@article {pmid40366182,
year = {2025},
author = {Martin Říhová, J and Vodička, R and Hypša, V},
title = {An obligate symbiont of Haematomyzus elephantis with a strongly reduced genome resembles symbiotic bacteria in sucking lice.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0022025},
doi = {10.1128/aem.00220-25},
pmid = {40366182},
issn = {1098-5336},
abstract = {The parvorder Rhynchophthirina with a single genus Haematomyzus is a small group of ectoparasites of unclear phylogenetic position, related to sucking and chewing lice. Previous screening based on the 16S rRNA gene indicated that Haematomyzus harbors a symbiotic bacterium whose DNA exhibits a strong shift in nucleotide composition typical of obligate mutualistic symbionts in insects. Within Phthiraptera, the smallest known genomes are found in the symbionts associated with sucking lice, which feed exclusively on mammal blood, compared to the generally larger genomes of the symbionts inhabiting chewing lice, which feed on skin derivatives. In this study, we investigate the genome characteristics of the symbiont associated with Haematomyzus elephantis. We sequenced and assembled the H. elephantis metagenome, extracted a genome draft of its symbiotic bacterium, and showed that the symbiont has a significantly reduced genome, which is with 0.39 Mbp the smallest genome among the symbionts known from Phthiraptera. Multigenic phylogenetic analysis places the symbiont into one of three clusters composed of long-branched symbionts from other insects. More specifically, it clusters together with symbionts from several other sucking lice and also with Wigglesworthia glossinidia, an obligate symbiont of tsetse flies. Consistent with the dramatic reduction of its genome, the H. elephantis symbiont lost many metabolic capacities. However, it retained functional pathways for four B vitamins, a trait typical for symbionts in blood-feeding insects. Considering genomic, metabolic, and phylogenetic characteristics, the new symbiont closely resembles those known from several sucking lice rather than chewing lice.IMPORTANCERhynchophthirina is a unique small group of permanent ectoparasites that is closely related to both sucking and chewing lice. These two groups of lice differ in their morphology, ecology, and feeding strategies. As a consequence of their different dietary sources, i.e., mammals' blood vs vertebrate skin derivatives, they also exhibit distinct patterns of symbiosis with obligate bacterial symbionts. While Rhynchophthirina shares certain traits with sucking and chewing lice, the nature of its obligate symbiotic bacterium and its metabolic role is not known. In this study, we assemble the genome of symbiotic bacterium from Haematomyzus elephantis (Rhynchophthirina), demonstrating its close similarity and phylogenetic proximity to several symbionts of sucking lice. The genome is highly reduced (representing the smallest genome among louse-associated symbionts) and exhibits a significant loss of metabolic pathways. However, similar to other sucking louse symbionts, it retains essential pathways for the synthesis of several B vitamins.},
}

@article {pmid40351112,
year = {2025},
author = {Chang, CY and Zhao, YN and Guo, HF and Liu, XD},
title = {Food nutrition and facultative endosymbiont modulate dietary breadth of a polyphagous aphid.},
journal = {Insect science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1744-7917.70069},
pmid = {40351112},
issn = {1744-7917},
support = {CX23(1037)//Jiangsu Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Fund/ ; 31672034//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {While host plants and endosymbionts have been implicated in influencing dietary breadth in polyphagous herbivores, the underlying mechanism remains vague. In this study, we focused on the food nutrition and nutrition provision of endosymbionts to elucidate the determination of dietary breadth in a polyphagous aphid Aphis gossypii. Our findings demonstrated that high sugar and riboflavin presence in food decreased aphid fitness, while Arsenophonus infections improved aphid performance. Aphids collected from cotton could not use cucumber whether they were infected with Arsenophonus or not, signifying a distinct specialization toward cotton. Further, both the Arsenophonus-infected and free aphids fed on artificial diet varying in sugar titer failed to utilize cucumber. However, Arsenophonus-free aphids attained the ability to utilize cucumber after feeding on the riboflavin-free diet, but not on the riboflavin-containing diet, indicating riboflavin and Arsenophonus-absent expansion in dietary breadth. Notably, up-regulated expression of riboflavin synthase genes of the obligated symbiont Buchnera aphidicola was detected in the Arsenophonus-infected aphids which may provide more riboflavin. Arsenophonus promoting riboflavin synthesis in the obligated symbiont B. aphidicola and riboflavin ingestion enhancing host specialization of aphids to cotton modulate dietary breadth of A. gossypii.},
}

@article {pmid40347137,
year = {2025},
author = {Kanai, Y and Shibai, A and Yokoi, N and Tsuru, S and Furusawa, C},
title = {Laboratory evolution of the bacterial genome structure through insertion sequence activation.},
journal = {Nucleic acids research},
volume = {53},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/nar/gkaf331},
pmid = {40347137},
issn = {1362-4962},
support = {21J20693//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; JPMJER1902//Japan Science and Technology Agency/ ; JP223fa627001//Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development/ ; G-2025-2-046//Institute for Fermentation, Osaka/ ; },
mesh = {*Genome, Bacterial ; *DNA Transposable Elements/genetics ; *Escherichia coli/genetics ; *Evolution, Molecular ; Genome Size ; *Directed Molecular Evolution ; *Mutagenesis, Insertional ; },
abstract = {The genome structure fundamentally shapes bacterial physiology, ecology, and evolution. Though insertion sequences (IS) are known drivers of drastic evolutionary changes in the genome structure, the process is typically slow and challenging to observe in the laboratory. Here, we developed a system to accelerate IS-mediated genome structure evolution by introducing multiple copies of a high-activity IS in Escherichia coli. We evolved the bacteria under relaxed neutral conditions, simulating those leading to IS expansion in host-restricted endosymbionts and pathogens. Strains accumulated a median of 24.5 IS insertions and underwent over 5% genome size changes within ten weeks, comparable to decades-long evolution in wild-type strains. The detected interplay of frequent small deletions and rare large duplications updates the view of genome reduction under relaxed selection from a simple consequence of the deletion bias to a nuanced picture including transient expansions. The high IS activity resulted in structural variants of IS and the emergence of composite transposons, illuminating potential evolutionary pathways for ISs and composite transposons. The extensive genome rearrangements we observed establish a baseline for assessing the fitness effects of IS insertions, genome size changes, and rearrangements, advancing our understanding of how mobile elements shape bacterial genomes.},
}

*Genome, Bacterial
*DNA Transposable Elements/genetics
*Escherichia coli/genetics
*Evolution, Molecular
Genome Size
*Directed Molecular Evolution
*Mutagenesis, Insertional

@article {pmid40334664,
year = {2025},
author = {Sandin, MM and Renaudie, J and Suzuki, N and Not, F},
title = {Extant diversity, biogeography, and evolutionary history of Radiolaria.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2025.04.032},
pmid = {40334664},
issn = {1879-0445},
abstract = {Since Ernst Haeckel and the Challenger expedition (1872-1876), Radiolaria have been known as ubiquitous and abundant star-shaped oceanic plankton. Their exquisite biomineralized skeletons left an extensive fossil record extremely valuable for biostratigraphic and paleo-environmental research. In contemporary oceans, there is growing evidence that Radiolaria are significant contributors to marine food webs and global biogeochemical cycles. Here we provide a comprehensive morpho-molecular framework to assess the extant diversity, biogeography, and evolutionary history of Radiolaria. Our analyses reveal that half of radiolarian diversity is morphologically undescribed, with a large part forming three hyper-diverse environmental clades, named Rad-A, Rad-B, and Rad-C. We suggest that most of this undescribed diversity comprises skeleton-less life forms or endosymbionts, explaining their elusive, yet abundant, nature. Phylogenetic analyses highlight the need for a major revision of high-level Radiolaria taxonomy, including placement of Collodaria within the order Nassellaria. Global metabarcoding surveys show that Radiolaria contributes more than 12% to the total eukaryotic community, displaying distinct biogeographic patterns with the skeleton-less lineages at depth and photosymbiont-bearing lineages in the surface. Fossil calibration of a molecular clock revealed the first appearance of Radiolaria ∼760 million years ago (mya), the development of the skeleton in the early Paleozoic (∼500 mya), and the onset of photosymbiotic relationships during the mid to late Mesozoic (∼140 mya), related to geological periods of oligotrophy and anoxia. The results presented here provide a robust framework for developing new perspectives on early eukaryotic diversification, paleo-environmental impacts on plankton evolution, and marine microbial ecology in rapidly evolving ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid40332947,
year = {2025},
author = {Csorba, AB and Szanyi, K and Szanyi, S and Tarcali, G and Balog, A and Nagy, A},
title = {Pre-Crop Chemical Control Has No Effects on Corn Leaf Aphid, Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) Endosymbiotic Bacterial Diversity Along an Industrial Maize Management.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16040417},
pmid = {40332947},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {2024//University of Debrecen Scientific Research Bridging Fund (DETKA)/ ; },
abstract = {During this research, the corn leaf aphids endosymbiotic bacterial diversity was tested in the same crop systems (monoculture industrial maize as grain for livestock) and the same soil type (Chernozem) when pre-crop pesticide management was used. Bacterial symbionts were analyzed using Illumina systems, and the Silva 16S NR99 V138.2 database was used to assign bacterial taxa on genus and species levels. The presence of the obligate endosymbiont B. aphidicola has been clearly detected in all cases, and in all samples but its abundance varied between samples inside crops, but not between crops and generations. The facultative symbionts S. symbiotica and Wolbachia spp. frequency varied between generations, and increased at generation II; however, differences were not significant. We concluded that the pre-crop pesticide application has no effect on corn leaf aphids bacterial symbionts, so the indirect pesticide application on aphids adaptation is low or nonexistent.},
}

@article {pmid40332799,
year = {2025},
author = {Bai, C and Duan, Y and Zhao, C and Yan, L and Suthisut, D and Lü, J and Bai, Y and Zeng, F and Zhang, M},
title = {Abundance of the Dominant Endosymbiont Rickettsia and Fitness of the Stored-Product Pest Liposcelis bostrychophila (Psocoptera: Liposcelididae).},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16040349},
pmid = {40332799},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {32172260//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Endosymbiotic bacteria are key factors that regulate the biological traits of Liposcelis bostrychophila. This study employed metagenomic methods to analyze the dominant species of symbiotic microorganisms associated with L. bostrychophila. By controlling the environmental temperature, we were able to manipulate the abundance of endosymbionts and establish populations with high, medium, and low levels of these bacteria. This allowed us to examine the fitness parameters of L. bostrychophila under different levels of endosymbiont abundance. The experimental results revealed that L. bostrychophila hosts 51 genera of symbiotic microorganisms, with Rickettsia being the dominant genus, accounting for 84.11% to 98.16% of the total share. Environmental temperature significantly affected the abundance of Rickettsia, with notable differences observed during the adult stage of L. bostrychophila. A temperature gradient of 28 °C, 35 °C, and 37 °C was established, allowing for the classification of populations based on Rickettsia abundance into three categories: high-abundance populations (LBhp), medium-abundance populations (LBmp), and low-abundance populations (LBlp). The abundance of Rickettsia had a significant impact on the fitness of L. bostrychophila. Specifically, a high abundance of Rickettsia contributed positively to population fitness by increasing egg production, prolonging egg hatching time, enhancing lifespan, and improving both survival and reproductive rates. Therefore, the endosymbiont Rickettsia plays a crucial role in the growth and development of L. bostrychophila. In the future, our research will help further uncover the interactions between Rickettsia and its host, providing new perspectives for pest control and offering a better understanding of insect biology and ecology.},
}

@article {pmid40196488,
year = {2025},
author = {Lindsey, AR and Lue, CH and Davis, JS and Borjon, LJ and Mauthner, SE and Fricke, LC and Eads, L and Murphy, M and Drown, MK and Faulk, C and Buffington, ML and Tracey, WD},
title = {Genomics and reproductive biology of Leptopilina n. sp. Buffington, Lue, Davis & Tracey sp. nov. (Hymenoptera: Figitidae): An asexual parasitoid of Caribbean Drosophila.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1101/2025.03.28.645512},
pmid = {40196488},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {Drosophila and parasitic wasps in the genus Leptopilina have long been a model for understanding host-parasite interactions. Indeed, parasitic wasps are important drivers of ecological and evolutionary processes broadly, but we are generally lacking information about the diversity, natural history, and evolution of these relationships. We collected insects from the Caribbean Island of Saint Lucia, home to the eastern Caribbean ' dunni ' subgroup of Drosophila : a clade long appreciated for its recent patterns of speciation and adaptation. Here we present an integrative approach that incorporates natural history, taxonomy, physiology, and genomics to describe Leptopilina n. sp. Buffington, Lue, Davis & Tracey sp. nov. (Hymenoptera: Figitidae), a virulent parasitoid of dunni group flies, especially Drosophila antillea. Leptopilina n. sp. is nested within an early-branching clade of Leptopilina , offering insights into the evolution of this important genus of Drosophila parasitoids. We present a high-quality assembly for this wasp's 1Gbp genome, and for its bacterial endosymbiont: Wolbachia strain " w Lmal". Furthermore, we show that w Lmal induces parthenogenesis in the wasp, and that these wasps are reliant upon their Wolbachia infections to produce female offspring. Finally, comparison to historical museum specimens indicate that Leptopilina n. sp. had been collected approximately 40 years prior from the nearby island of Guadeloupe and were also asexually reproducing. This work represents one of only a handful of studies in which field biology, taxonomy, systematics, genomics, and experimental biology are integrated into a species description: showcasing the possibilities for biodiversity research in the genomic era.},
}

@article {pmid40326397,
year = {2025},
author = {Rissanen, J and Freitak, D},
title = {Chronic exposure to nicotine in diet enhances the lethal effect of an entomopathogenic fungus in the ant Cardiocondyla obscurior.},
journal = {Biology open},
volume = {14},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1242/bio.061928},
pmid = {40326397},
issn = {2046-6390},
support = {//Karl-Franzens-Universitat Graz/ ; },
mesh = {*Nicotine/toxicity ; *Ants/microbiology/drug effects/physiology ; Animals ; *Diet ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Nicotine is a naturally occurring alkaloid that has acute toxic effects for insects and affects their behaviour even in sublethal amounts. In addition, nicotine is shown to accumulate and pollute environments through the use of commercially produced pesticides and tobacco products. We investigated how nicotine-polluted diets in two different concentrations impacted colony fitness in the ant Cardiocondyla obscurior, compared to a nicotine-free diet. We measured brood production and development, changes in relative abundances of bacterial endosymbionts, and worker survival in combination with a fungal pathogen. Chronic exposure to nicotine caused a concentration-dependent effect in enhancing the lethality of the fungal infection, with higher concentrations causing higher mortality in infected colonies. In the absence of pathogens, nicotine had no effect on worker survival. Furthermore, nicotine did not affect brood production or development, nor clearly affect the abundances of the bacterial endosymbionts. Our results show that nicotine pollution in the environment can negatively affect ant fitness through synergistic effects in combination with a fungal pathogen. Pathogens play a significant part in the decline of insects, and the influence that nicotine pollution may have in exacerbating them should receive more attention.},
}

*Nicotine/toxicity
*Ants/microbiology/drug effects/physiology
Animals
*Diet
Symbiosis

@article {pmid40320312,
year = {2025},
author = {Thia, JA and Dorai, APS and Hoffmann, AA},
title = {Symbiotic bacteria and pest control: plant toxins, chemical pesticides, and fungal entomopathogens.},
journal = {Trends in microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.tim.2025.04.007},
pmid = {40320312},
issn = {1878-4380},
abstract = {Bacterial symbionts in pests are being increasingly investigated to assess their potential uses for sustainable control approaches. We undertook a review and analysis of the impacts of endosymbionts and gut symbionts on responses to toxins from plants and pesticides, and to attack by fungal entomopathogens. Despite methodological issues affecting estimates of effect sizes, there is evidence for symbionts increasing resistance to all three agents. However, impacts can be small, and for pesticides, these may not reach levels required for resistance at field rates. Negative or neutral effects may be underreported. Further complications arise because host genotype and the environment impact symbiont effects. We anticipate rapid progress in this area over coming years that should clarify practical implications of these effects.},
}

@article {pmid40288426,
year = {2025},
author = {Soliman, AM and Mahmoud, HYAH and Amer, MM and Mohamed, S and Hifumi, T and Tanaka, T},
title = {Molecular prevalence and phylogenetic characterization of Francisella-like endosymbionts in ticks infesting camels and cattle from Southern Egypt.},
journal = {Microbial pathogenesis},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {107639},
doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2025.107639},
pmid = {40288426},
issn = {1096-1208},
abstract = {Ticks serve as vectors for numerous pathogens affecting human and animal health and harbor various microorganisms, including Francisella-like endosymbionts (FLEs), whose potential pathogenicity remains uncertain. In Egypt, data on FLEs, particularly in Southern Egypt, are limited, despite the importance of tick-borne pathogen surveillance in livestock. This study represents the first report of FLEs in Southern Egypt and the first detection of FLEs in Rhipicephalus annulatus in Egypt. A total of 726 ticks infesting cattle and camels were collected from various locations in Southern Egypt. Ticks were identified using both morphological and molecular techniques based on the 16S rRNA gene, and FLE detection was performed using PCR assays targeting a fragment of the Francisella 16S rRNA gene. Francisella DNA was detected in 60.1% (288/479) of the examined ticks, with the highest prevalence in Hyalomma marginatum (100%, 4/4), followed by Hyalomma dromedarii (74.8%, 243/325), and R. annulatus (27.3%, 41/150). Sequencing of 19 positive samples revealed that H. dromedarii (n = 13), H. marginatum (n = 2), and R. annulatus (n = 4) carried FLE sequences with 99-100% similarity to strains previously identified in ticks worldwide. Given the high prevalence of FLEs in livestock-associated ticks, further research should focus on characterizing these strains, assessing their role in tick-borne pathogen ecology, and evaluating potential implications for human and animal health.},
}

@article {pmid40282203,
year = {2025},
author = {Román-Escrivá, P and Bernabeu, M and Paganin, E and Díaz-Villanueva, W and Verdú, M and Oliver, JL and Arnau, V and Moya, A},
title = {Metrics of Genomic Complexity in the Evolution of Bacterial Endosymbiosis.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {14},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biology14040338},
pmid = {40282203},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {PID2019-105969GB-I00//Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades/ ; CIPROM/2021/042//Generalitat Valenciana/ ; FPU21/03813//Ministerio de Universidades, Spain/ ; },
abstract = {Endosymbiosis can be considered a regressive or degenerative evolutionary process characterized at the genomic level by genome erosion and degeneration due to high mutational pressure toward AT (adenine and thymine) bases. The genomic and biological complexity of endosymbionts must be lower than that of the free-living bacteria from which they evolved. In the present work, we contrasted whether two proposed metrics for measuring genomic complexity in both types of bacteria, GS and BB, reflect their complexity, expecting higher values in free-living bacteria than in endosymbionts. On the other hand, we endeavored to delve into the factors that contribute to the reduction in metric values in endosymbionts, as well as their eventual relationship with six genomic parameters associated with functionality. This study aimed to test the robustness of these proposed metrics in a well-known biological scenario, such as the endosymbiosis process.},
}

@article {pmid40275784,
year = {2025},
author = {Yamagishi, D and Onuma, R and Matsunaga, S and Miyagishima, SY and Maruyama, S},
title = {Algal Symbiont Diversity and Host Fitness Variation in Amoebozoan Photosymbiosis.},
journal = {The Journal of eukaryotic microbiology},
volume = {72},
number = {3},
pages = {e70008},
doi = {10.1111/jeu.70008},
pmid = {40275784},
issn = {1550-7408},
support = {JPMJCR20S6//Japan Science and Technology Agency/ ; JPMJSP2108//Japan Science and Technology Agency/ ; 22H02697//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 22H05668//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 23H04962//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 23K23960//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 24H01462//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 24KJ0740//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Amoebozoa/physiology/growth & development ; *Microalgae/physiology ; Photosynthesis ; },
abstract = {Photosymbioses, the symbiotic relationships between microalgae and non-photosynthetic eukaryotes, are sporadically found in many eukaryotic lineages. Only a few taxa, such as cnidarians and ciliates hosting algal endosymbionts, have been actively studied, which has hindered understanding the universal mechanisms of photosymbiosis establishment. In Amoebozoa, few species are reported as photosymbiotic, and how the photosymbioses are established is still unclear. To investigate the extent to which one of the photosymbiotic amoebae, Mayorella viridis, depends on their symbionts, the amoebae were treated with reagents known to induce the collapsing of photosymbioses in other species. We succeeded in removing algal symbionts from the hosts with 2-amino-3-chloro-1,4-naphthoquinone. While the apo-symbiotic amoebae grew to the same extent as the symbiotic state when they fed on prey, their survival rates were lower than those of the symbiotic ones during starvation, suggesting that the impact of the photosymbiosis on fitness is condition-dependent. Furthermore, we showed that the photosymbiotic state was reversible by feeding two strains of the green alga Chlorella to the apo-symbiotic amoebae. The efficiencies of ingesting algal cells significantly differed between algal strains. These results suggest that the photosymbiotic relationship in the amoeba is facultative and that different algal strains have discrete symbiotic abilities to the amoeba.},
}

*Symbiosis
*Amoebozoa/physiology/growth & development
*Microalgae/physiology
Photosynthesis

@article {pmid40274861,
year = {2025},
author = {Biswas, S and Rajkonwar, J and Jena, SR and Gogoi, P and Nirmolia, T and Vinayagam, S and Hazarika, G and Sihag, AK and Borah, B and Pebam, R and Kaur, H and Baruah, K and Narain, K and Subbarao, SK and Bhattacharyya, DR and Borkakoty, B and Bhowmick, IP},
title = {Detection of a sympatric cryptic species mimicking Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in dengue and Chikungunya endemic forest villages of Tripura, India, posing a daunting challenge for vector research.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {14237},
pmid = {40274861},
issn = {2045-2322},
abstract = {The Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse, 1985) (Diptera: Culicidae) is one of the major vectors for Dengue and Chikungunya. However, our study uncovered another mosquito species morphologically similar to Ae. albopictus but is genetically different. The male genitalia of this species possess minute differences in the IX tergum with Ae. albopictus. Nucleotide diversity and mean genetic distance analysis confirmed the genetic difference from Ae. albopictus and other Aedes species. However, this species has a significant degree of genetic similarity with the cryptic species of Ae. albopictus earlier reported from Vietnam and China. The time tree revealed the median divergence time of this species and Ae. albopictus species to be approximately 36.13 million years ago. This study marks the discovery of an Aedes nr. Albopictus species resembling Ae. albopictus in India and third in the world, also reports the distinct morphological feature of the male genitalia for the first time. Our study indicates the sympatric behavior of this species as it shares the breeding habitat of Ae. albopictus. The absence of endosymbiont Wolbachia in this species raises the possibility of reproductive isolation with Ae. albopictus leading to sympatric speciation and increasing virus-carrying capability for this species, having significant implications for vector-borne disease control.},
}

@article {pmid40269010,
year = {2025},
author = {Heidari Latibari, M and Carolina Arias-Penna, D and Ghafouri Moghaddam, M and Butcher, BA},
title = {Bacterial symbiont as game changers for Aphis craccivora Koch's fitness and survival across distinct climate types.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {14208},
pmid = {40269010},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {BCG_FF_68_178_2300_039//Thailand Science Research and Innovation/ ; },
abstract = {Symbiotic bacteria play a crucial role in the survival, development, and adaptation of aphids to environmental conditions. Buchnera aphidicola (Enterobacterales: Erwiniaceae), the obligate endosymbiont of aphids, is essential for their fitness, while facultative symbionts may provide additional ecological advantages under specific conditions. A comprehensive understanding of how these symbiotic relationships respond to different climatic environments is essential for assessing aphid adaptability and potential implications for biological control. The present study investigates the vital interactions between the obligate bacterial endosymbiont, Buchnera aphidicola, and four facultative bacterial endosymbionts (Arsenophonus sp., Hamiltonella defensa, Serratia symbiotica, and Regiella insecticola), in black cowpea aphid (BCA), in the context of different climate conditions. The BCA specimens were obtained from the leaves of the host plant, alfalfa, cultivated in three distinct climates: cold semi-arid, hot desert, and humid subtropical climates. The findings, as anticipated, indicated a pervasive prevalence of B. aphidicola in BCAs infesting alfalfa crops across all three climate types. In contrast, the BCAs of each climate type exhibited a distinct array of facultative symbionts. The highest number of facultative endosymbionts was exhibited by BCAs from the humid subtropical climate, followed by BCAs from the cold semi-arid climate, whereas none of them were detected in BCAs from the hot desert climate. Rigiella insecticola was not detected molecularly in any of the BCAs from the three climates. Following the eradication of the obligate symbiont Buchnera aphidicola by the antibiotic rifampicin in BCAs, the effects on three categories of parameters were assessed, including life cycle stages, reproductive traits, and external morphological characteristics of adults. The most significant adverse effects were observed in BCAs inhabiting hot desert followed by those inhabiting cold semi-arid climate; detrimental effects in BCAs of the humid subtropical climate were considerably less pronounced. The observed discrepancies in the parameters of BCAs from the humid subtropical climate can be attributed to the presence of a greater number of facultative symbionts, especially the presence of Serratia symbiotica (Enterobacterales: Yersiniaceae). Following the eradication of B. aphidicola, this facultative symbiont continues to complement the functions of B. aphidicola in the host's survival. Conversely, the low presence of facultative symbionts in cold semi-arid climate or even their absence in hot desert climate exacerbates the negative effects of obligate symbiont eradication. These findings highlight the crucial role of symbionts in aphid biology across a spectrum of climatic conditions, and suggest that shifts in symbiotic relationships may modulate aphid fitness, which could have implications for biological control programs.},
}

@article {pmid40266732,
year = {2025},
author = {Duque-Granda, D and Vivero-Gómez, RJ and González Ceballos, LA and Junca, H and Duque, SR and Aroca Aguilera, MC and Castañeda-Espinosa, A and Cadavid-Restrepo, G and Gómez, GF and Moreno-Herrera, CX},
title = {Exploring the Diversity of Microbial Communities Associated with Two Anopheles Species During Dry Season in an Indigenous Community from the Colombian Amazon.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {3},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16030269},
pmid = {40266732},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {Hermes 57545//Universidad Nacional de Colombia/ ; },
abstract = {Malaria disease affects millions of people annually, making the Amazon Basin a major hotspot in the Americas. While traditional control strategies rely on physical and chemical methods, the Anopheles microbiome offers a promising avenue for biological control, as certain bacteria can inhibit parasite development and alter vector immune and reproductive systems, disrupting the transmission cycle. For this reason, this study aimed to explore the bacterial communities in An. darlingi and An. triannulatus s.l., including breeding sites, immature stages, and adults from San Pedro de los Lagos (Leticia, Amazonas) through next-generation sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. The results revealed a higher bacterial genus richness in the L1-L2 larvae of An. triannulatus s.l. Aeromonas and Enterobacter were prevalent in most samples, with abundances of 52.51% in L3-L4 larvae and 48.88% in pupae of An. triannulatus s.l., respectively. In breeding site water, Verrucomicrobiota bacteria were the most dominant (52.39%). We also identified Delftia (15.46%) in An. triannulatus s.l. pupae and Asaia (98.22%) in An. triannulatus, linked to Plasmodium inhibition, and Elizabethkingia, in low abundances, along with Klebsiella and Serratia, known for paratransgenesis potential. Considering the high bacterial diversity observed across the different mosquito life stages, identifying bacterial composition is the first step towards developing new strategies for malaria control. However, the specific roles of these bacteria in anophelines and the malaria transmission cycle remain to be elucidated.},
}

@article {pmid40255466,
year = {2025},
author = {Mfangnia, CNT and Tonnang, HEZ and Tsanou, B and Keith Herren, J},
title = {An eco-epidemiological model for malaria with Microsporidia MB as bio-control agent.},
journal = {Modeling earth systems and environment},
volume = {11},
number = {3},
pages = {221},
pmid = {40255466},
issn = {2363-6203},
abstract = {Microsporidia MB is an endosymbiont which naturally infects Anopheles mosquitoes. Due to its ability to block Plasmodium transmission, it shows potential as a bio-based agent for the control of malaria. Its self-sustainability is promising, as it can spread through both vertical and horizontal transmissions. However, its low prevalence in mosquito populations remains a challenge. We develop an eco-epidemiological mathematical model describing the co-dynamics of Microsporidia MB (within mosquito population) and malaria (within human population). The model is used to assess the potential of Microsporidia MB-infected mosquitoes on the control of malaria infection. The results on the basic reproduction numbers, the stability of the equilibria, and the existence of bifurcations are obtained, providing conditions for the extinction and persistence of MB-infected mosquitoes. We highlight relevant threshold parameters for the elimination and persistence of MB-infected mosquitoes and malaria-infected individuals. Using real data from Kenya, we found that, given a horizontal transmission rate between 0 and 0.5, a minimum vertical rate of 0.55 is required to avoid extinction of MB-infected mosquitoes. The predicted prevalence of MB-infected mosquitoes using transmission rates reported from lab experiments align with the observed low prevalence of MB-infected mosquitoes in the field, thereby validating our model and results. Finally, predictions indicate that increasing MB mosquito infection could effectively control malaria, with target prevalence varying by region: 15% in Highland, 40% on the coast, and 70% in the Lake region. This study offers insights into the use of bio-based vector population replacement solutions to reduce malaria incidence in regions where Microsporidia MB is prevalent.},
}

@article {pmid40253413,
year = {2025},
author = {Tian, J and Liu, J and Li, K and Zhong, L and Lu, M and Jiang, H and Jie, R and Wang, X and Zhang, B},
title = {Tick-borne agents in the fowl tick Argas persicus from northwest and northeast China.},
journal = {Parasites & vectors},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {145},
pmid = {40253413},
issn = {1756-3305},
support = {S202310760014//Xinjiang Medical University College students' innovation and entrepreneurship plan project/ ; 2022jzbjl16//the Key Supporting Scientific Research Projects of Beijing Road Medical Sector, General Hospital of Xinjiang Military Region/ ; YXYJ20230203//the Open Project Program of Institute of Medical Sciences of Xinjiang Medical University/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; China/epidemiology ; *Argas/microbiology ; *Rickettsia/isolation & purification/genetics/classification ; Phylogeny ; Coxiella/isolation & purification/genetics/classification ; *Tick-Borne Diseases/microbiology/epidemiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Although tick-borne agents have been extensively studied, etiological investigations on soft ticks are still relatively rare. In this study, we collected 114 Argas persicus ticks from two provinces (Xinjiang and Heilongjiang) located in northwest and northeast China, respectively, and screened them for tick-borne agents. Two Rickettsia species were identified in A. persicus ticks from Heilongjiang Province: Rickettsia hoogstraalii (27.3%, 18/66) and a previously unidentified species (12.2%, 8/66). The 16S rDNA, gltA, groEL, and ompB genes of the latter have 98.8%, 93.1%, 94.3%, and 91.2% nucleotide identities to reported species, suggesting that it represents a novel species. It belongs to the ancient group of Rickettsia and is located in the basal position of the phylogenetic trees. Additionally, Coxiella endosymbiont was detected in A. persicus ticks from both locations with 100% positive rates. Furthermore, the Coxiella endosymbionts from different locations form distinct phylogenetic groups, indicating that one tick species can harbor different Coxiella endosymbionts.},
}

Animals
China/epidemiology
*Argas/microbiology
*Rickettsia/isolation & purification/genetics/classification
Phylogeny
Coxiella/isolation & purification/genetics/classification
*Tick-Borne Diseases/microbiology/epidemiology
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
DNA, Bacterial/genetics/chemistry

@article {pmid40252916,
year = {2025},
author = {Dainty, KR and Duyvestyn, JM and Flores, HA},
title = {Targeted knockdown of in vitro candidates does not alter Wolbachia density in vivo.},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108346},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2025.108346},
pmid = {40252916},
issn = {1096-0805},
abstract = {The bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia has emerged as an effective biocontrol method to reduce arbovirus transmission. Transinfection of wMel Wolbachia from Drosophila melanogaster to Aedes aegypti results in the transfer of important Wolbachia-induced phenotypes including the reproductive modification, cytoplasmic incompatibility, and inhibition of viruses including dengue and chikungunya. However, the mechanisms underlying these critical traits as well other Wolbachia-host interactions are still not fully understood. Recently an in vitro genome wide RNAi screen was performed on wMel-infected Drosophila S2 cells and identified large cohorts of host genes that alter wMel density when targeted. If these findings can be replicated in vivo, this would provide a powerful tool for modulating wMel density both systemically and in a tissue-specific manner allowing for interrogation of wMel-host interactions. Here, we used the GAL4/UAS system to express RNAi molecules targeting host gene candidates previously identified to dysregulate wMel density in vitro. We found systemic knockdown of two candidate D. melanogaster genes does not lead to wMel density dysregulation. To explore the lack of consistency between our study and previous work, we also examined native tissue-specific density of wMel in D. melanogaster. We show density is varied between tissues and find that individual tissue densities are not reliable linear predictors of other tissue densities. Our results demonstrate the complexities of implementing in vitro findings in systemic applications.},
}

@article {pmid40252292,
year = {2025},
author = {Cournoyer, JE and De, BC and Mehta, AP},
title = {Molecular and biochemical insights from natural and engineered photosynthetic endosymbiotic systems.},
journal = {Current opinion in chemical biology},
volume = {87},
number = {},
pages = {102598},
doi = {10.1016/j.cbpa.2025.102598},
pmid = {40252292},
issn = {1879-0402},
abstract = {Mitochondria and chloroplasts evolved through the transformation of bacterial endosymbionts established within the host cells. Studies on these organelles have provided several phylogenetic and biochemical insights related to this remarkable evolutionary transformation. Additionally, comparative studies between naturally existing endosymbionts and present-day organelles have allowed us to identify important common features of endosymbiotic evolution. In this review, we discuss hallmarks of photosynthetic endosymbiotic systems, particularly focusing on some of the fascinating molecular changes that occur in the endosymbiont and the host as the endosymbiont/host chimera evolves and transforms endosymbionts into organelles; these include the following: (i) endosymbiont genome minimization and host/endosymbiont gene transfer, (ii) protein import/export systems, (iii) metabolic crosstalk between the endosymbiont, (iv) alterations to the endosymbiont peptidoglycan, and (v) host-controlled replication of endosymbionts/organelles. We discuss these hallmarks in the context of naturally existing photosynthetic endosymbiotic systems and present-day chloroplasts. Further, we also briefly discuss laboratory efforts to engineer endosymbiosis between photosynthetic bacteria and host cells, the lessons learned from these studies, future directions of these studies, and their implications on evolutionary biology and synthetic biology.},
}

@article {pmid40245248,
year = {2025},
author = {Chilton, NB and Thampy, PR and Wolbaum, CR and Sterling, EE and Thoroughgood, JT and Berg, ED and Halpin, AS and Diyes, CP and Yunik, MEM and Díaz-Sánchez, AA and Rochon, K and Lysyk, TJ and Dergousoff, SJ},
title = {Genetic diversity and phylogeographic relationships of Dermacentor variabilis (Acari: Ixodidae) within an established population in southern Manitoba (Canada), and the prevalence of Rickettsia montanensis and Francisella-like endosymbionts.},
journal = {Journal of medical entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jme/tjaf010},
pmid = {40245248},
issn = {1938-2928},
abstract = {The primary objective of this study was to determine if DNA sequences of the mitochondrial (mt) cytochrome oxidase c subunit 1 gene (cox1) and/or the mt 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene can be used to study the population genetics and phylogeography of the American dog tick, Dermacentor variabilis (Say). DNA sequences were determined for 200 adult ticks collected from an established population in a region of Manitoba (Canada) where there have been recent outbreaks of bovine anaplasmosis. Given this, a secondary objective was to test these ticks for the presence of Anaplasma marginale Theiler and 2 other bacterial pathogens, Rickettsia rickettsii Brumpt and Francisella tularensis (McCoy and Chapin 1912) Dorofe'ev 1947. However, no ticks were PCR-positive for these bacteria, whereas 15% of ticks were PCR-positive for R. montanensis Weiss and Moulder and 96% contained Francisella-like endosymbionts. Nucleotide and haplotype diversity among ticks was greater for cox1 than the 16S rRNA gene, thus cox1 is more useful for examining the genetic diversity within and among D. variabilis populations. The 33 cox1 haplotypes could be separated into 3 haplogroups, but when combined with sequence data from GenBank, 6 clades were evident, 2 of which comprised ticks from primarily Saskatchewan, Manitoba, western Ontario, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. These findings indicate that cox1 can be used to understand the phylogeography of D. variabilis, but more sequences are needed from individuals in other populations across geographical range of this tick species, particularly those on the Canadian prairies where D. variabilis is undergoing range expansion.},
}

@article {pmid40240454,
year = {2025},
author = {Leroy, E and Gao, S and Gonzalez, M and Ellies-Oury, MP and Tuda, M},
title = {Wolbachia infection facilitates adaptive increase in male egg size in response to environmental changes.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {13213},
pmid = {40240454},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {19K06840//JSPS/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; Male ; Female ; *Ovum/microbiology/physiology ; *Coleoptera/microbiology/physiology ; Climate Change ; Symbiosis ; *Adaptation, Physiological ; Environment ; Temperature ; Longevity ; },
abstract = {Under challenging conditions such as maladapted biotic and abiotic conditions, females can plastically adjust their egg size (gamete or zygote size) to counteract fitness declines early in life. Recent evidence suggests that endosymbionts may enhance this egg-size plasticity. Possible endosymbionts' modification of impact of multiple stressors is not well explored. Therefore, this study aims to test (1) whether Wolbachia infection influences the plasticity of parental investment in egg size under suboptimal environmental conditions and (2) whether the plasticity depends on the sex of eggs. We used three lines of the azuki bean beetle (Callosobruchus chinensis): a line coinfected with the wBruCon and wBruOri Wolbachia strains, a cured line infected solely with the wBruCon, and an uninfected (cured) line. These lines were subjected to either a control environment or a simulated climate change environment (elevated temperature and carbon dioxide levels, eT&CO2) to examine Wolbachia infection effects on parental investment in their offspring (egg size) and its subsequent impact on offspring fitness, including survival, development, and adult lifespan under starvation. After two days of eT&CO2 exposure, coinfected parents increased male egg size only. Larger eggs developed faster in both sexes and exhibited higher survival. However, offspring adult lifespan was not influenced by egg size but by environment, sex, Wolbachia infection, and development time: eT&CO2 reduced male lifespan but not female lifespan, the singly-infected line females lived longer than coinfected and uninfected line females, and shorter development time linked to longer lifespan. The negative correlation between development time and lifespan was higher under eT&CO2 but not sex-specific. This study is the first to demonstrate sex-specific egg size plasticity associated with Wolbachia infection in species with sex determination systems other than haplodiploid.},
}

Animals
*Wolbachia/physiology
Male
Female
*Ovum/microbiology/physiology
*Coleoptera/microbiology/physiology
Climate Change
Symbiosis
*Adaptation, Physiological
Environment
Temperature
Longevity

@article {pmid40237471,
year = {2025},
author = {Njogu, AK and Logozzo, F and Conner, WR and Shropshire, JD},
title = {Counting rare Wolbachia endosymbionts using digital droplet PCR.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0326624},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.03266-24},
pmid = {40237471},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {Wolbachia is the most widespread animal-associated intracellular microbe, living within the cells of over half of insect species. Since they can suppress pathogen replication and spread rapidly through insect populations, Wolbachia is at the vanguard of public health initiatives to control mosquito-borne diseases. Wolbachia's abilities to block pathogens and spread quickly are closely linked to their abundance in host tissues. The most common method for counting Wolbachia is quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), yet qPCR can be insufficient to count rare Wolbachia, necessitating tissue pooling and consequently compromising individual-level resolution of Wolbachia dynamics. Digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) offers superior sensitivity, enabling the detection of rare targets and eliminating the need for sample pooling. Here, we report three ddPCR assays to measure total Wolbachia abundance, Wolbachia abundance adjusted for DNA extraction efficiency, and Wolbachia density relative to host genome copies. Using Drosophila melanogaster with wMel Wolbachia as a model, we show these ddPCR assays can reliably detect as few as 7 to 12 Wolbachia gene copies in a 20 µL reaction. The designed oligos are homologous to sequences from at least 106 Wolbachia strains across supergroup A and 53 host species from the Drosophila, Scaptomyza, and Zaprionus genera, suggesting broad utility. These highly sensitive ddPCR assays are expected to significantly advance Wolbachia-host interactions research by enabling the collection of molecular data from individual insect tissues. Their ability to detect rare Wolbachia will be especially valuable in applied and natural field settings where pooling samples could obscure important variation.IMPORTANCEWolbachia bacteria live inside the cells of many animals, especially insects. In many insect species, almost every individual carries Wolbachia. How common Wolbachia becomes within a population often depends on how much of it is present in the insect's body. Therefore, accurately measuring Wolbachia levels is crucial for understanding how these bacteria interact with their hosts and spread. However, traditional molecular assays can lack the sensitivity needed for accurate, individual-level quantification of rare Wolbachia. Here, we present three highly sensitive digital droplet PCR assays for Wolbachia detection, offering superior sensitivity compared to existing methods. These assays will be useful for studies that measure Wolbachia abundance and related phenotypes in individual insects, providing enhanced resolution and improving efforts to characterize the mechanisms that govern phenotypic variation.},
}

@article {pmid40236481,
year = {2025},
author = {Alimu, A and Gao, Y and Liu, J and Lu, Y},
title = {Geographic factors influence communities of symbiotic bacterial communities in Aphis gossypii across China's major cotton regions.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1569543},
pmid = {40236481},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Aphids are often infected with diverse bacterial symbionts that enhance their ecological adaptation. While geographic factors significantly influence aphid bacterial communities, research on environmental effects on the cotton aphid Aphis gossypii Glover feeding on cotton plants across China's major cotton-growing regions is limited.

METHODS: This study examined the influence of geographic factors on the endosymbiotic bacterial community and diversity of A. gossypii by analyzing 58 field samples from 24 locations across China's major cotton-growing regions (2021-2022) using 16S rRNA (V3-V4) high-throughput sequencing.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Our results demonstrate that geography is an important factor in shaping the endosymbiotic bacterial composition and diversity of A. gossypii. Among China's three major cotton-growing regions, the Yangtze River Basin exhibited the highest bacterial diversity, followed by the Northwestern Inland Region, and then the Yellow River Basin. Acinetobacter, Lactobacillus, Serratia, and Aeromonas were more abundant in the Yangtze River Basin, with positive correlations observed for Acinetobacter, Serratia, and Aeromonas in relation to annual precipitation. In contrast, Candidatus Uzinura, dominant in southern Xinjiang, displayed negative correlations with precipitation and longitude but a positive correlation with altitude, and this report is the first detection of it in A. gossypii. Buchnera was ubiquitous and negatively associated with both precipitation and temperature, while Arsenophonus showed no significant environmental correlations. These findings highlight the distinct influences of geographic factors on A. gossypii endosymbiotic communities across China's major cotton-growing regions, broadening our understanding of aphid-endosymbiont-environment interactions and offering potential avenues for biocontrol strategies.},
}

@article {pmid40234496,
year = {2025},
author = {Mahmoud, HYAH and Soliman, AM and Shahat, MS and Hroobi, AA and Alghamdi, AH and Almotayri, AM and Tanaka, T and Emeish, WFA},
title = {Molecular detection of Rickettsia aeschlimannii, Borrelia theileri, and Francisella-like endosymbionts in Camelus dromedarius and dogs in Luxor, Egypt.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {12872},
pmid = {40234496},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Camelus/microbiology ; Egypt/epidemiology ; Dogs/microbiology ; *Rickettsia/genetics/isolation & purification ; *Francisella/genetics/isolation & purification ; *Symbiosis ; *Borrelia/genetics/isolation & purification ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Phylogeny ; *Rickettsia Infections/veterinary/microbiology/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {Vector-borne bacterial pathogens can cause disease in a range of animals, including dromedary camels and dogs, but epidemiological and molecular studies on these pathogens are scarce in southern Egypt. In this study, we screened camels and dogs in southern Egypt (Luxor) for vector-borne bacterial pathogens, with molecular analysis of 200 blood samples collected from camels and dogs in the region. The Rickettsia aeschlimannii gltA gene was detected in 5% (5/100) of camel blood samples and 1% (1/100) of dog blood samples. This study is the first report of Rickettsia aeschlimannii in camel blood in southern Egypt. Additionally, the 16S rRNA gene of a Francisella-like endosymbiont was detected in both camel and dog blood for the first time, with infection rates of 2% (2/100) in camels and 2% (2/100) in dogs. In dog blood, the Borrelia theileri flaB gene was detected for the first time in southern Egypt at a positivity rate of 5% (5/100). Neither Coxiella nor Bartonella species were detected in this study. In southern Egypt, Rickettsia aeschlimannii, Borrelia theileri, and Francisella-like endosymbionts were detected in camels and dogs, providing valuable information about their infection rate and these findings contribute to a better understanding of their transmission dynamics.},
}

Animals
*Camelus/microbiology
Egypt/epidemiology
Dogs/microbiology
*Rickettsia/genetics/isolation & purification
*Francisella/genetics/isolation & purification
*Symbiosis
*Borrelia/genetics/isolation & purification
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Phylogeny
*Rickettsia Infections/veterinary/microbiology/epidemiology

@article {pmid40228454,
year = {2025},
author = {Asif, A and Koner, S and Hsu, PC and He, BJ and Paul, S and Hussain, B and Hsu, BM},
title = {Synergistic interactions between AMF and MHB communities in the rhizospheric microenvironment facilitated endemic hyperaccumulator plants growth thrive under heavy metal stress in ultramafic soil.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {492},
number = {},
pages = {138233},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.138233},
pmid = {40228454},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {Ultramafic outcrop settings are characterized by long-term heavy metal (HM) stress and nutrient imbalances, making plant resilience highly challenging. This study investigated that how native plant types in the serpentine environment influence the variation of synergistic interactions between rhizosphere arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and mycorrhizal helper bacteria (MHB) communities under HM stress and nutrient-deficient conditions, which support native plant endemism and their HM accumulation potential. The results displayed significant enrichment of key MHB (Rhizobium_tropici, Bacillus_subtilis, Pseudomonas_parafulva, Pseudomonas_akapagensis) and AMF species (Glomus_constrictum, Glomus_aggregatum, Rhizophagus_intraradices, Rhizophagus_irregularis) in rhizosphere soils (q < 0.05). Pseudomonas_chlororaphis and Burkholderia_cepacia were strongly associated with Rhizophagus_irregularis and Glomus_mosseae in Panicum maximum Jacq (PMJ) and Bidens pilosa (BP) under chromium (Cr), and cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) stress. Pseudomonas_fluorescens and Bacillus_pabuli were linked to Geosiphon_pyriformis and Glomus_aggregatum in Pueraria montana (PM) under nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and cobalt (Co) stress, while Arthrobacter_globiformis and Rhizobium_leguminosarum were associated with Glomus_intraradices under copper (Cu) stress in Leucaena leucocephala (LL). Pathways related to nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (NPK) cycling, HM detoxification, and resistance were enriched, with AMF predominantly symbiotrophic root-endophytic, except for one as lichenized nostoc endosymbiont. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) showed HM stress and nutrients influence MHB-AMF symbiosis, while pH moisture content (MC) and electric conductivity (EC) significantly regulate their distribution. Rhizobium_leguminosarum, Rhizobium_tropici, Nitrospira_japonica, and Rhizobium_cauense with Glomus_mosseae and Rhizophagus_irregularis drive NPK cycling in HM-stressed rhizosphere soils. This finding suggested that association between plants type and their functional rhizosphere microbiome promote an eco-friendly strategy for HM recovery from serpentine soil.},
}

@article {pmid40213639,
year = {2025},
author = {Garrote-Sánchez, E and Moya, A and Gil, R},
title = {Determination of the genome-scale metabolic network of Bartonella quintana str. Toulouse to optimize growth for its use as chassis for synthetic biology.},
journal = {Frontiers in bioengineering and biotechnology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1527084},
pmid = {40213639},
issn = {2296-4185},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Genetically enhanced microorganisms have wide applications in different fields and the increasing availability of omics data has enabled the development of genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs), which are essential tools in synthetic biology. Bartonella quintana str. Toulouse, a facultative intracellular parasite, presents a small genome and the ability to grow in axenic culture, making it a potential candidate for genome reduction and synthetic biology applications. This study aims to reconstruct and analyze the metabolic network of B. quintana to optimize its growth conditions for laboratory use.

METHODS: A metabolic reconstruction of B. quintana was performed using genome annotation tools (RAST and ModelSEED), followed by refinement using multiple databases (KEGG, BioCyc, BRENDA). Flux Balance Analysis (FBA) was conducted to optimize biomass production, and in-silico knockouts were performed to evaluate growth yield under different media conditions. Additionally, experimental validation was carried out by testing modified culture media and performing proteomic analyses to identify metabolic adaptations.

RESULTS: FBA simulations identified key metabolic requirements, including 2-oxoglutarate as a crucial compound for optimal growth. In-silico knockouts of transport genes revealed their essentiality in nutrient uptake. Experimental validation confirmed the role of 2-oxoglutarate and other nutrients in improving bacterial growth, though unexpected decreases in viability were observed under certain supplemented conditions. Proteomic analysis highlighted differential expression of proteins associated with cell wall integrity and metabolic regulation.

DISCUSSION: This study represents a step toward developing B. quintana as a viable chassis for synthetic biology applications. The reconstructed metabolic model provides a comprehensive understanding of B. quintana's metabolic capabilities, identifying essential pathways and growth limitations. While metabolic predictions align with experimental results in key aspects, further refinements are needed to enhance model accuracy and optimize growth conditions.},
}

@article {pmid40209710,
year = {2025},
author = {Arai, H and Wijonarko, A and Katsuma, S and Naka, H and Kageyama, D and Hornett, EA and Hurst, GDD},
title = {Evolution of Wolbachia male-killing mechanism within a host species.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2025.03.027},
pmid = {40209710},
issn = {1879-0445},
abstract = {Male-killing bacterial symbionts, prevalent in arthropods, skew population sex ratios by selectively killing male progeny, profoundly impacting ecology and the evolution of their hosts. Male killing is a convergently evolved trait, with microbes evolving diverse male-killing mechanisms across host species with widely divergent sex determination pathways. A common evolutionary response to male-killing presence is the spread of suppressor mutations that restore male survival. In this study, we demonstrate the evolution of a novel male-killing mechanism that is insensitive to an existing male-killing suppressor. Hypolimnas bolina butterflies from Yogyakarta, Indonesia, showed extreme female-biased population sex ratio associated with high prevalence of a male-killing Wolbachia. This strain, wBol1Y, shared a very recent common ancestor with the previously characterized "suppressed" male-killing strain in the species, wBol1, but it retained its male-killing ability in the presence of the male-killing suppressor. The genome of wBol1Y differed from the suppressed wBol1 in carrying an additional prophage that included strong candidate genes for male killing. In vitro and in vivo data demonstrated that wBol1Y feminized splicing and expression of lepidopteran sex determination pathway genes and that the gene Hb-oscar-present on wBol1Y's unique prophage insert-was sufficient to disrupt the male sex determination pathway. Our study demonstrates that the diversity of male-killing mechanisms is a product both of interaction with varying insect sex determination systems and the evolution of male killing within a host species. Our data indicate that the male killer and host may be involved in escalating arms races, where spreading male-killing suppression drives the evolution of additional systems that reestablish male killing by the symbiont.},
}

@article {pmid40205751,
year = {2025},
author = {Dho, M and Montagna, M and Liu, C and Magoga, G and Forni, G and Alma, A and Gonella, E},
title = {Multilocus sequence typing of the invasive pest Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and associated endosymbiont reveals unexplored diversity.},
journal = {Insect science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1744-7917.70034},
pmid = {40205751},
issn = {1744-7917},
abstract = {Halyomorpha halys is an invasive pest affecting a wide range of crops in many regions of the world. Rapid and cost-effective methods to reconstruct its invasion routes are crucial for implementing strategies to prevent further spread. The mitochondrial markers COI and COII and the pseudogene ΔybgF of the primary symbiont "Candidatus Pantoea carbekii" have been analyzed to track the spread of H. halys. However, these markers do not provide sufficient resolution to fully elucidate invasion routes. Here, H. halys individuals from native and invasive populations were analyzed to identify new DNA markers and evaluate their effectiveness in a multilocus sequence typing (MLST) framework. Three new nuclear markers for H. halys (Hh_KsPi, Hh_UP1, Hh_D3PDh) and three new markers for P. carbekii (Pc_TamA, Pc_SucA, Pc_SurA) were identified. Hh_D3PDh was the most informative marker for H. halys, describing two more haplotypes than COI. By integrating Hh_D3PDh with mitochondrial markers, 30 distinct haplotypes were identified, with each of the populations studied exhibiting multiple haplotypes. Pc_SucA was the most informative symbiont marker, and when all P. carbekii markers were combined, symbiont diversity was greatly increased. The low network specialization between the novel nuclear markers and both mitochondrial and symbiont markers underlined the higher power of nuclear markers. Interestingly, perfect network specialization between H. halys COI and symbiont markers was found in populations from invaded areas, suggesting that some holobiont variants may contribute to enhanced invasive ability. A MLST workflow is proposed as a new tool for population genetics analysis and reconstruction of H. halys invasion.},
}

@article {pmid40202691,
year = {2025},
author = {Pimentel, AC and Cesar, CS and Martins, AHB and Martins, M and Cogni, R},
title = {Wolbachia Offers Protection Against Two Common Natural Viruses of Drosophila.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {88},
number = {1},
pages = {24},
pmid = {40202691},
issn = {1432-184X},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; *Drosophila melanogaster/virology/microbiology ; *Drosophila/virology/microbiology ; Symbiosis ; Female ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia pipientis is a maternally transmitted endosymbiont infecting more than half of terrestrial arthropod species. Wolbachia can express parasitic phenotypes such as manipulation of host reproduction and mutualist phenotypes such as protection against RNA virus infections. Because Wolbachia can invade populations by reproductive manipulation and block virus infection, it is used to modify natural insect populations. However, the ecological importance of virus protection is not yet clear, especially due to scarce information on Wolbachia protection against viruses that are common in nature. We used systemic infection to investigate whether Wolbachia protects its host by suppressing the titer of DMELDAV and DMelNora virus, two viruses that commonly infect Drosophila melanogaster flies in natural populations. Antiviral protection was tested in three systems to assess the impact of Wolbachia strains across species: (1) a panel of Wolbachia strains transfected into Drosophila simulans, (2) two Wolbachia strains introgressed into the natural host D. melanogaster, and (3) two native Wolbachia strains in their natural hosts Drosophila baimaii and Drosophila tropicalis. We showed that certain Wolbachia strains provide protection against DMelNora virus and DMELDAV, and this protection is correlated with Wolbachia density, which is consistent with what has been observed in protection against other RNA viruses. Additionally, we found that Wolbachia does not protect its original host, D. melanogaster, from DMELDAV infection. While native Wolbachia can reduce DMELDAV titers in D. baimaii, this effect was not detected in D. tropicalis. Although the Wolbachia protection-induced phenotype seems to depend on the virus, the specific Wolbachia strain, and the host species, our findings suggest that antiviral protection may be one of the mutualistic effects that helps explain why Wolbachia is so widespread in arthropod populations.},
}

Animals
*Wolbachia/physiology
*Drosophila melanogaster/virology/microbiology
*Drosophila/virology/microbiology
Symbiosis
Female

@article {pmid40202301,
year = {2025},
author = {Mahillon, M and Debonneville, C and Groux, R and Roquis, D and Brodard, J and Faoro, F and Foissac, X and Schumpp, O and Dittmer, J},
title = {From insect endosymbiont to phloem colonizer: comparative genomics unveils the lifestyle transition of phytopathogenic Arsenophonus strains.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0149624},
doi = {10.1128/msystems.01496-24},
pmid = {40202301},
issn = {2379-5077},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Bacteria infecting the plant phloem represent a growing threat worldwide. While these organisms often resist in vitro culture, they multiply both in plant sieve elements and hemipteran vectors. Such cross-kingdom parasitic lifestyle has emerged in diverse taxa via distinct ecological routes. In the genus Arsenophonus, the phloem pathogens "Candidatus Arsenophonus phytopathogenicus" (Ap) and "Ca. Phlomobacter fragariae" (Pf) have evolved from insect endosymbionts, but the genetic mechanisms underlying this transition have not been explored. To fill this gap, we obtained the genomes of both strains from insect host metagenomes. The resulting assemblies are highly similar in size and functional repertoire, rich in viral sequences, and closely resemble the genomes of several facultative endosymbiotic Arsenophonus strains of sap-sucking hemipterans. However, a phylogenomic analysis demonstrated distinct origins, as Ap belongs to the "Triatominarum" clade, whereas Pf represents a distant species. We identified a set of orthologs encoded only by Ap and Pf in the genus, including hydrolytic enzymes likely targeting plant substrates. In particular, both bacteria encode putative plant cell wall-degrading enzymes and cysteine peptidases related to xylellain, a papain-like peptidase from Xylella fastidiosa, for which close homologs are found in diverse Pseudomonadota infecting the plant vasculature. In silico predictions and gene expression analyses further support a role during phloem colonization for several of the shared orthologs. We conclude that the double emergence of phytopathogenicity in Arsenophonus may have been mediated by a few horizontal gene transfer events, involving genes acquired from other Pseudomonadota, including phytopathogens.

IMPORTANCE: We investigate the genetic mechanisms of a transition in bacterial lifestyle. We focus on two phloem pathogens belonging to the genus Arsenophonus: "Candidatus Arsenophonus phytopathogenicus" and "Ca. Phlomobacter fragariae." Both bacteria cause economically significant pathologies, and they have likely emerged among facultative insect endosymbionts. Our genomic analyses show that both strains are highly similar to other strains of the genus associated with sap-sucking hemipterans, suggesting a recent lifestyle shift. Importantly, although the phytopathogenic Arsenophonus strains belong to distant clades, they share a small set of orthologs unique in the genus pangenome. We provide evidence that several of these genes produce hydrolytic enzymes that are secreted and may target plant substrates. The acquisition and exchange of these genes may thus have played a pivotal role in the lifestyle transition of the phytopathogenic Arsenophonus strains.},
}

@article {pmid40185027,
year = {2025},
author = {Jiménez-Leiva, A and Cabrera, JJ and Torres, MJ and Richardson, DJ and Bedmar, EJ and Gates, AJ and Delgado, MJ and Mesa, S},
title = {Haem is involved in the NO-mediated regulation by Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens NnrR transcription factor.},
journal = {Microbiological research},
volume = {297},
number = {},
pages = {128151},
doi = {10.1016/j.micres.2025.128151},
pmid = {40185027},
issn = {1618-0623},
abstract = {Nitric oxide (NO) and the greenhouse gas (GHG) nitrous oxide (N2O) contribute significantly to climate change. In rhizobia, the denitrifying enzyme c-type nitric oxide reductase (cNor), encoded by norCBQD genes, is crucial for maintaining a delicate balance of NO and N2O levels. In the soybean endosymbiont Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens, maximal expression of norCBQD genes in response to NO is controlled by NnrR, which belongs to a distinct clade of the CRP/FNR family of bacterial transcription factors. This protein participates in the FixLJ-FixK2-NnrR regulatory cascade that induces denitrification genes expression in response to oxygen limitation and nitrogen oxides. However, the molecular mechanism underpinning NO sensing by B. diazoefficiens NnrR has remained elusive. Here, we revealed that NnrR induces norCBQD gene expression in response to NO uncoupled from the superimposed FixK2 control. Moreover, NO-mediated induction by NnrR is dependent on haem, as the expression of a norC-lacZ fusion was impaired in a hemN2 mutant defective in haem biosynthesis. In vitro studies showed that NnrR bound haem with a 1:1 stoichiometry (monomer:haem), according to titration experiments of recombinant NnrR protein with hemin performed under anaerobic conditions. Furthermore, the full UV-Visible spectra of haem-reconstituted NnrR showed a peak at 411 nm (ferric form), and at 425 nm (ferrous derivative). This latter complex was able to bind NO under anaerobic conditions. Finally, we performed a functional mutagenesis of specific residues in NnrR predicted as putative ligands for haem binding. While H11 was important for norC expression and Nor activity, a H11A-H56A protein variant showed a reduced affinity for haem binding. Taken together, our results identify haem as the cofactor for NnrR-mediated NO sensing in B. diazoefficiens denitrification, with H11 as a key residue for NnrR function, providing the first insight into the mechanism of an NnrR-type protein. These findings advance our understanding of how bacterial systems orchestrate the denitrification process and respond to environmental cues such as NO.},
}

@article {pmid40181281,
year = {2025},
author = {Degnan, PH and Percy, DM and Hansen, AK},
title = {Coupled evolutionary rates shape a Hawaiian insect-symbiont system.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {336},
pmid = {40181281},
issn = {1471-2164},
support = {DEB 1241253//NSF/ ; 2019-70016-29066//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; *Evolution, Molecular ; Phylogeny ; Hawaii ; *Hemiptera/genetics/microbiology/classification ; Genome, Mitochondrial ; Genome, Insect ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The Hawaiian Pariaconus psyllid radiation represents a unique system to study the co-evolution of nuclear, mitochondrial, and endosymbiont genomes. These psyllids, which diversified across the Hawaiian Islands during the last 3-3.5 million years vary with their ecological niches on their plant host 'Ōhi'a lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha) (free-living, open-gall, and closed-gall lifestyles) and harbor one to three beneficial bacterial endosymbionts. Co-evolutionary studies of other multi-endosymbiont insect systems have shown decoupled rates of sequence evolution between mitochondria and endosymbionts. Here we examine the evolutionary trends in Pariaconus psyllids, their mitochondria and their endosymbionts to determine if they fit this paradigm.

RESULTS: We sequenced a new Carsonella genome from the ohialoha species group (closed-gall, one symbiont), revealing a remarkable degree of gene conservation between two of the most divergent species from this diverse species group that has dispersed across multiple islands. Further, despite the rapid radiation of psyllid species, we observed complete synteny among mitochondrial genomes from all six Pariaconus species in this study, suggesting the preservation of genome structure due to strong purifying selection. Phylogenetic analyses of the nuclear, mitochondrial, and endosymbiont genomes across these six Pariaconus species revealed correlated rates of substitutions, contrary to prior reports of decoupling between mitochondrial and endosymbiont genomes in other insect systems with multiple symbiont partners. Finally, we found that free-living psyllids with three symbionts exhibited elevated mutation rates (~ 1.2-1.6x) across all genomes and elevated rates of fixation of nonsynonymous substitutions in the insect nuclear genome and one of the endosymbionts.

CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the interplay between ecological diversification and genomic evolution in Pariaconus. Further, these data indicate that multiple endosymbiont partners alone are not sufficient to result in decoupling rates of sequence evolution. Future work on basal members of this species radiation will refine our understanding of the mechanisms shaping this dynamic insect-symbiont system and its implications for genome evolution.},
}

Animals
*Symbiosis/genetics
*Evolution, Molecular
Phylogeny
Hawaii
*Hemiptera/genetics/microbiology/classification
Genome, Mitochondrial
Genome, Insect

@article {pmid40177692,
year = {2025},
author = {Speer, KA and Víquez-R, L and Frick, WF and Ibarra, A and Simmons, NB and Dittmar, K and Calderón, RS and Preciado, R and Medellín, R and Tschapka, M and Sommer, S and Perkins, SL},
title = {Comparative Community Ecology Reveals Conserved Ectoparasite Microbiomes Amidst Variable Host and Environment Microbiomes.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {4},
pages = {e71120},
pmid = {40177692},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {The microbiome-the community of microorganisms that is associated with an individual animal-has been an important driver of insect biodiversity globally, enabling insects to specialize in narrow, nutrient-deficient diets. The importance of maternally inherited, obligate bacterial endosymbionts in provisioning nutrients missing from these narrow dietary niches has been well studied in insects. However, we know comparatively little about the processes that dictate the composition of non-maternally inherited bacteria in insect microbiomes, despite the importance of these bacteria in insect health, fitness, and vector competence. Here, we used two species of obligate insect ectoparasites of bats, the bat flies (Streblidae) Trichobius sphaeronotus and Nycterophilia coxata, to examine whether the microbiome, beyond obligate bacterial endosymbionts, is conserved or variable across geographic space, between ectoparasite species, or covaries with the external microbiome of their bat hosts or the cave environment. Our results indicate that ectoparasite microbiomes are highly conserved and specific to ectoparasite species, despite these species feeding on the blood of the same bat individuals in some cases. In contrast, we found high geographic variation in the fur microbiome of host bats and that the bat fur microbiome mimics the cave microbiomes. This research suggests that there is a constraint on blood-feeding insect ectoparasites to maintain a specific microbiome distinct from their host and the environment, potentially to meet their nutritional needs. Given that many of these bacteria are not known to be maternally inherited, this research lays the foundation for future examinations of how blood-feeding arthropods acquire and maintain bacteria in their microbiomes.},
}

@article {pmid40172541,
year = {2025},
author = {Yu, Y and Iatsenko, I},
title = {Drosophila symbionts in infection: when a friend becomes an enemy.},
journal = {Infection and immunity},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0051124},
doi = {10.1128/iai.00511-24},
pmid = {40172541},
issn = {1098-5522},
abstract = {The insect microbiome is comprised of extracellular microbial communities that colonize the host surfaces and endosymbionts that reside inside host cells and tissues. Both of these communities participate in essential aspects of host biology, including the immune response and interactions with pathogens. In recent years, our knowledge about the role of the insect microbiome in infection has increased tremendously. While many studies have highlighted the microbiome's protective effect against various natural enemies of insects, unexpected discoveries have shown that some members of the microbiota can facilitate pathogenic infections. Here, we summarize studies in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, that have substantially progressed our understanding of host-pathogen-microbiome interactions during infection. We summarize studies on the protective mechanisms of Drosophila gut microbiota, highlight examples of microbiome exploitation by pathogens, and detail the mechanisms of endosymbiont-mediated host protection. In addition, we delve into a previously neglected topic in Drosophila microbiome research-the crosstalk between endosymbionts and gut microbiota. Finally, we address how endosymbionts and gut microbiota remain resilient to host immune responses and stably colonize the host during infection. By examining how the microbiome is influenced by and reciprocally affects infection outcomes, this review provides timely and cohesive coverage of the roles of Drosophila endosymbionts and gut microbiota during infections.},
}

@article {pmid40163815,
year = {2025},
author = {Marinov, GK and Ramalingam, V and Greenleaf, WJ and Kundaje, A},
title = {An updated compendium and reevaluation of the evidence for nuclear transcription factor occupancy over the mitochondrial genome.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {3},
pages = {e0318796},
pmid = {40163815},
issn = {1932-6203},
support = {U01 HG009431/HG/NHGRI NIH HHS/United States ; R01 HG008140/HG/NHGRI NIH HHS/United States ; U19 AI057266/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; P50 HG007735/HG/NHGRI NIH HHS/United States ; UM1 HG009436/HG/NHGRI NIH HHS/United States ; UM1 HG009442/HG/NHGRI NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*Genome, Mitochondrial ; *Transcription Factors/metabolism/genetics ; Humans ; Animals ; *Cell Nucleus/metabolism/genetics ; Mice ; Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Sequencing ; Chromatin Immunoprecipitation ; Mitochondria/metabolism/genetics ; },
abstract = {In most eukaryotes, mitochondrial organelles contain their own genome, usually circular, which is the remnant of the genome of the ancestral bacterial endosymbiont that gave rise to modern mitochondria. Mitochondrial genomes are dramatically reduced in their gene content due to the process of endosymbiotic gene transfer to the nucleus; as a result most mitochondrial proteins are encoded in the nucleus and imported into mitochondria. This includes the components of the dedicated mitochondrial transcription and replication systems and regulatory factors, which are entirely distinct from the information processing systems in the nucleus. However, since the 1990s several nuclear transcription factors have been reported to act in mitochondria, and previously we identified 8 human and 3 mouse transcription factors (TFs) with strong localized enrichment over the mitochondrial genome using ChIP-seq (Chromatin Immunoprecipitation) datasets from the second phase of the ENCODE (Encyclopedia of DNA Elements) Project Consortium. Here, we analyze the greatly expanded in the intervening decade ENCODE compendium of TF ChIP-seq datasets (a total of 6,153 ChIP experiments for 942 proteins, of which 763 are sequence-specific TFs) combined with interpretative deep learning models of TF occupancy to create a comprehensive compendium of nuclear TFs that show evidence of association with the mitochondrial genome. We find some evidence for chrM occupancy for 50 nuclear TFs and two other proteins, with bZIP TFs emerging as most likely to be playing a role in mitochondria. However, we also observe that in cases where the same TF has been assayed with multiple antibodies and ChIP protocols, evidence for its chrM occupancy is not always reproducible. In the light of these findings, we discuss the evidential criteria for establishing chrM occupancy and reevaluate the overall compendium of putative mitochondrial-acting nuclear TFs.},
}

*Genome, Mitochondrial
*Transcription Factors/metabolism/genetics
Humans
Animals
*Cell Nucleus/metabolism/genetics
Mice
Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Sequencing
Chromatin Immunoprecipitation
Mitochondria/metabolism/genetics

@article {pmid40161691,
year = {2025},
author = {Tekle, YI and Smith, AR and McGinnis, M and Ghebezadik, S and Patel, P},
title = {A new Paramoeba Isolate from Florida Exhibits a Microtubule-Bound Endosymbiont Closely Associated with the Host Nucleus.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1101/2025.03.10.642444},
pmid = {40161691},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {The genera Paramoeba and Neoparamoeba , within the family Paramoebidae (order Dactylopodida), are distinguished by their dactylopodial pseudopodia and the presence of an intracellular eukaryotic symbiont, the Perkinsela -like organism (PLO). Taxonomic classification within these genera has been challenging due to overlapping morphological traits and close phylogenetic relationships. Most species are marine, with some acting as significant parasites, contributing to sea urchin mass mortality and serving as causative agents of Amoebic Gill Disease (AGD). Despite their ecological and economic importance, many aspects of their diversity, biology, evolution, and host interactions remain poorly understood. In this study, we describe a novel amoeba species, Paramoeba daytoni n. sp., isolated from Daytona Beach, Florida. Morphological and molecular analyses confirm its placement within the Paramoeba clade, closely related to P. eilhardi, P. karteshi, and P. aparasomata . Phylogenetic assessments using 18S and COI markers demonstrate the limitations of 18S gene for species delineation, highlighting COI as a more reliable genetic marker for this group. Additionally, observations on PLO morphology, movement, and microtubule association provide insights into the endosymbiotic relationship, reinforcing the need for further research into this unique eukaryote-eukaryote symbiosis.},
}

@article {pmid40161633,
year = {2025},
author = {Cassens, J and Villalta, M and Aguirre, S and Ecklund, L and Stenger, T and Abdi, I and Venigalla, S and Shiffman, E and Bastug, K and Thielen, BK and Faulk, C},
title = {The Genome of the American Dog Tick (Dermacentor variabilis).},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40161633},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {T32 AI055433/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; T32 AR007612/AR/NIAMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {The American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) is a vector of zoonotic pathogens in North America that poses emerging threats to public health. Despite its medical importance, genomic resources for D. variabilis remain scarce. Leveraging long-read nanopore sequencing, we generated a high-quality genome assembly for D. variabilis with a final size of 2.15 Gb, an N50 of 445 kb, and a BUSCO completeness score of 95.2%. Comparative BUSCO analyses revealed fewer duplicate genes in our assembly than in other Dermacentor genomes, indicating improved haplotype resolution. The mitochondrial genome, assembled as a single circular contig, clustered monophyletically with D. variabilis isolates from the Upper Midwest, corroborating regional phylogenetic relationships. Repetitive element analysis identified 61% of the genome as repetitive, dominated by LINEs and LTR elements, with 24% remaining unclassified, underscoring the need for further exploration of transposable elements in tick genomes. Gene annotation predicted 21,722 putative genes, achieving a protein BUSCO completeness of 80.88%. Additionally, genome-wide methylation analysis revealed 9.9% global 5mC methylation, providing the first insights into epigenetic modifications in D. variabilis. Further, nanopore sequencing detected Rickettsia montanensis and a non-pathogenic Francisella-like endosymbiont. These findings expand our understanding of tick genomics and epigenetics, offering valuable resources for comparative studies and evolutionary analyses.},
}

@article {pmid40144380,
year = {2025},
author = {Gokhman, VE and Ryabinin, AS and Bykov, RA and Ilinsky, YY},
title = {The lowest chromosome number in the family Pteromalidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea): the karyotype and other genetic features of Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae (Rondani, 1875).},
journal = {Vavilovskii zhurnal genetiki i selektsii},
volume = {29},
number = {1},
pages = {108-112},
doi = {10.18699/vjgb-25-12},
pmid = {40144380},
issn = {2500-0462},
abstract = {Various genetic features of the hitman strain of the widespread parasitoid of Drosophilidae (Diptera), Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae (Rondani, 1875) (Pteromalidae, Pachyneurinae) were studied. This strain was established and is maintained at the Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Novosibirsk, Russia). An analysis of air-dried chromosome preparations from prepupae of this parasitoid showed that it has n = 4 and 2n = 8 in males and females, respectively, which is the lowest known chromosome number in the family Pteromalidae. All chromosomes in the karyotype of this species are metacentric. The first and second chromosomes are of similar size, the remaining ones are substantially shorter. The same results were obtained for an additional strain of this species kept at the Moscow State University (Moscow, Russia). A comparison of the DNA sequence of the barcoding region of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase (COI) gene of the hitman strain of P. vindemmiae with those available from the GenBank and BoLD databases demonstrated that this strain clustered together with conspecifics originating from China, Turkey and Italy. Despite certain endosymbionts being previously reported for the genus Pachycrepoideus Ashmead, 1904 as well as for P. vindemmiae itself, the hitman strain turned out to be free of endosymbiotic bacteria in the genera Arsenophonus Gherna et al., 1991, Cardinium Zchori-Fein et al., 2004, Rickettsia da Rocha-Lima, 1916, Spiroplasma Saglio et al., 1973 and Wolbachia Hertig, 1936. The above-mentioned results improve our knowledge of various genetic features of parasitoids of the family Pteromalidae and those of P. vindemmiae in particular.},
}

@article {pmid40143862,
year = {2025},
author = {Sujatha, S and Sindhura, KAV and Koti, PS and Hiremath, S and Muttappagol, M and Vinay Kumar, HD and Shankarappa, KS and Venkataravanappa, V and Reddy, KMS and Reddy, CNL},
title = {Influence of weather and seasonal factors on whitefly dynamics, associated endosymbiotic microbiomes, and Begomovirus transmission causing tomato leaf curl disease: insights from a metagenomic perspective.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1555058},
pmid = {40143862},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is a globally significant agricultural pest, responsible for transmitting over 120 plant viruses, including those from the Begomovirus genus, which contribute to considerable crop losses. The species complex comprises cryptic species, associated with a diverse array of bacterial endosymbionts that play essential roles in host nutrition, virus transmission, and overall host adaptability. These endosymbionts are classified into primary and secondary categories, with primary endosymbionts forming obligatory, long-term associations, and secondary endosymbionts influencing factors such as biotype differentiation and vector competency. Notably, these microbial communities enhance B. tabaci's capacity to transmit viruses, including the tomato leaf curl virus (ToLCuV), which poses a significant threat to tomato production.

METHODS: In this study, we examined the population dynamics of B. tabaci across three major tomato-growing regions in Karnataka, South India, focusing on their seasonal associations with endosymbionts and the incidence of tomato leaf curl disease (ToLCuD). Multiple regression analysis was employed to assess the influence of weather parameters on whitefly populations and disease prevalence. Additionally, we constructed a metagenomic profile to evaluate the effects of geographical location, seasonality, environmental factors, and agricultural practices on the bacterial communities associated with B. tabaci. Species-specific primers were used to validate the presence and diversity of these bacterial communities.

RESULTS: Meteorological data revealed a positive correlation between temperature and B. tabaci populations, which corresponded with an increased incidence of ToLCuD. Genetic characterization of the whitefly identified Asia II-5 and Asia II-7 cryptic species as the dominant forms in the surveyed regions, with Portiera emerging as the most prevalent endosymbiont. A more in-depth analysis of the microbial communities associated with B. tabaci, utilizing 16S rRNA metagenomic sequencing, revealed a dominance of the Proteobacteria phylum. The endosymbiotic bacterial consortium was primarily composed of Candidatus Portiera, Candidatus Hamiltonella, Candidatus Rickettsia, and Candidatus Arsenophonus.

DISCUSSION: The metagenomic analysis revealed a highly diverse array of bacterial communities, with 92% of sequences classified under Proteobacteria, representing a spectrum of microbial types associated with B. tabaci ranging from parasitic and pathogenic to mutualistic. Within this phylum, Alphaproteobacteria were predominant, known for their role as facultative symbionts, while Gammaproteobacteria provided essential nutrients to arthropods, enhancing their survival and fitness. The interplay of continuous and intensive tomato cultivation, elevated temperatures, favorable host plants, and abundant viral inoculum creates an ideal environment for the proliferation of B. tabaci and the widespread transmission of ToLCuD. The presence of diverse cryptic species of B. tabaci, which are efficient viral vectors, further complicates the situation. These findings underscore the urgent need for integrated management strategies globally to control both whitefly populations and ToLCuD, ensuring the protection of tomato crops and the sustainability of farmer livelihoods.},
}

@article {pmid40142534,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, S and Wang, X and Basit, A and Wei, Q and Zhao, K and Zhao, Y},
title = {Interactions Between Endosymbionts Wolbachia and Rickettsia in the Spider Mite Tetranychus turkestani: Cooperation or Antagonism?.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {40142534},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {No. 32260676,No. 31860508//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; No. 2022CB002 - 06//the Program for Young Leading Scientists in Science and Technology of XPCC/ ; No. 2024DA018//the Natural Science Foundation of XPCC/ ; },
abstract = {Maternally inherited endosymbionts are widespread in arthropods, with multiple symbionts commonly co-existing within a single host, potentially competing for or sharing limited host resources and space. Wolbachia and Rickettsia, two maternally-inherited symbionts in arthropods, can co-infect hosts, yet research on their combined impacts on host reproduction and interaction remains scarce. Tetranychus turkestani (Acari: Tetranychidae) is an important agricultural pest mite, characterized by rapid reproduction, a short life cycle, and being difficult to control. Wolbachia and Rickettsia are two major endosymbiotic bacteria present in T. turkestani. This study used diverse parthenogenetic backcross and antibiotic screening to explore the reproductive effects of these two symbionts on T. turkestani. The results show that single Rickettsia infection induced male killing in the amphigenesis of T. turkestani, leading to arrhenotokous embryo death and fewer offspring. Single Wolbachia infection induced strong cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). During dual infection, CI intensity decreased because Rickettsia's male-killing effect antagonized the Wolbachia-induced CI. Dual-infected mites had increased oviposition, lower mortality, a higher female-to-male ratio, and more offspring, thus enhancing T. turkestani's fitness. These findings will be helpful for understanding the nature of host-endosymbiont interactions and the potential for evolutionary conflicts, offering insights into their co-evolutionary relationship.},
}

@article {pmid40128584,
year = {2025},
author = {Nooma, W and Kaenkan, W and Trinachartvanit, W and Baimai, V and Ahantarig, A},
title = {Molecular prevalence of Coxiella like endosymbionts and the first record of Coxiella burnetii in hard ticks from Southern Thailand.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {10129},
pmid = {40128584},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {PHD 0096/2558//Royal Golden Jubilee Ph.D. (RGJ-PHD) Scholarship/ ; BDC-PG3-163005//Center of Excellence on Biodiversity, Office of Higher Education Commission, Mahidol University/ ; BDC-PG3-163005//Center of Excellence on Biodiversity, Office of Higher Education Commission, Mahidol University/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Thailand ; *Coxiella burnetii/genetics/isolation & purification ; *Symbiosis ; *Phylogeny ; Ixodidae/microbiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Coxiella/genetics/isolation & purification ; },
abstract = {Eight hard tick species were identified among a total of 466 samples collected from vegetation in southern Thailand: Dermacentor compactus (n = 150), D. steini (n = 100), D. auratus (n = 85), D. tricuspis (n = 41), Haemaphysalis hystricis (n = 69), H. semermis (n = 3), H. shimoga (n = 2) and Amblyomma testudinarium (n = 16). In 93 ticks from these 8 species, Coxiella bacteria were detected via 16 S rRNA, groEL (60-kDa chaperone heat shock protein B) and rpoB (β subunit of bacterial RNA polymerase) genes. Interestingly, Coxiella burnetii was detected for the first time in H. hystricis and D. steini in Songkhla Province. Coxiella-like endosymbionts (CLEs) were also found in 84 ticks from 7 species, namely, D. compactus, D. auratus, D. tricuspis, H. hystricis, H. semermis, H. shimoga and A. testudinarium. Among these, CLEs associated with D. compactus and H. semermis were reported for the first time in Thailand. Phylogenetic analysis and generation of a haplotype network clearly revealed 2 distinct groups of Coxiella bacteria, namely, C. burnetii and CLEs. The nucleotide alignment of Coxiella 16 S rRNA revealed differences in bases at 3 positions between C. burnetii and CLEs. Thus, these differences could be used as liable molecular markers for discriminating these 2 groups in hard ticks.},
}

Animals
Thailand
*Coxiella burnetii/genetics/isolation & purification
*Symbiosis
*Phylogeny
Ixodidae/microbiology
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Coxiella/genetics/isolation & purification

@article {pmid40125914,
year = {2025},
author = {Besteiro, S},
title = {Keeping your endosymbiont under control: the enigmatic plastid membrane ATG8ylation in Apicomplexa parasites.},
journal = {Autophagy},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-5},
doi = {10.1080/15548627.2025.2483445},
pmid = {40125914},
issn = {1554-8635},
abstract = {ATG8ylation of membranes has been increasingly reported over the last few years, in various configurations and across different eukaryotic models. While the unconventional conjugation of ATG8 to the outermost membrane of the plastid in apicomplexan parasites was first observed over a decade ago, it is often overlooked in literature reviews focusing on the ATG8ylation of non-autophagosomal membranes. Here, I provide a brief overview of the current knowledge on plastid ATG8ylation in these parasites and discuss a possible parallel between the evolutionary origin of this plastid and other ATG8ylation processes, such as LC3-associated phagocytosis.},
}

@article {pmid40123057,
year = {2025},
author = {Bastías, DA and Carvalho, L and Jáuregui, R and Johnson, RD and Zhang, W and Gundel, PE},
title = {Is the endophyte-based plant protection against aphids mediated by changes in the insect microbiome?.},
journal = {Insect science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1744-7917.70023},
pmid = {40123057},
issn = {1744-7917},
support = {FONDECYT-2021-1210908//Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo Científico y Tecnológico/ ; A20067//Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment/ ; },
abstract = {Aphids are important herbivores in natural and managed environments. We studied the response of aphids and their associated microbiota to the presence of the fungal endophyte Epichloë sp. LpTG-3 strain AR37, and the AR37-derived alkaloids in plants. We hypothesized that AR37 and/or AR37-derived alkaloids would reduce the aphid performance, and that this reduction would be associated with endophyte-mediated changes in the abundance, composition, and diversity of beneficial bacterial endosymbionts of aphids (e.g., Buchnera). Plants of Lolium perenne associated with AR37 variants able (wild type and ∆idtA) and unable (∆idtM) to produce indole diterpene alkaloids were challenged with Rhopalosiphum padi aphids. We measured aphid population size, plant biomass, and the abundance, composition and diversity of the aphid's bacterial microbiota. The presence of AR37 increased the resistance of plants against R. padi aphids via the production of indole diterpene alkaloids, and this effect was independent of the plant biomass. The endophyte-mediated reduction in aphid performance was not associated with changes in the abundance, composition and diversity of the insect's bacterial microbiota. However, we cannot rule out that the reduction in aphid performance could be associated with a putative endophyte effect on the bacterial provision of benefits to aphids. Our study highlighted the protective role of endophyte-derived indole diterpene alkaloids against aphids. Further investigations will be needed to determine if there is a link between the endophyte-mediated aphid resistance and the integrity of the insect's bacterial microbiota.},
}

@article {pmid40121938,
year = {2025},
author = {Zheng, W and Fu, J and Huang, J and Wen, Y and Fang, S and Yang, X and Xia, Q},
title = {Coxiella R1 symbiont regulates the Asian long-horned tick on its reproduction and development.},
journal = {Veterinary parasitology},
volume = {336},
number = {},
pages = {110456},
doi = {10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110456},
pmid = {40121938},
issn = {1873-2550},
abstract = {The Asian long-horned tick Haemaphysalis longicornis, is a hematophagous ectoparasite that causes important public and veterinary health concerns. Different species of ticks harbor a symbiont bacterium of the genus Coxiella. A Coxiella sp. bacterial endosymbiont was highly prevalent in laboratory-reared H. longicornis. The endosymbiont sequence was 100 % identical to those of H. longicornis Coxiella-like endosymbionts and thus named Coxiella R1 in the present study. Coxiella R1 was detected in all stages of tick and in greatest numbers in nymphs and unfed adult females. We manipulated the numbers of Coxiella R1 in ticks by injecting engorged females or capillary tube feeding of flat females with tetracycline. Both of the administration routes were efficient in reducing the symbiont densities. Microinjection of tetracycline solution reduced 25.53 % of Coxiella R1 in eggs harvested just before hatching, whereas, the reduction rate for capillary tube feeding climbed to 81.70 %. Ticks with Coxiella R1 suppression laid abnormal eggs which were wrinkled, flat, and black, and linked each other to form a line. Ticks that had been treated with tetracycline had lower hatching rates in comparison to controls. In addition, larvae with tetracycline treatment less infested hosts and thus had lower engorgement rates than ticks that received PBS alone. The findings indicate that Coxiella R1 is a primary and obligate endosymbiont, and capable of modulating the obligately hematophagous parasites in egg laying and hatching, and larva blood feeding. The results also suggest that tetracycline treatment could be added to an integrated pest management tool menu for control of the Asian long-horned ticks.},
}

@article {pmid40120785,
year = {2025},
author = {Almazán, MC and González-Prieto, G and Pereira, LOR and Díaz-Fernández, M and Portal, G and Cantanhêde, LM and García-Bustos, F and Parodi, C and Cajal, P and Quipildor, M and Nasser, J and Krolewiecki, A and Barrio, A},
title = {Exploring the presence of Leishmania RNA Virus 1 in Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis isolates from the most endemic area of American tegumentary Leishmaniasis in Argentina.},
journal = {Acta tropica},
volume = {264},
number = {},
pages = {107591},
doi = {10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107591},
pmid = {40120785},
issn = {1873-6254},
mesh = {Argentina/epidemiology ; Humans ; *Leishmania braziliensis/virology/isolation & purification ; *Leishmaniavirus/isolation & purification/genetics ; Male ; Female ; *Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous/parasitology/epidemiology ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length ; Young Adult ; Endemic Diseases ; Adolescent ; Prevalence ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; },
abstract = {American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis (ATL) comprises a group of diseases caused by protozoan parasites of the Leishmania genus. The endosymbiont Leishmania RNA Virus 1 (LRV1) has been associated with severe disease forms and treatment failure in several South American countries; however, no data are available for Argentina. This study conducted the first screening for LRV1 in the country's most endemic region, Salta Province, analyzing 44 clinical samples from cutaneous, mucosal, and relapsing ATL cases. All samples were identified as Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis by PCR-RFLP, and tested negative for LRV1 using RT-PCR. Applying a zero-patient design to avoid concluding absolute absence, the theoretical LRV1 prevalence was estimated to be below 7 %, substantially lower than the 25-77 % range reported in Amazonian regions. These findings suggest that LRV1 distribution may not extend into Argentina. While LRV1 may contribute to disease severity when present, it should not be regarded as an exclusive or definitive factor in clinical presentation or therapeutic response in the region. Further research into genetic, immunological, and epidemiological factors is needed to better understand severe ATL forms in Argentina and to develop targeted strategies for improved disease management.},
}

Argentina/epidemiology
Humans
*Leishmania braziliensis/virology/isolation & purification
*Leishmaniavirus/isolation & purification/genetics
Male
Female
*Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous/parasitology/epidemiology
Adult
Middle Aged
Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length
Young Adult
Endemic Diseases
Adolescent
Prevalence
Polymerase Chain Reaction

@article {pmid40108258,
year = {2025},
author = {Szymkowiak, P and Konecka, E and Rutkowski, T and Pecyna, A and Szwajkowski, P},
title = {Alien spiders in a palm house with the first report of parthenogenetic Triaeris stenaspis (Araneae: Oonopidae) infected by Wolbachia from new supergroup X.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {9512},
pmid = {40108258},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Spiders/microbiology/physiology ; *Phylogeny ; *Wolbachia/genetics/physiology/classification ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Symbiosis ; Poland ; Parthenogenesis ; },
abstract = {Palm houses in Europe serve as urban biodiversity hot spots for alien spiders. As a result of several years of research in the Poznań Palm House, we documented the occurrence of 14 spider species, 9 of which were alien to Europe: Coleosoma floridanum, Hasarius adansoni, Howaia mogera, Ostearius melanopygius, Parasteatoda tabulata, Parasteatoda tepidariorum, Scytodes fusca, Spermophora kerinci and Triaeris stenaspis. The most abundant species was C. floridanum (39.9%). Three spider species were recorded for the first time in Poland: C. floridanum, S. fusca and S. kerinci. We studied the occurrence of endosymbiotic Wolbachia and Cardinium in parthenogenetic T. stenaspis and recorded for the first time the occurrence of Wolbachia in this spider. The endosymbiont was characterized based on the sequences of six bacterial housekeeping genes: 16S rRNA, coxA, fbpA, ftsZ, gatB and hcpA. Our phylogenetic reconstruction of Wolbachia supergroups revealed that the bacteria recovered from the spider formed distinct lineages in relation to all known supergroups. We assigned it to a novel supergroup X with unique sequences within the 16S rRNA and ftsZ genes. We discussed faunistic results in terms of long-term survival rates and the risk of invasion of alien species of spiders.},
}

Animals
*Spiders/microbiology/physiology
*Phylogeny
*Wolbachia/genetics/physiology/classification
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Symbiosis
Poland
Parthenogenesis

@article {pmid40106558,
year = {2025},
author = {Maurya, AK and Kröninger, L and Ehret, G and Bäumers, M and Marson, M and Scheu, S and Nowack, ECM},
title = {A nucleus-encoded dynamin-like protein controls endosymbiont division in the trypanosomatid Angomonas deanei.},
journal = {Science advances},
volume = {11},
number = {12},
pages = {eadp8518},
doi = {10.1126/sciadv.adp8518},
pmid = {40106558},
issn = {2375-2548},
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Dynamins/metabolism/genetics ; *Trypanosomatina/genetics/metabolism/microbiology ; Protozoan Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Cell Nucleus/metabolism ; Cell Division ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Cell Cycle/genetics ; },
abstract = {Angomonas deanei is a trypanosomatid of the Strigomonadinae. All members of this subfamily contain a single β-proteobacterial endosymbiont. Intriguingly, cell cycles of host and endosymbiont are synchronized. The molecular mechanisms underlying this notable level of integration are unknown. Previously, we identified a nucleus-encoded dynamin-like protein, called ETP9, that localizes at the endosymbiont division site of A. deanei. Here, we found by comparative genomics that endosymbionts throughout the Strigomonadinae lost the capacity to autonomously form a division septum. We describe the cell cycle-dependent subcellular localization of ETP9 that follows accumulation of the bacterium-encoded division protein FtsZ at the endosymbiont division site. Furthermore, we found that ETP9 is essential in symbiotic but dispensable in aposymbiotic A. deanei that lost the endosymbiont. In the symbiotic strain, ETP9 knockdowns resulted in filamentous, division-impaired endosymbionts. Our work unveiled that in A. deanei an endosymbiont division machinery of dual genetic origin evolved in which a neo-functionalized host protein compensates for losses of endosymbiont division genes.},
}

*Symbiosis
*Dynamins/metabolism/genetics
*Trypanosomatina/genetics/metabolism/microbiology
Protozoan Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Cell Nucleus/metabolism
Cell Division
Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Cell Cycle/genetics

@article {pmid40101296,
year = {2025},
author = {Ohm, JR and Lynd, A and McGowan, A and Cupid, A and Bellot, V and Le, JQ and Kakani, E and Livni, J and Crawford, JE and White, BJ},
title = {Mark-Release-Recapture of Packed and Shipped Aedes aegypti with Wolbachia: Implications for Conducting Remote Incompatible Insect Technique Programs.},
journal = {The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.4269/ajtmh.24-0262},
pmid = {40101296},
issn = {1476-1645},
abstract = {Male mosquitoes containing the endosymbiont Wolbachia (Wb+) can be used as a tool to suppress wild mosquito populations through a technique termed incompatible insect technique (IIT). IIT programs reduce wild mosquitoes via incompatible matings between released males and wild females to reduce the number of viable offspring produced in the next generation. Successful programs rely on regular release of incompatible males to outcompete wild males for female mates. Past IIT programs have relied on local production of Wb+ males to support regular releases of incompatible males. Here, we evaluated the survival and dispersal of packed and shipped Wb+ Aedes aegypti males in mark-release-recapture studies at a release site in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), separated by over 3,600 miles from the centralized production facility. Released mosquitoes were recaptured using BG-Sentinel 2 traps collected daily for up to 7 days after release. Wb+ male mosquitoes packed and shipped from a centralized production facility performed similarly to males that were locally reared in the BVI in survival, dispersal, and recapture rates. Our results support the conclusion that packing and shipping live Wb+ male mosquitoes does not impact their ability to survive and disperse in release sites and suggests that IIT mosquito control programs can feasibly be conducted nearly anywhere in the world without the need for local mosquito production facilities.},
}

@article {pmid40085262,
year = {2025},
author = {Castelli, M and Petroni, G},
title = {An Evolutionary-Focused Review of the Holosporales (Alphaproteobacteria): Diversity, Host Interactions, and Taxonomic Re-ranking as Holosporineae Subord. Nov.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {88},
number = {1},
pages = {15},
pmid = {40085262},
issn = {1432-184X},
mesh = {*Phylogeny ; Animals ; *Alphaproteobacteria/genetics/classification/isolation & purification ; Biological Evolution ; Biodiversity ; },
abstract = {The order Holosporales is a broad and ancient lineage of bacteria obligatorily associated with eukaryotic hosts, mostly protists. Significantly, this is similar to other evolutionary distinct bacterial lineages (e.g. Rickettsiales and Chlamydiae). Here, we provide a detailed and comprehensive account on the current knowledge on the Holosporales. First, acknowledging the up-to-date phylogenetic reconstructions and recent nomenclatural proposals, we reevaluate their taxonomy, thus re-ranking them as a suborder, i.e. Holosporineae, within the order Rhodospirillales. Then, we examine the phylogenetic diversity of the Holosporineae, presenting the 20 described genera and many yet undescribed sub-lineages, as well as the variety of the respective environments of provenance and hosts, which belong to several different eukaryotic supergroups. Noteworthy representatives of the Holosporineae are the infectious intranuclear Holospora, the host manipulator 'Caedimonas', and the farmed shrimp pathogen 'Candidatus Hepatobacter'. Next, we put these bacteria in the broad context of the whole Holosporineae, by comparing with the available data on the least studied representatives, including genome sequences. Accordingly, we reason on the most probable evolutionary trajectories for host interactions, host specificity, and emergence of potential pathogens in aquaculture and possibly humans, as well as on future research directions to investigate those many open points on the Holosporineae.},
}

*Phylogeny
Animals
*Alphaproteobacteria/genetics/classification/isolation & purification
Biological Evolution
Biodiversity

@article {pmid40084540,
year = {2025},
author = {Detcharoen, M and Nilsai, A and Thaochan, N and Nuansuwon, C},
title = {Low Wolbachia incidence in Bactrocera and Zeugodacus species from Thailand and genome analysis of Wolbachia associated with Zeugodacus apicalis.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toaf054},
pmid = {40084540},
issn = {1938-291X},
support = {SCI6402027S//Prince of Songkla University/ ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia are bacterial endosymbionts found widely in arthropods and filarial nematodes. Infecting about half of all arthropod species, Wolbachia manipulate their hosts in various ways, including cytoplasmic incompatibility. Here, we investigated Wolbachia diversity in Bactrocera and Zeugodacus, two prevalent tephritid fruit fly genera, using molecular methods. Wolbachia was only detected in Zeugodacus apicalis (de Meijere) (Diptera: Tephritidae) and not in the other 7 studied species. This newly discovered strain, named wZap, belongs to supergroup B with a 1.3 Mb genome containing 1,248 genes. Phylogenetic analysis of its cytoplasmic incompatibility factor genes cifA and cifB revealed their placement within the Type I clade. Given the presence of cif genes in the wZap genome, further research into their roles in fruit flies could be crucial for developing pest control strategies that exploit CI mechanisms.},
}

@article {pmid40081327,
year = {2025},
author = {Kemen, A and Kemen, E},
title = {Boosting endosymbiosis in plants for future self-sustained crop production.},
journal = {Cell host & microbe},
volume = {33},
number = {3},
pages = {315-318},
doi = {10.1016/j.chom.2025.02.011},
pmid = {40081327},
issn = {1934-6069},
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Crops, Agricultural/microbiology/genetics ; *Plant Roots/microbiology ; Calcium Signaling ; Flavonoids/metabolism ; Crop Production ; Calcium/metabolism ; },
abstract = {In a recent article in Nature, Cook et al. demonstrate that an autoactive mutant of CNGC15 generates continuous low-frequency calcium (Ca[2+]) oscillations, enabling sustained flavonoid production and promoting endosymbiont attraction and root colonization. The mutant simultaneously enables endosymbiosis gene induction, even under high-nutrient conditions, offering avenues for improving crop-microbe interactions in agriculture.},
}

*Symbiosis
*Crops, Agricultural/microbiology/genetics
*Plant Roots/microbiology
Calcium Signaling
Flavonoids/metabolism
Crop Production
Calcium/metabolism

@article {pmid40074904,
year = {2025},
author = {Lin, H and Huang, J and Li, T and Li, W and Wu, Y and Yang, T and Nian, Y and Lin, X and Wang, J and Wang, R and Zhao, X and Su, N and Zhang, J and Wu, X and Fan, M},
title = {Structure and mechanism of the plastid/parasite ATP/ADP translocator.},
journal = {Nature},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40074904},
issn = {1476-4687},
abstract = {Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the principal energy currency of all living cells[1,2]. Metabolically impaired obligate intracellular parasites, such as the human pathogens Chlamydia trachomatis and Rickettsia prowazekii, can acquire ATP from their host cells through a unique ATP/adenosine diphosphate (ADP) translocator, which mediates the import of ATP into and the export of ADP and phosphate out of the parasite cells, thus allowing the exploitation of the energy reserves of host cells (also known as energy parasitism). This type of ATP/ADP translocator also exists in the obligate intracellular endosymbionts of protists and the plastids of plants and algae and has been implicated to play an important role in endosymbiosis[3-31]. The plastid/parasite type of ATP/ADP translocator is phylogenetically and functionally distinct from the mitochondrial ATP/ADP translocator, and its structure and transport mechanism are still unknown. Here we report the cryo-electron microscopy structures of two plastid/parasite types of ATP/ADP translocators in the apo and substrate-bound states. The ATP/ADP-binding pocket is located at the interface between the N and C domains of the translocator, and a conserved asparagine residue within the pocket is critical for substrate specificity. The translocator operates through a rocker-switch alternating access mechanism involving the relative rotation of the two domains as rigid bodies. Our results provide critical insights for understanding ATP translocation across membranes in energy parasitism and endosymbiosis and offer a structural basis for developing drugs against obligate intracellular parasites.},
}

@article {pmid40064865,
year = {2025},
author = {Croteau, D and Jaubert, M and Falciatore, A and Bailleul, B},
title = {Pennate diatoms make non-photochemical quenching as simple as possible but not simpler.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {2385},
pmid = {40064865},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {Browncut (ANR-19-CE20-0020)//Agence Nationale de la Recherche (French National Research Agency)/ ; Browncut (ANR-19-CE20-0020)//Agence Nationale de la Recherche (French National Research Agency)/ ; Browncut (ANR-19-CE20-0020)//Agence Nationale de la Recherche (French National Research Agency)/ ; EMBRC-FR-"Investissements d'avenir" program (ANR-10-INBS-02)//Agence Nationale de la Recherche (French National Research Agency)/ ; PhotoPHYTOMIX project (grant agreement No. 715579)//EC | EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation H2020 | H2020 Priority Excellent Science | H2020 European Research Council (H2020 Excellent Science - European Research Council)/ ; PhotoPHYTOMIX project (grant agreement No. 715579)//EC | EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation H2020 | H2020 Priority Excellent Science | H2020 European Research Council (H2020 Excellent Science - European Research Council)/ ; },
mesh = {*Diatoms/metabolism/genetics ; *Xanthophylls/metabolism ; *Photosynthesis ; *Photosystem II Protein Complex/metabolism/genetics ; Light ; Light-Harvesting Protein Complexes/metabolism/genetics ; },
abstract = {Studies of marine microalgal photosynthesis are heavily moulded on legacy research from organisms like Arabidopsis and Chlamydomonas, despite the differences between primary and secondary endosymbionts. Non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) protects photosystem II from excessive light and, in pennate diatoms, requires the xanthophyll pigment diatoxanthin and Lhcx proteins. Although NPQ's relationship with diatoxanthin is straightforward, the role of Lhcx proteins has been unclear and at the core of several conflicting NPQ models, often unnecessarily borrowing the complexity of models from green organisms. We use 14 Phaeodactylum tricornutum strains, including 13 transgenic lines with variable Lhcx1 expression levels, grow them under two non-stressful light conditions, and modulate diatoxanthin levels through short light stress. The resulting Lhcx1-diatoxanthin matrices are used to demonstrate that NPQ is proportional to the product of the Lhcx1 concentration and the proportion of diatoxanthin in the xanthophyll pool. This indicates that the interaction between diatoxanthin and Lhcx1 creates a homogeneous Stern-Volmer quencher responsible for NPQ. Additionally, we demonstrate that the photosynthetic unit in pennate diatoms follows a "lake" model, with discrepancies in the NPQ-photochemistry relationship arising from unconsidered assumptions, one possibility being cellular heterogeneity. This underscores pennate diatoms as natural reductionist system for studying marine photosynthesis.},
}

*Diatoms/metabolism/genetics
*Xanthophylls/metabolism
*Photosynthesis
*Photosystem II Protein Complex/metabolism/genetics
Light
Light-Harvesting Protein Complexes/metabolism/genetics

@article {pmid40047399,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, L and Guo, Q and Han, X and Yuan, F and Wei, C},
title = {Critical time of transovarial transmission of bacteriome-associated symbionts and related molecular mechanisms in cicada Hyalessa maculaticollis.},
journal = {Insect science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1744-7917.70014},
pmid = {40047399},
issn = {1744-7917},
support = {32070476//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32270496//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Obligate endosymbionts of sap-sucking auchenorrhynchan insects of Hemiptera colonize the bacteriomes and are transmitted vertically through the ovaries to the offspring of host insects, but the critical time of symbiont transmission and molecular mechanisms underlying the process remain unknown. We used histological and transmission electron microscopy, 16S rDNA amplification sequencing and transcriptome analyses to explore the vertical transmission of bacteriome-associated symbionts in the cicada Hyalessa maculaticollis. We find that the symbiont Candidatus Karelsulcia muelleri (hereafter Karelsulcia) proliferates and changes shape after the adult cicadas emerged for 3 h, which is then extruded to the hemolymph from the basal membrane of bacteriome units. The yeast-like fungal symbiont (YLS) harbored in bacteriome sheath cells is released freely along with Karelsulcia. As ovaries mature, Karelsulcia and YLS infect oocytes of cicadas that had emerged for 60 h, and begin to gather at the posterior pole of oocytes, where they form a symbiont ball in each oocyte. Expressions of genes associated with cytoskeletal organization, endocytosis, amino acid transporter and lipid synthesis increase in the newly emerged adults, mediating the transport of substances during the transmission of symbionts. The amino acid-sensitive mechanistic target of the rapamycin pathway is one of the crucial pathways coordinating the vesicle-mediated symbiotic transmission. The insulin signaling pathway potentially together with insect hormones synergically regulate insect fertility and affect yolk deposition, which is closely related to the symbiont infection of ovaries. This study highlights the importance of signaling pathways in regulating the vertical transmission of symbionts in sap-feeding auchenorrhynchan insects.},
}

@article {pmid40038919,
year = {2025},
author = {Leybourne, DJ},
title = {Genetic diversity and association with bacterial endosymbionts influence phenotype in two important cereal aphid species.},
journal = {Bulletin of entomological research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-9},
doi = {10.1017/S0007485325000124},
pmid = {40038919},
issn = {1475-2670},
abstract = {Aphids are important pests of cereal crops and cause economically significant damage through direct feeding and the transmission of plant viruses. In Europe, the aphid species of greatest concern are the grain aphid (Sitobion avenae Fabricius) and the bird cherry-oat aphid, (Rhopalosiphum padi Linnaeus). Often, cereal crops are dominated by a small number of prolific clonal populations and these populations can differ in phenotypic traits of agricultural importance. There are two heritable factors that influence aphid phenotype: aphid genetic diversity and the presence of endosymbionts.Here, multiple cereal aphid populations are used to determine how heritable factors influence aphid phenotype. Several agriculturally important phenotypic traits are examined, and both endosymbiont- and genotype-derived phenotypes are identified. For S. avenae, aphid genotype influences all phenotypic traits assessed, and association with the facultative endosymbiont Regiella insecticola influences alate morph production with co-infection of R. insecticola and Fukatsuia symbiotica increasing reproductive output. For R. padi, adult aphid morph (apterous or alate) is the key driver behind reproductive output, with a genotype × morph effect also found to influence development time.Overall, these results provide insight into the biological drivers behind phenotypic diversity in agriculturally important aphid species. Being able to associate heritable factors with key phenotypes can generate biological insights into the processes underpinning the dominance of specific aphid clones and can be used to develop pest and disease management strategies based around the phenotypic risk of the aphid populations present.},
}

@article {pmid40035597,
year = {2025},
author = {Han, X and Zhou, J and Guo, Q and Dietrich, CH and Lu, L and Wei, C},
title = {Diversity and genomics of bacteriome-associated symbionts in treehopper Darthula hardwickii (Hemiptera: Aetalionidae) and implications of their nutritional functions.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0173824},
doi = {10.1128/aem.01738-24},
pmid = {40035597},
issn = {1098-5336},
abstract = {Symbionts play important roles in insect nutritional ecology, and the phylogenies of some vertically transmitted symbionts mirror the host phylogeny. Here we report the diversity, distribution, transmission, and potential functions of symbionts harbored in the aetalionid treehopper Darthula hardwickii (Aetalionidae) using multiple methods and compare the potential functions of its obligate symbiont Karelsulcia with that of the related aetalionid Aetalion reticulatum. D. hardwickii harbors Karelsulcia in bacteriomes, a yeast-like fungal symbiont (YLS) in fat bodies, and Tisiphia in both the bacteriomes and fat bodies. Karelsulcia and YLS are vertically transmitted to the ovaries but do not cluster to form a "symbiont ball" in terminal oocytes, as is the case in other auchenorrhynchan insects. YLS harbored in D. hardwickii represents the first known instance of a fungal symbiont being associated with treehoppers. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Aetalionidae are derived from within Membracidae. Gene truncation and absence were revealed in the tryptophan biosynthetic pathway of Karelsulcia from D. hardwickii, suggesting this symbiont is no longer capable of providing this essential amino acid (EAA) to its host. Tryptophan is presumed to be supplied to D. hardwickii by YLS since tryptophan-related genes are either absent or degraded in Karelsulcia and Tisiphia. No truncated genes were found in Karelsulcia from A. reticulatum, but it has lost genes related to the synthesis of other EAAs, as in some leafhoppers. This study sheds new light on the diversity and functions of the nutritional endosymbionts of Membracoidea and processes that may have precipitated symbiont replacement in this diverse insect lineage.IMPORTANCESymbionts in sap-feeding insects play important roles related to nutrition of their hosts, which may change through evolutionary time and vary across host and symbiont lineages. This comparative genomic study indicates that, compared to the related symbionts of other leaf- and treehoppers, the Karelsulcia symbiont of the treehopper Darthula hardwickii has lost the ability to provide the EAA tryptophan to its host. This function is apparently being performed by a coexisting yeast-like symbiont (YLS). This is the first report of a YLS in a species of treehopper, which suggests that the processes involved in symbiont replacement in treehoppers are similar to those observed in other sap-sucking auchenorrhynchan insects. Phylogenetic analyses of Karelsulcia lineages of Membracoidea largely mirror the host insect phylogeny but suggest that Aetalionidae may have originated from Membracidae, in contrast to some recent phylogenies based on the genomic data from the host insects.},
}

@article {pmid40033103,
year = {2025},
author = {Santana-Molina, C and Williams, TA and Snel, B and Spang, A},
title = {Chimeric origins and dynamic evolution of central carbon metabolism in eukaryotes.},
journal = {Nature ecology & evolution},
volume = {9},
number = {4},
pages = {613-627},
pmid = {40033103},
issn = {2397-334X},
support = {grant agreement No. 947317 (ASymbEL)//EC | EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation H2020 | H2020 Priority Excellent Science | H2020 European Research Council (H2020 Excellent Science - European Research Council)/ ; 735929LPI//Simons Foundation/ ; GBMF9741//Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation (Gordon E. and Betty I. Moore Foundation)/ ; },
mesh = {Symbiosis ; *Eukaryota/metabolism/genetics ; *Carbon/metabolism ; *Biological Evolution ; Phylogeny ; *Alphaproteobacteria/genetics/metabolism ; Archaea/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {The origin of eukaryotes was a key event in the history of life. Current leading hypotheses propose that a symbiosis between an asgardarchaeal host cell and an alphaproteobacterial endosymbiont represented a crucial step in eukaryotic origin and that metabolic cross-feeding between the partners provided the basis for their subsequent evolutionary integration. A major unanswered question is whether the metabolism of modern eukaryotes bears any vestige of this ancestral syntrophy. Here we systematically analyse the evolutionary origins of the eukaryotic gene repertoires mediating central carbon metabolism. Our phylogenetic and sequence analyses reveal that this gene repertoire is chimeric, with ancestral contributions from Asgardarchaeota and Alphaproteobacteria operating predominantly in glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle, respectively. Our analyses also reveal the extent to which this ancestral metabolic interplay has been remodelled via gene loss, transfer and subcellular retargeting in the >2 billion years since the origin of eukaryotic cells, and we identify genetic contributions from other prokaryotic sources in addition to the asgardarchaeal host and alphaproteobacterial endosymbiont. Our work demonstrates that, in contrast to previous assumptions, modern eukaryotic metabolism preserves information about the nature of the original asgardarchaeal-alphaproteobacterial interactions and supports syntrophy scenarios for the origin of the eukaryotic cell.},
}

Symbiosis
*Eukaryota/metabolism/genetics
*Carbon/metabolism
*Biological Evolution
Phylogeny
*Alphaproteobacteria/genetics/metabolism
Archaea/genetics/metabolism

@article {pmid40023240,
year = {2025},
author = {Diesbourg, EE and Kidd, KA and Perrotta, BG},
title = {Effects of municipal wastewater effluents on the invertebrate microbiomes of an aquatic-riparian food web.},
journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)},
volume = {372},
number = {},
pages = {125948},
doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2025.125948},
pmid = {40023240},
issn = {1873-6424},
mesh = {Animals ; *Microbiota ; *Wastewater/microbiology ; *Food Chain ; *Spiders/microbiology ; Invertebrates ; Insecta/microbiology ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis ; Larva/microbiology ; Environmental Monitoring ; },
abstract = {Municipal wastewater effluents (MWWEs) contain antimicrobials and other contaminants that can alter the microbiomes of exposed aquatic animals, potentially negatively impacting host health. Contaminants and nutrients from MWWEs may be transferred across the aquatic - riparian boundary by aquatic insects, potentially altering the microbiomes of both prey and consumers. We evaluated host microbiome compositions of several taxa of freshwater larval and adult insects, and riparian spiders at sites upstream and downstream of three wastewater treatment plants. Host microbiome compositions were analyzed by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene and MWWE exposure was assessed using stable carbon (δ[13]C) and nitrogen (δ[15]N) isotopes and effluent-associated bacteria. Most downstream insects and riparian spiders were enriched in δ[13]C and δ[15]N, indicating exposure to MWWEs and transfer of MWWE-derived nutrients to riparian consumers. Within sites, insect microbiomes varied after metamorphosis with a greater proportion of endosymbionts and effluent-associated bacteria and decreased alpha diversity in adults, and the microbiomes of Tetragnathidae spiders were dominated by endosymbionts (mainly Rickettsia and Wolbachia) compared to all other taxa. Downstream, larval caddisfly (Hydropsychidae) microbiomes had a significantly lower proportion of endosymbionts (Rickettsia) and higher diversity, and Araneidae spiders also had higher diversity. However, there were no significant downstream changes in endosymbiont proportions or alpha diversity of larval and adult chironomids, larval and adult mayflies, larval stoneflies, or Tetragnathidae spiders. Most downstream invertebrates (except larval Chironomidae, adult Diptera, and Tetragnathidae spiders) had altered beta diversity (community compositions); however, host taxonomy explained more of the variation in microbiome composition than site or the interaction between them did. Overall, MWWE bacteria and nutrients were incorporated into most insect larvae and retained throughout metamorphosis, however there were taxa-dependent alterations in downstream insect microbiomes and minimal microbiome alterations to their riparian spider predators.},
}

Animals
*Microbiota
*Wastewater/microbiology
*Food Chain
*Spiders/microbiology
Invertebrates
Insecta/microbiology
Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis
Larva/microbiology
Environmental Monitoring

@article {pmid40020952,
year = {2025},
author = {Xie, X and Sun, K and Liu, A and Miao, R and Yin, F},
title = {Analysis of gill and skin microbiota in Larimichthys crocea reveals bacteria associated with cryptocaryoniasis resistance potential.},
journal = {Fish & shellfish immunology},
volume = {161},
number = {},
pages = {110228},
doi = {10.1016/j.fsi.2025.110228},
pmid = {40020952},
issn = {1095-9947},
mesh = {Animals ; *Fish Diseases/immunology/parasitology/microbiology ; *Ciliophora Infections/veterinary/immunology/parasitology/microbiology ; Gills/microbiology ; Skin/microbiology ; *Microbiota ; *Perciformes ; Ciliophora/physiology ; *Disease Resistance ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Skin Microbiome ; },
abstract = {Cryptocaryoniasis, caused by the ciliate parasite Cryptocaryon irritans, poses a significant threat to the large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) in intensive marine aquaculture. This study explores the interaction between skin and gill microbiota and C. irritans infection, focusing on the role of commensal microbes in disease resistance. Fish were challenged with 100 theronts per gram of body weight, leading to substantial microbial dysbiosis, characterized by decreased alpha diversity and disrupted co-occurrence networks, particularly on the skin. Post-infection, Vibrio abundance significantly increased in both gills and skin, suggesting potential for secondary infections. Conversely, lower Vibrio levels correlated with higher populations of Bdellovibrio-like organisms (BALOs), which may play a beneficial role in microbial balance. Fish showed varying susceptibility, with mildly infected individuals exhibiting less histopathological damage and a stronger immune response, indicated by elevated interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) levels. Correlation analyses revealed significant relationships between relative infection intensity (RII) and microbial composition, with certain bacteria known for anti-eukaryotic microbial properties showing negative correlations with RII. Additionally, the abundance of nitrogen-metabolizing bacteria also correlated negatively with RII. Functional predictions indicated increased bacterial genes related to denitrification and vitamin biosynthesis post-infection. Notably, Candidatus Midichloria was identified as a potential biomarker for C. irritans infection and is thought to be an endosymbiont of C. irritans, with its presence validated through PCR analysis. These findings illuminate microbial dynamics during C. irritans infection and suggest probiotic candidates for managing cryptocaryoniasis.},
}

Animals
*Fish Diseases/immunology/parasitology/microbiology
*Ciliophora Infections/veterinary/immunology/parasitology/microbiology
Gills/microbiology
Skin/microbiology
*Microbiota
*Perciformes
Ciliophora/physiology
*Disease Resistance
Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Skin Microbiome

@article {pmid40013792,
year = {2025},
author = {Qin, Y and Wang, Q and Lin, Q and Liu, F and Pan, X and Wei, C and Chen, J and Huang, T and Fang, M and Yang, W and Pan, L},
title = {Multi-omics analysis reveals associations between gut microbiota and host transcriptome in colon cancer patients.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {10},
number = {3},
pages = {e0080524},
pmid = {40013792},
issn = {2379-5077},
support = {AD22035214//Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology/ ; 2022GXNSFAA035510//National Science Foundation of Guangxi/ ; 8236080196//National Science Foundation of China/ ; 81760530//National Science Foundation of China/ ; 2021M693803//Postdoctoral Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Colonic Neoplasms/genetics/microbiology/pathology/immunology ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics ; *Transcriptome ; *RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Metagenomics ; Aged ; Bacteria/genetics/classification ; Multiomics ; },
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Colon cancer (CC) is one of the most common cancers globally, which is associated with the gut microbiota intimately. In current research, exploring the complex interaction between microbiomes and CC is a hotspot. However, the information on microbiomes in most previous studies is based on fecal, which does not fully display the microbial environment of CC. Herein, we collected mucosal and tissue samples from both the tumor and normal regions of 19 CC patients and clarified the composition of mucosal microbiota by 16S rRNA and metagenomic sequencing. Additionally, RNA-Seq was also conducted to identify the different expression genes between tumor and normal tissue samples. We revealed significantly different microbial community structures and expression profiles to CC. Depending on correlation analysis, we demonstrated that 1,472 genes were significantly correlated with CC tumor microbiota. Our study reveals a significant enrichment of Campylobacter jejuni in the mucosa of CC, which correlates with bile secretion. Additionally, we observe a negative correlation between C. jejuni and immune cells CD4+ Tem and mast cells. Finally, we discovered that metabolic bacterial endosymbiont of Bathymodiolus sp., Bacillus wiedmannii, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis had a significant survival value for CC, which was ignored by previous research. Overall, our study expands the understanding of the complex interplay between microbiota and CC and provides new targets for the treatment of CC.

IMPORTANCE: This study contributes to our understanding of the interaction between microbiota and colon cancer (CC). By examining mucosal and tissue samples rather than solely relying on fecal samples, we have uncovered previously unknown aspects of CC-associated microbiota. Our findings reveal distinct microbial community structures and gene expression profiles correlated with CC progression. Notably, the enrichment of Campylobacter jejuni in CC mucosa, linked to bile secretion, underscores potential mechanisms in CC pathogenesis. Additionally, observed correlations between microbial taxa and immune cell populations offer new avenues for immunotherapy research in CC. Importantly, this study introduces CC-associated microbiota with survival implications for CC, expanding therapeutic targets beyond conventional strategies. By elucidating these correlations, our study not only contributes to uncovering the potential role of gut microbiota in colon cancer but also establishes a foundation for mechanistic studies of gut microbiota in colon cancer, emphasizing the broader impact of microbiota research on cancer biology.},
}

Humans
*Colonic Neoplasms/genetics/microbiology/pathology/immunology
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics
*Transcriptome
*RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Male
Female
Middle Aged
Metagenomics
Aged
Bacteria/genetics/classification
Multiomics

@article {pmid40011612,
year = {2025},
author = {Kokusho, R and Katsuma, S},
title = {Baculoviruses remodel the cytoskeleton of insect hemocytes to breach the host basal lamina.},
journal = {Communications biology},
volume = {8},
number = {1},
pages = {268},
pmid = {40011612},
issn = {2399-3642},
support = {15H06155//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; 12J06034//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; 18J00134//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; 21K14860//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; 24K08930//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; 25292196//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; 16H05051//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; 19H02966//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; 24H02290//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemocytes/virology ; *Nucleopolyhedroviruses/physiology ; *Cytoskeleton/metabolism ; Bombyx/virology ; Basement Membrane/virology/metabolism ; Host-Pathogen Interactions ; },
abstract = {Many pathogens and endosymbionts hijack the host's cytoskeleton for efficient propagation and transfer within or between host cells. Once released into the host's circulatory system, however, they have to confront structural barriers without utilizing host cell functions. Many insect viruses and insect-borne viruses can re-enter from the hemolymph into insect tissues despite the barrier of the basal lamina (BL), but the molecular mechanism remains unclear in many cases. Here, we demonstrate that Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) remodels host hemocytes to breach the BL. We found that the viral membrane protein actin rearrangement-inducing factor 1 (ARIF-1) induces filopodia-like protrusions and invadosome-like structures in hemocytes, which play a critical role in attaching to the tissue surface, penetrating the tracheal BL and thus facilitating the transport of viral nucleocapsids into host tissues. Our findings clearly show the role of hemocyte infection in viral systemic spread and its molecular basis.},
}

Animals
*Hemocytes/virology
*Nucleopolyhedroviruses/physiology
*Cytoskeleton/metabolism
Bombyx/virology
Basement Membrane/virology/metabolism
Host-Pathogen Interactions

@article {pmid40009938,
year = {2025},
author = {Tashyreva, D and Votýpka, J and Yabuki, A and Horák, A and Lukeš, J},
title = {Description of new diplonemids (Diplonemea, Euglenozoa) and their endosymbionts: Charting the morphological diversity of these poorly known heterotrophic flagellates.},
journal = {Protist},
volume = {177},
number = {},
pages = {126090},
doi = {10.1016/j.protis.2025.126090},
pmid = {40009938},
issn = {1618-0941},
abstract = {Diplonemids are a hyperdiverse group of flagellated protists, but with less than two dozen formally described representatives. Here, we describe four new species of cultured diplonemids, identified on the basis of their 18S rRNA sequences, light-, fluorescence-, scanning- and transmission electron microscopy. Three new species belong to the genus Rhynchopus (R. asiaticus sp.n., R. granulatus sp.n., and R. valaseki sp.n.), while the fourth species is an unusual representative of the genus Lacrimia (L. aflagellata sp.n.). The latter organism is the first diplonemid outside the genus Rhynchopus (as defined previously) to show a gliding trophic stage with flagellar stubs concealed inside the flagellar pocket and a highly motile dispersive swimming stage. Since this character is thus no longer a genus-specific apomorphy, we provide a taxonomic revision of the genus Rhynchopus with separation of the new genus Natarhynchopus gen. n. We also identify bacterial endosymbionts of L. aflagellata and R. asiaticus as Ca. Syngnamydia medusae (Chlamydiales, Simkaniaceae) and Ca. Cytomitobacter rhynchopi sp. n. (Alphaproteobacteria, Holosporaceae), respectively, and discuss their potential functions. This is the first report of a chlamydial symbiont within a diplonemid host. We also propose that diplonemids may serve as vectors for chlamydial pathogens of marine fish.},
}

@article {pmid40008044,
year = {2025},
author = {Kratou, M and Maitre, A and Abuin-Denis, L and Selmi, R and Belkahia, H and Alanazi, AD and Gattan, H and Al-Ahmadi, BM and Shater, AF and Mateos-Hernández, L and Obregón, D and Messadi, L and Cabezas-Cruz, A and Ben Said, M},
title = {Microbial community variations in adult Hyalomma dromedarii ticks from single locations in Saudi Arabia and Tunisia.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1543560},
pmid = {40008044},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The camel-infesting tick, Hyalomma dromedarii, is a prominent ectoparasite in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, critically impacting camel health and acting as a vector for tick-borne pathogens. Despite prior studies on its microbiota, the effects of geographic origin and sex on microbial community structure and functional stability remain poorly understood.

METHODS: To address this, we characterized the bacterial microbiota of H. dromedarii ticks collected from camels in Tunisia (TUN) and Saudi Arabia (SA) using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, microbial network analysis, and metabolic pathway prediction.

RESULTS: Our findings indicate a dominant presence of Francisella endosymbionts in Tunisian ticks, suggesting adaptive roles of H. dromedarii ticks in arid ecosystems. Keystone taxa, particularly Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium, were identified as central to microbial network structure and resilience. Moreover, network robustness analyses demonstrated enhanced ecological stability in the Tunisian tick microbiota under perturbation, indicative of higher resilience to environmental fluctuations compared to Saudi Arabian ticks. Additionally, functional pathway predictions further revealed geographically distinct metabolic profiles between both groups (Tunisia vs. Saudi Arabia and males vs. females), underscoring environmental and biological influences on H. dromedarii microbiota assembly.

DISCUSSION: These results highlight region-specific and sex-specific microbial adaptations in H. dromedarii, with potential implications for pathogen transmission dynamics and vector resilience. Understanding these microbial interactions may contribute to improved strategies for tick control and tick-borne disease prevention.},
}

@article {pmid40005669,
year = {2025},
author = {Duan, YX and Zhuang, YH and Wu, YX and Huang, TW and Song, ZR and Du, YZ and Zhu, YX},
title = {Wolbachia Infection Alters the Microbiota of the Invasive Leaf-Miner Liriomyza huidobrensis (Diptera: Agromyzidae).},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {40005669},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {BK20231330//Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province/ ; XCX20240707//the 2024 College Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program of Yangzhou University/ ; },
abstract = {Microbe-microbe interactions within a host drive shifts in the host's microbiota composition, profoundly influencing host physiology, ecology, and evolution. Among these microbes, the maternally inherited endosymbiont Wolbachia is widespread in the invasive pest Liriomyza huidorbrensis (Diptera: Agromyzidae). However, its influence on the host microbiota remains largely unexplored. In the study presented herein, we investigated the bacterial communities of Wolbachia wLhui-infected (wLhui+) and -uninfected lines (wLhui-) of L. huidorbrensis using 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing. For both leaf-miner lines, Bacteroidota was the dominant phylum (relative abundance: 59.18%), followed by Pseudomonadota (36.63%), Actinomycetota (2.42%), and Bacillota (0.93%). We found no significant differences in alpha-diversity indices between the wLhui+ and wLhui- lines (p > 0.05). However, principal coordinates analysis revealed significant differences in microbiota composition between the wLhui+ and wLhui- lines (PERMANOVA: p < 0.001), explaining 76.70% of the variance in microbiota composition. Correlation network analysis identified robust negative and positive associations between Wolbachia and several genera, suggesting that Wolbachia shapes microbial composition through competitive or cooperative interactions with specific taxa. Overall, our study suggests that Wolbachia plays a key role in shaping the leaf-miner microbiome, potentially affecting host fitness.},
}

@article {pmid40005625,
year = {2025},
author = {Shamoon-Pour, M and Canessa, EH and Macher, J and Fruitwala, A and Draper, E and Policriti, B and Chin, M and Nunez, M and Puccio, P and Fang, Y and Wang, XR and Hathout, Y},
title = {Genomic and Proteomic Analyses of Bacterial Communities of Ixodes scapularis Ticks from Broome County, New York.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {40005625},
issn = {2076-2607},
abstract = {The microbial communities of Ixodes scapularis, the primary vector of Lyme disease in North America, exhibit regional variations that may affect pathogen transmission and vector competence. We analyzed bacterial communities in I. scapularis ticks collected from Broome County, New York, using 16S rRNA gene sequencing (18 ticks) as well as mass spectrometry-based proteomics (36 ticks). According to the 16S rRNA analysis, the endosymbiont Rickettsia buchneri was the most abundant species, with significantly higher (p = 0.0011) abundance in females (54.76%) compared to males (31.15%). We detected Borreliella burgdorferi in 44.44% of ticks and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in two nymphs but in high relative abundances (12.73% and 46.46%). Male ticks exhibited higher bacterial diversity, although the community composition showed no significant clustering by sex or life stage. Co-occurrence analysis revealed negative associations between R. buchneri and Pseudomonas (p = 0.0245), but no associations with B. burgdorferi. Proteomic analysis identified 12 R. buchneri-specific proteins, additionally detecting the protozoan pathogen Babesia microti in 18.18% of females. These findings provide the first comprehensive characterization of I. scapularis microbiomes in the Southern Tier region of New York and suggest broader distribution of R. buchneri across tick life stages than previously recognized, with potential implications for pathogen transmission dynamics.},
}

@article {pmid40003849,
year = {2025},
author = {Gwiazdowska, A and Rutkowski, R and Sielezniew, M},
title = {Conservation Genetics of the Endangered Danube Clouded Yellow Butterfly Colias myrmidone (Esper, 1780) in the Last Central European Stronghold: Diversity, Wolbachia Infection and Balkan Connections.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {40003849},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {EZ.271.3.7.2021//General Directorate of the Polish State Forests/ ; },
abstract = {The Danube Clouded Yellow (Colias myrmidone) has experienced one of the most dramatic declines among European butterflies. To estimate genetic diversity in the last population in Poland that has survived in the Knyszyn Forest (KF), we analyzed mitochondrial (COI) and nuclear (EF-1α) polymorphisms in individuals sampled in 2014 and 2022. The results were compared with genetic data obtained in 2014 from a recently extirpated nearby population (Czerwony Bór, CB). Because mtDNA polymorphisms in insects can be modulated by endosymbionts, the samples were screened for Wolbachia. The polymorphism of EF-1α indicated that diversity was gradually decreasing. The KF experienced rapid demographic processes, manifested by a significant change in allele frequency. The small differentiation in nuclear markers between the KF and CB in 2014 suggests that the regional population used to be genetically uniform. Four COI haplotypes that were identified in this study probably belong to two different haplogroups. Wolbachia was detected only in individuals with one specific haplotype, and the prevalence was female-biased, suggesting the induction of two reproductive manipulations. The most common COI haplotype found in Poland was the same as that reported from other parts of Europe, not only for C. myrmidone but also C. caucasica. These results allow us to question the distinctiveness of each taxa.},
}

@article {pmid40003744,
year = {2025},
author = {Price, G and Simard, A and McGraw, BA},
title = {Evaluation of Bacterial Communities of Listronotus maculicollis Kirby Reared on Primary and Secondary Host Plants.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {40003744},
issn = {2075-4450},
abstract = {The annual bluegrass weevil (Listronotus maculicollis Kirby) is a devastating insect pest of annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) and, to a lesser extent, creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) on golf courses. Listronotus maculicollis-reared A. stolonifera, a comparatively tolerant host, incurs fitness costs, including longer developmental periods and reduced larval survivorship. This study sought to characterize microbiota diversity in L. maculicollis adults and larvae reared on P. annua and A. stolonifera cultivars (Penncross & A4) to explore whether intrinsic factors, such as microbial community composition, vary across host plants and developmental stages, potentially influencing host suitability. Alpha diversity analyses showed adults feeding on A4 exhibited higher bacterial species richness than their offspring reared on the same cultivar. Beta diversity analysis revealed significant dissimilarities between L. maculicollis adults and offspring regardless of host. Pseudomonas sp. was consistently abundant in larvae across all turfgrasses, indicating a potential association with larval development. Elevated levels of Wolbachia sp., known for insect reproductive manipulation, were observed in adults, but appear to be unrelated to host plant effects. The most prevalent bacterium detected was Candidatus Nardonella, a conserved endosymbiont essential for cuticular hardening in weevils. Given the role of cuticular integrity in insecticide resistance, further investigations into insect-microbe-plant interactions could guide the development of targeted pest management strategies, reducing resistance and improving control measures for L. maculicollis.},
}

@article {pmid39998185,
year = {2025},
author = {Mizutani, M and Fujikawa, T and Fukatsu, T and Kakizawa, S},
title = {Complete genome of the mutualistic symbiont "Candidatus Carsonella ruddii" from a Japanese island strain of the Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri.},
journal = {Microbiology resource announcements},
volume = {14},
number = {4},
pages = {e0108224},
pmid = {39998185},
issn = {2576-098X},
support = {JPMJER1902//MEXT | Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)/ ; JP23gm1610002//Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)/ ; 18H02433, 26710015, 26106004, 15KK0266//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; 24K18102,22KJ318//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; JP17H06388//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; },
abstract = {The complete genome, 173,958 bp in size, of "Candidatus Carsonella ruddii" DC-OKEB1, an obligate bacterial endosymbiont of the Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri, was determined. The genome sequence provides valuable information for comparative and evolutionary aspects of the intimate insect-microbe mutualism.},
}

@article {pmid39998184,
year = {2025},
author = {Mizutani, M and Moriyama, M and Fukatsu, T and Kakizawa, S},
title = {Complete genome of the mutualistic symbiont "Candidatus Nardonella sp." Pin-AIST from the black hard weevil Pachyrhynchus infernalis.},
journal = {Microbiology resource announcements},
volume = {14},
number = {4},
pages = {e0108324},
pmid = {39998184},
issn = {2576-098X},
support = {JPMJER1902//MEXT | Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)/ ; JP23gm1610002//Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)/ ; 18H02433, 26710015, 26106004,15KK0266//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; 24K18102,22KJ318//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; JP17H06388//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; },
abstract = {The complete genome, 226,287 bps in size, of "Candidatus Nardonella sp." Pin-AIST, an obligatory bacterial endosymbiont of the black hard weevil Pachyrhynchus infernalis, was sequenced. The extremely reduced endosymbiont genome is specialized for tyrosine synthesis, which contributes to the hardness of the beetle's exoskeleton.},
}

@article {pmid39991014,
year = {2025},
author = {Mohammadi, A and Dalimi, A and Ghaffarifar, F and Pirestani, M and Akbari, M},
title = {Detection of Acanthamoeba Harboring Campylobacter jejuni Endosymbionts in Hospital Environments of Markazi Province, Iran.},
journal = {Journal of parasitology research},
volume = {2025},
number = {},
pages = {6626888},
pmid = {39991014},
issn = {2090-0023},
abstract = {Most Acanthamoebas contain endosymbionts such as viruses, yeasts, protists, and bacteria, some of which are potential human pathogens, including Campylobacter jejuni which often causes gastroenteritis and septicemia in humans. Amoebae have been shown to be resistant to chlorination and apparently protect ingested bacteria such as C. jejuni from free chlorine. Such resistance can have health implications, especially for drinking water treatment. The aim of this study is to identify Acanthamoeba in hospital samples in Markazi province, to determine the identity of C. jejuni endosymbiont in positive samples of Acanthamoeba in natural and laboratory conditions, and to determine the relationship between the two. The main aim of this study was to determine the identity of C. jejuni endosymbiont in Acanthamoeba-positive samples in natural and laboratory conditions. In this study, 134 samples including water, soil, and dust were collected from hospital environments. After molecular detection, the identity of the symbiotic Campylobacter jejuni in Acanthamoeba was determined by microscopic and PCR methods. Then, the ability of bacteria to infect the parasite was examined by cocultivation in vitro using real-time PCR. Finally, their relationship was examined based on statistical tests. The rate of contamination of hospital samples with Acanthamoeba was 44.7% on average. Out of 42 Acanthamoeba PCR-positive samples, seven isolates (16.67%) were found to be positive in terms of C. jejuni endosymbiont according to sampling location. The results showed that Helicobacter is able to penetrate and enter the Acanthamoeba parasite. In conclusion, our results showed that C. jejuni is able to contaminate Acanthamoeba in natural and laboratory conditions. The presence of pathogenic Acanthamoeba in various hospital environments and the hiding of Helicobacter as an endosymbiont inside it can pose a serious threat to the health of hospitalized patients.},
}

@article {pmid39985228,
year = {2025},
author = {Song, MJ and Freund, F and Tribble, CM and Toffelmier, E and Miller, C and Bradley Shaffer, H and Li, FW and Rothfels, CJ},
title = {The nitrogen-fixing fern Azolla has a complex microbiome characterized by varying degrees of cophylogenetic signal.},
journal = {American journal of botany},
volume = {112},
number = {3},
pages = {e70010},
doi = {10.1002/ajb2.70010},
pmid = {39985228},
issn = {1537-2197},
support = {//California Conservation Genomics Project, with funding provided to the University of California by the State of California, State Budget Act of 2019 [UC Award ID RSI-19-690224]./ ; },
mesh = {*Ferns/microbiology/genetics/physiology ; *Microbiota ; *Symbiosis ; *Nitrogen Fixation ; California ; },
abstract = {PREMISE: Azolla is a genus of floating ferns that has closely evolved with a vertically transmitted obligate cyanobacterium endosymbiont-Anabaena azollae-that fixes nitrogen. There are also other lesser-known Azolla symbionts whose role and mode of transmission are unknown.

METHODS: We sequenced 112 Azolla specimens collected across the state of California and characterized their metagenomes to identify the common bacterial endosymbionts and assess their patterns of interaction.

RESULTS: Four genera were found across all samples, establishing that multiple Azolla endosymbionts were consistently present. We found varying degrees of cophylogenetic signal across these taxa as well as varying degrees of isolation by distance and of pseudogenation, which demonstrates that multiple processes underlie how this endosymbiotic community is constituted. We also characterized the entire Azolla leaf pocket microbiome.

CONCLUSIONS: These results show that the Azolla symbiotic community is complex and features members at potentially different stages of symbiosis evolution, further supporting the utility of the Azolla microcosm as a system for studying the evolution of symbioses.},
}

*Ferns/microbiology/genetics/physiology
*Microbiota
*Symbiosis
*Nitrogen Fixation
California

@article {pmid39982435,
year = {2025},
author = {Mtawali, M and Cooney, EC and Adams, J and Jin, J and Holt, CC and Keeling, PJ},
title = {Phylogenomic resolution of marine to freshwater dinoflagellate transitions.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {19},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {39982435},
issn = {1751-7370},
support = {NSERC 2019-03994//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; //Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Dinoflagellida/genetics/classification ; *Phylogeny ; *Fresh Water/microbiology ; *Seawater/microbiology ; Transcriptome ; },
abstract = {Dinoflagellates are an abundant and diverse group of protists that inhabit aquatic environments worldwide. They are characterized by numerous unique cellular and molecular traits, and have adapted to an unusually broad range of life strategies, including phototrophy, heterotrophy, parasitism, and all combinations of these. For most microbial groups, transitions from marine to freshwater environments are relatively rare, as changes in salinity are thought to lead to significant osmotic challenges that are difficult for the cell to overcome. Recent work has shown that dinoflagellates have overcome these challenges relatively often in evolutionary time, but because this is mostly based on single gene trees with low overall support, many of the relationships between freshwater and marine groups remain unresolved. Normally, phylogenomics could clarify such conclusions, but despite the recent surge in data, virtually no freshwater dinoflagellates have been characterized at the genome-wide level. Here, we generated 30 transcriptomes from cultures and single cells collected from freshwater environments to infer a robustly supported phylogenomic tree from 217 conserved genes, resolving at least seven transitions to freshwater in dinoflagellates. Mapping the distribution of ASVs from freshwater environmental samples onto this tree confirms these groups and identifies additional lineages where freshwater dinoflagellates likely remain unsampled. We also sampled two species of Durinskia, a genus of "dinotoms" with both marine and freshwater lineages containing Nitzschia-derived tertiary plastids. Ribosomal RNA phylogenies show that the host cells are closely related, but their endosymbionts are likely descended from two distantly-related freshwater Nitzschia species that were acquired in parallel and relatively recently.},
}

*Dinoflagellida/genetics/classification
*Phylogeny
*Fresh Water/microbiology
*Seawater/microbiology
Transcriptome

@article {pmid39981748,
year = {2025},
author = {Martinez, G and Leander, BS and Park, E},
title = {Morphology and Molecular Phylogeny of Endosymbiotic Ciliates (Peritrichia, Mobilida) of Marine Invertebrates with Descriptions of Two Novel Species Urceolaria clepsydra n. sp. and Urceolaria bratalia n. sp.},
journal = {The Journal of eukaryotic microbiology},
volume = {72},
number = {2},
pages = {e70003},
pmid = {39981748},
issn = {1550-7408},
support = {NSERC 2019-03986//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; //Tula Foundation/ ; //UBC Biodiversity Research Center/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Phylogeny ; *Symbiosis ; *Invertebrates ; Pacific Ocean ; DNA, Protozoan/genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Sea Cucumbers/parasitology ; DNA, Ribosomal/genetics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics ; Oligohymenophorea/classification/genetics ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Aquatic Organisms/genetics ; },
abstract = {Mobilid ciliates are a morphologically distinct group of protists that form a wide range of symbiotic relationships with aquatic animals and includes three subgroups: Trichodinidae, Urceolariidae, and Polycyclidae. Trichodinids are best known for infecting fishes, whereas urceolariids infect diverse marine invertebrates. Polycyclidae was established for mobilid ciliates infecting sea cucumbers; however, molecular data have been unavailable for this group. In this study, we discovered and characterized two novel mobilid species, one infecting two species of sea cucumbers (Eupentacta quinquesemita and Cucumaria miniata) and one infecting brachiopods or lamp shells (Terebratalia transversa) collected from the Northeast Pacific Ocean. These new mobilid species were characterized at the morphological level using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We also inferred the molecular phylogenetic positions of these species using small subunit (SSU) rDNA sequences. Based on combined morphological and molecular data, we demonstrate that the two new species belong to Urceolaria, U. clepsydra n. sp. and U. bratalia n. sp., and support synonymization of Polycycla with Urceolaria. By providing the first molecular data from new species of mobilids infecting sea cucumbers and brachiopods, we expand the host range and improve our knowledge of this diverse but poorly understood group of symbionts.},
}

Animals
*Phylogeny
*Symbiosis
*Invertebrates
Pacific Ocean
DNA, Protozoan/genetics
Sequence Analysis, DNA
Sea Cucumbers/parasitology
DNA, Ribosomal/genetics
RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics
Oligohymenophorea/classification/genetics
Molecular Sequence Data
Aquatic Organisms/genetics

@article {pmid39979545,
year = {2025},
author = {Thompson, S and Wang, J and Schott, T and Nissinen, R and Haapalainen, M},
title = {Genomes of the Bacterial Endosymbionts of Carrot Psyllid Trioza apicalis Suggest Complementary Biosynthetic Capabilities.},
journal = {Current microbiology},
volume = {82},
number = {4},
pages = {145},
pmid = {39979545},
issn = {1432-0991},
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Genome, Bacterial ; *Daucus carota/microbiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Bacteria/genetics/classification/metabolism ; Metagenome ; },
abstract = {Carrot psyllid Trioza apicalis is a serious pest of cultivated carrot and also a vector of the plant pathogen 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' (Lso). To find out whether T. apicalis harbours other species of bacteria that might affect the Lso infection rate, the bacterial communities and metagenome in T. apicalis were studied. Lso haplotype C was detected in a third of the psyllids sampled, at different relative amounts. Surprisingly, T. apicalis was found to harbour only one secondary endosymbiont, a previously unknown species of gamma proteobacterium endosymbiont (Gpe), beside the primary endosymbiont 'Candidatus Carsonella ruddii' (CCr). The relative abundancies of these two endosymbionts were approximately equal. The genomes of CCr, Gpe and Lso were assembled from a T. apicalis metagenome sample. Based on the 16S rRNA gene, the closest relative of Gpe of T. apicalis could be a secondary endosymbiont of Trioza magnoliae. The 253.171 kb Gpe genome contains all the tRNA and rRNA genes and most of the protein-coding genes required for DNA replication, transcription and translation, but it lacks most of the genes for amino acid biosynthesis. Gpe has no genes encoding cell wall peptidoglycan synthesis, suggesting it has no cell wall, and could thus live as an intracellular endosymbiont. Like the CCr of other psyllids, CCr of T. apicalis retains a broad amino acid biosynthetic capacity, whilst lacking many genes required for DNA replication and repair and for transcription and translation. These findings suggest that these two endosymbionts of T. apicalis are complementary in their biosynthetic capabilities.},
}

Animals
*Hemiptera/microbiology
*Symbiosis
*Genome, Bacterial
*Daucus carota/microbiology
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Phylogeny
Bacteria/genetics/classification/metabolism
Metagenome

@article {pmid39976626,
year = {2025},
author = {Sharpe, SR and Madhav, M and Klein, MJ and Blasdell, KR and Paradkar, PN and Lynch, SE and Eagles, D and López-Denman, AJ and Ahmed, KA},
title = {Characterisation of the virome of Culicoides brevitarsis Kieffer (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), a vector of bluetongue virus in Australia.},
journal = {The Journal of general virology},
volume = {106},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {39976626},
issn = {1465-2099},
mesh = {Animals ; *Ceratopogonidae/virology ; *Virome ; *Bluetongue virus/genetics/classification/isolation & purification ; *Insect Vectors/virology ; *Phylogeny ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Genome, Viral ; Australia ; New South Wales ; RNA, Viral/genetics ; },
abstract = {Culicoides spp., a common biting midge genus, are haematophagous insects that can transmit pathogens to humans and other animals. Some species transmit arboviruses, including bluetongue virus, epizootic haemorrhagic disease virus, African horse sickness virus and Schmallenberg virus to vertebrates, which can be detrimental to livestock and wild animals. Culicoides spp. can also have a diversity of insect-specific viruses (ISVs) that can only be transmitted between insects and others related to known arboviruses. For Culicoides brevitarsis and other Culicoides spp. in Australia, the virome is largely unexplored. We used high-throughput sequencing to characterise the virome of C. brevitarsis collected from Casino, New South Wales, Australia. For virus detection, the total RNA was extracted from pools of C. brevitarsis followed by rRNA depletion and Illumina short-read-based RNA sequencing. The reads were quality-checked, filtered and assembled into contigs, compared with the non-redundant protein and conserved domain databases for viral detection and genome organisation, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis was used to further characterise the viruses. We detected new virus diversity including ten viruses belonging to eight different families with complete or near-complete coding regions. Seven of these were novel virus species belonging to the families: Chuviridae, Orthomyxoviridae, Peribunyaviridae, Qinviridae, Rhabdoviridae and Solemoviridae. In addition, the novel Peribunyaviridae virus should also be considered part of a new genus. Whilst most of the detected viruses grouped into families with viruses that can infect insects, animals or both, the novel species of Solemoviridae was closely related to an economically important plant pathogen, the sugarcane yellow leaf virus. Our quantitative PCR-based screening confirmed the absence of any Wolbachia endosymbiont within the collected samples. Furthermore, we detected fragments of three more virus families known to infect fungi and plants. The detection of potential arboviruses and ISVs in Culicoides spp. is important in understanding virus epidemiology.},
}

Animals
*Ceratopogonidae/virology
*Virome
*Bluetongue virus/genetics/classification/isolation & purification
*Insect Vectors/virology
*Phylogeny
High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
Genome, Viral
Australia
New South Wales
RNA, Viral/genetics

@article {pmid39971081,
year = {2025},
author = {Ma, Z and Gao, J and Wang, G and Zhao, M and Xing, D and Zhao, T and Zhang, H},
title = {Effects of Wolbachia on mitochondrial DNA variation in Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae).},
journal = {Acta tropica},
volume = {263},
number = {},
pages = {107561},
doi = {10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107561},
pmid = {39971081},
issn = {1873-6254},
mesh = {*Wolbachia/genetics ; Animals ; *DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; *Aedes/microbiology/genetics ; *Genetic Variation ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis ; Haplotypes ; Female ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia species are symbiotic bacteria that are commonly found in arthropods and nematodes and live inside their cells. In nature, endosymbiont-host interactions and dynamics are complex, often depending on environmental conditions and evolutionary history. Both Wolbachia and mitochondrial DNA are maternally inherited in cells, and after a long period of coexistence, the presence of Wolbachia may have an impact on mitochondrial sequence diversity, thereby confounding mtDNA-based host phylogeny. The universal and typing primers for the wsp gene were used for PCR amplification, the number of positive samples was counted, and the infection pattern was analysed. The mitochondrial DNA diversity of four groups (Wolbachia-infected and uninfected samples, as well as between singly and double infected samples.) was analysed. PACo and ParaFitGlobal tests were used to explore evolutionary associations. The overall prevalence of Wolbachia in the 22 natural populations was 94.2 %, with Type A, Type B and A × B mixed infections detected in Aedes albopictus and coinfection between wAlbA and wAlbB prevalent. The mitochondrial DNA haplotype associated with Wolbachia (Hap1) became the dominant haplotype and was the most abundant and widely distributed in the population. The linkage map showed the predominant haplotype, Hap1, was more closely associated with wAlbA than with wAlbB. Neutral evolution deviated significantly from zero. The diversity of mtDNA COI genes associated with Wolbachia infection was reduced. Wolbachia infection may lead to the selective sweep of mitochondrial DNA in Ae. albopictus.},
}

*Wolbachia/genetics
Animals
*DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics
*Aedes/microbiology/genetics
*Genetic Variation
Phylogeny
Symbiosis
Haplotypes
Female
Polymerase Chain Reaction
Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins

@article {pmid39966714,
year = {2025},
author = {Jain, A and Li, T and Huston, DC and Kaur, J and Trollip, C and Wainer, J and Hodda, M and Linsell, K and Riley, IT and Toktay, H and Olowu, EA and Edwards, J and Rodoni, B and Sawbridge, T},
title = {Insights from draft genomes of Heterodera species isolated from field soil samples.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {158},
pmid = {39966714},
issn = {1471-2164},
mesh = {Animals ; *Tylenchoidea/genetics ; *Soil/parasitology ; *Genome, Helminth ; Phylogeny ; Genomics/methods ; Australia ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The nematode phylum includes many species key to soil food webs with trophic behaviours extending from feeding on microbes to macrofauna and plant roots. Among these, the plant parasitic cyst nematodes retain their eggs in protective cysts prolonging their survival under harsh conditions. These nematodes, including those from the genus Heterodera, cause significant economic losses in agricultural systems. Understanding of nematode diversity and ecology has expanded through application of genomic research, however, for Heterodera species there are very few available whole genome sequences. Sequencing and assembling Heterodera genomes is challenging due to various technical limitations imposed by the biology of Heterodera. Overcoming these limitations is essential for comprehensive insights into Heterodera parasitic interactions with plants, population studies, and for Australian biosecurity implications.

RESULTS: We hereby present draft genomes of six species of which Heterodera australis, H. humuli, H. mani and H. trifolii are presently recorded in Australia and two species, H. avenae and H. filipjevi, currently absent from Australia. The draft genomes were sequenced from genomic DNA isolated from 50 cysts each using an Illumina NovaSeq short read sequencing platform. The data revealed disparity in sequencing yield between species. What was previously identified as H. avenae in Australia using morphological traits is now confirmed as H. australis and may have consequences for wheat breeding programs in Australia that are breeding for resistance to H. avenae. A multigene phylogeny placed the sequenced species into taxonomic phylogenetic perspective. Genomic comparisons within the Avenae species group revealed orthologous gene clusters within the species, emphasising the shared and unique features of the group. The data also revealed the presence of a Wolbachia species, a putative bacterial endosymbiont from Heterodera humuli short read sequencing data.

CONCLUSION: Genomic research holds immense significance for agriculture, for understanding pest species diversity and the development of effective management strategies. This study provides insight into Heterodera, cyst nematode genomics and the associated symbionts and this work will serve as a baseline for further genomic analyses in this economically important nematode group.},
}

Animals
*Tylenchoidea/genetics
*Soil/parasitology
*Genome, Helminth
Phylogeny
Genomics/methods
Australia

@article {pmid39957355,
year = {2025},
author = {Prabhu, D and Dharshini, MKD and Rajamanikandan, S and Padmavathi, AR and Velusamy, P and Gopinath, SCB},
title = {Potential Anti-Filarial Molecules Against ATP Binding Site of MurE Enzyme: A Molecular Docking and Dynamics Approach to Combat Lymphatic Filariasis.},
journal = {Biotechnology and applied biochemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/bab.2727},
pmid = {39957355},
issn = {1470-8744},
support = {//KAHE-Seed money research Grant/ ; //Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, India/ ; },
abstract = {Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a mosquito-borne disease caused by parasitic nematodes Brugia malayi, Brugia timori, and Wuchereria bancrofti. The drugs available are effective in several cases, and the absence of vaccination is the crucial factor hindering the elimination of LF. The UDP-N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanyl-D-glutamate-2,6-diaminopimelate ligase (MurE) plays an important role in the peptidoglycan biosynthesis of Wolbachia endosymbiont B. malayi, which are reported to be a vital drug target for bacterial and endosymbiotic hosts. Thus, we selected the ATP binding cavity of MurE as the potential site to screen inhibitors. The MurE structure was modeled using AlphaFold due to the absence of an experimental structure. Structure-based screening identified five potent phytochemicals targeting the ATP binding site with higher Glide scores and affinity. The top five phytochemicals CID 311, CID 445713, CID 441626, CID 39077, and CID 10814 showed a docking score of -16.812, -16.117, -15.668, -15.324, and -13.442 kcal/mol, respectively. Further, the molecular dynamics simulations depicted the binding stability of the phytochemical inhibitors bound to the MurE complex. Moreover, ADME assessment and Density Functional Theory analyses of the predicted compounds have shown acceptable pharmacokinetic properties and high reactivity with the drug target of MurE.},
}

@article {pmid39955302,
year = {2025},
author = {Khogali, R and Bastos, A and Getange, D and Bargul, JL and Kalayou, S and Ongeso, N and Verhoeven, JTP and Kabii, J and Ngiela, J and Masiga, D and Villinger, J},
title = {Exploring the microbiomes of camel ticks to infer vector competence: insights from tissue-level symbiont-pathogen relationships.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {5574},
pmid = {39955302},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {101000365/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; 101000365/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; 101000365/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; 101000365/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; 101000365/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Camelus/microbiology/parasitology ; *Symbiosis ; *Microbiota/genetics ; *RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Rickettsia/genetics/isolation & purification ; Salivary Glands/microbiology ; Ticks/microbiology ; Coxiella/genetics/isolation & purification ; Bacteria/genetics/classification/isolation & purification ; Saliva/microbiology ; Female ; Kenya ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {Ticks are blood-feeding ectoparasites that harbor diverse pathogens and endosymbionts. Their microbial communities vary based on tick species, stage, sex, geographical location, surrounding environment, and tissue type. Understanding tick microbiota at the tissue level is crucial for unraveling how microbiomes are distributed in tick tissues and influence pathogen transmission. We used V1-V2 16 S rRNA gene sequencing to analyze tissue-specific bacterial compositions (hemolymph, saliva, salivary glands, and midgut) of Amblyomma gemma, Rhipicephalus pulchellus, Hyalomma dromedarii, and Hyalomma rufipes ticks collected from camels in Marsabit County, northern Kenya. The V1-V2 region of the 16 S rRNA gene effectively differentiated 43 Rickettsia africae and 16 Rickettsia aeschlimannii tick samples from other rickettsial species, as well as Coxiella endosymbionts from Coxiella burnetii. In contrast, the V3-V4 region sequences of these species could not be clearly distinguished. Coxiella endosymbionts were most common in Am. gemma and Rh. pulchellus, while Francisella endosymbionts predominated in Hyalomma ticks; both were primarily localized in the salivary glands. High abundances of Coxiella endosymbionts, as well as Pseudomonas, were associated with the absence or low abundance of Rickettsia pathogens in both Am. gemma and Rh. pulchellus, suggesting competitive interactions between these microbes. Additionally, Proteus mirabilis, an opportunistic pathogen of the urinary tract in humans, was found predominantly in Hyalomma ticks, except for the salivary glands, which were most abundant with Francisella endosymbionts. Furthermore, we detected the Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, and Corynebacterium genera in all the tick tissues, supporting the hypothesis that these bacteria might circulate between camel blood and ticks. Saliva and hemolymph generally harbored more extracellular bacteria than the salivary glands and midgut. This study provides a new approach to unravel tick-endosymbiont-pathogen interactions by examining the tissue localization of tick-borne pathogens and symbionts in Am. gemma, Rh. pulchellus, Hy. dromedarii, and Hy. rufipes from camels in northern Kenya. Our findings establish a baseline for developing an understanding of the functional capacities of symbionts and for designing symbiont-based control strategies.},
}

Animals
*Camelus/microbiology/parasitology
*Symbiosis
*Microbiota/genetics
*RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
*Rickettsia/genetics/isolation & purification
Salivary Glands/microbiology
Ticks/microbiology
Coxiella/genetics/isolation & purification
Bacteria/genetics/classification/isolation & purification
Saliva/microbiology
Female
Kenya
Phylogeny

@article {pmid39949627,
year = {2025},
author = {Napo, M and Kock, A and Alayande, KA and Sulyok, M and Ezekiel, CN and Uehling, J and Pawlowska, TE and Adeleke, RA},
title = {Tomato rot by Rhizopus microsporus alters native fungal community composition and secondary metabolite production.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1508519},
pmid = {39949627},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Rhizopus rot is considered one of the most common diseases influencing global production and yield of horticulture commodities. However, the factors contributing to this pattern of prevalence are uncertain. Here, we focused on R. microsporus, which is known to rely on its endosymbiotic bacterium, Mycetohabitans, to produce toxins that interfere with plant development and inhibit the growth of other fungi. We assessed the impact of the symbiotic R. microsporus harboring its endosymbiont as well as the fungus cured of it on: (1) the magnitude of spoilage in tomato fruits, as evaluated by Koch's postulate for pathogenicity, (2) the shifts in native communities of endophytic fungi inhabiting these fruits, as examined by ITS rRNA gene metabarcoding and (3) secondary metabolites generated by these communities, as analyzed using multi-analyte LC-MS/MS. The pathogenicity test showed that the symbiotic endobacterium-containing R. microsporus W2-50 was able to cause tomato fruit spoilage. This was accompanied by decreased relative abundance of Alternaria spp. and an increase in the relative abundance of Penicillium spp. that may have facilitated the observed spoilage. In conclusion, symbiotic W2-50 appeared to facilitate fruit spoilage, possibly through successful colonization or toxin production by its endosymbiont.},
}

@article {pmid39944902,
year = {2025},
author = {Cassens, J and Oliva Chávez, AS and Tufts, DM and Zhong, J and Faulk, C and Oliver, JD},
title = {Whole Genome Sequencing Reveals Clade-Specific Genetic Variation in Blacklegged Ticks.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {2},
pages = {e70987},
pmid = {39944902},
issn = {2045-7758},
support = {T42 OH008434/OH/NIOSH CDC HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Ticks and tick-borne pathogens represent the greatest vector-borne disease threat in the United States. Blacklegged ticks are responsible for most human cases, yet the disease burden is unevenly distributed across the northern and southern United States. Understanding the genetic characteristics influencing phenotypic differences in tick vectors is critical to elucidating disparities in tick-borne pathogen transmission dynamics. Applying evolutionary analyses to molecular variation in natural tick populations across ecological gradients will help identify signatures of local adaptation, which will improve control and mitigation strategies. In this study, we performed whole genome nanopore sequencing of individual (n = 1) blacklegged ticks across their geographical range (Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Texas) to evaluate genetic divergence among populations. Our integrated analyses identified genetic variants associated with numerous biological processes and molecular functions that segregated across populations. Notably, northern populations displayed genetic variants in genes linked to xenobiotic detoxification, transmembrane transport, and sulfation that may underpin key phenotypes influencing tick dispersal, host associations, and vectorial capacity. Nanopore sequencing further allowed the recovery of complete mitochondrial and commensal endosymbiont genomes. Our study provides further evidence of genetic divergence in epidemiologically relevant gene families among blacklegged tick clades. This report emphasizes the need to elucidate the genetic basis driving divergence among conspecific blacklegged tick clades in the United States.},
}

@article {pmid39939508,
year = {2025},
author = {Chakraborty, A and Dutta, P and Amrit, R and Dey, P and Osborne, WJ},
title = {Antagonistic activity of butanamine 2,2-dinitro-N-methyl- synthesized by endosymbiotic Bacillus amyloliquefaciens VITAPRJS1 acquired from horse milk.},
journal = {International microbiology : the official journal of the Spanish Society for Microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39939508},
issn = {1618-1905},
abstract = {Endosymbiotic bacteria are known to synthesize bioactive compounds which have biotechnological potentials that enhance immune responses by stimulating the production of immune cells. Horse milk is widely known to have nutraceutical and antimicrobial activities; however, there are no scientific reports on its inhibitory effects. VITAPRJS1, isolated from horse milk, showed non-hemolytic properties and was significantly tolerant to bile salt and NaCl. The isolate also exhibited potent antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacterial strains such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus. The bioactive antibacterial compounds were extracted using dichloromethane and were subsequently purified and identified as butanamine, 2,2-dinitro-N-methyl- through UPLC, GC-MS, and LC-MS analyses. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the presence of functional groups such as alkane, amine, and monosubstituted 1,2-disubstituted. The screened bacterial isolate was identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (OR501558) upon 16S rRNA gene sequencing. To our knowledge, this study represents the first-time report on the presence of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens in horse milk having potent antibacterial activity, highlighting its unexplored potential in biotechnological and pharmaceutical applications.},
}

@article {pmid39938947,
year = {2025},
author = {Rogowska-van der Molen, MA and Manzano-Marín, A and Postma, JL and Coolen, S and van Alen, T and Jansen, RS and Welte, CU},
title = {From eggs to guts: Symbiotic association of Sodalis nezarae sp. nov. with the Southern green shield bug Nezara viridula.},
journal = {FEMS microbiology ecology},
volume = {101},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {39938947},
issn = {1574-6941},
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Enterobacteriaceae/genetics/classification ; *Heteroptera/microbiology ; Male ; Phylogeny ; Female ; Microbiota ; Ovum/microbiology ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Pantoea/genetics/isolation & purification ; },
abstract = {Phytophagous insects engage in symbiotic relationships with bacteria that contribute to digestion, nutrient supplementation, and development of the host. The analysis of shield bug microbiomes has been mainly focused on the gut intestinal tract predominantly colonized by Pantoea symbionts and other microbial community members in the gut or other organs have hardly been investigated. In this study, we reveal that the Southern green shield bug Nezara viridula harbours a Sodalis symbiont in several organs, with a notable prevalence in salivary glands, and anterior regions of the midgut. Removing external egg microbiota via sterilization profoundly impacted insect viability but did not disrupt the vertical transmission of Sodalis and Pantoea symbionts. Based on the dominance of Sodalis in testes, we deduce that N. viridula males could be involved in symbiont vertical transmission. Genomic analyses comparing Sodalis species revealed that Sodalis sp. Nvir shares characteristics with both free-living and obligate insect-associated Sodalis spp. Sodalis sp. Nvir also displays genome instability typical of endosymbiont lineages, which suggests ongoing speciation to an obligate endosymbiont. Together, our study reveals that shield bugs harbour unrecognized symbionts that might be paternally transmitted.},
}

Animals
*Symbiosis
*Enterobacteriaceae/genetics/classification
*Heteroptera/microbiology
Male
Phylogeny
Female
Microbiota
Ovum/microbiology
Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Pantoea/genetics/isolation & purification

@article {pmid39937680,
year = {2025},
author = {Boudreau, V and Albright, AR and Larson, BT and Gerbich, TM and Fadero, T and Yan, V and Lucas-DeMott, A and Yung, J and Moulin, SLY and Descovich, CP and Slabodnick, MM and Burlacot, A and Wang, JR and Niyogi, KK and Marshall, WF},
title = {The cell biology and genome of Stentor pyriformis, a giant cell that embeds symbiotic algae in a microtubule meshwork.},
journal = {Molecular biology of the cell},
volume = {36},
number = {4},
pages = {ar44},
pmid = {39937680},
issn = {1939-4586},
support = {K12 GM081266/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; P30 CA016086/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; R35 GM130327/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*Microtubules/metabolism ; *Symbiosis ; *Ciliophora/physiology/metabolism/genetics ; *Chlorella/metabolism/physiology/genetics ; *Genome ; Phylogeny ; Photosynthesis ; Phagocytosis ; },
abstract = {Endosymbiotic events in which an endosymbiont is retained within a cell that remains capable of phagocytosis, a situation known as mixotrophy, provide potentially important clues about the eukaryotic evolution. Here we describe the cell biology and genome of the giant mixotrophic ciliate Stentor pyriformis. We show that S. pyriformis contains Chlorella variabilis as an endosymbiont that retains the ability to live outside the host. Within the host, the Chlorella cells surrounded by microtubule "baskets" near the cell surface. Photosynthetic efficiency of the Chlorella is reduced inside the Stentor cell compared with outside the host, due to increased nonphotochemical quenching. S. pyriformis displays positive phototaxis via directed swimming that requires the presence of the Chlorella, implying a potential flow of information from the symbiont to direct the orientation and swimming of the host cell. We sequenced the S. pyriformis genome and found that it employs a standard genetic code, similar to other Stentor species but different from most other ciliates. We propose that S. pyriformis will serve as a useful model system for studying endosymbiosis, with unique advantages in terms of size and regenerative ability as well as distinct cellular and genomic features compared with other mixotrophic ciliate models.},
}

*Microtubules/metabolism
*Symbiosis
*Ciliophora/physiology/metabolism/genetics
*Chlorella/metabolism/physiology/genetics
*Genome
Phylogeny
Photosynthesis
Phagocytosis

@article {pmid39934832,
year = {2025},
author = {Perlmutter, JI and Atadurdyyeva, A and Schedl, ME and Unckless, RL},
title = {Wolbachia enhances the survival of Drosophila infected with fungal pathogens.},
journal = {BMC biology},
volume = {23},
number = {1},
pages = {42},
pmid = {39934832},
issn = {1741-7007},
mesh = {*Wolbachia/physiology ; Animals ; *Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology/physiology/virology ; *Host-Pathogen Interactions ; Female ; Male ; Longevity ; Symbiosis ; Fungi/physiology/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Wolbachia bacteria of arthropods are at the forefront of basic and translational research on multipartite host-symbiont-pathogen interactions. These vertically transmitted microbes are the most widespread endosymbionts on the planet due to factors including host reproductive manipulation and fitness benefits. Importantly, some strains of Wolbachia can inhibit viral pathogenesis within and between arthropod hosts. Mosquitoes carrying the wMel Wolbachia strain of Drosophila melanogaster have a greatly reduced capacity to spread viruses like dengue and Zika to humans. While significant research efforts have focused on viruses, relatively little attention has been given to Wolbachia-fungal interactions despite the ubiquity of fungal entomopathogens in nature.

RESULTS: Here, we demonstrate that Wolbachia increase the longevity of their Drosophila melanogaster hosts when challenged with a spectrum of yeast and filamentous fungal pathogens. We find that this pattern can vary based on host genotype, sex, and fungal species. Further, Wolbachia correlates with higher fertility and reduced pathogen titers during initial fungal infection, indicating a significant fitness benefit. Finally, RNA sequencing results show altered expression of many immune and stress response genes in the context of Wolbachia and fungal infection, suggesting host immunity may be involved in the mechanism.

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates Wolbachia's protective role in diverse fungal pathogen interactions and determines that the phenotype is broad, but with several variables that influence both the presence and strength of the phenotype. It also is a critical step forward to understanding how symbionts can protect their hosts from a variety of pathogens.},
}

*Wolbachia/physiology
Animals
*Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology/physiology/virology
*Host-Pathogen Interactions
Female
Male
Longevity
Symbiosis
Fungi/physiology/genetics

@article {pmid39931814,
year = {2025},
author = {Lintnerova, E and Shaw, C and Keys, M and Brownlee, C and Modepalli, V},
title = {Plant-like heliotropism in a photosymbiotic animal.},
journal = {The Journal of experimental biology},
volume = {228},
number = {3},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1242/jeb.247651},
pmid = {39931814},
issn = {1477-9145},
support = {//Marine Biological Association/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Sea Anemones/physiology ; *Photosynthesis ; Phototropism/physiology ; Sunlight ; },
abstract = {As in plants, photosynthesis also represents a key energy source in photosymbiotic cnidarians bearing microalgae. We observed that the cnidarian sea anemone Anemonia viridis, commonly known as the snakelocks anemone, displayed heliotropism or solar tracking in their natural habitats. When exposed to sunlight, A. viridis point their tentacles towards the sun while remaining sessile, facing east at dawn and west at dusk as they track the sun's relative position through the day. This phenomenon was previously only observed in plants. Solar tracking movements in A. viridis are driven by peak wavelengths that prompt photosynthesis in their endosymbionts. The heliotropic response was absent in both bleached (aposymbiotic) A. viridis and in symbiotic A. viridis with chemically inhibited photosynthesis. We revealed a direct correlation between heliotropism and symbiont oxygen production in A. viridis and showed how photosymbiotic A. viridis utilises this mechanism to modulate exposure to solar irradiation. Our study exemplifies how photosynthetic organisms such as plants and symbiotic sea anemones, display similar behaviour in response to similar environmental pressures.},
}

Animals
*Symbiosis
*Sea Anemones/physiology
*Photosynthesis
Phototropism/physiology
Sunlight

@article {pmid39922935,
year = {2025},
author = {Das, BK and Gadnayak, A and Chakraborty, HJ and Pradhan, SP and Raut, SS and Das, SK},
title = {Exploring microbial players for metagenomic profiling of carbon cycling bacteria in sundarban mangrove soils.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {4784},
pmid = {39922935},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {*Wetlands ; *Soil Microbiology ; *Metagenomics/methods ; *Bacteria/genetics/metabolism/classification ; *Carbon Cycle ; Carbon/metabolism ; Microbiota/genetics ; Ecosystem ; Metagenome ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {The Sundarbans, the world's largest tidal mangrove forest, acts as a crucial ecosystem for production, conservation, and the cycling of carbon and nitrogen. The study explored the hypothesis that microbial communities in mangrove ecosystems exhibit unique taxonomic and functional traits that play a vital part in carbon cycling and ecosystem resilience. Using metagenomic analysis to evaluate microbial communities in mangrove and non-mangrove environment, evaluating their composition, functional functions, and ecological relevance. The analysis revealed distinct microbial profiles, in mangrove and non-mangrove environments, with bacteria, proteobacteria, and viruses being the most prevalent groups, with varying abundances in each environment. Functional and taxonomical analysis identified genes involved in carbon regulation, including Triacylglycerol lipase, NarG, DsrB, DNA-binding transcriptional dual regulator CRP, Vanillate O-demethylase oxygenase, succinate-CoA ligase, Tetrahydrofolate ligase, Carboxylase, Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase, Glycine hydroxymethyltransferase, MAG: urease, Endosymbiont of Oligobrachia haakonmosbiensis, Ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase, Aconitate hydratase AcnA, and nitrous oxide reductase, suggesting the metabolic versatility of these microbial communities for carbon cycling. The findings emphasize the key role of microbial activity in preserving mangrove ecosystem health and resilience, highlighting the intricate interplay between microbial diversity, functional capabilities, and environmental factors.},
}

*Wetlands
*Soil Microbiology
*Metagenomics/methods
*Bacteria/genetics/metabolism/classification
*Carbon Cycle
Carbon/metabolism
Microbiota/genetics
Ecosystem
Metagenome
Phylogeny

@article {pmid39914231,
year = {2025},
author = {Páez-Triana, L and Martinez, D and Patiño, LH and Muñoz, M and Sandoval-Ramírez, CM and Pinilla León, JC and Ramirez, JD},
title = {Exploring endosymbionts and pathogens in Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Ctenocephalides felis felis with Oxford Nanopore Technology.},
journal = {Research in veterinary science},
volume = {185},
number = {},
pages = {105562},
doi = {10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.105562},
pmid = {39914231},
issn = {1532-2661},
mesh = {Animals ; *Rhipicephalus sanguineus/microbiology ; *Ctenocephalides/microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; Colombia ; Wolbachia/genetics/physiology ; Rickettsia/genetics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Nanopore Sequencing/methods ; Rickettsiales/genetics ; },
abstract = {Fleas and ticks play a crucial role in public health as vectors of multiple diseases affecting humans and animals. Several rickettsial pathogens and endosymbionts are transmitted by fleas and ticks. Therefore, understanding this group of microorganisms is essential for fully grasping the spectrum of pathogens transmitted by vectors and the interactions between endosymbiotic microorganisms and their hosts. This study evaluated the presence and diversity of Rickettsiales species in fleas and ticks collected from the Santander department in Colombia. For the methodology a 16S gene amplification approach through Oxford Nanopore sequencing technologies in Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Ctenocephalides felis felis was used. Our findings revealed the presence of multiple pathogenic and endosymbiotic microorganisms, particularly from the Rickettsia and Wolbachia groups. We observed a clear association between Rickettsia species and ticks, while Wolbachia was predominantly found in fleas. Additionally, other important microorganisms were identified, including Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsia conorii, and different strains of Wolbachia that serve as endosymbionts in various arthropods. These results underscore the importance of fleas and ticks in the transmission of both pathogenic and endosymbiotic microorganisms. The distinct patterns of association between specific pathogens and vectors provide insight into their transmission dynamics. Identifying pathogens such as Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Rickettsia conorii further highlights the need for continued research into vector-borne diseases in Colombia. Understanding the interactions between endosymbionts and pathogenic microorganisms in these vectors could lead to the development of more effective strategies for controlling diseases transmitted by fleas and ticks.},
}

Animals
*Rhipicephalus sanguineus/microbiology
*Ctenocephalides/microbiology
*Symbiosis
Colombia
Wolbachia/genetics/physiology
Rickettsia/genetics
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Nanopore Sequencing/methods
Rickettsiales/genetics

@article {pmid39909190,
year = {2025},
author = {Carbonara, M and Perles, L and Venco, L and Gabrielli, S and Barrs, VR and Miró, G and Papadopoulos, E and Lima, C and Bouhsira, E and Baneth, G and Pantchev, N and Iatta, R and Mendoza-Roldan, JA and Decaro, N and Schunack, B and Benelli, G and Otranto, D},
title = {Dirofilaria spp. infection in cats from the Mediterranean basin: diagnosis and epidemiology.},
journal = {International journal for parasitology},
volume = {55},
number = {6},
pages = {317-325},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijpara.2025.01.011},
pmid = {39909190},
issn = {1879-0135},
mesh = {Animals ; Cats ; *Dirofilariasis/epidemiology/diagnosis/parasitology ; *Cat Diseases/epidemiology/parasitology/diagnosis ; Dirofilaria immitis/isolation & purification/genetics/immunology ; Female ; Mediterranean Region/epidemiology ; Wolbachia/isolation & purification/genetics ; Male ; Dirofilaria repens/isolation & purification/genetics/immunology ; Antibodies, Helminth/blood ; Risk Factors ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Coinfection/veterinary/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens, causing heartworm disease and subcutaneous dirofilariosis, respectively, are zoonotic mosquito-borne filarioids infecting a plethora of hosts including cats. Only fragmented data are available on the diagnosis and epidemiology of feline dirofilariosis. We assessed the occurrence of both nematode infections, their risk factors and clinicopathological abnormalities in cats, from six countries of the Mediterranean Basin. In addition, Wolbachia spp. endosymbionts were assessed in Dirofilaria spp.-positive animals. Blood and sera samples were obtained from cats with outdoor access from Spain (n = 354), Portugal (n = 287), Italy (n = 125), Greece (n = 116), Israel (n = 101) and France (n = 100). Cat sera were tested by both direct antigenic (SNAP test, commercial ELISA kit) and indirect antibodies (in-house ELISA) serological tools, and blood samples by real time and conventional PCR targeting Dirofilaria spp. DNA, followed by sequencing. A statistical analysis was run to assess the link between Dirofilaria spp. infection and independent variables, as well as among feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and/or feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) co-infections, and clinicopathological abnormalities. Overall, 3.8% (i.e., 41/1,083) cats scored positive for Dirofilaria spp. infection with prevalences ranging from 2% in Israel to 7.8% in Greece. Of the 41 positive cats, 16 were infected by D. immitis (by SNAP test and/or PCR) and two by D. repens (by PCR); the remaining animals were antibody-positive for Dirofilaria spp. using the in-house ELISA. Wolbachia DNA was detected in one D. immitis-infected cat. Nematode positivity was significantly associated with age, breed, hyporexia, dandruff, and dyspnoea. This study provides data on the prevalence of Dirofilaria spp. infection in cats from the Mediterranean Basin, as well as new insights on its diagnosis, revealing the importance of performing strategic chemoprophylactic treatments for cats living in areas where the infection is endemic in dogs.},
}

Animals
Cats
*Dirofilariasis/epidemiology/diagnosis/parasitology
*Cat Diseases/epidemiology/parasitology/diagnosis
Dirofilaria immitis/isolation & purification/genetics/immunology
Female
Mediterranean Region/epidemiology
Wolbachia/isolation & purification/genetics
Male
Dirofilaria repens/isolation & purification/genetics/immunology
Antibodies, Helminth/blood
Risk Factors
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
Coinfection/veterinary/epidemiology

@article {pmid39906587,
year = {2025},
author = {Singh, P and Bruijning, M and Carver, GD and Donia, MS and Metcalf, CJE},
title = {Characterizing the evolution of defense in a tripartite marine symbiosis using adaptive dynamics.},
journal = {Evolution letters},
volume = {9},
number = {1},
pages = {105-114},
pmid = {39906587},
issn = {2056-3744},
abstract = {The evolution and maintenance of symbiotic systems remains a fascinating puzzle. While the coevolutionary dynamics of bipartite (host-symbiont) systems are well-studied, the dynamics of more complex systems have only recently garnered attention with increasing technological advances. We model a tripartite system inspired by the marine symbiotic relationship between the alga Bryopsis sp., its intracellular defensive bacterial symbiont "Candidatus Endobryopsis kahalalidifaciens," which produces a toxin that protects the alga against fish herbivores, and the sea-slug Elysia rufescens (Zan et al., 2019), which is not deterred by the toxin. We disentangle the role of selection on different actors within this system by investigating evolutionary scenarios where defense evolves as (i) a host-controlled trait that reduces algal reproductive ability; (ii) a symbiont-controlled trait that impacts symbiont transmission; and (iii) a trait jointly controlled by both host and symbiont. Optimal investment in defensive toxins varies based on the characteristics of the host, symbiont, and sea slug; and evolutionary trajectories are modulated by trade-off shape, i.e., a strongly decelerating trade-off between defense and symbiont transmission can drive symbiont diversification via evolutionary branching. Increasing slug herbivory reduces host investment in defense to favor reproduction, while symbiont investment in defense first declines and then increases as host density declines to the degree that horizontal symbiont transmission is no longer beneficial. Increasing vertical transmission selects for reduced defense by the host when it evolves as a jointly controlled trait, as a result of investment by the symbiont. Our theoretical exploration of the evolution of defensive symbiosis in scenarios involving interactions with multiple herbivores provides a first window into the origin and maintenance of the Bryopsis sp. system, and adds another piece to the puzzle of the evolution of symbiotic systems.},
}

@article {pmid39904308,
year = {2025},
author = {Whiteman, NK},
title = {Insect herbivory: An inordinate fondness for plant cell wall degrading enzymes.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {35},
number = {3},
pages = {R107-R109},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2024.12.045},
pmid = {39904308},
issn = {1879-0445},
mesh = {Animals ; *Cell Wall/metabolism ; *Herbivory ; Coleoptera/physiology/genetics/enzymology ; Symbiosis ; Plants ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; },
abstract = {Tens of thousands of species of leaf beetles rely on plant cell wall degrading enzymes in order to make the most of nutritionally depauperate plant tissues. Many of the genes encoding these enzymes were acquired from microbial donors, either through horizontal gene transfer or by hosting microbial endosymbionts. A new study explores how these insects have leveraged this metabolic potential to diversify and expand into new niches.},
}

Animals
*Cell Wall/metabolism
*Herbivory
Coleoptera/physiology/genetics/enzymology
Symbiosis
Plants
Gene Transfer, Horizontal

@article {pmid39896488,
year = {2025},
author = {Chappell, L and Peguero, R and Conner, WR and Fowler, S and Cooper, B and Pfarr, K and Hoerauf, A and Lustigman, S and Sakanari, J and Sullivan, W},
title = {Fexinidazole and Corallopyronin A target Wolbachia-infected sheath cells present in filarial nematodes.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39896488},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {R35 GM124701/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R35 GM139595/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {The discovery of the endosymbiotic bacteria Wolbachia as an obligate symbiont of filarial nematodes has led to antibiotic-based treatments for filarial diseases. While lab and clinical studies have yielded promising results, recent animal studies reveal that Wolbachia levels may rebound following treatment with suboptimal doses of the antibiotic rifampicin. Previous work showed that a likely source of the bacterial rebound in females were dense clusters of Wolbachia in ovarian tissue. The number, size, and density of these Wolbachia clusters were not diminished despite antibiotic treatment. Here we define the cellular characteristics of the Wolbachia clusters in Brugia pahangi (wBp) and identify drugs that also target them. We have evidence that the Wolbachia clusters originate from newly formed sheath cells adjacent to the ovarian Distal Tip Cells. The dramatically enlarged volume of an infected sheath cell is strikingly similar to endosymbiont-induced bacteriocytes found in many insect species. Ultrastructural analysis reveals that the clustered Wolbachia present within the sheath cells exhibit a distinct morphology and form direct connections with the oocyte membrane and possibly the cytoplasm. This includes membrane-based channels providing a connection between Wolbachia-infected sheath cells and oocytes. We also determined that the Wolbachia within the sheath cells are either quiescent or replicating at a very low rate. Screens of known antibiotics and other drugs revealed that two drugs, Fexinidazole and Corallopyronin A, significantly reduced the number of clustered Wolbachia located within the sheath cells.},
}

@article {pmid39895309,
year = {2025},
author = {Kelly, JB and Carlson, DE and Reuter, M and Sommershof, A and Adamec, L and Becks, L},
title = {Genomic Signatures of Adaptation to Stress Reveal Shared Evolutionary Trends Between Tetrahymena utriculariae and Its Algal Endosymbiont, Micractinium tetrahymenae.},
journal = {Molecular biology and evolution},
volume = {42},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {39895309},
issn = {1537-1719},
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Tetrahymena/genetics ; *Genome, Protozoan ; Chlorophyta/genetics ; Adaptation, Physiological/genetics ; Lamiales/genetics ; Biological Evolution ; Evolution, Molecular ; Oxidative Stress ; },
abstract = {The evolution of intracellular endosymbiosis marks a major transition in the biology of the host and endosymbiont. Yet, how adaptation manifests in the genomes of the participants remains relatively understudied. We investigated this question by sequencing the genomes of Tetrahymena utriculariae, a commensal of the aquatic carnivorous bladderwort Utricularia reflexa, and its intracellular algae, Micractinium tetrahymenae. We discovered an expansion in copy number and negative selection in a TLD domain-bearing gene family in the genome of T. utriculariae, identifying it as a candidate for being an adaptive response to oxidative stress resulting from the physiology of its endosymbionts. We found that the M. tetrahymenae genome is larger than those of other Micractinium and Chlorella and contains a greater number of rapidly expanding orthogroups. These were enriched for Gene Ontology terms relevant to the regulation of intracellular signal transduction and cellular responses to stress and stimulus. Single-exon tandem repeats were overrepresented in paralogs belonging to these rapidly expanding orthogroups, which implicates long terminal repeat retrotransposons (LTRs) as potential agents of adaptation. We additionally performed a comparative transcriptomic analysis of M. tetrahymenae in a free-living state and in endosymbiosis with T. utriculariae and discovered that the genes that are differentially expressed were enriched for pathways that evidence shifts in energy generation and storage and in cellular protection strategies. Together, our results elucidate the axes along which the participants must adapt in this young endosymbiosis and highlight evolutionary responses to stress as a shared trend.},
}

*Symbiosis
*Tetrahymena/genetics
*Genome, Protozoan
Chlorophyta/genetics
Adaptation, Physiological/genetics
Lamiales/genetics
Biological Evolution
Evolution, Molecular
Oxidative Stress

@article {pmid39892716,
year = {2025},
author = {Dudzic, JP and McPherson, AE and Taylor, KE and Eben, A and Abram, PK and Perlman, SJ},
title = {Candidate DNA and RNA viruses of Drosophila suzukii from Canada and Germany, and their interactions with Wolbachia.},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {209},
number = {},
pages = {108274},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2025.108274},
pmid = {39892716},
issn = {1096-0805},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/genetics/physiology ; *Drosophila/microbiology/virology ; *RNA Viruses/genetics ; Germany ; *DNA Viruses/genetics ; British Columbia ; Virome ; Symbiosis ; Canada ; },
abstract = {Some species of insects harbour strains of the endosymbiotic bacteria Wolbachia that do not cause obvious reproductive manipulations, and so it is unclear why they persist in host populations. There is some evidence that some of these endosymbionts may provide their hosts with protection against viruses, which would help to explain their persistence, but few studies have explored associations between Wolbachia and naturally occurring, common viruses in natural populations. Here, we asked whether individuals of the invasive vinegar fly Drosophila suzukii infected with the wSuz strain of Wolbachia were less likely to be infected by naturally occurring viruses in its invaded range, in western North America and in Europe. First, using next-generation sequencing, we conducted a virome survey of adult and larval D. suzukii in British Columbia, Canada, finding eight candidate RNA viruses and two candidate DNA viruses; all but one have not been reported previously. Only the previously described Teise virus, an RNA virus, was abundant in our virome survey. We then screened individual flies from British Columbia and Germany for Teise virus and Wolbachia. Wolbachia-infected D. suzukii from the field were not less likely to be infected by Teise virus. Overall, our results do not provide conclusive evidence that wSuz provides strong protection for D. suzukii against viruses that are common in natural populations. However, the other viruses that we discovered in this study deserve further characterization in terms of their pathogenicity to D. suzukii and the frequency and dynamics of infection in wild populations.},
}

Animals
*Wolbachia/genetics/physiology
*Drosophila/microbiology/virology
*RNA Viruses/genetics
Germany
*DNA Viruses/genetics
British Columbia
Virome
Symbiosis
Canada

@article {pmid39888974,
year = {2025},
author = {Awuoche, EO and Smallenberger, G and Bruzzese, DL and Orfano, A and Weiss, BL and Aksoy, S},
title = {Spiroplasma endosymbiont reduction of host lipid synthesis and Stomoxyn-like peptide contribute to trypanosome resistance in the tsetse fly Glossina fuscipes.},
journal = {PLoS pathogens},
volume = {21},
number = {1},
pages = {e1012692},
pmid = {39888974},
issn = {1553-7374},
support = {R01 AI068932/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI139525/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R21 AI163969/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*Tsetse Flies/parasitology/microbiology ; Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Spiroplasma/physiology ; Insect Vectors/microbiology/parasitology ; Lipids/biosynthesis ; Trypanosomiasis, African/immunology/parasitology ; },
abstract = {Tsetse flies (Glossina spp.) vector African trypanosomes that cause devastating diseases in humans and domestic animals. Within the Glossina genus, species in the Palpalis subgroup exhibit greater resistance to trypanosome infections compared to those in the Morsitans subgroup. Varying microbiota composition and species-specific genetic traits can significantly influence the efficiency of parasite transmission. Notably, infections with the endosymbiotic bacterium Spiroplasma have been documented in several Palpalis subgroup species, including Glossina fuscipes fuscipes (Gff). While Spiroplasma infections in Gff are known to hinder trypanosome transmission, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. To investigate Spiroplasma-mediated factors affecting Gff vector competence, we conducted high-throughput RNA sequencing of the gut tissue along with functional assays. Our findings reveal elevated oxidative stress in the gut environment in the presence of Spiroplasma, evidenced by increased expression of nitric oxide synthase, which catalyzes the production of trypanocidal nitric oxide. Additionally, we observed impaired lipid biosynthesis leading to a reduction of this important class of nutrients essential for parasite and host physiologies. In contrast, trypanosome infections in Gff's midgut significantly upregulated various immunity-related genes, including a small peptide, Stomoxyn-like, homologous to Stomoxyn first discovered in the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans. We observed that the Stomoxyn-like locus is exclusive to the genomes of Palpalis subgroup tsetse species. GffStomoxyn is constitutively expressed in the cardia (proventriculus) and synthetic GffStomoxyn exhibits potent activity against Escherichia coli and bloodstream form of Trypanosoma brucei parasites, while showing no effect against insect stage procyclic forms or tsetse's commensal endosymbiont Sodalis in vitro. Reducing GffStomoxyn levels significantly increased trypanosome infection prevalence, indicating its potential trypanocidal role in vivo. Collectively, our results suggest that the enhanced resistance to trypanosomes observed in Spiroplasma-infected Gff may be due to the reduced lipid availability necessary for parasite metabolic maintenance. Furthermore, GffStomoxyn could play a crucial role in the initial immune response(s) against mammalian parasites early in the infection process in the gut and prevent gut colonization. We discuss the molecular characteristics of GffStomoxyn, its spatial and temporal expression regulation and its microbicidal activity against Trypanosome parasites. Our findings reinforce the nutritional influences of microbiota on host physiology and host-pathogen dynamics.},
}

*Tsetse Flies/parasitology/microbiology
Animals
*Symbiosis
*Spiroplasma/physiology
Insect Vectors/microbiology/parasitology
Lipids/biosynthesis
Trypanosomiasis, African/immunology/parasitology

@article {pmid39888481,
year = {2025},
author = {Yao, RK and Gomgnimbou, MK and Coulibaly, IZ and Essoh, CY and Traoré, I and Amara, MF and Ako, BA and Diabate, A and Bilgo, E},
title = {Molecular detection of Wolbachia sp. and Cytoplasmic incompatibility factors (CifA/B) in wild caught mosquitoes in Côte d'Ivoire.},
journal = {Molecular biology reports},
volume = {52},
number = {1},
pages = {181},
pmid = {39888481},
issn = {1573-4978},
support = {ref/letter acceptation CEA/ITECH-MTV du 04/02/2021 à YAO R. Karlhis//CEA/ITECH-MTV/ ; ref/letter acceptation CEA/ITECH-MTV du 04/02/2021 à AMARA Miriam Félicité//CEA/ITECH-MTV/ ; 218771/Z/19/Z/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {*Wolbachia/genetics/isolation & purification ; Animals ; Cote d'Ivoire ; *Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/genetics ; *RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Culicidae/microbiology ; Aedes/microbiology/genetics ; Culex/microbiology ; Symbiosis ; Cytoplasm/microbiology ; Female ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Wolbachia is an endosymbiont bacterium known to stimulate host immunity against arboviruses and protozoa. Côte d'Ivoire is in a malaria-endemic region, and has experienced several dengue epidemics in recent decades as well. In order to help reduce the transmission of pathogens by mosquito vectors, we studied the prevalence of Wolbachia and the distribution of Cytoplasmic incompatibility factors (Cif) genes in different mosquito species caught in the wild in Cote d'Ivoire.

METHODS AND RESULTS: Mosquitoes of the genera Anopheles, Aedes, Culex, Eretmapodites and Mansonia were captured in five cities. Mosquitoes were collected at larval stage in breeding sites and adults were captured using BG sentinel traps. The mosquitoes were identified morphologically and Wolbachia and Cif were screened using qPCR targeting the 16s rRNA gene and the CifA, B genes. A total of 518 mosquito samples belonging to 15 species and 4 genera were examined. 60% of the species were infected with Wolbachia. The three medically important mosquito species Aedes aegypti, Anopheles gambiae s.l. and Culex quinquefasciatus had a prevalence of 12.84%, 13.46% and 72.64% respectively. The Wolbachia strains infecting the different mosquito species of the genus Culex encoded 98.46% for the CifA gene and 77.69% for the CifB gene.

CONCLUSION: The presence of Wolbachia and CifA, B genes in mosquitoes of different species in Côte d'Ivoire offer a promising opportunity to reduce the competence of mosquito vectors. Characterization of Wolbachia strains and cytoplasmic incompatibility factors will provide a better understanding of these endosymbionts, enabling the development of vector control strategies.},
}

*Wolbachia/genetics/isolation & purification
Animals
Cote d'Ivoire
*Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/genetics
*RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Culicidae/microbiology
Aedes/microbiology/genetics
Culex/microbiology
Symbiosis
Cytoplasm/microbiology
Female

@article {pmid39874904,
year = {2025},
author = {Gürelli, G and Kesbiç, FI},
title = {Morphology and phylogeny of Pararaabena dentata Wolska, 1968 and further insights into the molecular evolution of trichostome ciliates (Ciliophora, Litostomatea).},
journal = {European journal of protistology},
volume = {97},
number = {},
pages = {126133},
doi = {10.1016/j.ejop.2025.126133},
pmid = {39874904},
issn = {1618-0429},
mesh = {*Phylogeny ; *RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics ; *Ciliophora/classification/genetics/cytology ; Animals ; Evolution, Molecular ; Species Specificity ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Turkey ; },
abstract = {The morphology and phylogenetic position of a trichostome ciliate, Pararaabena dentata, isolated from the intestine of an Asian elephant (Elaphas maximus) in Gaziantep Zoo, Turkey, were studied using pyridinated silver carbonate impregnation, scanning electron microscopy, and the 18S rRNA gene. Pararaabena dentata clustered together with Raabena bella and both taxa were phylogenetically not related to members of the family Blepharocorythidae, as expected in the past. Phylogenetic trees indicated that amphibian intestinal ciliates represented by Balantidium grimi, B. duodeni, and B. entozoon are basal to all other trichostome ciliates, causing the family Balantidiidae to be polyphyletic. The molecular evolution of the subclass Trichostomatia is thoroughly discussed.},
}

*Phylogeny
*RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics
*Ciliophora/classification/genetics/cytology
Animals
Evolution, Molecular
Species Specificity
Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
Turkey

@article {pmid39874143,
year = {2025},
author = {Leung, K and Beukeboom, LW and Zwaan, BJ},
title = {Inbreeding and Outbreeding Depression in Wild and Captive Insect Populations.},
journal = {Annual review of entomology},
volume = {70},
number = {1},
pages = {271-292},
doi = {10.1146/annurev-ento-022924-020221},
pmid = {39874143},
issn = {1545-4487},
mesh = {Animals ; *Insecta ; *Inbreeding ; Inbreeding Depression ; Genetic Variation ; },
abstract = {Major changes in genetic variation are generally considered deleterious to populations. The massive biodiversity of insects distinguishes them from other animal groups. Insect deviant effective population sizes, alternative modes of reproduction, advantageous inbreeding, endosymbionts, and other factors translate to highly specific inbreeding and outbreeding outcomes. We review the evidence for inbreeding and outbreeding depression and consequences across wild and captive insect populations, highlighting conservation, invasion, and commercial production entomology. We not only discern patterns but also explain why they are often inconsistent or absent. We discuss how insect inbreeding and outbreeding depression operates in complex, sometimes contradictory directions, such as inbreeding being detrimental to individuals but beneficial to populations. We conclude by giving recommendations to (a) more comprehensively account for important variables in insect inbreeding and outbreeding depression, (b) standardize the means of measuring genetic variation and phenotypic impacts for insect populations so as to more reliably predict when inbreeding or outbreeding depression applies, and (c) outline possible remediation options, both nongenetic and genetic, including revision of restrictive international trade laws.},
}

Animals
*Insecta
*Inbreeding
Inbreeding Depression
Genetic Variation

@article {pmid39873136,
year = {2024},
author = {Barzilay, D and Alcino, JPB and Ribeiro, GM and Sousa, ALP and Lahr, DJG},
title = {Re-evaluating evidence for giant genomes in amoebae.},
journal = {Genetics and molecular biology},
volume = {47Suppl 1},
number = {Suppl 1},
pages = {e20240092},
pmid = {39873136},
issn = {1415-4757},
abstract = {Here we reassess available evidence for the long-held misconception of amoebae possessing exceptionally large genomes. Traditionally, estimates relied on inaccurate methods like DNA weight measurements, leading to inflated sizes. These methods failed to account for contaminating DNA from prey, endosymbionts, and intrinsic genomic features like ribosomal operon amplification. Modern sequencing techniques unveil a different picture. Fully sequenced amoebozoa genomes range from 14.4 to 52.37 mega basepairs, well within the typical single-celled eukaryote expectation. While the whole genome of the historically relevant Amoeba proteus has not yet been fully sequenced, we provide here a statistical analysis using protein-coding genes from transcriptomic data, suggesting that the genome size is consistent with this range, far smaller than previously claimed. The misconception likely originated in the early 21st century and perpetuated through popular science materials. We conclude that there is no longer reason to reaffirm that amoeba genomes are giant.},
}

@article {pmid39868642,
year = {2025},
author = {Packer, JA and Zavadska, D and Weston, EJ and Eglit, Y and Richter, DJ and Simpson, AGB},
title = {Characterization of Allobodo yubaba sp. nov. and Novijibodo darinka gen. et sp. nov., cultivable free-living species of the phylogenetically enigmatic kinetoplastid taxon Allobodonidae.},
journal = {The Journal of eukaryotic microbiology},
volume = {72},
number = {1},
pages = {e13072},
pmid = {39868642},
issn = {1550-7408},
support = {298366-2019//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; QC2021-007134-P//Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación/ ; //NextGenerationEU/ ; 949745//H2020 European Research Council/ ; 2021 SGR 00751//Generalitat de Catalunya/ ; },
mesh = {*Phylogeny ; DNA, Protozoan/genetics ; Kinetoplastida/genetics/classification/isolation & purification/ultrastructure ; DNA, Ribosomal/genetics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; },
abstract = {Kinetoplastids are a large and diverse protist group, spanning ecologically important free-living forms to medically important parasites. The taxon Allobodonidae holds an unresolved position within kinetoplastids, and the sole described species, Allobodo chlorophagus, is uncultivated, being a necrotroph/parasite of macroalgae. Here we describe Allobodo yubaba sp. nov. and Novijibodo darinka gen. nov. et sp. nov., both free-living bacterivores isolated into monoeukaryotic cultures. Electron microscopy shows that both A. yubaba and N. darinka have a microtubular prism in the feeding apparatus (absent in A. chlorophagus), and an ovoid eukinetoplast, rather than pan-kDNA as in A. chlorophagus. Phylogenetic analyses of SSU rDNA sequences robustly place A. yubaba as the sister to A. chlorophagus, while N. darinka branches separately within Allobodonidae, as a sister group of undescribed freshwater isolates. We view Allobodonidae as containing at least four genus-level clades: Allobodo (A. chlorophagus and A. yubaba n. sp.), an undescribed fresh-water clade, an undescribed marine clade, and now Novijibodo-with N. darinka as its sole known member. Electron microscopy also revealed a rod-shaped gram-negative bacterial cytoplasmic endosymbiont in our N. darinka isolate. The availability of these species in monoeukaryotic culture should facilitate future research, including resolving the position of Allobodonidae using phylogenomic approaches.},
}

*Phylogeny
DNA, Protozoan/genetics
Kinetoplastida/genetics/classification/isolation & purification/ultrastructure
DNA, Ribosomal/genetics
RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics
Sequence Analysis, DNA