@article {pmid40450278,
year = {2025},
author = {Bouwman, T and Higa, L and Lee, C and Young, S and Ragasa, A and Bonito, G and Nguyen, NH and Du, ZY},
title = {Biochemical and molecular characterization of fungal isolates from California annual grassland soil.},
journal = {Biotechnology for biofuels and bioproducts},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {56},
pmid = {40450278},
issn = {2731-3654},
support = {2022-38500-38099//U.S. Department of Agriculture/ ; DE-SC0020163//U.S. Department of Energy/ ; },
abstract = {Fungi play a pivotal role in ecosystem functionality, driving processes such as decomposition, nutrient cycling, and symbiotic interactions. Their wide enzymatic strategies enable the breakdown of complex organic materials and the valorization of organic waste streams, providing sustainable pathways for bioproduct development. Fungi also exhibit significant potential in industrial applications, particularly in biofuel and nutraceutical production, owing to their high lipid content and adaptability to diverse feedstocks. Genera such as Aspergillus, Mortierella, and Linnemannia have demonstrated exceptional lipid production capabilities and unique fatty acid profiles, including high yields of nutraceuticals like arachidonic acid (ARA) and oleic acid. This study explored uncharacterized fungal strains isolated from California grassland soils, analyzing their phylogeny, morphology, growth rates, lipid content, and fatty acid profiles. Results revealed notable genetic and physiological diversity among the isolates, with Mortierella strains emerging as the most promising for industrial applications due to their superior lipid content and productivity of ARA and oleic acid. Confocal microscopy confirmed consistent lipid droplet morphology, while phylogenetic analysis uncovered novel species-level diversity. Key strains were identified for biofuel and nutraceutical production, highlighting their industrial potential. These findings underscore the versatility of fungi as biotechnological tools and provide a foundation for further exploration and utilization of these promising strains in industrial processes.},
}

@article {pmid40450130,
year = {2025},
author = {Alizadeh, Z and Heidari, P and Asghari, HR},
title = {Exploring the influence of symbiosis between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and beans on potassium uptake and the activity of AKT and HKT genes.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {19169},
pmid = {40450130},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Potassium/metabolism ; Phylogeny ; Plant Roots/metabolism/microbiology/genetics ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; *Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/genetics/metabolism ; *Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; *Phaseolus/genetics/microbiology/metabolism ; Glomeromycota/physiology ; Fungi ; },
abstract = {In plants, potassium (K[+]) serves multiple functions, despite being scarce due to strong soil adsorption. This study examined how the presence of arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) like Rhizophagus irregularis and Funneliformis mosseae influenced the absorption and transport of K[+] in bean roots through symbiotic interactions. In a symbiotic relationship, AMF had the potential to enhance potassium absorption and storage in various tissues of bean seedlings. Under symbiotic conditions, the concentration of potassium in stem tissues was observed to increase almost four times more than control conditions. The genome of beans was shown to contain a total of nineteen PvAKT genes and two PvHKT genes. Based on phylogeny analysis, PvAKT family members and their corresponding orthologs were categorized into four distinct groups. Subfamily 3 of the PvAKT phylogeny tree exhibited distinct variations from other subfamilies in terms of gene structure, conserved domains, and potential phosphorylation sites. The presence of cis-regulatory element related to ABA responsiveness in the upstream region led to the division of PvAKT and PvHKT genes into two specific groups. Gene expression analysis disclosed that PvAKT and PvHKT genes are induced by AMF and have tissue specific expression. PvAKT6 and PvAKT11 genes and both PvHKT genes showed differential expression in root and shoot tissues, while PvAKT3 gene increased expression in both root and shoot tissues. The results suggest that AMF had a significant impact on increasing the solubility of K[+] and ultimately enhancing the function of K[+] transporters.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology
*Symbiosis
*Potassium/metabolism
Phylogeny
Plant Roots/metabolism/microbiology/genetics
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
*Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/genetics/metabolism
*Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism
*Phaseolus/genetics/microbiology/metabolism
Glomeromycota/physiology
Fungi

@article {pmid40450007,
year = {2025},
author = {Kong, L and Feng, Y and Zheng, R and Wu, X and Mao, Y and Sun, J and Liu, S},
title = {Interspecies hydrogen transfer between cyanobacteria and symbiotic bacteria drives nitrogen loss.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {5078},
pmid = {40450007},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {52270016//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 523B2095//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; },
mesh = {*Hydrogen/metabolism ; *Nitrogen/metabolism ; *Cyanobacteria/metabolism ; *Symbiosis/physiology ; Denitrification ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {The trace concentration of H2 in most ecosystems after the Earth's oxidation has long caused the neglect of hydrogenotrophic denitrification for nitrogen loss. Here, we find that the interspecies hydrogen transfer between cyanobacteria and symbiotic bacteria within cyanobacterial aggregates is an undiscovered pathway for nitrogen loss. Cyanobacteria in aggregates can actively generate H2 under the diel cycle as an electron donor for neighboring hydrogenotrophic denitrifiers. The hydrogenotrophic denitrification in engineered cyanobacterial aggregates accounts for a nitrogen removal rate of 3.47 ± 0.42 mmol l[-1] day[-1]. This value is nearly 50% of the heterotrophic denitrification rate, which far exceeds the general concept of the trace role. We find that H2-evolving cyanobacteria and hydrogenotrophic denitrifiers coexist in 84% of the 63 globally distributed cyanobacterial aggregates, where bloom colonies and phototrophic mats from hot springs are identified as potential hotspots. We suggest that interspecies hydrogen transfer within cyanobacterial aggregates is possibly responsible for the excessive nitrogen loss rate during cyanobacterial blooms where cyanobacterial aggregates persist.},
}

*Hydrogen/metabolism
*Nitrogen/metabolism
*Cyanobacteria/metabolism
*Symbiosis/physiology
Denitrification
Ecosystem

@article {pmid40449773,
year = {2025},
author = {Ding, H and Zhu, X and Liu, J and Si, J and Wu, L},
title = {Plant endophytic fungal polysaccharides and their activities: A review.},
journal = {International journal of biological macromolecules},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {144750},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.144750},
pmid = {40449773},
issn = {1879-0003},
abstract = {Endophytic fungi, essential constituents of plant microecosystems, have attracted considerable scientific interest due to their remarkable biodiversity, ecological adaptability, and capacity to synthesize a wide range of bioactive metabolites. Among these, polysaccharides produced by endophytic fungi represent a promising yet insufficiently investigated class of macromolecules with significant pharmacological and biotechnological applications. However, research on these polysaccharides remains constrained by limited exploration. This review systematically consolidates current advances in the classification, extraction, purification, structural elucidation, and biological functions of endophytic fungal polysaccharides (EFPs), while also examining their interactions with host plants. The potential of polysaccharide-producing endophytic fungi remains largely underexplored. Furthermore, inherent polysaccharide complexity, combined with technical limitations, has confined most studies to extracellular polysaccharides, leaving comprehensive structural analyses scarce. EFPs demonstrate antioxidant, antibacterial, immunomodulatory, and antitumor activities, and contribute substantially to the symbiotic dynamics between fungi and host plants, yet systematic activity profiling is insufficient. This review proposes establishing a targeted resource development framework to enhance the diversity of polysaccharide compounds and advocates for the integration of conventional and advanced methodologies to advance pharmacological investigations and functional analyses of EFPs, thereby offering strategic insights for future applications and facilitating deeper exploration and utilization.},
}

@article {pmid40449332,
year = {2025},
author = {Ou, Z and Wang, Z and Duan, C and Shu, L and Hu, Z},
title = {Simultaneously disinfection of amoebae, endosymbiotic bacteria, and resistance genes using a novel two-electron water oxidation strategy.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {284},
number = {},
pages = {123894},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2025.123894},
pmid = {40449332},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {Amoebae, which serve as important vectors for various pathogenic bacteria, are ubiquitous in natural and artificial water systems. Their robust survival capabilities and protective characteristics render conventional disinfection methods largely ineffective. Moreover, amoeba cells provide an ideal environment for the replication and transfer of antibiotic resistance genes, posing a significant threat to human health and safety. In this study, an in-situ activation system for electrocatalytic water oxidation was developed. This system effectively inactivates amoeba spores and their intracellular symbiotic bacteria while simultaneously reducing the abundance of resistance genes through the generation of hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and carbonate free radicals (•CO3[-]). The results demonstrated a 99.9 % inactivation rate for amoeba spores and a 99.999 % inactivation rate for intracellular bacteria. In addition, the prevalence of resistant genes in bacteria within amoebae, specifically including sul1 (sulfonamide resistance), tetA (tetracycline resistance), blaFOX (cefoxitin resistance), arsB (arsenic resistance), czcA (cadmium resistance), and copA (copper resistance), was significantly reduced by approximately 16 %-62.6 %. Therefore, this study introduces a new technology capable of simultaneously treating amoeba spores, intracellular bacteria, and resistance genes, which holds significant importance for reducing the spread of resistant genes and enhancing public health safety.},
}

@article {pmid40449312,
year = {2025},
author = {Xia, Z and Ng, HY and Bae, S},
title = {Synergistic microalgal-bacterial interactions enhance nitrogen removal in membrane-aerated biofilm photoreactors treating aquaculture wastewater under salt stress: Insights from metagenomic analysis.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {283},
number = {},
pages = {123878},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2025.123878},
pmid = {40449312},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {This study investigates the membrane-aerated biofilm photoreactor (MABPR) for treating aquaculture effluents with low C/N ratio and elevated salinity (0.5%-3.2%). The MABPR integrated biofilm reactors with microalgal-bacterial consortia, achieving superior total inorganic nitrogen (TIN) removal by leveraging counter-diffusional biofilm properties, bubbleless aeration, and enhanced microalgal productivity. The system consistently outperformed conventional reactors, achieving 84.7 ± 1.9% TIN removal at 3.2% salinity with TIN removal flux increasing from 0.82 ± 0.04 to 1.22 ± 0.07 g/m[2] d. The MABPR promoted microalgal proliferation (Chl-a/VSS: 8.08-15.04 mg/g) and higher biomass productivity (1.83 g/m[2] d) compared to SBBPR and MABR. Elevated salinity stimulated extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) production, reinforcing biofilm stability and microbial resilience. The MABPR demonstrated 22%-65% higher nitrogen removal efficiency than controls at the highest salinity. Canonical nitrification-denitrification remained the primary nitrogen removal pathway, with short-cut nitrification-denitrification contributing under salt stress. Metagenomic analysis revealed bidirectional adaptation between microalgae and bacteria, with enriched nitrogen assimilation (GS/GOGAT pathway) compensating for bacterial deficits. Microalgae facilitated pollutant removal through ammonia uptake and dissolved organic matter release, supporting denitrification. At 3.2% salinity, Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter abundance increased by 42.6% and 35.8%, while denitrifiers Denitromonas and Hoeflea dominated, comprising 59.4% and 35.9% of the population. The MABPR further promoted the synthesis of growth cofactors (vitamins, phytohormones), enhancing microalgal productivity and stress resilience. These synergistic microalgal-bacterial interactions supported pollutant removal, showcasing the MABPR as a robust, sustainable solution for aquaculture wastewater treatment and resource recovery under salt stress.},
}

@article {pmid40446515,
year = {2025},
author = {Moreira, GRM and De Lima Júnior, JM and Nomura, CS and De Jesus, JHF and Uher, E and Dufour, A and Do Noscimiento, MM and Grover, R and Migon, C and Ferrier-Pagès, C and Espósito, BP},
title = {Enhancing coral photosynthesis: The power of manganese-alginate gels.},
journal = {Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology : organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements (GMS)},
volume = {89},
number = {},
pages = {127675},
doi = {10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127675},
pmid = {40446515},
issn = {1878-3252},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Scleractinian corals rely on symbiosis with Symbiodiniaceae, a family of marine dinoflagellates, for photosynthetic products, which sustains their growth in nutrient-poor environments. Manganese (Mn) is a critical element for photosynthesis as an essential cofactor for the oxygen-evolving complex of the photosynthetic machinery. Also, Mn is an essential metal involved in antioxidant mechanisms that maintain normal cellular function in heat stressed corals.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the effects of different Mn species on photosynthetic efficiency in the coral Stylophora pistillata under thermal stress. A Mn-alginate device for controlled Mn supplementation was developed for this purpose.

METHODS: Coral nubbins were exposed to the following Mn species: manganese(II) chloride (MnCl₂), manganese(II) ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinate (MnEDDS), manganese(II) desferrioxamine (MnDFO), and manganese(III) citrate (MnCIT). Photosynthetic parameters were measured using fluorometry. Mn-alginate gel dishes were prepared for controlled release, and their impacts on coral health indicators were evaluated at 26 °C and 31 °C, including photosynthetic efficiency, oxygen production, and symbiont density.

RESULTS: Free Mn(II) (MnCl2) and MnEDDS significantly enhanced photosynthetic efficiency. Mn-alginate effectively delivered Mn in controlled bursts. Under thermal stress, Mn supplementation improved photosynthetic activity and favored symbiont density. Mn-alginate dishes were stable in seawater and biocompatible, releasing Mn optimally at elevated temperatures.

CONCLUSION: Mn-alginate gel dishes are an efficient and safe method for improving coral photosynthesis and mitigating thermal stress impacts, supporting reef conservation efforts in a changing climate.},
}

@article {pmid40445563,
year = {2025},
author = {Martín-Cardoso, H and Castillo, L and Busturia, I and Bücker, G and Marqués, L and Pla, E and Català-Forner, M and Domingo, C and San Segundo, B},
title = {Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Increase Blast Resistance and Grain Yield in Japonica Rice Cultivars in Flooded Fields.},
journal = {Rice (New York, N.Y.)},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {47},
pmid = {40445563},
issn = {1939-8425},
support = {PLEC2021-007786//MICIU/AEI and European Union Next Generation EU/PRTR/ ; PID2021-128825OB-I00//MICIU/AEI/ ; },
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi establish symbiotic associations with a wide range of plant species. Root colonization by AM fungi improves the uptake of mineral nutrients in the host plant, mainly phosphorus, in exchange for photosynthetically fixed carbon. Rice is one of the most important cereal crops in the world that is cultivated in diverse ecosystems, mainly in flooded fields. Although rice is a host for AM fungi, flooding depresses colonization of rice roots by AM fungi. However, once fungal penetration into the rice root has occurred, the functional capacities of the AM fungus are not affected by flooding. In this study, we investigated mycorrhizal responsiveness in a panel of temperate japonica rice varieties in low fertility soil collected from rice fields. We show that inoculation with an AM fungus, either Rhizophagus irregularis or Funneliformis mosseae, stimulates seedling growth, improves Pi nutrition and enhances resistance to infection by the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae in aerobically grown rice plants in low fertility soil. The fungus M. oryzae is the causal agent of the rice blast disease, one of the most devastating diseases in cultivated rice worldwide. Field trials were conducted in flooded paddy fields of eastern Spain (mediterranean region) in 2023 and 2024. Three elite rice varieties were inoculated with R. irregularis and grown in nurseries under aerobic conditions during early vegetative stage. The AM-inoculated seedlings were then transplanted to flooded fields. We show that inoculation with R. irregularis increases grain yield and blast resistance, namely leaf blast, neck blast, node blast and panicle blast, in flooded field conditions. Although all the japonica rice varieties here examined benefited from the AM symbiosis, its effects varied depending on the rice variety and the geographical location. These findings demonstrated that the application of AM fungi in nurseries may be integrated with conventional rice cultivation systems in paddy fields for the development of sustainable rice production systems less dependent on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.},
}

@article {pmid40444050,
year = {2025},
author = {Sarti, G and Traini, C and Magni, G and Attorre, S and Tognozzi, G and Calussi, E and Giovannini, MG and Vannucchi, MG and Lana, D},
title = {Chronic administration of prebiotics and probiotics prevent pathophysiological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease in the cortex of APP/PS1 mice.},
journal = {Frontiers in pharmacology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1596469},
pmid = {40444050},
issn = {1663-9812},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Dysbiosis is a characteristic of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The disbalance between Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria causes increased production of beta-amyloid (Aβ) in the gut, which can contribute to brain accumulation of Aβ. Recovering microbiota composition with symbiotic administration of prebiotics and probiotics may be a strategy to prevent or reduce AD symptomathology. The aim of this research was to study whether chronic administration of pre- and probiotics modifies the histopathological signs of neurodegeneration in the cortex of APP/PS1 mice, a transgenic mouse model of AD. We focused on neuritic plaques deposition, neuronal degeneration and glia activation.

METHODS: Transgenic (TG) mice and Wild type (WT) littermates were fed daily with a diet supplemented with prebiotics (a multi-extract of fibers and plant complexes, containing inulin/fruit-oligosaccharides) and probiotics (a 50%-50% mixture of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus paracasei). The treatment started at 2 months of age and lasted for 6 months. Controls were WT and TG mice fed with a standard diet. All groups were evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively by immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy and digital imaging. Cortical sections were immunostained for neuritic plaques, neurons, astrocytes, microglia, and inflammatory proteins. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were carried out by immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy and digital imaging with ImageJ software.

RESULTS: Quantitative analyses in TG mice demonstrated intense Aβ load and accumulation of neurofilament heavy polypeptide (NHP) in neuritic plaques, neuronal degeneration, shrinkage of the cortex, increase of GFAP expression, and microglia and astrocytes activation. All these effects were mainly evident in cortical Layer 5. The symbiotic treatment with pre- and probiotics decreased Aβ deposition and neuritic plaques in the frontoparietal cortex. In addition, the treatment decreased the degeneration of neurons, the cortical shrinkage, increased GFAP expression, and modified microglia phenomic, decreasing significantly microglia activation. The abovementioned effects of the treatment were mostly evident in cortical Layer 5.

DISCUSSION: These data confirm that prolonged dietary regimen enriched with pre- and probiotics counteracts many of the histopathological hallmarks of AD, and poses the bases for a simple, affordable treatment that may help prevent AD.},
}

@article {pmid40443489,
year = {2025},
author = {Düşen, S and Kaska, Y and Yilmaz, M and Ulubelı, SA},
title = {Endoparasites and epibionts of loggerhead and green sea turtles from the eastern Mediterranean, Turkey: A detailed assessment.},
journal = {Helminthologia},
volume = {62},
number = {1},
pages = {40-49},
pmid = {40443489},
issn = {0440-6605},
abstract = {Two species of sea turtles, the loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and the green turtle (Chelonia mydas), use Turkey's Mediterranean and rarely Aegean Sea coasts for nesting and foraging. The injured sea turtles are regularly transferred for treatment to the Sea Turtle Research, Rescue and Rehabilitation Center (DEKAMER) Muğla Ortaca-Dalyan (Turkey) from the different coasts of the these two seasthese include Çanakkale, Balıkesir, İzmir and Aydın (Aegean Sea); Antalya and Mersin (Mediterranean Sea) and also Muğla (it has two coasts both Aegean Sea and Mediterranean Sea). In this study, both internal and external parasites and epibiont species of turtles that died during treatment were examined. This is the first detailed parasitological and epibiont study on these sea turtles in the Turkish coast. Twenty-two adult Caretta caretta and twelve green turtles were examined and these symbiotic groups were recorded: endoparasitic digeneans and nematodes, and epibiotic annelids and cirripeds (barnacles). The observed three digenean species (Pyelosomum renicapite, Learedius learedi and Deuterobaris proteus) are recorded in Turkey for the first time. Also, Ch. mydas and C. caretta represent new host records for these digenean species in Turkey. Ch. mydas represents a new host record for two cirriped species (Chelonibia testudinaria and Lepas hillii) from Turkey and C. caretta also represent a new host record for Ozobranchus margoi from Turkey. Based on the available literature, the implications of these symbionts on sea turtle health are discussed, highlighting the importance of recording parasitic data of sea turtles. The study of internal and external parasites is very important, especially for the treatment of sea turtles under rehabilitation.},
}

@article {pmid40442996,
year = {2025},
author = {Ding, Q and Zhou, Z and Cui, L and Liu, J and You, G and Chen, Q and Hou, J and Fan, X and Yang, Y},
title = {Study on the treatment of livestock and poultry wastewater using algae-bacteria symbiotic system: effect of inoculation proportion and performance.},
journal = {Environmental technology},
volume = {46},
number = {14},
pages = {2597-2614},
doi = {10.1080/09593330.2024.2440162},
pmid = {40442996},
issn = {1479-487X},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wastewater/microbiology ; Poultry ; Symbiosis ; Livestock ; *Microalgae/metabolism ; *Waste Disposal, Fluid/methods ; *Chlorella vulgaris/metabolism/physiology ; Flocculation ; Nitrogen/metabolism ; Bacteria/metabolism ; Ammonia/metabolism ; },
abstract = {In order to solve the problems of poor tolerance of traditional algal-bacterial symbiosis system to high ammonia wastewater and biomass recovery, a new symbiosis system combining biological agents of nitrifying bacteria and ordinary Chlorella vulgaris was proposed. The results showed that adjusting the volume ratio of algae and bacteria had an effect on the wastewater treatment performance, microalgae growth and flocculation effect. At the optimal algal-bacterial volume ratio of 1:3, the TN, NH4+-N and COD removal rates were 50%, 70%and 83%, respectively. The high concentration of ammonia nitrogen would have some inhibitory effect on microalgal photosynthesis, but the appropriate inoculation ratio could alleviate this pressure and improve the growth rate of microalgae. Under the optimal inoculation ratio, the PN and PS contents of extracellular polymers were 125.16 and 73 mg/L, respectively, which induced a stronger protective mechanism and enhanced the synergistic effect between algae-bacteria. In addition, the flocculation efficiency of the algal-bacterial system increased from 15% to 30% with the decrease of the initial inoculum of microalgae. The results provided a theoretical basis for the construction of an efficient algal-bacterial symbiosis system for the treatment of livestock and poultry wastewater as well as the efficient flocculation of the algal-bacterial system.},
}

Animals
*Wastewater/microbiology
Poultry
Symbiosis
Livestock
*Microalgae/metabolism
*Waste Disposal, Fluid/methods
*Chlorella vulgaris/metabolism/physiology
Flocculation
Nitrogen/metabolism
Bacteria/metabolism
Ammonia/metabolism

@article {pmid40442956,
year = {2025},
author = {Sun, B and Liu, P and Wang, P and Wang, M and Chai, Y and Cui, F and Jin, Y},
title = {Efficient Construction of Heterogeneous Oxides as Robust Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Zinc-Air Batteries.},
journal = {Small (Weinheim an der Bergstrasse, Germany)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e2501938},
doi = {10.1002/smll.202501938},
pmid = {40442956},
issn = {1613-6829},
support = {242300420004//Natural Science Foundation of Henan Province China/ ; 2022M712918//China Postdoctoral Science Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {Metal-air batteries (MABs) have attracted considerable attention. However, the sluggish oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) of air cathode is severe which has obstructed the more extensively application. Here, this study proposes a facile method to obtain heterogeneous oxides catalyst for enhancing the oxygen electrode catalysis where multiple nanosize Co3O4, Mn3O4 and MnCo2O4 (CMMCO) are symbiotic. In this case, the concomitant mono-metal oxide can contribute to atomic ratio modulation effect on MnCo2O4 spinel such as Mn[2+] to Mn[3+],Co[3+] to Co[2+], resulting in Mn high-spin state transformation into low-spin state and oxygen vacancies, further optimizing the adsorption of intermediates. Obviously, built-in electric field at heterojunction interface dramatically facilitates electron transfer. Also, band-gap change determined by orbital overlap indicates the affinity with reactant. For the resulting CMMCO catalyst, an excellent half-wave potential of E1/2 = 0.82 V for the ORR and low polarization potential (360 mV) for OER at 10 mA cm[-2] are achieved. Based on CMMCO cathodes, the assembled zinc air batteries demonstrate an impressive peak power density of 179 mW cm[-2] and cycling stability. The successful combination between heterogeneous interface regulation and efficient ORR/OER catalysis may provide a pivotal guideline for metal air batteries investigation with low-cost bifunctional catalyst.},
}

@article {pmid40442955,
year = {2025},
author = {Choi, J and Palanichamy, P and Tanaka, H and Kondo, T and Gruwell, ME and Husnik, F},
title = {Accelerated pseudogenization in the ancient endosymbionts of giant scale insects.},
journal = {Molecular biology and evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/molbev/msaf125},
pmid = {40442955},
issn = {1537-1719},
abstract = {Symbiotic microorganisms are subject to a complex interplay of environmental and population-genetic pressures that drive their gene loss. Despite the widely held perception that ancient symbionts have stable genomes, even tiny genomes experience ongoing pseudogenization. Whether these tiny genomes also experience bursts of rapid gene loss is, however, less understood. Giant scale insects (Monophlebidae) feed on plant sap and rely on the symbiotic bacterium Walczuchella, which provides them with essential nutrients. When compared to other ancient symbionts with similar genome sizes, such as Karelsulcia, Walczuchella's genome was previously reported as unusually pseudogene-rich (10 % of coding sequences). However, this result was based on only one genome assembly, raising questions about the assembly quality or a recent ecological shift such as co-symbiont acquisition driving the gene loss. Here, we generated six complete genomes of Walczuchella from three genera of giant scales, each with distinct co-symbiotic partners. We show that all the genomes are highly degraded, and particularly genes related to the cellular envelope and energy metabolism seem to be undergoing pseudogenization. Apart from general mechanisms driving genome reduction, such as the long-term intracellular lifestyle with transmission bottlenecks, we hypothesize that a more profound loss of DNA replication and repair genes, together with recent co-obligate symbiont acquisitions, likely contribute to the accelerated degradation of Walczuchella genomes. Our results highlight that even ancient symbionts with small genomes can experience significant bursts of gene loss when stochastic processes erase a gene that accelerates gene loss or when the selection pressure changes such as after co-symbiont acquisition.},
}

@article {pmid40441134,
year = {2025},
author = {Huffmyer, AS and Wong, KH and Becker, DM and Strand, E and Mass, T and Putnam, HM},
title = {Shifts and critical periods in coral metabolism reveal energetic vulnerability during development.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2025.05.013},
pmid = {40441134},
issn = {1879-0445},
abstract = {Climate change accelerates coral reef decline and jeopardizes recruitment essential for ecosystem recovery. Adult corals rely on a vital nutritional exchange with their symbiotic algae (Symbiodiniaceae), but the dynamics of reliance from fertilization to recruitment are understudied. We investigated the physiological, metabolomic, and transcriptomic changes across 13 developmental stages of Montipora capitata, a coral in Hawai'i that inherits symbionts from parent to egg. We found that embryonic development depends on maternally provisioned mRNAs and lipids, with a rapid shift to symbiont-derived nutrition in late developmental stages. Symbiont density and photosynthesis peak in swimming larvae to fuel pelagic dispersal. By contrast, respiratory demand increases significantly during metamorphosis and settlement, reflecting this energy-intensive morphological reorganization. Symbiont proliferation is driven by symbiont ammonium assimilation in larval stages with little evidence of nitrogen metabolism in the coral host. As development progresses, the host enhances nitrogen sequestration, regulating symbiont populations, and ensuring the transfer of fixed carbon to support metamorphosis, with both metabolomic and transcriptomic indicators of increased carbohydrate availability. Although algal symbiont community composition remained stable, bacterial communities shifted with ontogeny, associated with holobiont metabolic reorganization. Our study reveals extensive metabolic changes during development with increasing reliance on symbiont nutrition. Metamorphosis and settlement emerge as critical periods of energetic vulnerability to projected climate scenarios that destabilize symbiosis. This highly detailed characterization of symbiotic nutritional exchange during sensitive early life stages provides essential knowledge for understanding and forecasting the function of nutritional symbioses and, specifically, coral survival and recruitment in a future of climate change.},
}

@article {pmid40440302,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, H and Zhang, J and Liu, R and Li, Y and Du, Y and Wei, T},
title = {An insect symbiotic virus promotes the transmission of a phytoarbovirus via inhibiting E3 ubiquitin ligase Sina.},
journal = {PLoS pathogens},
volume = {21},
number = {5},
pages = {e1013178},
pmid = {40440302},
issn = {1553-7374},
mesh = {Animals ; *Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases/metabolism/genetics/antagonists & inhibitors ; Symbiosis ; *Hemiptera/virology ; *Plant Diseases/virology ; *Insect Vectors/virology ; Virus Replication ; },
abstract = {Co-infection with symbiotic viruses and arboviruses with synergistic effects in insect vectors are common in nature, but the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we identify a novel symbiotic virus, leafhopper Recilia dorsalis bunyavirus (RdBV), which enhances the transmission efficiency of cytorhabdovirus rice stripe mosaic virus (RSMV, a plant rhabdovirus) in field. RSMV infection activates the expression of R. dorsalis E3 ubiquitin ligase Seven in absentia (RdSina), while RdBV infection suppresses its expression. We show that RdSina directly targets and mediates the degradation of RSMV phosphoprotein (P), thereby attenuating the formation of P-induced viroplasm that are crucial for viral replication. RdSina interacts with nonstructural protein NSs2 of RdBV but does not mediate its ubiquitination. However, NSs2 competes with RSMV P for binding to RdSina, thus neutralizing RdSina's ability in mediating P degradation. Furthermore, we find that the MYC transcription factor binds to the promoter sequences of RdSina, activating its transcription. However, NSs2 also directly binds to the same promoter sequences of RdSina and competitively suppresses MYC-activated RdSina transcription. Together, NSs2 obstructs the function of RdSina in mediating P degradation, ultimately promoting RSMV propagation in co-infected vectors. These findings elucidate how insect symbiotic viruses negatively regulate E3 ubiquitin ligases to benefit arbovirus transmission by co-infected insect vectors, which potentially is a common phenomenon in nature.},
}

Animals
*Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases/metabolism/genetics/antagonists & inhibitors
Symbiosis
*Hemiptera/virology
*Plant Diseases/virology
*Insect Vectors/virology
Virus Replication

@article {pmid40439833,
year = {2025},
author = {Ishfaq, S and Anum, H and Shaheen, T and Zulfiqar, S and Ishfaq, A and Anjum, A and Ramzan, U and Rafiq, A and Mehboob-Ur-Rahman, and Guo, W},
title = {Decoding fungal communication networks: molecular signaling, genetic regulation, and ecological implications.},
journal = {Functional & integrative genomics},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {111},
pmid = {40439833},
issn = {1438-7948},
mesh = {*Fungi/genetics/metabolism/physiology ; *Signal Transduction ; *Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal ; Quorum Sensing ; },
abstract = {Fungal communication networks regulate essential biological processes, enabling fungi to adapt to environmental changes, coordinate development, and establish interactions within microbial communities. These networks are mediated by diverse signaling molecules, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), peptide signaling molecules, and quorum-sensing molecules, which facilitate intra- and interspecies communication. The intricate regulation of these signals occurs through specialized signal transduction pathways such as G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and two-component regulatory systems, allowing fungi to sense external cues and modulate their physiological responses. Genetic mechanisms also play a critical role in fungal communication, influencing community dynamics through regulatory genes governing hyphal fusion, pheromone signaling, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Crosstalk between these signaling pathways is further modulated by epigenetic modifications, which fine-tune gene expression in response to environmental conditions. The integration of these molecular networks shapes fungal interactions, impacting resource acquisition, symbiosis, and pathogenicity. Additionally, fungal communication has significant ecological and evolutionary implications, contributing to niche establishment, microbial competition, and host-pathogen interactions. Despite significant progress in understanding fungal communication, key knowledge gaps remain regarding the interplay between signaling molecules, genetic regulation, and environmental adaptation. Future research should focus on unraveling the molecular mechanisms underlying fungal signaling networks and their potential applications in biotechnology, agriculture, and medicine. Harnessing fungal communication could lead to novel strategies for improving crop protection, developing antifungal therapies, and optimizing industrial fermentation processes. This review synthesizes recent advancements in fungal signaling research, providing a comprehensive perspective on its complexity and evolutionary significance.},
}

*Fungi/genetics/metabolism/physiology
*Signal Transduction
*Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal
Quorum Sensing

@article {pmid40439021,
year = {2025},
author = {Vetukuri, RR and Lanfranco, L and Stevens, K},
title = {Spray-induced gene silencing boosts functional genomics in symbiotic fungi.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.70269},
pmid = {40439021},
issn = {1469-8137},
}

@article {pmid40438840,
year = {2025},
author = {Saleem, MM and Masood, S and Rahmatullah, MM and Ayesha Imdad, I and Mohammed Aslam Sange, A and Nasr, D},
title = {Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis and Its Role in the Development of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.},
journal = {Cureus},
volume = {17},
number = {4},
pages = {e83084},
pmid = {40438840},
issn = {2168-8184},
abstract = {The gut microbiota refers to the diverse community of symbiotic and pathogenic microorganisms inhabiting the host digestive tract. This microbiome plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the digestive system. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID) characterized by chronic abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. Although the pathophysiology of IBS remains unclear, recent studies suggest that the disruption of the gut microbiota (dysbiosis) may play a significant role. This study aims to examine the role of the gut microbiota in the development of IBS, analyze factors influencing the gut microbiome, and explore the potential for microbiota-targeted therapies. Relevant literature published from 2014 until 2024 was sourced from Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus using the keywords "microbiome", "irritable bowel syndrome", "dysbiosis", "faecal transplantation", and "probiotics". This review revealed consistent evidence of gut microbiota dysbiosis in individuals with IBS, characterized by altered microbial diversity, composition, and metabolic function. Contributing factors included a reduced abundance of beneficial commensals, overgrowth of potentially pathogenic species, and disrupted host-microbiota interactions. This dysbiosis was also frequently associated with symptom severity and specific IBS subtypes. Emerging evidence further highlights the role of diet, stress, and genetic factors in modulating gut microbiota and influencing IBS development. The growing body of research supports a strong link between dysbiosis and the pathogenesis and symptomatology of IBS. Understanding the microbial underpinnings of IBS opens avenues for potential diagnostic biomarkers and innovative therapeutic interventions aimed at restoring a balanced gut microbiota. However, further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and translate these insights into effective clinical strategies for the management of IBS. This review underscores the significance of gut microbiota in IBS and its potential as a target for future therapeutic interventions.},
}

@article {pmid40438199,
year = {2021},
author = {McKenna, V and Archibald, JM and Beinart, R and Dawson, MN and Hentschel, U and Keeling, PJ and Lopez, JV and Martín-Durán, JM and Petersen, JM and Sigwart, JD and Simakov, O and Sutherland, KR and Sweet, M and Talbot, NJ and Thompson, AW and Bender, S and Harrison, PW and Rajan, J and Cochrane, G and Berriman, M and Lawniczak, MKN and Blaxter, M},
title = {The Aquatic Symbiosis Genomics Project: probing the evolution of symbiosis across the Tree of Life.},
journal = {Wellcome open research},
volume = {6},
number = {},
pages = {254},
pmid = {40438199},
issn = {2398-502X},
abstract = {We present the Aquatic Symbiosis Genomics Project, a global collaboration to generate high quality genome sequences for a wide range of eukaryotes and their microbial symbionts. Launched under the Symbiosis in Aquatic Systems Initiative of the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the ASG Project brings together researchers from across the globe who hope to use these reference genomes to augment and extend their analyses of the dynamics, mechanisms and environmental importance of symbioses. Applying large-scale, high-throughput sequencing and assembly technologies, the ASG collaboration will assemble and annotate the genomes of 500 symbiotic organisms - both the "hosts" and the microbial symbionts with which they associate. These data will be released openly to benefit all who work on symbioses, from conservation geneticists to those interested in the origin of the eukaryotic cell.},
}

@article {pmid40438073,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhao, L and Du, J and Liu, W and Xu, Q and Zhang, Y},
title = {How to strengthen primary health care? An exploratory study on the policy of vertical integration of high-quality medical resources based on symbiosis theory.},
journal = {Frontiers in public health},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1578712},
pmid = {40438073},
issn = {2296-2565},
mesh = {*Primary Health Care/organization & administration ; Humans ; *Health Policy ; *Delivery of Health Care, Integrated/organization & administration ; Symbiosis ; *Health Resources ; Models, Theoretical ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The Vertical Integration of High-Quality Medical Resources (VI-HQMR) is a strategy of medical resource reallocation. It is the key to strengthen primary health care (PHC) and build an integrated delivery system (IDS). It contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of universal health coverage (UHC) set out by the World Health Organization (WHO). In order to VI-HQMR, countries around the world have carried out many beneficial explorations. However, our understanding of the importance of clarifying the internal logical from policy perspective in the VI-HQMR is limited. This study aims to develop a theoretical model from the symbiotic perspective to improve the strategy of VI-HQMR.

METHODS: Policies related to the VI-HQMR were retrieved for exploratory research. The texts and entries were coded according to the four elements of symbiosis theory, the first-level categories and their variables were mined, and the occurrence frequency was used as the main indicator for thematic clustering.

RESULTS: A total of 609 policies were retrieved, among which 1,072 entries mentioned VI-HQMR. Results showed that the VI-HQMR included 482 symbiotic units, 549 symbiotic models, 383 symbiotic environments and 96 symbiotic interfaces. Secondary and above public hospitals and PHC institutions are the most important symbiotic units. Medical alliances are the most important symbiotic model. The symbiotic environment includes policy, technology and economics. The vertical integration of human resources is the main symbiotic interface.

CONCLUSION: The VI-HQMR is still in the initial exploration stage. The symbiotic model is changing from parasitism to the commensalism. To achieve the optimal mutualism model, we need to work hard from the symbiotic environment. Health administrative department should coordinate with other relevant departments to introduce special policies to support the VI-HQMR. Through opening the way for promotion, financial incentive, and informationization assistance, improve the enthusiasm of urban hospitals.},
}

*Primary Health Care/organization & administration
Humans
*Health Policy
*Delivery of Health Care, Integrated/organization & administration
Symbiosis
*Health Resources
Models, Theoretical

@article {pmid40437776,
year = {2025},
author = {Du, H and Cai, Y and Shen, L and Zheng, Y and Zhao, L and Hu, R and Jiang, S and Yuan, J and Hu, C and Deng, Q and Huang, J and Hu, J and Wang, Y and Tan, J and Chen, J and Liu, F and Duan, Y and Niu, H},
title = {Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis modulates early-life immune response and gut metabolism.},
journal = {Animal models and experimental medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ame2.70034},
pmid = {40437776},
issn = {2576-2095},
support = {2023VPPC-R02//Open Research Project of the Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis and Infection Prevention and Control of the Ministry of Education/ ; 2022YFF0710701//National Key R&D Programs of China/ ; 2022YFF0710702//National Key R&D Programs of China/ ; 202201020381//Guangzhou Joint Fund for Key Laboratory/ ; 202206010157//Guangzhou Key Research and Development Program/ ; YXJC202204//Medical Joint Fund of Jinan University/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The maturation of the immune system is critical during early life, as it involves the differentiation, maturation, and establishment of immune tolerance of immune cells. This process is influenced not only by genetic factors but also by environmental factors, particularly the symbiotic microbiota. Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (BB-12), originally found in dairy products, is widely used in infant formula and dietary supplements. However, its role and mechanisms in immune development during early life remain unclear.

METHODS: Using GF mice as the experimental model, B. animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 was administered via gavage during early life. In the juvenile stage, changes in T-cell subsets in the spleen, thymus, and gut intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) were assessed using spectral flow cytometry. Additionally, targeted metabolomics analysis of tryptophan metabolism and short-chain fatty acid pathways in colonic tissue was conducted to explore how B. animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 influences the immune system through gut microbiota metabolism.

RESULTS: BB-12 effectively modulates the gut immune microenvironment, leading to beneficial changes in T-cell subsets in key immune tissues such as the spleen, thymus, and gut IELs. Metabolomics analysis further supports these findings by showing that BB-12 intervention greatly increased the production of tryptophan derivatives and acetic acid in the colon of GF mice.

CONCLUSION: The findings provide theoretical evidence for the role of B. animalis subsp. lactis in immune system development and support its application in dietary supplements, suggesting potential as a component for infant immune health and in preventing immune-related diseases.},
}

@article {pmid40436322,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, Q and Chu, G and Gao, C and Tian, T and Zhang, W and Chen, W and Gao, M},
title = {Effect of light intensity on performance, microbial community and metabolic pathway of algal-bacterial symbiosis in sequencing batch biofilm reactor treating mariculture wastewater.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {132726},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132726},
pmid = {40436322},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {An algal-bacterial symbiosis (ABS) system was constructed in a sequencing batch biofilm reactor for mariculture wastewater treatment, and its performance, microbial community and metabolic pathway were analyzed under different light intensities. The ammonia oxidation rate and nitrate reduction rate under 7000 Lux light intensity were higher than other light intensities. Functional microorganisms including Nitrosomonas, Nitrospira, Alterinioella, and Chlorella vulgaris were enriched under 7000 Lux. Metabolism was the primary functional pathway based on Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. Tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, nitrogen metabolism and photosynthesis pathways belonging to Metabolism were promoted under 7000 Lux light intensity. The enhancement of light intensity promoted the algal photosynthesis, TCA cycle, electron generation, and nitrogen transformation. The TCA cycle and electron generation offered energy and electron donors for nitrogen transformation. This research provides fundamental knowledge to select optimal light intensity for ABS system treating mariculture wastewater.},
}

@article {pmid40435727,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, B and Ouyang, W and Yang, J and Chen, Y and Yan, P and Fang, F and Li, Z and Guo, J},
title = {Dual stable isotope tracing the source and composition of biogenic substance in microalgae-bacteria symbiosis: What do the bacteria contribute to the microalgae bloom?.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {985},
number = {},
pages = {179732},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179732},
pmid = {40435727},
issn = {1879-1026},
abstract = {Microalgae blooms are often regarded as harmful, but during the process of microalgae blooms, there are positive ecological values that the biochemical interactions of symbiosis of microalgae and bacteria could inform new strategies for microalgae blooms management and water treatment. This study used [13]C and [15]N stable isotope labeling and elemental analysis to elucidate carbon and nitrogen metabolism and migration between microalgae and bacteria. Anabaena flos-aquae (AF) was selected as the target microalgae species to establish a symbiotic system with Brevundimonas lenta (B. lenta), Pseudomonas plecoglossicida (P. plecoglossicida) and mixed bacteria obtained from the Zhuxi River (ZX). The 14-day co-culture using sequential batch methods revealed that the synergy of AF with B. lenta and ZX enhanced carbon utilization efficiency in microalgae, with contribution rates of 9.69 % and 29.69 %, respectively, while also boosting nitrogen utilization by 17.72 % and 46.39 %, respectively. High-biodiversity bacterial communities in symbiotic systems improved carbon and nitrogen utilization while reducing CO2 emissions. Stable isotope analysis showed that symbiosis increased lighter isotope percentages in microalgae, with bacteria shifting from lighter to heavier isotopes. This study provides theoretical and experimental insights into managing microalgae blooms and water treatment by analyzing biogenic substance transport in microalgae-bacteria interactions.},
}

@article {pmid40434691,
year = {2025},
author = {Sportès, A and Hériché, M and Inès, D and Monfort-Pimet, V and Rosnoblet, C and Trouvelot, S and Wipf, D and Courty, PE},
title = {A transcriptomic perspective of P trade in mycorrhizal grapevine.},
journal = {Mycorrhiza},
volume = {35},
number = {3},
pages = {39},
pmid = {40434691},
issn = {1432-1890},
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology/genetics/metabolism ; *Vitis/microbiology/metabolism/genetics ; *Transcriptome ; Symbiosis ; *Glomeromycota/genetics/physiology ; *Phosphates/metabolism ; Plant Roots/microbiology/metabolism/genetics ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Fungi ; },
abstract = {Nutrient exchanges are a key feature of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis. Grapevine (Vitis vinifera), one of the most economically important crops worldwide, relies heavily on AM symbiosis for its growth and development. Since the phylloxera crisis, cultivated grapevines are obtained by grafting a Vitis vinifera scion onto a rootstock. In this study, we investigated the responses of the rootstock "Riparia Gloire de Montpellier" to mycorrhizal root colonization under three distinct phosphate (P) levels. We explored regulatory aspects of plant P nutrition by comparing the transcriptome profiling of non-colonized roots and roots colonized by the AM fungus Rhizophagus irregularis DAOM197198. We have shown that P availability significantly influences gene expression in both the AM fungus and the grapevine. Our transcriptomic study shed light on the molecular mechanisms that prevail during the AM symbiosis of a perennial woody plant species, with available P affecting several functional classes of proteins. The nine genes coding for Pht1 transporters in the R. irregularis genome were either down-regulated (RiPT1 and RiPT2) or up-regulated by the high-P treatment (RiPT8 and RiPT11), up-regulated by the low-P treatment (RiPT5), and regulated in a P-dose-dependent manner (RiPT9 and RiPT10). Expression of two of the three identified AM-induced Pht1, VvPT4 and VvPT8, was enhanced under mycorrhizal conditions, but finely tuned by the P treatment. To immunolocalize VvPT4 and VvPT8, we developed an innovative root-clearing protocol specifically designed for woody plants. This technological advancement has made it possible to visualize only VvPT4 at the periarbuscular membrane of mature arbuscules, its expression being strongly influenced by differences in P availability.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology/genetics/metabolism
*Vitis/microbiology/metabolism/genetics
*Transcriptome
Symbiosis
*Glomeromycota/genetics/physiology
*Phosphates/metabolism
Plant Roots/microbiology/metabolism/genetics
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
Gene Expression Profiling
Fungi

@article {pmid40434644,
year = {2025},
author = {He, B and Li, M and Guo, S and Zhu, F and Jiao, Z and Li, J and Tan, N and Jiao, S and Liu, T and Zhang, J and Fan, Y and Gao, Y and Zhou, T and Li, J and Huang, W and Jiang, L and Lin, Z and Wang, S and Xu, W},
title = {Host complement C3 promotes malaria transmission by killing symbiotic bacteria in the mosquito midgut.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {122},
number = {22},
pages = {e2424570122},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2424570122},
pmid = {40434644},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {81830067//the State Key Program of The National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82302570//MOST | National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)/ ; 82372287//MOST | National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Complement C3/metabolism/immunology ; *Anopheles/parasitology/microbiology/immunology ; Symbiosis ; Plasmodium falciparum ; *Malaria, Falciparum/transmission/parasitology/immunology ; Mice ; *Mosquito Vectors/parasitology/microbiology ; Host-Parasite Interactions ; *Malaria/transmission ; Humans ; Female ; },
abstract = {Host-derived factors ingested during mosquito blood feeding are poorly understood modulators of malaria transmission. Here, we demonstrated that host complement C3, acquired by mosquitoes during Plasmodium infection, significantly enhanced rodent malaria infection in laboratory-reared mosquitoes. This effect was recapitulated in field-caught Anopheles sinensis mosquitoes, confirming its relevance to malaria transmission in a more natural setting. Moreover, host-derived C3 significantly reduced the efficacy of anti-Pfs25 antibodies in blocking malaria transmission. Mechanistically, host-derived C3 lyses the mosquito midgut symbiont Elizabethkingia anophelis (E. anophelis)-a bacterium that intrinsically suppresses parasite development by blocking the zygote-to-ookinete transition. Strikingly, host-derived C3 in mosquitoes appears to be activated by the alternative pathway, and inhibiting Factor B with Iptacopan (LNP023) reduced Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) infection, while increased the efficacy of anti-Pfs25 antibodies to blocking P. falciparum transmission in the standard membrane-feeding assay. Therefore, this study describes a strategy of the malaria parasite to utilize host complement C3 to promote its transmission and provides us with an avenue to block malaria transmission and improve the blocking efficacy of anti-Pfs25 antibodies by the inhibition of C3 activation.},
}

Animals
*Complement C3/metabolism/immunology
*Anopheles/parasitology/microbiology/immunology
Symbiosis
Plasmodium falciparum
*Malaria, Falciparum/transmission/parasitology/immunology
Mice
*Mosquito Vectors/parasitology/microbiology
Host-Parasite Interactions
*Malaria/transmission
Humans
Female

@article {pmid40434078,
year = {2025},
author = {Weisse, L and Martin, L and Moumen, B and Héchard, Y and Delafont, V},
title = {Environmental diversity of Candidatus Babelota and their relationships with protists.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0026125},
doi = {10.1128/msystems.00261-25},
pmid = {40434078},
issn = {2379-5077},
abstract = {Ca. Babelota is a phylum of strictly intracellular bacteria whose representatives are commonly detected in various environments through metagenomics, though their presence, ecology, and biology have never been addressed so far. As a group of strict intracellular, we hypothesize that their presence, occurrence, and abundance heavily depend on their hosts, which are known as heterotrophic protists, based on few described isolates. Here, we conducted a sampling campaign allowing to characterize protists and associated bacterial communities, using high-throughput sequencing. In parallel, a systematic enrichment of protists from samples was performed to attempt characterization and isolation of new Ca. Babelota within native hosts. We found that Ca. Babelota are among the most widespread phylum among the rare ones. Protist enrichments are allowed in certain cases to enrich as well for Ca. Babelota, which could be visualized in vivo infecting protist cells. Though cosmopolitan, Ca. Babelota diversity was highly site-specific. Cooccurrence analyses allowed to retrieve well-known as well as new putative associations involving numerous protists of various trophic regimes. The combination of approaches developed in this study enhances our understanding of Ca. Babelota ecology and biology, while paving the way for future isolation of new members of this elusive phylum, which could have huge impact on protists-and ecosystems-functioning.IMPORTANCEOur understanding of microbial diversity surrounding us and colonizing the environment has been dramatically impacted by the advent of DNA-based analyses. Such progress helped shine a new light on numerous lineages of yet-to-be-characterized microbes, whose ecology and biology are basically unknown. Among those uncharacterized clades is the Candidatus Babelota, a bacterial phylum for which parasitism seems to be an ancestral trait. All known Ca. Babelota thrive by infecting phagotrophic protist hosts, thereby impacting this basal link of the trophic chain. The Ca. Babelota constitutes a model that stands out, as phylum-wide conserved parasitism has only been described in one previous occurrence for Bacteria, with the Chlamydiota. Thus, exploring the intricate interplay between Ca. Babelota and their protist hosts will advance our knowledge of bacterial diversity, their ecology, and global impact on ecosystem functioning.},
}

@article {pmid40433813,
year = {2025},
author = {Shen, Y and Yan, Y and Yin, T and Zhang, H and Zhu, H and Zhang, S and Hu, H and Wei, G and Chou, M},
title = {An isoflavone reductase-like protein MtIFL negatively regulates nodule symbiosis in Medicago truncatula.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.70251},
pmid = {40433813},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {2020ZDLNY07-09//Key Research and Development Program of Shaanxi Province/ ; 41977052//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 42377131//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; U21A2029//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2023YFD1900900//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; },
abstract = {Flavonoids are valuable metabolites produced by legumes, including Medicago truncatula, and play crucial roles in signaling communication during legume-rhizobium symbiosis. Isoflavone reductase proteins (IFRs) are involved in the biosynthesis of isoflavones and plant defense regulation. However, their role in symbiotic nitrogen fixation remains mostly elusive. Here, 13 putative IFR gene family members were identified, and an IFR-like gene named MtIFL was functionally characterized through expression patterns, phenotypic characterizations, flavonoid metabolome, and transcriptome analyses. Furthermore, the binding partner of MtIFL was investigated using Y1H, EMSA, and Dual-LUC assays. MtIFL was strongly induced in the process of nodule development and expressed in the meristem and infection zone of mature nodules. Knockout of MtIFL promoted nodulation, while overexpression of MtIFL induced premature senescence of nodules. Further investigations revealed that MtIFL negatively regulates nitrogen-fixing symbiosis by mediating isoflavone metabolism, and MtNIN regulates MtIFL expression by binding to the hNRE motif. Overall, our findings suggest that MtIFL negatively regulates nodule formation, thereby influencing the survival of rhizobia in nodule cells. MtNIN regulates MtIFL expression and may play a role in isoflavone metabolism. These results provide novel insights into the function of IFRs in symbiotic nodulation and the role of flavonoids in nodule development.},
}

@article {pmid40433782,
year = {2025},
author = {Jung, M and Lee, DH},
title = {Effects of gut symbiotic bacteria, Caballeronia insecticola, on reproductive capacity and mating behaviors of insect host, Riptortus pedestris (Hemiptera: Alydidae).},
journal = {Environmental entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ee/nvaf052},
pmid = {40433782},
issn = {1938-2936},
support = {//National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF)/ ; 2021R1A2C1010679//Korea government (MSIT)/ ; //Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF)/ ; RS-2023-00246911//Ministry of Education/ ; },
abstract = {This study addresses how gut symbiont, Caballeronia insecticola, could change reproductive capacity, mating behaviors, and copulation success of host insect, Riptortus pedestris (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Alydidae). First, we evaluated symbiotic effects on the female reproductive capacity with varying numbers of males available to a female. Overall, symbiotic females displayed on average a 1.8-fold increase in egg production compared to aposymbiotic individuals. However, eggs from symbiotic females were on average 42% less viable, compared to those from the aposymbiotic, when paired with single male. The decrease in the hatchability was alleviated to 12% when paired with 3 males. Consequently, this yielded significant increase in the number of viable offspring by symbiotic females when multiple males were available. Second, we evaluated symbiotic effects on male morphometric characteristics including hind legs used as weapon, and found significant increases in hind leg sizes associated with symbiosis. Finally, we investigated mating behaviors between a female and 2 males of different symbiotic status. Symbiotic females displayed on average a 1.4-fold increase in the number of copulations compared to the aposymbiotic. From both female types, however, no significant difference was observed in their mate choice and copulation success rate between aposymbiotic and symbiotic males. However, symbiotic females exhibited on average 17% reduction in copulation duration compared to the aposymbiotic. Copulation failure was caused more frequently by female's rejection than by intruder male's disruption for both female types. Our study demonstrates that symbiotic females benefit from the symbiosis increasing their reproductive capacity and copulation frequency.},
}

@article {pmid40433667,
year = {2025},
author = {Murcia-Flores, L and Sánchez-García, A and Pecci-Lloret, MP and Rodríguez-Lozano, FJ},
title = {Association between oral dysbiosis and Parkinson's disease: a systematic review.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1564362},
pmid = {40433667},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {Humans ; *Parkinson Disease/microbiology/etiology ; *Dysbiosis/complications/microbiology ; *Mouth/microbiology ; Microbiota ; Bacteria/classification/isolation & purification/genetics ; Case-Control Studies ; Risk Factors ; },
abstract = {UNLABELLED: The oral cavity serves as the gateway to the human organism, hosting a diverse community of microorganisms that coexist in a state of symbiosis. Disruption of this balance leads to oral dysbiosis, a condition associated with infections and oral pathologies, which may contribute to the etiopathogenesis of systemic disorders such as Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative movement disorder characterized by resting tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia. While oral dysbiosis is recognized as a risk factor and an aggravating element for Parkinson's disease, it is not regarded as a direct cause. This systematic review aims to synthesize existing research exploring the potential relationship between oral dysbiosis and the development of Parkinson's disease. Following a comprehensive analysis, 12 studies were selected, comprising 11 case-control studies and one observational analytical study. These studies investigated the composition of oral microbiota in different sample groups, revealing a higher abundance of pathogenic oral bacteria in individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The findings suggest that oral dysbiosis may influence both the onset of Parkinson's disease and the progression of symptoms such as cognitive decline. These results pave the way for future research, particularly regarding alterations in oral microbiota as potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and disease monitoring.

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42024540056.},
}

Humans
*Parkinson Disease/microbiology/etiology
*Dysbiosis/complications/microbiology
*Mouth/microbiology
Microbiota
Bacteria/classification/isolation & purification/genetics
Case-Control Studies
Risk Factors

@article {pmid40433445,
year = {2025},
author = {Park, JS and Kim, J and Kim, Y and Kim, KH and Kwak, W and Kim, I},
title = {Whole Genome Sequences of Cryptotympana atrata Fabricius, 1775 (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) in the Korean Peninsula: Insights into Population Structure with Novel Pathogenic Or Symbiotic Candidates.},
journal = {Current genomics},
volume = {26},
number = {2},
pages = {118-128},
pmid = {40433445},
issn = {1389-2029},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The blackish cicada (Cryptotympana atrata) exhibits unique characteristics and is one of the model cicadas found in the Korean Peninsula. It is a species of southern origin, prefers high temperatures, and is listed as a climate-sensitive indicator species in South Korea. Therefore, this species can be utilized to study the impact of climate change on the genetic diversity and structure of populations. However, research on the genome of C. atrata is limited.

METHODS: We sequenced the genome of an individual collected from South Korea and constructed a draft genome. Additionally, we collected ten specimens from each of the five regions in South Korea and identified single nucleotide variants (SNVs) for population genetic analysis. The sequencing library was constructed using the MGIEasy DNA Library Prep Kit and sequenced using the MGISEQ-2000 platform with 150-bp paired-end reads.

RESULTS: The draft genome of C. atrata was approximately 5.0 Gb or 5.2 Gb, making it one of the largest genomes among insects. Population genetic analysis, which was conducted on four populations in South Korea, including both previously distributed and newly expanded regions, showed that Jeju Island, a remote southern island with the highest average temperature, formed an independent genetic group. However, there were no notable genetic differences among the inland populations selected based on varying average temperatures, indicating that the current population genetic composition on the Korean Peninsula is more reflective of biogeographic history rather than climate-induced genetic structures. Additionally, we unexpectedly observed that most individuals of C. atrata collected in a specific locality were infected with microbes not commonly found in insects, necessitating further research on the pathogens within C. atrata.

CONCLUSION: This study introduces the draft genome of C. atrata, a climate-sensitive indicator species in South Korea. Population analysis results indicate that the current genetic structure of C. atrata is driven by biogeographic history rather than just climate. The prevalence of widespread pathogen infections raises concerns about their impact on C. atrata. Considering the scarcity of publicly available genomic resources related to the family Cicadidae, this draft genome and population data of C. atrata are expected to serve as a valuable resource for various studies utilizing cicada genomes.},
}

@article {pmid40431287,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhong, J and Ran, Q and Han, Y and Gan, L and Dong, C},
title = {Biosynthetic Mechanisms of Plant Chlorogenic Acid from a Microbiological Perspective.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {40431287},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {32360029//the National Science Foundation of China/ ; 32400111//the National Science Foundation of China/ ; Qiankehe Foundation-ZK (2024) General 091//he Guizhou Provincial Basic Research Program (Natural Science)/ ; },
abstract = {Chlorogenic acid (CGA), a phenolic compound with diverse bioactivities, plays a crucial role in plant defense mechanisms and has significant therapeutic potential in human inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases. The biosynthesis and accumulation of CGA in plants result from a complex interplay between internal factors (e.g., hormones, enzymes, and genes) and external factors (e.g., microbial interactions, drought, and temperature fluctuations). This review systematically investigates the influence of microbes on internal regulatory factors governing CGA biosynthesis in plants. CGA is synthesized through four distinct metabolic pathways, with hormones, enzymes, and genes as key regulators. Notably, microbes enhance CGA biosynthesis by improving plant nutrient uptake, supplying essential hormones, regulating the expression of related enzymes and genes, and the interaction between bacteria and fungi. In addition, our review summarizes the challenges currently present in the research and proposes a series of innovative strategies. These include in-depth investigations into the molecular mechanisms of microbial regulation of plant gene expression, gene editing, development of microbial inoculants, construction of synthetic microbial communities, and exogenous application of plant hormones.},
}

@article {pmid40431268,
year = {2025},
author = {Jimbo, M and Kuniya, N and Fujimaki, Y and Yoshikawa, D and Kamiya, N and Amano, H and Yasumoto, K and Yuyama, I and Suzuki, G and Harii, S},
title = {A Lectin AtTL-2 Obtained from Acropora aff. tenuis Induced Stimualation of Phagocytosis of Symbiodiniaceae.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {40431268},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {21H04742//the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan/ ; 19K06240//the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan/ ; },
abstract = {The coral Acropora aff. tenuis selectively acquired various zooxanthella (Symbiodiniaceae) strains, and one of the selective factors was lectins. The A. aff. tenuis lectin AtTL-2 was identified as a factor for Symbiodiniaceae acquisition by the coral, but the mechanism is not fully known. The acquisition process involves three steps: chemotaxis, entry into the coral, and phagocytosis. In this study, we examined the function of AtTL-2 in more detail. Immunohistochemistry analysis was performed to examine the distribution of AtTL-2. The effect of AtTL-2 on the number of Symbiodiniaceae acquired was measured in A. aff. tenuis juvenile polyps with and without AtTL-2 siRNA treatment. The effect of AtTL-2 fixation was examined by monitoring the acquisition of AtTL-2-fixed beads by A. aff. tenuis. AtTL-2 was distributed in nematocysts, spirocysts, and around Symbiodiniaceae. AtTL-2 siRNA inhibited the acquisition of Symbiodiniaceae by juvenile polyps. Fixation of AtTL-2 promoted bead acquisition by juvenile polyps more than fixation of bovine serum albumin (BSA). Moreover, more AtTL-2-fixed beads were bound to the Symbiodiniaceae-enclosed cells than BSA-fixed beads. AtTL-2 is released from spirocysts and binds to Symbiodiniaceae. AtTL-2 then promotes the phagocytosis of Symbiodiniaceae by gastrodermal cells of A. aff. tenuis.},
}

@article {pmid40431236,
year = {2025},
author = {Peng, C and Li, Y and Yu, H and He, H and Cheng, Y and Sun, S and Liu, J},
title = {Synergistic Recruitment of Symbiotic Fungi by Potting and Scleroderma bovista Inoculation Suppresses Pathogens in Hazel Rhizosphere Microbiomes.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {40431236},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {32171840//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {This study explored how potted treatments (with and without Scleroderma bovista inoculation) shape rhizosphere microbial diversity in hazel across five soils using split-root cultivation. Three treatments (control, split-root, split-root with S. bovista) were analyzed for root growth and microbial dynamics. S. bovista inoculation consistently enhanced root parameters (number, tips) in all soils. Potted treatments (with and without S. bovista inoculation) altered microbial features (OTU/ASV), with only 0.9-3.3% of features remaining unchanged. At the class level, potting increased Agaricomycetes abundance while reducing Sordariomycetes, a trend amplified by S. bovista. Potting decreased species richness estimates (ACE and Chao1), while both treatments lowered diversity index (Shannon index). Potted treatments without S. bovista inoculation drove stronger shifts in species composition than inoculation. Findings reveal potting and S. bovista synergistically recruit symbiotic fungi via root exudates, establishing disease-suppressive communities that selectively inhibit pathotrophic fungi (particularly plant pathogen Coniothyrium and fungal parasite Cladobotryum) while roughly maintaining non-pathogenic saprotrophic microbes essential for organic matter decomposition. This work provides insights for optimizing hazel orchard management and ectomycorrhizal agent development.},
}

@article {pmid40431163,
year = {2025},
author = {Fujishima, M},
title = {Infection with the Endonuclear Symbiotic Bacterium Holospora obtusa Reversibly Alters Surface Antigen Expression of the Host Paramecium caudatum.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {40431163},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {11694211//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 12206066//Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology/ ; },
abstract = {It is known that the ciliate Paramecium cell surface including cilia is completely covered by high-molecular-mass GPI-anchored proteins named surface antigens (SAgs). However, their functions are not well understood. It was found that ciliate Paramecium caudatum reversibly changes its SAgs depending on the absence or presence of the endonuclear symbiotic bacterium Holospora obtusa in the macronucleus. Immunofluorescence microscopy with a monoclonal antibody produced SAg of the H. obtusa-free P. caudatum strain RB-1-labeled cell surface of the H. obtusa-free P. caudatum RB-1 cell but not the H. obtusa-bearing RB-1 cell. When this antibody was added to the living P. caudatum RB-1 cells, only H. obtusa-free cells were immobilized. An immunoblot with SAgs extracted from Paramecium via cold salt/ethanol treatment showed approximately 266-kDa SAgs in the extract from H. obtusa-free cells and 188 and 149-kDa SAgs in the extract from H. obtusa-bearing cells. H. obtusa-free RB-1 cells produced from H. obtusa-bearing cells via treatment with penicillin-G-potassium re-expressed 266-kDa SAg, while the 188 and 149-kDa SAgs disappeared. This phenotypic change in the SAgs was not induced by degrees of starvation or temperature shifts. These results definitively show that Paramecium SAgs have functions related to bacterial infection.},
}

@article {pmid40431145,
year = {2025},
author = {Jiang, K and Ye, L and Cao, C and Che, G and Wang, Y and Hong, Y},
title = {Multi-Metagenome Analysis Unravels Community Collapse After Sampling and Hints the Cultivation Strategy of CPR Bacteria in Groundwater.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {40431145},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {32360005//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2022JBQN091//Fundamental Research Funds for the Inner Mongolia Normal University/ ; 2022JBTD010//Fundamental Research Funds for the Inner Mongolia Normal University/ ; },
abstract = {Groundwater harbors phylogenetically diverse Candidate Phyla Radiation (CPR) bacteria, representing an ideal ecosystem for studying this microbial dark matter. However, no CPR strains have been successfully isolated from groundwater, severely limiting further research. This study employed a multi-metagenome approach, integrating time-resolved sampling, antibiotic/nutrient interventions, and microbial correlation networks to unravel CPR ecological roles in groundwater and provide insights into their subsequent cultivation. Through 36 metagenomes from a groundwater system containing at least 68 CPR phyla, we revealed the time-sensitive collapse of CPR communities: total abundance plummeted from 7.9% to 0.15% within 48 h post-sampling, driven by competition with rapidly dividing non-CPR bacteria, such as members of Pseudomonadota. Ampicillin (100 mg/L) stabilized CPR communities by suppressing competitors, whereas low-nutrient conditions paradoxically reversed this effect. Long-term enrichment (14 months) recovered 63 CPR phyla (0.35% abundance), revealing their survival resilience despite nutrient deprivation. Correlation networks prioritized Actinomyces, a novel Acidimicrobiaceae genus, Aestuariivirga, Baekduia and Caedimonadaceae as potential CPR partners, providing actionable targets for co-culture trials. Here, we propose actionable recommendations spanning groundwater sampling, activation status, identification of CPR symbiotic partners, and optimization of culture conditions, which bypass traditional blind cultivation and are critical for future efforts to cultivate CPR bacterial strains from groundwater. Cultivating CPR bacteria will contribute to clarifying their diversity, ecological roles, evolutionary mechanisms, metabolic pathways, and genetic potential.},
}

@article {pmid40431144,
year = {2025},
author = {Lv, C and Meng, T and Zhong, B and Shang, Z and Li, C and Zahra, AA and Abdelrahman, TM},
title = {Pathogenicity of Steinernema carpocapsae ALL Entomopathogenic Nematodes and Their Symbiotic Bacteria as a Biological Control Agent on Red Palm Weevil.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {40431144},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {2023YFD2200704//the National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; },
abstract = {Insect-specific pathogens present a sustainable alternative to pesticides for managing the red palm weevil (RPW). This study assessed the efficacy of Steinernema carpocapsae ALL nematodes and their symbiotic bacteria against the third-instar larvae and adults of RPW under laboratory conditions. The symbiotic bacteria were isolated, morphologically characterized, and genetically identified. The results indicated that the mortality rates of RPW larvae treated with S. carpocapsae exceeded 50% in all treatments at 120 h, reaching 93.33% at a concentration of 250 IJs/mL. The morphology of isolated symbiotic bacterium from S. carpocapsae on NBTA medium exhibited a light green color with a glossy surface, a raised center, and a mucilaginous texture. A novel strain of symbiotic bacterium was identified and named as LZ-G7. The bacteria toxicity on RPW adults showed a notable mortality rate of 66.67% at 48 h after feeding with concentration of 10 × 10[7] CFU/mL. The mortality rate of the third-instar larvae of RPW reached 83.33% after feeding with 0.30 × 10[8] CFU/g at 96 h and 93.33% after injection into blood cavity with 8 × 10[6] CFU at 48 h. These results suggest that S. carpocapsae and a novel symbiotic bacterium strain exhibit strong virulence against RPW and have the potential to serve as effective biological control agents in integrated pest management strategies.},
}

@article {pmid40431132,
year = {2025},
author = {Xue, Q and Liu, J and Cao, Y and Wei, Y},
title = {Host Lifeform Shapes Phyllospheric Microbiome Assembly in Mountain Lake: Deterministic Selection and Stochastic Colonization Dynamics.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms13050960},
pmid = {40431132},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {U23A20157//Key Project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China Joint Fund for Regional Innovation and Development/ ; 202304041101020//Key Cooperation Project of National Science and Technology in Shanxi Province/ ; },
abstract = {The phyllosphere microbiome of aquatic macrophytes constitutes an integral component of freshwater ecosystems, serving crucial functions in global biogeochemical cycling and anthropogenic pollutant remediation. In this study, we examined the assembly mechanisms of epiphytic bacterial communities across four phylogenetically diverse macrophyte species (Scirpus validus, Hippuris vulgaris, Nymphoides peltatum, and Myriophyllum spicatum) inhabiting Ningwu Mayinghai Lake (38.87° N, 112.20° E), a vulnerable subalpine freshwater system in Shanxi Province, China. Through 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, we demonstrate marked phyllospheric microbiome divergence, as follows: Gammaproteobacteria dominated S. validus, H. vulgaris and N. peltatum, while Alphaproteobacteria dominated in M. spicatum. The nitrate, nitrite, and pH value of water bodies and the chlorophyll, leaf nitrogen, and carbon contents of plant leaves are the main driving forces affecting the changes in the β-diversity of epiphytic bacterial communities of four plant species. The partitioning of assembly processes revealed that deterministic dominance governed S. validus and M. spicatum, where niche-based selection contributed 67.5% and 100% to community assembly, respectively. Conversely, stochastic processes explained 100% of the variability in H. vulgaris and N. peltatum microbiomes, predominantly mediated by dispersal limitation and ecological drift. This investigation advances the understanding of microbial community structural dynamics and diversity stabilization strategies in aquatic macrophyte-associated microbiomes, while establishing conceptual frameworks between plant-microbe symbiosis and the ecological homeostasis mechanisms within vulnerable subalpine freshwater ecosystems. The empirical references derived from these findings offer novel perspectives for developing conservation strategies aimed at sustaining biodiversity equilibrium in high-altitude lake habitats, particularly in the climatically sensitive regions of north-central China.},
}

@article {pmid40431003,
year = {2025},
author = {Xie, K and Wang, G and Ni, Y and Shi, M and Sun, L and Cheng, B and Li, X},
title = {ZmHPAT2 Regulates Maize Growth and Development and Mycorrhizal Symbiosis.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {10},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants14101438},
pmid = {40431003},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {No. U21A20235//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Hydroxyproline O-arabinosyltransferase (HPAT), a critical enzyme in plant glycosylation pathways, catalyzes the transfer of arabinose to the hydroxyl group of hydroxyproline residues. This enzyme contains a canonical GT95 glycosyltransferase, a structural hallmark of this carbohydrate-active enzyme family. HPAT mediates arabinosylation of diverse cellular targets, including cell wall extension and small signaling peptides. Emerging evidence has shown that HPAT orthologs regulate plant development and symbiotic interactions through post-translational modification of CLV1/LRR Extracellular (CLE) peptides. Although the molecular functions of HPAT genes have been characterized in model plants such as Arabidopsis thaliana and Lotus japonicus, their roles remain unexplored in Zea mays L. In this study, we used ZmHPAT2 homozygous mutants to explore the function of the maize HPAT gene. Sequence analysis identified a N-terminal signal peptide targeting the Golgi apparatus and promoter elements responsive to AM fungal colonization. Phenotypic analysis revealed its negative regulatory role: zmhpat2 promotes vegetative growth (increased plant height and accelerated flowering) and enhances AM symbiosis (increased colonization rate). Mechanistic studies demonstrated that ZmHPAT2 possesses dual regulatory functions-the activation of auxin signaling and repression of ZmMYB1-mediated arbuscular degradation pathways. In addition, overexpression of ZmHPAT2 in Lotus japonicus inhibits growth (reduced plant height) and impairs symbiotic interactions. Our findings establish ZmHPAT2 as a critical node to regulate auxin and symbiotic signaling, providing novel insights into plant glycosylation-mediated development. This work not only advances our understanding of maize growth regulation but also identifies potential targets for crop improvement through arabinosylation pathway manipulation.},
}

@article {pmid40429958,
year = {2025},
author = {San-Martin, MI and Chamizo-Ampudia, A and Sanchiz, Á and Ferrero, MÁ and Martínez-Blanco, H and Rodríguez-Aparicio, LB and Navasa, N},
title = {Microbiome Markers in Gastrointestinal Disorders: Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Colorectal Cancer, and Celiac Disease.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {26},
number = {10},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms26104818},
pmid = {40429958},
issn = {1422-0067},
mesh = {Humans ; *Celiac Disease/microbiology/metabolism ; *Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/microbiology/metabolism ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Biomarkers/metabolism ; *Colorectal Neoplasms/microbiology/metabolism ; Animals ; Metagenomics/methods ; },
abstract = {Intestinal microbiota and the host's immune system form a symbiotic alliance that sustains normal development and function in the human gut. Changes such as dietary habits among societies in developed countries have led to the development of unbalanced microbial populations in the gut, likely contributing to the dramatic increase in inflammatory diseases in the last few decades. Recent advances in DNA sequencing technologies have tremendously helped to characterize the microbiome associated with disease, both in identifying global alterations and discovering specific biomarkers that potentially contribute to disease pathogenesis, as evidenced by animal studies. Beyond bacterial alterations, non-bacterial components such as fungi, viruses, and microbial metabolites have been implicated in these diseases, influencing immune responses and gut homeostasis. Multi-omics approaches integrating metagenomics, metabolomics, and transcriptomics offer a more comprehensive understanding of the microbiome's role in disease pathogenesis, paving the way for innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Unraveling the metagenomic profiles associated with disease may facilitate earlier diagnosis and intervention, as well as the development of more personalized and effective therapeutic strategies. This review synthesizes recent and relevant microbiome research studies aimed at characterizing the microbial signatures associated with inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, and celiac disease.},
}

Humans
*Celiac Disease/microbiology/metabolism
*Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/microbiology/metabolism
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Biomarkers/metabolism
*Colorectal Neoplasms/microbiology/metabolism
Animals
Metagenomics/methods

@article {pmid40429241,
year = {2025},
author = {Civolani, S and Bariselli, M and Osti, R and Bernacchia, G},
title = {Insect Pest Control from Chemical to Biotechnological Approach: Constrains and Challenges.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16050528},
pmid = {40429241},
issn = {2075-4450},
abstract = {The large growth in the global population requires new solutions for the control of harmful insects that compete for our food. Changing regulatory requirements and public perception, together with the continuous evolution of resistance to conventional insecticides, also require, in addition to innovative molecules with different modes of action, new non-chemical control strategies that can help maintain efficient integrated pest management programs. The last 30 years have inaugurated a new era characterised by the discovery of new mechanisms of action and new chemical families. Although European programs also promote a green deal in the crop protection sector, the existing thorough regulations slow down its spread and the adoption of new products. In light of these changes, this review will describe in more detail the dynamics of discovery and registration of new conventional insecticides and the difficulties that the agrochemical industries encounter. Subsequently, the different innovative control strategies alternative to conventional insecticides based on natural substances of different origin, entomopathogenic microorganisms, semiochemical and semiophysical compounds, and classical and augmentative biological control will be described. The advantages of these green strategies will be illustrated and also the constrains to their diffusion and commercialisation. Finally, the main biotechnological discoveries will be described, from transgenic plants to symbiotic control, classical genetic control, and, more recently, control based on insect genomic transformation or on RNAi. These new biotechnologies can revolutionise the sector despite some constrains related to the regulatory restrictions present in different countries.},
}

@article {pmid40427643,
year = {2025},
author = {Rybalka, D and Brygadyrenko, V},
title = {Effects of Toxic Organic Compounds on Tenebrio molitor and Its Parasite Gregarina steini.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {14},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biology14050453},
pmid = {40427643},
issn = {2079-7737},
abstract = {Environmental pollution by toxic compounds affects various species of living organisms, their life cycles, and symbiotic relationships. This study investigated the host-parasite relationship between Tenebrio molitor Linnaeus, 1758 (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae) and Gregarina steini Berthold, 1827 (Eugregarinorida, Gregarinida) under exposure to aniline, formaldehyde, and o-xylene at different concentrations. For laboratory studies, 480 larvae of T. molitor and five concentrations of the studied organic compounds were used. Groups of T. molitor, each consisting of ten individuals, were subjected to the tested compounds for 10 days following the initial weight measurement. We measured the body weight and survival rate of T. molitor and the number of G. steini in them to assess the impact of the tested organic compounds on the host-parasite relationship. For all the compounds studied, a decrease in body weight and high mortality were observed in T. molitor at high concentrations. The lethality of the studied organic compounds was concentration-dependent. o-Xylene showed low toxicity at lower concentrations (10.4 and 26.0 mg/kg of feed), with a survival rate of 93.3% and 86.7%, respectively. At a concentration of 10.4 mg/kg, no lethal cases in T. molitor were observed. At higher concentrations (78 and 104 mg/kg feed), T. molitor mortality significantly increased to 33.3% and 53.3%, respectively.},
}

@article {pmid40425087,
year = {2025},
author = {Xie, J and Lu, P},
title = {Cytochrome P450s from the fungal symbiont of Sirex noctilio, Amylostereum areolatum: characterization, sequence analysis and their response to host terpenoids.},
journal = {Gene},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {149593},
doi = {10.1016/j.gene.2025.149593},
pmid = {40425087},
issn = {1879-0038},
abstract = {Amylostereum areolatum is the main symbiotic fungus of woodwasp (Sirex noctilio) and is an active participant in the large-scale death of Pinus sylvestris. Woodwasps and associated fungi resort to active detoxification mechanisms to overcome the toxicity of host defence chemicals, which consist of a multitude of monoterpenes and diterpenes. Since cytochrome P450 (CYP) is considered to have extensive detoxification capabilities in fungi, 35 CYP genes were identified from A. areolatum by Iso-Seq. Moreover, we analysed the transcriptional levels of 11 chosen CYPs in the mycelia of fungi grown on different carbon sources or sprayed with different terpene mixtures or extracts to explore the relationship between CYPs and utilization of terpenoids or the detoxification capabilities for terpenoids. Molecular modeling and docking were also employed to predict the interaction between the P450 protein structure and substrate. The results showed that the 35 CYPs of A. areolatum belong to 22 families and 12 clans, and all had the typical P450 conserved domains. RT-qPCR revealed that most CYPs were down-regulated with monoterpenes as the sole carbon source and up-regulated with diterpenes. CYPs were induced after spraying with xylem extract, and venom can increase the expression levels of CYPs. Molecular docking predicted that three P450 proteins (CYP5037BM3, CYP5144KC1, and CYP5152T1) bind tightly to diterpenes through hydrogen bonds and π-alkyl interactions, they have a higher binding affinity for diterpenes than for monoterpenes, suggesting that they may preferentially metabolize diterpenes. This indicates that A. areolatum regulates the expression levels of key P450 enzymes through a special response pattern to reduce the toxicity of the chemical defence of the host on itself and its symbiotic insect, Sirex noctilio.},
}

@article {pmid40425050,
year = {2025},
author = {Atanasković, I and Nedeljković, M and Lozo, J},
title = {Beyond pathogenicity: the immunomodulatory role of the type III secretion system in beneficial plant-microbe interactions.},
journal = {Open biology},
volume = {15},
number = {5},
pages = {240318},
doi = {10.1098/rsob.240318},
pmid = {40425050},
issn = {2046-2441},
support = {CRP/SRB23-04_EC//International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology/ ; 451-03-137/2025-03/200178, 451-03-136/2025-03/200178//Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation of the Republic of Serbia/ ; },
mesh = {*Type III Secretion Systems/metabolism/immunology ; *Plants/microbiology/immunology ; Symbiosis ; Plant Immunity ; *Bacteria/pathogenicity/metabolism/immunology ; *Host-Pathogen Interactions/immunology ; Virulence ; Plant Diseases/microbiology/immunology ; },
abstract = {The type III secretion system (T3SS) has traditionally been studied for its role in bacterial virulence. However, recent research emphasizes its dual role in beneficial interactions between bacteria and plants. This review examines the immunomodulatory functions of T3SS beyond pathogenicity and focuses on how T3SS effectors manipulate plant immune responses to promote symbioses. By comparing T3SS mechanisms in pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria, we aim to understand how this system enables beneficial microbes to colonize plants and improve plant growth and stress resilience. We also investigate the potential of T3SS to trigger induced systemic resistance in plants, a mechanism that could be utilized in agriculture to improve crop resistance to pathogens. The review concludes with an outlook on future research and emphasizes the need for comprehensive studies on T3SS effectors in non-pathogenic bacteria and their interactions with plant hosts.},
}

*Type III Secretion Systems/metabolism/immunology
*Plants/microbiology/immunology
Symbiosis
Plant Immunity
*Bacteria/pathogenicity/metabolism/immunology
*Host-Pathogen Interactions/immunology
Virulence
Plant Diseases/microbiology/immunology

@article {pmid40424976,
year = {2025},
author = {Cabric, V and Brown, CC},
title = {Thetis cells: regulators of intestinal immune tolerance.},
journal = {Current opinion in immunology},
volume = {95},
number = {},
pages = {102570},
doi = {10.1016/j.coi.2025.102570},
pmid = {40424976},
issn = {1879-0372},
abstract = {Our body's mucosal surfaces interface with the external environment and are potential sites of entry for pathogens as well as noxious substances. Yet, these barrier sites are also colonized with symbiotic microbes and are in contact with harmless environmental antigens. Different barrier epithelia harbor distinct microbial communities that shape both the epithelial layer and local immune cells that maintain tissue homeostasis and tolerance to symbiotic microbes. This seemingly paradoxical peaceful co-existence of immune cells and microbes has fascinated immunologists for decades: how does the immune system balance inflammatory and tolerogenic responses? The mechanisms underlying peripheral immune tolerance to harmless foreign antigens have been most widely studied within the intestine, where the immune system must establish and maintain tolerance to harmless food and commensal antigens. Dysregulated immune responses to these antigens are linked to several human diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, and food allergy. Understanding the cellular and molecular cues that promote intestinal immune tolerance is key to the development of effective therapeutic strategies for these pathologies. Here, we review recent insights into mechanisms of intestinal tolerance with a focus on recently identified RORγt[+] antigen-presenting cells.},
}

@article {pmid40423953,
year = {2025},
author = {Sun, YP and Zhao, MW and Shi, L},
title = {The orchestration of ectomycorrhizal symbiosis: a review of fungal-produced symbiotic regulators and their functions.},
journal = {Mycologia},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-13},
doi = {10.1080/00275514.2025.2499439},
pmid = {40423953},
issn = {1557-2536},
abstract = {Ectomycorrhiza is a mutualistic symbiotic association formed between fungi and plants, which enhances the host plant's stress resistance and promotes plant growth. It plays an important role in forest ecosystems. A plethora of symbiotically active regulatory molecules are secreted throughout the continuum of ectomycorrhizal development, encompassing the period before physical contact between the fungi and their host plant roots to the maturation of the ectomycorrhizal symbiosis. However, our understanding of these substances is still limited. In recent years, as research in this field has deepened, several studies have documented that fungi release symbiotic regulatory substances, including fungal-derived plant hormones and small secreted proteins, which participate in the regulation of mycorrhizal formation. This article, from a fungal perspective, elaborates on the symbiotic regulatory substances secreted by ectomycorrhizal fungi into the surrounding environment or within the host plant. It further discusses the role of these substances in establishing symbiotic relationships with plants, aiming to offer novel insights for researchers in this field.},
}

@article {pmid40422717,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, L and Fu, N and Wang, M and Zhan, Z and Luo, Y and Wu, J and Ren, L},
title = {Integrative Transcriptome and Metabolome Analysis Reveals Candidate Genes Related to Terpenoid Synthesis in Amylostereum areolatum (Russulales: Amylostereaceae).},
journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {11},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {40422717},
issn = {2309-608X},
support = {2022YFD1401000//National Key Research & Development Program of China/ ; },
abstract = {Amylostereum areolatum (Chaillet ex Fr.) Boidin (Russulales: Amylostereaceae) is a symbiotic fungus of Sirex noctilio Fabricius that has ecological significance. Terpenoids are key mediators in fungal-insect interactions, yet the biosynthetic mechanisms of terpenoids in this species remain unclear. Under nutritional conditions that mimic natural growth, A. areolatum was sampled during the lag phase (day 7), exponential phase (day 14), and stationary phase (day 21). Metabolome (solid-phase microextraction (SPME) combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)) and transcriptome (Illumina NovaSeq) profiles were integrated to investigate terpenoid-gene correlations. This analysis identified 103 terpenoids in A. areolatum, substantially expanding the known repertoire of terpenoid compounds in this species. Total terpenoid abundance progressively increased across three developmental stages, with triterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids demonstrating the highest diversity and abundance levels. Transcriptomic profiling (61.66 Gb clean data) revealed 26 terpenoid biosynthesis-associated genes, establishing a comprehensive transcriptional framework for fungal terpenoid metabolism. Among 11 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (|log2Fold Change| ≥ 1, adjusted p < 0.05), HMGS1, HMGR2, and AaTPS1-3 emerged as key regulators potentially governing terpenoid biosynthesis. These findings provide foundational insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying terpenoid production in A. areolatum and related basidiomycetes.},
}

@article {pmid40422709,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, Q and Yang, W and Wang, M and Chen, J and Zhang, Z and Wei, Y and Chang, Q and Gong, M},
title = {Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Molecular Mechanisms for Mycorrhiza-Enhanced Drought Tolerance in Maize by Regulating the Ca[2+] Signaling Pathway.},
journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {11},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {40422709},
issn = {2309-608X},
support = {31870093//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 31800096//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 242300420144//Natural Science Foundation of Henan Province/ ; 242102110158//Henan Province Science and Technology Research/ ; 252102110148//Henan Province Science and Technology Research/ ; },
abstract = {With the continuous change of climate, drought stress has emerged as the primary constraint on crop growth, posing a significant threat to the stability of global grain reserves. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), as a kind of widely distributed root endophytes, enhance the drought tolerance of maize (Zea mays L.) through regulating the physiological and molecular responses. However, comprehensive transcriptome analysis to reveal the molecular mechanism of drought tolerance in the symbiotic process between AMF and maize is still limited. In the potted plant experiment, maizes inoculated with and without arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Funneliformis mosseae were grown under well-watered (WW) or drought-stressed (DS) conditions. By using RNA-Seq and transcriptome analysis on maize roots and leaves, this work aimed to investigate the differential expressed genes (DEGs) related to the Ca[2+] signaling pathway induced by AMF symbiosis under drought stress. Our findings indicated that F. mosseae inoculation resulted in a decrease in the net fluxes of Ca[2+], while simultaneously elevating Ca[2+] contents in the maize roots and leaves under well-watered or drought-stressed conditions. Notably, 189 DEGs were regulated not only by AMF symbiosis and drought stress, but also exhibited preferential expression in either leaves or roots. The annotation and enrichment of Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) showed that most of the DEGs were significantly enriched in Ca[2+] signaling pathway genes, related to signal transduction, cellular process, and defense response. A high number of DEGs with this function (including calcineurin B-like protein (CBL), CBL-interacting protein kinase (CIPK), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and calcium-dependent protein kinase (CDPK) receptor kinases) were upregulated-DEGs or downregulated-DEGs in F. mosseae-inoculated maizes under drought stress. Furthermore, some DEGs belong to transcription factor (TF) families, including bHLH ERF, and, MYB, were speculated to play key roles in improving the drought tolerance of maize. Based on the expression data and co-expression analysis between TF and Ca[2+] signaling pathway genes, Whirly1 with CBL11, and BRI1-EMS-SUPPRESSOR 1 (BES1) with CBL10, CIPK24, CDPK1, CDPK14, CDPK19, and MAPK9 genes showed significant positive correlations, while B3 domain-containing transcription factors (B3 TFs) with MAPK1 and both CBL9 genes showed significant negative correlations in response to both F. mosseae inoculation and drought stress. The regulation of Ca[2+] signaling pathways by AMF symbiosis was an important response mechanism of maize to improve their drought resistance. This study provides insightful perspectives on how AMF-induced modulation of gene expression within the Ca[2+] signaling pathway can enhance the drought tolerance of mycorrhizal maize in the future.},
}

@article {pmid40422674,
year = {2025},
author = {Xie, K and Ni, Y and Bai, L and Zhai, Y and Zhou, W and Cheng, B and Li, X},
title = {Functional Characterization of Ammonium Transporter LjAMT2;4 During Lotus japonicus Symbiosis with Rhizobia and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi.},
journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {11},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {40422674},
issn = {2309-608X},
support = {U21A20235//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; S202310364181//College Students ' Innovation Program of Anhui Province/ ; },
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and rhizobia are important symbiotic microorganisms in soil, which can symbiose with legumes to form mycorrhizal symbionts and nodules, respectively. Once a stable symbiotic relationship is established, these microorganisms have been found to enhance nitrogen absorption by legumes. Although plants can directly utilize ammonium through ammonium transporters (AMTs), there is limited research on the role of the AMT gene family in promoting ammonium transport in symbiotic relationships. Lotus japonicus, a common host of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and rhizobia, serves as a model legume plant. In this study, we examined the characteristics of the ammonium transporter LjAMT2;4 in L. japonicus and found that LjAMT2;4 is localized to the plasma membrane and is predominantly expressed in roots. The promoter region of LjAMT2;4 contains cis-acting elements induced by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and rhizomes, and the expression of LjAMT2;4 was induced by AM fungi and rhizobia. However, there was no significant difference in the mycorrhizal colonization rate of ljamt2;4 compared to the wild type, while the absence of LjAMT2;4 significantly increased the number of root nodules under nitrogen-starved conditions, enhancing nitrogen fixation and alleviating nitrogen stress in extremely nitrogen-starved environments, ultimately promoting plant growth. These findings suggest that manipulating the genes involved in symbiotic nitrogen fixation, such as LjAMT2;4, could offer new strategies for sustainable agricultural production. Given that AM and rhizobia symbiosis are critical for crop growth, our findings may inform strategies to improve agricultural management.},
}

@article {pmid40422671,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, S and Yang, Z and Yang, X and Ma, X and Ma, Q and Ma, M and Zhang, J},
title = {Plant-Soil Interactions Shape Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Diversity and Functionality in Eastern Tibetan Meadows.},
journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {11},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {40422671},
issn = {2309-608X},
support = {32260298，31660160//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 24YFFA061//Ecological Civilization Construction Key Research and Development Special Project of Gansu Province/ ; },
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi occur in the interface between soils and plants. Yet, the impacts of the plant community functional composition and soil properties on AM fungal communities remain poorly understood in the face of ongoing climate change. Here, we investigated the AM fungal community in alpine meadow habitats of the Tibetan Plateau by linking fungal species richness to plant community functional composition and soil parameters at three latitudinal sites. High-throughput sequencing of the AM fungal small subunit rRNA gene was performed to characterize fungal communities. We found that AM fungal diversity and plant functional diversity, as well as the contents of soil nutrients, were significantly higher in the southernmost site, Hongyuan (HY). Total soil nitrogen and soil-available phosphorus explained the variation in AM fungal diversity, while AM fungal biomass was best predicted by the plant community-weighed mean nitrogen:phosphorus ratio (CWM-N:P). Glomus species preferentially occurred in the northernmost site of Hezuo (HZ). Distance-based redundancy analysis (db-RDA) revealed that AM fungal community structure was influenced by not only CWM-N:P but also by plant community-weighed mean photosynthetic rate (CWM-Pn), soil total carbon, and plant community functional dispersion (FDis). We conclude that plant traits and soil properties are crucial for nutrient-carbon (C) exchange, as fungal symbionts may shape AM communities in this vast alpine meadow ecosystem. Our findings provide timely insight into AM fungal community assembly from the perspective of nutrient-C exchange dynamics in the Tibetan Plateau's alpine meadow habitats.},
}

@article {pmid40421697,
year = {2025},
author = {Shen, Y and He, J and Ma, Y and Song, X and Li, P and Zhang, C and Zhou, Z and Chen, R},
title = {MtPEPC2 Encodes a Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxylase Essential for Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation in Medicago truncatula.},
journal = {Plant, cell & environment},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/pce.15636},
pmid = {40421697},
issn = {1365-3040},
support = {//This study was supported by grants from the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2022YFF1003200; R.C.), National Natural Science Foundation of China (32270261; R.C.) Strategic Priority Research Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences (XDA26030103; R.C.) and Science and Technology Department of Gansu Province, China (22ZD6NA049; R.C.)./ ; },
abstract = {Symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) that takes place in root nodules of legumes essentially relies on the exchange of nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) metabolites between the symbiotic partners. The endosymbionts rhizobia provide ammonium to the host plants, and in return receive carbon and energy sources from the host for nitrogen fixation. In a forward genetic study, we identified FN6516 as an SNF-defective (fix[-]) mutant of Medicago truncatula. Whole genome resequencing, genetic linkage analysis of an F2 segregating population, genetic complementation and gene editing results show that a plant-type PEPC, MtPEPC2, is the candidate gene. We demonstrate that MtPEPC2 expression is activated in nodules and that a high level of expression is detected at an early stage of nodule development. MtPEPC2 protein is localised in the cytoplasm of both infected and uninfected cells, but not in symbiosomes. Our work shows that a nonsense mutation in MtPEPC2 resulted in a great reduction in PEPC activities, almost complete loss of nodule nitrogen fixation activities, and defects in differentiation and/or maintenance of bacteroids. Importantly, overexpression of MtPEPC2 increased nodule nitrogenase activities.},
}

@article {pmid40421474,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhao, X and Guo, F and Ma, Y and Wang, Z and Wu, H and Zhang, H and Gao, L and Wen, T},
title = {Enzymatic Characterization of a Rumen Microorganism-Derived Multifunctional Glycoside Hydrolase and Its GH26 Domain with Mannanase Activity.},
journal = {Journal of agricultural and food chemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.jafc.5c04047},
pmid = {40421474},
issn = {1520-5118},
abstract = {In this study, a novel multifunctional glycoside hydrolase (GH) with two distinct domains homologous to the GH family 5 (GH5) and family 26 (GH26) was isolated from the rumen microorganism Segatella bryantii. The heterologous expression product of this enzyme exhibited both endo-β-1,4-glucanase and endo-β-1,4-mannanase activities. Intriguingly, segmental expression studies indicated that the GH26 domain alone contributed to the β-mannanase activity, and its specific activity reached 2060 U/mg under optimal conditions (30 °C, pH 5.5). Furthermore, site-directed mutagenesis confirmed that the glutamic acid residues at positions 165 and 276 were indispensable for the catalytic activity of the GH26 domain. Collectively, a novel multifunctional GH from a symbiotic microorganism of ruminants was identified. Preliminary enzymatic characterizations of its GH26 family domain, which has independent β-mannanase activities, were determined.},
}

@article {pmid40420886,
year = {2025},
author = {Carner, M and Bianconi, L and Sacchetto, L and Arietti, V and Nocini, R and Salvetta, MS and Maulu, G and Diodati, A and Turchet, L},
title = {The"symbiotic"regulation approach in bimodal hearing adults.},
journal = {Indian journal of otolaryngology and head and neck surgery : official publication of the Association of Otolaryngologists of India},
volume = {77},
number = {6},
pages = {2239-2246},
pmid = {40420886},
issn = {2231-3796},
abstract = {PURPOSE: Patients with bimodal auditory stimulation represent an expanding group of cochlear implant users in many countries. The hearing results reported in the literature for subjects with bimodal hearing are controversial and often only evaluate hearing aids that are simply synchronized with their cochlear implant ("synchronized" regulation) and sometimes even adapted independently of the cochlear implant ("classic" regulation). This study aims to verify that the innovative "symbiotic'' regulation of the cochlear implant with an integrated hearing aid and dedicated fitting formula allows to achieve adequate rehabilitative hearing levels.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty adult patients (12 females and 18 males; age range: 18-69 years) with bimodal hearing have been enrolled in a one-year study and divided into three groups of ten subjects for each of the regulation modes ("classic", "synchronized" and "symbiotic") applied to fit the cochlear implant and the hearing aid. Statistical analysis of the demographic characteristics and hearing outcomes observed in the three groups was conducted using the R statistical software.

RESULTS: For all subjects, the use of the "symbiotic" regulation approach with a dedicated bimodal regulation formula and integrated hearing aid allowed significantly better hearing performances (p < 0.05) compared to those obtained to either the "classic" or the "synchronized" regulations.

CONCLUSION: The "symbiotic" bimodal fitting formula provides significant hearing benefits compared to "classic" and "synchronized" regulation and it proves to be the ideal adjustment and coupling modality between a cochlear implant and a contralateral integrated hearing aid in bimodal listeners.},
}

@article {pmid40420254,
year = {2025},
author = {Wu, Z and Dunlop, JA and Klimov, PB and Mai, H and Peng, A and Liu, Y},
title = {A new whip scorpion (Arachnida: Thelyphonida) with a phoretic mite (Acariformes: Trochometridiidae) from Mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber.},
journal = {BMC ecology and evolution},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {55},
pmid = {40420254},
issn = {2730-7182},
support = {2023Y0217//Yunnan Provincial Department of Education Scientific Research Fund Project/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Fossils/anatomy & histology ; *Amber ; *Mites/anatomy & histology/classification/physiology ; *Scorpions/anatomy & histology/classification ; *Arachnida/anatomy & histology/classification ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber is a valuable resource for studying the diversity, evolution, and ecology of microarthropods, including arachnids. Its exceptional preservation offers a unique opportunity to uncover biological associations between organisms with high fidelity. Whip scorpions (Thelyphonida) are rare in the fossil record, with a few known from the Paleozoic era and Cretaceous period. However, the ecological interactions of these fossils with other organisms remain largely unexplored.

RESULTS: Here, we describe a new whip scorpion species, Mesothelyphonus xiaoae sp. nov., from Kachin amber. This species is diagnosed by its relatively small body size, an accessory tooth on the pedipalp coxal apophysis, six teeth on the pedipalpal trochanter, and an unmodified abdominal sternite III. Notably, the fossil includes a heterostigmatic mite (Acariformes: Prostigmata: Heterostigmata: Trochometridiidae) attached to the first leg of the whip scorpion. The mite appears to have selected a densely setose area on a limb primarily used for sensory purposes by the host, which may have made it more difficult to dislodge. This association likely represents an instance of phoresy, where the mite benefits from transportation and protection provided by the whip scorpion.

CONCLUSION: Based on modern knowledge of Trochometridium biology and host associations, we suggest that while the whip scorpion served as an incidental host, the primary host was likely a ground-nesting Apoidea (bees or wasps). This hypothesis implies that Mid-Cretaceous ecosystems included early apoids exhibiting nesting behavior, providing an essential niche for the development of this ancient symbiosis.},
}

Animals
*Fossils/anatomy & histology
*Amber
*Mites/anatomy & histology/classification/physiology
*Scorpions/anatomy & histology/classification
*Arachnida/anatomy & histology/classification

@article {pmid40419814,
year = {2025},
author = {Srivastava, AK and Riaz, A and Jiang, J and Li, X and Uzair, M and Mishra, P and Zeb, A and Zhang, J and Singh, RP and Luo, L and Chen, S and Yang, S and Zhao, Y and Xie, X},
title = {Advancing Climate-Resilient Sorghum: the Synergistic Role of Plant Biotechnology and Microbial Interactions.},
journal = {Rice (New York, N.Y.)},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {41},
pmid = {40419814},
issn = {1939-8425},
support = {[2022]091//Guizhou Provincial Youth Science and Technology Talents Growth Project/ ; },
abstract = {Climate-related problems such as drought stress, extreme temperature, erratic rainfall patterns, soil degradation, heatwaves, flooding, water logging, pests and diseases afflict the production and sustainability of sorghum. These challenges may be addressed by adopting climate-resilient practices and using advanced agronomic techniques. These challenges are being addressed through innovative applications of plant biotechnology and microbiology, which offer targeted solutions to enhance sorghum's resilience. For instance, biotechnological tools like CRISPR/Cas9 enable precise genetic modifications to improve drought and heat tolerance, while microbial inoculants, such as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), enhance nutrient uptake and stress tolerance through symbiotic interactions. However, biotechnological tools lead to the development of sorghum varieties with heat, drought and salinity tolerance, while marker-assisted selection significantly accelerates breeding for stress-resilient traits. When genetic engineering is introduced, genes encoding heat shock proteins, Osmo protectants and antioxidant pathways are introduced to increase plant resistance to abiotic stress. These compounds stabilise cellular structures, protect enzymes, and maintain osmotic balance, enhancing the plant's ability to survive and function in adverse environmental conditions. At the same time, it is reported that microbiology offers beneficial microbes, nitrogen-fixing bacteria, phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi that help enhance nutrient availability, soil health and water uptake. Combinations of endophytes and microbial inoculants enhance plant immunity to pests and diseases while increasing tolerance to stress. Biocontrol agents such as Bacillus and Trichoderma contain suppression of pathogens and need less dependence on the use of chemical pesticides. On top of that, genetic modification increases the nutritional quality of sorghum biofortified. This is where biotechnology and microbiology work together to deliver sustainable farming systems reducing environmental impacts, boosting yields and securing food supply under environmental stresses. This review aims to examine the synergistic integration of plant biotechnology and microbial interactions as a strategy to enhance sorghum's resilience to climate-induced stresses, including drought, elevated temperatures, and nutrient-deficient soils. It highlights recent advancements in biotechnological tools such as gene editing, marker-assisted selection, and tissue culture, alongside the emerging role of plant-beneficial microbes in promoting stress tolerance and improving soil health. By synthesizing current knowledge across these disciplines, this review seeks to outline a framework for future research that harnesses the intersection of biotechnology and microbial ecology to support the sustainable improvement of sorghum resilience.},
}

@article {pmid40418640,
year = {2025},
author = {Ranner, JL and Stabl, G and Martyniak, C and Paries, M and Spaccasassi, A and Gutjahr, C and Stark, TD and Dawid, C},
title = {Comprehensive Quantification of (Poly)phenols in Lotus japonicus with and without Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis.},
journal = {Journal of agricultural and food chemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.jafc.5c02061},
pmid = {40418640},
issn = {1520-5118},
abstract = {In the present study, a highly specific, accurate, and robust ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method for the simultaneous quantification of 50 plant (poly)phenol analytes was developed and validated to assess the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis on the (poly)phenolic content of the model legume Lotus japonicus (L. japonicus). Determination of molar concentrations of analytes in roots and shoots of wild-type and AM mutant L. japonicus (with and without AM symbiosis, respectively) revealed an overall increase in (poly)phenols in mycorrhizal plants. Time-course observation over 10 weeks showed a shift in (poly)phenol concentrations, especially in the roots. In total, 13 analytes were notably more abundant in young AM roots, suggesting a potential role in symbiosis initiation. An accumulation of various (poly)phenols at later stages of symbiosis might indicate a potential involvement in arbuscule degradation or AM autoregulation.},
}

@article {pmid40417841,
year = {2025},
author = {Han, J and Wang, F and Dmitrii, D and Tian, J and Han, P and Tan, Z and Zhang, J and Lin, J and Wang, J},
title = {Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on root architecture and ultrastructure of Hordeum jubatum under the interactive impact of nitrogen deposition and cold stress.},
journal = {Plant biology (Stuttgart, Germany)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/plb.70048},
pmid = {40417841},
issn = {1438-8677},
support = {32072666//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2572023CT18-02//Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities/ ; },
abstract = {Hordeum jubatum L. is a perennial herb with high ornamental value and strong stress tolerance. Nitrogen deposition and cold stress are key environmental factors that affect stability of ecosystems in cold regions of northeast China. These factors significantly affect plant growth and development. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are symbiotic soil fungi that can increase plant resistance and growth. However, research on impacts of nitrogen deposition and cold stress on roots of H. jubatum-AM symbionts remains limited. Root biomass (dry and fresh weight), architecture (length, surface area, volume, forks, number of fourth-order roots, and root fractal dimension), and ultrastructure of H. jubatum were assessed, both in the presence and absence of AMF, under conditions of nitrogen deposition and cold stress. Cold stress inhibited all indicators of root architecture and disrupted root ultrastructure, with greater inhibition shown in the N2 (NH4 [+]/NO3 [-] = 1:1) treatment under cold stress, indicating nitrogen deposition increased sensitivity of H. jubatum to cold stress. Inoculation with AMF significantly reduced damage caused by nitrogen deposition and cold stress on H. jubatum roots compared with the non-inoculation treatment. Our results demonstrate different effects of the interaction of nitrogen deposition and cold stress versus single stress (nitrogen deposition or cold stress) on plant root development and provide a scientific basis for the use of mycorrhizal technology to improve resistance and productivity of cold-tolerant plants in cold regions under stress conditions.},
}

@article {pmid40417129,
year = {2025},
author = {},
title = {Correction to "Identification of Novel Candidate Genes Associated With the Symbiotic Compatibility of Soybean With Rhizobia Under Natural Conditions".},
journal = {Plant direct},
volume = {9},
number = {5},
pages = {e70083},
pmid = {40417129},
issn = {2475-4455},
abstract = {[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1002/pld3.70069.].},
}

@article {pmid40416770,
year = {2025},
author = {Karugu, JC and Kimuyu, DM and Kenfack, D and Inbar, M},
title = {Influence of Myrmecophytic Acacia drepanolobium on the Composition and Growth of Surrounding Herbaceous Vegetation.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {5},
pages = {e71500},
pmid = {40416770},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Whistling thorn acacia (Acacia (Vachellia) drepanolobium) forms nearly monospecific stands among woody species in black cotton soils in East Africa arid highlands. The tree defends itself against large mammal herbivores with spinescence and symbiotic ants. While these defenses have been extensively studied, little is known about the extent to which A. drepanolobium defense may benefit other plants growing in close association. We examined variation in herbaceous vegetation height, biomass, and composition between areas underneath A. drepanolobium canopies and the adjacent matrix in both fenced herbivore exclosures and unfenced areas. In unfenced areas, there was more tall herbaceous vegetation and biomass underneath tree canopies than away from tree canopies, while these differences were not significant in fenced exclosures. Both height and biomass of understory vegetation were negatively correlated with A. drepanolobium canopy height. Species richness was higher underneath tree canopies in both fenced and unfenced locations. In the unfenced locations, species evenness was lower underneath tree canopies than in the surrounding matrix, but the opposite was true in the fenced herbivore exclosures. The differences in herbaceous vegetation composition (Bray-Curtis dissimilarity index) between underneath tree and off tree locations were more pronounced in the unfenced areas than within the fenced herbivore exclosures. Our findings suggest that highly defended trees may moderate herbivore effects on herbaceous vegetation. To the extent that herbaceous vegetation underneath trees experiences protection from herbivory, such refugia microhabitats may serve as recolonization nuclei in attempts to restore chronically overgrazed systems.},
}

@article {pmid40415704,
year = {2025},
author = {Koop, JAH and Blackstone, NW},
title = {Synergy, complexity, and the dirty, dirty cheats of the world.},
journal = {Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/brv.70041},
pmid = {40415704},
issn = {1469-185X},
support = {2236135//National Science Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {Studies of symbiosis employ the term "parasitism" to connote different sorts of relationships. Within the context of mutualistic symbioses, parasites are otherwise cooperative individuals or strains that appropriate a disproportionate amount of the synergistic products. In the context of antagonistic symbioses, there is no pretence of cooperation, and instead parasites are defined as individuals or strains that derive fitness benefits at a fitness cost to their hosts. In both cases, parasitism is selected for at the lower level (that of the individual symbiont) but selected against at the higher level (the group of symbionts in a single host). Despite these similarities, these different sorts of parasitism likely evolve by different pathways. Once a host-symbiont relationship initiates, if functional synergy is lacking, the relationship will remain exploitative, although parasites may differ in their detrimental effects on the host and the higher-level unit. If functional synergy is present, however, cooperation may develop with benefits for both host and symbionts (i.e. mutualism). Nevertheless, parasites may still evolve from within these incipient relationships when individuals or strains of symbionts act parasitically by defecting from the common good to further their selfish replication. Levels-of-selection dynamics thus underlie both forms of parasitism, but only in the case of latent functional synergy can true symbiotic complexity at the higher level emerge.},
}

@article {pmid40415554,
year = {2025},
author = {Rubia, MI and Larrainzar, E and Arrese-Igor, C},
title = {Drought Stress Modifies the Source-Sink Dynamics of Nitrogen-Fixing Soybean Plants Prioritizing Roots and Nodules.},
journal = {Physiologia plantarum},
volume = {177},
number = {3},
pages = {e70276},
pmid = {40415554},
issn = {1399-3054},
support = {PID2021-122740OB-I00//Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades/ ; TED2021-130111B-I00//Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades/ ; },
mesh = {*Glycine max/physiology/metabolism ; *Nitrogen Fixation/physiology ; *Root Nodules, Plant/physiology/metabolism ; *Droughts ; *Plant Roots/physiology/metabolism ; Carbon/metabolism ; Nitrogen/metabolism ; Plant Leaves/metabolism/physiology ; Stress, Physiological ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Soybean plants are one of the most cultivated legume crops worldwide. Their ability to establish nitrogen-fixing symbiosis with rhizobium bacteria allows the reduction of molecular nitrogen to ammonium, contributing to a reduction in the dependence on nitrogen fertilizers. However, nitrogen fixation is highly sensitive to environmental stresses, such as water deficit, and the regulatory mechanisms underlying this inhibition remain debatable. In the current study, we analyzed carbon (C) allocation dynamics in drought-stressed soybean plants following the application of [U-[13]C]-sucrose to source leaves. Three sets of plants were analyzed: well-watered plants, mild drought, and severe drought-stressed plants. [13]C distribution was monitored for up to 6 h post-application. Under optimal water conditions, [13]C was mainly allocated to young (sink) leaves. During drought stress, transport trends changed, prioritizing C allocation primarily to the roots and nodules to a lesser extent. Metabolite profiling identified drought- and tissue-specific variations in the levels of the major C and N compounds.},
}

*Glycine max/physiology/metabolism
*Nitrogen Fixation/physiology
*Root Nodules, Plant/physiology/metabolism
*Droughts
*Plant Roots/physiology/metabolism
Carbon/metabolism
Nitrogen/metabolism
Plant Leaves/metabolism/physiology
Stress, Physiological
Symbiosis

@article {pmid40415147,
year = {2025},
author = {Yamamoto, S and Shimomura, A and Watanabe, S and Kojoma, M and Suzuki, A},
title = {Overwhelming glycyrrhizin production in Glycyrrhiza glabra induced by rihizobial symbiosis.},
journal = {Journal of natural medicines},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40415147},
issn = {1861-0293},
support = {19K22314//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; JPJ011937//Bio-oriented Technology Research Advancement Institution/ ; },
abstract = {We reported that Glycyrrhiza uralensis inoculated with rhizobium tended to increase biomass production and glycyrrhizic acid (GL) production, in this study we have also achieved drastically increase in biomass and GL production in Glycyrrhiza glabra. At thirty days after inoculation (DAI), a significant increase in SPAD values was observed, and the expression of GL synthesis marker genes was also significantly increased. At 150 DAI, a significant increase in biomass was observed. Characteristically, it was also found that thick roots were enlarged by rhizobial inoculation. In addition, the expression of GL synthesis marker genes was also significantly increased. Moreover, GL content per unit root dry weight reached 4%, and GL production per plant increased six times compared to uninoculated plants. Moreover, we tried to reveal the mechanism of induction of GL production by rhizobial inoculation. Since it has been reported that the expression of jasmonic acid (JA) synthesis marker genes is increased by rhizobium in soybean, we investigated the expression of those genes in G. glabra, and found that GgMYC2 and GgJAR1 were up-regulated at Thirty DAI. Furthermore, methyl jasmonate treatment increased the expression of GL synthesis marker genes, suggesting that JA signaling is involved in the increased GL production due to rhizobial inoculation. These results aid in understanding the mechanism of increased GL production through the introduction of rhizobial symbiosis, and show the potential for providing a technology to significantly shorten the cultivation period for the production of Glycyrrhiza that meets the criteria for herbal medicines.},
}

@article {pmid40415063,
year = {2025},
author = {Alviti Kankanamalage, HP and Yang, JY and Karunarathna, SC and Tibpromma, S and Kumla, J and Wei, DP and Lumyong, S},
title = {Entomopathogenic fungi: insights into recent understanding.},
journal = {World journal of microbiology & biotechnology},
volume = {41},
number = {6},
pages = {179},
pmid = {40415063},
issn = {1573-0972},
support = {2560-030//This research was funded by CMU Presidential Scholarship/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Insecta/microbiology ; *Fungi/classification/pathogenicity/physiology/genetics ; *Pest Control, Biological/methods ; Symbiosis ; Crops, Agricultural/microbiology/parasitology ; Plant Diseases/microbiology ; Plants/microbiology ; Host-Pathogen Interactions ; },
abstract = {Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are cosmopolitan, obligate, or facultative pathogens that show ruthless aggression toward various insects and ultimately cause them to die. They also have the ability to colonize and establish symbiotic relationships with plants as endophytes, thus offering a number of benefits to the host plants, inducing plant resistance against a number of biotic and abiotic stresses, and growth promotion. Recently, considerable attention has been paid to this group of fungi, mainly due to their exceptional ability to control numerous arthropod pests in crops. This practical application of EPF, which is of great interest, offers an eco-friendly manner of pest control, a key feature that makes them a potential solution to growing environmental concerns. This eco-friendly nature of EPF is particularly significant in the current context of growing environmental concerns and the need for sustainable solutions. This paper has attempted to review our current understanding of EPF. First, we briefly describe the historical identifications of EPF, landmark studies, and their classifications. Second, we discuss the group from an evolutionary standpoint. Third, the insect infection mechanisms, particularly the cuticular penetration pathway and different steps, are discussed. Finally, we emphasize the eco-friendly nature of these fungi, which makes them a sustainable option to mitigate the devastating effects of insect pests in current agriculture systems.},
}

Animals
*Insecta/microbiology
*Fungi/classification/pathogenicity/physiology/genetics
*Pest Control, Biological/methods
Symbiosis
Crops, Agricultural/microbiology/parasitology
Plant Diseases/microbiology
Plants/microbiology
Host-Pathogen Interactions

@article {pmid40414518,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, C and Shi, Y and Chen, B and Li, A and Meng, Q and Jiang, Y and Ji, B},
title = {Understanding diurnal variability in organic matter processing by microalgal-bacterial granular sludge in lake water remediation.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {132717},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132717},
pmid = {40414518},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {This study investigates the diurnal variability of organic matter removal by microalgal-bacterial granular sludge (MBGS) in lake water remediation. Results showed that daytime removal efficiencies for NH4[+]-N, NO3[-]-N, NO2[-]-N, TN, and TP reached 72.1%, 73.2%, 91.5%, 60.5%, and 52.8%, respectively, exceeding nighttime values of 52.7%, 55.8%, 88.4%, 37.9%, and 39.9%. However, chemical oxygen demand (COD) exhibited a net release during daylight, contrasting with removal during night conditions. Significant microbial community shifts, notably increased Bacteroidota abundance, were driven by fluctuations in dissolved oxygen and organic carbon levels. Additionally, the upregulation of fatty acid metabolism-related genes like paaF and ACSL mechanistically supported COD removal efficiency. These findings suggest that optimizing MBGS operation through diurnal parameter regulation can enhance lake restoration efficacy and provide a theoretical foundation for developing sustainable engineering strategies in aquatic ecosystem management.},
}

@article {pmid40413516,
year = {2025},
author = {Hashimoto, R and Nishiyama, K and Namai, F and Suzuki, K and Sakuma, T and Fukuda, I and Sugiyama, Y and Okano, K and Shanoh, T and Toyoshi, E and Ohgi, R and Saha, S and Tsuchida, S and Nishiyama, E and Mukai, T and Furukawa, M and Nochi, T and Villena, J and Ikeda-Ohtsubo, W and Yoshioka, G and Nakazaki, E and Suda, Y and Kitazawa, H},
title = {Milk sialyl-oligosaccharides mediate the early colonization of gut commensal microbes in piglets.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {135},
pmid = {40413516},
issn = {2049-2618},
support = {23K27051//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 23K19327//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 23K18072//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 2023//Japanese Dairy Science Association/ ; JPJ007097//Development of Innovative Technology grants BRAIN/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *Oligosaccharides/metabolism/chemistry ; Swine/microbiology ; *Milk/chemistry ; *Lactobacillus/metabolism/isolation & purification/classification/growth & development ; Fatty Acids, Volatile/metabolism ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The suckling period in pigs is a key phase in development for shaping the gut microbiota, which is essential for maintaining biological homeostasis in neonates. In piglets fed sow milk, the gut microbiota comprises predominantly lactobacilli, indicating a host-gut microbiota symbiosis that is influenced by sow milk components. In this study, we sought to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the establishment and maintenance of the gut microbiome in suckling piglets, with a specific focus on the metabolism of sialyl-oligosaccharides by lactobacilli.

RESULTS: Based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, we identified 3'-sialyl-lactose (3'SL) as the major oligosaccharide in porcine milk, and microbiome profiling revealed the predominance of Ligilactobacillus salivarius during the suckling period, with a subsequent transition to Limosilactobacillus reuteri dominance post-weaning. Notably, sialic acid metabolism was established to be exclusively attributable to L. salivarius, thereby highlighting the pivotal role of 3'SL in determining species-specific bacterial segregation. L. salivarius was found to metabolize 3'SL when co-cultured with Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, resulting in a shift in the predominant short-chain fatty acid produced, from lactate to acetate. This metabolic shift, in turn, inhibits the growth of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. Furthermore, the comparison of the gut microbiota between suckling piglets and those fed a low-3'SL formula revealed distinct diversity profiles. We accordingly speculate that an absence of sialyl-oligosaccharides in the formula-fed piglets may have restricted the growth of sialic acid-utilizing bacteria such as L. salivarius, thereby leading to a higher abundance of Enterobacteriaceae.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings reveal the influence of sialyl-oligosaccharides in promoting microbial diversity and gut homeostasis, thereby highlighting the importance of sialic acid as a key factor in shaping milk-driven microbial colonization during the early stages of piglet development. Video Abstract.},
}

Animals
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
*Oligosaccharides/metabolism/chemistry
Swine/microbiology
*Milk/chemistry
*Lactobacillus/metabolism/isolation & purification/classification/growth & development
Fatty Acids, Volatile/metabolism
Symbiosis

@article {pmid40413423,
year = {2025},
author = {Mahto, RK and Chandana, BS and Singh, RK and Talukdar, A and Swarnalakshmi, K and Suman, A and Vaishali, and Dey, D and Kumar, R},
title = {Uncovering potentials of an association panel subset for nitrogen fixation and sustainable chickpea productivity.},
journal = {BMC plant biology},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {693},
pmid = {40413423},
issn = {1471-2229},
mesh = {*Cicer/genetics/microbiology/growth & development/metabolism/physiology ; *Nitrogen Fixation ; Fertilizers ; Rhizobium/physiology ; Genotype ; Symbiosis ; Mycorrhizae/physiology ; Crops, Agricultural/genetics/growth & development ; Plant Root Nodulation ; Nitrogen/metabolism ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a nutritious legume that fixes atmospheric nitrogen through Rhizobium symbiosis, enhancing growth and yield. Sustainable agriculture is essential to address food security, climate change, and environmental sustainability. Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) improve crop productivity, reduce chemical fertilizer use, and support eco-friendly farming. This study highlights PGPR's role in enhancing chickpea yield, resilience, and resource efficiency while minimizing environmental impacts. PGPR reduces chemical dependency, preserves ecosystems, and supports global sustainability goals. Findings demonstrate PGPR's potential to improve food security and promote equitable distribution. This research offers innovative strategies for advancing sustainable agriculture.

RESULTS: The study revealed significant variability in nodulation, nitrogen fixation, and yield among 20 chickpea genotypes under different treatments, including Rhizobium, vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM), and chemical fertilizers (NPK), applied alone and in combinations. Genotype ICC9085 consistently outperformed others, exhibiting the highest nodules per plant (22.67), nitrogen content (3.65%), and protein content (22.85%), while ICC1083 and ICC6579 showed minimal nodulation (< 5 nodules). Rhizobium treatment proved the most effective, achieving the highest nitrogenase activity (mean: 35.806; max: 189.2) and yielding superior growth-promoting results compared to VAM and control treatments. Molecular genotyping identified 20 out of 128 SSR markers as polymorphic, with an average polymorphic information content (PIC) of 0.35 and two alleles per marker, revealing moderate polymorphism and significant genetic diversity. Cluster analysis grouped the genotypes into four primary clusters, reflecting geographical and genetic diversity in nodulation traits. Environmental factors such as soil nutrients, temperature, and water stress, alongside genetic traits like root architecture and nitrogen-fixing efficiency, contributed to variations in growth and productivity. This interplay of genotype and environment underscores the adaptability and superior performance of certain varieties like ICC9085 under specific conditions.

CONCLUSION: These observations suggest that the identified superior genotypes can be used to introduce desirable traits into allied chickpea cultivars through marker-assisted selection and crop improvement programs.The research of the chickpea, a crop with significant agricultural and industrial value, will eventually help develop efficient methods for the production of climate-smart food crops to meet the food and feed needs of future generations for a sustainable environment.},
}

*Cicer/genetics/microbiology/growth & development/metabolism/physiology
*Nitrogen Fixation
Fertilizers
Rhizobium/physiology
Genotype
Symbiosis
Mycorrhizae/physiology
Crops, Agricultural/genetics/growth & development
Plant Root Nodulation
Nitrogen/metabolism

@article {pmid40412605,
year = {2025},
author = {Glazer, I and Simões, N and Eleftherianos, I and Ramakrishnan, J and Ment, D and Toubarro, D and Mallick, S},
title = {Entomopathogenic nematodes: Survival, virulence and immunity.},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108363},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2025.108363},
pmid = {40412605},
issn = {1096-0805},
abstract = {As entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are used as biological control agents, their survival and persistence are crucial to ensure success in application against insect pests. The survival of Heterorhabditis and Steinernema species is dependent on abiotic and biotic factors in the environment. Abiotic stress environments such as desiccation, temperature, and ultraviolet radiation (UV) severely impact their performance on field. EPNs produce and secrete effector molecules during the early stages of infection to interfere with the molecular mechanisms that control the insect innate immune function. Also, EPN effectors facilitate the subsequent release and spread of their symbiotic bacteria within the host. Hence, a comprehensive understanding of the underlying survival and virulence mechanisms enabling protection against environmental conditions and insect host immune responses is imperative to realistically enhance their performance on field. Thus, identifying key players regulating EPN survival, virulence and immunity could invariably contribute towards developing more robust, reliable solutions and application strategies including genetic tools and formulation technologies.},
}

@article {pmid40412128,
year = {2025},
author = {Xie, Y and Wang, R and Wu, Z and Xie, C and Gong, S and Zhang, J and Yu, H and Song, Z},
title = {Prophylactic application of sodium new houttuyfonate to regulate macrophage activation and antifungal infection in intra-abdominal candidiasis model mice.},
journal = {International immunopharmacology},
volume = {159},
number = {},
pages = {114922},
doi = {10.1016/j.intimp.2025.114922},
pmid = {40412128},
issn = {1878-1705},
abstract = {The abuse of immunosuppressants causes damage to the immune system, while the pathological proliferation and translocation of symbiotic Candida albicans can result in abdominal infection in immunocompromised people. In this study, we established a mouse peritoneal C. albicans infection model and investigated the effects of preventive application of Sodium New Houttuyfonate (SNH) by analyzing the proportion of immune cells, polarization of peritoneal macrophages, changes in fungal tissue load, and histology, and the data showed prophylactic SNH administration yields a double anti-infection effect in phagocytosis and regulation of immunity according to the immune inflammatory states of the body. In vitro, neutral red, colony counting, cytometric bead array, RT-qPCR, western blot, inhibitor treatment, and detection of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) production on RAW264.7 macrophages showed SNH can stimulate the production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and CC motif ligand 2 (CCL2) and the release of ROS and NO through a TLR2/p38/NF-κB pathway. Taken together, our data provide an innovative insight into the prevention use of exogenous SNH for the treatment of C. albicans infection.},
}

@article {pmid40411688,
year = {2025},
author = {Onsun, B and Toprak, K and Sanlier, N},
title = {Kombucha Tea: A Functional Beverage and All its Aspects.},
journal = {Current nutrition reports},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {69},
pmid = {40411688},
issn = {2161-3311},
mesh = {Humans ; *Kombucha Tea/analysis ; Fermentation ; Antioxidants/analysis ; Probiotics ; *Functional Food ; Tea ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The increasing interest in functional foods and beverages worldwide is driven by rising living standards, advancing technology, and heightened health awareness. Kombucha tea, a fermented beverage produced from sweetened tea and a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY), is a prominent example within this category. This review explores the definition, bioactive components, and health benefits of kombucha, emphasizing its potential roles as a functional beverage in the prevention and management of various diseases.

RECENT FINDINGS: The fermentation process of kombucha tea, typically lasting up to 14 days, results in the transformation of sugar into ethanol and acetic acid, contributing to its distinctive tangy flavor. Kombucha contains bioactive compounds such as organic acids, antioxidants, and probiotics, which are linked to potential health benefits including improved digestive health, enhanced immune function, and antioxidant activity. Recent advancements in sustainable production methods and innovative formulations have further contributed to the increasing popularity of this beverage. Kombucha tea, originating in Northeast China with a history of over 2,000 years, is increasingly recognized for its potential health-promoting effects. Its production through traditional fermentation methods combined with modern innovations underscores its value as a functional beverage with the potential to support health and well-being. This review assesses the roles of kombucha in maintaining human health, considering its use as a complementary strategy for the prevention and management of diseases due to the bioactive components it contains.},
}

Humans
*Kombucha Tea/analysis
Fermentation
Antioxidants/analysis
Probiotics
*Functional Food
Tea

@article {pmid40411428,
year = {2025},
author = {Nakajima, M and Tanaka, N and Motouchi, S and Kobayashi, K and Shimizu, H and Abe, K and Hosoyamada, N and Abara, N and Morimoto, N and Hiramoto, N and Nakata, R and Takashima, A and Hosoki, M and Suzuki, S and Shikano, K and Fujimaru, T and Imagawa, S and Kawadai, Y and Wang, Z and Kitano, Y and Nihira, T and Nakai, H and Taguchi, H},
title = {New glycoside hydrolase families of β-1,2-glucanases.},
journal = {Protein science : a publication of the Protein Society},
volume = {34},
number = {6},
pages = {e70147},
pmid = {40411428},
issn = {1469-896X},
support = {23K05041//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science KAKENHI/ ; JPMJSP2151//JST SPRING/ ; },
mesh = {*Glycoside Hydrolases/chemistry/metabolism/genetics/classification ; Phylogeny ; *Bacterial Proteins/chemistry/metabolism/genetics ; *Bacteria/enzymology ; Models, Molecular ; Substrate Specificity ; beta-Glucans/metabolism/chemistry ; },
abstract = {β-1,2-Glucans are natural glucose polymers produced by bacteria and play important physiological roles, including as symbiotic or pathogenic factors and in osmoregulation. Glycoside hydrolase (GH) families related to β-1,2-glucan metabolism (GH144, GH162, and GH189) have recently been created by identification of two β-1,2-glucanases and a β-1,2-glucanotransferase, respectively. In this study, we further found four phylogenetically new groups with unknown functions (Groups 1-4) by sequence database analysis using enzymes from GH144 and GH162 as queries. Biochemical analysis of representative proteins in these groups revealed that the proteins in Groups 1-3 showed hydrolytic activity specific to β-1,2-glucan, while no substrate was found for the Group 4 protein. The kinetic parameters of the enzymes of Groups 1-3 were similar to GH144 and GH162 β-1,2-glucanases, indicating that these enzymes were β-1,2-glucanases. Optical rotation analysis revealed that the β-1,2-glucanases followed an anomer-inverting mechanism. Structural analysis of the proteins in Groups 1-4 revealed that they possess (α/α)6-barrel folds similar to those of GH144, GH162, and GH189 enzymes. Comparison of spatial positions of predicted acidic catalytic residues suggested that Groups 1-3 and GH144 had the same reaction mechanism. Overall, phylogenetic, biochemical, and structural analyses revealed that Groups 1-3 are new GH families, GH192, GH193, and GH194, respectively, and that the three families belong to clan GH-S (clan GH, classification based on structural similarity) as GH144 and GH162.},
}

*Glycoside Hydrolases/chemistry/metabolism/genetics/classification
Phylogeny
*Bacterial Proteins/chemistry/metabolism/genetics
*Bacteria/enzymology
Models, Molecular
Substrate Specificity
beta-Glucans/metabolism/chemistry

@article {pmid40411056,
year = {2025},
author = {Patra, A and Das Bairagya, J and Chakraborty, S},
title = {Bayesian ecoevolutionary game dynamics.},
journal = {Physical review. E},
volume = {111},
number = {4-1},
pages = {044401},
doi = {10.1103/PhysRevE.111.044401},
pmid = {40411056},
issn = {2470-0053},
abstract = {The symbiotic relationship between the frameworks of classical game theory and evolutionary game theory is well established. However, evolutionary game theorists have mostly tapped into the classical game of complete information where players are completely informed of all other players' payoffs. Of late, there is a surge of interest in ecoevolutionary interactions where the environment's state is changed by the players' actions which, in turn, are influenced by the changing environment. However, in real life, the information about the true environmental state must pass through some noisy channel (like the usually imperfect sensory apparatus of the players) before it is perceived by the players: The players naturally are prone to sometimes perceive the true state erroneously. Given the uncertain perceived environment, the players may adopt bet-hedging kind of strategies in which they play different actions in different perceptions. In a population of such ill-informed players, a player would be confused about the information state of her opponent, and an incomplete information situation akin to a Bayesian game surfaces. In short, we contemplate the possibility of the natural emergence of the symbiotic relationship between the frameworks of Bayesian games and ecoevolutionary games when the players are equipped with inefficient sensory apparatus. Herein, we illustrate this connection using a setup of infinitely large, well-mixed population of players equipped with two actions for exploiting a resource (the environment) at two different rates so that the resource state evolves accordingly. The state of the resource impacts every player's decision of playing particular action. We investigate the continuous state environment in the presence of a Gaussian noisy channel. Employing the formalism of deterministic replicator dynamics, we find that noisy information can be effective in preventing the resource from going extinct.},
}

@article {pmid40410860,
year = {2025},
author = {Yin, H and Shan, Y and Zhu, Q and Yuan, L and Ju, F and Shi, Y and Han, Y and Wu, R and Xia, T and Zhang, K and You, Y and You, B},
title = {Improved VPS4B O-GlcNAc modification triggers lipid droplets transferring from adipocytes to nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells.},
journal = {Cancer & metabolism},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {24},
pmid = {40410860},
issn = {2049-3002},
support = {KYCX23_3429//Postgraduate Research & Practice Innovation Program of Jiangsu Province/ ; 82103435//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82173288, 81972554//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82372977, 81602385//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; BK20201208//Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province/ ; Y-HR2019-0463//CSCO Clinical Oncology Research Foundation of Beijing/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The tumor microenvironment (TME) supplies critical metabolites that support cancer cell survival and progression. Adipocytes support tumor progression by secreting free fatty acids (FFAs) and adipokines; however, the role and mechanisms underlying lipid droplet (LD) release from adipocytes remain elusive.

METHODS: Using two nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell lines and primary human pre-adipocytes (HPA), we evaluate the effect of LDs on cell growth, proliferation, colony formation, and migration. We also assess the roles of LD on the tumor progression in vivo. Using RNA-seq analysis, we elucidate the effect of hypoxic NPC cell-derived exosomes (H-exo) on the gene expression profile of adipocytes. By co-culture system, we investigated the effect of vacuolar protein sorting 4 homolog B (VPS4B)-annexin A5 (ANXA5) interaction on adipocyte LD maturity and release.

RESULTS: Herein, we report that LDs, rather than FFAs, are the primary lipid form transferred from adipocytes to NPC cells, enhancing cancer progression. NPC cells internalize LDs directly via macropinocytosis, while H-exo induces oxidative stress and membrane fluidity in adipocytes, leading to LD release. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses reveal that VPS4B triggers LD release by interacting with ANXA5, and low LKB1 in H-exo enhances VPS4B O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) modification through the inhibition of serine/threonine kinase 11 (STK11/LKB1)-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway and activation of the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway (HBP) flux.

CONCLUSIONS: This study uncovers critical mechanisms of LD transfer in the TME, suggesting new therapeutic avenues in NPC.},
}

@article {pmid40410832,
year = {2025},
author = {Chu, B and Ge, S and He, W and Sun, X and Ma, J and Yang, X and Lv, C and Xu, P and Zhao, X and Wu, K},
title = {Gut symbiotic bacteria enhance reproduction in Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) by regulating juvenile hormone III and 20-hydroxyecdysone pathways.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {132},
pmid = {40410832},
issn = {2049-2618},
support = {2023FY100500//Chinese Science &Technology Fundamental Resources Investigation Program/ ; 2023FY100500//Chinese Science &Technology Fundamental Resources Investigation Program/ ; 2023FY100500//Chinese Science &Technology Fundamental Resources Investigation Program/ ; 2023FY100500//Chinese Science &Technology Fundamental Resources Investigation Program/ ; 2023FY100500//Chinese Science &Technology Fundamental Resources Investigation Program/ ; 2023FY100500//Chinese Science &Technology Fundamental Resources Investigation Program/ ; 2023FY100500//Chinese Science &Technology Fundamental Resources Investigation Program/ ; 2023FY100500//Chinese Science &Technology Fundamental Resources Investigation Program/ ; CARS-02//National Modern Agricultural Industry Technology System Construction Fund of China/ ; CARS-02//National Modern Agricultural Industry Technology System Construction Fund of China/ ; CARS-02//National Modern Agricultural Industry Technology System Construction Fund of China/ ; CARS-02//National Modern Agricultural Industry Technology System Construction Fund of China/ ; CARS-02//National Modern Agricultural Industry Technology System Construction Fund of China/ ; CARS-02//National Modern Agricultural Industry Technology System Construction Fund of China/ ; CARS-02//National Modern Agricultural Industry Technology System Construction Fund of China/ ; CARS-02//National Modern Agricultural Industry Technology System Construction Fund of China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Spodoptera/microbiology/physiology/metabolism ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology ; *Ecdysterone/metabolism ; *Symbiosis ; Female ; Reproduction ; Enterobacter/isolation & purification/physiology ; Larva/microbiology ; Enterococcus/isolation & purification/physiology/genetics ; Klebsiella/isolation & purification/genetics/physiology ; Bacteria/classification/genetics ; *Juvenile Hormones/metabolism ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The insect gut microbiota forms a complex, multifunctional system that significantly affects phenotypic traits linked to environmental adaptation. Strong reproductive potential underpins the migratory success, population growth and destructive impact of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith). However, the precise role of gut bacteria in S. frugiperda reproductive processes, distribution and transmission dynamics remains unclear.

RESULTS: We examined the gut microbiota of S. frugiperda a major invasive agricultural pest, identifying Enterococcus, Enterobacter, and Klebsiella as core microorganisms present throughout its life cycle. These microbes showed heightened activity during the egg stage, early larval stages and pre-oviposition period in females. Using an axenic insect re-infection system, Enterococcus quebecensis FAW181, Klebsiella michiganensis FAW071 and Enterobacter hormaechei FAW049 were found to significantly enhance host fecundity, increasing egg production by 62.73%, 59.95%, and 56.71%, respectively. Metagenomic and haemolymph metabolomic analyses revealed a positive correlation between gut symbiotic bacteria and hormone metabolism in female S. frugiperda. Further analysis of metabolites in the insect hormone biosynthesis pathway, along with exogenous injection of juvenile hormone III and 20-hydroxyecdysone, revealed that gut microbes regulate these hormones, maintaining levels equivalent to those in control insects. This regulation supports improved fecundity in S. frugiperda, aiding rapid colonization and population expansion.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings emphasize the pivotal role of gut bacteria E. quebecensis FAW181, E. hormaechei FAW049, and K. michiganensis FAW071 in enhancing S. frugiperda reproduction by modulating JH III levels through JHAMT regulation and concurrently modulating the levels of 20E and its precursors via PHM. Our results provide novel insights into microbe-host symbiosis and pest management strategies for alien invasive species. Video Abstract.},
}

Animals
*Spodoptera/microbiology/physiology/metabolism
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology
*Ecdysterone/metabolism
*Symbiosis
Female
Reproduction
Enterobacter/isolation & purification/physiology
Larva/microbiology
Enterococcus/isolation & purification/physiology/genetics
Klebsiella/isolation & purification/genetics/physiology
Bacteria/classification/genetics
*Juvenile Hormones/metabolism

@article {pmid40410728,
year = {2025},
author = {Eftekhari, F and Sarcheshmehpour, M and Lohrasbi-Nejad, A and Boroomand, N},
title = {Effects of mycorrhizal and Trichoderma treatment on enhancing maize tolerance to salinity and drought stress, through metabolic and enzymatic evaluation.},
journal = {BMC plant biology},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {687},
pmid = {40410728},
issn = {1471-2229},
mesh = {*Zea mays/microbiology/physiology/enzymology/metabolism ; *Mycorrhizae/physiology ; Droughts ; Salinity ; Stress, Physiological ; *Trichoderma/physiology ; Symbiosis ; Plant Roots/microbiology ; Hypocreales ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Nowadays, climate change has intensified environmental stresses, including salinity and drought stress. Salinity and drought significantly impair crop growth and yield by affecting physiological and biochemical processes. One of the ways to enhance environmental stress tolerance in plants is to improve their symbiotic relationships with soil microorganisms. This study investigates the impact of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and Trichoderma harzianum (accession number: PV544806) inoculation on maize to trace the activated pathways under stress conditions. Maize plants were exposed to different stress conditions: salinity (S1D0), drought (S0D1), and a combination of both salinity and drought (S1D1). They received treatments with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) (M1T0), Trichoderma (M0T1), and a combination of both (M1T1).

RESULTS: Inoculation of maize plants with AMF and T. harzianum markedly enhanced root dry weight, root volume, and total biomass under stress conditions. Additionally, the simultaneous inoculation of AMF and T. harzianum under combined salinity and drought conditions significantly affected traits such as dry weight of aerial parts, total biomass, and root colonization percentage compared to the non-inoculated control. Physiologically, the results also indicated that the inoculation significantly increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes SOD and APX. Results from GC-MS analysis and metabolic pathway analysis showed that the combined inoculation of AMF and Trichoderma in maize plants stimulated the production of specific secondary metabolites such as oxaloacetate, Δ1-piperidine-6-carboxylate, and cadaverine under stress conditions.

CONCLUSIONS: Based on this study's findings, the use of AMF and T. harzianum can enhance maize growth and performance under salinity and drought stress by stimulating the production of secondary metabolites.},
}

*Zea mays/microbiology/physiology/enzymology/metabolism
*Mycorrhizae/physiology
Droughts
Salinity
Stress, Physiological
*Trichoderma/physiology
Symbiosis
Plant Roots/microbiology
Hypocreales

@article {pmid40410607,
year = {2025},
author = {Hu, J and Chen, T and Lian, CA and Wang, L and Zhuang, W and Yu, K},
title = {Deciphering factors influencing planktonic and sedimentary microbial assembly processes in Midwest salinity lakes.},
journal = {Applied microbiology and biotechnology},
volume = {109},
number = {1},
pages = {124},
pmid = {40410607},
issn = {1432-0614},
support = {JCYJ20220812103301001//Shenzhen Knowledge Innovation Program/ ; 2022A1515110797//Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation of Guangdong Province/ ; 51709005//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {*Lakes/microbiology/chemistry ; *Geologic Sediments/microbiology ; *Salinity ; China ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; *Microbiota/genetics ; *Plankton/genetics/classification ; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics ; Biodiversity ; Ecosystem ; Phylogeny ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; },
abstract = {The salt lake ecosystem, characterized by extreme environmental gradients, harbors microbes that uniquely adapt to high salt stress through natural selection. However, how abiotic and biotic factors shape the microbial community assembly in Yuncheng Salt Lakes remains unclear. Here, we investigated the assembly processes and meta co-occurrence patterns of microbiota in both water and sediment sampled from 14 distinct wide range of salinity lakes in the Shanxi Yuncheng area, Midwest of China, using 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA gene sequencing technology combined with multivariate ecological and statistical methods. Habitat differentiation led to the differences in microbial diversity, co-occurrence patterns, and community assembly between sedimentary and planktonic communities. Sedimentary prokaryotes were more shaped by deterministic processes than planktonic bacterial communities. Salinity was a major abiotic factor influencing the balance between stochastic and deterministic processes in both sediment and water. Enhanced microbial interactions within sediments exhibited a more prominent impact in shaping community assembly, as indicated by the stronger association between network-inferred species and prokaryotic βNTI. Moreover, we revealed significant differences in how core species concerning βNTI responded to biotic and abiotic factors. Our findings elucidated the ecological process underlying microbial communities in Yuncheng Salt Lakes and shed light on the mechanism of microorganisms to maintain community complexity and diversity in the extreme environment. KEY POINTS: • Sedimentary prokaryotes were more shaped by deterministic processes than planktonic prokaryotic communities. • Salinity was a major factor influencing the balance between stochastic and deterministic process. • Inter-domain and intra-domain symbiotic interactions within sedimentary communities represent key biotic factors influencing their community assembly.},
}

*Lakes/microbiology/chemistry
*Geologic Sediments/microbiology
*Salinity
China
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
*Microbiota/genetics
*Plankton/genetics/classification
RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics
Biodiversity
Ecosystem
Phylogeny
DNA, Bacterial/genetics
Sequence Analysis, DNA

@article {pmid40409427,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, YQ and Li, X and Wang, ZZ and Huang, XY and Zeng, DW and Zhao, XQ and Liu, ZQ and Zhang, FL},
title = {Single cell protein production of co-culture Kodamaea ohmeri and Lactococcus lactis in corn straw hydrolysate.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {132649},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132649},
pmid = {40409427},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {With the world population continuously increasing, the protein demand will double by 2050. Single cell protein (SCP) derived from lignocellulosic biomass offers a sustainable solution. Many inhibitors are produced during the pretreatment process of lignocellulosic biomass. Inhibitor-rich hydrolysates limit microorganisms cell growth and SCP yields. In this work, we report a co-culture consortium of Kodamaea ohmeri SSK (pentose-utilizing yeast) and Lactococcus lactis LX (probiotic bacterium) that efficiently converts real corn straw hydrolysate into SCP. K. ohmeri SSK can tolerate inhibitors such as furfural, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), and acetic acid and consume glucose, xylose, and arabinose in real hydrolysate. L. lactis LX showed less growth in monoculture than that of co-culture. The total amino acid content from co-cultured K. ohmeri SSK and L. lactis LX was increased to 331.42 mg/g crude protein, but that of monocultured K. ohmeri SSK was 309.89 mg/g crude protein containing 17 amino acids. This work demonstrates a symbiotic microbial platform can produce SCP from non-detoxified lignocellulosic biomass. The co-culture robust inhibitor tolerance and balanced amino acid profile highlight its potential for industrial-scale protein production. These results will represent an attractive choice cell factory for lignocellulosic substrate utilization and provide a platform for biomass conversion to SCP.},
}

@article {pmid40407237,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, M and Zhou, G and Zhang, C and Chen, L and Ma, D and Zhang, L and Jia, C and Ma, L and Zhang, J},
title = {Impact of Virus-Mediated Modifications in Bacterial Communities on the Accumulation of Soil Organic Carbon.},
journal = {Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e06449},
doi = {10.1002/advs.202506449},
pmid = {40407237},
issn = {2198-3844},
support = {2022YFD1500401//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 2023YFD1901001//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; CARS-03//Agriculture Research System of China/ ; CARS-52//Agriculture Research System of China/ ; 42277336//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; BK20221561//Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province/ ; },
abstract = {Microbial adaptations to resource availability are crucial to predict the responses of ecosystems to carbon (C) changes, yet viral roles in C cycling under varying levels of C remain elusive. Through metagenomic analysis of soils with contrasting C availability, a total of 24,789 viral contigs predominantly represent Microviridae and Siphoviridae. The soils with low C availability (straw removal) harbored 21% lysogenic viruses and enriched auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs) related to C degradation (p < 0.05). Conversely, the soils with high C availability (straw returning) show 93% lytic viruses, stronger virus-bacteria symbiosis, and numerous host functional genes related to C cycling and viral AMGs linked to C fixation (p < 0.05). Furthermore, these findings show that the addition of viruses boosted microbial metabolic efficiency and recalcitrant C accumulation (p < 0.05), with lytic activity accelerating organic C turnover via nutrient release and necromass formation. Overall, this study demonstrates viruses as key regulators of sustainable sequestration of C through host-driven metabolic optimization.},
}

@article {pmid40407228,
year = {2025},
author = {Rawstern, AH and Carbajal, LJ and Slade, TJ and Afkhami, ME},
title = {Non-Additive Interactions Between Multiple Mutualists and Host Plant Genotype Simultaneously Promote Increased Plant Growth and Pathogen Defence.},
journal = {Plant, cell & environment},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/pce.15631},
pmid = {40407228},
issn = {1365-3040},
support = {//This study was funded by the University of Miami research funds awarded to M. Afkhami and the Mycological Society of America graduate fellowship awarded to A. Rawstern. A. Rawstern was additionally supported by the University of Miami Department of Biology and the Lisa D. Anness Graduate Fellowship./ ; },
abstract = {Understanding the impact of microbial interactions on plants is critical for maintaining healthy native ecosystems and sustainable agricultural practices. Despite the reality that genetically distinct plants host multiple microbes of large effect in the field, it remains unclear the extent to which host genotypes modulate non-additive microbial interactions and how these interactions differ between benign/pathogenic environments. Our study fills this gap by performing a large-scale manipulative microbiome experiment across seven genotypes of the model legume Medicago truncatula. We combine plant performance metrics, survival analyses, predictive modelling, RNA extractions and targeted gene expression to assess how host genotype and microbes non-additively interact to shape plant growth and disease ecology. Our results reveal three important findings: (1) host genotypes with high tolerance to pathogens benefit more from multiple mutualist interactions than susceptible genotypes, (2) only high-tolerance genotypes retain the same beneficial host performance outcomes from the benign environment within the pathogenic environment and (3) the quality of the symbiotic relationship with mutualists is a strong predictor of host survival against pathogenic disease. By applying these findings towards developing crops that promote synergistic microbial interactions, yields and pathogen defence could be simultaneously increased while reducing the need for toxic fertilisers and pesticides.},
}

@article {pmid40407187,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, S and Wang, Z and Liu, A and Li, J and Zhuang, J and Ji, X and Mulama, PI and Li, M and Cao, H and Tan, EK and Liu, W},
title = {Hosts and Commensal Bacteria Synergistically Antagonize Opportunistic Pathogens at the Single-Cell Resolution.},
journal = {Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e00582},
doi = {10.1002/advs.202500582},
pmid = {40407187},
issn = {2198-3844},
support = {32470044//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2308085MC74//Natural Science Foundation of Anhui Province/ ; RC342201//Talents in Anhui Agricultural University/ ; },
abstract = {Natural microbes coexist in a diverse species population with competition for space and nutrient resources. However, the molecular mechanisms underpinning the regulatory networks of microbes among themselves and with their host are still in infancy. Here, it is reported that Drosophila and the commensal Lactiplantibacillus plantarum form an alliance to compete with the pathogenic Serratia marcescens using the integrated three-species model system. In the dual-species model, larvae diminish the L. plantarum population, but reversibly increase lactate production through altering its transcriptional reprogramming. In the tripartite-species model, larvae facilitate the growth of L. plantarum that confers colonization resistance against S. marcescens. On the other hand, S. marcescens launches sophisticated arms race strategies to impair colonization resistance by sensing lactate derived from L. plantarum. More importantly, the S. marcescens population challenged with Drosophila and L. plantarum adaptively diverge into virulent and reduced virulence subclusters with an increase in resistance heterogeneity. To form the alliance with Drosophila, heterogeneity in lactate generation is broadened among L. plantarum subpopulations. Altogether, these findings provide an insight into the host-commensal-pathogen symbiosis at both bulk and single-cell resolutions, advancing fundamental concepts of precise manipulation of bacterial communities.},
}

@article {pmid40406724,
year = {2025},
author = {Tong, A and Liu, W and Liu, X and Zhu, J and Zhou, Y and Li, J},
title = {Comparative analysis of actinorhizal nodule and associated soil microorganism diversity and structure in three Alnus species.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1572494},
pmid = {40406724},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Due to the importance of biological nitrogen fixation in terrestrial ecosystems, actinorhizal symbiosis has attracted more and more attention. Alders (Alnus) are important actinorhizal plants, but little is known about the diversity of symbiotic microbiota in the actinorhizal nodules. In addition, it remains unclear about the influence of the host species and habitats on the microbial community of alder root nodules and rhizospheric soils.

METHODS: In this study we sequenced the hyper-variable regions of the 16S rRNA from the root nodules and their rhizosphere soils of three alder species (Alnus mandshurica, A. sibirica, A. japonica) in northeastern China to explore the diversity, composition, network association, and nitrogen cycling pathway of the microbial communities in the actinorhizal nodules and associated soils.

RESULTS: The results showed that the microbial community α-diversity decreased significantly from the associated soil to the root nodule, and the microbial diversity in the root nodule of A. sibirica was not affected by the habitats. The dominant microbe genus in alder nodules was Frankia, whose abundance was significantly higher than that in associated soil samples. Furthermore, the abundance of Frankia was affected by alder tree species, but not by the habitats. The most significant taxon in the nodules of all the three alders was Frankia genus, which was negatively correlated with other six genera of microbes. The main function of microorganisms in alder nodules is nitrogen fixation, which is not affected by tree species and their habitats.

CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the host determines the microbial community composition in the root nodule of three alders. This study provides valuable insights into the effects of alder species and habitats on the microbial communities of alder nodules and associated soils.},
}

@article {pmid40406720,
year = {2025},
author = {Striganavičiūtė, G and Vaitiekūnaitė, D and Šilanskienė, M and Sirgedaitė-Šėžienė, V},
title = {Harnessing microbial allies: enhancing black alder resilience to PAH stress through microbial symbiosis.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1552258},
pmid = {40406720},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are persistent environmental pollutants that pose significant risks to plant health and ecosystem function. Phytoremediation, using plants in combination with microorganisms, offers a promising strategy for mitigating PAH toxicity. This study investigates the role of PAH-degrading microorganisms in mitigating the phytotoxic effects of PAHs on black alder (Alnus glutinosa L.) seedlings. Specifically, we examined the effects of three microbial strains-Pseudomonas putida Trevisan, Sphingobium yanoikuyae Yabuuchi et al., and Rhodotorula sphaerocarpa (S.Y. Newell & Fell) Q.M. Wang, F.Y. Bai, M. Groenewald & Boekhout-on plant growth and biochemical responses under exposure to naphthalene, pyrene, phenanthrene, and fluorene. The results revealed genotype-dependent variations in plant responses. In family 13-99-1K, S. yanoikuyae significantly enhanced defense mechanisms under phenanthrene exposure, evidenced by reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and increased antioxidant enzyme activity. In contrast, family 41-65-7K exhibited stable shoot height and increased chlorophyll a/b ratio, but a decrease in soluble sugars under P. putida treatment with pyrene. This suggests a shift in metabolic priorities towards growth rather than stress mitigation. These findings highlight the complex interactions between plant genotype, microbial strain, and PAH type, underscoring the potential of microbial-assisted phytoremediation. Our study suggests that tailored microbial inoculants, in combination with appropriate plant genotypes, could optimize phytoremediation efforts in PAH-contaminated environments. Future research should focus on soil-based systems and longer-term evaluations to better understand the dynamics of plant-microbe-PAH interactions.},
}

@article {pmid40406719,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, C and Teng, Z and Jin, Z and Ouyang, Q and Lv, L and Hou, X and Hussain, M and Zhu, Z},
title = {Structure and composition of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community associated with mango.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1578936},
pmid = {40406719},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is an important fruit crop with significant economic value in tropical and subtropical areas globally. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) symbiosis is vital for mango trees growth, and the detailed understanding of various (a)biotic factors that influence AMF community composition is crucial for sustainable crop production. To date, there is little information available on how do different seasons and plant age influence the AMF community composition associated with mango. Using high-throughput amplicon sequencing, we examined AMF community diversity and composition in the rhizosphere of mango from two distinct orchards during spring (C_BY and C_YL) and autumn (Q_BY and Q_YL), which differed in age (10 and 28 years). The results revealed a notable variation in the number of observed species between two 28-years-old mango orchards (C_BY28 vs C_YL28 and Q_BY28 vs Q_YL28) during both the spring and autumn seasons. However, the comparison of 10-years-old and 28-years-old mangoes showed no significant shift in the diversity and richness of AMF. At the taxonomic level, Glomus was the absolute dominant genus in AMF community. The correlation analysis between species abundance and soil nutrients showed that the level of phosphorus, potassium and their available forms (AP, AK) significantly affect AMF community. Furthermore, the P, AP, and AK contents were found positively correlated with the dominant AMF molecular virtual species Sclerocystis sinuosa. These findings indicate the response characteristics of mango rhizosphere AMF community to soil nutrients, providing scientific basis for precise regulation of soil environment to improve mango tree growth and production.},
}

@article {pmid40406136,
year = {2025},
author = {Duhamel, M and Salzet, M},
title = {Self or nonself: end of a dogma?.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1595764},
pmid = {40406136},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; *Immune Tolerance ; Immunity, Innate ; *Autoimmunity ; *Immune System/immunology ; *Self Tolerance ; },
abstract = {Immunologists generally view the notion of self and non-self as part of a broader, more contextual understanding of immune function, rather than a rigid dogma. While the classical paradigm that the primary role of the immune system is to recognize and eliminate anything foreign once provided a unifying basis for explaining tolerance and rejection, numerous discoveries have focused attention on how immune responses are finely tuned by a range of contextual cues, including tissue signals, hygienist theory, molecular mimicry, symbiotic microbes, metabolic factors and epigenetic modifications. Maternal-fetal tolerance and the persistence of microchimeric cells in adults demonstrate that genetically foreign cells can be actively integrated into the host, challenging the simple assumption that 'foreign' equals unconditional attack. Similarly, research into the microbiome, the virome and the phenomenon of trained innate immunity has shown that there can be beneficial or even essential relationships between the body and what has traditionally been labelled 'non-self'. Over the last decade, the idea that the immune system strictly enforces a binary distinction has instead evolved towards a model in which it continuously interprets signals of damage or perturbation, manages complex ecological relationships with commensal or latent organisms, and recalibrates according to the organism's life stage and environment. There remains a recognition that clonal deletion and negative selection in the thymus, together with MHC-bound peptide recognition, still underlie many core processes, and in certain clinical contexts, such as acute transplant rejection or the prevention of autoimmunity, an approximate self-non-self-categorization is directly relevant. Overall, however, the field recognizes that 'self' is not a static attribute defined once and for all, but rather a dynamic and context-dependent state that continues to be shaped by microbial symbioses, epigenetic reprogramming and immunoregulatory networks throughout an individual's lifespan.},
}

Humans
Animals
*Immune Tolerance
Immunity, Innate
*Autoimmunity
*Immune System/immunology
*Self Tolerance

@article {pmid40405324,
year = {2025},
author = {Raquin, V and Martin, E and Minard, G and Valiente Moro, C},
title = {Variation in diet concentration and bacterial inoculum size in larval habitats shapes the performance of the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {130},
pmid = {40405324},
issn = {2049-2618},
support = {Micro-Be-Have//IDEX Lyon scientific breakthrough project/ ; Micro-Be-Have//IDEX Lyon scientific breakthrough project/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Aedes/microbiology/growth & development/physiology ; Larva/microbiology/growth & development/physiology ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Ecosystem ; *Diet ; Female ; *Microbiota ; Mosquito Vectors/microbiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Ecological niches present unique environmental and biological trademarks such as abiotic conditions, nutrient availability, and trophic interactions that may impact the ecology of living organisms. Female mosquitoes deposit their eggs in aquatic niches with fluctuating diet sources and microbial communities. However, how niche's diet and microbial composition impact mosquito performance (i.e., traits that maximize mosquito fitness) are not well understood. In this study, we focused on the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, one of the most invasive species in the world and a competent vector for human pathogens. To remove any external microbes, Ae. albopictus eggs were surface-sterilized then hatching larvae were exposed to a gradient of bacterial inoculum (i.e., initial microbial load) and diet concentrations while their impact on mosquito performance traits during juvenile development was measured.

RESULTS: Our results showed that Ae. albopictus larvae develop faster and give larger adults when exposed to microbiota in rearing water. However, mosquito performance, up to the adult stage, depends on both bacterial inoculum size and diet concentration in the aquatic habitat. Upon low inoculum size, larvae survived better if the diet was in sufficient amounts whereas a higher inoculum size was associated with optimal larvae survival only in the presence of the lower amount of diet. Inoculum size, and to a lesser extent diet concentration, shaped bacterial community structure and composition of larval-rearing water allowing the identification of bacterial taxa for which their abundance in larvae-rearing water correlated with niche parameters and/or larval traits.

CONCLUSIONS: Our work demonstrates that both diet concentration and bacterial inoculum size impact mosquito performance possibly by shaping bacterial community structure in the larval habitat, which accounts for a large part of the juvenile's microbiota. Host-microbe interactions influence several mosquito life-history traits, and our work reveals that niche parameters such as inoculum size and diet concentration could have numerous implications on the microbiota assembly and host evolutionary trajectory. This underlies that host-microbe-environment interactions are an important yet overlooked factor of mosquito adaptation to its local environment, with potential future implications for vector control and vector ecology. Video Abstract.},
}

Animals
*Aedes/microbiology/growth & development/physiology
Larva/microbiology/growth & development/physiology
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Ecosystem
*Diet
Female
*Microbiota
Mosquito Vectors/microbiology

@article {pmid40406538,
year = {2023},
author = {Jiang, G and Zhou, Z and Li, X and Qian, Y and Wang, K},
title = {The Gut Microbiome During Pregnancy.},
journal = {Maternal-fetal medicine (Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)},
volume = {5},
number = {1},
pages = {36-43},
pmid = {40406538},
issn = {2641-5895},
abstract = {Gut microbiota is symbiotic and interdependent with human body. Intestinal probiotics are colonized in the human gastrointestinal tract, which can improve the host intestinal microenvironment and enhance the intestinal function and immune function of the human body. A small number of opportunistic pathogens exist in the intestinal tract. Once the number of pathogens exceeds the threshold of intestinal tolerance, the intestinal micro-ecological balance can be destroyed, and various diseases may thus develop. Pregnancy is a special status with different physiologic changing stages. In the meanwhile, alterations in the gut microbiome populations occur, which can promote the differentiation, development, and maturation of fetal organs by affecting maternal metabolism. Compared with normal pregnant women, great changes in the gastrointestinal function and gut microbiome may take place in pregnant women with pregnancy-related complications, in which these changes include the number, species, and intestinal translocation. The composition of the maternal gut microbiome could contribute to pregnancy and obstetric outcomes, and long-term health of mother and child. The relationships of pregnancy to gut microbiome have attracted an increasing attention in recent years. This article will provide a summary review of the research studies of gut microbiome in normal pregnant women versus abnormal pregnancy women with complications.},
}

@article {pmid40405104,
year = {2025},
author = {Lotfy, WA and Ali, AM and Abdou, HM and Ghanem, KM},
title = {Optimization of fermentation conditions for enhanced acetylcholine and biomass production of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum AM2 using the Taguchi approach.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {317},
pmid = {40405104},
issn = {1471-2180},
mesh = {*Fermentation ; *Biomass ; Culture Media/chemistry/metabolism ; *Acetylcholine/biosynthesis/metabolism ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; *Lactobacillus plantarum/metabolism/growth & development ; Glucose/metabolism ; },
abstract = {This study aimed to optimize the fermentation conditions and medium composition for maximum acetylcholine (ACh) and biomass production by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum AM2 using the Taguchi array design, which enables efficient identification of influential variables through minimal experimental runs. Seven key factors were evaluated: beef extract, peptone, yeast extract, glucose, pH, agitation rate, and inoculation size. The optimization process identified the most significant variables influencing ACh and biomass production, with beef extract and peptone being critical for ACh synthesis, while inoculation size was a critical determinant of biomass yield. The optimal conditions for ACh production were determined as beef extract (11 g/l), peptone (40 g/l), yeast extract (5 g/l), glucose (20 g/l), pH 5.7, no agitation, and 1% (v/v) inoculation size, resulting in a predicted ACh concentration of 490.83 pg/ml and an experimental value of 495.8 pg/ml. For biomass production, the optimal conditions were beef extract (8 g/l), peptone (10 g/l), yeast extract (20 g/l), glucose (35 g/l), pH 6.6, agitation at 150 rpm, and 4% (v/v) inoculation size, yielding a predicted biomass of 20.58 g/l and an experimental value of 21.3 g/l. The optimized conditions significantly improved ACh production (6.32-fold) and biomass production (4.56-fold) compared to basal conditions. These findings highlight the efficiency of the Taguchi approach in enhancing the production of ACh and biomass, providing insights into the functional niche of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum AM2 for potential industrial applications and its use in a symbiotic form.},
}

*Fermentation
*Biomass
Culture Media/chemistry/metabolism
*Acetylcholine/biosynthesis/metabolism
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
*Lactobacillus plantarum/metabolism/growth & development
Glucose/metabolism

@article {pmid40403989,
year = {2025},
author = {Deng, L and Guan, G and Cannon, RD and Mei, L},
title = {Age-related oral microbiota dysbiosis and systemic diseases.},
journal = {Microbial pathogenesis},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {107717},
doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2025.107717},
pmid = {40403989},
issn = {1096-1208},
abstract = {The oral microbiota is an essential microbial community within the human body, playing a vital role in maintaining health. In older adults, age-related changes in the oral microbiota are linked to both systemic and oral health impairments. The use of various medications for systemic diseases in the elderly can also contribute to the development of oral diseases. Oral microbiota dysbiosis refers to an imbalance in the composition of oral microbial communities. This imbalance, along with disruptions in the host immune response and prolonged inflammation, is closely associated with the onset and progression of several diseases. It contributes to oral conditions such as dental caries, periodontal disease, and halitosis. It is also linked to systemic diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and aspiration pneumonia. This review aims to explore how oral microbiota influences specific health outcomes in older individuals, focusing on Alzheimer's disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and aspiration pneumonia. The oral microbiota holds promise as a diagnostic tool, therapeutic target, and prognostic biomarker for managing cardiovascular disease, metabolic diseases, infectious diseases and autoimmune diseases. Emphasizing proper oral health care and instilling an understanding of how drugs prescribed for systemic disease impact the oral microbiome, is anticipated to emerge as a key strategy for promoting the general health of older adults.},
}

@article {pmid40402470,
year = {2025},
author = {Moukarzel, R and Waller, LP and Jones, EE and Ridgway, HJ},
title = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal symbiosis in New Zealand ecosystems: challenges and opportunities.},
journal = {Letters in applied microbiology},
volume = {78},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/lambio/ovaf070},
pmid = {40402470},
issn = {1472-765X},
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology/genetics/classification ; New Zealand ; *Symbiosis ; *Ecosystem ; *Plants/microbiology ; Soil Microbiology ; },
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are obligate biotrophs that form a symbiotic and mutualistic relationship with most terrestrial plants, playing an important role in plant growth, nutrient acquisition, and ecosystem stability. This review synthesizes current knowledge on AMF colonization in plants within New Zealand ecosystems, including the challenges and opportunities of molecular identification techniques used in characterizing AMF communities in natural and managed systems. The ecosystem services provided by AMF, such as improved growth parameters, enhanced nutrition, and disease control, are discussed in detail, highlighting their significance in sustainable agriculture and natural ecosystems. Additionally, the role of AMF in invasion ecology was examined, revealing their dual potential to either facilitate or hinder invasive plant species. Despite significant advances in understanding AMF biology, future research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms of AMF-plant interactions and to address the challenges caused by changing environmental conditions. This review focused on the importance of AMF in promoting ecosystem resilience and suggests avenues for future research to harness their full potential in agricultural and ecological contexts.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology/genetics/classification
New Zealand
*Symbiosis
*Ecosystem
*Plants/microbiology
Soil Microbiology

@article {pmid40401909,
year = {2025},
author = {Morel-Letelier, I and Yuen, B and Orellana, LH and Kück, AC and Camacho-García, YE and Lara, M and Leray, M and Wilkins, LGE},
title = {Seasonal transcriptomic shifts reveal metabolic flexibility of chemosynthetic symbionts in an upwelling region.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0168624},
doi = {10.1128/msystems.01686-24},
pmid = {40401909},
issn = {2379-5077},
abstract = {Upwelling in the Tropical Eastern Pacific profoundly affects marine coastal ecosystems by driving drastic seasonal changes in water temperature, oxygen levels, and nutrient availability. These conditions serve as a natural experiment that provides a unique opportunity to study how marine animals and their associated microorganisms respond in the face of environmental change. Lucinid bivalves host chemosynthetic Candidatus Thiodiazotropha symbionts equipped with diverse metabolic pathways for sulfur, carbon, and nitrogen use. However, how these symbionts employ their metabolic toolkit in a changing environment remains poorly understood. To address this question, we conducted metagenomic and metatranscriptomic analyses of Ctena cf. galapagana symbionts before and during a Papagayo upwelling event in Santa Elena Bay, Costa Rica. The C. cf. galapagana were co-colonized mainly by two Ca. Thiodiazotropha symbiont clades regardless of the sampling season. We observed a concerted shift in the transcriptomic profiles of both symbiont clades before and during upwelling, suggesting changes in energy source use. Dissimilatory methanol oxidation genes were upregulated before upwelling, while sulfide oxidation genes were upregulated during upwelling. These physiological changes were potentially driven by upwelling-induced changes in sediment biogeochemistry and resource availability. Our findings highlight the adaptability of the lucinid symbiosis and the crucial role of symbiont metabolic flexibility in their resilience to environmental challenges.IMPORTANCEThe oceans are undergoing rapid change, and marine animals together with their associated microorganisms must adjust to these changes. While microbes are known to play a critical role in animal health, we are only beginning to understand how symbiotic relationships help animals cope with environmental variability. Annual upwelling events cause drastic and abrupt increases in nutrient availability and productivity, while temperature and oxygen decrease. In this study, we investigated how bacterial symbionts of the lucinid bivalve Ctena cf. galapagana respond to upwelling in the Tropical Eastern Pacific. The symbionts, from the genus Candidatus Thiodiazotropha, are chemosynthetic (i.e., they use inorganic chemicals for energy and fix carbon) and provide nutrition to their host. Our results show that these symbionts adjust their use of different energy sources in response to environmental changes that affect resource availability. This metabolic flexibility underscores the resilience of animal-microbe relationships in coping with environmental change.},
}

@article {pmid40401050,
year = {2025},
author = {Mager, M and Becker, L and Schulten, N and Fraune, S and Axmann, IM},
title = {Oligonucleotide library assisted sequence mining reveals promoter sequences with distinct temporal expression dynamics for applications in Curvibacter sp. AEP1-3.},
journal = {Synthetic biology (Oxford, England)},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {ysaf001},
pmid = {40401050},
issn = {2397-7000},
abstract = {The β-proteobacterial species Curvibacter sp. AEP1-3 is a model organism for the study of symbiotic interactions as it is the most abundant colonizer of Hydra vulgaris. Yet, genetic tools for Curvibacter are still in their infancy; few promoters have been characterized so far. Here, we employ an oligonucleotide-based strategy to develop novel expression systems Curvibacter. Potential promoters were systematically mined from the genome in silico. The sequences were cloned as a mixed library into a mCherry reporter vector and positive candidates were selected by Flow Cytometry to be further analysed through plate reader measurements. From 500 candidate sequences, 25 were identified as active promoters of varying expression strength levels. Plate reader measurements revealed unique activity profiles for these sequences across growth phases. The expression levels of these promoters ranged over two orders of magnitudes and showed distinct temporal expression dynamics over the growth phases: while three sequences showed higher expression levels in the exponential phase, we found 12 sequences saturating expression during stationary phase and 10 that showed little discrimination between growth phases. From our library, promoters of the genes dnaK, rpsL and an acyl-homoserine-lactone (AHL) synthase stood out as the most interesting candidates fit for a variety of applications. We identified enriched transcription factor binding motifs among the sorted 33 sequences and genes encoding for homologs of these transcription factors in close proximity to the identified motifs. In this work, we show the value of employing comprehensive high-throughput strategies to establish expression systems for novel model organisms.},
}

@article {pmid40400690,
year = {2025},
author = {Cha, M and Wu, Y and Man, D and Yi, X},
title = {Associations between gut microbiota and diet composition of three arid-adapted rodent species from the Inner Mongolia grassland.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1569592},
pmid = {40400690},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Food habits are closely associated with the gut microbiota of herbivorous animals; however, limited knowledge exists regarding the arid-adapted rodents. This study investigates the relationship between gut microbiota and dietary composition to offer a scientific basis for comprehending the ecological adaptation strategies of grassland rodents. Cecal contents of Spermophilus alashanicus, S. dauricus, and Meriones unguiculatus were collected and analyzed by using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and DNA metabarcoding techniques to determine the structure of gut microbial communities and dietary composition. The results showed that S. alashanicus presented significantly higher gut microbial richness and diversity than S. dauricus and M. unguiculatus. The dominant gut bacterial genera in S. alashanicus and S. dauricus were similar, suggesting that their common genetic backgrounds might influence the colonization and symbiosis of gut microbiota. The three species consumed both plant-based and animal-based foods but differed in their dietary preferences. S. dauricus displayed a significantly higher diversity of animal-based food consumption compared with the other two species. Correlation analysis between diet and gut microbiota indicated that plant-based foods significantly enhanced the diversity and composition of gut microbiota. In contrast, the consumption of animal-based foods significantly decreased microbial diversity. This finding suggests a potential link between the host's genetic background, dietary composition, and the gut microbiota.},
}

@article {pmid40399923,
year = {2025},
author = {Montanari, E and Bernardo, G and Le Noci, V and Anselmi, M and Pupa, SM and Tagliabue, E and Sommariva, M and Sfondrini, L},
title = {Biofilm formation by the host microbiota: a protective shield against immunity and its implication in cancer.},
journal = {Molecular cancer},
volume = {24},
number = {1},
pages = {148},
pmid = {40399923},
issn = {1476-4598},
support = {P2022R5TCA//PRIN, PROGETTI DI RICERCA DI RILEVANTE INTERESSE NAZIONALE/ ; 24718//AIRC IG/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Biofilms/growth & development ; *Neoplasms/immunology/microbiology/etiology/pathology/metabolism ; *Microbiota/immunology ; Tumor Microenvironment/immunology ; Animals ; },
abstract = {Human-resident microbes typically cluster into biofilms - structurally organized communities embedded within a matrix of self-produced extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) that serves as a protective shield. These biofilms enhance microbial survival and functional adaptability, favoring a symbiotic relationship with the host under physiological conditions. However, biofilms exhibit a dual role in modulating the immune response. If their ability to promote tolerance is key to safeguarding homeostasis, by contrast, their persistence can overcome the cutting-edge balance resulting in immune evasion, chronic inflammation and development of numerous diseases such as cancer. Recent evidence highlights the significance of cancer-associated microbiota in shaping the tumor microenvironment (TME). These microbial inhabitants often exhibit biofilm-like structures, which may protect them from host immune responses and therapeutic interventions. The presence of biofilm-forming microbiota within the TME may promote chronic inflammation, and release of bioactive molecules that interfere with immune surveillance mechanisms, thereby enabling cancer cells to evade immune destruction. This review delves into the complex interplay between biofilms and cancer, with particular focus on the tumor-associated microbiota and the implications of biofilm involvement in modulating the immune landscape of the TME. Addressing this intricate relationship holds promises for innovative therapeutic approaches aimed at reprogramming the microbiota-cancer axis for better clinical outcomes.},
}

Humans
*Biofilms/growth & development
*Neoplasms/immunology/microbiology/etiology/pathology/metabolism
*Microbiota/immunology
Tumor Microenvironment/immunology
Animals

@article {pmid40399789,
year = {2025},
author = {Mugo, CW and Church, E and Horniblow, RD and Mollan, SP and Botfield, H and Hill, LJ and Sinclair, AJ and Grech, O},
title = {Unravelling the gut-brain connection: a systematic review of migraine and the gut microbiome.},
journal = {The journal of headache and pain},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {125},
pmid = {40399789},
issn = {1129-2377},
mesh = {Humans ; *Migraine Disorders/microbiology/therapy ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology ; Probiotics/therapeutic use ; *Brain-Gut Axis/physiology ; Synbiotics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: There is substantial evidence linking migraines to gastrointestinal (GI) issues. Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and colitis often co-occur with migraines and GI symptoms are common among migraine patients. However, the evidence supporting the efficacy of gut microbiome-targeted therapies for managing migraines is limited. This systematic review aimed to describe the existing evidence of the gut microbiome in patients with migraine compared to healthy individuals. Additionally, it sought to examine how therapies targeting the gut microbiome including prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics, might influence clinical outcomes.

METHODS: We performed searches on Embase, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library to identify studies in migraines and the gut microbiome, focusing on those which investigated the gut microbiome composition and gut microbiome-targeted therapies. Key data was extracted and analysed including study details, patient demographics, migraine type, comorbidities, and clinical outcomes. For gut microbiome composition studies, bacterial diversity and abundance was noted. For gut microbiome-targeted therapies studies, treatment types, dosages, and patient outcomes was recorded.

RESULTS: A significant difference between various genera of microbes was reported between migraine patients and controls in several studies. Bacteroidetes (also named Bacteroidota), proteobacteria, and firmicutes (also named Bacillota) phyla groups were found significantly abundant in migraine, while studies were conflicted in the abundance of Actinobacteria and Clostridia with regards to increased migraine risk in migraine patients. Patients with migraine had a gut microbiome with reduced species number and relative abundance, as well as a distinct bacterial composition compared to controls. Synbiotic and synbiotic/probiotic combination treatments have been shown in five randomised controlled trials and one open label pilot study to significantly decrease migraine severity, frequency, duration and painkiller consumption.

CONCLUSIONS: The significant alterations in microbial phyla observed in migraine patients suggest a potential microbial signature that may be associated with migraine risk or chronic progression. However, the mechanistic underpinnings of these associations remain unclear. This systemic review found that probiotic and synbiotic/probiotic combination therapies may be promising interventions for migraine management, offering significant reductions in migraine frequency and painkiller use. Future randomised controlled studies are needed to evaluate the optimal length of treatment and impact on patient related quality of life.},
}

Humans
*Migraine Disorders/microbiology/therapy
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology
Probiotics/therapeutic use
*Brain-Gut Axis/physiology
Synbiotics

@article {pmid40398697,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, M and Xu, Z and Qiu, J and Dong, B},
title = {Enhanced biogenic manganese oxide production and the removal of Cd(II) and ciprofloxacin via fungus-bacterium co-cultivation.},
journal = {Environmental research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {121899},
doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2025.121899},
pmid = {40398697},
issn = {1096-0953},
abstract = {Microbial co-cultivation is a promising strategy for enhancing metabolite production and functional capabilities. While most research on biogenic manganese (Mn) oxidation (BMO) has focused on individual bacterial or fungal strains, the potential benefits of fungal-bacterial co-cultivation remain largely unexplored. In this study, the synergistic effects of co-culturing the Mn-oxidizing fungus Cladosporium sp. XM01 with the Mn-oxidizing bacterium Bacillus sp. XM02 on Mn(II) oxidation were systematically investigated. The results showed that co-cultivation significantly increased total cell biomass and enhanced Mn(II) removal. Optimal conditions were achieved by introducing strain XM02 with a 36 h delay and maintaining a co-culturing ratio of 2:1 (XM01:XM02). The enhanced Mn(II) oxidation observed in the co-culture system was attributed to increased activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase, which help maintain redox homeostasis and sustain the production of superoxide-an essential oxidant in Mn(II) bio-oxidation. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that Bacillus sp. XM02 cells were attached to the hyphae of Cladosporium sp. XM01, forming structured fungal-bacterial aggregates. These aggregates suggest strong physical interactions that likely facilitated nutrient exchange and metabolic cooperation. Additionally, removal kinetics experiments showed that BMO produced in the co-culture exhibited superior Cd(II) adsorption capacity and ciprofloxacin oxidation performance compared to BMO derived from pure cultures. This enhancement was linked to the higher specific surface area and increased average oxidation state (Mn-AOS) of the co-culture BMO, which enhanced its adsorption and oxidative reactivity. These findings provide new insights into the symbiotic interactions among Mn-oxidizing microorganisms and highlight the potential of fungal-bacterial co-cultures as an effective strategy to enhance BMO functionality for environmental remediation.},
}

@article {pmid40398680,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhou, Y and Komnick, MR and Sepulveda, F and Liu, G and Nieves-Ortiz, E and Meador, K and Ndatabaye, O and Fatkhullina, A and Bozicevich, A and Juengel, B and Wu-Woods, NJ and Naydenkov, PM and Kent, J and Christiansen, N and Madariaga, ML and Witkowski, P and Ismagilov, RF and Esterházy, D},
title = {Inducible, but not constitutive, pancreatic REG/Reg isoforms are regulated by intestinal microbiota and pancreatic diseases.},
journal = {Mucosal immunology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.mucimm.2025.05.003},
pmid = {40398680},
issn = {1935-3456},
abstract = {The REG/Reg gene locus encodes a conserved family of potent antimicrobial but also pancreatitis-associated proteins. Here we investigated whether REG/Reg family members differ in their baseline expression levels and abilities to be regulated in the pancreas and gut upon perturbations. We found, in humans and mice, the pancreas and gut differed in REG/Reg isoform levels and preferences, with the duodenum most resembling the pancreas. Pancreatic acinar cells and intestinal enterocytes were the dominant REG producers. Intestinal symbiotic microbes regulated the expression of the same, select Reg members in gut and pancreas. These Reg members had the most STAT3-binding sites close to the transcription start sites and were partially IL-22 dependent. We thus categorized them as "inducible" and others as "constitutive". Indeed, in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and pancreatitis models, only inducible Reg members were upregulated in the pancreas. While intestinal Reg expression remained unchanged upon pancreatic perturbation, pancreatitis altered the microbial composition of the duodenum and feces shortly after disease onset. Our study reveals differential usage and regulation of REG/Reg isoforms as a mechanism for tissue-specific innate immunity, highlights the intimate connection of pancreas and duodenum, and implies a gut-to-pancreas communication axis resulting in a coordinated Reg response.},
}

@article {pmid40398016,
year = {2025},
author = {Ogo, S and Akama, K and Nakamura, N and Manaka, T and Yamanaka, T},
title = {Symbiosis with Astraeus hygrometricus upregulates cesium and potassium uptake by Pinus densiflora seedlings.},
journal = {Journal of environmental radioactivity},
volume = {287},
number = {},
pages = {107722},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvrad.2025.107722},
pmid = {40398016},
issn = {1879-1700},
abstract = {After the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident in March 2011 in Japan, high activity levels of radiocesium have been reported in wild mushrooms of ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungi. As EM fungal species form symbiotic associations with woody plants, we examined the effect of symbiosis by Astraeus hygrometricus, an EM fungus, on the uptake of cesium (Cs) and potassium (K) by Pinus densiflora seedlings under different levels of K and Cs in the soil in a pot culture. The pine seedlings exhibited enhanced growth due to the symbiosis with A. hygrometricus. The symbiosis with A. hygrometricus significantly increased the Cs and K concentrations of pine seedlings. Cultivating EM seedlings lowered exchangeable K in the soil, although exchangeable Cs did not significantly change. Furthermore, K addition suppresses the Cs absorption of P. densiflora seedlings irrespective of their association with EM fungi.},
}

@article {pmid40397361,
year = {2025},
author = {Lin, YY and Ho, HC and Chou, JY},
title = {Effects of lichen symbiotic bacteria-derived indole-3-acetic acid on the stress responses of an algal-fungal symbiont.},
journal = {Brazilian journal of microbiology : [publication of the Brazilian Society for Microbiology]},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40397361},
issn = {1678-4405},
support = {MOST 111-2621-B-018-001//National Science Council/ ; },
abstract = {Lichens, comprising filamentous fungi and algae/cyanobacteria engaged in mutualistic symbiosis, exhibit remarkable adaptability to environmental challenges. While fungi safeguard algae from dry conditions, their ability to mitigate other stresses remains uncertain. Additionally, the functions of coexisting bacteria within lichen communities remain relatively unexplored. This study investigates the potential of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) as a stress-response signaling molecule in lichen symbiosis. We subjected IAA-treated monocultures of algae and co-cultures of the fungal-algal complex to various stress conditions. IAA's role in bolstering resilience was evident, as demonstrated by the release of IAA (0-500 µM) by bacteria isolated from the lichen Parmelia tinctorum. This IAA was subsequently utilized by the lichen photobionts to alleviate oxidative stress. IAA acted as a communication signal, priming algal cells to defend against impending stressors. Further microscopic examinations unveiled that only the fibrous extensions were exposed in fungal cells that were in direct physical contact with viable algal cells. Co-cultivation and subsequent microscopic observations revealed that the algal cells were protected from diverse stressors by a barrier of fungal hyphae. Our findings underscore the significance of IAA in enhancing stress resistance within the context of lichen symbiosis, thereby advancing our understanding of the adaptability of these unique organisms. Further exploration of bacterial functions in lichen symbiosis holds promise for uncovering novel insights into their ecology and biology.},
}

@article {pmid40397014,
year = {2025},
author = {Chávez-Jacobo, VM and Reyes-González, AR and Girard, L and Dunn, MF},
title = {The Fsr transporter of Sinorhizobium meliloti contributes to antimicrobial resistance and symbiosis with alfalfa.},
journal = {Microbiology (Reading, England)},
volume = {171},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {40397014},
issn = {1465-2080},
mesh = {*Sinorhizobium meliloti/genetics/drug effects/physiology/metabolism ; *Medicago sativa/microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/metabolism ; Biofilms/growth & development ; *Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Fosfomycin/pharmacology/analogs & derivatives/metabolism ; *Membrane Transport Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Plant Roots/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Major facilitator superfamily (MFS) transporters in bacteria participate in both the uptake and export of ions, metabolites or toxic compounds. In rhizobia, specific MFS transporters increase resistance to plant-produced compounds and may also affect other phenotypic traits, including symbiosis with legume host plants. Here, we describe the importance of the Sinorhizobium meliloti 1021 Fsr efflux pump in resistance to selected antimicrobial compounds and in modulating biofilm formation, motility and symbiotic efficiency with alfalfa. The fsr gene (smc00990) is annotated as encoding an MFS family fosmidomycin efflux pump. Unexpectedly, both the 1021 wild type and an fsr null mutant were highly resistant to fosmidomycin. Our assays indicate that this is due to an inability to transport the antibiotic. Unlike the wild type, the fsr mutant was highly sensitive to the fosmidomycin structural analogue fosfomycin, and moderately more sensitive to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and deoxycholate (DOC). Root and seed exudates from alfalfa did not inhibit the growth of the wild type or fsr mutant. fsr transcription significantly increased proportionally to the concentration of fosfomycin added to cultures but was unaffected by the addition of other antibiotics, H2O2, DOC or SDS. Alfalfa seed exudate moderately increased fsr transcriptional expression. Fluorometric assays using ethidium bromide as a substrate and carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone as an energy decoupler showed that Fsr was a proton-dependent efflux pump. Biofilm formation and swimming motility were decreased and increased, respectively, in the fsr mutant, and its symbiotic efficiency with alfalfa was decreased in terms of nodule numbers per plant and plant dry weights.},
}

*Sinorhizobium meliloti/genetics/drug effects/physiology/metabolism
*Medicago sativa/microbiology
*Symbiosis
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/metabolism
Biofilms/growth & development
*Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism
*Drug Resistance, Bacterial
Fosfomycin/pharmacology/analogs & derivatives/metabolism
*Membrane Transport Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Plant Roots/microbiology

@article {pmid40396735,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, J and Chen, B-Y and Zhi, M-F and Lin, W-Z and Li, Y-L and Ye, H-L and Xu, S and Zhu, H and Zhou, L-J and Du, L-J and Meng, X-Q and Liu, Y and Feng, Q and Duan, S-Z},
title = {Linking oral microbiota to periodontitis and hypertension unveils that Filifactor alocis aggravates hypertension via infiltration of interferon-γ[+] T cells.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0008425},
doi = {10.1128/msystems.00084-25},
pmid = {40396735},
issn = {2379-5077},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Periodontal disease (PD), an inflammatory disease initiated by oral microbiota, may aggravate hypertension (HTN). Few studies were employed to characterize the oral microbiota in hypertensive patients with periodontitis. To investigate the interplay between oral microbiota and hypertension in individuals with periodontitis, we initiated a metagenomic sequencing study on subgingival plaque and saliva samples sourced from HTN patients and those with hypertension and periodontitis (PDHTN). Our primary objective was to characterize species serving as pivotal links (bridge species) in exacerbating hypertension induced by periodontal disease. Within subgingival plaque and saliva specimens, we pinpointed 31 and 28 bridge species, respectively. Furthermore, we noted a decrease in the abundance of nitrate-reducing bacteria, such as Actinomyces spp., Rothia spp., and Veillonella spp., in PDHTN samples. Employing network analysis, we distinguished distinct polymicrobial clusters within the two patient groups. These bridge species coalesced into polymicrobial clusters, revealing intricate symbiotic and competitive relationships. To substantiate our findings, we leveraged an angiotensin II-infused animal model of ligature-induced periodontitis (LIP), confirming the contributory role of Filifactor alocis-a selectively analyzed subgingival bridge species-in exacerbating hypertension and upregulating the frequency of renal CD4[+]IFNγ[+] and CD8[+]IFNγ[+] T cells. Our study screened a list of species linking PD and HTN. PD may aggravate HTN by decreasing the abundance of nitrate-reducing bacteria and increasing the abundance of pathogens. Using an animal model, we demonstrated that F. alocis aggravates HTN via the accumulation of IFNγ[+] T cells in the kidneys.

IMPORTANCE: Both periodontal disease and hypertension are widely prevalent all over the world. PD may aggravate the development of HTN via oral microbiota. However, few studies were employed to characterize the oral microbiota in hypertensive patients with periodontitis. Here, the present study profiled the oral microbiota in hypertensive participants with periodontitis. We found that the depleted abundance of nitrate-reducing bacteria and the enriched abundance of pathogens. Finally, we validated the role of Filifactor alocis in exacerbating HTN via infiltration of IFNγ[+] T cells in mice kidneys. Our study improved the understanding of oral microbiota linking PD and HTN.},
}

@article {pmid40396656,
year = {2025},
author = {He, J and Van Dingenen, J and Goormachtig, S and Calonne-Salmon, M and Declerck, S},
title = {Legume-specific recruitment of rhizobia by hyphae of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ismejo/wraf100},
pmid = {40396656},
issn = {1751-7370},
abstract = {The legume-rhizobia symbiosis possesses great potential for sustainable agriculture because of its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, reducing crop dependence on nitrogen fertilizers. Rhizobia recognize the host legume through flavonoids released by the roots. These signals are detected by bacteria typically over a few millimeters. Recent research has shown that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi extend this recognition beyond 15 cm by transporting flavonoids along their hyphae. In soil, common mycorrhizal networks linking plants are formed by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. We hypothesized that such networks linking different legumes can transmit host-specific signals, guiding rhizobia to their appropriate hosts. Using in vitro and greenhouse microcosms, we linked Medicago truncatula and Glycine max via a common mycorrhizal network of Rhizophagus irregularis and inoculated GFP-labeled Sinorhizobium meliloti and mCherry-labeled Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens on the hyphae. S. meliloti preferentially migrated towards M. truncatula, whereas B. diazoefficiens preferentially migrated towards G. max (155 ± 8 and 13 ± 3 nodules, respectively). This was confirmed in the greenhouse with a higher concentration of S. meliloti (2.1-2.5 × 105 CFU·g-1) near M. truncatula and a higher concentration of B. diazoefficiens (1.5-1.6 × 105 CFU·g-1) near G. max (71-82 and 15-18 nodules, respectively). Metabolomics revealed host-specific flavonoids in hyphal exudates: M. truncatula-connected hyphae released DL-liquiritigenin, naringenin, sakuranetin, and 3,7-dimethylquercetin, whereas G. max-connected hyphae released daidzin, 6"-O-malonyldaidzin, irilone, and erylatissin A. These findings establish that common mycorrhizal networks constitute a "navigation system", using chemical signals to orient rhizobia towards their specific hosts, thereby improving nodulation with potential applications in agriculture.},
}

@article {pmid40395007,
year = {2025},
author = {Castillo-Medina, RE and Islas-Flores, T and Morales-Ruiz, E and Villanueva, M},
title = {Inhibition of protein or glutamine biosynthesis affect the light-induced dephosphorylation of the SBiP1 chaperone in Symbiodiniaceae.},
journal = {Bioscience reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1042/BSR20241085},
pmid = {40395007},
issn = {1573-4935},
support = {285802//Secretaría de Ciencia Humanidades Tecnología e Innovación (SECIHTI)/ ; },
abstract = {Phosphorylation/dephosphorylation is fundamental for transduction of external stimuli into physiological responses. In photosynthetic dinoflagellates Symbiodinium microadriaticum CassKB8, Thr-phosphorylated SBiP1 under dark conditions, undergoes significant dephosphorylation upon light stimuli. We evaluated the effect of protein synthesis inhibitors on light modulated Thr phosphorylation of SBiP1. Inhibition of cytoplasmic protein synthesis by cycloheximide but not of chloroplastic protein synthesis by chloramphenicol, prevented Thr dephosphorylation of the protein under the light. Additionally, inhibition of glutamine synthetase by glufosinate produced a delay in the light induced dephosphorylation of the chaperone. Heat shock reverted the effect in cycloheximide-treated cells suggesting that heat stress overrides the cycloheximide-induced inhibition of SBiP1 dephosphorylation to hypothetically restore chaperone activity. These results suggest that light and stress are critical switches of SBiP1 chaperone activity that function along with common pathways of protein synthesis and ammonia assimilation, and further confirm that the light induced SBiP1 Thr dephosphorylation is independent of photosynthesis.},
}