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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

@article {pmid41504661,
year = {2025},
author = {Gomez-Gutierrez, SV and Singh, J},
title = {When Mutualism Turns Parasitic: How Alfalfa Balances Cooperating and Cheating Rhizobia.},
journal = {Molecular plant-microbe interactions : MPMI},
volume = {38},
number = {6},
pages = {798-799},
doi = {10.1094/MPMI-11-25-0157-CM},
pmid = {41504661},
issn = {0894-0282},
}

@article {pmid41504011,
year = {2026},
author = {Kordaczuk, J and Wojda, I},
title = {Insect olfactory proteins: A comprehensive review with a special emphasis on the role of odorant-binding proteins in insect immunity.},
journal = {Insect science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1744-7917.70204},
pmid = {41504011},
issn = {1744-7917},
abstract = {The insect olfactory system is essential for survival, enabling the detection of chemical cues critical for feeding, reproduction, and avoiding threats. Semiochemicals, including pheromones and allelochemicals, are processed through specialized organs, primarily the antennae and maxillary palps, which contain sensilla housing olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs). Odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) transport volatile compounds to odorant receptors (ORs) on sensory neurons, initiating precise signal transduction. Rapid signal termination, vital for sensitivity, is achieved by odorant-degrading enzymes (ODEs) that prevent receptor saturation. Evolutionary adaptations optimize OBPs and ORs for species needs, such as the detection of foreign odors. Environmental factors, including temperature, nutritional state, and circadian rhythms, further modulate olfactory sensitivity. In this review article, we underline the interaction between olfactory proteins and insect immunity. Reports coming from different laboratories, point to the role of olfactory proteins in defense response, including its cellular, humoral, and behavioral aspects. Beyond chemosensitization, the olfactory system contributes to insect immunity by regulating pathogen recognition and immune signaling. OBPs interact with Toll-like receptors, regulating antimicrobial responses and gut microbiota stability. Symbiotic bacteria influence OBP expression, linking olfaction to systemic immunity. Finally, some odorant-binding proteins and chemosensory proteins possess direct antimicrobial activity. In conclusion, the insect olfactory system integrates sensory and immune functions through molecular and neuronal components, reflecting its evolutionary versatility. Blood-feeding insects, for example, Aedes aegypti or Rhodnius prolixus, exhibit heightened detection of host odors during reproductive cycles, while starved insects prioritize food-related cue.},
}

@article {pmid41503922,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, ZJ and Xiao, LJ and Gibson, DI and Zheng, H and Li, L},
title = {Interaction and co-evolution among parasites, host insects, and gut microbiota.},
journal = {Insect science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1744-7917.70213},
pmid = {41503922},
issn = {1744-7917},
abstract = {Insects, the most diverse group of animals, inhabit almost all environments on Earth. They are susceptible to a wide range of parasites, including entomopathogenic protozoans, nematodes, and ectoparasitic mites. These parasites manipulate host physiology via immunomodulation, endocrine disruption, and metabolic reprogramming. The long-term coexistence of insects and parasites has driven the evolution of intricate survival strategies. Insects deploy morphological, physiological, and behavioral adaptations to mitigate infection risks, whereas parasites counter with sophisticated mechanisms enhancing transmission and reproductive success. Emerging evidence indicates symbiotic microbiota as critical mediators in this evolutionary arms race, modulating infection outcomes through microbial-host-parasite crosstalk. Here, we review recent research progress on the effects of parasites on the development, reproduction, immunity, and behavior of insect hosts; the evolutionary dynamics between insects and parasites; and the interactions of host-parasite-microbiota in insects. Compared to mammals, insects provide a simple model system for elucidating conserved molecular mechanisms underlying host-parasite-gut microbiota interactions. This paradigm not only advances fundamental understanding of evolutionary parasitology but also pioneers microbial-based biocontrol approaches, offering sustainable alternatives for agricultural pest management and economic insect conservation.},
}

@article {pmid41503361,
year = {2025},
author = {Uddin, MN and Hartog, C and Murray, E and Loveless, JB and Roberson, L and Aslan, A and Cubas, F and Rowles, LS},
title = {Advancing Circular Bioeconomy through a Systems-Level Assessment of Food Waste and Industrial Sludge Codigestion.},
journal = {ACS environmental Au},
volume = {5},
number = {5},
pages = {479-489},
pmid = {41503361},
issn = {2694-2518},
abstract = {Disposal of food waste (FW) in landfills remains an unsustainable practice for organic waste management. Simultaneously, pulp and paper mills produce significant amounts of recalcitrant organic waste that is difficult to decompose due to its high lignocellulosic content. In this study, we developed an innovative approach to improve the digestion of pulp and paper mill sludge (PPMS) by amending FW to produce a low chemical oxygen demand (COD) sludge while recovering methane in the process. This codigestion process was evaluated through lab-scale biogas production experiments coupled with a comprehensive economic and environmental sustainability assessment. Biomethane production results revealed that the FW-PPMS codigestion methane yield was 36% higher on average than the PPMS monodigestion. Additionally, metagenomic analysis revealed that microbial communities for both systems transitioned from highly heterogeneous to more adapted uniform communities after digestion. Improved microbial communities contributed to higher COD removal (92%) in the FW-PPMS system compared to monodigestion (80% removal). The sustainability analysis revealed that the codigestion of FW-PPMS had median costs of 236.64 USD·tonne[-1]·day[-1] and emissions of 228.30 kg CO2 eq·tonne[-1]·day[-1], a significant reduction compared to directly disposing the FW in landfills (median costs of 405.13 USD·tonne[-1]·day[-1] and emissions of 556.27 kg CO2 eq·tonne[-1]·day[-1]). A nationwide contextual analysis revealed that out of six regions, the US Northeast had the lowest median costs and emissions, while the Mountain Plains region had the highest, highlighting the importance of geographical and infrastructural factors in implementation. Overall, codigesting FW with PPMS is revealed to be a sustainable waste management option to decrease landfill disposal of valuable organic waste.},
}

@article {pmid41502986,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, H and Song, X and Zhou, Q and Yin, Y and Yang, Y and Zhang, J and Cui, Y and Bu, L and Su, Y and Su, Y},
title = {Discoveries in non-symbiotic environments: Dynamic changes and potential contributions of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in cigar tobacco fermentation.},
journal = {Current research in microbial sciences},
volume = {10},
number = {},
pages = {100533},
pmid = {41502986},
issn = {2666-5174},
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are key species in plant-microbe interactions, and this study is the first to suggest their dynamic survival in the fermentation system of cigar tobacco. To explore the functional significance of AMF in cigar tobacco fermentation, this study focused on the Yunxue variety of cigar tobacco. We combined multi-time point sampling over a 35-day fermentation process and used Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) gene high-throughput sequencing to analyze the AMF community structure in the fermenting material. Diversity indices, species correlation networks, and Mantel tests were employed to explore the relationship between AMF and chemical components. The results showed a significant dynamic succession in AMF OTUs within the fermenting material throughout the fermentation process, identifying 22 species (comprising 524 OTUs), with Paraglomus being the predominant species. Core functional flora included OTU217 and OTU88, whose abundance variations aligned with the generation of volatile flavor compounds. AMF diversity peaked during the mid-fermentation stage and exhibited a negative correlation with total nitrogen, total sulfur, and reducing sugars, indicating that sugar and nitrogen metabolism were driving factors in the reorganization of the AMF community. The observations suggest that us to propose that Glomus-group-B-Glomus-lamellosu-VTX00193 may have a marked increase in abundance towards the end of fermentation, suggesting its crucial role in the degradation of complex organic compounds. Analysis specific to different tobacco varieties revealed a significant increase in the number of OTUs unique to Yunxue 6, with fluctuations in total acidity content significantly associated with changes in AMF abundance. The findings suggest a the regulatory role of AMF in modulating the chemical composition of cigar tobacco leaves through carbon and nitrogen metabolism, with Paraglomus and Glomus identified as core functional funga. These results suggests the importance of further research on confirmation of AMF, if any, in the tobacco fermenting process.},
}

@article {pmid41501863,
year = {2026},
author = {Noda, T and Harumoto, T and Katsuno, T and Moriyama, M and Fukatsu, T},
title = {Cockroach bacteriocytes migrate into the ovaries for vertical transmission of the bacterial endosymbiont Blattabacterium.},
journal = {Zoological letters},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s40851-025-00257-0},
pmid = {41501863},
issn = {2056-306X},
support = {JPMJER1902//Exploratory Research for Advanced Technology/ ; JP24H02294//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; JP24K08935//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; JP22KJ1191//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; JP21J20814//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; },
}

@article {pmid41501262,
year = {2026},
author = {Carofano, I and Martinez-Sañudo, I and Riegler, M and Hancock, DL and Morrow, JL and Mazzon, L},
title = {Detection of a Conserved Bacterial Symbiosis in non-frugivorous Australian Fruit Flies (Diptera, Tephritidae, Tephritinae) Supports its Widespread Association.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1007/s00248-025-02686-y},
pmid = {41501262},
issn = {1432-184X},
support = {DOR2271053/22//Università degli Studi di Padova/ ; },
abstract = {Several insect lineages, including some fruit flies, have evolved mutualistic associations with primary symbiotic bacteria. Some species of Tephritinae, the most specialized subfamily of fruit flies (Diptera, Tephritidae) harbour co-evolved, vertically transmitted and non-culturable bacterial symbionts in their midgut, known as Candidatus Stammerula spp. (Enterobacteriaceae). While such associations have previously been reported in the Palearctic and Hawaiian Archipelago, their occurrence in Australasia had not been investigated. In this study we assessed the genetic diversity of eight Australian fruit fly's species from six genera belonging to the Tephritini tribe using mitochondrial markers (16 S rRNA and COI-tRNALeu-COII genes) and compared their bacterial diversity using the 16 S rRNA gene. We detected the presence of specific symbiotic bacteria in all sampled species. Analysis of bacterial 16 S rRNA showed that, with one exception, all Australian symbionts clustered in a well-supported monophyletic clade with Ca. Stammerula detected in Palearctic and Hawaiian Tephritini. Distinct Stammerula lineages were identified in several taxa, while two species, Trupanea prolata and Spathulina acroleuca shared identical symbiont sequences and the same host plant. Notably, Australian and Palearctic Sphenella spp. harboured closely related symbionts. The cophylogenetic analysis revealed a substantial congruence between host and symbiont tree, supporting a history of cospeciation and suggesting biogeographic links between Australasian and Palearctic taxa. Overall, the results expand the geographic knowledge of Tephritini-Ca. Stammerula association and highlight a global pattern of co-diversification.},
}

@article {pmid41501153,
year = {2026},
author = {Yamborko, N and Schwab, L and Polerecky, L and Davoudpour, Y and Berthelot, H and Musat, N and Milferstedt, K and Hamelin, J and Richnow, HH and Vogt, C and Stryhanyuk, H},
title = {Restoration of deuterium marker for multi-isotope mapping of cellular metabolic activity.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-025-33762-5},
pmid = {41501153},
issn = {2045-2322},
abstract = {Investigation of cellular metabolic activity with stable-isotope probing (SIP) implies the admittance of an isotope tracer into the metabolic pathway. Incubation with several isotope-markers (multi-isotope tracing) is required to trace nutrient metabolization and elucidate inter-cellular interactions in complex hosts and environmental communities. To cope with the lability of cell nutrition, deuterium in heavy [2]H2[16]O water is employed as a substrate-independent general tracer of metabolic activity. However, the spatially-resolved deuterium tracing is hampered by detection limits due to its relatively low ionization yield and mass-interference issues. In the present work, we comprehensively assess the quantitation of deuterium incorporation into biomass employing the outstanding capabilities of nanoscale Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry facilitating quantitative analysis of metabolic activity with single-cell or subcellular resolution. The effect of ion-probe-induced material relocation on the acquired pattern in [2]H enrichment has been considered. Analytical expressions are suggested for the restoration of the deuterium fraction from the unresolved C2[2]H-C2[1]H2 mass-interference. Application of the suggested principle of equal relative assimilation and the multi-isotope tracing with the [2]H-marker on a phototrophic symbiotic consortium paves the way to sensing the metabolic interplay among cells, recognition of homeostatic and shifted nutrition, checking for completeness of isotope-labelling and elucidation of nonlabelled substrate contribution.},
}

@article {pmid41500605,
year = {2026},
author = {Tanaka, N and Kuriki, K and Okubo, T and Enoeda, Y and Konno, A and Nakamura, S and Sato, T and Yokota, SI and Yamaguchi, H},
title = {Symbiont- and Bacterial Cell Size-dependent Backpacking and Grazing of Acanthamoeba.},
journal = {Microbes and environments},
volume = {41},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1264/jsme2.ME25024},
pmid = {41500605},
issn = {1347-4405},
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Escherichia coli/genetics/physiology/cytology ; *Acanthamoeba/microbiology/physiology ; Legionella pneumophila/physiology ; },
abstract = {On solid media, Acanthamoeba harboring the endosymbiotic bacterium (Neochlamydia) carries live Escherichia coli on its cell surface without phagocytosing this bacterium, and defends against infection by Legionella pneumophila of a small size in an endosymbiotic bacterium-dependent manner. This implies the presence of an unknown protective mechanism. Therefore, we exami-ned the physical properties of the carried bacteria using transposon insertion mutants that had lost the "backpack" on solid media. A mutant was selected from a library in which the nhaA gene, encoding a Na[+]/H[+] antiporter, was disrupted. The knockout mutant was longer than the parental strain and was gradually consumed by symbiotic amoebae. Similarly, the NhaA-knockout mutant strain was longer and lacked the backpack. The complementation of nhaA restored bacterial cells to their normal size, and the backpack phenomenon reappeared. Using E. coli elongated by a treatment with mitomycin C, the backpack was not evident, and enlarged bacteria were consumed by symbiotic amoebae. Therefore, symbiotic amoebae protected themselves from intruders by not engulfing small bacteria in an endosymbiosis-dependent manner. The present results propose a novel countermeasure by phagocytic cells against intruders that involves the recognition of bacterial sizes and is dependent on endosymbiosis.},
}

*Symbiosis
*Escherichia coli/genetics/physiology/cytology
*Acanthamoeba/microbiology/physiology
Legionella pneumophila/physiology

@article {pmid41500269,
year = {2026},
author = {Forni, G and Martelossi, J and Morel, B and Pistone, D and Bandi, C and Montagna, M},
title = {Large-scale phylogenomics reveals convergent genome evolution across repeated transitions to endosymbiosis in Enterobacterales.},
journal = {Molecular phylogenetics and evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108532},
doi = {10.1016/j.ympev.2026.108532},
pmid = {41500269},
issn = {1095-9513},
abstract = {Symbiogenesis stands among the major transitions in the history of life on Earth. Over the past three decades, extensive research has focused on specific host-symbiont associations to investigate their genome evolution. However, the idiosyncratic sequence evolution of endosymbionts has made it challenging to establish a robust phylogenetic framework for identifying broad-scale evolutionary patterns. Here, we establish the first genome-scale phylogenomic resolution for the Enterobacterales order, encompassing both free-living and endosymbiont species, and provide an analysis of gene loss and acquisition dynamics at scale. By examining over 200 genomes, we show remarkable consistency in phenomena previously known from scattered observations: a spike in gene loss invariably accompanies the shift to endosymbiosis, followed by a slower but continuous rate of gene erosion; gene acquisition processes are reduced after the lifestyle shift. Furthermore, convergence in gene family loss across independent and distantly related symbiotic lineages is observed, with genes having conserved functions and evolving under strong constraints lost at lower rates. Our results unify scattered observations into a broad-scale view of the consequences of endosymbiont genome evolution and highlight the roles of gene essentiality and dispensability in shaping convergent evolutionary trajectories.},
}

@article {pmid41499395,
year = {2026},
author = {Ansaldo, E and Yong, D and Carrillo, N and McFadden, T and Abid, M and Corral, D and Rivera, C and Farley, T and Bouladoux, N and Gribonika, I and Belkaid, Y},
title = {T-bet-expressing Tr1 cells driven by dietary signals dominate the small intestinal immune landscape.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {123},
number = {2},
pages = {e2520747122},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2520747122},
pmid = {41499395},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {NA//HHS | NIH | NIAID | Division of Intramural Research (DIR)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Mice ; *Intestine, Small/immunology ; Interleukin-10/metabolism/immunology ; *T-Box Domain Proteins/metabolism/immunology/genetics ; T-bet Transcription Factor ; Intestinal Mucosa/immunology ; *T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology/metabolism ; Homeostasis ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; *Diet ; Immunity, Mucosal ; },
abstract = {Intestinal immunity defends against enteric pathogens, mediates symbiotic relationships with the resident microbiota, and provides tolerance to food antigens, safeguarding critical nutrient absorption and barrier functions of this mucosal tissue. Despite the abundance of tissue resident activated T cells, their contributions to these various roles remain poorly understood. Here, we identify a dominant population of IL-10 producing, T-bet-expressing Tr1 T cells, residing in the small intestinal lamina propria at homeostasis. Remarkably, these intestinal Tr1 cells emerge at the time of weaning and accumulate independently of the microbiota displaying similar abundance, function, and TCR repertoire under germ-free conditions. Instead, the small intestinal T-bet[+] Tr1 program is driven and shaped by dietary antigens, and accumulates in a cDC1-IL-27-dependent manner. Upon activation, these cells robustly express IL-10 and multiple inhibitory receptors, establishing a distinct suppressive profile. Altogether, this work uncovers a previously unappreciated dominant player in homeostatic small intestinal immunity with the potential to play critical suppressive roles in this tissue, raising important implications for the understanding of immune regulation in the intestine.},
}

Animals
Mice
*Intestine, Small/immunology
Interleukin-10/metabolism/immunology
*T-Box Domain Proteins/metabolism/immunology/genetics
T-bet Transcription Factor
Intestinal Mucosa/immunology
*T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology/metabolism
Homeostasis
Mice, Inbred C57BL
*Diet
Immunity, Mucosal

@article {pmid41498165,
year = {2025},
author = {Jin, Y and Chen, Z and Malik, K and Li, C},
title = {Foliar Epichloë gansuensis Endophyte and Root-Originated Bacillus subtilis LZU7 Increases Biomass Accumulation and Synergistically Improve Nitrogen Fixation in Achnatherum inebrians.},
journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {11},
number = {7},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/jof11070466},
pmid = {41498165},
issn = {2309-608X},
support = {32201445, 2021M701525, 2024M761243, 22JR5RA434, 22ZSCQD01, 22JR5RA532, lzujbky-2022-kb02, lzujbky-2023-49 and [2021]794//The work supported by the National Science Foundation of China, the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, Gansu Province Outstanding Doctoral Students Project, Intellectual Property Plan (Targeted Organization) Project of Gansu Administration for Market/ ; },
abstract = {Although drunken horse grass (Achnatherum inebrians) can be simultaneously infected by the foliar endophyte Epichloë gansuensis and colonized by Bacillus subtilis, it remains unclear whether Epichloë endophyte symbiosis influences B. subtilis colonization, as well as how their interaction affects nitrogen fixation and assimilation. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether E. gansuensis endophyte infection facilitates the colonization of B. subtilis in the roots of host plants, with a focus on understanding the interaction effects of the E. gansuensis endophyte and B. subtilis on plant growth and nutrient absorption. In this study, we measured the colony growth rate of B. subtilis LZU7 when co-cultured with E. gansuensis strains. In addition to an in vitro test, we investigated the root colonization of Epichloë endophyte-infected plants (E+) and Epichloë endophyte-free plants (E-) with the GFP-tagged B. subtilis LZU7 in an inoculation test. Furthermore, we evaluated the interactions between E. gansuensis endophyte symbiosis and B. subtilis LZU7 colonization on the dry weight, nitrogen fixation, nitrogen converting-enzyme activity, and nutrients for E+ and E- plants by labeling with [15]N2. The results showed that the growth rates of B. subtilis LZU7 were altered and increased in a co-culture with the E. gansuensis endophyte. A significantly greater colonization of GFP-tagged B. subtilis LZU7 was detected in the roots of E+ plants compared with the roots of E- plants, suggesting that E. gansuensis endophyte symbiosis enhances the colonization of beneficial microorganisms. The combination of E. gansuensis endophyte symbiosis and B. subtilis LZU7 inoculation significantly altered the expression of the nitrogenase (nifH) gene, thereby promoting increased biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). The E. gansuensis endophyte infection and inoculation with B. subtilis LZU7 significantly increased δ15NAir in plants. Co-inoculation with the E. gansuensis endophyte and B. subtilis LZU7 significantly elevated NH4[+] accumulation in the roots, depleted the NH4[+] availability in the surrounding soil, and showed no measurable impact on the foliar NH4[+] content. The observed alterations in the NH4[+] content were linked to nitrogen-fixing microorganisms that promoted nitrogen fixation, thereby enhancing nitrogen uptake and contributing to greater biomass production in A. inebrians. Our findings highlighted the fact that a foliar symbiosis with the E. gansuensis endophyte enhances the recruitment of beneficial bacteria, and that the resulting interaction significantly impacts nitrogen fixation, assimilation, and allocation in host plants.},
}

@article {pmid41497673,
year = {2025},
author = {Katchieva, PK and Katchieva, KK and Kipkeeva, FI and Kharaeva, ZF and Smeianov, VV},
title = {Kefir revisited: Insights from the North Caucasus.},
journal = {World journal of experimental medicine},
volume = {15},
number = {4},
pages = {112191},
pmid = {41497673},
issn = {2220-315X},
abstract = {Kefir is a probiotic fermented milk product, distributed throughout the world from the North Caucasus, formed by fermenting milk with kefir grains. Kefir grains represent a striking example of microbial symbiosis between bacteria and fungi. Despite the extensive shifts in microbial composition during milk fermentation, the composition of kefir grains remains relatively constant. The evolutionary origin of such a stable symbiont remains unclear. There are multiple reports of differences between commercial kefir-like products and kefir prepared according to traditional techniques by fermenting milk with indigenous kefir grains. Modern research is aimed at studying the health properties of kefir and kefir grain components. To accurately represent the evolutionary origin of kefir grains, the characteristics of important species or consortia for the development of new promising products, it is essential to study the composition of samples of historical kefir origin, particularly the Karachay-Cherkess and Kabardino-Balkarian Republics of the North Caucasus.},
}

@article {pmid41497614,
year = {2025},
author = {Marquez Alcaraz, G and Narayanan, S and Alcock, J and Ayers, JD and Baciu, C and Berman, HL and Dunn, RR and Fortunato, A and May, A and Maley, CC and Siegel, J and Yavari, B and Aktipis, A},
title = {Does Fermentation Enhance Beverage Safety? Kombucha's Resistance to Microbial Invasion Suggests a Protective Role.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.64898/2025.12.23.696228},
pmid = {41497614},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {Does fermentation enhance the safety of beverages? This study investigates kombucha's resilience to microbial invasion from human hands. Kombucha, an ancient fermented tea, relies on a biofilm known as a symbiotic community of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) and a starter culture to ferment sweet tea, producing various metabolites including gluconic acid, acetic acid, ethanol, and carbon dioxide. While fermented foods have been historically associated with potential health benefits, direct evidence comparing the prevalence of human pathogens in fermented versus non-fermented beverages has been lacking. To address this, we conducted a citizen science experiment at Arizona State University, introducing swabs from people's palms into both kombucha and a sweet tea control. Over 30 days, we monitored the bacterial and fungal composition using 16S and ITS rRNA sequencing. Our findings reveal that kombucha maintained a relatively stable microbial profile and physical appearance, with a typical SCOBY biofilm developing. In stark contrast, the sweet tea experienced a dramatic change in microbial composition and was visibly compromised by rapidly growing microorganisms. Importantly, this suggests that the complex microbial ecosystem of kombucha can limit the growth of foreign microbes introduced from human hands. Given that human pathogens were absent from the kombucha while present in the tea samples, our results indicate that the antimicrobial properties of fermentation byproducts and the physical barrier of the SCOBY may contribute to this resilience. Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the mechanisms underlying kombucha's resistance to microbial invasion.},
}

@article {pmid41496470,
year = {2026},
author = {Badri Abdulhadi Mohammed Al-Haidari, D and Chavoshi, E and Al-Kellabi, H and Baharlouei, J},
title = {AMF-mediated modulation of growth and chlorophyll content in two ornamental plant species under lead stress.},
journal = {International journal of phytoremediation},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-9},
doi = {10.1080/15226514.2025.2612198},
pmid = {41496470},
issn = {1549-7879},
abstract = {Lead (Pb) contamination in soil presents a major threat to plant health and ecosystem integrity, particularly in urban areas with ornamental plants. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) mitigates heavy metal toxicity, but comparative data across ornamental species are limited. This study investigated Rhizophagus irregularis effects on Pb uptake and physiological traits in ornamental cabbage (Brassica oleracea) and gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus) under five Pb levels (0-200 mg Pb/kg soil) in a greenhouse using a factorial experimental design. Results showed that AMF reduced Pb translocation from roots to shoots in both species. At 200 mg/kg Pb, root Pb concentrations decreased from 67.8 ± 3.2 mg/kg to 54.6 ± 2.9 mg/kg in ornamental cabbage, and from 63.2 ± 3.0 mg/kg to 51.7 ± 2.8 mg/kg in gladiolus due to AMF inoculation. Chlorophyll content and shoot biomass also declined less severely in AMF-treated plants. Notably, gladiolus plants exhibited higher AMF colonization (70.2% at 0 mg/kg Pb) and maintained greater stability in growth and chlorophyll content than ornamental cabbage, indicating a species-specific variation in symbiotic efficiency and Pb stress tolerance. These results highlight species-specific benefits of AMF under Pb stress and underscore the potential of integrating diverse ornamental and crop species in phytoremediation strategies based on their symbiotic compatibility.},
}

@article {pmid41496451,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, P and Jiang, F and Xue, Z and Bu, F and Zhu, W and Zhang, Y and Wen, T and Li, Y and Zhang, P and Cai, Y and Niu, C and Li, S and Zhou, Y and Cheng, X},
title = {The Medicago SPX1/3-PHR2 Network Relays Phosphate Signaling to Orchestrate Root Nodulation-dependent Nitrogen Acquisition by Controlling Flavonoid Biosynthesis.},
journal = {Plant communications},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {101695},
doi = {10.1016/j.xplc.2026.101695},
pmid = {41496451},
issn = {2590-3462},
abstract = {The formation of symbiotic associations with rhizospheric microbes is an important strategy for sessile plants to acquire nitrogen and phosphorus from the soil. Root exudate plays a key role in shaping the rhizosphere microbiome. Depending on their needs for nitrogen or phosphorus, plants can adjust the composition of root exudate to attract the appropriate microbes. Flavonoids, a group of secondary metabolites, have been well studied for their role in shaping the root microbiome, particularly in mediating root nodule symbiosis in legumes. However, the mechanism by which plants regulate the absorption of microbe-mediated nitrogen and phosphorus remains unclear. Here, we show that the Medicago truncatula phosphate starvation response regulatory network SPX1/3-PHR2 controls flavonoid biosynthesis to recruit nitrogen-fixing microbes for nitrogen acquisition. Nitrogen-fixing microbes, including rhizobia, were fewer recruited in the rhizosphere of the spx1spx3 double mutant. This was caused by lower flavonoid levels in the root exudate compared to wild-type plants R108. Further results indicate that the control of flavonoid biosynthesis is exerted via PHR2, the interacting transcription factor of SPX1/3. Under phosphate-limiting conditions, PHR2 suppresses the expression of flavonoid biosynthetic genes to reduce root nodule symbiosis levels. Under phosphate-sufficient conditions, the interaction between SPX1/3 and PHR2 releases this suppression, thereby promoting root nodule symbiosis. We further showed that PHR2 can bind to the promoter regions of flavonoid biosynthetic genes in yeast. We propose that the SPX1/3-PHR2 network can modulate root nodule-dependent nitrogen acquisition in response to phosphate levels. Thus, the SPX1/3-PHR2 module contributes to maintaining a balance in microbe-mediated nitrogen and phosphorus acquisition for optimal plant growth.},
}

@article {pmid41494429,
year = {2026},
author = {Guo, H and Hua, Y and Chen, B and Lian, J and Wang, L and Hu, S and Kong, Q and Wu, H},
title = {Exploring utilization of modified ferrous sulfide-based materials in constructed wetlands to enhance nitrogen removal: Performance, microbial species interactions and community assembly mechanisms.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {292},
number = {},
pages = {125326},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2026.125326},
pmid = {41494429},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {Constructed wetlands (CWs), as an ecological remediation technology, have been widely applied in purifying nitrogen-containing wastewater. However, their denitrification efficiency is often limited in low carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (C/N) wastewater due to insufficient electron donors. This study innovatively prepared two different ferrous sulfide-based materials, namely sodium alginate (SA) coated ferrous sulfide (FeS) (CW2: SA@FeS400), as well as FeS and zero valent iron (CW3: SA@Fe[0]-FeS), and used them as the substrates in CWs. Moreover, long-term denitrification performances of different CWs, as well as their impact on denitrification enzyme activity, electron transfer activity, and microbial community composition were further explored. Results showed that CW2 (73.93 %) and CW3 (73.61 %) had higher nitrate removal efficiencies compared to control group (CW1: 45.53 %). As hydraulic retention time and carbon-to‑nitrogen ratio (C/N) decreased, the nitrate removal efficiency in CW2 was relatively stable and high, while nitrate removal efficiencies in CW1 and CW3 significantly decreased. FeS-based materials enhanced the electron transfer activity and denitrifying enzyme activity of CWs, as well as enriching functional microorganisms. Additionally, FeS-based materials can significantly enhance the nitrogen removal by promoting the redox cycling of FeS and strengthening the synergistic symbiotic relationships among nitrifying bacterial communities. This study could provide a new insight for the optimization of inorganic electron acceptors in CWs to improve the nitrate removal from low C/N wastewater.},
}

@article {pmid41494276,
year = {2026},
author = {Romo-Araiza, A and Márquez, LA and Rocha-Botello, G and Galván, EJ and Ponce-Lopez, T and Fernández-Presas, AM and Jasso-Chávez, R and Cueto, MF and Bustamante-Laguna, D and Alfaro-González, A and Pérez-Arreola, A and Aguirre-Rivera, C and Mejía, II and Ibarra-Garcia, AP and García-Vences, E and Rodriguez-Barrera, R and Cruz-Martinez, Y and Albores-Méndez, EM and Vargas, MA and Rodriguez-Serrano, LM and Ibarra, A},
title = {Symbiotic (L. acidophilus and Agave Inulin) Prevents Cognitive Impairment in High-Fat Diet/STZ Rats.},
journal = {Archives of medical research},
volume = {57},
number = {4},
pages = {103368},
doi = {10.1016/j.arcmed.2025.103368},
pmid = {41494276},
issn = {1873-5487},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes has been linked to oxidative stress, inflammation, and an imbalance in the gut microbiota, all of which contribute to neuroinflammation and cognitive decline. Gut microbiota influence inflammation and produce various substances, including butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that promotes brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is essential for memory. This study investigated whether prebiotics, probiotics, or a combination of both (symbiotics) could improve memory in diabetic rats.

METHODS: Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: control; diabetic and obese (induced by a high-fat diet and streptozotocin); diabetic and obese with prebiotics (inulin); diabetic and obese with probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus); and diabetic and obese with symbiotics (inulin + L. acidophilus). Treatments lasted 42 d. Memory performance was evaluated using the Morris water maze (spatial memory) and the Eight-arm radial maze (working memory). After testing, hippocampal tissue was analyzed for inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-10), BDNF, and butyric acid.

RESULTS: Diabetes impaired memory and increased neuroinflammatory markers. All supplemented groups showed improved memory. The symbiotic group exhibited the most pronounced benefits, with higher levels of BDNF, IL-10, and butyric acid, and reduced TNF-α. Electrophysiological recordings revealed that diabetes reduced the firing frequency of CA1 pyramidal cells and decreased the synaptic strength in the hippocampus. Symbiotic supplementation preserved these neuronal and synaptic functions.

CONCLUSION: Symbiotic treatment effectively countered diabetes-induced cognitive deficits by reducing neuroinflammation, increasing neurotrophic support, and maintaining synaptic plasticity. These results imply that altering the gut microbiota through symbiotic supplementation may be an effective approach to prevent or mitigate diabetes-associated cognitive decline.},
}

@article {pmid41494259,
year = {2026},
author = {Seberi Riseh, R and Vatankhah, M and Hassanisaadi, M and Khandani, Y and Skorik, YA},
title = {Chitosan-based biostimulants for improving soil health, water and nutrient availability.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {1013},
number = {},
pages = {181305},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.181305},
pmid = {41494259},
issn = {1879-1026},
abstract = {Chitosan-based biostimulants have gained significant attention as potential solutions for improving soil health and optimizing nutrient uptake in agricultural systems. Chitosan, a natural polysaccharide derived from chitin, exhibits unique properties, including biodegradability, biocompatibility, and plant growth-promoting effects, making it an attractive candidate for improving soil health. Chitosan-based biostimulants interact with soil microorganisms, stimulating their activity and promoting beneficial symbiotic relationships. This interaction enhances nutrient cycling, improves soil structure, and increases water-holding capacity. In addition, chitosan-based biostimulants are critical for enhancing root development, increasing nutrient solubility, and facilitating ion exchange, thereby improving nutrient uptake and utilization efficiency. By improving nutrient availability, these biostimulants increase crop productivity and reduce fertilizer use. In addition to their effects on soil health and nutrient uptake, chitosan-based biostimulants have demonstrated the potential to mitigate biotic and abiotic stresses. They help plants cope with stress by improving water and nutrient availability, enhancing antioxidant defenses, and regulating stress-responsive genes. While the benefits of chitosan-based biostimulants are evident, further research is needed to optimize their efficacy and ensure their safety for long-term use. This review highlights the role of chitosan-based biostimulants in agricultural systems, focusing on biotic and abiotic stress and on improving soil health.},
}

@article {pmid41493865,
year = {2026},
author = {Yan, Y and Zhu, Z and Zheng, S and Xu, H and Zhao, Y and He, K and Zhao, Y},
title = {HarmoFGL: Harmonizing GNN Latent Factors for Federated Graph Learning.},
journal = {IEEE transactions on neural networks and learning systems},
volume = {PP},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1109/TNNLS.2025.3648828},
pmid = {41493865},
issn = {2162-2388},
abstract = {Federated graph learning (FGL), as a privacy-preserving paradigm for distributed graph data training, aims to resolve graph data isolation issues under the framework of federated learning (FL). Despite the significant efforts made by existing FGL methods, two key challenges are still not well addressed: 1) how to mitigate graph heterogeneity in clients arising from feature deviation and structural deviation and 2) how to devise a favorable aggregation mechanism to maximize the client's benefit from collaborative training with privacy preserving. To tackle these issues, we take a perspective of latent factor and propose a HarmoFGL framework by Harmonizing graph neural network (GNN) latent factors for Federated Graph Learning, achieving cross-client federated training by coordinating personalized aggregation and client-level representation in a symbiotic space. To alleviate feature deviation, an implicit feature crossing (IFC) approach is proposed through the disentanglement of higher order feature dependency into client-universal and client-specific interactions. As for the graph heterogeneity induced by structural deviation, we establish a cross-client symbiotic parameter space spanned by GNN latent factors, on which a client-level representation is derived to characterize the inherent properties of clients. On the server side, on the basis of client relevance-driven personalized parameter aggregation, graph Laplacian regularization on client-level representations is implemented for collaborative training. Experimental results on five public graph datasets and two medical datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of HarmoFGL.},
}

@article {pmid41493715,
year = {2026},
author = {Habibi, S and Seerat, AY and Aryan, S and Yasuda, M and Agake, SI and Ohkama-Ohtsu, N and Mortuza, MF and Yokoyama, T},
title = {The genetic diversity, symbiotic efficiency, and drought resilience of rhizobia associated with mung bean in central and northern regions of Afghanistan.},
journal = {World journal of microbiology & biotechnology},
volume = {42},
number = {1},
pages = {27},
pmid = {41493715},
issn = {1573-0972},
support = {25292209//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; },
}

@article {pmid41493584,
year = {2026},
author = {Kirichek, EA and Tsyganova, AV and Flores-Félix, JD and Velázquez, E and Tsyganov, VE},
title = {Symbiotic compatibility between Rhizobium laguerreae and its host.},
journal = {Archives of microbiology},
volume = {208},
number = {2},
pages = {91},
pmid = {41493584},
issn = {1432-072X},
support = {23-16-00090//Russian Science Foundation/ ; 23-16-00090//Russian Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Rhizobium/genetics/physiology/classification ; *Pisum sativum/microbiology/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Genotype ; Root Nodules, Plant/microbiology ; Genome, Bacterial ; },
abstract = {The efficiency of interaction between legumes and rhizobia depends on the genotypes of both partners, which may lead to inefficient symbiosis. This study examined interactions between three pea (Pisum sativum L.) genotypes and six Rhizobium laguerreae strains classified into three genospecies (gsN, gsO, gsR) via whole-genome phylogenetic analysis. The peculiarities of interaction between each pea genotype and each strain were studied at histological and ultrastructural levels. Both normally developing symbioses and those with various disruptions in the infection process, bacterial release, differentiation of bacteria into bacteroids, and the ability of bacteroids to maintain their functional activity were identified. It was shown that cv. 'Rondo' was the most successful in forming symbioses with R. laguerreae strains, in turn, strain AMPS05 was the most effective on all three pea genotypes studied. Thus, the efficiency of interaction in symbioses formed between pea and R. laguerreae strains depends on the genotypes of both partners.},
}

*Symbiosis
*Rhizobium/genetics/physiology/classification
*Pisum sativum/microbiology/genetics
Phylogeny
Genotype
Root Nodules, Plant/microbiology
Genome, Bacterial

@article {pmid41493061,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, H and Xu, J and Xie, F},
title = {Autoactive MtDMI1 Reprogrammes Immunity and Development in Tomato via Ethylene Signalling.},
journal = {Plant biotechnology journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/pbi.70533},
pmid = {41493061},
issn = {1467-7652},
support = {2024YFA0918200//National Key R&D Program of China/ ; XDB0630103//Strategic Priority Research Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences/ ; 32170243//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32300212//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {The Common Symbiosis Signalling Pathway (CSSP) underpins interactions between plants and microbes, yet its potential for crop improvement remains underexplored. Here, we investigated the gain-of-function mutant SPD1 (MtDMI1[S760N]), which constitutively activates the symbiotic signalling pathway in Medicago truncatula, by expressing it in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum cv. Micro-Tom). Heterologous expression of SPD1 constitutively activated ethylene biosynthesis, leading to broad-spectrum resistance against fungal, bacterial, and vascular pathogens. Beyond immunity, SPD1 reprogrammed tomato development, accelerating seed germination, flowering, and fruit ripening, while reducing arbuscular mycorrhizal colonisation and primary root growth. Transcriptome analysis revealed constitutive activation of ethylene biosynthesis and immune marker genes, consistent with increased ethylene emission and amplified ROS and MAPK response to both pathogenic and symbiotic elicitors. Ethylene inhibitor AVG reversed both immune activation and root defects, confirming a central role of ethylene signalling in SPD1-mediated reprogramming. Our findings show that an autoactivate legume symbiotic component can reprogramme defence and development traits in a non-legume via ethylene signalling, highlighting SPD1 as a promising tool for breeding early-maturing and disease-resistance crops.},
}

@article {pmid41489776,
year = {2026},
author = {Han, P and Guo, D and Zhang, M and Wu, X and Mu, D and Shi, Y and Zhao, R and Zheng, T and Li, X},
title = {Integrated multi-omics reveals microbial and metabolic mechanisms driving enhanced fermentation quality in cigar tobacco leaves with exogenous additives.},
journal = {Bioresources and bioprocessing},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {2},
pmid = {41489776},
issn = {2197-4365},
abstract = {Natural exogenous additives (EA) suitable for the tobacco fermentation need to be developed to enhance the fermentation quality and economic value of low-grade cigar tobacco leaves (CTLs). This study analyzed the impacts of three compound Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) on metabolites and microorganisms during CTLs fermentation. The results manifested that EA facilitated the degradation of total sugar, starch and protein, while enhancing the accumulation of reducing sugar in CTLs. Furthermore, EA raised contents of free amino acids (FAAs), while Asp, Glu, Ser and His were found to be key differential FAAs of CTLs. During fermentation, the total contents of volatile flavor components (VFCs) initially increased and then declined. Furthermore, EA contributed to more harmonious compositions of VFCs by promoting the formation of neophytadiene, ketones, esters and aldehydes, as well as facilitating nicotine degradation. According to variable importance in the projection (VIP) > 1 and odor activity value (OAV) > 1, 7 key differential VFCs were identified. EA enhanced positive microbial interactions and led to a more stable and coordinated symbiotic network. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) identified 9 genera as differentially dominant microorganisms in CTLs, which were closely associated with chemical compositions and key differential flavor metabolites. In addition, EA promoted cigar tobacco characteristics (CTCs) by altering bacterial alpha diversity and influencing the assembly of dominant microbial communities. Overall, this study offered theoretical insights into the innovative applications of CHM in CTLs fermentation, and presented new perspectives for enhancing CTLs quality and customizing flavor profiles.},
}

@article {pmid41488311,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, Y and Ke, J and Yang, H and Liu, X and Zhang, J and Huangfu, M and Liu, J and Zhu, W and Wang, A and Chen, RW and Li, X},
title = {Seasonal dynamics of Galaxea fascicularis holobiont from physiological to transcriptional responses and implications for natural resilience.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1707108},
pmid = {41488311},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Monitoring seasonal changes in coral holobionts throughout the year is essential for understanding coral resilience and symbiotic responses. Previous studies have focused on short-term or specific seasonal changes, limiting their ability to capture annual variations. This study on Galaxea fascicularis in the South China Sea integrates physiological, symbiotic, and transcriptomic analyses across all seasons. In spring, upregulation of Symbiodiniaceae photosynthetic genes and lipid synthesis genes enhances coral photosynthesis and lipid accumulation, promoting growth and reproduction. During July-September, seawater temperatures at the Wuzhizhou Island approached the coral bleaching alert level 2. Summer heat stress reduced photosynthetic capacity, shifted corals to heterotrophy (Δ[h-z 13]C < 0), and increased MDA content threefold. Signaling pathways, antioxidant systems, and immune pathways were activated. Coral recovery began in autumn and winter after the summer heat and reproduction. In autumn, autotrophy increased, and immunity was activated to repair oxidative damage. In winter, processes for skeleton growth, energy storage, and metabolism were enhanced. Endosymbiotic Durusidinium remained stable, while Endozoicomonas abundance decreased in summer. In winter, potential pathogenic bacteria like Acinetobacter increased. These findings highlight the coral holobiont's synergistic response to seasonal changes, validating coral resilience and guiding artificial restoration strategies.},
}

@article {pmid41488302,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, S},
title = {Mechanisms of gut microbiota in host fat deposition: metabolites, signaling pathways, and translational applications.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1675155},
pmid = {41488302},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Obesity and metabolic diseases are global health challenges, with gut microbiota playing a critical role in host fat deposition through symbiotic interactions. In recent years, the gut microbiota, as an important factor regulating fat deposition, has received widespread attention. Numerous studies have confirmed that gut microbes influence host fat accumulation by regulating energy metabolism, inflammatory response, and gut barrier function. In this review, we summarized the key roles of gut microbial metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), bile acids, tryptophan metabolites, lipopolysaccharides (LPS), branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) in host epigenetic regulation and lipid metabolism, and explored their regulatory mechanisms through mediated signaling pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, transforming growth factor beta/SMAD3 pathway (TGF-β/SMAD3), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBPα), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB). In terms of translational applications, we described the research progress and application potentials of intervention strategies, such as probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics, and fecal transplantation in obesity control and animal production. Finally, we proposed the current bottlenecks and translational challenges in obesity control by precision nutrition and microecological intervention, and look forward to future directions. This review provides a theoretical basis for the in-depth understanding of the interactions between gut microbiota and host metabolism, and serves as a reference for the prevention and control of metabolic diseases by developing nutritional intervention strategies for animals.},
}

@article {pmid41487361,
year = {2025},
author = {Vyas, V and Singh, S and Choudhary, S and Bhoi, TK and Dey, P and Saraswat, A},
title = {Pheno-morphological and biochemical characterization of root nodules and associated root nodulating bacteria from Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre in the arid regions of India.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1717750},
pmid = {41487361},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre is a resilient leguminous tree valued for its biofuel potential and ability to flourish in marginal soils due to symbiotic nitrogen fixation by root-nodulating bacteria (RNB). Understanding the phenomorphological, soil, and biochemical characteristics of its associated RNB is essential for enhancing productivity in arid regions. This study aimed to characterize RNB isolates associated with P. pinnata and assess how soil properties and nodule biochemistry influence plant growth in the arid ecosystems of western Rajasthan.

METHODS: Twenty RNB isolates (PP-01 to PP-20) were collected from P. pinnata nodules across arid sites. Rhizospheric soil samples were analysed for physico-chemical parameters, including pH, EC, organic carbon, and nutrient contents. Nodules were examined for morphology and nitrogen-fixing activity. Biochemical profiling of isolates included phenolics, tannins, FRAP, and total antioxidant capacity. Seedling growth responses to individual isolates were evaluated under controlled conditions. Statistical analyses included multiple regression, stepwise regression, PCA, and hierarchical cluster analysis.

RESULTS: Soils were alkaline (pH 8.2-9.1) with moderate EC (1.18-1.89 dS m[-]¹) and heterogeneous nutrient availability. Nodules exhibited diverse morphology with active nitrogen fixation. Seedling growth differed significantly among isolates, with PP-18, PP-19, and PP-20 showing the highest performance. Biochemical traits varied widely; isolates PP-08, PP-09, PP-14, and PP-20 demonstrated superior antioxidant activity. Multiple regression identified nitrogen, potassium, pH, organic carbon, tannin, and antioxidant content as positive contributors to growth, while phosphorus, phenol, and EC were negative predictors (R² = 0.85). Stepwise regression indicated nitrogen, pH, organic carbon, and tannin as the most influential variables (R² = 0.61). PCA explained 98.8% of the total variance and distinctly separated isolates based on biochemical and growth characteristics. Cluster analysis grouped the twenty sites into three clusters corresponding to soil fertility gradients.

DISCUSSION: The study demonstrates that both soil nutrient status and nodule biochemical composition jointly regulate P. pinnata growth under arid conditions. High-performing isolates, particularly PP-18, PP-19, and PP-20, possess favourable physiological and biochemical attributes supportive of plant growth. The strong discriminatory power of PCA and clustering highlights the ecological differentiation among isolates across fertility gradients. These results underscore the potential of selecting site-specific, elite RNB strains to enhance P. pinnata productivity, soil fertility, and sustainable agroforestry in arid landscapes.},
}

@article {pmid41487052,
year = {2026},
author = {Körnig, J and Beneš, V and Manthey, C and Reichelt, M and Kunert, G and Paetz, C and Kutzschbach, J and Lampe, P and Kaltenpoth, M and Beran, F},
title = {Glucosinolate hydrolysis products suppress entomopathogenic nematodes in vitro but do not protect sequestering flea beetle larvae in vivo.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.70482},
pmid = {41487052},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//Max-Planck-Gesellschaft/ ; //Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) in the biological control of insect pests can be influenced by the host's chemical defenses. Phyllotreta flea beetles, among the most destructive pests of Brassica crops, deploy highly reactive glucosinolate hydrolysis products as a defense against natural enemies. Here, we investigate the susceptibility of EPNs and their symbiotic bacteria to glucosinolate hydrolysis products and assess how this defense shapes the interaction between the horseradish flea beetle, Phyllotreta armoraciae, and EPNs.

RESULTS: Glucosinolate hydrolysis products were detected in uninjured P. armoraciae larvae but not in adults, and their levels were unaffected by EPN infection. EPNs and their bacterial symbionts were susceptible to glucosinolate hydrolysis products in vitro, with EPN immotility rates ranging from 35% to 96% and bacterial growth suppression from 20% to 85% at biologically relevant concentrations. However, reducing the levels of glucosinolate hydrolysis products in larvae, either by silencing myrosinase gene expression or by feeding on different Arabidopsis genotypes, did not make them more susceptible to EPNs. Nevertheless, the food plant influenced larval susceptibility to EPNs and the relative abundance of EPN bacterial symbionts in infected larvae.

CONCLUSION: Although glucosinolate hydrolysis products are toxic to EPNs and their symbiotic bacteria, they did not protect P. armoraciae larvae from EPN infection. However, the larval food plant influenced EPN susceptibility and bacterial community composition, highlighting the role of host plant traits in shaping insect-EPN interactions. These findings provide new insights into the limitations of EPN-based biocontrol against glucosinolate-sequestering pests. © 2026 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid41486108,
year = {2026},
author = {Jiang, M and Qu, J and Cao, W and Zou, X and Liu, J and Li, M},
title = {Beauveria bassiana acts as a beneficial endophyte in tea crops, modulating microbial communities and metabolic pathways to enhance plant growth.},
journal = {BMC plant biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12870-025-08004-5},
pmid = {41486108},
issn = {1471-2229},
support = {Nos. 32160026 and 32060038//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; QianKeHe-ZK[2022]034//the Science and Technology Program of Guizhou Province/ ; [2020]9//the Talent Fund of Guizhou University/ ; 20230093904557141120//the Guizhou Dashahe Nature Reserve Management Bureau/ ; ZhongYanQianKe 2024XM16//Science and Technology Project of the China Tobacco Guizhou Industry Limited Liability Company/ ; },
}

@article {pmid41484525,
year = {2026},
author = {Papazoglou, AS and Stefanaki, AS and Linos, D},
title = {Gut Microbiome Care as a Gateway to Mental Well-being and Theological Restoration.},
journal = {Journal of religion and health},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41484525},
issn = {1573-6571},
abstract = {Recent research has highlighted the profound connection between the gut microbiome and overall human health, particularly its impact on mental well-being. The potential of "psychobiotic" interventions to foster resilience and emotional stability is especially promising. Methodologically, this article offers a philosophical-theological exploration that interprets current microbiome research in dialog with Christian theological sources, emphasizing how human-microbe symbiosis shapes both mental health and theological understandings of the human person. The intricate relationship between the microbiome, mental health, and brain function, in turn, affects spirituality and challenges anthropocentric notions of human identity. Certain anthropological and theological perspectives suggest that the gut microbiome can be viewed as a divine gift that enhances human flourishing through symbiosis. Within this framework, the human person appears as a holobiont-a composite of body, soul, and microbial life-created for communion with God and others. As steward and priest of creation, the human-holobiont is called to actively participate in the divine work of creation and redemption through relational communion with others, including fellow humans, the natural environment, and the microbiota. Integrating scientific insights with theological reflection, this article proposes that microbiome care contributes not only to mental well-being but also to spiritual restoration and ecological ethics. A non-egocentric eco-Christological ethic could thus honor microbiome care as integral to human personhood and divine relationship, fostering harmony between humanity, creation, and the divine.},
}

@article {pmid41484454,
year = {2026},
author = {Ibrahim, M and Khalil, AM and Attia, H and Alseekh, S and Mohamed, AF and El-Yamany, MF},
title = {Gut Microbiome-Sphingolipid Metabolism-Brain Axis Interactions: Neuroprotective Effects of Amitriptyline as Functional Inhibitor of Acid Sphingomyelinase in a Mouse Model of Tauopathy.},
journal = {Journal of neuroimmune pharmacology : the official journal of the Society on NeuroImmune Pharmacology},
volume = {21},
number = {1},
pages = {3},
pmid = {41484454},
issn = {1557-1904},
mesh = {Animals ; *Sphingomyelin Phosphodiesterase/antagonists & inhibitors/metabolism ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects/physiology ; Mice ; *Amitriptyline/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; Mice, Transgenic ; *Tauopathies/metabolism/drug therapy ; *Brain/drug effects/metabolism ; *Neuroprotective Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; *Sphingolipids/metabolism ; Disease Models, Animal ; Male ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; },
abstract = {Tauopathies are neurodegenerative diseases characterized by accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau protein (P-tau). The gut microbiota (GM) is symbiotic with the host and altered in neurodegenerative diseases. Amitriptyline (AMI) is a functional inhibitor of acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) which is abnormally highly expressed in brains of Alzheimer patients. Little data is known about the role of colonic ASM in management of tauopathy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of AMI on reversing gut dysbiosis, ceramide levels, colonic inflammation and intestinal barrier disruption in tauopathy through the bidirectional gut-brain axis. P301S transgenic mice were administered AMI for 35 days. Colonic ASM, ceramides, inflammation and membrane integrity were assessed besides fecal microbiome analysis and serum lipopolysaccharides to assess intestinal membrane disruption. Levels of hippocampal P-tau, protein phosphatase 2 A and neurogenesis were assessed along with cognitive behavior. AMI treatment significantly reduced colonic ASM, ceramide levels, increased abundance of Harryflintia, Dubosiella, and Parasutterella and decreased abundance of Lactobacillus, Lachnoclostridium, Oscillibacter, Oscillospiracea UCG-003, Colidextribacter, Roseburia, Butyricicoccus, and Sphingomondales. In contrast, P301S mice displayed an altered GM profile with enriched Firmicutes and Clostridia, and low proportions of Bacteroidota- a phylum associated with intestinal barrier protection-, and Ruminococcaceae. Also, AMI treatment decreased inflammation and restored colonic membrane integrity with subsequent decrease in serum lipopolysaccharides, P-tau in hippocampus and improvement in cognitive behaviour and neurogenesis. The current results indicate that AMI has neuroprotective effects against tauopathy through modulation of ASM activity, associated ceramide levels, GM composition, colonic inflammation and membrane integrity through bidirectional gut-brain axis.},
}

Animals
*Sphingomyelin Phosphodiesterase/antagonists & inhibitors/metabolism
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects/physiology
Mice
*Amitriptyline/pharmacology/therapeutic use
Mice, Transgenic
*Tauopathies/metabolism/drug therapy
*Brain/drug effects/metabolism
*Neuroprotective Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use
*Sphingolipids/metabolism
Disease Models, Animal
Male
Mice, Inbred C57BL

@article {pmid41483745,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, Y and Lou, X and Chen, H and Xu, T and Tang, M},
title = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal inoculation enhances Robinia pseudoacacia performance in zinc-contaminated soils via improved nutrient use and stress mitigation.},
journal = {Plant physiology and biochemistry : PPB},
volume = {231},
number = {},
pages = {111008},
doi = {10.1016/j.plaphy.2025.111008},
pmid = {41483745},
issn = {1873-2690},
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are recognized for their ability to mitigate the effects of zinc (Zn) stress in plants, though the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, Robinia pseudoacacia seedlings were exposed to varying levels of Zn stress (0, 500, and 1000 mg kg[-1]) with or without inoculation of Rhizophagus irregularis to explore how AMF symbiosis affects Zn uptake, phosphorus (P) acquisition, abscisic acid (ABA) distribution, and photosynthetic performance. Compared with the control, 500 mg kg[-1] Zn reduced shoot and root biomass by 35 % and 28 %, respectively, whereas 1000 mg kg[-1] Zn caused stronger inhibition, with reductions of 60.8 % and 56.0 %. Root P decreased by 25 % and 40 %, ABA distribution was altered, and photosynthetic rate and PSII efficiency declined. AMF inoculation mitigated these effects: Zn accumulation in roots and shoots decreased by 35 %, with higher root-to-shoot Zn ratios, which indicates enhanced Zn sequestration in roots. AMF-colonized plants also showed improved P uptake (40.4 %-75.1 %), increased ABA levels in roots (52.5 %-169.6 %), and alleviated reductions in biomass, net photosynthetic rate, and PSII efficiency under Zn stress. Additionally, the expression of photosynthesis-related genes (RprbcS, RppsbA, and RppsbD) was significantly upregulated in AMF-colonized plants. These findings suggest that AMF enhance tolerance to Zn stress in Robinia pseudoacacia by limiting Zn translocation to shoots, improving P acquisition, modulating ABA allocation, and maintaining photosynthetic efficiency.},
}

@article {pmid41483287,
year = {2026},
author = {Ismet, MS and Aprilia, S and Bengen, DG and Radjasa, OK},
title = {Exploring the interaction between symbiotic bacteria from seagrass-associated sponges and biofilm-forming bacteria.},
journal = {International microbiology : the official journal of the Spanish Society for Microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41483287},
issn = {1618-1905},
abstract = {Marine sponges rely on their intricate and varied bacterial communities to sustain their ecological balance and health. The structure and role of bacterial communities are affected by environmental factors and sponge species. One ecological function of symbiotic bacteria is to prevent the formation of biofilms by pathogenic bacteria that could potentially compromise sponges' health. This study investigates the antibiofilm activities of symbiotic bacteria isolated from seagrass associated sponges residing under dynamic conditions. Bacteria were isolated from various sponge species from seagrass ecosystem and assessed for their capacity to inhibit biofilm-forming bacteria discovered on submerged wood and fiber panels in contaminated marine habitats. A double-layer experiment was conducted utilizing Zobell 2216E media to evaluate antagonism among 44 bacterial isolates derived from nine sponge species. Twenty-five isolates exhibited inhibitory activity against five biofilm-forming bacteria, with FP2 being the most substantially inhibited strain. Eight symbiotic bacteria exhibited high to very high antibiofilm activity. Statistical analysis revealed groupings of bacteria with similar inhibition patterns, indicating a potential association with specific inhibitory mechanisms. The 16 S rRNA sequencing research revealed that the symbiotic bacteria are categorized into the Firmicutes and α- and γ-Proteobacteria groups, with potential unique strains identified. The findings suggest that bacteria from seagrass-associated sponges and their secondary metabolites could aid in the development of compounds for biofilm prevention and management.},
}

@article {pmid41483168,
year = {2026},
author = {Prasad, B and Kumar, P and Dubey, RC},
title = {Advances in rhizobial technology: driving sustainable agriculture in the 21 st century.},
journal = {Archives of microbiology},
volume = {208},
number = {2},
pages = {81},
pmid = {41483168},
issn = {1432-072X},
mesh = {*Agriculture/methods/trends ; *Crops, Agricultural/microbiology/growth & development ; *Rhizobium/physiology/genetics ; Symbiosis ; Soil Microbiology ; Nitrogen Fixation ; Agricultural Inoculants ; },
abstract = {Rhizobial technology has become a transformative tool for environmentally friendly and sustainable agriculture. Rhizobia are key nitrogen-fixing bacteria that enhance soil fertility and reduce reliance on synthetic nitrogen fertilisers. In addition to nitrogen fixation, they act as effective plant growth promoters by producing phytohormones, mobilising nutrients, and improving root development. Advances in bioinoculant engineering now support efficient symbiotic associations in both leguminous and non-leguminous crops, offering a green strategy to boost agricultural productivity. Rhizobia also help plants withstand abiotic and biotic stresses, and many strains display strong biocontrol abilities by producing antimicrobial compounds and suppressing phytopathogens. However, their field performance can be inconsistent due to poor survival during storage, competition with native microbes, environmental conditions, and limited farmer awareness. To overcome these challenges, strategies such as co-inoculation with compatible microbes, encapsulated formulations, genetic enhancement, improved agronomic practices, pathogen management, and farmer awareness are being developed to increase inoculant stability and effectiveness. Overall, rhizobial technology serves as a cornerstone of smart, sustainable farming, supporting food security, environmental protection, and the restoration of soil health for future green agriculture.},
}

*Agriculture/methods/trends
*Crops, Agricultural/microbiology/growth & development
*Rhizobium/physiology/genetics
Symbiosis
Soil Microbiology
Nitrogen Fixation
Agricultural Inoculants

@article {pmid41482813,
year = {2026},
author = {Baine, Q and Martinson, VG and Martinson, EO},
title = {Evidence for Cascading Host-Associated Differentiation in Insect Gall Trophic Networks.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {35},
number = {1},
pages = {e70223},
doi = {10.1111/mec.70223},
pmid = {41482813},
issn = {1365-294X},
support = {2021744//National Science Foundation/ ; //University of New Mexico/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Host-Parasite Interactions/genetics ; *Food Chain ; *Plant Tumors/parasitology ; Biodiversity ; Symbiosis ; *Insecta/genetics ; *Diptera/genetics ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {The generation and maintenance of biodiversity are strongly influenced by adaptations to symbiotic interactions. In antagonistic host-parasite systems, such as phytophagous insects on plants, the prevalence of host-associated differentiation (HAD) may be underestimated as a key driver in parasite diversification. Even less well understood is how HAD may cascade up the food chain to influence diversification in higher trophic levels. Gall-inducing insects, which exhibit strong plant host specialisation, create microhabitats that support diverse associated communities that include predators, parasitoids and inquilines. In this study, we investigate whether HAD in gall-inducing Aciurina flies extends to their associates, resulting in a pattern of cascading HAD. We analysed genomic and ecological data across parasitoid species from three functional guilds, testing for host-driven divergence. Our results reveal that cascading HAD in Aciurina galling systems occurs in endoparasitoids, with no evidence for it in generalist ectoparasitoids and inquilines, underscoring that different types of interactions have different impacts on diversification. Additionally, evidence for host-specific cryptic species within the dominant endoparasitoid allowed us to formally describe Eurytoma trixa, Eurytoma ericameria and Eurytoma luminaria as new species. These findings provide strong evidence of multiple cascading HAD events within a galling insect community and highlight the compounding influence of gall inducers, as ecosystem engineers, on biodiversity.},
}

Animals
*Host-Parasite Interactions/genetics
*Food Chain
*Plant Tumors/parasitology
Biodiversity
Symbiosis
*Insecta/genetics
*Diptera/genetics
Phylogeny

@article {pmid41482520,
year = {2026},
author = {Cathebras, C and Gong, X and Andrade, RE and Vondenhoff, K and Keller, J and Delaux, PM and Hayashi, M and Griesmann, M and Parniske, M},
title = {A novel cis-element enabled bacterial uptake by plant cells.},
journal = {Nature plants},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41482520},
issn = {2055-0278},
support = {170483403//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; 413956898//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; 258665719//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; 258665719//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; 170483403//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; },
abstract = {The root nodule symbiosis of plants with nitrogen-fixing bacteria is phylogenetically restricted to a single clade of flowering plants, which calls for as yet unidentified trait acquisitions and genetic changes in the last common ancestor. Here we discovered-within the promoter of the transcription factor gene Nodule Inception (NIN)-a cis-regulatory element (PACE), exclusively present in members of this clade. PACE was essential for restoring infection threads in nin mutants of the legume Lotus japonicus. PACE sequence variants from root nodule symbiosis-competent species appeared functionally equivalent. Evolutionary loss or mutation of PACE is associated with loss of this symbiosis. During the early stages of nodule development, PACE dictates gene expression in a spatially restricted domain containing cortical cells carrying infection threads. Consistent with its expression domain, PACE-driven NIN expression restored the formation of cortical infection threads, also when engineered into the NIN promoter of tomato. Our data pinpoint PACE as a key evolutionary invention that connected NIN to a pre-existing symbiosis signal transduction cascade that governs the intracellular accommodation of arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi and is conserved throughout land plants. This connection enabled bacterial uptake into plant cells via intracellular support structures such as infection threads, a unique and unifying feature of this symbiosis.},
}

@article {pmid41481414,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, J and Kang, W and Downs, CA and Zhou, Y and Zhou, Z and Tang, Z and Zhao, H and Chou, LM and Wu, F},
title = {Nitrate Aggravates While Ammonium Mitigates Thermal Bleaching in Corals through Divergent Lipid-Mediated Pathways and Stress Response.},
journal = {Environmental science & technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.est.5c13276},
pmid = {41481414},
issn = {1520-5851},
abstract = {The increased input of inorganic nutrients, particularly dissolved inorganic nitrogen, has been associated with heightened susceptibility of reef-building corals to thermal bleaching; however, how nitrate and ammonium differentially modulate this response remains unclear. In the present study, we combined cellular physiology, transcriptomics, and quantitative lipidomics to test how nitrate or ammonium enrichment alters coral responses to ocean warming. The findings indicated that nitrate enrichment and an elevated temperature acted synergistically to aggravate oxidative stress and exacerbate bleaching. Under heat stress, nitrate reduced photosynthetic membrane lipids, ceramides, and coenzyme Q, lowering photosynthetic efficiency in Symbiodiniaceae, and induced upregulation of genes for pro-inflammatory lipid biosynthesis in the coral host. By contrast, ammonium enrichment and elevated temperature acted antagonistically to reduce susceptibility to bleaching. Under heat stress, ammonium increased photosynthetic membrane lipids and photosynthetic efficiency in Symbiodiniaceae, while in the coral host, it decreased pro-inflammatory lipids, increased ceramide levels, upregulated genes involved in heat shock protein 70 orthologues, and re-established symbiosis. These divergent effects indicate that nitrate and ammonium activate distinct lipid-mediated pathways and stress responses that differentially regulate coral susceptibility to heat stress, with important implications for managing nitrogen pollution under ocean warming.},
}

@article {pmid41480148,
year = {2025},
author = {Lu, Z and Xia, R and Xu, A and Gu, J and Cai, H and Liu, Y and Koonin, EV and Li, M},
title = {Oxygen-adaptive plasticity of Asgard archaea dependent on terminal oxidase and globin.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1101/2025.11.07.685452},
pmid = {41480148},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {The oxygenation of ancient Earth is thought to have driven eukaryogenesis, beginning with the endosymbiosis of an aerobic alphaproteobacterium (proto-mitochondria) with an archaeal host. Given that the archaeal host likely evolved from within Asgard archaea (phylum Promethearchaeota), the metabolic traits of Asgard archaea could provide key insights into eukaryotic origins. Although Asgard archaea cultured to date are obligate anaerobes, their genomes encode oxygen-adaptive proteins, suggesting they might be oxygen-tolerant. Here, we demonstrate that some Asgard archaea, in particular, Hodarchaeales , the closest known relatives of eukaryotes, and Kariarchaeaceae , exhibit oxygen adaptation mediated by terminal oxidase and globin. Phylogenetic analysis reveals long-term vertical evolution of terminal oxidases in Asgard archaea, suggesting ancient adaptation to molecular oxygen. By contrast, globin was likely acquired by Asgard archaea via horizontal gene transfer from facultative aerobic Chloroflexales bacteria. Heterologous expression of the Asgard globin enhances aerobic growth of Haloarchaea and Escherichia coli in the presence of terminal oxidase-dependent electron transfer chain, suggesting that Asgard growth benefits from ambient oxygen. The Asgard globin gene is embedded in an oxygen-sensitive bidirectional promoter region, with one promoter driving oxygen-induced globin expression, and the other anaerobically activating expression of two enzymes, PdxS and PdxT, involved in a pyridoxal 5'-phosphate biosynthesis. The Asgard globin and promoter region exhibit high functional robustness across archaea and bacteria, and could contribute to the symbiosis between the Asgard and aerobic bacterial partners. These findings highlight the oxygen-adaptive plasticity of Asgard archaea and its potential contribution to eukaryogenesis.},
}

@article {pmid41479564,
year = {2025},
author = {N Kukaev, E and Tokareva, AO and Krogh-Jensen, OA and Lenyushkina, AA and Starodubtseva, NL},
title = {Gut Microbiota and Short-Chain Fatty Acids in the Pathogenesis of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Very Preterm Infants.},
journal = {Acta naturae},
volume = {17},
number = {4},
pages = {38-51},
pmid = {41479564},
issn = {2075-8251},
abstract = {The development of a symbiotic gut ecosystem is a crucial step in postnatal adaptation. The gut microbiome of very preterm infants is characterized by an overall instability, reduced microbial diversity, and a predominance of Gram-negative Proteobacteria, all factors associated with an increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are the key bacterial metabolites that are essential for maintaining intestinal homeostasis, supporting immune development, enhancing intestinal barrier integrity, and reducing inflammation. This review examines the role of gut microbiota and SCFAs in neonatal NEC, with a focus on potential diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Clinical studies have consistently demonstrated a significant decrease in total SCFA levels and individual bacterial metabolites in preterm infants with NEC. This finding has been corroborated by various experimental models. Clarification of the role of SCFAs in NEC pathogenesis, determination of their diagnostic utility, and assessment of the feasibility of developing comprehensive pro- and postbiotic formulations require multi-center, multi-omics investigations that include a large cohort of very preterm infants.},
}

@article {pmid41478567,
year = {2025},
author = {Katoh, T and Suzuki, R and Kataoka, S and Kawasaki, J and Kamio, K and Komeno, M and Yoshioka, S and Rasmussen, AT and Kimura, I and Katayama, T and Ashida, H},
title = {Unique bifunctional α-sialidase/β-N-acetylgalactosaminidase from Bifidobacterium bifidum acting on the Sd[a] antigen.},
journal = {The Journal of biological chemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {111121},
doi = {10.1016/j.jbc.2025.111121},
pmid = {41478567},
issn = {1083-351X},
abstract = {Sd[a] antigens [GalNAcβ1-4(Neu5Acα2-3)Galβ1-O-R] are present at the non-reducing termini of O-glycans of colonic mucins of human. Previously, we reported characterization of two glycoside hydrolase family 33 (GH33) α-sialidases, SiaBb1 and SiaBb2, from a symbiotic Bifidobacterium bifidum dwelling in the human intestines. In this study, we identified a third α-sialidase SiaBb3 from B. bifidum, that is distinguished from the above two sialidases by its possession of additional GH123 β-N-acetylgalactosaminidase domain within the same polypeptide. The purified recombinant SiaBb3 efficiently converted GM2 ganglioside [GalNAcβ1-4(Neu5Acα2-3)Galβ1-4Glcβ1-ceramide], sharing the same terminal trisaccharide structure with the Sd[a] antigen, to lactosylceramide by releasing Neu5Ac and GalNAc in the presence of 0.1% sodium cholate. Hydrolysis of the GM2 oligosaccharide proceeds with the initial release of Neu5Ac, followed by the liberation of GalNAc, which was revealed by monitoring the reactions performed using catalytically inactive mutants for each domain of SiaBb3 and by analyzing the reactions of wild-type SiaBb3 on fluorescence-labeled oligosaccharides. Notably, the order of hydrolysis was reversed compared to that employed by mammalian lysosomal enzymes for GM2 degradation. Comparative O-glycomic analysis using fecal mucin as a substrate unequivocally demonstrated that SiaBb3 targets the Sd[a] antigen of mucin O-glycans. The GH33-inactive SiaBb3 mutant retained Sd[a] antigen-containing O-glycans intact, indicating that initial hydrolysis of Neu5Ac is essential for the subsequent removal of GalNAc. Taken together, these results indicate that SiaBb3 is a bifunctional enzyme specialized for the complete degradation of Sd[a] antigens in host mucins.},
}

@article {pmid41478517,
year = {2025},
author = {Balakrishna, CB and Rajkhowa, TK and Jayappa, K and Risatti, GR},
title = {Natural syndemic infection between African swine fever virus (ASFV) and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) leads to shifting of ASFV tissue tropism to lungs with exacerbated presentation of the disease.},
journal = {Infection, genetics and evolution : journal of molecular epidemiology and evolutionary genetics in infectious diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {105872},
doi = {10.1016/j.meegid.2025.105872},
pmid = {41478517},
issn = {1567-7257},
abstract = {African swine fever (ASF) and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) are two of the most devastating and economically important transboundary diseases of pig. The current epidemic-to-pandemic situation of ASF and the unavailability of broadly effective vaccine against PRRS raise the possibility of these highly pathogenic viruses circulating simultaneously in the same pig population. This study is reporting natural occurrence of syndemic infections of ASF and PRRS in pig population of Mizoram, India. The syndemic infections resulted in high mortality in the affected crossbred pigs, while the indigenous Zovawk pigs revealed some degree of tolerance. The symbiosis between the two viruses resulted in extensive tissue damage in wider range of body systems with multiple organ failure leading to more severe acute disease. The absolute quantification of both the viruses in various organs revealed distinct tissue tropism and suggested shifting of ASFV tissue tropism towards lungs tissues in the naturally occurring syndemic infection of PRRSV and ASFV. The phylogenetic analysis based on the B646L gene of ASFV and the ORF7 gene of PRRSV identified the circulating strains in genotype II ASFV and lineage 8 of PRRSV 2. Our findings underscore the complexity of co-infections in natural cases and emphasize the importance of integrated diagnostics and targeted disease management strategies for the swine population to combat this emerging situation.},
}

@article {pmid41478046,
year = {2025},
author = {Wu, Y and Yang, Y and Ding, J},
title = {A solid-state membrane potentiometric microsensor for in situ sensing of NH4[+] in soybean root nodules.},
journal = {Talanta},
volume = {301},
number = {},
pages = {129321},
doi = {10.1016/j.talanta.2025.129321},
pmid = {41478046},
issn = {1873-3573},
abstract = {Soybean-rhizobia symbiotic nitrogen fixation, a process in which rhizobia mediate biological nitrogen fixation by converting inert atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into biologically available forms (e.g., ammonium, NH4[+]), has been extensively investigated. However, non-invasive, in situ monitoring methods for this process remain lacking. Herein, we report a solid-state membrane potentiometric ammonium ion-selective microelectrode (NH4[+]-ISμE) for the in situ detection of NH4[+] in soybean root nodules. A Prussian blue analogue with ion channels, which enables the specific insertion/extraction of NH4[+] ions while excluding interfering cations, was electrodeposited on a carbon fiber to fabricate the microelectrode. The cation sorption capability and ion selectivity of the thin film were explored by modulating the intercalation/deintercalation process and reducing the interfering cations within the framework. The NH4[+]-ISμE exhibits a Nernstian response to NH4[+] over the concentration range of 1.0 × 10[-6] to 1.0 × 10[-3] M, with a detection limit of 6.2 × 10[-7] M. This sensor enables in situ, real-time detection of NH4[+]-the direct product of biological nitrogen fixation in the legume plant-rhizobium symbiotic system. The release of NH4[+] ions in soybean root nodules during nitrogen fixation was successfully monitored. Overall, this work provides a simple and versatile tool for studying and monitoring biological symbiotic nitrogen fixation processes.},
}

@article {pmid41477507,
year = {2025},
author = {Mahdavi, Z and Daylami, SD and Fadavi, A and Mahfeli, M},
title = {Application of RSM- CCD methodology and image J. for modeling and optimization of orchid protocorm encapsulation.},
journal = {Heliyon},
volume = {11},
number = {4},
pages = {e42744},
pmid = {41477507},
issn = {2405-8440},
abstract = {Synthetic seed technology is an excellent method for large-scale production of unique hybrids, valuable and unstable genotypes, and genetically modified plants that unable to produce plants that require symbiosis of mycorrhiza fungi for seed germination. This technology is now considered as an efficient way to propagate and store several important commercial orchids. The evaluation of physical properties of synthetic seeds has been recognized as one of the critical aspects for seed quality enhancement, which resulted in higher germination and viability at storage duration. The main aim of this study was to optimize the encapsulation conditions to reach the physical properties of Phalaenopsis orchid synthetic seeds using the response surface methodology. A device was designed to control the dripping of alginate for a given temperature in order to wrap the protocorm. The central composite design has been used to investigate the effect of encapsulation variables on the physical properties of orchid synthetic seed such as volume, sphericity Index (SI) and Concentricity Index (CI). Four independent variables were considered to optimize the physical properties of orchid synthetic seed including two sodium alginate solution temperature (4 and 25 °C), three calcium chloride solution temperature (25, 30, and 35 °C), three alginate droplet height (10, 13, and 16 mm), and three stirring rate of calcium chloride solution (zero (no stirring), 1, and 2 rpm). To determine the synthetic seeds, digital images were taken, and response variables were extracted using the image J processing platform. The ANOVA results showed significant effects of linear and interaction terms of models on all studied factors (P < 0.001). The results indicate that stirring rate has most significant effect on the synthetic seed sphericity Index (p < 0.0001). The results showed that the optimum values of volume, sphericity Index and concentricity Index CI were 1285.27 mm[3], 0.927 %, and of 2.436 mm, respectively, with a desirability of 0.756. Optimum conditions for orchid protocorm encapsulation were obtained with stirring rate of 0.83 rpm, droplet height of 10 mm, high calcium chloride solution temperature of 35 °C, and sodium alginate solution temperature of 25 °C. In general, results showed that the use of image J and the response surface methodology is a useful tool to obtain the optimal physical properties of synthetic seeds. The modeling and optimizing of physical characteristics of synthetic seed can be developed for encapsulation of any explants of plant species.},
}

@article {pmid41477501,
year = {2025},
author = {Govindharaj, GP and Choudhary, JS and Panda, RM and Basana-Gowda, G and Annamalai, M and Patil, N and Khan, RM and Banra, S and Srivastava, K and Mohapatra, SD},
title = {Bacterial communities in Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) showed significant variation among the developmental stages with functional diversity.},
journal = {Heliyon},
volume = {11},
number = {4},
pages = {e42776},
pmid = {41477501},
issn = {2405-8440},
abstract = {Nilaparvata lugens, a major rice pest, hosts an essential microbiome, yet its dynamic changes across developmental stages remain poorly understood. This study analyzed the bacterial community across developmental stages using V3-V4 amplicon sequences of 16S rRNA gene. The microbiome was classified into 20 phyla, 38 classes, 77 orders, 155 families, and 273 genera, with Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes dominating phyla. Families Morganellaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, and Moraxellaceae were prevalent across all stages, while Anaplamataceae was dominant in all the developmental stages except males. Key genera included Arsenophonous (5 %), Bacillus (5 %), and Acinetobacter (3 %), with Wolbachia (11 %) abundant in all developmental stages except in males. The shared operational taxonomic units (OTUs) between the developmental stages of N. lugens were only 40 OTUs, and higher unique OTUs were found in the late instar stage (89 OTUs), and the lowest unique OTUs were found at the male stage (64 OTUs). Functional prediction indicated roles in carbohydrate, amino acid, and energy metabolism, as well as membrane transport, signaling, DNA replication and repair. These findings highlight stage-specific microbiome variations, laying the foundation for microbiome-based pest management techniques.},
}

@article {pmid41477208,
year = {2025},
author = {Tang, Y and He, Z and Zhou, J and Wang, H},
title = {Effects of different rice straw returning methods in karst paddy fields on soil bacterial community structure and rice yield: a mechanistic analysis based on 16S rRNA sequencing.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1710332},
pmid = {41477208},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {The effective utilization of crop straw can contribute to sustainable agricultural development. However, how different straw return methods regulate soil fertility and rice yield via bacterial communities in karst paddy fields remains elusive. This field study investigated five straw return treatments [deep plowing (PD); rotary tillage with incorporation (RTM); field rapid composting, (FRC); no-till mulching (NT); and bioreactor (BR)] and a blank control CK (no straw return, fertilizer only) on soil physicochemical properties, bacterial community structure, and rice yield, combined with 16S rRNA sequencing technology. Results indicate the following: (1) all straw incorporation treatments significantly increased soil organic matter (SOM) and nutrient content (p < 0.05), NT and BR treatments increased soil organic matter (SOM) by 38.2 and 36.4%, respectively, compared to CK, while total nitrogen increased by 42.1 and 48.4% with NT; (2) although RTM treatment did not achieve the highest SOM accumulation, it yielded the highest rice yield of 30.37 kg/plot (a significant increase of 13.2% compared to CK), revealing that yield is jointly regulated by soil physicochemical properties and bacterial communities; (3) straw return treatments did not significantly affect bacterial α-diversity (intergroup differences in Shannon index and Chao1 index, p > 0.05), but significantly influenced β-diversity, symbiotic network structure, and community assembly processes. BR treatment formed a complex and stable microbial network structure, while NT exhibited a highly modular community structure (modularity = 0.66); (4) bacterial community assembly under straw return was dominated by deterministic processes, with homogenous selection accounting for 45 and 42% in NT and BR treatments, respectively, significantly higher than CK (28%, p < 0.05); (5) pathwise linear structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) confirmed that TN (path coefficient 0.97, p < 0.001) and bacterial β-diversity (path coefficient 0.83, p < 0.001) were the most critical factors influencing rice yield. This study elucidates the mechanisms by which different straw return methods drive soil functions by reshaping bacterial community assembly and interaction networks. It provides theoretical support for optimizing straw return technologies in karst paddy fields, such as applying RTM for "yield-priority" scenarios and NT for "Rapid fertilization" scenarios.},
}

@article {pmid41476963,
year = {2025},
author = {Ma, S and Zheng, L and Zhuang, X and Wang, M and Zou, Y},
title = {Pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic potential of the microbiome in premature ovarian insufficiency.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1734367},
pmid = {41476963},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {Humans ; *Primary Ovarian Insufficiency/therapy/microbiology/metabolism/etiology ; Female ; Animals ; *Microbiota ; Ovary/metabolism/microbiology ; Probiotics/therapeutic use ; },
abstract = {The postponement of childbearing age has become a global issue. Factors such as increased work pressures on women and environmental changes have led to a rising incidence and younger onset of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). POI not only impacts patients' reproductive function but also heightens the risk of depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, premature mortality, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease. Exploring effective prevention and treatment strategies for POI can slow ovarian ageing and safeguard female reproductive health. Microbiome research confirms that most human tissues and organs form dynamic, interactive systems with symbiotic microbes that play a crucial role in female reproductive function. Previous studies on the microbiome and female reproductive health have rarely focused on POI. The proposed 'Microbiota-Ovary Axis' aims to establish an integrated regulatory framework. This theoretical model systematically elucidates how microbial signals influence ovarian function through four core pathways: the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, metabolism and endocrine regulation, immunoregulation, and oxidative stress. Evaluating the efficacy of dietary modifications, probiotics, and microbiota transplantation in animal models and preliminary clinical studies will establish a robust theoretical foundation for developing microbiota-targeted innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for POI, thereby enhancing reproductive health throughout the female lifespan.},
}

Humans
*Primary Ovarian Insufficiency/therapy/microbiology/metabolism/etiology
Female
Animals
*Microbiota
Ovary/metabolism/microbiology
Probiotics/therapeutic use

@article {pmid41476473,
year = {2025},
author = {Ceccarini, MR and Mazzarella, N and Visone, S and Santonicola, P and Camera, A and Cieri, F and La Rocca, F and Matino, I and Zampi, G and Valeri, MC and Damiani, F and Escaray, FJ and Ruiz, OA and Martens, S and Beccari, T and Di Schiavi, E and Paolocci, F},
title = {Different Neuroprotective Activities of Proanthocyanidin-Enriched Fractions of Lotus Species.},
journal = {ACS omega},
volume = {10},
number = {50},
pages = {61480-61493},
pmid = {41476473},
issn = {2470-1343},
abstract = {Flavonoid-rich Lotus species are promising sustainable sources of bioactive phytochemicals due to their adaptability, high biomass production, and symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing Rhizobium spp. Among flavonoids, many beneficial effects for human health, ranging from antioxidant activities to the inhibition of carcinogenesis, are attributed to proanthocyanidins (PAs). This study compared the neuroprotective properties of leaf extracts from PA-rich Lotus corniculatus (Lc), PA-depleted Lotus tenuis (Lt), and Lc × Lt interspecific hybrid (Lh2) with intermediate PA levels. Acetone-soluble and -insoluble fractions from Lc and Lh2 contained flavan-3-ols and PA oligomers, while Lt lacked these compounds. Neuroprotective assays in SH-SY5Y cells and Caenorhabditis elegans revealed that Lc and, although to a lesser extent, Lh2 extracts enhanced cell viability and reduced motoneuron degeneration, whereas Lt extracts exhibited cytotoxicity and did not induce motoneuron viability rescue in C. elegans. Further analysis confirmed that pure flavan-3-ols, which represent the main components of the acetone-soluble fraction in Lc and Lh2, and cyanidin, which derives from the hydrolysis of their insoluble fractions, significantly promoted neuronal survival, while the flavonol quercetin showed no protective effects. These findings highlight the neuroprotective potential of PA-rich Lotus spp. and suggest their application as novel sources of health-promoting phytochemicals.},
}

@article {pmid41475601,
year = {2025},
author = {Tang, J and Liu, Y and Zhang, Q and Zhang, H and Ni, BJ and Lv, W},
title = {Multi-omics dissection of yeast-centric fungal-bacterial synergies in food-processing wastewater: insights from four full-scale treatment plants.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {443},
number = {},
pages = {133911},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2025.133911},
pmid = {41475601},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {Fungal presence and ecological roles in activated sludge at municipal wastewater treatment plants are increasingly recognized, yet their diversity and functional contributions-especially of yeasts-in treating food-processing wastewater remain underexplored. High-throughput ITS and 16S rRNA sequencing and shotgun metagenomics, together with FUNGuild, were used to analyze microbial community structure, functional microorganisms, co-occurrence patterns, interkingdom interactions, functional pathways, and the distributions of degradation enzymes and functional genes for characteristic pollutants among four full-scale food-processing plants (seafood, pastry, orange-canning, and vegetable-oil refining). Community diversity and structural differences shaped by wastewater types, associated with metabolic traits and enzyme-secretion. Saccharomycetes emerged as the dominant fungal class; bacteria displayed more even class-level and genus-level distributions than fungi across plants, combining LEfSe (LDA > 4, p < 0.05) to reveal plant-specific environmental-driven taxa, mainly included members of Saccharomycetales among fungi. Module-based co-occurrence networks indicated symbiotic interactions among yeasts; predominant cooperation of fungal-bacterial interaction network, in which yeasts exhibited the highest degree among fungi; strong correlations between Saccharomycetales and functional genes. Metabolism was the most abundant functional pathway. "Undefined Saprotroph" was the most widespread fungal functional guild. We annotated 86 degradation enzymes and 150 functional genes targeting eight pollutant categories (proteins, lipids, starch, pectin, lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, chitosan), elucidating plant-specific distributions and enzymatic synergies. These multi-plant comparisons disentangle conserved from plant-specific features of catabolism. Overall, this study elucidates microbial diversity, interactions, and functional potential in food-processing wastewater treatment, reveals yeasts as keystone microbes for pollutant degradation, and provides actionable insights for treatment strategies and process optimization.},
}

@article {pmid41472809,
year = {2025},
author = {Orgeas-Gobin, S and Piquet, B and Marie, B and Andersen, AC and Tanguy, A and Duperron, S},
title = {Symbiont retention and holobiont response under simulated sulfide deprivation in Lucinid clams from seagrass beds.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1637201},
pmid = {41472809},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Bivalves of the family Lucinidae thrive in sulfidic sediments thanks to their chemoautotrophic bacterial symbionts. However, how different Lucinidae species respond to sulfide deprivation and associated symbiont loss remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated the responses of Lucinoma borealis and Loripes orbiculatus, two species that co-occur in temperate seagrass beds, exposed to prolonged sulfide starvation. Using metabolomics, ultrastructural TEM analyses and 16S rRNA-based metabarcoding, we monitored and compared responses in gills and visceral mass over a 4-month period. Both host species as well as their symbionts survived sulfide-free conditions. Hosts tissues displayed limited impact on ultrastructure and metabolites. Despite decrease in numbers and activity level, symbionts remained present throughout the experiment and no evidence for bacteremia or infection was detected. Our results also revealed differences, in particular in host apoptosis response, suggesting species-specific stress strategies. Altogether, both holobionts can survive extended low-sulfide periods without critical damage and without completely losing their symbionts. These could be adaptations to the extended low-sulfide periods that are associated with low primary production and the cold season in seagrass beds. Adaptations could involve a switch in the symbionts' physiological state to preserve a dormant symbiotic population. These findings highlight the importance of stress tolerance mechanisms in coastal Lucinidae, and raise questions about the nature of host-symbiont dependency in these periods.},
}

@article {pmid41472294,
year = {2025},
author = {Mandal, E and Noirungsee, N and Disayathanoowat, T and Kil, EJ},
title = {TSWV Infection Differentially Reshapes the Symbiotic Microbiome of Two Frankliniella Thrips Species.},
journal = {Viruses},
volume = {17},
number = {12},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/v17121625},
pmid = {41472294},
issn = {1999-4915},
support = {0//Gyeongkuk National University/ ; },
mesh = {*Thysanoptera/microbiology/virology ; Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Microbiota ; *Tospovirus/physiology ; Serratia/genetics ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Insect Vectors/virology/microbiology ; Metagenomics ; Plant Diseases/virology ; Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {Vectoring tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) by two well-known thrips species, Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande and F. intonsa Trybom (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), is facilitated in different ways. Symbiotic bacteria positively influence thrips fitness, but the interaction between these bacteria and tospovirus inside the thrips' body remains unknown. Metagenomic profiling of symbionts in nonviruliferous and viruliferous Frankliniella thrips was performed to elucidate the interactions between symbiotic bacteria and the virus. A total of 97 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified by profiling the microbes, where Proteobacteria was the most abundant phylum, with a high richness in Serratia spp. F. occidentalis showed lower variation in bacterial diversity between nonviruliferous and viruliferous treatments than F. intonsa. RT-qPCR validation for Serratia and Escherichia revealed opposite abundance patterns between the two thrips species. In contrast, Enterobacteriaceae and Pantoea showed similar patterns with higher abundance in nonviruliferous conditions. Wolbachia was detected exclusively in F. intonsa, with a higher bacterial titer in the viruliferous sample. Our findings suggest that TSWV association may influence the abundance of different bacterial symbionts within the thrips' body, potentially via induction of antimicrobial peptides in response to viral invasion, and to our knowledge this is the first report addressing this tripartite interaction. These findings improve our understanding of how virus-symbiont association contributes to thrips vector competence.},
}

*Thysanoptera/microbiology/virology
Animals
*Symbiosis
*Microbiota
*Tospovirus/physiology
Serratia/genetics
Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Insect Vectors/virology/microbiology
Metagenomics
Plant Diseases/virology
Wolbachia/genetics

@article {pmid41471939,
year = {2025},
author = {Luo, Z and Zhou, Y and Wang, X and He, L and Jia, T},
title = {Effects of Endophytic Fungi and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Microbial Community Function and Metabolic Pathways in the Rhizosphere Soil of Festuca rubra.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {41471939},
issn = {2076-2607},
abstract = {Numerous studies have shown that there are many uncertainties associated with the interactions of nitrogen with plants and microorganisms. In particular, the effects of symbioses between plants and various microorganisms on soil microbial community function remain unclear. Metagenomic sequencing was used to explore the changes in microbial community composition, function and metabolic pathways in rhizosphere soil and the associated influencing factors under different nitrogen levels caused by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation of F. rubra infected with endophytic fungi and nonendophytic fungi. Plant nutrient allocation (aboveground/belowground), soil pH, and enzymatic activities significantly modulated the functional profiles of the bacterial, fungal, and archaeal communities within these rhizospheres. Soil β-glucosidase activity had the greatest effect on the cluster of orthologous groups of proteins (COG) function of the rhizosphere soil bacterial community, and soil L-leucine aminopeptidase had the greatest effect on the COG function of the rhizosphere soil fungal and archaeal communities. The contributions of AMF colonization to the kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) functions of bacteria and archaea in the rhizosphere soil were greater than those of F. rubra infection with endophytic fungi, and AMF colonization improved the metabolic pathways, secondary metabolite biosynthesis, microbial metabolism, amino acid biosynthesis and carbon metabolism of bacterial and archaeal communities in the rhizosphere soil of F. rubra. The effects of endophytic fungi and AMFs on the function and metabolic pathways of symbiotic rhizosphere soil microbial communities were heterogeneous. This study revealed that considering both biotic and abiotic factors is essential for predicting the maintenance of soil ecosystem function by plant-fungal symbionts.},
}

@article {pmid41471884,
year = {2025},
author = {Reis, MNO and Vitorino, LC and Moreira, MA and Macedo, AS and de Sousa, LF and Lourenço, LL and Bessa, LA},
title = {Supplementation with Mo, Co, and Ni Enhances the Effectiveness of Co-Inoculation with the Rhizobacteria Azospirillum brasilense and Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens in Soybean.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {41471884},
issn = {2076-2607},
abstract = {Efficient biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) is crucial for sustainable soybean productivity. Current strategies involve the use of Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens and co-inoculation with plant growth-promoting bacteria like Azospirillum brasilense. To further optimize BNF and plant performance, we investigated the effect of co-inoculation with A. brasilense and B. diazoefficiens combined with the strategic application of the micronutrients Molybdenum (Mo), Cobalt (Co), and Nickel (Ni) on soybean grown under greenhouse conditions. We evaluated plant growth, photosynthetic parameters, accumulation of N, nitrate reductase activity, and nifH gene expression at the R1 reproductive stage. Our main finding was that the co-inoculation combined with the simultaneous application of Mo, Co, and Ni significantly maximized vegetative growth, photochemical efficiency, and BNF. Specifically, this triple supplementation increased nifH gene expression (0.22) compared to the inoculated control (0.003), leading to a substantial enhancement of photosynthetic parameters, including photosystem II (PSII) efficiency and net carbon assimilation (A). For example, the total dry mass was 14.36 g in the Mo + Co + Ni + AZO + BRADY combination and 6.50 g in the non-inoculated and non-micronutrient-treated plants. The total N content was also higher in the plants treated with Mo + Co + Ni + AZO + BRADY (73.20 g kg[-1]). Crucially, the data also demonstrated that excessive levels of Co impaired the symbiosis, underscoring the necessity of precise dose management. These results confirm the strong synergistic potential of combining microbial co-inoculation with targeted mineral nutrition as a high-impact, sustainable strategy for boosting soybean productivity.},
}

@article {pmid41471876,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, Y and Gong, L and Gao, Z and Dong, D and Li, X},
title = {Comparative Analysis of Sponge-Associated, Seawater, and Sediment Microbial Communities from Site F Cold Seep in the South China Sea.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {41471876},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {42176114//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; ZR2023MD100//the Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation/ ; CAS-TAX-24-30//Biological Resources Programme, Chinese Academy of Sciences/ ; },
abstract = {Microbial communities at Site F cold seep, ubiquitous in both the environment and the associated fauna, demonstrate clear habitat-specific partitioning. Metagenomic sequencing and binning demonstrated a striking partitioning of microbial taxa at the cold seep: whereas the sponge-associated microbiome was distinctly enriched with specialized sulfur- and methane-oxidizing bacteria that were rare in the environment, it simultaneously exhibited a significantly reduced archaeal content, lower α-diversity, and a simpler overall community structure compared to the sediment and seawater communities. Distinct evolutionary lineages and varying abundances were observed among the microbiomes from seawater, sediment, and sponges. Furthermore, their Metagenome-Assembled Genomes (MAGs) exhibited significant differences in genomic features, including genome size and GC content. The sponge-associated microbiome exhibits lower diversity but maintains a high abundance of key functional genes, particularly those involved in sulfur cycling (e.g., apr, dsr, metZ), indicating enhanced metabolic efficiency in energy conservation and nutrient acquisition. This study reveals that the seawater, sediment, and sponge-associated microbiomes exhibit genome simplification and functional specialization in the cold seep environment, with varying lifestyles driving structural optimization and functional remodeling of the symbiotic microbiomes.},
}

@article {pmid41470739,
year = {2025},
author = {Pereira de Moraes Carvalho, C and Oliveira, AF and Rouws, LFM and Dos Santos Dourado, F and Reed Rodrigues Coelho, M and Alves, BJR and Zilli, JÉ},
title = {Genetic Diversity and Nodulation Potential of Bradyrhizobium Strains in Cowpea and Soybean.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {24},
pages = {},
pmid = {41470739},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {465133/2014-2//National Council for Scientific and Technological Development/ ; E-26/201.074/2022//Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro/ ; E-26/210.303/2021//Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro/ ; 01.22.0080.00//Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos/ ; },
abstract = {Bradyrhizobium is a genetically diverse genus that forms symbioses with numerous legumes, including major crops such as cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and soybean (Glycine max). Understanding the genetic and symbiotic diversity of native strains is essential for improving inoculant technologies and enhancing biological nitrogen fixation in tropical agricultural systems. This study investigated Bradyrhizobium strains associated with these two legumes grown in adjacent tropical soils in Brazil to elucidate their genetic relationships, taxonomic placement, and host compatibility. A total of 34 Bradyrhizobium strains isolated from cowpea and soybean nodules were characterized using multilocus phylogenetic analyses (16S rRNA, gyrB, recA, and nodC). Selected strains underwent whole-genome sequencing for comparative analyses based on average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH). Cross-inoculation assays were performed to evaluate nodulation capacity and symbiotic efficiency on both hosts. The strains displayed high genetic diversity, forming multiple phylogenetic clusters. Most grouped within the B. elkanii superclade, whereas several occupied divergent lineages, some potentially representing new taxa. Genome-based analyses supported these findings, showing intracluster ANI values above 95-96% and intercluster values below 94%. A distinct group of cowpea-derived strains exhibited high symbiotic efficiency but low genomic similarity to known type strains, suggesting the presence of a novel species with potential use in inoculants. In contrast, some soybean-derived strains were genetically identical to commercial inoculants, indicating persistence or re-isolation from previously inoculated soils. Notably, strain BR 13971, isolated from soybean, nodulated both hosts efficiently, demonstrating a broad host range and suggesting a unique symbiovar. Cross-inoculation assays showed that soybean-derived strains effectively nodulated cowpea, whereas cowpea-derived strains did not nodulate soybean, indicating asymmetrical host compatibility. Particularly for cowpea, strains BR 10926 and BR 10750 demonstrated higher symbiotic efficiency than the strains currently recommended for this crop. Overall, these findings enhance the understanding of Bradyrhizobium diversity in tropical soils and highlight promising native strains for future inoculant development.},
}

@article {pmid41470716,
year = {2025},
author = {Jarin, AS and Khan, MAR and Apon, TA and Islam, MA and Rahat, A and Akter, M and Anik, TR and Nguyen, HM and Nguyen, TT and Ha, CV and Tran, LP},
title = {Plant Responses to Heavy Metal Stresses: Mechanisms, Defense Strategies, and Nanoparticle-Assisted Remediation.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {24},
pages = {},
pmid = {41470716},
issn = {2223-7747},
abstract = {Heavy metal (HM) contamination threatens environmental sustainability, food safety, and agricultural productivity worldwide. HM toxicity adversely affects plant growth, reducing germination rates by 20-50%, impairing seedling establishment, and inhibiting shoot and root development by 30-60% in various crops. HM disrupts key physiological processes, including photosynthesis, stomatal regulation, membrane integrity, nutrient uptake, and enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant activities. These disruptions largely result from oxidative stress, caused by the excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species, which damage cellular components. To counteract HM toxicity, plants deploy a complex defense network involving antioxidant enzymes, metal chelation by phytochelatins and metallothioneins, vacuolar sequestration, and symbiotic interactions with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, which can retain 40-70% of metals in roots and reduce translocation to shoots. At the molecular level, MAPK (Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase) signaling pathways, transcription factors (e.g., WRKY, MYB, bZIP, and NAC), and phytohormonal crosstalk regulate the expression of stress-responsive genes expression to enhance HM stress tolerance. Advances in nanotechnology offer promising strategies for the remediation of HM-contaminated soils and water sources (HM remediation); engineered and biogenic nanoparticles (e.g., ZnO, Fe3O4) improve metal immobilization, reduce bioavailability, and enhance plant growth by 15-35% under HM stresses, although excessive doses may induce phytotoxicity. Future applications of nanotechnology in HM remediation should consider nanoparticle transformation (e.g., dissolution and agglomeration) and environmentally relevant concentrations to ensure efficacy and minimize phytotoxicity. Integrating phytoremediation with nanoparticle-enabled strategies provides a sustainable approach for HM remediation. This review emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary framework linking plant science, biotechnology, and nanoscience to advance HM remediation and safeguard agricultural productivity.},
}

@article {pmid41468802,
year = {2025},
author = {Montalbetti, E and Seveso, D and Farina, S and Bava, S and Carta, E and Castellano, L and Galli, P and Isa, V and Louis, YD and Marzaioli, R and Moccia, D and Papa, S and Rutigliano, FA and Tamburello, L and Arrigoni, R},
title = {Wildfire ash undermines the physiology of the Mediterranean coral Cladocora caespitosa.},
journal = {Marine environmental research},
volume = {215},
number = {},
pages = {107817},
doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107817},
pmid = {41468802},
issn = {1879-0291},
abstract = {Wildfires represent a natural disturbance phenomenon whose frequency and intensity are expected to increase due to climate change-driven heatwaves, droughts, and anthropogenic pressure. This is particularly concerning in fire-susceptible areas, such as the Mediterranean basin, raising concerns about ecosystem functioning and biodiversity. While wildfire impacts have been extensively investigated in terrestrial environments, little is known about their effects on marine organisms. Here, nubbins of the temperate coral Cladocora caespitosa, an endemic key ecological species in the Mediterranean Sea, were subjected to a 93-h exposure to four environmentally relevant wildfire ash concentrations (0.05, 0.5, 2.5, and 5 g L[-1]) under controlled laboratory conditions. Coral responses were assessed through oxidative stress biomarkers (activity of antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT, GR, and LPO levels) and bleaching parameters (chlorophyll a and c2 concentration and Symbiodiniaceae density). A fluctuating response of SOD, a significant decrease in CAT activity, and an increase in GR activity were observed, suggesting oxidative stress overwhelming primary defenses. This interpretation was supported by a significant increase in LPO, indicating oxidative damage to cellular structures, possibly exacerbated by elevated metal concentrations in the ash. Symbiodiniaceae density decreased significantly across all tested ash concentrations, while chlorophyll content per cell increased, potentially reflecting photoacclimation to reduced light penetration caused by water turbidity. Overall, our results could indicate that C. caespitosa is vulnerable to wildfire ash exposure. These findings highlight wildfire ash as an emerging marine stressor, thereby broadening our understanding of wildfire impacts on benthic ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid41468393,
year = {2025},
author = {Cecere, AG and Muriel-Mundo, C and Fisher, DJ and Miyashiro, TI},
title = {Transformation of Tn7 insertion elements across strains of Vibrio fischeri.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {12},
pages = {e0338632},
pmid = {41468393},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Aliivibrio fischeri/genetics ; *DNA Transposable Elements/genetics ; Animals ; Decapodiformes/microbiology ; *Mutagenesis, Insertional/methods ; Symbiosis/genetics ; },
abstract = {Animals typically form symbiotic relationships with bacteria that contribute to their physiology and behaviors. The ability to genetically modify these bacterial symbionts is important for investigating the molecular mechanisms that promote symbiosis establishment and maintenance. However, the molecular tools developed for laboratory-adapted strains may fail when applied to non-canonical strains. Here, we report a method to expand the use of Tn7 site-specific transposon-insertion mutagenesis in Vibrio fischeri, which is the bioluminescent bacterial symbiont of the Hawaiian bobtail squid Euprymna scolopes. In this protocol, the laboratory-adapted strain ES114 is used as a surrogate strain for introducing genetic information into the attTn7 insertion site. Genomic DNA extracted from the resulting strain is used as template for transformation of another strain, in which natural transformation is induced. As a proof of principle, this approach is used to complement an rpoN mutant with an IPTG-inducible rpoN construct in trans.},
}

*Aliivibrio fischeri/genetics
*DNA Transposable Elements/genetics
Animals
Decapodiformes/microbiology
*Mutagenesis, Insertional/methods
Symbiosis/genetics

@article {pmid41408134,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhao, G and Yang, T and Chen, Z and Zhang, W},
title = {Phosphorus-dependent shifts in acquisition strategies revealed by integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics in soybean roots.},
journal = {BMC plant biology},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {1753},
pmid = {41408134},
issn = {1471-2229},
support = {No. 32260804//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Under phosphorus (P) deficiency, soybean (Glycine max L.) adapts by modifying root architecture, increasing the release of organic exudates, and engaging arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis. However, how these strategies trade off across a P gradient remains unclear. In this study, we integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses to examine five soybean cultivars under soil P supplies of 0 mg P kg[-1] (severe deficiency, P0), 30 mg P kg[-1] (moderate deficiency, P30), 60 mg P kg[-1] (mild deficiency, P60), 90 mg P kg[-1] (adequate, P90), and 120 mg P kg[-1] (excess, P120). Our results indicate that plant-available P is associated with shifts among three P acquisition strategies in soybean. In contrast to P90, the P30 treatment exhibited a 56–321% increase in AMF colonization and elevated expression of PPDK, accC, and FabI. The P0 treatment, meanwhile, was characterized by a 17–24-fold increase in organic acid exudation, a 35% increase in SRL, and upregulation of the genes pckA, MDH, aceB, and CS. Cultivars differed in their adaptive preferences: AM-dependent types were better suited to moderate P limitation, whereas fine-rooted cultivars were advantageous under severe P depletion. Overall, our findings reveal the regulatory networks underlying soybean P-acquisition strategies and highlight their breeding and management significance. This study provides a foundation for developing P-efficient soybean cultivars and for precision P management in sustainable agriculture.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12870-025-07957-x.},
}

@article {pmid41467478,
year = {2026},
author = {Niazian, M and de Ronne, M and Beauchamp, CJ and Belzile, F and Torkamaneh, D},
title = {CRISPR-induced knockouts reveal a dual role for the soybean NFR5α gene in symbiotic nitrogen fixation and root hair development.},
journal = {The plant genome},
volume = {19},
number = {1},
pages = {e70143},
doi = {10.1002/tpg2.70143},
pmid = {41467478},
issn = {1940-3372},
support = {6548//Genome Canada/ ; 337003//Fonds de recherche du Québec - Nature et technologies (FRQNT)/ ; },
mesh = {*Glycine max/genetics/growth & development/microbiology ; *Nitrogen Fixation/genetics ; *Plant Roots/growth & development/genetics ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Gene Knockout Techniques ; *Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats ; Plant Root Nodulation/genetics ; },
abstract = {Nitrogen fixation in soybeans, facilitated by symbiotic interactions with rhizobia, is a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture, reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers. However, the efficiency of symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) varies due to natural genetic variation in SNF-related genes. Our study underscores the pivotal role of the GmNFR5α gene not only in nodulation but also in root hair development, which is crucial for effective nutrient uptake and plant yield. Through detailed genetic analyses and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based manipulations, we identified and characterized multiple knockout mutants, notably GmNFR5α-KO and combined GmNFR5α+GmROP6-KO, which exhibited significant reductions in root hair density and nodulation. These phenotypic changes correspond with the downregulation of key root hair development genes such as TTG, RHD1, RHD2, and KJK, establishing a clear link between GmNFR5α function and root hair formation. The potential of leveraging these genetic insights to improve nitrogen fixation in legumes and introduce SNF capabilities into cereal crops could revolutionize crop fertilization strategies, offering a sustainable solution to global agricultural challenges.},
}

*Glycine max/genetics/growth & development/microbiology
*Nitrogen Fixation/genetics
*Plant Roots/growth & development/genetics
*Symbiosis/genetics
CRISPR-Cas Systems
Gene Knockout Techniques
*Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats
Plant Root Nodulation/genetics

@article {pmid41465675,
year = {2025},
author = {Yan, XR and Li, JN and Sun, ZY and Yan, CC},
title = {An Insight into Biology, Function and Pest Management Guidance of Gut Microbiota in Spodoptera frugiperda.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {12},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16121237},
pmid = {41465675},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {32170473//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 25JCQNJC00080//Tianjin Natural Science Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {Gut microbial community research has garnered considerable attention due to its pivotal role in shaping diverse insect hosts' life-history traits, with key studies confirming that insect gut microbiota is vital for core physiological processes including growth, nutrient metabolism, nitrogen fixation, pheromone biosynthesis, and environmental adaptation. Findings highlight that integrating insect ecology understanding with gut microbial community characterization is indispensable for innovative pest management strategies. Notably, S. frugiperda, a globally destructive agricultural pest causing substantial annual economic losses, has been extensively investigated. Its host range is extremely wide, from staple food crops such as corn and rice to various cash crops. This review systematically synthesizes the prevalent diversity of its gut's dominant microbes, clarifies the important mechanism of gut microbiota in host stress adaptation (providing direct evidence for explaining the pest's stress resistance formation), draws the key conclusion that host-microbe interaction mechanisms can serve as key pest management targets to guide more targeted control technologies. We also discuss current limitations such as inadequate microbial function verification and unclear host-microbe molecular mechanisms while outlining future directions including focusing on microbial community dynamic changes under multiple environmental stresses and functional microbe screening and application.},
}

@article {pmid41465624,
year = {2025},
author = {Remmal, I and El Yamlahi, Y and Bel Mokhtar, N and Galiatsatos, I and Loukovitis, D and Dionyssopoulou, E and Britel, MR and Stathopoulou, P and Maurady, A and Tsiamis, G},
title = {Analysis of the Bacterial Microbiota in Wild Populations of Prickly Pear Cochineal, Dactylopius opuntiae in Morocco.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {12},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16121184},
pmid = {41465624},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {FAO/IAEA Contract 22662//FAO/IAEA/ ; },
abstract = {Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae), the wild cochineal scale, is a major pest of prickly pear crops worldwide. This study characterized the bacterial community structure of D. opuntiae from four Moroccan regions using targeted PCR and full-length 16S rRNA MinION sequencing. We report the first detection of Wolbachia (16.6% prevalence) in D. opuntiae, with infection rates varying geographically from 0% (Rabat) to 53.3% (Ouazzane). Spiroplasma was detected at a lower prevalence (3.3%) and exclusively in males. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Wolbachia sequences likely belong to supergroup B, based on their similarity to reference sequences, while Spiroplasma sequences were placed within the poulsonii-citri complex. MinION sequencing revealed Candidatus Dactylopiibacterium as the dominant taxon (97.7%), consistent with its role as an obligate symbiont. After removing this dominant species, we uncovered a diverse bacterial community, including Flavisolibacter, Pseudomonas, Phyllobacterium, Acinetobacter, and Brevibacillus. Beta diversity analysis showed significant geographic variation (PERMANOVA p < 0.008), with distinct communities across regions. Females harbored a more specialized microbiome dominated by Flavisolibacter (except in Agadir), whereas males and nymphs showed Pseudomonas dominance. Core microbiome analysis revealed no universal genera across all groups, with females displaying a more restricted core than males and nymphs. The detection of reproductive symbionts, combined with geographic and sex-specific microbiome patterns, provides valuable insights into the potential roles of these bacteria in host adaptation and their implications for microbiome-based pest management strategies. The complementary use of targeted and untargeted sequencing methods is essential for comprehensive microbiome characterization in this economically important pest.},
}

@article {pmid41465602,
year = {2025},
author = {Aparicio Chacón, MV and De Keyser, A and Stuer, N and Leroy, T and Ceulemans, E and López-Ráez, JA and Goossens, A and Van Dingenen, J and Goormachtig, S},
title = {The Nuclear Effector RIRG190 Interacts with SAS10 to Regulate Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {26},
number = {24},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms262412178},
pmid = {41465602},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {BOF18-GOA-01301D24517//Ghent University "Bijzonder Onderzoekfonds"/ ; 1213520N//Research Foundation-Flanders/ ; 1279524N//Research Foundation-Flanders/ ; 1S14621N//Research Foundation-Flanders/ ; 1S09622N//Research Foundation-Flanders/ ; },
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology/metabolism/genetics ; *Symbiosis ; *Fungal Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Cell Nucleus/metabolism ; *Glomeromycota/physiology/metabolism/genetics ; *Plant Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Protein Binding ; Fungi ; },
abstract = {Most land plants engage in a mutualistic interaction with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), for which Rhizophagus irregularis is a model species. Like plant pathogenic fungi, AMF genomes encode hundreds of putative effector proteins. However, for only a few, the molecular mechanisms by which they alter the host's physiology are known. Here, we combined several reverse genetic approaches to unravel the role of the RIRG190 effector protein in arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) symbiosis. Using multiple heterologous tools, evidence is provided that the RIRG190 effector is secreted and localizes to the plant nucleus. Moreover, by means of yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) and ratiometric bimolecular fluorescence complementation (rBIFC) assays, the data demonstrate that RIRG190 interacts with the protein Something About Silencing (SAS10), known to be involved in rRNA biogenesis in the nucleolus of cortical cells. Our findings suggest that rRNA biogenesis is a key process modulated by AMF, potentially to enhance plant metabolic activity, facilitating cell cycle progression, and to support the establishment of the symbiosis.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology/metabolism/genetics
*Symbiosis
*Fungal Proteins/metabolism/genetics
Cell Nucleus/metabolism
*Glomeromycota/physiology/metabolism/genetics
*Plant Proteins/metabolism/genetics
Protein Binding
Fungi

@article {pmid41465260,
year = {2025},
author = {Vladimirova, ME and Roumiantseva, ML and Saksaganskaia, AS and Kozlova, AP and Muntyan, VS and Gaponov, SP and Yurkov, AP and Zhukov, VA and Grudinin, MP},
title = {Mitogenome of Medicago lupulina L. Cultivar-Population VIK32, Line MlS-1: Dynamic Structural Organization and Foreign Sequences.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {26},
number = {24},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms262411830},
pmid = {41465260},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {agreement no. 075-15-2022-320, dated 20 April 2022//Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation/ ; },
mesh = {*Genome, Mitochondrial ; *Medicago/genetics/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis ; Open Reading Frames ; Mycorrhizae ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; },
abstract = {This study presents the complete assembly and analysis of the mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of Medicago lupulina L. var. vulgaris Koch, cultivar-population VIK32, line MlS-1, which forms an effective symbiosis not only with arbuscular mycorrhiza but also with the root nodule bacteria Sinorhizobium meliloti. The assembly, generated using a hybrid sequencing approach, revealed sequences of putative horizontal origin. These include a highly conserved open reading frame (ORF), orf279, encoding a protein structurally homologous to maturase K, yet bearing remote similarity to bacterial reverse transcriptases and CRISPR-associated proteins. We also identified sequences homologous to mitovirus RNA-dependent RNA polymerases and a fragment of the chloroplast 23S ribosomal RNA (rRNA), suggesting historical gene transfers from viruses and plastids. This work establishes a foundation for investigating the role of mitochondrial genome variation in key plant's phenotypic traits, such as the enhanced responsiveness to arbuscular mycorrhiza observed in this agronomically valuable line.},
}

*Genome, Mitochondrial
*Medicago/genetics/microbiology
Phylogeny
Symbiosis
Open Reading Frames
Mycorrhizae
Gene Transfer, Horizontal

@article {pmid41464936,
year = {2025},
author = {Choe, H and Shin, CY and Lim, JS and Park, JS and Park, JW and Kim, WJ and Park, YI and Ree, J},
title = {Evaluation of Potential Anti-Diabetic Synbiotic Formulation of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus BST.L-601 Using db/db Mice.},
journal = {Foods (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {24},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/foods14244230},
pmid = {41464936},
issn = {2304-8158},
support = {//Gyeonggido Business & Science Accelerator (GBSA)/ ; },
abstract = {Probiotics have been studied for their potential to treat chronic diseases. This study examined the use of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus BST.L-601 as an anti-diabetic symbiotic with sweet potato for fermentation. The medium supplemented with sweet potato showed increased productivity and enhanced storability. The anti-diabetic effect of fermented BST.L-601 was evaluated using the C2C12 myotube and a type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)-induced db/db (Lepr[db]/Lepr[db]) mouse model. Treatment with heat-killed BST.L-601 increased glucose uptake by 125% and α-glucosidase inhibition in a dose-dependent manner without cytotoxicity for myotubes. 8 weeks of oral administration of BST.L-601 led to anti-diabetic activities in various biomarkers in the mouse model, including lowered fasting blood glucose by 88% and elevated mRNA expression of glucose metabolism-related factors IRS-1 (510%) and GLUT4 (181%) from skeletal muscle. Moreover, the improvement of induced T2DM in mice was supported by blood serum analysis. Immunohistochemistry showed increased insulin and decreased glucagon secreted from β and α cells in the pancreas islet. Microbiota analysis demonstrated elevated microbiome diversity in mice treated with BST.L-601. Furthermore, the safety and probiotic properties of the strain were confirmed. These results suggest that BST.L-601 fermented with sweet potato could be a functional symbiotic used to improve diabetes, particularly T2DM.},
}

@article {pmid41464408,
year = {2025},
author = {Takaoka, M and Igarashi, A and Yasaka, T and Sumikawa, Y and Yoshioka-Maeda, K and Honda, C and Matsumoto, H and Kugai, H and Futami, A and Yamamoto-Mitani, N},
title = {Consensus on Care Competencies for Community Citizens in Japan: A Modified Delphi Study.},
journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health},
volume = {22},
number = {12},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijerph22121774},
pmid = {41464408},
issn = {1660-4601},
support = {JPMJPF2202//Japan Science and Technology Agency/ ; },
mesh = {Japan ; Delphi Technique ; Humans ; Consensus ; Female ; Male ; *Caregivers ; },
abstract = {Japan's rapidly aging population necessitates new approaches that enable citizens to actively participate in caring for themselves and others. However, a comprehensive framework defining the specific competencies needed for this critical community role has not yet been established. This study, therefore, aimed to define the novel concept of "care competency" and establish a consensus on its comprehensive component list for community citizens. We defined care competencies and developed a list using a modified Delphi technique (RAND/University of California, Los Angeles) involving 10 nursing researchers. Items were adapted from Japan's Model Core Curriculum for Nursing Education, and a total of 528 items were evaluated and refined. In this study, care competency was defined as the complex ability to acquire and utilize knowledge and skills, based on evidence and intentional choices, to maintain the well-being of oneself, loved ones, and people in the community. The Delphi process identified 151 care competency items. This study thereby presents a novel framework that provides a foundation for developing globally applicable educational programs to foster mutual support and effective caregiving.},
}

Japan
Delphi Technique
Humans
Consensus
Female
Male
*Caregivers

@article {pmid41463889,
year = {2025},
author = {Lan, Z and Zhou, S and Wang, C and Liu, W and Liu, P},
title = {The Immune-Antioxidant Trade-Off Mediated by Actinobacteria Drives Niche Differentiation: Physiological and Gut Microbiota Responses of Two Cold-Adapted Brown Frog Species to Contrasting Peak Daily Habitat Temperatures.},
journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI},
volume = {15},
number = {24},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ani15243604},
pmid = {41463889},
issn = {2076-2615},
support = {LH2022C049//Heilongjiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; HSDBSCX2023-08//Harbin Normal University Doctorate Innovation Project/ ; },
abstract = {The fluctuating temperature poses challenges to the survival of amphibians. This study employed two cold-adapted brown frog species, Rana dybowskii and Rana amurensis, from high-latitude cold regions as research models. We explored the mechanism by which contrasting peak daily habitat temperatures affect their physiological function and symbiotic microbial community. The results indicate that these two cold-adapted brown frog species exhibit a common physiological response of enhanced immune capacity and suppressed antioxidant capacity when subjected to elevated temperatures. However, they demonstrate unique coping strategies and physiological regulatory effects on gut microbiota: R. dybowskii activates its immune system by reducing the abundance of Actinobacteria and inhibiting metabolic pathways, but the decrease in Bacteroidetes abundance impairs antioxidant efficacy. On the other hand, R. amurensis experiences impairment of antioxidant function due to the regulatory effects of a significant increase in Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria, a marked decrease in Bifidobacterium, and a decline in gut microbiota α-diversity. For the first time, this study reveals the adaptive mechanisms by which two cold-adapted amphibian species respond to the contrasting peak daily habitat temperatures, providing a scientific basis for understanding how ectotherms react to climate change and for predicting their population dynamics.},
}

@article {pmid41463713,
year = {2025},
author = {Gastrell, S and Vollmer, W},
title = {Peptidoglycan LD-Transpeptidases.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {12},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/antibiotics14121210},
pmid = {41463713},
issn = {2079-6382},
support = {2036936//National Health and Medical Research Council/ ; },
abstract = {LD-Transpeptidases (LDTs) are a widely conserved class of peptidoglycan (PG) crosslinking enzymes in bacteria. They are sometimes overlooked as they often act secondary to penicillin binding proteins (PBPs) under standard conditions. However, LDTs are essential in key pathogens such as Clostridioides difficile and are responsible for β-lactam resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Enterococcus faecium due their low affinity for penicillins and cephalosporins, allowing them to form LD-crosslinks when DD-crosslinking PBPs are inactivated. This role makes LDTs a promising target when developing new treatments for these pathogens. LDTs can perform different enzymatic reactions. Most commonly they reinforce the PG with 3,3-LD-crosslinks or, in a few cases, 1,3-LD-crosslinks, during stationary phase or stress responses. Some LDTs also incorporate endogenous and exogenous non-canonical D-amino acids into the PG. In many Gram-negative bacteria, specialised LDTs tether lipoproteins or outer membrane proteins (OMPs) to the PG to maintain cell envelope integrity; in some cases this regulates virulence factors. Specialised LDTs have also been implied to have roles in polar growth, toxin secretion, and symbiotic colonisation. Recent discoveries include novel subgroups of the major YkuD family and the identification of the VanW family; this has opened new research directions surrounding LDTs. We aim to understand LDTs and their roles to expand our knowledge of PG synthesis and modification and how these enzymes can be targeted for antibiotic treatment.},
}

@article {pmid41463457,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, W and Cao, W and Wei, X and Hu, D and Yuan, K and Zhang, R and Yao, Y},
title = {Comparative Analysis of Symbiotic Bacterial Diversity and Sublethal Effects of Nitenpyram Against Two Different Cotton Aphids.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {14},
number = {12},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biology14121684},
pmid = {41463457},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {No. 2023A02009//Major Scientific R&D Program Project of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region/ ; No. 2024B02003//the Key R&D Program of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region/ ; No. 32360671//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Symbiotic bacteria in insects are known to play crucial roles in detoxification metabolism and adaptation to host plant secondary metabolites. In the cotton-growing region of Xinjiang, China, the Ap. gossypii and the Ac. gossypii exhibit significant differences in sensitivity or resistance to pesticides. However, whether their detoxification-related symbiotic bacteria change under insecticide stress remains unclear. This study assessed the toxicity of nitenpyram to both aphid species and the effects of LC20 treatment on their growth, development, and reproduction. Bacterial community dynamics across generations (G0-G2) were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The LC20 of nitenpyram reduced the longevity and fecundity of the parent generation in both species. In Ap. gossypii, the intrinsic rate of increase (rm), net reproductive rate (R0), and finite rate of increase (λ) increased in the G1-G2 generations, whereas these parameters significantly decreased in Ac. gossypii. By the G3 generation, biological parameters in both species showed no significant differences compared to the control. Nitenpyram disrupted the stability of symbiotic bacterial communities in both aphids. In Ac. gossypii, Sphingomonas, a genus with detoxification potential, was consistently suppressed in G1-G2, while the abundance of the primary symbiont Buchnera initially decreased sharply and subsequently recovered. In contrast, the bacterial community in Ap. gossypii remained largely stable. These findings indicate that sublethal concentrations of nitenpyram exert distinct transgenerational effects on the two aphid species and disrupt the stability of their symbiotic bacterial communities.},
}

@article {pmid41463440,
year = {2025},
author = {Zuo, YW and Liu, YY and Jiang, YX and Li, WQ and Peng, Y and Zhou, SM and You, SQ and Liu, SQ and Deng, HP},
title = {Improving Soil Properties and Microbiomes by Mixed Eucalyptus-Cupressus Afforestation.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {14},
number = {12},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biology14121667},
pmid = {41463440},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {CSTB2024NSCQ-MSX1297//General Program of the Chongqing Natural Science Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {Monoculture plantations of Eucalyptus in China have raised ecological concerns due to water depletion, soil degradation, and fire risk. Integrating Eucalyptus with Cupressus offers a sustainable approach to improving forest ecosystem health. In this study, we established five forest treatments, pure Eucalyptus (1:0), mixed Eucalyptus-Cupressus at three ratios (2:1, 1:1, and 1:2), and pure Cupressus (0:1), to assess their effects on soil properties, microbial diversity, and metabolomic profiles. Laboratory analyses revealed significant differences in physicochemical soil properties (such as water content (p < 0.05), pH (p < 0.001), organic carbon (p < 0.001), and nitrogen (p < 0.001)) among various groups within the mixed forests. Microbial community investigations highlighted a unique microbial signature in Eucalyptus-Cupressus mixed forests, especially when the tree ratio was 1:2, characterized by a rich (Chao1, p < 0.05) and diverse (Shannon, p < 0.05) array of bacterial taxa. The mixed Eucalyptus-Cupressus forest also exhibited an uplift in microbial communities, bacterial genera such as RB41, and fungal genera including Penicillium, Talaromyces, and Mortierella, which are associated with enhanced organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling. Interactive networks within microbial communities were revealed through co-occurrence and Spearman correlation analyses, highlighting potential symbiotic relationships and ecological complexities. Metabolomic analysis, coupled with pathway analysis, further illuminated metabolic shifts in the mixed forests, emphasizing alterations in key metabolic pathways such as phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, tyrosine metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, and isoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis. Collectively, these results show that moderately mixed Eucalyptus-Cupressus forests improve soil fertility and microbial multifunctionality, providing a practical model for sustainable and resilient forest management in subtropical regions.},
}

@article {pmid41463367,
year = {2025},
author = {Biţă, A and Scorei, IR and Soriano-Ursúa, MA and Pisoschi, CG and Biţă, CE and Dincă, L and Ştefănescu, S and Racu, MV and Pinzaru, I and Florescu, C and Hădăreanu, DR and Siloşi, CA and Neamţu, J and Gheonea, DI and Mogoşanu, GD and Zorilă, MV},
title = {Boron Bioavailability Revisited: From Plasma-Accessible Species to Microbiota-Accessible Complexes-Implications for Nutritional Essentiality.},
journal = {Biomolecules},
volume = {15},
number = {12},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biom15121711},
pmid = {41463367},
issn = {2218-273X},
mesh = {Humans ; *Boron/metabolism/pharmacokinetics/blood ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Biological Availability ; Animals ; Prebiotics ; },
abstract = {Boron (B) remains one of the least understood trace elements in human nutrition. Traditionally regarded as non-essential, its biological role has been reevaluated in light of emerging microbiome research. We provide a narrative synthesis of mechanistic, preclinical, and clinical studies to assess whether the colonic actions of B meet accepted criteria for nutritional essentiality. This review revisits B bioavailability through a dual-pathway framework distinguishing plasma-accessible boron (PAB)-small, fully absorbable species with transient systemic effects-from microbiota-accessible boron complexes (MABCs)-indigestible conjugates that reach the colon intact. Evidence indicates that PAB exerts short-term metabolic modulation, whereas MABCs act as prebiotic cofactors that stabilize microbial quorum sensing (autoinducer-2-borate; AI-2B), reinforce the colonic mucus barrier through borate-diol crosslinking, and support host-microbiota symbiosis. Deficiency or low intake of MABCs leads to dysbiosis, barrier fragility, and low-grade inflammation along gut-organ axes-effects reversible by MABC-rich diets. Analytical and clinical tools are proposed to discriminate between PAB and MABC pathways, including fecal B/speciation, AI-2B assays, and mucus-penetration markers. Recognizing B's essentiality as a microbiota-dependent nutrient reframes its nutritional assessment, guiding future dietary guidelines and prebiotic design toward the microbiome-mucus interface.},
}

Humans
*Boron/metabolism/pharmacokinetics/blood
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Biological Availability
Animals
Prebiotics

@article {pmid41462414,
year = {2025},
author = {Liya, F and Yuqing, L and Zhouni, H and Wenhui, Z and Tao, Z},
title = {Association between public space and resident outdoor activity behavior in urban areas surrounding lakes.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {44871},
pmid = {41462414},
issn = {2045-2322},
abstract = {This study integrates Behavior Setting Theory with GIS spatial analysis to elucidate the association between public space characteristics and resident outdoor activity behavior in urban areas surrounding lakes, using Nanchang's Qingshan Lake as a case study. Applying this integrated framework, we systematically analyzed the spatio-temporal distribution of resident activities, activity type preferences, and their interactions with the spatial environment. Employing multi-source data, we developed a dynamic "people-space" interaction model. The empirical findings led to the proposal of targeted micro-renewal strategies for public spaces surrounding lakes, focusing on five key aspects: enhancing safety and resilience, ensuring seamless connectivity, promoting ecological integration, creating narrative environments, and shaping spatial affordances. This research provides a scientific basis for improving the quality of public spaces surrounding urban lakes and resident well-being, offering actionable insights for the planning and design of similar urban waterfronts.},
}

@article {pmid41462019,
year = {2025},
author = {Zi, H and Hua, Z and Wang, Y and Liao, Y and Bei, S and Cao, F and Delgado-Baquerizo, M and Li, X},
title = {Mycorrhizal colonization of dryland tree establishment depends on soil microbial cooperation.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41467-025-67797-z},
pmid = {41462019},
issn = {2041-1723},
abstract = {Mycorrhizal fungi serve as fundamental agents in forest establishment and progression, underpinning critical ecosystem functions through symbiotic root associations. Drylands, which cover nearly half of Earth's land, have limited forest establishment, and factors influencing mycorrhization in these stressful environments remain unclear. Here, we integrate large-scale field surveys along aridity gradients with greenhouse experiments and over 33,000 microscopic mycorrhizal observations, revealing that aridity significantly enhances mycorrhization. Mycorrhizal fungi undergo niche modification, whereby facilitative microbial interactions promote mycorrhization under aridity stress. We identify a core synthetic microbial community linked to mycorrhization and provide mechanistic evidence that this community facilitates mycorrhization through physical attachment to fungal hyphae and by alleviating soil metabolite inhibition that otherwise suppresses mycorrhization under arid conditions. In this work, our findings highlight the role of microbial interkingdom interactions in driving tree mycorrhizal colonization in arid regions, offering critical insights for guiding tree planting and restoration efforts in drylands.},
}

@article {pmid41460787,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, S and Lam, JFI},
title = {Study on the policy implementation of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao joint graduate training program and regional talent development.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {12},
pages = {e0338940},
pmid = {41460787},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Hong Kong ; Humans ; China ; *Education, Graduate ; Cooperative Behavior ; },
abstract = {To address the existing literature's neglect of the micro-mechanisms involved in implementing joint postgraduate training policies in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, this study applies resource dependence theory to examine the logic of organisational interactions and their impact on talent development. Based on an analysis of 47 joint cultivation projects through qualitative case studies, the study identifies symbiotic, dominant, and competitive dependency relationships among cooperative entities, shaped by differences in resource endowments, which profoundly influence the stability of cooperation models. Policy effectiveness is primarily achieved through two intermediary mechanisms: "resource integration," which consolidates financial, human, and knowledge resources, and "collaborative governance," which builds an institutionalised and organised collaborative network. Significant differences exist between "university-university" and "university-institute" models in terms of both resource integration and governance effectiveness. Policy implementation enhances the quality and scale of talent cultivation while simultaneously promoting the development of the regional innovation ecosystem. The findings indicate that the effectiveness of joint cultivation hinges on micro-governance grounded in resource dependence at the implementation level. Future policy optimisation should prioritise balanced resource allocation and the institutionalisation and standardisation of cooperation models, thereby facilitating the transformation of regional talent governance from a "policy-driven" to a "system-driven" approach.},
}

Hong Kong
Humans
China
*Education, Graduate
Cooperative Behavior

@article {pmid41460347,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, Y and Zheng, C and Wang, S and Zhu, F},
title = {Variations in Nodule Microbial Communities and Their Association with Root-Colonizing Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Medicago Sativa.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1007/s00248-025-02687-x},
pmid = {41460347},
issn = {1432-184X},
support = {2022YFF1302801//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 2022YFD1900301//National Key Research and Development Program of China,China/ ; },
abstract = {Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), known as "Queen of forages", is valued to its high-nutritional quality and is a key member of Leguminosae family. Its productivity is largely attributed to mutualistic symbioses with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and rhizobia, which facilitate nutrient exchange and plant growth. However, the coexistence and mutualistic interactions between rhizobia and AMF across alfalfa genotypes with differing yields in native soil remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the community composition of rhizobia and AMF colonizing alfalfa roots across different-yield varieties. Our results showed variations in dominant microbial taxa and the structural complexity of root-associated microbial networks among genotypes. Moreover, rhizobia exhibited no significant associations with AMF on genus level, however, negative correlations were observed among genera within the AMF community, and a comparable trend was identified among rhizobial taxa. In summary, our findings offer new insights into how native soil microbiota influence the dual symbiotic relationships of alfalfa, with implications for leveraging native microbial communities to enhance sustainable forage production.},
}

@article {pmid41459742,
year = {2025},
author = {Kwon, Y and Choi, J and Kim, SH and Kim, PJ and Lee, SM and Cha, JK and Park, H and Kang, JW and Jo, SM and Kwak, YS and Kim, D and Kim, WJ and Lee, JH and Ryu, CM},
title = {Rice gs3 allele and low-nitrogen conditions enrich rhizosphere microbiota that mitigate methane emissions and promote beneficial crop traits.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ismejo/wraf284},
pmid = {41459742},
issn = {1751-7370},
abstract = {Methane emissions from rice paddies represent a critical environmental concern in agriculture. Although genetic strategies for mitigating emissions have gained attention, the specific microbial and molecular mechanisms remain underexplored. Here, we investigated how the gs3 loss-of-function allele in the near-isogenic rice line Milyang360 modulates rhizosphere and endosphere microbial communities under distinct nitrogen regimes. Field experiments revealed that Milyang360 consistently reduced methane emissions compared with its parental line, Saeilmi, particularly under low-nitrogen conditions. Integrated plant transcriptomic and rhizosphere metagenomic analyses, including the reconstruction of Metagenome-Assembled Genomes, demonstrated that the gs3 allele upregulated genes related to root hair elongation or promoting microbial symbiosis. This physiological change limited substrate availability for methanogens and facilitated the colonization by beneficial microorganisms. Consequently, we observed a functional shift in the microbiome, characterized by the enrichment of methanotrophs and nitrogen-fixing bacteria. This microbial restructuring was most prominent under low-nitrogen conditions, indicating a strong genotype by environment interaction. Our findings highlight the gs3 allele's dual role in reducing methane emissions and improving nitrogen use efficiency by recruiting a beneficial microbiome. This study provides a clear mechanistic link between a plant gene and rhizosphere ecology, offering a promising genetic target for developing sustainable, low emission rice cultivars.},
}

@article {pmid41459732,
year = {2025},
author = {Nahar, N and Dong, PT and Tian, J and Grossman, AS and Hendrickson, EL and Kerns, KA and Davey, ME and Bor, B and McLean, JS and He, X},
title = {Ultrasmall episymbiont Nanosynbacter lyticus employs multiple ATP-generating metabolic pathways during horizontal transmission.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ismejo/wraf288},
pmid = {41459732},
issn = {1751-7370},
abstract = {Saccharibacteria (formerly TM7) are a group of environmentally diverse, ultrasmall bacteria with highly reduced genomes belonging to Patescibacteria (formerly Candidate Phyla Radiation), a newly identified bacterial lineage accounting for over a quarter of microbial diversity. Nanosynbacter lyticus strain TM7x was isolated from the human oral cavity and was the first culture representative of Saccharibacteria. It displays an obligate episymbiotic lifestyle where TM7x lives on the surface of its bacterial host Schaalia odontolytica strain XH001. Saccharibacteria rely on host bacteria for growth. TM7x multiplies through budding division, and daughter cells can disassociate from host bacteria during their horizontal transmission stage and establish symbiosis with new bacterial hosts. However, how these metabolically constrained symbionts maintain their viability and infectivity during their horizontal transmission phase, when they are disassociated from hosts, remains poorly understood. By applying targeted mutagenesis using recently developed genetic tools for Saccharibacteria, we demonstrate that the TM7x-encoded arginine deiminase system (ADS) plays a critical role in ATP production and impacts TM7x-host bacterium interaction. Furthermore, we present the first empirical evidence showing that TM7x can uptake and utilize glucose via the glycolysis pathway. Glycolysis is particularly important for episymbiont ATP production under anoxic conditions during horizontal transmission between hosts. Our study demonstrates that TM7x employs two ATP-generating metabolic pathways, ADS and glycolysis, to ensure its viability and infectivity under different microenvironments when disassociated from its hosts during horizontal transmission, a critical phase of its life cycle.},
}

@article {pmid41457404,
year = {2026},
author = {Jabbar, N and George, AP and Ramireddy, E},
title = {Phosphate Levels: The Hidden Gatekeepers of the Rice-Blast Pathosystem.},
journal = {Physiologia plantarum},
volume = {178},
number = {1},
pages = {e70712},
doi = {10.1111/ppl.70712},
pmid = {41457404},
issn = {1399-3054},
support = {0903063//PMRF/ ; },
mesh = {*Oryza/microbiology/metabolism ; *Phosphates/metabolism ; *Plant Diseases/microbiology ; *Magnaporthe/physiology ; Mycorrhizae/physiology ; Disease Resistance ; Signal Transduction ; },
abstract = {Rice (Oryza sativa L.), the staple food for more than half of the world's population, depends on a balanced phosphate supply to sustain its growth, development, and defense mechanisms. While phosphate is fundamental to plant metabolism, its specific role in the Rice-blast pathosystem remains an emerging area of research. Recent studies reveal that excess phosphate enhances disease severity, whereas phosphate deficiency restricts fungal entry, highlighting phosphate homeostasis as a hidden determinant of blast susceptibility. Paradoxically, the pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae can activate the phosphate starvation response (PSR) in rice, even under phosphate-sufficient conditions. This Mini Review integrates these seemingly conflicting findings into a unified framework linking phosphate signaling with pathogen-induced PSR. We further discuss how the M. oryzae Nudix effector (MoNUDIX) disrupts host phosphate signaling and propose that strengthening arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis, alongside optimized fertilization, could restore phosphate balance and enhance resistance to blast disease in rice plants.},
}

*Oryza/microbiology/metabolism
*Phosphates/metabolism
*Plant Diseases/microbiology
*Magnaporthe/physiology
Mycorrhizae/physiology
Disease Resistance
Signal Transduction

@article {pmid41457400,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, XQ and Zhang, YM and Huang, A and Ma, GH and Han, JJ},
title = {Polyploidization Alters the Plant Cell Wall Composition of Dendrobium catenatum Orchids.},
journal = {Physiologia plantarum},
volume = {178},
number = {1},
pages = {e70711},
doi = {10.1111/ppl.70711},
pmid = {41457400},
issn = {1399-3054},
support = {32560036//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; C619300A101//the Young Talent Project of Yunnan/ ; C615300504053//the Caiyun Postdoctoral Innovation Project of Yunnan Province, China/ ; KFJJ21-04//the Yunnan Key Laboratory of Forest Plant Cultivation and Utilization/State Forestry Administration Key Laboratory of Yunnan Rare and Endangered Species Conservation and Propagation/ ; KY(BS)202101//the Doctoral Program of Yunnan Forestry Technological College/ ; },
mesh = {*Cell Wall/metabolism/genetics/chemistry ; *Dendrobium/genetics/microbiology/metabolism ; *Polyploidy ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Lignin/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Polyploid plants often present a variety of agriculturally advantageous traits, such as larger organs. Plant cell expansion is ultimately constrained by the cell wall, yet the impact of polyploidization on the cell wall architecture of orchids remains unexplored. Here, we employed Dendrobium catenatum (syn. D. officinale) as a model to dissect the impacts of polyploidization on phenotypic traits, cell size and cell wall composition. Compared with diploids, tetraploids of D. catenatum have larger organs underpinned by larger cells. The analysis of gene expression revealed that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were significantly enriched in the cell wall metabolism and DNA packaging pathways. The cell wall component lignin- and xylan-related transcripts were upregulated, whereas histone-variant genes were repressed. Compositional assays revealed that the contents of many cell wall components, such as lignin, are increased in tetraploids. Despite cell wall reinforcement, tetraploids remained colonized by the symbiotic fungus Serendipita indica, although fungal biomass was moderately reduced. Thus, polyploidization enlarges D. catenatum by reprogramming cell wall construction, while preserving the plant's ability to maintain fungal symbiosis.},
}

*Cell Wall/metabolism/genetics/chemistry
*Dendrobium/genetics/microbiology/metabolism
*Polyploidy
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
Lignin/metabolism

@article {pmid41457152,
year = {2025},
author = {Huang, L and Gao, Y},
title = {Mycorrhizal symbiosis between Coprinellus disseminatus and Cremastra appendiculata, insights from gene expression.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-025-33845-3},
pmid = {41457152},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {32360078//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; Qiankehe-zk[2025]566//Guizhou Provincial Basic Research Program (Natural Science)/ ; GZZY-2025-076//the Guizhou Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine/ ; No. [2022]068//the Doctoral Scientific Research Foundation of Guizhou Medical University/ ; NO. 22NSFCP16//the National Natural Science Foundation of China Cultivation Project of Guizhou Medical University/ ; },
}

@article {pmid41455887,
year = {2025},
author = {Tariq, H and Dutilleul, P and Geddes-McAlister, J and Geitmann, A and Smith, DL},
title = {Plant growth-promoting Bacillus strains modulate early soybean development via proteome remodeling.},
journal = {BMC plant biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12870-025-07972-y},
pmid = {41455887},
issn = {1471-2229},
abstract = {Plant adaptation to environmental stress involves tightly regulated cellular, molecular, and biochemical responses. Among these, microbe-assisted strategies have gained attention, particularly the role of the plant microbiome (phytomicrobiome) in promoting growth and stress resilience. Soybean (Glycine max), a major agricultural crop, actively recruits beneficial microbes through root-secreted secondary metabolites, fostering symbiotic interactions with endophytic bacteria. However, the direct and indirect impacts of root-associated endophytes on plant development remain incompletely understood. In this study, we investigated three Bacillus strains (HT1, HT2, and HT3) isolated previously from the soybean root microbiome.16 S rRNA analysis indicates that HT1 and HT2 are closely related to the Bacillus velezensis and HT3 to the Bacillus thuringiensis lineage although more detailed analyses are warranted for genus identification. These strains were selected for their demonstrated plant growth-promoting and biocontrol activities. Bacillus-HT1 and HT2 significantly enhanced soybean seed germination, while Bacillus-HT3 promoted leaf area expansion significantly compared to the control, indicating strain-specific developmental effects. To elucidate the molecular basis of these effects, we conducted shotgun proteomic profiling of soybean leaves. Enrichment analysis revealed distinct functional signatures, with Bacillus HT1 and HT2 associated with pathways linked to cellular component organization, microtubule dynamics, and organelle function, and Bacillus-HT3 inducing broader enrichment of photosynthesis, chloroplast organization, and biosynthetic processes. These findings suggest that HT1 and HT2 promote early developmental transitions, while HT3 enhances vegetative growth through large-scale metabolic reprogramming. Notably, proteins such as anthranilate synthase and proteasome subunit alpha type were differentially abundant, pointing to the potential involvement of auxin biosynthesis and ubiquitin-proteasome-mediated regulation but, the actual roles of these pathways remain to be validated. These findings provide mechanistic insights into how specific Bacillus strains modulate soybean development at the molecular level and highlight their potential for use as bio-inoculants to enhance crop productivity and resilience under stress conditions.},
}

@article {pmid41455409,
year = {2025},
author = {Rodriguez-Garcia, DR and Müller, LM},
title = {Signaling at the interface: The cell wall, peptides, and extracellular vesicles mediate partner communication during arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis.},
journal = {Current opinion in plant biology},
volume = {89},
number = {},
pages = {102849},
doi = {10.1016/j.pbi.2025.102849},
pmid = {41455409},
issn = {1879-0356},
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) associations of plants and Glomeromycotina soil fungi play a crucial role in all terrestrial ecosystems. In this mutually beneficial interaction, obligate biotrophic fungi acquire photosynthetically fixed carbon from the plant, while the mutualistic fungi enhance plant access to soil nutrients. AM fungi colonize the inner tissues of host roots, where they form specialized symbiotic structures (arbuscules) within fully differentiated cortex cells that are reprogrammed to host the microbe. Given the intimate nature of the interaction, extensive partner communication at the interface of plant and fungal cells is crucial for the development and functioning of AM symbiosis. The peri-arbuscular space, a specialized apoplast compartment surrounding the arbuscules, supports not only nutrient exchange between the symbiotic partners but is also the site of extensive partner crosstalk mediated by cell wall components, receptors, signaling peptides, and extracellular vesicles. Such signaling processes in the apoplast modulate plant immune responses to enable colonization by beneficial fungi, making this compartment a key player for the establishment and maintenance of AM symbiosis. In this review, we discuss recent discoveries related to the role of partner communication in the apoplast, with a focus on peptide and cell wall signaling, as well as extracellular vesicles.},
}

@article {pmid41454993,
year = {2025},
author = {Sani, ZK and Shah, T and Basiru, S and Salmon, MA and Radouane, N and Legeay, J and Hijri, M},
title = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi mitigate cadmium toxicity in plants: A global meta-analysis.},
journal = {Mycorrhiza},
volume = {36},
number = {1},
pages = {2},
pmid = {41454993},
issn = {1432-1890},
support = {Project AS FN 08//OCP Nutricrops/ ; },
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology/metabolism ; *Cadmium/toxicity/metabolism ; *Soil Pollutants/toxicity/metabolism ; *Plants/microbiology/drug effects/metabolism ; Biomass ; Soil Microbiology ; Plant Roots/microbiology ; Symbiosis ; Biodegradation, Environmental ; Soil/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are known to alleviate cadmium (Cd) toxicity in plants; however, the conditions that maximize their efficiency remain poorly understood. While previous meta-analyses have documented general benefits of AMF in Cd-contaminated soils, none has systematically examined the interactive roles of soil pH, inoculant type, and plant biomass on Cd dynamics within the soil-plant system. Here, we present a comprehensive global meta-analysis (97 studies; >500 observations) using advanced statistical approaches, random-effects modeling, meta-regression, and structural equation modelling, to identify these key boundary conditions. AMF inoculation significantly (p < 0.0001) enhanced plant biomass, root and shoot length, and chlorophyll content, while markedly reducing shoot Cd concentration. Effects on antioxidant enzymes were variable and generally non-significant. Notably, AMF efficiency was strongly context-dependent: benefits were greater in acidic soils, and microbial consortia outperformed single-species inoculants in high-biomass plants by promoting root Cd immobilization. In contrast, total soil Cd concentration was a weak predictor of AMF effectiveness (meta-regression R[2] ≤ 2.03%), indicating that Cd bioavailability, largely determined by pH, is more critical than total metal load. Overall, our findings provide robust evidence that AMF symbiosis is a key bio-based strategy for mitigating Cd stress in plants. This study highlights soil pH, inoculant composition, and plant biomass as critical determinants of AMF efficiency and offers practical guidance for optimizing AMF-based phytostabilization and remediation in Cd-contaminated agroecosystems.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology/metabolism
*Cadmium/toxicity/metabolism
*Soil Pollutants/toxicity/metabolism
*Plants/microbiology/drug effects/metabolism
Biomass
Soil Microbiology
Plant Roots/microbiology
Symbiosis
Biodegradation, Environmental
Soil/chemistry

@article {pmid41454778,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhu, J and Yu, M and Zheng, T and Zhang, J and Cao, G and Wu, X and Dai, C and Ullah, Y and Zhang, W and Jia, Y},
title = {Ectomycorrhizal fungi recruit hyphae-associated bacteria that metabolize thiamine to promote pine symbiosis.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ismejo/wraf290},
pmid = {41454778},
issn = {1751-7370},
abstract = {Ectomycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic relationships with a wide range of terrestrial plants, acquiring carbohydrates for themselves and promoting nutrient uptake in their host plants. However, some ectomycorrhizal fungi cannot effectively obtain the thiamine necessary for growth from their host or synthesize it themselves. Ectomycorrhizal fungi can recruit hypha-associated microorganisms, which play a vital role in promoting nutrient absorption and ectomycorrhizal root formation, ultimately colonizing within fruiting bodies to form a unique bacterial microbiota. In this study, non-targeted metabolomics and whole-genome sequencing were employed to investigate the colonization characteristics of the hyphae-associated bacterium Bacillus altitudinis B4 on the mycelial surface of ectomycorrhizal fungus Suillus clintonianus, as well as the synergistic promotion of thiamine synthesis and absorption by B. altitudinis B4 and the fungal mycelium, respectively. The results suggested that S. clintonianus first secreted ureidosuccinic acid and pregnenolone, recruiting the hyphae-associated bacterium B. altitudinis B4 to the mycelial surface. Subsequently, the ureidosuccinic acid secreted by S. clintonianus further stimulated B. altitudinis B4 to enhance thiamine production by increasing its biomass and upregulating the expression of related functional genes. Finally, S. clintonianus absorbed the thiamine secreted by the B. altitudinis B4, promoting fungal growth and increasing the colonization rate in association with Pinus massoniana. This study elucidates the thiamine acquisition mechanisms of ectomycorrhizal fungi, highlighting the critical role of bacterial partners in fungal nutrition and host-fungal interactions.},
}

@article {pmid41454425,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, X and Hu, X and Sun, Z and Wang, J and Xu, H and Tian, Y},
title = {Control of tobacco Fusarium root rot by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens HN11 and its influence on the rhizosphere microbial community.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.70474},
pmid = {41454425},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {2018YFD0200300//Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China/ ; 2015B020230012//Department of Science and Technology of Guangdong Province/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Over the past few decades, Fusarium root rot has gradually become the most prevalent soil-borne disease affecting tobacco plants across various regions in China. Nevertheless, only a limited number of effective biological control agents are currently available for agricultural application. This study was designed to investigate the control efficacy of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens HN11 against tobacco Fusarium root rot, as well as its influence on soil microbial diversity and community structure.

RESULTS: Bacillus amyloliquefaciens HN11 was screened as a strain with superior control capacity, reducing the incidence of tobacco root rot in the field by 58%. Analysis of tobacco rhizosphere microbial communities revealed that HN11 inhibits the proliferation of pathogens such as some species of Fusarium, and interacts with symbiotic fungi including species of Conocybe, Pyrenochaetopsis, Echria, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, facilitating a shift in fungal trophic modes from saprotroph to symbiotroph. In addition, it was found that HN11 significantly diminished the carbon metabolic function of bacteria, reduced the relative abundance of the dominant genera Sphingomonas and Gemmatimonas, altered the composition of soil bacterial communities while maintaining their diversity. Tracing the strain with green fluorescent labeling (HN11-sfGFP) demonstrated its capability to colonize tobacco roots. Furthermore, based on the knockout of the core genes of the biosynthetic gene cluster responsible for different secondary metabolites of HN11, we hypothesized that bacillibactin siderophores can inhibit pathogenic fungi. The lack of difficidin and bacillaene may also be important in the inhibition of pathogenic fungi.

CONCLUSIONS: The interaction between Bacillus amyloliquefaciens HN11 and microbial communities in tobacco soil contributes to disease prevention and plant growth enhancement. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid41452003,
year = {2025},
author = {Sun, B and Sun, T and Ji, K and Yang, Z and Wang, J and Zhao, Y and Yu, X and Tang, X and Xiao, H},
title = {Effects of the tidal dehydration stress on epiphytic bacterial community of the intertidal macroalga Sargassum thunbergii.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0194825},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.01948-25},
pmid = {41452003},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Intertidal macroalgae and their epiphytic bacteria experience periodic dehydration-rehydration cycles due to tidal fluctuations. The influence of tidal dehydration on algal epiphytic bacteria remains poorly understood. This study investigated the effect of tidal dehydration on epiphytic bacterial communities of macroalga Sargassum thunbergii. While tidal dehydration had a small impact on the composition of the epiphytic bacterial community of S. thunbergii, it significantly influenced community diversity, abundance of dominant taxa, and some predicted functional genes. Specifically, the abundance of Proteobacteria and Granulosicoccus increased markedly, whereas that of Cyanobacteria, Litoreibacter, and Sva0996_marine_group decreased significantly. The abundance of Marinomonas exhibited a trend of initial decrease, followed by subsequent increase. Predictive functional analysis suggested that the bacterial community adapted to dehydration stress by regulating genes involved in energy, nitrogen, and sulfur metabolism. The shifts in the bacterial community following dehydration stress may result from the inherent differential stress tolerance among bacterial taxa and host-mediated facilitation through algal metabolic adjustments that selectively favored specific groups. This study revealed the structural and functional response of the epiphytic bacterial community of macroalgae in intertidal zones to dehydration stress.

IMPORTANCE: The adaptive mechanisms of the intertidal macroalgal-epiphytic bacterial symbiotic system to periodic tidal dehydration stress play a crucial role in maintaining coastal ecosystem stability. Although numerous studies have investigated the effects of tidal dehydration on intertidal macroalgae, the impact of dehydration on the epiphytic bacteria has received much less attention. Our investigation revealed that tidal dehydration stress significantly alters both the community structure and metabolic functions of the epiphytic bacteria on Sargassum thunbergii. Notably, dehydration stress selectively enriched stress-tolerant bacterial taxa and induced metabolic reprogramming, particularly in energy, nitrogen, and sulfur cycling pathways. These microbial responses demonstrate not only bacterial stress adaptation strategies but also suggest potential host-mediated regulation within the algal-bacterial symbiotic system. These findings provide novel insights into the ecological adaptability mechanisms of intertidal ecosystems under environmental stress.},
}

@article {pmid41450947,
year = {2025},
author = {Wu, B and Zhao, A and Chen, W and Zhou, Y and Zhang, W and Zhang, Y and Hou, Q and Yao, N and Zhang, S and Duan, J and Li, N and Cao, J},
title = {Microbiota-mediated modulation of radiosensitivity: mechanisms and therapeutic prospects of oral and gut microbiota, metabolites, and probiotics.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1689735},
pmid = {41450947},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Radiotherapy is a cornerstone of comprehensive cancer treatment, yet its efficacy and toxicity exhibit considerable interindividual variation. Recent evidence highlights the microbiome-the collective genomes and metabolic products of symbiotic microorganisms in a specific environment-as a key bidirectional regulator of radiosensitivity. Radiotherapy can disrupt microbial community structure, while the microbiome and its metabolites profoundly influence tumor cell radiosensitivity and normal tissue radiotolerance by modulating DNA damage repair, immune responses, metabolic reprogramming, and tumor microenvironment (TME) remodeling. This review systematically examines the mechanisms and recent advances in understanding how oral and gut microbiota, their key metabolites (e.g., short-chain fatty acids, SCFAs), and probiotics modulate radiosensitivity. By establishing a framework centered on "mechanism axis-evidence stratification-clinical translation," this paper aims to provide a theoretical foundation and identify potential targets for microbiome-based strategies to enhance radiosensitivity and protect normal tissues during radiotherapy.},
}

@article {pmid41449466,
year = {2025},
author = {Malta, SM and Bernardes, LMM and Silva, MH and Santos, ACC and Batista, LL and Rodrigues, TS and do Prado Mascarenhas, FA and Zanon, RG and Espindola, FS and Mendes-Silva, AP and Ueira-Vieira, C},
title = {Drug Development.},
journal = {Alzheimer's & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer's Association},
volume = {21 Suppl 5},
number = {},
pages = {e103543},
doi = {10.1002/alz70859_103543},
pmid = {41449466},
issn = {1552-5279},
mesh = {*Amyloid beta-Peptides/metabolism ; *Peptide Fragments/metabolism ; *Kefir ; *Drug Development ; Animals ; *Neuroprotective Agents/pharmacology ; Peptides/pharmacology ; Humans ; Alzheimer Disease/drug therapy ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Kefir is a probiotic-rich fermented milk beverage composed of a symbiotic consortium of bacteria and yeasts. Emerging evidence has shown its neuroprotective potential, including that of its derived metabolites and fractions, in mitigating β-amyloid (Aβ42)-induced neurotoxicity in cultured neuronal cells and neurodegeneration in Drosophila melanogaster models for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Building on these findings, we explored the in vitro effects of kefir-derived fractions and synthetic peptides on Aβ42 aggregation and disaggregation.

METHOD: Two kefir fractions, Ethyl Acetate (EtOAc) and <10kDa, and two kefir-derived peptides (KDPs) identified in our prior research were tested. For the preventive assay, Aβ42 (10 µM) was co-incubated with kefir fractions (0.25 mg/mL) or KDPs (1, 10 and 100 µM) for 24 hours, with fluorescence readings (Thioflavin T) taken hourly. For the treatment assay, Aβ42 was incubated alone for 48 hours to induce aggregation, followed by treatment with fractions or KDPs, with fluorescence readings taken after an additional 48-hour incubation. All experiments were performed in 96-well plates, with samples in quintuplicate. Statistical analysis was conducted using one-way ANOVA.

RESULT: Fluorescence intensity measurements revealed that, in the preventive assay, all treatments significantly reduced Aβ42 aggregation compared to the untreated control (p<0.0001). In the treatment assay, significant disruption of Aβ42 aggregation was observed with KDP-1 (p=0.0055) and KDP-2 (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION: This study highlights the potential ability of kefir fractions and synthetic peptides to prevent and disrupt Aβ42 aggregation in vitro, supporting their therapeutic promise in neurodegenerative disorders. Further studies should explore their mechanisms of action and efficacy in vivo.},
}

*Amyloid beta-Peptides/metabolism
*Peptide Fragments/metabolism
*Kefir
*Drug Development
Animals
*Neuroprotective Agents/pharmacology
Peptides/pharmacology
Humans
Alzheimer Disease/drug therapy

@article {pmid41444279,
year = {2025},
author = {Masood, B and Sheikh, TM and Raza, A and Waqas, RM and Elahi, A and Kırgız, MS and Nagaprasad, N and Ramaswamy, K and Muhammad, S},
title = {Effects of low calcium bentonite on the strength development of recycled aggregate concrete.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {44585},
pmid = {41444279},
issn = {2045-2322},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: The negative environmental impact of high cement use and aggregate extraction can be minimized by the use of greener materials and recycled aggregate (RA) instead of conventional materials. In this study, the effects of a low-calcium bentonite (LCB) binder on the strength development and workability of recycled aggregate concrete are investigated. RA is used as 0, 50, and 100% by volume replacement of natural aggregate concrete (NAC), whereas bentonite is used as 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% by weight replacement of cement for each level of RA. LCB addition significantly improved the 90-day compressive, flexural, and splitting tensile strengths of normal and RA concrete, whereas at 28 days, the results of the LCB mixtures were comparable to those of the control. The RA mixtures had slightly reduced compressive strengths, similar tensile strengths, and superior flexural strengths to those of NAC after 90 days. Higher correlations between all strength results with successively higher RAs. These results can be attributed to the pozzolanic properties of LCB and their symbiotic relationship with the mortar adhered to the surface of the RA, along with greater bonding surface regions for the cement matrix. The response surface methodology (RSM) confirmed the trend in strength.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-28262-5.},
}

@article {pmid41448964,
year = {2025},
author = {Turner, JH},
title = {Postphenomenology, Phronesis, and the Physician: Cancer Care in Radiogenomic Artificial Intelligence Theranostics.},
journal = {Cancer biotherapy & radiopharmaceuticals},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1177/10849785251404799},
pmid = {41448964},
issn = {1557-8852},
abstract = {Postphenomenology examines the cultural dimension of human-technology relations whereby innovations, such as artificial intelligence (AI), re/shape our behavior and relation to reality. Generative AI is amoral and uncaring, but it is mediating evolutionary changes in human cognitive function, consciousness, and behavior. The role of phronesis, in the preservation of human values in the face of ChatGPT challenges, is explored here through the lens of theranostic nuclear oncology practice. Phronesis involves moral grounding, epistemic humility, and the integration of cognitive, affective, and contextual social expertise. Empathic, efficient care of the individual patient requires judicious symbiosis between the formidable epistemic capabilities of large language models, particularly in radiogenomics, radiomolecular biology, and tumor radiation dosimetry, and compassionate, responsible, accountable personal care by the doctor. Being cognizant of the strengths and limitations of AI, and the critical role of phronesis in personalized patient care, the physician can ensure optimal theranostic clinical oncology outcomes of human-AI collaboration.},
}

@article {pmid41446377,
year = {2025},
author = {Daille, LK and Moreno-Pino, M and Hajdu, E and Trefault, N},
title = {Transcriptomic Insights Into the Immune Repertoire of an Antarctic Sponge.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {12},
pages = {e72786},
pmid = {41446377},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Antarctic marine sponges are essential components of the benthic fauna, playing a crucial role both through their own biological activities and their symbiotic relationships with diverse microorganisms. Yet, the transcriptional repertoire and the immune responses associated with interactions with microorganisms in this unique environment still need to be fully understood. Here, we investigated the transcriptional repertoire underlying the immune system processes of the Antarctic sponge Myxilla (Burtonanchora) lissostyla. We generated a de novo transcriptome and functional annotation for M. (B.) lissostyla, collected during the austral summer of 2019, 2020, and 2021. Our findings revealed an extensive transcriptional repertoire with a high and consistent expression of constitutive transcripts across the years. Key pathways related to immune response and homeostasis were the most expressed in the Antarctic sponge transcriptome, and a diverse array of immune receptors highlights the wide host immune repertoire. Low microbial abundance sponges share a vast repertoire of immune receptors, and a predominance of membrane-bound PRRs was detected mainly in M. (B.) lissostyla, indicating a broad range of receptors available for initial interactions and engagement with microorganisms. The functional repertoire unveiled here establishes baselines for assessing potential functional changes that may arise due to climate change.},
}

@article {pmid41445578,
year = {2025},
author = {Jimi, N and Hookabe, N and Woo, SP and Kohtsuka, H},
title = {Two New Genera and Species of Polynoidae (Annelida: Polychaeta) Associated with Sea Urchins.},
journal = {Zoological studies},
volume = {64},
number = {},
pages = {e21},
pmid = {41445578},
issn = {1810-522X},
abstract = {Symbiotic relationships between polychaetes and marine invertebrates are well-documented, with echinoderms-primary starfish and sea cucumbers-as common hosts and sea urchins being more rarely involved. Although many sea urchins possess venomous spines that are effective defenses and make them suitable hosts for symbionts, the dense packing of these spines difficult hosting symbiotic polychaetes. In this study, we describe two new genera and species of polynoid polychaetes found in association with two different species of sea urchins, collected through dredging from Sagami Bay, Japan. Echinophilia gen. nov. is characterized by an elongated body, 12 pairs of elytra, subdistally inflated antennae and dorsal cirri. Paraechinophilia gen. nov., in contrast, has a non-elongated body, 12 pairs of elytra, not inflated antennae and dorsal cirri. Additionally, we provide insights into their phylogenetic relationships based on four gene sequences (COI, 16S, 18S, and 28S).},
}