@article {pmid41764270,
year = {2026},
author = {Yao, B and Zhu, H and He, X and Yang, W and Luo, C and Li, Y and Yang, A and Zhang, Y and Jiang, L and Li, Y and Guo, L and He, X and Du, Y and Liu, C},
title = {Cascaded regulatory network composed of small RNAs involves in the symbiosis of Panax notoginseng and fungus Acremonium sp. D212.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-40644-x},
pmid = {41764270},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {32260085, 31660501,32570377//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
}

@article {pmid41763044,
year = {2026},
author = {Lu, B and Zhao, C and Wang, Z and Zhao, Y and Zhang, J and Yuan, X},
title = {Optimizing red-blue light ratio enhances nutrient and antibiotic removal by an algal-based symbiotic consortium in aquaculture wastewater.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {402},
number = {},
pages = {129029},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.129029},
pmid = {41763044},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Exploring effective techniques for the removal of nutrient and antibiotic contaminants is critical to addressing aquaculture wastewater pollution. A novel approach was adopted in this study, which aimed to optimize the red-blue light ratio specifically to enhance a three-member (algae-bacteria-fungi) symbiotic consortium for efficient pollutant removal. Four systems were evaluated: Chlorella vulgaris monoculture (Strain 1), Chlorella vulgaris + S395-2 (Strain 2), Chlorella vulgaris + Clonostachys rosea (Strain 3), and Chlorella vulgaris + S395-2 + Clonostachys rosea (Strain 4). Results demonstrated that a 5:5 red-blue light ratio provided optimal growth conditions, under which Strain 4 emerged as a stable and highly efficient dominant consortium. This system achieved the highest average removal rates for conventional pollutants, with COD (78.96 ± 3.21%), TN (82.37 ± 5.31%), NH4[+]-N (63.16 ± 4.17%), and TP (84.51 ± 3.71%). Furthermore, under optimal lighting conditions at an antibiotic concentration of 0.25 mg L[-1], Strain 4 exhibited superior removal efficiency for oxytetracycline (OTC, 96.23 ± 2.01%), ciprofloxacin (CPFX, 79.62 ± 5.31%), and sulfamethoxazole (SMZ, 82.16 ± 4.76%). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed that the exceptional degradation performance of OTC was attributed to its moderate amphiphilicity (ω = 1.23 eV, N = 2.79 eV), the narrowest HOMO-LUMO gap (4.28 eV), and abundant distribution of reactive sites. These findings provide valuable scientific insights into pollutant mitigation mechanisms in aquaculture environments.},
}

@article {pmid41762238,
year = {2026},
author = {Phauk, S and Sin, S and Terenius, O},
title = {Symbiotic Diversity of Sap-Feeding Auchenorrhyncha (Hemiptera) in the Upland Landscapes of Central Cardamom Mountains, Cambodia.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1007/s00248-026-02724-3},
pmid = {41762238},
issn = {1432-184X},
}

@article {pmid41761404,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, P and Huang, LT and Yu, XL and Zhang, YY and Liu, S and Jiang, L and Huang, H},
title = {Distinction in Symbiodiniaceae and Bacterial Communities and Symbiodiniaceae Lineage-Specific Transcriptome Underpinning the Superior Heat Tolerance of Intertidal Acropora Corals.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {35},
number = {5},
pages = {e70286},
doi = {10.1111/mec.70286},
pmid = {41761404},
issn = {1365-294X},
support = {U23A2035//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2021-05//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 2024A1515011041//Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation of Guangdong Province/ ; SCSIO2023QY03//South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences/ ; 2023B1212060047//Science and Technology Planning Project of Guangdong Province/ ; },
abstract = {Fine-scale thermal heterogeneity within intertidal and subtidal microhabitats could drive divergence in organismal heat tolerance. Reef corals from the extreme intertidal may hold optimism for the future of coral reefs and give insights into the mechanisms by which coral may persist under future conditions. Here, we compared the thermal sensitivities of intertidal and subtidal Acropora digitifera and evaluated their bleaching phenotypes, transcriptomes, host genetic differentiation and bacterial communities. Results showed that only heat-exposed subtidal corals displayed significantly reduced photochemical efficiency, symbiont densities, pigment and host protein concentrations, suggesting bleaching and host starvation. Despite being genetically similar, heat-exposed subtidal corals mounted stronger immune activation and amino acid degradation but downregulated monocarboxylate transport and calcification compared to intertidal corals. In contrast to the prevalence of Cladocopium in subtidal corals, intertidal corals were dominated by Durusdinium, whose transcriptional signature was characterised by lineage-specific and constitutively high transcript abundance of orthologs involved in stress response, metabolism, photosynthesis, cell cycle and symbiotic interactions. Furthermore, 16S rRNA sequencing demonstrated an origin-dependent bacterial composition, with Endozoicomonas being more abundant and important in co-occurrence networks of intertidal corals. Our findings suggest that distinction in Symbiodiniaceae and bacterial communities and Symbiodiniaceae lineage-specific transcriptional footprint largely underpin the exceptional thermotolerance of intertidal Acropora. Although these corals provide promising avenues for restoration, such a mechanism may bring attention to the risk of using them in selective breeding, particularly given the horizontal transmission of algal symbionts in Acropora.},
}

@article {pmid41761369,
year = {2026},
author = {Shu, Y and He, Y and Chen, T and Zhou, Y and Liu, Y and Fu, P and Xu, J},
title = {Reconstruction of coral holobionts and elucidation of the causal relationships among symbiodiniaceae, bacteria, and coral through single-cell raman spectroscopy metabolomics.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s40168-026-02338-4},
pmid = {41761369},
issn = {2049-2618},
support = {KYQD_ZR2017212//Research Start-Up Funds from Hainan University/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The global decline of coral reefs underscores the urgency of understanding how corals enhance resilience in stressful environmental conditions. As metaorganisms, or holobionts, corals rely on dynamic interactions with their associated microbial communities, with bacterial restructuring proposed as a potential mechanism of holobiont adaptation. Here, we reconstructed coral symbiosis in the bleached tissues of Acropora hyacinthus by introducing beneficial bacteria and thermally domesticated Symbiodiniaceae to assess their roles in bleaching recovery. Raman spectroscopy metabolomics (RS metabolomics) enables in situ detection, providing temporal evidence of metabolic exchange within the tripartite relationship among corals, Symbiodiniaceae, and associated bacteria.

RESULTS: This study highlights the potential of acclimation-based approaches in the development of thermotolerant Symbiodiniaceae strains. Furthermore, by manipulating this bacterial community, we identified a bacterium that enhances the thermal and light tolerances of acclimated Symbiodiniaceae, offering new insights into coral reef homeostasis strategies. Our results also indicate that the introduction of beneficial bacterial strains and thermotolerant Symbiodiniaceae, including proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates, increased nutrient levels in the coral host.

CONCLUSIONS: This work introduces a microbial-assisted holobiont reconstitution framework that advances understanding of cross-kingdom metabolic integration and offers a mechanistic basis for engineering coral resilience under climate stress. The findings could provide insights into leveraging beneficial microbiota to mitigate thermal-induced coral bleaching, ultimately informing conservation strategies for marine ecosystems. Video Abstract.},
}

@article {pmid41760926,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, Y and Moriyama, M and Koga, R and Oguchi, K and Hosokawa, T and Takai, H and Shigenobu, S and Nikoh, N and Fukatsu, T},
title = {Tryptophanase disruption promotes insect-bacterium mutualism.},
journal = {Nature microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41760926},
issn = {2058-5276},
support = {JPMJER1902//MEXT | JST | Exploratory Research for Advanced Technology (ERATO)/ ; JPMJER1902//MEXT | JST | Exploratory Research for Advanced Technology (ERATO)/ ; JP25221107//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; JP17H06388//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; JP22128001//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; JP22128007//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; JP25221107//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; JP17H06388//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; JP22128001//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; },
abstract = {Animal-microorganism symbioses are omnipresent, with both partners often gaining benefits as mutualists. A single mutation in the carbon catabolite repression system in Escherichia coli enables mutualism with the stinkbug Plautia stali. Here we find that this mutation is not present in natural symbioses. Given that the carbon catabolite repression pathway affects the expression of >500 downstream genes, we investigated their role in mutualisms. We find that disruption of a single gene, tnaA, encoding tryptophanase makes E. coli mutualistic to P. stali, resulting in the accumulation of tryptophan and the reduction of toxic indole. A survey of wild populations of P. stali and other stinkbug species revealed that their typical microbial symbionts, Pantoea, consistently lack the tnaA gene. Some Pantoea species such as Pantoea ananatis retain the tnaA gene and cannot establish symbiosis with P. stali, but tnaA-disrupted P. ananatis partially restored the symbiotic capability. When a natural Pantoea mutualist of P. stali was transformed with a functional tna operon, its symbiotic capability reduced significantly. Our finding suggests that tryptophanase disruption may have facilitated the evolution of gut bacterial mutualists in insects.},
}

@article {pmid41760915,
year = {2026},
author = {Asari, S and Kodama, Y},
title = {Mitochondrial density and cell area changes in the ciliate Paramecium bursaria under constant darkness: effects of symbiotic Chlorella variabilis and nutrient availability.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-41878-5},
pmid = {41760915},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B) (grant number 23H02529)//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; SDGs Research Project//Shimane University/ ; },
abstract = {Paramecium bursaria and its symbiotic association with Chlorella variabilis influence host organelles. Previous studies have reported reduced mitochondria and trichocysts in algae-bearing P. bursaria cells, suggesting that the digestion of symbiotic algae may provide nutrients for trichocyst synthesis. However, the response of host mitochondria to symbiont loss under prolonged darkness remains unclear. Here, we examined the mitochondrial dynamics and cell morphology in algae-bearing and alga-free P. bursaria under constant darkness combined with feeding or starvation. Algal reduction was quantified using differential interference contrast image intensity, and host mitochondria were visualized using MitoBright LT Green. Under dark conditions with starvation, symbiotic algae and cell area decreased markedly, whereas mitochondrial fluorescence remained largely unchanged in algae-bearing cells. Gradual loss of algae despite feeding preserved both cell area and mitochondrial density. In alga-free cells, starvation caused early mitochondrial decline, followed by partial recovery, whereas feeding supported maintenance or enhancement. These findings indicate that mitochondrial density does not increase as algae decrease; instead, nutrient availability is critical for sustaining mitochondria in prolonged darkness. Our results provide insights into organelle-level responses to symbiont loss and the mechanisms underlying endosymbiotic resilience under environmental stress, with implications for mutualistic stability in changing ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid41760845,
year = {2026},
author = {Rípodas, C and Cretton, M and Eylenstein, A and Rivero, C and Zanetti, ME and Blanco, F},
title = {Cullin 3 substrate-adaptor protein 1 (MtCSP1) modulates nodulation through interaction with the GTPase ARFA1.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-41112-2},
pmid = {41760845},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {2020-00053//Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica/ ; 2019/00029 and 2021-00170//Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica/ ; },
abstract = {Legume plants have the capacity to incorporate atmospheric nitrogen by establishing an endosymbiotic interaction with soil bacteria resulting in the formation of nitrogen-fixing nodules. Bacteria are internalized through a tightly regulated process that requires membrane remodelling and vesicle trafficking, which are controlled by small GTPases. Members of the ARF family of GTPases mediate vesicle budding in a wide range of biological processes; however, the modulation of ARF members, their subcellular localization and the formation of complexes with other proteins during the root nodule symbiosis has not been fully investigated. Here, we identify a BTB/POZ protein that physically interacts with MtARFA1 in a yeast two-hybrid screening. BTB/POZ proteins are present in substrate-specific adaptors that form complexes with the Ubiquitin ligase E3 Cullin3 (CUL3), thus the interactor was designated as M. truncatula CUL3 substrate-adaptor protein 1 (MtCSP1). Physical interaction between MtARFA1 and MtCSP1 was verified in planta by co-immunopurification assays and bimolecular fluorescence complementation, revealing that the interaction takes place in vesicles of the late endosome. The MtCSP1 promoter is active in lateral roots and in the meristem of indeterminate nodules. Phenotypic analysis of transgenic roots with altered mRNA levels of MtCSP1 evidenced the requirement of this gene for the progression of rhizobial infection and nodule organogenesis. This work establishes a link between small GTPases and protein degradation by the ubiquitin system in the context of the nitrogen-fixing symbiosis.},
}

@article {pmid41760692,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhou, C and Zhong, Z and Guo, Y and Yan, Y and Wang, J and Wang, M and Li, C},
title = {Chromosome-level genome assembly of the deep-sea solemyid bivalve Acharax haimaensis.},
journal = {Scientific data},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41597-026-06755-w},
pmid = {41760692},
issn = {2052-4463},
support = {42376058//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 42221005 to WMX//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 2024YFC2816000//Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China (Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology)/ ; },
abstract = {Solemyidae, an ancient lineage of protobranch bivalves, are characterized by unique morphology and obligate symbiosis with sulfur-oxidizing bacteria, enabling survival in sulfide-rich sediments. However, limited genomic resources have hindered understanding of their evolutionary history, symbiotic interactions, and environmental adaptation. Here, we report a chromosome-level reference genome of Acharax haimaensis, assembled using PacBio, Illumina, and Hi-C sequencing. The 4.27 Gb genome, with a scaffold N50 of 195.52 Mb, was anchored to 22 chromosomes and achieved high completeness (98.2%) based on BUSCO. Transposable elements occupy 50.17% of the assembly, dominated by long interspersed nuclear elements (14.20%). We predicted 38,343 protein-coding genes, of which 87.25% were functionally annotated. Macrosynteny analysis revealed each chromosome comprises two to four segments of ancestral linkage groups, indicating extensive chromosomal breakage and fusion in early bivalve evolution. Phylogenetic inference suggested A. haimaensis diverged from the common ancestor of Autobranchia ~550 Mya. This first deep-sea protobranch genome provides an essential resource for exploring bivalve evolution and the genetic basis of symbiosis and adaptation to extreme environments.},
}

@article {pmid41760684,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, J and Tong, Q and Lin, F and An, X and Huang, H and Chen, H and Ye, J and Xu, H and Lv, X and Lv, Z and Zeng, F and Zhang, T and Wu, X and Xie, B and Ming, R and Deng, Y},
title = {Polymorphism and evolutionary origins of accessory chromosomes in the basidiomycete Tremella fuciformis.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41467-026-70078-y},
pmid = {41760684},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {32472810//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; },
abstract = {Accessory chromosomes are non-essential for growth but poorly characterized in basidiomycetes, unlike in Ascomycota. Here, we report whole-genome sequencing of 16 strains of the basidiomycete Tremella fuciformis (silver ear fungus), generating 27 complete haplotypes (5 monokaryons and 11 dikaryons, each contributing two distinct haplotypes). Genome size varied by over one-third, driven by accessory chromosomes and repetitive sequences in core chromosomes (essential for basic biology). Each strain harbored 8-10 core chromosomes (polymorphic via fusion/fission) and 2-10 accessory chromosomes (total 108), whose distribution reflects phylogeny and symbiotic specificity with the ascomycete Annulohypoxylon stygium. Accessory chromosomes are small, transposon-rich, gene-poor, and exhibit higher sequence similarity but more diverse structural variations than core chromosomes, with few shared genes across phylogenetic branches. Both chromosome types show frequent copy number variation during cell type transformation. Most accessory chromosome genes lack homologs in core chromosomes or existing gene databases. Our study reveals basidiomycete accessory chromosome diversity, suggesting an origin from unexplored species pre-dating T. fuciformis speciation.},
}

@article {pmid41758921,
year = {2026},
author = {Qu, S and Zhou, G and Chen, Y},
title = {Research on the configurational paths for establishing high-level municipal industry-education consortiums in China: from the perspective of symbiosis theory.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {21},
number = {2},
pages = {e0336145},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0336145},
pmid = {41758921},
issn = {1932-6203},
abstract = {The municipal industry-education consortium(MIEC) is a crucial component of the development of education in China, and the provincial-level administrative regions (PARs) are committed to building high-level MIECs. However, there are significant differences in the efficiency of building MIECs in different regions across China. A province is a macro-level industry-education integration ecosystem, whereas a MIEC is a micro-level ecosystem. Symbiotic units such as industrial parks, universities, and enterprises within the provincial industry-education integration ecosystem(PIEIE) cooperate and exchange resources with each other in institutional, innovative, and digital environments to achieve the symbiotic model of industry-education integration, ultimately forming high-level MIECs. Based on the theory of symbiosis and employed the fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), this study analyzed the complex causal mechanisms through which symbiotic elements of PIEIEs influenced the construction of high-level MIECs, using data from the 31 PARs in China, excluding Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan. This paper found that the development of high-level MIECs was not determined by any single symbiotic element; instead, it resulted from the coordinated development and combined effects of three key symbiotic factors: symbiotic units, symbiotic environment, and symbiotic models. There were six configurational pathways to building high-level MIECs, grouped into three types: the "Economy-Driven" model, the "Digital-Enabled Industry-Education Integration" model, and the "Assistance-Driven" model. The findings provide a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for PARs in developing high-level MIECs.},
}

@article {pmid41757865,
year = {2026},
author = {Hu, X and Shi, Z and Gao, Y and Zheng, H and Lin, L and Chen, JP and Chen, Y and Zhang, CX and Li, Y},
title = {Characterization of the dynamic microbiome evolution across thrips species.},
journal = {Insect science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1744-7917.70265},
pmid = {41757865},
issn = {1744-7917},
support = {2023J06040//Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province/ ; //Ningbo Yongjiang grant/ ; 32472657//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32570491//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {The insect microbiome profoundly influences host physiology and ecology, yet its composition and evolutionary dynamics in thrips remain poorly understood. Here, we present a systematic characterization of thrips-associated microbiomes through integrated metagenomic and culture-based approaches. Our analysis reveals that thrips microbiomes are dominated by both intracellular symbionts (e.g., Wolbachia and Spiroplasma) and extracellular taxa (e.g., Serratia, Pantoea, and Acinetobacter), with species-specific compositions exhibiting frequent gains and losses of bacterial lineages. We demonstrate that thrips microbiomes exhibit low interspecific microbial sharing, forming host-specific bacterial communities with minimal overlap between species. To address methodological challenges in microbiome research, we developed a dual-sequencing framework combining short-read sequencing (for comprehensive taxonomic detection) and long-read sequencing (for genomic verification), enabling the reconstruction of high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes that validated short-read findings. Furthermore, we isolated and sequenced the complete genomes of two dominant extracellular symbionts-Pantoea dispersa and Serratia marcescens-and performed pan-genome analyses. These revealed small core gene sets and expansive accessory genomes, including host-specific functional genes (e.g., hydrolases and neurotoxic N-acetyltransferases) likely involved in host adaptation. Our study provides a foundational genomic resource and a robust analytical pipeline for dissecting thrips microbiome evolution, with implications for understanding insect-microbe interactions and symbiont-mediated adaptations.},
}

@article {pmid41756731,
year = {2026},
author = {Maxwell, MWH and Fernando, AH and Papp, A and Bell, CA},
title = {Mycorrhizal symbiosis drives tolerance to potato cyst nematodes.},
journal = {iScience},
volume = {29},
number = {3},
pages = {114923},
pmid = {41756731},
issn = {2589-0042},
abstract = {Host plant tolerance to pathogens is increasingly relevant as resistance sources and control options become scarce. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are known to enhance plant stress tolerance, but it remains unclear whether they are essential for, or complement, innate tolerance. We observed that potato cultivars described as tolerant to G. pallida suffered yield loss under nematode pressure when grown in sterile soils, indicating a lack of tolerance. The introduction of Rhizophagus irregularis increased tuber biomass during nematode parasitism, with cultivars commercially labelled as tolerant exhibiting a stronger response to AM fungi. The data suggest cultivar differences in mycorrhizal responsiveness with the differential expression of a range of plant sugar transporter genes in "tolerant" cultivars inferring a role of sugar allocation in host tolerance. Overall, AM fungi are critical for conferring tolerance against G. pallida and revealing the underpinning genes may provide useful targets to explore in current commercially desirable yet intolerant cultivars.},
}

@article {pmid41756261,
year = {2026},
author = {Cai, X and Hu, X and Yan, F and Chen, D and Xiao, B and Zheng, X and Zhang, K and Zhou, J and Ma, Z and Sun, F and Peng, Y and Ma, X and Paramsothy, J and Xue, R and Liu, L},
title = {Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Orchestrate Soil Microbial Community Assembly Along a Salix cupularis Restoration Chronosequence in a Desertified Alpine Grassland.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {16},
number = {3},
pages = {e73133},
pmid = {41756261},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Belowground microbes are emerging targets for ecosystem restoration. Understanding the assembly mechanisms of these microbial communities is critical for predicting ecosystem trajectories and optimizing restoration interventions. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are hypothesized to be key drivers of these eco-evolutionary dynamics as a crucial and unique functional group associating with approximately 80% of terrestrial plant species. However, relatively little empirical information is available on the role of AMF in the soil microbial community assembly. Here, we used Salix cupularis, a native pioneer shrub species of desertified alpine meadows, to investigate the temporal dynamics of soil rhizosphere microbial communities across a restoration chronosequence (5, 10, and 20 years), with a particular focus on the AMF community. The results showed that minimal changes occurred in bacterial community structure, whereas fungal community exhibited more pronounced shifts along the chronosequence. Bacterial community assembly was initially deterministic and then became stochastic, while fungal assembly was consistently stochastic. Shrub planting enhanced the complexity of both bacterial and fungal networks over time. Co-occurrence networks and Pearson correlation analysis revealed the "time-dependent" regulatory role of the AMF community in soil microbial assembly. AMF acted as an orchestrator in the 10th year after planting (the edge density of AMF peaking at 15.0) prior to the transition to a stable, ECM-dominated state in response to shifts in soil nutrient availability, particularly significant increases in MAOC and AP, as well as a decrease in DON. Our findings indicate that fungal communities exhibit higher sensitivity and highlight the dynamic regulatory function of AMF, especially under dual-mycorrhizal symbiosis. These results provide novel mechanistic insights into soil microbe trajectories, suggesting that targeted AMF inoculation is crucial for the early-to-mid establishment phase of restoring desertified alpine meadows.},
}

@article {pmid41754250,
year = {2026},
author = {Oliveira, EM and Besen, K and Santos, LCD and Uller, MF and Lovato, PE and Guerra, MP and Mayer, JLS},
title = {Symbiotic Germination in Cattleya purpurata: An Ultrastructural Journey from Fungal Dependence to Autotrophy.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants15040543},
pmid = {41754250},
issn = {2223-7747},
abstract = {Orchids depend on mycorrhizal fungi for seed germination, a critical process especially for endangered species such as Cattleya purpurata. This study elucidates the ultrastructural ontogeny of the symbiosis between C. purpurata and the fungus Tulasnella sp. We demonstrate a defined spatiotemporal colonization pattern: hyphae penetrate exclusively via suspensor cells, migrate through the basal region of the embryo, and only then colonize the apical region. Upon colonization, the fungus triggers changes in the embryonic cells, including nuclear hypertrophy and peloton formation. Ultrastructural analysis revealed a sequence of fungal degradation, from intact hyphae to senescent hyphae containing myelin-like bodies and an electron-dense cytoplasm, suggesting that programmed senescence precedes peloton digestion. This supports the novel hypothesis of active fungal participation in modulating its own digestion, challenging classical models. Simultaneously, embryonic cells exhibited rapid metabolic conversion, with the transition from proplastids to amyloplasts, and then to chloroplasts in less than 20 days, marking the onset of autotrophy. This integrated morphological study not only expands fundamental knowledge about symbiotic development in orchids but also provides an optimized protocol for producing symbiotic seedlings, offering a direct tool for the reintroduction and conservation of this species.},
}

@article {pmid41753741,
year = {2026},
author = {Arossa, S and Klein, SG and Alva Garcia, JV and Steckbauer, A and Pluma, N and Genchi, L and Laptenok, SP and Hung, SH and Salazar, OR and Aranda, M and Liberale, C and Duarte, CM},
title = {Differential Responses to Heat Stress Between Freshly Isolated and Long-Term Cultured Symbiodinium.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms14020455},
pmid = {41753741},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {//King Abdullah University of Science and Technology and the Tarek Ahmed Juffali Research Chair on Red Sea Ecology, including the baseline research funds of CD, MA, and CL./ ; },
abstract = {Symbiotic dinoflagellates from the family Symbiodiniaceae play a central role in coral reef ecosystems by forming mutualistic relationships with reef invertebrates, particularly stony corals. These relationships underpin reef productivity in nutrient-poor waters but are vulnerable to disruption from marine heatwaves and climate change. While laboratory culturing of symbionts has enabled controlled studies of thermal stress, prolonged culturing may lead to physiological changes that do not reflect in hospite conditions. Here, we examined the thermal stress responses of two axenic cultures of Symbiodinium A1, freshly isolated and long-term cultured (2.5 years), originally from the jellyfish Cassiopea andromeda in the Red Sea. Both cultures were exposed to a daily temperature increase of 1 °C, up to 37 °C. Freshly isolated symbionts consistently showed higher photochemical efficiency (0.515 ± 0.007) and growth rates (1.68 ± 0.60 µ day[-1]) compared to long-term cultured cells (0.401 ± 0.007; -2.25 ± 0.38 µ day[-1]), which collapsed at 37 °C. Heat stress also led to decreases in O2 and increases in pCO2 across treatments. Long-term cultured symbionts exhibited greater lipid body accumulation, suggesting a shift to anaerobic metabolism. These findings demonstrate that extended batch culturing alters symbiont physiology and stress responses, highlighting the need to consider culture history in experimental designs to avoid bias in interpreting holobiont resilience.},
}

@article {pmid41753667,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, Y and Vigil, J and Pradhan, R and Zhu, J and Libault, M},
title = {Integrating Single-Cell and Spatial Multi-Omics to Decode Plant-Microbe Interactions at Cellular Resolution.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms14020380},
pmid = {41753667},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {2414183//National Science Foundation (NSF)/ ; 2425989//National Science Foundation (NSF)/ ; 2022-67013-36144//USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA)/ ; },
abstract = {Understanding the intimate interactions between plants and their microbiota at the cellular level is essential for unlocking the full potential of plant holobionts in agricultural systems. Traditional bulk and microbial community-level sequencing approaches reveal broad community patterns but fail to resolve how distinct plant cell types interact with or regulate microbial colonization, as well as the diverse antagonistic and synergistic interactions and responses existing between various microbial populations. Recent advances in single-cell and spatial multi-omics have transformed our understanding of plant cell identities as well as gene regulatory programs and their dynamic regulation in response to environmental stresses and plant development. In this review, we highlight the single-cell discoveries that uncover the plant cell-type-specific microbial perception, immune activation, and symbiotic differentiation, particularly in roots, nodules, and leaves. We further discuss how integrating transcriptomic, epigenomic, and spatial data can reconstruct multilayered interaction networks that connect plant cell-type-specific regulatory states with microbial spatial niches and inter-kingdom signaling (e.g., ligand-receptor and metabolite exchange), providing a foundation for developing new strategies to engineer crop-microbiome interactions to support sustainable agriculture. We conclude by outlining key methodological challenges and future research priorities that point toward building a fully integrated cellular interactome of the plant holobiont.},
}

@article {pmid41752923,
year = {2026},
author = {Gou, S and Zhao, X and Ni, Y and Shi, T and Zhao, Z and Tang, L and Li, W and Wan, Y},
title = {Revisiting the Nutritional Mode of Floccularia luteovirens: A Case for Facultative Saprobic Capacity.},
journal = {Life (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {16},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/life16020287},
pmid = {41752923},
issn = {2075-1729},
abstract = {Floccularia luteovirens is a rare and edible fungus endemic to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Traditional viewpoints have inferred it to be a mycorrhizal fungus based on its spatial association with Kobresia, yet direct morphological evidence (e.g., Hartig net) and molecular evidence is lacking. Through a systematic review of the existing literature, this study found that all current evidence supporting a mycorrhizal relationship is merely indirect inference. In contrast, experiments conducted by our research team demonstrated that this fungus colonizes well on sawdust-based substrates, which is compatible with saprobic growth capacity and does not exclude the possibility of conditional mycorrhizal symbiosis in natural environments. Based on these findings, we propose that F. luteovirens may adopt a facultative nutritional mode to adapt to the alpine environment. Genomic analysis revealed that the CAZyme repertoire of F. luteovirens (including key enzyme families such as GH6, GH7, and AA1) shows high similarity to that of the saprobic fungus Agaricus bisporus and appears to be more comprehensive than that of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Boletus edulis, based on current annotation data. This pattern suggests its potential capacity for lignocellulose degradation. The successful cultivation of its closely related species Lepista sordida on various lignocellulosic substrates further supports this functional potential. This study proposes that F. luteovirens employs a 'facultative nutrition' strategy, which presents an alternative perspective to the traditional view of obligate dependence on mycorrhizal symbiosis. These findings contribute to our understanding of fungal adaptation in alpine environments and may inform strategies for artificial domestication of this valuable species.},
}

@article {pmid41752469,
year = {2026},
author = {Lowen, E and Moulton, SE and Palombo, EA and Kwa, F and Zaferanloo, B},
title = {Harnessing Endophytic Fungi as a Sustainable Source of Novel Anticancer Agents: Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Directions.},
journal = {Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {31},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/molecules31040693},
pmid = {41752469},
issn = {1420-3049},
abstract = {Despite significant advances in oncology, current cancer therapies remain constrained by toxicity, resistance, and limited selectivity. Endophytic fungi symbiotic microorganisms inhabiting plant tissues represent a sustainable and underexplored source of structurally diverse anticancer metabolites. These include alkaloids, terpenoids, polyketides, and peptides that disrupt microtubule dynamics, interfere with DNA replication, and induce mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis. They also modulate key oncogenic signalling pathways such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), thereby enhancing the efficacy of existing chemotherapies. Endophyte derived compounds further inhibit angiogenesis, suppress metastasis, and stimulate immune responses, offering multi-target mechanisms with reduced toxicity. This review examines strategies that enhance the discovery and yield of these bioactive metabolites, including One Strain Many Compounds (OSMAC), microbial co-culture, epigenetic activation, genome mining, and synthetic biology. A comparative assessment of endophyte-derived versus conventional anticancer agents highlights their potential for scalable, eco-sustainable production. Collectively, endophytic fungi are positioned as promising contributors to the next generation of accessible, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible anticancer therapies.},
}

@article {pmid41752167,
year = {2026},
author = {Abd-Alla, MH and Hassan, EA and Khalaf, DM and Mohammed, EA and Bashandy, SR},
title = {Harnessing Silicon and Nanosilicon Formulations with Rhizobium/Bradyrhizobium for the Sustainable Enhancement of Biological Nitrogen Fixation in Legumes and Climate Change Mitigation.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {27},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms27042031},
pmid = {41752167},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {51395//This research is based on the work supported by the Science, Technology & Innovation Funding Authority of Egypt (STDF) under grant number 51395/ ; },
abstract = {Silicon has long been recognized as a beneficial element in plant biology. Recent advances in nanosilicon technology have revealed its transformative potential in legume-rhizobia symbiosis. This review synthesizes current knowledge on how silicon and SiO2 nanoparticles (Si-NPs) influence nodulation, microbial metabolism, and soil-plant interactions. We highlight emerging evidence that Si-NPs enhance symbiotic signaling, strengthen infection pathways, and mitigate oxidative stress, thereby supporting nitrogen fixation efficiency. Beyond the rhizosphere, nanosilicon improves soil structure, microbial diversity, and plant resilience under abiotic stress, offering a multifaceted approach to sustainable agriculture. The novelty of this review lies in its integrative perspective, connecting molecular mechanisms with ecological impacts and climate-smart applications. By examining Si-NPs across three domains-soils, rhizosphere metabolites, and plants-we provide a framework for understanding their role in enhancing productivity while reducing environmental costs. Importantly, we identify critical research gaps, including the need for standardized application protocols, large-scale field validation, sustainable nanosilicon production, and robust regulatory frameworks. These insights position nanosilicon as a promising tool for advancing legume productivity, reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers, and contributing to global food security. This review underscores silicon's potential not only as a plant nutrient but also as a strategic agent in climate-resilient agriculture.},
}

@article {pmid41751747,
year = {2026},
author = {Yang, J and Huang, KW},
title = {Joint Sensing and Secure Communications in RIS-Based Symbiotic Radio Systems.},
journal = {Entropy (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {28},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41751747},
issn = {1099-4300},
support = {62201206//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {We study the problem of joint sensing and secure communications in a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS)-based symbiotic radio (SR) system. In the considered system, a dual-functional radar and communication base station (DFRC-BS) achieves secure communications with multiple user terminals (UTs), and at the same time, performs a target sensing task. An RIS simultaneously assists the secure communications between the DFRC-BS and the multiple UTs and conveys its own data to the UTs by modulating the radio frequency signal from the DFRC-BS. Two different SR settings are investigated, namely, parasitic SR (PSR) and commensal SR (CSR). In both the PSR and the CSR situations, the echo signal from the sensing target is interfered by the backscattered signal from the RIS. We propose two strategies for the DFRC-BS to handle with the interference from the RIS, namely, (1) directly sensing without interference cancelation, and (2) performing interference cancelation before sensing. For both the two strategies, we aim to maximize the sum secrecy rate from the DFRC-BS to the multiple UTs while ensuring satisfactory performances for the sensing and the backscatter links. A block coordinate ascend algorithm is proposed to solve the established non-convex optimization problems. Simulation results reveal that at the DFRC-BS, performing interference cancelation leads to an improved system performance. Furthermore, compared with PSR, CSR leads to a higher sum secrecy rate between the DFRC-BS and the UTs.},
}

@article {pmid41751071,
year = {2026},
author = {Quezada-Rubio, JA and Estrada-Angulo, A and Castro-Pérez, BI and Urías-Estrada, JD and Ponce-Barraza, E and Escobedo-Gallegos, LG and Mendoza-Cortez, DA and Barreras, A and Carrillo-Muro, O and Plascencia, A},
title = {Effect of Combining a Prebiotic (Autolyzed Yeast from Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and Probiotic (Bacillus subtilis) Added in a High-Energy Diet on Growth Performance, Dietary Energetics, and Carcass Traits of Fattening Hairy Lambs.},
journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI},
volume = {16},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ani16040610},
pmid = {41751071},
issn = {2076-2615},
abstract = {Due to their specific properties, the autolyzed yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) and bacterial Bacillus subtilis (BS) theoretically can have a synergistic effect when combined and offered in ruminant diets. Thus, the aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of their combination as feed additives on growth performance, dietary energy, carcass traits, and visceral organ mass in finishing lambs. For this reason, 48 Pelibuey × Katahdin lambs (98 ± 17 d age; initial weight = 20.25 ± 3.37 kg) were used in a feeding trial lasting 83 d. Lambs were blocked by weight and assigned to 24 pens. Treatment consisted in supplementing a high-energy diet with probiotic and/or prebiotic as follows: (1) finishing diet without probiotic or prebiotic supplementation (Control), (2) finishing diet supplemented with 1.5 g SC/kg diet, (3) finishing diet supplemented with 1.5 g BS/kg diet, and (4) finishing diet supplemented with 1.5 g SC plus 1.5 g BS/kg diet. There were no synergistic (interaction) effects by combining SC + BS in any of the variables evaluated. Lambs that were supplemented with BS showed a very similar response on dry matter intake (DMI, p = 0.41), average daily gain (ADG, p = 0.64), carcass traits (p ≥ 0.08), tissue composition (p ≥ 0.32), and relative visceral organ mass (g/kg EBW, p ≥ 0.15) than non-supplemented lambs. Compared to the control group, lambs that received SC alone or in combination with BS showed greater average daily gain (12.0%, p = 0.03), gain efficiency (6.1%, p = 0.04) and observed-to expected dietary energy efficiency (5.5%, p = 0.04). Supplemental SC and SC + BS increased hot carcass weight (p = 0.04) without effects on the rest of the variables evaluated including the shoulder tissue composition whole cuts, and visceral organ mass. It was concluded that SC improves growth performance and dietary energy in finishing lambs without changes in carcass traits or carcass composition. Combining SC with BS did not improve the magnitude of the response of SC supplemented alone. In this study, the inclusion of a 1.5 g/kg diet of BS during a long-term period (83 d) did not show benefits to finishing lambs.},
}

@article {pmid41750402,
year = {2026},
author = {Au, S and Cruz, WD and Lala, M and Karthikeyan, S and Venketaraman, V},
title = {The Evolution of Symbiosis in Staphylococcus epidermidis: From a Protective Mutualist to a Parasitic Pathogen.},
journal = {Biomolecules},
volume = {16},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biom16020334},
pmid = {41750402},
issn = {2218-273X},
abstract = {Staphylococcus epidermidis is more often known as a human skin commensal, serving as a primary protective bacterium on the skin's surface. However, more recent literature highlights the role of S. epidermidis as a nosocomial pathogen and a multidrug-resistant organism that poses a global threat. The evolution of S. epidermidis can be owed to its accumulation of resistance mechanisms, including adhesion, biofilm formation, genomic islands, phage elements, integrated plasmids, and quorum sensing. It is suspected that through gene transfer, S. epidermidis is partially responsible for the feared multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus through the mecA gene and many other genomic island transfers. Overall, prolonged nosocomial exposure and misuse of antibiotics have driven dramatic genomic remodeling in S. epidermidis, characterized by many methods of genetic recombination, SCCmec and insertion sequence acquisition, and accumulation of multiple resistance genes. Our review reviews the role of S. epidermidis as both a commensal and a pathogenic bacterium, summarizes the genes responsible for its multidrug resistance, and describes methods of combatting its invasion.},
}

@article {pmid41749416,
year = {2026},
author = {Lu, L and Zhang, Q and Liu, J and Shi, J and Zou, X and Wang, M and Wang, S and Dai, H and Zhang, X and Jiang, Y},
title = {The LIN and LINL E3 ligases function redundantly in arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis and nodulation of Medicago truncatula.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.71052},
pmid = {41749416},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {2023ZD04072//Biological Breeding-National Science and Technology Major Project/ ; 2023YFF1000300//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 32500211//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {LUMPY INFECTION (LIN) is known to direct the polar growth of infection threads during nodulation in Medicago. However, the role of LIN in the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis has yet to be characterized. Here, we identified a novel lin allele mutant lin-6 (FN9104) in Medicago that exhibited impaired nodulation and reduced efficiency of AM symbiosis. LIN and its four LIN-like homologs (LINL1-4) are involved in both nodulation and AM symbiosis in Medicago. RNAi knockdown assays in both lin-6/LINL1-3-RNAi hairy roots and lin-4 linl1-1 double-mutant roots demonstrated that LIN and LINL1-3 exhibit functional redundancy in the AM symbiosis. Furthermore, the U-box domain, Armadillo-like domain, and WD40 repeat domain of LIN are essential for its functions in nodulation and mycorrhizal symbiosis, and the U-box domains of LIN and LINL1 exhibit E3 ubiquitin ligase activity in vitro. Interestingly, the interactions of LIN and LINL1 with DELLAs, scaffold proteins in the common symbiosis signaling pathway (CSSP), rely on their U-box domain. Our findings revalidate that LIN is a key component of the CSSP, redundant with LINLs in AM symbiosis. The U-box-mediated DELLA interaction suggests LIN's E3 ligase activity may regulate this central signaling hub to enable intracellular accommodation in root endosymbiosis.},
}

@article {pmid41747566,
year = {2026},
author = {García-Tomsig, NI and Guedes-García, SK and Robledo, M and Jiménez-Zurdo, JI},
title = {A single small RNA shapes multiple symbiotic traits in rhizobia.},
journal = {Microbiological research},
volume = {307},
number = {},
pages = {128480},
doi = {10.1016/j.micres.2026.128480},
pmid = {41747566},
issn = {1618-0623},
abstract = {Bacterial small non-coding RNAs (sRNAs) remain understudied in the ecologically crucial nitrogen (N2)-fixing root-nodule Rhizobium-legume symbiosis. The only known rhizobial RNA regulator with broad symbiotic influence is the N-responsive trans-acting sRNA NfeR1, identified in the alfalfa symbiont Sinorhizobium meliloti. To pinpoint NfeR1 function, we profiled its RNA targets using MS2 affinity purification coupled with RNA sequencing (MAPS) in N stressed bacteria, a condition that drives nodulation. NfeR1 targets distinct regions of numerous mRNAs and sRNAs via three redundant anti-Shine-Dalgarno motifs, with downregulation constituting the primary regulatory outcome observed among the subset of validated targets. Target mRNAs span pathways differentially regulated throughout symbiosis, including N metabolism, motility, osmotolerance, and cell cycle control. Notably, NfeR1 modulates cell morphology and DNA replication by pervasive regulation of cell cycle mRNAs. It also silences gdhA, suggesting repression of glutamine dehydrogenase-dependent N assimilation, thereby promoting expression of nodulation genes, which is further fine-tuned by a novel RNA feedback loop involving NfeR1 and the dual-function sRNA SmelC549. Our findings position NfeR1 as a central hub within a structurally and functionally complex RNA network that coordinates N signaling and symbiotic performance in S. meliloti.},
}

@article {pmid41746445,
year = {2026},
author = {Higazy, AE and Sindi, RA and Alharbi, HM and Alwutayd, KM and Bahgat, LB and Naiel, MAE and Abdelnour, SA},
title = {Potential symbiotic effects of Artemia franciscana extract on post-metabolic response, antioxidant defense, reproductive performance, and tissue integrity in rabbit does.},
journal = {Veterinary research communications},
volume = {50},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41746445},
issn = {1573-7446},
abstract = {This research was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with Artemia franciscana extract (AFE) on blood hematology, biochemical variables, antioxidant defense, adipokines, ovarian activity, reproductive performance, and ovarian and uterine integrities in rabbit does. A total of 120 female rabbits were fed diets fortified with 0 (AFE0), 100 (AFE1), 200 (AFE2), or 400 (AFE4) mg/kg of AFE. The HPLC analysis of AFE identified several main phenolic compounds, p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, catechol, syringic acid, gallic acid, and benzoic acid. The most prominent flavonoid identified in AFE was rutin, followed by quercetin, kaempferol, naringin, and catechin. Feeding rabbits with AFE resulted in a significant increase in red blood cell (RBC) and platelet counts (P < 0.01), while white blood cell (WBC) counts were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). Supplementation with AFE significantly enhanced circulating total protein and albumin levels and reduced the level of gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT, P < 0.01). Supplementation with 200 or 400 mg/kg AFE significantly elevated superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities (P < 0.05), with the AFE2 group exhibiting the highest (P < 0.05) levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Conversely, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels declined substantially across all treated groups (P < 0.01). The serum levels of adipokines, such as leptin and adiponectin, were significantly increased in all AFE-added groups (P < 0.01). All AFE-supplemented diets resulted in significantly higher serum levels of the reproductive hormones such as progesterone (PG), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), compared to the AFE0 diet (P < 0.01). Dietary AFE supplementation significantly increased the number of corpora lutea, with the highest count observed in the AFE4 group, followed by the AFE1 and AFE2 groups (P < 0.01). AFE supplementation enhanced reproductive performance throughout the second and third parities, as evidenced by increased litter sizes and weights. Histological analysis revealed that AFE maintained the structural integrity of ovarian and uterine tissues. Furthermore, AFE administration significantly downregulated the immune-expression of Caspase-3 (P < 0.01). Overall, this study demonstrates that dietary supplementation with Artemia franciscana extract (AFE) at 200 or 400 mg/kg significantly modulates metabolic responses and enhances reproductive health in female rabbits. These benefits are driven by the regulation of adipokines and reproductive hormones, improved ovarian activity, and a strengthened antioxidant defense system.},
}

@article {pmid41745266,
year = {2026},
author = {Yuan, Y and Feng, Z and Song, H and Yuan, A and Chang, L and Zou, Y and Dashdorj, M and Bian, Z},
title = {Effects of Powdered and Granular AMF on Maize Growth Under Low Fertilizer Conditions.},
journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {12},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41745266},
issn = {2309-608X},
support = {2024YFC3909300//National Key R&D Program/ ; 202304290000011//Key R&D Program of Shanxi Province/ ; GZSTCKP [2025]019//Science and Technology Program of Shanxi Province/ ; 202523anull050017//Anhui Provincial Science and Technology Innovation and Development Program/ ; },
abstract = {Excessive fertilizer use drives soil degradation and resource waste. This study investigates how arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) formulations (powder vs. granular) optimize maize (Zea mays L.) yield, soil microbiome, and economic benefits under 50% and 75% fertilizer reduction. Field trials showed that the AMF powder formulation under 50% fertilizer reduction (AP50) increased maize yield by 14.67%. This increase was associated with rapid root colonization (85.3%), enhanced phosphorus availability, and the recruitment of beneficial fungi such as Mortierellomycota. Granular formulation at 75% reduction (AG75) achieved 7.18% yield gain via sustained symbiosis. Fungal communities exhibited greater sensitivity to fertilization than bacteria (Chao1, p = 0.0094), with AMF suppressing Fusarium by 42% while enriching functional taxa (Actinobacteria, Mortierellomycota). Economic analysis confirms that AP50 (30,435 CNY/ha) and AG75 (26,954 CNY/ha) yield higher net profits, where CNY denotes Chinese Yuan. Powder formulations maximize immediate benefits in medium- to low-fertility soils, whereas granules support long-term soil health in high-organic systems, providing a precision strategy for sustainable agriculture.},
}

@article {pmid41745265,
year = {2026},
author = {Huang, Y and Bi, L and Zhu, Y and Chen, L and Yao, R},
title = {Characterization of the Effector Candidate Repertoire in the Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus Rhizophagus irregularis.},
journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {12},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41745265},
issn = {2309-608X},
support = {YLS-2025-ZY01004//Yuelushan Laboratory Breeding Program/ ; YLS-2025-ZY03001//Yuelushan Laboratory Breeding Program/ ; 32470340//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32270334//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32401441//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2023RC1050//Department of Science and Technology of Hunan Province/ ; 2025ZY1003//Hunan Science and Technology Innovation Plan/ ; 2024ZYC029//Central Guidance for Local Science and Technology Development Fund Project in Hunan/ ; 2025RCXM056//Key Talent Project of Gansu Province, China/ ; 25RCKA034//Science and Technology Program of Gansu Province/ ; },
abstract = {The majority of terrestrial plants can interact with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) to form symbiotic relationships. AMF colonization not only enhances the host plant's uptake of mineral nutrients but also improves its tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. In return, the host plant supplies the AMF with carbon sources essential for completing its life cycle. How AMF overcome the plant immune system to successfully establish symbiosis has remained an unresolved question. During colonization, AMF also secrete effector proteins, similar to how pathogenic fungi utilize effectors to promote virulence. In this study, we employed machine learning models such as SignalP 6.0 and EffectorP 3.0 to predict potential effectors in Rhizophagus irregularis, leading to the identification of 227 effector candidates. Using EffectorP 3.0, ApoplastP, and LOCALIZER, most R. irregularis effectors were predicted to be localized in the cytoplasm rather than the apoplast, suggesting a functional role in regulating symbiotic development. Only 26% of the predicted effectors were annotated by Pfam, indicating that the majority are proteins of unknown function. Effector proteins from 14 microbial species representing five ecological types (Ectomycorrhizae, Ericoid mycorrhizae, Endophyte, Arbuscular mycorrhizae, and Pathogen) clustered distinctly by species, highlighting the high degree of species specificity among effectors. Two R. irregularis effectors containing the RxLR motif were identified. Although these effectors localized to the cytoplasm, they did not exhibit virulence factor activity. Additionally, we characterized a functionally conserved chitin deacetylase effector, RiPDA1, which localized to the apoplastic space. The Y2H assay indicated that RiPDA1 forms homodimers. The in vitro chitin-binding assay showed that RiPDA1 has an affinity for chitin. RiPDA1 may function as a secretory polysaccharide deacetylase that facilitates symbiosis by deacetylating chitin oligomers. In summary, this study systematically identified and characterized effector proteins in R. irregularis. Similar to pathogenic fungi, AMF appear to employ cell wall-modifying enzymes to overcome plant immune defenses.},
}

@article {pmid41745230,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, YY and Wang, TT and Li, YZ},
title = {Environmental Drivers Override Host Phylogeny in a Locoweed-Endophyte Symbiosis.},
journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {12},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41745230},
issn = {2309-608X},
support = {32061123004//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2022YFD1401103//National Key R & D Program of China/ ; 20220104//National Forestry and Grassland Administration/ ; CARS-34//The Earmarked Fund for CARS/ ; },
abstract = {Plant endophytes, often termed the "second genome", critically shape host adaptability. However, the complexity of their interactions, regulated by microbial traits, host species, and environment, has limited both our understanding of symbiosis and the application of beneficial endophytes. The symbiosis between locoweeds (Oxytropis and Astragalus species) and the endophyte Alternaria sect. Undifilum, which produces the neurotoxin swainsonine, serves as an ideal model for investigating these relationships. Through extensive national surveys (2021-2023) across China's major locoweed habitats, combining field sampling with cultivation, molecular, quantitative, and modeling approaches, a central question emerged: To what extent are the distribution and function of this symbiosis shaped by the contemporary environment versus host evolutionary history? The results showed that: (1) Among 32 surveyed species of Oxytropis, Astragalus, and Sphaerophysa, the endophyte Alternaria sect. Undifilum colonized 11 species. In colonized plants, endophyte loads ranged from 0.02 to 58.87 pg/ng total DNA, and swainsonine concentrations varied from 0.00003% to 1.00%. (2) Environmental factors, rather than host phylogeny, were the key driver governing the geographical distribution and expression of the symbiosis. (3) Low temperature and drought stress regulated the symbiotic relationship and chemical defense through both direct effects on the symbionts and indirect pathways involving grazing pressure. This study demonstrates that the environment is the core force dominating the geographical pattern and functional expression of the locoweed-endophyte symbiosis at ecological scales. These findings provide new perspectives for understanding the general principles of plant-endophyte symbiosis and establish a scientific foundation for predicting and utilizing endophyte resources in changing environments.},
}

@article {pmid41744672,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, W and Li, J and Zhao, Z and Wei, J and Huang, J and Zheng, Q and Qin, Y and Ma, H and Yu, Z and Pan, Y and Zhang, Y},
title = {Comparative Analysis of Eye Traits and Visual Resolution Among Three Hatchery-Bred Giant Clams (Tridacna crocea, T. squamosa, T. maxima).},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {15},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biology15040363},
pmid = {41744672},
issn = {2079-7737},
abstract = {Bivalves possess a diverse array of photoreceptive organs that are significant for their evolutionary success and systematic classification. Giant clams are the largest bivalve mollusks, with mantle tissue permanently extended in nature to maintain symbiosis with zooxanthellae and perceive environmental cues. Eyes serve as critical sensory organs for these organisms, yet the structural and functional characteristics of tridacnine eyes remain inadequately understood. This study systematically investigated the ocular traits and visual resolution of three ecologically distinct giant clam species (Tridacna crocea, T. squamosa, T. maxima) using morphometric analysis, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and grating stimulation assays. Significant interspecific differences were observed in eye count, diameter, and pupil-to-eye ratio (PER): T. maxima exhibited the highest mean eye count (221 ± 8), T. squamosa the largest mean eye diameter (0.490 ± 0.082 mm), and T. crocea the highest mean PER (0.363 ± 0.041). Eyes were numerically symmetric on the left and right mantles but positionally asymmetric, showing random distribution patterns along the mantle margin without fixed corresponding locations across species. All three species possessed typical pinhole eyes lacking lenses and retinas, primarily composed of filler cells, receptor cells, and sparse neurons, with symbiotic zooxanthellae distributed in the surrounding mantle tissue. Grating stimulation assays revealed resolvable stripe periods of 5.82-11.64° (T. crocea), 8.62-13.16° (T. squamosa), and 10.15-12.26° (T. maxima), confirming T. crocea as the species with the highest visual resolution. These ocular variations are inferred to reflect adaptive evolution driven by ecological niches and habitat-specific factors (water depth or light intensity), while the simplified pinhole morphology is consistent with their sedentary lifestyle and metabolic dependence on symbiotic zooxanthellae. These ocular variations provide potential morphological markers for the systematic classification of Tridacninae and offer valuable insights for researchers studying the evolutionary plasticity of bivalve visual systems.},
}

@article {pmid41744623,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, H and Liu, L and Lin, G and Zhao, F and Sun, R and He, B and Huang, Z},
title = {Comparative Analysis of Gut Microbiota in Two Cucurbit Leaf Beetles Reveals Divergent Adaptation Strategies Linked to Host Plant Range.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {15},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biology15040314},
pmid = {41744623},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {32460304//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; jxsq2023201063//the Jiangxi "Double Thousand Plan"/ ; 20212ACB205006, 20252BAC200373//the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangxi Province/ ; GJJ190538//the Science and Technology Foundation of Jiangxi Provincial Department of Education/ ; },
abstract = {Insects' gut microbiota and their hosts share a mutually dependent symbiotic relationship. However, how insect dietary breadth relates to microbial diversity remains unclear. This study compared the gut bacterial communities of the polyphagous Aulacophora indica and the oligophagous Aulacophora lewisii. Using an integrated approach of cultivation, 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing, and bioinformatic analyses, we assessed their composition, diversity, and functional potential. Using cultivation-based methods revealed that A. indica showed a greater abundance and diversity of culturable bacteria, dominated by Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria, compared to A. lewisii (Proteobacteria and Firmicutes). In contrast, high-throughput sequencing revealed the opposite pattern: A. lewisii exhibited significantly higher overall species richness and diversity. This apparent paradox highlights the methodological complementarity between cultivation and sequencing. Furthermore, the community composition differed notably at the genus level. Functional prediction via PICRUSt2 v2.2.0 indicated that core metabolic pathways, including carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and energy metabolism, were more enriched in A. indica. In summary, this study reveals systematic multi-dimensional differences in the gut microbiomes of these beetles, providing a theoretical foundation and microbial resources for understanding ecological adaptation and developing targeted control strategies based on gut microbiota.},
}

@article {pmid41744620,
year = {2026},
author = {Abude, RRS and Hendrickx, ME and Salgado-Barragán, J and Grano-Maldonado, MI and García-Varela, M and Migotto, AE and de Paula, JC and Augusto, M and Moreira, DA and Parente, TE and Lôbo-Hajdu, G and Cabrini, TMB},
title = {Ecological Interactions on Sandy Beach Ecosystems: A Global Synthesis of Mole Crabs and New Insights into Emerita brasiliensis and Emerita rathbunae (Crustacea, Decapoda, Anomura, Hippidae).},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {15},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biology15040311},
pmid = {41744620},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {E-26/211.433/2021//Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ)/ ; 001//Coordenação de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior/ ; E-26/203.020/2023//Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro/ ; },
abstract = {Sandy beaches are dynamic intertidal ecosystems where ecological interactions play a critical yet often overlooked role in shaping community structure and population dynamics. This study presents a global synthesis of ecological interactions involving mole crabs of the genus Emerita (Crustacea: Decapoda: Hippidae), complemented by new field and laboratory findings. Through a literature review and targeted sampling, we documented multiple interaction types, including predation, parasitism, epibiosis, competition, and symbiosis, highlighting their ecological and potential evolutionary implications. Predation and parasitism were the most frequently reported interactions worldwide. Our new empirical observations revealed, for the first time, the association of Eucheilota (Hydrozoa) and Maritrema sp. (Digenea) with E. rathbunae, as well as annual infection patterns by Profilicollis altmani (Acanthocephala) and algal epibiosis in E. brasiliensis. These interactions influence key biological processes such as burrowing, reproduction, and survival, ultimately affecting species distribution and population structure. Overall, our findings reinforce the central role of ecological interactions in the functioning and conservation of sandy beach ecosystems, particularly under growing anthropogenic pressures.},
}

@article {pmid41744165,
year = {2026},
author = {López-Lorca, VM and López-Castillo, O and Molina-Luzón, MJ and Ferrol, N},
title = {Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Modulates Iron Distribution and Vacuolar Iron Transporter Expression in Tomato, Whereas Iron Limitation Reduces Mycorrhization.},
journal = {Plant, cell & environment},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/pce.70463},
pmid = {41744165},
issn = {1365-3040},
support = {//Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades/ ; },
abstract = {Plants have evolved highly efficient strategies to maintain iron (Fe) homeostasis. In this study, we investigate the impact of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis on the Fe-deficiency response and ionomic profile of tomato plants, as well as how Fe availability affects AM symbiosis. Fe deficiency and AM colonization both reduced shoot Fe concentrations, while root Fe concentrations increased in AM plants. Notably, Fe accumulated in cortical cells colonized by arbuscules. We further show that Fe deficiency reduces expression of AM-related tomato genes (SlEXO84, SlRAM1, SlAMT2.2 and SlPT4) and of the fungal RiEF1α gene. These findings indicate that Fe availability is crucial for sustaining AM colonization and symbiotic functionality. Under Fe-limiting conditions, AM symbiosis enhances the Strategy I Fe acquisition pathway (SlFRO1, SlIRT1), an effect not observed under Fe-sufficient conditions. Four vacuolar transporter genes of the VIT/VTL family were identified in the tomato genome. Yeast complementation assays revealed that SlVIT1, SlVTL1, and SlVTL2 function as dual Fe/Mn transporters, whereas SlVIT2 appears to function as a Mn transporter. The high Fe demand of AM symbiosis is supported by the reduced expression of SlVIT1 and SlVTL1 in mycorrhizal roots. Ionomic analysis shows that AM colonization partially alleviates Fe deficiency-induced nutrient imbalances, highlighting its contribution to improved mineral homeostasis under Fe stress.},
}

@article {pmid41743129,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, Z and Liao, X and Mo, L and Liao, Q and Lin, K and Bao, X and Sun, J and Zhang, X},
title = {Composition, diversity and functional potential of bacterial community in four stony coral species from the South China Sea.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1759094},
pmid = {41743129},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Recent investigations of coral symbiotic microorganisms have largely centered on their ecological functions, while systematic analyses of the community composition, diversity, and functional potential of bacteria associated with different coral species remain limited. This study presents the first systematic analysis of the distinct community structures and highly conserved core functions of symbiotic bacteria in four species of stony corals Favites abdita (Fa), Favia speciosa (Fs), Montipora digitata (Md), and Porites solida (Ps) from the South China Sea by high-throughput sequencing. The results identified 23 phyla and 250 genera of bacterial taxa, revealing considerable taxonomic richness in these coral-associated bacterial communities. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in bacterial community composition were observed among four coral species. Proteobacteria was the absolutely dominant phylum in Fa, Fs, and Ps, whereas Md was dominated by the phylum Firmicutes. At the genus level, the core microbial communities of the four coral species were similar in composition but exhibited marked differences in abundance. Md showed the highest species richness and diversity, and Fs the lowest. Among them, the Fa, Fs, and Ps groups were dominated by Ruegeria, while the Md group was characterized by a high abundance of Paramaledivibacter, which was significantly more abundant than in other groups. Functional prediction indicated that the relative abundances of core functional categories, such as amino acid transport and metabolism and energy production and conversion, were highly consistent across the four coral species, reflecting functional conservation within these communities. These findings enrich the basic data on the diversity and function of Coral symbiotic microorganisms in the South China Sea, revealing the connection between coral community variability and the conservation of core functions.},
}

@article {pmid41743060,
year = {2026},
author = {Kolařík, M and Vadkertiová, R and Knížek, M and Sklenář, F and Vakula, J and Zúbrik, M and Kolář, M and Hulcr, J},
title = {The ambrosial mycobiota of Treptoplatypus oxyurus (Coleoptera, Platypodidae): a unique island of fungal diversity revealing Wilhelmdebeerea oxyuri gen. et sp. nov. (Ophiostomatales), and two new yeast species Blastobotrys sasensis sp. nov., and Sugiyamaella casensis sp. nov. (Dipodascales).},
journal = {IMA fungus},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {e177075},
pmid = {41743060},
issn = {2210-6340},
abstract = {Ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) form obligate nutritional symbioses with ambrosia fungi cultivated within their galleries. Among them, the pinhole borers (Platypodinae) are predominantly tropical, with only two representatives native to Europe. One of them, the rare and understudied Treptoplatypus oxyurus, primarily colonises Abies alba. We investigated its fungal symbionts using a cultivation-dependent approach. We identified three numerically dominant associates in the prothorax containing mycangia: Candida schatavii, Magnusiomyces fungicola, and a novel member of Ophiostomatales. The latter, Wilhelmdebeerea oxyuri gen. et sp. nov., was the most abundant and exhibited both leptographium-like and hyalorhinocladiella-like morphs. Additionally, two new yeast species of low abundance and uncertain ecological roles were isolated and described: Blastobotrys sasensis sp. nov. and Sugiyamaella casensis sp. nov., both belonging to the family Trichomonascaceae (Dipodascales). Multigene and phylogenomics analyses confirmed the distinct taxonomic placement of all three new species. The ecological roles of the identified fungi and the strength of their association with T. oxyurus require confirmation through further studies at additional locations. Our findings reveal a previously undocumented fungal diversity tightly linked to a unique pinhole borer, T. oxyurus, thereby enriching our understanding of the fungi associated with conifer-colonising beetles and their ecological and biotechnological importance.},
}

@article {pmid41742901,
year = {2026},
author = {Lynch, M and Ellington, A},
title = {A symbiotic origin of the ribosome?.},
journal = {PNAS nexus},
volume = {5},
number = {2},
pages = {pgag019},
pmid = {41742901},
issn = {2752-6542},
abstract = {The origin of life is one of the great mysteries of science. Of the multiple unsolved problems, the origin of the translation system (the means by which the genetic code inscribed on chromosomes is converted into reliable protein sequences) remains the most enigmatic. A resolution of this problem is unlikely to be advanced by focusing on the features of the complex system found in today's species, as the reliable production of complex proteins could not possibly have been the function of the earliest ribosome. Although exact answers may be beyond reach, we propose that the protoribosome was a parasite that through mutually constrained coevolution with the host eventually led to the emergence of a molecular machine no longer reflecting its simpler beginnings. If this view is correct, then like the spliceosome and perhaps the mitochondrion in the stem eukaryote, a repurposed host-parasite interaction led to a dramatic change in cell biology at the base of the tree of life, in this case leading to the exit from a largely RNA world.},
}

@article {pmid41742393,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, J and Wang, Z and Zhang, B and Wang, R and Yan, M and Zhang, H and Dong, C and Feng, Q and He, Z and Pan, Z and Zhang, L and Yang, W},
title = {Evolutionary history and expression analysis of the RWP-RK gene family and its potential regulatory network in root nodules.},
journal = {Plant physiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/plphys/kiag092},
pmid = {41742393},
issn = {1532-2548},
abstract = {The RWP-RK protein family is divided into two subfamilies: NODULE INCEPTION (NIN) -like proteins (NLPs) and RWP-RK domain proteins (RKDs), which are involved in key biological processes including nitrate response, symbiotic nitrogen fixation, and embryonic development. We investigated the evolutionary history and functional divergence of these two subfamilies in green plants through phylogenetic analysis, motif analysis, expression profiling, and regulatory network construction. Both NLPs and RKDs originated from the early green algae ancestor, with multiple duplications during the seed plant period driving their lineage-specific expansion. Conserved motifs are more abundant among NLP proteins, whereas the number of conserved motifs among RKDs is relatively smaller. Expression analysis in various samples showed that GmNLP2a/b in soybean exhibit expression patterns analogous to those of the four NIN genes, while GmRKD4/13 also display abnormally high expression in root nodules. Therefore, there are at least eight RWP-RK genes that are specifically expressed or highly expressed in root nodules. Co-expression and functional enrichment analyses of transcriptome data further revealed the expression patterns of eight nodule-specific/highly expressed genes of NLPs and RKDs in soybean can be divided into those associated with early development and late maturation. Integrating ATAC-seq data, we further constructed a potential regulatory network of eight nodule-specific/highly expressed genes and their co-expressed transcription factors. In summary, our study elucidates the evolutionary expansion and expression divergence of NLPs and RKDs across plants, providing insights into dissecting the transcriptional regulatory network underlying soybean root nodule development and adaptive evolution of plant gene families.},
}

@article {pmid41741520,
year = {2026},
author = {Valadez-Ingersoll, M and Bodnar, CA and Feng, EX and Wong, A and Gilmore, TD and Davies, SW},
title = {Symbiotic state affects microbiome recovery in a facultatively symbiotic cnidarian.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-38684-4},
pmid = {41741520},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {NRT DGE 1735087//National Science Foundation/ ; IOS-1937650//National Science Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {Cnidarian holobionts consist of host cells, algal symbionts, and a complex microbiome residing in and on host tissue and algal symbionts. To investigate interactions among these three partners, we used antibiotics to deplete the microbiome of the facultatively symbiotic sea anemone Exaiptasia pallida (Aiptasia) in both symbiotic and aposymbiotic states and profiled 16S bacterial communities throughout recovery. We assessed host molecular response to microbiome depletion and recovery using RNA-seq and Western blotting of immune transcription factor NF-κB. 16S results demonstrate that, following depletion, symbiotic Aiptasia readily reestablished bacterial communities similar to control anemones. However, aposymbiotic Aiptasia microbiomes failed to reestablish control-level microbiomes even after seven days of recovery, highlighting differences between symbiotic states. Specifically, Endozoicomonadaceae reestablished to control levels in symbiotic, but not aposymbiotic, Aiptasia, suggesting a close physical association between Endozoicomonadaceae and algal symbionts. Molecular analyses showed that, during antibiotic recovery, host immune system gene expression was downregulated, but NF-κB protein levels increased, suggesting mechanisms for microbiome reestablishment following disruption. This study demonstrates the dynamics of microbiome recovery and how microbiome community members influence host gene expression in a cnidarian, providing a foundation for future research involving pairwise interactions between microorganisms and hosts.},
}

@article {pmid41741418,
year = {2026},
author = {Qiu, Y and Zhao, Y and Wang, B and Xu, X and He, T and Zhang, K and Bai, T and Li, Z and Ye, C and Gillespie, C and Wang, X and Zhao, Y and Guo, L and Qian, K and Chen, H and Cao, X and Wu, S and Guo, L and Tisdale, R and Woodley, A and Garcia, K and Zhu, W and Liu, L and Wang, Y and Zhang, Y and Hu, S},
title = {Root traits and mycorrhizal fungi mediate reactive N and warming impacts on soil organic carbon.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41467-026-69301-7},
pmid = {41741418},
issn = {2041-1723},
abstract = {Plant roots and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form a ubiquitous symbiosis in terrestrial ecosystems and critically affect soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics. However, how roots and AMF mediate the impact of reactive nitrogen (Nr) and climate warming on SOC remains unclear. Using a multi-year Nr addition and simulated warming experiment in a semi-arid grassland, we show that Nr input and warming alter SOC by reshaping plant communities and inducing multidimensional tradeoffs among fine-root traits and AMF communities. Stable isotope ([13]C) tracing revealed that Nr- and warming-induced changes in roots and AMF reduced C input belowground, and mineral-associated organic C and microbial necromass in soil, while stimulating organic C decomposition. Nr input also increased soil N:P ratios and shifted AMF communities toward taxa with finer extraradical hyphae, weakening SOC protection. Together, these findings highlight root-AMF interactions as critical regulators and improve predictions of long-term SOC dynamics under future climate change.},
}

@article {pmid41740703,
year = {2026},
author = {Garrigós, M and Jiménez-Peñuela, J and Saavedra, I and Veiga, J and García-López, MJ and Garrido, M and Ruiz-López, MJ and Figuerola, J and Moreno-Indias, I and Martínez-de la Puente, J},
title = {Interactions between urbanization, malaria infection and avian cloacal microbiome.},
journal = {Environmental research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {124073},
doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2026.124073},
pmid = {41740703},
issn = {1096-0953},
abstract = {Urbanization, a major component of global change, has drastically modified the landscape, and is generally associated with biodiversity loss. Pollutants and low-quality food resources, among other urban stressors, can alter the physiology of urban-dwelling birds, ultimately affecting their interactions with other organisms, including pathogens and symbiotic microorganisms. The house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is one of the most common passerine species closely associated with anthropized environments. Here, we explored the association between the level of habitat urbanization, avian malaria infection (Plasmodium and Haemoproteus are grouped together in this study) and their combined effects on the composition of the cloacal microbiome of wild house sparrows. Urban birds showed a lower parasite prevalence than those from natural and rural habitats. In addition, the association between avian malaria infection and avian cloacal bacterial-microbiome composition depended on the habitat type. In natural habitats, infected birds showed a nearly significant increase in bacterial richness and significant differences in the relative abundance of various taxa, compared to uninfected individuals. In contrast, infection status was not associated with any microbiome parameter in birds from rural and urban habitats. In conclusion, habitat type is associated with avian malaria prevalence in house sparrows and may modulate the relationship between parasite infection and the bacterial composition of avian cloacal microbiome.},
}

@article {pmid41740024,
year = {2026},
author = {Prosdocimi, F and Garbin, M and Dondero, F},
title = {From natural theology to the extended synthesis: Historical milestones and conceptual expansions in evolutionary biology.},
journal = {Genetics and molecular biology},
volume = {49},
number = {suppl 2},
pages = {e20250179},
doi = {10.1590/1678-4685-GMB-2025-0179},
pmid = {41740024},
issn = {1415-4757},
abstract = {This article explores the historical development of evolutionary biology-from Natural Theology to the Modern Synthesis (MS)-and the ongoing debate around the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis (EES). Over the past 2,500 years, evolutionary thinking has emerged from the interplay between empirical discoveries and dominant philosophical paradigms. Beginning with Aristotle and Saint Augustine, we trace how Darwin and Wallace introduced a scientific framework grounded in natural mechanisms. In the early 20th century, the MS unified Mendelian genetics and Darwinian selection, forming a gene-centered model of evolution focused on mutations and population dynamics. In recent decades, discoveries in epigenetics, phenotypic plasticity, symbiosis, niche construction, and cultural inheritance have challenged the explanatory scope of MS. The EES seeks to incorporate these processes not by discarding Darwinian principles, but by reinterpreting them through a systems biology lens. This mostly represents a conceptual shift in focus: from linear, gene-driven causality to multilevel, reciprocal, and environmentally embedded dynamics. While gaining traction, the EES has been criticized for its lack of formal models and predictive frameworks, remaining a contested proposal. Ultimately, evolutionary biology continues to evolve as a powerful scientific tradition, driven by humanity's enduring quest to understand the origins and evolution of life on Earth.},
}

@article {pmid41739865,
year = {2026},
author = {Ramos, RJ and Richards, BL and Schultz, PA and Bever, JD},
title = {Host plant phylogeny predicts arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities, but plant life history and fungal genetic change predict feedback.},
journal = {PLoS biology},
volume = {24},
number = {2},
pages = {e3003304},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pbio.3003304},
pmid = {41739865},
issn = {1545-7885},
abstract = {Symbioses exert strong influence on host phenotypes; however, benefits from symbionts can increase or degrade over time. Understanding the context-dependence of reinforcing or degrading dynamics is pivotal to predicting stability of symbiotic benefits. Host phylogenetic relationships and host life history traits are two candidate axes that have been proposed to structure symbioses. However, the relative influence of host evolutionary history and life history on symbiont composition, and whether changes in symbiont composition translate into stronger mutualistic benefits is unknown. We tested the influence of plant phylogenetic relationships and plant life history on the composition of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, perhaps the most ancestral and influential of plant symbionts, and then tested whether AM fungal differentiation resulted in improved mutualism as expected from coadaptation. We constructed mycobiomes composed of seven AM fungal isolates derived from tallgrass prairie and grew them for two growing seasons with 38 grassland plant species. We found that host phylogenetic structure was a significant predictor of the composition of AM fungal communities and the genetic composition of AM fungal species, patterns consistent with phylosymbiosis. However, the phylogenetic structure of AM fungi failed to translate to improved benefits to their host. While AM fungi generally improved plant growth and mycorrhizal feedback was generally positive, the strength of feedback was not predicted by plant phylogenetic distance. The composition of the AM fungal community and genetic composition within AM fungal species were also significantly influenced by plant life history and feedbacks between early and late successional species were generally positive. Interestingly, positive mycorrhizal feedback was predicted by changes in genetic composition of the two most abundant AM fungal species, not by changes in species composition. Positive mycorrhizal feedbacks across life history can mediate plant species turnover during succession and suggests that consideration of mycorrhizal dynamics could improve ecosystem restoration.},
}

@article {pmid41739059,
year = {2026},
author = {Ding, H and Luo, Y and Wang, J and Zhang, Z and Feng, H and Xu, L and Zhou, Y},
title = {Ectomycorrhizal and Dark Septate Endophytic Fungi Synergistically Enhance Salt Tolerance of Pinus tabulaeformis via Antioxidant Defense and Ion Homeostasis.},
journal = {Journal of applied microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jambio/lxag054},
pmid = {41739059},
issn = {1365-2672},
abstract = {AIMS: Plant root symbiotic fungi, ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECMFs) and dark septate endophytes (DSEs), increase host salt tolerance, but their combined effects remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of these fungi isolated from Pinus tabulaeformis on seedling growth and physiology under NaCl stress, and clarify the pathways of their synergistic improvement of P. tabulaeformis salt tolerance.

METHODS AND RESULTS: Two experiments were performed: (1) An in vitro assay tested the salt tolerance of two ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECMF: Suillus granulatus, Pisolithus tinctorius) and two dark septate endophytes (DSEs: Pseudopyrenochaeta sp., Pleotrichocladium opacum) at NaCl concentrations of 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 mol·L-1; (2) A pot experiment evaluated Pinus tabulaeformis seedlings inoculated with single/mixed fungi under soil NaCl stress (0, 1, 2, 3 g·kg-1). Fungal biomass and most antioxidant/osmoregulatory traits peaked at moderate NaCl levels in vitro, except for Pleotrichocladium opacum (Po), where superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and soluble protein contents increased with rising NaCl concentration. In the pot experiment, inoculated seedlings exhibited improved plant height, biomass, root development, antioxidant enzyme activities, and osmolyte accumulation under salt stress, along with reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content, Na+ accumulation, and Na+/K+ ratios, compared with uninoculated controls. Mixed inoculation of ECMF and DSEs showed synergistic effects on most growth and stress resistance indicators relative to single inoculation.

CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight the potential of ECMF and DSE to increase P. tabulaeformis salt tolerance via growth promotion, antioxidant defense, and ion homeostasis, with combined inoculation offering synergistic benefits for saline soil restoration.},
}

@article {pmid41738934,
year = {2026},
author = {Sexauer, M and Markmann, K},
title = {The roots of nodules: a shared genetic infrastructure of root lateral organs suggests a common origin.},
journal = {Journal of experimental botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jxb/erag088},
pmid = {41738934},
issn = {1460-2431},
abstract = {Nitrogen (N)-fixing root nodule symbiosis (RNS) is founded on a blend of genes borrowed from pre-existing processes. Infection and intracellular uptake of bacterial symbionts have long been associated with fungal accommodation in arbuscular mycorrhiza as putative genetic origin. This review focuses on the second key feature of RNS, the nodule organ. It investigates evidence for its genetic origin in lateral root and, more globally, lateral organ formation, and pinpoints a set of common organogenesis (COR) genes. The transcription factor gene NODULE INCEPTION (NIN) is discussed as a mediator of both infection and organogenesis, bridging both processes and harbouring the molecular key to an evolutionarily successful N-fixing association between Eurosid nodulators and bacterial microbionts. Comparing the hormonal and genetic mediators of lateral root and nodule priming, initiation and primordium formation, we scrutinize parallels and differences along their respective developmental trajectories. The transcription factors LOB-DOMAIN PROTEIN (LBD) 16 and SCARECROW (SCR)/SHORTROOT (SHR) are highlighted as mediators of both lateral root and nodule formation. Their roles as both recipients and activators of regulatory activity in either of these organs are analysed in the light of recent findings. Finally, we summarize and integrate novel insights on LIGHT DEPENDENT SHORT HYPOCOTYLS (LSH) 1/2 as master regulators of nodule versus root identity.},
}

@article {pmid41738909,
year = {2026},
author = {Schäfer, NM and Krol, E and Paczia, N and Farmani, N and Becker, A},
title = {CHASE-independent cytokinin perception triggers 3',5'-cAMP signaling in Sinorhizobium meliloti.},
journal = {Journal of bacteriology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0058525},
doi = {10.1128/jb.00585-25},
pmid = {41738909},
issn = {1098-5530},
abstract = {The Medicago sativa-Sinorhizobium meliloti symbiotic plant-microbe interaction, which results in the formation of nitrogen-fixing root nodules, is subject to sophisticated genetic and metabolic regulation by both partners. S. meliloti is capable of inhibiting secondary plant infections via an adenosine 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent regulatory pathway that depends on CHASE2 domain adenylate/guanylate cyclases (AC/GCs). This pathway likely responds to a plant signal of protein nature. Plant cytokinins (CKs) are adenine derivative phytohormones that control many aspects of plant development, including the symbiotic nodule formation. Classical CK receptors in plants and bacteria contain a CHASE domain. In our study, we present a novel, CK-dependent cAMP signaling pathway, specifically mediated by the AC/GC CyaB, which lacks any known receptor domains. The plant CKs N[6](Δ[2]isopentenyl)-adenine (iP), trans-zeatin, kinetin, and 6-benzylaminopurine all promoted CyaB-dependent increase in cAMP levels detected through a genetic reporter construct. Among these four CKs, iP exerted the strongest effect. Metabolic profiling confirmed the CyaB-dependent accumulation of cAMP in S. meliloti cells, cultured in the presence of iP. The first enzyme in the terpenoid biosynthetic pathway, 1-deoxyxylulose-5-phosphate synthase Dxs, was identified as a CyaB interaction partner and is proposed to mediate the CK perception. CyaB homologs from closely related members of the Rhizobiaceae were able to interact with Dxs and to mediate cAMP signaling in response to iP.IMPORTANCESymbiotic interactions between nitrogen-fixing bacteria and leguminous plants are important for agriculture, ecological sustainability, and human nutrition. Maintaining an optimal number of symbiotic infections per plant is crucial for efficient symbiosis. Previous studies have shown that S. meliloti 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling mediates the inhibition of secondary symbiotic infections of Medicago plants. We discovered a molecular mechanism that allows the symbiotic bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti to respond to the Medicago plant adenosine derivative phytohormones named cytokinins (CKs) via cAMP signaling. This mechanism is mediated by the adenylate/guanylate cyclase CyaB. CyaB lacks any sensory domains and may perceive the CKs via its interaction partner deoxyxylulose-5-phosphate synthase Dxs.},
}

@article {pmid41737676,
year = {2026},
author = {Hauer, MA and Klier, KM and Langwig, MV and Anantharaman, K and Beinart, RA},
title = {Phage-microbe interactions may contribute to the population structure and dynamics of hydrothermal vent symbionts.},
journal = {ISME communications},
volume = {6},
number = {1},
pages = {ycag022},
pmid = {41737676},
issn = {2730-6151},
abstract = {Deep-sea hydrothermal vent ecosystems are sustained by chemoautotrophic bacteria that symbiotically provide organic matter to their animal hosts through the oxidation of chemical reductants in vent fluids. Hydrothermal vents also support unique viral communities that often exhibit high host-specificity and frequently integrate into host genomes as prophages; however, little is known about the role of viruses in influencing the chemosynthetic symbionts of vent foundation fauna. Here, we present a comprehensive examination of contemporary lysogenic and lytic bacteriophage infections, auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs), and CRISPR spacers associated with the intracellular bacterial endosymbionts of snails and mussels at hydrothermal vents in the Lau Basin (Tonga). Our investigation of contemporary phage infection among bacterial symbiont species and across distant vent locations indicated that each symbiont species interacts with different phage species across a large geographic range. Surprisingly, prophages were absent from almost all symbiont genomes, suggesting that phage interactions with intracellular symbionts may differ from free-living microbes at vents. Altogether, these findings suggest that chemosynthetic symbionts primarily interact with species-specific phages via lytic infections, which may ultimately be important to the composition and dynamics of symbiont populations.},
}

@article {pmid41735472,
year = {2026},
author = {England, H and Oakley, CA and Herdean, A and Hughes, DJ and Songsomboon, K and Matthews, JL and Camp, EF},
title = {Manganese supplementation enhances cnidarian-dinoflagellate symbiosis under thermal stress.},
journal = {Communications biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s42003-026-09748-y},
pmid = {41735472},
issn = {2399-3642},
abstract = {Manganese (Mn) is an essential trace element for all photosynthetic life, playing an integral role in their photosystems, metabolism, and antioxidant activity. For corals, most studies focus on the potential toxicity of Mn at high concentrations (e.g. >700 µg L[-1]). However, there has been less exploration on beneficial, biologically relevant levels of Mn. Combining promtomics, ICP, and PAM fluorometry, we evaluate how Mn supplementation at increasing concentrations (0.5, 4.8, 11.4, 15.6 µg L[-1]) alters the physiology and proteome of the model cnidarian, Exaiptasia diaphana, when subjected to ambient (26 ˚C) and elevated (32 ˚C) temperatures. We demonstrate that Mn from 4.8 to 15.6 µg L[-1] mitigates thermal stress to E. diaphana, resulting in reduced photochemical damage and symbiont expulsion. Derived photobiology and proteomics data contributes to a mechanistic model for how Mn reduces thermal susceptibility, supporting the viability of Mn additions to enhance the protective capacities of photosynthetic cnidarians during heatwaves.},
}

@article {pmid41735439,
year = {2026},
author = {Khan, S and Mathur, A},
title = {Genome Insight and factorial design to elucidate the regulation of the tryptophan-mediated IAA biosynthetic pathway in an endophyte.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-40546-y},
pmid = {41735439},
issn = {2045-2322},
abstract = {Endophytes are microorganisms that colonize plants, often via commensal or symbiotic associations, and regulate plant growth and metabolism. Such organisms are usually suitable alternatives to therapeuticallly relevant, bioactive, and commercially essential metabolites, particularly under optimized bioprocess conditions. The current study highlights the key research challenge of maximizing the production of Indole-3-Acetic Acid (IAA), a compound difficult to isolate from the plant due to low yield, by elucidating the genetic composition of an isolated endophyte and determining the biosynthetic pathway using the KEGG pathway. Moreover, deciphering the functional genomic and refining production optimization remain significant challenges. The whole-genome sequencing of the endophytic bacterium Bacillus cereus SKAM2 (Strain SKAM2) revealed a genome size of 5.6 Mb, a GC content of 36%, multiple tryptophan-dependent and tryptophan-independent pathways. Furthermore, the IAA biosynthetic pathways pave the way for process-optimization studies. The influence of various abiotic parameters and media supplements on IAA production in both intra- and extracellular media was compared, using a full-factorial design of experiments (DOE). The results showed the highest yield in the extracellular fraction, a 3.81-fold increase, exceeding the intracellular IAA yield. The results highlight the strong potential of strain SKAM2 as a microbial platform for sustainable IAA production.},
}

@article {pmid41733340,
year = {2026},
author = {Huang, X and Dong, X and Li, C and Xie, J and Sun, Y and Hu, Y and Xia, L and Tu, Q and Zhang, Y and Hu, S},
title = {XopA: a novel type III secretion system effector in Xenorhabdus that modulates host cell responses through apoptosis, autophagy, and immune evasion.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0387125},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.03871-25},
pmid = {41733340},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: The type III secretion system (T3SS) of bacterial pathogens plays an essential role in infection and colonization processes. T3S effectors (T3SEs) are pivotal in mediating these interactions and their mechanisms of action. This study delves into the functional mechanisms of XopA, the first T3SE identified in the bacterium Xenorhabdus, which belongs to the YopJ family. XopA demonstrates cytotoxicity akin to other YopJ family members and possesses virulence determinants capable of inducing both apoptosis and autophagy. Notably, our findings reveal a complex regulatory network between XopA-induced apoptosis and autophagy. Moreover, XopA modulates the host cell's global and inflammatory responses by targeting tubulin, thereby affecting cytoskeletal dynamics and the secretion of extracellular vesicles (EVs). The acetylation activity characteristic of the YopJ family effectors is significantly altered in HeLa cells upon XopA action, highlighting its role in post-translational modifications. Collectively, this study elucidates the multifaceted functional mechanisms of XopA, which will undoubtedly be beneficial for a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of Xenorhabdus pathogenesis.

IMPORTANCE: This study reports the groundbreaking discovery of XopA as the first type III secretion system effectors (T3SE) identified in Xenorhabdus bacteria. By demonstrating its unique ability to concurrently induce host cell apoptosis and autophagy, execute lysine acetyltransferase activity to suppress inflammatory signaling, and disrupt cytoskeletal dynamics to inhibit extracellular vesicle secretion, this work reveals a sophisticated multifunctional virulence mechanism. These findings significantly advance our understanding of bacterial pathogenesis, providing crucial insights into how T3SEs manipulate host cell processes and evade immune responses, thereby establishing a new frontier in host-pathogen interaction research.},
}

@article {pmid41733235,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, K and Chen, K and Hao, H and Zhang, K and Brunel, B and Zhou, W and Zhang, J},
title = {Native bradyrhizobia for soybean: genetic and functional diversity in Heihe soils, a major production zone of Heilongjiang, China.},
journal = {Letters in applied microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/lambio/ovag026},
pmid = {41733235},
issn = {1472-765X},
abstract = {Soybean (Glycine max) forms symbiotic nitrogen fixation with rhizobia, and compatible, efficient rhizobia in soils are vital for its sustainable production. This study analyzed the distribution and traits of native soybean-associated rhizobia in soils from Heihe, Heilongjiang Province, to identify strains with high symbiotic nitrogen fixation efficiency and environmental adaptability, and select candidates for local microbial inoculants to boost sustainable soybean production. Seventy-four rhizobial isolates were obtained from three Heilongjiang sampling sites using a local soybean variety, and characterized genetically and symbiotically. PCR-RFLP of IGS DNA grouped them into 9 genotypes. Multilocus sequence analysis (16S rRNA, recA, atpD, gyrB genes) placed representative strains into three known species (Bradyrhizobium japonicum, B. diazoefficiens, B. ottawaense) and an uncharacterized Bradyrhizobium group (64%, dominant). Phylogeny of nodC/nifH markers showed affiliation with symbiovar glycinearum. All strains nodulated soybean with symbiotic efficiency (67-88%); about half enhanced plant biomass. Three strains (DG28, GCZ12, SH16) showing superior symbiotic efficiency. Representative strains had varied tolerance to alkalinity, high temperature, and PEG-induced drought. Strain SH16 combined high efficiency and stress tolerance. These results provide promising candidates for local soybean inoculant development.},
}

@article {pmid41731135,
year = {2026},
author = {De La Cruz, HJ and Marro, N and Caccia, M and Žďárská, K and Janoušková, M},
title = {Competitive dynamics of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi as depending on fungal traits and host plant species.},
journal = {Mycorrhiza},
volume = {36},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41731135},
issn = {1432-1890},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are ubiquitous root-associated symbionts, but competitive interactions among coexisting taxa remain poorly understood. The variation in colonization and resource-acquisition strategies drive competition, shaping the relative abundances of AMF within their communities and mycorrhiza functioning. However, the factors that determine the competitive outcomes have received limited experimental attention. We hypothesized that AMF abundances, competitive responses, and contributions to plant growth would vary according to fungal traits and host plant species. Three AMF isolates of contrasting growth and competitive abilities, each representing one AMF species, were mono- and co-inoculated under six host plant species. Fungal abundance, root colonization (RC), and mycorrhizal growth response (MGR) were measured at early and late stages of the symbiosis. Fungal competitive responses depended on the isolate’s root colonization strategy in monoculture and mycorrhizal stage. The fast-colonizing isolate dominated initially, while slower-growing isolates displayed different temporal patterns, either declining or maintaining their abundance over time. Our findings suggest competitive outcomes among AMF that were asymmetric at early stages but became more symmetric later. The host plant species importantly modulated the dominance of the fast root-colonizer. MGR was positively associated with total AMF abundance and RC, yet the most abundant isolate did not necessarily provide the greatest growth benefits to the host plant. Our results suggest that maintaining a diversity of AMF functional types, rather than introducing a single highly competitive isolate, is favourable to the establishment of stable and efficient plant-AMF associations.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00572-026-01254-7.},
}

@article {pmid41731702,
year = {2026},
author = {Bonnot, C and Morin, E and Da Silva Machado, E and Veneault-Fourrey, C and Kohler, A and Martin, F},
title = {Poplar CLE peptides promoting ectomycorrhizal symbiosis identified through genome-wide analysis of responsive small secreted peptides.},
journal = {Plant physiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/plphys/kiag071},
pmid = {41731702},
issn = {1532-2548},
abstract = {Plant small secreted peptides (SSPs) are involved in numerous developmental processes and adaptive plant responses. These include root development, immunity, and symbiotic relationships in herbaceous plants; three processes crucial for establishing functional ectomycorrhizal associations in trees. While fungal SSPs involved in ectomycorrhizal establishment have been identified, the role of plant SSPs remains largely unexplored. Although thousands of SSPs have been predicted in plant genomes, their small size and high sequence divergence hinder accurate automated annotation. To address this issue, we combined de novo gene prediction with a family-specific motif search to identify 1,053 SSPs from 21 symbiosis-related families in the genomes of two ectomycorrhizal (ECM) tree species: poplar (Populus trichocarpa) and English oak (Quercus robur). Nearly half of these SSPs, which included signaling, antimicrobial, and peptidase inhibitor peptides, were transcriptionally regulated during ectomycorrhizal symbiosis with various fungal partners, implying that SSPs involved in ECM symbiosis support a diversity of functions. Five ectomycorrhizal-responsive CLAVATA3/EMBRYO SURROUNDING REGION-related (CLE) peptides from poplar enhanced ectomycorrhizal root formation in functional assays. These peptides, which belong to CLE clades associated with meristematic activity, are phylogenetically distinct from CLEs involved in the autoregulation of arbuscular mycorrhizal and rhizobial symbioses, indicating that poplar co-opted a distinct set of SSPs for ECM development. The activity of these peptides did not increase lateral root number but inhibited adventitious and lateral root growth, suggesting their role in promoting ectomycorrhizal root organogenesis. Our results expand the understanding of host tree contributions to ectomycorrhizal development and identify a set of candidate SSPs for future functional studies, thereby highlighting a previously uncharacterized layer of regulation in tree-fungi mutualism.},
}

@article {pmid41731187,
year = {2026},
author = {Yang, Z and Xi, H and Huo, J and Zhang, Q and Pan, J and Liu, Y and Feng, H},
title = {Drivers of ectomycorrhizal fungi in a subalpine mixed forest: the roles of host plants and edaphic factors.},
journal = {Mycorrhiza},
volume = {36},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41731187},
issn = {1432-1890},
support = {U21A20186//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32171579//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32371592//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 23JRRA1029//the Natural Science Foundation of Gansu Province/ ; 23JRRA1034//the Natural Science Foundation of Gansu Province/ ; },
}

@article {pmid41731102,
year = {2026},
author = {Jiang, P and Li, X and Wang, Z and Li, S and Huang, Y and Li, YX and Chen, Y and Sun, X},
title = {COL3A1[high] cancer-associated fibroblasts orchestrate metabolic and immune microenvironments to confer chemoresistance in breast cancer.},
journal = {NPJ precision oncology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41698-026-01338-9},
pmid = {41731102},
issn = {2397-768X},
support = {TJYXZDXK-3-003A//Tianjin Key Medical Discipline Construction Project/ ; 2023ZD0502200//Noncommunicable Chronic Diseases-National Science and Technology Major Project/ ; 82403430//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2023-BSBA-207//Technology Program Joint Fund of Liaoning Province/ ; 2024-ZLKF-09//Oncology Project of Liaoning Cancer Hospital/ ; },
abstract = {Chemoresistance remains a critical challenge in breast cancer (BC) treatment. By integrating multi-omics (single-cell, spatial, and bulk transcriptomics) with clinical validation, we identified a specific COL3A[high] CAF subset that drives BC chemoresistance. Mechanistically, these CAFs undergo lipid metabolic reprogramming, secreting excess oleic acid via SCD. This oleic acid binds to ENO1 on tumor cells, activating the PI3K/Akt pathway and inhibiting chemotherapy-induced apoptosis. Simultaneously, COL3A[high] CAFs orchestrate an immunosuppressive niche by recruiting regulatory T cells and impairing cytotoxic CD8[+] T cells. Our findings establish COL3A[high] CAFs as key mediators of resistance through metabolic symbiosis and immune evasion. The strong correlation between COL3A[high] CAF abundance and clinical poor response highlights their potential as both predictive biomarkers and therapeutic targets to overcome chemoresistance in BC patients.},
}

@article {pmid41728996,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, Z and Zhang, H and Wei, T and He, L and Wang, Y},
title = {Anoxia-adapted cyanobacteria in a marine blue hole.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0257625},
doi = {10.1128/aem.02576-25},
pmid = {41728996},
issn = {1098-5336},
abstract = {Vertical transmission of marine particles brings ocean surface cyanobacteria into the deep ocean, where heterotrophic cyanobacterial lineages probably evolve to adapt to new environments even in oxygen-depleted zones. At present, active cyanobacteria have rarely been reported in dark and anoxic water columns in the deep sea. In this study, we recovered three metagenome-assembled genomes of cyanobacteria from the Yongle blue hole located in the South China Sea, two of which were actively transcribed in a dark, anoxic environment at 250 m depth, through integrated metagenomic and metatranscriptomic analyses of water samples from 21 stratified depths collected using in situ microbial fixation and filtration. These anoxia-adapted cyanobacteria were phylogenetically approximate to the sponge cyanobacterial symbionts, while the genomic features showed similarities with both free-living and sponge symbiotic counterparts. They exhibit genomic features shared with symbiotic lineages, including loss of substrate utilization, biosynthesis pathways, DNA repair, and circadian regulation. Conversely, they retain selected metabolic characteristics of free-living lineages, including phenylalanine biosynthesis and phosphoserine metabolism. Additionally, the discovery of taurine transport proteins in the genomes suggests the potential for organic sulfur uptake from the environment. Altogether, these findings reveal a distinct genomic configuration in cyanobacteria inhabiting a permanently dark and anoxic marine system, characterized by the retention of oxygen-dependent metabolic potential alongside sustained transcriptional suppression under in situ conditions. This study provides new insights into the ecological persistence and evolutionary adaptation of cyanobacteria under long-term oxygen limitation.IMPORTANCEWe report metabolically active cyanobacteria thriving in darkness and oxygen deprivation at 250 m depth in the ocean. Genomics results show these microbes share evolutionary roots with sponge cyanobacterial symbionts but developed unique adaptations for anoxic and sulfidic environments. Strikingly, they retain photosynthesis genes as genomic remnants (with no detected transcription) while losing genes critical for environmental stress responses, including DNA repair, osmotic regulation, and circadian control, suggesting a potential evolutionary connection to symbiotic relatives. Crucially, they maintain metabolic autonomy via phenylalanine biosynthesis and light-independent serine biosynthesis, exhibiting traits absent in most symbionts. This demonstrates how cyanobacteria adapt to anoxic environments through targeted genome reduction, revealing novel survival strategies in oxygen-depleted oceans and providing a research case for microbial resilience during marine deoxygenation.},
}

@article {pmid41728346,
year = {2026},
author = {Kage, A and Kanaya, HJ},
title = {Long-term behavioral tracking of Paramecium bursaria.},
journal = {microPublication biology},
volume = {2026},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41728346},
issn = {2578-9430},
abstract = {The ciliate protozoan Paramecium exhibits complex behaviors in response to environmental cues. Here we report a method that enables long-term observation (over 24 hours) of Paramecium with a simple experimental procedure. We observed the behavior of Paramecium bursaria , a species of Paramecium harboring symbiotic green algae, in gas-permeable chambers, where they exhibited light-dependent changes in behavior. We found that, in the 12-hour light-dark (LD) cycles, P. bursaria responds to both the dark-to-light and the light-to-dark transitions in different manners. This method provides a way to evaluate the long-term changes in the behaviors of Paramecium and other protists.},
}

@article {pmid41726958,
year = {2026},
author = {Khanal, S and Walsh, S and Shehata, N and Ahearne, A and Belin, D and Larson, B and Tabor, B and Wall, D and Stevens, C},
title = {Predator avoidance promotes inter-bacterial symbiosis with myxobacteria in polymicrobial communities.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.64898/2026.02.12.705600},
pmid = {41726958},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {Myxobacteria are predatory soil bacteria with the largest known bacterial genomes, rich in biosynthetic gene clusters for specialized metabolites. Despite their ecological importance as potential keystone taxa in soil food webs, there is a disconnect between laboratory-isolated myxobacteria and abundant Myxococcota detected in environmental metagenomic studies. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of stable myxobacterial swarm consortia from rhizospheric soil, consisting of myxobacteria associated with novel Microvirga species. Using metagenomic sequencing, we assembled metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) for four consortia, revealing phylogenetically distinct yet stably associated bacterial partnerships. Comparative genomics identified evidence of horizontal gene transfer, including acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) synthases and ankyrin repeat (ANKYR) proteins shared between consortium members, and genome-scale metabolic modeling predicted complementary auxotrophies. Remarkably, time-lapse microscopy revealed that Archangium exhibited markedly reduced predation toward its Microvirga companion (0.7% predation rate) compared to non-symbiotic Myxococcus xanthus (14.9% predation rate), while maintaining robust predatory capacity against Escherichia coli prey. These findings indicate that predation avoidance and metabolic complementarity can drive stable inter-bacterial symbiosis in predatory myxobacterial communities, providing foundational insights into previously overlooked myxobacterial partnerships that may be prevalent in natural soil ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid41726154,
year = {2026},
author = {Martin, FM and Morin, E and Kuo, A and Miquel, I and Labbé, J and Tacon, FL and Fauchery, L and Kohler, A and Andreopoulos, W and Copeland, A and Sun, H and Salamov, A and Lipzen, A and Han, J and LaButti, K and Tritt, A and Barry, K and Grigoriev, IV},
title = {Draft Genomes of Geographically Distinct Strains and Progeny of the Ectomycorrhizal Basidiomycete Laccaria bicolor.},
journal = {Journal of genomics},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {10-17},
pmid = {41726154},
issn = {1839-9940},
abstract = {The ectomycorrhizal fungus Laccaria bicolor is a key symbiotic mutualist in forest ecosystems, where it enhances nutrient uptake and promotes the growth of host trees. Here, we present genome assemblies of 14 geographically distinct strains and progeny of L. bicolor, providing new insights into the intraspecific genomic diversity. Pangenome analysis revealed substantial variation in assembly size (42-96 Mbp), gene content (16,084-26,800 genes), and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) density (0.04-12.08 SNPs/kb). This variation likely reflects genuine biological differences among strains adapted to diverse environmental conditions, although differences in assembly quality and repeat content may also play a role. These genomic resources, comprising draft genome assemblies with comprehensive annotations, will facilitate comparative studies of the genetic diversity and functional traits underlying the ecological success of this model ectomycorrhizal fungus.},
}

@article {pmid41725065,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, TY and Lv, C and Zhang, LL and Ma, ZY and Zhang, Q and Zhang, Y and Guan, NC and Huang, YZ and Luan, JB},
title = {Autophagy mediated symbiont elimination for the management of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.70597},
pmid = {41725065},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {JYTTD2024001//Basic Research Project of Department of Education, Liaoning Province/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Symbionts influence the biological and ecological traits of host insects. Regulating the insect-microbe symbiosis represents new strategies for pest control. We previously demonstrated that autophagy induction regulates the abundance of bacteriocyte symbionts in the whitefly Bemisia tabaci MEAM1.

RESULTS: This study further investigated whether autophagy induction via silencing the Target of Rapamycin (TOR) pathway genes (LST8 and TOR) using the plant-mediated gene silencing technology can repress the symbiont abundance and fitness of another invasive whitefly B. tabaci MED. We found that whitefly LST8 and TOR genes can be silenced by virus induced gene silencing approach. LST8 and TOR gene silencing significantly up-regulated the expression of autophagy marker gene Atg8 and led to reduction in the abundance of the symbionts Portiera, Hamiltonella, and Rickettsia in whiteflies. This reduction in symbiont titers led to increased mortality and decreased fecundity in whiteflies.

CONCLUSION: These findings underscore the potential of manipulating autophagy to disrupt symbiotic abundance as a novel and environmentally friendly strategy for pest management. Our study also suggests that disruption of intracellular symbiosis via insect immunity modulation is feasible for the management of sap-sucking insect pests. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid41722740,
year = {2026},
author = {Shen, H and Chen, J and Zheng, W and Cao, Y and Du, T and Wu, W},
title = {Topical application of Clostridium butyricum by an anaerobic hydrogel for accelerated diabetic wound healing through selective bacteria inhibition and ROS scavenging.},
journal = {European journal of pharmaceutics and biopharmaceutics : official journal of Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur Pharmazeutische Verfahrenstechnik e.V},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {115027},
doi = {10.1016/j.ejpb.2026.115027},
pmid = {41722740},
issn = {1873-3441},
abstract = {Selective inhibition of harmful bacteria without affecting skin symbiotic probiotics and selective scavenging of highly toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and peroxynitrite anions (ONOO[-]) are new requirements for more precise treatment of diabetic ulcer wounds. Achieving either is challenging, simultaneous achievement remains unreported. Clostridium butyricum (C. butyricum) inherently offers selective antibacterial action and produces hydrogen, specifically scavenging •OH and ONOO[-], showing great potential for diabetic wound treatment. However, as an anaerobic bacterium, its anaerobic nature limits topical application in normoxic environments on the skin. To overcome this, we developed a novel hydrogel creating an internal anaerobic microenvironment via the oxygen-depleting reaction between vanillin and laccase. Serving as a carrier, this hydrogel ensures internalized C. butyricum maintains activity in normoxia, enabling effective dual functions: selective bacterial inhibition and selective ROS scavenging. In vivo studies demonstrate the significant efficacy of this C. butyricum-loaded hydrogel in promoting diabetic wound healing. This work pioneers the topical therapeutic use of C. butyricum for wound treatment.},
}

@article {pmid41722168,
year = {2026},
author = {Lange, K and Ferrier-Pagès, C and Canestrier, L and Rottier Henry, C and Marcus Do Noscimiento, MI and Béraud, E},
title = {Survival at a cost: Corals endure microplastic and nanoplastic pollution by sacrificing energy reserves.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {227},
number = {},
pages = {119436},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.119436},
pmid = {41722168},
issn = {1879-3363},
abstract = {Plastic pollution poses an increasing threat to coral reef ecosystems, yet the physiological impacts of small-sized microplastics (MPs; ∅ 2.1 μm) and nanoplastics (NPs; ∅ 30 nm) at low mass concentrations (MPs: 5.25 × 10[-4] mg L[-1]; NPs: 2.4 × 10[-2] mg L[-1]) comparable to those found in situ (<0.01 mg L[-1]) remain largely unknown. In this study, the effects of chronic exposure to MPs and NPs on two symbiotic scleractinian coral species, Stylophora pistillata and Turbinaria reniformis, were investigated over 5 and 10 weeks under controlled laboratory conditions. We evaluated symbiont physiology, photosynthetic performance, respiration, and energy reserve content of the holobiont. The results show that S. pistillata was highly sensitive to MPs, with progressive bleaching, reduced photosynthesis, and significant depletion of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates. Despite transient metabolic adaptations after 5 weeks, prolonged exposure resulted in physiological decline. In contrast, T. reniformis maintained stable symbiotic parameters, but still exhibited a reduction in net photosynthesis and energy reserves, indicating sublethal physiological costs. NPs elicited milder and delayed effects in both species, with significant effects in S. pistillata occurring only after 10 weeks, possibly due to the low NP mass concentration used. Species-specific responses were likely influenced by differences in morphology, polyp size, heterotrophic capacity, and the dominant Symbiodiniaceae clade. These findings demonstrate that low mass concentrations of plastics can nonetheless disrupt coral physiology and energy balance over time. This can affect coral fitness and their resilience to additional stressors such as ocean warming.},
}

@article {pmid41720786,
year = {2026},
author = {Yao, Y and Han, B and Bodegom, PMV and Dong, X and Zhong, Y and Niu, S and Chen, X and Li, Z},
title = {Plant traits explain variation in symbiotic nitrogen fixation responses to global nitrogen enrichment: a meta-analysis.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41467-026-69876-1},
pmid = {41720786},
issn = {2041-1723},
abstract = {Anthropogenic nitrogen enrichment is widely expected to suppress symbiotic nitrogen fixation in terrestrial ecosystems. Nevertheless, observed symbiotic nitrogen fixation responses remain incompletely explained by exogenous nitrogen inputs, climate, and edaphic factors. In this meta-analysis, we integrate 908 globally distributed field measurements to identify the key predictors that improve simulation of symbiotic nitrogen fixation responses to nitrogen enrichment. On average, symbiotic nitrogen fixation declines by 33.0% upon nitrogen enrichment, with the reduction being more pronounced in non-croplands than croplands. Models considering only environmental factors overestimate symbiotic nitrogen fixation decline relative to observations. The better performance of plant traits like plant growth and biomass allocation (shoot:root ratio) partially buffer symbiotic nitrogen fixation suppression under nitrogen enrichment. Integrating both environmental factors and plant performance traits improves predictive accuracy of symbiotic nitrogen fixation responses by 42.7% and brings the simulated symbiotic nitrogen fixation reductions into close agreement with observations. The alterations in plant performance traits are thus critical for explaining variability in terrestrial symbiotic nitrogen fixation responses, and incorporating plant trait dynamics in Earth System Models can quantitatively partition the compensatory symbiotic nitrogen fixation supported by nitrogen-fixing plant growth from the direct negative impact of nitrogen inputs.},
}

@article {pmid41719980,
year = {2026},
author = {Xu, Y and Ke, J and Zhang, Y and Chen, X and Wang, Y},
title = {Harnessing AMF-plant-microbe systems for heavy metal remediation.},
journal = {Ecotoxicology and environmental safety},
volume = {311},
number = {},
pages = {119885},
doi = {10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119885},
pmid = {41719980},
issn = {1090-2414},
abstract = {Soil heavy metal pollution poses a global environmental threat, demanding effective and sustainable remediation strategies. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play a multifaceted role in enhancing the remediation of heavy metal (HM)-contaminated soils through extensive hyphal networks that interact with plant roots and soil microbiota. AMF hyphae and their exudates, such as glomalin, directly immobilize metal ions and reduce bioavailability by modifying soil properties (e.g., pH). Furthermore, AMF reshape the rhizosphere microbiome by enriching metal-tolerant bacteria (e.g., Pseudomonas, Bacillus) and fostering synergistic microbial communities via cross-kingdom signaling. Within plants, AMF symbiosis-especially with hyperaccumulators-optimizes root architecture, enhances nutrient and water uptake, stimulates biomass production, and regulates key physiological and molecular responses. These include bolstering antioxidant defenses, maintaining photosynthetic efficiency, and upregulating genes involved in metal transport, compartmentalization, and stress signaling. Field studies confirm the potential of AMF-hyperaccumulator systems in metal extraction and stabilization. However, transitioning from controlled experiments to field applications remains challenging due to the complexity of multipartite interactions and a lack of predictive frameworks. This review critically integrates interdisciplinary insights into a forward-looking perspective, emphasizing the need to shift from empirical approaches to an intelligent, predictive design paradigm. We propose leveraging machine learning to decode interactions among AMF genotypes, plant phenotypes, microbial consortia, and soil properties, enabling the rational design of efficient remediation systems. Ultimately, overcoming barriers to field implementation requires integrating robust science with advanced engineering and supportive policy frameworks.},
}

@article {pmid41717118,
year = {2026},
author = {Wu, J and Chen, K and Sheng, L and Han, H and Li, J and Guo, Z and Gong, S and Wang, H and Chen, L and Zhang, Z and Gao, F},
title = {Spatiotemporal dynamics of rhizosphere microbial communities under different mulching methods in spring maize.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1732283},
pmid = {41717118},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Plastic film mulching is a critical practice in arid agroecosystems, yet its spatiotemporal impacts on the rhizosphere microbiome remain poorly understood.

METHODS: Here, we investigated how no-mulching (CK), on-film hole sowing (UPM), and film-side planting (FPM) shape the bacterial and fungal communities in the maize rhizosphere across developmental stages (V12 and R6) and soil depths (10, 20, and 30 cm).

RESULTS: Concurrently, both mulching strategies increased maize yield relative to CK, with FPM ultimately outperforming UPM (19.05% vs. 6.24%). Amplicon sequencing showed that mulching strongly structured the rhizosphere microbiome with clear spatiotemporal variation. Bacterial and fungal communities exhibited contrasting patterns: bacteria responded mainly in topsoil at V12 and across all depths by R6, whereas fungi responded across the soil profile at V12, with responses weakening with depth at R6. Mulching-particularly UPM-reduced key taxa, including the nitrifying genus Nitrospira and symbiotic Glomeromycota. Correlation analyses revealed significant associations between these taxonomic shifts and maize yield components, consistent with Nitrospira's preference for aerobic conditions. Functional predictions suggested UPM favored communities with higher representation of anaerobic decomposition pathways, whereas FPM supported greater potential for aerobic heterotrophy and nitrogen-related processes.

DISCUSSION: Although microbial shifts were correlated with yield components, yield increases were likely dominated by the direct physical effects of mulching. Overall, distinct mulching strategies generated divergent rhizosphere trajectories, with FPM potentially offering a more sustainable option for dryland maize production.},
}

@article {pmid41717113,
year = {2026},
author = {Sultan, Y and Ullah, I and Paľove-Balang, P and Mukhtiar, A and Mudasir, M and Bačovčinová, M and Kemešyte, V and Liatukiene, A and Petrauskas, G and Norkevičienė, E},
title = {Factors affecting the genetic diversity of Lotus corniculatus in the Hemi-boreal zone of Baltic States and their agronomical implications.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1748495},
pmid = {41717113},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Bird's-foot trefoil (BFT) is an underutilized perennial legume of increasing importance for sustainable agriculture in Europe, particularly within the Hemi-boreal zone of the Baltic states. It is a resistant, symbiosis-forming, and abiotic stress resistance making it a nitrogen-fixing soil, high potential of biodiversity conservation, pasture restoration, and low input farming systems. Yet, molecular genetic investigations of BFT with systematic investigations populations, of Lithuania, of Latvia, and of Estonia, are practically non-existent, to develop a critical knowledge gap in the agricultural development of the region and conservation planning. This gap is filled by this review through (1) synthesizing global evidence on BFT genetic diversity, population structure, adaptive traits, and characteristics revealed by molecular markers; (2) surveying the little information on the same already available distribution, habitat diversity, and ecotypic variation of the Baltic region; (3) the critical assessment of the applicability of the findings of neighboring European, Transcaucasian, and Central Asian races to Baltic Hemi-boreal states; and (4) setting out a research framework and future research priorities in Baltics-specific genetic studies. We point out the action of ecological gradients, climatic anthropogenic activities, pressures, and biotic interactions on population differentiation and adaptability based on research of the neighboring lands and ecological zones. By directly filling in the existing gap of lack of Baltic-specific molecular data, our analysis creates a level of cognition, which is a synthesis of global comprehension research and a knowledge road map of addressing gaps of knowledge that are critical. The findings underscore that BFT needs genetic diversity to be able to persist despite alteration. Hemi-boreal status and satisfaction of European Union biodiversity and agriculture sustainability goals. Local genetic resources will be tapped through the collection of customized germplasm, which will be molecularly characterized and bred according to their specific ecotype. This approach is essential for developing robust forage systems and supporting productive grassland restoration in the Baltic States. The findings underscore that genetic diversity in BFT is essential for its persistence under changing Hemi-boreal conditions and for meeting European Union biodiversity and agriculture sustainability goals. High genetic diversity provides the adaptive foundation necessary for breeding stress-tolerant cultivars, enhancing nitrogen fixation efficiency, and maintaining ecosystem resilience under climate variability and evolving agricultural practices. The conservation of local genetic resources, molecular characterization, and breeding of ecotypes will be crucial for utilizing these resources to develop resilient forage systems and promote efficient grassland recovery in the Baltic States, where baseline genetic diversity data remains limited.},
}

@article {pmid41717090,
year = {2025},
author = {Karunarathna, SC and Tibpromma, S and Karunarathna, BS and Dai, DQ and Kumla, J and Lu, W and Perera, RH and Wang, M and Priyadarshani, TDC and Hapuarachchi, KK and Suwannarach, N},
title = {Mushrooms in climate change mitigation: a comprehensive review.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1727022},
pmid = {41717090},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Mushroom-forming basidiomycetes are increasingly recognized for their significant potential to remediate polluted environments and mitigate climate change. This review synthesizes evidence positioning mushroom-forming basidiomycetes at the nexus of ecological resilience and a sustainable bioeconomy, highlighting their dual roles in environmental repair and green innovation. Ectomycorrhizal (ECM species) enhance carbon acquisition by plants and long-term soil carbon sequestration; ECM-dominant forests stockpile upto 70% more below-ground carbon than their non-mycorrhizal counterparts. Saprotrophic fungi drive lignocellulose degradation, nutrient cycling, and the stabilization of soil organic matter. Basidiomycetes also play a crucial role in mycoremediation by degrading recalcitrant contaminants (pesticides, hydrocarbons) and immobilizing heavy metals. Furthermore, mycelium-based biomaterials are being developed as green-technology alternatives to plastics and synthetic foams, reflecting the growing commercialization of fungal biotechnology, as evidenced by the global mycelium material industry projected to exceed USD 5 billion by 2032. The intersection of ecological function and economic value positions mushrooms at the forefront of the circular bioeconomy. However, challenges remain, including production scalability, environmental sensitivity, and economic viability. Addressing these challenges through interdisciplinary research could unlock the full potential of fungi as nature-based climate solutions.},
}

@article {pmid41716666,
year = {2026},
author = {Tuo, Y and Chu, H and Wang, L and Qi, Z and Hu, J and Zhang, B and Li, Y and Li, X},
title = {Three new species and two new records of Hydnum (Hydnaceae, Cantharellales) from the Dabie Mountains, China.},
journal = {MycoKeys},
volume = {128},
number = {},
pages = {167-195},
pmid = {41716666},
issn = {1314-4049},
abstract = {Hydnum (Hydnaceae, Cantharellales), one of the edible ectomycorrhizal fungi, is characterized by a spine-bearing hymenophore. It is widely distributed in temperate regions and forms stable symbiotic relationships with Fagaceae and Pinaceae. During a survey of macrofungi in the Dabie Mountains region of China, ten specimens of Hydnum were collected. Based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis using three genetic markers (ITS + nrLSU + tef1-α), three new species (H. luteoalbum, H. albodentum, and H. albotomentosum) were identified and described, and two species newly recorded from the Dabie Mountains (H. berkeleyanum and H. pallidomarginatum) were reported. H. luteoalbum is distinguished by a white pileus covered with white tomentum, dagger-shaped or sword-like spines, and broadly ellipsoid basidiospores. H. albodentum is characterized by a pale brown pileus and subelliptical basidiospores (8.0-8.5 × 6.0-7.0 μm; av. Q = 1.17). H. albotomentosum features smaller basidiocarps, extremely short spines (0.5-2 mm), and globose to subglobose basidiospores. This study enriches the known taxonomic diversity of Hydnum and provides a dichotomous key to the species of Hydnum in China to facilitate species identification.},
}

@article {pmid41716576,
year = {2026},
author = {Yuan, X and Li, H and Yu, X and Ji, Z},
title = {Genetic Adaptation of Mesorhizobium Symbionts Associated With Caragana in Northern China Deserts.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {16},
number = {2},
pages = {e73134},
pmid = {41716576},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Caragana, a keystone leguminous species dominating arid semi-fixed deserts in northern China, forms specialized symbiotic nitrogen-fixing partnerships with Mesorhizobium, which are indispensable for sustaining ecosystem function globally. However, the roles of membrane transporters and nucleotide repair genes in conferring survival advantages to desert-dwelling Mesorhizobium across desert environments remained poorly elucidated. Therefore, a total of 68 representative Mesorhizobium strains associated with Caragana, isolated from five geographically distant areas (A to E) in the desert belt of northern China, were investigated to elucidate the pivotal roles of three membrane transporters (cysW, exoY, idhA) and two nucleotide repair genes (mutS, uvrC) in microbial adaptation to environmental stress. Phylogenetic analysis results revealed that strains assigned to the same genospecies primarily clustered by genetic lineage rather than geographic origin, with stronger intralineage sequence cohesion observed relative to interregional divergence. Notably, phylogenetic trees of membrane transporter genes, nucleotide repair genes, and core genes showed high topological congruence, underscoring their concerted evolutionary dynamics and shared selective pressures. Furthermore, consistent nucleotide diversity (π), low πN/πS ratios (<< 1.0) and genetic distance (Dxy) across populations indicated that purifying selection predominated in membrane transporters and nucleotide repair genes. Elevated recombination impact (r/m) and frequency (ρ/θ) revealed that homogenizing gene flow, rather than mutation, was the primary driver of population differentiation enabling rapid adaptation to desert environments.},
}

@article {pmid41716420,
year = {2026},
author = {Liao, J and Zhou, Z and Lv, Y and Zhang, Y and Liu, S and Tang, H and Qv, F and Wang, S and Yang, L and Lu, Y and Yang, Z and Xie, X and Shao, M},
title = {Pathogenesis and intervention strategies for metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease from the perspective of the gut-microbiota-liver axis.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1667180},
pmid = {41716420},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *Liver/metabolism/pathology ; Animals ; *Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/therapy/microbiology/metabolism/etiology ; Probiotics/therapeutic use ; },
abstract = {Trillions of microorganisms in the human gut are important regulators of health, and the gut and liver have a symbiotic relationship with them. The study found that there is bidirectional communication of substances and signals between the gut and liver, and the gut microbiota is an important medium for mediating bidirectional communication in the gut-liver axis. During metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) development, the gut microbiota and its metabolites change to different degrees and affect MAFLD pathogenesis through the gut-liver axis. However, the bidirectional communication mechanism between the gut and liver in MAFLD remains unexplored, and further investigation in this domain is warranted. In this review, we summarize the role of the gut-liver axis in the pathogenesis of MAFLD and explore potential therapeutic strategies targeting intestinal microecology (such as probiotic intervention and phage therapy) to provide a theoretical basis for the precise prevention and treatment of MAFLD.},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
*Liver/metabolism/pathology
Animals
*Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/therapy/microbiology/metabolism/etiology
Probiotics/therapeutic use

@article {pmid41716122,
year = {2026},
author = {Bibi, AC and Ioannidis, P and Spilianakis, C and Vasilarou, M and Bazakos, C and Pavlidis, P and Kalantidis, K},
title = {High-Quality Genome Assembly and Annotation of Ceratonia siliqua Provide Insights Into the Secondary Loss of Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation.},
journal = {Physiologia plantarum},
volume = {178},
number = {1},
pages = {e70803},
doi = {10.1111/ppl.70803},
pmid = {41716122},
issn = {1399-3054},
support = {OP 402//Region of Crete/ ; MIS: 5163923//Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation/ ; },
mesh = {*Nitrogen Fixation/genetics/physiology ; *Fabaceae/genetics/physiology ; *Genome, Plant/genetics ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; Molecular Sequence Annotation ; Retroelements/genetics ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {The carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.), an evergreen legume native to West Asia and long cultivated throughout the Mediterranean basin, is valued for its drought tolerance, nutritious pods, and ecological value. Despite its economic and environmental importance, genomic resources for this species have been limited. Here, we present a high-quality, chromosome-scale genome assembly of C. siliqua, generated using PacBio HiFi long-read and Hi-C sequencing technologies. The final assembly spans 501.39 Mb, organized into 12 pseudomolecules, with a scaffold N50 of 39.58 Mb. Genome annotation identified 30,295 protein-coding gene models, with 99.5% completeness according to conserved single-copy orthologs. Repetitive elements account for 52.2% of the genome, primarily long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons of the Gypsy and Copia families. Comparative orthology analysis with 24 other plant genomes revealed conserved gene content and a substantial number of species-specific genes in C. siliqua. Demographic inference using the PSMC model indicated historical population size fluctuations, with convergence in effective population size between Cretan and Moroccan populations approximately 50,000 years ago. Notably, we investigated the potential for symbiotic nitrogen fixation, a trait ancestral to legumes. Genomic evidence suggests pseudogenization of key nodulation genes (NIN and RPG), consistent with ecological observations of the absence of root nodules. These results support the hypothesis of a secondary loss of nodulation in C. siliqua. This genome provides a valuable resource for evolutionary, ecological, and agricultural studies, particularly for understanding legume adaptation to Mediterranean climates and the molecular basis of symbiotic regression.},
}

*Nitrogen Fixation/genetics/physiology
*Fabaceae/genetics/physiology
*Genome, Plant/genetics
*Symbiosis/genetics
Molecular Sequence Annotation
Retroelements/genetics
Phylogeny

@article {pmid41715139,
year = {2026},
author = {Bajerlein, D and Zduniak, P and Wyszyńska, A and Baraniak, E and Przewoźny, M and Grzegorczyk, T and Urbański, A},
title = {Males have a greater mite burden than females, and size does not matter: species- and sex-specific infestation patterns of mites (Uropodina) on burying beetles (Nicrophorus spp.).},
journal = {Frontiers in zoology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12983-026-00601-w},
pmid = {41715139},
issn = {1742-9994},
support = {No. OR.271.3.9.215//the National Forest Holding "The State Forests", Poland/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Phoretic mites and their carriers represent a dynamic system shaped by ecological and evolutionary processes. In highly specific phoresy, which involves long-term or permanent associations, profound consequences for phoretics, including cospeciation or the transition to phoretic parasitism, can occur. Mites within the complex of cryptic species of Uroobovella nova are carried exclusively on burying beetles (Nicrophorus spp.). Nevertheless, compared with the Poecilochirus mite-Nicrophorus system, this type of interaction remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated whether different species of burying beetles play the same role in the local dispersal of U. nova deutonymphs. To achieve this, we compared the infestation patterns of deutonymphs among field-collected beetle species, while accounting for sex and body size.

RESULTS: Our results revealed species-specific patterns in deutonymph infestations, with Nicrophorus vespillo being the most frequently infested species, followed by N. humator and N. interruptus. Furthermore, Nicrophorus vespillo and N. humator hosted the greatest number of deutonymphs, whereas in N. interruptus, the number of carried mites was significantly lower. The infestation pattern of U. nova demonstrated significant sexual bias, with males exhibiting higher mite prevalence and intensity than females. Interestingly, the variation in host body size was not a significant predictor of U. nova infestation. Although more mites were attached to the anterior than to the posterior parts of the beetle body in all the examined species, species- and sex-specific patterns in the distribution of deutonymphs were evident.

CONCLUSIONS: Species-specific infestation patterns indicate that, at the local scale, individual burying beetle species play different roles in the dispersal of U. nova mites. Sex-specific infestation patterns suggest that biological differences between females and males may be key determinants of deutonymph infestations. Body size does not drive the prevalence, intensity, or distribution of deutonymphs. The assumption that larger hosts carry more symbionts does not hold universally in ecology.},
}

@article {pmid41713736,
year = {2026},
author = {He, S and Fu, L and Shi, Y and Shi, W and Zhang, S and Gao, Z and Li, X},
title = {Root exudate-mediated nutrient exchange in the rhizosphere: multi-element networks, dynamic regulation, and implications for sustainable agriculture.},
journal = {Journal of advanced research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.jare.2026.02.039},
pmid = {41713736},
issn = {2090-1224},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Over hundreds of millions of years of co-evolution, plants and microbes have co-optimized nutrient exchange strategies at the rhizosphere-the core interface for chemical communication-leading to highly diverse and sophisticated patterns. Although recent studies have partially clarified the mechanisms underlying carbon-nitrogen, carbon-phosphorus, and other nutrient exchange processes between plant roots and microbes, a systematic understanding of these nutrient exchange strategies remains insufficient.

AIM OF REVIEW: This review synthesizes recent research findings on root metabolites and plant-microbe nutrient exchange, analyzes the collaborative mechanisms of key nutrient elements (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) in the rhizosphere, explores the dynamic response characteristics of multi-element interaction networks to stresses such as drought, salinity and pathogens, and discusses the implications of these processes for plant environmental adaptability. Additionally, it summarizes advanced technologies applied in rhizosphere nutrient research and outlines future research directions, thereby providing a theoretical basis for understanding the functional mechanisms of rhizosphere ecosystems and promoting the development of sustainable agriculture.

Root exudates act as both chemical signals for cross-kingdom communication and metabolic resources. Via root exudate-mediated carbon allocation mechanisms, plants and microbes construct multidimensional interaction networks in the rhizosphere. These networks involve both macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) and micronutrients (sulfur, iron, zinc), with synergistic regulation between elements. The co-evolved nutrient exchange strategies are highly diverse and precise. They not only regulate nutrient exchange via element interaction networks but also dynamically adjust to plant growth stages, soil conditions, and stresses (e.g., drought, salinity, pathogens). This dynamic adjustment helps plants overcome soil nutrient limitations, thereby enhancing their adaptability to complex environments.},
}

@article {pmid41713632,
year = {2026},
author = {Yu, XZ and Liu, ZY},
title = {Advances in response mechanisms of fish to ammonia stress: A review.},
journal = {Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Toxicology & pharmacology : CBP},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {110487},
doi = {10.1016/j.cbpc.2026.110487},
pmid = {41713632},
issn = {1532-0456},
abstract = {Ammonia stress has emerged as a critical challenge in global aquaculture, driving extensive research into fish response mechanisms spanning physiological, molecular, and ecological dimensions. This review synthesizes advances in understanding multi-tiered adaptations, including branchial ammonia excretion, urea/glutamine conversion pathways, and microbial symbiosis-mediated detoxification. Key findings highlight species-specific strategies: teleosts prioritize oxidative stress mitigation via Nrf2/glutathione redox regulation, while ureogenic species enhance urea cycle enzyme activities. Microbial communities in aquatic ecosystems further modulate ammonia dynamics through nitrification and denitrification processes. Current mitigation approaches ranging from bioaugmentation and photocatalytic oxidation to dietary antioxidants like probiotics and polyphenols demonstrate efficacy but face limitations in scalability and ecological compatibility. Emerging technologies such as CRISPR-edited ammonia-tolerant strains, real-time water quality monitoring, and circular bioeconomy models (e.g., algal bioconversion of effluents) may represent paradigm-shifting solutions. Future research must integrate multi-omics platforms with ecological modeling to decode evolutionary trade-offs between detoxification energetics and growth performance, ultimately enabling precision aquaculture systems that harmonize productivity with environmental resilience. This comprehensive analysis not only refines theoretical frameworks for ammonia toxicity but also contributes to developing effective strategies for sustainable aquaculture management and addressing the ongoing challenge of ammonia pollution.},
}

@article {pmid41711653,
year = {2026},
author = {Usai Satta, P and Astegiano, M and Pasta, A and Romano, A and Ciprandi, G and Brandimarte, G},
title = {The SymbioCare initiative: management of irritable bowel syndrome, comparison between Italian gastroenterologists and general practitioners.},
journal = {Minerva gastroenterology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.23736/S2724-5985.25.03987-7},
pmid = {41711653},
issn = {2724-5365},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common medical condition characterized by different phenotypes. Diarrhea is usually prevalent in IBS patients, but constipation and meteorism are also common. Pharmacological therapies do not modify the IBS natural history. Thus, food supplements are used in clinical practice. The present Italian educational activity investigated the characteristics of IBS patients and compared the attitudes of gastroenterologists (GEs) and general practitioners (GPs).

METHODS: Fifty-three gastroenterologists and 42 GPs enrolled 2442 IBS patients. This initiative consisted of two distance learning sessions and a field training session. Demographic and clinical parameters, tests, and treatments (including past/ongoing and current) were collected.

RESULTS: Mean age (46 years), female gender, and IBS with diarrhea were prevalent and consistent with literature data. Roma IV criteria were scarcely adopted by GPs. Patients managed by GEs were more complex than patients followed by GPs. GEs prescribed more appropriate diagnostic tests than GPs. Food supplements were commonly used both alone or combined with drugs, mainly by GPs. Symbiotic use was associated with less cramping pain, tension pain, and meteorism than other food supplements. An impressive increase in symbiotic prescriptions occurred during the field training.

CONCLUSIONS: This real-world experience described the main characteristics of IBS patients, highlighted the differences between GEs and GPs, and reinforced the importance of educational programs in updating the medical class.},
}

@article {pmid41711405,
year = {2026},
author = {Wu, R and Niu, B and Yang, J and Mu, Y and Lu, S and Guo, J and Mai, C and Wang, P and Wang, L and Kong, Z},
title = {DING1 Mediates DCPTA-Enhanced Nodulation in Soybean Symbiosis.},
journal = {Plant, cell & environment},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/pce.70454},
pmid = {41711405},
issn = {1365-3040},
support = {2021YFD1600600//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; },
}

@article {pmid41706191,
year = {2026},
author = {Djotan, AKG and Matsuda, Y and Matsushita, N and Fukuda, K},
title = {Origin and cohabitation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi matter: forest-derived Gigaspora species are promising candidates for bioinoculant development in forest tree production.},
journal = {Mycorrhiza},
volume = {36},
number = {2},
pages = {8},
pmid = {41706191},
issn = {1432-1890},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are potential bioinoculants to grow healthy plants in healthy soils. Although they are generalist, plant – AMF associations work along a mutualism-to-parasitism continuum where currently unresolved host – symbiont compatibility overrides the versatility of AMF functions. Here, we hypothesized that habitat, origin, and cohabitation of AMF determine compatibility and functionality in the associations. To test the hypothesis, we established two forest-inhabiting AMF isolates under Cryptomeria japonica (Cupressaceae) and inoculated them into C. japonica seedlings grown in a controlled environment. We identified the isolates as Gigaspora rosea LFB-4 and G. margarita LFB-A1 using morphological, molecular, and phylogenetic analyses. They simultaneously developed multiple germ tubes during germination, showed pre-symbiotic sporulation, erratic root colonization, and produced spores inside host root cells. When compared to controls, G. rosea and G. margarita significantly promoted the growth of C. japonica seedlings, with synergistic effects in their cohabitation. While G. rosea boosted water uptake and height growth, G. margarita improved biomass production. Together, they encouraged carbon release into the soil and delayed root growth, increasing shoot-to-root biomass ratio for faster seedling growth. We concluded that, despite erratic root colonization, forest-derived G. rosea and G. margarita worked synergistically to improve the growth of C. japonica seedlings by modulating root development. We proved that beyond taxonomic affiliation, habitat, origin, and cohabitation of AMF matter in plant – AMF compatibility for mutual benefits. Our findings imply that forests are home to potent AMF bioinoculants such as beneficial Gigaspora species and diversity improves plant – AMF associations.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00572-026-01253-8.},
}

@article {pmid41711319,
year = {2026},
author = {Hao, B and Chou, Q and He, B and Yao, Z and Zhang, S and Wu, H},
title = {Scale-Dependent Heterogeneity Drives Microbial Insurance in Phyllosphere Algal-Bacterial Networks during Lake Eutrophication.},
journal = {Environmental science & technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.est.5c15529},
pmid = {41711319},
issn = {1520-5851},
abstract = {The algal-bacterial symbiotic communities within the submerged macrophyte phyllosphere exhibit significant potential for lake restoration. However, their response mechanisms to environmental heterogeneity remain unclear, as traditional experiments or models typically overlook the complexity of cross-kingdom microbial networks. To address this, we established a cross-scale framework that integrates controlled mesocosm experiments with field lake surveys across trophic gradients. Using multilevel network analysis, we found that increased environmental heterogeneity promoted stochastic assembly and niche differentiation within phyllosphere communities. This enhanced the functional metabolic complementarity of algal-bacterial networks, thereby strengthening the ecosystem resilience. These findings challenge the traditional view that homogeneous environments favor microbial functional redundancy. Notably, machine learning models trained on experimental data showed high predictive accuracy but exhibited systematic biases when applied to natural lakes, highlighting the scale-dependent complexity of in situ microbial networks. Our study identifies heterogeneity-driven microbial insurance as a critical stabilizing mechanism and advocates for incorporating this ecological complexity into cross-scale restoration strategies.},
}

@article {pmid41711080,
year = {2026},
author = {Cuprewich, SA and Barbour, KM and Afkhami, ME and Lynn, KMT and Romero-Olivares, AL and Aguilar-Trigueros, C and Chaverri, P and Egan, CP and Norros, V and Peay, K and Ramos, RJ and Stephens, R and Ward, L and Chaudhary, VB},
title = {One hundred unanswered questions on the dispersal ecology of fungi.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ismejo/wrag018},
pmid = {41711080},
issn = {1751-7370},
abstract = {Fungi comprise millions of species that play numerous varied roles in Earth's natural and managed ecosystems, engaging in a multitude of positive and negative ecological interactions. The dispersal ecology of fungi is central to global biodiversity patterns, maintenance of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem functions, and tracking human disease and plant pathogen outbreaks. Mycologists have been studying dispersal mechanisms for over a hundred years, but new technology as well as interdisciplinary approaches have reinvigorated research in the field. Here we present 100 research questions in fungal dispersal organized into ten themes: 1) dispersal traits and mechanisms, 2) effects of phenology and lifestyle, 3) spore liberation and transport mechanisms, 4) colonization and establishment, 5) ecosystem-level consequences of dispersal, 6) dispersal in symbiotic and host-associated fungi, 7) dispersal in anthropogenic and changing environments, 8) evolution and tradeoffs in dispersal, 9) role of dispersal in invasion and disease spread, and 10) methodology and techniques. The questions reflect a diversity of new research avenues from fundamental fungal biology to applied ecosystem management and conservation across spatial and temporal scales. They potentially enable integrating fungi and their unique life-history traits and dispersal strategies into existing dispersal frameworks developed around plant and animal systems. We aim to invigorate fungal dispersal research, sparking conversations and providing a focused agenda to widen the tent by illuminating unanswered questions and new research avenues in ecology and evolutionary biology.},
}

@article {pmid41710890,
year = {2026},
author = {Koutsouveli, V and Torres-Oliva, M and Marulanda-Gomez, AM and Franke, A and Fuß, J and Schmitz, RA and Hentschel, U and Reusch, TBH and Pita, L},
title = {NOD-like receptor repertoire in the chromosome-level genome of the demosponge Dysidea avara (Schmidt, 1862).},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1725140},
pmid = {41710890},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {Animals ; *NLR Proteins/genetics/immunology ; *Genome ; Phylogeny ; *Chromosomes/genetics ; Evolution, Molecular ; },
abstract = {Porifera, one of the earliest diverging metazoans, have shown a surprisingly complex immune repertoire. However, most information to date is based on de novo transcriptome assemblies, limiting our knowledge regarding the presence and evolution of poriferan immune repertoire. Here, we generated the chromosome-level genome of the demosponge Dysidea avara, a target species in studies on symbiosis and differential expression of immune genes. We examined the presence and the number of common immune protein domains in the annotated genome of D. avara, and we further focused on NOD-like Receptors (NLRs), which are one of the most expanded immune receptors in Porifera according to previous reports on draft genomes and transcriptome assemblies. Dysidea avara has a 575 Mb genome with N50 41Mb, 162 scaffolds, and 15 chromosomes. We additionally recovered 37 sequences corresponding to microbial genomes, including complete bacterial and viral genomes. Based on the presence of conserved domains, we detected a large number of immune receptors and other immune genes in D. avara genome, such as 14 TIR, 39 CARD, 128 DEATH, and 230 NACHT domain-containing genes. Based on their architecture, we identified a large expansion of bona fide NLRs (i.e., 126 NACHT+LRR domain-containing genes); of which, 20 included a N-terminal CARD domain (NLRC), and 25 included a N-terminal DEATH domain (NLRD). In D. avara, the different NLR categories (i.e., NLRX, NLRC and NLRD) formed distinct phylogenetic clusters, while the NLR phylogenetic analysis across sponge chromosome-level genomes indicated that NLRs were mainly grouped by species rather than category. The NLRX category was the most expanded, while the NLRC category was absent in 7 out of 11 studied sponge genomes. These observations indicate that the diversification of NLRs in sponges, most likely derived from the ancestor NLRX, responds to species-specific selective pressures related to their immunity. This is the first study characterizing sponge NLR diversity in a chromosome-level genome, enhancing our knowledge of NLR evolution in the ancient phylum Porifera.},
}

Animals
*NLR Proteins/genetics/immunology
*Genome
Phylogeny
*Chromosomes/genetics
Evolution, Molecular

@article {pmid41710591,
year = {2025},
author = {Peres, AP and Puerari, C and Bento, JAC and Martins, RADS and Domingues, YO and Morzelle, MC},
title = {Optimization of kefir fermentation with plantain peel addition: effects on composition, microbial viability, and sensory quality.},
journal = {Frontiers in nutrition},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {1740355},
pmid = {41710591},
issn = {2296-861X},
abstract = {Kefir is a fermented dairy product that can be prepared through microbial fermentation using kefir grains. These grains consist of a symbiotic community of bacteria and yeasts that influence the chemical composition, texture, and sensory characteristics of fermented milk. The incorporation of fruit by-products during fermentation has been explored as a strategy to enhance the functional quality of kefir-based beverages. Among them, plantain (Musa paradisiaca) by-products represent a promising source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant potential and significant amounts of dietary fiber. This study aimed to optimize the fermentation conditions of milk kefir enriched with green plantain peel using response surface methodology and evaluate the microbial viability of the optimized beverage during 21 days of storage. Fermentation parameters were established through preliminary tests, employing UHT milk, sugar (8%), kefir grains, and green plantain peel, fermented for 4 h at 25 °C, using a central composite rotational design (CCRD). The CCRD included two independent variables (X1: green plantain peel 10%-30.0% and X2: Kefir grains, 5%-20%). The optimized formulation, containing 20% green plantain peel and 10% kefir grains, showed increased protein content and reduced carbohydrate levels compared to the control beverage. Although higher inoculum levels did not significantly enhance bioactive compound content, this was likely due to microbial utilization of these metabolites. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) counts increased over storage, reaching ~104 CFU ml[-1] after 21 days, demonstrating the stability of the core kefir microbiota. Sensory evaluation indicated an overall acceptability index of 81.29%. In conclusion, the enrichment of milk kefir with green plantain peel resulted in a nutritionally improved and sensorially accepted beverage, characterized by higher protein density and lower carbohydrate content. These findings highlight the potential of plantain peel as a functional ingredient for the development of enhanced fermented dairy products.},
}

@article {pmid41710176,
year = {2026},
author = {Monroy-Morales, E and Arthikala, MK and Montiel, J},
title = {Root cell wall remodeling during symbiotic microbial colonization.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1765155},
pmid = {41710176},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Plant roots are usually ground organs that perform essential roles, mostly associated with the anchoring of plants to the soil and absorption of nutrients and water. However, they are also exposed to a wide variety of microorganisms and may develop various symbiotic relationships, such as mutualism, which benefits both organisms. For instance, arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis is likely the oldest and most widespread mutualistic association, that occurs between plants and fungi. Another relevant example is the root nodule symbiosis, established between nitrogen-fixing bacteria and nodulating legumes, actinorhizal plants and Parasponia species. In both cases, microbial colonization of plant roots culminates in the formation of specialized symbiotic structures. In this regard, microbial infection is a critical step for the mutualistic relationship, where altering the cell wall biomechanics is necessary to facilitate microbial entry, which can be modulated by various cell wall protein families. This review examines the current knowledge on cell wall modifications occurring in plants roots during the symbiotic entry of microorganisms, focusing on the role of cell wall-remodeling proteins involved in these processes.},
}

@article {pmid41708505,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, F and Cheng, P and Li, L and Li, W and Tu, C and Shan, J and Xiao, W and Liu, J and Peng, Y and Zhu, Y},
title = {Phoxim sublethal effect induces vitellogenin mediated reproductive enhancement and alters microbial symbiosis across generations in Hylyphantes graminicola.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.70627},
pmid = {41708505},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {2023M731035//China Postdoctoral Science Foundation/ ; 2024AFB477//Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province/ ; 32400360//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2025K009//the Opening Project of Hubei Key Laboratory of Resource Utilizition and Quality Control of Characteristic Crops/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Phoxim, a widely used organophosphate insecticide, poses potential risks to non-target natural enemies. Hylyphantes graminicola is a dominant predatory spider in agroecosystems, yet the sublethal effects and transgenerational impacts remain poorly characterized. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the physiological, molecular, and microbial changes in H. graminicola induced by low lethal concentration of phoxim exposure across two successive generations.

RESULTS: Laboratory bioassays determined the LC30 of phoxim to be 9.442 mg/L. Exposure at this concentration significantly reduced female longevity but increased fecundity in both F0 and F1 generations, suggesting a potential hormetic effect. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that reproduction-related genes were significantly upregulated in the F0 generation, whereas detoxification genes were markedly expressed in the F1 generation. Functional validation through RNAi confirmed that vitellogenin (Vg) and cytochrome P450 (CYP2J1) are crucial in reproduction and detoxification, respectively. Furthermore, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was also found to be involved in regulatory phoxim exposure. Moreover, microbiome profiling demonstrated substantial shifts across generations, including decreased Wolbachia and increased Candidatus_Cardinium abundance, which may be related to the observed increase in fecundity. The results showed that a low lethal concentration of phoxim exposure can trigger complex physiological and microbial changes across generations.

CONCLUSION: These findings underscore the necessity of optimizing insecticide application intervals within Integrated Pest Management (IPM) frameworks to preserve biological control provided by beneficial arthropods. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid41708381,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, W and Yang, J and Song, B and Hu, Z and Wang, F and Hao, S and Shao, C and Fu, P and Cong, H and Pan, C},
title = {Advanced liquid metal interfaces: engineering embodied cognition in closed-loop human-machine ecosystems.},
journal = {Science bulletin},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.scib.2026.01.073},
pmid = {41708381},
issn = {2095-9281},
abstract = {The persistent discord between rigid electronics and dynamic biological systems necessitates paradigm-shifting materials to realize seamless human-machine symbiosis. As inherently adaptive mediators, gallium-based liquid metals (Ga-LMs) have evolved beyond traditional flexible circuitry to pioneer disruptive closed-loop interfaces in neuroprosthetics, responsive robotics, and embodied artificial intelligence. Dynamic interfacial engineering provides a foundational strategy for orchestrating Ga-LMs' solid-liquid duality through field-guided topological adaptation, reversible morphological reconfiguration, and stimuli-responsive self-organization. In this review, we present the hierarchical design of Ga-LMs-enabled cybernetic systems from molecular-scale mediation to functional macroscopic assemblies. We provide a mechanistic perspective on how the electronic compliance, energy transduction efficiency, and adaptive response fidelity of these interfaces can be regulated via interfacial dynamics. Meanwhile, by emphasizing significant capabilities of Ga-LMs in smart healthcare, soft robotics, and intelligent assistive devices, this review identifies persistent challenges in long-term operational stability, biosafety protocols, and heterogeneous system interoperability as pivotal frontiers requiring concerted research efforts. Finally, we examine how such approaches advance closed-loop electronics through self-passivating architectures and bioresorbable designs, while highlighting critical challenges in chronic biocompatibility and cross-system interoperability. We call for intensified focus on interfacial decoding strategies to fully unlock liquid metals' potential as human-machine interfaces for cognitive-physical harmonization in closed-loop human-machine ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid41707638,
year = {2026},
author = {Rakhshandeh, M and Khanjani, M},
title = {The First Report of Enterobacter Endosymbionts in the Dried Fruit Mite (Carpoglyphus lactis L.) (Acari, Acarida) Reared on Apricots in the Laboratory.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology reports},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {e70294},
doi = {10.1111/1758-2229.70294},
pmid = {41707638},
issn = {1758-2229},
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Enterobacter/isolation & purification/genetics/classification/physiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Phylogeny ; *Acaridae/microbiology ; *Prunus armeniaca/parasitology ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Carpoglyphus lactis (Linnaeus), a member of the family Carpoglyphidae, is recognised both as a common storage mite and a significant source of indoor allergens. Despite extensive studies on its biology and distribution, little is known about its associated microbiome. In this study, for the first time, we investigated the bacterial symbionts of C. lactis reared under sterile laboratory conditions on dried apricots. Following surface sterilisation, bacterial isolates were cultured and identified through biochemical tests and molecular analyses targeting the 16S rRNA and gapA genes. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the isolated strains shared over 98% similarity with Enterobacter hormaechei and clustered specifically within the E. hormaechei subsp. xiangfangensis clade. These findings confirm the presence of Enterobacter species as endosymbionts in C. lactis for the first time. The symbiotic relationship may contribute to host stress tolerance, nutritional efficiency and modulation of allergenic properties. This discovery opens new avenues for exploring mite-microbe interactions and developing innovative strategies for biological control and allergy mitigation.},
}

Animals
*Symbiosis
*Enterobacter/isolation & purification/genetics/classification/physiology
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Phylogeny
*Acaridae/microbiology
*Prunus armeniaca/parasitology
DNA, Bacterial/genetics/chemistry

@article {pmid41707361,
year = {2026},
author = {Velandia, K and Drapek, C and Foo, E and Jones, AM},
title = {Beyond elongation: The multifaceted roles of gibberellins in symbiosis and root development.},
journal = {Current opinion in plant biology},
volume = {90},
number = {},
pages = {102858},
doi = {10.1016/j.pbi.2026.102858},
pmid = {41707361},
issn = {1879-0356},
abstract = {Plants regulate root development in response to fluctuating environmental conditions, including establishing symbiotic relationships with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and nitrogen-fixing bacteria under nutrient limitation. These processes are orchestrated by plant hormones, particularly gibberellins, and the repressors of gibberellin signalling, DELLA proteins. Gibberellin and DELLAs serve as critical regulators in symbiotic signalling and root organogenesis, integrating hormonal and environmental cues with cellular patterning to direct plant development. This review explores the current understanding of gibberellin and DELLA function in symbiosis and root development, including an analysis of the conservation and divergence of their function in land plant evolution. DELLA proteins play a pivotal role in the common symbiotic signalling pathway, modulating transcriptional responses essential for both arbuscular mycorrhizal and rhizobial symbioses. While gibberellin suppresses early symbiotic signalling and microbial infection by promoting DELLA degradation, gibberellin positively regulates nodule organogenesis and function, demonstrating a cell- and stage-dependent role in symbiotic associations. Indeed, precise spatial and temporal dynamics of gibberellin signalling occurs during nodulation and root development. Key avenues for future research are identified, including understanding how the crosstalk between gibberellin and other key plant hormones fine-tune symbiosis and root development.},
}

@article {pmid41707067,
year = {2026},
author = {Liang, Z and Kong, L},
title = {Surface-Associated Bacteria Trigger Cyanobacterial Cell Lysis during Preozonation.},
journal = {Environmental science & technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.est.5c12918},
pmid = {41707067},
issn = {1520-5851},
abstract = {Preozonation is widely used to enhance the effectiveness of coagulation and filtration in algae-laden water treatment, but cyanobacterial cell rupture and the subsequent release of intracellular organic matter and cyanotoxins can increase treatment burdens and pose health risks. In natural waters, cyanobacteria are often surrounded by symbiotic bacteria, whose influence on ozonation performance and underlying mechanisms remains unclear. Herein, we found that axenic filamentous cyanobacteria (Leptolyngbya sp.) exhibited strong resistance to ozonation (0.3 mg L[-1], 20 min), whereas the presence of surface-associated bacteria markedly increased the cell rupture rate from 12 ± 6% to 76 ± 2%. Removal of loosely bound extracellular polymeric substances (LB-EPS) significantly reduced ozonation resistance in axenic cyanobacteria but unexpectedly enhanced that of xenic cultures. By integrating reactive oxygen species identification, extracellular metabolomics, and metabolic reconstruction, we demonstrate that surface-colonizing bacteria degrade the algal LB-EPS envelope, releasing metabolites that facilitate hydroxyl radical formation during ozonation, thereby intensifying cell rupture. Our results highlight surface-associated bacteria as a critical yet overlooked factor shaping cyanobacterial responses to preozonation, underscoring the need to re-evaluate ozone application strategies in bloom-impacted waters to minimize cell rupture and byproduct formation.},
}

@article {pmid41705361,
year = {2026},
author = {Bouterse, A and Pruneski, JA and Oettl, FC and Zsidai, B and Tischer, T and Longo, UG and Seil, R and Hirschmann, MT and Samuelsson, K},
title = {Artificial intelligence in orthopaedics: Enhanced examinations, ambient intelligence and the future of clinical practice.},
journal = {Knee surgery, sports traumatology, arthroscopy : official journal of the ESSKA},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ksa.70339},
pmid = {41705361},
issn = {1433-7347},
abstract = {Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to rapidly transform the practice of medicine, with clinicians increasingly adopting data-driven decision-making aids and diagnostic support tools. Orthopaedic physicians are well poised to harness the capabilities of AI, with an abundance of quantifiable imaging, biomechanical data, and structured clinical parameters lending themselves to algorithmic interpretation and automation. Namely, AI-augmented vision systems may increase the breadth of information readily available to clinicians, whereas smart exam rooms and automated clinical summaries may soon streamline clinical workflows to decrease administrative burden and allow more time for direct patient care. Personalised education materials and visual aids may improve patient understanding and compliance, with the aim of optimising patient outcomes. Generative medical and orthopaedic event models may soon alter decision-making heuristics and improve patient counselling. While the widespread adaptation of AI into clinical practices is not without limitations, physicians will likely come to share an increasingly symbiotic relationship with these platforms throughout their continued evolution. Accordingly, it is imperative that current and future orthopaedic practitioners become well-versed in harnessing the capabilities of AI and continue to identify new avenues for such technologies to benefit clinicians and patients alike. As such, the current manuscript provides a narrative review of the potential future applications of AI within orthopaedic practices by exploring current and developing technologies and detailing how the continued integration of AI-powered systems may serve to revolutionise the delivery of orthopaedic care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V.},
}

@article {pmid41705219,
year = {2025},
author = {Nakamura, Y and Numata, K and Hirosaki, M and Miyajima, H and Fujita, S},
title = {Dynamic glycan network engineering of native mucin enables reversible, self-healing, and adhesive hydrogel interfaces.},
journal = {Nanoscale advances},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41705219},
issn = {2516-0230},
abstract = {Mucin, a glycoprotein with a network-like structure of O-linked oligosaccharides, is a major component of the mucus layer and is essential for lubricating tissues, protecting against pathogens and chemicals, and maintaining intestinal symbiosis. Mucin-based hydrogels are promising for biomedical applications; however, conventional mucin hydrogels typically require chemical crosslinking, which involves complex procedures that cause irreversible structural changes. In this study, we developed a physically crosslinked mucin hydrogel via pH-dependent interactions between the diol groups of mucin oligosaccharides and boric acid (BA) without using chemical crosslinkers. This hydrogel was prepared by simply mixing porcine gastric mucin (PGM) and BA, followed by pH adjustment. It exhibited reversible gelation and tunable mechanical strength depending on PGM and BA concentrations. Increased gel strength was associated with increased crosslink density and reduced mesh size, which are attributed to dense multipoint crosslinking via the branched structure of mucin. The hydrogel demonstrated rapid self-healing within 1 min, strong adhesion to glass, and retention of mechanical integrity after ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, indicating compatibility with UV-based sterilization. These features highlight its potential as a reversible hydrogel for cell culture, tissue adhesives, and wound healing applications.},
}

@article {pmid41704313,
year = {2026},
author = {Ramzan, F and Vassiliou, L and Tsaltas, D},
title = {Unveiling the diversity and mechanisms of plant growth-promoting bacteria in orchids: a comprehensive review.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1697953},
pmid = {41704313},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Orchids, one of the most diverse and ecologically important plant families, form complex associations with endophytic microorganisms that are vital for their survival, growth, and adaptation. These endophytes, including both fungi and bacteria, inhabit orchid tissues without causing harm and contribute to key physiological processes such as nutrient acquisition, stress tolerance, and disease resistance. This review explores the diversity and ecological roles of orchid-associated endophytes, emphasizing their significance in promoting germination, biomass production, and resilience to environmental stressors. Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria (PGPB) such as Pseudomonas, Bacillus, and Burkholderia enhance nutrient uptake and plant defense, offering eco-friendly alternatives to chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Beyond ecological functions, endophytes show potential in biotechnology for sustainable agriculture, conservation, and novel bioactive compound discovery. Despite advances in molecular tools like metagenomics and next-generation sequencing, challenges persist in fully understanding and utilizing these microbes. This review highlights the need for multidisciplinary collaboration to optimize microbial inoculants, elucidate symbiotic mechanisms, and develop practical applications for conservation and sustainable horticulture. By integrating fundamental research with applied strategies, this work aims to unlock the full potential of orchid-associated endophytes in ecological and commercial domains.},
}

@article {pmid41704035,
year = {2026},
author = {Shin, S and Liauzun, M and Solorzano, J and Bras, ML and Jean, C and Fourneaux, B and Dore, M and Fevrier, L and Belhabib, I and Brunel, A and Neuzillet, C and Larroque, M and Joffre, C and Rocchi, S and Fraunhoffer, N and Perraud, A and Mathonnet, M and Pancaldi, V and Linares, L and Iovanna, J and Dusetti, N and Larsson, O and Nicolle, R and Pyronnet, S and Bousquet, C and Martineau, Y},
title = {Decoding the Integrated Stress Response of Pancreatic Cancer: Identifying a Serine-dependent Tumor Subset Under Metabolic Relationships With CAFs.},
journal = {Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e15740},
doi = {10.1002/advs.202515740},
pmid = {41704035},
issn = {2198-3844},
support = {EL2021_to_CB//Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer/ ; INCa_2023-050_to_CB//Institut National du Cancer/ ; 2021-073_to_YM//Institut National du Cancer/ ; ANR_SubRnaAct_to_YM//French National Research Agency/ ; Pancreas2024_to_CB//ARC Foundation/ ; Pancreas2025_to_YM//ARC Foundation/ ; INSERM/FTCS/Pierre_Fabre_to_VP//Chair of Bioinformatics in Oncology of the CRCT/ ; 2021-2030_Framework_to_CJ//ITMO Cancer of Aviesan/ ; 2020-01665_to_OL//Swedish Research Council/ ; 222186_to_OL//Swedish Cancer Society/ ; //Wallenberg Academy Fellow program to OL/ ; },
abstract = {Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) transcriptomic profiling has identified prognostic subtypes, yet patient-specific first-line therapies remain elusive. Here, we stratified PDA tumors by mRNA translation rates, a frequently dysregulated step in gene expression, using translatome profiling of 27 patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). Unsupervised analysis revealed a distinct tumor subset with low global protein synthesis but sustained translation of Integrated Stress Response (ISR) mRNAs, including ATF4. These ISR-activated cancer cells exhibited broad chemoresistance and apoptosis resistance, yet were auxotrophic for serine due to loss of PHGDH and CBS expression, impairing serine and cysteine biosynthesis. This vulnerability correlated with improved overall survival in patients with low expression of both enzymes. Notably, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) reprogrammed by ISR-activated cells, shifting from myCAF to iCAF phenotype with reduced collagen synthesis and glycine-to-serine conversion, produced serine and sustained tumor growth in amino acid-depleted environments. Our findings demonstrate the power of translatome profiling to reveal stable, drug-resistant PDA cell states and identify a targetable CAF-tumor metabolic symbiosis, opening new avenues for therapeutic intervention in this highly lethal malignancy.},
}

@article {pmid41702871,
year = {2026},
author = {Wen, M and Ma, X and Chen, J and Wu, J and Wu, F and Ma, R and Peng, R},
title = {Composition, Structure, and Diversity of Rhizosphere Soil Microbial Community in Saffron (Crocus sativus) Affected by Root Bulb Rot.},
journal = {Plant disease},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1094/PDIS-07-25-1456-RE},
pmid = {41702871},
issn = {0191-2917},
abstract = {Fusarium oxysporum, first identified in Yunnan Province as the causal agent of saffron corm rot, causes a destructive soil-borne disease that has become a devastating threat to saffron cultivation in Shangri-La, causing over 50% mortality. This pathogen infects saffron corms, leading to vascular browning and rot, ultimately causing plant death and severe production losses. Given the crucial role of the rhizosphere microbiome in plant immunity and soil ecology, deciphering pathogen-microbiome interactions is essential for developing sustainable disease-control strategies. High-throughput sequencing of ITS/16S rRNA (Illumina MiSeq) was combined with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) analysis to compare the community structures of fungi, bacteria, and AMF in the rhizosphere of healthy and diseased saffron. The effects of soil physicochemical factors on microbiome assembly were systematically evaluated. The rhizosphere microbiome of diseased plants was significantly dysregulated: (1) pathogen-related taxa (e.g., Lauriomyces) proliferated, while saprotrophic functional taxa (e.g., Mortierella elongata) underwent community restructuring; (2) disease-suppressive taxa (e.g., fususidium) were enriched, while symbiotic mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) essential for nutrient acquisition sharply declined; (3) the soil parameter-microbiome relationship changed under different health conditions:available phosphorus (AP) and available potassium (AK) drove the aggregation of pathogenic soil fungi, while pH/organic matter (OM) dominated the aggregation of healthy soil fungi; (4) Knufia and Phomopsis were important taxa regulating soil ammonia oxidation and plant vitality. Fusarium infection disrupts the rhizosphere balance by inhibiting beneficial symbionts and promoting the colonization of pathogenic or saprotrophic microorganisms, ultimately compromising the innate resistance of saffron. Our findings reveal the rhizosphere ecological mechanism underlying corm rot progression and provide a microbiome informatics framework for the selection of biocontrol agents and rhizosphere engineering. Moreover, the worker safety benefits from the reductions in psychic emanations mandate industry adoption.},
}

@article {pmid41702430,
year = {2026},
author = {Nozaki, T and Kobayashi, Y and Ikeda, M and Shigenobu, S},
title = {Symbiont replacement and subsequent genome erosion reshape a dual obligate aphid symbiosis.},
journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences},
volume = {293},
number = {2065},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1098/rspb.2025.2484},
pmid = {41702430},
issn = {1471-2954},
support = {//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; Animals ; *Aphids/microbiology/physiology ; *Buchnera/genetics/physiology ; *Serratia/genetics/physiology ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {Many insects rely on obligate microbial symbioses, often involving multiple partners. Although symbiont replacement is well-documented, how newly acquired and resident obligate symbionts adapt after such events remains unclear. Here, we investigate the dual obligate symbiosis of the aphid Lachnus tropicalis, where an ancestral Serratia lineage was replaced by a newly acquired Serratia lineage while the primary symbiont Buchnera remained. Our metagenomic sequencing yielded complete genomes of Buchnera (0.42 Mb) and Serratia (2.8 Mb), revealing developing metabolic complementarity. Although the Serratia genome retained abundant gene sets for amino acid synthesis, it also contained pseudogenes in leucine and methionine pathways, which would be compensated for by Buchnera or the host. Comparison with Lachnus roboris, which harbours the ancestral Serratia lineage, showed that the newly acquired Serratia in L. tropicalis exhibits identical tissue localization and vertical transmission pattern, suggesting the smooth succession of the prior microniche. Notably, Buchnera in L. tropicalis exhibited a slightly more degenerated genome than its counterpart in L. roboris, indicating that symbiont replacement can accelerate gene loss even in ancient symbionts. Overall, our findings provide new insights into the dynamics of novel mutualism establishment and highlight symbiont replacement as a driver of host-symbiont co-evolution.},
}

*Symbiosis
Animals
*Aphids/microbiology/physiology
*Buchnera/genetics/physiology
*Serratia/genetics/physiology
*Genome, Bacterial
Phylogeny

@article {pmid41702306,
year = {2026},
author = {Yang, W and Ding, Y and Tian, H},
title = {Metabolic crosstalk between cancer and stromal cells: Implications for precision oncology.},
journal = {Surgical oncology},
volume = {65},
number = {},
pages = {102366},
doi = {10.1016/j.suronc.2026.102366},
pmid = {41702306},
issn = {1879-3320},
abstract = {Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer that extends beyond the boundaries of individual tumor cells to encompass a complex metabolic network within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Cancer cells engage in dynamic metabolic crosstalk with stromal components including fibroblasts, immune cells, endothelial cells, and adipocytes through the exchange of metabolites, signaling molecules, and extracellular vesicles. These interactions coordinate energy production, redox homeostasis, and biosynthetic pathways that sustain tumor growth, angiogenesis, immune evasion, and therapeutic resistance. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) supply lactate, amino acids, and lipids that fuel tumor anabolism; immune cells undergo metabolic suppression under nutrient competition and acidic stress; endothelial and adipose cells contribute to angiogenesis and metastatic adaptation through glycolysis and lipid transfer. This metabolic dialogue is governed by key signaling pathways (HIF-1α, mTOR, AMPK, c-Myc, PPAR, NRF2) and modulated by epigenetic mechanisms linking metabolic flux to gene expression. Understanding these multilayered communications provides novel insights into the cooperative and competitive nature of tumor metabolism. Emerging technologies such as spatial metabolomics and single-cell multi-omics are now enabling the identification of patient-specific metabolic dependencies. Targeting metabolic symbiosis rather than isolated pathways represents a promising direction for precision oncology, offering opportunities to disrupt tumor stroma cooperation, overcome therapeutic resistance, and personalize metabolism-based interventions.},
}

@article {pmid41702173,
year = {2026},
author = {Pu, X and Zhao, N and Dong, X and Ye, S and Zhang, W and Lv, L and Wang, X and Sun, L and He, M and Liu, J},
title = {Plant community responses to polypropylene microplastic and cadmium co-exposure: Implications for mycorrhizal strategies in a coastal wetland.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {505},
number = {},
pages = {141411},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141411},
pmid = {41702173},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {The co-occurrence of microplastics and heavy metals, particularly cadmium (Cd), in terrestrial ecosystems poses a growing ecological risk, yet their combined effects on plant community functioning remain unclear. We conducted a full-factorial mesocosm experiment with four polypropylene microplastic levels (0%, 0.1%, 0.5%, and 1% w/w) and two Cd treatments (0 and 10 mg·kg[-1]) to assess species-specific and community-level responses. Measurements of soil properties, community composition, root traits, and productivity revealed that microplastic-Cd co-exposure consistently reduced community productivity, primarily through suppression of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) plant dominance. Root trait analyses indicated diminished intrinsic nutrient acquisition capacity, leading to greater dependence on AM symbiosis and narrowing the Levins' ecological niche breadth of AM-associated species. Structural equation modeling identified community mycorrhization as the key mediator of productivity loss, while random forest analysis ranked the mycorrhizal index (determined by community-level mycorrhization) as the strongest predictor. Altered soil C:N:P stoichiometry and ionic conditions further emerged as critical environmental drivers constraining AM plants under co-exposure. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that microplastic-Cd interactions destabilize plant-soil symbioses and weaken community productivity by undermining AM plant dominance, underscoring the vulnerability of AM-dominated communities and the importance of integrating symbiotic strategies into ecological risk assessments.},
}

@article {pmid41566412,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, YY and Chen, YJ and Wang, HL and Zhu, CC and Lei, T and Liu, YQ},
title = {The reduced genome of Candidatus Portiera sp. in Bemisia afer: evolutionary trajectories and functional implications.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {27},
number = {1},
pages = {205},
pmid = {41566412},
issn = {1471-2164},
support = {S202510350038//Undergraduate Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program/ ; 25nya21//the Science & Technology Project of Taizhou/ ; CARS-23-C05//Earmarked Fund for China Agriculture Research System/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Bemisia afer is a globally distributed whitefly species and a significant agricultural pest, yet the genomic and functional roles of its obligate endosymbiont remain poorly understood. The primary endosymbiont of whiteflies belongs to the genus Candidatus Portiera. Portiera is essential for host survival, providing nutritional supplementation and facilitating ecological adaptation, but its evolutionary dynamics and host-specific adaptations in B. afer are largely unexplored. Comparative genomic studies of Portiera from other whitefly species have revealed distinct evolutionary patterns, yet no such data exist for B. afer, highlighting a critical knowledge gap.

RESULTS: We present the first complete genome of Portiera BeAf, the obligate endosymbiont of B. afer. The genome exhibits classic signatures of reductive evolution, including extreme AT bias (25.3% GC content), high coding density (74.7%), and significant gene loss, particularly in DNA replication and repair pathway and lysine biosynthesis pathway. Average Nucleotide Identity values below the species threshold of 95% between Portiera BeAf and known symbionts support its designation as a novel species. Phylogenetic analyses place Portiera BeAf within a clade sister to B. tabaci-associated symbionts, yet reveal unique structural rearrangements and lineage-specific gene losses. Notably, Portiera BeAf harbors specific hypothetical proteins, including a putative ABCD4-like transporter, suggesting potential adaptations in nutrient transport or stress response. Comparative genomics further demonstrate weakened codon usage bias and accelerated substitution rates in Bemisia-associated Portiera, reflecting relaxed selection in their obligate symbiotic niche.

CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides foundational insights into the genomic architecture and evolutionary trajectory of Portiera in B. afer, revealing both conserved and divergent features compared to other whitefly symbionts. The loss of key metabolic and repair genes underscores the role of host compensation in maintaining symbiont functionality, while lineage-specific innovations may reflect adaptations to host ecological demands. These findings advance our understanding of Portiera's genomic diversity and highlight the complex interplay between reductive evolution and host-symbiont coadaptation in ancient symbiotic systems.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-025-12509-6.},
}

@article {pmid41700603,
year = {2026},
author = {Dang, Y and Chen, W and Wang, X and Zhang, Y and Wei, K and Cao, L},
title = {Regulatory role of endosymbionts in parasitoid under thermal stress: a case study of Tetrastichus planipennisi.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.70662},
pmid = {41700603},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//National Natural Science Foundation of China (31971666, 32471875)/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Climate warming poses a critical challenge to ectotherm survival. While endosymbionts are known to influence host thermal tolerance, the fitness consequences of this symbiosis under sustained warming, particularly for parasitoids used in biological control, remain unclear. Here, we investigated this phenomenon using the key endoparasitoid Tetrastichus planipennisi of the emerald ash borer - a destructive wood-boring pest across Asia, North America, and Europe.

RESULTS: The study of four T. planipennisi populations (Jilin, Liaoning, Xinjiang, and Beijing) revealed the Jilin population exhibited better heat tolerance with 100% endosymbiont infestation. At 40 °C, endosymbiont-negative (E[-]) wasps showed 3-h shorter survival than endosymbiont-positive (E[+]) counterparts, with weaker antioxidant capacity. Critically, elevated temperatures diminished parasitoid reproductive output and severely compromised vertical endosymbiont transmission efficiency.

CONCLUSION: While endosymbionts provide measurable thermal protection, their heat sensitivity creates an ecological trade-off that may disadvantage parasitoids under climate warming. These findings advance understanding of endosymbiont-mediated thermal adaptation in parasitoids and have important implications for optimizing biological control strategies in warming environments. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid41698861,
year = {2026},
author = {Mosoh, DA and Vendrame, WA},
title = {The cellular harvest: a symbiotic road map for food sovereignty.},
journal = {Trends in biotechnology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.tibtech.2025.12.022},
pmid = {41698861},
issn = {1879-3096},
abstract = {The 'predatory replacement' model in agriculture is untenable. We propose a symbiotic framework valorizing farmer-supplied agricultural waste side-streams to fuel bioengineered plant callus for decentralized high-value metabolite biosynthesis. Anchored in open-source governance and codesign, this approach shifts from displacement to innovation, reintegrating farmers to enhance sovereignty and resilience.},
}

@article {pmid41698752,
year = {2026},
author = {Boral, S and Black, L and Velis, CA},
title = {Conceptualising systems thinking and complexity modelling for circular economy quantification: A systematic review and critical analysis.},
journal = {Waste management & research : the journal of the International Solid Wastes and Public Cleansing Association, ISWA},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {734242X251413436},
doi = {10.1177/0734242X251413436},
pmid = {41698752},
issn = {1096-3669},
abstract = {Quantification of circular economy (CE) is essential for effective implementation, yet also fundamentally challenging, because it is inherently complex, featuring multiple interactions and system-level dynamicity. Two main approaches of systems thinking, commonly used to model complexities in intricate systems, are: system dynamics (SD), providing a top-down, macroscopic view; and agent-based modelling and simulation (ABMS), offering a bottom-up, microscopic perspective. Here we conducted a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) review, examining 60 studies applying SD or ABMS to CE, across sectors such as bio-based materials, construction and industrial symbiosis. Both methods capture aspects of circularity's feedback loops and time evolution, but they are often used in isolation in the absence of integrated platforms along with concerns over computational costs. This limits their capacity to comprehensively model internal dynamics at multiple scales and provide system-wide decision support. Few studies explore the potential of combining SD and ABMS or attempt to integrate them with static tools, such as life-cycle assessment and multi-criteria decision analysis. Standardised metrics and operational holistic evaluation tools incorporating economic, environmental, technical and social sustainability aspects are missing - especially with the latter. A more unified and comprehensive systems approach to support informed decisions on circularity would improve evidence-based policymaking and empower wider industrial adoption.},
}

@article {pmid41696163,
year = {2026},
author = {Kaur, A and Sirengo, DK and Karki, P and Powers, TO and Brown, AMV},
title = {Harnessing entomopathogenic nematodes for sustainable pest management: mechanisms, challenges, and innovations.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1755114},
pmid = {41696163},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) of the genera Heterorhabditis and Steinernema are increasingly recognized as potent biological control agents due to their ability to infect and kill diverse insect pest taxa through a symbiotic partnership with insect-pathogenic bacteria. Over the last decades, substantial progress has been made in improving EPN field performance through advances in formulation and application methods, use of biodegradable polymers and nanocarriers, and elucidation of stress tolerance mechanisms. However, despite their proven efficacy, large-scale commercialization of EPNs remains limited by high production costs, formulation instability, and environmental constraints. While numerous reviews have separately addressed EPN biology, mass production, or field application independently, a critical and integrative synthesis linking molecular mechanisms, and formulation strategies remains lacking. This review synthesizes current understanding of EPN biology with emphasis on molecular mechanisms governing host localization, invasion, and immune suppression, as well as their biotic ecological interactions within soil environments. We also discuss advances in stress tolerance mechanisms, innovations in formulation, and outline future research priorities needed to develop ecologically resilient EPN-based biocontrol products. As agriculture shifts toward more regenerative and environmentally sustainable systems, a comprehensive understanding of EPN biology, full ecological potential of EPN-bacteria partnerships holds promise not only for effective pest suppression but also for advancing fundamental understanding of host-microbe interactions and ecosystem resilience.},
}

@article {pmid41696022,
year = {2026},
author = {Thobor, BM and Hill, CEL and Custer, GF and Garcias-Bonet, N and Fox, MD and El-Khaled, YC and Aylagas, E and Dini-Andreote, F and Struck, U and Tilstra, A and Peixoto, R and Carvalho, S and Wild, C and Mueller, B},
title = {Contrasting physiological adaptation strategies to natural environmental change in two Red Sea coral holobionts.},
journal = {ISME communications},
volume = {6},
number = {1},
pages = {ycag008},
pmid = {41696022},
issn = {2730-6151},
abstract = {Coral holobionts acquire energy and nutrients from heterotrophic feeding, Symbiodiniaceae symbiosis, and additional metabolic functions (e.g. nitrogen (N) fixation) from associated bacterial communities. Since symbioses often require stable environmental conditions, corals in environments with seasonal variability have likely evolved adaptation strategies by either maintaining (i.e. regulating) or shifting (i.e. conforming) key functional traits, but empirical data is needed. We investigated carbon (C) and N elemental and stable isotope ratios alongside bacterial community composition in the hydrocoral Millepora dichotoma and the scleractinian coral Stylophora pistillata every two months over one year. These data were integrated with environmental parameters to investigate potential adaptation strategies of the coral holobionts over a seasonal cycle. S. pistillata showed temporal changes in δ[13]C, δ[15]N and C:N ratios in both host and Symbiodiniaceae tissues (indicating stable host-Symbiodiniaceae C/N cycling), in combination with stable bacterial communities. M. dichotoma, did not exhibit temporal changes in elemental and stable isotope ratios, but higher δ[15]N and C:N variability, and 61% higher C:N ratios in Symbiodiniaceae compared to host tissue. Temporal shifts in bacterial communities resulted in significantly enriched predicted metabolic functions for C, N, and sulfur cycling in winter. Stable C/N cycling and bacterial community composition suggest a regulator-like life history strategy of S. pistillata, whereas variable C/N cycling and flexible bacterial communities indicate a conformer-like life history strategy for M. dichotoma. Both contrasting adaptation strategies enable these organisms to succeed amid current environmental change, yet to what extent this can be maintained under future climate scenarios remains to be investigated.},
}