@article {pmid42878687,
year = {2026},
author = {Hanaoka, T and Hirabayashi, I and Sugiyama, T and Nomura, K and Itani, G and Shimomura, M and Goto, R},
title = {Rediscovery of the Red-And-White Commensal Shrimp Athanopsis dentipes (Alpheidae), Revealing an Expanded Host Range Among Spoon Worms (Annelida: Thalassematidae).},
journal = {Zoological science},
volume = {43},
number = {5},
pages = {510-524},
doi = {10.2108/zs250106},
pmid = {42878687},
issn = {0289-0003},
mesh = {Animals ; Male ; Female ; Host Specificity ; Japan ; *Decapoda/physiology/classification/anatomy & histology/genetics ; Animal Distribution ; *Annelida/physiology ; },
abstract = {The commensal shrimp genus Athanopsis Coutière, 1897 (Alpheidae) includes nine species worldwide. Almost all congeners have been confirmed to be associated with spoon worms (Annelida: Thalassematidae). Athanopsis dentipes Miya, 1980 was originally described about 45 years ago based only on the male specimens collected along with the thalassematid spoon worm Anelassorhynchus cf. mucosus (Ikeda, 1904) in Kyushu Island, western Japan. However, it has never been collected since its original description. In this study, we rediscovered this species in the intertidal zone of the southern Kii Peninsula, Wakayama Prefecture, central Japan, and redescribed it based on both male and female specimens. Morphologically, this species is distinguished from its closest relative, Athanopsis australis Banner and Banner, 1982, by its ventrally straight rostrum, a large tooth at the cutting edge on the dactylus of major chela, and a small subacute tooth at the ventrolateral distal angle on the merus of third pereopod. All of the specimens were associated with thalassematid hosts, including two genera and four species of Thalassematini-i.e., Listriolobus cf. sorbillans (Lampert, 1883) and three species of Anelassorhynchus Annandale, 1922-substantially expanding the known host range of this shrimp species. The shrimps were observed to scuttle over the body surface of the host in the aquaria. One male-female pair was collected from the same host in February, and two ovigerous females were collected in February and April.},
}

Animals
Male
Female
Host Specificity
Japan
*Decapoda/physiology/classification/anatomy & histology/genetics
Animal Distribution
*Annelida/physiology

@article {pmid42879189,
year = {2026},
author = {Andrews, M and Russo, L and Hodge, S and Zhang, J},
title = {Biogeography and specificity of legume rhizobial symbiovars.},
journal = {International journal of systematic and evolutionary microbiology},
volume = {76},
number = {10},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1099/ijsem.0.007307},
pmid = {42879189},
issn = {1466-5034},
mesh = {*Fabaceae/microbiology/classification ; *Symbiosis ; *Phylogeny ; Root Nodules, Plant/microbiology ; Nitrogen Fixation ; *Rhizobium/classification/genetics/physiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Phylogeography ; },
abstract = {The majority of legume species (plant family Fabaceae) can fix atmospheric nitrogen (N2) via symbiotic bacteria (general term 'rhizobia') in root nodules. Symbiovars are defined as strains of rhizobia that can establish an N2-fixing symbiosis with distinct legume species and have specific symbiosis gene phylogenies. Here, symbiovar occurrence across rhizobial species was related to rhizobia and legume host taxonomy and geographic location of the symbiosis, and then their specificity was assessed in relation to legume species they did or did not nodulate. Sixty-eight rhizobial symbiovars occurred across 183 of the 275 described rhizobial species in all main rhizobial genera in different countries on all continents except Antarctica. Generally, individual symbiovars occurred within one rhizobial genus, but there were exceptions. Symbiovars associated with widely grown crop legume species were of different rhizobial species on different continents. Most other symbiovars occurred within rhizobial species isolated from one legume species, genus or clade/tribe in a single country. Data on legume nodulation are limited for half of the symbiovars, such that judgements on their wider specificity are not possible. However, several of these symbiovars were shown to be specific to particular legume species within a genus. All other symbiovars showed legume specificity, but this was variable. Overall, further nodulation and symbiosis gene phylogenetic studies are required to more clearly define symbiovars.},
}

*Fabaceae/microbiology/classification
*Symbiosis
*Phylogeny
Root Nodules, Plant/microbiology
Nitrogen Fixation
*Rhizobium/classification/genetics/physiology
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
DNA, Bacterial/genetics
Sequence Analysis, DNA
Phylogeography

@article {pmid42880013,
year = {2026},
author = {Rodríguez-Dobreva, E and Patel, MK and El Wahabi, O and Taboada-Ramírez, M and Martínez-Fenoll, S and Benito, B and Vicente-Carbajosa, J and Pollmann, S},
title = {Symbiosis with Penicillium sp. D7 rewires molecular modules to boost plant growth and As(III) stress tolerance.},
journal = {Plant physiology and biochemistry : PPB},
volume = {239},
number = {},
pages = {111857},
doi = {10.1016/j.plaphy.2026.111857},
pmid = {42880013},
issn = {1873-2690},
abstract = {Arsenic (As) contamination severely compromises plant growth and agricultural productivity, particularly in environments affected by mining or industrial activities. Microbial symbionts adapted to metalliferous soils represent a promising yet underexploited resource for enhancing plant tolerance to As toxicity. In this study, we isolated root-associated fungal endophytes from three plant species thriving on As-rich tailings of the Mónica mine (Bustaviejo, Spain) and identified Penicillium sp. strain D7 as a highly As-tolerant symbiont with pronounced plant growth-promoting effects. When co-cultivated with Arabidopsis thaliana, D7 significantly enhanced shoot biomass under As(III) stress by five-fold and mitigated characteristic toxicity symptoms. Transcriptome profiling revealed that D7 reprograms host hormone signalling in a tissue-specific manner: the fungus suppresses abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis and ABA-responsive stress pathways in roots, while simultaneously inducing auxin biosynthesis and signalling in shoots, consistent with improved growth performance. Furthermore, D7 elicited the coordinated induction of key components of the plant's intrinsic As detoxification machinery, including ARQ1, PCS1|CAD1, and the vacuolar transporters ABCC1 and ABCC2. Functional analyses using the cad1-3 mutant and the abcc1 abcc2 double mutant demonstrated that vacuolar sequestration of As(III) in roots is essential for D7-mediated stress tolerance, indicating that fungal colonization enhances the host's capacity for intracellular detoxification rather than reducing As uptake. Together, these results demonstrate that Penicillium sp. D7 reinforces plant resilience to As(III) by simultaneously attenuating stress perception, promoting growth-related hormonal programs, and stimulating vacuolar sequestration of As. This study highlights D7 as a promising microbial tool for supporting vegetation establishment and phytostabilization efforts in As-contaminated environments.},
}

@article {pmid42880234,
year = {2026},
author = {Shao, W and Shi, X and Guo, X and Xiang, S and Xiao, Y and Guang, X and Fang, D and Lian, X and Luo, L and Sun, Y and Xu, P and Zhuang, Y and Chen, L and Chen, X and Wen, J and Yan, M and Wang, Y and Xie, P and Mao, Y and Tang, C and Wu, J and Tian, C and Wang, Y and Zhong, L and Zhao, C and Zhao, Y and Zhang, X and Wei, T and Gu, Y and Yang, J and Liu, H and Xu, X and Wang, E},
title = {Spatiotemporal co-transcriptomics uncovers coordinated rhizobia-legume stress programs supporting nitrogen fixation in Medicago.},
journal = {Cell},
volume = {189},
number = {21},
pages = {6847-6864.e8},
doi = {10.1016/j.cell.2026.07.033},
pmid = {42880234},
issn = {1097-4172},
mesh = {*Nitrogen Fixation ; Symbiosis ; Root Nodules, Plant/metabolism/microbiology ; *Medicago truncatula/microbiology/genetics/metabolism ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism ; Transcription Factors/metabolism ; Stress, Physiological ; *Rhizobium/physiology ; *Medicago/microbiology/genetics/metabolism ; Plant Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Transcriptome ; },
abstract = {Rhizobial nitrogen fixation in legume nodules requires precise spatial and temporal coordination between host and bacterial gene expression. Here, we applied spatial enhanced resolution omics sequencing (Stereo-seq) to profile Medicago nodules across five developmental stages, generating a co-transcriptomic atlas of nodule development. Using a mixed-probe capture strategy, we simultaneously detected host and rhizobial transcripts within the same tissue sections, enabling analysis of host-microbe transcriptional coordination during symbiosis. We identified dynamic changes in host cell composition and developmental trajectories and uncovered two transcription factors, MtERF82 and MtDOF53, required for maintenance of the indeterminate nodule meristem. Rhizobial and host genes exhibited stage- and zone-specific expression patterns along the nodule apex-to-base axis. Notably, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-associated stress responses in both host cells and rhizobia were linked to symbiotic nitrogen fixation. Functional analyses further showed that MtERF71 and MtCBF1 promote nitrogen fixation by regulating ROS homeostasis and activating key symbiotic genes, highlighting stress signaling as an integral component of mutualistic symbiosis.},
}

*Nitrogen Fixation
Symbiosis
Root Nodules, Plant/metabolism/microbiology
*Medicago truncatula/microbiology/genetics/metabolism
Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism
Transcription Factors/metabolism
Stress, Physiological
*Rhizobium/physiology
*Medicago/microbiology/genetics/metabolism
Plant Proteins/metabolism/genetics
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
Transcriptome

@article {pmid42880259,
year = {2026},
author = {Prout, J and Burgess, J and Williams, A and Morales, V and Pressel, S and Ton, J and Field, KJ},
title = {Mucoromycotina fine root endophyte engages in a nutritionally mutualistic symbiosis with Arabidopsis thaliana.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2026.09.061},
pmid = {42880259},
issn = {1879-0445},
abstract = {Arabidopsis thaliana, a widely used genetic model species, is considered incapable of forming mycorrhizal associations, which support nutrient acquisition in most other land plants. Mucoromycotina "fine root endophytes" (MFREs) are a recently characterized group of mycorrhizal fungi capable of forming nutritional mutualisms with a wide range of plants, supplying nitrogen and phosphorus to host plants and gaining access to photosynthetically derived carbon. Here, we demonstrate that a wild-isolated MFRE strain, Lyc-1, successfully colonizes Arabidopsis roots under monoaxenic conditions without affecting plant growth. Using a combination of conventional light and epifluorescence microscopy, we demonstrate extensive extra- and intraradical colonization of the root cortex. Stable- and radio-isotope tracing further revealed bidirectional nutrient exchange between the host plant and the fungus. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a functional, mycorrhiza-like nutritional mutualism in Arabidopsis. As Arabidopsis lacks a complete set of common symbiosis signaling pathway genes, our findings suggest that Arabidopsis-Lyc-1 symbiosis may be controlled by an alternative, so far uncharacterized, symbiotic pathway. Thus, our study not only supports the existence of multiple evolutionary routes to plant-fungal nutritional mutualisms but also establishes Arabidopsis as a genetically tractable model to study plant-fungal symbiosis, thereby opening new opportunities to dissect the molecular basis and evolution of mycorrhizal symbioses.},
}

@article {pmid42881172,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, W and Luo, M and Tan, Y and Yan, L and Liao, T and Liu, W and Liu, F and Chen, Z and Yao, J and Liang, X and Fang, Y and Wang, S and Ke, Y and Suwardi, A and Yuen, ACY and Tan, SC and Ravi, SK},
title = {Symbiotic heat sharing in MOF-based atmospheric water generators for battery thermal management and sorbent regeneration.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42881172},
issn = {2041-1723},
abstract = {Atmospheric water harvesting (AWH) is limited by the high energy demand for sorbent regeneration, while battery thermal management dissipates substantial low-grade heat unused. Here, we propose a thermally symbiotic architecture integrating these systems. Battery discharge waste heat regenerates a MOF-303 sorbent layer via desorption, while the sorption process passively stabilizes battery temperature. The sorbent's regeneration enthalpy aligns with the battery's thermal output, triggering desorption under -12 to -20 A discharge. Within 46 min, the MOF exceeds 50 °C, releasing vapor for condensation in a sealed setup. Concurrently, sorption extracts heat from the battery, reducing peak temperatures by ~10 °C. Notably, this integrated system achieves a water production rate of 1.39 g g[-1] day[-1], a 117% increase over solar-driven counterparts. Finite-element simulations validate the heat transfer dynamics and identify key thermal efficiency parameters. This work establishes a closed-loop thermal cycle that repurposes energy-storage waste heat to power AWH, enabling sorbent regeneration without solar heating. The strategy offers a pathway to enhance thermal efficiency across various energy and environmental systems through internal heat recovery.},
}

@article {pmid42883052,
year = {2026},
author = {Chetverikov, PE},
title = {Two New Novophytoptus Species (Acariformes, Eriophyoidea) from Chile and a Novel Hypothesis on the Functioning of the Eriophyoid Digestive System.},
journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI},
volume = {16},
number = {19},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ani16193083},
pmid = {42883052},
issn = {2076-2615},
support = {125013001089-0//Zoological Institute/ ; },
abstract = {Endoparasitism is a highly specialized form of symbiosis, prominently manifested among phytophagous eriophyoid mites in the genus Novophytoptus Roivainen 1947. These mites have been traditionally thought to be restricted to the subepidermal lacunae of herbaceous monocots of the order Poales, which they penetrate to feed and reproduce. Based on surveys in Chile, two new species of Novophytoptus are described: N. cyperin. sp. from Cyperus eragrostis (Cyperaceae) and N. eryngiin. sp. from Eryngium paniculatum (Apiaceae), with the latter representing the first record of Novophytoptus from a eudicot host. In accordance with the concept of "ecological fitting", this unexpected association can be explained by the morphological similarity of E. paniculatum leaves with sedges, suggesting that convergent host morphology may drive host-switching between phylogenetically distant plant taxa across Eriophyoidea. Beyond taxonomy, modeling of Novophytoptus revealed a high volumetric disproportion (211-fold) between the microcapillary oesophagus and the massive midgut, along with a high body surface-area-to-volume ratio (~0.134 µm[-1]). Combined with structural constraints of musculature and intestine morphology, these findings challenge the traditional concept of mechanical pharyngeal pumping in Eriophyoidea. Alternatively, fluid ingestion is hypothesized to be driven by a synergy of an endodermal osmotic gradient and cuticular transpiration.},
}

@article {pmid42883356,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, Y and Zhao, Y and Liu, R and Wang, S and Li, Y},
title = {Nodulation Signaling Pathway 2: A Proposed Multifunctional Signaling Hub for Coordinating Plant Architecture, Rhizosphere Chemistry, and Symbiotic Associations Under Nutrient Stress.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {15},
number = {19},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biology15191683},
pmid = {42883356},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {ZR2023QC016, ZR2025QC238//Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation/ ; 318052288//Liaocheng University/ ; 32400282//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Under nutrient stress, plants adjust shoot branching, root remodeling, and symbiotic associations to optimize survival and growth. The GRAS-type transcription factor NODULATION SIGNALING PATHWAY 2 (NSP2) participates in these responses through context-dependent interactions with partners: NSP1, MYB40, and SLR1, and is indirectly repressed by SMAX1 via NSP1 and SLR1. NSP2 functions differ among species: it directly binds DNA in rice (Oryza sativa) strigolactone (SL) biosynthesis, whereas in M. truncatula it acts as a co-regulator in nodulation and flavonoid regulation, with NSP1 or MYB40 providing DNA-binding activity; the NSP2-MYB module also appears conserved in barley (Hordeum vulgare). Through these partnerships, NSP2 is proposed to coordinate three interconnected modules influencing plant architecture, rhizosphere chemistry, and symbiotic associations. The NSP1-NSP2 heterodimer activates SL biosynthesis under phosphate deficiency, remodeling root/shoot architecture and balancing N/P uptake in rice. The NSP1-NSP2-SLR1-SMAX1 quaternary module integrates phosphate, gibberellin, and karrikin signals to orchestrate arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis in rice. Under nitrogen limitation and rhizobial infection, the NSP2-MYB40 module enhances flavonoid biosynthesis to promote rhizobial nodulation in Medicago truncatula. These findings suggest that the NSP2-centered network could be targeted to improve nutrient-use efficiency, although further field validation is required.},
}

@article {pmid42883902,
year = {2026},
author = {Provorov, NA and Kurchak, N and Onishchuk, OP and Evsyukov, IV and Chizhevskaya, EP and Aksenova, TS and Kimeklis, AK and Gladkov, GV and Goncharova, AA and Pinaev, AG and Andronov, EE},
title = {Post-Release Changes of the Goat's Rue Rhizobia (Neorhizobium galegae bv. orientalis) Genomes in the Field: Prospects for Breeding the Symbiotically Effective Strains.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {27},
number = {19},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms27198656},
pmid = {42883902},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {Agreement of May 29, 2025 No. 075-15-2025-472//the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis/genetics ; *Genome, Bacterial ; *Rhizobium/genetics ; Root Nodules, Plant/microbiology ; Fabaceae/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Root nodule bacteria (rhizobia) fixing N2 in cooperation with legumes are broadly used for improving production of these plants inoculated with strains selected for high symbiotic activity. These bacteria are characterized by enormous evolutionary plasticity based on genomic rearrangements and horizontal gene transfer. However, this native plasticity is still poorly used for symbiotic improvement of the inoculant strains. In the presented paper, we analyzed genomic structure and symbiotic efficacy in ten clones isolated from nodules formed by the highly effective strain Gr30-13 of goat's rue rhizobia (Neorhizobium galegae bv. orientalis) on the host plant (Galega orientalis) grown for 1 or 2 years in the soil devoid of aboriginal populations of this rhizobia species. The genome analysis based on nanopore sequencing technology revealed different genomic rearrangements (IS transpositions, tandem duplications) in three clones, which exceed the remaining six clones in symbiotic efficiency. One clone with two tandem duplications in its genome significantly outperformed the initial strain in symbiotic efficiency by more than 35%. We tentatively suggest that the enhanced symbiotic efficiency may be linked to the detected genomic changes; if confirmed, such effects could be described as the "self-improvement" of rhizobia, driven by genomic plasticity and subsequent selection under field conditions. The presented model experiment suggests a new approach for breeding programs using nature-like technology based on the spontaneous genetic variability of symbiotically active rhizobia.},
}

*Symbiosis/genetics
*Genome, Bacterial
*Rhizobium/genetics
Root Nodules, Plant/microbiology
Fabaceae/microbiology

@article {pmid42871426,
year = {2026},
author = {Millar, N and Coyne, C and Porter, S},
title = {Positive Genetic Correlation Between Yield and Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation in Pea.},
journal = {Evolutionary applications},
volume = {19},
number = {10},
pages = {e70330},
pmid = {42871426},
issn = {1752-4571},
abstract = {Crop improvement can enhance food security, but side effects, such as trade-offs between valuable agronomic traits, are common. Likewise, fertilisation helps ensure high yields but can devalue mutualisms with soil microbes that would otherwise be essential for nutrient acquisition. If the need for nutritional mutualisms is reduced in crops, mutualisms could be disrupted by selection relaxation or allocation trade-offs. Thus, crops could achieve high yields despite or because of, disruption of nutritional mutualisms. Alternatively, the highest-yielding plants might flourish because they maximise nutrient acquisition from both symbionts and the soil. Here, enhanced mutualism could evolve over the course of agricultural crop improvement. To investigate whether high yields in cultivars and wild accessions are negatively or positively genetically correlated with outcomes in the legume-rhizobia mutualism, we measured whether yield and symbiosis traits trade off or are positively genetically correlated among cultivars and wild accessions. We measured genetic correlations between yield and mutualism traits in 87 domesticated pea (Pisum sativum) accessions released before or after 1950 in a common garden agricultural field across 3 years. Seed yield and N2 fixation were positively genetically correlated in both pre- and post-1950 accessions. Thus, despite recent selection for pea cultivars with high yields in fertile agricultural conditions, this positive genetic correlation has been maintained. Our findings predict that breeding efforts have the potential to increase both yield and symbiotic nitrogen fixation in pea, enhancing symbiotic mutualism and reducing the proportion of N supplied by fertilisation.},
}

@article {pmid42873362,
year = {2026},
author = {Vinod, A and Ravindran, M and Joseph, P and Raju, A and Aswathy, AR and John, N and Karumamkandathil, R and Uthup, TK},
title = {Impact of macronutrients and monsoon on the AM fungal community structure within lateral root systems of Hevea brasiliensis.},
journal = {World journal of microbiology & biotechnology},
volume = {42},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {42873362},
issn = {1573-0972},
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; *Hevea/microbiology/growth & development ; *Plant Roots/microbiology ; *Nutrients/metabolism/analysis ; Seasons ; Soil Microbiology ; Phylogeny ; Biodiversity ; Phosphorus/metabolism ; Nitrogen/metabolism ; *Mycobiome ; Soil/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are important root symbionts that enhance nutrient acquisition, water uptake, stress tolerance, and soil ecosystem functioning in terrestrial plants. In perennial plantation systems like Hevea brasiliensis, understanding the dynamics of root-associated AMF communities under varying seasonal and nutrient conditions is essential for developing sustainable nutrient management strategies, particularly in emerging rubber growing regions. In the present study, we investigated the, composition, diversity, and seasonal dynamics of AMF communities directly associated with the roots of 12 year old H. brasiliensis plants maintained under long term nutrient withdrawal treatments. AMF specific barcoding regions were selectively amplified and sequenced from root samples collected during pre- and post-monsoon seasons. Species level analysis revealed seasonal differences in AMF community structure, with post-monsoon samples having comparatively higher abundance and species richness. Pre-monsoon communities were largely dominated by members of the Glomeraceae, whereas post-monsoon samples showed greater phylogenetic diversity, including representatives of Diversisporaceae, Acaulosporaceae, and Entrophosporaceae. Nutrient omission treatments showed variation in root AMF community composition with respect to the availability of phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. The treatment specific occurrence of Acaulospora scrobiculata, Entrophospora infrequens, Acaulospora fragilissima, and Dominikia bernensis identified them as potential candidates for further ecological investigation under nutrient deficient conditions, whereas the consistent occurrence of Glomus, Rhizophagus intraradices, Dominikia disticha, and Dominikia gansuensis across multiple treatments suggests that they may constitute a core component of the symbiotic fungal community within rubber roots. Overall, the findings suggest that seasonal changes and nutrient stoichiometry may be associated with variation in root-associated AMF community structure in Hevea. The study also identified candidate AMF species for further investigation toward sustainable rubber cultivation under changing tropical conditions.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
*Hevea/microbiology/growth & development
*Plant Roots/microbiology
*Nutrients/metabolism/analysis
Seasons
Soil Microbiology
Phylogeny
Biodiversity
Phosphorus/metabolism
Nitrogen/metabolism
*Mycobiome
Soil/chemistry

@article {pmid42874192,
year = {2026},
author = {Wu, L and Xu, J and Xu, J and Wang, C and van Loosdrecht, MCM and Xiao, L and Peng, Y},
title = {Light-driven algal-bacterial granular sludge enables high-rate anammox for mature landfill leachate treatment.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {309},
number = {Pt A},
pages = {127042},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2026.127042},
pmid = {42874192},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {Mature landfill leachate with high NH4[+]-N, low C/N and a need for deep nitrogen removal requires cost-effective solutions. In this study, an algal-bacterial granular sludge (ABGS) system was developed to address the limitations associated with slow-growing anaerobic ammonium-oxidising bacteria (AnAOB) and establish a functionally diverse microbial consortium under low C/N, sulfate-containing conditions. After 150 days of operation with synthetic wastewater simulating mature landfill leachate, stable ABGS was obtained, comprising Chlorella, ammonia-oxidising bacteria (AOB), AnAOB, heterotrophic denitrifying bacteria (HDB), sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and sulfur-oxidising bacteria (SOB). Without mechanical aeration, Chlorella-derived photosynthetic oxygen supported AOB-driven partial nitrification, enabling PN/A-dominated nitrogen removal accompanied by nitrate-to-nitrite recycling and sulfur transformation. The system achieved 98.27% total inorganic nitrogen removal efficiency (TINRE) and a nitrogen removal rate (NRR) of 393.08 mg N/(L·d). AnAOB reached a total abundance of 2.8%, including Candidatus Brocadia, Candidatus Kuenenia and Candidatus Anammoxoglobus, with Nitrosomonas as the principal AOB genus and Thiobacillus as an enriched sulfur-related genus. A subsequent 10-day real-leachate shock test demonstrated short-term resilience, with average NH4[+]-N and TIN removal efficiencies of 92.3% and 88.9%, respectively. This work provides a new approach to anammox-based nitrogen removal and simultaneous organic carbon reduction in mature landfill leachate treatment.},
}

@article {pmid42874588,
year = {2026},
author = {Fletcher, J and Wang, H and Zhang, K and Chen, X and Barry, K and Kuo, A and Lipzen, A and Steindorff, A and Peterson, D and Guo, J and Grigoriev, IV and Chen, F and Liao, HL and Branco, S},
title = {A North American mycorrhizal fungus displays zinc tolerance intraspecific variation and protects pines from zinc toxicity.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2026.09.050},
pmid = {42874588},
issn = {1879-0445},
abstract = {Soil zinc (Zn) pollution, largely caused by anthropogenic activities such as mining and metal processing, can disrupt metabolism and reproduction, often leading to death. Some fungi can tolerate elevated Zn concentrations, but the mechanisms of Zn tolerance and if and how they affect symbionts are still unclear. To fill these gaps in knowledge, we investigated Zn tolerance in the ectomycorrhizal fungus Suillus tomentosus and its host pine Pinus contorta, two widespread symbiotic partners in American Western forests. Using a combination of whole-genome resequencing, in vitro Zn fungal assays, fungal-pine partner bioassays, transcriptomics, and metabolomics, we found an absence of S. tomentosus population structure based on Zn tolerance, and that the trait is highly polygenic, constitutive, and associated with Zn exclusion and antioxidant responses to mitigate toxicity. We also found that S. tomentosus protects P. contorta from Zn toxicity by increasing seedling performance under Zn stress, with Zn-tolerant S. tomentosus providing slightly more benefit compared with Zn-sensitive S. tomentosus. Our results illustrate that fungal metal tolerance is a complex trait, and that intraspecific variation should be considered for understanding the impacts of environmental stress on biodiversity, as well as for designing effective biotechnological tools and conservation/reforestation strategies.},
}

@article {pmid42875116,
year = {2026},
author = {Díaz Escandón, D and Acton, A and Coppins, BJ and Thai, T and Spribille, T},
title = {The lichen symbiont Wadeana represents an independent origin of hysterothecial fungi in the Eurotiomycetes.},
journal = {Fungal biology},
volume = {130},
number = {7},
pages = {101841},
doi = {10.1016/j.funbio.2026.101841},
pmid = {42875116},
issn = {1878-6146},
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; Phylogeny ; *Lichens/microbiology/physiology ; *Ascomycota/classification/genetics/physiology/isolation & purification ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; DNA, Fungal/genetics/chemistry ; Genome, Fungal ; },
abstract = {The genus Wadeana was erected almost fifty years ago to accommodate an unusual pair of lichen fungal symbionts with hysterothecial ascomata and polysporous asci associated with the algal genus Trentepohlia. The evolutionary position of Wadeana has long been unclear, and the genus has variably been treated as a dothideomycete, as incertae sedis or, recently, within the subclass Acarosporomycetidae of the Lecanoromycetes. Here we present multilocus evidence from metagenome-assembled genomes from the generitype, Wadeana dendrographa, that place it with strong support as sister to all genera currently treated in the order Sclerococcales in the subclass Sclerococcomycetidae of the Eurotiomycetes. Wadeana represents the first confirmed case of hysterothecial ascomata in Eurotiomycetes. We compare evidence for its status as a lichen symbiosis with examples of fungal-algal interactions in other members of the Sclerococcomycetidae. Finally, we also describe a new family (Wadeanaceae) and order (Wadeanales) to accommodate Wadeana and a new subclass (Xylobotryomycetidae) to accommodate the order Xylobotryales in the Eurotiomycetes.},
}

*Symbiosis
Phylogeny
*Lichens/microbiology/physiology
*Ascomycota/classification/genetics/physiology/isolation & purification
Sequence Analysis, DNA
DNA, Fungal/genetics/chemistry
Genome, Fungal

@article {pmid42877647,
year = {2026},
author = {Bartolewska, M and Kosik-Kozioł, A and Krysiak, ZJ and Nakielski, P and Liguori, A and Louise He, L and Voyer, A and Focarete, ML and Schiffman, JD and Pierini, F},
title = {Kombucha Bacterial Cellulose Obtained from Tea Fermentation for Biomedical Applications.},
journal = {ACS applied engineering materials},
volume = {4},
number = {9},
pages = {4506-4525},
pmid = {42877647},
issn = {2771-9545},
abstract = {The symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) driving kombucha tea fermentation produces a cellulose pellicle with remarkable promise for biomedical applications. Unlike well-studied bacterial cellulose (BC), which is produced by single-strain cultures, the underexplored kombucha-derived bacterial cellulose (KBC) can be produced from agro-industrial waste streams and at low capital cost. This review provides an overview of the great potential of KBC for biomedical applications. First, discussions on the cooperative interactions between bacterial and yeast species within the SCOBY consortium that drive the self-assembled production of cellulose at an air-liquid interface are provided. This is followed by an examination of the influence of carbon source, fermentation conditions, and post-processing on KBC yield, crystallinity, porosity, mechanical properties, and water retention. Physical and chemical modification strategies used to tune KBC behavior are then summarized, including silver (Ag) and gold (Au) functionalization, diisocyanate crosslinking, and incorporation as a nanofiller in biodegradable polymer composites. The applications section focuses on wound dressings and antimicrobial platforms, followed by tissue engineering scaffolds suitable for 3D printing and KBC's role as a drug delivery vehicle. The main barriers to clinical translation are discussed, including limitations in reproducibility linked to undefined SCOBY composition, limited long-term in vivo studies, and the absence of a clear regulatory pathway for functionalized KBC and composites.},
}

@article {pmid42877932,
year = {2026},
author = {Quijano, JB and Tayaban, KM and Baquiran, JIP and Maala, GJ and Requilme, JNC and Sayco, SLG and Dolorosa, RG and Cabaitan, PC and Conaco, C},
title = {Host and Environment Shape the Giant Clam-Associated Photosymbiont Community.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {16},
number = {10},
pages = {e74492},
doi = {10.1002/ece3.74492},
pmid = {42877932},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Giant clams are some of the largest bivalve mollusks. They form a vital partnership with Symbiodiniaceae dinoflagellates that supply most of their energetic requirements. However, the factors that shape giant clam-associated photosymbiont communities remain unknown. Here, we profiled Symbiodiniaceae communities using ITS2 metabarcoding in eight giant clam species (Hippopus hippopus, H. porcellanus, Tridacna crocea, T. derasa, T. gigas, T. maxima, T. noae, and T. squamosa) from 11 sites across the Philippine archipelago. Symbiodiniaceae community structure was shaped by an interplay between giant clam host and environment. Most giant clams were dominated by members of a single symbiont genus, with Cladocopium as the most prevalent, followed by Durusdinium and Symbiodinium. However, giant clam hosts also exhibited flexibility in their symbiotic partners that was evident across sites. Differences in giant clam-associated symbiont communities may contribute to differences in holobiont function and adaptability to variable environments. These findings deepen our understanding of giant clam-Symbiodiniaceae associations, offering a framework for predicting how giant clams may be affected by increasingly stressful reef conditions and, more importantly, informing strategies to improve mariculture and conservation practices.},
}

@article {pmid42878457,
year = {2026},
author = {Löthgren, E and Rädecker, N and Gaedke, U and Klauschies, T},
title = {Dynamic nutrient competition (de-)stabilizes photosymbiosis.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0063126},
doi = {10.1128/msystems.00631-26},
pmid = {42878457},
issn = {2379-5077},
abstract = {Photosymbioses between heterotrophic hosts and phototrophic symbionts are critical to productivity in oligotrophic aquatic ecosystems. The ecological success of this relationship is rooted in the efficient metabolic exchange between symbiotic partners, yet this nutritional dependency may render these systems highly sensitive to anthropogenic changes. Recent studies suggest that competitive partitioning of nutrients between partners is critical for the maintenance and regulation of symbiotic interactions. However, a solid theoretical foundation for the nutritional regulation of photosymbioses is still lacking. Thus, we designed a mechanistic population model to investigate whether observed ecological dynamics of photosymbioses can be explained by competition for the same limiting nutrient within the holobiont. Our model gives rise to a bistable system where a disturbance in nutrient competition can shift the symbiosis from a "symbiotic" state of efficient carbon recycling between the two partners into a "dysbiotic" state where no photosynthates are allocated to the host. We show that environmental factors such as temperature and nutrient availability, as well as symbiont traits such as nutrient-assimilation rates, may affect the sensitivity of the system to such disturbances. Critically, this nutritional regulation results in a trade-off in which the traits that enhance the fitness of symbiotic partners under stable conditions also enhance their susceptibility to environmental change. The model results reveal that nutrient competition is sufficient to explain ecological dynamics of establishment and initial breakdown of the symbiosis, and provide key insights into an evolutionary trajectory that favors productivity over heat resistance.IMPORTANCEPhotosymbiosis, the partnership between heterotrophic hosts and phototrophic symbionts, is a cornerstone of evolutionary innovation that sustains biodiversity from tropical coral reefs to temperate lakes. Despite their evolutionary success, these associations are surprisingly susceptible to anthropogenic change. By developing a universal population growth model, we demonstrate that the very metabolic interactions that sustain their immense productivity also create an inherent sensitivity to anthropogenic stress. We show that the competition for essential nutrients within the partnership makes the most productive symbioses the most vulnerable to breakdown. This work provides a mechanistic framework to predict how global change threatens the stability of these vital ecological cornerstones, offering a new lens through which to understand and mitigate symbiotic collapse.},
}

@article {pmid42865499,
year = {2026},
author = {Liang, L and Zhao, PY and He, HD and Yi, TC and Jin, DC},
title = {Mitogenomic Insights Into the Ancient Split and Cryptic Diversity of the Poecilochirus carabi Complex (Acari: Mesostigmata).},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {16},
number = {10},
pages = {e74501},
pmid = {42865499},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Phoretic associations with insects are widespread in the Mesostigmata. These temporary symbiotic associations have been important in driving the evolutionary development of this taxon. The phoretic mite genus Poecilochirus, which is considered obligately associated with burying beetles, is of great value in forensic entomology. However, due to the morphological conservatism and the difficulty of obtaining adult specimens, the taxonomy of this genus has long been based on deutonymphal characters, and the true species diversity is far from resolved. Here we used next-generation sequencing to determine, for the first time, the complete mitochondrial genomes of P. austroasiaticus, P. subterraneus, and two distinct lineages of P. carabi (BJ1 and BJ2). All the sequenced mitogenomes contain 37 genes with a gene order identical to that of the ancestral arthropod arrangement and they all show pronounced AT bias and negative GC skew. All 13 protein-coding genes are under strong purifying selection (Ka/Ks < 1). Sliding window analysis identifies nad2 and nad5 as nucleotide diversity hotspots, which could serve as high-resolution markers for future species delimitation. Phylogenetic reconstruction tentatively recovered Poecilochirus as paraphyletic with Parasitus nested within it (ML = 44%, BI = 0.982), while Parasitinae and Pergamasinae are not reciprocally monophyletic. The cox1 genetic distance between P. carabi BJ1 and BJ2 reached 0.409, with both mPTP and ASAP analyses of the mitogenomic dataset partitioning them into separate candidate molecular operational taxonomic units. Bayesian divergence time estimation revealed that the two lineages diverged in the Eocene about 52.4 million years ago (Ma), before the split between the morphologically recognized species P. subterraneus and P. davydovae (39.0 Ma). Our results give strong molecular evidence for cryptic speciation within the P. carabi complex and provide a solid genomic foundation for the future systematic and taxonomic research in the Parasitidae.},
}

@article {pmid42865644,
year = {2026},
author = {Weijola, V and Nielsen, LF and Fuchs, B},
title = {Could ergothioneine serve as an indicator of functional plant-AMF interactions in crop plants?.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1894503},
pmid = {42865644},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Improving the functional benefits of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) is considered an important part of developing more sustainable and resilient crop production systems. However, the outcomes of AMF symbioses vary substantially depending on environmental conditions, soil fertility, fungal community composition, and host genotype. Even among varieties of the same crop species, responses to AMF colonization can differ considerably, yet methods for quantifying functional plant-AMF interactions remain labour-intensive and often fail to capture symbiotic efficiency directly. Here, we propose that ergothioneine (EGT), a sulfur-containing antioxidant amino acid whose accumulation in plants appears to be strongly influenced by AMF-associated pathways, may serve as an integrated biochemical indicator of functional AMF-mediated nutrient exchange. We hypothesize that variation in plant EGT accumulation between crop varieties reflects differences in the regulation and functional performance of plant-AMF interactions, possibly including symbiotic signalling, carbon allocation, nutrient exchange efficiency, and/or rhizosphere microbial dynamics. We present new results showing differences in grain EGT concentration among five spring wheat varieties, supporting the possibility that host genotype influences AMF-associated EGT accumulation. We discuss potential mechanisms underlying these differences, evaluate alternative explanations, and outline experimental approaches for testing the relationship between EGT accumulation and functional plant-AMF interactions. If validated, EGT quantification could provide a scalable and straightforward approach for identifying crop genotypes with enhanced responsiveness to AMF-mediated nutrient acquisition, with potential applications in breeding and management strategies for low-input and ecologically sustainable agriculture.},
}

@article {pmid42865758,
year = {2026},
author = {Yi, X and Ma, Z},
title = {Beyond phosphate uptake: PT4/PT11 as key functional components linking phosphate acquisition, nutrient exchange, and arbuscule maintenance in arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1966117},
pmid = {42865758},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Phosphorus is an essential macronutrient for plant growth and development, yet its availability in many soils is limited by strong chemical fixation and low mobility. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis provides an important biological strategy for improving plant phosphate acquisition by establishing specialized arbuscules within root cortical cells, where reciprocal nutrient exchange occurs across the periarbuscular membrane (PAM). Among the phosphate transporter families involved in this process, the mycorrhiza-specific PHT1 transporters PT4 in Medicago truncatula and PT11 in Oryza sativa are major components of the mycorrhizal phosphate uptake pathway and are required for efficient phosphate acquisition and the maintenance of functional arbuscules. Genetic and physiological studies further indicate that disruption of PT4/PT11-mediated phosphate transport is closely associated with premature arbuscule degeneration and impaired symbiotic performance, highlighting a functional link between phosphate uptake, nutrient exchange, and arbuscule maintenance. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying PT4/PT11 function and regulation during AM symbiosis. We first compare mycorrhiza-specific phosphate transporters across plant species and discuss their localization, transport properties, and contributions to the mycorrhizal Pi uptake pathway. We then examine the multilayered regulatory network controlling PT4/PT11 expression, including the common symbiosis signaling pathway, calcium-dependent signaling, CYCLOPS-RAM1-centered transcriptional regulation, AP2/ERF-family regulators, hormone-associated regulation, and systemic phosphate-sensing pathways. Particular attention is given to the functional coupling between PT4/PT11-mediated phosphate uptake and other components of reciprocal nutrient exchange, including carbon and lipid transfer, proton extrusion, and arbuscule maintenance. We further discuss how impairment of phosphate transport through PT4/PT11 affects arbuscule integrity and the physiological conditions of the plant-fungus interface. Based on available genetic and physiological evidence, we propose a working model in which PT4/PT11-mediated phosphate uptake contributes to maintaining a favorable interfacial phosphate environment and efficient nutrient exchange, thereby supporting arbuscule function and longevity. Importantly, current evidence does not demonstrate that PT4/PT11 possess a transport-independent function or directly transmit signals through interactions with downstream signaling components. The mechanisms linking transporter activity, local phosphate status, nutrient exchange, and arbuscule maintenance therefore remain to be experimentally resolved. Finally, we highlight emerging approaches, including single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, proximity labeling, transport-defective mutants, and genome editing, that may distinguish transport-dependent from potential transport-independent functions of PT4/PT11. Understanding these mechanisms may provide a conceptual and practical foundation for exploiting AM symbiosis to improve phosphorus-use efficiency, reduce dependence on mineral phosphate fertilizers, and develop more sustainable crop production systems.},
}

@article {pmid42865895,
year = {2026},
author = {Sultana, R and Saxena, K and Pal, KK and Dey, R and Imam, Z and Vales, MI and Parveen, R and Sinha, S and Bhadana, VP and Hingane, AJ and P S, B and Khan, MIR and Reddy, KS},
title = {Waterlogging tolerance in pigeonpea: current understanding of physiological responses, genetic resources, and genomic prospects.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1923994},
pmid = {42865895},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Waterlogging is an escalating threat to pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.) production in tropical and subtropical regions, where increasingly erratic monsoon rainfall and poorly drained Vertisols frequently expose crops to root-zone hypoxia during germination and early vegetative growth. Waterlogging in pigeonpea has historically been associated with substantial production losses in affected areas; however, the magnitude of these losses depends on stress duration, developmental stage, genotype, environmental conditions, and post-stress recovery. Oxygen deprivation disrupts root respiration, energy metabolism, and symbiotic nitrogen fixation, yet the mechanistic basis of tolerance remains poorly resolved. This review distinguishes experimentally supported physiological and anatomical responses from transcriptome-derived molecular hypotheses through a five-tier evidence-classification framework (Categories I-V). Experimental studies provide Category I evidence for traits associated with waterlogging tolerance, including cortical aerenchyma formation, hypertrophied lenticels, adventitious rooting, enhanced fermentative metabolism, and antioxidant enzyme activity in tolerant genotypes. Transcriptomic and genomic resources identify putative candidate gene families, but no candidate gene has been functionally validated in pigeonpea through gene editing, transgenic analysis, or expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) mapping. Phenotypic screening has identified promising tolerant germplasm, including ICPL 20241, ICP 5028, and ICPH 2740, providing resources for breeding. We propose priorities for strengthening the evidence base: standardized multi-stage phenotyping, temporally resolved transcriptomics, QTL mapping, functional validation of candidate genes, and integrated multi-omics approaches. This evidence-based framework provides a roadmap for moving from observed tolerance mechanisms toward experimentally validated molecular targets and their deployment in climate-resilient pigeonpea breeding.},
}

@article {pmid42866859,
year = {2026},
author = {Song, J and Hao, X and Chen, J and Wang, S},
title = {Mechanisms for the formation and maintenance of microhabitat self-organization in the root system of orchid.},
journal = {Frontiers in genetics},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1809943},
pmid = {42866859},
issn = {1664-8021},
abstract = {Orchid species, globally valued for their ornamental qualities, serve as a model system for studying plant-microbe symbiosis. Most orchid species establish characteristic mycorrhizal associations, with their root microhabitats playing pivotal roles in host growth, development, and ecological adaptation through dynamic soil-plant-microbe interactions. Despite their ecological importance, orchid species remain underrepresented in symbiosis research compared to other plant. This paper reviews recent research advances on the formation and maintenance mechanisms of root microhabitat self-organization in orchids (Orchidaceae). The review covers the techniques and methodologies for orchid root microhabitat research, the relationship between orchid roots and rhizosphere soil, the relationship between orchid endophytic and rhizosphere microorganisms and rhizosphere soil, the relationship between orchid roots and endophytic and rhizosphere microorganisms, the tripartite interaction among orchid roots, rhizosphere soil and endophytic/rhizosphere microorganisms, as well as the relationship between root exudates, microbial metabolites and soil biofilms. The mechanisms underlying orchid root-soil-microorganism interactions are discussed. On this basis, the concept and relevant theories of orchid root microhabitat self-organization are proposed, and the formation and maintenance mechanisms of this self-organization process are elaborated. Finally, the prospects for future research on orchid root microhabitat self-organization are presented. This paper aims to provide references for the research on plant root microhabitat self-organization, as well as the conservation and utilization of orchid resources.},
}

@article {pmid42870422,
year = {2026},
author = {Wani, KI and Manzoor, MA and Aftab, T and Wang, Z and Brewer, PB},
title = {Emerging Paradigms in Strigolactone Biosynthesis, Signaling, and Evolutionary Dynamics.},
journal = {Plant communications},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {102150},
doi = {10.1016/j.xplc.2026.102150},
pmid = {42870422},
issn = {2590-3462},
abstract = {Originally identified as root-derived exudates that trigger the germination of parasitic weed seeds, strigolactones (SLs) were later discovered to be crucial facilitators of plant symbiotic associations with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and then found to be a bona fide plant hormone class in 2008. Thereafter, SLs have been revealed as versatile regulators of plant development, regulating processes as diverse as shoot branching, root architecture, leaf senescence, vasculature formation, and stem secondary growth. Beyond these developmental roles, they function as signaling molecules, enabling plants to adapt to and withstand environmental stresses. This review focuses on the evolutionary diversification of SL biosynthesis and perception, emphasizing how pathway specialization, receptor remodeling, hydrolysis, and downstream signaling generate distinct endogenous and interorganismal functions. It details the complex biosynthetic pathway of SLs, highlighting key enzymes that work together to convert carotenoid precursors into the diverse SLs. The review then explores SL signaling mechanisms, emphasizing the receptor DWARF14 and its interactions with downstream components, such as DWARF53 proteins, which influence how plants perceive and respond to SLs. It also examines the evolutionary aspects of SL biosynthesis and signaling, especially their dual roles in promoting plant-microbe symbiosis and regulating hormone activity. This comprehensive update enhances our understanding of SL functions at the molecular and ecological levels. Moreover, the review discusses the relationship between SLs and karrikins, focusing on DWARF14 and the KARRIKIN INSENSITIVE 2 receptor, and explores potential applications of SLs in agriculture to improve crop resilience and yields. This in-depth account of how SLs operate as master regulators in plant life provides insights into both their evolutionary significance and their potential utility in agriculture.},
}

@article {pmid42870747,
year = {2026},
author = {Bravo, ME and Schiariti, A and Capitanio, FL and Lacoste, FF and Mabragaña, E},
title = {Riding a phantom: Rudderfish (Centrolophus niger) with a giant deep-sea jellyfish (Stygiomedusa gigantea) off Argentina.},
journal = {Ecology},
volume = {107},
number = {10},
pages = {e70542},
doi = {10.1002/ecy.70542},
pmid = {42870747},
issn = {1939-9170},
support = {//Schmidt Ocean Institute/ ; CAP-2023-1502//G20 Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP)/ ; },
}

@article {pmid42858843,
year = {2026},
author = {Cheng, Y and Ye, M and Yu, J and Guo, S and Xu, D and Yang, J and Li, T and Li, J and Wang, J and Xing, B and Shan, L and Liu, C and Xu, H and Wang, J and Du, B},
title = {Multi-omics reveals a host-microbe metabolic synergy underlying brown planthopper biotype divergence.},
journal = {Journal of advanced research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.jare.2026.10.005},
pmid = {42858843},
issn = {2090-1224},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The brown planthopper (BPH) is a highly destructive pest in rice production. The widespread cultivation of resistant rice varieties drives BPH populations to evolve new biotypes, posing a continuous challenge to crop protection. Understanding the adaptation mechanisms of these biotypes is therefore critical.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the potential mechanisms underlying the adaptation of a new BPH biotype to resistant rice varieties.

METHODS: We compared the host adaptability of Biotype 1 and Biotype Y on a resistant rice variety (carring Bph15). An integrative multi-omics approach (transcriptomic and metabolomic) was employed, alongside metagenomic analysis of symbiotic microbiota.

RESULTS: Biotype Y exhibited superior adaptation to the resistant variety. Multi-omics analysis revealed that the adaptation was associated with upregulation of carbohydrate, detoxification, and energy metabolism pathways, downregulation of vitamin pathways, and a distinct symbiotic microbiota enriched in Wolbachia. Functional experiments provided evidence suggesting that Wolbachia may contribute to this enhanced adaptation, possibly through riboflavin supplementation.

CONCLUSION: The adaptation of BPH to resistant rice appears to be associated with coordinated transcriptional and metabolic reprogramming, potentially involving symbiont-mediated nutritional support. These findings may provide new insights into tripartite host-pest-microbiota interactions and offer potential targets for sustainable pest management strategies.},
}

@article {pmid42859508,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, F and Hou, Y and Murray, JD},
title = {A Simplified Density Gradient-Free Method for Isolating Functional Symbiosomes From Legume Nodules.},
journal = {Bio-protocol},
volume = {16},
number = {19},
pages = {e5854},
pmid = {42859508},
issn = {2331-8325},
abstract = {Symbiosomes are plant membrane-bound, organelle-like structures that enclose single or multiple bacteroids (differentiated rhizobia) within legume cells, serving specifically as the site for N2 fixation. Although isolated symbiosomes have been used to study nitrogen fixation, ion transport, and metabolite translocation, conventional density gradient-based isolation methods for their isolation are labor-intensive. Here, we describe a simplified, density gradient-free protocol for rapid enrichment of symbiosome-containing fractions from mature legume nodules using the Medicago truncatula-Sinorhizobium meliloti symbiosis as an example. The method combines razor blade homogenization, filtration through a 40 μm cell strainer, and sequential low-speed centrifugation to remove debris and enrich symbiosome-associated fractions. The resulting material is compatible with downstream mass spectrometry-based proteomics and mutant phenotypic analyses. Compared with conventional approaches, this protocol is rapid, simple, and suitable for higher-throughput biochemical and proteomic studies of symbiosomes. Key features • Density gradient-free enrichment of symbiosome-containing fractions from mature legume nodules. • Rapid workflow using homogenization, filtration, and low-speed centrifugation with minimal specialized equipment. • Compatible with downstream mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis of symbiosome-associated proteins. • Suitable for comparative analysis of wildtype and mutant nodules in symbiotic nitrogen fixation studies.},
}

@article {pmid42859548,
year = {2026},
author = {Stajković-Srbinović, O and Pešić, M and Sikirić, B and Mrvić, V and Andjelković, S and Delić, D},
title = {Zeolite-amended peat carriers improve long-term survival of Ensifer meliloti and maintain alfalfa nodulation efficiency.},
journal = {AIMS microbiology},
volume = {12},
number = {3},
pages = {666-681},
pmid = {42859548},
issn = {2471-1888},
abstract = {Microbiological N fertilizers containing native highly effective and competitive rhizobial bacteria placed in a suitable carrier are the best choice for sustainable plant production. This study evaluated the ability of various peat-based formulations with different zeolite/CaCO3 amendments to support the survival and preservation of symbiotic efficiency of alfalfa rhizobia. 15 different inoculants were tested, including five nitrogen-fixing efficient Ensifer meliloti strains (218, 225, 252, 4148ss and 4193cs) in three different carriers made of peat and perlite and supplemented with micro-zeolite (B1), nanozeolite (B2), and micro-zeolite + CaCO3 (B3). The number of rhizobia after 90 days of storage at room temperature was above 10[10] CFU/g of inoculant in most of the combinations, after 180 days of storage was 10[9] CFU/g in all combinations, and in 330[th] day stayed above 10[8] CFU/g of inoculant for strains 218, 4148ss, and 252. Considering the whole period of storage, the most performant carriers were B3, with the addition of micro-zeolite + CaCO3 and B2 with nanozeolite amendment. The efficiency of all inoculants, measured by the nodulation ability and shoot dry weight (SDW), was confirmed in inoculated alfalfa plants after six and eleven months of storage. The SDW of inoculated alfalfa plants increased from 2.5 up to 5 times compared to non-inoculated plants, while the nitrogen content (mg/plant) was also significantly increased. The SDW was influenced by strain, while the type of carrier and storage of inoculant did not have an effect. The inoculant formulations with zeolite and calcium carbonate showed good potential for rhizobia survival and effectiveness preservation during long-term storage, which should be further tested under field conditions.},
}

@article {pmid42860208,
year = {2026},
author = {López-Goldar, X},
title = {Herbivore offense in plant-herbivore coevolution.},
journal = {Current opinion in insect science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {101635},
doi = {10.1016/j.cois.2026.101635},
pmid = {42860208},
issn = {2214-5753},
abstract = {Coevolution between plants and herbivores has been proposed as a major evolutionary force that resulted in their radiation and diversification. Plants have evolved a broad array of strategies that directly or indirectly avoid, repel, deter, or kill herbivore attackers. These include (but not limited to) tolerance to damage through compensatory growth of tissue lost from herbivory, resistance via physical and chemical defenses, induced responses, and avoidance through reduced apparency or phenological mismatch. In response, herbivores have evolved adaptations to circumvent, resist, detoxify and even use plant defenses for their own benefit (e.g., sequestration). These include anatomical, physiological and behavioral adaptations, but also symbiotic associations to overcome the defenses of the host plant. Ecologists and evolutionary biologists have been studying plant-herbivore interactions for decades. Recent advances in community ecology, genomics, metabolomics and transgenic approaches allowed us to uncover the mechanisms by which some herbivores acquired the ability to neutralize plant defenses, or how plant communities reduce herbivory by creating heterogeneous chemical landscapes. Future research should consider integrating trait syndromes rather than individual traits when testing hypotheses about plant-insect coevolution, and including the third trophic level as an important selective force in plant-herbivore coevolution.},
}

@article {pmid42860402,
year = {2026},
author = {Su, X and Shi, L and Liu, Z and Zhao, X and Wei, X and Li, M},
title = {Structural insights into assembly and environmental adaptation of photosystem I from a lichen green alga.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42860402},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {31930064//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 32171183//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; YSBR-015//Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)/ ; 2025YFF0512900//Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China (Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology)/ ; },
mesh = {*Photosystem I Protein Complex/chemistry/metabolism/ultrastructure ; *Lichens/metabolism/physiology ; *Adaptation, Physiological ; *Chlorophyta/metabolism/physiology ; Models, Molecular ; },
abstract = {Photosystem I (PSI) of terrestrial plants typically contains an antenna system smaller than that of aquatic algae, presumably an adaptation to terrestrial high-light conditions. Moreover, green plants face multiple other stresses including drought when colonizing terrestrial environments and have evolved effective protective mechanisms. However, how exactly PSI antenna size is reduced and the precise nature of these photoprotective strategies remain to be elucidated. Lichens, composed of a mycobiont and a phycobiont, represent a symbiotic life form that thrives under terrestrial-like stress, with their phycobionts evolving in parallel with initial land-colonizing plants. Here, we report four structures of PSI complexes from a lichen phycobiont, Diplosphaera chodatii, at resolutions ranging from 3.0-Å to 4.1-Å, revealing the structural plasticity, the unique pigment composition and arrangement of DcPSI complexes. Our results provide insights into protective mechanisms of D. chodatii and potential structural strategies for reducing PSI antenna size to adapt to terrestrial habitats.},
}

*Photosystem I Protein Complex/chemistry/metabolism/ultrastructure
*Lichens/metabolism/physiology
*Adaptation, Physiological
*Chlorophyta/metabolism/physiology
Models, Molecular

@article {pmid42864338,
year = {2026},
author = {Schaefer, H and Yamashita, N and Hashimoto, S and Inagaki, Y and Kawanishi, A and Chatani, S and Shimadera, H and Furusawa, H and Imaya, A},
title = {Broad-scale shift in dominance of arbuscular mycorrhizal trees along the Japanese archipelago associated with tree diseases and climate warming.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42864338},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {JP25K18272//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; JP24K01817//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; },
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology ; *Trees/microbiology ; Symbiosis ; Forests ; Japan ; Soil/chemistry ; Nitrogen/metabolism ; *Plant Diseases/microbiology ; Carbon/metabolism ; Ecosystem ; Soil Microbiology ; Climate Change ; },
abstract = {Distribution shifts of mycorrhizal tree symbioses are predicted to alter the nutrient cycling in temperate forests worldwide. Yet, our understanding of the drivers and specific impacts of such shifts remains limited. Here, we assign mycorrhizal types to trees at the species and genus level in >13,000 forest plots to assess the dominance of arbuscular mycorrhizal trees based on basal area proportions along the Japanese archipelago in temperate East Asia. We show a significant increase in arbuscular mycorrhizal tree dominance within 15 years associated with climate warming and the spread of tree diseases, contributing to a more important role of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis in forest ecosystems than previously predicted. Arbuscular mycorrhizal tree dominance is negatively related to the ratio of soil carbon and nitrogen stocks, suggesting that tree symbiosis shifts will affect soil nitrogen availability and retention. In light of the global surge of biotic forest disturbance, our results stress the importance of forest pest and disease control to decelerate tree symbiosis shifts and their impact on ecosystem functioning.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology
*Trees/microbiology
Symbiosis
Forests
Japan
Soil/chemistry
Nitrogen/metabolism
*Plant Diseases/microbiology
Carbon/metabolism
Ecosystem
Soil Microbiology
Climate Change

@article {pmid42864909,
year = {2026},
author = {Legain, M and Damasceno, TL and Chaïb, S and Reverter, M and Gauthier, H and Moldenhauer, CS and Hueso-Jiménez, PI and Mills, SC and Raviglione, D and Rädecker, N and Tapissier-Bontemps, N and Pogoreutz, C},
title = {Chilling Injury to Algal Symbionts Induces Host Starvation and Metabolic Reorganization in a Temperate Cnidarian.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {35},
number = {19},
pages = {e70582},
doi = {10.1111/mec.70582},
pmid = {42864909},
issn = {1365-294X},
support = {ANR-22-CPJ2-0113-01//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; //PureOcean/ ; 101164921/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; HC/1674/CAB CoTS-PACIFIQUE//Pacific Funds/ ; //Erasmus+/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis/physiology ; Photosynthesis ; *Sea Anemones/physiology/metabolism ; *Cold Temperature ; Mediterranean Sea ; Chlorophyll A ; Stress, Physiological ; Microalgae/physiology ; },
abstract = {Global temperature anomalies increasingly disrupt the cnidarian-algal symbiosis resulting in a phenomenon termed bleaching. In contrast to heat stress, the mechanisms underlying symbiotic breakdown under cold stress remain largely unknown. Combining physiological and metabolomic measurements, we investigated the response of the photosymbiotic sea anemone holobiont Aiptasia couchii to an experiment mimicking a cold spell in the Mediterranean Sea. Within 4 weeks, we observed the onset of symbiotic breakdown reflected in reduced algal endosymbiont density and chlorophyll a content. While photosynthetic efficiency remained largely unaffected, no gross photosynthesis was detectable in cold-stressed anemones and decreases in glycosyldiacylglycerols and fatty acyl glycosides indicated chloroplast lipid remobilization. This breakdown of symbiotic carbon cycling was reflected in increased dipeptide and ceramide levels suggesting anemones catabolized protein reserves and induced pre-apoptotic pathways. Taken together, these responses suggest a decoupling of light and dark reactions of photosynthesis in cold-stressed endosymbionts, resembling chilling injury in higher plants and free-living microalgae. This chilling-induced collapse of symbiotic nutrient cycling eventually leads to host starvation in cold-stressed Cnidaria. Hence, while cold and heat stress may invoke contrasting physiological effects on endosymbionts, our results suggest that both stressors destabilize the symbiosis through similar mechanisms culminating in host starvation.},
}

Animals
*Symbiosis/physiology
Photosynthesis
*Sea Anemones/physiology/metabolism
*Cold Temperature
Mediterranean Sea
Chlorophyll A
Stress, Physiological
Microalgae/physiology

@article {pmid42864912,
year = {2026},
author = {Teng, X and Hua, Z and Hao, S and Zhang, M and Xie, Y and Zhu, X and Huang, L and Yuan, Y},
title = {The orchid Gastrodia-derived extracellular vesicles deliver miR535 to suppress a fungal effector and facilitate symbiosis with Armillaria.},
journal = {Plant communications},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {102149},
doi = {10.1016/j.xplc.2026.102149},
pmid = {42864912},
issn = {2590-3462},
abstract = {Plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs) are nanoscale lipid bilayer structures that facilitate cross-kingdom communication by transporting bioactive molecules, including proteins and small RNAs. While their roles in plant immunity against fungal pathogens are well-established, their functions in beneficial or symbiotic interactions, particularly with mycorrhizal fungi, remain largely unexplored. Here, we investigated the function of PDEVs in the symbiosis between the fully mycoheterotrophic orchid Gastrodia elata and its fungal partner Armillaria gallica. We isolated and characterized G. elata-derived EVs (GeEVs), and confirmed their typical morphology and the presence of the EV marker PEN1. We demonstrated that GeEVs significantly inhibit A. gallica growth and downregulate fungal genes associated with pathogenicity. Small RNA sequencing revealed that GeEVs are rich in specific miRNAs, including gel-miR535, which is undetectable in EVs from model autotrophic plants. Overexpression of gel-miR535 in A. gallica phenocopied the inhibitory effect of GeEV treatment on fungal growth. We further identified that gel-miR535 directly targets the fungal effector gene Ag_07049. Functional assays showed that Ag_07049 is a secreted protein localized to the plant cytoplasm and nucleus. Upon expression in plant cells, it suppresses BAX- and INF1-triggered programmed cell death (PCD), reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and callose deposition, suggesting that Ag_07049 functions as an immunosuppressive effector. Our findings indicate a novel regulatory mechanism in which a mycoheterotrophic plant utilizes EVs to deliver a miRNA targeting a fungal effector gene, potentially limiting the pathogenic capacity of its symbiotic partner and support balanced mutualism. This work extends the paradigm of cross-kingdom RNAi to beneficial symbiosis and provides critical insights into the molecular dialogue underpinning orchid mycoheterotrophy.},
}

@article {pmid42858832,
year = {2026},
author = {Xie, L and Wei, X and Ren, Z and Cen, C and Hu, Y and Li, X and Sun, Q},
title = {Immunometabolism of tumor-associated macrophages in driving colorectal cancer.},
journal = {Pharmacological research},
volume = {233},
number = {},
pages = {109663},
doi = {10.1016/j.phrs.2026.109663},
pmid = {42858832},
issn = {1096-1186},
abstract = {Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading cause of cancer mortality. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) regulate CRC progression through functional polarization and metabolic reprogramming. Beyond the classical M1/M2 paradigm, single-cell and spatial studies reveal heterogeneous TAM subsets with distinct metabolic programs, spatial organization, and stage-dependent functions. This review delineates how TAM metabolic reprogramming drives CRC via metabolite-induced PD-L1 expression, oncogenic signaling, and crosstalk with chronic inflammation and gut microbiota. We emphasize spatial metabolic heterogeneity, TAM-tumor metabolic symbiosis, the stage-dependent duality of M2-like macrophages in colitis versus CRC, and pathogen-driven cross-kingdom manipulation. Clinical evidence linking TAM metabolic features to molecular subtypes, metastasis, prognosis, and treatment response is integrated, and methodological challenges in distinguishing true metabolic reprogramming from phenotypic changes are discussed. Therapeutic strategies targeting TAM metabolism, including small molecules, chemotherapeutics, TCM, nanomedicine, probiotics, and combinations, are summarized, offering precise TAM reprogramming to reverse immunosuppression and overcome CRC therapeutic bottlenecks.},
}

@article {pmid42852812,
year = {2026},
author = {Yu, M and Cheng, Y and Shan, Y and Duong, HTQ and Bunsupa, S and Tong, X and Han, R},
title = {Telomere-to-telomere genome assembly of Coprinellus radians.},
journal = {G3 (Bethesda, Md.)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/g3journal/jkag267},
pmid = {42852812},
issn = {2160-1836},
abstract = {Coprinellus radians has been identified as an important germination-associated fungus of Cremastra appendiculata. However, no reference genome was previously available for this species. In this study, we generated a complete telomere-to-telomere (T2T) genome assembly for C. radians by integrating PacBio HiFi, Oxford Nanopore, BGI short-read, and Hi-C sequencing data. Hi-C interaction mapping anchored 99.36% of the assembled sequences onto 13 pseudochromosomes. Following contaminant removal, gap closure using TGS-GapCloser, and telomere extension, the final assembly consists of 13 gap-free, single-contig chromosomes with telomeric repeats (CCCTAA/TTAGGG) at both ends, yielding a total of 26 telomeres. The resulting high-quality genome is 41.09 Mb (41,092,644 bp) in size, with a contig N50 of 3.36 Mb and a BUSCO completeness score of 96.4%. This gap-free, T2T genome provides a valuable resource for investigating the molecular mechanisms of orchid-fungus symbiosis and the ecological adaptation of wood-decaying fungi.},
}

@article {pmid42853200,
year = {2026},
author = {Choi, J and Liu, C and Palanichamy, P and Masukagami, Y and Tanaka, H and Kondo, T and Gruwell, ME and Husnik, F},
title = {Parallel Evolution of Bacteroidota as Long-Term Endosymbionts of Insects.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ismejo/wrag259},
pmid = {42853200},
issn = {1751-7370},
abstract = {Symbiotic relationships significantly transform both symbiont and host biology. The most visible changes include a massive reduction of the endosymbiont genome and the development of specialized host organs, cells, and compartments for symbiont housing. However, insect symbiosis studies have often focused on Pseudomonadota or specific symbiosis stages, limiting our understanding of how symbiont diversity arises from particular microbial clades, how the symbiont genomes evolve, and the consequences of symbiosis for diverse host-symbiont pairs. Scale insects, which have experienced repeated gains and losses of nutritional symbionts, provide an ideal evolutionary playground for tracking parallel transitions of insect symbionts originating from the same bacterial phylum. Using extensive genome sampling across the scale insect phylogeny, we recapitulated the path of Bacteroidota transitioning from recently established host-associated bacteria to highly specialized insect endosymbionts with minimal gene sets. Their genomes exhibit strikingly parallel degradation across all gene categories, with some stochastic differences in essential genes for genetic processing and amino acid biosynthesis. Imaging methods further revealed that the symbiotic cells and organs exhibit a trend from more dispersed bacteriocytes to highly compact bacteriomes, closely localized to the host's digestive system. Our results outline a recurrent path by which insect symbioses independently arise, are maintained for up to several hundred million years, and are replaced by new symbionts. The gradual nature of the process implies that the outcomes of symbiosis initially depend on how "professional" vs. "naïve" the host and symbiont are. Over evolutionary time, compatible host-symbiont lineages emerge from these interactions and become preferred.},
}

@article {pmid42854687,
year = {2026},
author = {Harada, R and Nishimura, Y and Nomura, M and Yabuki, A and Shiba, K and Inaba, K and Allers, T and Inagaki, Y and Nakayama, T},
title = {A hidden archaeal lineage with an ultra-reduced genome retaining only its replicative core.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2026.09.042},
pmid = {42854687},
issn = {1879-0445},
abstract = {Host-associated prokaryotes can undergo extreme genome reduction, but the most reduced genomes belong to mutualistic endosymbionts whose hosts compensate for lost functions, eroding the symbiont's identity as an autonomous cell. Whether comparable reduction can occur while preserving the informational autonomy of a cell remains unclear. Here, we report the discovery of Candidatus Sukunaarchaeum mirabile, an archaeon with a genome of only 238 kbp (less than half the size of the smallest known archaeal genome) obtained by single-cell genomics from a dinoflagellate cell. Phylogenetic analyses reveal Sukunaarchaeum as an extremely divergent lineage that cannot be placed within any recognized archaeal phylum, although its precise branching position remains unresolved; environmental surveys indicate a diverse, geographically dispersed, and previously overlooked clade. Its genome lacks virtually all recognizable metabolic pathways yet retains the catalytic cores of the machinery for DNA replication, transcription, and translation, with losses largely confined to auxiliary and regulatory subunits. This profile contrasts with that of highly reduced mutualistic endosymbionts, in which informational genes are lost alongside metabolic ones, eroding autonomous cellular identity: Sukunaarchaeum encodes no recognizable metabolic pathway that could benefit a host, and instead dedicates ∼25% of its genome to large membrane proteins of unknown function, a feature paralleled by host-invasion proteins in parasitic archaea. These observations argue against a mutualistic mode of host dependence and reveal a second, distinct endpoint of cellular reduction: the informational core may represent the practical lower bound for a cell that retains the capacity to replicate and express its own genome.},
}

@article {pmid42854799,
year = {2026},
author = {Wei, D and Zhai, FS and Zhao, CF and Zhang, YF and Wei, Q and Ni, SQ},
title = {Dissolved organic nitrogen molecular transformation and microbial mechanisms in a completely autotrophic nitrogen removal over nitrite (CANON)-based algal-bacterial symbiotic system.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {136037},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2026.136037},
pmid = {42854799},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {Sunlight-driven CANON-based algal-bacterial symbiotic system (CANON-AB) achieves efficient nitrogen removal through algal oxygen production and assimilation. However, dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), as a major fraction of residual total dissolved nitrogen, remains poorly understood in CANON-AB. This study investigated DON transformation and microbial mechanisms in CANON-AB compared with conventional CANON. After 140 days operation, CANON-AB increased average dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) removal efficiency from 83.6 % to 98 %, reducing effluent nitrate from 27.4 ± 8.3 to 0.7 ± 0.8 mg/L. Meanwhile, DON concentration decreased by 54.8 % in CANON-AB (1.4 ± 0.2 mg/L) compared with CANON (3.1 ± 0.2 mg/L). FT-ICR MS revealed that algae integration reduced DON molecular diversity from 1396 to 723 formulas, with preferential removal of carbohydrates, condensed aromatics, tannins, and sulfur-containing DON molecules. Metagenomic analysis demonstrated enhanced DON mineralization potential in CANON-AB, with DON transformation genes enriched by 1.1-2.4 times higher compared with CANON. These results reveal a coupled mineralization-assimilation mechanism driving DON removal in CANON-AB, providing new insights into nitrogen cycling in sustainable wastewater treatment.},
}

@article {pmid42855700,
year = {2026},
author = {Yuasa, A and Ikuta, T and Takaki, Y and Tsuda, M and Morono, Y},
title = {Dynamic cellular remodeling and symbiont genetic heterogeneity during early bacterial colonization in the deep-sea mussel Bathymodiolus septemdierum.},
journal = {Zoological letters},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42855700},
issn = {2056-306X},
abstract = {Symbiotic relationships between animals and microorganisms are widespread and have driven the adaptation and evolution of animals across diverse environments. The establishment of highly integrated endosymbioses often involves dynamic cellular remodeling and management of symbiont populations. Deep-sea mussels of the subfamily Bathymodiolinae horizontally acquire chemosynthetic bacteria in specialized gill cells called bacteriocytes, primarily at the posterior ends of their gills, where new filaments are continuously formed throughout their lifetime. This group exhibits a wide diversity of symbiotic modes, ranging from extracellular to strictly intracellular, and hosts diverse symbionts, such as methane- and sulfur-oxidizers. To identify the universal mechanisms underlying stable symbiosis from this diversity, it is crucial to investigate how these partnerships are initiated. However, the cellular-level processes underlying the initial symbiont colonization and integration remain elusive in all species of this group. To elucidate this early phase, we employed three-dimensional volume electron microscopy, single-cell amplicon sequencing, and in situ hybridization targeting a specific symbiont genomic locus to examine the initial symbiont colonization process in the deep-sea vent mussel Bathymodiolus septemdierum, focusing on host cell morphology and symbiont population structure. Three-dimensional ultrastructural reconstruction revealed that initial colonization follows a specific and characteristic structural remodeling process distinct from typical phagocytosis, demonstrating how this early cellular reorganization leads to the complex architecture of mature bacteriocytes. Complementing this morphological observation, two independent but mutually supportive approaches-single-cell amplicon sequencing and in situ hybridization-collectively indicated that these early colonizing cells harbor a genetically diverse mixture of symbiont strains. These findings challenge the previously proposed single-cell uptake hypothesis for this species and suggest that host cells initially acquire diverse symbiont subpopulations from the environment. We propose that the clonal symbiont populations observed in mature individual cells may result from an intracellular purification process potentially linked to host cellular remodeling during colonization. The integration of 3D ultrastructural observations and single-cell molecular data provides a foundation for deciphering the universal mechanisms of stable symbiosis, paving the way for a deeper understanding of animal-microbe interactions at the subcellular level.},
}

@article {pmid42857041,
year = {2026},
author = {Feng, Y and Fang, W and Zhang, N and Wen, Y and Li, D and Shi, D},
title = {Tight junction suppression by candidalysin promotes gut-to-blood dissemination of Candida albicans.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1919478},
pmid = {42857041},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The commensal fungus Candida albicans, a natural inhabitant of the human gut, can transition to a pathogenic state and disseminate into the blood. Disruption of the intestinal mucosal barrier, particularly through the impairment of epithelial cell integrity and intercellular junctions, is a critical step in this dissemination process. While candidalysin is a pore-forming cytolytic peptide encoded within ECE1 (extent of cell elongation 1 gene), its relationship to the abundance and organization of specific intestinal tight-junction proteins during dissemination remains incompletely defined.

A murine model and human colonic epithelial cells (NCM-460) were used to investigate the effect of candidalysin on fungal dissemination and its association with changes in tight-junction protein abundance and distribution. In vivo, infection with a candidalysin-deficient C. albicans mutant preserved TJ architecture, substantially reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine responses, and substantially reduced the frequency and amount of detectable fungal DNA in blood. In contrast, infection caused by wild-type (WT) and ECE1-reconstituted strains resulted in elevated serum levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, accompanied by reduced protein expressions of the TJ components (ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-1). In vitro, experiments using purified candidalysin demonstrated a biphasic, dose-dependent effect on TJ proteins. At 3.125 μg/mL, TJ-associated signals were preserved and selected protein measurements were modestly increased, whereas transcript levels showed a slight reduction. At higher concentrations (≥12.5 μg/mL, up to 50 μg/mL), higher candidalysin concentrations were associated with pronounced loss and discontinuity of TJ-associated signals and reduced abundance of selected TJ proteins.

CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: The dose-dependent effects of candidalysin on epithelial junction-associated proteins support a context-dependent contribution to intestinal pathogenesis. These findings associate candidalysin with epithelial injury and dissemination in the present model but do not establish a binary molecular switch or a candidalysin-exclusive mechanism. Elucidating how candidalysin coordinates epithelial and immune pathways provides new insight into the mechanisms that sustain gut-fungal symbiosis and may reveal therapeutic targets to preserve mucosal integrity and prevent systemic candidiasis.},
}

@article {pmid42857248,
year = {2026},
author = {Förster, F and Ferrier-Pagès, C and Rottier, C and Fries, A and Achterberg, E and Sheldrake, T},
title = {Remobilized volcanogenic sediments boost photophysiological activity in three symbiotic reef-building coral species.},
journal = {Royal Society open science},
volume = {13},
number = {10},
pages = {252217},
pmid = {42857248},
issn = {2054-5703},
abstract = {Coral reefs that surround volcanic islands are continually influenced by run-off carrying remobilized volcanogenic sediments. Although unaltered volcanic ash is known to supply trace metals that enhance coral holobiont productivity, the impacts of long-term exposure to weathered tephra, a far more likely scenario in island settings, are less understood. To assess possible effects of tephra exposure on coral physiology, we conducted controlled culture experiments with three scleractinian corals (Stylophora pistillata, Turbinaria reniformis and Pocillopora damicornis) exposed to weekly additions of 50 g of untreated tephra, collected from the volcanic island of St. Vincent, and its leachate over a six-week period. All exposed colonies experienced optimized photosynthetic light-harvesting processes, while most other physiological parameters were not affected. Remobilized tephra supplies hormetic concentrations of water soluble trace metals, with high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (HR-ICP-MS) analyses showing significant increases in seawater trace metal (V, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Cd and Pb) concentrations. This highlights tephra's previously underrecognized contribution to the island mass effect affecting corals.},
}

@article {pmid42852737,
year = {2026},
author = {Nguyen, MTT and Nguyen, DQ and Lesueur, D and Nguyen, HH and Ngo, LD and Nguyen, ADM and Van Nguyen, L and Enez, A and Brau, L and Herrmann, L},
title = {Is Arachis pintoi associated with effective native rhizobial strains in the Central Highlands of Vietnam?.},
journal = {Journal of applied microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jambio/lxag245},
pmid = {42852737},
issn = {1365-2672},
abstract = {AIMS: Intensive agricultural practices have led to severe soil degradation in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Integrating legumes as cover crops is a promising strategy to restore soil fertility via biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). Arachis pintoi has been increasingly promoted in Vietnam for adoption as a cover crop but the diversity and efficiency of its native rhizobial partners remain poorly documented. This study assessed the diversity of indigenous rhizobial strains nodulating A. pintoi in the Central Highlands of Vietnam and evaluated their symbiotic efficiency and ability to support plant growth under greenhouse conditions.

METHODS AND RESULTS: Nodule occupancy was analyzed by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism and 16rDNA sequencing was performed for representative strains of each group. Seven distinct profiles were found, all identified as Bradyrhizobium spp. While the diversity of rhizobia was relatively similar across both provinces, nodule occupancy varied markedly between locations. Strains from IGS 04 group dominated in Dak Lak (66.3%), whereas IGS 01 was the most prevalent group in Gia Lai (78.3%). A greenhouse trial was conducted to assess the performance of the different rhizobial groups. Inoculation significantly improved plant growth and nitrogen levels compared to uninoculated treatment. Plants inoculated with IGS 03 and IGS 06 groups exhibited the highest performance, exceeding that of the positive control. Conversely, IGS 01 and IGS 07 strains demonstrated the poorest symbiotic efficiency.

CONCLUSIONS: These results highlight the critical need to select high-efficiency native strains for bioinoculants to maximize BNF potential and support the long-term sustainability of perennial agroecosystems in Vietnam.},
}

@article {pmid42847686,
year = {2026},
author = {Lane, KR and Meyer-Kaiser, KS and Collens, AB and Leal, CV and Collins, AG and Herrera, S and Hansel, CM},
title = {Deep-sea siliceous sponges harbor distinct and functionally diverse microbiomes.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0174726},
doi = {10.1128/aem.01747-26},
pmid = {42847686},
issn = {1098-5336},
abstract = {Sponges, phylum Porifera, are long-lived and basal-branching metazoans that play important roles in ocean biogeochemistry and host diverse microbial communities. Siliceous sponges form a major clade of the Porifera; however, their microbiome is not well characterized, particularly in the deep ocean. Here, we used shotgun metagenomics to investigate the composition of the microbial communities of 13 siliceous sponges collected from four sites near Puerto Rico from depths ranging from 400 to 1,900 meters. Nine of the sponges in this study are from five sponge families that have not previously been sequenced using shotgun metagenomics. We assembled a total of 176 metagenome-assembled genomes from 20 bacterial phyla and 1 archaeal phylum. Ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) Nitrosopumilaceae dominated most siliceous sponge microbial communities and was strikingly the sole symbiont associated with one sponge (Farrea). Overall, microbiome diversity was relatively low across siliceous sponges, except for a Phloeodictyidae, which is likely a high microbial abundance (HMA) sponge. Our results suggest that host sponge phylogeny may shape microbial community structure, with limited evidence for an environmental role. The sponge-associated microbial communities contained genetic capabilities for diverse metabolic functions, particularly contributing to the carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur cycles. In addition to the AOA, evidence of potential for microbial autotrophy was found through the presence of genes for RuBisCO, methanotrophy, and ATP citrate lyase. These results reveal both conserved relationships and metabolic flexibility across siliceous sponge lineages, suggesting unique evolutionary dynamics and demonstrating the importance of microbial metabolism to sponge host health and nutrient cycling in the oligotrophic deep ocean.IMPORTANCEMarine sponges, emerging ~600 million years ago, have close relationships with microorganisms, but the microbiome of deep-sea siliceous sponges is not well understood. Siliceous sponges play essential roles in deep-sea ecosystems by providing habitats for other metazoans and mediating carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur cycling; however, they remain some of the least-studied sponges. By shotgun sequencing DNA from 13 siliceous sponges collected near Puerto Rico, this study found that host sponge phylogeny is linked to microbial community composition and structure. Ammonia-oxidizing archaea dominated the microbial communities associated with marine sponges, likely playing key roles in utilizing metabolic byproducts and supporting host health. Other microbes also contributed to nutrient cycling and contained the potential to fix carbon, suggesting metabolic flexibility, which may benefit sponge hosts in low-resource environments. These findings emphasize the ecological importance of siliceous sponge-microbe symbioses and contribute to our understanding of the drivers shaping their structure and function.},
}

@article {pmid42848508,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhu, C and Manuse, S and Perrier, Q and Venkatasubramaniyan, S and Akherraz, H and Lodej, N and Ramos, CI and Zhang, M and Grangeasse, C and Razim, A and Leulier, F and Matos, RC},
title = {Host-triggered prophage induction drives Lactiplantibacillus plantarum symbiosis through bacterial lysis.},
journal = {Cell reports},
volume = {45},
number = {10},
pages = {118110},
doi = {10.1016/j.celrep.2026.118110},
pmid = {42848508},
issn = {2211-1247},
abstract = {The release of bacterial bioactive molecules across the gut barrier is a crucial yet poorly understood step in host-microbe communication. Here, we identify a phage-driven mechanism associated with this process in the beneficial symbiont Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NC8 (Lp[NC8]). We show that a stress-responsive prophage, pp2, undergoes activation and triggers holin-lysin-mediated bacterial lysis, leading to the production of infectious phage particles and increased extracellular recovery of bacterial vesicles carrying lipoteichoic acids. In a model of nutritional symbiosis, pp2-dependent lysis is required for Lp[NC8] to promote juvenile growth in undernourished Drosophila melanogaster. Disruption of prophage-mediated lysis impairs vesicle recovery and host growth promotion. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the copper cell region of the Drosophila midgut acts as a physiological trigger of prophage induction. Together, our findings link host intestinal physiology to prophage activity and bacterial lysis, revealing phage-driven lysis as a mechanism contributing to beneficial bacterial-host interactions during nutritional stress.},
}

@article {pmid42848823,
year = {2026},
author = {Teulet, A and Schornack, S},
title = {Type III effectors of symbiotic Rhizobia include diverse predicted transcriptional and post-transcriptional modulators.},
journal = {PLoS biology},
volume = {24},
number = {10},
pages = {e3004038},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pbio.3004038},
pmid = {42848823},
issn = {1545-7885},
abstract = {Rhizobia are soil bacteria that establish nitrogen-fixing symbioses with legumes. While many rhizobia use a Type III Secretion System to deliver "Nodulation Outer Protein" (Nop) effectors, some uniquely use these proteins to initiate nodule organogenesis, bypassing classical signalling. The molecular functions of these effectors remain largely unknown due to extreme sequence divergence. Using AlphaFold2-mediated structural proteomics, we identified a modular architecture in rhizobial effectors composed of 22 distinct structural units. We reveal that many Nop effectors are cryptic transcriptional or post-transcriptional regulators, harbouring unrecognised nucleic acid-binding modules and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase domains. Crucially, these modules are conserved in specific plant pathogens, such as gall-inducing Pantoea, where our predicted structural units align with experimentally validated DNA-binding domains. Furthermore, we discovered the BPN (B3 and PUA-like nucleic acid binding) domain as a structural mimic of plant B3-domain transcription factors, pointing to a direct mechanism for hijacking legume development. Our findings strongly suggest that rhizobia employ a modular domain-fusion strategy to act as direct genetic modulators, uncovering a conserved mechanism used by both symbionts and pathogens to hijack host developmental programmes.},
}

@article {pmid42849016,
year = {2026},
author = {Martignoni, MM and Bordenstein, SR and Karakoç, C and Tyson, RC and Brown, SP and Garnier, J},
title = {An eco-evolutionary consumer-resource theory of host-microbe symbioses.},
journal = {Journal of evolutionary biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jeb/voag100},
pmid = {42849016},
issn = {1420-9101},
abstract = {Symbiotic associations between microorganisms and hosts are universal, diverse, and dynamic. Yet, our ability to represent this complexity mathematically remains limited. We propose extending consumer-resource theory to incorporate evolutionary processes to advance our understanding of symbioses, from pairwise interactions to complex host-microbe assemblages. The resulting eco-evolutionary framework captures feedbacks between host-microbe interaction structure, biotic resource availability, and selection acting across biological scales. Importantly, this approach relaxes the assumption of separated ecological and evolutionary timescales, so that both processes unfold simultaneously. The coupling between ecological and evolutionary dynamics allows key properties of symbioses, such as ecological dependence and functional integration, to emerge from evolving resource-mediated interactions, rather than being imposed a priori. We illustrate the framework with a mathematical model of mycorrhizal symbiosis. The proposed consumer-resource formulation provides a unified basis for linking ecological and evolutionary dynamics in host-microbe symbioses, with implications for both basic theory and applied management.},
}

@article {pmid42849780,
year = {2026},
author = {Dai, L and Liu, J and Jiang, N and Zhou, Y and Zhao, M},
title = {Nutritional flexibility of the Euwallacea interjectus-Fusarium populicola mutualism: Fungal physiology, beetle development, and insulin signaling.},
journal = {Journal of insect physiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {105074},
doi = {10.1016/j.jinsphys.2026.105074},
pmid = {42849780},
issn = {1879-1611},
abstract = {Ambrosia beetles thrive on nutritionally barren xylem through obligate mutualisms with fungi that translocate and concentrate essential elements from wood. However, the nutritional physiology of most beetle-fungus systems and the molecular responses of the beetle host remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the Euwallacea interjectus-Fusarium populicola mutualism through an integrated approach combining fungal nutritional assays, insect developmental bioassays, and transcriptional profiling of the insulin/insulin-like signaling (IIS) pathway. F. Populicola exhibited pronounced metabolic flexibility: On organic nitrogen, soluble sugars supported maximal growth, whereas on inorganic nitrogen, cellulose and sawdust outperformed soluble carbohydrates-A shift indicating that the fungus efficiently degrades lignocellulose when nitrogen form changes. Sporulation strategies also varied, with soluble sugars favoring macroconidia resting spore production and recalcitrant polymers promoting high conidial yields. Larval feeding bioassays demonstrated that fungal nutritional quality directly determines survival, pupation dynamics, and pupal weight, with organic nitrogen being indispensable for successful development. Semi-artificial diet experiments revealed that 5% NaNO3 maximized adult production, while higher concentrations arrested development, and phosphorus partially rescued nitrogen-induced growth suppression. Transcriptional profiling of 19 IIS genes showed stage- and tissue-specific expression patterns, with EiAKT upregulated only on optimal fungal diets, but these findings remain correlative due to the lack of protein-level validation. Collectively, our results demonstrate that F. Populicola acts as a 'translocator-accumulator' that converts woody substrates into a nutritionally complete diet, with beetle fitness tightly linked to fungal nutritional quality.},
}

@article {pmid42850393,
year = {2026},
author = {Biró, JB and Domonkos, Á and Güngör, B and Farkas, A and Mohammadi Eghbash, E and Kiss, GB and Kaló, P},
title = {Loss of Nod25 function does not affect nitrogen-fixing symbiosis in Medicago truncatula.},
journal = {Plant molecular biology},
volume = {116},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {42850393},
issn = {1573-5028},
support = {2022-2.1.1-NL-2022-00005 and TKP-2021-EGA-05//KIM NKFIA/ ; 739593//EU's Horizon 2020/ ; K-132646 and K-150440//National Research, Development and Innovation Office/ ; Highlighted research topic (454004)//HUN-REN Biological Research Centre/ ; },
mesh = {*Medicago truncatula/genetics/microbiology/metabolism/physiology ; *Symbiosis/genetics/physiology ; *Nitrogen Fixation/genetics/physiology ; *Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Root Nodules, Plant/microbiology/genetics/metabolism ; Sinorhizobium meliloti/physiology ; Membrane Proteins ; },
abstract = {The formation of nitrogen-fixing symbiotic nodules is a complex process that involves extensive transcriptional reprogramming of legume roots to enable intracellular accommodation of host compatible rhizobia. This process requires coordinated regulation of hundreds to thousands of genes, including the induction of highly expressed genes, traditionally referred to as nodulin genes. While the functions of many nodulins have been elucidated, a substantial number remained poorly characterized, or their functions are still unclear. One such gene, NOD25, was originally identified based on differential hybridization between roots and nodules and is expressed at exceptionally high levels in Medicago nodules. MtNOD25-like proteins in IRLC legumes exhibit a repetitive modular structure flanked by conserved N- and C-terminal regions, with clade-specific repeat organization. To understand the role of NOD25 in symbiotic nitrogen fixation, we generated loss-of-function mutants in Medicago truncatula using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing. Four independent Mtnod25 mutant lines displayed normal growth under symbiotic conditions and showed no detectable defects in nodule colonization, symbiosome formation, or bacteroid differentiation. These results indicate that MtNOD25 is not essential for symbiosis in M. truncatula under the conditions tested. However, the biological function of MtNOD25 has not yet been elucidated, and its highly specialized evolutionary conservation suggests that it may have a specific, non-essential role in modulating or fine-tuning symbiotic processes under particular environmental or physiological conditions that remain to be defined.},
}

*Medicago truncatula/genetics/microbiology/metabolism/physiology
*Symbiosis/genetics/physiology
*Nitrogen Fixation/genetics/physiology
*Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
Root Nodules, Plant/microbiology/genetics/metabolism
Sinorhizobium meliloti/physiology
Membrane Proteins

@article {pmid42850929,
year = {2026},
author = {Osuji, IE and Akanmu, AO and Babalola, OO},
title = {Amplicon Characterization of Fungal Diversity and Functional Prediction of Glycine max L. Rhizosphere Microbiome Under Different Organic Fertilization.},
journal = {MicrobiologyOpen},
volume = {15},
number = {5},
pages = {e70437},
doi = {10.1002/mbo3.70437},
pmid = {42850929},
issn = {2045-8827},
support = {CRP/ZAF22-93//International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology/ ; },
mesh = {*Rhizosphere ; *Glycine max/microbiology ; *Fungi/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; *Soil Microbiology ; Animals ; *Fertilizers/analysis ; Cattle ; DNA, Fungal/genetics ; Manure/microbiology ; Biodiversity ; *Mycobiome ; Phylogeny ; Soil/chemistry ; DNA, Ribosomal Spacer/genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; *Microbiota ; },
abstract = {The rhizosphere microbiome is extremely important for soil health and plant productivity, with fungi primarily acting as the drivers of soil ecosystem functions. This study explores the fungal diversity and predicted functional potential of the soybean (Glycine max L.) rhizosphere under different organic fertilization treatments, including cattle dung, poultry waste, untreated control, and bulk. Fungal communities were profiled using ITS rRNA gene amplicon sequencing on the Illumina NovaSeq. 6000 platform following DNA extraction from rhizosphere soil. Raw sequences were processed and analyzed using QIIME 2 version 2019.1. Significant differences in fungal richness were observed among treatments. Bulk soil and cattle dung-amended soils showed the highest richness (Chao1 = 1603.33 and 1456.64, respectively), whereas poultry waste-amended soil exhibited the lowest richness (Chao1 = 957.93) and the lowest evenness (Pielou's index = 0.560), and the untreated control showed intermediate richness (Chao1 = 1242.11). The dominant phyla include Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Zygomycota, with enrichment in organic matter degradation and plant symbiosis. Beta-diversity analysis showed the greatest compositional divergence between cattle dung and poultry waste (ANOSIM R = 0.74), none of the pairwise comparisons reached conventional statistical significance (p > 0.05), indicating ecologically relevant but statistically subtle shifts in community structure. LEfSe identified Hypocreales as a significant biomarker of cattle dung and Onygenales of poultry waste, consistent with FUNGuild predictions of enriched dung/wood-saprotrophic and keratinolytic functions, respectively. FUNGuild predictions showed increased saprotroph and symbiotroph diversity in organically amended soils. Organic fertilizers enrich beneficial fungi, enhancing ecosystem functions in sustainable soybean cultivation.},
}

*Rhizosphere
*Glycine max/microbiology
*Fungi/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
*Soil Microbiology
Animals
*Fertilizers/analysis
Cattle
DNA, Fungal/genetics
Manure/microbiology
Biodiversity
*Mycobiome
Phylogeny
Soil/chemistry
DNA, Ribosomal Spacer/genetics
Sequence Analysis, DNA
*Microbiota

@article {pmid42851078,
year = {2026},
author = {Doumbia, B and Luo, S and Yang, S and Wang, C and Jia, Y and Kuprin, AV and Geng, A and Zhu, D and Sun, J and Ezenwanne, BC and Xie, R and Dar, MA},
title = {Harnessing bacterial symbionts of beetles for the valorization of lignin into value-added byproducts: Recent advances and future perspectives.},
journal = {Insect science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1744-7917.70378},
pmid = {42851078},
issn = {1744-7917},
support = {32250410285//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2023YFC3403600//National Key R&D Program of China/ ; WGXZ2023020L//Foreign Expert Program, of Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) of China/ ; 124012400285-7//Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation/ ; },
abstract = {Lignin is the most abundant renewable aromatic heteropolymer in nature and is highly recalcitrant due to its complex structure. The gut systems of beetles function as an evolutionarily optimized microreactor wherein mechanical pretreatment, physicochemical gradients, and selectively maintained microbial consortia act synergistically to transform, mineralize, and metabolize lignin as an energy source. Beetle-associated bacterial symbionts represent a promising yet underexploited resource for lignin valorization into value-added products. This review provides emerging evidence of lignin degradation by beetles in association with their gut symbionts and indicates the diversity of gut bacteria involved in lignin depolymerization. We further discuss the mechanisms by which beetles and their gut bacteria metabolize lignin, the lignin-transforming capacities of the bacterial symbionts and their potential application in the valorization of waste lignin into added-value byproducts. Finally, we assess the emerging research trends on the bioprospection of lignin-degrading bacteria from underexplored beetle species. Despite significant advantages, several key challenges remain unresolved, including difficulties in isolation and culturing of key gut bacteria in vitro, limited biochemical validation of candidate enzymes and the unresolved linking of specific genes or taxa to in situ lignin transformation. Future studies should integrate discovery-driven microbial ecology, multi-omics, predictive modeling and precision genome engineering to convert the complexity of beetle gut bacterial communities into a practical blueprint for scalable lignin valorization, and the biomanufacturing of high-value products from lignin-based waste.},
}

@article {pmid42851465,
year = {2026},
author = {Yang, WY and Chi, HR},
title = {Vulnerability and resilience in symbiotic interaction: a qualitative study on the lived experiences of rural older women in China.},
journal = {Frontiers in public health},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {1842419},
pmid = {42851465},
issn = {2296-2565},
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; *Resilience, Psychological ; China ; *Rural Population/statistics & numerical data ; Aged ; Qualitative Research ; Adaptation, Psychological ; Interviews as Topic ; *Vulnerable Populations/psychology ; Social Support ; Middle Aged ; *Symbiosis ; Aged, 80 and over ; },
abstract = {Against the strategic backdrop of comprehensively advancing rural revitalization and actively addressing population aging, rural elderly women represent a structurally vulnerable group whose living conditions and coping strategies warrant in-depth exploration. Existing studies pre-dominantly view them as passive recipients of assistance and interpret the relationship between fragility and resilience through a linear lens. Based on semi-structured in-depth interviews with 18 rural elderly women in Hakka rural areas of northeastern Guangdong, this study employs constructivist grounded theory to conduct three-level coding and develops an interactive "fragility-resilience symbiosis" model. The findings indicate first that the risks faced by this group arise from structural suppression resulting from the coupling of individual, familial, community, and cultural dimensions. The overlapping impacts of gender-based socialization, intergenerational outsourcing of maternal roles, and institutional neglect have deeply embedded fragility within local culture. Second, these women proactively cope by reconstructing cognitive frameworks, adjusting emotional support networks, and mobilizing social resources to sustain their daily lives despite structural constraints. Third, fragility and resilience are not opposing linear extremes but rather coexist and interweave amid repeated cycles of adaptation and disruption. Resilience is frequently attained at the expense of unrecognized, invisible labor. This research challenges the prevailing success-oriented narrative in resilience studies and redefines the agency boundaries of rural elderly women as constrained subjects. It advocates that relevant policies should transition from focusing solely on individual vulnerability assistance to prioritizing supportive system reconstruction, thereby offering a novel analytical framework for understanding the survival logic of vulnerable groups amidst rural social transformation.},
}

Humans
Female
*Resilience, Psychological
China
*Rural Population/statistics & numerical data
Aged
Qualitative Research
Adaptation, Psychological
Interviews as Topic
*Vulnerable Populations/psychology
Social Support
Middle Aged
*Symbiosis
Aged, 80 and over

@article {pmid42851877,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, J and Yang, L and Jacquemyn, H and Li, T and Yang, A and Wang, Y and Xing, X},
title = {Mycorrhizal specificity in orchids: a multidimensional filtering framework.},
journal = {Mycology},
volume = {17},
number = {3},
pages = {794-810},
pmid = {42851877},
issn = {2150-1203},
abstract = {Understanding how specificity emerges in mutualistic symbioses remains a central challenge in evolutionary ecology. In orchids, mycorrhizal specificity ranges from strict specialization to broad generalism. Although many orchids show low physiological specificity in vitro, natural populations associate with much narrower subsets of partners, indicating that realized specificity reflects constraints rather than compatibility alone. To provide a unified explanation and testable predictions for this discrepancy, we propose a multidimensional filtering framework that distinguishes physiological compatibility, representing the fundamental niche, from ecological filters that determine realized associations. Physiological compatibility, mediated by signal recognition and immune modulation, establishes the fundamental prerequisites for symbiosis. However, the transition to realized specificity is constrained by four hierarchical ecological filters. Phylogeny and biogeography first delineate the potential regional lineage pool, while local environmental heterogeneity restricts fungal availability. Subsequently, host-specific nutritional demands drive active partner selection, and interspecific competition enforces niche differentiation. This synthesis clarifies the observed discrepancy between fundamental and realized mycorrhizal niches and provides a conceptual foundation that may inform conservation strategies for endangered orchids through targeted ecological matching.},
}

@article {pmid42852207,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhao, J and Zhang, Y and Jin, Y and Ni, X and Lv, R and Liu, S and Wang, J},
title = {Geological Controls and Symbiotic Assemblage Models of Coal Measure Gas in the Shanxi Formation, Eastern Pingdingshan Mining Area, China.},
journal = {ACS omega},
volume = {11},
number = {39},
pages = {58660-58675},
pmid = {42852207},
issn = {2470-1343},
abstract = {Coal measure gas (CMG) is an important unconventional energy resource, and a clear understanding of its accumulation mechanisms is essential for effective exploration and development. This study investigates the coal measure strata of the Shanxi Formation in the eastern Pingdingshan mining area. An integrated approach combining geostatistical analysis, geochemical characterization, X-ray diffraction, and high-pressure mercury intrusion measurements, together with a Markov chain model, was employed to elucidate the accumulation framework and spatial organization of CMG systems. The results show that (1) the study area is characterized by a coal-mudstone-sandstone tripartite assemblage. The thickness of the main coal seam (No. 2-1) ranges from 0.65 to 12.42 m (average 5.50 m), thickening toward the central area and thinning toward the margins, and serves as the primary source rock. Mudstonethickness ranges from 5.66 to 89.91 m (average 39.67 m) in thickness and acts as an effective seal, whereas sandstone (ranging from 2.15 to 68.28 m, average 34.72 m) is preferentially developed in the central area and constitutes the main reservoir. (2) Source rocks exhibit high organic abundance and thermal maturity, whereas reservoirs typically exhibit low porosity and extremely low permeability. The coal seam exhibits a maximum vitrinite reflectance (R o,max) ranging from 1.106% to 1.651% (average 1.461%) and high organic matter abundance. Mudstone exhibits a total organic carbon (TOC) content ranging from 2.61% to 28.00% (average 9.34%) and is dominated by type III kerogen, indicating a mature to highly mature thermal evolution stage. Coal, mudstone, and sandstone reservoirs all display low porosity and extremely low permeability characteristics. (3) Based on the Markov chain analysis, five dominant lithofacies sequences were quantitatively identified, and three CMG accumulation patterns were recognized: single-source dual-reservoir, dual-source dual-reservoir, and dual-source multi-reservoir types. These results suggest that depositional environment exerts the primary control on the spatial differentiation of CMG accumulation patterns. This study provides a geological basis for integrated source-reservoir-seal assessment and sweet-spot prediction in CMG exploration.},
}

@article {pmid42841421,
year = {2026},
author = {Booth, NJ and Ramesh, SA and Soole, KL and Day, DA and Tyerman, SD},
title = {The symbiosome-localised aquaporin GmNOD26 functions as a non-selective monovalent cation channel capable of transporting NH4+ in heterologous systems.},
journal = {Plant & cell physiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/pcp/pcag136},
pmid = {42841421},
issn = {1471-9053},
abstract = {Legumes have developed a symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria known collectively as rhizobia, which when present in root nodules fix atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by the plant. The functioning unit of symbiotic nitrogen fixation is referred to as the symbiosome and the membrane separating symbionts acts to regulate the metabolite exchange within the root nodule cells. The efflux of fixed nitrogen from the symbiosome is through an unidentified non-selective cation channel, which is inwardly rectified by cytosolic Mg2+ and has a preference for ammonium. Expression of Nodulin 26 (NOD26), a major component of the soybean symbiosome membrane, in Xenopus laevis oocytes reveals monovalent cation-induced currents. These currents display time- and voltage dependent characteristic similar to those previously observed in patch-clamp studies of the symbiosome membrane and exhibited an apparent monovalent cation preference of NH4+ > methylammonium (MeA+) ≥ K+ > Na+ ≥ C5H15NO+. GmNOD26-mediated currents in X. laevis oocytes were inhibited by divalent cations and inhibited by phosphorylation at serine 262. Together, these findings demonstrate that GmNOD26 functions as a non-selective cation channel capable of facilitating ammonium transport in nitrogen-fixing soybean nodules. Furthermore, pronounced inhibition of GmNOD26 by divalent cations provides as likely explanation for why monovalent cation-induced currents have not previously been characterised in GmNOD26-expressing X. laevis oocytes.},
}

@article {pmid42842926,
year = {2026},
author = {Paillan, EL and Gil-Polo, A and Guha, S and Swartley, A and Burghardt, LT},
title = {Natural genetic variation in rhizobia and alfalfa influence nodule shape and symbiotic performance.},
journal = {Journal of experimental botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jxb/erag464},
pmid = {42842926},
issn = {1460-2431},
abstract = {In many host-microbe symbioses, hosts develop specialized organs that house microbial symbionts. In legume-rhizobium symbiosis, these organs are called root nodules. While many studies have focused on host traits like plant growth, nodule number, and their structural changes, nodule morphology may influence rhizobial benefits (e.g., bacterial population size). Here, we investigated how variation in alfalfa nodule morphologies influences the fitness outcome of both partners. We used 117 strains and 3 alfalfa varieties to test how genetic variation influenced 1) nodule branch number, area, and rhizobial fitness at the individual nodule level and 2) the proportion of branched nodules, nodule number, and plant benefits at the whole plant level. In all tested hosts, larger or more branched nodules tend to release more rhizobia regardless of rhizobial strain, although baseline rhizobial fitness values differed across hosts. From the host perspective, the proportion of branched nodules was strongly negatively correlated with total nodule number and positively correlated with host benefit. Both host and strain genetic variation contributed to the proportion of branched nodules on a plant. Together, these results provide insight into host and rhizobial genetic contributions to nodule morphology and symbiotic outcomes, suggesting a novel direction for research in legume-rhizobium mutualism.},
}

@article {pmid42843003,
year = {2026},
author = {Tse, TW and Wong, THH and Tsang, LM},
title = {Protective benefit of sea anemone host to symbiotic palaemonid shrimps and predator-avoidance behaviours among palaemonid shrimps.},
journal = {Zoology (Jena, Germany)},
volume = {178-179},
number = {},
pages = {126353},
doi = {10.1016/j.zool.2026.126353},
pmid = {42843003},
issn = {1873-2720},
abstract = {In symbiotic relationships, protection is believed to be the primary benefit that symbionts obtain from a host. Palaemonid shrimps are of notable interest when examining marine symbiosis, with over 500 described species forming symbiotic associations with other macrofauna. Instead of maintaining close contact with the host, several symbiotic palaemonid shrimps were found to leave their host temporarily when disturbed, suggesting that they may not completely rely on host protection and possess abilities to evade predators. This study examined protection obtained by symbiotic palaemonid shrimps from sea anemone host. It compared survival and behavioural responses of symbiotic shrimps with different levels of host association to free-living shrimps in the presence of a predator. A selected model predator, juvenile giant grouper, was introduced to the aquarium to investigate the protective benefit offered by the bubble-tip anemone. The survivorship of all three symbiotic shrimps examined, Ancylocaris brevicarpalis, Ancylomenes holthuisi, and Ancylomenes venustus, was significantly increased when associated with the anemone host, even though the latter two species form a loose association with their host. In the anemone treatment, most of the symbiotic shrimps showed a 100% survival rate, while all free-living shrimps were consumed. The stinging cells of the anemone serves as the major protective function rather than the physical complexity of its structure because the synthetic anemone did not provide detectable protection to the shrimps. Swaying motion and remaining motionless were the predominant behaviours for symbiotic cleaner shrimps and symbiotic non-cleaner shrimp, respectively, in responses to the predator. The symbiotic shrimps exhibited fewer tail-flipping responses as compared to the free-living shrimps, suggesting that the dependency on host protection reduced the self-protective capability of symbiotic shrimps. The present study highlights the importance of the protective benefit offered by sea anemone host to both closely and loosely associated symbiotic shrimps and reveals differences in predator-avoidance behaviours among palaemonid shrimps.},
}

@article {pmid42843232,
year = {2026},
author = {Biţă, A and Scorei, IR and Mogoşanu, GD and Gheonea, DI},
title = {From boron symbiotaxis to symbiogenic nutrients: extending the concept of ecological essentiality.},
journal = {Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology : organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements (GMS)},
volume = {98},
number = {},
pages = {127974},
doi = {10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127974},
pmid = {42843232},
issn = {1878-3252},
abstract = {Nutritional science has traditionally interpreted the biological functions of nutrients according to their metabolic roles within the host organism. Microbiome-oriented concepts, including prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics, have substantially expanded this perspective by recognizing the biological importance of microbial communities. However, existing nutritional classifications remain largely centered on either the host or the microbiota, without explicitly considering the functional organization emerging from their continuous interaction. In this review, we propose the concept of symbiogenic nutrients (SNs) as a complementary functional classification of nutrients defined according to their demonstrated capacity to preserve, restore, or enhance host-microbiome functional organization (HMFO). Building upon the concepts of ecological essentiality and boron (B) symbiotaxis, we introduce a systems-oriented framework in which nutritional function is interpreted not only through direct metabolic activities or microbial modulation but also through preservation of the structural, communicative, ecological, and metabolic processes that collectively sustain functional symbiosis. To facilitate operational implementation, we propose explicit principles and criteria for the classification of SNs and illustrate their application using B as the first experimentally supported prototype. Current evidence indicates that B contributes to biological interface integrity, microbial communication, ecological regulation, and host metabolic integration, thereby fulfilling the proposed operational framework. The concept is further extended from individual SNs to symbiogenic compositions, interface-active compositions, and symbiogenic nutrition, as a systems-oriented nutritional strategy aimed at preserving HMFO. This framework provides new perspectives for healthy longevity, metabolic health, chronic inflammation, and precision nutrition, establishing a conceptual foundation for future interface-targeted nutritional interventions.},
}

@article {pmid42843905,
year = {2026},
author = {Prithiv Sivaji Dorai, A and Hoffmann, AA and Gu, X and Umina, PA and van Rooyen, A and Thia, JA},
title = {Novel transinfections of Rickettsiella across multiple clonal genotypes are compatible with chemical and entomopathogen control of Myzus persicae.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toag304},
pmid = {42843905},
issn = {1938-291X},
support = {UOM1906-002RTX//Grains Research and Development Corporation/ ; UOM2404-006RT//Grains Research and Development Corporation/ ; ST23002//Hort Innovation Australia/ ; //The University of Melbourne/ ; },
abstract = {Symbiotic bacteria are of increasing interest as new, alternative biological control candidates for managing insect pests. Previous work has found that a novel, self-spreading, transinfection of the endosymbiont, Rickettsiella viridis, can induce fitness costs in the globally invasive aphid pest, Myzus persicae (Sulzer). Endosymbiont transinfections could be used in broad scale management if they do not interfere with other common control options that are compatible with integrated pest management at local scales. In this work, we studied the effect of a novel Rickettsiella transinfection on chemical and entomopathogen responses in M. persicae. Our experiments used 4 different clonal genotypes that varied in their resistance to chemical insecticides, allowing us to capture the potential genetic variability in the response of aphid hosts to the Rickettsiella infection. These aphid genotypes were exposed to 3 chemical insecticides registered for aphid control in Australian agriculture (bifenthrin, a pyrethroid; dimethoate, an organophosphate; and imidacloprid, a neonicotinoid), as well as the fungal entomopathogen, Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo). Mortality following chemical insecticide exposure varied considerably among aphid genotypes but was unaffected by the Rickettsiella infection. Mortality and fecundity following fungal entomopathogen exposure exhibited interactions between genotype and Rickettsiella infection status, with some possible transgenerational effects. However, there was no evidence that the efficacy of Beauveria was compromised by Rickettsiella. These results support the potential for the general use of Rickettsiella as a biological control agent, which could be released into natural populations as part of area-wide strategies to establish infections and suppress pest populations.},
}

@article {pmid42845486,
year = {2026},
author = {De Santiago, A and Han, MK and Hargadon, SB and Marcellino Barros, M and Brito De Jesus, S and Pereira, TJ and Bik, HM},
title = {Marine nematodes exhibit widespread symbiosis, novel chemoautotrophy, and evolutionary conservation of holobiont taxa.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.64898/2026.08.12.744518},
pmid = {42845486},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {Microbial symbioses drive the evolutionary and functional diversification of eukaryotic clades, from single-celled protists to large invertebrates. However, our knowledge of host-associated assemblages (the "holobiont") is limited in microscopic animal phyla with a body size <1mm, due to practical challenges such as low biomass and difficult taxonomy of host species. Marine nematodes represent an ideal case study for rapidly advancing our knowledge of bacterial-animal symbioses, representing a globally abundant invertebrate group with strong links to terrestrial and model organism species within the same phylum. Here, we sequenced the holobionts of 220 marine nematodes and generated 815 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) of host-associated bacteria/archaea. Our data indicates that 20-34% of marine nematodes harbor an obligate intracellular symbiont, often with multiple endosymbionts co-occurring within the same host. Three bacterial phyla (Pseudomonadota Bacteroidota, and Verrucomicrobiota) account for three-quarters of all nematode-associated MAGs, and the majority of these holobiont MAGs represent deeply divergent lineages in the prokaryotic tree of life. The Flavobacteriaceae (a core microbiome taxon in C. elegans and other terrestrial nematodes), were consistently recovered across phylogenetically diverse marine nematode lineages, suggesting evolutionary conservation of holobiont taxa across marine and terrestrial environments. We also report a novel chemoautotroph family (Ca. Thionematobacter) recovered from nematode hosts in both deep-sea and shallow-water habitats, and report the first confirmed instance of Cardinium endosymbionts from marine invertebrates. Finally, ∼65% of nematode-associated MAGs are able to degrade chitin, via hexosaminidase, implying that benthic invertebrate holobionts make significant contributions to global carbon cycling. These results underline the importance of evaluating symbiosis in microscopic marine invertebrates, and accelerating our understanding of animal evolution and ecosystem dynamics in vast benthic habitats.},
}

@article {pmid42846748,
year = {2026},
author = {Locke, AM and Ortiz, AC and Sikes, TR and Gold, NL and Ramirez, ME},
title = {Rhizobia bacteroid transcription helps to coordinate the soybean nodule drought response.},
journal = {AoB PLANTS},
volume = {18},
number = {5},
pages = {plag044},
doi = {10.1093/aobpla/plag044},
pmid = {42846748},
issn = {2041-2851},
abstract = {Soybean (Glycine max L. [Merr.]) nitrogen fixation is sensitive to soil drying and is an important target for improving soybean drought resilience. Transcriptional regulation of the nodule drought response and the influence of symbiotic rhizobia are not well understood. We measured whole-plant responses to mild and moderate soil moisture deficit (41% and 20% of field capacity) alongside the nodule transcriptome, including soybean and Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens transcripts, in two soybean genotypes ('Benning' and PI 471938) that were previously found to have diverging nitrogen fixation drought responses. The transcriptomes of the two genotypes responded very similarly to soil moisture deficit, with only eight genes responding to soil moisture deficit differently between genotypes. Mild soil moisture deficit reduced stomatal conductance and increased stem and petiole ureide while altering transcript abundance of genes involved in nitrogen assimilation-related pathways in both plant genotypes and in the bacteroid. Gene regulatory network inference identified two B. diazoefficiens loci, BAC49768 and BAC47090, as major regulators in the whole-nodule transcriptome during soil moisture deficit. Several soybean network nodes were located within quantitative trait loci previously associated with relevant drought responses. This work revealed new soybean and rhizobia candidate genes with important roles in the soybean nodule drought response.},
}

@article {pmid42846959,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, Z and Li, Q and Li, X and Wang, Z and Wu, X},
title = {Dual-brain fusion: Bidirectional empowerment between human brain and brain-inspired systems.},
journal = {Fundamental research},
volume = {6},
number = {5},
pages = {3529-3543},
doi = {10.1016/j.fmre.2026.03.020},
pmid = {42846959},
issn = {2667-3258},
abstract = {Artificial intelligence (AI) is fundamentally reshaping societal futures, with its transformative applications driving profound, cross-sectoral change. From surgical robots that enhance medical precision and safety to autonomous vehicles that reconfigure transportation ecosystems, AI is accelerating social progress at an unprecedented pace and scale. Yet current AI technologies face persistent foundational challenges: overreliance on static, context-insensitive rules; limited capacity for dynamic, real-world simulation; and representation models that lack depth and integrative coherence. These limitations constrain adaptability in non-stationary environments, hinder the emergence of holistic intelligence, and obscure the mechanistic essence of true intelligence, constituting a critical barrier to artificial general intelligence (AGI). Dual-Brain Fusion, the deep, bidirectional synergy between the human brain and brain-inspired systems, represents the essential pathway to overcoming this barrier. As nature's most sophisticated intelligent system, the human brain offers fundamental insights for brain-inspired research through its capacities for multimodal perception, adaptive cognition, and goal-directed decision-making. Although existing research has advanced perception optimization, cognitive enhancement, and decision-making improvement, it remains constrained by a single-layer simulation paradigm of brain functions, incomplete understanding of neural functional mechanisms, and the absence of engineered bidirectional interaction between the two systems. To address these challenges, this paper proposes leveraging the human brain's perceptual, cognitive, and decision-making functional mechanisms as a unifying bridge, breaking down interdisciplinary barriers to construct a full-chain collaborative innovation paradigm centered on Dual-Brain Fusion, which enables mutual inspiration between the human brain and brain-inspired systems. Within this framework, brain-inspired systems are optimized using principles derived from human brain mechanisms, while empirical feedback from these systems informs refined analysis of brain functional mechanisms, establishing a closed loop of bidirectional empowerment. Looking ahead, the continued advancement of Dual-Brain Fusion will catalyze an intelligence leap grounded in brain functional mechanisms. This paradigm, anchored in brain mechanisms as a source of principled inspiration, drives AI breakthroughs at the level of intelligence itself, unlocks synergistic human-machine co-adaptation, and charts a developmental path toward human-machine symbiosis and co-evolution.},
}

@article {pmid42847282,
year = {2026},
author = {Stévenne, C and Ferrier-Pagès, C and Grover, R and Plumier, JC and Roberty, S},
title = {Nitrogen-Dependent Regulation of Nitrate Reductase in Coral Symbioses.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ismejo/wrag260},
pmid = {42847282},
issn = {1751-7370},
abstract = {The nutritional symbiosis between corals and their photosynthetic dinoflagellate partners underpins the ecological success of reef-building corals in nutrient-poor environments. Although coral holobionts can assimilate the abundant yet highly variable environmental nitrate, direct insight into how nitrate reductase is regulated in these symbiotic algae has been lacking. Here, nitrate reductase protein abundance and gene expression were characterized in cultured Symbiodiniaceae exposed to different nitrogen regimes and light conditions, revealing the multifactorial nature of its regulation. The results indicate that nitrate reductase behaves as a substrate-induced enzyme: nitrate stimulates protein synthesis in nitrogen-starved cultures, whereas ammonium actively suppresses its expression in a concentration-dependent manner. Light availability and photosynthetic electron transport further modulate protein abundance, suggesting that although nitrate reductase synthesis depends on nitrate availability, its stability may rely on photosynthesis. In hospite, nitrate reductase is synthesized within hours of nitrate exposure by symbionts from nitrogen-starved corals, indicating that nitrate reduction can occur within the host environment. However, this response is transient and reduced relative to free-living cells, suggesting that nitrate reduction may function as a facultative pathway activated when preferred nitrogen sources become limited. Finally, gene expression measurements and pharmacological inhibition experiments are consistent with predominant post-transcriptional regulation of nitrate reductase protein expression, enabling rapid and reversible control of nitrate assimilation. Together, these findings describe a tightly regulated and responsive nitrate reduction system in coral symbionts that provides a flexible mechanism contributing to nitrogen homeostasis under fluctuating nutrient regimes.},
}

@article {pmid42836559,
year = {2026},
author = {Keller, TT and Cleveland, CC and Heumann, RE and Link, AC and McGuire, LT and Turner, MG},
title = {Nitrogen dynamics 35 years after stand-replacing fire: Aboveground pools grow as surface soil pools remain unchanged.},
journal = {Ecology},
volume = {107},
number = {10},
pages = {e70546},
pmid = {42836559},
issn = {1939-9170},
support = {DEB-2027261//National Science Foundation/ ; DEB-2027263//National Science Foundation/ ; //University of Wisconsin Vilas Trust/ ; },
mesh = {*Soil/chemistry ; *Nitrogen/chemistry/metabolism ; *Pinus/physiology ; *Fires ; Time Factors ; *Wildfires ; Forests ; Biomass ; Trees ; },
abstract = {Natural disturbances induce variable recovery pathways, and long-term studies are key to understanding how that variability affects ecosystem function over time and across space. In subalpine forests, high-severity wildfires produce high variability in postfire tree density, but how this variability relates to nitrogen (N) cycling remains unclear. We resampled lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia) stands 35 years after stand-replacing fire and asked (1) how N concentrations, pools, and mineralization changed with increasing lodgepole pine biomass from 15 to 35 years postfire; (2) how N concentrations, pools, and rates of change varied across the gradient of early postfire stand density; and (3) whether among-stand structure and function were converging over time. Vegetation, forest floor litter, downed coarse wood, surface mineral soil (0-15 cm), and resin-sorbed N were measured in fourteen 0.25-ha plots in Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, USA). From 25 to 35 years postfire, average total aboveground N pools increased from 252 to 405 kg N ha[-1]. Over the same 10-year period, soil N pools averaged 986 kg N ha[-1] and did not change, resin-sorbed soil N remained low, and the only common symbiotic N-fixing plant in the plots (silvery lupine, Lupinus argenteus) remained sparse. Aboveground lodgepole pine biomass increased at similar rates from 15 to 25 and 25 to 35 years postfire (2.5 and 2.2 Mg ha[-1] year[-1], respectively) along with N pools (4.6 and 3.8 kg N ha[-1] year[1]) and forest floor litter N (1.2 and 2.2 kg N ha[-1] year[1]). Among stands 35 years postfire, total aboveground N varied threefold (212-638 kg N ha[-1]) and was positively correlated with lodgepole pine aboveground net primary productivity and biomass but unrelated to stem density. Soil N pools ranged from 570 to 1668 kg N ha[-1] and were negatively correlated with lodgepole pine stem density but unrelated to tree productivity or biomass. Among-stand variation in stem density remained high but declined over time while N pools became less variable even as pools increased and variability in tree productivity increased from 25 to 35 years postfire. Rapid tree growth and biomass accumulation strongly regulate the N cycle in 35-year-old lodgepole pine stands, but sources of recovered N remain unresolved.},
}

*Soil/chemistry
*Nitrogen/chemistry/metabolism
*Pinus/physiology
*Fires
Time Factors
*Wildfires
Forests
Biomass
Trees

@article {pmid42836617,
year = {2026},
author = {Smith, S and Septer, A},
title = {Draft genome sequences of two Vibrio jasicida strains isolated from the Atlantic brief squid Lolliguncula brevis.},
journal = {Microbiology resource announcements},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0096326},
doi = {10.1128/mra.00963-26},
pmid = {42836617},
issn = {2576-098X},
abstract = {We report draft genome sequences of two Vibrio jasicida strains, LB10LO4 and LB14LO7, cultured from tissues of the Atlantic brief squid Lolliguncula brevis in Bogue Sound, North Carolina, USA.},
}

@article {pmid42837257,
year = {2026},
author = {Gao, Y and Cai, T and Wang, X and Nadal-Jimenez, P and Li, C and Su, C and He, S and Li, J and Wan, H},
title = {Bacterial endosymbiont suppresses detoxification through folate-mediated DNA methylation in Nilaparvata lugens.},
journal = {Cell reports},
volume = {45},
number = {10},
pages = {118103},
doi = {10.1016/j.celrep.2026.118103},
pmid = {42837257},
issn = {2211-1247},
abstract = {Symbiont-derived metabolites can regulate host physiology, but how they affect xenobiotic detoxification remains poorly understood. Here, we provide evidence that the endosymbiont Arsenophonus nilaparvatae increases insecticide susceptibility in Nilaparvata lugens through a folate-associated DNA methylation pathway. Specifically, A. nilaparvatae enhances folate biosynthesis through metabolic complementation with host alkaline phosphatase, while folate supplementation reduces P450 expression and monooxygenase activity. Metabolomics reveals an increased ratio of S-adenosylmethionine to S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAM/SAH). Consistent with this shift, symbiont infection and folate treatment are accompanied by increased NlDNMT3 expression and global 5-methylcytosine (5mC) levels. Moreover, genome-wide and targeted bisulfite analyses identify increased promoter-associated methylation at NlCYP6ER1, coinciding with reduced transcription. Importantly, inhibiting DNA methylation partially reverses these molecular and phenotypic effects. Finally, folate-associated sensitization is observed with high-folate transgenic rice and in other tested insects. Together, these findings support a symbiont-folate-DNA methylation axis regulating host detoxification and suggest folate metabolism as a potential target for insect control.},
}

@article {pmid42838452,
year = {2026},
author = {Melkikh, AV},
title = {Deceptive simplicity and law-governed symbiosis: a critical mini-review of the mechanisms underlying the emergence of multicellular organisms.},
journal = {Bio Systems},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {105983},
doi = {10.1016/j.biosystems.2026.105983},
pmid = {42838452},
issn = {1872-8324},
abstract = {The mechanisms underlying the evolutionary emergence of multicellular organisms are examined from a systems perspective. The key parameter of this evolution is complexity, both of individual cells and of the multicellular organism. The main problems of cell integration are examined, such as genome integration and the coordination of the functioning of immune and transport systems. As a result, the emergence of a multicellular organism from any unicellular organism is an unattainable task for random mutations and selection. The concept of regulated symbiosis is proposed as a mechanism for the formation of a multicellular organism. The problem of the origin of multicellularity is also examined from the perspective of systems theory. This perspective allows us to understand the most general problems concerning the origin of multicellular organisms. As a mechanism for implementing regulated symbiosis, immanent laws of form generation are proposed, realized through hidden variables in quantum mechanics.},
}

@article {pmid42838567,
year = {2026},
author = {Methou, P and Mathieu-Resuge, M and Michel, LN and Cueff-Gauchard, V and Watanabe, HK and Cowell, EJ and Copley, JT and Beinart, RA and Zbinden, M and Pradillon, F and Cambon, MA and Chen, C},
title = {Correction to: 'Evolutionary convergence and trophic diversity in hot vent and cold seep shrimps showcase a continuum of symbiosis' (2026), by Methou et al.},
journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences},
volume = {293},
number = {2080},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1098/rspb.2026.2069},
pmid = {42838567},
issn = {1471-2954},
}

@article {pmid42839778,
year = {2026},
author = {Nogueira, JCC and Ribas, LPS and Moura, R and Boldori, JR and Garcia, AP and Amaral, KR and Smaniotto, FA and Emanuelle, T and Denardin, CC},
title = {Combined effects of kombucha consumption and aerobic exercise on oxidative stress and metabolic parameters in Wistar rats.},
journal = {Journal of the science of food and agriculture},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/jsfa.71108},
pmid = {42839778},
issn = {1097-0010},
support = {//Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - Brasil (CAPES) - Finance Code 001 and Unipampa for partial financial assistance to carry out this work./ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Kombucha, a fermented tea containing symbiotic bacteria and yeast, and aerobic exercise each confer distinct health benefits, but their combined effects remain poorly understood. This study investigated the combined effects of consuming kombucha fermented for 7 days and performing moderate aerobic exercise on physiological outcomes in Wistar rats.

METHODS: Sixty animals were divided into six groups (n = 10 per group): control (saline); K1 (1 mL/100 g/day kombucha); K2 (2 mL/100 g/day kombucha); exercise (EA); and combined treatment (K1 + EA, K2 + EA) for 4 weeks.

RESULTS: Exercise alone reduced body weight, retroperitoneal fat, and triglyceride levels. Combining kombucha with exercise enhanced antioxidant activity in the brain and reduced lipid peroxidation, exceeding the effects observed with either intervention alone. Kombucha independently modulated the intestinal microbiota, increasing short-chain fatty acid production. These findings suggest three potentially important interactions: (i) the metabolic benefits of exercise are maintained with kombucha co-administration; (ii) kombucha may potentiate exercise-induced neuroprotection against oxidative stress; and (iii) kombucha maintains its prebiotic effects regardless of exercise.

CONCLUSION: Overall, these findings suggest a potential interaction between kombucha consumption, aerobic exercise, intestinal fermentation, and cerebral oxidative stress, warranting further investigation of the underlying gut-brain mechanisms. © 2026 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid42832478,
year = {2026},
author = {Calzada, D and Martín-López, L and Carnés, J},
title = {Genetic and microbiomics approaches allow the monitoring of the growth of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus cultures and their environmental influences.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {21},
number = {10},
pages = {e0359777},
pmid = {42832478},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus/growth & development/microbiology/genetics ; *Microbiota ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; },
abstract = {Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus is cultured in industrial facilities to produce allergen extracts for allergy diagnosis and therapeutic treatment. In these facilities, mite growth and production should be monitored, and exhaustive quality control is mandatory to harvest mites, reach optimal expansion, and avoid potential microbial contamination. In this study, we explored genetic approaches to monitor the growth of five independent D. pteronyssinus cultures. Microbiological studies were performed to characterise the evolution of microbial communities during culture. Finally, we designed a qRT-PCR application to quantify mite populations in the cultures. Our microbiome studies revealed the presence of non-pathogenic bacteria and the absence of Gram-negative bacteria. Despite the variability in microbiome genera at the beginning of the five cultures, the microbiome composition tended to be more homogeneous among the culture batches as mite growth progressed. Specifically, Staphylococcus sp., Virgibacillus sp., and Malassezia sp. appeared to be the most significant taxa involved in culture progression. In summary, we developed a specific method for quantifying and monitoring mite cultures, which could be used to establish an objective method for harvesting mites to manufacture standardised allergen extracts. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive description of the relationship between mites and their symbiotic microorganisms.},
}

Animals
*Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus/growth & development/microbiology/genetics
*Microbiota
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics

@article {pmid42832880,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhou, Q and Huang, H and Meng, Y and Lin, X and Wu, Y and Xiong, L and Duan, X and Chen, H and Xue, G},
title = {Transforming anaerobic granular sludge into a symbiotic system with aerobic granular and floc sludge: Self-assembly and niche differentiation of simultaneous nitrification and denitrification.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {308},
number = {Pt C},
pages = {127062},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2026.127062},
pmid = {42832880},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {Aerobic granular sludge (AGS) facilitates simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND) but suffers from protracted start-up and instability. Meanwhile, the synergistic nitrogen removal mechanisms between AGS and its disintegration-derived flocculent sludge (FS) remain unclear. In this study, sieve-enclosed anaerobic granular sludge (AnGS) was inoculated into a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) and transformed into an AGS-FS symbiotic system. This system achieved up to 80.17% total nitrogen (TN) removal and maintained TN removal as high as 78.05% when treating authentic wastewater. Spatial dissolved oxygen (DO) differentiation contributed to the functional differentiation of AGS and FS, favoring denitrification in AGS and nitrification in FS. External carbon was partially sequestered as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) within AGS, creating a low-carbon environment favorable for nitrification and subsequently supporting endogenous denitrification. Microbial analysis revealed spatially differentiated nitrogen removal potentials. AGS enriched denitrification-associated genera (Diaphorobacter, Denitratisoma, and Hydrogenophaga), accompanied by the enrichment of nirK/S, norB/C, and nosZ, whereas FS enriched Nitrospira and Paracoccus associated with nitrification potential and SND-related functions, accompanied by nxrA/B enrichment. Regarding carbon metabolism, AGS exhibited enrichment of genes involved in the phosphotransacetylase-acetate kinase (PTA-ACK) pathway, tricarboxylic acid (TCA), and glyoxylate cycles, potentially supporting energy metabolism and PHAs storage for denitrification. Conversely, FS was primarily associated with carbon metabolism supporting energy supply for nitrification. This study elucidates the cooperative nitrogen removal mechanisms in AGS-FS symbiosis formed by AnGS inoculation, offering a robust strategy for biological nitrogen removal.},
}

@article {pmid42832884,
year = {2026},
author = {Sun, BB and Wang, X and Guo, JS and Chen, YP and Yan, P},
title = {A 3D-printed algal-bacterial microreactor for photobiological hydrogen production coupled with actual wastewater treatment.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {308},
number = {Pt C},
pages = {127071},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2026.127071},
pmid = {42832884},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {Microalgae-driven photosynthetic hydrogen production has emerged as a promising approach to tackle the global energy crisis and reduce carbon emissions. Simultaneously, microalgae can remove phosphorus and nitrogen from wastewater while sequestering CO2 during hydrogen production. However, challenges such as the intrinsic oxygen sensitivity of hydrogenases and the relatively low hydrogen productivity remain major hurdles that constrain the process viability of microalgae for combined wastewater treatment and hydrogen production. A 3D-bioprinted algal-bacterial microreactor (ABMR) with a core-shell structure was constructed for simultaneous actual wastewater treatment and photobiological hydrogen production. 3D bioprinting was employed to achieve precise spatial segregation of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii in the core and Shewanella sp. in the shell, thereby promoting hydrogen production. The ABMR achieved effective pollutant removal (COD 98.3 %, TN 95.7 %, TP 94.0 %) and a cumulative hydrogen yield of 1681.5 μmol H2/mg Chl. Metabolomics revealed that algal-bacterial symbiosis promoted [Fe-Fe]-hydrogenase (HydA) maturation, strengthened photosynthetic carbon fixation, and activated pyruvate metabolism to supply additional electrons. Interspecies AI‑2 signalling and the stringent response regulator ppGpp were upregulated, enhancing metabolic coordination. The ABMR fixed CO2 at 53.8 g/(L·d) and achieved a net carbon emission of only -0.21 kg CO2/m[3], substantially lower than conventional processes such as A/A/O and oxidation ditch. This study demonstrated that the 3D‑printed algal‑bacterial microreactor is a promising green platform integrating wastewater treatment, renewable hydrogen generation, and carbon reduction.},
}

@article {pmid42833187,
year = {2026},
author = {Medina, M},
title = {Mónica Medina.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {36},
number = {19},
pages = {R1008-R1009},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2026.07.069},
pmid = {42833187},
issn = {1879-0445},
mesh = {Animals ; History, 21st Century ; History, 20th Century ; *Marine Biology/history ; *Anthozoa/microbiology/physiology ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Mónica trained as a marine biologist at the University of Miami and completed postdoctoral research at the Marine Biological Laboratory and California Academy of Sciences. Having previously led coral reef research at the Joint Genome Institute, the University of California, Merced, and Penn State, she is now Professor of Ecology and Evolution at University of California, Los Angeles. Her work focuses on coral ancient DNA, microbial diversity, cnidarian development, and coral-algal symbiosis.},
}

Animals
History, 21st Century
History, 20th Century
*Marine Biology/history
*Anthozoa/microbiology/physiology
Symbiosis

@article {pmid42833478,
year = {2026},
author = {Yuan, J and Zhang, H and Huang, J and Wang, B and Wang, M and Yang, L},
title = {Metabolic reprogramming and plasticity in breast Cancer: Mechanisms driving tumor progression, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance.},
journal = {Biochimica et biophysica acta. Reviews on cancer},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {189733},
doi = {10.1016/j.bbcan.2026.189733},
pmid = {42833478},
issn = {1879-2561},
abstract = {Breast cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed malignancy and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide. Despite substantial advances in endocrine therapy, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-targeted therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, therapeutic resistance and metastatic progression remain major clinical challenges. Accumulating evidence has established metabolic reprogramming as a fundamental hallmark of breast cancer, enabling tumor cells to adapt dynamically to nutrient limitation, hypoxia, oxidative stress, and therapeutic pressure. Beyond the classical Warburg effect, breast cancer cells exhibit remarkable metabolic plasticity through coordinated reprogramming of glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), glutamine metabolism, lipid metabolism, and one‑carbon metabolism. These metabolic alterations not only sustain bioenergetic and biosynthetic demands but also reshape the tumor microenvironment (TME), promote immune evasion, maintain cancer stemness, and facilitate metastatic dissemination. Recent studies further reveal that metabolic heterogeneity varies substantially across molecular subtypes, metastatic niches, and treatment-resistant cell populations. In parallel, stromal cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and immune cells establish complex metabolic symbiotic relationships with tumor cells through metabolite exchange and immunometabolic regulation. Importantly, therapy-induced metabolic adaptation has emerged as a central mechanism underlying resistance to chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, HER2-targeted therapy, CDK4/6 inhibitors, and immune checkpoint blockade. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the molecular mechanisms governing metabolic reprogramming and metabolic plasticity in breast cancer, with particular emphasis on how they contribute to tumor progression, metastasis, immune escape, and therapeutic resistance. We further discuss emerging therapeutic strategies targeting glycolysis, mitochondrial metabolism, glutamine utilization, lipid metabolism, ferroptosis-associated pathways, and immunometabolic vulnerabilities. Finally, we highlight current challenges in clinical translation, including metabolic heterogeneity, compensatory pathway activation, and limited therapeutic selectivity, and outline future directions that integrate multi-omics profiling, spatial metabolomics, and precision metabolic targeting for individualized breast cancer therapy.},
}

@article {pmid42834901,
year = {2026},
author = {Arvinder, D and Ravindran, G and Gumathannavar, R},
title = {Dataset of soil particle images and particle size distribution for applications in granular materials.},
journal = {Data in brief},
volume = {69},
number = {},
pages = {113271},
pmid = {42834901},
issn = {2352-3409},
abstract = {This dataset introduces soil particle images corresponding to sieve-based particle size distribution (PSD) obtained from black cotton soil sourced from the laboratory stock of the Geotechnical Laboratory, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, Maharashtra, India. A bulk sample of 1500 grams was processed by implementing the mechanical sieve analysis using ASTM/ISO standard sieves (2.36 mm to 0.075 mm) under mechanical vibration for 15 min in three stages of 500 grams each. Representative fractions from each sieve were used for multi-scale image acquisition. A total of 1350 smartphone images were captured with the use of an iPhone 15 Pro Max at three heights (15 cm, 30 cm, 45 cm), incorporating repeated disturbance cycles to ensure the variability in particle exposure. In addition to the smartphone images, 1350 microscopic images were acquired from sub-sampled sieve fractions using varying magnifications (4x, 10x, and 20x) under an inverted microscope Olympus CKX53. The inclusion of both macro-scale and micro-scale imaging aligned with standardized sieve data supports development and validation of predictive models in geotechnical engineering. Even though the dataset is generated from black cotton soil obtained from a single source, it provides a useful benchmark for developing and evaluating image-based characterization methods. Application to other soil types or granular materials requires additional validation.},
}

@article {pmid42835444,
year = {2026},
author = {Suman, K and Ravi, H and Sharma, P and Sharma, MP and Grover, M and Kaushik, R},
title = {Untargeted LC-QToF-MS profiling of the soybean (Glycine max) root-soil continuum reveals spatial compartmentalisation of putative exudate, defence, and iron-acquisition metabolite signatures.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1940810},
pmid = {42835444},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Compartment-resolved metabolite baselines for legumes grown under field conditions are notably scarce. Most root exudate data are obtained from hydroponic or pot systems using targeted assays. These methods fail to accurately represent the soil-borne and microbially derived chemical environments surrounding roots in situ. Furthermore, no such baseline has been established for soybeans grown on the calcareous Vertisols of central and western India, where phosphorus, Zn, and Fe availability are the primary constraints.

METHODS: We employed untargeted liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QToF-MS) to analyze four compartments of a field-grown soybean system in Hadoti, southeastern Rajasthan, India. These included non-rhizospheric bulk soil (NRBS), rhizospheric soil (RS), surface-sterilized (SRS), and unsterilized (SRU) roots, with three replicates each. We aimed to identify compartment-specific metabolic signatures and potential plant-microbe interaction mediators. As data were obtained at the MS1 level without tandem-MS confirmation, all annotations are putative, in accordance with Metabolomics Standards Initiative Levels 2-3.

RESULTS: Principal component analysis distinguished the root compartments, whereas the soil compartments were differentiated along the first component with overlapping confidence regions. Set analyses revealed 43 features exclusive to RS and 120 features exclusive to SRU. Soil chemistry differed markedly between NRBS and RS: available phosphorus, potassium, zinc, and manganese were lower in the rhizosphere, whereas exchangeable aluminium was approximately 15 times higher and was the sole element accumulating in the root zone. Among the ecological features, root colonization correlated with reduced abundance of jasmonic acid features and increased abundance of isoflavonoid features (including daidzein) and microbial siderophores. Although substantial, these differences did not withstand false discovery rate correction and are reported as candidate observations.

DISCUSSION: The observed patterns align with established models of nutrient mobilization, symbiotic signalling, and iron competition. However, targeted MS/MS validation and independent quantification are required before drawing mechanistic conclusions. The dataset serves as a hypothesis-generating baseline and provides a prioritized set of candidate features for subsequent targeted investigations of soybean root-microbe chemical interactions.},
}

@article {pmid42836343,
year = {2026},
author = {Ren, Q and Zou, Q and Yang, S and Xie, J and Cheng, G},
title = {The preprotein translocase YajC mediates biofilm formation and symbiotic nitrogen-fixation in Mesorhizobium huakuii.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0201626},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.02016-26},
pmid = {42836343},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: In bacteria, the auxiliary complex SecDF-YajC participates in the Sec system, facilitating post-translational translocation of preproteins across the membrane through the SecYEG channel. Although YajC homologs are strongly conserved in rhizobial strains and may play important roles in many processes, the functions and mechanisms by which they are involved in the interaction between rhizobia and host legumes are unknown. By constructing Mesorhizobium huakuii yajC mutant, we observed an increase in the strain growth rate, but a reduction in both the biomass and average thickness of the biofilm in the yajC gene mutant compared to the wild type. Deletion of yajC gene results in severe suppression of competitive ability in the plant rhizosphere, alongside a substantial reduction in root hair curling and infection thread initiation during the early infection stages. The yajC-deficient mutant formed more numerous but smaller root nodules, with a 77% decrease in nitrogen-fixing capacity. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that yajC mutant bacteroids displayed, alongside clear hallmarks of cellular deformation, dissociation, and premature senescence. From nodule bacteroid proteomic analysis, we further identified 210 differentially expressed proteins, including 32 transport-related proteins, and 10 associated with nitrogen fixation. Altogether, our findings reveal the importance of YajC-mediated transport and biofilm formation in rhizobial infection and nodule development during M. huakuii-Astragalus sinicus symbiosis.

IMPORTANCE: In Mesorhizobium huakuii-Astragalus sinicus symbiosis, deletion of the conserved Sec subunit YajC delays early biofilm formation by impairing flagellar-driven attachment. However, the yajC mutant restores wild-type biofilm biomass later, via upregulation of EPS synthesis genes (exoA/exoY), the PTS(Ntr) regulator ptsN, and polysaccharide deacetylase. This recovery contrasts with permanent biofilm defects in other bacteria, underscoring the need for longer-term assessment. YajC loss also disrupts nitrogenase activity by impairing iron-sulfur cluster biogenesis, Nif complex assembly, and electron transfer. As a compensatory response, plants form more nodules, offsetting reduced nitrogenase activity per nodule. Thus, multipath processes like biofilm formation show adaptability to secretion defects, whereas essential, linear pathways (e.g., nitrogenase maturation) remain highly sensitive. Our work redefines YajC: beyond its canonical role in Sec-mediated secretion, it is a rhizobium-specific factor critical for symbiosis, advancing understanding of secretion system roles in host-microbe interactions.},
}

@article {pmid42836349,
year = {2026},
author = {Zou, H and Yu, J and Li, H and Xu, J and An, M and Tian, L and Ma, Y},
title = {Microbial insights into the survival adaptation of the endemic orchid Corybas fanjingshanensis in a "sky island" habitat.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0371925},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.03719-25},
pmid = {42836349},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {Understanding the microbiological basis of species adaptation is crucial for effective conservation. This study investigates the endangered, narrow-endemic orchid Corybas fanjingshanensis and its symbiotic moss substrate in a "sky island" habitat, using high-throughput sequencing to analyze microbial communities and their potential roles in host survival. Results reveal significant divergence between endophytic and environmental microbiomes. Endophytic bacterial diversity was lower, but dominance was higher than in the moss substrate. We identified 65 core bacterial and 18 core fungal genera, predominantly enriched in nutrient acquisition and stress tolerance functions. Five key bacterial taxa, including Vicinamibacteraceae and Mucilaginibacter, were highlighted as potential conservation targets. The C. fanjingshanensis-moss symbiotic network exhibited strong positive interactions and high modularity, forming tight functional clusters likely enhancing environmental stress resistance. While bacterial functional genes remained stable across communities, fungal nutritional strategies were influenced by environmental heterogeneity. We propose conservation measures, including microbial transplantation to rebuild host-microbe symbioses, selective amplification of core taxa, and a holistic framework integrating habitat integrity with long-term microbial monitoring. This study offers insights into the survival strategies of narrow-endemic plants and advances microbiome-based orchid conservation, shifting the paradigm from habitat simulation to microbial network restoration.IMPORTANCEUsing Corybas fanjingshanensis, a critically endangered species with an extremely limited distribution, as the research subject, high-throughput sequencing technology was employed to investigate its survival adaptations from a microbial perspective within the unique "sky island" habitat. The findings provide a reference for microbiome-based conservation of endangered narrow-endemic species and offer insights into plant habitat reconstruction.},
}

@article {pmid42825322,
year = {2026},
author = {Takahashi, C},
title = {Collagen-mediated biofilm formation and fibrillar organization in Staphylococcus epidermidis.},
journal = {Biofouling},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-17},
doi = {10.1080/08927014.2026.2740722},
pmid = {42825322},
issn = {1029-2454},
abstract = {The symbiotic skin bacterium Staphylococcus epidermidis moisturizes human skin, contributes to protection against external pathogens, and supports innate immune stimulation. However, the interaction between collagen, a major skin protein, and S. epidermidis remains insufficiently explored. In this study, biofilm development was investigated using scanning electron microscopy with ionic liquid pretreatment, confocal laser scanning microscopy, biofilm quantification assays, and growth curve analysis. In the presence of collagen, cells adhered to the substrate, secreted microvesicles, formed web-like intercellular fibrillar connections, and became embedded in an extracellular polymeric substance-like matrix. Confocal microscopy and quantitative analyses showed that collagen supplementation significantly increased biofilm thickness and biomass over time, with biomass approximately 1.6-fold higher at 36 h, while growth curves indicated minimal effects on bacterial proliferation. As biofilms matured, surface cells exhibited organized alignment, and thread-like fibrils connected cells in less dense regions. These findings suggest that collagen promotes distinct biofilm architectures and influences the structural development of biofilms.},
}

@article {pmid42826710,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, X and Ye, H and Yu, Y and Guo, L and Sun, M and Cao, X and Yu, Y and Fang, Z and Hu, L and Zhao, Y and Song, Q and Zhang, Y and Chen, Y and Shen, Q and Zhang, P and Qian, C and Zhang, Y and Hu, S and Qiu, Y},
title = {Role of host nitrogen use efficiency in determining arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi responses to nitrogen enrichment.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2026.09.024},
pmid = {42826710},
issn = {1879-0445},
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form widespread symbiotic relationships with plants, influencing nutrient acquisition and ecosystem functioning. Although nitrogen (N) enrichment effects on AMF have been widely studied, whether host N-use efficiency (NUE) mediates these responses remains unclear. Here, we integrated a global meta-analysis with a greenhouse experiment using low- and high-NUE maize (Zea mays) cultivars Xianyu335 (XY335) and Qianyu568 (QY568) and a decade-long field experiment using low-NUE Sidan19 (SD19) and high-NUE Jidan27 (JD27). The global synthesis revealed a nonlinear response of AMF to increasing N addition, while the complementary experiments showed that host NUE altered both the response direction and its underlying regulatory pathway. In the field, AMF abundance and richness of SD19 declined linearly with increasing N availability, largely through root morphological plasticity. By contrast, JD27 exhibited a hump-shaped response to N addition, mediated by N-induced soil acidification. Furthermore, N addition altered AMF community composition, inducing taxonomic trade-offs between Glomeraceae and Paraglomeraceae, which contributed to the hump-shaped response of AMF in JD27. Together, our findings identify host NUE as a biological filter that modifies how established plant, soil, and fungal mechanisms regulate mycorrhizal responses to N enrichment, offering critical insights for sustainable agricultural management under future global change scenarios.},
}

@article {pmid42826911,
year = {2026},
author = {Huang, X and Xian, X and Zhang, H and Wang, S and Fu, B},
title = {Lipid metabolic regulation and targeting strategies in the brain metastasis tumor microenvironment.},
journal = {Biochimica et biophysica acta. Reviews on cancer},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {189729},
doi = {10.1016/j.bbcan.2026.189729},
pmid = {42826911},
issn = {1879-2561},
abstract = {Brain metastasis is a major contributor to poor prognosis in cancer patients, with therapeutic efficacy severely constrained by the blood-brain barrier and the complex brain microenvironment. Although lipid metabolic reprogramming has been linked to tumor progression across multiple cancer types, its mechanistic involvement in brain metastasis, particularly its reciprocal interactions with central nervous system microenvironmental cells, remains insufficiently defined. This review synthesizes existing evidence to elucidate how lipid metabolic reprogramming promotes tumor cell colonization and growth in the brain and to evaluate its therapeutic relevance. Current findings indicate that metastatic tumor cells adapt to the brain microenvironment via increased de novo lipogenesis, altered cholesterol metabolism, reduced fatty acid oxidation, and enhanced uptake of exogenous lipids. Emerging evidence further indicates reciprocal lipid-metabolic interactions between metastatic tumor cells and central nervous system-resident cells; however, the directionality, cell-type specificity, and underlying molecular mechanisms of this metabolic crosstalk remain insufficiently characterized. Such interactions may promote immunosuppressive microenvironmental remodeling and facilitate metastatic progression. Significant heterogeneity is observed among primary tumor types in their use of lipid metabolism associated mechanisms. Targeting critical nodes at the interface of lipid metabolic reprogramming and microenvironmental interactions may therefore help overcome current therapeutic limitations in brain metastasis. Future studies using advanced multi-omics approaches are expected to define spatial heterogeneity and support the development of combination strategies capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier, ultimately informing improved clinical management strategies.},
}

@article {pmid42827569,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, X and Wen, I and Qu, Q and Chen, W},
title = {Editorial: Reimagining roles and identity in the era of human - AI collaboration, volume II.},
journal = {Frontiers in psychology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1965573},
pmid = {42827569},
issn = {1664-1078},
}

@article {pmid42829935,
year = {2026},
author = {Han, Y and Tan, TY and Zhang, B and Fu, YB and Chen, W and Yang, MH and Wang, YQ and Ding, YQ and Wang, S},
title = {Epithelial SLC25A20 Deficiency Drives Immunosuppressive Neutrophil Remodeling via ARG1 Palmitoylation to Promote Colorectal Cancer.},
journal = {Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e78114},
pmid = {42829935},
issn = {2198-3844},
support = {82473083//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82073237//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82472777//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2025A1515010489//Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation/ ; 2024M761341//China Postdoctoral Science Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {While lipid metabolic reprogramming is increasingly recognized as a substantial driver of tumor microenvironment (TME) remodeling, how dysregulated fatty acid oxidation (FAO) contributes to immune evasion in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression remains obscure. Here, we identify the mitochondrial carnitine-acylcarnitine translocase solute carrier 25 member 20 (SLC25A20), an essential conduit for FAO, as a key regulator of CRC progression through neutrophil phenotypic remodel. Mechanistically, SLC25A20 deficiency in CRC cells blunts mitochondrial long-chain fatty acid (LCFA) import and FAO, triggering the release of LCFAs into the TME. This lipid-rich niche not only vigorously recruits tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs), but intrinsically programs them toward an immunosuppressive phenotype. Specifically, tumor-derived LCFAs enforce arginase-1 (ARG1) protein stability in TANs via ZDHHC18-mediated palmitoylation. This distinct post-translational modification (PTM) is indispensable for TAN-mediated CD8[+] T cell suppression and subsequent tumor immune evasion. Importantly, genetic or pharmacological blockade of this palmitoylation axis in TANs reinvigorates antitumor immunity and abolishes the tumor-promoting effects of SLC25A20 deficiency. Collectively, our findings uncover a novel lipid-driven metabolic symbiosis between CRC and neutrophils, highlighting the ZDHHC18-ARG1 palmitoylation axis as a promising therapeutic strategy for CRC intervention.},
}

@article {pmid42830422,
year = {2026},
author = {Yang, H and Chen, L and Engel, MS and Ren, D and Gao, T},
title = {Mimicry of mantis and Selaginella from Cretaceous provides new evidence for the deep-time co-evolution of insects and plants.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.71619},
pmid = {42830422},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {2025YFF0811700//National Key R&D Program of China/ ; YESS20240393//Young Elite Scientist Sponsorship Program by Cast/ ; 32270467//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32400347//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Mimicry between insects and plants represents sophisticated survival strategies. Their long-term evolutionary interactions led to mutual adaptation, creating a complex ecological symbiosis. However, the deep-time ecological associations of mimicry between insects and plants remain limited due to the scarcity of preserved fossils. Here, we report the fossil evidences of mimicry between praying mantis and spike mosses in 98-Myr-old Kachin amber. The new Cretaceous mantis, Folimantis hyalinala gen. et sp. nov., has a rare form of leaf mimicry via abdominal leaf-shaped extensions that resemble contemporaneous vegetative leaves (trophophylls) of Selaginella in shape, size, and pattern of arrangement. The new findings provide the earliest direct evidence of the co-associations between mantis and its mimetic plants during the Cretaceous and suggest that the stem-group had already developed distinct structural features that mimic plant leaves during the early divergences of Mantodea. A diversification analysis of mimicry between fossil insects and plants from the Late Paleozoic and Mesozoic indicates that, before the rise of angiosperms in the Late Cretaceous, mimicry between insects and gymnosperms, ferns, lichens, and even Selaginella had existed for a long time and that changes in mimicry forms paralleled the evolutionary succession of plant lineages.},
}

@article {pmid42831636,
year = {2026},
author = {Pogoreutz, C},
title = {The gut within: reframing the coral gastrovascular cavity as a discrete anaerobic microbial ecosystem.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0143026},
doi = {10.1128/aem.01430-26},
pmid = {42831636},
issn = {1098-5336},
abstract = {Coral holobionts are typically studied at colony or fragment scale, erasing the spatial context of the microenvironments which microbial life occupies. Recent microsensor work (Q. Zhang, E. Bollati, and M. Kühl, Appl Environ Microbiol 92:e02441-25, 2026, https://doi.org/10.1128/aem.02441-25) shows the coral gastrovascular cavity (GVC) sustains active anaerobic metabolism, reflecting patterns of symbiotic state and heterotrophic feeding. These findings recast the GVC as a discrete, gut-like ecosystem with its own redox regime, substrate supply, and bacterial community, calling for spatially explicit approaches in coral research to resolve metabolism at microscopic scales.},
}

@article {pmid42825194,
year = {2026},
author = {Prasad, SS and Singh, A and Ramteke, P and Veres, C and Büchner, R and Vágvölgyi, C},
title = {Symbiotic interactions of plant microbiota in alleviating stress: a review.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1892395},
pmid = {42825194},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Plants continuously encounter a wide range of biotic and abiotic stresses that adversely affect their growth, development, and productivity. Because they are sessile, plants cannot escape these unfavorable conditions and therefore rely on a diverse array of morpho-physiological, biochemical, and molecular adaptations to survive. Among these adaptive strategies, symbiotic associations with beneficial microorganisms have emerged as a crucial mechanism for enhancing stress tolerance. These plant-microbe interactions are mediated by intricate chemical signaling networks that regulate nutrient exchange, defense responses, and stress adaptation. Despite their immense potential for sustainable agriculture, the large-scale application of beneficial microbes remains limited owing to poor microbial establishment under field conditions and an incomplete understanding of the complex mechanisms governing plant-microbe mutualism. Deciphering these interactions is particularly challenging because they are highly dynamic and involve continuous communication between plants and diverse microbial communities. Recent advances in omics technologies, synthetic biology, and nanotechnology provide unprecedented opportunities to unravel these complex relationships at the molecular and systems levels. This review summarizes plant adaptive strategies under biotic and abiotic stresses, examines the role of microbial symbiosis in stress alleviation, and highlights emerging approaches, including multi-omics integration, synthetic microbial consortia, engineered quorum-sensing circuits, holobiont-level analyses, and nanoparticle-mediated modulation of the rhizosphere microbiome, for understanding and engineering beneficial plant-microbe interactions. Collectively, these advances offer new insights into symbiotic crosstalk and provide a foundation for developing resilient and sustainable agricultural systems.},
}

@article {pmid42465508,
year = {2026},
author = {Jones, MW and Stilwell, PA and Lindsey, ARI},
title = {Asymmetry and niche partitioning shape the infection dynamics of co-transmitted Wolbachia symbionts.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42465508},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {Wolbachia is an incredibly widespread maternally transmitted bacterium in arthropods that can alter host physiology, nutrition, reproduction, and immunity. In some cases, multiple Wolbachia strains infect the same host and are stably transmitted alongside each other. This raises the question of how multiple intracellular symbionts interact with each another and with the host to ensure stable transmission. Here, we use fluorescence in situ hybridizations and confocal microscopy to investigate co-transmission in a naturally occurring co-infection of two Wolbachia strains in Drosophila simulans: wHa and wNo. We find significant differences in spatial occupancy and abundance between the co-transmitted strains across stages of oogenesis and embryogenesis. We show that wHa and wNo have biases for different niches during oogenesis, and their strain-specific abundance is driven by egg chamber development, mating status, and their interaction. After differential curing of the co-infection, we find that wNo is dependent on wHa for vertical transmission, but not vice versa. Additionally, while wHa localization patterns are unchanged by loss of co-infection, abundance of wHa in the ovaries increases when wNo is removed. Understanding how symbiont co-infections achieve stability has important implications for the ongoing use of Wolbachia as a tool for insect management programs, but also for our understanding of the ecology of intracellular communities more broadly.},
}

@article {pmid42818851,
year = {2026},
author = {Hart, R and Steinrücken, M},
title = {Microevolutionary cophylogeny reflects host-symbiont population dynamics and human mitonuclear interactions.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.64898/2026.09.11.751054},
pmid = {42818851},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {Cophylogeny, the study of phylogenetic similarity between interacting organisms, provides insights into the specificity and shared evolutionary history of symbiosis. While the ecological drivers of cophylogeny have been investigated at the macroevolutionary scale, the influence of these processes on microevolution remains unclear. This is due, in part, to the fact that the ancestral relations between individuals within a sexually reproducing eukaryotic host species cannot be well represented with a single phylogenetic tree, since genetic distances between individuals change substantially across the genome due to meiotic recombination. This heterogeneity can be captured and utilized through the inference of an ancestral recombination graph (ARG) built from the genomic data of the host. Here, we propose to measure microevolutionary cophylogeny by comparing a symbiont evolutionary tree to a host ARG. This approach simultaneously measures genome-wide cophylogeny, as well as locus-specific signals. Through simulations, we investigate the effects of transmission mode, population structure, admixture, and allelic incompatibility on microevolutionary cophylogeny. In contrast to macroevolutionary patterns, we find a limited relationship between cophylogeny and vertical transmission, with vertically transmitted host-symbiont systems displaying no cophylogeny in large panmictic populations. We apply our approach to mitochondrial and nuclear genomes within the 1000 Genomes Project- a host-symbiont system with strict maternal transmission-and observe substantial variation in mitochondrial-nuclear (mitonuclear) cophylogeny across human populations. Finally, we investigate locus-specific signals of cophylogeny and observe limited evidence of mitonuclear incompatibility.},
}

@article {pmid42820219,
year = {2026},
author = {Navajas-Preciado, B and Martillanes, S and Delgado-Adámez, J},
title = {Fermentative valorisation of agri-food residues: optimisation of Lactiplantibacillus paraplantarum fermentation conditions for the production of platform organic acids.},
journal = {Frontiers in bioengineering and biotechnology},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {1935066},
pmid = {42820219},
issn = {2296-4185},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Organic acid fermentation is a key route for integrating second-generation (2G) biomass into biorefineries and promoting industrial symbiosis between agri-food residues and platform-chemical production. However, plant matrices such as tomato pomace (TP) and spent coffee grounds (SCG) show limited carbon accessibility and contain phenolic and lipidic compounds that may inhibit bacterial growth.

METHODS: This study uses hydroalcoholically pretreated TP and develops an iterative strategy for organic acid production using Lactiplantibacillus paraplantarum as a biofactory, while evaluating selectivity towards lactate. Quantitative proton nuclear magnetic resonance was used to monitor lactic acid (LA) and acetic acid (AA) titres and apparent glucose-equivalent conversion (aGEC) into these acids. The aGEC is a comparative, non-stoichiometric index rather than a closed carbon yield, because it includes buffer-derived acetate.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Response surface methodology identified 44.7% TP replacement, 79.6 h and an initial pH of 5.77 as the basal fermentation conditions (4.73 ± 0.26 gL-1 LA; aGEC ≈ 6%). Nitrogen-source optimisation and pH buffering increased LA to 7.68 ± 0.56 and 14.52 ± 0.76 gL-1 and aGEC to ≈ 10% and ≈ 26%, respectively. The final combined intensification treatment comprised cellulase pretreatment, a modified incubation atmosphere and CaCO3 as an additional buffering system. It increased aGEC to ≈ 85% but did not significantly increase LA. Acetate accumulated substantially, and the simultaneous modifications prevented attribution of the response to any individual factor. Transfer of the basal conditions optimised for TP to SCG was feasible only at moderate substitution levels. At 44-60% replacement of standard glucose, SCG maintained comparable aGEC values of approximately 28-29% and produced 16.92-15.87 gL-1 LA, whereas higher substitution reduced both aGEC and LA production. This sequential framework distinguishes total-acid accumulation from LA selectivity and shows the limited transferability of residue-specific fermentation conditions.},
}

@article {pmid42820940,
year = {2026},
author = {Wu, Y and Wang, L and Song, Z and Shi, H and Lv, Y and Yin, X and Cai, B},
title = {A Hyphal-Mycorrhizal Framework for Interpreting Sulfur Transport and Assimilation-Related Transcriptional Responses Between AMF Extraradical Hyphae and Mycorrhizal Roots in Soybean.},
journal = {Plant, cell & environment},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/pce.70957},
pmid = {42820940},
issn = {1365-3040},
support = {31972502//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2023-KYYWF-1445//Basic Research Operating Expenses of Provincial Higher Education Institutions in Heilongjiang Province in 2023/ ; },
abstract = {Sulfur (S) is an essential macronutrient that plays a critical role in plant growth and development. Under intensive agricultural management, declining sulfur availability in cold-region black soils has become a major constraint on sulfur acquisition in soybean. Although arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are known to enhance sulfur uptake through symbiosis, the molecular mechanisms underlying AMF-mediated sulfur transport and assimilation remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated molecular responses associated with AMF-mediated sulfur acquisition, transport and assimilation in soybean, with particular emphasis on coordinated processes between extraradical hyphae and mycorrhizal roots. A compartmented pot culture system was employed to assess biological traits and transcriptomic profiles of Funneliformis mosseae (F. mosseae) hyphae and soybean mycorrhizal roots. In the extraradical hyphae compartment, sulfur supply strongly induced the expression of F. mosseae SULTR2;1 and SULTR4;1 homologs, as well as assimilation-related genes sat and cysH. In the mycorrhizal root compartment, key sulfur transporter genes (SULTR3;5, SULTR4;2) and assimilation genes (cysC, cysH) were significantly upregulated. Integrated analyses revealed coordinated expression patterns of genes related to sulfur transport and assimilation between the F. mosseae extraradical hyphal compartment and the mycorrhizal root compartment, which were associated with a 65.4% increase in soybean root sulfur content. Consistently, the abundances of key sulfur assimilation enzymes (ATPS, APR and APSK) increased in mycorrhizal roots, accompanied by enhanced sulfur assimilation responses and cysteine accumulation. Collectively, this study provides insights into the molecular basis of AMF-mediated sulfur acquisition, transport and assimilation, and highlights the coordinated responses between fungal hyphae and mycorrhizal roots within the hyphal-mycorrhizal symbiotic system, thereby providing a theoretical basis for improving sulfur nutrition in soybean.},
}

@article {pmid42821351,
year = {2026},
author = {Niki, H and Noda, S and Fujiwara, K and Miyake, T and Akiyama, K and Seike, T},
title = {Constitutive sporulation in wild fission yeast enhances insect-mediated survival.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {123},
number = {40},
pages = {e2607475123},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2607475123},
pmid = {42821351},
issn = {1091-6490},
mesh = {Animals ; *Schizosaccharomyces/physiology/genetics ; *Spores, Fungal/physiology/genetics ; *Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology ; Mutation ; Phenotype ; },
abstract = {Sexual reproduction is generally considered costly for unicellular organisms and is typically induced in yeast only under nutrient limitation. However, wild strains of Schizosaccharomyces japonicus isolated from fruit flies in Japan exhibit constitutive sporulation even under nutrient-rich conditions. Here, we investigated the ecological and evolutionary significance of this unusual phenotype. We demonstrate that spores produced under nutrient-rich conditions survive passage through the digestive tract of Drosophila melanogaster, whereas vegetative cells do not. Although constitutive sporulation reduces competitive growth during laboratory serial passaging, fly-mediated transmission strongly enriches high-sporulation (hc[90]) strains, indicating positive selection by insect predation. Experimental evolution using a chemically mutagenized library further confirmed that passage through fruit flies enriches mutants capable of nutrient-independent sporulation. Whole-genome and genetic analyses revealed that the hc[90] phenotype is associated with combinations of mutations in six meiotic regulatory genes-byr2, mcs4, ste6, ste11, tor2, and win1-suggesting epistatic interactions rather than single-gene effects. Suppressor mutations arising during laboratory cultivation frequently targeted ste11, reinforcing its central role in regulating this trait. Field surveys showed that genetically diverse hc[90] strains are widely distributed across Japan from insects, flowers, moss, and soil. Together, our findings indicate that long-term yeast-insect interactions can maintain costly sexual reproduction as an adaptive strategy for survival and dispersal. This study provides direct experimental evidence linking microbial reproductive strategies to ecological selection by animal hosts.},
}

Animals
*Schizosaccharomyces/physiology/genetics
*Spores, Fungal/physiology/genetics
*Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology
Mutation
Phenotype

@article {pmid42823540,
year = {2026},
author = {Khalkho, JP and Chandra, R},
title = {Profiling of Bioactive Secondary Metabolites of Colletotrichum siamense Isolated from Catharanthus roseus with Emphasis on Moschamine by Advanced Chromatographic and Mass Spectrometric Techniques.},
journal = {Current microbiology},
volume = {83},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {42823540},
issn = {1432-0991},
support = {202021/NFST-JHA-03517//NFST/ ; },
mesh = {*Catharanthus/microbiology ; *Colletotrichum/metabolism/isolation & purification/chemistry/genetics/classification ; *Endophytes/isolation & purification/metabolism/chemistry ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry ; Secondary Metabolism ; Mass Spectrometry ; Plant Leaves/microbiology ; *Indole Alkaloids/chemistry/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Endophytic fungi are microorganisms that live in symbiotic relationships with plants, residing within their tissues without causing damage or disease to the host. Endophytic fungi provide vitality to the host plant and are excellent producers of many secondary metabolites that may contain pharmaceutical properties. In this study, Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. was collected from various places in Jharkhand to identify and isolate the endophytic fungi found in the leaf tissues of these plants. A total of 30 unique fungal isolates were obtained and maintained through subculturing at regular intervals. Among them, Colletotrichum siamense was chosen for targeted indole alkaloid compounds and their chemical profiling due to its bioactive potential. Primary screening of the metabolites was done through alkaloid tests and HPTLC analysis. A comprehensive metabolite profiling of the selected isolate has been performed by employing advanced analytical techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry. The data obtained through GC-MS showed many bioactive constituents present within the fungal extracts and included: chlorozotocin, indole, 2-Amino-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propanoic acid, 7-Methyl-Z-tetradecen-1-ol acetate, digitoxin, and glucobrassicin. In addition, LC-HRMS confirmed the presence of indole alkaloids found in the extracts of C. siamense, including moschamine and many other secondary metabolites. HPLC-DAD further analysed the fungal extracts, with quantification of moschamine at 109.13 µg/mL. The current research identified endophytic fungi isolated from C. roseus that may serve as valuable sources of pharmacologically active compounds. The observation of unique metabolic patterns among the isolates indicates that a variety of biosynthetic pathways exist within the endophytic fungi, as exemplified by the discovery of moschamine from Colletotrichum siamense.},
}

*Catharanthus/microbiology
*Colletotrichum/metabolism/isolation & purification/chemistry/genetics/classification
*Endophytes/isolation & purification/metabolism/chemistry
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Secondary Metabolism
Mass Spectrometry
Plant Leaves/microbiology
*Indole Alkaloids/chemistry/metabolism

@article {pmid42824095,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhao, Z and Xie, D},
title = {From technology anxiety to technology symbiosis: a grounded theory study of mid-career foreign language teachers' subjectivity evolution in the AI era.},
journal = {Frontiers in psychology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1914637},
pmid = {42824095},
issn = {1664-1078},
abstract = {The integration of generative AI into foreign language education has profoundly challenged teacher professional identity, particularly for mid-career educators navigating the dual burden of experiential wisdom and technological change. This study employed grounded theory to investigate how 10 mid-career foreign language teachers transition from technology anxiety to symbiosis. Through in-depth interviews and systematic coding, we developed a theoretical model comprising four anxiety types (substitution, autonomy, generational, ethical), three adaptive stages (exploration adjustment, strategy integration, autonomous symbiosis), and the double-edged effects of experiential wisdom as the core mediating mechanism. Findings reveal that experiential wisdom can function as either an evolutionary resource (critical scrutiny, pedagogical design, humanistic commitment) or a barrier (thinking set inertia) depending on its activation mode, with support systems moderating this process. The study reveals the existential dimensions of technology anxiety and offers stage-sensitive implications for supporting mid-career teachers' professional growth in the AI era.},
}

@article {pmid42814348,
year = {2027},
author = {Struk, S and Gevaert, K and Goormachtig, S and Qu, F},
title = {Virus-Induced Gene Silencing for Nodulation Analysis in Soybean.},
journal = {Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)},
volume = {3086},
number = {},
pages = {25-39},
pmid = {42814348},
issn = {1940-6029},
mesh = {*Glycine max/genetics/virology ; *Gene Silencing ; *Comovirus/genetics ; *Plant Root Nodulation/genetics ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Agrobacterium/genetics ; Nicotiana/genetics/virology ; Genetic Vectors/genetics ; Symbiosis/genetics ; },
abstract = {Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) is a powerful reverse genetics tool that enables the transient knockdown of gene expression in plants by exploiting their natural antiviral defense mechanisms. This chapter presents a detailed protocol for applying a Cowpea severe mosaic virus (CPSMV)-based VIGS system to study gene function in soybean (Glycine max), with a focus on symbiotic root nodulation. VIGS allows systemic silencing of target genes, making it especially valuable to study pathways involving systemic signaling. The protocol includes Agrobacterium-mediated propagation of CPSMV variants in Nicotiana benthamiana, followed by mechanical inoculation of soybean plants and nodulation analysis. Detailed steps for vector construction, viral amplification, plant infection, and downstream molecular and phenotypic analyses are provided. This protocol is reproducible, accessible, and suitable for functional genomics studies in soybean, particularly for genes involved in nodulation but also in other developmental or stress-related processes.},
}

*Glycine max/genetics/virology
*Gene Silencing
*Comovirus/genetics
*Plant Root Nodulation/genetics
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
Agrobacterium/genetics
Nicotiana/genetics/virology
Genetic Vectors/genetics
Symbiosis/genetics

@article {pmid42814349,
year = {2027},
author = {Gasser, M and Brottier, L and Marquès, L and Péret, B},
title = {Protocols for Root Developmental Studies in White Lupin.},
journal = {Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)},
volume = {3086},
number = {},
pages = {41-53},
pmid = {42814349},
issn = {1940-6029},
mesh = {*Lupinus/growth & development/genetics/microbiology/metabolism ; *Plant Roots/growth & development/genetics ; Symbiosis ; Agrobacterium/genetics ; Nitrogen/metabolism ; Phosphates/metabolism ; Hydroponics/methods ; Plant Root Nodulation ; Transformation, Genetic ; },
abstract = {White lupin (Lupinus albus) is a legume species that develops two remarkable root adaptations to nutrient limitation: nitrogen-fixing nodules and dense cluster roots specialized for phosphate acquisition. These traits, together with the species' agronomic relevance and strong developmental plasticity, make white lupin a powerful model for studying local and systemic regulation of root development under nutrient stress. This chapter provides a comprehensive collection of experimental procedures designed to investigate cluster root formation, nodulation, and associated physiological responses at both cellular and whole-plant levels. We describe optimized hydroponic culture systems that allow precise control of nitrogen and phosphate availability, together with reliable seed sterilization and germination procedures. We present a robust protocol for Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated hairy-root transformation to investigate gene function in root tissues. A controlled nodulation assay using Bradyrhizobium lupini enables reproducible symbiotic infection and nodule development. A grafting method is also provided to dissect local versus systemic contributions to root architectural responses. Finally, we detail three in situ physiological assays-phosphatase activity, ferric reductase activity, and proton efflux-that collectively allow the visualization of key functional traits associated with nutrient foraging. Together, these protocols provide an integrated toolkit for exploring the developmental and physiological mechanisms underpinning root plasticity and symbiotic regulation in white lupin.},
}

*Lupinus/growth & development/genetics/microbiology/metabolism
*Plant Roots/growth & development/genetics
Symbiosis
Agrobacterium/genetics
Nitrogen/metabolism
Phosphates/metabolism
Hydroponics/methods
Plant Root Nodulation
Transformation, Genetic

@article {pmid42816147,
year = {2026},
author = {Chatterley, L and Hull, N and Hughes, I and Sougoufara, S and Meek, O and Ceyran, M and Dhokiya, V and Bandibabone, J and Adala, C and Cunningham, E and Awandu, SS and Kaminski-Nenkam, H and Nkondjio, A and Hughes, GL and Heinz, E and Walker, T},
title = {Assessing the Use of Oxford Nanopore Technologies Sequencing for Detection of Stable Wolbachia Bacterial Strain in Symbiosis in Wild Anopheles Mosquitoes From the WHO African Region.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {28},
number = {10},
pages = {e70435},
pmid = {42816147},
issn = {1462-2920},
support = {INV-048598//Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation/ ; //Open Philanthropy via Anti-Vec/ ; UKRI543:2023BBSRC-NSF/BIO/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; BB/V011278/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; BB/X018024/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; BB/W018446/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; BB/V011278/2/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; 2038930//National Health and Medical Research Council/ ; 101285/Z/13/Z//Sir Henry Dale Wellcome Trust Royal Society Fellowship/ ; 20197//UK Research and Innovation/ ; NIHR2000907//National Institute for Health and Care Research/ ; AREF-312-AWAN-F-C0906//African Research Excellence Fund/ ; AREF-312-AWAN-S-C1027//African Research Excellence Fund/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Anopheles/microbiology ; *Wolbachia/isolation & purification/genetics/classification/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Nanopore Sequencing/methods ; },
abstract = {Malaria remains a significant global health challenge with 263 million cases in 2023. Anopheles insecticide resistance threatens current vector control methods, and novel strategies are crucial to combat malaria transmission. Wolbachia, an endosymbiotic bacteria that can invade mosquito populations and inhibit pathogen replication, has only recently been shown as a high-density symbiont in two wild Anopheles species. Detection of Wolbachia in symbiosis with Anopheles mosquitoes has relied on PCR amplification of Wolbachia genes and/or Sanger and Illumina sequencing. This study assesses Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) to detect Wolbachia, which could facilitate screening for symbiosis with wild Anopheles mosquitoes in endemic settings. We used 46 samples; 10 were pooled for a single MinION flow cell run and the rest processed individually using Flongle flow cells, comparing three mosquito species with three kit combinations. Using the ONT Field sequencing kit, there were 13X more Wolbachia reads in An. demeilloni (genuine symbiosis) than An. gambiae (no evidence of Wolbachia). The ONT 16S barcoding kit and Rapid barcoding kit were then assessed using more economical Flongle flow cells. Wolbachia was successfully identified in An. demeilloni and An. moucheti but not in An. gambiae. This study demonstrates the feasibility of ONT for field-based detection of Wolbachia.},
}

Animals
*Anopheles/microbiology
*Wolbachia/isolation & purification/genetics/classification/physiology
*Symbiosis
*Nanopore Sequencing/methods

@article {pmid42816272,
year = {2026},
author = {Xu, J and Shi, T and Qian, D and Cheng, K and Xu, P and Chen, X and Wang, C and Ru, N and Li, T and Ma, N and Dawulieti, J and Shi, J and Zhang, Y and Liu, G and Zhao, X and Nie, G},
title = {Engineered E. coli Nissle 1917 alleviates colitis-associated depression via gut-brain axis restoration.},
journal = {Science bulletin},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.scib.2026.09.052},
pmid = {42816272},
issn = {2095-9281},
abstract = {Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients disproportionately suffer from depression and anxiety, which exacerbate clinical outcomes yet remain inadequately addressed by current anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) biologics. To bridge this therapeutic gap, we engineered Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (eEcN) as a clinically translatable living microbial therapeutics platform for dual-targeted intervention. eEcN is designed to autonomously secrete immunomodulatory outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) bearing TNFα-neutralizing nanobodies (TNFαnb). These bioengineered nanovesicles specifically target inflamed colon tissue, enabling localized TNFα blockade, mucosal healing, and immune regulation. Concurrently, the eEcN remodels the gut microbiota, increasing symbiotic Lactobacillus abundance to elevate intestinal γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels, addressing a core neurotransmitter deficit in IBD-associated depression. In murine colitis models, this integrated strategy surpassed conventional anti-TNF therapy, simultaneously ameliorating intestinal pathology and depression-like behaviors. Mechanistically, eEcN attenuated neuroinflammation and restored hippocampal GABAergic neurotransmission via the gut-brain axis. This engineered living biomaterial platform, synergizing targeted OMVs-mediated nanobody delivery with microbiota-driven neurometabolite production, represents a promising approach for the complex pathophysiology of IBD and its neuropsychiatric comorbidities.},
}

@article {pmid42816479,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, PJ and Tu, YT and Chang, YT and Ho, MC and Kuo, WN and Guo, ZL and Chang, KC and Lin, YZ and Shih, HC and Cheng, YS and Yang, SY},
title = {OsIDD7 integrates signaling networks for arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42816479},
issn = {2041-1723},
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology/genetics/metabolism ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; *Plant Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; *Oryza/microbiology/genetics/metabolism ; *Signal Transduction ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Transcription Factors/metabolism/genetics ; Plant Roots/microbiology/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis is a widespread mutualism between plant roots and Glomeromycotina fungi that enables nutrient exchange through arbuscules. Although many transcriptional regulators of AM symbiosis have been identified, the role of the INDETERMINATE DOMAIN (IDD) proteins remain unknown. We show that rice IDD7 expression is strongly induced in arbuscule-containing cells, and its loss markedly reduces fungal colonization and disrupts arbuscule development. IDD7 is required for induction of genes associated with fatty acid biosynthesis, nutrient transport, and symbiotic signaling during AM symbiosis. IDD7 interacts with the transcription factors SLENDER RICE 1 (SLR1) and PHOSPHATE STARVATION RESPONSE 2 (PHR2) through its conserved TQDFLG domain. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays show that IDD7 binds multiple promoter motifs. Together with SLR1 and PHR2, IDD7 synergistically activates the promoters of PHOSPHATE TRANSPORTER 11 (PT11) and the AM-associated transcription factors PHR2, REQUIRED FOR ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZATION 1 (RAM1), WRINKLED 5a (WRI5a), and CYCLOPS. Moreover, IDD7 is required for PHR2 expression in arbuscule-containing cells. Here, we show that IDD7 is a central transcriptional regulator in arbuscule-containing cells.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology/genetics/metabolism
*Symbiosis/genetics
*Plant Proteins/metabolism/genetics
*Oryza/microbiology/genetics/metabolism
*Signal Transduction
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
Promoter Regions, Genetic
Transcription Factors/metabolism/genetics
Plant Roots/microbiology/metabolism

@article {pmid42817006,
year = {2026},
author = {Akçay, S and Başyiğit Kılıç, G and Bilecen Şen, D},
title = {Effects of different herbal teas on the fermentation and functional properties of kombucha symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts (SCOBY).},
journal = {Journal of the science of food and agriculture},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/jsfa.71115},
pmid = {42817006},
issn = {1097-0010},
support = {//Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Scientific Research Projects Coordination Office under the Project number of 0892-YL-23/E-90383742-604.02-226693./ ; //the Livestock Specialization Coordination Office under Project No. 0892-YL-23/E-90383742-604.02-226693/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Kombucha is a fermented beverage traditionally produced from sweetened tea by a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts (SCOBY), forming a bacterial cellulose layer during fermentation. Alternative herbal substrates have attracted attention for their potential to influence the composition and characteristics of kombucha. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of black tea, green tea, Echinacea purpurea, and lavender on the microbiological, physicochemical, antioxidant, organic acid, sugar, volatile aroma compound, and ethanol profiles of kombucha cultures.

RESULTS: Significant substrate-dependent differences were observed in most microbiological and biochemical parameters (P < 0.05). Green tea and echinacea SCOBY exhibited higher microbial counts than black tea SCOBY, whereas lactic acid bacteria were not detected in black tea samples. Echinacea SCOBY showed the highest total phenolic content (219.36 mg gallic acid equivalents g[-1]) and strong antioxidant activity. Lavender SCOBY was characterized by the highest concentrations of volatile aroma compounds and ethanol, indicating enhanced fermentative activity. Organic acid profiles differed among substrates; echinacea SCOBY contained the highest levels of malic and ascorbic acids, while green tea SCOBY showed elevated lactic and citric acid concentrations. Sugar analysis showed greater glucose utilization in lavender SCOBY, consistent with increased ethanol and metabolite production.

CONCLUSION: The type of fermentation substrate significantly influenced microbial growth, metabolite formation, antioxidant potential, and fermentation characteristics of SCOBY. Echinacea SCOBY showed the highest phenolic content and high antioxidant capacity, whereas lavender promoted aroma development. These findings demonstrate that alternative herbal substrates can be successfully utilized to diversify kombucha products. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid42818742,
year = {2026},
author = {Belmondo, S and Daghino, S and Miyauchi, S and Chiapello, M and Shelest, E and Bortolot, M and Kohler, A and Jacob, C and Perotto, S and Martino, E},
title = {Polyketide synthase gene clusters in the ericoid mycorrhizal fungus Oidiodendron maius: genome-wide prediction, expression profiling, and functional characterization of knockout mutants.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1924430},
pmid = {42818742},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Fungal polyketides constitute a structurally diverse class of secondary metabolites involved in ecological adaptation, stress responses, antagonistic interactions, and host-associated processes. However, their roles in mycorrhizal fungi remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the repertoire and potential functions of polyketide synthases (PKSs) in the ericoid mycorrhizal fungus Oidiodendron maius.

METHODS AND RESULTS: Genome-wide analyses identified 45 PKS-coding genes and 59 predicted biosynthetic gene clusters associated with secondary metabolite production. Transcriptomic analyses revealed that several PKS genes were differentially regulated during symbiosis with Vaccinium myrtillus and under cadmium exposure. Among these, the gene OmPKS197601 was strongly upregulated under both conditions and was selected for functional characterization through Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated gene disruption. Three independent OmPKS197601 knockout mutants were generated and evaluated for their ability to establish mycorrhizal symbiosis and tolerate cadmium and zinc stress. Knock-out mutants were also tested for their ability to antagonize the growth of selected fungal species. No significant differences were observed between the wild-type strain and the three OmPKS197601 knock-out mutants in either mycorrhization efficiency or metal tolerance. In contrast, dual-culture assays with the M2 knock-out mutant demonstrated reduced antagonistic activity against both plant pathogenic and saprotrophic fungi, including Heterobasidion annosum, Pythium sp., Kuehneromyces mutabilis, and Stereum hirsutum.

CONCLUSIONS: Overall, these findings reveal the extensive genetic potential of O. maius for polyketide biosynthesis and suggest that regulated expression of PKS genes may contribute to the ecological fitness and biocontrol potential of ericoid mycorrhizal fungi.},
}

@article {pmid42818753,
year = {2026},
author = {Zünd, M and Ortiz de Ora, L and Haro-Ramirez, N and Wiles, ET and Leonard, JT and Chen, YJ and Gallardo, ME and Ho, K and O'Malley, TP and Gonen, S and Griffin, ME and Whiteson, KL and Wiles, TJ},
title = {Capsular Polysaccharide Safeguards a Prophage-Bacterium Symbiosis by Preventing Collateral Attack and Promoting Viral Transmission.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.64898/2026.09.09.750276},
pmid = {42818753},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {Many symbioses exist along a continuum from cooperation to conflict. Latent bacterial viruses known as prophages embody this duality. Acting as both partner and predator, they can enhance bacterial fitness while retaining the capacity to kill their hosts through lytic replication. Yet what determines the balance between cooperation and conflict in prophage-bacterium symbioses, and how these associations avoid collapse, remains poorly characterized. To identify mechanisms that stabilize prophage-bacterium partnerships, we used experimental evolution to perturb a natural association through repeated cycles of transmission and reinfection. This perturbation consistently selected mutant hosts lacking capsular polysaccharide production and exposed a hidden conflict that proved detrimental to both partners. During lytic outbreaks, host cells suffered lethal collateral prophage attack while dispersing virions became entrapped on neighboring cells and lysis debris, severely restricting transmission. Genetic and imaging-based studies revealed that capsular polysaccharides suppress these maladaptive interactions by limiting phage readsorption at the cell surface. We term this host-mediated safeguard the Hyperion effect, after the Greek Titan of light. Hyperion interactions enable phages to radiate outward from host populations, thereby averting collateral attack and promoting viral transmission. Our findings demonstrate that conflicts between prophages and their hosts can extend beyond individual cells to whole populations, with consequences that scale to shape patterns of prophage spread and microbial community assembly. More broadly, our work illustrates how mutually beneficial prophage-bacterium interactions can arise not only through cooperation, but also through the suppression of mutually detrimental conflicts.},
}

@article {pmid42809721,
year = {2026},
author = {Eriksson, S and Nitschke, MR and Pernice, M and Fineran, E and Camp, EF},
title = {High-throughput phenotyping reveals nutrient availability alters thermal performance in two Symbiodiniaceae species.},
journal = {Journal of experimental botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jxb/erag488},
pmid = {42809721},
issn = {1460-2431},
abstract = {Nutrient sharing between corals and Symbiodiniaceae is crucial to the survival of coral reefs. However, optimal nutrient conditions for different Symbiodiniaceae species remains unclear, partly due to a lack of high-throughput methods for phenotyping Symbiodiniaceae. We developed a high-throughput phenotyping method for Symbiodiniaceae to grow monocultures of Cladocopium proliferum and Durusdinium trenchii in 96-well plates. We utilised spectrophotometry, light-induced fluorescence transient-fast repetition rate fluorometry, and flow cytometry to characterise physiological responses over 11 days to differing nitrogen and phosphorus conditions (125 nutrient treatments) under two temperatures (250 experimental conditions). In our study, Durusdinium trenchii had higher specificity to growth conditions, requiring high nitrogen concentrations and nitrate proportions to grow. Contrastingly, Cladocopium proliferum was able to grow at all nutrient conditions. Elevated temperature resulted in higher growth rates in both species, with interactions between temperature and nutrient conditions determining photosynthetic health and cell size changes. These findings suggest that Cladocopium proliferum and Durusdinium trenchii differ vastly in their nutritional niches, which could have substantial impacts on both their free-living and symbiotic life stages. The ability to collect high-throughput phenotyping data for different Symbiodiniaceae species may allow us to uncover more of the functional variation that is present within this essential family.},
}