecular ; Biological Evolution ; Secondary Metabolism ; },
abstract = {Endophytic fungi (EFs) form intimate associations with plants, residing within their tissues without causing apparent harm. Understanding the evolution of endophytic fungal genomes is essential for uncovering the mechanisms that drive their symbiotic relationships with host plants. This review explores the dynamic interactions between EFs and host plants, focusing on the evolutionary processes that shape their genomes. We highlighted key genomic adaptations promoting their endophytic lifestyle, including genes involved in plant cell wall degradation, secondary metabolite production, and stress tolerance. By combining genomic data with ecological and physiological information, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of the coevolutionary dynamics between EFs and host plants. Moreover, it provides insights that help elucidate the complex interdependencies governing their symbiotic interactions.},
}

*Endophytes/genetics/physiology
*Fungi/genetics/classification/physiology
*Genomics/methods
Symbiosis
*Plants/microbiology
*Genome, Fungal
*Evolution, Molecular
Biological Evolution
Secondary Metabolism

@article {pmid40289058,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, X and Lu, J and Li, M and Qiu, S and Ge, S},
title = {Extracellular polymeric substances in indigenous microalgal-bacterial consortia: advances in characterization techniques and emerging applications.},
journal = {World journal of microbiology & biotechnology},
volume = {41},
number = {5},
pages = {144},
pmid = {40289058},
issn = {1573-0972},
support = {52170038, 52370040 and 52470038//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; BK20220143//Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province/ ; },
mesh = {*Extracellular Polymeric Substance Matrix/metabolism/chemistry ; *Microalgae/metabolism/chemistry ; *Microbial Consortia/physiology ; *Bacteria/metabolism ; Biodegradation, Environmental ; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared ; },
abstract = {Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) synthesized by indigenous microalgal-bacterial consortia (IMBC) play multifunctional roles in enhancing wastewater treatment efficiency, nutrient sequestration, and ecological system stability. This comprehensive review critically evaluates state-of-the-art analytical methods for characterizing EPS composition, physicochemical properties, and functional dynamics, including colorimetry, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). While these methods provide critical insights into EPS structure-function relationships, challenges persist in resolving spatial heterogeneity, real-time secretion dynamics, and molecular-scale interactions within complex IMBC systems. Emerging technologies such as expansion microscopy (ExM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and integrated multi-omics approaches are highlighted as transformative tools for in situ EPS profiling, offering nanoscale resolution and temporal precision. By synthesizing these innovations, this review proposes a multidisciplinary framework to decode EPS-mediated microbial symbiosis, optimize IMBC performance, and advance applications in sustainable bioremediation, bioenergy, and circular resource recovery.},
}

*Extracellular Polymeric Substance Matrix/metabolism/chemistry
*Microalgae/metabolism/chemistry
*Microbial Consortia/physiology
*Bacteria/metabolism
Biodegradation, Environmental
Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared

@article {pmid40288134,
year = {2025},
author = {Ali, MU and Khan, I and Khan, H},
title = {Leveraging industry 4.0 technologies and industrial symbiosis: Advancing circular economy practices in BRICS economies.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {383},
number = {},
pages = {125471},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.125471},
pmid = {40288134},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {In addressing the dynamics of a circular economy (CE), Industry 4.0 technologies (IN4.0T) and Industrial Symbiosis (IS) necessitate meticulous management strategies to optimize their advantageous impacts on circular practices. The present study investigates the influence of IN4.0T, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and IS on advancing CE principles in BRICS economies during 2011-2021. To estimate these nexuses, Panel Cross Sectionally Augmented Autoregressive Distributed Lag econometric approach is employed. The results reveal that IS, AI, and IoT significantly enhance CE efficiency in BRICS nations. The study's findings contribute to current literature in three discrete ways: first, it stipulates empirical evidence of how AI and IoT facilitate CE practices; second, it demonstrates the facilitating role of IS in strengthening the restorative-circularity nexus; and third, it offers insights specific to BRICS nations, where rapid economic growth intersects with environmental challenges. The results align with and extend theoretical frameworks, including the Natural-Resources-Based and the Business-Technology-Adoptions models. The findings suggest that policymakers should invest in Industrial Symbiosis and digital technologies to lessen waste, improve resource efficiency, nurture collaborations, and boost CE transitions in BRICS economies.},
}

@article {pmid40287897,
year = {2025},
author = {Ombura, FLO and Malele, I and Abd-Alla, AM and Akutse, KS and Ajene, IJ and Khamis, FM},
title = {Potential of entomopathogenic fungi for Glossina austeni control: insights into microbiome alterations and implications on sustainable management of the pest.},
journal = {Insect science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1744-7917.70052},
pmid = {40287897},
issn = {1744-7917},
support = {D42017//International Atomic Energy Agency/ ; },
abstract = {Glossina austeni Newstead (Diptera: Glossinidae) is a competent vector of the trypanosomes causing human African trypanosomiasis and the African animal trypanosomosis. Management of this pest has primarily involved trapping methods, Sterile Insect Technique, and research into vector competence-symbiotic interactions. Nevertheless, the use of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) in integrated pest management programs for G. austeni control remains limited. Moreover, different tsetse fly species exhibit varying susceptibility to different EPF strains, indicating that no single strain is universally effective. Therefore, our study aimed to identify candidate EPF isolates for G. austeni management, evaluate the effects of temperature on the radial growth of these potent isolates, and assess the impact of the candidate EPF on the gut microbiome of G. austeni. Consequently, 16 Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschn.) Sorokin isolates were screened against G. austeni using dry conidia in an infection chamber, with the most virulent isolates having LT50 values of 3.95-9.37 d. Temperature significantly influenced the radial growth, conidia germination, and yield of these strains. There were also significant differences in conidia acquisition, retention and transmission between male and female G. austeni flies. Furthermore, all conidia receivers carried sufficient conidia, 5 d post-interaction with EPF-challenged conidia donors. Microbiome analysis revealed Wigglesworthia, Serratia, Klebsiella, and Escherichia as the most abundant taxa. Among the M. anisopliae isolates, ICIPE 82 exhibited the fastest radial growth and highest thermostability, hence selected as a potential biopesticide candidate for managing G. austeni. This study demonstrates the efficacy and potential of M. anisopliae ICIPE 82 as a biopesticide for controlling G. austeni.},
}

@article {pmid40287858,
year = {2025},
author = {Ren, H and Pu, Q and Yang, X and Kashyap, S and Liu, S},
title = {Regulatory mechanisms of nitrogen homeostasis in insect growth and development.},
journal = {Insect science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1744-7917.70059},
pmid = {40287858},
issn = {1744-7917},
support = {32172797//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; SWU-XJPY202309//Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities/ ; CYB21132//Chongqing Graduate Student Research Innovation Project/ ; },
abstract = {Nitrogen is an essential element for the synthesis of proteins, nucleic acids, and various other critical biological molecules in insects. The maintenance of nitrogen homeostasis in insects is achieved through a balance of dietary intake, metabolic conversion, and excretion. Insects primarily acquire nitrogen from their diet, which is subsequently metabolized into amino acids, proteins, and other vital biomolecules following digestion and absorption. Excess nitrogen is excreted in forms such as uric acid, allantoin, allantoic acid, urea, and ammonia. Disruptions in nitrogen regulation can result in ammonia toxicity and abnormal production or excretion of nitrogenous metabolites, including uric acid, ultimately impairing insect development and survival. This review examines the mechanisms underlying nitrogen homeostasis in insects, with a focus on the intricate regulatory roles of carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, uric acid metabolism, urea and polyamine metabolism, ammonia transport pathways, and symbiotic interactions. By elucidating these processes, this review aims to enhance our understanding of insect nutritional metabolism and developmental biology, while offering novel perspectives for the development of more effective pest management strategies.},
}

@article {pmid40287614,
year = {2025},
author = {Xu, J and Huang, X and Wang, X and Li, S and Ou, X and Yuan, Q and Wang, Y and He, H and Jiang, W and Zhou, T},
title = {Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals the role of sugar signaling in response to high temperature stress in Armillaria gallica.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {247},
pmid = {40287614},
issn = {1471-2180},
mesh = {Gene Expression Profiling ; *Signal Transduction ; *Hot Temperature ; *Carbohydrate Metabolism/genetics ; Transcriptome ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; *Sugars/metabolism ; Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Symbiosis ; Stress, Physiological ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Armillaria gallica establish a unique symbiotic relationship with Gastrodia elata, which is a valuable Chinese herbal plant that relies on this symbiosis. High temperature (HT) seriously affected the growth of both A. gallica and G. elata. However, the molecular mechanisms and gene networks involved in the response of A. gallica to HT are not well understood.

RESULTS: In this study, transcriptomic analyses at multiple time point were conducted using rhizomorph from two A. gallica strains, GZ1 (tolerance to HT) and SX8 (sensitive to HT) under HT and normal temperature (NT) conditions. We identified 2,056 differentially expressed genes, primarily associated with carbohydrate metabolism and protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Heat shock proteins (HSP20 and HSP90) were up-regulated in both GZ1 and SX8 under HT, indicating a conserved HT induced response in A. gallica. Additionally, genes related to glycolysis were up-regulated in GZ1 following HT treatment, while genes involved in the conversion of sugar to amino acids were down-regulated in GZ1 under HT treatment. GZ1 also showed an increased accumulation of soluble sugar and polysaccharide under HT, which were significantly correlated with pyruvate kinase and aldo/keto reductase genes. Furthermore, a sucrose concentration of 30 g/L enhanced HT resistance in A. gallica.

CONCLUSIONS: These results reveal that sugar signaling, particularly in carbohydrate metabolism, plays a critical role in the rhizomorph response to HT stress. Both conserved and species-specific transcriptome changes may contribute to the dynamic regulation of rhizomorph development during adaptation to HT stress in A. gallica.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.},
}

Gene Expression Profiling
*Signal Transduction
*Hot Temperature
*Carbohydrate Metabolism/genetics
Transcriptome
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
*Sugars/metabolism
Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Symbiosis
Stress, Physiological

@article {pmid40285541,
year = {2025},
author = {Edwards, JD and Kazenel, MR and Luo, Y and Lynn, JS and McCulley, RL and Souza, L and Young, C and Rudgers, JA and Kivlin, SN},
title = {Warming Disrupts Plant-Fungal Endophyte Symbiosis More Severely in Leaves Than Roots.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {31},
number = {4},
pages = {e70207},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.70207},
pmid = {40285541},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {KY006045//Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station/ ; 08-SC-NICCR-1073//Biological and Environmental Research/ ; DE-FOA-0002392//Biological and Environmental Research/ ; 1021222//Division of Environmental Biology/ ; 1354972//Division of Environmental Biology/ ; 1936195//Division of Environmental Biology/ ; 2106065//Division of Environmental Biology/ ; 2217353//Division of Environmental Biology/ ; 2305863//Division of Environmental Biology/ ; 58-6440-7-135//Agricultural Research Service/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Endophytes/physiology ; *Plant Roots/microbiology ; *Plant Leaves/microbiology ; *Global Warming ; *Fungi/physiology ; Grassland ; },
abstract = {Disruptions to functionally important symbionts with global change will negatively impact plant fitness, with broader consequences for species' abundances, distribution, and community composition. Fungal endophytes that live inside plant leaves and roots could potentially mitigate plant heat stress from global warming. Conversely, disruptions of these symbioses could exacerbate the negative impacts of warming. To better understand the consistency and strength of warming-induced changes to fungal endophytes, we examined fungal leaf and root endophytes in three grassland warming experiments in the US ranging from 2 to 25 years and spanning 2000 km, 12°C of mean annual temperature, and 600 mm of precipitation. We found that experimental warming disrupted symbiosis between plants and fungal endophytes. Colonization of plant tissues by septate fungi decreased in response to warming by 90% in plant leaves and 35% in roots. Warming also reduced fungal diversity and changed community composition in plant leaves, but not roots. The strength, but not direction, of warming effects on fungal endophytes varied by up to 75% among warming experiments. Finally, warming decoupled fungal endophytes from host metabolism by decreasing the correlation between endophyte community and host metabolome dissimilarity. These effects were strongest in the shorter-term experiment, suggesting endophyte-host metabolome function may acclimate to warming over decades. Overall, warming-driven disruption of fungal endophyte community structure and function suggests that this symbiosis may not be a reliable mechanism to promote plant resilience and ameliorate stress responses under global change.},
}

*Symbiosis
*Endophytes/physiology
*Plant Roots/microbiology
*Plant Leaves/microbiology
*Global Warming
*Fungi/physiology
Grassland

@article {pmid40285409,
year = {2025},
author = {Turney, K and Bauman, R and Christensen, MA and Goodsell, R},
title = {Stress Proliferation or Stress Relief? Understanding Mothers' Health during Son's Incarceration.},
journal = {Journal of health and social behavior},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {221465251330848},
doi = {10.1177/00221465251330848},
pmid = {40285409},
issn = {2150-6000},
abstract = {Social stressors proliferate to impair the health of those connected to the person enduring the stressor, but they can simultaneously offer relief from other stressors. Using in-depth interviews with 69 mothers of incarcerated men, we investigate mothers' descriptions of how the stressor of their adult son's incarceration impairs their health. First, mothers overwhelmingly describe how the increased instrumental, emotional, and financial responsibilities following their son's confinement damage their health. Second, despite these increased responsibilities, most mothers simultaneously describe stress relief following their son's incarceration, which may offset some of their health impairments. Third, these processes are situated in a broader social context, with increased responsibilities most salient when mothers have caregiving relationships with their grandchildren and stress relief most salient when their sons endure cyclical incarceration. These findings, which expand our understanding of the symbiotic harms of incarceration for mothers' health, highlight the complexity of responses to social stressors.},
}

@article {pmid40284782,
year = {2025},
author = {de Cassia S Brandão, B and de Abreu, JL and Oliveira, DWS and da Silva Campos, CVF and de Aguiar, IMT and de Sena, PR and Gálvez, AO and Oliveira, CYB},
title = {New Findings on the Survival of Durusdinium glynnii Under Different Acclimation Methods to Low Salinities.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {40284782},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {Finance code 001//Coordenação de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior/ ; 409352/2023-3//National Council for Scientific and Technological Development/ ; PQ 310898/2023-4//National Council for Scientific and Technological Development/ ; APQ 1387-3.03/22//Fundação de Amparo à Ciência e Tecnologia de Pernambuco/ ; BFP-0131-5.06/22//Fundação de Amparo à Ciência e Tecnologia de Pernambuco/ ; },
abstract = {This study investigated the effects of salinity on the growth and cell morphotype of the coral-associated dinoflagellate Durusdinium glynnii under two acclimation strategies: abrupt saline shock (S5) and gradual reduction (S2). Results revealed optimal growth rates (µ = 0.22-0.35 day[-1]) at salinities of 20-30 g L[-1], while extreme conditions (10 and 40 g L[-1]) significantly inhibited development. The S2 strategy enabled adaptation to salinities as low as 16 g L[-1], maintaining higher cell densities compared to the S5 method. Gradual salinity reduction also influenced cellular morphology: below 12 g L[-1], a predominant shift occurred from motile forms (mastigotes) to non-motile spherical structures (coccoid), suggesting an adaptive response to osmotic stress, gradually reducing the growth rate due to the lower reproductive rate of coccoid cells, as previously reported in studies. The findings conclude that D. glynnii is a euryhaline species, tolerant of moderate salinity variations (16-30 g L[-1]) but limited under extreme conditions. Its morphological plasticity and gradual acclimation capacity highlight its potential for cultivation in brackish environments and biomass production for biotechnological applications, such as antioxidants and antimicrobials. The data provide a foundation for future studies on molecular mechanisms of salinity tolerance, essential for coral conservation strategies and bioprospecting efforts.},
}

@article {pmid40284762,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, J and Yang, ZD and Wang, ET and Sun, LQ and Li, Y},
title = {The Effect of Climate Variables, Soil Characteristics, and Peanut Cultivars on the Rhizobial Bacteria Community.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {40284762},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {ZR202102280248//Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province/ ; 31600009//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2024TSGC0541//Key Research and Development Plan of Shandong Province/ ; 2024JCYJ079//Yantai Science and Technology Project/ ; },
abstract = {Peanuts are widely cultivated across the world; however, peanut's rhizobial community and the determinant factors of their composition are still to be elucidated. This study investigates the biogeography and determinant soil environmental factors for peanut rhizobia. A total of 1001 rhizobial isolates were obtained from the peanut root nodules, mainly belonging to two cultivars (X9 and M6) cultivated in 20 sampling sites across China. According to recA sequence analysis, all the isolates were classified as 84 haplotypes, and a representative strain for each haplotype was randomly selected to perform subsequent analyses. Based on multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) of housekeeping genes dnaK, glnII, gyrB, recA, and rpoB, all the representative strains were classified as 42 genospecies in the genus Bradyrhizobium, including 12 effectively published and 30 undefined genospecies. Strains belonging to six genospecies were predominant (>5%), including B. ottawaense, B. liaoningense, B. yuanmingense, Bradyrhizobium sp. XXIX, B. guangdongense, and B. nanningense. However, only a single isolate was obtained for 15 genospecies. The diversity indices of peanut rhizobia distributed in South China are obviously higher than those in North China, but no obvious peanut cultivar selection for rhizobial genospecies was found. Correlation analyses indicated that the community composition of peanut rhizobia was mainly affected by MAP, MAT, soil AP, and pH. Nodulation tests indicated that the 79 representative strains belonging to 37 genospecies with both nodC and nifH could perform nitrogen-fixing symbiosis with peanuts. This study revealed the great diversity and varied composition of communities of peanut rhizobia in different geographic regions across China.},
}

@article {pmid40284753,
year = {2025},
author = {Karasartova, D and Arslan-Akveran, G and Sensoz, S and Mumcuoglu, KY and Taylan-Ozkan, A},
title = {Hirudo verbana Microbiota Dynamics: A Key Factor in Hirudotherapy-Related Infections?.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {40284753},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {ALACA19001.23.002//Hitit University Scientific Research Projects/ ; },
abstract = {The gastrointestinal microbiota of medicinal leeches is particularly interesting due to their blood-feeding habits, increasing medical use, and risk of pathogen transmission. Three groups of Hirudo verbana were used to study the leech microbiota: farmed leeches fasting for a long time, farmed leeches recently fed with bovine blood, and wild specimens fed with amphibian blood. The microbiota of the leeches' mouth, pharynx, crop, and intestine was analyzed. Metasequencing analyses were performed using amplification of the 16S rRNA V3-V4 region on a NovaSeq Illumina platform. The relative abundance of bacterial microbiota included environmental bacteria from the families Rhizobiaceae, Comamonadaceae, Sphingobacteriaceae, Phreatobacteraceae, Myxococcaceae, Chitinophagaceae, Rhodospirillaceae, and Bdellovibrionaceae, as well as symbiotic/probiotic bacteria such as Mucinivorans, Aeromonas, Vagococcus, Lactobacillales, and Morganella. Significant differences were found in the different regions of the digestive system among the three groups of leeches, and environmental bacteria were present in all groups to varying degrees. A negative correlation was found between the dominant environmental and the symbiotic/probiotic bacteria. In contrast, a positive correlation was found between environmental and symbiotic/probiotic bacteria, indicating their association with host factors. Microbiota diversity, abundance, and bacterial correlations may be influenced by factors such as the leech's fasting state, blood meal source, and environmental conditions. The identified opportunistic pathogens, such as Rickettsia, Anaplasma, and Treponema, identified for the first time in H. verbana, should be taken into consideration when using this leech in hirudotherapy. Our results show that extensive screening for opportunistic and pathogenic agents should be performed on leeches intended for medical use. Long-fasting leeches and leeches cultured in specialized farms are recommended for hirudotherapy.},
}

@article {pmid40284752,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, Z and Ke, L and Huang, C and Peng, S and Zhao, M and Wu, H and Lin, F},
title = {Effects of Seawater from Different Sea Areas on Abalone Gastrointestinal Microorganisms and Metabolites.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {40284752},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {(FJHYF-L-2023-7).//Fujian Provincial Special Fund Project for Promoting the High-quality Development of Marine and Fishery Industry in 2023/ ; },
abstract = {Significant regional variations in seawater characteristics (temperature, salinity, pH, nutrients) exist across marine environments, yet their impacts on abalone gastrointestinal microbiota and metabolites remain underexplored. This study investigated seawater nutrient and pH interactions on abalone gut ecosystems through comparative analysis of three marine regions (Pingtan (PT), Xiapu (XP), Lianjiang (LJ)). Seawater characteristics revealed distinct patterns: LJ exhibited the lowest total phosphorus (TP: 0.12 mg/L), total nitrogen (TN: 2.8 mg/L), NH3-N (0.05 mg/L) but the highest salinity (32.1‱) and lowest pH (7.82), while PT/XP showed elevated nutrients (TP: 0.24-0.28 mg/L; TN: 4.2-4.5 mg/L). Microbial diversity peaked in LJ samples (Shannon index: 5.8) with dominant genera Psychrilyobacter (12.4%) and Bradyrhizobium (9.1%), contrasting with PT's Mycoplasma-enriched communities (18.7%) and XP's Vibrio-dominant profiles (14.3%). Metabolomic analysis identified 127 differential metabolites (VIP > 1.5, p < 0.05), predominantly lipids (38%) and organic acids (27%), with pathway enrichment in sulfur relay (q = 4.2 × 10[-5]) and tryptophan metabolism (q = 1.8 × 10[-4]). Stomach-specific metabolites correlated with fatty acid degradation (e.g., inosine diphosphate, r = -0.82 with vibrionimonas) and glutathione metabolism (methionine vs. mycoplasma, r = -0.79). Critically, pH showed negative correlations with beneficial Psychrilyobacter (oleamide: r = -0.68) and positive associations with pathogenic Vibrio (trigonelline: r = 0.72). Elevated NH3-N (>0.15 mg/L) and TP (>0.25 mg/L) promoted Mycoplasma proliferation (R[2] = 0.89) alongside cytotoxic metabolite accumulation. These findings demonstrate that higher pH (>8.0) and nutrient overload disrupt microbial symbiosis, favoring pathogens over beneficial taxa.},
}

@article {pmid40284713,
year = {2025},
author = {Mataboge, MT and Mohammed, M and Dakora, FD},
title = {Symbiotic N2 Fixation, Leaf Photosynthesis, and Abiotic Stress Tolerance of Native Rhizobia Isolated from Soybean Nodules at Da, Upper West Region, Ghana.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {40284713},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {MND20052552476//National Research Foundation (NRF)/ ; },
abstract = {The soybean is an important source of protein and is gaining popularity in Ghana due to a rising demand for its use in the poultry industry. However, the grain yield of soybeans is relatively low in the Upper West Region due to infertile soil and climate change. This study evaluated root nodulation and symbiotic effectiveness in 31 rhizobial isolates obtained from the nodules of soybeans planted at Da in the Upper West Region, Ghana, as well as measured photosynthetic activity of the soybean plants grown under glasshouse conditions. This study further assessed the tolerance of the rhizobial isolates to different levels of temperature, drought, salinity, and pH in the laboratory and also measured the ability of the isolates to produce indole-3-acetic acid. An infrared gas analyser and the [15]N and [13]C natural abundance techniques were used to assess the photosynthetic activity, N2 fixation, and water-use efficiency, respectively. The results showed that the test isolates that induced greater photosynthetic rates from higher stomatal conductance also stimulated increased water loss via leaf transpiration in soybean plants. Isolates TUTGMGH9 and TUTGMGH19 elicited much higher shoot δ[13]C in the soybean host plant and induced higher shoot biomass, C accumulation, percent relative symbiotic effectiveness, and N2 fixation relative to Bradyrhizobium strain WB74 and 5 mM of nitrate, which were used as positive controls. Although isolate TUTGMGH9 did not grow at 40 °C, it showed growth at 5% of PEG-6000, NaCl, and a low pH while also producing moderate IAA. However, for better utilisation of these rhizobial isolates as bioinoculants, their growth performance needs to be assessed under field conditions to ascertain their competitiveness and symbiotic efficacy.},
}

@article {pmid40284649,
year = {2025},
author = {Valente, IL and Wancura, JHC and Zabot, GL and Mazutti, MA},
title = {Endophytic and Rhizospheric Microorganisms: An Alternative for Sustainable, Organic, and Regenerative Bioinput Formulations for Modern Agriculture.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {40284649},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {001//Coordenação de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior/ ; },
abstract = {Large amounts of chemical fertilizers are still used to suppress pathogens and boost agricultural productivity and food generation. However, their use can cause harmful environmental imbalance. Furthermore, plants typically absorb limited amounts of the nutrients provided by chemical fertilizers. Recent studies are recommending the use of microbiota present in the soil in different formulations, considering that several microorganisms are found in nature in association with plants in a symbiotic, antagonistic, or synergistic way. This ecological alternative is positive because no undesirable significant alterations occur in the environment while stimulating plant nutrition development and protection against damage caused by control pathogens. Therefore, this review presents a comprehensive discussion regarding endophytic and rhizospheric microorganisms and their interaction with plants, including signaling and bio-control processes concerning the plant's defense against pathogenic spread. A discussion is provided about the importance of these bioinputs as a microbial resource that promotes plant development and their sustainable protection methods aiming to increase resilience in the agricultural system. In modern agriculture, the manipulation of bioinputs through Rhizobium contributes to reducing the effects of greenhouse gases by managing nitrogen runoff and decreasing nitrous oxide. Additionally, mycorrhizal fungi extend their root systems, providing plants with greater access to water and nutrients.},
}

@article {pmid40284643,
year = {2025},
author = {Thwe, MN and Moné, Y and Sen, B and Czerski, S and Azad, A and Earl, JP and Hall, DC and Ehrlich, GD},
title = {Microspatial Heterogeneities and the Absence of Postmortem Contamination in Alzheimer's Disease Brain Microbiota: An Alzheimer's Pathobiome Initiative (AlzPI) Study.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {40284643},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {001//Dr. James Truchard/ ; 002//Bill and Marian Cook Foundation/ ; 003//Drexel University College of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology and the Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease/ ; },
abstract = {The discovery of profound differences in the brain microbiota of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and age-matched controls (AMCs) raised questions of postmortem contamination and bacterial transport processes which could be informed by microspatial heterogeneities. We performed semiquantitative species-specific bacterial analyses on multiple micro biopsies from each of the 30 brain specimens (AD and controls). We trimmed ~1 mm of each specimen's edges for surface contaminants and made multiple sterile biopsy punches of the resultant core of each specimen. To identify species-specific abundances, we used our validated, semiquantitative, full-length 16S rRNA gene pan-domain amplification protocol followed by high-fidelity circular consensus sequencing performed on a Pacific Biosciences Sequel IIe instrument. Statistical analyses showed no significant increase in bacterial abundance on trimmed surfaces compared to core specimens, including C. acnes, the most abundant species previously identified in AD. We did find evidence of substantial bacterial species abundance differences among micro-biopsies obtained from within individual tissue blocks supporting our hypothesis of microspatial heterogeneities. The autopsy brain specimens used in our analyses in this study and our previous publication were not contaminated prior to or postharvesting but we suggest that future microbiological analyses of brain specimens include similar types of edge-core comparison analyses. Further, the species-level bacterial abundance heterogeneities among specimens of the same tissue suggest that multiple symbiotic processes may be occurring.},
}

@article {pmid40284585,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, Y and Hua, Y and Yi, Y and Liu, J and Fu, P},
title = {Coral-Associated Bacteria Provide Alternative Nitrogen Source for Symbiodiniaceae Growth in Oligotrophic Environment.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {40284585},
issn = {2076-2607},
abstract = {Coral reefs thrive in nutrients-poor waters, and their survival strategy in such oligotrophic marine environments remains largely unexplored. Current coral research has focused on the interplay between the animal hosts, symbiotic Symbiodiniaceae, and associated bacteria, with little attention given to their individual interactions. Here, we integrated biochemical, transcriptomic, and metabonomic analyses of the clade D Symbiodiniaceae strain AG11 to investigate the growth-assisting mechanisms of symbiotic bacteria. Our findings indicate that metabolic trophallaxis between Symbiodiniaceae and symbiotic bacteria plays a crucial role in enhancing survival and population growth under nitrogen-depleted conditions, commonly found in typical coral habitats. Notably, the exchange of organic compounds between Symbiodiniaceae and bacteria significantly boosts nitrogen uptake in their free-living state. Furthermore, we demonstrated how beneficial bacteria influence the survival of Symbiodiniaceae in response to environmental changes, which are vital for coping with nitrogen-depleted conditions where coral reefs are particularly vulnerable.},
}

@article {pmid40284560,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, X and Niu, Q and Li, J and Zhou, Z and Wu, Y and Song, G and Liu, R},
title = {Anaerobic Digestion of High-Solid Chicken Manure (CM) at Different Temperature: Intestinal Microbiome Efficiency, Inhibition, and Microbial Community Evolution.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {40284560},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {51608304//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; ZR2024MB158//Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation/ ; 2022YFC3700187//National High Technology Research and Development Program of China/ ; },
abstract = {Anaerobic digestion (AD) of high-solid mono-chicken manure (CM) holds great promise for resource utilization. However, the effects of substrate overload (high-solid mixture inside the reactor) on AD performance at various temperatures are still unclear, moreover, the metabolic processes with and without inoculation are also seldom reported. In this study, three key impact factors of different temperatures (4 °C, 35 °C, 55 °C and 75 °C), total solids (TS) inside, and inoculation were conducted to comprehensively explore the process variation. EEM-FRI results revealed that high temps boost coenzyme F420, while TS predominately driver the microbial production. High TS and temperature synthetically result in high free ammonia (FA) (>600 mg/L) associated with free volatile fatty acid (FVFA) (>450 mg/L), reducing CH4 production but increasing VFAs accumulation (12 g/L at 55 °C). Notably, intestinal microbiota alone without inoculation even achieved 11 g/L of VFA. The cross-feeding symbiosis between fermentative bacteria (Caldicoprobacter, Bacteroidetes, Tepidimicrobium) and hydrogenotrophic Methanobacterium enhanced CH4 production (68 mL/gVS at 35 °C). Moreover, high temperatures reduced microbial diversity but made heat-resistant hydrolytic bacteria dominant. This study precisely analyzes the effects of temperature and inoculation factors on the acidification efficiency of high-solid CM digestion, providing a crucial scientific basis for optimizing the resource utilization of CM waste.},
}

@article {pmid40284204,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, S and Lin, Z and Huang, Z and Yu, M and Lin, Z and Hu, Z},
title = {Unique Microbial Characterisation of Oesophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients with Different Dietary Habits Based on Light Gradient Boosting Machine Learning Classifier.},
journal = {Nutrients},
volume = {17},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {40284204},
issn = {2072-6643},
support = {82473698; 2019L3006 and 2020L3009; 23SCZZX004; 2021J01726 and 2021J01733//National Natural Science Foundation of China; the Central government-led local science and technology development special projec; the Fujian Provincial Financial Special Project; the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma/microbiology ; *Esophageal Neoplasms/microbiology ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; *Machine Learning ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Feeding Behavior ; Aged ; Bacteria/classification/genetics ; *Microbiota ; Diet ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Boosting Machine Learning Algorithms ; },
abstract = {Objectives: The microbiome plays an important role in cancer, but the relationship between dietary habits and the microbiota in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is not clear. The aim of this study is to explore the complex relationship between the microbiota in oesophagal tissue and dietary habits in ESCC patients. Methods: 173 ESCC patients were included. The method of 16S rRNA sequencing was used to analyze microbial composition and diversity. The LEfSe and Boruta methods were used to screen important microbes, and the LightGBM algorithm distinguished microbes associated with different dietary habits. PICRUST2 and DESeq2 predicted microbial function and screened differential functions. The Pearson test was used to analyze correlations between microbes and functions, and SPARCC microbial symbiotic networks and Cytoscape were used to determine microbial interactions. Results: Significant differences in microbial composition were observed among ESCC patients with different dietary habits. LEfSe and Boruta identified three, six, and two significantly different bacteria in the FF/FP, FF/PF, and FF/PP groups, respectively, with AUC values of 0.683, 0.830, and 0.715. PICRUST2 and DESeq2 analysis revealed 3, 11, and 5 significantly different metabolic pathways in each group. Eubacterium_B sulci was positively correlated with PWY-6285, PWY-3801, and PWY-5823. PWY-6397 was positively correlated with undefinded (Fusobacterium_C). Microbial network analysis confirmed unique microbial characteristics in different diet groups. Conclusions: Different dietary habits lead to alterations in Eubacterium_B sulci and undefinded (Fusobacterium_C) and related functional pathways.},
}

Humans
*Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma/microbiology
*Esophageal Neoplasms/microbiology
Male
Female
Middle Aged
*Machine Learning
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
*Feeding Behavior
Aged
Bacteria/classification/genetics
*Microbiota
Diet
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Boosting Machine Learning Algorithms

@article {pmid40283508,
year = {2025},
author = {Boicean, A and Ichim, C and Sasu, SM and Todor, SB},
title = {Key Insights into Gut Alterations in Metabolic Syndrome.},
journal = {Journal of clinical medicine},
volume = {14},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {40283508},
issn = {2077-0383},
abstract = {Over time, extensive research has underscored the pivotal role of gut microbiota in the onset and progression of various diseases, with a particular focus on fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) as a potential therapeutic approach. The practice of transferring fecal matter from a healthy donor to a patient provides valuable insights into how alterations in gut microbiota can impact disease development and how rectifying dysbiosis may offer therapeutic benefits. Re-establishing a balanced symbiotic relationship in the gastrointestinal tract has shown positive results in managing both intestinal and systemic conditions. Currently, one of the most pressing global health issues is metabolic syndrome-a cluster of conditions that includes insulin resistance, lipid imbalances, central obesity and hypertension. In this context, FMT has emerged as a promising strategy for addressing key components of metabolic syndrome, such as improving insulin sensitivity, body weight and lipid profiles. However, further well-structured studies are needed to refine treatment protocols and establish the long-term safety and efficacy of this intervention.},
}

@article {pmid40283107,
year = {2025},
author = {Mugivhisa, LL and Manganyi, MC},
title = {Green Catalysis: The Role of Medicinal Plants as Food Waste Decomposition Enhancers/Accelerators.},
journal = {Life (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/life15040552},
pmid = {40283107},
issn = {2075-1729},
abstract = {The escalating global issue of food waste, valued at billions of USD annually and significantly impacting sustainability across social, economic, and environmental dimensions, necessitates innovative solutions to enhance waste management processes. Conventional decomposition techniques frequently encounter challenges related to inefficiencies and extended processing durations. This investigation examines the potential contributions of medicinal plants as green catalysts in the decomposition of food waste, utilizing their bioactive compounds to mitigate these obstacles. Medicinal plants facilitate the decomposition process through various mechanisms as follows: they secrete enzymes and metabolites that aid in the disintegration of organic matter, enhancing microbial activity and soil pH and structure. Furthermore, they foster nitrogen cycling and generate growth regulators that further optimize the efficiency of decomposition. The symbiotic associations between medicinal plants and microorganisms, including mycorrhizal fungi and rhizobacteria, are also instrumental in enhancing nutrient cycling and improving rates of decomposition. The utilization of medicinal plants in food waste management not only accelerates the decomposition process but also underpins sustainable practices by converting waste into valuable compost, thereby enriching soil health and lessening dependence on chemical fertilizers. This methodology is congruent with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and presents a plausible trajectory toward a circular economy and improved environmental sustainability.},
}

@article {pmid40282725,
year = {2025},
author = {Pei, Y and Zheng, Y and Yuen, M and Yuen, T and Yuen, H and Peng, Q},
title = {Preparation, Quality Analysis and Antioxidant Activity of Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) Kombucha Beverage at Different Fermentation Temperatures.},
journal = {Foods (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/foods14081325},
pmid = {40282725},
issn = {2304-8158},
support = {No. GXPSMM24-2//Guangxi Key Laboratory for Polysaccharide Materials and Modifications/ ; No. 2023-Y-05//the Science and Technology Project of Xining/ ; No. 2023-Y-05//Northwest A&F University College Students' Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Programme/ ; },
abstract = {Sea buckthorn is a unique resource with high nutritional value. The objective of this study was to develop a novel kombucha beverage from sea buckthorn juice by means of inoculation with kombucha (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast, SCOBY). The study investigated and compared the differences in physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity, and sensory evaluation during fermentation at different temperatures with those of traditional cultured green tea kombucha. The findings demonstrated that there were significant variations in physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity, and sensory evaluation among the sea buckthorn kombuchas produced at different temperatures. Among these, the sea buckthorn kombucha produced by fermentation at 28 °C exhibited the strongest antioxidant properties and the most favorable sensory evaluation. Furthermore, changes in the active substances were observed at different temperatures, and correlation analysis revealed that the antioxidant activity of Kombucha tea was correlated with the content of total phenols and total flavonoids. Consequently, the utilization of sea buckthorn juice in the production of kombucha beverages holds considerable promise.},
}

@article {pmid40282266,
year = {2025},
author = {Palma Esposito, F and López-Mobilia, A and Tangherlini, M and Casella, V and Coppola, A and Varola, G and Vitale, L and Della Sala, G and Tedesco, P and Montano, S and Seveso, D and Galli, P and Coppola, D and de Pascale, D and Galasso, C},
title = {Novel Insights and Genomic Characterization of Coral-Associated Microorganisms from Maldives Displaying Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and UV-Protectant Activities.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {14},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biology14040401},
pmid = {40282266},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {20A02494//Ministero dell'Università e della Ricerca (MUR, Roma)/ ; 101082304//European Union/ ; SBEP2023-61//European Union/ ; 101072475//European Union/ ; },
abstract = {Coral reef survival is crucial for the socio-ecological interest of many countries, particularly for the Republic of Maldives, whose reef integrity influences the country's livelihoods and economy. These ecosystems are being severely impacted by multiple stressors, leading to declines in biodiversity. In the last few decades, researchers have focused on studying coral-associated microorganisms (CAMs) and their symbiotic role in coral health and resilience. Metabarcoding analysis has been widely utilized to study CAM diversity under various conditions but provides limited information on their functional roles. Therefore, cultivation of bacterial strains remains indispensable for validating ecological and biotechnological hypotheses. In this study, we investigated the microbial community associated with two abundant corals in Maldives, Porites lobata and Acropora gemmifera, and evaluated the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and UV-protectant properties of 10 promising isolated strains. The selected CAMs, Pseudoalteromonas piscicida 39, Streptomyces parvus 79, Microbacterium sp. 92 (a potential novel species), and Micromonospora arenicola 93, exhibited antibiotic activity against a panel of pathogenic strains (MIC from 0.01 to 500 µg/mL), antioxidant (comparable effect to that of Trolox and ascorbic acid), and UV-screen activities (protection of human keratinocytes at 200 µg/mL). Genomes revealed their dual potential in contributing to coral restoration and drug discovery strategies. These findings highlight the biotechnological relevance of CAMs, representing an important step toward the identification of novel and bioactive bacterial species beneficial for coral reef ecosystems and human health.},
}

@article {pmid40282227,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, X and Jia, X and Zhao, Y and Xie, Y and Meng, X and Wang, F},
title = {Diversity of nifH Gene in Culturable Rhizobia from Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) Grown in Cadmium-Contaminated Soils.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {14},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biology14040362},
pmid = {40282227},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {2024RS-CXTD-55//Innovation Capability Support Program of Shaanxi/ ; },
abstract = {(1) Background: Rhizobia can promote plant growth by providing essential nutrients such as NH4[+] and PO4[3-]; thus, rhizobia that can tolerate the stress of heavy metals will be conducive to the phytoremediation of heavy-metal-contaminated soils. Therefore, understanding the dominant heavy-metal-tolerant rhizobia that can be cultured is important for the establishment of an indigenous legume-rhizobia symbiotic remediation system; (2) Methods: Here, we investigated nifH gene diversity in culturable rhizobia from black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) grown in cadmium (Cd)-contaminated soils using high-throughput sequencing.; (3) Results: A total of 16 genera and 26 species were identified from the cultures of root nodules of black locust exposed to five Cd levels. Cadmium did not show a significant effect on the abundance, diversity, and evenness of the culturable rhizobia community. However, Cd significantly affected the community structure of culturable rhizobia containing nifH. Mesorhizobium, Sinorhizobium, and Rhizobium were the absolute dominant genera present in the cultures under five Cd treatments. Additionally, Cd significantly affected the relative abundance of Azohydromonas, Xanthobacter, Skermanella, Bradyrhizobium, Paenibacillus, and Pseudacidovorax in the cultures. Soil pH, total Cd, DTPA-Cd, and C/H ratio were the significant factors on culturable rhizobia community.; (4) Conclusions: Cd showed a negative effect on nifH gene community of culturable rhizobia from black locust, which will provide insight into the selection of excellent strains that can promote phytoremediation of heavy-metal-contaminated soils.},
}

@article {pmid40282206,
year = {2025},
author = {Hidri, R and Zorrig, W and Debez, A and Mahmoud, OM and Zamarreño, AM and García-Mina, JM and Nait Mohamed, S and Abdelly, C and Azcon, R and Aroca, R},
title = {Role of Rhizophagus intraradices in Mitigating Salt Stress of Sulla carnosa Through Modulating Plant Hormones (ABA, SA, and JA) and Nutrient Profile.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {14},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biology14040341},
pmid = {40282206},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {PID2023-151376NB-I00//Ministry of Science, Innovationa and Universities/ ; },
abstract = {Salt accumulation can degrade soil properties, decrease its productivity, and harm its ecological functions. Introducing salt-tolerant plant species associated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can act as an effective biological method for restoring salinized soils. AMF colonize plant roots and improve their nutrient acquisition capacity. However, there is limited knowledge on how AMF affects the production of signaling molecules, e.g., abscisic acid (ABA), salicylic acid (SA), and jasmonic acid (JA), related to plant-microbe interactions under salinity. Here, we assess the potential benefits of the AMF Rhizophagus intraradices in enhancing plant growth and nutrient uptake in addition to modulating stress hormone signaling levels (ABA, SA, and JA) of the facultative halophyte Sulla carnosa under saline conditions. Plants were grown in pots filled with soil and irrigated with 200 mM NaCl for 1 month. AMF symbiosis substantially increased the shoot dry weight (+107%), root dry weight (+67%), photosynthetic pigment content (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids), and nutrient uptake (C, N, P, K, Cu, and Zn) while significantly limiting the increase in the shoot Na[+] concentration and H2O2 content caused by salinity stress. Mycorrhizal symbiosis significantly enhanced the root and shoot SA levels by 450% and 32%, respectively, compared to the stressed non-inoculated plants, potentially contributing to enhanced systemic resistance and osmotic adjustment under saline conditions. Salt stress increased the shoot ABA content, especially in R. intraradices-inoculated plants (113% higher than in stressed non-mycorrhizal plants). These findings confirm that AMF mitigated the adverse effects of salinity on S. carnosa by increasing the SA and ABA levels and reducing oxidative damage.},
}

@article {pmid40281400,
year = {2025},
author = {Binci, F and Cortese, E and Nouri, E and Capparotto, A and Guarneri, G and Settimi, AG and Dabalà, M and Antoni, V and Squartini, A and Giovannetti, M and Navazio, L},
title = {Plasma-activated water promotes and finely tunes arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis in Lotus japonicus.},
journal = {BMC plant biology},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {544},
pmid = {40281400},
issn = {1471-2229},
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology/drug effects ; *Lotus/microbiology/physiology/drug effects/metabolism ; *Symbiosis/drug effects ; *Water/pharmacology ; Plant Roots/microbiology ; *Plasma Gases/pharmacology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Plasma-activated water (PAW) is a recently developed cutting-edge technology that is increasingly gaining interest for its applications in medicine, food industry and agriculture. In plant biology, PAW has been shown to enhance seed germination, plant growth, and plant resilience against biotic and abiotic stresses. Despite increasing knowledge of the beneficial effects exerted by PAW on plants, little information is currently available about how this emerging technology may affect mutualistic plant-microbe interactions in the rhizosphere.

RESULTS: In this work we investigated the impact of irrigation with PAW, generated by a plasma torch, on arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis. Roots of the model legume Lotus japonicus expressing the bioluminescent Ca[2+] reporter aequorin responded to treatment with PAW 5' (obtained by 5 min water exposure to plasma) with the immediate induction of cytosolic and nuclear Ca[2+] signals, indicating that Ca[2+]-mediated signalling is one of the earliest cellular responses to PAW. The long-lasting elevations in intracellular Ca[2+] levels were not found to alter cell viability. Quantitative analyses of AM fungal accommodation in the host plant roots along with phosphate accumulation in leaves, as well as chemical analysis of N, C, S in shoots, showed that treatments with PAW play a modulatory role on plant AM symbiotic performance, in a manner dependent on the time interval of water exposure to the plasma and on the duration of plant treatment with PAW. In particular, irrigation with PAW 5' increased fungal colonization after 4 weeks, leading to a significant increase in leaf phosphate content after 7 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings reveal that PAW enhances AM symbiosis by facilitating early fungal accommodation in roots and subsequently increasing phosphate content in leaves at later stages. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the effects of PAW on the plant microbiome may drive research towards a fine-tuning of this novel green technology to maximize its beneficial effects in the context of a more sustainable agriculture.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology/drug effects
*Lotus/microbiology/physiology/drug effects/metabolism
*Symbiosis/drug effects
*Water/pharmacology
Plant Roots/microbiology
*Plasma Gases/pharmacology

@article {pmid40280062,
year = {2025},
author = {Ai, D and Wu, T and Huang, D and Ying, Z and Zhang, J},
title = {Enhanced removal of carbamazepine by microalgal-fungal symbiotic systems in the presence of Mn(II): Synergistic mechanisms and microbial community dynamics.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {493},
number = {},
pages = {138342},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.138342},
pmid = {40280062},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {Microalgal-fungal symbiotic systems (MFSS) have emerged as a promising approach for wastewater treatment, yet the mechanisms driving reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and pharmaceutical pollutant removal remain underexplored. This study investigates the synergistic interactions within MFSS and their role in Mn(II) oxidation, with a focus on enhancing carbamazepine (CBZ) degradation and microbial community dynamics. The results reveal that microalgal-fungal interactions inhibit Fe-S cluster activity, disrupting electron transport chains and promoting extracellular superoxide production. This superoxide surge directly accelerates Mn(II) oxidation, while Mn(III) and ROS drive synergistic effects to amplify CBZ removal efficiency. Notably, system-specific variations in superoxide generation were observed across different MFSS configurations, determining their degradation performance. Water quality factors, such as microbial community complexity and nitrate concentration, play crucial roles in CBZ degradation in natural water systems. High-throughput sequencing reveals dynamic shifts in bacterial and eukaryotic communities, highlighting their synergistic interactions in pollutant degradation. Temporal and spatial changes in microbial community structure suggest that the system evolves into a more adaptive configuration during pollutant treatment, enhancing long-term stability. These findings advance the mechanistic understanding of ROS-mediated pollutant degradation in MFSS and provide actionable strategies for optimizing bioremediation systems in engineered and natural water environments.},
}

@article {pmid40280021,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, J},
title = {Inducing factors and coping strategies for insufficient enterprise motivation in University-Industry Collaboration (UIC).},
journal = {Acta psychologica},
volume = {256},
number = {},
pages = {105034},
doi = {10.1016/j.actpsy.2025.105034},
pmid = {40280021},
issn = {1873-6297},
abstract = {University-Industry Collaboration (UIC) represents a vital pathway for cultivating high-caliber talent. However, insufficient enterprise motivation in UIC persists as a fundamental challenge in practice, significantly impacting collaboration quality and effectiveness. While this issue demands attention, related research remains in preliminary stages. Through systematic literature review and empirical investigation of UIC practices, this study employs grounded theory to analyze the inducing factors, behavioral manifestations, behavioral effects, and coping strategies associated with insufficient enterprise motivation. The findings reveal a theoretical framework comprising four major categories (inducing factors, behavioral manifestations, behavioral effects, and coping strategies) and twelve initial categories. Insufficient enterprise motivation gradually emerges through the interplay of symbiotic subject factors (such as inadequate innovation capacity and strategic planning), symbiotic environmental factors (including policy and institutional environment and market competition), and symbiotic mechanism factors (such as benefit distribution and risk-sharing mechanisms). This motivational deficiency manifests in multiple dimensions, including inadequate strategic planning, declining participation enthusiasm, lack of emotional investment, and reduced resource allocation. The behavioral effects are both significant and complex, negatively influencing enterprises' willingness to participate and decision-making processes. Countermeasures can be approached from three dimensions: enhancing symbiotic subjects, optimizing symbiotic environments, and perfecting symbiotic mechanisms. This research not only enriches the theoretical framework in the UIC field but also provides theoretical support and practical guidance for stimulating enterprise participation and improving UIC effectiveness.},
}

@article {pmid40279725,
year = {2025},
author = {Etesami, H and Santoyo, G},
title = {Boosting Rhizobium-legume symbiosis: The role of nodule non-rhizobial bacteria in hormonal and nutritional regulation under stress.},
journal = {Microbiological research},
volume = {297},
number = {},
pages = {128192},
doi = {10.1016/j.micres.2025.128192},
pmid = {40279725},
issn = {1618-0623},
abstract = {Legumes are vital for sustainable agriculture due to their unique ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen through symbiosis with rhizobia. Recent research has highlighted the significant role of non-rhizobial bacteria (NRB) within root nodules in enhancing this symbiotic relationship, particularly under stress conditions. These NRB exhibit plant growth-promoting (PGP) metabolites by modulating phytohormones and enhancing nutrient availability, thereby improving nodule development and function. Bacteria produce essential hormones, such as auxin (indole-3-acetic acid), cytokinins, gibberellic acids abscisic acid, jasmonic acid, and salicylic acid, and enzymes like 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase, which mitigate ethylene's inhibitory effects on nodulation. Furthermore, NRB contribute to nutrient cycling by solubilizing minerals like phosphate, potassium, silicate, zinc, and iron, essential for effective nitrogen fixation. The co-inoculation of legumes with both rhizobia and NRB with multiple PGP metabolites has shown synergistic effects on plant growth, yield, and resilience against environmental stresses. This review emphasizes the need to further explore the diversity and functional roles of nodule-associated non-rhizobial endophytes, aiming to optimize legume productivity through improved nutrient and hormonal management. Understanding these interactions is crucial for developing sustainable agricultural practices that enhance the efficiency of legume-rhizobia symbiosis, ultimately contributing to food security and ecosystem health.},
}

@article {pmid40278349,
year = {2025},
author = {Caradonna, E and Abate, F and Schiano, E and Paparella, F and Ferrara, F and Vanoli, E and Difruscolo, R and Goffredo, VM and Amato, B and Setacci, C and Setacci, F and Novellino, E},
title = {Trimethylamine-N-Oxide (TMAO) as a Rising-Star Metabolite: Implications for Human Health.},
journal = {Metabolites},
volume = {15},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {40278349},
issn = {2218-1989},
abstract = {The intestinal microbiota, hosting trillions of microorganisms that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract, functions as a symbiotic organism that plays a crucial role in regulating health by producing biologically active molecules that can enter systemic circulation. Among them, trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), an organic compound derived from dietary sources and microbial metabolism, has emerged as a critical biomarker linking diet, the gut microbiota, and the host metabolism to various pathological conditions. This comprehensive review highlights TMAO's biosynthesis, physiological functions, and clinical significance, focusing on its mechanistic contributions to cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Notably, TMAO-mediated pathways include endothelial dysfunction, inflammation via NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and cholesterol metabolism disruption, which collectively accelerate atherosclerosis and disease progression. Nonetheless, this work underscores the innovative potential of targeting TMAO through dietary, nutraceutical, and microbiota-modulating strategies to mitigate its pathological effects, marking a transformative approach in the prevention and management of TMAO-related disorders.},
}