@article {pmid42298395,
year = {2026},
author = {Montes-Ortiz, Z and Powell, D and Vogel, H and Löfstedt, C and Andersson, MN},
title = {Comparative genomics reveal signatures of ecological specialization in the striped ambrosia beetle Trypodendron lineatum.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {27},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42298395},
issn = {1471-2164},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Beetles (Coleoptera) display exceptional dietary diversity and occupy a wide range of ecological niches, often involving close associations with plants and microbes. Ambrosia beetles (Curculionidae; Scolytinae and Platypodinae) exemplify ecological specialization by cultivating mutualistic fungi within galleries excavated in their host trees' xylem, with the fungi serving as their main food source. The striped ambrosia beetle Trypodendron lineatum is a pest of conifers, relying on its nutritional mutualist Phialophoropsis ferruginea for survival. This fungiculture-based lifestyle provides a system for exploring how specialized mutualism is reflected at the genomic level. Hence, we performed a comparative genomics analysis between T. lineatum and nine other beetle species with different ecological specializations. We hypothesized that fungiculture is associated with specific genomic adaptations, including changes in gene family composition related to nutrition, detoxification, and immunity.

RESULTS: The small genome of T. lineatum (74.4-83.6 Mb) exhibits comparatively low levels of repetitive DNA (19.9%), including a reduced proportion of transposable elements. Annotation generated 14,830 high-quality gene predictions, most of which were supported by transcript evidence or functional domains. Comparative orthology analysis across ten beetle species identified 13,896 orthogroups, with T.lineatum having 78 species-specific orthogroups comprising 238 genes. Gene family evolution analyses revealed 33 families with significant size changes in T. lineatum, including 16 expansions and 17 contractions. Notably, gene families associated with digestion, detoxification, and immunity were contracted. These included glycoside hydrolase 28, cytochrome P450, serpin, and trypsin families, which may reflect the fungus-based, rather than plant-based, diet of T. lineatum, and reduced reliance on broad-spectrum immune defenses. In contrast, expansions in the THAP and CD80-like immunoglobulin domain families indicate diversification of genes involved in genomic regulation and immune recognition.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the genome of T. lineatum is characterized by low repeat content and compact gene architecture. The observed contractions in key gene families involved in plant digestion, detoxification, and immunity may represent genomic signatures of its obligate mutualistic specialization and narrow ecological niche. Our findings provide the first insights into the genomic adaptations of fungus-farming ambrosia beetles, suggesting that co-evolved insect-microbe mutualisms may lead to reductions in a variety of gene families.},
}

@article {pmid42298695,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, P and Liu, C and Pu, W and Zhang, J and Xu, R and Liu, L and Luo, J and Huang, R and Jiang, L and Huan, H and Luo, L and Liu, G and Dong, R and Chen, Z},
title = {Telomere-to-telomere genome of Stylosanthes guianensis uncovers symbiotic adaptation to phosphorus-deficient soils.},
journal = {Genome biology},
volume = {27},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42298695},
issn = {1474-760X},
support = {32441034, 32471766, 32371769//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 323CXTD387//Natural Science Foundation of Hainan Province/ ; CARS-22//Earmarked fund for CARS-Green Manure/ ; CARS-34//Earmarked fund for CARS-Forage and Grass/ ; 2024YFD1301203//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis/genetics ; *Fabaceae/genetics/metabolism/physiology ; *Phosphorus/deficiency/metabolism ; *Genome, Plant ; *Telomere/genetics ; *Soil/chemistry ; *Adaptation, Physiological/genetics ; Nitrogen Fixation ; Root Nodules, Plant/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Stylosanthes guianensis, a representative tropical legume, exhibits remarkable adaptation to low-phosphorus acidic soils. As a symbiotic species, it forms root nodule associations with rhizobia to fix atmospheric nitrogen, potentially enhancing phosphate use efficiency. This study aims to decipher the mechanisms linking root nodule symbiosis to low-phosphate adaptation in Stylosanthes guianensis.

RESULTS: We present the first gap-free, telomere-to-telomere genome of Stylosanthes guianensis (1.20 Gb), containing 82.28% repetitive sequences and 34,728 genes, with 99.30% BUSCO completeness and a 29.05 LTR Assembly Index score. Integrated genomic data and multi-omics analyses reveal a coordinated symbiotic strategy. Specifically, roots enhance flavonoid biosynthesis, likely driven by tandem duplication of chalcone reductase genes, to facilitate robust symbiont recruitment, while nodule development was regulated by a conserved network centered on the transcription factor NIN. In nodules, multiple phosphate starvation response pathways are activated, including enhanced phosphate transport and recycling, membrane lipid remodeling, and phosphate-conserving metabolic bypasses to support nitrogen fixation. Furthermore, co-upregulation of vitamin B6 and nitrogen assimilation pathways suggests a role in mitigating oxidative stress and sustaining metabolic balance.

CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals that root nodule symbiosis in Stylosanthes guianensis underpins a multifaceted adaptation to low-phosphate stress, integrating enhanced symbiotic signaling, conserved nodule development, reprogrammed phosphate metabolism, and improved antioxidant protection. These findings provide insights into stress-resilient symbiosis and a genomic foundation for improving nutrient efficiency in legumes.},
}

*Symbiosis/genetics
*Fabaceae/genetics/metabolism/physiology
*Phosphorus/deficiency/metabolism
*Genome, Plant
*Telomere/genetics
*Soil/chemistry
*Adaptation, Physiological/genetics
Nitrogen Fixation
Root Nodules, Plant/genetics/metabolism

@article {pmid42298899,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhan, F and Shen, C and Mundock, IM and Ren, Y and Li, H and Xue, Q and Guo, W},
title = {Draft whole-genome and mitochondrial genome assemblies of Steinernema tarimense and Heterorhabditis sp. XJ-55.},
journal = {Journal of helminthology},
volume = {100},
number = {},
pages = {e63},
doi = {10.1017/S0022149X26101667},
pmid = {42298899},
issn = {1475-2697},
support = {32160377//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Genome, Mitochondrial ; *Rhabditida/genetics/classification ; *Genome, Helminth ; Phylogeny ; China ; },
abstract = {Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) from the genera Steinernema and Heterorhabditis are potent biocontrol agents. They kill insects through a unique symbiosis with pathogenic bacteria (Xenorhabdus or Photorhabdus), making them ideal for integrated pest management due to their broad host range and environmental safety. Despite high species diversity, genomic resources for these nematodes remain limited. The aim of this study was to characterise the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes of a newly described species, S. tarimense, and a putative novel Heterorhabditis species (strain XJ-55), both obtained from Xinjiang, China. A comprehensive genomic annotation and analysis were conducted to investigate the evolutionary origins of insect parasitism and the molecular adaptation mechanisms involved in host-parasite interactions. Through Illumina sequencing and de novo assembly, we obtained fragmented yet biologically informative genomes for both species. The assembly of S. tarimense reached a BUSCO completeness of 84.06% with an estimated genome size of 84.27 Mb, while that of Heterorhabditis sp. XJ-55 achieved 92.28% completeness with an estimated size of 75.11 Mb. Functional annotation revealed conserved metabolic profiles between the two species, with the Metabolism category being the most abundant. Mitochondrial genomes were successfully reconstructed using MitoZ and NOVOPlasty, resulting in a complete mitogenome of S. tarimense (13,836 bp) and a partial mitogenome of Heterorhabditis sp. XJ-55 (16,865 bp). Comparative mitogenomic analysis highlighted characteristic features such as pronounced A+T bias and distinct codon usage patterns, providing new evolutionary insights into these genera. These genomic resources establish a foundation for future comparative studies and functional investigations, with promising implications for enhancing the biological control efficacy of EPNs in sustainable agricultural systems.},
}

Animals
*Genome, Mitochondrial
*Rhabditida/genetics/classification
*Genome, Helminth
Phylogeny
China

@article {pmid42299645,
year = {2026},
author = {Paulsen, J and Sharrett, ST and Mumey, D and Larsen, EM and Nguyen, NK and Lendemer, J and Calabria, LM and Hoffman, JR and Magori, K and Allen, JL},
title = {Helitrons are enriched in lichenized fungi with long generation lengths and small distribution sizes.},
journal = {G3 (Bethesda, Md.)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/g3journal/jkag153},
pmid = {42299645},
issn = {2160-1836},
abstract = {Transposable elements (TEs) have the potential to drive genome evolution by introducing mutations and causing structural instability and chromosomal rearrangements, particularly under conditions like environmental or genetic stress. In this study, we generated 18 new long-read based metagenomically assembled reference genomes for lichenized fungi, which form obligate mutualistic symbioses with algae or cyanobacteria. We used the new genomes and 10 publicly available genomes to investigate the relationships between species traits (i.e., dominant reproductive mode, distribution size, and generation length) and the abundance and spatial distribution of TEs using a phylogenetic comparative framework. We found that species with smaller distribution sizes and longer generation lengths had a higher genomic DNA transposon load. Specifically, their genomes were enriched with Rolling Circle transposons, which contradicts previous research that has identified high proportions of retrotransposons in rare species. Disproportionate distributions of TEs in rare and range-restricted species may disrupt genomic stability, decrease fitness, and be reflective of species experiencing a greater degree of stress. Conversely, greater TE activity may be an important source of novel genetic diversity in isolated populations with limited gene flow. Further research is needed to understand the potential mechanisms driving TE proliferation in rare species' genomes, and if TE content is predictive of increased extinction risk.},
}

@article {pmid42300248,
year = {2026},
author = {Lee, YJ and Hwang, HJ and Lee, J and Park, HS and Son, J and Seyedsayamdost, M and Bae, M and Lee, SR and Kwon, Y},
title = {Natural products with atypical atoms: unveiling structures, biosynthetic pathways, and bioactivities.},
journal = {Natural product reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1039/d5np00083a},
pmid = {42300248},
issn = {1460-4752},
abstract = {Covering: 1944-2025Nature's biosynthetic repertoire extends far beyond conventional CHON(S) chemistry and encompasses a rare but diverse array of natural products that incorporate atypical elements such as arsenic, selenium, fluorine, iodine, boron, and vanadium. These metabolites reveal how living systems have evolved to harness atypical atoms through both enzyme-mediated and spontaneous chemical strategies. Biological C-F and Se-C bond formation, SAM-dependent arsenic methylation, and non-enzymatic boron complexation exemplify nature's ingenuity in overcoming extreme energetic or coordination constraints. Despite their scarcity, these compounds play critical ecological and physiological roles in detoxification and redox regulation (As, Se), defense, and signaling (F, I, B), and in some cases, sustain global biogeochemical cycles (Mo, V). Structurally, they exhibit exceptional chemical stability, redox versatility, and metal-ligand diversity. Functionally, these findings expand our understanding of enzyme evolution, chemical defense strategies, and symbiotic metabolism in both marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Recent genomic and biochemical advances have uncovered new families of atypical natural products and the specialized enzymes responsible for their formation. Taken together, these discoveries define the limits of biogenic chemistry and highlight promising avenues for sustainable biocatalysis and drug discovery, particularly in the fluorination, selenation, and boronation pathways that bridge biological and synthetic chemistry.},
}

@article {pmid42301021,
year = {2026},
author = {Echeverry-Pérez, JS and Castelli, M and Muñoz-Leal, S and Nava, S and Sassera, D and Sánchez-Vialas, A and Olmeda, AS and Valcárcel, F and Uribe, JE},
title = {Genomic evolution of Francisella: metabolic innovation, endosymbiotic transitions to ticks, and biogeographic history.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/gbe/evag135},
pmid = {42301021},
issn = {1759-6653},
abstract = {Ticks (Ixodida) are the second most important vectors of infectious diseases in vertebrates, after mosquitoes. Beyond vector roles, they maintain mutualistic associations with bacteria, including endosymbionts that provide essential B vitamins lacking in their blood-based diet. The most extensively studied endosymbionts belong to the genera Coxiella, Midichloria, and Francisella. The genus Francisella encompasses endosymbionts (FE), pathogens (FP), opportunistic pathogens (FO) and free-living environmental strains (FL), making it a powerful system for evolutionary and comparative genomic analyses. In this study, total DNA from six adult female ticks of the genera Hyalomma and Amblyomma was sequenced to generate new FE genomes. Seven deeply sequenced public metagenomes were also assembled, yielding 71 Francisella and three Allofrancisella strains. This dataset supported phylogenomic reconstruction and comparison of genomic features, including vitamin biosynthesis and virulence pathways, with a focus on transitions to tick endosymbiosis. A densely sampled MLST phylogeny was constructed to explore biogeographic patterns. Our results show that, except for FE, no ecological trait is monophyletic, supporting an origin of Francisella diversity from free-living ancestors. Biogeography suggests Palearctic and Afrotropical FE strains are derived and may involve horizontal transfers. Francisella comparative genomics reveals two contrasting profiles: environmental generalists and host-restricted specialists. These findings reinforce the role of tick FEs as nutritional mutualists, retaining key pathways such as riboflavin, shikimate, and biotin biosynthesis. In contrast, virulence is not ancestrally conserved but an innovation in pathogenic lineages, largely degraded in tick FEs. These results advance understanding of endosymbiont evolution and provide genomic insights with potential for disease control.},
}

@article {pmid42301407,
year = {2026},
author = {Paddock, KJ and Eastman, KE and Chen, JZ and Gerardo, NM and Corcoran, JA},
title = {Brain and antennal transcriptome changes are linked to colonization-mediated behavioral switch in an environmentally transmitted symbiosis.},
journal = {Journal of evolutionary biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jeb/voag047},
pmid = {42301407},
issn = {1420-9101},
abstract = {Many organisms engage in symbiosis with microbial partners that are not passed on directly to offspring but are acquired from the environment each generation. Hosts can minimize the risk of relying on such horizontal transmission of beneficial symbionts by engaging in specialized acquisition behaviors. Squash bugs, Anasa tristis, locate their Caballeronia symbiont through olfactory cues released from adult frass. After ingesting the symbiont, nymph behavior shifts from symbiont searching to host plant feeding. To begin to elucidate the underlying changes behind this behavioral switch, we generated transcriptomes from heads of second instar squash bugs that had recently acquired their symbiont and compared them to those of aposymbiotic controls. Inoculation with Caballeronia significantly impacted overall gene expression. Functional enrichment revealed significant changes in transporter and peptidase activity in response to symbiont colonization, suggesting a strong signaling cascade between midgut crypts and the brain. Given the role of olfaction in symbiont acquisition, we manually annotated odorant receptors and odorant binding proteins, two important gene families involved in olfaction. We identified one odorant receptor and two odorant binding proteins that responded to symbiont colonization. We then evaluated the phylogenetic relationship of all identified odorant receptors and odorant binding proteins to those of other hemipterans to identify functionally relevant clades. These results highlight the tight physiological coupling that can evolve between insects and their horizontally acquired microbial symbionts and will inform future research on microbially mediated changes in insect behavior.},
}

@article {pmid42302289,
year = {2026},
author = {Bosseno, M and Demba, A and Horta Araújo, N and Colinet, D and Israel, A and Pacoud, M and Maucourt, M and El Fazaa, Y and Jacob, D and Lepetit, M and Rolin, D and Brouquisse, R and Boscari, A},
title = {Functional divergence and symbiotic significance of nitrate reductase isoforms in Medicago truncatula.},
journal = {Plant physiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/plphys/kiag377},
pmid = {42302289},
issn = {1532-2548},
abstract = {Nitrate reductase (NR) is a key enzyme in nitrate assimilation, yet its function within nodules remains poorly understood. In Medicago truncatula, three NR genes, MtNR1, MtNR2, and MtNR3, exhibit distinct evolutionary origins and regulatory features. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that NR3-type genes, originated from a duplication of NR1 within Inverted Repeat-Lacking Clade (IRLC) legumes, have lost the conserved phosphorylation sites critical for post-translational regulation. To assess the functional significance of these isoforms, we characterized single and double nr mutants obtained through Tnt1 transposon insertion under nitrate nutrition and during symbiosis. MtNR1 is the primary contributor to total NR activity: with nr1 and nr2 mutants retaining around 10% and 30% of wild-type levels, respectively. The nr1/nr2 double mutant shows an almost complete loss of NR activity and fails to survive under nitrate supply, demonstrating the essential and non-redundant roles of both isoforms. Under symbiotic conditions, single mutants displayed normal nodulation, whereas nodule development was nearly abolished in the double mutant despite continued MtNR3 expression. In addition to its role in nitrogen assimilation, single nr mutants showed increased sensitivity to hypoxic stress and impaired recovery of nitrogen fixation, revealing a role for NR in nodule energy metabolism through the phytoglobin-NO respiration pathway. We propose that the combined loss of NR1 and NR2 disrupts NO cycling linked to mitochondrial electron transport, thereby compromising the energy balance required for symbiosis under microoxic conditions. This work provides a framework to investigate NR diversification in legumes and opens perspectives for improving nitrogen fixation under environmental constraints.},
}

@article {pmid42302730,
year = {2026},
author = {Bisschop, A and Risling, T and Nowell, L},
title = {Reconfiguring Nursing: The Philosophical Impact of Digital Technologies and Artificial Intelligence on Person-Centered Nursing Practice.},
journal = {ANS. Advances in nursing science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42302730},
issn = {1550-5014},
abstract = {As digital technologies and artificial intelligence reshape health care, nursing's humanistic foundations face profound ontological and epistemological transformations. In this paper we analyze the tensions between technological efficiency and relational presence, arguing that "datafication" risks eroding the humanness in clinical care. By synthesizing these tensions through a constructivist lens, we propose the Integrated Dimensions of Technology and Care Framework which positions technological competence and compassionate care as symbiotic, mutually reinforcing dimensions. The framework provides a conceptual structure for improved understanding around how technology and compassionate care can connect in a way that ensures person-centered care remains paramount.},
}

@article {pmid42303510,
year = {2026},
author = {Gómez de Las Heras, MM and Mittelbrunn, M},
title = {T cell control of the intestinal barrier and gut microbiota during ageing.},
journal = {Trends in immunology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.it.2026.05.001},
pmid = {42303510},
issn = {1471-4981},
abstract = {The epithelial, microbial, and immune components of the intestinal barrier coexist in harmony to prevent undesirable inflammatory outcomes and ensure homeostasis in the host. In this review, we outline molecular mechanisms by which T cells regulate intestinal homeostasis and how the ageing-associated dysfunction of T cells could disturb host-microbiota symbiosis and the physical integrity of the intestinal barrier, ultimately driving inflammageing and poor health outcomes. Finally, we propose microbiota- and T cell-based therapeutic interventions aimed at strengthening the intestinal barrier to promote healthier longevity. Namely, we discuss the transplantation of youthful microbiota, the use of designed probiotics, and the adoptive transfer of competent or engineered T cells.},
}

@article {pmid41114903,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, Z and Li, H and Tang, G and Wu, J and Zhang, Z and Huang, R and Cao, Y},
title = {Heterologous expression of nodulation signaling pathway genes enhances grain yield in rice.},
journal = {Plant molecular biology},
volume = {115},
number = {6},
pages = {115},
pmid = {41114903},
issn = {1573-5028},
support = {2024YFA0918200//the National Key R&D Program of China/ ; 32160430//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Rhizobial symbiosis, a crucial source of nitrogen for legume hosts, is thought to have evolved from mycorrhizal symbiosis. Both symbioses share a common symbiotic signaling pathway (CSSP) in plants. One hypothesis is that the lack of nodulation-specific genes in the genome of mycorrhizal symbiotic plants limits their ability to establish rhizobial interactions. Here, we introduced nine key genes in nodulation pathway, including NFR1, NFR5, SYMRK, CCaMK, CYCLOPS, NSP1, NSP2, LHK1, and NIN) from Lotus japonicus, into rice (Oryza sativa ssp. japonica cv. Zhonghua 11) to create Nodulation Signaling Pathway Overexpression (NSPO) rice. Analysis of gene expression showed that NFR5 and CCaMK were robustly transcribed in transgenic rice roots determined by qPCR. SYMRK, CYCLOPS, NSP2, and NFR1 showed relatively low transcript abundance, while transcripts of NIN, NSP1, and LHK1 were not detected. NSPO rice did not exhibit enhanced rhizobial colonization at the roots but increased formation of 2,4-D-induced nodule-like structures at the ratoon roots compared to the wild type. Remarkably, field trials demonstrated higher grain yield in NSPO rice, despite a slight reduction in seed-setting rate. Additionally, the expression of immune-related transcription factor genes was downregulated in NSPO rice. These findings suggest that heterologous expression of nodulation-related genes can promote rhizobial interaction and improve agronomic traits, such as yield in non-leguminous crops.},
}

@article {pmid41489731,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhao, X and Suo, D and Zhao, B and Gao, Y and Xu, W and Pan, F},
title = {Research progress in plant endophyte-mediated lignocellulosic biomass degradation and valorization: a review.},
journal = {Archives of microbiology},
volume = {208},
number = {2},
pages = {82},
pmid = {41489731},
issn = {1432-072X},
support = {QKPTRC[2019]-035//the Science and Technology Plan Project of Guizhou, China/ ; 202310661078//he Undergraduate Training Program for Innovation and Entrepreneurship of Zunyi Medical University/ ; ZYDC202402136//the Undergraduate Training Program for Innovation and Entrepreneurship of Zunyi Medical University/ ; QKHJC-ZK[2023]YB524//and the Science and Technology Foundation of Guizhou Province/ ; },
abstract = {Endophytes establish persistent symbiotic relationships within healthy plant tissues, with certain strains demonstrating robust lignocellulose degradation capabilities, positioning them as promising biocatalysts for efficient biomass conversion. These endophytes present significant advantages in sustainable straw utilization, biosynthesis of valuable bioactive compounds, advancement of bioenergy production technologies, and the development of bio-fertilizers. This review systematically evaluates recent advancements in lignocellulose-degrading endophytes (LDE) research, addressing critical scientific aspects including strain selection, identification, host and strain distribution characteristics, enzymatic system properties, and industrial applications. Strain screening incorporates comprehensive phenotypic, enzymatic, and genomic analyses, while identification relies on integrated morphological, metabolic, and molecular genetic markers. The primary LDE producers are predominantly Ascomycota fungi and Proteobacteria bacteria, which preferentially colonize dicotyledonous plants through diverse symbiotic mechanisms. Lignocellulose degradation is mediated by a sophisticated enzymatic system, whose activity can be enhanced through carbon source induction and strain optimization strategies. Co-cultivation systems have demonstrated synergistic effects in improving degradation efficiency. Furthermore, endophytic metabolites exhibit broad applicability, facilitating lignocellulose breakdown in agricultural residues to yield high-value natural products and renewable energy sources, et al. The degradation efficiency of endophytes is intrinsically linked to their evolutionary adaptations and functional genomic modules. Recent studies indicate that a “dual carbon” strategy has significantly enhanced research on LDE, thereby promoting sustainable agricultural residue conversion and contributing to carbon neutrality objectives.},
}

@article {pmid41746517,
year = {2026},
author = {Jana, S and Raha, S},
title = {Biosynthesis of auxin and other plant growth-promoting traits from novel endophyte Fusarium incarnatum SELC2 and its in vitro plant growth-promoting efficacy on rice (Oryza sativa L.).},
journal = {World journal of microbiology & biotechnology},
volume = {42},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41746517},
issn = {1573-0972},
abstract = {Endophytic fungi in symbiotic relationships with their host plants are recognized for promoting plant growth and mitigating the detrimental impacts of both abiotic and biotic challenges. However, due to limited knowledge of plant growth-promoting microorganisms coupled with Pteridophytes, the objective of this investigation was to identify and characterize the fungal endophytes from Selaginella ciliaris (Retz.) Spring. The endophytic fungus Fusarium incarnatum SELC2 was isolated and identified via the 18S rDNA sequencing. The isolates exhibited phosphate solubilization, ammonia production, and extracellular enzyme production activities, and had the capacity to generate indole acetic acid (IAA) whether L-tryptophan was present or not. This research explores the optimization of a number of environmental and nutritional aspects for IAA production using Central Composite Design (CCD) with Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The ambient temperature for incubation was 34℃, pH of 6.5, incubation time of 6 days, 0.35 g/L tryptophan, and 30 g/L sucrose were identified as the ideal parameters for achieving the highest IAA production. The refined IAA was analyzed using HPTLC and HPLC, showing a pink band with an Rf value of 0.92 and a peak at 2.5 min, consistent with standard IAA. Furthermore, the impact of endophyte on the initial growth parameters of Oryza sativa L. was assessed using three rice varieties, confirming that SELC2 is a significant isolate for promoting rice vegetative growth parameters, and notable changes have been observed in the photosynthetic pigments, sugar, protein, and antioxidative enzymes across both fungal extract treatments, as well as in co-inoculation.},
}

@article {pmid41774391,
year = {2026},
author = {Neves, MAS and de Paulo, RS and Bressan, J and Pereira, SS and Kravchychyn, ACP and Hermsdorff, HHM},
title = {Kefir and Its By-Products Supplementation Reduces Inflammation and Oxidative Stress, Improves Intestinal Barrier Integrity, and Modulates the Gut Microbiota in Animal Models of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {Probiotics and antimicrobial proteins},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41774391},
issn = {1867-1314},
abstract = {Kefir is a beverage obtained by fermenting milk or sugary solutions with a symbiotic community of bacteria and yeasts, presenting promising antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. This systematic review aimed to synthesize evidence from preclinical studies evaluating the effects of kefir or its by-products on biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and gut health in animal models of IBD. A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, utilizing the PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus databases. The quality of the studies was assessed using SYRCLE’s Risk of Bias tool. Sixteen experimental studies were included, comprising 585 rodents with chemically induced colitis. The interventions included traditional milk kefir, rice and water kefir, as well as isolated microorganisms and kefir-derived supernatants. Most studies reported reductions in inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and inflammatory enzymes (iNOS, COX-2, MPO), along with increases in anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, IL-4). Reductions in MDA and H2O2 were reported, supporting the antioxidant effects of kefir and its derivatives. Changes in antioxidant enzyme activity, including SOD, were also observed. In addition, kefir modulated gut microbiota composition, upregulated the expression of tight junction proteins, and influenced immune and molecular signaling pathways. Improvements were also observed in clinical parameters of IBD models, including disease activity index, rectal bleeding, and histological damage. Kefir and its derivatives exhibit beneficial effects on inflammation, oxidative stress, gut permeability, and immune modulation in animal models of IBD, suggesting a potential alternative for treating these diseases in humans. Although the findings are promising, heterogeneity among study protocols and methodological limitations highlight the need for further studies. Registration PROSPERO number: CRD420251062931.},
}

@article {pmid41803332,
year = {2026},
author = {Roy, S and Soumen, S and Arp, JT and Kaur, J and Bhowmick, R and Pettit, T and Choudhury, S and Das, TK and Nayaka, SC and Mandal, SN and Mallikarjuna, MG and Sanyal, D},
title = {From soil to sequences: mechanisms and tools unravelling plant-rhizomicrobiome interactions.},
journal = {World journal of microbiology & biotechnology},
volume = {42},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41803332},
issn = {1573-0972},
abstract = {The rhizosphere of a plant represents a dynamic interface where interactions with diverse microbial communities drive nutrient cycling, stress tolerance, and crop performance. As agricultural systems increasingly face challenges such as soil degradation, extreme climate variability, and resource limitations, understanding rhizomicrobiome functions and developing sustainable strategies to enhance them has become central to sustainable crop production. This review summarizes current knowledge of plant–rhizomicrobiome interactions, emphasizing the biological mechanisms and signaling pathways that regulate nutrient acquisition, abiotic and biotic stress responses, and rhizosphere microbial communities. It integrates evidence from symbiotic signaling, immune regulation, and microbial communication to demonstrate how coordinated plant–microbe interactions produce emergent effects on plant health and soil function. The review also examines how advances in molecular and omics-based technologies have transformed rhizomicrobiome research by enabling culture-independent, high-resolution analysis of microbial diversity, activity, and function within complex soil environments. Genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and related functional approaches have collectively shifted the field from descriptive community profiling toward mechanistic understanding. By synthesizing insights from biological mechanisms and molecular tools that have revealed plant–microbe interactions in the rhizosphere, this review offers an integrated framework for interpreting rhizomicrobiome function and linking molecular discoveries to improved production outcomes in agricultural systems. Collectively, these advances establish the rhizomicrobiome as a tractable biogeochemical system for exploring and enhancing soil health and crop resilience in sustainable agriculture.},
}

@article {pmid41806195,
year = {2026},
author = {Bavani, U and Sangwan, S and Narwal, E and Agnihotri, R and Prasanna, R and Bana, RS},
title = {Belowground-Aboveground climate allies: arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi as ecosystem bridges for greenhouse gas mitigation.},
journal = {World journal of microbiology & biotechnology},
volume = {42},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41806195},
issn = {1573-0972},
abstract = {Climate change, fuelled by rising greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, threatens ecosystems and global food security, necessitating innovative nature-based solutions. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), an ancient underground symbiosis, emerge as potent climate allies with the capacity to mitigate GHG emissions and enhance ecosystem resilience. By promoting root-derived carbon inputs, stabilizing soil aggregates, and producing glomalin, AMF enhance soil carbon sequestration, contributing to long-term soil organic matter storage. In wetland and rice systems, they influence methane dynamics by suppressing methanogenesis and stimulating methanotrophy. Their pivotal role in nitrogen cycling—improving plant N uptake efficiency and modulating nitrifier–denitrifier communities—helps lower nitrous oxide emissions, linking below-ground processes to above-ground climate benefits. Evidence across ecosystems shows that AMF-mediated functions are context-dependent and are influenced not only by agricultural management practices but also by broader anthropogenic activities (e.g., land-use change, fertilizer application, pollution) and climatic factors (e.g., temperature, precipitation, drought), yet they can be strengthened through sustainable management practices, including reduced tillage, cover cropping, and targeted inoculation. Recent molecular and omics-based insights, encompassing genomics, transcriptomics, and synthetic consortia approaches, provide mechanistic understanding and strategies to harness AMF for climate-smart agriculture. Despite their promise, methodological constraints, environmental variability, and limited long-term field studies have restricted their integration into policy and carbon accounting frameworks. Developing standardized indicators, ecosystem-specific models, and precision deployment strategies will be critical to scale AMF’s climate impact. Leveraging these underground allies can reduce GHG emissions, improve soil health, and support sustainable agricultural intensification, bridging below-ground symbioses with above-ground climate mitigation and global sustainability goals.},
}

@article {pmid41854803,
year = {2026},
author = {Das, A and Das, T and Ghosh, Z and Siddhanta, A},
title = {An intronic bidirectional promoter-driven lncRNA (LjPLR) putatively modulates a late nodulin gene during nodulation in Lotus japonicus.},
journal = {Molecular biology reports},
volume = {53},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41854803},
issn = {1573-4978},
support = {EMR/2017/004234//Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, India/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The development and functioning of root nodules in legumes are regulated by a cascade of gene expression events involving early and late nodulins. Early nodulins participate in infection and cortical cell division, whereas late nodulins support mature nodule function. Previously, a unique late nodulin gene, LjPLP-IV (Lotus japonicus phosphatidylinositol transfer protein-like protein IV), was identified. This gene contains a bidirectional promoter (BiP) within its tenth intron that drives the expression of both an antisense RNA and another late nodulin transcript. However, the antisense transcript remained largely unexplored. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study, we characterized a novel long non-coding RNA, LjPLR (L. japonicus PLP-IV lncRNA), through strand-specific transcriptome analysis of L. japonicus nodules. Sequence alignment revealed that LjPLR is highly complementary to the sense strand of LjPLP-IV, with its first exon aligning precisely at the tenth exon–intron boundary of the LjPLP-IV gene. These results strongly suggest that LjPLR corresponds to the previously reported antisense RNA transcribed from the BiP. Real-time PCR analysis further demonstrated an inverse temporal expression pattern between LjPLR and LjPLP-IV during nodule development. CONCLUSION: Together with in silico target prediction analyses, our findings indicate that LjPLP-IV is the sole putative target of LjPLR. We therefore hypothesize that LjPLR likely regulates LjPLP-IV, a gene implicated in rhizobial infection of root cortical cells in L. japonicus. Collectively, these results provide novel insight into the regulatory landscape underlying symbiotic nitrogen fixation in L. japonicus.},
}

@article {pmid41920196,
year = {2026},
author = {Singh, P and Singh, S and Praveen, A},
title = {Exploring the link between heavy metals detoxification and crop improvements.},
journal = {Protoplasma},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41920196},
issn = {1615-6102},
abstract = {Heavy metal (HM)/metalloids stresses have a detrimental effect on agriculture and the ecosystem because they impose severe strains on plants, which are sessile by nature, and cause extreme economic losses. It is imperative to safeguard crop plants from HMs to maintain sustainable agriculture and meet the global need for food from an ever-increasing population. Anthropogenic activities provide a threat to agricultural soils by contaminating them with toxic HMs, which can lead to an excessive build-up of arsenic (As), aluminium (Al), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) in food crops. This offers serious health concerns to humans since they got merged into the food chain. Finding ways to stop these harmful metals from building up in food requires knowing how plants absorb, move, and break down these toxins. Therefore, in the present study, universal distribution, toxicity of HMs and their emergence in the food chain, uptake and transport, detoxification mechanisms in plants, and ways of crop improvement under HM stress conditions have been explored. Conventional remediation methods can be costly, labor intensive, and environmentally disruptive. HMs/metalloids generate oxidative stress, disrupts cellular homeostasis, inhibits photosynthesis, and interfered with nutritional uptake leading to significant yield losses in plants. To cope up these stresses, plants utilize complex molecular mechanisms for resilience such as antioxidant enzymes activation, metal’ transporters upregulation, formation of metal chelation complexes, and variation of stress related genes and transcription factors. In contrast bioremediation offers a sustainable and ecofriendly alternative by leveraging the detoxification capabilities of plants, microbes, and their symbiotic interactions. Practices like phytoremediation, microbial-assisted remediation, and combined approaches involving nanobiochar, biostimulants, and organic amendments have established promising outcomes in restoring HMs/metalloids contaminated soil. In this study we have attempted to outline the different HMs/metalloids toxicity, uptake, and detoxification in one place. This would reduce the obstacles to agricultural output and the world’s food demands while also assisting in understanding the better HMs’ resilience in crop plants.},
}

@article {pmid41933120,
year = {2026},
author = {Lin, QC and Xu, M and Wei, S and Yang, QP and Zhang, J},
title = {The effects of ectomycorrhizal fungi inoculation on alleviating Cd stress in Pinus massoniana seedlings.},
journal = {World journal of microbiology & biotechnology},
volume = {42},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {41933120},
issn = {1573-0972},
support = {31660150//National Nature Science Foundation of China (NSFC) project/ ; 31960234//National Nature Science Foundation of China (NSFC) project/ ; DJ-ZDXM-2023-07//Technology Project of Power Construction Corporation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF), through their symbiotic associations with plants, can effectively alleviate heavy metal toxicity in plants. Therefore, we inoculated Pinus massoniana with Suillus luteus and Suillus bovinus and exposed them to different Cd concentrations (0 mg/L and 80 mg/L CdCl2) for 20 days. Single inoculation with S. luteus and S. bovinus promoted root growth and differentiation to varying degrees, enhanced the glutathione reductase (GR) and catalase (CAT) levels in leaves. The glutathione (GSH) contents decreased in leaves and roots, whereas the malondialdehyde (MDA) content increased (although it remained significantly (p < 0.05) lower than that in the CK group. Total nitrogen (TN) decreased in leaves and roots, whereas Ca, Mg, and Mn increased in the leaves, and Fe, Mg, and Mn increased in the roots. The Cd leaf and root levels were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in the inoculated groups than in the CK. Mixed inoculation with S. luteus and S. bovinus resulted in higher Cd-translocation rates than single inoculation, whereas the Cd-retention rate was lower than found with single inoculation. These results indicate that EMF mitigate Cd-stress responses by promoting root growth, regulating nutrient element uptake, and enhancing antioxidant defense systems. These findings indicate that mycorrhizal symbiosis plays a potential role in Cd phytoremediation.},
}

@article {pmid41996045,
year = {2026},
author = {Mohanty, A and Pavan-Kumar, A and Chaudhari, A and Kumari, K and Kumar, P and Maurye, P},
title = {Comparative performance of traditional and commercial DNA extraction methods for fish gut microbiota analysis.},
journal = {Molecular biology reports},
volume = {53},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41996045},
issn = {1573-4978},
support = {FBT-PB1-01//Indian Council of Agricultural Research/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The symbiotic relationship between gut microbiota and their fish hosts has fuelled extensive research into microbial distribution besides their active role in host body metabolisms and paving the way for the sustainable aquaculture. This study aims to optimize and evaluate DNA extraction techniques for characterizing the gut microbiota of fish with diverse feeding habits: Hilsa (planktivorous), Catla (zooplankton feeder), Rohu (herbivorous), and Mrigal (illiophagus). METHODS AND RESULTS: Microbial genomic DNA was extracted using five traditional methods—PLICKS A, B, C, and CTAB (Methods D and E)—and three commercial kits (MN® Microbial, MN® Soil, and MN® Faecal), each with modifications. The efficacy of these methods was assessed based on DNA yield (traditional: 74–3070 ng/µL; commercial: 8.8–224 ng/µL), purity (traditional: A260/280: 1.38–1.92, A260/230: 1.03–2.21; commercial: A260/280: 1.30–3.25, A260/230: 0.5–2.0), and successful PCR amplification, a key step for downstream 16 S rRNA gene sequencing. Among traditional methods, PLICKS A (Catla), PLICKS C (Hilsa), CTAB (Mrigal and Catla), and PLICKS B (Catla, Rohu, Hilsa, Mrigal) delivered the highest DNA recovery (342–2080 ng/µL) and purity across different species. Similarly, among commercial kits, the MN® Microbial Modified Kit (Catla, Hilsa), MN® Soil Kit (Hilsa), MN® Soil Modified Kit (Catla, Rohu), MN® Faecal Kit (Catla), and MN® Modified Faecal Kit excelled, achieving optimal DNA recovery (108–224 ng/µL) and purity across various feeding habits. Overall, among traditional methods, PLICKS B proved to be the most effective, delivering high DNA yields (342–2080 ng/µL) with excellent purity (A260/280: 1.77–1.92; A260/230: 1.67–2.21) and enabling successful PCR amplification across fish species with diverse feeding habits. Similarly, among commercial kits, the MN Modified Faecal Kit achieved the highest DNA recovery (108–224 ng/µL) and purity (A260/280: 1.74–1.90; A260/230: 1.78–2.01), consistently supporting reliable amplification. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight effective DNA extraction methods tailored to fish with different feeding habits. Careful selection and optimization of extraction protocols are therefore essential for the accurate characterization of fish gut microbiota.},
}

@article {pmid42020671,
year = {2026},
author = {Cruz, D and Saati-Santamaria, Z and Achury-Arrubla, L and Garcia-Fraile, P},
title = {From Wild to Farm: Gut Bacteriome Differences and Probiotic Potential of Pantoea Agglomerans in Two-Spotted Cricket (Gryllus Bimaculatus) Rearing.},
journal = {Probiotics and antimicrobial proteins},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42020671},
issn = {1867-1314},
abstract = {The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in insect nutrition and performance, yet its targeted exploitation in cricket farming remains underexplored. Here, we combined gut microbiota profiling of wild and farmed Gryllus bimaculatus with probiotic testing of host-derived bacterial isolates to explore microbiome-informed strategies for sustainable cricket farming. Wild crickets exhibited higher Shannon diversity but lower phylogenetic diversity than farmed counterparts. Wild populations were enriched in Oscillospiraceae and Christensenellaceae families, while farmed crickets showed higher abundance of Parabacteroides. From 199 bacterial isolates, wild populations showed higher frequencies of uricolytic capabilities (44% vs. 31%), related to nitrogen recycling, while farmed crickets had more pectinolytic isolates (70% vs. 50%), linked to plant fiber degradation. Pantoea agglomerans I53BLB, which demonstrated broad enzymatic capabilities, was selected for probiotic evaluation; we further provide its genome sequence and analysis to contextualize its metabolic and probiotic potential. A feeding experiment with a 2 × 3 factorial design (two diets × three probiotic treatments, n = 10 replicates per group) compared control chicken feed versus a high-fiber diet formulated with agricultural by-products, each supplemented with water, live or heat-inactivated P. agglomerans. A significant diet × probiotic interaction was observed for weight gain (χ[2] = 18.8, p = 0.0021) and adult emergence (χ[2] = 17.7, p = 0.0033). Live P. agglomerans enhanced performance only when combined with the high-fiber diet, with individuals reaching a mean wet weight of 0.602 g compared to 0.451 g (heat-inactivated, p = 0.035) and 0.427 g (water control, p = 0.003), and a significantly higher adult emergence rate (37%) compared to all other treatment combinations (13%, p < 0.05), suggesting a symbiotic effect likely related with carbohydrate digestion. No effects were observed on survival or reproductive output. Notably, the high-fiber diet alone performed comparably to commercial feed, suggesting potential for sustainable cricket production using agricultural by-products. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of microbiome informed probiotic strategies to enhance cricket farming efficiency while reducing feed costs.},
}

@article {pmid42020676,
year = {2026},
author = {Purohit, HV and Chakraborty, J and Kothari, RK and Bhatt, AR},
title = {Gene Exchange Mechanisms in Natural and Engineered Probiotics Within the Human Gut Implications for Antibiotic Resistance and Metabolic Modulation.},
journal = {Probiotics and antimicrobial proteins},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42020676},
issn = {1867-1314},
abstract = {The human gut microbiome is a dynamic and densely populated ecosystem where microbial gene exchange plays a central role in shaping both ecological interactions and host physiology. This review critically examines the mechanisms and implications of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) among natural and engineered probiotics within the human gut, with a specific focus on antibiotic resistance dissemination and metabolic modulation. We provide an in-depth analysis of the molecular pathways of conjugation, transformation, and transduction under anaerobic gut conditions, highlighting their roles in the spread of mobile genetic elements, including antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and functional metabolic traits. Special emphasis is placed on the dual nature of gene exchange: while beneficial traits such as vitamin biosynthesis and polysaccharide degradation can be horizontally acquired to enhance probiotic efficacy and host-microbe symbiosis, the uncontrolled dissemination of ARGs or synthetic constructs poses significant clinical and ecological risks. Through a synthesis of recent findings from metagenomics, microbial ecology, and synthetic biology, we explore how natural probiotics may act as reservoirs of ARGs, and how engineered strains—if not properly contained—may contribute to genetic instability in the gut. We also evaluate current containment strategies such as chromosomal integration, kill switches, auxotrophy, and orthogonal circuit design to limit horizontal spread, alongside emerging tools for in situ gene transfer monitoring. Finally, we discuss regulatory challenges and propose a context-dependent risk assessment framework in which the consequences of probiotic gene exchange are determined by cargo properties, host ecological niche, gut inflammatory status, and biocontainment design.},
}

@article {pmid42032013,
year = {2026},
author = {Carrizosa, R and Padilla, I and Romero, M and López-Delgado, A},
title = {Harnessing salt slag and diatomite sludge by co-recycling for zeolite production.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-50164-3},
pmid = {42032013},
issn = {2045-2322},
abstract = {Developing alternative uses for waste is one of the main concerns of modern industry, as proper waste management is necessary to pave the way towards a circular economy and sustainability. In this study, the sustainable synthesis of zeolites using salt slag, a hazardous waste product from the secondary aluminium industry, and diatomite sludge, an agri-food waste product, was explored. The aluminium salt slag and diatomite sludge served as the aluminium and silicon sources, respectively, for the LTA and NaP zeolite formulations through a one-pot hydrothermal process. The key synthesis parameters, temperature (70–90 °C), reaction time (2–24 h), and NaOH concentration (0.38–1 M), were systematically varied to adjust the type, crystallinity and textural properties of the zeolites. The synthesised materials exhibited specific surface areas of 12.7–22.5 m2 g−1 and cation exchange capacities ranging from 1.57 to 2.54 meq g−1. FTIR analysis confirmed the formation of zeolitic phases, whereas microstructural characterisation revealed a progressive topotactic transformation from cubic LTA to NaP crystalline aggregates. These findings demonstrate the potential of this approach to produce functional zeolites and promote circular economy practices by co-recycling industrial waste through industrial symbiosis.},
}

@article {pmid42053608,
year = {2026},
author = {Çağatay, NS and Dageri, A and Saruhan, I and Tuncer, C and Guz, N},
title = {Diversity and Composition of the Microbiome Associated with Adult of the Green Shield Bug Palomena prasina (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae).},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1007/s00248-026-02779-2},
pmid = {42053608},
issn = {1432-184X},
support = {Project number: 116O328//Türkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Araştırma Kurumu/ ; },
abstract = {Hazelnut is a major export commodity for Türkiye, the world’s leading producer, yet pest pressure in hazelnut orchards has caused substantial quantitative and qualitative yield losses in recent years. Among emerging pests, the green shield bug (GSB) Palomena prasina (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) has become a key threat due to direct feeding on developing fruits. Despite its increasing economic relevance, the microbial community associated with P. prasina remains poorly characterized. Here, we present the first comprehensive analysis of the bacterial community associated with P. prasina using 16 S rRNA gene metabarcoding combined with prevalence screening and phylogenetic analyses. A total of 36 bacterial taxa were detected across sampled populations, with Pantoea and Sodalis identified as the dominant genera. Bacterial diversity did not differ significantly between sexes or among geographic locations, indicating a relatively stable microbial community. Prevalence analyses revealed that Pantoea spp. were present in all examined individuals, whereas Sodalis spp. showed variable infection frequencies among populations. Phylogenetic reconstruction indicated contrasting evolutionary patterns between these dominant taxa, with Pantoea lineages displaying a polyphyletic structure suggestive of repeated environmental acquisition, while Sodalis sequences formed a more cohesive, host-associated lineage consistent with a facultative symbiotic lifestyle. Overall, these findings improve our understanding of stink bug-microbe associations and provide an ecological framework for future studies exploring symbiont-based pest management strategies.},
}

@article {pmid42287489,
year = {2026},
author = {da Silveira Bastos, IMA and Cardoso, MS and Laux, M and Ribeiro, RR and García, GJY and Bahia, PA and de Sousa, PMV and Alves, BGT and de Rezende, DHC and Rosado, AS and Bezerra, JDP and Landell, MF and Melo, VMM and Tavares, TCL and Góes-Neto, A},
title = {Worldwide diversity and ecology of mangrove fungi: a systematic review of ITS metabarcoding studies and a quantitative, integrative analysis of raw sequence data.},
journal = {World journal of microbiology & biotechnology},
volume = {42},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {42287489},
issn = {1573-0972},
mesh = {*Fungi/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; *DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic ; *Biodiversity ; *Wetlands ; *Mycobiome ; Basidiomycota/genetics/classification ; Geologic Sediments/microbiology ; *Rhizophoraceae/microbiology ; Ecosystem ; Ascomycota/genetics/classification/isolation & purification ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {Fungi are integral components of the mangrove microbiome, playing critical roles in decomposition, nutrient cycling, and symbiosis. Our study synthesizes the findings from a global systematic review of fungal ITS metabarcoding studies conducted in mangrove ecosystems. This review consolidates data from 23 original research articles (1,154 samples) and provides a comprehensive overview of the diversity, community structure, and ecological functions of fungi in these critical coastal habitats. The analyses revealed a consistent core fungal mycobiome in mangroves worldwide. This community is dominated by Ascomycota, with Basidiomycota as the second most abundant phylum. A consistent set of ten highly abundant genera underpins this core community, and fungal diversity and composition are strongly influenced by the specific substrate. Non-rhizospheric sediment harbors the highest diversity, while live plant organs host a more specialized and less diverse community, slightly dominated by potential plant pathogens. Rhizospheric sediment supports a unique assemblage rich in wood-decomposing fungi. The primary ecological role of fungi in mangroves is decomposition, which is essential for breaking down lignocellulosic litter, cycling nutrients, and storing carbon in sediments. A surprisingly high relative abundance of fungi classified as plant pathogens was identified on mangrove plant tissues, suggesting an underappreciated role of fungal diseases in these ecosystems. Metabarcoding provides a far broader view of fungal diversity than traditional collection and culturing methods. It has uncovered a vast number of uncultured taxa and has been particularly effective in revealing the significant, and likely underestimated, presence of macrofungi in mangrove soils. Our study also highlights that current short-read metabarcoding can severely underestimate certain fungal groups, particularly the endomycorrhizal Glomeromycota, due to technical limitations. Altogether, our synthesis provides a global baseline against which future mangrove mycobiome studies can be benchmarked.},
}

*Fungi/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
*DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic
*Biodiversity
*Wetlands
*Mycobiome
Basidiomycota/genetics/classification
Geologic Sediments/microbiology
*Rhizophoraceae/microbiology
Ecosystem
Ascomycota/genetics/classification/isolation & purification
Phylogeny

@article {pmid42287895,
year = {2026},
author = {Yao, Z and Lin, G and Liu, Y and Zhang, J},
title = {Mechanisms for the phytohormone-elevated performance of a continuous-flow baffled cyanobacterial photo-bioreactor for antibiotic removal and lipid production.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {303},
number = {},
pages = {126283},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2026.126283},
pmid = {42287895},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {A mixture of Synechococcus sp., Chroococcus sp., and Synechocystis sp. was immobilized in indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)-supplemented calcium alginate beads and then placed into a four-compartment baffled photo-bioreactor. A 30-day continuous-flow treatment of secondary effluent wastewater using this system achieved removal rates of 74.08-85.12% for COD, 87.52-96.89% for TN, 95.36-99.26% for TP, 84.02-88.36% for cefalexin, 67.15-75.57% for erythromycin, 91.17-96.05% for oxytetracycline, and 74.76-78.87% for norfloxacin. Chroococcus sp. contributed the most to pollutant removal, with its abundance negatively correlated with the concentrations of all pollutants. Bacterial colonization within cyanobacterial beads, upregulated genes involved in signal transduction, quorum sensing, and biofilm formation, as well as correlations between cyanobacteria and seven bacterial genera (Acidovorax, Chitinophaga, Massilia, Algoriphagus, Chryseobacterium, Comamonas, and Candidatus) together confirmed the formation of a cyanobacteria-bacteria consortium. Efficient pollutant removal was attributed to the high cyanobacterial biomass stimulated by IAA and the activation of genes related to stress response, the TCA cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, and pollutant metabolism in bead microorganisms. Reduced abundances of antibiotic resistance genes in the effluent may result from activated mismatch repair pathway and suppressed horizontal gene transfer. Antibiotics, the symbiotic bacterium Azospirillum, and IAA jointly stimulated cyanobacterial growth and lipid accumulation, contributing to a high cyanobacterial lipid productivity of 47.59-51.82 mg/(L·d), mainly through the upregulation of genes involved in the Calvin cycle, pentose phosphate pathway, and fatty acid biosynthesis. Overall, this study provides a sustainable strategy integrating pollutant removal, resistance control, and resource recovery.},
}

@article {pmid42289283,
year = {2026},
author = {Noda, M and Ito, M and Miyata, K and Suzaki, T},
title = {Nonnodulating Fagales retain the functional NODULE INCEPTION gene.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.71337},
pmid = {42289283},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {JPMJAN23D2//Japan Science and Technology Agency/ ; JPMJSP2124//Japan Science and Technology Agency/ ; JP23K27188//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; JP25H01345//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; JP26K02024//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; },
abstract = {NODULE INCEPTION orthologs are present in nonnodulating species in Fagales.},
}

@article {pmid42289648,
year = {2026},
author = {Huang, C and Ding, Z and Guo, Y and Ma, X and Li, J and Guo, L},
title = {Sex-specific adaptive strategies and rhizosphere microbiome responses to drought stress in Bouteloua dactyloides.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12866-026-05275-2},
pmid = {42289648},
issn = {1471-2180},
support = {LJKMZ20221053//Foundation of Liaoning Province Education Administration/ ; X2021012//Shenyang Agricultural University/ ; },
abstract = {Drought is becoming more frequent and severe under global climate change. Bouteloua dactyloides (Nutt.) (hereafter, B. dactyloides) is a dioecious, drought-tolerant warm-season turfgrass, but whether males and females use different adaptive strategies under drought remains unclear. We conducted a pot experiment to compare male and female plants under well-watered (90% field capacity) and drought-stressed (30% field capacity) conditions. We hypothesized that male and female B. dactyloides plants would exhibit sex-specific adaptive strategies in physiological traits and rhizosphere microbial communities under drought stress. Drought increased malondialdehyde and proline contents and enhanced superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase activities in both sexes, while peroxidase activity decreased. Under well-watered conditions, females had a higher drought resistance index than males, whereas no significant sex difference was detected under drought. Sex-specific responses were still evident; females showed a higher root-shoot ratio, whereas males exhibited increased catalase (CAT) activity. Drought and plant sex also jointly altered rhizosphere microbial communities. Drought increased fungal alpha diversity only in males, whose rhizospheres were enriched in Basidiomycota and Glomeromycota. Drought suppressed bacterial aerobic metabolism and sulfur respiration functions, as well as saprotrophic and pathogenic fungi in both sexes. Notably, male rhizospheres were significantly enriched in symbiotic fungi, particularly arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Overall, female B. dactyloides mainly enhances drought adaptation through morphological plasticity, whereas males rely more on a microbiome-mediated strategy centered on AMF recruitment. These findings reveal sex-specific physiological and rhizosphere microbiome adaptation pathways and underscore the role of the microbiome in drought response, providing a basis for cultivar selection in arid-region turf management.},
}

@article {pmid42289812,
year = {2026},
author = {Pellegrinetti, TA and Santos, AA and Molligan, J and Pérez-López, E},
title = {Can the leafhopper microbiome unlock new strategies for its control?.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toag166},
pmid = {42289812},
issn = {1938-291X},
abstract = {Leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) are significant agricultural pests worldwide, causing direct feeding injury and transmitting plant pathogens. Conventional management still relies heavily on insecticides, but resistance development, non-target effects, and environmental concerns increasingly limit their effectiveness. Recent progress in leveraging insect microbiomes for sustainable pest control, mostly in well-studied groups such as mosquitoes, whiteflies, and aphids, suggests that symbiotic manipulation could offer new tools. Whether such strategies can be developed for leafhoppers remains an open question, given how little is currently known about their microbial partnerships. Here, we synthesize current knowledge of leafhopper-associated microbial communities and evaluate approaches that could complement existing integrated pest management programs. We discuss approaches ranging from the characterization and isolation of symbionts to biotechnology strategies. We present a case study examining microbiome dynamics in the corn leafhopper (Dalbulus maidis) as a conceptual demonstration of how microbiome data can generate testable management hypotheses. We highlight both the opportunities and challenges associated with manipulating microbial partners, including ecological predictability, host specificity, and evolutionary feedback. Framing leafhoppers as holobionts, our review outlines a roadmap for translating microbiome research into compatible control technologies for agricultural systems.},
}

@article {pmid42290043,
year = {2026},
author = {Mullally, ME and Bond, LJ and Palepu, RR and Young, JS and Frei, DR},
title = {Evaluation of novel materials for front-of-neck access simulations.},
journal = {Anaesthesia and intensive care},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {310057X261443357},
doi = {10.1177/0310057X261443357},
pmid = {42290043},
issn = {0310-057X},
abstract = {Neck rescue encompasses a variety of techniques and terms used to describe direct access to the trachea to allow delivery of oxygen into the airway, typically in the context of a 'can't intubate, can't oxygenate' (CICO) scenario. Anaesthetists rely on CICO simulation exercises to obtain competency in neck rescue using commercially available plastic airway models. Recently, innovations in three-dimensional (3D)-printed airway models and 'symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast' (SCOBY) skins have been trialled for CICO training. We undertook a study to compare the fidelity of a 3D-printed airway model and SCOBY skin model with a commercially available plastic and foam model (Crico-Trainer 'Frova', VBM-Medizintechnik GmbH, Sulz am Neckar, Germany) trialled by 27 volunteer anaesthesia specialists and trainees. Study participants performed neck rescue on all model variants and provided structured feedback. The 3D-printed model with SCOBY skin was found to have the highest fidelity for neck rescue training and was the model preferred by most participants. Model fidelity, environmental impact, and ethical considerations were rated as important or very important by participants. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings in other hospital settings.},
}

@article {pmid42290978,
year = {2026},
author = {Jin, Z and Zhang, Y and Zhong, Z and Shen, Z and Huang, L and Hu, H and Chen, X and Liu, W and Li, L and Gao, C},
title = {Dynamic feedback BacGuard anchors microbial metabolism to host symbiosis in real-time ulcerative colitis therapy.},
journal = {Bioactive materials},
volume = {65},
number = {},
pages = {365-379},
pmid = {42290978},
issn = {2452-199X},
abstract = {The escalating global burden of ulcerative colitis (UC) underscores the limitations of conventional anti-inflammatory therapies. Although multi-omics insights have propelled gut microbiota modulation to the forefront of therapeutic innovation, current strategies relying on probiotics or fecal transplants remain constrained by empirical designs due to the lack of spatiotemporal precision and real-time monitoring of microbial metabolic vitality in situ. In this study, BacGuard, a metabolically orthogonal microgel platform, was developed to unify the probiotic surveillance and guided dynamic dose regulation with spatially targeted microbiota-associated metabolic modulation. Our core design featured a β-xylosidase-activated chemiluminescent probe (XOS-CL) that was conjugated with xylooligosaccharide-based hyperbranched polymers (HBXOK) and orally delivered via microgels. Thereby, this system enabled real-time monitoring of probiotic abundance and metabolic activity in the colon through enzyme-responsive signaling, while simultaneously promoting short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production via redirected bacterial metabolic flux. This dual-action system created a self-reinforcing therapeutic loop and optically quantifying the microbial activity in a dynamic manner. By resolving the causal disconnects between enzymatic activity, microbiota proliferation, and host interactions, the BacGuard bridged the diagnostic metrics to functional therapeutic outcomes. Anchoring both sensing and treatment to microbial metabolic flux, our platform reimagined the precision gut ecosystem engineering, establishing an image-guided dynamic dose regulation framework that actively preserved the microbiota-host symbiosis through in-time and function-adaptive modulation.},
}

@article {pmid42291240,
year = {2026},
author = {Montalbetti, E and Aramini, T and Bonanomi, M and Louis, YD and Brivio, E and Zhang, L and Perez, PG and Porro, D and Lucini, L and Lavorano, S and Seveso, D and Galli, P and Gaglio, D},
title = {Thermal stress-induced metabolic reprogramming in two hard coral species.},
journal = {iScience},
volume = {29},
number = {6},
pages = {116207},
pmid = {42291240},
issn = {2589-0042},
abstract = {Coral reefs are increasingly impacted by marine heatwaves that disrupt the symbiosis between corals and their symbiotic dinoflagellates. Using untargeted LC-MS metabolomics, we investigated heat-stress responses at the coral holobiont level in Stylophora pistillata (S. pistillata) and Pocillopora damicornis (P. damicornis) from the northern Red Sea. Under control conditions (25°C), the two species exhibited distinct baseline metabolic profiles, indicating different energy-metabolism strategies. After 10 days at 31°C, both the corals showed pronounced metabolic reprogramming but with contrasting responses, P. damicornis increased amino acid metabolism, redox buffering, and ammonia recycling, consistent with enhanced cellular defense. In contrast, S. pistillata reduced central carbon metabolism and shifted toward alternative energy pathways and lipid remodeling. These findings show that closely related corals can adopt divergent holobiont-level metabolic strategies under thermal stress, highlighting metabolic plasticity as an important component of coral responses to ocean warming.},
}

@article {pmid42291262,
year = {2026},
author = {Reddy, SS and Miao, S and Khan, MS and Hansen, AK},
title = {Host plant quality reshapes symbiotic organ architecture without altering symbiont density.},
journal = {iScience},
volume = {29},
number = {6},
pages = {115932},
pmid = {42291262},
issn = {2589-0042},
abstract = {Obligate nutritional symbioses enable sap-feeding insects to overcome essential amino acid limitations, yet the extent to which these associations exhibit plasticity across host plants remains unclear. We tested whether host plant quality alters the Bactericera cockerelli-Carsonella symbiosis by comparing psyllids developing on tomato and pepper. Tomato sap contained significantly higher essential amino acid concentrations than pepper. Despite these nutritional differences, only 42 genes were differentially expressed in the bacteriome, a symbiotic organ composed of insect cells (bacteriocytes) that house Carsonella. Tomato-fed psyllids upregulated genes associated with cell communication and structural organization, whereas pepper-fed psyllids upregulated metabolic and translational pathways. We also observed that bacteriocyte number was higher on tomato and in females, while bacteriocyte symbiont density remained unchanged. Psyllid fitness was also higher on tomato. These findings support a condition-dependent model in which plant nutrition shapes bacteriome structural and transcriptional investment in symbiosis without altering symbiont density per bacteriocyte.},
}

@article {pmid42293523,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, H and Zhao, Q and Luo, B and Zhang, X and Huang, J and Lu, Y and Tian, F and Sun, H and Ni, Y},
title = {Significant strain microdiversity in mother-infant dyad cohorts across ethnic groups reveals population specificity of bifidobacteria microbiota transmission.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1814222},
pmid = {42293523},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {The gut microbiota of human populations shares a core of symbiotic microbial species, some of which codiversify with hosts, and are considered a complex mixture of closely related strains. However, little is known about population-wide diversity for strain-level symbiont community in the human gut so far. Here, we focused on Bifidobacterium, a key microbial group in the early-life gut microbiota. By analyzing metataxonomic datasets of the full-length 16S rRNA gene and the Bifidobacterium-specific groEL and tuf genes from 54 mother-infant dyads across three ethnic groups spanning large geographic distances in China, we determined that 16S rRNA gene primer sequencing causes significant deviations in species and strain diversity of the Bifidobacteria community. In the single-copy groEL nd tuf gene dataset, a core group comprising at least 10 bifidobacterial (sub)species was consistently identified across multiple cohorts. ASVs within the same species represent significant microdiversity, showing distinct distribution patterns across cohorts. Notably, strain similarity within a cohort was significantly higher than that across cohorts, supporting the hypothesis of population specificity in intergenerational inheritance of gut symbiotic consortia within sympatric populations.},
}

@article {pmid42293537,
year = {2026},
author = {Retzinger, AC},
title = {The Acari Hypothesis, VIII: the human apocrine-mammary-microbiota axis and Staphylococcus epidermidis mutualism.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1714798},
pmid = {42293537},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Human integument is unusual among primates for its expanded eccrine network, glandular specialization, acidic surface pH, and enrichment of staphylococcal taxa. Framed within the Acari Hypothesis, this manuscript proposes a unifying apocrine-mammary-microbiota axis in which human integumentary glands cultivate protective symbionts, with Staphylococcus epidermidis as a keystone. Reviewed evidence encompasses acid mantle biochemistry and glandular antimicrobials that favor acid- and lipid-tolerant staphylococci while restricting pathogens and possibly ectoparasites. Mammalian apocrine secretions rely on microbial metabolism to convert precursor molecules into bioactive compounds that mediate species-specific physiological functions. This reliance may be consistent with the enrichment of staphylococci at apocrine-rich sites in humans. Mammary biology indicates vertical transfer of skin- and milk-associated microbes that stabilize epithelial ecosystems across generations. The manuscript develops a mutualist model for S. epidermidis on human epithelia, reconsiders device-associated infections, and surveys staphylococcal dysbiosis across dermatologic conditions. As proposed, human integumentary and mammary glands co-evolved to cultivate and vertically transmit symbiotic staphylococci, whose metabolites and niche competition defend against ectoparasites and pathogens while balancing epithelial and metabolic homeostasis.},
}

@article {pmid42294231,
year = {2026},
author = {Uszko, JM and Abibu, SA and Eichhorn, SJ and Patil, AJ and Hall, SR},
title = {Cellulose Biofilms, New Biotemplates in the Synthesis of Cuprate Superconductors.},
journal = {ACS omega},
volume = {11},
number = {22},
pages = {32391-32399},
pmid = {42294231},
issn = {2470-1343},
abstract = {Bacterial cellulose (BC), obtained from fermented food byproducts (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast, and Nata de Coco), was successfully used as a template for the synthesis of a YBa2Cu3O6+δ (YBCO) superconductor. As previous studies have shown, a dry template is needed to ensure the maximum uptake of the precursor solution. BC used is obtained in a wet state; it must be dried before use as a template. A variety of template drying techniques were investigated to assess the efficacy. This included air, oven, freeze, and solvent exchange drying. Among these, freeze-drying proved to be the most effective method as it best preserved the porous internal structure of the template. The addition of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), a polychelating acid, also had a beneficial effect on the synthesis, improving both phase purity and the contribution of the superconducting phase. Waste-derived BC was shown to be a suitable substrate for the sol-gel synthesis of cuprate superconductors, providing an alternative to the ionic-liquid/nanocellulose-based approach used previously.},
}

@article {pmid42294715,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, H and Niu, X and Lei, L and Zhou, T and Zhang, G and Xu, B},
title = {The symbiotic bacteria Frischella perrara in honey bees mitigate varroa mite infection.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0096026},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.00960-26},
pmid = {42294715},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Honey bees are vulnerable to various pathogens and pests, and ectoparasitic Varroa destructor has become the main cause of population decline of western honey bees (Apis mellifera) worldwide. Currently, chemical acaricides are the primary methods for controlling Varroa mites (V. destructor), and developing non-chemical control technique is urgently needed for beekeeping industry. We aimed to evaluate if the symbiont gut bacteria from bee colonies were attributed to Varroa tolerance and could be developed as a control agent. We sequenced 16S rDNA of gut microbiota between surviving colonies at a non-acaricide treated apiary (i.e., anti-mite colonies, AMCs) and conventional mite-susceptibility colonies (CMSCs) at an apiary with routine acaricide treatment. We found that AMCs harbor higher abundance of Frischella. By supplementing CMSCs with F. perrara in the field, we found decreased Varroa infestation intensity with more fallen phoretic Varroa and more injured pupae to be removed (an indicator of hygienic behavior). By supplementing honey bees with F. perrara in laboratory, we found increased proboscis extension reflex frequency and expression of odor-binding proteins in their antennae (OBP 11, 12, 16, and 21), indicating a potential molecular mechanism of enhanced hygienic behavior. This study suggests a novel function of the gut symbiont F. perrara in mitigating Varroa parasitism, implying its potential to serve as a new method to control Varroa mites through enhancing bees' olfactory sensitivity.

IMPORTANCE: The parasitic mite of honey bees, Varroa destructor, is the major challenge of beekeeping industry across the world. We propose a practical control method, applying a gut symbiont bacterium (F. perrara) to bee colonies to address this global challenge without the side effects of using chemical treatment methods. We found F. perrara treatment can lead to a higher number of fallen mites from adult bees' body. The potential mechanism is to improve honey bees' hygienic behavior to clean mites through promoting their olfactory sensitivity, increasing the chances to detect mites. Varroa control by administrating F. perrara does not harm honey bee health and avoid product contamination and pesticide resistance to mites. This method may provide a sustainable Varroa control tool in realistic beekeeping industry.},
}

@article {pmid42294875,
year = {2026},
author = {Cai, W and Moriyama, M and Nishide, Y and Koga, R and Fukatsu, T},
title = {Symbiotic Escherichia coli strains can better colonize host stinkbugs and outcompete natural symbiotic bacteria, but confer less fitness benefit.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0095126},
doi = {10.1128/mbio.00951-26},
pmid = {42294875},
issn = {2150-7511},
abstract = {The stinkbug Plautia stali harbors essential gut symbiotic bacteria of the genus Pantoea, whose natural strains differ in cultivability and host benefits. Using this system, we evaluated how laboratory-evolved and genetically engineered symbiotic Escherichia coli strains compete against native Pantoea symbionts and how they influence host fitness. In single infection assays, the native uncultivable symbiont Sym A conferred the highest host performance, whereas the evolved (CmL05G13) and artificial (ΔcyaA) symbiotic E. coli strains supported host survival at levels comparable to cultivable Pantoea symbionts (Sym C-F). In competitive co-infection assays, the symbiotic E. coli strains generally showed unexpectedly strong colonization ability. CmL05G13 outcompeted all the cultivable symbionts Sym C-F and even displaced the native uncultivable symbiont Sym A, whereas ΔcyaA and the nonsymbiotic control E. coli ΔintS were dominated by Sym A at the adult stage. Despite their superior infection competitiveness, the symbiotic E. coli strains provided limited reproductive benefits, behaving as "cheater-like" associates. They were able to invade and dominate the symbiotic organ but failed to match the fitness contributions of native symbionts. These results demonstrate that the experimentally evolved E. coli can rapidly acquire strong colonization ability, surpassing that of the natural symbionts that have coevolved with P. stali in nature. At the same time, the mismatch between infection success and host fitness benefits highlights potential evolutionary conflicts and provides an experimental model for studying the dynamics of cheating, mutualism, and symbiont replacement in vertically transmitted symbioses.IMPORTANCEUnderstanding how novel symbionts invade and displace long-term mutualists is central to the evolution of symbiosis. This study demonstrates that Escherichia coli, originally a nonsymbiotic bacterium, can rapidly evolve potent colonization ability and even outcompete native Pantoea symbionts of the stinkbug Plautia stali. Meanwhile, these competitive E. coli strains confer markedly lower reproductive benefits compared with the native symbionts that have developed an intimate mutualistic association with the host P. stali over evolutionary time, revealing a striking decoupling between infection success and host fitness. This finding highlights the potential for cheater-like microbes to invade vertically transmitted symbioses and destabilize coevolved partnerships. By combining experimental evolution, controlled co-infections, and quantitative analyses, the P. stali-E. coli experimental symbiotic system provides a powerful model for studying the mechanisms and evolutionary dynamics of mutualism, cheating, and symbiont replacement.},
}

@article {pmid42295492,
year = {2026},
author = {Zeng, D and Wang, L and Gong, Y and Zhou, W and Wang, W and Wang, S and Xu, G and Chen, A},
title = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis suppresses tomato bacterial wilt by coordinating plant systemic resistance with microbiome antagonism.},
journal = {Mycorrhiza},
volume = {36},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {42295492},
issn = {1432-1890},
support = {32472831//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32472831//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32472831//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32472831//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32472831//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32472831//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32472831//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32472831//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {*Solanum lycopersicum/microbiology ; *Mycorrhizae/physiology ; *Plant Diseases/microbiology/prevention & control ; *Ralstonia solanacearum/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Microbiota ; Rhizosphere ; Plant Systemic Acquired Resistance ; Soil Microbiology ; Disease Resistance ; },
abstract = {Tomato bacterial wilt, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum, is a globally devastating soil-borne disease that poses a serious threat to the sustainable development of tomato production. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are well-recognized beneficial soil microorganisms that significantly promote plant growth, enhance nutrient uptake, and improve resistance to various biotic and abiotic stresses. However, a comprehensive understanding of the potential of AMF to suppress tomato bacterial wilt is still lacking. In this study, we demonstrate that AMF inoculation remarkably reduces the disease index of bacterial wilt in tomato plants, upregulates the expression of pathogenesis-related (PR) genes, and enhances antioxidant enzyme activities, collectively strengthening systemic disease resistance. High-throughput 16 S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that AMF colonization drives substantial reassembly of the rhizosphere microbiome. Notably, AMF colonization promoted the recruitment of beneficial bacterial genera, including Bacillus and Brevibacillus, while significantly suppressing the abundance of Ralstonia. Furthermore, we isolated two Brevibacillus strains, designated AQC211 and AQC296, from the mycorrhizosphere of healthy tomato plants, both exhibited antagonistic activity against R. solanacearum in vitro. Pot experiments confirmed that inoculation with the AQC211 strain significantly reduced the incidence and severity of bacterial wilt. These findings indicate that AMF can not only directly prime plant systemic resistance but also indirectly enhance protection against bacterial wilt by shaping a disease-suppressive rhizosphere microbiome.},
}

*Solanum lycopersicum/microbiology
*Mycorrhizae/physiology
*Plant Diseases/microbiology/prevention & control
*Ralstonia solanacearum/physiology
*Symbiosis
*Microbiota
Rhizosphere
Plant Systemic Acquired Resistance
Soil Microbiology
Disease Resistance

@article {pmid42296348,
year = {2026},
author = {Catacora-Grundy, A and Juery, C and Chevalier, F and Yee, DP and Pavie, M and LeKieffre, C and Schieber, NL and Schwab, Y and Gallet, B and Jouneau, PH and Curien, G and Decelle, J},
title = {Sweet and fatty symbionts: Photosynthetic productivity and carbon storage boosted in microalgae within a host.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {123},
number = {25},
pages = {e2513679123},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2513679123},
pmid = {42296348},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {GBMF11532//Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation (GBMF)/ ; 101088661)//EC | Horizon Europe | Excellent Science | HORIZON EUROPE European Research Council (ERC)/ ; NR-22-PEEL-0014//Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR)/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis/physiology ; *Photosynthesis/physiology ; *Microalgae/metabolism/physiology ; *Carbon/metabolism ; Chloroplasts/metabolism ; *Paramecium/metabolism/physiology ; Carbon Cycle ; Starch/metabolism ; Carbon Dioxide/metabolism ; Ribulose-Bisphosphate Carboxylase/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Symbiosis between a host and intracellular eukaryotic microalgae is a widespread life strategy in aquatic ecosystems. This partnership is considered to be mainly energized by the supply of photosynthetically derived carbon energy from microalgal symbionts. A major question is whether microalgae increase their photosynthetic production and decrease carbon storage in order to maximize carbon translocation to their host. By combining three-dimensional subcellular imaging and physiological analyses, we show that the chloroplast and CO2-fixing pyrenoid of the microalga Micractinium conductrix significantly expands during symbiosis within their host (the ciliate Paramecium bursaria) compared to the free-living stage. This is accompanied by a threefold higher quantity of Rubisco enzymes, 16-fold higher carbon fixation rate per algal cell and upregulation of several Carbon Concentrating Mechanism-related genes. Time-resolved subcellular quantitative imaging revealed that photosynthetically fixed carbon is first allocated to starch during the day, with five times higher production in symbiosis. Nearly half of the carbon stored in starch is consumed overnight while some is converted into lipid droplets, which are 20-fold more voluminous in symbiotic microalgae. We also show that carbon is transferred to the host and potentially respired by the high density of surrounding host mitochondria. Yet, high starch and lipid content in symbiotic microalgae suggest a moderate carbon export to the host relative to the high primary productivity. Overall, this study provides an original view of the subcellular remodeling and dynamics of carbon metabolism of microalgae inside a host, and opens new questions on the mechanisms of the source-sink relationship in aquatic photosymbiosis.},
}

*Symbiosis/physiology
*Photosynthesis/physiology
*Microalgae/metabolism/physiology
*Carbon/metabolism
Chloroplasts/metabolism
*Paramecium/metabolism/physiology
Carbon Cycle
Starch/metabolism
Carbon Dioxide/metabolism
Ribulose-Bisphosphate Carboxylase/metabolism

@article {pmid42296622,
year = {2026},
author = {Pravara, R and Praveen, R and Seema, B},
title = {Microbial allies in a cotton pest: A descriptive account of associated microbiota dynamics in Dysdercus cingulatus across development.},
journal = {Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Part D, Genomics & proteomics},
volume = {60},
number = {},
pages = {101902},
doi = {10.1016/j.cbd.2026.101902},
pmid = {42296622},
issn = {1878-0407},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Hemipteran insects harbour several symbiotic partners, mainly bacteria, which play pivotal roles for hosts like dietary provision, support overall physiology, xenobiotic degradation and manipulate/regulate behaviour. Most of these symbionts usually reside and operate from the digestive tracts of the animals. Cotton is one of the major cash crops in India and Dysdercus cingulatus (D. cingulatus) though a secondary pest, is causing significant destruction of cotton bolls, poor lint quality and reduce oil content of seeds. Premature opening of cotton bolls often leads to bacterial and fungal infections, thus resulting in extensive economic loss worldwide. D. cingulatus is a hemimetabolous insect that comprises of developmental stages like egg, nymph (5 instar stages), and adult. The present work explored the ontogeny specific diversity in the associated microbiota and predicted their probable functional inputs in D. cingulatus.

RESULTS: The data obtained using 16S rRNA gene sequencing (NovaSeq 6000) revealed presence of members of Proteobacteria (65.83%), Firmicutes (24%), Actinobacteria (10%) phyla throughout the ontogeny of D. cingulatus. Highest alpha diversity of these symbiotic bacteria was recorded in the third instar nymphs in contrast to rest of the developmental stages. Among all the observed genera, Stenotrophomonas, Hungatella and Glutamicibacter were predominant from egg to adult stages. MicFunPred, a tool used for predicting the probable functional inputs of these symbionts, hinted at their probable stage specific contribution in crucial biochemical pathways such as polyketide biosynthesis, ascorbate/aldarate metabolism, pentose phosphate and glyoxylate cycles, steroid hormone and peptidoglycan biosynthesis, and glycolysis/pyruvate metabolism.

CONCLUSIONS: The primary investigations on the ontogenetic composition and diversity of associated microbiota, suggest dynamic shifts in D. cingulatus, concurrent with their probable functions/roles in the host development and metabolism. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on symbiotic microbiota variation across the developmental stages of D. cingulatus that provides preliminary descriptive observations that may guide future functional and experimental investigations into microbiota-based pest management.},
}

@article {pmid42298073,
year = {2026},
author = {Qin, F and Li, L and Chen, H and Yang, L},
title = {Whole-genome sequencing and analysis of the endophytic fungus Alternaria alternata Y-2 from Leymus chinensis.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-58118-5},
pmid = {42298073},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {2021BS03029//The Natural Science Foundation of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region/ ; 2024XJCG31//The university-level research project of Hulunbuir University/ ; 2024XJCG28//The university-level research project of Hulunbuir University/ ; },
abstract = {To explore the genetic basis and functional potential of beneficial symbiosis between the endophytic fungus Alternaria alternata Y-2 and its host Leymus chinensis, we performed Illumina-based draft whole-genome sequencing and systematic bioinformatic analysis. Although this assembly does not reach telomere-to-telomere completeness, it provides high-quality gene-level information for gene prediction, functional annotation, carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZyme) identification, and secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene cluster analysis. The final genome size of A. alternata Y-2 was 34,383,676 bp with a GC content of 51.0%, containing 12,724 predicted protein-coding genes, 90 tRNAs, and 12 rRNAs. BUSCO assessment showed 98.9% completeness, supporting the high quality of this draft genome. A total of 12,627 genes were successfully annotated in the NCBI NR database, and 17,183 genes were functionally categorized using GO terms. In total, 448 CAZyme genes and 21 secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters were identified, which are potentially involved in lignocellulose degradation, cellular redox homeostasis and biosynthesis of bioactive metabolites. Based on ITS sequence alignment, NR annotation, and phylogenetic analysis of single-copy orthologous genes, the strain was confidently identified as A. alternata. This study firstly reports the draft genome of an endophytic A. alternata strain derived from L. chinensis and provides valuable genetic resources for exploring the endophytic lifestyle, stress tolerance, and bioactive metabolite potential of this fungus.},
}

@article {pmid42286499,
year = {2026},
author = {Musa, M and Khan, R and Ullah, I and Ali, N and Khan, MF and Riaz, MB},
title = {Phytohormones producing endophytic fungi Paecilomyceslilacinus modulated metabolic, enzymatic, and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems of Zea mays L. under heavy metal stress.},
journal = {BMC plant biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12870-026-08812-3},
pmid = {42286499},
issn = {1471-2229},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The continuous growth of the global population is intensifying the challenge of sustaining future food production. Among the major constraints to agricultural productivity, heavy metal (HM) contamination of soils has emerged as a serious environmental problem that adversely affects crop growth and yield. Environmentally friendly strategies are therefore needed to mitigate HM stress in plants. Endophytic fungi have gained attention for their potential to enhance plant tolerance to abiotic stresses. In this study, the endophytic fungus Paecilomyces lilacinus was evaluated for its ability to produce phytohormones and alleviate lead (Pb) and cobalt (Co) stress in maize (Zea mays L.).

RESULTS: Firstly, culture filtrate of P. lilacinus was analyzed for phytohormone production under Pb and Co stress conditions. The fungus produced significant amounts of gibberellic acid (43.01 µg mL⁻¹), salicylic acid (2192.1 µg mL⁻¹), and abscisic acid (35.4 µg mL⁻¹), along with measurable protein content (170.06 µg mL⁻¹) in cobalt contaminated filtrate. Secondly, pot experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of P. lilacinus inoculation on maize plants grown under different concentrations of Pb and Co. Inoculated plants showed increased endogenous levels of GA₃, SA, and ABA, along with significantly higher chlorophyll content compared to non-inoculated controls. The fungal association also enhanced antioxidant capacity, as indicated by increased 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) inhibition activity, which reached 90.9% under Pb (90 mg) and 89.1% under Co (90 mg). Similarly, the highest ABTS inhibition activity (96%) was recorded under Pb (90 mg). Moreover, P. lilacinus inoculation significantly increased the activities of different antioxidant enzymes, including catalase, ascorbate acid oxidase, and peroxidase. Enhanced uptake of Pb and Co from the soil was also observed in inoculated maize plants compared with control plants.

CONCLUSION: The findings demonstrate that Paecilomyces lilacinus mitigates heavy metal toxicity in maize by enhancing phytohormone production and strengthening antioxidant defense mechanisms in a symbiotic association with the host plant. This endophytic interaction improves plant tolerance to Pb and Co stress and promotes metal uptake, highlighting the potential of P. lilacinus as a sustainable biological approach for reducing heavy metal toxicity and improving crop productivity in contaminated soils.},
}

@article {pmid42279331,
year = {2026},
author = {Thangaretnam, K and Islam, MO and Lv, J and Chen, L and Ballout, F and Zhu, S and Lu, H and Peng, D and El-Rifai, W and Chen, Z},
title = {Architectural Refuges: Mapping Spatial Heterogeneity and Niche-Mediated Drug Resistance in Gastric and Esophageal Adenocarcinomas.},
journal = {Cancers},
volume = {18},
number = {11},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/cancers18111748},
pmid = {42279331},
issn = {2072-6694},
support = {24K05//Florida Department of Health/ ; Zheng_2025//Gastric Cancer Foundation/ ; ASP24-0000000013//The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research/ ; Zheng_Chen_2025//DeGregorio Family Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {Resistance to systemic therapy remains the defining challenge in the management of gastric cancer (GC) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). While genomic drivers of resistance are well characterized, traditional bulk profiling has failed to capture the physical rules governing tumor survival within the complex tissue ecosystem. Emerging data from 2024-2025, leveraging high-resolution spatial transcriptomics and multi-omics, have recontextualized resistance as a phenomenon of "spatial privilege" rather than solely an intrinsic cellular fate. This review summarizes recent evidence to define "architectural refuges": distinct spatial niches that physically shield malignant clones from cytotoxic and targeted agents. We delineate three critical resistance domains common to upper gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas: (1) The "Excluded" Niche, where specific cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) subpopulations (iCAFs vs. myCAFs) and stiffened extracellular matrix create hypovascular zones that limit drug delivery; (2) the "Immune-Tolerant" Niche, characterized by the spatial exclusion of CD8+ T cells and the recruitment of suppressive myeloid populations via the MIF/CD74 and USP14 axes; and (3) the "Metabolic" Niche, where mitochondrial heterogeneity and lipid metabolic symbiosis establish nutrient-deprived niches that select for stem-like, dormant states. By mapping these conserved spatial determinants from primary GEJ tumors to peritoneal and distant metastases, we argue that overcoming resistance requires an advancement: moving beyond targeting individual mutations to dismantling the multicellular architecture that sustains malignancy.},
}

@article {pmid42279368,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, Y and Chanda, D and Jeon, SW and Jeon, JH and Kim, MJ},
title = {Mitochondrial Metabolic Reprogramming in Colorectal Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: An Up-to-Date Review.},
journal = {Cancers},
volume = {18},
number = {11},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/cancers18111786},
pmid = {42279368},
issn = {2072-6694},
support = {RS-2024-00507256//Korea Health Industry Development Institute/Republic of Korea ; RS-2024-00437643//Korea Health Industry Development Institute/Republic of Korea ; RS-2025-25410994//Korea Health Industry Development Institute/Republic of Korea ; RS-2025-25460277//Korea Health Industry Development Institute/Republic of Korea ; NRF-2021R1A5A2021614//Ministry of Science and ICT/ ; },
abstract = {Colorectal cancer (CRC) progression stems from dynamic metabolic crosstalk between malignant cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME). Among stromal components, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have emerged as pivotal metabolic drivers rather than mere structural elements. Specifically, evidence indicates that mitochondrial reprogramming in CAFs significantly orchestrates tumor growth, therapeutic resistance, and immune evasion in CRC. This review synthesizes recent insights into how CAF mitochondrial dynamics and metabolic reprogramming dictate CRC biology. We first examine the functional diversity of CAF subpopulations and their distinct mitochondrial requirements. We then contrast mitochondrial dynamics-including fission-fusion balance and mitophagy-between CRC cells and CAFs, highlighting how tumor-derived signals modulate stromal mitochondrial function. We systematically evaluate key regulatory pathways of CAF mitochondrial reprogramming, including TGF-β/HIF-1α, ROS-NF-κB, PI3K-AKT-mTOR, AMPK-PGC-1α, YAP/TAZ mechanotransduction, and mtDNA-mediated cGAS-STING signaling. Furthermore, we discuss how remodeled CAF mitochondria foster metabolic symbiosis via lactate, ketone, and glutamine shuttling; maintain redox homeostasis through the NADPH-glutathione axis and UCP2; and establish immunosuppressive niches via mitochondrial stress signaling. Collectively, these mechanisms drive resistance to chemotherapy, targeted agents, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. By integrating mitochondrial metabolism, stromal signaling, and clinical responses, this review identifies CAF mitochondria as an actionable target within the CRC TME. Targeting these CAF-specific pathways offers a novel strategy to disrupt tumor-stroma metabolic cooperation and overcome treatment resistance in colorectal cancer.},
}

@article {pmid42279684,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, J and Shi, S and Chen, Y and Zhang, S and Ji, C},
title = {Defined Microbial Communities Modulate Polyphenol Transformation and Quality of Kombucha Across Different Tea Substrates.},
journal = {Foods (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {11},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/foods15111897},
pmid = {42279684},
issn = {2304-8158},
support = {2024-MS-172//Liaoning Provincial Natural Science Foundation Program/ ; },
abstract = {Kombucha quality is largely governed by polyphenol transformation during fermentation. However, interaction between substrate composition and microbial communities regulating phenolic transformation and quality formation remains unclear. In this study, six tea substrates (white, green, yellow, black, oolong, and mint tea) were fermented using three defined microbial communities (SMC1-SMC3) and a traditional symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) to evaluate carbon metabolism, phenolic transformation, antioxidant activity, and sensory quality. After 10 d of fermentation, SMC2 and SMC3, containing acetic acid bacteria, showed stronger acidification (pH 2.2-2.5) and lower ethanol (0.34-0.52 mg/mL) than SMC1 (13.09-15.88 mg/mL). Phenolic transformation was substrate-dependent: total phenolics and flavonoids decreased in green tea, both increased in white tea, while flavonoids increased in oolong and black tea. Meanwhile, rutin decreased in white and green tea, whereas gallic acid accumulated in yellow, black, and oolong teas and was positively correlated with antioxidant activity. Sensory evaluation showed SMC3 achieved higher overall acceptability in most substrates, whereas SCOBY performed best in mint tea. These findings indicate substrate-microbiota interactions play a key role in phenolic transformation and quality formation in kombucha. Rational matching of tea substrates with defined microbial communities enables coordinated optimization of antioxidant activity, ethanol control, and sensory quality.},
}

@article {pmid42279698,
year = {2026},
author = {Xu, Y and Huang, Y and Ye, L and Yu, J and Huang, Z and Yang, X and Tian, Q and Zhang, B and Liu, Y and Li, X},
title = {Oxford Nanopore Technologies Sequencing and Targeted Amino Acid Metabolomics Reveal Spatially Segregated Microbial Hijacking and Metabolic Collapse During Trichoderma Infection of Golden Ear Mushroom.},
journal = {Foods (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {11},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/foods15111912},
pmid = {42279698},
issn = {2304-8158},
abstract = {This study combines Oxford Nanopore (ONT) third-generation sequencing with targeted amino acid metabolomics to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the structural and metabolic responses of the microbial community in Golden Ear Mushroom (Naematelia sinensis) during Trichoderma infection. By comparing healthy tissue (MOCK), adjacent healthy areas (HAF) and the core lesion area (DiR), the results indicate that pathogen infection significantly reduces bacterial community diversity, with a progressive decline observed across these regions. In the DiR region, the fungal community underwent significant restructuring, with the abundance of the Trichoderma genus (T. lixii and T. afroharzianum) rising to over 45%, whilst that of host symbiotic fungi (Stereum and Tremella) decreased by 50-60%. Metabolomic analysis indicated that levels of various amino acids and antioxidant-related metabolites were significantly reduced in the host tissue of the DiR region, suggesting that amino acid metabolism was inhibited. Concurrently, changes were observed in certain metabolites associated with nitrogen metabolism (e.g., L-glutamine). KEGG analysis further revealed that amino acid biosynthesis and D-amino acid metabolic pathways were inhibited, whilst ABC transporters and arginine/proline metabolic pathways were activated. All metabolic changes originated from the host fungal tissue itself, rather than from commensal microorganisms. In summary, Trichoderma may promote the infection process by disrupting the host microbial community and metabolic networks, providing a theoretical basis for understanding the mechanisms of fungal diseases and their control.},
}

@article {pmid42280738,
year = {2026},
author = {Tian, ZX and Ke, X and Ji, XY and Chen, XY and Zhu, LH},
title = {Ectomycorrhizal Symbiosis as a Bio-Enhancement Strategy for Transplantation of Somatic Embryo-Derived Pinus elliottii.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {11},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants15111701},
pmid = {42280738},
issn = {2223-7747},
abstract = {Somatic embryo-derived plantlets of pines often fail to survive acclimatization, which limits commercial micropropagation. Conventional hardening methods do not correct the physiological weaknesses of in vitro plantlets, especially the lack of beneficial microbes. Here we developed a practical protocol for resistant Pinus elliottii. First, we used an optimized maturation protocol (three sequential ABA pre-treatments) and glucose for germination. Substrate screening showed that a peat:vermiculite:perlite mixture (3:1:1) gave the highest survival (98.9%). Then, before transplantation, we introduced a key bio-enhancement step: in vitro inoculation with the ectomycorrhizal fungus Pisolithus orientalis cfcc7668. This treatment achieved a mycorrhization rate of 97.7% and transformed root morphology from thin, sparsely branched roots to a coralloid, dichotomously branched system with a well-developed Hartig net. As a result, mycorrhizal plantlets had 100% transplant survival at 30 days and remained above 94% over 360 days, whereas non-inoculated controls dropped to 95.6% at 30 days and further declined to about 73% after three months. Pre-establishing ectomycorrhizal symbiosis effectively restores a key root function missing in in vitro plantlets. Our integrated procedure provides a practical method for clonal propagation of conifers.},
}

@article {pmid42281119,
year = {2026},
author = {Dudukcu, D and Gorgulu, AB and Karakus, M and Savran Kiziltepe, R and Basbrain, A},
title = {A Comprehensive and Unified Survey on Blockchain-Enabled SDN Cybersecurity: Industry Use Cases, Threat Landscapes, Defense Architectures, and Open Challenges.},
journal = {Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {26},
number = {11},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/s26113606},
pmid = {42281119},
issn = {1424-8220},
support = {1470-612-2025//King Abdulaziz University/ ; },
abstract = {The convergence of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and Blockchain (BC) creates a symbiotic relationship in which SDN's programmable global visibility complements BC's decentralized, immutable trust model to address critical cybersecurity vulnerabilities and cyber attacks. Addressing the fragmentation in the current literature, this study rigorously investigates BC and SDN (B-SDN) integration with the primary objectives of: (1) differentiating impacts across varied sectors, including the Internet of Things (IoT), Smart Grids, and Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs) and more; (2) analyzing critical performance metrics such as energy efficiency and scalability; (3) classifying mitigation, detection, and prevention schemes for specific threats; (4) examining novel Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods; and (5) identifying open challenges and future research directions. Methodologically, this study conducts a survey of state-of-the-art B-SDN studies to investigate six key areas: Industry-specific applications, security mechanisms, defense strategies, defenses against specific attacks, AI integration, and implementation performance. The findings demonstrate that B-SDN integration shows strong potential in simulated and prototype environments to mitigate specific high-impact threats, such as Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS), Man-in-the-Middle (MiTM), and spoofing, across various domains, including IoT, 5G/6G, VANETS, and Smart Grid. Despite the benefits and advantages promised by B-SDN, several limitations continue to exist, including the latency-security trade-off inherent to consensus protocols and scalability constraints in large-scale deployments. Finally, open research challenges persist in AI-driven automation, particularly in Federated Learning (FL) and in the development of standardized interoperability protocols required to enable the transition from conceptual models to operational systems.},
}

@article {pmid42281342,
year = {2026},
author = {Nguyen, TM and Nguyet, PN and Long, NH and Le, NA and Anh, LH and Hieu, NP and Van Tri, D and Le Luu, T},
title = {Algae-to-Sludge Inoculation Ratio Regulates Organic Matter and Nitrogen Removal in Algal-Bacterial Symbiosis Systems Treating Shrimp Farming Wastewater.},
journal = {Water environment research : a research publication of the Water Environment Federation},
volume = {98},
number = {6},
pages = {e70446},
doi = {10.1002/wer.70446},
pmid = {42281342},
issn = {1554-7531},
support = {105.99-2025.60//Vietnam National Foundation for Science and Technology Development (NAFOSTED)/ ; },
abstract = {This study evaluated the influence of algae-to-sludge inoculation ratio on biomass development and pollutant removal in an algal-bacterial symbiotic system (ABSS) treating shrimp farming wastewater. Batch reactors operated at ratios of 1:2-1:6, along with monoculture controls, were assessed for biomass characteristics, organic matter removal, and nitrogen transformation. The 1:3 ratio achieved the most balanced biomass growth (MLSS: +54.9%; MLVSS: +57.8%) and the highest removal efficiencies, reaching 60.5% ± 7.3%, 89.4% ± 2.9%, and 55.2% ± 15.2% for chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonium (NH4 [+]-N), and total nitrogen (TN), respectively. Co-culture reactors consistently outperformed monocultures, suggesting the benefits of coupling algal photosynthesis with bacterial metabolism. The results indicate that biomass balance is a key operational factor governing system performance, likely through its influence on oxygen availability, substrate utilization, and internal mass transfer. Optimizing the algae-to-sludge ratio provides a simple and effective strategy to enhance ABSS performance without increasing aeration demand, offering practical implications for sustainable aquaculture wastewater treatment.},
}

@article {pmid42282484,
year = {2026},
author = {Decena, MLÁ and Campos-Cáceres, M and Calderón-Pardo, D and Shiposha, V and Olonova, M and Pérez-Collazos, E and Catalán, P},
title = {A Palearctic divide, niche conservatism and host-fungal endophyte interactions shaped the phylogeography of the grass Brachypodium sylvaticum.},
journal = {Plant diversity},
volume = {48},
number = {3},
pages = {501-517},
pmid = {42282484},
issn = {2468-2659},
abstract = {Brachypodium sylvaticum is a perennial woodland grass selected as a model species for perenniality, which is widely distributed across the Palearctic. This plant forms a symbiosis with the endophytic fungus Epichloë sylvatica. Despite its widespread distribution and ecological importance, the evolutionary history of the B. sylvaticum complex and the role of its fungal symbiont remain poorly understood, and no integrative phylogeographic study of the grass-endophyte holobionts has been conducted to date. We hypothesize that niche dynamics and host-fungal interactions shaped the diversification and current distribution of the complex. We integrate whole-genome phylogenomics, plastome analysis, environmental niche modeling (ENM), and coevolutionary analyses to investigate the diversification of B. sylvaticum and its fungal symbiont. Using 94 representative individuals spanning Eurasia and North Africa, we recovered two deeply divergent sister lineages (Eastern and Western Palearctic), with cytonuclear discordances suggesting historical plastid capture events in the western group. Admixture analysis revealed four genetic clusters, including signatures of secondary contact and hybridization in the Western lineage. Filtered ITS sequences of E. sylvatica recovered from holobiont genome skimming reads enabled phylogenetic reconstruction, revealing two fungal clades that broadly mirror their host's evolutionary history in the West. Parafit and Procrustes Application to Cophylogenetic (PACO) analyses supported partial co-divergence between hosts and endophytes. ENM projections identified climatically stable glacial refugia for both B. sylvaticum main lineages during the Last Glacial Maximum and asymmetric postglacial expansion, with moderate niche shifts in the West and stronger turnover in the East. Evidence of niche overlap and similarity indicated niche conservatism among clades, suggesting that geographic isolation, rather than adaptive divergence, was the primary driver of lineage splitting. IBD and IBE patterns significantly influenced divergences in the Western, but not the Eastern, group, highlighting contrasting demographic and ecological dynamics. Our results provide the first evidence of coevolutionary and ecological structuring in B. sylvaticum-E. sylvatica holobionts across their Western native range, highlighting how this ubiquitous host-endophyte association may have contributed to the ecological success, persistence, and expansion of the complex under Quaternary climatic fluctuations.},
}

@article {pmid42282980,
year = {2026},
author = {Figura, T and Tylová, E and Novák, F and Merckx, VSFT and Ponert, J and Minasiewicz, J and Selosse, MA and Martos, F},
title = {Broad Fungal Compatibility and Seed Size May Facilitate Invasiveness in Two Asian Terrestrial Orchids Spathoglottis plicata and Arundina graminifolia.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {16},
number = {6},
pages = {e73805},
pmid = {42282980},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Two Asian orchids, the bamboo orchid (Arundina graminifolia) and the Philippine ground orchid (Spathoglottis plicata), are expanding into South and Central America, the Pacific, and Africa. Here, we tested whether seed traits and low in vitro selectivity toward mycorrhizal fungi may contribute to their successful spread outside the native range. We examined seed size and reserves, asymbiotic and symbiotic germination with orchid mycorrhizal fungi from different geographic regions. Both species have relatively large seeds, with A. graminifolia having some of the largest among orchids. Seeds contain lipids, proteins, and low amounts of soluble saccharides and starch. Despite these reserves, both orchids are initially mycoheterotrophic and require an external carbon source for early development. In asymbiotic culture, both species showed high germination on sucrose-containing media, with maximum germination exceeding 95%. In symbiotic culture, both species formed protocorms with Tulasnellaceae isolates from different continents, including isolates obtained from locations separated by more than 9000 km. This capacity was broader in S. plicata. Our results suggest that the success of S. plicata outside its native range may be facilitated by broad compatibility with Tulasnellaceae, some of which have a global distribution, and partly by self-pollination. In A. graminifolia, relatively large seeds may provide greater internal reserves for early development, but this species appears more specific toward certain Tulasnellaceae lineages and remains pollinator-dependent. Together with the ability to colonize disturbed habitats, these traits may help explain the successful spread of both orchids outside their native range.},
}

@article {pmid42283067,
year = {2026},
author = {Wei, F and Wang, X and Lv, H and Xia, H and Gan, G and Chen, X and Liu, X and Chen, H and Zhao, L},
title = {Identification of a potential novel Staphylococcus species via genomic sequencing: A neonatal infection case report.},
journal = {IDCases},
volume = {44},
number = {},
pages = {e02631},
pmid = {42283067},
issn = {2214-2509},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS) are common symbiotic Gram-positive bacteria colonizing human skin and mucous membranes with lower virulence than Staphylococcus aureus. As crucial pathogens of neonatal infections, they often harbor multiple drug resistance genes and can induce neonatal pneumonia, sepsis, suppurative meningitis, and other clinical manifestations.

CASE PRESENTATION: A preterm neonate at 29[+1] weeks' gestation complicated by respiratory distress syndrome and pneumonia received empirical ceftazidime and penicillin for 8 days. The condition initially improved but suddenly deteriorated on postnatal day 17 with septic shock, fever, and anemia. Routine tests suggested Staphylococcus capitis infection, and targeted anti-infective and supportive treatments relieved symptoms. Given the inconsistenty between the infection severity and that of typical Staphylococcus infections, metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) were further performed, identifying a potential novel Staphylococcus species closely related to Staphylococcus warneri. Nevertheless, the origin of this potential novel species remains unclear, which needs further verification.

CONCLUSION: For neonates with sudden clinical deterioration, intractable infection or ambiguous conventional microbial results, mNGS and WGS facilitate accurate pathogen identification and treatment adjustment. This potential novel strain discovery highlights the importance of enhanced vigilance against bacterial multidrug resistance and the emergence of potential novel pathogens in neonatal care.},
}

@article {pmid42283205,
year = {2026},
author = {Caregnato, A and Hohmann, U and Hothorn, M},
title = {Structure of the Arabidopsis receptor kinase SRF6 ectodomain determined from crystals obtained using the LRR crystallization screen.},
journal = {Acta crystallographica. Section D, Structural biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1107/S2059798326005498},
pmid = {42283205},
issn = {2059-7983},
support = {310030_205201//Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung/ ; },
abstract = {Plant-specific membrane receptor kinases with structurally diverse extracellular domains regulate key processes in plant growth, development, immunity and symbiosis. Structural studies of these glycoproteins are often hampered by the limited quantities in which they can be obtained. Here, we describe the leucine-rich repeat (LRR) crystallization screen, which has enabled the successful crystallization and structure determination of multiple receptor kinase ectodomains, including ligand- and co-receptor-bound complexes. As an example, we report the 1.5 Å resolution crystal structure of the LRR domain of STRUBBELIG-RECEPTOR FAMILY 6 (SRF6) from Arabidopsis thaliana. The SRF6 ectodomain contains seven LRRs and a disulfide-bond-stabilized N-terminal capping domain but lacks the canonical C-terminal cap and the N-glycosylation pattern typically found in other family members. Previously reported protein-protein interactions between the SRF6 and SRF7 ectodomains and the receptor kinases BRI1, BRL1, BRL3, SERK3 and BIR1-BIR3 could not be confirmed by quantitative isothermal titration calorimetry and grating-coupled interferometry assays, suggesting that these structurally conserved LRR receptor kinases may have signalling functions outside the brassinosteroid pathway.},
}

@article {pmid42284160,
year = {2026},
author = {Wu, F and Deng, K and Lin, X and Wen, X and Zhu, Y and Peng, S and Cai, K and Cai, S and Wu, Q and Zheng, X and Yu, Z and Mo, N and Zhu, H and Zheng, Y and Huang, J and Zheng, Y and Fox, EGP},
title = {Time-resolved comparative genomics of 'Candidatus Carsonella ruddii' across psyllid lineages reveals a conserved core genome and contrasting secondary symbiont dynamics.},
journal = {Microbial genomics},
volume = {12},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1099/mgen.0.001727},
pmid = {42284160},
issn = {2057-5858},
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Hemiptera/microbiology/classification ; Genomics ; },
abstract = {Psyllids harbour the obligate nutritional symbiont 'Candidatus Carsonella ruddii' (CaCr), yet complete CaCr genomes remain unevenly sampled across Psylloidea, limiting both comparative analysis and temporal inference. Here, seven complete CaCr genomes (165-174 kb) were assembled and annotated from psyllid hosts representing four families, including lineages for which genome-grade resources had previously been unavailable. We integrated whole-genome phylogenomics, pangenome analysis, fossil-calibrated relaxed-clock dating and quantitative PCR (based on 16S rRNA) screening of secondary symbionts. Across hosts, CaCr retained an extremely reduced, AT-rich (>82%) and gene-dense (>90% coding) genome architecture with a conserved core of 155 genes, while the accessory fraction was limited and lineage-specific. Most variable genes belonged to amino-acid metabolism or proteins of unknown function, suggesting differential erosion of peripheral functions around a stable translational and informational core. Phylogenomically, CaCr diversification broadly tracked deep host diversification, although the CaCr lineage from Diaphorina citri grouped with Triozidae-associated lineages rather than with other sampled Psyllidae. Using two host fossil-informed soft calibrations, we estimated that major CaCr divergences occurred mainly from the Paleogene to the Miocene, with crown diversification of Cacopsylla-associated CaCr at 15.95-18.99 Ma. In contrast to the stability of the primary symbiosis, secondary symbionts showed patchy host distributions: Wolbachia- and Arsenophonus-like lineages occurred in multiple hosts, 'Candidatus Profftella armatura' was restricted to D. citri, and no secondary symbiont was detected in Cacopsylla chinensis. These results provide a time-resolved comparative framework for CaCr evolution in psyllids and underscore the different evolutionary stability of primary and facultative associates.},
}

Animals
*Symbiosis/genetics
*Genome, Bacterial
Phylogeny
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
*Hemiptera/microbiology/classification
Genomics

@article {pmid42286259,
year = {2026},
author = {Jarosch, AC and Maloney, SNA and Weerasuriya, NM and Jacobs, CR and Thorn, RG},
title = {Community composition of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in Ontario tallgrass prairies of differing disturbance histories.},
journal = {Mycorrhiza},
volume = {36},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {42286259},
issn = {1432-1890},
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), in the phylum Glomeromycota, form symbiotic relationships with most vascular plants, including grasses. Tallgrass prairies (TGPs) are an endangered habitat in Ontario; some undisturbed fragments remain and there have been efforts to restore disused agricultural land to prairie. The objective of this study was to investigate differences in the community composition of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi between disturbed and undisturbed TGP at five locations across southwestern Ontario. The V4 variable region of the small ribosomal subunit was amplified from DNAs extracted from soil samples, and sequence analysis yielded operational taxonomic units (OTUs) representing twelve genera of Glomeromycota. There was a significant difference in the community composition of the AMF communities in undisturbed TGP remnants and restored TGP that had been previously disturbed, with an overall greater community diversity and evenness in the undisturbed than previously disturbed sites. Ambispora fennica, three OTUs of Diversispora and four OTUs of Glomus were found to be potential indicator taxa of undisturbed TGPs and, overall, Glomus was significantly more abundant in undisturbed than disturbed sites. In contrast, two other OTUs of Diversispora, two of Entrophospora and one of Septoglomus were found to be potential indicator taxa of disturbed TGPs. These findings have implications for success of TGP restoration and should be considered in future efforts.},
}

@article {pmid42286422,
year = {2026},
author = {Odriozola, I and Větrovský, T and Barbi, F and Machac, A and Dobbler, PT and Turcu, C and Van Nuland, ME and Qin, C and Kiers, T and Soudzilovskaia, NA and Baldrian, P and Kohout, P},
title = {Global distribution and biogeography of ericoid mycorrhizal fungi.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.71334},
pmid = {42286422},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {21-20802M//Grantová Agentura České Republiky/ ; CZ.02.01.01/00/22_008/0004597//Ministerstvo Školství, Mládeže a Tělovýchovy/ ; },
abstract = {Ericoid mycorrhizal (ErM) fungi play a crucial role across terrestrial ecosystems, forming mutualistic symbiosis with Ericaceae and contributing to soil organic matter dynamics. However, compared to other fungal groups, their biogeography remains unknown. Here, we combined several analytical approaches to analyze a newly compiled, large-scale dataset comprising 39 163 soil samples and more than 13 million ITS rRNA sequences assigned to ErM fungi. Specifically, we asked: What are the global patterns of ErM fungal species richness and relative abundance (out of all fungi) and their predictors, and how is the distribution of ErM fungi associated with soil carbon content at the global scale? We show that ErM fungi reach their highest species richness in very high latitudes. Soil chemistry is a stronger predictor of ErM fungal species richness than climate or ericoid vegetation cover. The relative abundance of ErM fungi is highest in soils with high surface carbon content, supporting their proposed role in soil carbon storage. Furthermore, we predict that climate change will reduce ErM fungal abundance across 38% of the land cover of their current global distribution. Our study shows distinct biogeographic patterns of ErM fungi compared with arbuscular and ectomycorrhizal fungi and indicates the vulnerability of ErM fungi to climate change.},
}

@article {pmid42002555,
year = {2026},
author = {Yang, Y and Momin, AA and Hameed, UFS and Gourdoupis, S and Gonçalves, TP and Ma, H and Balakrishna, A and Huang, KW and Jaremko, Ł and Al-Babili, S and Arold, ST},
title = {Catalytic mechanism for β-carotene isomerisation and substrate selectivity by the strigolactone biosynthetic enzymes D27 and D27like1.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42002555},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {CRG//KAUST Competitive Research Grant 2022/ ; 5932//KAUST Center of Excellence for Smart Health (KCSH)/ ; },
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Strigolactones (SLs) are important phytohormones that regulate plant architecture, stress response, and adaptation. SLs exuded by roots also act as signals that allow symbiotic fungi and root-parasitic Striga plants to detect their host. Carlactone, the precursor of SLs, is derived from all-trans-β-carotene through the sequential action of the enzymes DWARF27 (D27), carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 7 (CCD7), and CCD8. D27 catalyses the isomerisation between all-trans and 9-cis-β-carotene, enriching 9-cis-β-carotene, which is the substrate for CCD7. D27 paralogues (D27likes) have also been reported to use 15-cis- or 13-cis-β-carotene isomers as substrates. The molecular basis for the isomerisation of β-carotene by the D27 enzyme family has remained elusive. By using AI-enabled protein structure prediction to guide experimental and computational methods, we demonstrate that D27 contains a 4Fe–4S cluster positioned deep within a hydrophobic cavity that can accommodate β-carotenes. This configuration allows iron cluster–mediated softening of β-carotene through a single-electron transfer reaction and subsequent cavity-induced stereodivergent isomerisation. Differences in cavity dimensions and stereochemistry explain the differences in isomer preference of D27 and D27like1 proteins. Structure-based analysis proposes that the rim areas lining the catalytic site openings of D27, CCD7, and CCD8 immerse into the membrane, implying a mechanism for sequential substrate capture from the membrane, catalysis, and product release into the membrane. Our findings fill a critical gap in the understanding of SL biosynthesis and may inspire new directed interventions to improve plant growth and resilience.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-026-45951-x.},
}

@article {pmid42268976,
year = {2026},
author = {Xu, L and Wang, E and Ying, M and Luo, L and Ren, Y and Zhu, C and Li, J and Le, T and Feng, H and Wang, X and Chen, C and Li, Z and Ouyang, H},
title = {Restoration of endogenous electric fields with a glucose-powered symbiotic bioabsorbable bandage for diabetic wound healing.},
journal = {Science advances},
volume = {12},
number = {24},
pages = {eaed9445},
doi = {10.1126/sciadv.aed9445},
pmid = {42268976},
issn = {2375-2548},
abstract = {Endogenous electric fields (EFs) are essential for tissue regeneration but are diminished under hyperglycemia conditions, thereby impeding diabetic wound healing. Here, we report a biodegradable, glucose-powered electronic fabric bandage (GEB) that restores wound-edge electrical fields and enables closed-loop wound healing. To avoid compromising clinical applicability, we integrated all components into a soft, lightweight, and breathable bandage design to replace the traditional bulky electrical stimulator design. We also show the universal glucose-powered electricity generation and therapeutic functions of the electronic bandage across species and organs in diabetic wound models. In diabetic mouse wounds, porcine skin defects, and intestinal injury, the bandage uses endogenous glucose for power generation, thereby reducing local glucose levels and restoring the endogenous EF that guided cell migration, reprogrammed macrophage polarization, and promoted angiogenesis, to accelerate wound healing. These findings should establish an "endogenous glucose-powered symbiotic bioelectronics" paradigm for next-generation bioelectronic medicine.},
}

@article {pmid42269517,
year = {2026},
author = {Prokina, KI and López-García, P and Moreira, D},
title = {Diverse new species and genera of Developea (Stramenopiles) displaying self-aggregation and multiflagellated stages.},
journal = {Protist},
volume = {182},
number = {},
pages = {126167},
doi = {10.1016/j.protis.2026.126167},
pmid = {42269517},
issn = {1618-0941},
abstract = {Developea is a poorly studied group of flagellated protists, with only seven species known to date. It is closely related to parasitic oomycetes, hyphochytriomycetes, Pirsoniales, and photosynthetic ochrophytes (e.g., diatoms and brown algae), altogether forming the large clade Gyrista within supergroup Stramenopiles. Due to their deep phylogenetic position and phagotrophic feeding mode, developeans might have preserved ancestral characteristics shared with related large and important sister groups. Despite their cosmopolitan distribution, only few environmental 18S rRNA gene sequences related to Developea are known. Here we describe 12 new strains which represent eight new species and two new genera, as well as the previously described species Developayella elegans. We provide feeding experiments on diverse eukaryotic prey, including red algae, diatoms, and heterotrophic flagellates. The ability of the new developean species to successfully consume red algae represents missing piece of the previously postulated developean-like phagoheterotrophic model for the symbiotic ancestor of photosynthetic stramenopiles. Three species, including D. elegans, are omnivorous, i.e. able to survive on either eukaryotic or prokaryotic prey. Finally, we observe new and rare morphological features for Developea, such as facultative multiflagellated life stages, cysts and self-aggregation. These features might have been present in the ancestor of Stramenopiles.},
}

@article {pmid42269592,
year = {2026},
author = {Shi, Y and Zhang, C and Yang, W and Wang, H},
title = {Toward telomere-to-telomere genomics in Fabaceae: Unlocking comparative and functional insights into symbiotic nitrogen fixation.},
journal = {Cell genomics},
volume = {6},
number = {6},
pages = {101246},
doi = {10.1016/j.xgen.2026.101246},
pmid = {42269592},
issn = {2666-979X},
abstract = {The Fabaceae encompasses key agricultural species such as soybean, barrel medic (Medicago), and common bean, which are valued for their contributions to global food security and their ability to perform symbiotic nitrogen fixation. Although substantial progress has been made in sequencing economically important legumes, the taxonomic coverage remains uneven, with a disproportionate emphasis on model crops. Furthermore, most genome assemblies lack telomere-to-telomere (T2T) resolution, limiting insights into complex genomic regions and regulatory mechanisms. Emerging T2T technologies offer a transformative opportunity to overcome these limitations. By generating complete T2T assemblies for a representative range of Fabaceae species, including underrepresented lineages, researchers should obtain novel comparative and functional insights into the genetic and epigenetic bases of symbiotic nitrogen fixation. These high-resolution assemblies potentially facilitate the identification of conserved and divergent regulatory networks, shed light on the evolution of nodulation processes, and deepen our understanding of agronomically important traits.},
}

@article {pmid42270664,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, Y and Tang, Y and Wang, H and Zhang, J},
title = {A chromosome-level genome assembly of the chemosymbiotic species Rugalucina vietnamica (Lucinida: Lucinidae).},
journal = {Scientific data},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41597-026-07569-6},
pmid = {42270664},
issn = {2052-4463},
support = {42576103//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Rugalucina vietnamica is one of the representative symbiotic bivalves in marine chemosynthesis-based ecosystems. The species is concentrated along the Beibu Gulf-Qiongzhou Strait coastal region in the western Pacific, making it an ideal model for studying the evolution and dispersal of coastal benthic fauna in the South China Sea. However, the lack of a high-quality reference genome has limited the identification of genome-wide genetic variation and hindered population genomic investigations. In this study, we report a high-quality chromosome-level genome of R. vietnamica, generated by integrating PacBio, Illumina, and high-resolution chromosome conformation capture sequencing. The final assembled genome spans 1.23 Gb, with a scaffold N50 of 78 Mb, and was successfully anchored onto 17 chromosomes. BUSCO assessment recovered 96.50% of conserved metazoan genes, indicating high completeness. Genome annotation further revealed that transposable elements account for 65.56% of the genome, and a total of 18,649 protein-coding genes were predicted.},
}

@article {pmid42271057,
year = {2026},
author = {Bernabeu, M and Manzano-Morales, S and Marcet-Houben, M and Gabaldón, T},
title = {Gene ancestries reveal diverse microbial associations during eukaryogenesis.},
journal = {Nature},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42271057},
issn = {1476-4687},
abstract = {The origin of eukaryotes remains a central enigma in biology[1]. Continuing debates agree on the pivotal role of a symbiosis between an alphaproteobacterium and an Asgard archaeon[2,3]. However, the nature, timing and contributions of other potential bacterial partners[4-6] and the role of interactions with viruses[7-9] remain contentious. To address these questions, we used advanced phylogenomic approaches and comprehensive datasets spanning the known diversity of cellular life and viruses. Our analysis provided a revised reconstruction of the last eukaryotic common ancestor (LECA) proteome, in which we traced the phylogenetic origin of each protein family. We found compelling evidence for multiple waves of horizontal gene transfer from diverse bacterial donors, with some likely to have preceded mitochondrial endosymbiosis. We inferred plausible traits of the major donors and their functional contributions to the LECA. Our findings support a contribution of horizontal gene transfers to shaping the proteomes of pre-LECA ancestors and suggest a facilitating role of Nucleocytoviricota viruses. Taken together, our results suggest that ancient eukaryotes may have originated within complex microbial ecosystems through a succession of diverse associations that left a footprint of horizontally transferred genes.},
}

@article {pmid42274480,
year = {2026},
author = {Shen, K and Xu, M and Zhou, W and Zhou, H and Wang, W and Su, Y and He, H and Yang, S},
title = {Community Succession and Diversity Variation of Endophytic and Rhizosphere Soil Bacteria Across Gastrodia elata Seed Formation Stages.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {15},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {42274480},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {32160063//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 202401BA070001-121//Special Basic Cooperative Research Programs of Yunnan Provincial Undergraduate Universities' Association/ ; 202501BA070001-100//Special Basic Cooperative Research Programs of Yunnan Provincial Undergraduate Universities' Association/ ; 2024//the Scientific and Technological Innovation Team Program of Yunnan Provincial Department of Education/ ; 2026J1148//the Science Research Fund Project of Yunnan Provincial Department of Education/ ; 2023-3//the Zhaotong "Xingzhao Talent Support Program" Team Project/ ; },
abstract = {The Gastrodia elata Blume (GE) life cycle is unique, since its successful germination and growth rely on symbiosis with specific fungi (e.g., Armillaria mellea). However, the community succession, tissue specificity and functional potential of endophytic and rhizosphere bacterial communities during the seed formation stage of GE remain unclear. Here, we used high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing to systematically explore the composition, diversity, and dynamic succession of bacterial communities across different stages of seed formation and among various tissues. Our results revealed that the endophytic community remained relatively stable across most developmental stages and tissue types (ANOSIM R = 0.4568, p = 0.001), with significant compositional shifts only occurring at the fruiting stage in specific tissues (stems and seeds). In contrast, the rhizosphere soil bacterial community showed stronger developmental succession (ANOSIM R = 0.7037, p = 0.001), with progressive divergence and the strongest segregation observed between the initial planting and fruiting stages. Alpha diversity peaked at the flowering stage for endophytic bacteria (Shannon index) and at the bud formation stage for rhizosphere soil bacteria, with persistent core taxa (Bacteroides in endophytic bacteria, Pseudarthrobacter in rhizosphere soil bacteria) dominating across stages. Functional predictions revealed stable core metabolic pathways, with stage-specific enrichments of glycolysis or gluconeogenesis at late developmental stages. These results provide novel ecological insights into the spatiotemporal dynamics of bacterial communities across different stages of GE seed formation, highlighting the distinct ecological strategies of endophytic and rhizosphere soil bacteria during the reproductive development of the plant.},
}

@article {pmid42274548,
year = {2026},
author = {Alghannam, K and Michoud, G and Barozzi, A and Al Romaih, S and Alhazmi, R and Vernooij, B and Odokonyero, K and Gallo, A and Mishra, H and Daffonchio, D and Marasco, R},
title = {Promicromonospora noduliphila sp. nov., a nodulation-enhancing actinobacterium isolated from the root nodules of grey-hair acacia planted in the Khurais desert, Saudi Arabia.},
journal = {International journal of systematic and evolutionary microbiology},
volume = {76},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1099/ijsem.0.007173},
pmid = {42274548},
issn = {1466-5034},
abstract = {A set of actinobacterial strains was isolated from the root nodules of Acacia gerrardii grown as part of an afforestation trial in the Khurais desert, Saudi Arabia. Among them, five clonal isolates could not be unambiguously assigned to any recognized type species, and two of them, designated AC027S[T] and AC027N, were selected as representatives for taxonomic characterization. Cells were Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, non-motile, non-spore-forming, with short rods to coccoid-like morphology. Growth occurred at 20-42 °C, pH 5.0-10.0 and in the presence of up to 3.0% (w/v) NaCl. The major whole-cell sugar was glucose, and the muramic acid residues of the peptidoglycan carried peptide subunits composed of alanine, glutamic acid and lysine. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H4). Major fatty acids were iso-C15:0 and anteiso-C15:0, and the polar lipid profile included diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerols and several unidentified glycophospholipids, glycolipids, phospholipids and lipids. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences placed AC027S[T] and AC027N within the genus Promicromonospora. Whole-genome sequence-based phylogenomic reconstruction and relatedness indices confirmed that these G+C-rich strains (72%) are distinct from all described Promicromonospora species, with Promicromonospora soli NEAU-GS50[T] as the closest described relative. Consistent with their nodule-associated niche, the strains were able to degrade and utilize plant-derived substrates, tolerate microaerophilic conditions and possessed genes for mobilizing essential metals, such as iron and molybdenum, suggesting a supportive role in the nodule microbial community and in sustaining rhizobial nitrogen fixation, as reflected in an enhanced nodulation by native rhizobia when inoculated in desert soil. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genomic evidence, strains AC027S[T] and AC027N represent a novel species of the genus Promicromonospora, for which the name Promicromonospora noduliphila sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is AC027S[T] (=KCTC 59476[ᵀ], =JCM 37759ᵀ).},
}

@article {pmid42274741,
year = {2026},
author = {Kirichek, EA and Kusakin, PG and Gorshkov, AP and Tsyganova, AV and Tsyganov, VE},
title = {The symbiotic interface in Pisum sativum L. and Rhizobium laguerreae interactions.},
journal = {Protoplasma},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42274741},
issn = {1615-6102},
support = {23-16-00090//Russian Science Foundation/ ; 23-16-00090//Russian Science Foundation/ ; 23-16-00090//Russian Science Foundation/ ; 23-16-00090//Russian Science Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {Symbiotic interface plays a crucial role in symbiosis development and stability. In this study, the progressive remodeling of symbiotic interface components, such as pectins, arabinogalactan proteins, bacterial lipopolysaccharides, and others, were analyzed in pea (Pisum sativum L.) nodules induced with siх strains of Rhizobium laguerreae. Some strains induced effective nodules while others ineffective ones. The organization of the symbiotic interface in ineffective nodules differed from that in effective ones. Indeed, ineffective nodules were characterized by reduced pectin modification activity and lack of de-esterified homogalacturonan accumulation. Additionally, abnormal localization of arabinogalactan proteins, arabinogalactan protein-extensin, and callose was observed in response to certain rhizobia strains, indicating the involvement of these components in defense mechanisms during symbiosis. Transcriptome analysis of ineffective nodules revealed activation of plant defense responses and responses to the biotic stresses. Thus, abnormalities in the organization of the symbiotic interface were revealed, accompanying ineffective interaction of pea with R. laguerreae strains.},
}

@article {pmid42274808,
year = {2026},
author = {Soltani-Moghadam, F and Kafil, HS and Sefidan, FY and Nezhadi, J and Saedi, S and Mohammadzadeh-Asl, Y and Sattarpour, S and Rezaee, MA},
title = {Gut Bacteria: A Beneficial Symbiosis or a Hidden Threat? Investigating the Dual Role of Bacteria in Gastrointestinal Diseases.},
journal = {Current microbiology},
volume = {83},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {42274808},
issn = {1432-0991},
support = {Tabriz University of Medical Sciences//Tabriz University of Medical Sciences/ ; },
abstract = {The intestinal microbiota is a highly dynamic and intricate system that supports digestive function, modulates immune responses, and protects against gut disorders. This review explores the impact of gut microorganisms on gastrointestinal conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), and colorectal cancer (CRC). Beneficial microbiota such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Faecalibacterium, and Akkermansia help reduce inflammation and maintain intestinal homeostasis by producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These metabolites regulate immune mechanisms and reinforce the gut barrier while also suppressing harmful pathogens. In contrast, pathogenic bacteria including Fusobacterium nucleatum, Escherichia coli, Bacteroides fragilis, and Clostridium difficile contribute to gastrointestinal disorders by producing toxins, increasing mucosal permeability, and stimulating inflammatory responses. Additionally, microbial dysbiosis-alterations in microbiota composition-can lead to chronic inflammation and neoplastic changes in intestinal cells, thereby promoting CRC development. Future studies may further clarify microbiota-pathogen interactions, which may provide a basis for exploratory therapeutic strategies.},
}

@article {pmid42274908,
year = {2026},
author = {Díaz-Nieto, LM and Palladini, A and Moyano, A and Coria, C and Murúa, F and Pantano, V and Rull, J},
title = {Wolbachia in Tephritid Populations from Argentina: New Hosts and First Report of Multiple Infections in Rhagoletotrypeta pastranai.},
journal = {Neotropical entomology},
volume = {55},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42274908},
issn = {1678-8052},
support = {PICT 2018-02837//Fondo para la Investigación Científica y Tecnológica/ ; PIPE 2022//Secretaria de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación de San Juan (SECITI)/ ; Exp. SECITI N°1400-000101-2022//Secretaria de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación de San Juan (SECITI)/ ; PIBAA-CONICET DD812//Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET)/ ; },
abstract = {The Tephritidae family comprises agriculturally important insect pests that cause significant economic losses worldwide. Interest in eco-friendly pest control methods is growing, and novel strategies involving symbiotic microorganisms are under investigation. Strategies involving the bacterium Wolbachia have been proposed for managing pest insects and disease vectors. However, they have not yet been used for tephritid pest control. The aim of this study was to detect and characterize Wolbachia strains in tephritid flies from Argentina that could be proposed for use in area-wide programs applying the incompatible insect technique. We also aimed to identify and analyze Wolbachia strains in little-studied species of no economic importance. Infested fruits were collected from different localities in two provinces of Argentina. Adults were identified and the presence of Wolbachia strains was evaluated using the wsp surface protein primer. Genotyping was performed through multilocus sequence typing (MLST). When multiple infections were suspected, the obtained amplification products were cloned into P-GEN. Two new Wolbachia hosts were identified, Rhagoletis blanchardi Aczél and Rhagoletotrypeta pastranai Aczél from Tucumán. Interestingly, we found a multiple infection by Wolbachia in R. pastranai, detecting three different strains. The Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) strains were similar to haplotypes previously described in Argentina. Our results provide the first records of Wolbachia strains in new tephritid hosts from Argentina. The phenotypic effects of these strains on their hosts should be further investigated to evaluate their potential for Wolbachia-based control strategies.},
}

@article {pmid42275074,
year = {2026},
author = {Yang, B and Yuen-Simović, B and Yuan, H and Degnan, BM and Degnan, SM},
title = {Early transcription factor activation distinguishes symbiotic from non-symbiotic bacteria during microbiome processing in a sponge.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ismejo/wrag150},
pmid = {42275074},
issn = {1751-7370},
abstract = {Animals that filter-feed on environmental microbes must rapidly discriminate among captured bacteria to maintain beneficial associations while avoiding inappropriate immune activation. In innate immunity, this discrimination is executed through transcription factors (TFs), whose activation and nuclear translocation initiate effector gene expression and shape the nature of the host response. In sponges, bacteria are first physically captured by choanocytes, but the timing and cellular context in which TF-mediated immune discrimination becomes evident remains unclear. Here, we investigate the earliest detectable regulatory responses associated with discrimination between symbiotic and non-symbiotic bacteria in the marine sponge Amphimedon queenslandica. Using a feeding-based design to model post-metamorphic microbiome restructuring, we exposed juvenile sponges that already harbour vertically inherited symbionts to native (symbiont) or foreign (non-symbiont) bacterial communities and assessed early cellular processing and transcriptional responses to bacterial uptake. Symbiotic bacteria were rapidly transported across the epithelium and induced a strong, transient activation of conserved innate immune TFs, including IRF, NF-κB, and STAT, together with associated signalling pathways. IRF and NF-κB translocated to the nuclei of amoebocytes that had engulfed symbionts, indicating that discrimination becomes evident shortly after uptake and precedes downstream effector responses. In contrast, foreign bacteria were internalized more slowly, failed to induce coordinated immune TF activation or nuclear translocation, and instead elicited a xenobiotic-dominated transcriptional program. Together, these findings identify TF activation as an early regulatory checkpoint in sponge-microbe interactions and reveal key mechanisms that underpin the initial stages of symbiont discrimination.},
}

@article {pmid42275228,
year = {2026},
author = {Harsonowati, W and Sanjaya, LL and Krismawati, A and Rembang, JHW and Rawung, JBM and Widiyono, W and Doni, F and Iqbal, R and Ullah, S},
title = {Endophyte function in climate-stressed crops: integrating molecular regulation, metabolic trade-offs, and ecological constraints.},
journal = {Plant signaling & behavior},
volume = {21},
number = {1},
pages = {2687952},
doi = {10.1080/15592324.2026.2687952},
pmid = {42275228},
issn = {1559-2324},
mesh = {*Endophytes/physiology/metabolism ; *Stress, Physiological ; *Crops, Agricultural/microbiology/metabolism ; *Climate Change ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Climate change increasingly exposes crops to simultaneous abiotic and biotic stresses, disrupting physiological stability and reducing agricultural productivity. Although endophytes are widely recognized for improving plant stress tolerance, their effectiveness remains inconsistent across environmental conditions. This review develops an integrative framework to explain how endophyte-mediated responses are regulated at the molecular, metabolic, and ecological levels under climate stress. We examine multi-level interactions to inform predictive deployment in varied agricultural environments. We critically synthesize recent studies on ROS-hormone signaling, carbon allocation trade-offs, metabolic reprogramming, microbiome interactions, ecological filtering, and host genotype-dependent responses. We aim to identify mechanisms that govern the stability or destabilization of plant-endophyte associations under stress conditions. The analysis indicates that endophyte-mediated beneficial traits remain effective only when redox regulation, metabolic balance, and ecological compatibility are maintained within functional physiological limits. Under severe or prolonged stress, disruption of ROS homeostasis, carbon limitation, and ecological instability progressively reduce symbiotic effectiveness, physiological stability, and plant growth performance. Potential predictive variables in this framework include ROS accumulation thresholds, antioxidant capacity, photosynthetic stability, carbon allocation balance, and ecological persistence of endophytes under fluctuating environmental conditions. These variables may enable the prediction of endophyte functional stability, stress adaptation, and growth promotion under heterogeneous climate stress conditions. Collectively, this framework advances current understanding from descriptive interpretation toward a context-dependent perspective that may support future prediction and validation of endophyte performance in climate-resilient agriculture.},
}

*Endophytes/physiology/metabolism
*Stress, Physiological
*Crops, Agricultural/microbiology/metabolism
*Climate Change
Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism

@article {pmid42275321,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, C and Chen, Q and Ye, M and Zhang, X},
title = {HiSymGeo: Hierarchical Context Symbiosis for Cross-View Object-level Image Geo-Localization.},
journal = {IEEE transactions on image processing : a publication of the IEEE Signal Processing Society},
volume = {PP},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1109/TIP.2026.3700932},
pmid = {42275321},
issn = {1941-0042},
abstract = {Cross-view object-level image geo-localization (CVOIGL) aims to locate ground/drone-view query objects in satellite imagery. This task confronts two obstacles, namely view differences from imaging platform viewpoint changes and detection ambiguities from similar objects in large-scale satellite views. Existing methods typically employ uniform feature processing across objects while overlooking query-reference cross-view differences, leading to compromised localization precision when handling structurally analogous objects with scale variations. In this paper, we propose HiSymGeo, a Hierarchical Context Symbiosis framework with dual cooperative learning, achieving cross-view representation alignment and structural ambiguity resolution. Specifically, to mitigate cross-view differences, the Diversified View Enhancer (DiVE) first incorporates context-aware query enhancement for ground/drone-view representation while constructing scale-agnostic reference enhancement in satellite views to handle scale variations. These view-specific features then undergo contrastive learning via semantic-aware matching to align query and reference representations. Furthermore, the Query-Gated Multi-Expert View Fusion (QG-MEVF) introduces dynamic expert routing via multi-scale pyramidal representations, in which a Mixture-of-Experts (MoE) inspired architecture employs query-driven gating to adaptively select scale-specific fusion expert. This differentiable routing mechanism boosts structural discrimination against analogous objects, enabling precise object localization. Extensive ablation experiments demonstrate HiSymGeo's superiority, achieving state-of-the-art effectiveness while ensuring high cross-dataset generalization. We have released our code at https://github.com/chenqi142/HiSymGeo.},
}

@article {pmid42263681,
year = {2026},
author = {Isidra-Arellano, MC and Bazzicalupo, M and Salas-Oropeza, J and Formey, D and Wickens, G and Bailey, PC and Mahto, MK and López-Villagómez, LA and Gray, JE and Valdés-López, O and Schiessl, K and Chater, CCC},
title = {Nodule development in Medicago truncatula is promoted by EPIDERMAL PATTERNING FACTOR-LIKE peptides.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2026.05.019},
pmid = {42263681},
issn = {1879-0445},
abstract = {Epidermal patterning factor-like (EPFL) peptides are regulators of stomatal development across land plants, yet their below-ground functions remain poorly understood. Here, we show that two EPFL family members from Medicago truncatula, MtEPFL9 and MtEPFL14, act as positive regulators of nodule organogenesis during nitrogen-fixing symbiosis. Rhizobia and purified Nod factors transcriptionally induced MtEPFL9 and MtEPFL14 genes in a common symbiosis-signaling-pathway-dependent manner. Exogenous application of synthetic MtEPFL9 and MtEPFL14 peptides promoted root development and root nodule formation by promoting cell division and growth during nodule primordium formation. Synthetic MtEPFL peptides partially restored nf-ya1 mutant nodulation defects and suppressed the nodule-to-root conversion phenotype in the noot1/noot2 mutant. Transcriptomic analyses revealed that MtEPFL9 and MtEPFL14 peptides act on rhizobia-induced programs associated with gibberellin, auxin, and cytokinin signaling. Together, our results identify MtEPFL9 and MtEPFL14 as regulators of meristematic activity and organ growth in nodules and lateral roots of Medicago truncatula and uncover previously unrecognized roles for EPFL peptides as host-derived signals promoting symbiotic organogenesis.},
}

@article {pmid42264137,
year = {2026},
author = {Viswakethu, V and Ramasamy, V and Balakrishnan, P and Narayanasamy, B},
title = {Biological control of banana aphid Pentalonia nigronervosa by Akanthomyces lecanii, role of volatile-mediated interactions.},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108673},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2026.108673},
pmid = {42264137},
issn = {1096-0805},
abstract = {Endophytic entomopathogenic fungi Akanthomyces lecanii, were found to establish a covert symbiotic association within banana Musa spp. and conferring enhanced resistance against herbivorous pests. This endophytic relationship is a promising, and sustainable approach for integrated pest management in banana cultivation. The banana aphid, Pentalonia nigronervosa, plays a critical role in insect-microbe interactions and serves as a target for aphid control to reduce virus transmission. In this study, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed to identify volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by P. nigronervosa and to characterize the metabolic repertoire of A. lecanii. Endophytic fungi were isolated from pseudostem tissues, which yielded multiple fungal isolates, were taxonomically characterized through sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Subsequently, bioassays were conducted to assess their effect on aphid survival and behavior. GC-MS metabolomic profiling revealed that both Akanthomyces lecanii and Pentalonia nigronervosa produces a range of volatile organic compounds including Triphenyl phosphate, p-Cymen-7-ol (4-Isopropylbenzyl alcohol), Valeric acid, 4-Ethylbenzaldehyde (Caproic Acid), Pyridoxal phosphate, Palmitic Acid, 2-Methyloctan-3-ol and Ethanone (Acetaldehyde) several of the bioactive compounds exhibit aphicidal properties with potential insect-repellent effects. Notably, 2-methyloctan 3ol, ethanone, palmitic acid, and pyridoxal phosphate emerged as the most potent aphicidal candidates and were formulated into eco-friendly insecticidal blends. Overall, our results highlight the chemical ecology of aphid-microbes interaction and provide a metabolomic-guided foundation for novel phytochemical strategies to protect banana crops from aphid-borne diseases.},
}

@article {pmid42264690,
year = {2026},
author = {Giménez, ME and Innocenzi, C and Schulze, FE and Forgione, A and Marescaux, J},
title = {Future of Robotics and Integration of Artificial Intelligence: Toward Computer-Assisted Surgery and the Real Democratization of Surgical Care.},
journal = {Surgical oncology clinics of North America},
volume = {35},
number = {3},
pages = {433-446},
doi = {10.1016/j.soc.2025.12.003},
pmid = {42264690},
issn = {1558-5042},
abstract = {Minimally invasive surgery has evolved from a disruptive concept to a cornerstone of modern surgical oncology. The integration of imaging, robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed surgical care into a highly data-driven, precise and standardized discipline. These advances are significant in oncologic surgery, where complex anatomy, biological variability and the need for radical resections demand unprecedented accuracy. This perspective review examines the current state and future direction of computer assisted surgery, exploring how the fusion of imaging, robotics and AI is reshaping clinical practice and promoting the democratization of surgery. The future of surgery will be built on a symbiotic relationship between human expertise and technological intelligence.},
}

@article {pmid42264737,
year = {2026},
author = {Ji, Y and Wen, J and Sun, S and Bai, B and Gao, B},
title = {Phospholipase Cβ regulates midgut homeostasis and defends against Bacillus thuringiensis in Spodoptera exigua.},
journal = {Pesticide biochemistry and physiology},
volume = {221},
number = {},
pages = {107134},
doi = {10.1016/j.pestbp.2026.107134},
pmid = {42264737},
issn = {1095-9939},
abstract = {Bacillus thuringiensis, an insect pathogen, is widely used for pest control. Phospholipase Cβ (PLCβ) is an important factor in activating the dual oxidase-reactive oxygen species (DUOX-ROS) pathway for defense against pathogens. However, the role of PLCβ in maintaining midgut homeostasis of Lepidopteran insects has not yet been fully elucidated during Bt infection. Here, a total of two PLCβ genes, SePLCβ1 and SePLCβ4, were identified and characterized in Spodoptera exigua. Both SePLCβ1 and SePLCβ4 can regulate the expression of SeDUOX to increase ROS levels, which restrains a high load of midgut symbiotic bacteria in S. exigua larvae, suggesting the role of SePLCβs in maintaining midgut homeostasis. Furthermore, the expression of SePLCβs was upregulated in response to short-term uracil induction and downregulated following long-term uracil induction and Bt treatment. After Bt oral infection, the knockdown of SePLCβs caused lower midgut ROS levels, higher load of midgut total bacteria, and increased loads of two midgut opportunistic pathogens, Bacillus cereus HB1 and Enterococcus mundtii HB1, which enhanced the Bt insecticidal activity. It was noteworthy that the knockdown of SePLCβ1 or SePLCβ4 led to a decrease in larval wet weight, indicating the potential regulatory function on larval development. Our results demonstrated the important contribution of PLCβ-regulated DUOX-ROS pathway in Bt insecticidal activity against Lepidopteran insects, providing more evidence for the development of management strategies of other pests.},
}

@article {pmid42265261,
year = {2026},
author = {Pazos, T and Moya, P and Chiva, S and Škaloud, P and Kantnerová, V and Barreno, E and Garrido-Benavent, I},
title = {The Impact of Visible Symptoms of Thallus Damage on the Phycobiota of Mediterranean Epiphytic Lichens.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1007/s00248-026-02794-3},
pmid = {42265261},
issn = {1432-184X},
abstract = {Lichens are excellent bioindicators of overall ecosystem health. The symbiotic nature of their thalli enables tracking changes in humidity, temperature, habitat disturbance and air pollution, often before larger plants do. Sensitive species usually show visible thallus damage, such as bleaching or changes in colour (including total or partial necrosis, and death of the photosynthetic component of the symbiosis), slow growth, and/or biases in reproductive strategies. Particularly, the extent to which these damages are associated with changes in the microscopic photosynthetic community inhabiting lichen thalli (phycobiota) remains poorly understood. Here, we combined Sanger and Illumina sequencing techniques to characterize the diversity and community structure of the eukaryotic phycobiome in selected epiphytic macrolichens showing different levels of thallus damage. Phylogenetic analyses revealed a high microalgal diversity, largely dominated by a few Trebouxia species, which are the most prevalent lichenized microalgae, accompanied by several low-abundance co-occurring genera. Notably, microalgal diversity peaked at intermediate levels of thallus damage. This pattern is consistent with disturbance-mediated modulation of microalgal community evenness rather than a categorical shift in symbiotic composition. These findings reveal previously unrecognized variability within the lichen phycobiota, providing new insights into the ecological dynamics and stress responses of these communities. In conclusion, our work offers a new perspective on the potential of lichens as sensitive bioindicators of air quality and ecosystem health.},
}

@article {pmid42265318,
year = {2026},
author = {Giovannini, L and Marqués-Gálvez, JE and Sillo, F and De Paola, D and Petrozza, A and Mango, T and Melfi, D and Wang, JY and Fiorilli, V and Carriero, F and Balestrini, R},
title = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis in tomato roots with a diverse range of carotene accumulation.},
journal = {Mycorrhiza},
volume = {36},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {42265318},
issn = {1432-1890},
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis is regulated by carotenoid-derived molecules, including strigolactones and other apocarotenoids. However, the role of root carotene availability remains poorly understood. Here we evaluated AM performance in tomato using two mutants showing contrasting root carotenoid profiles, i.e. cyc-b7, an EMS-derived TILLING mutant carrying a characterized mutation in Cyc-B, and 7458-Y, an uncharacterized mutant line showing high carotenoid accumulation), compared to their related wild type (Red Setter). Not-inoculated and AM fungal inoculated plants were grown under controlled conditions and root colonization parameters were assessed after two months. Root carotenoids were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and RNA-seq analysis was performed on root samples to understand the tomato response to the inoculation. Roots of cyc-b7 accumulated significantly lower total carotenoids than Red Setter, including reduced lutein and β-carotene, whereas 7458-Y showed increased β-carotene, together with higher arbuscule abundance than both Red Setter and cyc-b7. Transcriptome profiling revealed a genotype-dependent response to AMF inoculation, with symbiosis-related genes differentially regulated in the two mutant lines. In cyc-b7, AMF inoculation was associated with reduced expression of genes encoding nutrient transporters, as well as of a gene encoding a symbiosis receptor-like kinase (SYMRK), a component of the common symbiosis signaling pathway. By contrast, in 7458-Y, AMF inoculation was associated with up-regulation of a gene encoding a LysM receptor-like kinase involved in AM establishment, and of a gene, SlD27, related to strigolactone biosynthesis. Overall, our results support a link between root carotenoid metabolism and AMF colonization.},
}

@article {pmid42265539,
year = {2026},
author = {Schoeman, C and Roodt, D and Mc Menamin, A and Bezuidt, O and Dithugoe, C and Pinard, D and Mizrachi, E},
title = {Conserved symbiosis-associated genes in the cycad Encephalartos natalensis suggest co-option for cyanobacterial symbiosis.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.71311},
pmid = {42265539},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {116239//National Research Foundation/ ; 118981//National Research Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {Plant-cyanobacterial symbioses have evolved independently at least four times across land plants, yet their underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely elusive. Here, we elucidate the pathways involved in this specialised symbiosis and nutrient exchange within coralloid roots (CRs) of Encephalartos natalensis. Using anatomical analysis and RNA sequencing, we characterise the structural and transcriptional features of CRs harbouring active, heterocyst-rich, nitrogen-fixing Nostoc cyanobacteria. Notably, no fungal hyphae or arbuscular structures were observed under the sampled conditions. CR-associated upregulation of core common symbiosis signalling pathway (CSSP) genes was evident, genes shared across multiple nodulating symbioses. Transcriptome-wide analysis further revealed elevated expression of citrulline and ornithine biosynthesis genes, indicating host assimilation of Nostoc-fixed ammonia. Together, these findings demonstrate that cycads retain and transcriptionally upregulate conserved symbiosis signalling genes during cyanobacterial associations. Building on the evolutionary link between CSSP genes and the ancient arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) signalling toolkit, our results support differential retention of these genes across plant lineages. Specifically, in E. natalensis, CSSP gene expression in CRs suggests transcriptional co-option for cyanobacterial symbiosis in CRs. This study provides a framework for understanding the role of ancient molecular pathways in driving plant-microbe symbiosis evolution and diversification.},
}

@article {pmid42267652,
year = {2026},
author = {Müller, S and Stegmann, T and Adema, K and Holmer, R and van Seters, A and van Velzen, R and Kulikova, O and Wijsman, T and Klein, J and Fernandez-Moreno, JP and Stepanova, AN and Alonso, JM and Franssen, H and Larrainzar, E and van Zeijl, A and Kohlen, W},
title = {Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Ethylene Biosynthesis Shape Infection and Nodule Initiation in Medicago Truncatula.},
journal = {The Plant cell},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/plcell/koag173},
pmid = {42267652},
issn = {1532-298X},
abstract = {Ethylene is a well-established negative regulator of nodulation, yet how ethylene biosynthesis and perception are spatially coordinated during early symbiotic signalling remains unresolved. Here, we investigate the dynamics of ethylene responses in Medicago (Medicago truncatula) using transcriptomics, promoter-reporter analyses, loss-of-function approaches and a synthetic reporter. We show that the activity of the ethylene-responsive EBSn reporter shifts from inner root tissues under non-symbiotic conditions to the outer cortex and epidermis following rhizobial inoculation, revealing a spatial reprogramming of ethylene signalling. Among the eight Medicago 1-AMINOCYCLOPROPANE-1-CARBOXYLIC ACID SYNTHASE (ACS) genes, MtACS3 is induced in outer root cell layers upon rhizobia application, while MtACS10 is repressed in the inner cortex and pericycle, mirroring the shift in ethylene perception. Functional analysis demonstrates that MtACS10 restricts nodule initiation, whereas MtACS3 modulates the number of infection threads, prevents nodule clustering, and contributes to the radial positioning of nodule primordia. Rhizobial induced ectopic ACS expression in the root interior counteracts MtACS10 repression and blocks nodulation, highlighting the requirement for spatially confined downregulation of ethylene biosynthesis. Together, these findings establish a framework in which localized shifts in ethylene biosynthesis, mediated by distinct Medicago ACS genes, balance infection and organogenesis while co-defining the spatial limits of the root susceptible zone.},
}

@article {pmid42261101,
year = {2026},
author = {Tanaka, K and Wu, J and Xia, Q and Harada, Y and Suzuki, T and Yan, Y and Seto, Y and Xiong, G and Kameoka, H},
title = {In vitro evaluation of protein-protein interactions in the rice KAI2 ligand signaling complex.},
journal = {Plant physiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/plphys/kiag325},
pmid = {42261101},
issn = {1532-2548},
abstract = {KARRIKIN INSENSITIVE 2 (KAI2)/DWARF14-LIKE (D14L) plays key roles in land plant development, environmental responses, and the establishment of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis, likely acting as the receptor for unidentified signaling molecules termed KAI2 ligands (KLs). KL perception by KAI2/D14L promotes DWARF3 (D3)/MORE AXILLARY GROWTH2 (MAX2) F-box protein-mediated ubiquitination of SUPPRESSOR OF MAX2 1 (SMAX1) proteins, thereby transducing the KL signals. Although genetic and in vivo assays have demonstrated the functions of these components, the biochemical details of their interactions remain elusive. Here we investigated physical interactions between rice (Oryza sativa) D14L, D3, and OsSMAX1 in vitro using desmethyl germinone (dMGer), a recently developed KL analog. dMGer elicited KL responses in rice with higher activity and pathway specificity than a widely used KL analog (-)-GR24. dMGer, but not (-)-GR24, directly bound to D14L and promoted the interaction between D14L and D3 in vitro. The interaction between D14L and OsSMAX1 was also enhanced by dMGer. Furthermore, we identified the domain of OsSMAX1 that distinguishes it from its paralog DWARF53 (D53), which is associated with the strigolactone signaling complex. These findings suggest a model of the interactions among KL signaling components and highlight the role of the ligand in the signaling complex.},
}

@article {pmid42262083,
year = {2026},
author = {Lewin, GR and Khadempour, L},
title = {mGem: Tapping into the language of symbiosis to advance human microbiome research.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0366125},
doi = {10.1128/mbio.03661-25},
pmid = {42262083},
issn = {2150-7511},
abstract = {In human microbiome research, the term "commensal" is often used to describe organisms that benefit their hosts. In ecology, in host-microbe symbiosis, a commensal organism has no impact on its host, whereas a mutualist organism benefits its host. While others have recognized this discrepancy in terminology use, old habits are hard to break, and the human microbiome community has continued in this vein. This is our call to action for the human microbiome community to use more precise terminology that appropriately reflects the impact that these microbes have on their hosts. We should use the terms "commensal" and "mutualist" when we know the effect on the host, and "symbiont" when we do not. By using the same terminology as ecologists, we will be able to make use of, and contribute to the vast research in the field of symbiosis.},
}

@article {pmid42262490,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhou, Y and Qian, Y and Wang, Y and Li, X and Huang, Y and Dai, L and Duan, L and Guo, Q and Jiang, K and Wang, S and Shen, J and Du, L and Pi, E},
title = {DMI3 autophosphorylation at the C-terminus of its calmodulin-binding domain dismantles CaM-DMI3-IPD3 to initiate root nodulation.},
journal = {Plant physiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/plphys/kiag347},
pmid = {42262490},
issn = {1532-2548},
abstract = {DMI3 (Doesn't Make Infections 3), a calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CCaMK), decodes rhizobia-induced Ca2+ signals through phosphorylation of its interacting partner, IPD3, thereby initiating root nodule symbiosis (RNS). However, the precise mechanism by which DMI3 activates this pathway remains unclear. Here, we show that phosphorylation of a triplet motif (S343S344T345) located at the C-terminus of the calmodulin-binding domain acts as a molecular switch. We identified T345 as a phosphorylation site that exhibits regulatory functions similar to those of S343 and S344. Phosphomimic mutations at any single residue of the three sites blocked DMI3-dependent nodulation, indicating that the kinase must initially remain non-phosphorylated at these positions. Conversely, simultaneous phosphorylation of at least two residues was required for symbiotic activity, revealing a transition from a phosphorylation-free state to a hyperphosphorylated (simultaneous phosphorylation of at least two residues) status at these sites. Phosphomimic mutations within the triplet enhanced DMI3 autophosphorylation (auto-P) but severely impaired its interaction with Ca2+/CaM and IPD3. In addition, the physical interaction between DMI3 and IPD3 suppressed IPD3-triggered MtNIN transcription and nodulation, indicating that DMI3 also acts as a negative regulator by sequestering activated IPD3. Thus, we propose a model in which repeated auto-P at the triplet contributes to RNS activation by dissociating the CaM-DMI3-IPD3 complex, thereby releasing phosphorylated and activated IPD3 to initiate the downstream transcriptional cascade. Our findings uncover a dual role for DMI3-as both a kinase and a scaffold-and clarify how auto-P within the triplet motif licenses IPD3 to trigger RNS.},
}

@article {pmid42262896,
year = {2026},
author = {Wan, L and He, C and Xue, C and Chen, H and Mao, X and Peng, Y and Lian, X and Wang, X and Xu, S},
title = {Structural basis of NSP1-NSP2 heterodimerization and its regulatory mechanism in legume nodulation.},
journal = {The Plant cell},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/plcell/koag161},
pmid = {42262896},
issn = {1532-298X},
abstract = {Legumes establish symbiotic relationships with rhizobia, leading to the development of nitrogen-fixing root nodules. Two GRAS transcription factors, Nodulation Signaling Pathway 1 (NSP1) and NSP2, are essential for Nod factor-induced transcription and subsequent nodulation in legumes. However, the structural basis of their interaction and functional mechanism remains poorly understood. Here, we report the crystal structure of the Medicago truncatula NSP1-NSP2 complex at 2.4 Å resolution. The structure reveals that NSP1 and NSP2 assemble into a heterodimer with a small, triangular interface exclusively composed of their leucine heptad repeat I (LHRI) motifs. This direct interaction is essential for nodulation, as NSP2 facilitates NSP1-DNA binding. Furthermore, we identified an HCCC-type zinc finger in NSP1 that modulates nodulation by influencing its DNA-binding activity. Together, our findings provide structural insights into NSP1-NSP2 heterodimerization and elucidate the regulatory mechanism underlying legume nodulation, offering a theoretical foundation for rationally engineering NSP1 and NSP2 to optimize plant-microbe relationships for agricultural applications.},
}

@article {pmid42252622,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, J and Song, X and He, J and Li, P and Zhang, L and Li, W and Hu, Y and Li, K and Wang, X and Han, Q and Chen, R},
title = {ESN3, a nodule-specific small peptide essential for symbiotic nitrogen fixation in Medicago truncatula.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.71333},
pmid = {42252622},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {32270261//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2022YFF1003200//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 22ZD6NA049//Foundation of Science and Technology of Gansu Province/ ; XDA26030103//Strategic Priority Research Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences/ ; },
abstract = {Symbiotic interactions between legumes and rhizobia rely on the symbiotic interface, the symbiosome membrane. However, the regulatory mechanisms for symbiosome membrane maintenance remain largely elusive. Methods include forward genetics screenings of mutants, transcript-based cloning and genetic complementation, yeast two-hybrid library screening and Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/CRISPR-associated protein 9 gene editing. We characterized Early Senescent Nodule 3 (ESN3), a key regulator of symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) encoding a nodule-specific, 54 aa-long small peptide, which localizes to the symbiosome membrane in Medicago truncatula. We identified SYPTAXIN132 as an ESN3-interacting protein. We showed that syp132a mutants exhibited premature nodule senescence and upregulation of senescence-associated gene expression, similar to the esn3 mutant. Our proteomic studies revealed significant alterations of a large number of membrane proteins in the symbiosome fraction of the esn3 mutant, consistent with a key role of ESN3 in symbiosome maintenance. Furthermore, our data indicated that the expression of ESN3, but not SYP132A, is responsive to gibberellic acid (GA) treatments and DELLA proteins are positive regulators of ESN3 gene expression. In this study, we demonstrated that ESN3 encodes a novel nodule-specific small peptide, playing a key role in SNF. In conjunction with the syntaxin SYP132A, GA signaling plays a negative role in SNF at a later stage of nodule development.},
}

@article {pmid42253138,
year = {2026},
author = {Steegmüller, T and Walch, S and Gschwendtner, S and Klingl, A and French, LE and Flaig, M and Clanner-Engelshofen, BM},
title = {Third Generation Genome Sequencing of the Endobacterium Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii subsp. demodicis Reveals Details of Its Microbe-Host-Interaction With the Most Complex Human Commensal, Demodex folliculorum.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology reports},
volume = {18},
number = {3},
pages = {e70374},
doi = {10.1111/1758-2229.70374},
pmid = {42253138},
issn = {1758-2229},
support = {//Medical & Clinician Scientist Program (MCSP) at LMU Munich/ ; },
abstract = {Demodex mites inhabit the pilosebaceous unit despite harsh environmental conditions including UV radiation, variable salinity, and cosmetics. Their recently characterized endobacterium may contribute to this resilience. This study aimed to elucidate mechanisms of the microbe-host interaction that help mites withstand environmental stress. The genome of Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii subsp. demodicis was sequenced using PacBio technology and annotated via MicroScope. Metabolic and symbiotic traits were analyzed using KEGG and compared with the Demodex folliculorum secretome from published transcriptome data. The complete 2,456,075 bp genome contains 2034 coding sequences and exhibits reduced variable genes compared to other Corynebacterium species. Primary metabolism comprises an almost complete minimal gene set but lacks two tRNA synthetases and genes for phosphatidylethanolamine and NAD[+] biosynthesis. Carbohydrate pathways are incomplete and fatty acid synthase I is absent. Secondary metabolism includes complete mevalonate and β-carotene biosynthetic pathways, while the methylerythritol phosphate pathway is missing. UV protection and oxidative stress tolerance are supported by β-carotene, ClpB, RecN, MsrA, KatA, SodA, and manganese transporter SitB. The secretome contains hydrolases likely aiding mite digestion. These findings provide genomic insights into mite-bacterium symbiosis and follicular adaptation. All functional inferences are based on genomic data and in silico predictions; experimental validation remains to be established.},
}

@article {pmid42253456,
year = {2026},
author = {Yurkov, AP and Kudriashova, TR and Belyaeva, AI and Kryukov, AA},
title = {Transcriptional changes of aquaporin genes in leaves of black medic induced by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal inoculation under water deficit.},
journal = {Vavilovskii zhurnal genetiki i selektsii},
volume = {30},
number = {3},
pages = {424-434},
doi = {10.18699/vjgb-26-46},
pmid = {42253456},
issn = {2500-0462},
abstract = {One of the current research directions in plant-microbe interactions focuses on the mechanisms of plant adaptation to environmental stress through symbioses with various microorganisms. While the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in plant adaptation to drought is well-known, the underlying mechanisms of these processes remain poorly understood, particularly in leaf tissues. It is suggested that certain genes from the aquaporin family play a critical role both in adaptation to water deficit and in the development of an effective arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis. Thus, the important task in this study of plant-microbe symbioses is to assess the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal inoculation on the expression of aquaporin genes in leaves. This study utilizes the highly effective plant-microbe model system "Medicago lupulina + Rhizophagus irregularis" under drought stress conditions. A comparative assessment of gene transcription was carried out using the 2-ΔΔCT method based on real-time quantitative PCR results: normalization was performed relative to the actin reference gene with non-inoculated plants serving as the control. The study was conducted both at the initial development stage (the 2nd leaf stage), and at the stage of active plant-microbe interaction (the flowering stage). The study revealed genes with significant differential expression under drought conditions when comparing mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal Medicago lupulina plants: NIP3;1, NIP4;2, specific NIP7;1, TIP5;1 at the 2nd leaf stage; genes NIP3;1, NIP5;1, NIP6;4, NIP7;1 (specific), PIP1;4, TIP2;3 and specific XIP1;1 at the flowering stage. Previously, in a similar experiment, under well-watering conditions, the same genes did not have differential expression between mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal plants. Thus, the listed genes likely participate in the adaptation of the studied plants to drought conditions. The obtained information can be used to develop highly productive plant-microbe systems involving arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, aimed at transitioning to organic farming, minimizing negative environmental impact, and enhancing plant resistance to water deficit.},
}

@article {pmid42254498,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, Y and Gao, Z and Long, H and Wang, R and Bai, W},
title = {Isolation and identification of dark septate endophytes from sorghum roots and the effects of Alternaria destruens HN16G1 on drought and low-nutrient tolerance in sorghum seedlings.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1829731},
pmid = {42254498},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Dark septate endophytes (DSE) are root-associated fungi that can enhance host stress tolerance, yet their diversity and function in sorghum remain unclear. Here, we investigated the culturable DSE community across 29 sorghum varieties and evaluated the symbiotic potential of key isolates.

METHODS: Culturable DSE were isolated from sorghum rhizosphere soil and roots via plate isolation, microscopy, and colonization assessment to screen efficient colonizers. Pot experiments then analyzed symbiotic compatibility with major Chinese cultivars to identify strains with high colonization efficiency. Finally, the selected strain was evaluated for salt tolerance and its effects on drought resistance, growth promotion, and low-fertility tolerance in seedlings.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: A total of 94 DSE isolates were obtained, accounting for 30.72% of the total fungal isolates, and were classified into 30 morphotypes. The genus Alternaria emerged as the dominant group, comprising 46.67% of the isolates. Among them, strain HN16G1, isolated from Hongnuo 16 and identified as Alternaria destruens via internal transcribed spacer sequencing, demonstrated superior root colonization capability. Strain HN16G1 established stable symbiosis with all 10 commercial cultivars tested, maintaining colonization rates and intensities above 50.0 and 16.0%, respectively. Physiologically, HN16G1 exhibited moderate halotolerance, with low NaCl concentrations (0.1-0.2 mol/L) promoting mycelial growth, whereas high salt stress (0.6 mol/L) induced adaptive responses including enhanced sporulation and reduced hyphal septal distance. The strain also displayed substantial indole-3-acetic acid production, reaching 181.56 μg/mL. Inoculation with HN16G1 (5.0 × 10[5] CFU/mL) significantly improved seedling emergence and early vegetative growth in sorghum under combined drought stress (40% field capacity) and low-nutrient conditions. Notably, varieties "Hongnuo 16" and "Jinnuo 3" exhibited the most pronounced responses, with growth parameters approaching optimal levels. Colonization parameters (rate and intensity) correlated positively with plant height, root length, and biomass. Overall, these findings highlight the rich DSE diversity in sorghum roots and identify A. destruens HN16G1 as a broad-compatibility, multifunctional endophyte with promising potential for the development of microbial inoculants to enhance stress tolerance in sorghum production systems.},
}

@article {pmid42254837,
year = {2026},
author = {Schmelz, P and Eckensperger, S and Osvatic, J and Séneca, J and Alzubaidy, H and Petersen, JM},
title = {Host depletion kits improve microbiome analyses in environmental samples: seagrass as a test case.},
journal = {ISME communications},
volume = {6},
number = {1},
pages = {ycag082},
pmid = {42254837},
issn = {2730-6151},
abstract = {All plants and animals associate with specific communities of symbiotic microorganisms. Characterizing the diversity and functions of these communities is essential for understanding their roles in host health; however, such efforts are often hindered by the dominance of host-derived material in, e.g. DNA extractions. Although various commercial host DNA depletion kits have been developed to overcome these challenges, they have not yet been systematically tested on environmental samples. We used Zostera marina, globally the most widespread seagrass species, as a test case to assess the effectiveness of three different commercially available host DNA depletion kits: QIAamp DNA Microbiome Kit, HostZero Microbial Enrichment Kit, and NEBNext Microbiome DNA Enrichment Kit, when compared to the widely used DNeasy PowerSoil Pro Kit. All three host depletion kits substantially reduced the relative proportion of host DNA, as assessed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, and enriched previously identified seagrass-associated bacteria. Furthermore, in metagenomes, only samples processed with host depletion methods allowed for the assembly of metagenome-assembled genomes with high completeness and low contamination. Metagenomic analysis further enabled the recovery of seagrass root core microbiome members, including previously undetected members of the family Sedimenticolaceae, highlighting the value of these techniques for uncovering novel host-associated microbial diversity in environmental samples such as marine plants.},
}

@article {pmid42255284,
year = {2026},
author = {Trylińska-Tekielska, E and Fijałkowski, M and Kolek, A and Furman, F and Ładoś, S},
title = {A pilot study of human-AI conversational interaction and its impact on loneliness and wellbeing.},
journal = {Frontiers in digital health},
volume = {8},
number = {},
pages = {1687924},
pmid = {42255284},
issn = {2673-253X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: With the growing accessibility of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, there is a need to understand their impact on users' psychological wellbeing. This pilot study aimed to explore the subjective experiences of human-AI conversational interaction and its potential relationship with loneliness and life satisfaction.

METHODS: A mixed-methods study was conducted among 19 psychology students who voluntarily chose one of two forms of support, i.e., interaction with a chatbot (N = 9 for the quantitative component; N = 11 for the qualitative component) or a conversation with a psychologist (N = 10 for the quantitative component; N = 9 for the qualitative component). The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale were used. Qualitative data were collected through participant-maintained diaries and subjected to a thematic analysis.

RESULTS: The quantitative analysis revealed that the group that chose to interact with the chatbot was characterized by a higher sense of loneliness (M = 6.69) and lower life satisfaction (M = 20.67) compared to the group that chose contact with a psychologist (M = 3.66 and M = 24.20, respectively). The qualitative analysis revealed that the participants perceived the chatbot to be a safe and non-judgmental space for expressing emotions, while also recognizing its formulaic nature and limitations.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this pilot study suggest that interactions with AI may be particularly appealing to individuals experiencing greater emotional loneliness. The feasibility of the research procedure was also confirmed. Further research on larger and more diverse samples is necessary to verify these preliminary observations and to investigate the long-term effects of human-AI interaction.},
}

@article {pmid42255295,
year = {2026},
author = {Ranjan, P and Das, D and Bundela, V and Ramesh, A and Verma, RK and Nargund, R and Manandhar, U and Drijber, R and Upadhyay, RK and Sharma, MP},
title = {Role of rhizosphere specific microbiome in enhancing soybean productivity across contrasting soil and crop management systems.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1830235},
pmid = {42255295},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Soybeans are a globally significant legume and oilseed crop with a diverse rhizospheric microbiome that can enhance sustainable agriculture by reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. These microbes can potentially impact plant growth and development through symbiotic (rhizobium and mycorrhizae) and non-symbiotic (plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and fungi) interactions with soybean roots under optimal crop and soil management practices. During the production of soybeans, practices such as excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides, mono-cropping, and intensive tillage are often employed to achieve higher yields. However, these practices can alter the rhizomicrobiome communities and their interactions with soybean crops. Implementing optimal soil and crop management techniques can create a more favorable environment for rhizomicrobial communication with soybean roots, ultimately enhancing nutrient uptake for the soybean plants. In this review, we address how the soil rhizomicrobiome communicates with soybean roots, its role in promoting plant health and yield, and approaches to enhance soil rhizomicrobiome diversity and function through improved crop and soil management practices. Herein we synthesize current literature on soybean-microbe interactions, including both symbiotic and non-symbiotic relationships with an emphasis on how plant-microbe interactions within soybean cropping systems are influenced by agricultural practices such as crop rotation, intercropping, integrated nutrient management, and no-tillage. Greater understanding of the complexity underlying rhizosphere microbiome relationships will enable design of local cropping systems enhancing soybean yield along with improving soil health.},
}

@article {pmid42255296,
year = {2026},
author = {Narayanan, N and Swamy, RAR and Gehan, J and Jones, T and Lazar, S and Wintraube, D and Yakir, E and Hasson, O and Lampert, A and Colvin, J and Taylor, NJ and Morin, S and Malka, O},
title = {Creating resistance to the whitefly Bemisia tabaci in cassava through RNAi-mediated targeting of multiple insect metabolic processes.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1822258},
pmid = {42255296},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: It is commonplace in East Africa for 100% of cassava fields to be infected with Cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and/or Cassava brown streak disease (CBSD), resulting in annual losses of more than US$1.25 billion and reduced food and economic security for farming households. The vector of both diseases is the African cassava species of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci. Since the late 1990s, there has been an unprecedented increase in whitefly populations, to the extent that they are referred to as "super-abundant". Research efforts since the late 1990s has focused mainly on developing plant resistance to the viral pathogens and paid scant attention to understanding the root causes of disease epidemics or the control of whitefly infestation.

METHODS: Here, we aimed at developing long-term whitefly-control solutions using an in-planta RNA interference (RNAi) approach. First, transcriptome analysis identified candidate genes that play 'key' roles in whitefly biology: osmoregulation, sugar metabolism and transport, symbiosis with endosymbiotic bacteria and detoxification of phytotoxins. Then, fifteen RNAi inverted repeat constructs were produced, designed to target the candidate genes and 140 independent transgenic lines were generated in cassava variety NASE 13.

RESULTS: Whole plant bioassays showed insecticidal activity of transgenic plants, reaching 58% lethality for adults within 7 days and 75-90% lethality of nymphs after 25 days, compared to control plants. Target genes were confirmed to be downregulated by up to 2.5-fold in adult whiteflies and nymphs.

DISCUSSION: We used population dynamics modeling to predict the potential of the RNAi technology to control whiteflies under field conditions in East Africa. These analyses indicated that the developed technology offers a realistic option for obtaining durable control of cassava whitefly in African cassava fields.},
}

@article {pmid42257277,
year = {2026},
author = {Shu, M and Zuo, Y and Wang, J and He, X},
title = {Microbial Shifts Across Endosphere and Rhizosphere as Strategy for Drought Adaptation in Shrub Ammopiptanthus mongolicus.},
journal = {Journal of basic microbiology},
volume = {66},
number = {6},
pages = {e70177},
doi = {10.1002/jobm.70177},
pmid = {42257277},
issn = {1521-4028},
support = {H2022201056//Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province/ ; 236Z2904G//Central Guidance for Local Scientific and Technological Development Funding Projects/ ; },
abstract = {Although plant-associated microbes influence plant performance and ecological adaptability, knowledge of microbial variation between the root endosphere and rhizosphere of desert relict plants remains limited. Ammopiptanthus mongolicus, a relict species native to the hyper-arid deserts of northwestern China, was used to investigate microbial community structure across ecological niches and their soil ecological responses, aiming to elucidate adaptive plant-microbe symbioses and microbial distribution patterns. Root and rhizosphere soil samples were collected from Wuhai and Alxa in July 2021 to characterize microbial assemblages. Pronounced differences in community composition were observed between niches, with significantly higher species richness and α-diversity in the rhizosphere. PCoA indicated that niche type was the primary driver of microbial differentiation, outweighing site-level effects. Although more enriched taxa occurred in the rhizosphere, differentially abundant fungal taxa were far fewer than bacterial taxa. Co-occurrence network analysis showed that positive interactions dominated microbial associations, with the rhizosphere network exhibiting greater complexity, while endosphere fungal communities showed positive associations. Six low-abundance OTUs (< 0.1%) functioned as keystone taxa supporting network stability. AP, SOC, NH4 [+]-N strongly shaped bacterial and fungal communities. Pathotrophs and saprotrophs dominated fungal guilds, whereas intracellular parasites and chemoheterotrophs prevailed among bacteria, with symbiotic fungi enriched in the endosphere.},
}

@article {pmid42258085,
year = {2026},
author = {Kamil, SS and Al-Bdery, ASJ and Al-Marzoqi, AH and Abdulabbas, HT and Shakir, AJ},
title = {Lactate as a Signaling Molecule in the Tumor Microenvironment: Implications for Cancer Progression.},
journal = {Biochemical genetics},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42258085},
issn = {1573-4927},
abstract = {Aerobic glycolysis is a process commonly utilized by tumor cells to produce excessive lactate, acidification of the extracellular milieu and promoting tumor progression. Lactate plays its roles as a metabolic intermediate and as a signaling molecule in the tumor microenvironment (TME). In this literature review, we first describe how cancer cells alter their metabolism, focusing on the Warburg effect, LDHA-mediated lactate catalysis, and MCT1/4's role in its removal. Next, we explain GPR81-mediated signal transduction and inhibition of HIF-1α and NF-κB degradation, which connects metabolism to oncogenic signaling pathways. We discuss lactate-driven histone lactylation as an epigenetic process that enhances gene expression for growth, angiogenesis, and immune evasion. We also examine lactate effects on Immune cells by inhibition of CD8 + T and NK cells, macrophage polarization toward the M2 phenotype, and inhibition of dendritic cell (DC) maturation. Lactate shuttling between cancer-associated fibroblasts and tumor cells promotes metabolic symbiosis and therapy resistance. Lastly, this review examines treatment options targeting LDH and MCTs, either on their own or in combination with immunotherapy. We also discuss challenges including compensatory pathway activation and off-target effects. Understanding the mechanisms of lactate 's effects on the TME facilitates the development of more effective metabolic and immunometabolic cancer treatments. From a clinical perspective, targeting lactate metabolism through LDHA inhibitors and MCT blockers, alone or combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors, represents a promising strategy to recondition the immunosuppressive TME and improve therapeutic outcomes. However, metabolic plasticity, pathway redundancy, and insufficient tumor selectivity remain significant translational challenges that warrant further investigation.},
}

@article {pmid42258715,
year = {2026},
author = {Duan, J and Wang, J and Guo, R and Clark, CB and Luo, Z and Li, X and Trabert, L and Huang, XQ and Tao, WA and Dudareva, N and Stacey, G and Meyers, BC and Ma, J},
title = {A long-distance signaling loop promotes soybean nodulation and productivity.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {123},
number = {24},
pages = {e2609325123},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2609325123},
pmid = {42258715},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {2128023//National Science Foundation (NSF)/ ; 5R01GM151302-03//HHS | NIH | National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)/ ; 2413-209-0102//United Soybean Board (USB)/ ; 2414-209-0102//United Soybean Board (USB)/ ; },
abstract = {Legume nodulation is initiated when soil bacteria rhizobia infect root hairs and is tightly regulated by host-derived mechanisms that restrict nodule numbers to balance the benefits of symbiotic nitrogen fixation with the plant's growth and metabolic demands. However, how plants actively promote the initiation of nodulation to counterbalance these restrictive mechanisms and maintain an optimal level of nodulation remains largely unknown. Here, we report a systemic regulatory mechanism through which soybean (Glycine max) promotes rhizobial infection. We show that inoculation of soybean roots with rhizobia suppresses the biogenesis of microRNA miR4416-5p in shoots, a mobile microRNA that is transported from shoots to roots. The resulting reduction of miR4416-5p levels in roots enhances the expression of a vegetative lectin gene Lectin 3 (GmLe3), which promotes rhizobial infection, thereby enhancing nodule formation and improving plant productivity under low nitrogen conditions. We further demonstrate that suppression of miR4416-5p biogenesis in shoots is triggered by the root-derived C-TERMINALLY ENCODED PEPTIDE 7 (GmCEP7), establishing a long-distance GmCEP7-miR4416-5p-GmLe3 regulatory loop that is critical for desirable symbiotic synergy and plant productivity. Comparative genomic analysis reveals that this miR4416-5p-mediated regulatory module is absent in the model legumes Medicago truncatula and Lotus japonicus but appears to be conserved in economically important legume crops common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan), suggesting an evolutionary innovation in nodulation control. These findings uncover a systemic mechanism that promotes rhizobial infection and highlight an evolutionary innovation in regulation of nodulation with potential implications for improving legume crop productivity under nitrogen-limited conditions.},
}

@article {pmid42258947,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, Z and Jia, Y and Liu, T and Wang, S and Liu, L},
title = {A malignant symbiosis: The neuro-metabolic symphony rewires the tumor microenvironment.},
journal = {Neoplasia (New York, N.Y.)},
volume = {78},
number = {},
pages = {101322},
doi = {10.1016/j.neo.2026.101322},
pmid = {42258947},
issn = {1476-5586},
abstract = {Emerging evidence in cancer neuroscience has established a reciprocal bidirectional loop between neural signaling and tumor metabolism as a central driver of malignant progression. This review critically evaluates bidirectional neuro-metabolic symbiosis and its profound implications for overcoming treatment refractoriness. We first analyzed the anterograde mechanism, in which peripheral nerve terminals and systemic endocrine factors impose distinct metabolic dependencies on malignant and stromal cell populations. By forcing alterations in nutrient utilization pathways, these neural cues create a highly immunosuppressive landscape. Conversely, we investigated the retrograde axis and established that tumor-excreted biochemicals act as potent neuromodulatory agents. Rather than functioning as mere metabolic byproducts, these molecules structurally and functionally remodel intratumoral nerve endings, lowering neuronal firing thresholds and solidifying a self-amplifying loop that drives disease aggression while triggering systemic neurological disorders in the host. Ultimately, dismantling this deleterious alliance is imperative for clinical progress. By integrating neuropharmacological interventions - such as autonomic blockade - with targeted metabolic disruption, we present a dual-pronged translational framework designed to uncouple neuro-metabolic interdependencies, thereby abrogating tumor resilience and alleviating comorbid neuropathologies.},
}

@article {pmid42259034,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, Z and Wang, H and Lai, Y and Yao, L},
title = {From green to gold: Synergistic enhancement of residents' well-being and ecological quality under China's "two mountains" pilots zones.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {411},
number = {},
pages = {130160},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.130160},
pmid = {42259034},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Achieving a harmonious symbiosis between economic prosperity and environmental sustainability remains a defining challenge for global sustainable development. This study investigates China's pioneering "Two Mountains" practice pilot zones (TMPZ) as an institutional model for resolving the "dualistic paradox" between growth and conservation. Using panel data from 1688 counties (2010-2023), we construct a multidimensional framework to evaluate residents' well-being (RWB) and evaluate its coupling coordination degree (RECCD) with ecological environment quality index (EEQI). A Double Machine Learning (DML) approach is further employed to identify the causal impacts of TMPZ on RECCD. The results reveal significant improvements in both RWB and EEQI, driving the RECCD from 0.4567 to 0.6345. All three indices maintain a consistent "Southeast-High, Northwest-Low" spatial pattern. Empirical evidence confirms that TMPZ designation not only improves ecological baselines and living standards but also effectively facilitates their synergistic evolution. These findings remain robust across various sensitivity checks. Heterogeneity analysis shows that the policy effects are most pronounced in eastern regions, non-poverty counties, and counties with high government financial investment. Mechanism tests indicate that TMPZ operates through three primary channels: intensifying environmental governance, stimulating green technological innovation, and facilitating the ecological transformation of industrial structures. By providing systemic evidence on how institutional innovation converts "ecological advantages" into "developmental momentum," this research offers a vital "Chinese Template" for developing nations striving to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while balancing human prosperity and planetary health.},
}

@article {pmid42260092,
year = {2026},
author = {Waschk, P and Spiegel, P and Gessler, A and Saurer, M and Bock, BM and Hinterdobler, W and Anthony, MA},
title = {Evidence for resource transfer via common endophyte networks.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-56653-9},
pmid = {42260092},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {VRG-22-007//Vienna Science and Technology Fund VRG/ ; },
abstract = {Fungal symbionts play essential roles in ecosystems influencing plant development and biodiversity. Mycorrhizal fungi can form common mycorrhizal networks (CMNs) where a fungus connects the roots of at least two plants via continuous extraradical mycelium and transfers resources such as nitrogen and carbon. In addition to mycorrhizal fungi, there is another group of fungal mutualists known as endophytes. They also support plant development and may form common endophyte networks (CENs). Whether endophytes can transfer soil resources like nitrogen, carbon, and water through such networks remains an open question. To test this, we established a CEN experiment in split petri dishes involving Arabidopsis thaliana hosts and three phylogenetically diverse endophytes (Trichoderma viride, Mucor hiemalis, and Fusarium temperatum) to test whether resources like isotopically labelled amino acid [15]nitrogen (N), amino acid [13]carbon (C), [15]N-ammonium, or deuterated water can be transferred by donor to receiver plants connected via CENs. We show that the tested endophytes can form CENs and transfer growth limiting resources from donor plant soil to receiver plant tissues. F. temperatum boosted plant growth by 38% relative to the uninoculated control, and it enriched plant [15]N content derived from amino acids by 55%. Surprisingly, we also observed amino acid-derived [13]C transport from donor plant soil to receiver plant tissues by T. viride (+ 2.83% > control). We also demonstrate that soil resource transfer, evaluated as isotope enrichment, by all three endophytes shifted in the presence of two versus a single host plant even when root systems were physically separated to avoid competition, underscoring that endophytic functioning, not just that of plants, also shifts when CENs are formed. Our results demonstrate that non-mycorrhizal fungi, like endophytes, can form networks similar to the idea of CMNs and transfer plant growth relevant resources. Endophytes display a broad array of symbiotic functions with their hosts, and formation of CENs may be a newly discovered component of their symbiotic tool kit.},
}

@article {pmid42251744,
year = {2026},
author = {Yoshihara, S and Minakuchi, Y and Toyoda, A and Higashi, K and Fujimura, K and Minagawa, J and Tokumoto, H},
title = {Distinct Concentration-dependent dsDNA-binding Modes of a Dinoflagellate Cold Shock Domain Protein Provide Insight into Mechanisms of Nuclear Regulation.},
journal = {Plant & cell physiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/pcp/pcag075},
pmid = {42251744},
issn = {1471-9053},
abstract = {Coral reef ecosystems depend on symbiotic dinoflagellates, yet the molecular mechanisms that regulate their growth remain poorly understood. Dinoflagellates possess unusually large genomes but remarkably few transcription factors, most of which contain a cold shock domain (CSD). In this study, we investigated transcriptional responses associated with growth stimulation in the symbiotic dinoflagellate Breviolum minutum. Exposure to zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) significantly promoted cell proliferation, and transcriptome analysis identified a CSD protein gene, designated BmCSP1, as one of the few upregulated genes encoding transcription-related proteins under this growth-promoting condition. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that BmCSP1 belongs to a highly divergent dinoflagellate CSD clade. To examine its biochemical properties, we analyzed the recombinant CSD of BmCSP1 and compared it with Escherichia coli CspA. BmCSP1 bound single-stranded DNA and RNA with apparent affinities similar to those of EcCspA but exhibited stronger apparent binding to double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). Electrophoretic mobility shift assays further revealed a distinctive concentration-dependent dsDNA-binding behavior: at lower concentrations, BmCSP1 formed sharp, discrete protein-DNA complexes, whereas at higher concentrations the electrophoretic behavior of the complexes became increasingly heterogeneous. Comparative analyses using supercoiled, open circular, and linearized plasmid DNA further demonstrated that BmCSP1-dsDNA interactions are strongly influenced by DNA topology. In addition, both BmCSP1- and EcCspA-dsDNA complexes remained stable after heating to 95 °C, despite loss of dsDNA-binding activity of the free proteins above 55 °C. These findings identify BmCSP1 as a dinoflagellate CSD protein with unique topology-dependent dsDNA-binding modes and exceptional complex stability, providing new insight into how a limited repertoire of transcription factors may contribute to genome organization and transcriptional regulation in dinoflagellates.},
}

@article {pmid42251749,
year = {2026},
author = {Botana, MT and Lewis, RE and Mitchell, K and Salamin, O and Revol-Cavalier, J and Heit, E and Gamba, A and Wilkinson, SP and Rosset, SL and Oakley, CA and Nitschke, MR and Hamberg, M and Grossman, AR and Suggett, DJ and Weis, VM and Wheelock, CE and Davy, SK},
title = {Oxylipin-mediated metabolic signatures of symbiosis homeostasis and thermal stress in a model sea anemone.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ismejo/wrag143},
pmid = {42251749},
issn = {1751-7370},
abstract = {Oxylipins are oxygenated products of fatty acids proposed to exert a regulatory role in cnidarian-dinoflagellate symbiosis; however, this has not been investigated in detail. We integrated physiological measurements and molecular phenotyping with comparative transcriptome mining to examine how the symbiotic cnidarian model, the sea anemone Aiptasia (i.e., Exaiptasia diaphana), and its dinoflagellate symbiont Breviolum minutum respond to symbiosis and thermal stress. We performed lipidomics in combination with the quantification of oxylipins, including octadecanoids, eicosanoids, and docosanoids derived from C18, C20, and C22 fatty acids, respectively, and reconstructed their putative biosynthetic routes through cross-phylogenetic protein sequence homology. Relative to aposymbiotic, symbiotic anemones were enriched with omega-3 fatty acids and downstream octadecanoids of symbiont origin, consistent with inter-partner metabolite flux. Cytochrome P450-derived eicosanoids and docosanoids increased up to 300-fold in symbiotic vs. aposymbiotic anemones. Under elevated temperature, anemones showed minor changes in their physiology and lipid profiles; however, the symbiont fraction displayed multiple signatures of stress. In comparison, aposymbiotic anemones showed a 50 % reduction in protein abundance as well as structural and storage lipids, while simultaneously accumulating oxylipins linked to inflammation and oxidative stress. Our findings report novel oxylipins that have not been previously observed in dinoflagellates. We identified regulatory pathways that are conserved across cnidarians and higher metazoans, advancing our understanding of cnidarian-dinoflagellate symbiosis and its response to warming climate. We are targeting specific oxylipins and signaling pathways for further research that may aid molecular intervention strategies for selective breeding and assisted evolution to enhance coral resilience in warming oceans.},
}

@article {pmid42251962,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, S and Ao, B and Yan, Q and Wu, F and Xu, P and Duan, Z and Xiao, Y and Han, Y and Qu, Y and Zhang, J},
title = {MaWRKY76 enhances symbiotic nodulation and salt tolerance of nodulation by activating NIN in Melilotus albus.},
journal = {Journal of genetics and genomics = Yi chuan xue bao},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.jgg.2026.06.003},
pmid = {42251962},
issn = {1673-8527},
abstract = {Legumes establish mutualistic symbiosis with rhizobia to facilitate biological nitrogen fixation. However, the genetic and molecular mechanisms of symbiotic nodulation regulated by salt stress remain largely unexplored. In this study, we identify that MaWRKY76 localizes to the nucleus and possesses transcriptional activation activity in Melilotus albus. MaWRKY76 expression is strongly induced under salt stress and upregulated during nodule formation. Transgenic hairy root composite plants overexpressing MaWRKY76 enhance salt tolerance by increasing antioxidant enzyme activity and alleviating oxidative damage. Furthermore, MaWRKY76 also promotes symbiotic nodulation by directly targeting the promoter region of NODULE INCEPTION (MaNIN), a master regulator of nodule development, and activating its expression. Under salt stress, MaWRKY76 overexpression plants enhance salt tolerance of nodulation by increasing nodule numbers and upregulating MaNIN expression, whereas knockdown of MaWRKY76 produces the opposite effect. Our findings reveal that MaWRKY76 functions as a transcriptional activator of NIN in legume nodulation signaling, and serves as a regulatory node to coordinate salt stress response with symbiotic nodulation.},
}