@article {pmid41578329,
year = {2026},
author = {Pinton, F and Rimskaya-Korsakova, NN and Felbel, K and Grimmer, E and Hejnol, A},
title = {Absence of conserved immune signalling pathways and increased pathogen susceptibility associated to photosymbiosis in acoels.},
journal = {BMC biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12915-026-02506-w},
pmid = {41578329},
issn = {1741-7007},
support = {FlexPool//Deutsches Zentrum für integrative Biodiversitätsforschung Halle-Jena-Leipzig/ ; 766053//H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions/ ; 519107654//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; P2022-05-002//Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Host immunity plays an important role in coral symbiosis with dinoflagellates. Photosymbiosis (the association between hosts and photosynthetic endosymbionts) has evolved multiple times within animals, e.g. within acoels, which are soft-bodied marine invertebrates whose immunity remains so far undescribed.

RESULTS: Our predicted proteome searches show that acoels lack major signal transduction pathways usually involved in animal immunity. Their loss in acoels predates the occurrence of photosymbiosis in this clade. Immune challenges with the coral pathogen and bleaching agent, Vibrio coralliilyticus, increase acoel mortality and decrease symbiont abundance in adults of the photosymbiotic acoel Convolutriloba macropyga. Mortality in aposymbiotic C. macropyga juveniles or aposymbiotic species Hofstenia miamia is not affected. Ultrastructural studies of immune-challenged animals by transmission electron microscopy show damages at the cellular and organelle level, as well as a degradation of potential pathogens by the host. In situ hybridisation and differential gene expression analysis point to some areas of interaction between pattern recognition receptors and microbes, as well as to the involvement of acoel-specific or uncharacterised genes.

CONCLUSIONS: Based on our findings, photosymbiosis evolution in acoels could have been favoured by the loss of immune signalling pathways. Photosymbiosis in acoels seems to increase susceptibility to pathogen exposure and is disrupted by pathogens. Our data also suggests phagocytosis of pathogens and the possibility of a novel molecular immune response specific to acoels.},
}

@article {pmid41577483,
year = {2026},
author = {Betts, MM and Hultin, EA and Hallerman, EM and Maurakis, EG and Frimpong, EA},
title = {Embryonic selfish-herding blurs the line between brood parasitism and mutualism for communal-breeding stream fishes.},
journal = {Ecology},
volume = {107},
number = {1},
pages = {e70302},
doi = {10.1002/ecy.70302},
pmid = {41577483},
issn = {1939-9170},
support = {2039692//National Science Foundation/ ; //National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Nesting Behavior/physiology ; Reproduction/physiology ; *Cyprinidae/physiology/embryology ; *Embryo, Nonmammalian/physiology ; Rivers ; Female ; Male ; },
abstract = {Mutualisms are complex, interspecific relationships, which sometimes create "selfish-herds" as individuals of each species compete to maximize their own fitness. Nest association, where individuals of different species spawn on a nest created by a host species, is a reproductive interaction characteristic of some minnows (Leuciscidae) and is considered mutualistic despite mimicking the behavior labeled "brood parasitism." We studied the spawning behaviors of bluehead chub (Nocomis leptocephalus) and its nest associates, testing the hypothesis that bluehead chub exploits the selfish-herd dynamic in a novel manner by arranging embryos within its nest to maximize the survival of its own offspring at the expense of the nest associates' offspring. Our results show that embryos were not uniformly distributed within a nest, as one section representing one-sixth of the nest's total volume contained a disproportionate percentage of embryos (x¯ = 40.0% ± 6.1% SE). We found three-quarters of host embryos within deeper nest sections safer from embryo predators, whereas only a third of all associate embryos were found in the same sections. These results support our hypothesis that male Nocomis leptocephalus create "embryonic selfish-herds" within their nests. This is the first study to document the existence of embryonic selfish-herds, a phenomenon that warrants the reexamination of some vertebrate reproductive interactions labeled as brood parasitism.},
}

Animals
*Symbiosis
*Nesting Behavior/physiology
Reproduction/physiology
*Cyprinidae/physiology/embryology
*Embryo, Nonmammalian/physiology
Rivers
Female
Male

@article {pmid41576587,
year = {2026},
author = {Bouchet, VMP and Muller, L and Brown, A and Deldicq, N and Deiss, A and Tailliez, L and Bertile, F},
title = {Exposure to aged polypropylene nurdle leachates disrupts photosymbiosis in a kleptoplastic unicellular eukaryote.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {1015},
number = {},
pages = {181394},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2026.181394},
pmid = {41576587},
issn = {1879-1026},
abstract = {Kleptoplasty, i.e. the sequestration of functional algal chloroplasts by a host organism, represents a natural case of photosymbiosis from which the host derives crucial energetic benefits. We explored here how this host-symbiont relationship is affected by polypropylene nurdle leachates in a kleptoplastidic foraminifera. When exposed to virgin nurdles, a mild proteome regulation was observed in the host, whereas photosynthetic proteins were more abundant in kleptoplasts, supplying energy to the host. These results show that, de novo protein synthesis in stolen chloroplasts and delivery of host proteins and algal proteins encoded by the host following horizontal gene transfer are necessary to maintain efficient photosymbiosis in a virgin nurdle leachate polluted environment. Conversely, aged nurdles strongly reduced the content of photosynthesis-related proteins in kleptoplasts, disrupting the host-symbiont association. Remodeling of the proteome nevertheless suggested the possibly for an increased energy production in foraminifera, through a switch from mixotrophy to heterotrophy. Benthic foraminifera are therefore truly efficient unicellular eukaryotes, with diverse and sophisticated metabolic adaptive strategies that we are just beginning to discover.},
}

@article {pmid41576067,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, J and Luo, Z and Wang, J and Lin, J and Xie, F},
title = {Nitrate-induced NLP1 SUMOylation regulates nitrate signaling and root nodulation.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {123},
number = {4},
pages = {e2518288123},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2518288123},
pmid = {41576067},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {2024YFA0918200//MOST | National Key Research and Development Program of China (NKPs)/ ; XDB0630103//Straegic Priority Research Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences/ ; 32470248 32100194//MOST | National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)/ ; 2023ZD04072//STI 2030-Major Projects/ ; },
mesh = {*Sumoylation ; *Medicago truncatula/metabolism/genetics ; *Arabidopsis/metabolism/genetics ; *Nitrates/metabolism ; *Signal Transduction ; *Arabidopsis Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; *Plant Root Nodulation/physiology ; Symbiosis ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Lysine/metabolism ; NADPH Oxidases ; },
abstract = {Nitrate serves both as an essential nutrient and a key signaling molecule that shapes plant growth. In legumes, high nitrate concentrations suppress symbiotic nitrogen fixation, a process mediated by MtNLP1 (NIN-like protein1). Although nitrate minimally affects NLP transcript levels, it strongly controls their nuclear localization. How posttranslational modifications regulate MtNLP1 function, however, has remained unclear. Here, we show that nitrate induces SUMOylation of MtNLP1 at lysine 589 and 795 and that this modification is essential for its biological activity. Loss of these SUMO sites compromises nitrate-mediated inhibition of nodulation and weakens MtNLP1 interactions with MtNIN and itself. Components of the SUMOylation machinery in Medicago truncatula physically interact and are essential for both nodulation and nitrate responsiveness, indicating broader roles for SUMOylation in symbiosis. A SUMO-deficient Arabidopsis thaliana AtNLP73KR mutant fails to complement the Atnlp7-1 phenotype, demonstrating that SUMOylation is a conserved regulatory mechanism among NLPs. Together, our findings reveal SUMOylation as a previously unrecognized layer of regulation that integrates nutrient signaling with root nodule symbiosis.},
}

*Sumoylation
*Medicago truncatula/metabolism/genetics
*Arabidopsis/metabolism/genetics
*Nitrates/metabolism
*Signal Transduction
*Arabidopsis Proteins/metabolism/genetics
*Plant Root Nodulation/physiology
Symbiosis
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
Lysine/metabolism
NADPH Oxidases

@article {pmid41575703,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, S and Liu, C and Zhang, Z and Lu, J and Gao, Z and Li, G and Wei, F},
title = {Ecological and evolutionary drivers of trait-based symbiosis and phylosymbiosis in avian gut microbiota.},
journal = {Science China. Life sciences},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41575703},
issn = {1869-1889},
}

@article {pmid41574302,
year = {2025},
author = {Mehrnia, N and Van Dyke, TE},
title = {Microbial dysbiosis and immune dysregulation in periodontitis and peri-implantitis.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1678163},
pmid = {41574302},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {*Dysbiosis/immunology/microbiology ; *Peri-Implantitis/immunology/microbiology/pathology ; Humans ; *Periodontitis/immunology/microbiology/pathology ; Microbiota/immunology ; Inflammation/immunology ; Animals ; Cytokines/metabolism ; Adaptive Immunity ; Immunity, Innate ; Biofilms/growth & development ; },
abstract = {Periodontitis and peri-implantitis are chronic inflammatory diseases which are primarily driven by excessive and dysregulated immune responses. This would result in irreversible tissue destruction around teeth and implants. Although the microbiome serves as an initiator of inflammation and leads to microbial dysbiosis, persistent and unresolved inflammation is the primary driver of tissue and bone loss. These conditions result from a dynamic interplay between the host immune response and pathogenic biofilms. Microbial dysbiosis results from a shift from a eubiotic (symbiotic) oral microbiome to a dysbiotic microbial community. This is initiated by excessive inflammation and manipulates host immunity to promote chronic inflammation. Concurrently, immune dysregulation, including imbalances in innate and adaptive immune responses that result from a failure of resolution of inflammation pathways, exacerbates tissue destruction through the overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the activation of destructive pathways, such as neutrophil-mediated degradation and osteoclast activation. This review explores the mechanisms underlying microbial dysbiosis and immune dysregulation in periodontitis and peri-implantitis, emphasizing their contribution to inflammation, bone resorption, and disease progression.},
}

*Dysbiosis/immunology/microbiology
*Peri-Implantitis/immunology/microbiology/pathology
Humans
*Periodontitis/immunology/microbiology/pathology
Microbiota/immunology
Inflammation/immunology
Animals
Cytokines/metabolism
Adaptive Immunity
Immunity, Innate
Biofilms/growth & development

@article {pmid41573225,
year = {2025},
author = {Calderon, RB and Gouli, S and Barphagha, I and Ham, JH},
title = {Growth promotion and stress tolerance of soybean plants driven by seed treatment with synthetic bacterial community of soybean-associated beneficial bacteria.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1729743},
pmid = {41573225},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Beneficial microbes provide a sustainable approach to improving crop production and reducing risks from intensive farming. Microbial consortia, complementary traits, often outperform single strains in promoting plant health. This study aimed to develop an effective biological strategy to enhance soybean growth and health using beneficial bacterial consortia.

METHODS: Bacteria were isolated from the root endosphere and rhizosphere of field-grown soybean plants and screened for traits such as nutrient solubilization, hormone production, and pathogen suppression. Seven synthetic bacterial communities (SBCs), each comprising 5 to 20 SABB strains, were constructed to evaluate their potential in promoting soybean growth and health. Impact of SBC seed treatments on the structure of soybean microbiota was also investigated.

RESULTS: Two SBC sets, Set2 and Setm4, demonstrated superior performances in enhancing plant growth and resistance to the fungal pathogen Rhizoctonia solani when applied via seed treatment. Notably, seed treatment with Set2 or Setm4 also improved soybean resilience to abiotic stresses, including drought and waterlogging. Profiling of the root endosphere and rhizosphere microbiota revealed that SBC application through seed treatment significantly altered the composition of soybean-associated microbial community, including the enrichment of key symbiotic taxa, such as Bradyrhizobium elkanii, and increased microbial network complexity.

DISCUSSION: The beneficial effects of SBC through seed treatment are closely related to microbiome restructuring in soybean roots. This study provides valuable insights into the development of innovative and sustainable crop management strategies, highlighting the potential of SBC-based seed treatments to enhance growth and stress resilience in soybeans and other major crops.},
}

@article {pmid41572938,
year = {2026},
author = {Wilmsen, S and Kost, C},
title = {A New Classification Framework to Understand Evolutionary Transitions in Individuality.},
journal = {BioEssays : news and reviews in molecular, cellular and developmental biology},
volume = {48},
number = {1},
pages = {e70098},
doi = {10.1002/bies.70098},
pmid = {41572938},
issn = {1521-1878},
mesh = {*Biological Evolution ; Animals ; Humans ; },
abstract = {Life on Earth has evolved as a series of evolutionary transitions, during which lower-level units merged to form a new and more complex higher-level entity. Besides few canonical examples, many life forms exist for which it remains unclear whether or not they are about to complete the transition. This paucity of mechanistic understanding is likely due to an overemphasis on few model systems and a lack of criteria to compare disparate biological units. Here, we aim at filling this gap by proposing a new framework to classify different forms of biological organization, which considers two fundamental aspects: (i) the physiological component and (ii) the evolutionary component. Categorizing different biological units according to whether and how these aspects are represented yields six types of structural organization. Our framework allows to compare different organizational forms, and, in this way, provide insight into the evolutionary processes giving rise to these arrangements.},
}

*Biological Evolution
Animals
Humans

@article {pmid41572842,
year = {2026},
author = {Ahmadi, P and Honardoost, M and Janzadeh, A and Taherkhani, S},
title = {Flavonoids and Their Influence on the Gut Microbiome: Implications for Cardiovascular Health.},
journal = {Nutrition bulletin},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nbu.70039},
pmid = {41572842},
issn = {1467-3010},
abstract = {Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, necessitating effective preventive and therapeutic strategies. Flavonoids and polyphenols, which are abundant in colourful fruits and vegetables, have emerged as promising bioactive compounds for mitigating CVD. This study elucidates the mechanisms by which flavonoids exert cardioprotective effects through their antioxidant, prebiotic, and mitochondrial restorative properties. Flavonoids function as hydrogen donors, scavenging free radicals such as nitric oxide (NO[•]), superoxide anions (O[•]), and hydroxyl radicals (OH[•]), thereby reducing oxidative stress by decreasing inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity while enhancing endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) functionality to promote vasodilation and prevent hypertension. Additionally, flavonoids act as prebiotics, fostering the symbiotic gut microbiota (GM), including Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus, which produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and suppress pathogenic trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO)-producing bacteria. This enhances gut epithelial barrier integrity, reduces inflammation mediated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and protects against heart failure, ischaemia, and atherosclerosis. Under ischemic and heart failure conditions, flavonoids inhibit apoptosis, necrosis, ferroptosis, and fibrosis by restoring hypoxia-damaged mitochondrial function and cardiac energy metabolism. Furthermore, flavonoids prevent arteriosclerosis by inhibiting low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, reducing cholesterol absorption, promoting bile salt-hydrolysing bacteria, and decreasing vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 expression on coronary vessels. Here, we aim to advance the understanding of flavonoid-mediated cardioprotection by considering their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and gut microbiome-modulating effects, offering novel insights into dietary interventions for CVD prevention and management. The findings underscore the potential of flavonoids as accessible, natural agents to address global health disparities in CVD burden.},
}

@article {pmid41572707,
year = {2026},
author = {Chu, X and Zhao, B and Wan, X and Gao, L and Li, H and Guo, D and Liu, Q and Hu, Y},
title = {Bioactivities of Secondary Metabolites from Endophytes: A Recent Review.},
journal = {Current pharmaceutical biotechnology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.2174/0113892010415786251029061350},
pmid = {41572707},
issn = {1873-4316},
abstract = {Endophytes are symbiotic microbial communities residing within plants and represent a significant source of bioactive secondary metabolites. As integral components of plant microecosystems, endophytes establish stable and mutually beneficial interactions with their hosts, which not only contribute to plant growth and stress resistance but also drive the diversity of their secondary metabolic products through long-term coevolution. These metabolites exhibit diverse biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, antiviral, and antioxidant effects, and these bioactive properties make them promising candidates for the development of new agents in multiple fields, including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and functional materials, due to their natural origins and relatively low environmental impact. This review comprehensively summarizes recent advances in understanding the bioactivities of endophyte- derived secondary metabolites, highlighting novel compounds and their pharmacological potential. Alongside traditional approaches, recent technological advancements in separation, purification, and structural identification have further facilitated the discovery and characterization of these metabolites, expanding the pool of potential bioactive molecules for research and application. We also detail common methodologies for investigating endophyte metabolites, such as fermentation optimization and biotransformation, and briefly touch on how these strategies have been widely adopted to enhance metabolite production and explore structural modifications. With the deepening of interdisciplinary research involving microbiology, chemistry, pharmacology, and biotechnology, the exploration of endophyte secondary metabolites has entered a more systematic and in-depth stage. Finally, we discuss current challenges in translating these findings into practical applications, including issues related to resource accessibility, production scalability, and comprehensive efficacy evaluation, and outline promising future research directions for drug discovery in the field of medicine, encompassing the excavation of untapped endophytic resources, the optimization of production processes, and the in-depth evaluation of safety and efficacy, so as to better harness their potential for human health and sustainable development.},
}

@article {pmid41572573,
year = {2026},
author = {Winning, CS and Rubia, MI and Liu, W and Bronitt, D and Zamarreño, ÁM and García-Mina, JM and Smith, P and Larrainzar, E and Djordjevic, MA},
title = {Symbiosis-associated UMAMIT transporters required for establishing efficient nitrogen fixation in Medicago truncatula.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.70917},
pmid = {41572573},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {PC169-170 UMAMIT//Gobierno de Navarra/ ; DP200101884//Australian Research Council/ ; PID2021-122740OB-I00//Agencia Estatal de Investigación/ ; },
abstract = {To address a critical gap in understanding amino acid transport in legume-Rhizobium symbiosis, we investigated the role of symbiosis-associated USUALLY MULTIPLE ACIDS MOVE IN AND OUT TRANSPORTERS (UMAMITs) in Medicago truncatula nodulation. Transcript profiling, phylogenetic analysis and promoter-reporter fusions identified five symbiosis-associated MtUMAMIT genes. CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing generated two triple mutant lines lacking MtUMAMIT14, -17 and -36. Physiological assays, amino acid quantification, and immunolocalisation using a MtUMAMIT17-specific antibody were performed to assess symbiotic function and protein localisation. The induction of MtUMAMIT14, -17 and -36 required Nod factor perception. Triple mutant nodules exhibited reduced nitrogen fixation, leading to nitrogen starvation symptoms, lower leghaemoglobin and amino acid levels, as well as increased starch accumulation. Immunolocalisation revealed MtUMAMIT17 at symbiosome and infection thread membranes, and vascular and uninfected zone III nodule cells. MtUMAMIT17 localised in the cell periphery in zone II cells, while it colocalised with the symbiosomes in infected zone III cells. We conclude that MtUMAMIT14, -17 and -36 are essential for efficient nitrogen fixation, functioning in amino acid transport across symbiotic interfaces and vascular tissues. We propose that their recruitment into nodulation programs represents a key evolutionary adaptation facilitating nutrient exchange critical for symbiotic success.},
}

@article {pmid41569423,
year = {2026},
author = {Navarro, J and Hancock, PA and Seguin, P and Reynaud, E},
title = {Human-Technology Symbiosis at work: a brain morphometric investigation of inter-individual differences in smart-tool proneness.},
journal = {Ergonomics},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-14},
doi = {10.1080/00140139.2026.2616346},
pmid = {41569423},
issn = {1366-5847},
abstract = {This study reveals that individuals' affinity for smart tools is linked to specific brain structures. These findings support the theory of Human-Technology Symbiosis and highlight how technology use is associated with brain anatomy, with implications for technology design and user training.},
}

@article {pmid41568888,
year = {2026},
author = {Zarraga-Barco, F and Bastías, DA and Gundel, PE},
title = {Drought and Herbivory Enhance Epichloë-Mediated Resistance to Insect Herbivores via Modulation of Alkaloid Precursors and Oxidative Processes.},
journal = {Physiologia plantarum},
volume = {178},
number = {1},
pages = {e70757},
doi = {10.1111/ppl.70757},
pmid = {41568888},
issn = {1399-3054},
support = {//Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Alkaloids/metabolism ; *Droughts ; Endophytes/physiology ; *Epichloe/physiology ; *Herbivory/physiology ; *Insecta/physiology ; Oxidative Stress ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism ; },
abstract = {In the Pooideae subfamily, resistance to insect herbivores often depends on a defensive mutualism with Epichloë fungal endophytes, which produce anti-invertebrate alkaloids such as lolines and peramine. Herbivory can induce alkaloid accumulation and enhance endophyte-conferred resistance, a response interpreted as analogous to classical herbivore-induced resistance in plants. Yet, abiotic stressors, particularly drought, also stimulate alkaloid production and resistance, suggesting a more general response linked to oxidative stress. Despite these insights, no quantitative synthesis exists, and the regulation of alkaloid induction under stress remains poorly understood. Using a meta-analysis, we synthesized published data to test whether herbivory or drought enhance Epichloë-mediated resistance and increase the in planta concentrations of lolines and peramine. Both stressors significantly elevated resistance, associated with higher alkaloid concentrations, particularly lolines. Peramine increased under drought but not consistently with herbivory. Published molecular and biochemical studies implicate oxidative stress, particularly changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, in regulating alkaloid production through precursor accumulation and fungal signaling pathways involving NADPH oxidases and stress-activated MAP kinases. Given that Epichloë enhances plant tolerance to stress and that ROS play a key role in the plant-endophyte communication, we propose that alkaloid induction and herbivore resistance are beneficial by-products of endophyte-mediated stress responses, rather than solely adaptive outcomes of coevolution with herbivores. This perspective highlights how herbivory and drought converge on oxidative stress pathways to modulate plant-endophyte associations, with implications for plant defense under climate-driven stress scenarios.},
}

Animals
*Alkaloids/metabolism
*Droughts
Endophytes/physiology
*Epichloe/physiology
*Herbivory/physiology
*Insecta/physiology
Oxidative Stress
Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism

@article {pmid41568587,
year = {2026},
author = {Xu, Y and Ling, N and Mony, C and Vandenkoornhuyse, P},
title = {Differential 'resuscitation' from the seed microbiota: a plant-holobiont ecological strategy for buffering stresses.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.70920},
pmid = {41568587},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {2023-NK-147//Fundamental Research Funds for the Leading Scientist Project of Qinghai Province/ ; },
abstract = {The plant and its associated microbiota constitute a holobiont. Within this framework, the seed endophyte reservoir, shaped through multigenerational selection, exhibits pronounced host specificity, mutualistic potential, and signatures of co-evolution. We hypothesise that this reservoir operates as a 'symbiotic toolbox' forming an 'Anticipated Utility Microbiota' within the holobiont. Upon germination, specific microbes from this toolbox may undergo resuscitation to buffer environmental stresses, thereby influencing plant fitness. Using axenic Vicia sativa seeds, we simulated cold, salinity, and drought stresses and applied 16S rRNA sequencing to track seed symbiont resuscitation. Taxa showing resuscitation across stresses were classified as generalists, whilst those resuscitating under specific stresses were specialists. Microbial inoculants from these taxa were then tested in pots for host growth effects. As expected, distinct resuscitation patterns under different stresses supported the hypothesised seed 'symbiotic toolbox'. We identified 115 generalist amplicon sequence variants (e.g. Methylobacterium, Pantoea, and Sphingomonas) and stress-specific specialists: 60 cold specialists (e.g. Stenotrophomonas and Geobacter), 79 salt specialists (e.g. Leptotrichia), and 13 drought specialists (e.g. Proteobacteria). Strikingly, generalist microbial inoculants consistently promoted seedling growth across stresses, whilst specialist inoculants showed stress-specific efficacy. This study elucidates a holobiont mechanism whereby vertically transmitted seed microbes constitute a 'symbiotic toolbox' that differentially resuscitates under stress, thereby enhancing seedling fitness.},
}

@article {pmid41568056,
year = {2025},
author = {Tang, X and Guo, X and Wang, H and Yang, Q and Zhang, Y and Ling, J and Sun, H and Dong, J and Zhang, Y},
title = {Elaborating the molecular characteristics of corals' different tolerance to environmental stress in Sanya Luhuitou based on multi-omics analysis.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1664176},
pmid = {41568056},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The resistance to environmental perturbations varies significantly among coral species. Corals are holobionts that are symbiotic with dinoflagellates and microbiomes, which makes their physiological responses to environmental stress complex. In order to restore coral reefs, it is essential to discover the molecular characteristics associated with coral environmental stress tolerance and to understand the molecular mechanisms that contribute to physiological adaptation.

METHODS: Using high throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing, combined with transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome analyses, we analyzed the differences in coral associated bacterial communities between the branching coral (Pocillopora damicornis) and massive corals (Porites lutea and Galaxea fascicularis), as well as the profiling of environmental stress resistance related genes, proteins and metabolites in these coral species.

RESULTS: The results showed that beneficial bacteria were more abundant in massive corals than in branching corals, while pathogenic bacteria were more abundant in branching corals. Genes and proteins that can counteract environmental stress were found more abundant in branching corals as compared to massive corals. Branching corals contained higher levels of metabolites associated with environmental stress, such as LysoPC (15:0). Massive corals possess simultaneously higher basal expression genes (or proteins) involved in amino acid metabolism, which may contribute to their higher tolerance.

DISCUSSION: Based on molecular characteristics, branching corals' resistance to environmental stress was weaker than that of massive corals, which provided a valuable reference for coral reef protection in the future.},
}

@article {pmid41568041,
year = {2025},
author = {Liang, Y and Feng, Y and Jia, Q and Zhu, J and Guo, S and Tang, Q and Fan, Y and Zhang, Z},
title = {Diversity analysis of endohyphal bacteria in oil-producing fungi inhabiting arid environments.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1712713},
pmid = {41568041},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Endohyphal bacteria are microorganisms that inhabit fungal hyphae or reproductive structures, which influence fungal physiology and contribute to broader ecosystem processes. However, current knowledge regarding endohyphal bacteria associated with oil-producing fungi in arid environments remains scarce and warrants further investigation.

METHOD: Oil-producing fungi were isolated and screened from arid soil samples collected in Toksun County, Xinjiang, China. A preliminary assessment of the presence of endohyphal bacteria within these fungi was conducted using SYTO 9 green fluorescent staining. High-throughput sequencing was employed to analyze the distribution patterns and community composition of the endohyphal bacteria.

RESULTS: Endohyphal bacteria were detected in 16 fungal strains, which constituted 61.5% of the total 26 oil-producing strains obtained. High-throughput sequencing analysis identified 63 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) belonging to 6 phyla and 35 genera, with Proteobacteria representing the dominant phylum. Most fungi contained multiple endohyphal bacterial taxa and exhibited pronounced interspecific variation in community composition. Functional prediction analysis indicated a significant enrichment of pathways related to metabolism, environmental information processing, and genetic information processing in the endohyphal bacteria associated with distinct fungal hosts.

DISCUSSION: Oil-producing fungi may establish interactive systems through symbiotic associations with diverse endohyphal bacteria. These symbiotic interactions may promote lipid accumulation and enhance ecological adaptability in oil-producing fungi, potentially mediated by the metabolic synergy and functional complementarity described above. In conclusion, this study provides a preliminary characterization of the diversity and community structure of endohyphal bacteria associated with oil-producing fungi in arid environments, establishing a basis for future investigations into their functional interactions.},
}

@article {pmid41567836,
year = {2026},
author = {Yang, J and Park, JS and Oh, SO and Oh, SY and Hur, JS},
title = {Fungal Microbiome Within Lichen as a Potential Bioindicator of Climate Change: Insights from Transplant Field Study.},
journal = {Mycobiology},
volume = {54},
number = {1},
pages = {146-160},
pmid = {41567836},
issn = {1229-8093},
abstract = {Global warming is a major driver of ecological change, yet its impacts on bioindicators such as lichens remain unclear. Lichens, formed by symbiotic associations between fungi and photosynthetic partners, are widely used to assess environmental conditions. However, studies relying on traditional physiological measures, including chlorophyll content and photosynthetic activity, have reported inconsistent responses to climate change. We hypothesized that short-term exposure of lichens to elevated temperatures would not alter these conventional physiological traits but might instead lead to changes in their associated microbiomes. Using a field transplant experiment, we exposed lichens to higher temperature environments and assessed both physiological and microbiome responses. Chlorophyll content and tissue damage showed no significant differences between control and warmed conditions. In contrast, high-throughput sequencing of 16S and ITS regions revealed pronounced shifts in microbial communities. Fungal assemblages exhibited marked declines in alpha diversity, co-occurrence network complexity, and stability of the core microbiome. By comparison, bacterial communities demonstrated greater resilience. Notably, the black yeast Cutaneotrichosporon debeurmannianum became dominant in high-temperature environments. Our findings show that while traditional physiological traits of lichens remain stable under short-term warming, their fungal microbiomes are highly sensitive to thermal stress. We identify fungal community structure-particularly the presence of C. debeurmannianum-as a promising indicator of climate change. These results highlight the importance of considering microbial symbionts when evaluating the ecological responses of lichens to global warming.},
}

@article {pmid41566997,
year = {2026},
author = {Dauphin, B and Baril, T and Morin, E and Oggenfuss, U and Pfister, S and De Freitas Pereira, M and Grigoriev, IV and Kohler, A and Martin, F and Croll, D and Peter, M},
title = {Chromosome-scale genome assembly of the most abundant ectomycorrhizal fungus Cenococcum geophilum reveals massive TE expansion and RIP defence mechanism.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/gbe/evag017},
pmid = {41566997},
issn = {1759-6653},
abstract = {Transposable elements (TEs) play crucial roles in genome evolution and ecological adaptation in fungi, yet their dynamics in ectomycorrhizal species remain poorly understood. Cenococcum geophilum, the most widespread ectomycorrhizal fungus in boreal and temperate forests with its large, repeat-rich genome, represents an ideal system to investigate TE-mediated adaptation to the physical environment and symbiotic lifestyle. However, previous studies have been limited by fragmented genome assemblies that prevented the resolution of repeat-rich regions. We assembled a telomere-to-telomere reference genome of C. geophilum strain 1.58 using PacBio HiFi and Hi-C datasets, resulting in a 178.54 Mbp genome with seven contiguous chromosomes. We identified 14,145 genes and over 78% of the genome consists of transposable elements (TEs). Of these, 94% are affected by repeat-induced point mutations (RIP), a genome defence mechanism that acts during the sexual reproduction phase, indicating cryptic or ancient sexual reproduction in this putatively asexual fungus. LTR retrotransposons, LINEs, and DNA transposons dominated, with three TE families (Ty3, Ty1, and Tad1) contributing over 60% of the genome size, indicating recent transposition bursts. Screening of 15 additional C. geophilum strains revealed recent and lineage-specific TE expansions, implying that several TEs escaped the RIP machinery and retained potential activity. Supporting TE activity in the context of symbiosis, we found 56 TEs differentially transcribed between ectomycorrhizal and free-living mycelium tissues. An even higher number (n = 66) of TEs were differentially expressed between stress resistance morphology (i.e., sclerotia) and free-living mycelium. This supports that TEs are differentially regulated as a response to symbiotic and stress-related conditions. Our results demonstrate that the C. geophilum genome expansion was driven by a few lineage-specific TE families in recent history, with high RIP activity attesting to sexual reproduction. We also provide insights how TEs could respond to lifestyle transitions and traits associated with desiccation resistance.},
}

@article {pmid41566783,
year = {2026},
author = {Zou, Z and Zhu, Y and Su, C and Cao, Y},
title = {Evolution and variation of gene modules associated with symbiotic nitrogen fixation in the nitrogen-fixing clade.},
journal = {Molecular plant},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.molp.2026.01.008},
pmid = {41566783},
issn = {1752-9867},
}

@article {pmid41564456,
year = {2026},
author = {Arnull, J and Hashim, AS and Ganeshram, RS and Wilson, AMW and Moosa, H and Reay, DS and Ziyadh, AM and Tudhope, AW},
title = {Experimental nutrient enrichment during thermal stress reduces bleaching severity in an oligotrophic reef setting, Maldives.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {225},
number = {},
pages = {119305},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.119305},
pmid = {41564456},
issn = {1879-3363},
abstract = {Coral bleaching events are intensifying with rising sea surface temperatures, yet the role of nutrient availability in influencing coral responses to thermal stress remains complex. Excessive nutrient enrichment often increases bleaching susceptibility, but moderate, balanced enrichment may provide physiological benefits. We tested this through a six-month in situ enrichment experiment on an oligotrophic reef in the Maldives during a mild bleaching event. Diffusers supplied either nitrogen-rich (High N; elevated N relative to P) or balanced nitrogen-phosphorus (High P; relative to typical Redfield N:P ratios) fertiliser to Pocillopora spp. colonies, and responses were assessed using bleaching surveys and stable isotope analyses (δ[15]N, δ[13]C, and C:N ratios) of host tissue and algal symbionts to monitor changes nitrogen assimilation strategies. Enriched colonies bleached significantly less than controls during peak heat stress. Isotopic signatures shifted toward fertiliser values, with δ[15]N reduced by up to 2 ‰ in symbionts and ∼ 1 ‰ in tissue, indicating assimilation of external nitrogen. Symbiont C:N ratios also declined under enrichment, consistent with reduced N limitation and altered metabolic balance within the symbiosis. Together, these results provide the first field evidence from the Indian Ocean that short-term nutrient enrichment in oligotrophic reef environments can reduce bleaching severity under mild heat stress by enhancing metabolic flexibility, i.e., the capacity of corals and their symbionts to adjust nutrient assimilation and internal resource use under stress. However, the long-term consequences of sustained or unbalanced nutrient exposure remain uncertain, highlighting the need for caution in management applications.},
}

@article {pmid41562275,
year = {2026},
author = {Palaka, BK and Das, S and Kulkarni, KR and Abhilasha, A and Soyam, P and Roy Choudhury, S},
title = {Functional analysis of NFR1 delineates a conserved residue and a region of juxtamembrane domain essential for nodulation in chickpea.},
journal = {Journal of experimental botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jxb/erag031},
pmid = {41562275},
issn = {1460-2431},
abstract = {Root nodule symbiosis signaling is initiated by the perception of the rhizobial Nod Factors (NFs) by two plant Lysin motif (LysM) containing nod factor receptors (NFR1 and NFR5). Here, we identified the NFR1 homologue from chickpea and functionally established its role by a gene silencing approach. To achieve valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of CaNFR1, we evaluated a highly conserved residue in its activation loop and a specific region of the juxtamembrane (ΔJM) domain. The substitution of threonine with alanine at position 476 has significant implications, causing the loss of a phosphorylation event and disrupting the interaction with NFR5. The elimination of ΔJM domain of CaNFR1 also weakens the interaction strength with CaNFR5. Based on molecular docking and simulation studies, these structural alterations align with our yeast-based and in planta protein-protein interaction data, as well as a significant reduction in nodule number, size, and infection cell abundance after overexpression of CaNFR1 variants. Cross-species genetic complementation in lyk3 mutant of Medicago truncatula highlights the critical role of the evolutionarily conserved T476 in the activation loop and ΔJM domain of NFR1, in its interaction with NFR5, underscoring a crucial step in the receptor-mediated activation mechanism leading to root nodulation in legumes.},
}

@article {pmid41561036,
year = {2025},
author = {Xie, J and Zheng, X and Chen, Q and Liang, X and Dong, H and Zhou, S and Yuan, X and Zhang, J},
title = {Comparative analysis of intestinal morphology and intestinal microbiota composition of bullfrogs (Aquarana catesbeiana) at different growth stages.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1715163},
pmid = {41561036},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {The intestinal microbiota is a complex and dynamic community that contributes to digestion and plays a crucial role in regulating immune health. In this study, post-metamorphic bullfrogs (Aquarana catesbeiana) at different ages (1, 2, 3, and 4 months) were investigated. Growth performance assessment, intestinal histomorphological analysis, and 16S rRNA sequencing were employed to systematically examine the dynamics and diversity of microbial communities in the small intestinal segments (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum). Results showed that bullfrog growth indices increased with age, with faster body weight gain during 2-3 months; notably, this was significantly positively correlated with intestinal morphological development (villus height and muscle layer thickness) (p < 0.05). In terms of microbial composition, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Fusobacteria, and Actinobacteria were dominant phyla, while different intestinal segments harbored specific dominant genera. Among them, Cetobacterium was consistently detected throughout the growth period, suggesting it is likely the core symbiont in bullfrog intestines. Moreover, microbiota function varied with growth stages: at 1-2 months, Bifidobacterium and Cetobacterium synergistically participated in immune regulation and basic metabolism, whereas at 3-4 months, Weissella, Lactococcus, and Bacteroides became dominant, with their functions shifting toward efficient energy conversion. Additionally, Alpha diversity analysis showed a decreasing trend in the Simpson index with development, while Beta diversity analysis revealed that microbiota composition was similar among different intestinal segments at the same age but that significant differences existed in each segment during 2-3 months. Overall, this study reveals the specific distribution characteristics of probiotic microbiota in bullfrogs at different growth stages, thereby providing a scientific basis for screening growth-promoting frog-derived probiotics that match host physiological traits.},
}

@article {pmid41560754,
year = {2025},
author = {Rudrapal, M and de Oliveira, AM and Singh, RP},
title = {Dietary polyphenols maintain human health through modulation of gut microbiota.},
journal = {Frontiers in pharmacology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1710088},
pmid = {41560754},
issn = {1663-9812},
abstract = {The symbiotic interplay between dietary polyphenols and gut microbiota constitutes a focal point in contemporary scientific investigations, with profound impact in human health and diseases. The human gastrointestinal milieu serves as the locus for a diverse consortium of microbial organisms, collectively constituting the gut microbiota, which intricately modulate host metabolism, immune responses, and overall homeostasis. Dysregulation of gut microbial composition and functionality, known as dysbiosis, has been implicated in the progression of a plethora of gastrointestinal and systemic maladies, encompassing inflammatory bowel diseases, metabolic syndromes and neurological disorders, and so on. Polyphenols abundant in plant-derived food, exert multifaceted biological activities, encompassing antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, among many others. These polyphenolic metabolites inextricably interact with the gut microbiota, exerting modulatory effects on microbial composition and functionality, thereby promoting the symbiotic physiological relationships between microbe and human host. In reciprocal fashion, the gut microbiota serves as pivotal vectors in the metabolism and bioavailability of polyphenols, engendering bioactive signalling metabolites which regulate systemic physiological effects and thereby maintain host health. This review emphasizes the imperative of comprehensively delineating an interplay between polyphenolic metabolites and gut microbiota in maintaining host health, while reflecting potential interventions of protective health outcomes in disease conditions.},
}

@article {pmid41402734,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, Q and Zhao, X and Yuan, X and Liu, ZJ and Zhang, Y},
title = {The regulatory mechanisms of CAM/CML gene family in governing mycorrhizal fungi in Cremastra appendiculata (Orchidaceae).},
journal = {BMC plant biology},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {100},
pmid = {41402734},
issn = {1471-2229},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Calmodulin (CAMs) and calmodulin-like proteins (CMLs) play pivotal roles in sensing and decoding Ca[2+] signals, thereby regulating of various physiological processes. Although CAM/CML genes in numerous plants have been extensively studied, their specific functions and mechanisms in orchids remain unexplored. In order to reveal the characteristics of the CAM/CML family in Cremastra appendiculata, a comprehensive analysis was performed at the genome-wide level, focusing on its physicochemical attributes, phylogenetic associations, gene structure, Cis-acting elements, and qRT-PCR.

RESULTS: A total of 78 CAM/CML genes were identified in C. appendiculata, including five CAPPCAM and 73 CAPPCML, divided into ten subgroups (Subgroup I-X). Subgroups I and II contain one to four coding DNA sequences (CDS), while subgroup IX includes 9 genes with only one CDS and the remaining genes possess 4–12 CDS. The collinearity analysis revealed seven collinear CAM/CML gene pairs between C. appendiculata and Arabidopsis thaliana, indicating the homology of CAM/CML genes between these two species. The cis-elements in the CAPPCAMs/CMLs promoter mainly enrich methyl jasmonate (MeJA) elements (202/1120, 18%). The qRT-PCR analysis revealed that the CAPPCAM/CAPPCML gene family plays important roles in responding to mycorrhizal symbiosis. Notably, root tissues demonstrated a marked induction effect upon symbiosis, with gene expression regulation exhibiting distinct tissue specificity.

CONCLUSIONS: This study not only lays the foundation for clarifying the functions of such genes in mycorrhizal symbiosis of C. appendiculata, but also highlights its potential for biotechnology development.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12870-025-07889-6.},
}

@article {pmid41559069,
year = {2026},
author = {Yoshioka, A and Shimada, YY and Omori, T and Uemura, NA and Takeshita, K and Ishigami, K and Morimura, H and Furubayashi, M and Kan, T and Wada, H and Kikuchi, Y and Nakane, D},
title = {Bacteria break through one-micrometer-square passages by flagellar wrapping.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {713},
pmid = {41559069},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {22H05066//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; 22H05068//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; 22H05066//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; 22H05067//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; 22H05068//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; JPMJFR2411//MEXT | Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)/ ; },
mesh = {*Flagella/physiology ; Animals ; Lab-On-A-Chip Devices ; Symbiosis ; Movement ; Bacteria ; },
abstract = {Confined spaces are omnipresent in the micro-environments, including soil aggregates and intestinal crypts, yet little is known about how bacteria behave under such conditions where movement is challenging due to spatial confinement that limited effective diffusion. Stinkbug symbiont Caballeronia insecticola navigates a narrow gut passage about one micrometer in diameter to reach the stinkbug's symbiotic organ. Here, we developed a microfluidic device mimicking the host's sorting organ, wherein bacterial cells are confined in a quasi-one-dimensional fashion, and revealed that this bacterium wraps flagellar filaments around its cell body like a screw thread to control fluid flow and generate propulsion for smooth and directional movement in narrow passages. Physical simulations and genetic experiments revealed that hook flexibility is essential for this wrapping; increasing hook rigidity impaired both wrapping motility and infectivity. Thus, flagellar wrapping likely represents an evolutionary innovation, enabling bacteria to break through confined environments using their motility machinery.},
}

*Flagella/physiology
Animals
Lab-On-A-Chip Devices
Symbiosis
Movement
Bacteria

@article {pmid41558481,
year = {2026},
author = {Keller, V and Calchera, A and Otte, J and Tuovinen Nogerius, V and Schmitt, I},
title = {Ubiquitous occurrence of the black fungus Melanina gundecimermaniae in the lichen Umbilicaria pustulata.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2025.12.046},
pmid = {41558481},
issn = {1879-0445},
abstract = {Lichen symbioses frequently include additional fungal associates beyond the canonical mycobiont (fungus) and photobiont (alga/cyanobacterium). Despite the prevalence and diversity of these lichen cohabitants, their geographic distribution and role within the lichen consortium remain poorly understood. Combining genomics, metagenomics, and advanced microscopy, we identified the black fungus Melanina gundecimermaniae as a constant cohabitant in the lichen Umbilicaria pustulata. We analyzed metagenomes from 149 individuals across 15 populations, spanning the Europe-wide range of U. pustulata. Additionally, we screened pooled metagenomes of U. pustulata and Umbilicaria phaea along five elevation gradients (Europe and North America). Genome mapping, using a near-complete reference genome of M. gundecimermaniae, revealed that the black fungus was present in 100% of the screened lichen metagenomes, with 0.85%-3.78% of reads mapping against the reference. Among all lichen-associated fungi, it was one of the most common. These findings indicate that the black fungus is widely distributed and associated with different lichen species, underscoring its potential ecological significance. Using fluorescence in situ hybridization coupled with confocal laser scanning microscopy, we confirmed the presence of M. gundecimermaniae within various structures of U. pustulata, including vegetative symbiotic propagules involved in dispersal. Elucidating its widespread occurrence across continents, consistent presence in U. pustulata, and ability to be dispersed together with the lichens' canonical partners, our findings suggest a potential interaction of M. gundecimermaniae that extends beyond incidental colonization. Our study contributes to the growing body of evidence that organismal complexity within lichens is a prevalent and largely unexplored dimension of the lichen symbiosis.},
}

@article {pmid41558455,
year = {2026},
author = {González Ortega-Villaizán, A and Haro, R and Conchillo, LB and Guerrero-Galán, C and Pollmann, S and Benito, B},
title = {Transcriptional regulation of the Arabidopsis transportome by salt stress and symbiosis with Serendipita indica.},
journal = {Plant physiology and biochemistry : PPB},
volume = {231},
number = {},
pages = {111053},
doi = {10.1016/j.plaphy.2026.111053},
pmid = {41558455},
issn = {1873-2690},
abstract = {Serendipita indica, a widely studied beneficial root-colonizing fungal endophyte, promotes plant growth under saline conditions by reducing Na[+] accumulation in host plants, including Arabidopsis thaliana. This reduction in Na [+] levels likely contributes to salt detoxification, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Previous studies have demonstrated that SOS1, a key Na[+] transporter and major determinant of salt tolerance in plants, is not involved in this reduction. To explore whether other plant transporters might participate in Na[+] reduction, we first characterized the full Arabidopsis transportome, with putative substrates and subcellular localizations, and performed a comprehensive transcriptomic analysis of the full set of transporter proteins. In this study, we investigated and excluded the possible contribution of HKT1, another relevant Na[+] transporter implicated in salt adaptation in Arabidopsis. By examining differentially expressed transporters under salt stress, we identified a subset of candidate genes potentially involved in Na[+] transport. Among these, we evaluated the role of CNGC10 and CNGC13 using mutant lines under both S. indica- and non-colonized conditions. Interestingly, both transporters appeared to be involved in the endophyte-induced decrease in Na[+] accumulation although, other, yet-unidentified transporters may also contribute to this phenomenon.},
}

@article {pmid41556683,
year = {2026},
author = {Nassehi, D},
title = {Symbiotic intelligence in health care.},
journal = {Tidsskrift for den Norske laegeforening : tidsskrift for praktisk medicin, ny raekke},
volume = {145},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.4045/tidsskr.25.0694},
pmid = {41556683},
issn = {0807-7096},
}

@article {pmid41555417,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, L and Spaink, HP},
title = {The function of Toll-like receptor 2 in control of transcriptome responses to the microbiome and microbiome composition.},
journal = {Animal microbiome},
volume = {8},
number = {1},
pages = {5},
pmid = {41555417},
issn = {2524-4671},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) plays a pivotal role in innate immunity and has recently emerged as a critical regulator of host-microbiome interactions. However, how TLR2 influences host transcriptional responses to colonized microbiome and microbial community dynamics remains largely unclear. A comparison between germ free (GF) and conventionalized zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae provides a valuable system to investigate how the microbiome influences host transcriptomic responses in a tlr2 mutant versus wild-type control. Vice versa, to understand the role of Tlr2 in regulating the microbiome, we have analyzed microbial community composition in both tlr2 mutant and wild-type zebrafish at larval and adult stages.

RESULTS: RNAseq analysis revealed that approximately 2.6% of the zebrafish genome (827 genes) exhibited transcriptomic alterations in tlr2 mutant larvae compared to the wild type under microbiome-colonized conditions, whereas around 2% of the genome (639 genes) showed differential expression under GF conditions. KEGG enrichment analyses show that under both microbiome-colonized and GF conditions major differences between the tlr2 mutant and wild type are related to metabolism. Furthermore, there is a striking difference in endoplasmic reticulum stress responses, including well-known markers for inflammatory bowel disease which are all downregulated in the mutant under the microbiome-colonized condition. Microbiome colonization elicited a broader transcriptional response in tlr2 wild-type larvae than in the mutant, with specifically the ferroptosis, apoptosis and inflammation related pathways differently regulated. In terms of how Tlr2 influences microbial composition, 16 S rRNA gene sequencing showed large differences in beta diversity between the tlr2 mutant and wild type. The tlr2 mutant exhibited higher microbial alpha diversity during early development, whereas alpha diversity was higher in wild-type adults. For larvae at the genus level, tlr2 mutant larvae showed increased Chryseobacterium and Flectobacillus but reduced Gracilibacteria abundance relative to wild-type controls. For adult gut samples, the relative abundance of Cetobacterium was higher in the tlr2 mutants, indicating a developmental stage-specific restructuring of the microbiome.

CONCLUSIONS: TLR2 not only modulates host transcriptional responses to microbial colonization, but also shapes gut microbial diversity, composition, and metabolic potential. Our findings highlight the critical role of TLR2 in orchestrating immune-metabolic homeostasis and provide new insights into its broader function in maintaining host-microbiota symbiosis across developmental stages.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s42523-025-00502-z.},
}

@article {pmid41556134,
year = {2026},
author = {Contreras Delgado, MA and Chibomba, V and Thomas, BR and Reynolds, AJ and Bilham, LJ and Miller, JB},
title = {Symbiosis signalling genes negatively regulate root responses to salt stress via the CCaMK-IPD3 module in Medicago truncatula.},
journal = {Journal of experimental botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jxb/erag025},
pmid = {41556134},
issn = {1460-2431},
abstract = {Legumes are important sources of dietary protein and are key crops for sustainable agriculture because they fix atmospheric nitrogen via symbiotic interactions with rhizobia bacteria. However, legume plants are particularly sensitive to salt stress, with salinity negatively affecting development of the root nodule symbiosis. Genes that control salt-symbiosis crosstalk or trade-offs are largely unknown and poorly characterised. To assess the role of symbiosis signalling genes in salt stress, we analysed wildtype and symbiosis signalling mutants of Medicago truncatula grown in the presence of NaCl, sorbitol and/or rhizobia bacteria. We assessed root growth, plant biomass, nodule number and gene expression responses in plants exposed to stress. Our findings demonstrate that several symbiosis signalling genes play a previously undescribed role in regulating root responses to salt stress, including a calcium- and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CCaMK) and its interacting partner and downstream transcription factor, IPD3. Our results also show that the identified responses to salt stress are due to sodium toxicity rather than osmotic stress. We conclude that symbiosis signalling genes, including the CCaMK-IPD3 signalling module, may mediate signalling crosstalk between salt stress and symbiosis. These findings open new research avenues to explore how the environment regulates the legume-Rhizobium symbiosis.},
}

@article {pmid41555761,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, L and Zhao, S and Tan, W and Zhang, M and Jia, M and Wei, G and Chou, M},
title = {Early nodulin-like protein MtENODL29 inhibits nodule senescence in Medicago truncatula.},
journal = {Plant physiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/plphys/kiag008},
pmid = {41555761},
issn = {1532-2548},
abstract = {The early nodulin-like (ENODL) subfamily, part of the phytocyanin, arabinogalactan protein, and nodulin-like families, is involved in plant growth and stress resistance. However, its role in symbiotic nodulation remains poorly understood. In barrel medic (Medicago truncatula), we found MtENODL29 was strongly activated at the late stages of nodule development, particularly in the infection zone of nodules. Both RNA interference (RNAi) and mutation of MtENODL29 caused a considerable reduction in nodule numbers, an increase in cysteine protease activity, a dramatic decrease in leghemoglobin content, and signs of premature senescence in nodule cells, suggesting that disruption of MtENODL29 accelerates nodule aging. Transcriptome analysis of 7-dpi (day post inoculation) inoculated roots and 28-dpi nodules in enodl29 mutants showed significant downregulation of symbiotic genes, accompanied by differential expression of genes associated with lipid metabolism and transport. MtENODL29 mutation also negatively impacted plant growth and development. MtENODL29 bound to MtnsLTP (non-specific lipid transfer protein), MtKCR (very-long-chain 3-oxoacyl-CoA reductase), and MtSec61γ (gamma subunit of the translocase complex Sec61) through its ALR (arabinogalactan protein-like region) domain. MtENODL29 co-localized with these proteins in the plasma membrane and endoplasmic reticulum. Notably, MtnsLTP showed high expression in the nodules, similar to MtENODL29, while MtKCR and MtSec61γ were also highly expressed in the leaves and stems. These results suggest that MtENODL29 participates in membrane lipid modification and transport by interacting with MtnsLTP, MtKCR, and MtSec61γ, facilitating the formation of symbiosome membranes as alfalfa rhizobium (Sinorhizobium meliloti) strain 1021 are released into nodule cells. Moreover, MtENODL29 influences plant growth, highlighting its role in coordinating plant development and symbiosis.},
}

@article {pmid41555050,
year = {2026},
author = {Nakayama-Imaohji, H and Tada, A and Ogiwara, S and Munyeshyaka, E and Tabassum, N and Mori, T and Fujikawa, R and Suzuki, K and Kuwahara, T},
title = {α-Amylase in Aspergillus oryzae-fermented rice promotes the growth of human symbiotic Faecalibacterium Prausnitzii.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-36928-x},
pmid = {41555050},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {25K14867//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; },
abstract = {Diet is one of the critical factors that govern the human gut microbiome. Fermented foods provide beneficial effects for human health by supplying diverse nutrients and digestive enzymes. We aimed to investigate the effect of fermented rice extract prepared with Aspergillus oryzae on the growth of human symbiotic Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. After steamed rice was fermented by A. oryzae, a water-soluble fraction was prepared by centrifugation and used as rice-koji extract. The growth of F. prausnitzii in the media supplemented with 1% rice-koji extract was enhanced compared to that in a control medium. Fractionation of the rice-koji extract with an anion-exchange column and mass spectrometry analysis were conducted to identify the growth-promoting factors for F. prausnitzii. LC-MS/MS analysis revealed that the fractions showing a growth-promoting effect were rich in α-amylase from A. oryzae. The addition of purified A. oryzae-derived α-amylase and starch to the culture media increased the growth and butyrate production from F. prausnitzii. These findings suggest that A. oryzae-derived enzymes in fermented rice-koji possess a growth-promoting effect, enabling F. prausnitzii to efficiently uptake and utilize starch degradation products.},
}

@article {pmid41554938,
year = {2026},
author = {Ouyang, H and Jiang, D and Hu, Y and Cheng, S and Zhang, Z and Shi, B and Wang, E and Xue, J and Shan, Y and Xu, L and Zou, Y and Weng, S and Li, H and Niu, H and Gu, M and Luo, L and Chao, S and Tan, P and Yao, Y and Wang, N and Fan, Y and Wang, ZL and Hua, W and Li, Z},
title = {Symbiotic transcatheter pacemaker for lifelong energy regeneration and therapeutic function in porcine disease model.},
journal = {Nature biomedical engineering},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41554938},
issn = {2157-846X},
support = {T2125003//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 52373256//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 82100325//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; JQ20038//Natural Science Foundation of Beijing Municipality (Beijing Natural Science Foundation)/ ; L212010//Natural Science Foundation of Beijing Municipality (Beijing Natural Science Foundation)/ ; },
abstract = {Lifelong pacing is one of the ultimate goals of cardiac pacemakers. However, meeting the critical energy condition for lifelong service is a tremendous challenge. Here we report a symbiotic transcatheter pacemaker that regenerates electric energy from heart motion via electromagnetic induction and surpasses the critical energy condition for lifelong service. The pacemaker can be closely integrated with the body owing to favourable biocompatibility and hemocompatibility, and its small size enables interventional delivery. To minimize energy loss and eliminate mechanical collision and friction, we propose a straightforward magnetic levitation energy cache structure. The energy regeneration module has a near-zero boot threshold, high kinetic energy conversion efficiency and intracardiac root mean square output power. We show the energy regeneration and therapeutic function of the symbiotic transcatheter pacemaker over a month-long autonomous operation in a porcine model of brady-arrhythmia. These advances may provide a potential path to extend the service life of pacemakers to the level of the natural heart.},
}

@article {pmid41554441,
year = {2026},
author = {Zheng, M and Wang, W and Yan, Z and Liu, Y and Wang, S and Dong, F and Zhao, C and Peng, S and Chen, Z},
title = {Low-carbon nature-based system for industrial wastewater treatment: harnessing H2/CO2 to drive robust algae-bacteria symbiosis.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {444},
number = {},
pages = {134039},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2026.134039},
pmid = {41554441},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {Aeration-free algae-bacteria symbiosis systems (ABSS) represent a promising low-carbon alternative for wastewater treatment, but stability is often compromised when treating toxic industrial effluents with a low carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio. This study proposes engineering the system with an oxygen-deprived H2/CO2 headspace to enhance its resilience and elucidates the underlying synergistic mechanisms. The headspace composition was optimized and the performance was evaluated under increasing quinoline stress. The optimized H2/CO2 atmosphere created a dynamically buffered reaction environment, achieving > 90 % total inorganic nitrogen removal. Under stringent oxygen-deprived conditions, the system demonstrated remarkable stability, removing 84 % total nitrogen at 100 mg/L quinoline. Mechanistic analysis elucidated a "dual-engine" denitrification enabled by H2, stress-induced algal-bacterial aggregation for physical protection, and an adaptive community shift dominated by the ecosystem engineer Zoogloea. This work revealed that aeration-free ABSS overcomes key metabolic bottlenecks in nature-based systems, offering a robust, low-carbon paradigm for toxic industrial wastewater treatment.},
}

@article {pmid41554027,
year = {2025},
author = {Ireri, SW and Cao, M},
title = {CRISPR-Cas9-based Mutagenesis in the Entomopathogenic Nematode Steinernema hermaphroditum and the Maintenance of Mutant Lines.},
journal = {Journal of visualized experiments : JoVE},
volume = {},
number = {226},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3791/68932},
pmid = {41554027},
issn = {1940-087X},
mesh = {Animals ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Mutagenesis ; *Rhabditida/genetics ; Microinjections/methods ; Gene Editing/methods ; },
abstract = {Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) in the genus Steinernema and Heterorhabditis maintain mutualistic interactions with Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus symbiotic bacteria, respectively. Together, these nematode-bacterium pairs infect and kill insect hosts that are primarily larvae from the orders of Lepidoptera and Coleoptera, forming a tractable tripartite system for dissecting the molecular basis of mutualism and parasitism. A key step towards fully utilizing this model is the development of stable and transgenerational genetic tools in EPNs. Here, we demonstrate a reliable CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing platform in the emerging model Steinernema hermaphroditum, a species that is readily maintained in vivo and in vitro, and is highly amenable to gonadal microinjection. Importantly, its hermaphroditic reproduction greatly streamlines the generation and maintenance of homozygous mutant lines. We provide a detailed protocol for efficient, targeted gene disruption using microinjection-based delivery of Cas9 ribonucleoprotein complexes. As a proof of concept, we modified the conserved muscle-associated gene unc-22, generating a characteristic twitching phenotype that validates targeted mutagenesis in this system. This CRISPR-Cas9 platform opens the door to stable genetic manipulation in S. hermaphroditum, such as transgene expression, and provides a framework that can be extended to additional EPN species of agricultural and ecological importance.},
}

Animals
*CRISPR-Cas Systems
Mutagenesis
*Rhabditida/genetics
Microinjections/methods
Gene Editing/methods

@article {pmid41553678,
year = {2026},
author = {Scheifler, M and Wilhelm, L and Visser, B},
title = {Lipid Metabolism in Parasitoids and Parasitized Hosts.},
journal = {Advances in experimental medicine and biology},
volume = {1494},
number = {},
pages = {445-477},
pmid = {41553678},
issn = {0065-2598},
mesh = {Animals ; *Lipid Metabolism/physiology ; *Host-Parasite Interactions/physiology ; *Insecta/parasitology/metabolism ; Triglycerides/metabolism ; Larva/metabolism/parasitology ; },
abstract = {Parasitoids have an exceptional lifestyle where juvenile development is spent on or in a single host insect, but the adults are free-living. Unlike parasites, parasitoids kill the host. How parasitoids use such a limiting resource, particularly lipids, can affect chances to survive and reproduce. In part 1, we describe the parasitoid lifestyle, including typical developmental strategies. Lipid metabolism in parasitoids has been of interest to researchers since the 1960s and continues to fascinate ecologists, evolutionists, physiologists, and entomologists alike. One reason of this interest is that the majority of parasitoids do not accumulate triacylglycerols as adults. Early research revealed that some parasitoid larvae mimic the fatty acid composition of the host, which may result from a lack of de novo triacylglycerol synthesis. More recent work has focused on the evolution of lack of adult triacylglycerol accumulation and consequences for life history traits. In part 2 of this chapter, we discuss research efforts on lipid metabolism in parasitoids from the 1960s onwards. Parasitoids are also master manipulators of host physiology, including lipid metabolism, having evolved a range of mechanisms to affect the release, synthesis, transport, and take-up of lipids from the host. We lay out the effects of parasitism on host physiology in part 3 of this chapter.},
}

Animals
*Lipid Metabolism/physiology
*Host-Parasite Interactions/physiology
*Insecta/parasitology/metabolism
Triglycerides/metabolism
Larva/metabolism/parasitology

@article {pmid41553674,
year = {2026},
author = {Lafont, R and Dinan, L},
title = {Insect Sterols and Steroids.},
journal = {Advances in experimental medicine and biology},
volume = {1494},
number = {},
pages = {115-162},
pmid = {41553674},
issn = {0065-2598},
mesh = {Animals ; *Insecta/metabolism/physiology ; *Sterols/metabolism/chemistry ; *Steroids/metabolism/chemistry ; Phytosterols/metabolism/chemistry ; Ecdysteroids/metabolism/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Insects are incapable of biosynthesising sterols de novo so they need to obtain them from their diets or, in certain cases, from symbiotic microorganisms. Sterols serve a structural role in cellular membranes and act as precursors for signalling molecules and defence compounds. Many phytophagous insects dealkylate phytosterols to yield primarily cholesterol, which is also the main sterol that carnivorous and omnivorous insects obtain in their diets. Some phytophagous species have secondarily lost the capacity to dealkylate and consequently use phytosterols for structural and functional roles. The polyhydroxylated steroid hormones of insects, the ecdysteroids, are derived from cholesterol (or phytosterols in non-dealkylating phytophagous species) and regulate many crucial aspects of insect development and reproduction by means of precisely regulated titres resulting from controlled synthesis, storage and further metabolism/excretion. Ecdysteroids differ significantly from vertebrate steroid hormones in their chemical, biochemical and biological properties. Defensive steroids (cardenolides, bufadienolides, cucurbitacins and ecdysteroids) can be accumulated from host plants or biosynthesised within the insect, depending on species, stored in significant amounts in the insect and released when it is attacked. Other allelochemical steroids serve as pheromones. Vertebrate-type steroids have also been conclusively identified from insect sources, but debate continues about their significance. Side chain dealkylation of phytosterols, ecdysteroid metabolism and ecdysteroid mode of action are targets of potential insect control strategies.},
}

Animals
*Insecta/metabolism/physiology
*Sterols/metabolism/chemistry
*Steroids/metabolism/chemistry
Phytosterols/metabolism/chemistry
Ecdysteroids/metabolism/chemistry

@article {pmid41553672,
year = {2026},
author = {Visser, B and Scheifler, M},
title = {Insect Lipid Metabolism in the Presence of Symbiotic and Pathogenic Viruses and Bacteria.},
journal = {Advances in experimental medicine and biology},
volume = {1494},
number = {},
pages = {419-443},
pmid = {41553672},
issn = {0065-2598},
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis/physiology ; *Lipid Metabolism ; *Wolbachia/physiology/metabolism ; Humans ; *Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology/metabolism/virology ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology ; *Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/virology/metabolism ; *Insecta/microbiology/metabolism/virology ; Host-Pathogen Interactions ; },
abstract = {Insects, like most animals, have intimate interactions with microorganisms that can influence the insect host's lipid metabolism. In this chapter, we describe what is known so far about the role prokaryotic microorganisms play in insect lipid metabolism. We start exploring microbe-insect lipid interactions focusing on endosymbionts, and more specifically the gut microbiota that has been predominantly studied in Drosophila melanogaster. We then move on to an overview of the work done on the common and well-studied endosymbiont Wolbachia pipientis, also in interaction with other microbes. Taking a slightly different angle, we then look at the effect of human pathogens, including dengue and other viruses, on the lipids of mosquito vectors. We extend the work on human pathogens and include interactions with the endosymbiont Wolbachia that was identified as a natural tool to reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. Research on lipid metabolism of plant disease vectors is up and coming and we end this chapter by highlighting current knowledge in that field.},
}

Animals
*Symbiosis/physiology
*Lipid Metabolism
*Wolbachia/physiology/metabolism
Humans
*Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology/metabolism/virology
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology
*Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/virology/metabolism
*Insecta/microbiology/metabolism/virology
Host-Pathogen Interactions

@article {pmid41553401,
year = {2026},
author = {Yuan, S and Leng, P and Zhang, H and Jin, F and Ke, D and Liang, W and Zhang, C and Huang, Y and Yang, Z and Chen, S and Chen, H},
title = {Nodule-specific cystatin GmCYS18 promotes soybean nodulation by inhibiting expression of the cysteine protease GmCYP17.},
journal = {Journal of experimental botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jxb/erag014},
pmid = {41553401},
issn = {1460-2431},
abstract = {Phytocystatins (plant cystatin) are a type of protease inhibitor widely studied for their specific and reversible inhibitory effects on cysteine proteases. The equilibrium between phytocystatins and their cysteine proteases plays key roles in biotic and abiotic stresses, plant immunity and so on. However, the roles of this balanced relationship in legume-rhizobium symbiosis remain poorly characterized. In the present study, we identified a nodule-specific cystatin gene GmCYS18 as a positive regulator of nodulation and nodule development in soybean. Over-expression of GmCYS18 increased Chlorophyll SPAD value, nodule number, plant height, weights of shoot, root and nodule, and the expression of nodulation marker genes, especially in the stable transgenic line GmCYS18-OX-1. Surprisingly, we found that GmCYS18 suppressed the expression of six root nodule symbiosis-related papain-like cysteine proteases (PLCP) in nodules. Furthermore, the GmPLCP gene, GmCYP17, which shows high homology to GmCYS9 that plays a negative regulatory role in soybean nodulation, was silenced by RNA interference (RNAi) system. The results showed that GmCYP17 inhibits nodulation, nodule development and the expression of nodulation marker genes in soybean. Our findings enriched the function of phytocystatins and provided insights into the correlation between cystatin and cysteine protease in nodule symbiosis.},
}

@article {pmid41551468,
year = {2026},
author = {Cabell, EM and Hunter, CL},
title = {Spatial and host-specific structuring in symbiont community composition of an endemic Hawaiian octocoral, Sarcothelia edmondsoni (Verrill 1928).},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {e20549},
pmid = {41551468},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; Hawaii ; Animals ; *Anthozoa/parasitology/physiology ; *Dinoflagellida/genetics/physiology/classification ; Coral Reefs ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {Coral reefs are increasingly threatened by climate-induced bleaching, yet some taxa-like the Hawaiian endemic octocoral Sarcothelia edmondsoni-exhibit notable stress tolerance. This study investigates whether distinct color morphotypes (blue and brown) of S. edmondsoni maintain stable or flexible symbiont associations that might underlie this resilience. Using high-throughput ITS2 sequencing and SymPortal analyses, we characterized Symbiodiniaceae communities across morphotypes on three Hawaiian Islands. Assemblages were overwhelmingly dominated (>99%) by Symbiodinium (Clade A), particularly S. tridacnidorum (ITS2 type A3), with blue morphotypes consistently hosting more diverse symbiont profiles. Dinoflagellate community composition varied significantly by morphotype and location, with no ITS2 profile shared across all morphotype-island combinations. Bray-Curtis analyses revealed strong ecological structuring, while UniFrac (a measure of evolutionary relatedness) indicated phylogenetic similarity, suggesting intragenomic or ecotypic divergence within a conserved lineage. Morphotype-specific associations may reflect environmental adaptation or host-symbiont specificity. The greater symbiont diversity in blue morphotypes, coupled with the lack of profile overlap among sites, points to fine-scale host-symbiont structuring shaped by local environmental conditions. These results demonstrate that Sarcothelia edmondsoni hosts morphotype- and location-specific Symbiodiniaceae communities within a conserved lineage, revealing fine-scale ecological structuring and potential symbiont ecotypes that may contribute to this species' resilience across variable reef environments. This study supports previous findings that symbiont community structure is shaped by the combined influence of host specificity and local environmental conditions.},
}

*Symbiosis
Hawaii
Animals
*Anthozoa/parasitology/physiology
*Dinoflagellida/genetics/physiology/classification
Coral Reefs
Phylogeny

@article {pmid41549649,
year = {2026},
author = {Hassan, MA and Kibbe, RR and Muddiman, DC and Chang, CY},
title = {Integrating Remote Sensing and Metabolomics to Assess Synergistic Effects of Phosphate Deficiency, Drought, and AMF Symbiosis in Soybean.},
journal = {Physiologia plantarum},
volume = {178},
number = {1},
pages = {e70679},
doi = {10.1111/ppl.70679},
pmid = {41549649},
issn = {1399-3054},
support = {CRIS #8042-21660-001-00D//the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service/ ; R01GM087964/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; DE-SC0014664//ARS Research Participation Program, administered by ORISE through an interagency agreement between USDA and DOE/ ; //North Carolina State University/ ; },
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology ; *Symbiosis/physiology ; *Glycine max/physiology/microbiology/metabolism ; Droughts ; *Metabolomics/methods ; *Phosphates/deficiency/metabolism ; Plant Roots/physiology/microbiology/metabolism ; Photosynthesis ; Chlorophyll/metabolism ; *Remote Sensing Technology/methods ; Plant Leaves/physiology ; Stress, Physiological ; Genotype ; },
abstract = {Soybean growth and yield are susceptible to abiotic stresses such as phosphate (P) deficiency and drought. Symbiotic association of plant roots with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can improve water uptake, thereby increasing stress resilience. This study evaluates the interactive effects of P availability, drought, and AMF symbiosis on physiology, reflectance traits, roots, and metabolite responses in two soybean genotypes during the early reproductive stages. Under P deficiency (P-), AMF colonization significantly (p < 0.05) increased, enhancing root hair development and maintaining ~30% lower leaf water potential (Ψ) under drought stress. Drought significantly (p < 0.05) negatively impacted photosynthesis as well as triggered shifts in metabolite accumulation and reflectance-based vegetation indices in both P treatments. P- sufficient (P+) plants developed significantly higher biomass. Chlorophyll-related vegetation indices were more responsive to P during drought, showing 45%-60% reductions in P- plants compared with only 25%-35% in P+ plants. The ratio of red-to-far-red chlorophyll fluorescence also significantly decreased (10%) under drought, indicating altered canopy spectral balance and stress-induced pigment changes. Carbohydrates, jasmonic acid, and amino acids exhibited significant variations (p < 0.05) among genotypes and P treatment under drought. Interestingly, a metabolite involved in phylloquinone biosynthesis (C11H12O6) was strongly upregulated under drought in P- plants with a strong correlation (r = 0.72) to Ψ. These findings highlight the critical role of P in AMF symbiosis for drought resistance. The integration of remote sensing and mass spectrometry-based metabolite profiling provides a comprehensive multiscale approach to link physiological and molecular responses, facilitating rapid and informed breeding decisions under diverse environmental stresses.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology
*Symbiosis/physiology
*Glycine max/physiology/microbiology/metabolism
Droughts
*Metabolomics/methods
*Phosphates/deficiency/metabolism
Plant Roots/physiology/microbiology/metabolism
Photosynthesis
Chlorophyll/metabolism
*Remote Sensing Technology/methods
Plant Leaves/physiology
Stress, Physiological
Genotype

@article {pmid41549602,
year = {2026},
author = {Decelle, J},
title = {The Romantic Discovery of Radiolaria in the Ocean.},
journal = {The Journal of eukaryotic microbiology},
volume = {73},
number = {1},
pages = {e70062},
doi = {10.1111/jeu.70062},
pmid = {41549602},
issn = {1550-7408},
support = {//Natural History Museum/ ; },
mesh = {History, 19th Century ; Oceans and Seas ; *Marine Biology/history ; *Aquatic Organisms ; History, 20th Century ; *Seawater/parasitology ; *Rhizaria ; },
abstract = {Radiolaria are unicellular marine organisms (protists) that have been drifting in oceanic plankton for hundreds of millions of years. These mineral architects can build extraordinarily complex skeletons, which fascinated and puzzled naturalists observing water samples through rudimentary microscopes. In the 19th century, the discovery and study of Radiolaria are associated with scientific voyages and human adventures. Naturalists who studied medicine and anatomy in European universities were captivated by the morphology of Radiolaria and expressed a profound wanderlust to collect them in the ocean. These intrepid and workaholic adventurers devoted their restless lives to studying microscopic life, while also actively engaging in teaching and sharing their observations and hypotheses with students. This article aims to retrace the discovery of Radiolaria through the lives of prominent naturalists and marine biologists, primarily Christian Gottfried Ehrenberg, Thomas Henry Huxley, Johannes Müller, and Ernst Haeckel. It also highlights the intellectual and geographic influences that shaped their research, including figures such as Johannes Wolfgang von Goethe and Alexander von Humboldt, as well as places like Jena, Helgoland, Villefranche-sur-Mer and Italy, which served as sampling locations and sources of romantic and artistic inspiration. Pioneering work on Radiolaria played a central role in shaping several emerging concepts (e.g., cell theory, individuality) and fields (e.g., taxonomy, evolution of morphology, symbiosis). The discovery of Radiolaria therefore reveals that even the most elusive marine microorganisms can deeply transform our understanding of life.},
}

History, 19th Century
Oceans and Seas
*Marine Biology/history
*Aquatic Organisms
History, 20th Century
*Seawater/parasitology
*Rhizaria

@article {pmid41548640,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, Z and Lou, J and Yan, M and Cui, R and Jin, Y and Zhang, M and Zhang, R and Mao, S and Chen, J and Sun, L and Lu, T and Qian, H},
title = {Environmental stress and symbiotic shifts: the impact of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) on soil microbe-plant networks.},
journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {127688},
doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2026.127688},
pmid = {41548640},
issn = {1873-6424},
abstract = {Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a persistent per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) frequently detected at extremely high concentrations in soils near industrial contamination sources, yet plant-microbe responses under such extreme conditions remain poorly understood. Here, Arabidopsis thaliana was exposed to PFOA at concentrations approaching the upper levels reported in contaminated soils (1, 10, and 100 mg/kg) to investigate integrated physiological, transcriptomic, and microbiological responses over a 14-day period. Plant growth was inhibited in a clear concentration-dependent manner, with progressive reductions in fresh biomass, root length, and rosette leaf number, and the strongest suppression observed at 100 mg/kg. PFOA exposure also induced oxidative stress, as indicated by elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Transcriptomic analysis revealed distinct dose- and pathway-specific response patterns. Only 37 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected at 1 mg/kg, whereas 2184 and 4999 DEGs were identified at 10 and 100 mg/kg, respectively. 10 mg/kg PFOA exposure predominantly activated antioxidant defense and adaptive stress-response pathways, including glutathione metabolism, phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthesis, MAPK signaling, and plant hormone signal transduction. In contrast, extreme exposure (100 mg/kg) was characterized by widespread repression of primary metabolic pathways, particularly photosynthesis, carbon fixation, oxidative phosphorylation, and glycolysis, indicating metabolic collapse. Rhizosphere microbial communities responded more strongly than bulk soils to PFOA stress, exhibiting reduced α-diversity, enhanced β-diversity separation, enrichment of putatively tolerant taxa (e.g., Pseudomonas, Sphingomonas, Burkholderiaceae, and Ascomycota), and increased network connectivity. Overall, these results demonstrate coordinated plant and rhizosphere microbial responses to severe PFOA contamination, providing ecological insights into PFAS hotspot soils.},
}

@article {pmid41548558,
year = {2026},
author = {Fan, X and He, J and Zhou, X and Xie, H and Wang, Y and Xie, X},
title = {A mycorrhiza-inducible phosphate transporter SlPT3 regulates phosphate uptake, iron homeostasis, and arbuscule development in tomato under combined nutrient stress conditions.},
journal = {The Plant journal : for cell and molecular biology},
volume = {125},
number = {2},
pages = {e70687},
doi = {10.1111/tpj.70687},
pmid = {41548558},
issn = {1365-313X},
support = {32170116//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32370108//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; KF2024-4//Open Research Fund of State Key Laboratory of Nutrient Use and Management/ ; 2024TQ08A220//Guangdong Province Special Support Program for Young Top-notch Talents Project/ ; },
mesh = {*Solanum lycopersicum/metabolism/microbiology/genetics/physiology ; *Mycorrhizae/physiology/metabolism ; *Phosphates/metabolism ; *Iron/metabolism ; *Phosphate Transport Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Homeostasis ; *Plant Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Symbiosis ; Zinc/metabolism/deficiency ; Stress, Physiological ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Plant Roots/metabolism/microbiology ; Glomeromycota/physiology ; Fungi ; },
abstract = {Interactions between phosphate (Pi) and zinc (Zn) or iron (Fe) nutrition in plants have been widely studied; however, the underlying mechanisms of their cross-talks in arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) plants remain obscure. Here, we examine the physiological and molecular responses of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) to the combination of Pi, Zn and/or Fe nutrient stresses during symbiosis with Rhizophagus irregularis, revealing the existence of a tripartite Pi-Zn-Fe cross-talk in AM symbiosis. Interestingly, the mycorrhiza-activated SlPT3, a member of the PHOSPHATE TRANSPORTER 1 (PHT1) gene family in tomato, is remarkably induced upon the simultaneous Pi and Zn deficiencies. Reverse genetics analysis revealed that SlPT3 not only contributes to Pi transport but is also essential for arbuscule development during Zn deficiency. Moreover, knockdown of SlPT3 leads to reduced Fe accumulation and arbuscule degeneration in mycorrhizal roots by integration of Pi and Zn deficiencies. In silico analysis indicated that the SlPT3 and its homologs contain the IRT (Iron-regulated transporter) domain across dicot and monocot species. Further heterogeneous expression of SlPT3 in yeasts can restore the Δpho84 defects in high-affinity Pi uptake and regulate iron (Fe[+2]) homeostasis in the fet3fet4 mutant. Collectively, SlPT3 serves as a context-dependent transporter that reshapes nutrient transport priorities in response to combined stresses, revealing a sophisticated mechanism for maintaining symbiosis under fluctuating soil nutrient conditions. These findings provide new avenues for exploring how arbuscular mycorrhizas integrate multiple nutrient stress signals into intricate plant development.},
}

*Solanum lycopersicum/metabolism/microbiology/genetics/physiology
*Mycorrhizae/physiology/metabolism
*Phosphates/metabolism
*Iron/metabolism
*Phosphate Transport Proteins/metabolism/genetics
Homeostasis
*Plant Proteins/metabolism/genetics
Symbiosis
Zinc/metabolism/deficiency
Stress, Physiological
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
Plant Roots/metabolism/microbiology
Glomeromycota/physiology
Fungi

@article {pmid41545149,
year = {2026},
author = {Abdrabo, KAE and Phang, GJ and Fan, YH and Huang, YT},
title = {Phylogeny and ecological roles shaping yeast-hyphae morphogenesis in Ophiostomataceae.},
journal = {Fungal biology},
volume = {130},
number = {1},
pages = {101665},
doi = {10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101665},
pmid = {41545149},
issn = {1878-6146},
mesh = {*Phylogeny ; *Hyphae/growth & development/cytology/genetics ; *Ascomycota/growth & development/genetics/classification ; Morphogenesis ; },
abstract = {The Ophiostomataceae family encompasses numerous species that exhibit yeast-hyphae dimorphism, including well-known pathogens like the causal agents of Dutch elm disease, blue-staining fungi, and sporotrichosis. This dimorphism is not only observed in pathogenic interactions but also plays a crucial role in symbiotic relationships, such as ambrosia fungi. The ability to switch between these morphological forms may contribute to their adaptability and ecological functions within different environments and host interactions. This study seeks to elucidate the intricate interplay between dimorphism and fungal lifestyles across the species within the Ophiostomataceae family. We investigated six Ophiostomataceae genera: Raffaelea, Harringtonia, Leptographium, Ophiostoma, Heinzbutinia, and Esteya, representing four contrasting fungal lifestyles: ambrosia, non-ambrosia, pathogenic, and non-pathogenic. Under standardized growth conditions using a chemically defined medium with DL-proline as the sole nitrogen source, all strains, except one, exhibited increased yeast morphotype growth (≥50%). Our tested species exhibited varied responses to inoculum size, highlighting inter-species variation in response to inoculum size effects. Moreover, we traced the evolutionary history of dimorphism across the Ophiostomataceae family. Our results suggest that dimorphism was likely a trait of the common ancestor of Ophiostomataceae. Our analyses revealed that the dimorphic trait shows a strong phylogenetic signal, i.e., its presence or loss is conserved within specific phylogenetic lineages. Moreover, we found that dimorphism and ambrosia lifestyle are evolutionarily correlated across the Ophiostomataceae phylogeny. This study deepens our understanding of how the interplay between dimorphism and lifestyle has shaped the evolutionary trajectory of the Ophiostomataceae.},
}

*Phylogeny
*Hyphae/growth & development/cytology/genetics
*Ascomycota/growth & development/genetics/classification
Morphogenesis

@article {pmid41544079,
year = {2026},
author = {Dupuis, S and Lingappa, UF and Purvine, SO and Chiang, L and Gallaher, SD and Nicora, CD and Lipton, MS and Merchant, SS},
title = {Mono-mix strategy enables comparative proteomics of a cross-kingdom microbial symbiosis.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {21},
number = {1},
pages = {e0340253},
pmid = {41544079},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Proteomics/methods ; *Chlamydomonas reinhardtii/metabolism/physiology ; Bacterial Proteins/metabolism ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; Proteome/metabolism ; Chromatography, Liquid ; Coculture Techniques ; },
abstract = {Cross-kingdom microbial symbioses, such as those between algae and bacteria, are key players in biogeochemical cycles. The molecular changes during initiation and establishment of symbiosis are of great interest, but quantitatively monitoring such changes can be challenging, particularly when the microorganisms differ greatly in size or are intimately associated. Here, we analyze output from label-free, data-dependent acquisition (DDA) LC-MS/MS proteomics experiments investigating the well-studied interaction between the alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and the heterotrophic bacterium Mesorhizobium japonicum. We found that detection of bacterial proteins decreased in coculture by 50% proteome-wide due to the abundance of algal proteins. As a result, standard differential expression analysis led to numerous false-positive reports of significantly downregulated proteins, where it was not possible to distinguish meaningful biological responses to symbiosis from artifacts of the reduced protein detection in coculture relative to monoculture. We show that data normalization alone does not eliminate the impact of altered detection on differential expression analysis of the cross-kingdom symbiosis. We assessed two additional strategies to overcome this methodological artifact inherent to DDA proteomics. In the first, we combined algal and bacterial monocultures at a relative abundance that mimicked the coculture, creating a "mono-mix" control to which the coculture could be compared. This approach enabled comparable detection of bacterial proteins in the coculture and the monoculture control. In the second strategy, we enhanced detection of lowly abundant bacterial proteins by using sample fractionation upstream of LC-MS/MS analysis. When these simple approaches were combined, they allowed for meaningful comparisons of nearly 10,000 algal proteins and over 4,000 bacterial proteins in response to symbiosis by DDA. They successfully recovered expected changes in the bacterial proteome in response to algal coculture, including upregulation of sugar-binding proteins and transporters. They also revealed novel proteomic responses to coculture that guide hypotheses about algal-bacterial interactions.},
}

*Symbiosis
*Proteomics/methods
*Chlamydomonas reinhardtii/metabolism/physiology
Bacterial Proteins/metabolism
Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Proteome/metabolism
Chromatography, Liquid
Coculture Techniques

@article {pmid41413692,
year = {2025},
author = {Carrascosa-Robles, Á and Pascual, JA and Trinchera, A and Testani, E and Fontaine, S and Sanchez-Moreno, S and Supronienė, S and Sail, S and Rasmussen, J and Hanegraaf, M and Ros, M},
title = {The Influence of Agroecological Intensification on Dominant and Rare Microbial Communities Across Diverse European Countries.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {89},
number = {1},
pages = {29},
pmid = {41413692},
issn = {1432-184X},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Intensive land use leads to the degradation of agroecosystems, resulting in long-term losses in agricultural productivity. In contrast, sustainable management is known to improve soil fertility directly and indirectly through changes in the soil microbiota, which plays a fundamental role in agroecosystems by influencing nutrient biogeochemical processes and through symbiotic relationships with crops. In this study, we used amplicon sequencing to investigate changes occurring in dominant and rare sub-communities of bacteria and fungi in agricultural soils from seven European countries under different number of agroecological cropping systems: one and two sustainability-promoting practices or none. Both sub-communities were structured along a latitude gradient, reflecting bioclimatic differences across Europe, especially the fungal communities. Differences in the bacterial and fungal sub-communities’ structure were greater under the 2SP treatment than under 1SP, particularly within the fungal dominant sub-community, which changed by sustainability-promoting practices across more sites. In both fungal and bacterial communities, we identified specific taxa associated with carbon and nutrient cycling, pathogen suppression, or plant growth promotion.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00248-025-02655-5.},
}

@article {pmid41543903,
year = {2026},
author = {Yin, S and Jarosz, DF and Ting, AY},
title = {Towards CRISPR-based editing of the mitochondrial genome in yeast.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {123},
number = {3},
pages = {e2505894123},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2505894123},
pmid = {41543903},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {NA//Stanford University (SU)/ ; NA//Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI)/ ; },
mesh = {*Saccharomyces cerevisiae/genetics/metabolism ; *Gene Editing/methods ; *Genome, Mitochondrial/genetics ; *CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; Mitochondria/genetics/metabolism ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; *Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats ; },
abstract = {Mitochondria, which evolved from symbiotic bacteria, possess their own genomes (mtDNA) and support independent transcription and translation within the organelle. Given the essential role of mtDNA in energy production, metabolism, as well as cellular homeostasis, and the high density of confirmed pathogenic mutations that map to mtDNA, there is a pressing need for versatile methods to study and manipulate this genome. Although CRISPR technology has revolutionized the editing of nuclear genomes, it has not been successfully extended to mtDNA, primarily due to the challenge of delivering single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) across both outer and inner mitochondrial membranes. Here we develop a survival-based reporter in Saccharomyces cerevisiae to screen for potential RNA import motifs. We identify a 40-nucleotide aptamer (IM83) that facilitates sgRNA entry into the mitochondrial matrix, enabling CRISPR editing by a mitochondrially-localized adenine base editor. We show that mitochondrial import of IM83 is ATP-dependent and enhanced by the tRNA synthetase Msk1. Further investigations identify barriers to efficient CRISPR editing of mtDNA, including loss of membrane potential associated with mitochondrial targeting of the base editor. These insights lay the groundwork for future improvements in CRISPR-based editing of mtDNA in eukaryotes.},
}

*Saccharomyces cerevisiae/genetics/metabolism
*Gene Editing/methods
*Genome, Mitochondrial/genetics
*CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
Mitochondria/genetics/metabolism
DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics
RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins/genetics/metabolism
*Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats

@article {pmid41543262,
year = {2026},
author = {Gautam, CK and Senanayake, G and Pease, AB and Salem, MA and Rabia, AH and Prüß, BM and Geddes, BA},
title = {Host-specific fluorescence dynamics in legume-rhizobium symbiosis during nodulation.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0215425},
doi = {10.1128/aem.02154-25},
pmid = {41543262},
issn = {1098-5336},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: The legume-rhizobium symbiosis is a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture due to its ability to facilitate biological nitrogen fixation. Still, real-time visualization and quantification of this interaction remain technically challenging, especially across different host backgrounds. In this study, we systematically evaluate the efficacy of the nitrogenase system nifH promoter (PnifH) in driving expression of distinct fluorescent reporters; superfolder yellow fluorescent protein (sfYFP), superfolder cyan fluorescent protein (sfCFP), and various red fluorescent proteins (RFPs) within root nodules of determinate (Lotus japonicus-Mesorhizobium japonicum) and indeterminate (Pisum sativum-Rhizobium leguminosarum) systems. We show that PnifH-driven sfYFP and sfCFP yield strong, uniform, and reproducible fluorescence in nodules of both systems, facilitating reliable quantification of nodulation traits and strain occupancy. In contrast, RFPs including monomeric (mScarlet-I, mRFP1, mARs1) and multimeric (AzamiRed1.0) variants exhibited weak or inconsistent signals in pea. Notably, fluorescent labeling did not impair rhizobial competitiveness for root nodule occupancy, and PnifH-driven sfYFP and sfCFP reporters enabled robust multiplexed imaging in single-root and split-root assays. In the lotus, mScarlet-I worked robustly and facilitated a tripartite strain labeling system. Complementing our molecular toolkit, we established a deep learning-based analytical pipeline for high-throughput, automated quantification of nodulation traits, validated against standard ImageJ analysis. Altogether, our results identify PnifH-driven sfYFP and sfCFP as robust, broadly applicable reporters for legume-rhizobium symbiosis studies, while highlighting the need for optimized red fluorophores in some contexts. The integration of validated promoter-reporter constructs with state-of-the-art computational approaches provides a scalable framework for dissecting the spatial and competitive dynamics of plant-microbe mutualisms.

IMPORTANCE: The legume-rhizobium symbiosis is central to sustainable agriculture through its capacity for biological nitrogen fixation, yet tools for real-time, quantitative visualization of this interaction remain limited. Here, we demonstrate that the nifH promoter (PnifH) effectively drives expression of superfolder yellow (sfYFP) and cyan (sfCFP) fluorescent proteins in both determinate (Lotus japonicus-Mesorhizobium japonicum) and indeterminate (Pisum sativum-Rhizobium leguminosarum) nodules. These reporters enable robust, reproducible fluorescence without impairing rhizobial competitiveness, supporting multiplexed imaging and quantitative nodulation analyses. By contrast, red fluorescent proteins exhibited host-dependent variability, underscoring the need for improved red fluorophores. Integration of validated promoter-reporter constructs with a deep learning-based image analysis pipeline establishes a scalable framework for high-throughput assessment of nodule occupancy and symbiotic dynamics. This work provides a practical molecular and computational toolkit for dissecting plant-microbe mutualisms across diverse host systems.},
}

@article {pmid41542384,
year = {2026},
author = {Stick, DJA and Kennington, WJ and Castro-Sanguino, C and Duffy, SL and Gilmour, JP and Thomas, L},
title = {Acute Heat Priming Dampens Gene Expression Response to Thermal Stress in a Widespread Acropora Coral.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {e72938},
pmid = {41542384},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Physiological plasticity is fundamental for resisting environmental change. As climate change accelerates and environmental stressors become more frequent, understanding how habitat-forming species shift their physiology to match their environment is essential for predicting broader ecosystem responses. In this study, we examined whether prior exposure to sub-bleaching heat stress influenced the gene expression responses to a subsequent thermal challenge in a common reef-building coral. We primed Acropora corals from the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef (WHNR) to acute (24 h) sub-bleaching temperatures (+5°C from the mean monthly maximum MMM, 32°C) before subjecting them to a more intense thermal challenge (+6°C from MMM, 33°C), and assessed the physiological and transcriptional responses in both naïve (no prior preconditioning) and primed corals compared to controls. Both groups mounted large gene expression responses to heat stress (33°C), which returned to baseline after a recovery period (16 h) at control temperatures (27°C, MMM), with no visible signs of physiological stress. However, primed corals showed a dampened stress response relative to naïve corals, marked by a 28% decline in differentially expressed genes and an overall reduction in intensity of expression of those genes compared to controls. Similar patterns were observed in the symbiotic partners, which showed a dampened response within the primed corals compared to the controls, despite no detectable declines in photosynthetic performance within either treatment. Our results show that short-term preconditioning of corals is associated with transcriptional dampening of key stress response genes, and that corals are capable of rapid transcriptional recovery and resilience to recurrent heat stress.},
}

@article {pmid41540599,
year = {2026},
author = {Delers, A and Bennion, A and Guillory, A and Frances, L and Krol, E and Bonnafous, F and Medioni, L and Serrania, J and Peyraud, R and Fournier, J and de Carvalho-Niebel, F and Becker, A},
title = {Rhizobial motility preference in root colonization of Medicago truncatula.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.70897},
pmid = {41540599},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {ANR-10-LABX-4//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; ANR-19-CE20-0026-01//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; ANR-24-CE20-6206//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; BE 2121/9-1//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; },
abstract = {Tunnel-like infection thread (IT) structures support root colonization by symbiotic nitrogen-fixing rhizobia bacteria in most legume species. These tip-grown structures are key to directing rhizobia from root hairs to developing nodules, where they are hosted to fix nitrogen. Rhizobia likely progress inside ITs by combining growth and motility by modes not yet defined. Here, we tackled this question by combining mathematical modeling, live cell imaging, and bacterial mutant phenotyping in Medicago truncatula. Modeling the motion of fluorescently-labeled Sinorhizobium meliloti inside root hair IT compartments estimated slow movement (2-6 μm h[-1]), compatible with passive rather than active motility. Consistent with this model, flagella-less S. meliloti mutants were impaired in active swimming motility in vitro, yet could colonize host roots and nodules in planta. By contrast, mutation in the rhizobactin 1021 siderophore rhbE biosynthesis gene affected surface motility in vitro and host root and nodule colonization. This mutation also promoted the formation of branched ITs in root hairs, which ultimately resulted in impaired nodule development and infection. In line with the slow motion of S. meliloti inside ITs estimated by modeling, our findings suggest that rhizobia favor flagella-independent surface translocation to reach developing nodules in M. truncatula.},
}

@article {pmid41540283,
year = {2026},
author = {Bueno, RS and Catania, V and Auteri, M and Grilli, E and di Iorio, T and di Sarra, A and Castaldi, S and Quatrini, P},
title = {Patterns and Drivers of Plant Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Traits Across a Pedo-Climatic Gradient in Mediterranean Agroecosystems Under Desertification Risk.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1007/s00248-025-02689-9},
pmid = {41540283},
issn = {1432-184X},
abstract = {Desertification is a global concern, reducing vegetation cover and soil fertility. Arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis (AM), the most common plant-fungi association, can enhance plant fitness and stress tolerance. Despite its significance, comprehensive data on community-wide patterns and drivers of plant AM traits are limited in the Mediterranean, one of the regions most vulnerable to desertification. We examined four traits: colonization frequency, intensity, arbuscule abundance, and spore density in the rhizosphere of 20 plant species across ten agroecosystems in desertification-prone areas of Italy, Spain, and Portugal. We analysed whether these traits varied across Raunkiær's plant life forms and were affected by vegetation cover, soil properties, precipitation, and temperature, both overall and regionally, to explore potential context-dependency. All plants showed a high frequency of AMF colonization, with an average intensity of 54%, indicating obligate AMF interactions, and arbuscule abundance was significantly correlated with spore density. These traits were significantly higher in microhabitats dominated by trees and shrubs compared to those dominated by herbaceous plants. Phanerophytes (perennials) presented lower trait values than therophytes (annuals), while the highest values were found in hemicryptophytes. Lampedusa, a region with hotter and drier climate conditions in Southern Europe, had significantly lower AMF trait levels, though Spanish site values resembled those in Sicily more than Portugal. Soil organic carbon, nitrogen, and the overall positive interaction between precipitation and temperature significantly influenced all AMF traits. However, the magnitude and direction of soil and climate related effects differed among regions, indicating strong context dependency. Our study contributes to better define indicators for monitoring desertification and evaluating restoration efforts while highlighting the need of site-specific evaluations and careful interpretation of broad generalisations.},
}

@article {pmid41538935,
year = {2026},
author = {Lu, YZ and Sha, HY and Di, C and Zhu, GC},
title = {A cross-kingdom survival strategy: A methanotroph recruits a microalga for synergistic detoxification of metronidazole.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {503},
number = {},
pages = {141127},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141127},
pmid = {41538935},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {Conventional treatments poorly remove persistent antibiotics like metronidazole. This study presents a sustainable methanotroph-alga (Methylocystis bryophila and Tetradesmus obliquus) co-culture for its degradation. The system exhibited potent synergy, with a degradation rate constant (0.067 d[-1]) that was 2.48- and 3.72-fold higher than in the respective monocultures. This enhancement stems from a "reciprocal synergistic amplification" model, which we identify as a cross-kingdom survival strategy. When faced with the antibiotic threat, the prokaryotic bacterium secretes metabolites that induce a mixotrophic shift in its immune eukaryotic partner, effectively "recruiting" the alga for detoxification. This transforms the alga into a photocatalyst factory, producing potent extracellular organic matter (EOMs) driven by triplet states ([3]EOMs*). In return, algal-produced oxygen boosted the bacterial methane monooxygenase activity by 127 %. This work reveals a novel defensive function for a symbiosis previously known for anabolic purposes (e.g., biofuels). By elucidating how a "safe" enzymatic pathway and an effective, partner-mediated photodegradation pathway are integrated, this study offers a new paradigm for designing intelligent microbial consortia for complete pollutant detoxification.},
}

@article {pmid41538015,
year = {2025},
author = {Otjacques, E and Paula, JR and Ruby, EG and Xavier, JC and McFall-Ngai, MJ and Rosa, R and Schunter, C},
title = {Developmental and transcriptomic responses of Hawaiian bobtail squid early stages to ocean warming and acidification.},
journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences},
volume = {292},
number = {2061},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1098/rspb.2025.1636},
pmid = {41538015},
issn = {1471-2954},
support = {//'la Caixa' Foundation/ ; //Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia/ ; //Excellent Young Scientists Fund/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Decapodiformes/growth & development/genetics/physiology/embryology ; *Transcriptome ; Hawaii ; *Seawater/chemistry ; Carbon Dioxide ; Climate Change ; Symbiosis ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Aliivibrio fischeri/physiology ; },
abstract = {Cephalopods play a central ecological role across all oceans and depths. However, under the current climate crisis, their physiology and behaviour are impacted, and we are beginning to comprehend the effects of environmental stressors at a molecular level. Here, we study the Hawaiian bobtail squid (Euprymna scolopes), known for its specific binary symbiosis with the bioluminescent bacterium Vibrio fischeri acquired post-hatching. We aim to understand the response (i.e. developmental and molecular) of E. scolopes after embryogenetic exposure to different conditions: (i) standard conditions (control), (ii) increased CO2 (∆pH 0.4 units), (iii) warming (+3°C), or (iv) a combination of the two treatments. We observed a decrease in hatching success across all treatments relative to the control, and elevated temperature shortened the developmental time. Using transcriptomics, we identified modulation in metabolic pathways and energy production, at the expense of development under increased CO2. In addition to finding differentially expressed genes related to RNA editing, we also identified several splicing events linked to phenotypic plasticity in response to increased CO2 and temperature. The data also suggest that the initiation of the symbiosis may be negatively affected by these environmental drivers of change in the biosphere, although the animal may counter these via coping mechanisms.},
}

Animals
*Decapodiformes/growth & development/genetics/physiology/embryology
*Transcriptome
Hawaii
*Seawater/chemistry
Carbon Dioxide
Climate Change
Symbiosis
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
Aliivibrio fischeri/physiology

@article {pmid41536842,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, L and Liu, J and Zhou, Z and Wang, W},
title = {Integrated transcriptome and translatome analyses reveal the early regulatory network of Brassica napus roots in response to the growth-promoting rhizobacterium Pseudomonas simiae WCS417.},
journal = {Molecular breeding : new strategies in plant improvement},
volume = {46},
number = {1},
pages = {8},
pmid = {41536842},
issn = {1572-9788},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Interactions between plant roots and complex microbial communities are critical for plant environmental adaptation. Pseudomonas simiae WCS417, a Gram-negative plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR), is a model organism in plant-microbe interaction research and featured in over 750 studies since the 1990s. However, the translatome dynamics induced by WCS417 remain poorly understood. This study employed an integrated multi-omics approach, combining transcriptome (RNA-seq) and translatome (RNC-seq) analyses, to systematically investigate the transcriptional and translational regulatory networks in Brassica napus roots during early colonization by WCS417. Our results demonstrate that WCS417 significantly promotes lateral root formation, suppresses primary root elongation, and increases plant biomass. At the molecular level, WCS417 inoculation triggered extensive changes in gene expression and translation at 30 min and 6 h post-inoculation, affecting key processes including phytohormone signaling, cell wall remodeling, immune responses, and abiotic stress adaptation. Notably, although transcript levels of some immune-related genes were downregulated, their translation ratios was significantly enhanced, suggesting that plants maintain basal immunity while facilitating symbiotic establishment. Furthermore, WCS417 dynamically regulated genes involved in nitrogen/phosphorus uptake and core low-temperature response transcription factors in Brassica napus roots. These findings reveal a multi-layered regulatory mechanism by which WCS417 optimizes root system architecture and balances immunity with growth in Brassica napus, providing new insights into plant-microbe interactions.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11032-025-01628-3.},
}

@article {pmid41536851,
year = {2024},
author = {Altamia, MA and Appiah-Madson, HJ and Falco-Poulin, R and Huettel, B and Rubin-Blum, M and Dubilier, N and Gruber-Vodicka, HR and Leisch, N and Distel, DL},
title = {Wooden steps to shallow depths: A new bathymodiolin mussel, Vadumodiolus teredinicola, inhabits shipworm burrows in an ancient submarine forest.},
journal = {Deep-sea research. Part I, Oceanographic research papers},
volume = {204},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41536851},
issn = {0967-0637},
support = {R01 AI162943/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Large mussels of the mytilid subfamily Bathymodiolinae are common inhabitants of deep-sea hydrothermal vents and cold seeps, where gill-borne symbionts allow them to utilize energy-rich compounds such as hydrogen sulfide and methane to support abundant growth. This subfamily also includes smaller symbiont-bearing mussels found on deep-sea wood and organic deposits. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that wood association is ancestral to bathymodiolin evolution. This observation led to the "wooden steps" hypothesis, which proposed that wood and other large organic deposits have acted as evolutionary steppingstones, introducing the progenitors of the modern vent and seep Bathymodiolinae to their remote environments. Although this hypothesis implies an evolutionary trajectory from shallow to deep water, no bathymodiolin species that grows and reproduces at depths less than 100 m has yet been formally described. Here we describe a new bathymodiolin genus and species, Vadumodiolus teredinicola, found growing and reproducing at a depth of 18 m in uninhabited shipworm burrows in the remnants of an ancient submerged bald cypress forest off the coast of Alabama. These results demonstrate that the bathymodiolin radiation has not been limited to deep water and that specific association with wood has led to the successful invasion of both deep and shallow marine environments.},
}

@article {pmid41536600,
year = {2025},
author = {Lemmond, B and Bonito, G and Healy, R and Van Wyk, J and Dawson, HA and Noffsinger, CR and Stephens, R and Sow, A and Trappe, JM and Orihara, T and Mleczko, P and Kaounas, V and Smith, ME},
title = {Phylogenomics, trophic ecology, and systematics of the truffle-forming Morchellaceae.},
journal = {Persoonia},
volume = {55},
number = {},
pages = {59-91},
doi = {10.3114/persoonia.2025.55.02},
pmid = {41536600},
issn = {0031-5850},
abstract = {The family Morchellaceae contains four truffle-forming genera: Fischerula, Imaia, Kalapuya, and Leucangium. In North America, some Imaia, Kalapuya, and Leucangium species are highly regarded gourmet edible fungi. In this study, we address longstanding questions about the evolution, systematics, and trophic mode of these fungal genera. We used high-throughput sequencing and a custom genome assembly pipeline to sequence and assemble 41 new genomes of epigeous and hypogeous Morchellaceae genera and outgroup taxa from the sister family Discinaceae. Phylogenomic reconstructions based on high-quality de novo genomes and published reference genomes support a single transition from epigeous to hypogeous habit within the Morchellaceae. These results are corroborated by phylogenetic evidence from LSU, tef1, and rpb2 with a larger dataset of specimens and publicly available sequences. We also provide direct morphological and molecular evidence that one species of Leucangium from North America forms ectomycorrhizas on Pseudotsuga menziesii in a natural habitat. Stable isotope analysis further supports the hypothesis that other species of truffle-forming Morchellaceae also obtain carbon via ectomycorrhizal symbiosis. Phylogenetic and morphological analysis supports the description of two new species and one new combination of Leucangium as well as one new species and one new combination of Imaia from North America. We also discuss additional, undescribed diversity detected in our phylogenetic analyses of these genera derived from fungarium specimens, mycophagous mammal scat samples, and other environmental samples. Citation: Lemmond B, Bonito G, Healy R, Van Wyk J, Dawson HA, Noffsinger CR, Stephens R, Sow A, Trappe JM, Orihara T, Mleczko P, Kaounas V, Smith ME (2025). Phylogenomics, trophic ecology, and systematics of the truffle-forming Morchellaceae. Persoonia 55: 59-91. doi: 10.3114/persoonia.2025.55.02.},
}

@article {pmid41536161,
year = {2026},
author = {Turnlund, AC and O'Brien, PA and Rix, L and Ferguson, S and Boulotte, N and Jeong, SY and Webster, NS and Diaz-Pulido, G and Wahab, MA and Lurgi, M and Vanwonterghem, I},
title = {Bacterial Communities Associated With Crustose Coralline Algae Are Host-Specific.},
journal = {MicrobiologyOpen},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {e70213},
doi = {10.1002/mbo3.70213},
pmid = {41536161},
issn = {2045-8827},
support = {//Australian Government Research Training Programme/ ; //UQ Graduate school/ ; //the Reef Restoration and Adaptation Programme/ ; },
mesh = {*Rhodophyta/microbiology/classification ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Phylogeny ; *Microbiota ; Symbiosis ; Coral Reefs ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics/chemistry ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; *Anthozoa/microbiology ; DNA, Ribosomal/genetics/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Crustose coralline algae (CCA) comprise hundreds of different species and are critical to coral reef growth, structural stability and coral recruitment. Despite their integral role in reef functioning, little is known about the diversity and structure of bacterial communities associated with CCA. We address this knowledge gap by characterising the surface microbial communities of 15 Indo-Pacific CCA species across eight different families from the Great Barrier Reef, using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. CCA microbial community composition was distinct and found to primarily differentiate by algal host species. When looking at the core bacterial communities, divergence across CCA microbiomes was additionally correlated to host phylogeny. CCA from similar light environments and depths also had more similar microbial communities, suggesting the potential role of environmental parameters in influencing microbial community organisation. The fundamental descriptions of CCA bacterial communities for a wide range of Indo-Pacific species presented here provide essential baseline information to further inform CCA microbial symbiosis research.},
}

*Rhodophyta/microbiology/classification
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Phylogeny
*Microbiota
Symbiosis
Coral Reefs
DNA, Bacterial/genetics/chemistry
Sequence Analysis, DNA
*Anthozoa/microbiology
DNA, Ribosomal/genetics/chemistry

@article {pmid41536069,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, Y and Bao, H and Lei, Y and Zou, Z and Yuan, L and Li, H and Zhu, H and Xin, D and Staehelin, C and Cao, Y},
title = {Rhizobial effector NopM mediates the ubiquitination of the Nod factor receptor NFR5 and promotes rhizobial symbiosis in Lotus japonicus.},
journal = {Plant communications},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {101717},
doi = {10.1016/j.xplc.2026.101717},
pmid = {41536069},
issn = {2590-3462},
abstract = {Bacterial pathogens and most nitrogen-fixing rhizobia employ type III effectors (T3Es) as potent tools to manipulate plant signaling pathways, thereby facilitating infection and colonization. However, how rhizobial T3Es regulate legume symbiosis remains elusive. Here, we show that NopM, a T3E from Sinorhizobium fredii NGR234, contributes to infection and nodulation in Lotus japonicus Gifu. The loss of nopM in an NGR234ΔnopT mutant reduced infection and nodulation in L. japonicus, and expression of NopM under the control of L. japonicus NIN promoter enhanced these processes. NopM associated with the NF receptors NFR1 and NFR5 and physically interacted with their cytosolic domains in vitro, and selectively mediated ubiquitination of NFR5. Expression of NopM in hairy roots of NFR5-HA transgenic plants correlated with increased NFR5 protein abundance relative to the inactive NopM variant. Taken together, our work suggests that NopM-dependent effects on symbiosis are associated with increased NFR5 abundance, expanding our understanding of rhizobial T3E functionality and the co-evolution of legume-rhizobium symbiosis.},
}

@article {pmid41535669,
year = {2026},
author = {Yang, L and Yang, A and Wang, Y and Liu, J and Qian, X and Ding, G and Xing, X},
title = {Seed Metabolites Recruit Beneficial Pseudomonas During Imbibition to Promote Protocorm Development in the Terrestrial Orchid Gymnadenia conopsea.},
journal = {Plant, cell & environment},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/pce.70385},
pmid = {41535669},
issn = {1365-3040},
support = {32170013//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2021-I2M-1-031//CAMS Initiative for Innovative Medicine/ ; XZ202402ZD0002//Science and Technology Project of Xizang Autonomous Region/ ; ZB2417//Chinese Medicine Resource Project of Ministry of Industry and Information Technology/ ; },
abstract = {Orchids rely on symbiotic microorganisms for nutrient acquisition throughout their life cycle, from seed germination to plant maturity. In the terrestrial orchid Gymnadenia conopsea, beneficial Pseudomonas species have been previously identified as associated with seed germination and enriched in protocorms. Yet, the specific metabolites that mediate this microbial recruitment remain unknown. In this study, integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed that seed imbibition activates the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis along with starch and sucrose metabolism pathways, resulting in increased secretion of trehalose and sinapyl alcohol. These metabolites were found to attract Pseudomonas sp. and facilitate their colonisation. We further assessed the effects of these metabolites in the presence of the germination-promoting fungus Ceratobasidium sp. GS2, with or without Pseudomonas. Our results indicated that trehalose enhanced protocorm development when combined with the fungus, and this effect was significantly strengthened by the addition of Pseudomonas. In contrast, sinapyl alcohol promoted protocorm development only when both the fungus and Pseudomonas were present. These findings uncover a metabolite-mediated synergy that coordinates beneficial microbes to orchestrate early development in G. conopsea, advancing our understanding of metabolite-fungus-bacteria interactions and benefiting cultivation practices.},
}

@article {pmid41535558,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, M and Ding, R and Jia, T and Wu, Z and Hussain, M and Wang, L and Gan, GY and Zhang, J},
title = {Synergy of FeNPs and PGPR Strain Enhances Nitrogen Fixation by Linking Root Metabolites and Rhizosphere Microbiome Assembly in Alfalfa.},
journal = {Plant, cell & environment},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/pce.70387},
pmid = {41535558},
issn = {1365-3040},
support = {32471768//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 22ZD6NA007//Key Science & Technology Project of Gansu Province, China/ ; },
abstract = {Increasing evidences show plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) benefit legume-rhizobium symbiosis, and iron-based nanoparticles (FeNPs) act as rhizobia microenvironment stabilizers. However, few studies explored if their combination exerts synergistic effects on the symbiosis in legume. Here, we compared the effects of FeNPs, Pseudomonas rhizovicinus M30-35, and their co-application (Fe + M) on alfalfa growth, nitrogen fixation, root metabolites, and rhizosphere microbiome. Compared with FeNPs and M30-35, Fe + M increased shoot height, root length, root activity, chlorophyll content, and net photosynthetic rate (Pn) by 63.2% and 45.4%, 61.1% and 70.6%, 56.2% and 47.1%, 20.1% and 18.6%, and 41.1% and 30.6%, respectively; the nodule number, nitrogenase activity, ureide content, and leghemoglobin content rose by 29.6% and 31.4%, 58.5% and 78.7%, 20.4% and 15.1%, and 9.7% and 12.4%, respectively. Metabolomic analysis showed that Fe + M enhanced the accumulation of benzenoid compounds in roots, while microbial co-occurrence network analysis indicated reduced complexity and connectivity of rhizosphere bacterial and fungal communities. Importantly, core microbes, such as Hydrogenophaga, Nocardioides, unidentified_Mitochondria, and Scedosporium, were positively associated with benzenoid compounds, which contribute to nutrient cycling in the rhizosphere. Our findings demonstrate that FeNPs and PGPR strain together achieve synergistic effects on the nitrogen fixation in alfalfa.},
}

@article {pmid41533915,
year = {2026},
author = {Pang, J and Wei, Z and Zhang, Z and Xu, X and Peng, Y and Chen, Q and Wei, Y and Liu, J and Zhang, Y and Shi, Q and Wang, Z and Zhang, Y and Chen, K and Zhou, M and Lu, X and Liang, Q},
title = {Genomic Landscape Reveals Correlation of Endosymbiont Ralstonia With Acanthamoeba Keratitis Severity.},
journal = {Investigative ophthalmology & visual science},
volume = {67},
number = {1},
pages = {17},
doi = {10.1167/iovs.67.1.17},
pmid = {41533915},
issn = {1552-5783},
mesh = {Animals ; *Acanthamoeba Keratitis/microbiology/parasitology/diagnosis/genetics ; Mice ; *Acanthamoeba/genetics/microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Ralstonia/genetics/physiology ; Humans ; Whole Genome Sequencing ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ; Cornea/parasitology/pathology ; Male ; Genome, Bacterial ; Severity of Illness Index ; Genomics ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE: To identify the basic genomic profile of Acanthamoeba, obtain information on Acanthamoeba endosymbionts, and analyze the correlation between these endosymbionts and the prognosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) patients.

METHODS: Whole-genome sequencing was conducted on 30 cornea-derived Acanthamoeba strains. Pan-genome analysis was performed, and endosymbionts were identified by metagenomic analysis. Gimenez staining, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and transmission electron microscopy were used to prove the existence of endosymbionts. Linear discriminant analysis effect size was used to associate endosymbiont species with AK clinical prognosis. The correlation between the endosymbiont Ralstonia and pathogenicity was experimentally validated by assessing the biological characteristics of Acanthamoeba and by performing clinical and histopathological evaluations in AK mouse models.

RESULTS: Whole genome sequencing revealed that the Acanthamoeba genome size was 37.1-105.0 Mb and GC content was 53.9%-60.5%. Pan-genomic analysis indicated an open state of the Acanthamoeba genome. Metagenomic analysis identified the presence of endosymbionts within Acanthamoeba, notably the endosymbiont Ralstonia, which was associated with poor prognosis at the genus level (P = 0.047). Acanthamoeba harboring the endosymbiont Ralstonia exhibited an increased migration area, enhanced adhesion, and had a more pronounced cytopathic effect. The size of clinical scores and corneal ulcers showed a significant increase in mouse models induced by Acanthamoeba with endosymbiont Ralstonia.

CONCLUSIONS: Whole-genome sequencing highlighted the symbiotic relationship between Acanthamoeba and associated microorganisms. The presence of the endosymbiont Ralstonia influenced the biological characteristics of Acanthamoeba and was correlated with clinical poor prognosis in AK, suggesting its potential as a target for clinical intervention.},
}

Animals
*Acanthamoeba Keratitis/microbiology/parasitology/diagnosis/genetics
Mice
*Acanthamoeba/genetics/microbiology
*Symbiosis
*Ralstonia/genetics/physiology
Humans
Whole Genome Sequencing
Disease Models, Animal
Female
In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
Cornea/parasitology/pathology
Male
Genome, Bacterial
Severity of Illness Index
Genomics

@article {pmid41533245,
year = {2026},
author = {Alami, S and Laadraoui, C and Kaddouri, K and Lamrabet, M and Chaddad, Z and Mnasri, B and Courty, PE and Missbah El Idrissi, M},
title = {Mesorhizobium maamorense sp. nov., a novel symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacterium isolated from nodules of Ononis repens in the Moroccan Maâmora forest.},
journal = {Antonie van Leeuwenhoek},
volume = {119},
number = {2},
pages = {38},
pmid = {41533245},
issn = {1572-9699},
mesh = {*Mesorhizobium/classification/genetics/isolation & purification/physiology ; Phylogeny ; Morocco ; *Root Nodules, Plant/microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Nitrogen Fixation ; *Fabaceae/microbiology ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Multilocus Sequence Typing ; Forests ; Fatty Acids/analysis ; Genome, Bacterial ; Whole Genome Sequencing ; Bacterial Typing Techniques ; },
abstract = {Mediterranean wild legumes, including Ononis repens, represent an underexplored reservoir of rhizobial diversity with ecological and agronomic significance. In this study, three novel bacterial symbionts, namely, Mesorhizobium sp. strains ORM16[T], ORM5.1, and ORM12.1, were previously isolated from root nodules of O. repens in the Maâmora forest near Rabat, Morocco. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing placed all three strains within the genus, Mesorhizobium, closely related to Mesorhizobium opportunistum WSM2075[T]. Multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) using housekeeping genes (recA, atpD, and glnII) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) further confirmed the distinct taxonomic position of ORM16[T], with average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values of 87.63% and 31.2%, respectively, both of which were below the species delimitation thresholds. Genomic analysis revealed the presence of canonical nod genes on chromosomal DNA. The type strain, ORM16[T], is a gram-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped bacterium with moderate tolerance to salinity, osmotic, and thermal stress. Chemotaxonomic data highlighted the characteristic fatty acid profiles of this strain, which distinguished it from its closest relatives. Given this strain's genetic, phenotypic, and symbiotic uniqueness, we propose Mesorhizobium maamorense sp. nov., with strain ORM16[T] as the type strain (= DSM120599[T] = CCMM B1359[T]). Its genomic distinctiveness makes ORM16[T] an ideal candidate for expanding our knowledge of Mesorhizobium diversity, conducting taxonomic research, and exploring novel biotechnological applications in nitrogen fixation.},
}

*Mesorhizobium/classification/genetics/isolation & purification/physiology
Phylogeny
Morocco
*Root Nodules, Plant/microbiology
*Symbiosis
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Nitrogen Fixation
*Fabaceae/microbiology
DNA, Bacterial/genetics
Multilocus Sequence Typing
Forests
Fatty Acids/analysis
Genome, Bacterial
Whole Genome Sequencing
Bacterial Typing Techniques

@article {pmid41532692,
year = {2026},
author = {Ueno, AC and Casas, C and Breitenberger, FL and Molina-Montenegro, MA and Ramos, P and Schnyder, H and Gundel, PE},
title = {Memory of Survivors: A Seedborne Endophyte Mediates the Impact of Severe Drought on Plant Maternal Fitness and Progeny.},
journal = {Physiologia plantarum},
volume = {178},
number = {1},
pages = {e70738},
doi = {10.1111/ppl.70738},
pmid = {41532692},
issn = {1399-3054},
support = {ANID-FONDECYT 11230971//Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo Científico y Tecnológico/ ; },
mesh = {*Seeds/physiology/microbiology ; *Droughts ; *Endophytes/physiology ; Symbiosis ; *Lolium/physiology/microbiology ; Seedlings/physiology/microbiology ; Germination/physiology ; *Epichloe/physiology ; Starch/metabolism ; Water/metabolism ; Biomass ; },
abstract = {Drought events can have long-lasting effects on plant performance and progeny traits. We investigated how an early, severe drought at the seedling stage affected plant fitness and seed traits in Lolium multiflorum, and whether these responses were modulated by symbiosis with the vertically transmitted fungal endophyte Epichloë occultans. Drought caused significant mortality, and the symbiosis with the endophyte improved survival independently of plant biomass. Surviving plants fully recovered aboveground biomass and seed production only in the presence of the endophyte. Isotopic analyses indicated that only non-symbiotic plants showed reduced stomatal conductance during seed set, which likely explains their lower seed production. Seeds from drought-exposed symbiotic plants had higher concentrations of compatible solutes (mannitol and sorbitol) and starch. However, symbiotic seeds from drought-exposed plants showed reduced germination under intermediate water potential. This response was associated with a drought-induced increase in the base water potential (Ψb). Alternatively, constant hydrotime was positively associated with starch content. Our results suggest that endophyte symbiosis enables recovery from early drought via osmotic adjustment and photosynthetic maintenance, with intergenerational responses mediated by changes in seed biochemical composition and germination. These findings highlight the role of vertically transmitted endophytes in plant memory of stress and drought resilience across generations.},
}

*Seeds/physiology/microbiology
*Droughts
*Endophytes/physiology
Symbiosis
*Lolium/physiology/microbiology
Seedlings/physiology/microbiology
Germination/physiology
*Epichloe/physiology
Starch/metabolism
Water/metabolism
Biomass

@article {pmid41531093,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, SE and Dong, ZF and Zhang, AH and Min, W},
title = {[Effect of Biodegradable Mulching Film on Soil Microbial Community in Cotton Field was Revealed Based on Metagenomics].},
journal = {Huan jing ke xue= Huanjing kexue},
volume = {47},
number = {1},
pages = {650-662},
doi = {10.13227/j.hjkx.202411219},
pmid = {41531093},
issn = {0250-3301},
mesh = {*Soil Microbiology ; *Gossypium/growth & development ; Metagenomics ; Soil/chemistry ; Biodegradation, Environmental ; *Agriculture/methods ; Microbiota ; },
abstract = {Biodegradable mulching films （BMPs） have been widely used as an alternative to conventional plastic mulching films （CMPs）. However， the long-term effects of BMPs on soil microbial community structure remain unclear. Therefore， in this study， we set up two treatments， CMPs and BMPs， and conducted a field experiment with 26 a of CMPs and 11 a of BMPs coverage. Using metagenomics technology， the effects of BMPs on soil microbial community structure in cotton fields in arid areas were investigated. The results showed that compared with those under the CMPs treatment， the BMPs treatment significantly reduced soil water content （SWC）， bulk density （BD）， and available phosphorus （AP） by 25.00%， 12.50%， and 12.09%， respectively， but significantly increased soil porosity （SP） by 10.07%. The BMPs treatment （124） significantly reduced the number of unique species compared with that in the CMPs treatment （182）. At the phylum level， the BMPs treatment significantly increased the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and significantly decreased the relative abundance of Actinobacteria. At the genus level， the BMPs treatment significantly increased the relative abundances of Nocardioides， Solirubrobacter， and Nitrospira and significantly decreased the relative abundance of Sphingomonas. Meanwhile， the proportion of positive correlations and the average degree between microbial communities in the BMPs treatment were increased significantly by 16.32% and 8.71% compared with those in the CMPs treatment， respectively， reducing the modularization degree of the microbial community by 1.89% and promoting the symbiotic relationship and stability of the microbial community. The BMPs treatment significantly increased the relative abundance of genes such as xylA， narG/nxrA， and nasA and significantly decreased the relative abundance of genes such as accA， frdA， nirB， nrtA， gcd， and phoR， promoting carbon degradation， denitrification， and assimilative nitrate reduction processes and inhibiting dissimilatory nitrate reduction and inorganic phosphorus solubilization processes. Soil SWC and AP were the key environmental factors affecting microbial community composition. Biodegradable mulching film increased the complexity and stability of soil microbial communities compared with traditional mulching film， and soil SWC and AP were the key environmental factors affecting the composition of microbial communities.},
}

*Soil Microbiology
*Gossypium/growth & development
Metagenomics
Soil/chemistry
Biodegradation, Environmental
*Agriculture/methods
Microbiota

@article {pmid41529463,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, X and Wang, X and Hou, Y and Liu, G},
title = {An adaptive framework for symbiotic environmental fragility and geohazards risk: A case study of Gaizhou City, China.},
journal = {Ecotoxicology and environmental safety},
volume = {309},
number = {},
pages = {119704},
doi = {10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119704},
pmid = {41529463},
issn = {1090-2414},
abstract = {The ecological environment is an important context for geohazards formation. Traditional geohazards risk assessment mostly focuses on the physical characteristics and pays insufficient attention to long-term impact on the ecological environment. This paper considers environmental fragility from a 'current-sensitive-responsive' perspective, comparing the entropy power, projection pursuit, and random forest methods to identify the optimal model. It also proposes a 3D matrix to establish an adaptive framework for geohazards ecological risk, tailored to scenarios of frequent geohazards in environmental fragile mountainous regions. The results were validated using Gaizhou City: Random forest achieves better zoning performance and accuracy, making it the optimal model for environmental fragility. The area classified as very high risk zoning is only 28.35 km[2] using 3D matrix, with a high geohazard areal density of 0.35 point/km[2]. With less than 0.3 % of the total area, it accommodates 10.6 % of the region's geohazard inventory, fully demonstrating its effectiveness. The townships of Kuangdonggou and Shizijie were key control units, and it was recommended that a combination of engineering and ecological measures be prioritized. The improvement method may provide a new perspective on the synergistic management of the ecological environment and geohazards.},
}

@article {pmid41528196,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, L and Gong, J and Li, Y and Wang, C and Malik, K and Chen, L and Zhang, J and Li, N and Liu, R and Zhao, Q and Tian, M and Wang, J and Yi, Y},
title = {The Cd-Tolerance of Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) Is Linked with the Rhizosphere Bacterial Community Composition and Rhizosphere Soil Metabolite Profiles.},
journal = {Journal of agricultural and food chemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.jafc.5c08317},
pmid = {41528196},
issn = {1520-5118},
abstract = {Cadmium (Cd) poses a serious threat to plant growth, so the selection and breeding of Cd-tolerant pepper cultivars are effective methods to reduce Cd hazards. This study identified C. annuum G03 as a Cd-tolerant cultivar, evidenced by its superior leaf physiological activity under Cd stress compared to the sensitive C. annuum C07. 16S rDNA sequencing revealed a more complex bacterial symbiotic network in the bulk soil, rhizosphere, and root endophyte of C. annuum G03, enhancing its buffering capacity against Cd stress. Furthermore, correlation analysis between rhizosphere bacteria and metabolites indicated that Armatimonadota and Bdellovibrionota were the key functional bacteria of C. annuum G03. They can influence the levels of key metabolites such as nerolidol, glutathionylspermine, and alpha-linolenic acid, thereby reducing antioxidant damage and Cd ion uptake in plant roots. These findings provide valuable insights into the microbial mechanisms underpinning the tolerance of pepper to Cd stress.},
}

@article {pmid41527705,
year = {2026},
author = {Armijo-Godoy, G and Pochet, I and Kraiser, T and Medina, MP and Gras, DE and Zúñiga, A and González, B and Gutiérrez, RA},
title = {NSP1 and NLP9 Mediate a Beneficial, Non-Canonical Interaction Between Arabidopsis thaliana and Sinorhizobium meliloti Under Nitrogen Deficiency.},
journal = {Journal of experimental botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jxb/erag005},
pmid = {41527705},
issn = {1460-2431},
abstract = {Nitrogen is as a crucial macronutrient necessary for plant development. Legumes form well-known symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, but non-leguminous plants such as Arabidopsis thaliana also gain advantages from these associations without developing nodules. This study examines the relationship between A. thaliana and Sinorhizobium meliloti when conditions contain extremely low nitrogen levels. According to our findings, functional evidence consistent with biological nitrogen fixation from S. meliloti enhances plant growth and root system development. The plant growth response needs two essential regulatory genes, NSP1 and NLP9, which become active exclusively in nitrogen-deficient conditions. Microscopy showed bacterial colonization on the root epidermis, and subsequent analysis identified NSP1 and NLP9 as mediators of plant signaling, which modulate the host program to allow S. meliloti's nitrogenase activity. NSP1 controls the induction of NLP9, indicating a conserved signaling pathway resembling that found in legumes. The study discovered a non-canonical interaction beyond nodules that regulates bacterial nitrogen fixation functionality and improves A. thaliana survival during nutrient scarcity. The research expands our comprehension of how plants interact with nitrogen-fixing bacteria and indicates conserved molecular systems that allow non-leguminous plants to form advantageous relationships under severe nitrogen scarcity.},
}

@article {pmid41527218,
year = {2026},
author = {Tao, S and Wu, X and Zhang, Z and Xu, P},
title = {Molecular Dialogue Across Kingdoms: The Role of Trans-Kingdom Peptides in Plant-Associated Interactions.},
journal = {Plant, cell & environment},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/pce.70378},
pmid = {41527218},
issn = {1365-3040},
support = {32372718//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32202470//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2021C02041//Key Research Program of Zhejiang Province/ ; LY24C150006//Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province/ ; 2023YW16//Fundamental Research Funds for the Provincial Universities of Zhejiang/ ; },
abstract = {Small signaling peptides have emerged as central mediators of biological communication within and between species. In this review, we propose and define the concept of trans-kingdom peptides (TKPs) as short, bioactive peptides produced by one organism that exert specific physiological effects in another, often across taxonomic kingdoms. We summarize recent progress in identifying plant- and microbe-derived TKPs that function in symbiosis, parasitism, plant-microbe interactions, herbivory, and host-virus dynamics. TKPs modulate host defense, developmental programs, microbial community structure, and abiotic stress responses through highly specific interactions with conserved receptor systems. We highlight known peptide families mediating legume-rhizobia nodulation, nematode parasitism, and microbial immune suppression, as well as newly discovered viral- and insect-derived peptides that manipulate plant immunity. We discuss how they shape coevolutionary dynamics between hosts and interacting organisms. Finally, we outline current challenges and potential applications of TKPs in agriculture, biomedicine, synthetic biology, and environmental sustainability. Altogether, by framing their emerging properties and biological significance, we aim to provide a conceptual foundation and encourage interdisciplinary research into this expanding frontier of plant biology and inter-organismal communication.},
}

@article {pmid41524916,
year = {2026},
author = {Nehra, R and Dhanda, S and Singh, K and Singh, H and Bharti, PK},
title = {The symbiotic Wolbachia in Anopheles and its role in reducing the transmission of Plasmodium: updates and prospects.},
journal = {Archives of microbiology},
volume = {208},
number = {2},
pages = {121},
pmid = {41524916},
issn = {1432-072X},
mesh = {*Anopheles/microbiology/parasitology ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; Animals ; *Malaria/transmission/prevention & control/parasitology ; *Symbiosis ; *Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/parasitology ; *Plasmodium/physiology ; Humans ; Mosquito Control/methods ; },
abstract = {Reducing malaria transmission and the prospects for vector control include multi-pronged strategies, such as interrupting the parasite cycle in both vectors and mosquitoes. Effective vector control remains essential to prevent malaria transmission. This is all the more important as problems such as resistance to insecticides and the lack of a highly effective malaria vaccine remain. New generation vector control measures and optimised products are essential to address the public health needs for malaria eradication. Strategies to reduce malaria transmission include the use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), indoor residual spraying (IRS) and other measures. Recent studies have shown that Wolbachia pipientis, a bacterium that acts as an intracellular endosymbiotic in host cells, is becoming increasingly popular as a new method of control for Anopheles mosquitoes, both for cytoplasmic incompatibility and for pathogen blocking. Anopheles gambiae, the infection rate ranged from 8 to 24% in the wild population of the same study in the case of An. coulzzi (WAnga) in Ghana, with a prevalence of 4%. Various studies have successfully identified Wolbachia in several species of Anopheles. A highly infected Anopheles species A population in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) showed a 91% infection rate (strain wAnsA). Broader surveys list additional species hosting natural Wolbachia, including An. funestus, An. moucheti, An. melas, An. nili, An. coustani, An. dirus, An. baimaii, An. hyrcanus, and An. sinensis, among others, totalling around 31 Anopheles species. In Anopheles stephensi, researchers achieved stable maternal transmission of the wPip strain with a 100% infection frequency in the transinfected line across generations. The infection caused nearly complete cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) and moderate fitness costs. Previous experimental infections using the wAlbB strain in An. stephensi similarly established CI and partial protection against Plasmodium infection. Wolbachia has been detected naturally at low prevalence (~ 1.4%) in field-collected An. culicifacies samples in India. However, these infections are often rare and may not lead to a high blocking effect of the pathogens. Despite the notable progress in demonstrating the CI and moderate inhibitory effect of the pathogen in several Anopheles trans-infected lines, the remaining setbacks include persistent, mother-transmitted infection with a high population replacement or suppression potential that will be relevant for widespread use. This comprehensive evaluation identified the need for further research on host-symbiotic interactions, improved genetic engineering tools and comprehensive long-term field evaluations to fully realise the potential of Wolbachia as a vector control tool for malaria.},
}

*Anopheles/microbiology/parasitology
*Wolbachia/physiology
Animals
*Malaria/transmission/prevention & control/parasitology
*Symbiosis
*Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/parasitology
*Plasmodium/physiology
Humans
Mosquito Control/methods

@article {pmid41524487,
year = {2026},
author = {Iglesias, J and Colla, D and Serrangeli, JS and Lozano, MJ and Falduti, O and Brignoli, D and Medici, I and Althabegoiti, MJ and Lodeiro, AR and Abdian, PL and Paczia, N and Becker, A and Soler-Bistué, A and Perez-Gimenez, J and Mongiardini, EJ},
title = {Role of Tad pili during the transition from planktonic to biofilm state in Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens USDA 110.},
journal = {Journal of bacteriology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0000825},
doi = {10.1128/jb.00008-25},
pmid = {41524487},
issn = {1098-5530},
abstract = {Free-living soil bacteria can exist in two main states: planktonic, as motile single cells, or sessile, within biofilms. In biofilms, bacterial cells are embedded in an extracellular matrix that provides protection from environmental stresses and enhances long-term survival. The transition from planktonic to biofilm states sometimes involves surface sensing and attachment, processes commonly mediated by flagella and pili. In this study, we investigated the role of Type IVc Tad pili in surface sensing, adhesion, and biofilm formation in Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens, a nitrogen-fixing symbiont of soybean. Bioinformatic analyses revealed that Tad pili are widely distributed and highly conserved within the Bradyrhizobium genus. While pili deletion in other model organisms typically reduces biofilm formation, we found that deletion of the most conserved genomic cluster encoding Tad pili in B. diazoefficiens led to increased adhesion to abiotic surfaces and impaired motility-indicative of a physiological shift toward a biofilm-associated state. These findings suggest that Tad pili may play a sensory or regulatory role, potentially influencing cell-cell or cell-matrix interactions. Furthermore, we identified a link between Tad pili and intracellular c-di-GMP levels. Together, these results highlight the critical role of Tad pili in the physiology of B. diazoefficiens and offer new insights into bacterial surface adaptation, with potential applications in agriculture and biotechnology. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for improving biofilm management strategies and developing new approaches to enhance bacterial survival in soil and inoculant formulations, ultimately optimizing legume symbiosis.IMPORTANCEBiofilm formation is essential for bacterial survival in soil environments. In this study, we investigated the role of Tad pili in the biofilm-forming capacity of Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens and their connection to the second messenger c-di-GMP, a key regulator of the transition between planktonic and sessile states. Bacteria used in agricultural inoculants are typically in the planktonic state, yet survival and persistence are optimized in the sessile state. Our findings may contribute to the development of strategies that promote the transition to the biofilm lifestyle in inoculant formulations, thereby enhancing bacterial viability in storage and soil and improving symbiotic performance with host plants.},
}

@article {pmid41524133,
year = {2026},
author = {Santos, YR and Andréo-Filho, N and Lopes, PS and Leite-Silva, VR},
title = {A review of skin microbiome and new challenges to cosmetic microbiome-friendly formulations.},
journal = {International journal of cosmetic science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/ics.70073},
pmid = {41524133},
issn = {1468-2494},
abstract = {Human skin is a complex ecosystem that hosts diverse species of microorganisms. Unbalanced conditions caused by intrinsic and/or extrinsic factors can lead to dysbiosis, presenting symptoms, such as dryness, high transepidermal water loss, reduced barrier protection, premature ageing, and in severe cases, inflammatory dermatoses. Strategies to maintain the skin microbiome balance are becoming increasingly suggested, with prebiotic, probiotic, or postbiotic ingredients promoting the diversity and relative abundance of important microorganisms. Topical products directly influence this balance, both traditional ingredients and specific active ingredients. The concentration and combination of these ingredients, as well as the pH of the final product, are extrinsic characteristics that can affect homeostatic skin condition. Focused on repairing or preserving the skin microbiota, microbiome-friendly cosmetics are gaining prominence in the cosmetics industry, with a focus on reducing or replacing ingredients with adverse effects on skin microbiota or adding positive compounds for the microbiota. This review approaches the main characteristics of the skin microbiome, in symbiosis and dysbiosis, elucidates strategies for skin microbiota rebalance, and addresses the challenges of developing microbiome-friendly products through studies of the interaction between skin microbiome and substantial classes of cosmetic ingredients, such as surfactants, lipophilic compounds, preservatives, fragrances, vitamins, and UV filters. The presented findings elucidate the relationship between the host, the skin microbiome, and the use of cosmetics, which could serve as a tool for the development of microbiome-friendly cosmetics. Given the growing popularity of this topic, we also highlight the need for further research focused on the dynamics between the skin microbiome and cosmetic ingredients.},
}

@article {pmid41523595,
year = {2025},
author = {Liang, T and Tan, X and Zhang, G and Li, X and Qiang, Z and Fu, K and Luo, X and Li, C},
title = {Study on the structure of root nodules of Hedysarum polybotrys Hand.-Mazz. and the isolation and identification of rhizobia.},
journal = {Plant biotechnology (Tokyo, Japan)},
volume = {42},
number = {4},
pages = {431-439},
pmid = {41523595},
issn = {1342-4580},
abstract = {Hedysari Radix, a significant Chinese herbal medicine from Northwest China's arid region, is renowned for its unique tonic effects in traditional Chinese medicine practices. This plant, a member of the Leguminosae family, forms a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing rhizobia. However, the Hedysarum polybotrys-rhizobium symbiotic system remains underexplored. The root nodule structure of H. polybotrys was examined using an optical microscope (OM). This examination revealed that its root nodules consist of meristematic zone, infection zone, nitrogen fixation zone, and senescence zone, arranged from top to bottom. This structure suggests that the root nodules of H. polybotrys belong to the indeterminate nodule category. In the fields of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and fields emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), significant differences were observed between infected and un-infected cells. Rhizobium, identified via 16S rRNA technology and classified as the genus Mesorhizobium through phylogenetic analysis. Reinoculation of rhizobium into H. polybotrys seedlings resulted in nodule formation on the roots. Notably, inoculated plants exhibited a considerable increase in nodule number, leaf count, leaf length, aboveground height, aboveground fresh weight, root length, and root diameter compared to uninoculated controls, demonstrating that rhizobium inoculation enhances plant growth.},
}

@article {pmid41520955,
year = {2026},
author = {Liévano-Romero, K and Rodríguez-Posada, ME and Gardner, SL},
title = {A NEW SPECIES OF TRICHOLEIPERIA (NEMATA: TRICHOSTRONGYLOIDEA: MOLINEIDAE) FROM LAMPRONYCTERIS BRACHYOTIS (CHIROPTERA: PHYLLOSTOMIDAE) IN COLOMBIA.},
journal = {The Journal of parasitology},
volume = {112},
number = {1},
pages = {12-20},
doi = {10.1645/25-21},
pmid = {41520955},
issn = {1937-2345},
mesh = {Animals ; Colombia/epidemiology ; *Chiroptera/parasitology ; *Trichostrongyloidea/classification/anatomy & histology/isolation & purification/ultrastructure ; *Trichostrongyloidiasis/veterinary/parasitology/epidemiology ; Female ; Male ; Intestine, Small/parasitology ; },
abstract = {Tricholeiperia albae n. sp. is described from the small intestine of the yellow-throated big-eared bat, Lampronycteris brachyotis (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae). Morphologic comparisons and a review of nematode parasites of neotropical bats indicate that this represents an undescribed species. Herein, we describe this species as new and show that this is a novel bat-parasite association. More than 50 species of bats have been reported from the Apure-Villavicencio dry forests ecoregion, but little is known of the parasite fauna. Continued exploration of new localities in Colombia underscores the need for trained researchers in parasite sampling and preservation. This work is enabling new collaborations using interdisciplinary approaches to understand symbiotic relationships in representative Colombian ecosystems, including those that were inaccessible before the Colombia peace agreement.},
}

Animals
Colombia/epidemiology
*Chiroptera/parasitology
*Trichostrongyloidea/classification/anatomy & histology/isolation & purification/ultrastructure
*Trichostrongyloidiasis/veterinary/parasitology/epidemiology
Female
Male
Intestine, Small/parasitology

@article {pmid41520083,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, Z and Li, Y},
title = {Spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors of China's important agricultural heritage systems.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-35287-x},
pmid = {41520083},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {24BA136//Shanxi Provincial Art Science Planning Project/ ; 102699901008//Doctor Foundation for Working in Shanxi Province/ ; },
abstract = {Agricultural heritage systems, a paradigm of harmonious symbiosis between humans and the natural environment, contain rich biodiversity and embody distinctive cultural values and historical significance. Macro-level spatial analysis is essential to understand agricultural heritage systems. This study is based on 188 China's Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (CIAHS) (2013-2023), utilizing spatial analysis methods such as the nearest neighbor index, standard deviational ellipse, kernel density analysis, and Geodetector to examine the spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors of CIAHS. The results show an uneven distribution of CIAHS, characterized by significant regional discrepancies and an overall clustered spatial pattern. This pattern can be attributed to the combined effects of natural environmental factors (e.g., temperature, precipitation, topography, and water resources) and human environmental factors (e.g., economy, population, transportation, government response, and residents' attention), which interact synergistically. Among these factors, government response, temperature, and residents' attention play relatively greater roles in shaping the overall pattern. The study of the spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors of CIAHS will enhance the understanding of the geographical evolution and regional variations of these resources, thus providing a scientific basis for their preservation and sustainable development.},
}

@article {pmid41519975,
year = {2026},
author = {Christoffersen, SN and Østergaard, SK and de Jonge, N and Pertoldi, C and Sørensen, JG and Noer, NK and Kristensen, TN and Nielsen, JL and Bahrndorff, S},
title = {Arctic Insects Show a Highly Dynamic Microbiome Shaped by Abiotic and Biotic Variables.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1007/s00248-025-02685-z},
pmid = {41519975},
issn = {1432-184X},
abstract = {Arctic regions are inhabited by terrestrial ectotherms that have adapted to an extreme environment where food resources are limited. The host associated microbiome may partly explain their ability to live under these conditions, but very little is known about the microbiome of Arctic ectotherms. We investigate how the bacterial community of the Greenlandic seed bug (Nysius groenlandicus) and damsel bug (Nabis flavomarginatus) is affected by different abiotic and biotic factors (time, acclimation temperature, humidity, and diet) under both field and laboratory conditions. We found large differences in the bacterial composition and diversity between the two species including species-specific presence of potentially symbiotic bacteria. The bacterial community of both species changed across the season, which may be explained by the changing climatic conditions, such as temperature and humidity. This was further supported by results from the laboratory experiments. We also found that diet changed the bacterial composition in both species and that bacteria could be transferred from prey to predator. Together, these results show that the bacterial community of some Arctic insects are highly dynamic and modulated by different abiotic and biotic factors, suggesting that the microbiome plays an important role for these organisms to persist in an extreme and resource-limited Arctic environment.},
}

@article {pmid41519240,
year = {2026},
author = {Wei, X and Qiao, B and Zhang, S and Cui, J and Zhang, R and Mu, T and Zhang, G},
title = {MeJA regulates plant root growth, development and phosphorus uptake to adapt to low phosphorus stress.},
journal = {Plant science : an international journal of experimental plant biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {112986},
doi = {10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.112986},
pmid = {41519240},
issn = {1873-2259},
abstract = {Phosphorus, as an essential element for sustaining plant life activities, faces irreversible depletion in global reserves. The strong fixation tendency of phosphorus in soil leads to insufficient bioavailability, becoming a critical limiting factor for modern agricultural development. Although methyl jasmonate (MeJA) plays roles in various stress responses, its systemic regulatory mechanisms in coordinating root development and phosphorus metabolism networks under phosphorus deficiency remain unclear. This article systematically elucidates the MeJA-mediated low-phosphorus adaptation mechanism. At the physiological level, jasmonic acid enhances the activation of insoluble phosphorus in the rhizosphere by inhibiting primary root growth, promoting lateral root and root hair development, and synergistically boosting root secretion. At the molecular level, MeJA optimizes phosphorus uptake and transport by regulating the operation of phosphorus transporter families (PHT1, PHO1, PHT5). At the signaling level, MeJA connects phosphorus signaling with the jasmonic acid pathway through the PHR1-JAZ-MYC2 module, forming a regulatory network that coordinates root development, phosphorus transport, and mycorrhizal symbiosis. This study is the first to explain the efficient phosphorus acquisition mechanism mediated by MeJA from a systems biology perspective, providing a new paradigm for the genetic improvement of crop phosphorus efficiency. Subsequent research will focus on deciphering the molecular basis of phosphorus sensing in plants, clarifying the interaction mechanisms between MeJA and phosphorus signaling pathways, and developing synergistic strategies based on plant-microbe interactions.},
}

@article {pmid41518895,
year = {2026},
author = {Das, A and P, N and Chowdhury, D and Das, A and Manna, R and Bodakhe, SH},
title = {Chronic stress, gut dysbiosis, and cholesterol metabolism: Implications for Alzheimer's disease.},
journal = {Journal of neuroimmunology},
volume = {413},
number = {},
pages = {578853},
doi = {10.1016/j.jneuroim.2026.578853},
pmid = {41518895},
issn = {1872-8421},
abstract = {Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative neurological condition that gradually worsens and is the predominant type of dementia evident in millions of individuals globally. The intricate origin and development of this condition includes multiple genetic and environmental risk factors, alterations in gene expression, and activation of detrimental pathways. Chronic stress can adversely affect brain structure and function, leading to diminished cognitive ability, impaired decision-making, and poor mood regulation. The gut-brain axis, influenced by dietary and early life variables, significantly affects the control of stress responses. The human microbiota forms a symbiotic interaction with the host, impacting protective cell barriers, metabolic processes, and immune functions in the intestines. Chronic stress and high-cholesterol diets can alter gut microbiota composition, influencing behaviour, immune responses, and intestinal function. Oxysterols affect gut health and inflammation through the alteration of tight junctions and the stimulation of proinflammatory bacterial proliferation. This review provides a thorough explanation of the structure and function of the dietary stress system, its relationship with the central nervous system (CNS) and endocrine axis, and evidence connecting stress to the core processes of stress-related illnesses impacting AD. A thorough comprehension of the complex interplay among chronic stress, gut dysbiosis, and Alzheimer's disease progression could provide novel insights for the formulation of targeted therapeutic interventions.},
}

@article {pmid41518618,
year = {2026},
author = {Stelate, A and Shik, JZ},
title = {Protocol for generating protoplasts from the leafcutter ant symbiotic fungus Leucoagaricus gongylophorus.},
journal = {STAR protocols},
volume = {7},
number = {1},
pages = {104331},
doi = {10.1016/j.xpro.2025.104331},
pmid = {41518618},
issn = {2666-1667},
abstract = {We present a protocol to isolate viable protoplasted cells of the basidiomycete fungal mutualist (Leucoagaricus gongylophorus) obligately farmed by leafcutter ants. We describe steps for culturing actively growing mycelia, enzymatic digestion of fungal cell walls under osmotic stabilization, and purification of protoplasts (plasma membrane enclosing cytoplasm and organelles). We then detail procedures for assessing viability and wall removal using microscopy and fluorescent staining.},
}

@article {pmid41518539,
year = {2026},
author = {Kou, C and Li, D and Liu, Z and Gao, W and Zhang, W and Xiong, L and He, L and Li, M and Shu, A and Ma, J and Gao, Z},
title = {Rare Microbial Taxa Dominate the Microecological Landscape of Cadmium Exposure in Rice Rhizosphere.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1007/s00248-025-02690-2},
pmid = {41518539},
issn = {1432-184X},
support = {2023YFD2301301, 2017YFD0301601//This study was supported by National Key R&D Program of China/ ; 2023YFD2301301, 2017YFD0301601//This study was supported by National Key R&D Program of China/ ; 2023YFD2301301, 2017YFD0301601//This study was supported by National Key R&D Program of China/ ; 2023YFD2301301, 2017YFD0301601//This study was supported by National Key R&D Program of China/ ; 2023YFD2301301, 2017YFD0301601//This study was supported by National Key R&D Program of China/ ; 2023YFD2301301, 2017YFD0301601//This study was supported by National Key R&D Program of China/ ; 2023YFD2301301, 2017YFD0301601//This study was supported by National Key R&D Program of China/ ; 2023YFD2301301, 2017YFD0301601//This study was supported by National Key R&D Program of China/ ; 2023YFD2301301, 2017YFD0301601//This study was supported by National Key R&D Program of China/ ; 2023YFD2301301, 2017YFD0301601//This study was supported by National Key R&D Program of China/ ; 2023YFD2301301, 2017YFD0301601//This study was supported by National Key R&D Program of China/ ; 20232BAB215012//The Jiangxi Provincial Natural Science Foundation/ ; 20232BAB215012//The Jiangxi Provincial Natural Science Foundation/ ; 20232BAB215012//The Jiangxi Provincial Natural Science Foundation/ ; 20232BAB215012//The Jiangxi Provincial Natural Science Foundation/ ; 20232BAB215012//The Jiangxi Provincial Natural Science Foundation/ ; 20232BAB215012//The Jiangxi Provincial Natural Science Foundation/ ; 20232BAB215012//The Jiangxi Provincial Natural Science Foundation/ ; 20232BAB215012//The Jiangxi Provincial Natural Science Foundation/ ; 20232BAB215012//The Jiangxi Provincial Natural Science Foundation/ ; 20232BAB215012//The Jiangxi Provincial Natural Science Foundation/ ; 20232BAB215012//The Jiangxi Provincial Natural Science Foundation/ ; 42377309, 42407427//The National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 42377309, 42407427//The National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 42377309, 42407427//The National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 42377309, 42407427//The National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 42377309, 42407427//The National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 42377309, 42407427//The National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 42377309, 42407427//The National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 42377309, 42407427//The National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 42377309, 42407427//The National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 42377309, 42407427//The National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 42377309, 42407427//The National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; SDAST2024QTA012//The Young Talent of Lifting engineering for Science and Technology in Shandong/ ; SDAST2024QTA012//The Young Talent of Lifting engineering for Science and Technology in Shandong/ ; SDAST2024QTA012//The Young Talent of Lifting engineering for Science and Technology in Shandong/ ; SDAST2024QTA012//The Young Talent of Lifting engineering for Science and Technology in Shandong/ ; SDAST2024QTA012//The Young Talent of Lifting engineering for Science and Technology in Shandong/ ; SDAST2024QTA012//The Young Talent of Lifting engineering for Science and Technology in Shandong/ ; SDAST2024QTA012//The Young Talent of Lifting engineering for Science and Technology in Shandong/ ; SDAST2024QTA012//The Young Talent of Lifting engineering for Science and Technology in Shandong/ ; SDAST2024QTA012//The Young Talent of Lifting engineering for Science and Technology in Shandong/ ; SDAST2024QTA012//The Young Talent of Lifting engineering for Science and Technology in Shandong/ ; SDAST2024QTA012//The Young Talent of Lifting engineering for Science and Technology in Shandong/ ; SKL81103//The Funding for the 'First Class Discipline' Construction Project of Shandong Agricultural University/ ; SKL81103//The Funding for the 'First Class Discipline' Construction Project of Shandong Agricultural University/ ; SKL81103//The Funding for the 'First Class Discipline' Construction Project of Shandong Agricultural University/ ; SKL81103//The Funding for the 'First Class Discipline' Construction Project of Shandong Agricultural University/ ; SKL81103//The Funding for the 'First Class Discipline' Construction Project of Shandong Agricultural University/ ; SKL81103//The Funding for the 'First Class Discipline' Construction Project of Shandong Agricultural University/ ; SKL81103//The Funding for the 'First Class Discipline' Construction Project of Shandong Agricultural University/ ; SKL81103//The Funding for the 'First Class Discipline' Construction Project of Shandong Agricultural University/ ; SKL81103//The Funding for the 'First Class Discipline' Construction Project of Shandong Agricultural University/ ; SKL81103//The Funding for the 'First Class Discipline' Construction Project of Shandong Agricultural University/ ; SKL81103//The Funding for the 'First Class Discipline' Construction Project of Shandong Agricultural University/ ; },
abstract = {Cadmium (Cd) contamination in soil is a growing problem, posing a significant threat to soil microorganisms and plant growth. Understanding how Cd exposure disrupts the evolution of soil microbial communities and the mechanisms underlying community remodeling requires further investigation. In this study, the rice rhizosphere treated with 0 (CK), 2.5 (LC), 5 (MC), and 15 (HC) mg kg[-1] Cd was used as a model and combined with 16S rRNA gene sequencing to systematically evaluate the response patterns of rice rhizosphere microbial communities under Cd gradient treatments. The study found that rice rhizosphere microbial communities responded to Cd exposure with a unimodal pattern of "low-promotion and high-suppression". LC treatment significantly increased the alpha diversity of rare fungal taxa and significantly enriched rare genera such as Candidatus Solibacter and Penicillium. Network analysis further confirmed that LC treatment significantly enhanced symbiotic relationships within and across rare taxa. The assembly of abundant bacterial and fungal taxa was consistently dominated by stochastic diffusional constraints, while rare taxa were primarily driven by deterministic homogeneous selection. In summary, rice rhizosphere microbial communities showed specific response patterns under Cd gradient treatment. Rare fungal taxa, as core members, actively responded to Cd exposure, made prominent contributions to shaping the community composition, and played a crucial role in maintaining the complexity and stability of the microbial network.},
}

@article {pmid41518271,
year = {2026},
author = {Yan, W and Chen, J and Mateen, A and Tang, LB and Li, J and Chen, G and Mei, Y and Bao, Z},
title = {Root-Nodule-Inspired Cobalt Selenide with Sulfur-Doping-Induced Phase Transition for High-Performance Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.},
journal = {ACS applied materials & interfaces},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acsami.5c19431},
pmid = {41518271},
issn = {1944-8252},
abstract = {The root-nodule system in legumes enables efficient biological nitrogen fixation through symbiotic interactions and hierarchical mass transport. Inspired by this natural architecture, we synthesized a cobalt selenide (CoSe) catalyst supported on carbon nanofibers (CoSe@C) that mimics this root-nodule structure. This unique design promotes rapid electron transport and facilitates efficient catalytic conversion of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) to Li2S. Through controlled sulfur doping, the initial hexagonal phase of CoSe (h-CoSe) underwent a phase transition to an orthorhombic structure (o-CoSeS), which exhibited a high-spin state due to an increased density of unpaired electrons in the Co d-orbitals. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed that this electronic configuration enhances orbital hybridization between Co d-orbitals and LiPSs p-orbitals, thereby strengthening LiPS adsorption and accelerating the redox kinetics. When o-CoSeS supported on carbon nanofibers (o-CoSeS@C) was used to modify the separator in lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries, the battery delivered an initial discharge capacity of 1509 mAh g[-1] at 0.1 C and maintained an ultralow decay rate of 0.057% per cycle over 1000 cycles at 1 C. The exceptional cycling stability stems from the synergy between the biomimetic hierarchical network, which facilitates mass/charge transport, and the optimized electronic structure of the Co active sites, which boosts catalytic activity. This work proposes a novel biomimetic strategy for designing high-performance catalysts for Li-S batteries and provides atomic-level insights into the regulation of transition-metal electronic states for catalytic optimization.},
}

@article {pmid41517850,
year = {2026},
author = {Shin, D},
title = {Perioperative Nutritional Treatment for Patients With Gastric Cancer: Focusing on Recent Controversial Issues.},
journal = {Journal of gastric cancer},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {92-105},
doi = {10.5230/jgc.2026.26.e1},
pmid = {41517850},
issn = {2093-5641},
mesh = {Humans ; *Stomach Neoplasms/surgery/complications/therapy ; *Perioperative Care/methods ; *Nutritional Support/methods ; *Malnutrition/etiology ; Nutritional Status ; Quality of Life ; Postoperative Complications/prevention & control ; Nutrition Therapy/methods ; },
abstract = {Despite the many advances in treatment methods for gastric cancer, it remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with treatment outcomes intrinsically linked to the nutritional status of the patient. Malnutrition is a frequent and severe complication in patients with gastric cancer, arising from a confluence of factors including tumor-induced anorexia-cachexia syndrome, mechanical obstruction, and the metabolic stress of anti-cancer therapies including surgery and chemotherapy. Historically, nutritional support has often been a secondary consideration compared with surgical intervention or chemotherapy. However, a growing body of evidence has repositioned perioperative nutritional treatment as a cornerstone of comprehensive gastric cancer management. It is known that malnutrition can result in poorer clinical outcomes, including increased susceptibility to treatment-related toxicity, higher rates of postoperative complications, diminished quality of life, and a reduction in overall survival. Further, the paradigm shift toward proactive nutritional screening and assessment as standard clinical practice has allowed for timely and individualized prehabilitation. We conclude that advancements in nutritional science have fundamentally transformed gastric cancer management. The integration of tailored nutritional strategies throughout the journey of a patient from diagnosis through treatment and into survivorship is no longer just supportive, but a therapeutic modality in its own right. This symbiotic relationship emphasizes the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach, where oncologic and nutritional care are seamlessly interwoven to optimize patient outcomes and redefine the standards of gastric cancer treatment.},
}

Humans
*Stomach Neoplasms/surgery/complications/therapy
*Perioperative Care/methods
*Nutritional Support/methods
*Malnutrition/etiology
Nutritional Status
Quality of Life
Postoperative Complications/prevention & control
Nutrition Therapy/methods

@article {pmid41517189,
year = {2026},
author = {Grigore-Gurgu, L and Leuștean-Bucur, FI and Bahrim, GE},
title = {Genetic Engineering and Encapsulation Strategies for Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Enhanced Functionalities and Delivery: Recent Advances and Future Approaches.},
journal = {Foods (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/foods15010123},
pmid = {41517189},
issn = {2304-8158},
support = {GI 7960/2025//"Dunarea de Jos" University of Galati/ ; },
abstract = {This review addresses the recent advances made through various genetic engineering techniques to improve the properties of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, not only for industrial applications, but also for the health-related benefits. However, due to the strict regulations on microorganisms intended for human consumption, concerning the insufficient characterization degree of the newly isolated strains and the lack of data regarding the safety of the genetically modified (GM) variants, the feasibility of bringing such L. rhamnosus strains to the market and their safety prospects were evaluated. Given their multiple in vivo functions in the contexts of synbiotic and symbiotic functionality, L. rhamnosus strains are more than classic probiotics and need furthermore attention. In the functional food context, this review highlights the impact of L. rhamnosus derived bioactives on the human gut-organ axis, pointing out recently demonstrated molecular mechanisms of action with the host's gut microbiome to reduce the negative effects of obesity and its related metabolic disorders, as well as depression and Parkinson's disease, as the major challenges confronting humans today. Beyond that, considering L. rhamnosus delivery and its postbiotics accessibility to consumers via functional foods, notable progress was made to enhance their stability by developing various encapsulation systems, which are also emphasized.},
}

@article {pmid41515080,
year = {2026},
author = {Cruz, GKGD and Souza, JADS and de Brito Neto, JF and Sousa, CDS and Brito, SL and Souza, MGM and Mesquita, EF and Macedo, RS and Cruz, RLO and Andrade, VVL and Pereira, WE and Pereira, RF},
title = {Impact of Bradyrhizobium elkanii and Azospirillum brasilense Co-Inoculation on Nitrogen Metabolism, Nutrient Uptake, and Soil Fertility Indicators in Phaseolus lunatus Genotypes.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants15010135},
pmid = {41515080},
issn = {2223-7747},
abstract = {Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.), an important legume in semiarid environments, often exhibits low yield, requiring strategies to enhance symbiotic nitrogen fixation and nutrient-use efficiency. This study evaluated the effects of single and combined inoculation with Bradyrhizobium elkanii (strain BR 2003) and Azospirillum brasilense (strain Ab-V5) on nitrogen metabolism, nutrient uptake, plant growth, and residual soil fertility in P. lunatus. Four varieties were subjected to four treatments: control (nitrogen fertilization), single inoculation with B. elkanii or A. brasilense, and co-inoculation. All inoculation strategies significantly increased root nodulation, nitrogen assimilation, and the accumulation of key macronutrients. Root nodulation increased from 1 to 12 nodules per plant in the control treatments to up to 277 nodules per plant under inoculation, while shoot nitrogen content increased by up to 91% in 'Raio de Sol' and 87% in 'Cearense'. Increases in P and K were also observed, including a 48% increase in shoot P in 'Manteiga' and up to a 100% increase in shoot K in 'Raio de Sol', whereas root K increased by up to 90% under co-inoculation. The 'Raio de Sol' and 'Manteiga' varieties exhibited the most pronounced increases in growth and biomass. Additionally, inoculation improved post-cultivation soil indicators, including pH and available P and K in specific genotype-microbe combinations, and reduced electrical conductivity. These results demonstrate the strong contribution of microbial inoculation to nitrogen assimilation and nutrient acquisition, supporting its use as a promising alternative to conventional nitrogen fertilization in lima bean cultivation.},
}

@article {pmid41515063,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, Y and Wang, D and Ma, Y and Wang, X and Xu, K and Li, X and Shangguan, X and Cao, H and Kang, G and Li, C},
title = {Silencing of the Mycorrhiza-Inducible Phosphate Transporter TaPT3-2D in Wheat Enhances Pathogen Susceptibility and Impairs Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants15010118},
pmid = {41515063},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {32102487//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32372621//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32441052//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 252102111164//Department of Science and Technology Planning Project of Henan Province/ ; 252102111149//Department of Science and Technology Planning Project of Henan Province/ ; 242102110299//Department of Science and Technology Planning Project of Henan Province/ ; 252102110299//Department of Science and Technology Planning Project of Henan Province/ ; 252102110322//Department of Science and Technology Planning Project of Henan Province/ ; },
abstract = {The interplay between phosphate (Pi) signaling and defense pathways is crucial for plant fitness, yet its molecular basis, particularly in wheat, remains poorly understood. Here, we functionally characterized the plasma membrane-localized high-affinity phosphate transporter TaPT3-2D and demonstrated its essential roles in Pi uptake, arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis, and fungal disease resistance. Quantitative analyses showed that TaPT3-2D expression was strongly induced by AM colonization (165-fold increase) and by infection with Bipolaris sorokiniana (54-fold increase) and Gaeumannomyces tritici (15-fold increase). In contrast, virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) of TaPT3-2D reduced Pi uptake and mycorrhizal colonization. Moreover, TaPT3-2D-silenced plants exhibited increased susceptibility to biotrophic, hemibiotrophic, and necrotrophic fungi, accompanied by reduced expression of pathogen-related genes. The simultaneous impairment of Pi uptake, AM symbiosis, and defense responses in silenced plants indicates that TaPT3-2D functionally couples these processes. Functional complementation assays in low-Pi medium further revealed that TaPT3-2D partially rescued defective Pi uptake in mutant MB192 yeast, supporting its role as a high-affinity phosphate transporter. Collectively, these results identify TaPT3-2D as both a key regulator of individual pathways and as a molecular link connecting Pi homeostasis, symbiotic signaling, and disease resistance in wheat.},
}

@article {pmid41515048,
year = {2025},
author = {Ramírez-May, AG and Rivera-Cruz, MDC and Mendoza-López, MR and Acosta-Pech, RG and Trujillo-Narcía, A and Bautista-Muñoz, C},
title = {The Use of Rhizospheric Microorganisms of Crotalaria for the Determination of Toxicity and Phytoremediation to Certain Petroleum Compounds.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants15010103},
pmid = {41515048},
issn = {2223-7747},
abstract = {Microbial toxicity tests in the rhizosphere play an important role in the risk assessment and phytoremediation of chemical compounds in the environment. Tests for the inhibition of nodule number (NN), Rhizobia in the rhizosphere (RhR), Rhizobium in nodules (RhN) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMFs) are important to evaluate the toxicity as well as the removal of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs), 15 linear alkanes (LAs), and total linear alkanes (TLAs). The inhibition and removal was evaluated at 60 (vegetative stage, VS) and 154 days (reproductive stage, RS) of the life cycle of Crotalaria incana and Crotalaria pallida in soil with four doses of CRO (3, 15, 30, and 45 g/kg) plus a control (16 treatments). Results indicated that RhN and five structures of the AMFs present an index of toxicity (IT < 1), and the microbiological variable is inhibited by the CRO. RhR exhibits a hormesis index (IT > 1) that is stimulated by the CRO in the VS and RS for C. incana and C. pallida. The highest removal of TPHs (77%) was in the rhizosphere of C. incana in the RS with 45 g/kg of CRO. C. pallida removed the greatest amount of TLA (91%). There was a positive correlation between the RhR and the removal of TPHs, TLA, and LAs (higher molecular weight). It could be argued that symbiotic microorganisms are significant for use in toxicity testing, and the rhizosphere of C. incana and C. pallida can be used for the phytoremediation of HTPs and ALs in loamy-clay soil contaminated with CRO.},
}

@article {pmid41514960,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, J and Yu, Y and Zulu, L and Xu, N and Pan, Y and He, W and Liu, X and Rao, Q},
title = {Gut Symbiont-Driven Adaptive Evolution of Herbivorous Insect-Plant Interactions and Its Ecological Implications.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants15010014},
pmid = {41514960},
issn = {2223-7747},
abstract = {The interaction between plants and phytophagous insects is one of the most complex relationships in ecosystems. By acting as direct third-party participants, gut symbionts redefine this binary antagonistic relationship. This article reviews the roles of gut symbionts in the adaptive evolution of phytophagous insects, highlighting their important roles in degrading plant secondary metabolites, modulating plant defense responses, promoting insect nutrient absorption, and shaping immune phenotypes. Gut symbionts not only enhance the adaptability of insects by degrading plant defense compounds, but also significantly influence their physiological adaptation by manipulating plant defense signaling pathways, regulating the immune system of insects, and promoting their rapid adaptation to external stress. When insects are confronted with environmental changes or shifts of host plants, the dynamic plasticity of the gut symbionts provides them with evolutionary advantages. Reviewing the mechanism of action of intestinal symbiotic bacteria in the adaptive evolution of insects is helpful to deepen our understanding of the ecological interaction process between insects and plants.},
}

@article {pmid41514837,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, L and Zhang, H and Zhan, L and Guan, W and Hu, J and Wei, Z and Wu, W and Wu, Y and Xing, Q and Wu, J and Li, Z and Liu, Q and Chen, J and Yuan, A and Guo, D and Ouyang, K and Yang, J and Hu, W and Zhao, X},
title = {Synergistic Regulation of Bile Acid-Driven Nitrogen Metabolism by Swollenin in Ruminants: A Microbiota-Targeted Strategy to Improve Nitrogen Use Efficiency.},
journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ani16010149},
pmid = {41514837},
issn = {2076-2615},
support = {32160804//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32202762//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32360855//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32460886//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 20224BAB215037//Jiangxi Provincial Natural Science Foundation/ ; 20252BAC240611//Jiangxi Provincial Natural Science Foundation/ ; 20224ACB205007//Jiangxi Provincial Natural Science Foundation/ ; 20232BBF60009//Key Project Under the Key R&D Program of Jiangxi Provincial Department of Science and Technology/ ; },
abstract = {The annual nitrogen loss from the livestock production sector poses a significant threat to the global natural environment. Therefore, it is urgent to focus on improving the nutrient utilization efficiency of ruminants and promoting the sustainable development of livestock production. Twelve 60-day-old Ganxi goats with similar body weights were selected and randomly assigned to two dietary treatment groups. The control group was fed only a basal diet, while the treatment group was supplemented with 32 mg/d of Swollenin. The experiment lasted for 30 days. At the end of the experimental period, the goats were euthanized, and their intestinal contents were collected, rapidly frozen, and stored at -80 °C for subsequent metagenomic and metabolomic analyses. In the Swollenin group, we observed changes in gut microbiota structure and significantly enhanced feed conversion efficiency compared to the control group. Notably, genera such as Bacteroides, Ruminococcus, and Bifidobacterium exhibited significantly higher abundance. Following Swollenin supplementation, the gene abundance associated with the secondary bile acid biosynthesis pathway in the intestinal tract of young goats was significantly higher. The levels of primary bile acids (BAs), including taurocholic acid, glycocholic acid, taurochenodeoxycholic acid, and glycochenodeoxycholic acid, were significantly lower, while the concentrations of secondary BAs such as ursodeoxycholic acid and deoxycholic acid were significantly higher. The abundance of nitrogen-fixing and nitrogen-assimilating genes in the gut of young goats in the Swollenin group was significantly higher. Furthermore, co-occurrence network analysis revealed a strong correlation between bile acid metabolism and nitrogen metabolism pathways. These results suggest that nutritional regulation may serve as a preventive strategy to optimize the symbiotic development of animals and their gut microbiota, ultimately improving nitrogen utilization.},
}

@article {pmid41514766,
year = {2025},
author = {Dvoretsky, AG and Dvoretsky, VG},
title = {First Record of Amphitrite cirrata (Polychaeta: Terebellidae) in Association with the Barents Sea Red King Crab Paralithodes camtschaticus (Malacostraca: Lithodidae).},
journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ani16010078},
pmid = {41514766},
issn = {2076-2615},
support = {//Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation/ ; },
abstract = {The introduced red king crab Paralithodes camtschaticus holds significant commercial value in the Barents Sea. This species is recognized as a host for a wide variety of symbiotic organisms, including polychaetes. In July 2015 and 2025, a total of 12 specimens of the marine terebellid polychaete Amphitrite cirrata were discovered inhabiting the gills of two red king crabs in Dalnezelenetskaya Bay, Barents Sea. This study represents the first documented occurrence of an association between these benthic species. Colonization of the red king crab by Amphitrite cirrata offers several advantages to the polychaetes by providing access to suitable feeding conditions, increased mobility, and protection from potential predators. However, this association poses disadvantages to the host crabs, as it results in tissue damage and an elevated concentration of sand particles within their gills.},
}

@article {pmid41514295,
year = {2026},
author = {Sun, Y and Huang, Q and Zhou, Y and Zhou, G and Xu, J and Zhong, S and He, T and Jiang, Y and Liu, S and Zhong, D and Lu, G and Li, T and Li, Y},
title = {Aedes albopictus gut symbiotic bacterium Bacillus cereus improves its deltamethrin resistance.},
journal = {Parasites & vectors},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s13071-025-07229-5},
pmid = {41514295},
issn = {1756-3305},
support = {YSPTZX202004//Research project of Hainan academician innovation platform/ ; 824RC516//Hainan Provincial Natural Science Foundation/ ; XRC220012//Talent Introduction Fund of Hainan Medical University/ ; 82060379//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; XSTS2025163//Academic Enhancement Support Program of Hainan Medical University/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Aedes albopictus is a highly invasive vector for a variety of pathogens. The intensive use of insecticides has led to the widespread insecticide resistance in Ae. albopictus populations worldwide, compromising disease vector control efforts. We investigated whether the mosquito gut symbiotic bacterium Bacillus cereus reduces deltamethrin susceptibility in Ae. albopictus and elucidated the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS: World Health Organization (WHO) standard tube bioassays were conducted to assess deltamethrin resistance status in both laboratory and field Ae. albopictus populations before and after oral infection with Bacillus cereus_HL4.2 (B. cereus_HL4.2). We measured enzymatic activities of three major detoxification enzyme families (cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, glutathione S-transferases [GSTs], and carboxylesterases) as metabolic markers. Transcriptomic profiling via RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) identified genes differentially expressed upon B. cereus infection, with subsequent validation by quantitative reverse-transcription PCR. In vitro assays assessed the direct deltamethrin-degrading capacity of B. cereus_HL4.2, and green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled bacterial strains tracked bacterial persistence and transmission through mosquito developmental stages.

RESULTS: Oral infection with B. cereus_HL4.2 significantly increased the survival rate of laboratory-susceptible Ae. albopictus after deltamethrin exposure (from 7.6 ± 2.0% to 31.3 ± 4.3%) upon lethal insecticide exposure. B. cereus_HL4.2 infection elevated detoxification enzyme activities: cytochrome P450s increased 1.39-fold and GSTs increased 1.21-fold. Transcriptomic analysis revealed upregulation of genes related to the cAMP signaling pathway and purine metabolism following B. cereus_HL4.2 infection, while genes associated with ABC transporter and sensory signaling pathways were primarily downregulated. In vitro studies demonstrated that B. cereus_HL4.2 possesses direct deltamethrin-degrading capacity. GFP-tracking confirmed that B. cereus_HL4.2 colonizes the mosquito gut during larval development and persists through adult emergence.

CONCLUSIONS: Bacillus cereus_HL4.2 infection reduces deltamethrin susceptibility in Ae. albopictus primarily through two complementary mechanisms: (i) metabolic upregulation of detoxification enzymes and related genes, and (ii) direct enzymatic degradation of deltamethrin. Genetically modifying B. cereus_HL4.2 may offer a potential strategy for managing insecticide resistance in mosquitoes.},
}

@article {pmid41512111,
year = {2026},
author = {Gunasekaran, D and Sicard, A and Almeida, RPP and Bennett, GM},
title = {Characterizing a novel Symbiopectobacterium purcellii MEX strain at the early stages of establishing a symbiotic relationship.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/gbe/evaf252},
pmid = {41512111},
issn = {1759-6653},
abstract = {Insects ally with microbial symbionts for a diversity of services. The range of these interactions is wide, spanning from beneficial to pathogenic and facultative to obligate. In many cases, such insect-microbial interactions veer towards mutual dependency with integrated physiologies. This evolutionary outcome is relatively common in insects that depend on microbes to fill gaps in their nutritional ecologies (e.g., plant-sap feeding). However, the initiation and transition towards such dependent symbiotic interactions are difficult to observe in nature. Identifying these events can provide key insights into the origins and evolutionary processes that shape symbiotic interactions. Here, we report on a novel interaction between a leafhopper (Typhlocybinae: Empoasca mexicana) and a bacterium, Symbiopectobacterium purcellii MEX strain (S-MEX). To characterize this symbiont, we assembled and annotated its complete genome. We compared its content and structure to the genomes of other Symbiopectobacterium. The S-MEX genome is unique among members of this genus. It is the largest yet sequenced at 5.3 Mb, encoding 6,838 genes (∼25% more than other strains). S-MEX's genome has significantly expanded due to the proliferation of insertion sequences and 2,723 identifiable pseudogenes-processes generally seen as accelerators of genome reduction and emerging host dependence. S-MEX and other Symbiopectobacterium strains have a core set of 818 genes shared in >90% of strains, of which S-MEX has uniquely lost 36 genes. Taken together, we hypothesize that due to expansion of IS elements, extensive pseudogenization, and loss of genes in important free-living functions, S-MEX is in the early stages of establishing a host-dependent symbiosis.},
}

@article {pmid41510614,
year = {2026},
author = {Destierdt, W and Deconninck, G and Crespo, JE and Moyer, E and Foray, V and Chabrerie, O and Pincebourde, S},
title = {Temperature overrides nutritional cues for optimal oviposition decision in a polyphagous invasive insect.},
journal = {The Journal of experimental biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1242/jeb.251743},
pmid = {41510614},
issn = {1477-9145},
support = {ANR-20-CE02-0011//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; },
abstract = {Polyphagous insects rely on multiple cues to choose oviposition sites, including substrate temperature and nutritional quality that often do not coincide. We examined how females of the invasive fly Drosophila suzukii make oviposition decisions when temperature and nutrition mismatch, and whether infection with the symbiotic bacterium Wolbachia influences these choices. We first quantified female performance (egg number, offspring development time, survival, and mass) on four fruit purees at three ambient temperatures. We then assessed oviposition preferences when either substrate temperature or fruit quality varied independently. Finally, we conducted multi-choice experiments combining thermal and nutritional cues to test which most strongly drives oviposition. Both temperature and fruit quality affected offspring performance. While females were not always choosing the most favorable fruit, they consistently prioritized thermally optimal sites, even when these were nutritionally suboptimal. This behaviour gave partial support to the preference-performance hypothesis, which mainly held for temperature -the factor with the strongest effect on offspring development and survival in no-choice tests. Wolbachia infection enhanced offspring survival and reduced development time. It also altered oviposition patterns, leading to a more even distribution of eggs across fruit, though females maintained their preference for thermally favourable sites. Our findings suggest that the invasive success of D. suzukii could partly result from its capacity to select oviposition sites that maximise offspring performance under variable conditions. More broadly, they highlight the need to study behavioural decisions under conflicting environmental constraints to understand how behavioural flexibility contributes to individual fitness and population persistence in changing environments. French Abstract Les insectes polyphages s'appuient sur de nombreux signaux pour choisir leurs sites de ponte, notamment la température du substrat et sa qualité nutritionnelle, qui ne coïncident pas toujours. Cette étude analyse le choix de ponte des femelles de la mouche invasive Drosophila suzukii lorsque ces signaux sont contradictoires, ainsi que l'effet de l'infection par la bactérie symbiotique Wolbachia. L'étude s'est déroulée en quatre étapes : (i) la mesure des performances des descendants (nombre d'œufs, temps de développement, survie, masse de la progéniture) sur quatre purées de fruits à trois températures ambiantes ; l'évaluation des préférences de ponte lorsque (ii) la qualité du fruit ou (iii) la température du substrat variaient indépendamment ; et (iv) des tests à choix multiples pour déterminer le signal influençant le plus le choix de ponte. La température et la qualité du fruit impactent toutes deux la performance de la descendance. Bien que les femelles ne choisissent pas toujours le fruit le plus favorable, elles privilégient systématiquement les sites les plus chauds, thermiquement optimaux, même lorsqu'ils sont nutritionnellement sous-optimaux. Ce comportement soutient l'hypothèse préférence-performance, la température étant le principal facteur déterminant pour le développement et la survie. L'infection par Wolbachia augmente la survie et réduit le temps de développement, tout en modifiant les choix de ponte avec une répartition plus homogène entre les fruits, sans altérer la préférence pour les sites chauds. Ces résultats suggèrent que le succès invasif de D. suzukii pourrait découler de sa capacité à sélectionner des sites de ponte maximisant la performance de la descendance en conditions environnementales variables. Ils soulignent également l'importance d'étudier les décisions comportementales face à des contraintes antagonistes pour comprendre la contribution de la flexibilité comportementale à la valeur sélective des individus et à la persistance des populations.},
}

@article {pmid41509587,
year = {2026},
author = {Satria Wibawa, IGK and Narisawa, K},
title = {Dark Septate Endophytes Support Komatsuna Growth Under High Temperature Stress and Greenhouse Farming.},
journal = {Mycobiology},
volume = {54},
number = {1},
pages = {68-77},
pmid = {41509587},
issn = {1229-8093},
abstract = {Komatsuna (Brassica rapa var. perviridis) is one of the most common leafy vegetables in Japan. In recent years, the frequent occurrence of abnormally high temperatures is becoming a threat for komatsuna as it is vulnerable to high temperature stress. In natural ecosystems, most plants coexist with endophytic fungi as a strategy to adapt to stressful environments. Among known symbiotic fungi, there are dark septate endophytes (DSEs), which are unique due to their prevalence under stressed environmental conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the use of DSEs to improve komatsuna growth using a greenhouse farming system, as a practice to improve sustainable agriculture. We examined the effect of inoculation with three DSE isolates: Phialocephala fortinii KS.F.6 (Pf), Exophiala pisciphila KS.F.3.4 (Ep) and Veronaeopsis simplex Y34 (Vs), on the growth of komatsuna under high temperature stress. The preliminary experiment showed that inoculation with isolates Ep and Vs reduced the heat injury index and increased the number of surviving plants under 35 °C heat stress. Furthermore, the greenhouse experiment showed that Ep and Vs increase the number of leaves, fresh weight, and dry weight of komatsuna. This is considered the first report of DSE symbiosis potential for komatsuna high-temperature-stress mitigation and growth performance induction.},
}

@article {pmid41508829,
year = {2026},
author = {Mangalakkadan, A and Roychowdhury, A and Chennakesavulu, K and Kumar, R},
title = {Phosphate Starvation Response 1 (PHR1): A versatile master regulator shaping plant resilience beyond phosphate deprivation.},
journal = {Journal of experimental botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jxb/erag002},
pmid = {41508829},
issn = {1460-2431},
abstract = {In the last two decades, AtPHR1 and its homologs in Arabidopsis and other plant species have emerged as undisputed master regulators of phosphorus starvation response (PSR). The role of SPX proteins as the negative regulators of PHR1 activity and binding of this transcription factor to the P1BS element of the target Pi starvation inducible genes during the regulation of PSR is well established. Given the centrality of phosphate in cell structure, metabolism, and functioning, and modulation in the expression of hundreds of genes upon Pi starvation, the roles of PHR1 proteins are anticipated beyond atypical PSR. The newly emerged evidence implicates PHR1 in the direct regulation of processes such as hypocotyl-root-cotyledon growth during early seedling establishment, nitrogen-phosphorus balance, anthocyanin and proline biosynthesis, jasmonic acid responses, mycorrhizal symbiosis, and abiotic stress adaptation. These diverse functions of PHR1 seemingly arise from the well-distributed roles among PHR1 homologs within a species and their dynamic interactions with other regulatory proteins. In this review, we explore recent advances revealing PHR1's involvement in a wide array of plant processes, including hormonal cross-talk, abiotic and biotic stress responses, and developmental regulation. We take cues from emerging research across multiple crop species to provide a timely synthesis of PHR1's multifaceted functions and its potential as a target for crop improvement under nutrient and environmental constraints.},
}

@article {pmid41508465,
year = {2026},
author = {Guo, Y and Li, Y and Sun, Y and Fan, Y and Hang, G and Kwok, LY and Li, W and Sun, Y and Sun, Z},
title = {The effect of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis on the survival rate and metabolic dynamics of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis in co-fermented milk.},
journal = {Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)},
volume = {225},
number = {},
pages = {118041},
doi = {10.1016/j.foodres.2025.118041},
pmid = {41508465},
issn = {1873-7145},
mesh = {*Lactococcus lactis/metabolism/physiology ; *Bifidobacterium animalis/metabolism/growth & development ; Fermentation ; Probiotics ; Animals ; *Cultured Milk Products/microbiology ; Microbial Viability ; *Milk/microbiology ; Food Microbiology ; Humans ; },
abstract = {Multi-strain co-fermentation holds promise for enhancing the functionality and quality of probiotic dairy products, but strain compatibility is critical to its success. This study employed an integrated multi-omics approach (transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics) to investigate how two Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis strains (BL19 and IMAU11823) modulate the viability, metabolic behavior, and sensory attributes of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Bbm-19 during milk fermentation and 28-day refrigerated storage. BL19 significantly enhanced Bbm-19 survival by upregulating energy metabolism and ribosomal pathways, increasing γ-aminobutyric acid, and promoting the accumulation of lysine and arginine, metabolites strongly correlated with probiotic resilience. Concurrently, amino acid biosynthesis was suppressed, suggesting metabolic prioritization toward stress adaptation. In contrast, IMAU11823 accelerated carbohydrate metabolism and activated amino acid biosynthesis and stress-response pathways, diverting pyruvate away from energy generation and triggering apoptotic responses, ultimately compromising Bbm-19 viability. Sensory evaluation revealed superior odor, texture, and overall acceptability in the BL19 group, consistent with its positive impact on microbial and metabolic stability. In contrast, the IMAU11823 group exhibited inferior texture and lower acceptability, coinciding with metabolic shifts that favored competition over symbiosis. Multi-omics correlation analysis revealed distinct strain-specific regulatory networks in carbon and nitrogen metabolism. This work presents the first systems-level characterization of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis-Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis interactions in fermented milk, demonstrating that metabolic compatibility, not merely co-inoculation, determines co-culture performance. These findings provide a mechanistic foundation for the rational design of high-performance, multi-strain probiotic dairy products with enhanced stability, functionality, and sensory quality.},
}

*Lactococcus lactis/metabolism/physiology
*Bifidobacterium animalis/metabolism/growth & development
Fermentation
Probiotics
Animals
*Cultured Milk Products/microbiology
Microbial Viability
*Milk/microbiology
Food Microbiology
Humans

@article {pmid41508452,
year = {2026},
author = {Kozikova, D and Martínez-Lüscher, J and Antolín, MC and Goicoechea, N and Pascual, I},
title = {A consortium of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and plant growth-promoting bacteria modulates wine grape ripening and composition under climate change conditions.},
journal = {Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)},
volume = {225},
number = {},
pages = {118027},
doi = {10.1016/j.foodres.2025.118027},
pmid = {41508452},
issn = {1873-7145},
mesh = {*Vitis/microbiology/growth & development/metabolism ; *Climate Change ; *Mycorrhizae/physiology ; *Fruit/microbiology/growth & development/chemistry ; *Wine/analysis/microbiology ; Carbon Dioxide ; Temperature ; *Bacteria/metabolism ; },
abstract = {If no major changes in CO2 emissions policy take place, atmospheric CO2 and temperature are expected to increase in the coming decades, negatively affecting grape composition. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have been reported to increase plant resilience to various stresses. This study aimed to assess whether the association of young grapevines with AMF, co-inoculated with bacteria (PGPRs), can mitigate the effects of climate change on grape composition. Two-year-old Cabernet Sauvignon plants grafted onto R110 rootstock, either inoculated with a consortium of AMF and PGPRs (+M) or with only PGPRs (-M), were exposed to two CO2 levels (ambient CO2, AC, or 700 ppm, EC) and two temperatures (ambient temperature, AT, or ambient temperature increased by 4 °C, ET) in a factorial design (2x2x2). Plants under ET experienced about 5 heat waves and 21 days with maximum temperatures above 40 °C, 2 heat waves and 4 days above 40 °C in AT. ET reduced berry mass, total soluble solids, and acidity in the must; these differences were less pronounced in +M. Grapes under ET had lower concentration of anthocyanins but these were more methylated (malvidins) and coumaroylated, regardless of the CO2 level and AMF inoculation. The concentration of total amino acids and yeast assimilable N decreased under EC, whereas ET decreased the relative abundance of proline. co-inoculation of AMF and PGPRs increased the concentration of total and aroma precursor amino acids, especially under ACAT, and proline abundance, thus partially counteracting the effects of both EC and ET. Co-inoculation of AMF and bacteria helped attenuate some of the effects of climate change on grape berry ripening and primary metabolite composition.},
}

*Vitis/microbiology/growth & development/metabolism
*Climate Change
*Mycorrhizae/physiology
*Fruit/microbiology/growth & development/chemistry
*Wine/analysis/microbiology
Carbon Dioxide
Temperature
*Bacteria/metabolism

@article {pmid41508410,
year = {2026},
author = {Olympia, RP and Gupta, N and Chardavoyne, P and Erdman, M and Boehmer, SJ},
title = {Developing "SYMBIOTIC" Relationships With Urgent Care CentersImproving the Referral Process Through Preparedness and Quality Improvement Initiatives.},
journal = {NASN school nurse (Print)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1942602X251403000},
doi = {10.1177/1942602X251403000},
pmid = {41508410},
issn = {1942-6038},
abstract = {Because of the widespread availability of urgent care centers (UCCs) and the non-emergent nature of many illnesses and injuries occurring in students who attend school, referrals to UCCs may be an option in the management of students without a primary care provider and with certain health insurance providers. Optimizing the care of these students involves several steps for the school nurse: (a) becoming familiar with the capabilities of the UCC in your community, and (b) establishing a collaborative relationship between the school and UCC through closed-loop communication and quality improvement initiatives.},
}

@article {pmid41507251,
year = {2026},
author = {Alina, N and René, S and Christos G, A and Cornel, A and Tobias, E},
title = {The stored product beetles Lasioderma serricorne and Stegobium paniceum are associated with a flexible and hidden diversity of Symbiotaphrina symbionts.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-025-34676-y},
pmid = {41507251},
issn = {2045-2322},
abstract = {The stored product pests Lasioderma serricorne and Stegobium paniceum (Coleoptera: Ptinidae: Anobiinae) have been described to harbour Symbiotaphrina kochii and Symbiotaphrina buchneri yeast-like symbionts (YLS) respectively, based on axenic cultivation from symbiotic organs. While the nutritional benefits provided by the YLS are well characterized, molecular studies focusing on variability or stability in the systems are lacking. Here we address that research gap by investigating the diversity and stability of Anobiid - Symbiotaphrina symbiosis in multiple populations. Amplicon sequencing of the fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) from collected and lab-reared populations revealed that populations from different origins were associated with similar YLS strains. These associations remained stable during rearing. However, only one L. serricorne population was associated with Sy. kochii, the others were associated with Sy. buchneri. Most St. paniceum samples were associated with a Symbiotaphrina species that could neither be identified as Sy. buchneri, nor Sy. kochii. Cultivation and subsequent phylogenetic analysis of the partial rRNA operon of YLS revealed a novel Symbiotaphrina clade. Our results indicate more flexible associations than previously assumed, however only with members of the genus Symbiotaphrina. The ecological relevance needs further analyses, but highly variable in vitro growth could indicate extensive differences in YLS capabilities.},
}

@article {pmid41507155,
year = {2026},
author = {Fukui, T and Muro, T and Matsuda-Imai, N and Kaneda, T and Kosako, H and Hiraki, H and Shoji, K and Fujii, T and Suzuki, Y and Toyoda, A and Itoh, T and Kiuchi, T and Katsuma, S},
title = {Complete transition from chromosomal to cytoplasmic sex determination during prolonged Wolbachia symbiosis.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {104},
pmid = {41507155},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {JP17H06431//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; JP22H00366//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; JP24H02289//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; JP21J12325//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; JP24KJ0036//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; P23KJ0468//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; JP22H04925 (PAGS)//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; JP22H04925 (PAGS)//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; JP22H04925 (PAGS)//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; JP17H06431//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; JP24H02278//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; },
mesh = {*Wolbachia/physiology/genetics ; Animals ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; Male ; Female ; *Sex Determination Processes/genetics ; *Moths/microbiology/genetics ; RNA, Small Interfering/genetics/metabolism ; Insect Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Cytoplasm/genetics ; *Sex Chromosomes/genetics ; Dosage Compensation, Genetic ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia infection causes male-specific death in Ostrinia furnacalis, but its removal from infected strains results in female-specific death instead of restoring 1:1 sex ratio, suggesting that cytoplasmic Wolbachia, not the host genome, primarily determines femaleness in infected strains. This phenomenon is a striking example of the evolutionary outcome of cytoplasmic sex determination, potentially arising from prolonged host-symbiont co-evolution. Although we recently identified Oscar, the Wolbachia-encoded male-killing effector targeting the host masculinizing factor OfMasc in Ostrinia moths, inactivation or loss of the host's endogenous feminizer remains unknown. Here we identify a W-linked primary feminizer, OfFem piRNA, which targets an mRNA encoding an OfMasc-interacting protein Ofznf-2. We demonstrate that Ofznf-2 is essential for both masculinization and dosage compensation. We also show that OfFem piRNA is entirely absent in the Wolbachia-infected lineage, providing molecular evidence that a male-killing Wolbachia hijacks the host feminizing piRNA function by acquiring the Oscar protein during prolonged endosymbiosis.},
}

*Wolbachia/physiology/genetics
Animals
*Symbiosis/genetics
Male
Female
*Sex Determination Processes/genetics
*Moths/microbiology/genetics
RNA, Small Interfering/genetics/metabolism
Insect Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Cytoplasm/genetics
*Sex Chromosomes/genetics
Dosage Compensation, Genetic

@article {pmid41506431,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, K and Wang, W and Guo, B and Liu, B and Shi, W and Wu, L and Tian, Q},
title = {Optimizing Composite Wetlands Operation via Intermittent Aeration: Integrating Algae-Bacteria Symbiosis and Functional Fillers for Actual Sewage Treatment.},
journal = {Environmental research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {123706},
doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2026.123706},
pmid = {41506431},
issn = {1096-0953},
abstract = {A composite wetland integrated with algae-bacteria flocs and functional fillers was developed in this study, and the impacts of aeration mode on its performance for treating actual rural sewage and the synergistic mechanisms among different purification pathways was also investigated. Compared to the system with single enhancement, the composite wetland significantly enhanced the removals of organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Although moderate aeration could promote the proliferation of algae-bacteria flocs, the hydraulic disturbance caused by continuous aeration could easily lead to biofilm shedding. In contrast, intermittent aeration created alternating aerobic-anoxic-anaerobic conditions that facilitated simultaneous nitrification, denitrification, and biological phosphorus removal. As a result, the composite wetland under intermittent aeration (CEWs-I) demonstrated the optimal and most stable purification efficiency. Its average removal rates for COD, TN, and TP reached 83.65%, 82.91%, and 91.71%, respectively, with effluent concentrations consistently below 30.0, 7.0, and 0.35 mg L[-1], meeting the Class 1A discharge standard. Microbial analysis revealed that CEWs-I achieved the maximum biofilm biomass, microbial diversity, and a balanced community of functional bacteria and native algae. This work demonstrates that under optimized intermittent aeration, the synergistic integration of native algae-bacteria flocs with functional fillers provides an efficient and stable solution for decentralized wastewater treatment.},
}