@article {pmid39239207,
year = {2024},
author = {Ho-Plágaro, T and Usman, M and Swinnen, J and Ruytinx, J and Gosti, F and Gaillard, I and Zimmermann, SD},
title = {HcZnT2 is a highly mycorrhiza-induced zinc transporter from Hebeloma cylindrosporum in association with pine.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1466279},
pmid = {39239207},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Zinc (Zn) shortage is a common micronutrient deficiency affecting plants worldwide, while Zn toxicity may occur when this metal is in excess. Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi are known to be able to modulate the transfer of macro- and microelements, among them Zn, to the plant. However, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. We identified the HcZnT2 gene from the ECM fungus Hebeloma cylindrosporum, encoding a member of the Cation Diffusion Facilitator (CDF) family including Zn transporters, and analyzed its transcriptional regulation, the transport function by yeast complementation experiments, and its subcellular localization using a GFP fusion protein in yeast. HcZnT2 is highly induced during mycorrhization of Pinus pinaster, and upregulated in presence of the host plant root even without any direct contact. However, HcZnT2 is repressed by Zn excess conditions. By functional expression in yeast, our results strongly support the ability of HcZnT2 to transport Zn and, to a lesser extent, manganese. HcZnT2 localization was associated with the endoplasmic reticulum of yeast. Mycorrhizal gene activation at low external Zn suggests that the Zn transporter HcZnT2 might be important for the early establishment of the ECM symbiosis during Zn deficiency, rather than under Zn excess. HcZnT2 arises as an extremely remarkable candidate playing a key role in Zn homeostasis and regulation in ectomycorrhiza.},
}

@article {pmid39238383,
year = {2024},
author = {Sanyal, S and Nigam, K and Singh, S and Lohani, P and Dwivedi, M},
title = {Pathophysiological and Clinical Potential of Human Microbiome: Microbe-based Therapeutic Insights.},
journal = {Current pharmaceutical biotechnology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.2174/0113892010314433240823113111},
pmid = {39238383},
issn = {1873-4316},
abstract = {The human microbiota represents the community and diverse population of microbes within the human body, which comprises approximately 100 trillion micro-organisms. They exist in the human gastrointestinal tract and various other organs and are now considered virtual body organs. It is mainly represented by bacteria but also includes viruses, fungi, and protozoa. Although there is a heritable component to the gut microbiota, environmental factors related to diet, drugs, and anthropometry determine the composition of the microbiota. Besides the gastrointestinal tract, the human body also harbours microbial communities in the skin, oral and nasal cavities, and reproductive tract. The current review demonstrates the role of gut microbiota and its involvement in processing food, drugs, and immune responses. The discussion focuses on the implications of human microbiota in developing several diseases, such as gastrointestinal infections, metabolic disorders, malignancies, etc., through symbiotic relationships. The microbial population may vary depending on the pathophysiological condition of an individual and thus may be exploited as a therapeutic and clinical player. Further, we need a more thorough investigation to establish the correlation between microbes and pathophysiology in humans and propose them as potential therapeutic targets.},
}

@article {pmid39238368,
year = {2024},
author = {Hansen, AK and Argondona, JA and Miao, S and Percy, DM and Degnan, PH},
title = {Rapid loss of nutritional symbionts in an endemic Hawaiian herbivore radiation is associated with plant galling habit.},
journal = {Molecular biology and evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/molbev/msae190},
pmid = {39238368},
issn = {1537-1719},
abstract = {Insect herbivores frequently co-speciate with symbionts that enable them to survive on nutritionally unbalanced diets. While ancient symbiont gain and loss events have been pivotal for insect diversification and feeding niche specialization, evidence of recent events is scarce. We examine the recent loss of nutritional symbionts (in as little as 1 MY) in sap-feeding Pariaconus, an endemic Hawaiian insect genus that has undergone adaptive radiation, evolving various galling and free-living ecologies on a single host plant species, Metrosideros polymorpha within the last ∼5MY. Using 16S rRNA sequencing we investigated the bacterial microbiomes of 19 Pariaconus species and identified distinct symbiont profiles associated with specific host-plant ecologies. Phylogenetic analyses and metagenomic reconstructions revealed significant differences in microbial diversity and functions among psyllids with different host-plant ecologies. Within a few MY, Pariaconus species convergently evolved the closed-gall habit twice. This shift to enclosed galls coincided with loss of the Morganella-like symbiont that provides the essential amino acid arginine to free-living and open-gall sister species. After the Pariaconus lineage left Kauai and colonized younger islands, both open- and closed-gall species lost the Dickeya-like symbiont. This symbiont is crucial for synthesizing essential amino acids (phenylalanine, tyrosine, lysine) as well as B-vitamins in free-living species. The recurrent loss of these symbionts in galling species reinforces evidence that galls are nutrient sinks and combined with the rapidity of the evolutionary timeline, highlights the dynamic role of insect-symbiont relationships during the diversification of feeding ecologies. We propose new Candidatus names for the novel Morganella-like and Dickeya-like symbionts.},
}

@article {pmid39238149,
year = {2024},
author = {Zuo, Y and Yang, G},
title = {"Maintaining symbiosis in conflict": the quality of life of disabled elderly individuals in Chinese elderly care institutions - a grounded theory study.},
journal = {International journal of qualitative studies on health and well-being},
volume = {19},
number = {1},
pages = {2397845},
doi = {10.1080/17482631.2024.2397845},
pmid = {39238149},
issn = {1748-2631},
mesh = {Humans ; *Quality of Life ; Aged ; Female ; Male ; *Grounded Theory ; *Loneliness/psychology ; *Disabled Persons/psychology ; Aged, 80 and over ; China ; Social Interaction ; Homes for the Aged ; Qualitative Research ; Middle Aged ; Adaptation, Psychological ; Nursing Homes ; Pain/psychology ; East Asian People ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Exploring the quality of life of disabled elderly individuals in eldercare facilities holds significant importance in the improvement of service quality, the allocation of eldercare resources, and the enhancement of the well-being of the elderly. This study, grounded in the subjective perspective of disabled elderly individuals, aims to investigate their quality of life within eldercare institutions.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A grounded theory approach was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with 35 participants.

RESULTS: Data analysis revealed that the quality of life of disabled elderly individuals in Chinese elderly care institutions is characterized by "maintaining symbiosis in conflict" and encompasses four dimensions: complex adaptation process, complexities in social interactions, physical pain and the lonely soul.

DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Spending late years in elderly care institutions poses a trial and challenge for disabled elderly individuals, especially within a cultural environment that traditionally revolves around the "family" unit. In these institutions, disabled elderly individuals not only endure physical pain but also grapple with feelings of loneliness. They maintain the facade of family dignity by concealing true emotions, ensuring the harmonious and stable operation of the elderly care institution.Enhancing the quality of life for disabled elderly individuals requires not only an improvement in the service capabilities of elderly care institution staff but also collaborative efforts from policymakers and family members.},
}

Humans
*Quality of Life
Aged
Female
Male
*Grounded Theory
*Loneliness/psychology
*Disabled Persons/psychology
Aged, 80 and over
China
Social Interaction
Homes for the Aged
Qualitative Research
Middle Aged
Adaptation, Psychological
Nursing Homes
Pain/psychology
East Asian People

@article {pmid39237951,
year = {2024},
author = {Mogro, EG and Draghi, WO and Lagares, A and Lozano, MJ},
title = {Identification and functional analysis of recent IS transposition events in rhizobia.},
journal = {Mobile DNA},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {17},
pmid = {39237951},
issn = {1759-8753},
support = {PICT2016-0171//Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica/ ; PIP2021-2023-GI-11220200100616CO//Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas/ ; },
abstract = {Rhizobia are alpha- and beta- Proteobacteria that, through the establishment of symbiotic interactions with leguminous plants, are able to fix atmospheric nitrogen as ammonium. The successful establishment of a symbiotic interaction is highly dependent on the availability of nitrogen sources in the soil, and on the specific rhizobia strain. Insertion sequences (ISs) are simple transposable genetic elements that can move to different locations within the host genome and are known to play an important evolutionary role, contributing to genome plasticity by acting as recombination hot-spots, and disrupting coding and regulatory sequences. Disruption of coding sequences may have occurred either in a common ancestor of the species or more recently. By means of ISComapare, we identified Differentially Located ISs (DLISs) in nearly related rhizobial strains of the genera Bradyrhizobium, Mesorhizobium, Rhizobium and Sinorhizobium. Our results revealed that recent IS transposition could have a role in adaptation by enabling the activation and inactivation of genes that could dynamically affect the competition and survival of rhizobia in the rhizosphere.},
}

@article {pmid39237637,
year = {2024},
author = {Gopalakrishnan, K and Wager, YZ and Roostaei, J},
title = {Co-cultivation of microalgae and bacteria for optimal bioenergy feedstock production in wastewater by using response surface methodology.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {20703},
pmid = {39237637},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {*Wastewater/microbiology ; *Microalgae/growth & development/metabolism ; *Biofuels/microbiology ; *Biomass ; *Bacteria/metabolism/growth & development ; *Carbon Dioxide/metabolism ; Coculture Techniques/methods ; Symbiosis ; Lipids/biosynthesis/analysis ; },
abstract = {This work uses response surface methodology (RSM) to study the co-cultivation of symbiotic indigenous wastewater microalgae and bacteria under different conditions (inoculum ratio of bacteria to microalgae, CO2, light intensity, and harvest time) for optimal bioenergy feedstock production. The findings of this study demonstrate that the symbiotic microalgae-bacteria culture not only increases total microalgal biomass and lipid productivity, but also enlarges microalgal cell size and stimulates lipid accumulation. Meanwhile, inoculum ratio of bacteria to microalgae, light intensity, CO2, and harvest time significantly affect biomass and lipid productivity. CO2 concentration and harvest time have significant interactive effect on lipid productivity. The response of microalgal biomass and lipid productivity varies significantly from 2.1 × 10[5] to 1.9 × 10[7] cells/mL and 2.8 × 10[2] to 3.7 × 10[12] Total Fluorescent Units/mL respectively. Conditions for optimum biomass and oil accumulation are 100% of inoculation ratio (bacteria/microalgae), 3.6% of CO2 (v/v), 205.8 µmol/m[2]/s of light intensity, and 10.6 days of harvest time. This work provides a systematic methodology with RSM to explore the benefits of symbiotic microalgae-bacteria culture, and to optimize various cultivation parameters within complex wastewater environments for practical applications of integrated wastewater-microalgae systems for cost-efficient bioenergy production.},
}

*Wastewater/microbiology
*Microalgae/growth & development/metabolism
*Biofuels/microbiology
*Biomass
*Bacteria/metabolism/growth & development
*Carbon Dioxide/metabolism
Coculture Techniques/methods
Symbiosis
Lipids/biosynthesis/analysis

@article {pmid39235243,
year = {2024},
author = {Coppinger, M and Yang, L and Popham, DL and Ruby, E and Stabb, EV},
title = {Transient infection of Euprymna scolopes with an engineered D-alanine auxotroph of Vibrio fischeri.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0129824},
doi = {10.1128/aem.01298-24},
pmid = {39235243},
issn = {1098-5336},
abstract = {The symbiosis between Vibrio fischeri and the Hawaiian bobtail squid, Euprymna scolopes, is a tractable and well-studied model of bacteria-animal mutualism. Here, we developed a method to transiently colonize E. scolopes using D-alanine (D-ala) auxotrophy of the symbiont, controlling the persistence of viable infection by supplying or withholding D-ala. We generated alanine racemase (alr) mutants of V. fischeri that lack avenues for mutational suppression of auxotrophy or reversion to prototrophy. Surprisingly, an ∆alr mutant did not require D-ala to grow in a minimal medium, a phenomenon requiring metC, which encodes cystathionine β-lyase. Likewise, overexpression of metC suppressed D-ala auxotrophy in a rich medium. To block potential mechanisms of suppression, we combined the ∆alr mutation with deletions of metC and/or bsrF, which encodes a broad-spectrum racemase and investigated the suppression rates of four D-ala auxotrophic strains. We then focused on ∆alr ∆bsrF mutant MC13, which has a suppression rate of <10[-9]. When D-ala was removed from a growing culture of MC13, cells rounded and lysed within 40 minutes. Transient colonization of E. scolopes was achieved by inoculating squid in seawater containing MC13 and D-ala, and then transferring the squid into water lacking D-ala, which resulted in loss of viable symbionts within hours. Interestingly, the symbionts within crypt 3 persisted longer than those of crypt 1, suggesting a difference in bacterial growth rate in distinct crypt environments. Our study highlights a new approach for inducing transient colonization and provides insight into the biogeography of the E. scolopes light organ.IMPORTANCEThe importance of this study is multi-faceted, providing a valuable methodological tool and insight into the biology of the symbiosis between Vibrio fischeri and Euprymna scolopes. First, the study sheds light on the critical role of D-ala for bacterial growth, and the underpinnings of D-ala synthesis. Our observations that metC obviates the need for D-ala supplementation of an alr mutant in minimal medium and that MetC-dependent growth correlates with D-ala in peptidoglycan, corroborate and extend previous findings in Escherichia coli regarding a role of MetC in D-ala production. Second, our isolation of robust D-ala auxotrophs led us to a novel method for studying the squid-Vibrio symbiosis, allowing for transient colonization without the use of antibiotics, and revealed intriguing differences in symbiont growth parameters in distinct light organ crypts. This work and the methodology developed will contribute to our understanding of the persistence and dynamics of V. fischeri within its host.},
}

@article {pmid39235028,
year = {2024},
author = {Su, D and Sun, R and Xu, RF and Zhang, WH and Lyu, GZ},
title = {[Species diversity of dark septate endophytes in tundra plants of Changbai Mountains, Northeast China].},
journal = {Ying yong sheng tai xue bao = The journal of applied ecology},
volume = {35},
number = {6},
pages = {1689-1694},
doi = {10.13287/j.1001-9332.202406.029},
pmid = {39235028},
issn = {1001-9332},
mesh = {*Endophytes/isolation & purification/classification/genetics ; China ; *Biodiversity ; *Plant Roots/microbiology ; Rhododendron/microbiology ; Fungi/classification/isolation & purification/genetics ; Vaccinium/microbiology ; Ascomycota/isolation & purification/classification/genetics ; Ecosystem ; Alternaria/isolation & purification/classification/genetics ; },
abstract = {We isolated the dark septate endophytic (DSE) fungi from roots of typical plant species in the tundra of Changbai Mountains Nature Reserve, including Rhododendron aureum, R. conferentiatum, Vaccinium uliginosum, and Dryas octopetala, and studied their colonization. We further investigated the DSE community composition and species diversity of the four tundra plant species by using morphological characteristics combined with rDNA ITS sequence analysis. The results showed that DSE formed a typical structure of "microsclerotia" in roots of the four plant species. A total of 69 strains of DSE fungi were isolated from the root samples, belonging to 10 genera, and 12 species. They were Phialocephala fortinii, Alternaria alternata, A. tenuissima, Epicocum nigrum, Canariomyces microsporus, Colletotrichum spaethianum, C. camelliae, Leptophoria sp., Cladosporium cladosporioides, Phoma sp., Cadophora sp., and Discosia italica, respectively. The DSE fungal species diversity was rich, and all these fungal species were firstly reported as DSE fungi in the alpine tundra belt of China. Among them, Phialocephala fortinii was the common and dominant species of all tundra plants. The Simpson, Pielou, and Shannon diversity indices of DSE fungi of the four plant species of tundra differed significantly. Our results showed that tundra plants have rich diversity of DSE fungi, and they can form a good symbiotic relationship, which enhance the adaptability of tundra plants to the harsh environment.},
}

*Endophytes/isolation & purification/classification/genetics
China
*Biodiversity
*Plant Roots/microbiology
Rhododendron/microbiology
Fungi/classification/isolation & purification/genetics
Vaccinium/microbiology
Ascomycota/isolation & purification/classification/genetics
Ecosystem
Alternaria/isolation & purification/classification/genetics

@article {pmid39234548,
year = {2024},
author = {Liao, T and Li, XR and Fan, L and Zhang, B and Zheng, WM and Hua, JJ and Li, L and Mahror, N and Cheng, LH},
title = {Nature of back slopping kombucha fermentation process: insights from the microbial succession, metabolites composition changes and their correlations.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1433127},
pmid = {39234548},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Kombucha, a fermented tea prepared with a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY), offers a unique and unpredictable home-brewed fermentation process. Therefore, the need for a controlled kombucha fermentation process has become evident, which requiring a thorough understanding of the microbial composition and its relationship with the metabolites produced. In this study, we investigated the dynamics of microbial communities and metabolites over a 12-day fermentation period of a conventional kombucha-making process. Our findings revealed similarities between the microbial communities in the early (0-2 days) and late (10-12 days) fermentation periods, supporting the principle of back-slopping fermentation. Untargeted metabolite analysis unveiled the presence of harmful biogenic amines in the produced kombucha, with concentrations increasing progressively throughout fermentation, albeit showing relatively lower abundance on days 8 and 12. Additionally, a contrasting trend between ethanol and caffeine content was observed. Canonical correspondence analysis highlighted strong positive correlations between specific bacterial/yeast strains and identified metabolites. In conclusion, our study sheds light on the microbial and metabolite dynamics of kombucha fermentation, emphasizing the importance of microbial control and quality assurance measures in the production process.},
}

@article {pmid39234542,
year = {2024},
author = {Xin, G and Xiaohong, S and Yujiao, S and Wenbao, L and Yanjun, W and Zhimou, C and Arvolab, L},
title = {Characterization of bacterial community dynamics dominated by salinity in lakes of the Inner Mongolian Plateau, China.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1448919},
pmid = {39234542},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Microorganisms in lakes are sensitive to salinity fluctuations. Despite extensive prior research on bacterial communities, our understanding of their characteristics and assembly mechanisms in lakes, especially in desert lakes with different salinities. To address this issue, we collected three samples from freshwater lakes, six from brackish lakes, and five from salt lakes in the Badanjilin Desert. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing was applied to investigate the bacterial interactions with rising salinity, community coexistence patterns, and assembly mechanisms. Our findings suggested that the increased lake salinity significantly reduces the bacterial community diversity and enhanced the community differentiation. Significant variations were observed in the contribution of biomarkers from Cyanobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Halobacterota to the composition of the lake bacterial communities. The bacterial communities in the salt lakes exhibited a higher susceptibility to salinity limitations than those in the freshwater and brackish lakes. In addition, the null modeling analyses confirmed the quantitative biases in the stochastic assembly processes of bacterial communities across freshwater, brackish, and saline lakes. With the increasing lake salinity, the significance of undominated and diffusion limitation decreased slightly, and the influence of homogenizing dispersal on community assembly increased. However, the stochasticity remained the dominant process across all lakes in the Badanjilin Desert. The analysis of co-occurring networks revealed that the rising salinity reduced the complexity of bacterial network structures and altered the interspecific interactions, resulting in the increased interspecies collaboration with increasing salinity levels. Under the influence of salinity stress, the key taxon Cyanobacteria in freshwater lakes (Schizothrix_LEGE_07164) was replaced by Proteobacteria (Thalassobaculum and Polycyclovorans) in brackish lakes, and Thermotogota (SC103) in salt lakes. The results indicated the symbiotic patterns of bacterial communities across varying salinity gradients in lakes and offer insights into potential mechanisms of community aggregation, thereby enhancing our understanding of bacterial distribution in response to salinity changes.},
}

@article {pmid39233758,
year = {2024},
author = {Yang, C and Zhou, Q and Shen, Y and Liu, L and Cao, Y and Tian, H and Cao, S and Liu, C},
title = {The co-dispersal strategy of Endocarpon (Verrucariaceae) shapes an unusual lichen population structure.},
journal = {Mycoscience},
volume = {65},
number = {3},
pages = {138-150},
pmid = {39233758},
issn = {1618-2545},
abstract = {The reproduction and dispersal strategies of lichens play a major role in shaping their population structure and photobiont diversity. Sexual reproduction, which is common, leads to high lichen genetic diversity and low photobiont selectivity. However, the lichen genus Endocarpon adopts a special co-dispersal model in which algal cells from the photobiont and ascospores from the mycobiont are released together into the environment. To explore the dispersal strategy impact on population structures, a total of 62 Endocarpon individuals and 12 related Verrucariaceae genera individuals, representing co-dispersal strategy and conventional independent dispersal mode were studied. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Endocarpon, with a large-scale geographical distribution, showed an extremely high specificity of symbiotic associations with their photobiont. Furthermore, three types of group I intron at 1769 site have been found in most Endocarpon mycobionts, which showed a high variety of group I intron in the same insertion site even in the same species collected from one location. This study suggested that the ascospore-alga co-dispersal mode of Endocarpon resulted in this unusual mycobiont-photobiont relationship; also provided an evidence for the horizontal transfer of group I intron that may suggest the origin of the complexity and diversity of lichen symbiotic associations.},
}

@article {pmid39233414,
year = {2024},
author = {Tian, JX and Liu, SY and Wang, WF and Zheng, F and Han, LL and Zhang, LM},
title = {Diversity of soybean rhizobia in Northeast China and their application.},
journal = {Ying yong sheng tai xue bao = The journal of applied ecology},
volume = {35},
number = {7},
pages = {1850-1858},
doi = {10.13287/j.1001-9332.202407.011},
pmid = {39233414},
issn = {1001-9332},
mesh = {*Glycine max/microbiology/growth & development ; China ; *Bradyrhizobium/isolation & purification/physiology/genetics/classification ; *Soil Microbiology ; Rhizobium/isolation & purification/physiology/genetics/classification ; Symbiosis ; Phylogeny ; Nitrogen Fixation ; Biodiversity ; Rhizosphere ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; },
abstract = {Biological nitrogen fixation is the main source of nitrogen in ecosystems. The diversity of soil rhizobia and their effects on soybeans need further research. In this study, we collected soybean rhizosphere samples from eight sites in the black soil soybean planting area in Northeast China. A total of 94 strains of bacteria were isolated and identified using the 16S rRNA and symbiotic genes (nodC, nifH) analysis, of which 70 strains were identified as rhizobia belonging to the genus Bradyrhizobium. To further validate the application effects of rhizobia, we selec-ted seven representative indigenous rhizobia based on the results of phylogenetic analysis, and conducted laboratory experiments to determine their nodulation and the impacts on soybeans. The results showed that, compared to the control without rhizobial inoculation, all the seven indigenous rhizobia exhibited good promoting and nodulation abilities. Among them, strains H7-L22 and H34-L6 performed the best, with the former significantly increasing plant height by 25.7% and the latter increasing root nodule dry weight by 20.9% to 67.1% compared to other indi-genous rhizobia treatments. We tested these two efficient rhizobia strains as soybean rhizobial inoculants in field experiments. The promoting effect of mixed rhizobial inoculants was significantly better than single ones. Compared to the control without inoculation, soybean yield increased by 8.4% with the strain H7-L22 treatment and by 17.9% with the mixed inoculant treatment. Additionally, there was a significant increase in the number of four-seed pods in soybeans. In conclusion, the application of rhizobial inoculants can significantly increase soybean yield, thereby reducing dependence on nitrogen fertilizer during soybean production, improving soil health, and promoting green development in agriculture in the black soil region of Northeast China.},
}

*Glycine max/microbiology/growth & development
China
*Bradyrhizobium/isolation & purification/physiology/genetics/classification
*Soil Microbiology
Rhizobium/isolation & purification/physiology/genetics/classification
Symbiosis
Phylogeny
Nitrogen Fixation
Biodiversity
Rhizosphere
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics

@article {pmid39233381,
year = {2024},
author = {Breivik, TJ and Gjermo, P and Gundersen, Y and Opstad, PK and Murison, R and Hugoson, A and von Hörsten, S and Fristad, I},
title = {Microbiota-immune-brain interactions: A new vision in the understanding of periodontal health and disease.},
journal = {Periodontology 2000},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/prd.12610},
pmid = {39233381},
issn = {1600-0757},
abstract = {This review highlights the significance of interactions between the microbiota, immune system, nervous and hormonal systems, and the brain on periodontal health and disease. Microorganisms in the microbiota, immune cells, and neurons communicate via homeostatic nervous and hormonal systems, regulating vital body functions. By modulating pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory adaptive immune responses, these systems control the composition and number of microorganisms in the microbiota. The strength of these brain-controlled responses is genetically determined but is sensitive to early childhood stressors, which can permanently alter their responsiveness via epigenetic mechanisms, and to adult stressors, causing temporary changes. Clinical evidence and research with humans and animal models indicate that factors linked to severe periodontitis enhance the responsiveness of these homeostatic systems, leading to persistent hyperactivation. This weakens the immune defense against invasive symbiotic microorganisms (pathobionts) while strengthening the defense against non-invasive symbionts at the gingival margin. The result is an increased gingival tissue load of pathobionts, including Gram-negative bacteria, followed by an excessive innate immune response, which prevents infection but simultaneously destroys gingival and periodontal tissues. Thus, the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory adaptive immunity is crucial in controlling the microbiota, and the responsiveness of brain-controlled homeostatic systems determines periodontal health.},
}

@article {pmid39233035,
year = {2024},
author = {Li, J and Wang, S and Liu, P and Peng, J and Liu, X and Sun, Q and Zhou, B and Lei, K},
title = {Environmental DNA Metabarcoding Reveals the Influence of Environmental Heterogeneity on Microeukaryotic Plankton in the Offshore Waters of East China Sea.},
journal = {Environmental research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {119921},
doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2024.119921},
pmid = {39233035},
issn = {1096-0953},
abstract = {Microeukaryotic plankton are essential to marine food webs and biogeochemical cycles, with coastal seas playing a critical role in aquatic ecosystems. Understanding the diversity of microeukaryotic plankton, deciphering their community structure and succession patterns, and identifying the key factors influencing these dynamics remain central challenges in coastal ecology. In this study, we examine patterns of biodiversity, community structure, and co-occurrence using environmental DNA (eDNA)-based methods. Our results show a linear correlation between α-diversity and distance from the shore, with nutrient-related factors, especially inorganic nitrogen, being the primary determinants of the spatial distribution of plankton communities. Alternation of coastal habitat have shifted the succession patterns of coastal eukaryotic plankton communities from stochastic to deterministic processes. Additionally, our observations indicate that the topology and structure of eukaryotic plankton symbiotic patterns and networks are significantly influenced by environmental heterogeneity such as nutrients, which increase the vulnerability and decrease the stability of offshore ecological networks. Overall, our study demonstrates that the distribution of microeukaryotic plankton communities is influenced by factors related to environmental heterogeneity.},
}

@article {pmid39232804,
year = {2024},
author = {Rødsgaard-Jørgensen, A and Leal-Dutra, CA and de Santana, SF and Jensen, AR and Marques, RE and Aguiar, ERGR and Shik, JZ},
title = {Two +ssRNA mycoviruses cohabiting the fungal cultivar of leafcutter ants.},
journal = {Virology journal},
volume = {21},
number = {1},
pages = {211},
pmid = {39232804},
issn = {1743-422X},
support = {ERC-2017-STG-757810//HORIZON EUROPE European Research Council/ ; VEX-50281//Villum Fonden/ ; CF22-0664//Carlsbergfondet/ ; },
mesh = {*Fungal Viruses/genetics/classification/isolation & purification/physiology ; Animals ; *Genome, Viral ; *Ants/microbiology/virology ; *RNA, Viral/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Open Reading Frames ; Symbiosis ; RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase/genetics ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ; RNA Viruses/genetics/classification/isolation & purification/physiology ; Agaricales/virology/genetics ; },
abstract = {Leafcutter ants are dominant herbivores in the Neotropics and rely on a fungus (Leucoagaricus gongylophorus) to transform freshly gathered leaves into a source of nourishment rather than consuming the vegetation directly. Here we report two virus-like particles that were isolated from L. gongylophorus and observed using transmission electron microscopy. RNA sequencing identified two +ssRNA mycovirus strains, Leucoagaricus gongylophorus tymo-like virus 1 (LgTlV1) and Leucoagaricus gongylophorus magoulivirus 1 (LgMV1). Genome annotation of LgTlV1 (7401 nt) showed conserved domains for methyltransferase, endopeptidase, viral RNA helicase, and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). The smaller genome of LgMV1 (2636 nt) contains one open reading frame encoding an RdRp. While we hypothesize these mycoviruses function as symbionts in leafcutter farming systems, further study will be needed to test whether they are mutualists, commensals, or parasites.},
}

*Fungal Viruses/genetics/classification/isolation & purification/physiology
Animals
*Genome, Viral
*Ants/microbiology/virology
*RNA, Viral/genetics
Phylogeny
Open Reading Frames
Symbiosis
RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase/genetics
Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
RNA Viruses/genetics/classification/isolation & purification/physiology
Agaricales/virology/genetics

@article {pmid39232483,
year = {2024},
author = {Zhang, Y and Ku, YS and Cheung, TY and Cheng, SS and Xin, D and Gombeau, K and Cai, Y and Lam, HM and Chan, TF},
title = {Challenges to rhizobial adaptability in a changing climate: Genetic engineering solutions for stress tolerance.},
journal = {Microbiological research},
volume = {288},
number = {},
pages = {127886},
doi = {10.1016/j.micres.2024.127886},
pmid = {39232483},
issn = {1618-0623},
abstract = {Rhizobia interact with leguminous plants in the soil to form nitrogen fixing nodules in which rhizobia and plant cells coexist. Although there are emerging studies on rhizobium-associated nitrogen fixation in cereals, the legume-rhizobium interaction is more well-studied and usually serves as the model to study rhizobium-mediated nitrogen fixation in plants. Rhizobia play a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle in many ecosystems. However, rhizobia are highly sensitive to variations in soil conditions and physicochemical properties (i.e. moisture, temperature, salinity, pH, and oxygen availability). Such variations directly caused by global climate change are challenging the adaptive capabilities of rhizobia in both natural and agricultural environments. Although a few studies have identified rhizobial genes that confer adaptation to different environmental conditions, the genetic basis of rhizobial stress tolerance remains poorly understood. In this review, we highlight the importance of improving the survival of rhizobia in soil to enhance their symbiosis with plants, which can increase crop yields and facilitate the establishment of sustainable agricultural systems. To achieve this goal, we summarize the key challenges imposed by global climate change on rhizobium-plant symbiosis and collate current knowledge of stress tolerance-related genes and pathways in rhizobia. And finally, we present the latest genetic engineering approaches, such as synthetic biology, implemented to improve the adaptability of rhizobia to changing environmental conditions.},
}

@article {pmid39232392,
year = {2024},
author = {Lin, SK and Kuo, PH and Hsu, CY and Chiu, YH and Chen, CH},
title = {The effects of Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 in patients with major depressive disorder: an eight-week double-blind, placebo-controlled study.},
journal = {Asian journal of psychiatry},
volume = {101},
number = {},
pages = {104210},
doi = {10.1016/j.ajp.2024.104210},
pmid = {39232392},
issn = {1876-2026},
abstract = {Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a complex mental disorder, potentially linked to the gut-microbiota-brain axis. Probiotics like Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 (PS128) may improve depressive symptoms by modulating the gut microbiota based on our previous open trial. We conducted an 8-week double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to investigate the impact of PS128 on depression severity, markers of inflammation and gut permeability, and the gut microbiota composition in 32 patients with MDD with stable antidepressant treatment but moderate symptom severity. Following the 8-week intervention, both the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 score (HAMD), and Depression and Somatic Symptoms Scale (DSSS) showed a significant decrease in both groups (p<0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the change of depression severity between groups (p=0.203). Moreover, alterations in serum levels of high sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and intestinal fatty acid binding protein, as well as changes in the gut microbiota composition, did not exhibit significant differences before and after intervention or between the groups. In comparison to the placebo group, our study did not find significant effects of PS128 on depressive symptoms, biomarkers of inflammation and gut permeability, and the overall gut microbiota composition. Nonetheless, we observed a potential impact of PS128 on the symbiosis of specific taxa. To comprehensively understand the psychophysiological effects of PS128 in patients with MDD, further research with a larger sample size is imperative.},
}

@article {pmid39231790,
year = {2024},
author = {Tingga, RCT and Gani, M and Mohd-Ridwan, AR and Aifat, NR and Matsuda, I and Md-Zain, BM},
title = {Gut microbial assessment among Hylobatidae at the National Wildlife Rescue Centre, Peninsular Malaysia.},
journal = {Journal of veterinary science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.4142/jvs.23312},
pmid = {39231790},
issn = {1976-555X},
support = {//Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability/Malaysia ; /UKM/Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia/Malaysia ; /JST/Japan Science and Technology Agency/Japan ; ST-2022-027/JSPS/Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/Japan ; ST-2021-017/JSPS/Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/Japan ; JPMJCR17A4/JSPS/Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/Japan ; 26711027/JSPS/Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/Japan ; 15K14605/JSPS/Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/Japan ; 19H03308/JSPS/Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/Japan ; },
abstract = {IMPORTANCE: Recent developments in genetic analytical techniques have enabled the comprehensive analysis of gastrointestinal symbiotic bacteria as a screening tool for animal health conditions, especially the endangered gibbons at the National Wildlife Rescue Centre (NWRC).

OBJECTIVE: High-throughput sequencing based on 16S ribosomal RNA genes was used to determine the baseline gut bacterial composition and identify potential pathogenic bacteria among three endangered gibbons housed in the NWRC.

METHODS: Feces were collected from 14 individuals (Hylobates lar, n = 9; Hylobates agilis, n = 4; and Symphalangus syndactylus, n = 1) from March to November 2022. Amplicon sequencing were conducted by targeting V3-V4 region.

RESULTS: The fecal microbial community of the study gibbons was dominated by Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes (phylum level), Prevotellaceae and Lachnospiraceae/Muribaculaceae (family level), and Prevotella (and its subgroups) (genera level). This trend suggests that the microbial community composition of the study gibbons differed insignificantly from previously reported conspecific or closely related gibbon species.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This study showed no serious health problems that require immediate attention. However, relatively low alpha diversity and few potential bacteria related to gastrointestinal diseases and streptococcal infections were detected. Information on microbial composition is essential as a guideline to sustain a healthy gut condition of captive gibbons in NWRC, especially before releasing this primate back into the wild or semi-wild environment. Further enhanced husbandry environments in the NWRC are expected through continuous health monitoring and increase diversity of the gut microbiota through diet diversification.},
}

@article {pmid39231270,
year = {2024},
author = {Zhang, Y and Liu, T and Nan, T and Hua, Z and Zhao, Y and Yuan, Y},
title = {Characteristics and functions of volatile organic compounds in the tripartite symbiotic system of Gastrodia elata-Armillaria gallica-Rahnella aceris HPDA25.},
journal = {Plant signaling & behavior},
volume = {19},
number = {1},
pages = {2399426},
pmid = {39231270},
issn = {1559-2324},
mesh = {*Symbiosis/physiology ; *Volatile Organic Compounds/metabolism ; *Gastrodia/microbiology/metabolism/genetics ; *Armillaria/metabolism/genetics ; },
abstract = {Tripartite interactions among plants, fungi, and bacteria are critical for maintaining plant growth and fitness, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) play a significant role in these interactions. However, the functions of VOCs within the niche of mycoheterotrophic plants, which represent unique types of interactions, remain poorly understood. Gastrodia elata, a mycoheterotrophic orchid species, forms a symbiotic relationship with specific Armillaria species, serving as a model system to investigate this intriguing issue. Rahnella aceris HPDA25 is a plant growth-promoting bacteria isolated from G. elata, which has been found to facilitate the establishment of G. elata-Armillaria symbiosis. In this study, using the tripartite symbiotic system of G. elata-Armillaria gallica-R. aceris HPDA25, we investigate the role of VOCs in the interaction among mycoheterotrophic plants, fungi, and bacteria. Our results showed that 33 VOCs of HPDA25-inducible symbiotic G. elata elevated compared to non-symbiotic G. elata, indicating that VOCs indeed play a role in the symbiotic process. Among these, 21 VOCs were accessible, and six active VOCs showed complete growth inhibition activities against A. gallica, while R. aceris HPDA25 had no significant effect. In addition, three key genes of G. elata have been identified that may contribute to the increased concentration of six active VOCs. These results revealed for the first time the VOCs profile of G. elata and demonstrated its regulatory role in the tripartite symbiotic system involving G. elata, Armillaria, and bacteria.},
}

*Symbiosis/physiology
*Volatile Organic Compounds/metabolism
*Gastrodia/microbiology/metabolism/genetics
*Armillaria/metabolism/genetics

@article {pmid39228833,
year = {2024},
author = {Xu, L and He, J and Meng, Y and Zheng, Y and Lu, B and Zhang, J and Zhou, Y},
title = {Enhancing drought resistance in Pinus tabuliformis seedlings through root symbiotic fungi inoculation.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1446437},
pmid = {39228833},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Drought constitutes a major abiotic stress factor adversely affecting plant growth and productivity. Plant-microbe symbiotic associations have evolved regulatory mechanisms to adapt to environmental stress conditions. However, the interactive effects of different fungi on host growth and stress tolerance under drought conditions remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE: This study explored the effects of varying polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000) concentrations (0%, 15%, 25%, and 35%) on the growth and physiological responses of two ectomycorrhizal fungi (Suillus granulatus (Sg) and Pisolithus tinctorius (Pt)) and two dark septate endophytes (Pleotrichocladium opacum (Po) and Pseudopyrenochaeta sp. (Ps)) isolated from the root system of Pinus tabuliformis. Specifically, the study aimed to evaluate six inoculation treatments, including no inoculation (CK), single inoculations with Sg, Pt, Po, Ps, and a mixed inoculation (Sg: Pt : Po: Ps = 1:1:1:1), on the growth and physiological characteristics of P. tabuliformis seedlings under different water regimes: well-watered at 70% ± 5%, light drought at 50% ± 5%, and severe drought at 30% ± 5% of the maximum field water holding capacity.

RESULTS: All four fungi exhibited the capacity to cope with drought stress by enhancing antioxidant activities and regulating osmotic balance. Upon successful root colonization, they increased plant height, shoot biomass, root biomass, total biomass, and mycorrhizal growth response in P. tabuliformis seedlings. Under drought stress conditions, fungal inoculation improved seedling drought resistance by increasing superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, free proline and soluble protein contents, and promoting nitrogen and phosphorus uptake. Notably, mixed inoculation treatments significantly enhanced antioxidant capacity, osmotic adjustment, and nutrient acquisition abilities, leading to superior growth promotion effects under drought stress compared to single inoculation treatments.

CONCLUSION: All four fungi tolerated PEG-induced drought stress, with increased antioxidant enzyme activities and osmotic adjustment substances and they promoted the growth and enhanced drought resistance of P. tabuliformis seedlings.},
}

@article {pmid39228053,
year = {2024},
author = {O'Brien, PA and Robbins, SJ and Tan, S and Rix, L and Miller, DJ and Webster, NS and Zhang, G and Bourne, DG},
title = {Comparative genomics identifies key adaptive traits of sponge-associated microbial symbionts.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {26},
number = {9},
pages = {e16690},
doi = {10.1111/1462-2920.16690},
pmid = {39228053},
issn = {1462-2920},
support = {//AIMS@JCU/ ; //Beijing Genomics Institute/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Porifera/microbiology ; Animals ; *Genomics ; *Bacteria/genetics/classification/metabolism ; Microbiota ; Phylogeny ; Genome, Bacterial ; },
abstract = {Sponge microbiomes are often highly diverse making it difficult to determine which lineages are important for maintaining host health and homeostasis. Characterising genomic traits associated with symbiosis can improve our knowledge of which lineages have adapted to their host and what functions they might provide. Here we examined five microbial families associated with sponges that have previously shown evidence of cophylogeny, including Endozoicomonadaceae, Nitrosopumilaceae, Spirochaetaceae, Microtrichaceae and Thermoanaerobaculaceae, to better understand the mechanisms behind their symbiosis. We compared sponge-associated genomes to genomes found in other environments and found that sponge-specific clades were enriched in genes encoding many known mechanisms for symbiont survival, such as avoiding phagocytosis and defence against foreign genetic elements. We expand on previous knowledge to show that glycosyl hydrolases with sulfatases and sulfotransferases likely form multienzyme degradation pathways to break and remodel sulfated polysaccharides and reveal an enrichment in superoxide dismutase that may prevent damage from free oxygen radicals produced by the host. Finally, we identified novel traits in sponge-associated symbionts, such as urea metabolism in Spirochaetaceae which was previously shown to be rare in the phylum Spirochaetota. These results identify putative mechanisms by which symbionts have adapted to living in association with sponges.},
}

*Symbiosis
*Porifera/microbiology
Animals
*Genomics
*Bacteria/genetics/classification/metabolism
Microbiota
Phylogeny
Genome, Bacterial

@article {pmid39225339,
year = {2024},
author = {Sarrette, B and Luu, TB and Johansson, A and Fliegmann, J and Pouzet, C and Pichereaux, C and Remblière, C and Sauviac, L and Carles, N and Amblard, E and Guyot, V and Bonhomme, M and Cullimore, J and Gough, C and Jacquet, C and Pauly, N},
title = {Medicago truncatula SOBIR1 controls pathogen immunity and specificity in the Rhizobium-legume symbiosis.},
journal = {Plant, cell & environment},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/pce.15071},
pmid = {39225339},
issn = {1365-3040},
support = {//Fonds Européens de DEveloppement Régional (FEDER)/ ; //Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; //Laboratoire d'Excellence SIGNALIFE/ ; //Laboratoire d'Excellence TULIP/ ; //Fédération de Recherche Agrobiosciences, Interactions et Biodiversité FRAIB/ ; },
abstract = {Medicago truncatula Nod Factor Perception (MtNFP) plays a role in both the Rhizobium-Legume (RL) symbiosis and plant immunity, and evidence suggests that the immune-related function of MtNFP is relevant for symbiosis. To better understand these roles of MtNFP, we sought to identify new interacting partners. We screened a yeast-2-hybrid cDNA library from Aphanomyces euteiches infected and noninfected M. truncatula roots. The M. truncatula leucine-rich repeat (LRR) receptor-like kinase SUPPRESSOR OF BIR1 (MtSOBIR1) was identified as an interactor of MtNFP and was characterised for kinase activity, and potential roles in symbiosis and plant immunity. We showed that the kinase domain of MtSOBIR1 is active and can transphosphorylate the pseudo-kinase domain of MtNFP. MtSOBIR1 could functionally complement Atsobir1 and Nbsobir1/sobir1-like mutants for defence activation, and Mtsobir1 mutants were defective in immune responses to A. euteiches. For symbiosis, we showed that Mtsobir1 mutant plants had both a strong, early infection defect and defects in the defence suppression in nodules, and both effects were plant genotype- and rhizobial strain-specific. This work highlights a conserved function for MtSOBIR1 in activating defence responses to pathogen attack, and potentially novel symbiotic functions of downregulating defence in association with the control of symbiotic specificity.},
}

@article {pmid39224928,
year = {2024},
author = {Eichfeld, R and Mahdi, LK and De Quattro, C and Armbruster, L and Endeshaw, AB and Miyauchi, S and Hellmann, MJ and Cord-Landwehr, S and Peterson, D and Singan, V and Lail, K and Savage, E and Ng, V and Grigoriev, IV and Langen, G and Moerschbacher, BM and Zuccaro, A},
title = {Transcriptomics reveal a mechanism of niche defense: two beneficial root endophytes deploy an antimicrobial GH18-CBM5 chitinase to protect their hosts.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.20080},
pmid = {39224928},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; //Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences/ ; },
abstract = {Effector secretion is crucial for root endophytes to establish and protect their ecological niche. We used time-resolved transcriptomics to monitor effector gene expression dynamics in two closely related Sebacinales, Serendipita indica and Serendipita vermifera, during symbiosis with three plant species, competition with the phytopathogenic fungus Bipolaris sorokiniana, and cooperation with root-associated bacteria. We observed increased effector gene expression in response to biotic interactions, particularly with plants, indicating their importance in host colonization. Some effectors responded to both plants and microbes, suggesting dual roles in intermicrobial competition and plant-microbe interactions. A subset of putative antimicrobial effectors, including a GH18-CBM5 chitinase, was induced exclusively by microbes. Functional analyses of this chitinase revealed its antimicrobial and plant-protective properties. We conclude that dynamic effector gene expression underpins the ability of Sebacinales to thrive in diverse ecological niches with a single fungal chitinase contributing substantially to niche defense.},
}

@article {pmid39224166,
year = {2024},
author = {Stone, MM and Afriandi, H and Suwanda, FN and Andono, A and Mahmud, R and Khairani, OK and Clark, AB and Webster, M and McGowan, K and Radcliffe, RW},
title = {Symbiosis between the Javan rhinoceros and slender-billed crow: A novel inferred cleaning mutualism.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {14},
number = {9},
pages = {e70224},
pmid = {39224166},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Over the past century, the Javan rhinoceroses' (Rhinoceros sondaicus) secluded nature and low population size have led to a gap in knowledge of their ecology. With fewer than 80 individuals surviving in a single population in West Java, Indonesia, the Javan rhinoceros is one of the most critically endangered mammals in the world. As part of a pilot bioacoustics study of the Javan rhinoceros in 2019, we systematically reviewed camera trap footage from the core Javan rhinoceros range in Ujung Kulon National Park (UKNP). In doing so, we discovered a previously unknown interaction between the Javan rhinoceros and the slender-billed crow (Corvus enca), in which the crow finds and eats ectoparasites from the rhinoceros (Figure 1). We describe this interaction and suggest that it may represent a cleaning mutualism with benefits for both the crow and the rhinoceros.},
}

@article {pmid39224055,
year = {2024},
author = {Zhang, X and Yi, B and Jia, W and Zhao, S and Savilov, S and Yao, S and Shen, ZX and Chen, G and Wei, Z and Du, F},
title = {Boosting K+-ionic Conductivity of Layered Oxides via Regulating P2/P3 Heterogeneity and Reciprocity for Room-temperature Quasi-solid-state Potassium Metal Batteries.},
journal = {Angewandte Chemie (International ed. in English)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e202413214},
doi = {10.1002/anie.202413214},
pmid = {39224055},
issn = {1521-3773},
abstract = {Solid-state potassium metal batteries are promising candidates for grid-scale energy storage due to their low cost, high energy density and inherent safety. However, solid state K-ion conductors struggle with poor ionic conductivity due to the large ionic radius of K+-ions. Herein, we report precise regulation of phase heterogeneity and reciprocity of the P2/P3-symbiosis K0.62Mg0.54Sb0.46O2 solid electrolyte (SE) for boosting a high ionic conductivity of 1.6×10-4 S cm-1 at 25 °C. The bulk ionic conducting mechanism is explored by elucidating the effect of atomic stacking mode within the layered framework on K+-ion migration barriers. For ion diffusion at grain boundaries, the P2/P3 biphasic symbiosis property assists in tunning the SE microstructure, which crystallizes in rod-like particles with lengths of tens of micrometers facilitating long-distance ion transport and significantly decreasing grain boundary resistance. Potassium metal symmetric cells using the modified SE deliver excellent cycling life over 300 h at 0.1 mA cm-2 and a high critical current density of 0.68 mA cm-2. The quasi-solid-state potassium metal batteries (QSSKBs) coupled with two kinds of layered oxide cathodes demonstrate remarkable stability over 300 cycles, outperforming the liquid electrolyte counterparts. The QSSKB system provides a promising strategy for high-efficiency, safe, and durable large-scale energy storage.},
}

@article {pmid39223675,
year = {2024},
author = {Maurice, K and Laurent-Webb, L and Bourceret, A and Boivin, S and Boukcim, H and Selosse, MA and Ducousso, M},
title = {Networking the desert plant microbiome, bacterial and fungal symbionts structure and assortativity in co-occurrence networks.},
journal = {Environmental microbiome},
volume = {19},
number = {1},
pages = {65},
pmid = {39223675},
issn = {2524-6372},
abstract = {In nature, microbes do not thrive in seclusion but are involved in complex interactions within- and between-microbial kingdoms. Among these, symbiotic associations with mycorrhizal fungi and nitrogen-fixing bacteria are namely known to improve plant health, while providing resources to benefit other microbial members. Yet, it is not clear how these microbial symbionts interact with each other or how they impact the microbiota network architecture. We used an extensive co-occurrence network analysis, including rhizosphere and roots samples from six plant species in a natural desert in AlUla region (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) and described how these symbionts were structured within the plant microbiota network. We found that the plant species was a significant driver of its microbiota composition and also of the specificity of its interactions in networks at the microbial taxa level. Despite this specificity, a motif was conserved across all networks, i.e., mycorrhizal fungi highly covaried with other mycorrhizal fungi, especially in plant roots-this pattern is known as assortativity. This structural property might reflect their ecological niche preference or their ability to opportunistically colonize roots of plant species considered non symbiotic e.g., H. salicornicum, an Amaranthaceae. Furthermore, these results are consistent with previous findings regarding the architecture of the gut microbiome network, where a high level of assortativity at the level of bacterial and fungal orders was also identified, suggesting the existence of general rules of microbiome assembly. Otherwise, the bacterial symbionts Rhizobiales and Frankiales covaried with other bacterial and fungal members, and were highly structural to the intra- and inter-kingdom networks. Our extensive co-occurrence network analysis of plant microbiota and study of symbiont assortativity, provided further evidence on the importance of bacterial and fungal symbionts in structuring the global plant microbiota network.},
}

@article {pmid39223450,
year = {2024},
author = {Valerio, F and Martel, C and Stefanescu, C and van Nouhuys, S and Kankare, M and Duplouy, A},
title = {Wolbachia strain diversity in a complex group of sympatric cryptic parasitoid wasp species.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {24},
number = {1},
pages = {319},
pmid = {39223450},
issn = {1471-2180},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/genetics/classification/isolation & purification ; *Wasps/microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Phylogeny ; Sympatry ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; Genetic Variation ; Lepidoptera/microbiology/parasitology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Maternally-inherited symbionts can induce pre-mating and/or post-mating reproductive isolation between sympatric host lineages, and speciation, by modifying host reproductive phenotypes. The large parasitoid wasp genus Cotesia (Braconidae) includes a diversity of cryptic species, each specialized in parasitizing one to few related Lepidoptera host species. Here, we characterized the infection status of an assemblage of 21 Cotesia species from 15 countries by several microbial symbionts, as a first step toward investigating whether symbionts may provide a barrier to gene flow between these parasitoid host lineages.

RESULTS: The symbiotic microbes Arsenophonus, Cardinium, Microsporidium and Spiroplasma were not detected in the Cotesia wasps. However, the endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia was present in at least eight Cotesia species, and hence we concentrated on it upon screening additional DNA extracts and SRAs from NCBI. Some of the closely related Cotesia species carry similar Wolbachia strains, but most Wolbachia strains showed patterns of horizontal transfer between phylogenetically distant host lineages.

CONCLUSIONS: The lack of co-phylogenetic signal between Wolbachia and Cotesia suggests that the symbiont and hosts have not coevolved to an extent that would drive species divergence between the Cotesia host lineages. However, as the most common facultative symbiont of Cotesia species, Wolbachia may still function as a key-player in the biology of the parasitoid wasps. Its precise role in the evolution of this complex clade of cryptic species remains to be experimentally investigated.},
}

Animals
*Wolbachia/genetics/classification/isolation & purification
*Wasps/microbiology
*Symbiosis
*Phylogeny
Sympatry
Gene Transfer, Horizontal
Genetic Variation
Lepidoptera/microbiology/parasitology

@article {pmid39221518,
year = {2024},
author = {Leksin, I and Shelyakin, M and Zakhozhiy, I and Kozlova, O and Beckett, R and Minibayeva, F},
title = {Ultraviolet-induced melanisation in lichens: physiological traits and transcriptome profile.},
journal = {Physiologia plantarum},
volume = {176},
number = {5},
pages = {e14512},
doi = {10.1111/ppl.14512},
pmid = {39221518},
issn = {1399-3054},
support = {23-14-00327//Russian Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Lichens/physiology/radiation effects/genetics/metabolism ; *Ultraviolet Rays ; *Transcriptome ; Melanins/metabolism ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant/radiation effects ; },
abstract = {Lichens are important components of high-latitude boreal and Arctic habitats. While stress tolerant, they are among the most sensitive ecosystem components to climate change, in particular, an increase in ultraviolet light (UV) arising from polar ozone depletion and deforestation. This study is the first to explore the effects of UV-B on gene expression in lichens to predict metabolic pathways involved in tolerance. Using transcriptome profiling and bioinformatic analyses, here we studied the effects of UV-B on gene expression in lichens using Lobaria pulmonaria (L.) Hoff. as a model species. UV-B exposure causes significant browning of the upper cortex of the thallus, which correlates to an increased expression of biosynthetic gene clusters involved in the synthesis of eu- and allomelanins and melanin precursors. Based on transcriptome analyses, we suggest that the biosynthesis of melanins and other secondary metabolites, such as naphthalene derivates, tropolones, anthraquinones, and xanthones, is a trade-off that lichens pay to protect essential metabolic processes such as photosynthesis and respiration. Expression profiles of general stress-associated genes, in particular, related to reactive oxygen species scavenging, protection of proteins, and DNA repair, clearly indicate that the mycobiont is the more UV-B-responsive and susceptible partner in lichen symbiosis. Our findings demonstrate that UV-B stress activates an intricate gene network involved in tolerance mechanisms of lichen symbionts. Knowledge obtained here may enable the prediction of likely effects on lichen biodiversity caused by climate change and pollution.},
}

*Lichens/physiology/radiation effects/genetics/metabolism
*Ultraviolet Rays
*Transcriptome
Melanins/metabolism
Gene Expression Profiling
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant/radiation effects

@article {pmid39221500,
year = {2024},
author = {Li, B and Mamuti, R and Xiao, L and Qian, B and Wang, Y and Wei, X},
title = {The adaptation of lichen symbiosis to desert saline-alkali stress depends more on their symbiotic algae.},
journal = {Physiologia plantarum},
volume = {176},
number = {5},
pages = {e14510},
doi = {10.1111/ppl.14510},
pmid = {39221500},
issn = {1399-3054},
support = {32070096//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; KJZ-YY-WSM05//Space Application System of China Manned Space Program/ ; 5232020//Beijing Municipal Natural Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis/physiology ; *Lichens/physiology ; Alkalies ; Adaptation, Physiological ; Desert Climate ; Stress, Physiological ; Oxidative Stress ; Salinity ; Soil/chemistry ; Lipid Peroxidation ; },
abstract = {Soil salinization is a major environmental threat to the entire terrestrial ecosystem. Lichens arose from the symbiosis of fungi and algae or cyanobacteria. They have a high tolerance to various extreme environments, including adaptation to saline-alkali habitats. Thus, lichens are pioneer species on saline-alkali soil. However, the separate resilience of the two symbiotic partners under saline-alkali conditions remains insufficiently understood. In this study, two representative symbiotic algae, Diplosphaera chodatii and Trebouxia jamesii, were studied for their physiological response to the saline-alkali stress by adjusting different concentrations of NaHCO3, together with their respective symbiotic fungi Endocarpon pusillum (terricolous lichen) and Umbilicaria muhlenbergii (saxicolous lichen). The results indicate that cell growth rate and biomass in all four cultures decreased in alkali-alkaline substrate, while cellular activities and ultrastructure were affected to a distinct extent. Compared with the symbiotic fungi, the algae were found to be more active in coordinating oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation damage under the saline-alkali stress. The antioxidant system of the alga was especially shown as a key adaptive trait and it provides an important strategy for species survival and persistence in arid saline-alkali desert. The specific survival ability of the lichen symbiosis relies on the stress resilience advantages of the symbiotic partners in combination. Our study provided new insights into understanding the adaptation of lichen symbiosis to desert saline-alkali soil, and the potential of lichen symbiotic algae in the future desert ecological restoration.},
}

*Symbiosis/physiology
*Lichens/physiology
Alkalies
Adaptation, Physiological
Desert Climate
Stress, Physiological
Oxidative Stress
Salinity
Soil/chemistry
Lipid Peroxidation

@article {pmid39221496,
year = {2024},
author = {Hosseini, F and Mosaddeghi, MR},
title = {Chemical and physical characteristics of wheat root mucilage influenced by Serendipita indica symbiosis: a comparison among four cultivars.},
journal = {Physiologia plantarum},
volume = {176},
number = {5},
pages = {e14470},
doi = {10.1111/ppl.14470},
pmid = {39221496},
issn = {1399-3054},
support = {97005904//Iran National Science Foundation (INSF) and Isfahan University of Technology/ ; },
mesh = {*Triticum/physiology/microbiology/metabolism ; *Plant Roots/microbiology/physiology/metabolism ; *Plant Mucilage/metabolism ; *Symbiosis/physiology ; *Basidiomycota/physiology ; Fatty Acids/metabolism ; Seedlings/physiology ; },
abstract = {Although there is evidence to suggest that the endophytic fungus Serendipita indica plays a crucial role in enhancing plant tolerance against biotic/abiotic stressors, less is known about the impacts of this symbiosis association on root mucilage chemical composition and its physical functions. The mucilage of inoculated and non-inoculated seedlings of four wheat cultivars (i.e., Roshan, Ghods, Kavir and Pishtaz) were extracted using an aeroponic method. Total solute concentration (TCm), carbon content (Cmucilage), electrical conductivity (EC), pH, fatty acids, surface tension (σm), and viscosity (ηm) of mucilage were measured. Ghods and Kavir had the highest and lowest root colonization percents, respectively. Saturated fatty acids, including palmitic and stearic acids, were dominant over unsaturated fatty acids in wheat root mucilage. However, their compositions were significantly different among wheat cultivars. S. indica colonization, especially for Ghods, increased the TCm, Cmucilage, and palmitic acid. Moreover, root mucilage of S. indica-inoculated Ghods had lower σm and greater ηm. An increased amount of powerful surfactants like palmitic acid in the mucilage of S. indica inoculated treatments led to lower σm and greater ηm. Such studies provide further support for the idea that plant-released mucilage plays a major role in modifying the physical environment of the rhizosphere. This knowledge toward truly understanding the rhizosphere can be potentially used for improving the rhizosphere soil quality and increasing crop growth and yield.},
}

*Triticum/physiology/microbiology/metabolism
*Plant Roots/microbiology/physiology/metabolism
*Plant Mucilage/metabolism
*Symbiosis/physiology
*Basidiomycota/physiology
Fatty Acids/metabolism
Seedlings/physiology

@article {pmid39220015,
year = {2024},
author = {Yue, J and Yan, Z and Liu, W and Liu, J and Yang, D},
title = {A visual pollination mechanism of a new specialized pollinating weevil-plant reciprocity system.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1432263},
pmid = {39220015},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Pollinating flower-consuming mutualisms are considered exemplary models for studying coevolution due to their rarity. Visual cues are considered to have a major role in facilitating the evolution of floral patterns in these systems. We present a new specialized pollinating flower-consuming mutualism from the plant Wurfbainia villosa, which is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, by a pollinating weevil, Xenysmoderes sp.

METHODS: In this study, We utilized monochrome plates for binary-choice tests to determine weevil color preferences, conducted behavioral choice experiments, using trackballs, photographed flowers and weevils, and employed blue sticky boards to attract weevils in the field.

RESULTS: Tests were conducted using colorpreferring weevils in both indoor and outdoor field systems, and validation experiments were performed. Behavioral tests were conducted to investigate the role of the visual cues in the pollinator attraction of W. villosa, which is a selfcompatible insect-pollinated plant that relies primarily on the Xenysmoderes sp. weevil for pollination due to its specialized gynandrium-like structure. Behavioral tests demonstrated that a blue color wavelength of 480 nm and the blue color system, as along with the UV-style pattern of the flowers, particularly the parts with specialized gynandrium-like structures in the labellum, were significantly attractive to both male and female weevils. These results were further confirmed through the field blue sticky board trap method.

DISCUSSION: These findings indicated that the interaction between W. villosa and Xenysmoderes sp. weevil was a novel symbiotic relationship involving pollinator flower consumption. Additionally, Wurfbainia villosa flowers developed specific visual cues of UV patterns and specialized structures that played a crucial role in attracting pollinators.},
}

@article {pmid39219755,
year = {2024},
author = {Alam, MZ and Dey Roy, M},
title = {The reduction of abiotic stress in food crops through climate-smart mycorrhiza-enriched biofertilizer.},
journal = {AIMS microbiology},
volume = {10},
number = {3},
pages = {674-693},
pmid = {39219755},
issn = {2471-1888},
abstract = {Climate change enhances stress in food crops. Recently, abiotic stress such as metalloid toxicity, salinity, and drought have increased in food crops. Mycorrhizal fungi can accumulate several nutrients within their hyphae through a symbiotic relationship and release them to cells in the root of the food crops under stress conditions. We have studied arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF)-enriched biofertilizers as a climate-smart technology option to increase safe and healthy food production under abiotic stress. AMF such as Glomus sp., Rhizophagus sp., Acaulospora morrowiae, Paraglomus occultum, Funneliformis mosseae, and Claroideoglomus etunicatum enhance growth and yield in food crops grown in soils under abiotic stress. AMF also works as a bioremediation material in food crops grown in soil. More precisely, the arsenic concentrations in grains decrease by 57% with AMF application. In addition, AMF increases mineral contents, and antioxidant activities under drought and salinity stress in food crops. Catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) increased by 45% and 70% in AMF-treated plants under drought stress. AMF-enriched biofertilizers are used in crop fields like precision agriculture to reduce the demand for chemical fertilizers. Subsequently, AMF-enriched climate-smart biofertilizers increase nutritional quality by reducing abiotic stress in food crops grown in soils. Consequently, a climate resilience environment might be developed using AMF-enriched biofertilizers for sustainable livelihood.},
}

@article {pmid39219685,
year = {2024},
author = {Chi, Y and Wei, F and Tang, D and Mu, C and Ma, H and Wang, Z and Al-Rasheid, KAS and Hines, HN and Chen, X},
title = {Exploring the biogeography, morphology, and phylogeny of the condylostomatid ciliates (Alveolata, Ciliophora, Heterotrichea), with establishment of four new Condylostoma species and a revision including redescriptions of five species found in China.},
journal = {Marine life science & technology},
volume = {6},
number = {3},
pages = {365-404},
pmid = {39219685},
issn = {2662-1746},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Species of the ciliate class Heterotrichea Stein, 1859 are a cosmopolitan group of unicellular eukaryotic microorganisms, many of which have been widely used as models in various fields of research such as regenerative biology, functional ecology, environmental toxicology, and symbiotic behavior. However, species identification in the heterotrich family Condylostomatidae, especially the most species-rich and type genus Condylostoma Bory de Saint-Vincent, 1824, remains challenging due to incomplete original descriptions, few reliable distinguishing characters, and overlapping features between different species. This study presents an updated revision of Condylostoma and its related genus Condylostomides da Silva Neto, 1994 based on descriptions of five species, including nine populations collected from China, using both morphological and molecular methods. The main findings are as follows: (1) 43 nominal species and about 130 populations are reviewed, resulting in the recognition of 30 valid species of Condylostoma and eight valid species of Condylostomides; (2) keys, synonyms, biogeographic distributions and amended/improved diagnoses of all valid species are provided; (3) based on the available data, four new Condylostoma species (C. marinum sp. nov., C. petzi sp. nov., C. villeneuvei sp. nov., and C. microstomum sp. nov.), one new combination (Condylostomides minimus (Dragesco, 1954) comb. nov. & nom. corr.), and two corrected names (Condylostoma ancestrale Villeneuve-Brachon, 1940 nom. corr. and Condylostomides nigrus (Dragesco, 1960) nom. corr.) are suggested; (4) cryptic species are detected and proposed for the first time to form the Condylostoma curvum species complex; (5) three highly confusing Condylostoma species, C. kris, C. spatiosum, and C. minutum, are redefined for the first time based on modern taxonomic methods; (6) a 'flagship' species, Condylostomides coeruleus, is recorded for the first time from the continent of Asia, substantially expanding its biogeography; (7) ciliature adjacent to the distal end of the paroral membrane within the family Condylostomatidae is uniformly defined as frontal membranelles and is classified into three patterns according to the arrangement of kinetosomes, which serve as important key features.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42995-024-00223-3.},
}

@article {pmid39218724,
year = {2024},
author = {Zhang, J and Sun, H and Feng, F and Liang, P},
title = {Chitinase-assisted winner: nematodes antagonize symbiotic microbes.},
journal = {Trends in microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.tim.2024.08.008},
pmid = {39218724},
issn = {1878-4380},
abstract = {Nematodes do not merely siphon off plant resources but also sabotage the plant's mutualistic relationships with beneficial microbes. Yang and colleagues elegantly elucidated this generalizable molecular antagonism, revealing how Heterodera glycines, the notorious soybean cyst nematode (SCN), suppresses beneficial microbial symbiosis through a specific chitinase, HgCht2.},
}

@article {pmid39218086,
year = {2024},
author = {Zhou, L and Zhang, X and Al-Dhabi, NA and Zhang, X and Tang, W and Liu, W and Wu, P},
title = {Metabolic evolution and bottleneck insights into simultaneous autotroph-heterotroph anammox system for real municipal wastewater nitrogen removal.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {175941},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175941},
pmid = {39218086},
issn = {1879-1026},
abstract = {When biological nitrogen removal (BNR) systems shifted from treating simulated wastewater to real wastewater, a microbial succession occurred, often resulting in a decline in efficacy. Notably, despite their high nitrogen removal efficiency for real wastewater, anammox coupled systems operating without or with minimal carbon sources also exhibited a certain degree of performance reduction. The underlying reasons and metabolic shifts within these systems remained elusive. In this study, the simultaneous autotrophic/heterotrophic anammox system demonstrated remarkable metabolic resilience upon exposure to real municipal wastewater, achieving a nitrogen removal efficiency (NRE) of 82.83 ± 2.29 %. This resilience was attributed to the successful microbial succession and the complementary metabolic functions of heterotrophic microorganisms, which fostered a resilient microbial community. The system's ability to harness multiple electron sources, including NADH oxidation, the TCA cycle, and organics metabolism, allowed it to establish a stable and efficient electron transfer chain, ensuring effective nitrogen removal. Despite the denitrification channel's nitrite supply capability, the analysis of the interspecies correlation network revealed that the synergistic metabolism between AOB and AnAOB was not fully restored, resulting in selective functional bacterial and genetic interactions and the system's PN/A performance declined. Additionally, the enhanced electron affinity of PD increased interconversion of NO3[-]-N and NO2[-]-N, limiting the efficient utilization of electrons and thereby constraining nitrogen removal performance. This study elucidated the metabolic mechanism of nitrogen removal limitations in anammox-based systems treating real municipal wastewater, enhancing our understanding of the metabolic functions and electron transfer within the symbiotic bacterial community.},
}

@article {pmid39216737,
year = {2024},
author = {Chen, J and Yu, X and Yu, K and Chen, B and Qin, Z and Liao, Z and Ma, Y and Xu, L and Wang, Y},
title = {Potential adaptation of scleractinian coral Pocillopora damicornis during hypo-salinity stress caused by extreme pre-flood rainfall over South China.},
journal = {Environmental research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {119848},
doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2024.119848},
pmid = {39216737},
issn = {1096-0953},
abstract = {Global warming intensifies the water cycle, resulting in significant increases in precipitation and river runoff, which brings severe hypo-salinity stress to nearshore coral reefs. Ecological investigations have found that some corals exhibit remarkable adaptability to hypo-salinity stress during mass-bleaching events. However, the exact cause of this phenomenon remains unclear. To elucidate the potential molecular mechanism leading to high tolerance to hypo-salinity stress, Pocillopora damicornis was used as a research object in this study. We compared the differences in transcriptional responses and symbiotic microbiomes between bleaching and unbleaching P. damicornis during hypo-salinity stress caused by extreme pre-flood rainfall over South China in 2022. The results showed that: (1) Under hypo-salinity stress, the coral genes related to immune defense and cellular stress were significantly upregulated in bleaching corals, indicating more severe immune damage and stress, and the Symbiodiniaceae had no significant gene enrichment. Conversely, metabolic genes related to glycolysis/gluconeogenesis were significantly downregulated in unbleaching corals, whereas Symbiodiniaceae genes related to oxidative phosphorylation were significantly upregulated to meet the energy requirements of coral holobiont; (2) C1d was the dominant Symbiodiniaceae subclade in all samples, with no significant difference between the two groups; (3) The symbiotic bacterial community structure was reorganized under hypo-salinity stress. The abundance of opportunistic bacteria increased significantly in bleaching coral, whereas the relative abundance of probiotics was higher in unbleaching coral. This may be due to severe immune damage, making the coral more susceptible to opportunistic infection and bleaching. These results suggest that long-term hypo-salinity acclimation in the Pearl River Estuary enhances the tolerance of some corals to hypo-salinity stress. Corals with higher tolerance may reduce energy consumption by slowing down their metabolism, improve the energy metabolism of Symbiodiniaceae to meet the energy requirements of the coral holobiont, and alter the structure of symbiotic bacterial communities to avoid bleaching.},
}

@article {pmid39216315,
year = {2024},
author = {Morita, H and Kodama, Y},
title = {Quantitative analysis of trichocysts in Paramecium bursaria following artificial removal and infection with the symbiotic Chlorella variabilis.},
journal = {European journal of protistology},
volume = {95},
number = {},
pages = {126115},
doi = {10.1016/j.ejop.2024.126115},
pmid = {39216315},
issn = {1618-0429},
abstract = {The ciliate Paramecium bursaria possesses cell organelles called trichocysts that have defensive functions. Paramecium bursaria is capable of symbiosis with Chlorella variabilis, and the symbiotic algae are situated in close proximity to the trichocysts. To clarify the relationship between trichocysts in P. bursaria and the presence or absence of the intracellular symbiotic C. variabilis, this study compared the regeneration capacity of trichocysts in alga-free and algae-bearing P. bursaria. In addition, trichocyst protein abundance was measured when alga-free P. bursaria specimens were artificially infected with Chlorella. After completely removing trichocysts from P. bursaria cells by treatment with lysozyme and observing them after 24 h, the percentage of regenerating trichocysts in the entire cell was significantly higher in alga-free cells than that in algae-bearing cells. We also developed a simple method for the isolation of high-purity trichocysts to quantify trichocyst protein amounts. There was a significant difference in the trichocyst protein abundance of P. bursaria before and one week after mixing with Chlorella (i.e., after the establishment of symbiosis with algae). This study shows the importance of trichocysts in alga-free P. bursaria as well as their competition with symbiotic C. variabilis for attachment sites during the algal infection process.},
}

@article {pmid39215647,
year = {2024},
author = {Liu, X and Elzenga, JTM and Venema, JH and Tiedge, KJ},
title = {Thriving in a salty future: morpho-anatomical, physiological, and molecular adaptations to salt stress in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and other crops.},
journal = {Annals of botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/aob/mcae152},
pmid = {39215647},
issn = {1095-8290},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: With soil salinity levels rising at an alarming rate, accelerated by climate change and human interventions, there is a growing need for crop varieties that can grow on saline soils. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a cool-season perennial leguminous crop, commonly grown as forage, biofuel feedstock, and soil conditioner. It demonstrates significant potential for agricultural circularity and sustainability, for example by fixing nitrogen, sequestering carbon, and improving soil structures. Although alfalfa is traditionally regarded as moderately salt-tolerant species, modern alfalfa varieties display specific salt-tolerance mechanisms, which could be used to pave alfalfa's role as a leading crop able to grow on saline soils.

SCOPE: Alfalfa's salt tolerance underlies a large variety of cascading biochemical and physiological mechanisms. These are partly enabled by alfalfa's complex genome structure and out-crossing nature, which on the other hand entail impediments for molecular and genetic studies. This review first summarizes the general effects of salinity on plants and the broad-ranging mechanisms for dealing with salt-induced osmotic stress, ion toxicity, and secondary stress. Secondly, we address defensive and adaptive strategies that have been described for alfalfa, such as the plasticity of alfalfa's root system, hormonal crosstalk for maintaining ion homeostasis, spatiotemporal specialized metabolite profiles, and the protection of alfalfa-rhizobia associations. Finally, bottlenecks for research of the physiological and molecular salt-stress responses as well as biotechnology-driven improvements of salt tolerance are identified and discussed.

CONCLUSION: Understanding morpho-anatomical, physiological, and molecular responses to salinity is essential for the improvement of alfalfa and other crops in saline land reclamation. This review identifies potential breeding targets for enhancing alfalfa performance stability and general crop robustness for rising salt levels as well as to promote alfalfa applications in saline land management.},
}

@article {pmid39210954,
year = {2024},
author = {Tominaga, T and Kaminaka, H},
title = {In Vitro Hyphal Branching Assay Using Rhizophagus irregularis.},
journal = {Bio-protocol},
volume = {14},
number = {16},
pages = {e5054},
pmid = {39210954},
issn = {2331-8325},
abstract = {Most terrestrial plants are associated with symbiotic Glomeromycotina fungi, commonly known as arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. AM fungi increase plant biomass in phosphate-depleted conditions by allocating mineral nutrients to the host; therefore, host roots actively exude various specialized metabolites and orchestrate symbiotic partners. The hyphal branching activity induced by strigolactones (SLs), a category of plant hormones, was previously discovered using an in vitro assay system. For this bioassay, AM fungi of the Gigaspora genus (Gigasporaeae) are commonly used due to their linear hyphal elongation and because the simple branching pattern is convenient for microscopic observation. However, many researchers have also used Glomeraceae fungi, such as Rhizophagus species, as the symbiotic partner of host plants, although they often exhibit a complex hyphal branching pattern. Here, we describe a method to produce and quantify the hyphal branches of the popular model AM fungus Rhizophagus irregularis. In this system, R. irregularis spores are sandwiched between gels, and chemicals of interest are diffused from the surface of the gel to the germinating spores. This method enables the positive effect of a synthetic SL on R. irregularis hyphal branching to be reproduced. This method could thus be useful to quantify the physiological effects of synthesized chemicals or plant-derived specialized metabolites on R. irregularis. Key features • Development of an in vitro hyphal branching assay using germinating spores of Rhizophagus irregularis. • This in vitro assay system builds upon a method developed by Kameoka et al. [1] but modified to make it more applicable to hydrophilic compounds. • Optimized for R. irregularis to count the hyphal branches. • This bioassay requires at least 12 days to be done.},
}

@article {pmid39214775,
year = {2024},
author = {Mergaert, P and Giraud, E},
title = {Pathogenic nematodes exploit Achilles' heel of plant symbioses.},
journal = {Trends in parasitology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.pt.2024.08.005},
pmid = {39214775},
issn = {1471-5007},
abstract = {Cyst nematode parasites disrupt beneficial associations of crops with rhizobia and mycorrhiza. Chen et al. discovered the mechanism and demonstrated that the soybean cyst nematode Heterodera glycines secretes a chitinase that destroys key symbiotic signals from the microbial symbionts. The authors further developed a chitinase inhibitor that alleviates symbiosis inhibition.},
}

@article {pmid39213769,
year = {2024},
author = {Zhao, S and Qian, J and Lu, B and Tang, S and He, Y and Liu, Y and Yan, Y and Jin, S},
title = {Enhancing treatment performance of Chlorella pyrenoidosa on levofloxacin wastewater through microalgae-bacteria consortia: Mechanistic insights using the transcriptome.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {479},
number = {},
pages = {135670},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135670},
pmid = {39213769},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {Microalgae-bacteria consortia (MBC) system has been shown to enhance the efficiency of microalgae in wastewater treatment, yet its effectiveness in treating levofloxacin (LEV) wastewater remains unexplored. This study compared the treatment of LEV wastewater using pure Chlorella pyrenoidosa (PA) and its MBC constructed with activated sludge bacteria. The results showed that MBC improved the removal efficiency of LEV from 3.50-5.41 % to 33.62-57.20 % by enhancing the growth metabolism of microalgae. The MBC increased microalgae biomass and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) secretion, yet reduced photosynthetic pigment content compared to the PA. At the phylum level, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteriota are the major bacteria in MBC. Furthermore, the transcriptome reveals that the growth-promoting effects of MBC are associated with the up-regulation of genes encoding the glycolysis, the citrate cycle (TCA cycle), and the pentose phosphate pathway. Enhanced carbon fixation, coupled with down-regulation of photosynthetic electron transfer processes, suggests an energy allocation mechanism within MBC. The up-regulation of porphyrin and arachidonic acid metabolism, along with the expression of genes encoding LEV-degrading enzymes, provides evidence of MBC's superior tolerance to and degradation of LEV. Overall, these findings lead to a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms through which MBC outperforms PA in treating LEV wastewater.},
}

@article {pmid39212827,
year = {2024},
author = {Okabe, K and Fujii, S and Makino, S and Doi, K and Nakamura, S and Saitoh, T and Shimada, T},
title = {Mite composition in nests of the Japanese wood mouse, Apodemus speciosus (Rodentia: Muridae).},
journal = {Experimental & applied acarology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39212827},
issn = {1572-9702},
support = {20H00652//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; 22K19882//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; 19H03005//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; },
abstract = {Acari is a diverse group of arthropods that include well-known parasites of animals. Rodents, particularly, serve as common hosts of mites and ticks, transmitting pathogens to domestic animals and humans. Understanding the ecological dynamics between parasites and rodent hosts is crucial for ecosystem management. Due to limited knowledge about the life history of ectoparasites in wild mouse nests, we collected four nests of Apodemus speciosus, the most common rodent species in the wild areas of Japan, along with soil samples near the nests to study arthropod communities. Mites overwhelmingly populated the mouse nests, comprising approximately 90% of all arthropods, while both mites and collembolans were prevalent in soil. Various species identified in our study, such as those from the families Laelapidae, Pygmephoridae, Cheyletidae, Trombiculidae, Glycyphagidae, and Thyrisomidae align with known ectoparasites or species found in the nests of other rodent species, but most parasitic species were never collected in the surrounding soil except for trombiculids. The dominance of mites in mouse nests suggests selective preference for inhabiting these host environments, although the exact reasons driving this dominance remain unclear. Further investigations into the food web within mouse nests will aid in characterising faunal composition and understanding the ecological interaction among rodents, mites, and other nest symbionts.},
}

@article {pmid39212462,
year = {2024},
author = {Bashyal, S and Gautam, CK and Das, D},
title = {Dynamic regulation of PHR2 is essential for arbuscule maintenance.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.20044},
pmid = {39212462},
issn = {1469-8137},
}

@article {pmid39211153,
year = {2024},
author = {Wagner, JM and Wong, JH and Millar, JG and Haxhimali, E and Bruckner, A and Naragon, TH and Boedicker, JQ and Parker, J},
title = {Enforced specificity of an animal symbiosis.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1101/2024.08.04.606548},
pmid = {39211153},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {Insect diversification has been catalyzed by widespread specialization on novel hosts - a process underlying exceptional radiations of phytophagous beetles, lepidopterans, parasitoid wasps, and inordinate lineages of symbionts, predators and other trophic specialists. The strict fidelity of many such interspecies associations is posited to hinge on sensory tuning to host-derived cues, a model supported by studies of neural function in host-specific model species. Here, we investigated the sensory basis of symbiotic interactions between a myrmecophile rove beetle and its single, natural host ant species. We show that host cues trigger analogous behaviors in both ant and symbiont. Cuticular hydrocarbons - the ant's nestmate recognition pheromones - elicit partner recognition by the beetle and execution of ant grooming behavior, integrating the beetle into the colony via chemical mimicry. The beetle also follows host trail pheromones, permitting inter-colony dispersal. Remarkably, the rove beetle also performs its symbiotic behaviors with ant species separated by ~95 million years, and shows minimal preference for its natural host over non-host ants. Experimentally validated agent-based modeling supports a scenario in which specificity is enforced by physiological constraints on symbiont dispersal, and negative fitness interactions with alternative hosts, rather than via sensory tuning. Enforced specificity may be a pervasive mechanism of host range restriction of specialists embedded within host niches. Chance realization of latent compatibilities with alternative hosts may facilitate host switching, enabling deep-time persistence of obligately symbiotic lineages.},
}

@article {pmid39209870,
year = {2024},
author = {Doby, JR and Siniscalchi, CM and Pajuelo, M and Krigbaum, J and Soltis, DE and Guralnick, RP and Folk, RA},
title = {Elemental and isotopic analysis of leaves predicts nitrogen-fixing phenotypes.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {20065},
pmid = {39209870},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {2316267//DEB/ ; DEB-2316266//NSF/ ; },
mesh = {*Plant Leaves/metabolism/chemistry ; *Nitrogen Fixation ; *Phenotype ; *Symbiosis ; *Nitrogen Isotopes/analysis/metabolism ; *Carbon Isotopes/analysis ; Phylogeny ; Nitrogen/metabolism/analysis ; Ecosystem ; Carbon/metabolism/analysis ; },
abstract = {Nitrogen (N)-fixing symbiosis is critical to terrestrial ecosystems, yet possession of this trait is known for few plant species. Broader presence of the symbiosis is often indirectly determined by phylogenetic relatedness to taxa investigated via manipulative experiments. This data gap may ultimately underestimate phylogenetic, spatial, and temporal variation in N-fixing symbiosis. Still needed are simpler field or collections-based approaches for inferring symbiotic status. N-fixing plants differ from non-N-fixing plants in elemental and isotopic composition, but previous investigations have not tested predictive accuracy using such proxies. Here we develop a regional field study and demonstrate a simple classification model for fixer status using nitrogen and carbon content measurements, and stable isotope ratios (δ[15]N and δ[13]C), from field-collected leaves. We used mixed models and classification approaches to demonstrate that N-fixing phenotypes can be used to predict symbiotic status; the best model required all predictors and was 80-94% accurate. Predictions were robust to environmental context variation, but we identified significant variation due to native vs. non-native (exotic) status and phylogenetic affinity. Surprisingly, N content-not δ[15]N-was the strongest predictor, suggesting that future efforts combine elemental and isotopic information. These results are valuable for understudied taxa and ecosystems, potentially allowing higher-throughput field-based N-fixer assessments.},
}

*Plant Leaves/metabolism/chemistry
*Nitrogen Fixation
*Phenotype
*Symbiosis
*Nitrogen Isotopes/analysis/metabolism
*Carbon Isotopes/analysis
Phylogeny
Nitrogen/metabolism/analysis
Ecosystem
Carbon/metabolism/analysis

@article {pmid39207710,
year = {2024},
author = {Garofalo, S and D'Alessandro, G and Limatola, C},
title = {Microglia in Glioma.},
journal = {Advances in neurobiology},
volume = {37},
number = {},
pages = {513-527},
pmid = {39207710},
issn = {2190-5215},
mesh = {*Microglia/metabolism/pathology ; Humans ; *Brain Neoplasms/pathology/metabolism ; *Tumor Microenvironment ; *Glioma/pathology/metabolism ; Animals ; Glioblastoma/pathology/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Myeloid cells are fundamental constituents of the brain tumor microenvironment. In this chapter, we describe the state-of-the-art knowledge on the role of microglial cells in the cross-talk with the most common and aggressive brain tumor, glioblastoma. We report in vitro and in vivo studies related to glioblastoma patients and glioma models to outline the symbiotic interactions that microglia develop with tumoral cells, highlighting the heterogeneity of microglial functions in shaping the brain tumor microenvironment.},
}

*Microglia/metabolism/pathology
Humans
*Brain Neoplasms/pathology/metabolism
*Tumor Microenvironment
*Glioma/pathology/metabolism
Animals
Glioblastoma/pathology/metabolism

@article {pmid39207169,
year = {2024},
author = {Baker, BJ and Sarno, N},
title = {Small archaea may form intimate partnerships to maximize their metabolic potential.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0034724},
doi = {10.1128/mbio.00347-24},
pmid = {39207169},
issn = {2150-7511},
abstract = {DPANN archaea have characteristically small cells and unique genomes that were long overlooked in diversity surveys. Their reduced genomes often lack essential metabolic pathways, requiring symbiotic relationships with other archaeal and bacterial hosts for survival. Yet a long-standing question remains, what is the advantage of maintaining ultrasmall cells. A recent study by Zhang et al. examined genomes of DPANN archaea from marine oxygen deficient zones (ODZs) (I. H. Zhang, B. Borer, R. Zhao, S. Wilbert, et al., mBio 15:e02918-23, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1128/mbio.02918-23). Surprisingly, these genomes contain a broad array of metabolic pathways including genes predicted to be involved in nitrous oxide (N2O) reduction. However, N2O levels are likely too low in ODZs to make this metabolically feasible. Modeling co-localization of DPANN archaea (N2O consumers) with other larger cells (N2O producers) demonstrates that N2O uptake rates can be optimized by maximizing the producer-to-consumer size ratio and proximity of consumer cells to producers. This may explain why such a diversity of archaea maintain extremely small cell sizes.},
}

@article {pmid39207106,
year = {2024},
author = {Martinez, S and Grover, R and Ferrier-Pagès, C},
title = {Unveiling the importance of heterotrophy for coral symbiosis under heat stress.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0196624},
doi = {10.1128/mbio.01966-24},
pmid = {39207106},
issn = {2150-7511},
abstract = {Global warming endangers reef-building corals as they lose their photosynthetic symbionts, which limits their ability to feed autotrophically. Consequently, heterotrophy, the capture of zooplankton, can become crucial for the energy budget of heat-stressed corals. However, it is difficult to assess the extent of the heterotrophic contribution in corals, as well as the dynamics of nutrient exchange between the host and its symbionts. In this pioneering study, we employed a suite of isotopic markers, including [13]C- and [15]N bulk tissue isotope measurements, compound-specific isotope analysis of amino acids (CSIA-AAs), and [13]C- and [15]N-labeled food incubations, to investigate nutrient acquisition and allocation in the coral Stylophora pistillata under controlled and heat-induced bleaching conditions. Bulk isotope values and inorganic carbon assimilation remained unchanged in the bleached corals compared to the control corals, overall indicating undisturbed autotrophic activity of the symbionts under heat stress. However, CSIA-AAs showed an increased dependence on heterotrophy for amino acid synthesis in both the host and the symbionts despite reduced assimilation of [15]N-labeled food. Overall, these results suggest that although S. pistillata reduces its assimilation of heterotrophic food under heat stress, the acquisition of amino acids by the coral host and symbionts still relies on heterotrophy. This study emphasizes the importance of using multiple indicators to gain a comprehensive understanding of coral nutrition. It shows that coral dependence on heterotrophy is not only associated with a decline in autotrophic availability. Rather, it demonstrates the ability of S. pistillata to adapt its utilization of food sources to the prevailing environmental conditions.IMPORTANCEThis work highlights that every isotopic marker displays a piece of different information concerning the diet of the model coral S. pistillata. By combining all markers, we observed that although S. pistillata exhibited reduced heterotrophic assimilation under heat stress, amino acid acquisition and synthesis remained dependent on heterotrophy. The findings emphasize the adaptability of corals in utilizing different food sources, which is vital for their resilience and recovery in changing environmental conditions. This research underscores the complexity of coral symbiosis and highlights the need for multiple indicators to understand dietary dynamics comprehensively.},
}

@article {pmid39206669,
year = {2024},
author = {Venn, AA and Techer, N and Segonds, N and Tambutté, E and Tambutté, S},
title = {Quantification of cytosolic 'free' calcium in isolated coral cells with confocal microscopy.},
journal = {The Journal of experimental biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1242/jeb.247638},
pmid = {39206669},
issn = {1477-9145},
abstract = {Despite its prominent role as an intracellular messenger in all organisms, cytosolic free calcium ([Ca2+]i) has never been quantified in corals or cnidarians in general. Ratiometric calcium dyes and cell imaging have been key methods in successful research on [Ca2+]i in model systems, and could be applied to corals. Here, we developed a procedure to quantify [Ca2+]i in isolated cells from the model coral species Stylophora pistillata using Indo-1 and confocal microscopy. We quantified [Ca2+]i in coral cells with and without intracellular dinoflagellate symbionts, and verified our procedure on cultured mammalian cells. We then used our procedure to measure changes in [Ca2+]i in coral cells exposed to a classic inhibitor of [Ca2+]i regulation, thapsigargin, and also used it to record elevations in [Ca2+]i in coral cells undergoing apoptosis. Our procedure paves the way for future studies into intracellular calcium in corals and other cnidarians.},
}

@article {pmid39203560,
year = {2024},
author = {Zhang, W and Xue, W and Liu, J and Zhu, H and Zhao, Z},
title = {Molecular Diversity of Ectomycorrhizal Fungi in Relation to the Diversity of Neighboring Plant Species.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {12},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms12081718},
pmid = {39203560},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {2022YFF1300405//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 2017YFC0504605//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; },
abstract = {(1) Background: Plant diversity has long been assumed to predict soil microbial diversity. The mutualistic symbiosis between forest trees and ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungi favors strong correlations of EM fungal diversity with host density in terrestrial ecosystems. Nevertheless, in contrast with host tree effects, neighboring plant effects are less well studied. (2) Methods: In the study presented herein, we examined the α-diversity, community composition, and co-occurrence patterns of EM fungi in Quercus acutissima across different forest types (pure forests, mixed forests with Pinus tabuliformis, and mixed forests with other broadleaved species) to ascertain how the EM fungi of focal trees are related to their neighboring plants and to identify the underlying mechanisms that contribute to this relationship. (3) Results: The EM fungal community exhibited an overall modest but positive correlation with neighboring plant richness, with the associations being more pronounced in mixed forests. This neighboring effect was mediated by altered abiotic (i.e., SOC, TN, LC, and LP) and biotic (i.e., bacterial community) factors in rhizosphere soil. Further analysis revealed that Tomentella_badia, Tomentella_galzinii, and Sebacina_incrustans exhibited the most significant correlations with plant and EM fungal diversity. These keystone taxa featured low relative abundance and clear habitat preferences and shared similar physiological traits that promote nutrient uptake through contact, short-distance and medium-distance smooth contact-based exploration types, thereby enhancing the potential correlations between EM fungi and the neighboring plant community. (4) Conclusions: Our findings contribute to the comprehension of the effect of neighboring plants on the EM fungal community of focal trees of different forest communities and the biodiversity sensitivity to environmental change.},
}

@article {pmid39203433,
year = {2024},
author = {Ramos Cabrera, EV and Delgado Espinosa, ZY and Solis Pino, AF},
title = {Use of Phosphorus-Solubilizing Microorganisms as a Biotechnological Alternative: A Review.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {12},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms12081591},
pmid = {39203433},
issn = {2076-2607},
abstract = {Microorganisms with the ability to dissolve phosphorus have the potential to release this essential nutrient into the soil through natural solubilization processes, which allows for boosting plant growth and development. While literature reviews acknowledge their potential, unexplored territories concerning accessibility, application, and effective integration into sustainable agriculture necessitate further research. This manuscript employed distinct methodologies to execute a bibliometric analysis and a literature review. The combined application of both methodologies enables a holistic understanding of the domain landscape and its innovative facets. For the bibliometric analysis, the propositions of Donthu and Jia were utilized, supplemented by tools, such as Bibliometrix. The literature review adhered to a systematic methodology predicated on Petersen's guidelines to represent the domain accurately, pinpointing trends and gaps that could steer future, more detailed research. This investigation uncovers an escalating interest in studying these microorganisms since the 2000s, emphasizing their significance in sustainable agriculture and the context of phosphorus scarcity. It was also discerned that India and China, nations with notable agricultural sectors and a high demand for phosphorus fertilizers, spearheaded research output on this subject. This signifies their substantial contribution to the progression of this scientific field. Furthermore, according to the research consulted, phosphorus-solubilizing microorganisms play a pivotal role in the symbiotic interaction of soil with plant roots and represent an efficacious strategy to counteract the low availability of phosphorus in the soil and sustainably enhance agricultural systems. Finally, this review contributes to the relevant domain by examining existing empirical evidence with special emphasis on sustainable agriculture, improved understanding of phosphorus solubilization mechanisms, and recognition of various microbial entities.},
}

@article {pmid39203400,
year = {2024},
author = {Shi, N and He, T and Qin, H and Wang, Z and You, S and Wang, E and Hu, G and Wang, F and Yu, M and Liu, X and Liu, Z},
title = {Microvirga sesbaniae sp. nov. and Microvirga yunnanensis sp. nov., Pink-Pigmented Bacteria Isolated from Root Nodules of Sesbania cannabina (Retz.) Poir.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {12},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms12081558},
pmid = {39203400},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {No.23327501D//The provincial Key research and development (R&D) Program of Hebei Province/ ; },
abstract = {Four pigment-producing rhizobial strains nodulating Sesbania cannabina (Retz.) Poir. formed a unique group in genus Microvirga in the phylogeny of a 16S rRNA gene and five housekeeping genes (gyrB, recA, dnaK, glnA, and atpD) in a genome analysis, phenotypic characteristics analysis, and chemotaxonomic analysis. These four strains shared as high as 99.3% similarity with Microvirga tunisiensis LmiM8[T] in the 16S rRNA gene sequence and, in an MLSA, were subdivided into two clusters, ANI (genome average nucleotide) and dDDH (digital DNA-DNA hybridization) which shared sequence similarities lower than the species thresholds with each other and with the reference strains for related Microvirga species. The polar lipids elucidated that phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), and cardiolipin were the main components for strain SWF67558[T] and for strain HBU65207[T], with the exception of PC. SWF67558[T] and HBU65207[T] strains had similar predominant cellular fatty acids, including C16:0, C18:0, summed feature 2, and summed feature8, but with different contents. In addition, all the four novel strains produced pink-pigment, and the main coloring material extract from strain SWF67558[T] was identified as zeaxanthin, which presented antioxidant ability and reduction power. With all the phylogenetic and phenotypic divergency, we proposed these pink-pigmented symbiotic bacteria as two novel species, named Microvirga sesbaniae sp. nov. and Microvirga yunnanensis sp. nov., with SWF67558[T] (=KCTC82331[T]=GDMCC1.2024[T]) and HBU65207[T] (=KCTC92125[T]=GDMCC1.2023[T]) as the type strains, respectively.},
}

@article {pmid39203391,
year = {2024},
author = {Qian, S and Xu, Y and Zhang, Y and Wang, X and Niu, X and Wang, P},
title = {Effect of AMF Inoculation on Reducing Excessive Fertilizer Use.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {12},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms12081550},
pmid = {39203391},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {20220101145JC, 20220508109RC//the Science & Technology Development Program of Jilin Province, China/ ; },
abstract = {Excessive use of chemical fertilizer is a global concern. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are considered a potential solution due to their symbiotic association with crops. This study assessed AMF's effects on maize yield, fertilizer efficiency, plant traits, and soil nutrients under different reduced-fertilizer regimes in medium-low fertility fields. We found that phosphorus supplementation after a 30% fertilizer reduction enhanced AMF's positive impact on grain yield, increasing it by 3.47% with pure chemical fertilizers and 6.65% with mixed fertilizers. The AMF inoculation did not significantly affect the nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer use efficiency, but significantly increased root colonization and soil mycelium density. Mixed fertilizer treatments with phosphorus supplementation after fertilizer reduction showed greater mycorrhizal effects on plant traits and soil nutrient contents compared to chemical fertilizer treatments. This study highlights that AMF inoculation, closely linked to fertilization regimes, can effectively reduce fertilizer use while sustaining or enhancing maize yields.},
}

@article {pmid39203380,
year = {2024},
author = {Bai, C and Wang, Q and Xu, J and Zhang, H and Huang, Y and Cai, L and Zheng, X and Yang, M},
title = {Impact of Nutrient Enrichment on Community Structure and Co-Occurrence Networks of Coral Symbiotic Microbiota in Duncanopsammia peltata: Zooxanthellae, Bacteria, and Archaea.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {12},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms12081540},
pmid = {39203380},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {2022YFC3102003//the National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 2022ZD01//the Fund of Fujian Key Laboratory of Island Monitoring and Ecological Development (Island Research Center, MNR)/ ; 2019017//the Scientific Research Foundation of the Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China/ ; 41976127//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2023J06043//the Fujian Provincial Natural Science Funds for Distinguished Young Scholar/ ; },
abstract = {Symbiotic microorganisms in reef-building corals, including algae, bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses, play critical roles in the adaptation of coral hosts to adverse environmental conditions. However, their adaptation and functional relationships in nutrient-rich environments have yet to be fully explored. This study investigated Duncanopsammia peltata and the surrounding seawater and sediments from protected and non-protected areas in the summer and winter in Dongshan Bay. High-throughput sequencing was used to characterize community changes, co-occurrence patterns, and factors influencing symbiotic coral microorganisms (zooxanthellae, bacteria, and archaea) in different environments. The results showed that nutrient enrichment in the protected and non-protected areas was the greatest in December, followed by the non-protected area in August. In contrast, the August protected area had the lowest nutrient enrichment. Significant differences were found in the composition of the bacterial and archaeal communities in seawater and sediments from different regions. Among the coral symbiotic microorganisms, the main dominant species of zooxanthellae is the C1 subspecies (42.22-56.35%). The dominant phyla of bacteria were Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidota. Only in the August protected area did a large number (41.98%) of SAR324_cladeMarine_group_B exist. The August protected and non-protected areas and December protected and non-protected areas contained beneficial bacteria as biomarkers. They were Nisaea, Spiroplasma, Endozoicomonas, and Bacillus. No pathogenic bacteria appeared in the protected area in August. The dominant phylum in Archaea was Crenarchaeota. These symbiotic coral microorganisms' relative abundances and compositions vary with environmental changes. The enrichment of dissolved inorganic nitrogen in environmental media is a key factor affecting the composition of coral microbial communities. Co-occurrence analysis showed that nutrient enrichment under anthropogenic disturbances enhanced the interactions between coral symbiotic microorganisms. These findings improve our understanding of the adaptations of coral holobionts to various nutritional environments.},
}

@article {pmid39202889,
year = {2024},
author = {Cheng, J and Zhou, DD and Xiong, RG and Wu, SX and Huang, SY and Saimaiti, A and Xu, XY and Tang, GY and Li, HB and Li, S},
title = {Effects of Fermentation with Kombucha Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeasts on Antioxidant Activities, Bioactive Compounds and Sensory Indicators of Rhodiola rosea and Salvia miltiorrhiza Beverages.},
journal = {Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {29},
number = {16},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/molecules29163809},
pmid = {39202889},
issn = {1420-3049},
support = {2014B020205002//Key Project of Guangdong Provincial Science and Technology Program/ ; },
mesh = {*Antioxidants/chemistry ; *Rhodiola/chemistry ; *Salvia miltiorrhiza/chemistry ; *Fermentation ; *Phenols/analysis/chemistry ; Beverages/analysis ; Plant Extracts/chemistry/pharmacology ; Yeasts/metabolism ; Bacteria/drug effects ; Phytochemicals/chemistry/analysis ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; },
abstract = {Kombucha is a well-known fermented beverage traditionally made from black tea infusion. Recent studies have focused on finding alternative materials to create novel kombucha beverages with various health benefits. In this study, we prepared and evaluated two novel kombucha beverages using Rhodiola rosea and Salvia miltiorrhiza as materials. The effects of fermentation with the residue of these plants on the kombucha were also investigated. The antioxidant activities, total phenolic contents, and concentrations of the bioactive compounds of the kombucha beverages were determined by the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity test, ferric-reducing antioxidant power test, Folin-Ciocalteu method, and high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively. The results revealed that the kombucha beverages made with Rhodiola rosea and Salvia miltiorrhiza had strong antioxidant capacities and abundant phenolic contents. Additionally, the kombucha fermented with Rhodiola rosea residue had higher FRAP, TEAC and TPC values than that fermented without residue. On the other hand, the Salvia miltiorrhiza kombucha fermented with residue had similar FRAP and TEAC values but lower TPC values compared to that fermented without residue. The correlation analysis showed that gallic acid, salidroside, and tyrosol were responsible for the antioxidant abilities and total phenolic contents of the Rhodiola rosea kombucha, and salvianolic acid A and salvianolic acid B contributed to the antioxidant abilities of the Salvia miltiorrhiza kombucha. Furthermore, the kombucha fermented with Rhodiola rosea residue had the highest sensory scores among the kombucha beverages studied. These findings suggest that Rhodiola rosea and Salvia miltiorrhiza are suitable for making novel kombucha beverages with strong antioxidant abilities and abundant phenolic contents, which can be used in preventing and managing oxidative stress-related diseases.},
}

*Antioxidants/chemistry
*Rhodiola/chemistry
*Salvia miltiorrhiza/chemistry
*Fermentation
*Phenols/analysis/chemistry
Beverages/analysis
Plant Extracts/chemistry/pharmacology
Yeasts/metabolism
Bacteria/drug effects
Phytochemicals/chemistry/analysis
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid

@article {pmid39202389,
year = {2024},
author = {Gerasimova, JV and Beck, A and Scheunert, A and Kulkarni, O},
title = {De Novo Genome Assembly of Toniniopsis dissimilis (Ramalinaceae, Lecanoromycetes) from Long Reads Shows a Comparatively High Composition of Biosynthetic Genes Putatively Involved in Melanin Synthesis.},
journal = {Genes},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/genes15081029},
pmid = {39202389},
issn = {2073-4425},
support = {SNSBinnovativ grant "Alpiner Endemismus" to A.B.//Bavarian Natural History Collections/ ; SNSB-GCF start up grant//Bavarian Natural History Collections/ ; },
mesh = {*Melanins/biosynthesis/genetics ; *Genome, Fungal ; *Lichens/genetics/metabolism ; Multigene Family ; Phylogeny ; Biosynthetic Pathways/genetics ; Ascomycota/genetics/metabolism ; Polyketides/metabolism ; Fungal Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Lichens have developed numerous adaptations to optimize their survival in various environmental conditions, largely by producing secondary compounds by the fungal partner. They often have antibiotic properties and are involved in protection against intensive UV radiation, pathogens, and herbivores. To contribute to the knowledge of the arsenal of secondary compounds in a crustose lichen species, we sequenced and assembled the genome of Toniniopsis dissimilis, an indicator of old-growth forests, using Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT, Oxford, UK) long reads. Our analyses focused on biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) and specifically on Type I Polyketide (T1PKS) genes involved in the biosynthesis of polyketides. We used the comparative genomic approach to compare the genome of T. dissimilis with six other members of the family Ramalinaceae and twenty additional lichen genomes from the database. With only six T1PKS genes, a comparatively low number of biosynthetic genes are present in the T. dissimilis genome; from those, two-thirds are putatively involved in melanin biosynthesis. The comparative analyses showed at least three potential pathways of melanin biosynthesis in T. dissimilis, namely via the formation of 1,3,6,8-tetrahydroxynaphthalene, naphthopyrone, or YWA1 putative precursors, which highlights its importance in T. dissimilis. In addition, we report the occurrence of genes encoding ribosomally synthesized and posttranslationally modified peptides (RiPPs) in lichens, with their highest number in T. dissimilis compared to other Ramalinaceae genomes. So far, no function has been assigned to RiPP-like proteins in lichens, which leaves potential for future research on this topic.},
}

*Melanins/biosynthesis/genetics
*Genome, Fungal
*Lichens/genetics/metabolism
Multigene Family
Phylogeny
Biosynthetic Pathways/genetics
Ascomycota/genetics/metabolism
Polyketides/metabolism
Fungal Proteins/genetics/metabolism

@article {pmid39201807,
year = {2024},
author = {Cano, R and Bermúdez, V and Galban, N and Garrido, B and Santeliz, R and Gotera, MP and Duran, P and Boscan, A and Carbonell-Zabaleta, AK and Durán-Agüero, S and Rojas-Gómez, D and González-Casanova, J and Díaz-Vásquez, W and Chacín, M and Angarita Dávila, L},
title = {Dietary Polyphenols and Gut Microbiota Cross-Talk: Molecular and Therapeutic Perspectives for Cardiometabolic Disease: A Narrative Review.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {25},
number = {16},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms25169118},
pmid = {39201807},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {CORFO 22INIM-213186//CORPORACIÓN Y FOMENTO A LA PRODUCCIÓN/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects ; *Polyphenols/therapeutic use/pharmacology ; *Cardiovascular Diseases/metabolism/drug therapy/microbiology ; Animals ; Metabolic Diseases/drug therapy/metabolism/microbiology ; Diet ; },
abstract = {The intricate interplay between the gut microbiota and polyphenols has emerged as a captivating frontier in understanding and potentially harnessing the therapeutic potential of these bioactive compounds. Phenolic compounds, renowned for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties, are subject to intricate transformations within the gut milieu, where the diverse microbial ecosystem exerts profound effects on their metabolism and bioavailability. Conversely, polyphenols exhibit a remarkable capacity to modulate the composition and activity of the gut microbiota, fostering a bidirectional relationship that extends beyond mere nutrient processing. This symbiotic interaction holds significant implications for human health, particularly in cardiometabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, and cardiovascular disease. Through a comprehensive exploration of molecular interactions, this narrative review elucidates the reciprocal dynamics between the gut microbiota and polyphenols, unveiling novel avenues for therapeutic intervention in cardiometabolic disorders. By unravelling the intricate cross-talk between these two entities, this review underscores the multifaceted roles of polyphenols in overall health and the pivotal role of gut microbiota modulation as a promising therapeutic strategy in mitigating the burden of cardiometabolic diseases.},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects
*Polyphenols/therapeutic use/pharmacology
*Cardiovascular Diseases/metabolism/drug therapy/microbiology
Animals
Metabolic Diseases/drug therapy/metabolism/microbiology
Diet

@article {pmid39201374,
year = {2024},
author = {Howard, A and Carroll-Portillo, A and Alcock, J and Lin, HC},
title = {Dietary Effects on the Gut Phageome.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {25},
number = {16},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms25168690},
pmid = {39201374},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {BRINM 217//Winkler Bacterial Overgrowth Research Fund/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology ; *Diet ; *Bacteriophages/physiology ; *Dysbiosis/microbiology ; Animals ; Virome ; },
abstract = {As knowledge of the gut microbiome has expanded our understanding of the symbiotic and dysbiotic relationships between the human host and its microbial constituents, the influence of gastrointestinal (GI) microbes both locally and beyond the intestine has become evident. Shifts in bacterial populations have now been associated with several conditions including Crohn's disease (CD), Ulcerative Colitis (UC), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's Disease, liver diseases, obesity, metabolic syndrome, anxiety, depression, and cancers. As the bacteria in our gut thrive on the food we eat, diet plays a critical role in the functional aspects of our gut microbiome, influencing not only health but also the development of disease. While the bacterial microbiome in the context of disease is well studied, the associated gut phageome-bacteriophages living amongst and within our bacterial microbiome-is less well understood. With growing evidence that fluctuations in the phageome also correlate with dysbiosis, how diet influences this population needs to be better understood. This review surveys the current understanding of the effects of diet on the gut phageome.},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology
*Diet
*Bacteriophages/physiology
*Dysbiosis/microbiology
Animals
Virome

@article {pmid39200034,
year = {2024},
author = {Chen, M and Li, W and Teng, H and Hu, W and Dong, Z and Zhang, D and Liu, T and Zheng, Q},
title = {Impact of Combined Pollution of Ciprofloxacin and Copper on the Diversity of Archaeal Communities and Antibiotic-Resistance Genes.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {13},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/antibiotics13080734},
pmid = {39200034},
issn = {2079-6382},
support = {2021YFC32013-04//the National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; },
abstract = {This study aimed to explore the response of archaeal communities and antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) to ciprofloxacin (CIP, 0.05-40 mg/L) and copper (Cu, 3 mg/L) combined pollution during stress- and post-effect periods in an activated sludge system. With the increase in the CIP concentration, the diversity of archaea decreased, but the richness increased under the stress of 10 mg/L CIP. Under stress and post effects, the change in unknown archaeal community structure was more significant than that of the known archaea. The relative abundance of unknown archaea was significantly reduced with the increase in CIP concentration. Meanwhile, there were certain archaea that belonged to abundant and rare taxa with different resistance and recovery characteristics. Among them, Methanosaeta (49.15-83.66%), Methanoculleus (0.11-0.45%), and Nitrososphaera (0.03-0.36%) were the typical resistant archaea to combined pollution. And the resistance of the abundant taxa to combined pollution was significantly higher than that of the rare taxa. Symbiotic and competitive relationships were observed between the known and the unknown archaea. The interactions of abundant known taxa were mainly symbiotic relationships. While the rare unknown taxa were mainly competitive relationships in the post-effect period. Rare archaea showed an important ecological niche under the stress-effect. Some archaea displayed positive correlation with ARGs and played important roles as potential hosts of ARGs during stress- and post-periods. Methanospirillum, Methanosphaerula, Nitrososphaera and some rare unknown archaea also significantly co-occurred with a large number of ARGs. Overall, this study points out the importance of interactions among known and unknown archaeal communities and ARGs in a wastewater treatment system under the stress of antibiotics and heavy metal combined pollution.},
}

@article {pmid39199680,
year = {2024},
author = {Osuala, KO and Chalasani, A and Aggarwal, N and Ji, K and Moin, K},
title = {Paracrine Activation of STAT3 Drives GM-CSF Expression in Breast Carcinoma Cells, Generating a Symbiotic Signaling Network with Breast Carcinoma-Associated Fibroblasts.},
journal = {Cancers},
volume = {16},
number = {16},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/cancers16162910},
pmid = {39199680},
issn = {2072-6694},
support = {W81XWH-12-1-0024//dod/ ; R01 CA131990/GF/NIH HHS/United States ; P30 CA22453/GF/NIH HHS/United States ; R50 CA251068/GF/NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {This study evaluated the paracrine signaling between breast carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and breast cancer (BCa) cells. Resolving cell-cell communication in the BCa tumor microenvironment (TME) will aid the development of new therapeutics. Here, we utilized our patented TAME (tissue architecture and microenvironment engineering) 3D culture microphysiological system, which is a suitable pathomimetic avatar for the study of the BCa TME. We cultured in 3D BCa cells and CAFs either alone or together in cocultures and found that when cocultured, CAFs enhanced the invasive characteristics of tumor cells, as shown by increased proliferation and spread of tumor cells into the surrounding matrix. Secretome analysis from 3D cultures revealed a relatively high secretion of IL-6 by CAFs. A marked increase in the secretion of granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) when carcinoma cells and CAFs were in coculture was also observed. We theorized that the CAF-secreted IL-6 functions in a paracrine manner to induce GM-CSF expression and secretion from carcinoma cells. This was confirmed by evaluating the activation of STAT3 and gene expression of GM-CSF in carcinoma cells exposed to CAF-conditioned media (CAF-CM). In addition, the treatment of CAFs with BCa cell-CM yielded a brief upregulation of GM-CSF followed by a marked decrease, indicating a tightly regulated control of GM-CSF in CAFs. Secretion of IL-6 from CAFs drives the activation of STAT3 in BCa cells, which in turn drives the expression and secretion of GM-CSF. As a result, CAFs exposed to BCa cell-secreted GM-CSF upregulate inflammation-associated genes such as IL-6, IL-6R and IL-8, thereby forming a positive feedback loop. We propose that the tight regulation of GM-CSF in CAFs may be a novel regulatory pathway to target for disrupting the CAF:BCa cell symbiotic relationship. These data provide yet another piece of the cell-cell communication network governing the BCa TME.},
}

@article {pmid39197047,
year = {2024},
author = {Wu, XH and Ma, CY and Jiang, HJ and Zhang, XY and Wang, HM and Li, HR and Zhao, ZH and Sun, K and Zhang, W and Dai, CC},
title = {Root Endophyte-Manipulated Alteration in Rhizodeposits Stimulates Claroideoglomus in the Rhizosphere to Enhance Drought Resistance in Peanut.},
journal = {Journal of agricultural and food chemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.jafc.4c05009},
pmid = {39197047},
issn = {1520-5118},
abstract = {Drought dramatically affects plant growth and yield. A previous study indicated that endophytic fungus Phomopsis liquidambaris can improve the drought resistance of peanuts, which is related with the root arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) community; however, how root endophytes mediate AMF assembly to affect plant drought resistance remains unclear. Here, we explored the mechanism by which endophytic fungus recruits AMF symbiotic partners via rhizodeposits to improve host drought resistance. The results showed that Ph. liquidambaris enhanced peanut drought resistance by enriching the AMF genus Claroideoglomus of the rhizosphere. Furthermore, metabolomic analysis indicated that Ph. liquidambaris significantly promoted isoformononetin and salicylic acid (SA) synthesis in rhizodeposits, which were correlated with the increase in Claroideoglomus abundance following Ph. liquidambaris inoculation. Coinoculation experiments confirmed that isoformononetin and SA could enrich Claroideoglomus etunicatum in the rhizosphere, thereby improving the drought resistance. This study highlights the crucial role of fungal consortia in plant stress resistance.},
}

@article {pmid39196928,
year = {2024},
author = {Li, C and Haider, I and Wang, JY and Quinodoz, P and Suarez Duran, HG and Méndez, LR and Horber, R and Fiorilli, V and Votta, C and Lanfranco, L and Correia de Lemos, SM and Jouffroy, L and Moegle, B and Miesch, L and De Mesmaeker, A and Medema, MH and Al-Babili, S and Dong, L and Bouwmeester, HJ},
title = {OsCYP706C2 diverts rice strigolactone biosynthesis to a noncanonical pathway branch.},
journal = {Science advances},
volume = {10},
number = {35},
pages = {eadq3942},
pmid = {39196928},
issn = {2375-2548},
mesh = {*Oryza/genetics/metabolism ; *Lactones/metabolism ; *Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; *Plant Roots/metabolism/genetics ; Biosynthetic Pathways ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System/metabolism/genetics ; Mutation ; Phenotype ; Mycorrhizae/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Strigolactones exhibit dual functionality as regulators of plant architecture and signaling molecules in the rhizosphere. The important model crop rice exudes a blend of different strigolactones from its roots. Here, we identify the inaugural noncanonical strigolactone, 4-oxo-methyl carlactonoate (4-oxo-MeCLA), in rice root exudate. Comprehensive, cross-species coexpression analysis allowed us to identify a cytochrome P450, OsCYP706C2, and two methyl transferases as candidate enzymes for this noncanonical rice strigolactone biosynthetic pathway. Heterologous expression in yeast and Nicotiana benthamiana indeed demonstrated the role of these enzymes in the biosynthesis of 4-oxo-MeCLA, which, expectedly, is derived from carlactone as substrate. The oscyp706c2 mutants do not exhibit a tillering phenotype but do have delayed mycorrhizal colonization and altered root phenotype. This work sheds light onto the intricate complexity of strigolactone biosynthesis in rice and delineates its role in symbiosis and development.},
}

*Oryza/genetics/metabolism
*Lactones/metabolism
*Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism
*Plant Roots/metabolism/genetics
Biosynthetic Pathways
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System/metabolism/genetics
Mutation
Phenotype
Mycorrhizae/metabolism

@article {pmid39198023,
year = {2024},
author = {Cushnie, TPT and Luang-In, V and Sexton, DW},
title = {Necrophages and necrophiles: a review of their antibacterial defenses and biotechnological potential.},
journal = {Critical reviews in biotechnology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-18},
doi = {10.1080/07388551.2024.2389175},
pmid = {39198023},
issn = {1549-7801},
abstract = {With antibiotic resistance on the rise, there is an urgent need for new antibacterial drugs and products to treat or prevent infection. Many such products in current use, for example human and veterinary antibiotics and antimicrobial food preservatives, were discovered and developed from nature. Natural selection acts on all living organisms and the presence of bacterial competitors or pathogens in an environment can favor the evolution of antibacterial adaptations. In this review, we ask if vultures, blow flies and other carrion users might be a good starting point for antibacterial discovery based on the selection pressure they are under from bacterial disease. Dietary details are catalogued for over 600 of these species, bacterial pathogens associated with the diets are described, and an overview of the antibacterial defenses contributing to disease protection is given. Biotechnological applications for these defenses are then discussed, together with challenges facing developers and possible solutions. Examples include use of (a) the antimicrobial peptide (AMP) gene sarcotoxin IA to improve crop resistance to bacterial disease, (b) peptide antibiotics such as serrawettin W2 as antibacterial drug leads, (c) lectins for targeted drug delivery, (d) bioconversion-generated chitin as an antibacterial biomaterial, (e) bacteriocins as antibacterial food preservatives and (f) mutualistic microbiota bacteria as alternatives to antibiotics in animal feed. We show that carrion users encounter a diverse range of bacterial pathogens through their diets and interactions, have evolved many antibacterial defenses, and are a promising source of genes, molecules, and microbes for medical, agricultural, and food industry product development.},
}

@article {pmid39197661,
year = {2024},
author = {Jiang, W and Jiang, Y and Tao, J and Luo, J and Xie, W and Zhou, X and Yang, L and Ye, Y},
title = {Enhancement of methane production from anaerobic co-digestion of food waste and dewatered sludge by thermal, ultrasonic and alkaline technologies integrated with protease pretreatment.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {411},
number = {},
pages = {131357},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2024.131357},
pmid = {39197661},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {Pretreatments to improve the efficiency of anaerobic digestion (AD) have gained more attention. The efficiency and mechanism of neutral protease (NP) integrated with other methods remain unclear. This study investigated the efficacy of thermal, alkaline and ultrasonic technologies integrated with NP as the pre-treatments for AD of food waste and dewatered sludge. Results showed the thermal method integrated with NP (TH-NP) was the most effective, achieving a 104.2% improvement in methane production. In this case, TH-NP increased soluble chemical oxygen demand and protein concentrations by 8.6% and 39.8%, respectively. Microbial community analysis indicated that TH-NP promoted the symbiosis between Woesearchaeales and hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis. Furthermore, the PICRUSt2 analysis revealed that TH-NP increased the activities of most enzymes in the acetate and propionate metabolic pathways. In summary, TH-NP is more effective in increasing the AD efficiency compared to other combined pretreatments. This study provides theoretical support for protease-induced pretreatment technology.},
}

@article {pmid39197488,
year = {2024},
author = {He, M and Shen, C and Peng, S and Wang, Y and Sun, J and Zhang, J and Wang, Y},
title = {The influence of soil salinization, induced by the backwater effect of the Yellow River, on microbial community dynamics and ecosystem functioning in arid regions.},
journal = {Environmental research},
volume = {262},
number = {Pt 1},
pages = {119854},
doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2024.119854},
pmid = {39197488},
issn = {1096-0953},
abstract = {Irrigation practices and groundwater levels are critical factors contributing to soil salinization in arid and semi-arid regions. However, the impact of soil salinization resulting from Yellow River water irrigation and recharge on microbial communities and their functions in the Huinong District has not been thoroughly documented. In this study, high-throughput sequencing technology was employed to analyze the diversity, composition, and structure of bacterial and fungal communities across a gradient of salinized soils. The results indicated that the alpha diversity of bacterial communities was significantly higher in slightly saline soils compared to highly saline soils. Soil salinization notably influenced the composition of both bacterial and fungal communities. Highly salinized soils were enriched with bacterial taxa such as Halomonas, Salinimicrobium, Pseudomonas, Solibacillus, and Kocuria, as well as fungal taxa including Emericellopsis, Alternaria, and Podospora. In these highly saline soils, bacterial taxa associated with iron respiration, sulfur respiration, and hydrocarbon degradation were more prevalent, whereas fungal taxa linked to functions such as soil animal pathogens, arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis, endophytes, dung saprotrophy, leaf saprotrophy, soil saprotrophy, fungal parasitism, and plant pathogenicity were less abundant. Random forest analysis identified nine bacterial and eighteen fungal taxa as potential biomarkers for salinity discrimination in saline soils. Symbiotic network analysis further revealed that soil salinization pressure reduced the overall complexity and stability of bacterial and fungal communities. Additionally, bacterial community assembly showed a tendency shift from stochastic to deterministic processes in response to increasing salinity, while fungal community assembly remained dominated by deterministic processes. provide robust evidence that soil salinity is a major inhibitor of soil biogeochemical processes in the Huinong District and plays a critical role in shaping bacterial and fungal communities, their symbiotic networks, and their assembly processes.},
}

@article {pmid39196541,
year = {2024},
author = {Vats, M and Cillero-Pastor, B and Cuypers, E and Heeren, RMA},
title = {Mass spectrometry imaging in plants, microbes, and food: a review.},
journal = {The Analyst},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1039/d4an00644e},
pmid = {39196541},
issn = {1364-5528},
abstract = {Plant health, which affects the nutritional quality and safety of derivative food products, is influenced by symbiotic interactions with microorganisms. These interactions influence the local molecular profile at the tissue level. Therefore, studying the distribution of molecules within plants, microbes, and plant-based food is crucial to assess plant health, ensure the safety and quality of the agricultural products that become part of our food supply, and plan agricultural management practices. Within this framework, the molecular distribution within plant-based samples can be visualized with mass spectrometry imaging (MSI). This review describes key MSI methodologies, highlighting the role they play in unraveling the localization of metabolites, lipids, proteins, pigments, and elemental components across plants, microbes, and food products. Furthermore, investigations that involve multimodal molecular imaging approaches combining MSI with other imaging techniques are described. The advantages and limitations of the different MSI techniques that influence their applicability in diverse agro-food studies are described to enable informed choices for tailored analyses. For example, some MSI technologies involve meticulous sample preparation while others compromise spatial resolution to gain throughput. Key parameters such as sensitivity, ionization bias and fragmentation, reference database and compound class specificity are described and discussed in this review. With the ongoing refinements in instrumentation, data analysis, and integration of complementary techniques, MSI deepens our insight into the molecular biology of the agricultural ecosystem. This in turn empowers the quest for sustainable and productive agricultural practices.},
}

@article {pmid39195717,
year = {2024},
author = {De Fazio, R and Piras, C and Britti, D},
title = {Deltamethrin's Effect on Nitrogen-Fixing Nodules in Medicago truncatula.},
journal = {Toxics},
volume = {12},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {39195717},
issn = {2305-6304},
support = {2018-PDR-00912//Fondazione CON IL SUD/ ; },
abstract = {Deltamethrin is used against plant pests (e.g., mites and ants) and, in farm animals, against biting insects because of its acaricidal and repellent effects against ticks, thus protecting the sheep and cattle from the transmission of pathogens. However, its impact on the environment still needs to be fully evaluated. This study evaluates the impact of this pyrethroid on the nitrogen-fixing nodules in Medicago truncatula, a model legume. This research compares nodular biomass and root weight between a deltamethrin-treated section and an untreated control section of this legume. Our results indicate a significant reduction in the biomass of nitrogen-fixing nodules in the treated grove, suggesting that deltamethrin negatively affects the symbiotic relationship between M. truncatula and nitrogen-fixing bacteria. This reduction in nodule formation can impair soil fertility and plant growth, highlighting an ecological risk associated with pyrethroid's use in livestock farming. These findings underscore the need for a shift towards Green Veterinary Pharmacology (GVP), which promotes environmentally sustainable practices in managing livestock health. By minimizing our reliance on harmful chemical treatments, GVP offers viable solutions to protect and enhance ecosystem services such as biological nitrogen fixation that are essential for maintaining soil health and agricultural productivity.},
}

@article {pmid39194880,
year = {2024},
author = {Zheng, X and Li, A and Nie, R and Wu, C and Ji, X and Tang, J and Zhang, J},
title = {Differential Strategies of Two Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Varieties in the Protection of Lycium ruthenicum under Saline-Alkaline Stress.},
journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {10},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {39194880},
issn = {2309-608X},
support = {2022YFD2200402//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; },
abstract = {To delve into the growth and physiological adaptations exhibited by the economically vital black wolfberry (Lycium ruthenicum) upon inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) under varying levels of saline-alkaline stress A series of pot experiments were conducted in a gradient saline-alkaline environment (0, 200, 400 mM NaCl: NaHCO3 = 1:1). One-year-old cuttings of black wolfberry, inoculated with two AMF species-Funneliformis mosseae (Fm) and Rhizophagus intraradices (Ri)-served as the experimental material, enabling a comprehensive analysis of seedling biomass, chlorophyll content, antioxidant enzyme activities, and other crucial physiological parameters. This study demonstrated that both Fm and Ri could form a symbiotic relationship with the root of Lycium ruthenicum. Notably, Fm inoculation significantly bolstered the growth of the underground parts, while exhibiting a remarkable capacity to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby effectively mitigating membrane oxidative damage induced by stress. Additionally, Fm promoted the accumulation of abscisic acid (ABA) in both leaves and roots, facilitating the exclusion of excess sodium ions from cells. Ri Inoculation primarily contributed to an enhancement in the chlorophyll b (Chlb) content, vital for sustaining photosynthesis processes. Furthermore, Ri's ability to enhance phosphorus (P) absorption under stressful conditions ensured a steady influx of essential nutrients. These findings point to different strategies employed for Fm and Ri inoculation. To holistically assess the saline-alkaline tolerance of each treatment group, a membership function analysis was employed, ultimately ranking the salt tolerance as Fm > Ri > non-mycorrhizal (NM) control. This finding holds paramount importance for the screening of highly resilient Lycium ruthenicum strains and offers invaluable theoretical underpinnings and technical guidance for the remediation of saline-alkaline soils, fostering sustainable agricultural practices in challenging environments.},
}

@article {pmid39194838,
year = {2024},
author = {Chacón-Fuentes, M and Martínez-Cisterna, D and Lizama, M and Asencio-Cancino, V and Matamala, I and Bardehle, L},
title = {A Countermeasure Strategy against Peramine Developed by Chilesia rudis in the Endophyte-Ryegrass-Herbivore Model.},
journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {10},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {39194838},
issn = {2309-608X},
abstract = {Exploitation of the symbiotic relationship between endophytic fungi and ryegrass is a crucial technique for reducing the incidence of insect pests. This is primarily due to the production of alkaloids, such as peramine, by the fungi. This alkaloid has been reported as both a deterrent and toxic to a variety of insects. However, insects have developed various strategies to counteract plant defenses. One of the most studied methods is their ability to sequester toxic compounds from plants. In this study, we examined the feeding preferences and adaptation to peramine in Chilesia rudis, a native Chilean larva. Using a no-choice assay, we assessed larval feeding preferences and mass gain on seven experimental lines and two commercial cultivars of endophyte-infected and non-infected ryegrass. Pupal development time and adult performance were evaluated post-assay. Additionally, we measured peramine content in larval carcasses, feces, and ryegrass leaves. Jumbo was the most preferred cultivar with 32 mm[2] of leaf tissues consumed. The longest pupal development time was observed in L161 and ALTO AR1, both at 28 days. Wing length in adults was greatest in the Jumbo and L163 cultivars, measuring 1.25 cm and 1.32 cm, respectively. Peramine concentrations were detected in the bodies of C. rudis. In conclusion, this larva can adapt to endophyte-infected ryegrass and develop counter-adaptation mechanisms to mitigate the effects of peramine.},
}

@article {pmid39194817,
year = {2024},
author = {Magura, T and Mizser, S and Horváth, R and Tóth, M and Kozma, FS and Kádas, J and Lövei, GL},
title = {Gut Bacterial Communities in the Ground Beetle Carabus convexus.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {39194817},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {OTKA K-131459 and OTKA K-146628//National Research, Development and Innovation Fund/ ; },
abstract = {Biological interactions, including symbiotic ones, have vital roles in ecological and evolutionary processes. Microbial symbionts in the intestinal tracts, known as the gut microbiome, are especially important because they can fundamentally influence the life history, fitness, and competitiveness of their hosts. Studies on the gut-resident microorganisms of wild animals focus mainly on vertebrates, and studies on species-rich invertebrate taxa, such as ground beetles, are sparse. In fact, even among the species-rich genus Carabus, only the gut microbiome of two Asian species was studied, while results on European species are completely missing. Here, we investigated the gut bacterial microbiome of a widespread European Carabus species, targeting the V3 and V4 regions of the 16S ribosomal RNA genes by next-generation high-throughput sequencing. We identified 1138 different operational taxonomic units assigned to 21 bacterial phyla, 90 families, and 197 genera. Members of the carbohydrate-degrading Prevotellaceae family, previously not detected in ground beetles, were the most abundant in the gut microbiome of the carnivorous C. convexus. Presumably, individuals from the studied wild populations also consume plant materials, especially fruits, and these carbohydrate-degrading bacterial symbionts can facilitate both the consumption and the digestion of these supplementary foods.},
}

@article {pmid39194816,
year = {2024},
author = {Carpentier, J and Abenaim, L and Luttenschlager, H and Dessauvages, K and Liu, Y and Samoah, P and Francis, F and Caparros Megido, R},
title = {Microorganism Contribution to Mass-Reared Edible Insects: Opportunities and Challenges.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {39194816},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {D65-1438//Service Public de Wallonie (SPW)/ ; },
abstract = {The interest in edible insects' mass rearing has grown considerably in recent years, thereby highlighting the challenges of domesticating new animal species. Insects are being considered for use in the management of organic by-products from the agro-industry, synthetic by-products from the plastics industry including particular detoxification processes. The processes depend on the insect's digestive system which is based on two components: an enzymatic intrinsic cargo to the insect species and another extrinsic cargo provided by the microbial community colonizing-associated with the insect host. Advances have been made in the identification of the origin of the digestive functions observed in the midgut. It is now evident that the community of microorganisms can adapt, improve, and extend the insect's ability to digest and detoxify its food. Nevertheless, edible insect species such as Hermetia illucens and Tenebrio molitor are surprisingly autonomous, and no obligatory symbiosis with a microorganism has yet been uncovered for digestion. Conversely, the intestinal microbiota of a given species can take on different forms, which are largely influenced by the host's environment and diet. This flexibility offers the potential for the development of novel associations between insects and microorganisms, which could result in the creation of synergies that would optimize or expand value chains for agro-industrial by-products, as well as for contaminants.},
}

@article {pmid39194774,
year = {2024},
author = {Li, D and Chen, L and Cai, X and Qi, Y and Lu, Y},
title = {Comparative Population Biology and Related Gene Expression in the Beta-Cypermethrin-Resistant Strains of Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel).},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {39194774},
issn = {2075-4450},
abstract = {Diptera and Lepidoptera species have the highest levels of insecticide resistance, and the mechanism of drug resistance has been studied in detoxification metabolism genes such as P450, GST, EST, and ABC. Since Bactrocera dorsalis are resistant to a variety of chemicals, the pattern and mechanism of resistance in Bactrocera dorsalis have been investigated from a variety of aspects such as detoxification metabolism genes, detoxification enzymes, intestinal symbiotic bacteria, and synergists in the world. In this study, 51 species and 149 detoxification metabolism genes were annotated in the Suppression Subtractive Hybridization (SSH) library, and 12 candidate genes related to beta-cypermethrin resistance were screened and quantitatively expressed in this library. Two genes were found to be upregulated in the egg stage, three genes in the larval stage, one gene in the pupal stage, and five genes in the adult stage, and four genes were found to be upregulated in the midgut and the malacca ducts in the midgut. The expression of cyp6g1, cyp6a22, GST-Epsilon9, and Trypsin-4 genes was upregulated in resistant strains, with the most obvious upregulation occurring in the midgut and the Malpighian tubules. These results provide new insights into the study of pesticide resistance in quarantine insects.},
}

@article {pmid39194680,
year = {2024},
author = {Gómez García, AM and López Muñoz, F and García-Rico, E},
title = {The Microbiota in Cancer: A Secondary Player or a Protagonist?.},
journal = {Current issues in molecular biology},
volume = {46},
number = {8},
pages = {7812-7831},
pmid = {39194680},
issn = {1467-3045},
abstract = {The intestinal microbiota and the human body are in a permanent interaction. There is a symbiotic relationship in which the microbiota plays a vitally important role in the performance of numerous functions, including digestion, metabolism, the development of lymphoid tissue, defensive functions, and other processes. It is a true metabolic organ essential for life and has potential involvement in various pathological states, including cancer and pathologies other than those of a digestive nature. A growing topic of great interest for its implications is the relationship between the microbiota and cancer. Dysbiosis plays a role in oncogenesis, tumor progression, and even the response to cancer treatment. The effect of the microbiota on tumor development goes beyond a local effect having a systemic effect. Another aspect of great interest regarding the intestinal microbiota is its relationship with drugs, modifying their activity. There is increasing evidence that the microbiota influences the therapeutic activity and side effects of antineoplastic drugs and also modulates the response of several tumors to antineoplastic therapy through immunological circuits. These data suggest the manipulation of the microbiota as a possible adjuvant to improve oncological treatment. Is it possible to manipulate the microbiota for therapeutic purposes?},
}

@article {pmid39194224,
year = {2024},
author = {Nakagawa, S and Sakai, HD and Shimamura, S and Takamatsu, Y and Kato, S and Yagi, H and Yanaka, S and Yagi-Utsumi, M and Kurosawa, N and Ohkuma, M and Kato, K and Takai, K},
title = {N-linked protein glycosylation in Nanobdellati (formerly DPANN) archaea and their hosts.},
journal = {Journal of bacteriology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0020524},
doi = {10.1128/jb.00205-24},
pmid = {39194224},
issn = {1098-5530},
abstract = {Members of the kingdom Nanobdellati, previously known as DPANN archaea, are characterized by ultrasmall cell sizes and reduced genomes. They primarily thrive through ectosymbiotic interactions with specific hosts in diverse environments. Recent successful cultivations have emphasized the importance of adhesion to host cells for understanding the ecophysiology of Nanobdellati. Cell adhesion is often mediated by cell surface carbohydrates, and in archaea, this may be facilitated by the glycosylated S-layer protein that typically coats their cell surface. In this study, we conducted glycoproteomic analyses on two co-cultures of Nanobdellati with their host archaea, as well as on pure cultures of both host and non-host archaea. Nanobdellati exhibited various glycoproteins, including archaellins and hypothetical proteins, with glycans that were structurally distinct from those of their hosts. This indicated that Nanobdellati autonomously synthesize their glycans for protein modifications probably using host-derived substrates, despite the high energy cost. Glycan modifications on Nanobdellati proteins consistently occurred on asparagine residues within the N-X-S/T sequon, consistent with patterns observed across archaea, bacteria, and eukaryotes. In both host and non-host archaea, S-layer proteins were commonly modified with hexose, N-acetylhexosamine, and sulfonated deoxyhexose. However, the N-glycan structures of host archaea, characterized by distinct sugars such as deoxyhexose, nonulosonate sugar, and pentose at the nonreducing ends, were implicated in enabling Nanobdellati to differentiate between host and non-host cells. Interestingly, the specific sugar, xylose, was eliminated from the N-glycan in a host archaeon when co-cultured with Nanobdella. These findings enhance our understanding of the role of protein glycosylation in archaeal interactions.IMPORTANCENanobdellati archaea, formerly known as DPANN, are phylogenetically diverse, widely distributed, and obligately ectosymbiotic. The molecular mechanisms by which Nanobdellati recognize and adhere to their specific hosts remain largely unexplored. Protein glycosylation, a fundamental biological mechanism observed across all domains of life, is often crucial for various cell-cell interactions. This study provides the first insights into the glycoproteome of Nanobdellati and their host and non-host archaea. We discovered that Nanobdellati autonomously synthesize glycans for protein modifications, probably utilizing substrates derived from their hosts. Additionally, we identified distinctive glycosylation patterns that suggest mechanisms through which Nanobdellati differentiate between host and non-host cells. This research significantly advances our understanding of the molecular basis of microbial interactions in extreme environments.},
}

@article {pmid39194186,
year = {2024},
author = {Dziuba, MK and McIntire, KM and Davenport, ES and Baird, E and Huerta, C and Jaye, R and Corcoran, F and McCreadie, P and Nelson, T and Duffy, MA},
title = {Microsporidian coinfection reduces fitness of a fungal pathogen due to rapid host mortality.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0058324},
doi = {10.1128/mbio.00583-24},
pmid = {39194186},
issn = {2150-7511},
abstract = {Infection outcomes can be strongly context dependent, shifting a host-symbiont relationship along a parasitism-mutualism continuum. Numerous studies show that under stressful conditions, symbionts that are typically mutualistic can become parasitic. The reverse possibility, a parasite becoming mutualistic, has received much less study. We investigated whether the parasitic microsporidium Ordospora pajunii can become beneficial for its host Daphnia dentifera in the presence of the more virulent fungal pathogen Metschnikowia bicuspidata. We found that, even though infection with O. pajunii reduces the frequency of penetration of M. bicuspidata spores into the host body cavity, it does not improve the survival or reproduction of the host; conversely, coinfection increased the mortality of Daphnia. This shorter lifespan of coinfected hosts disrupted the life cycle of M. bicuspidata, greatly reducing its fitness. Thus, coinfection with both pathogens was detrimental to the host at the individual level but might be beneficial for the host population as a result of greatly reduced production of M. bicuspidata spores. If so, this would mean that O. pajunii outbreaks should delay or prevent M. bicuspidata outbreaks. In support of this, in an analysis of dynamics of naturally occurring outbreaks in two lakes where these pathogens co-occur, we found a time lag in occurrence between O. pajunii and M. bicuspidata, with M. bicuspidata epidemics only occurring after the collapse of O. pajunii epidemics. Thus, these results suggest that the interaction between co-occurring symbionts, and the net impact of a symbiont on a host, might be qualitatively different at different scales.IMPORTANCEUnderstanding the factors that modify infection probability and virulence is crucial for identifying the drivers of infection outbreaks and modeling disease epidemic progression, and increases our ability to control diseases and reduce the harm they cause. One factor that can strongly influence infection probability and virulence is the presence of other pathogens. However, while coexposures and coinfections are incredibly common, we still have only a limited understanding of how pathogen interactions alter infection outcomes or whether their impacts are scale dependent. We used a system of one host and two pathogens to show that sequential coinfection can have a tremendous impact on the host and the infecting pathogens and that the outcome of (co-)infection can be negative or positive depending on the focal organization level.},
}

@article {pmid39193424,
year = {2024},
author = {Sun, Q and Li, J and Syed, S and Li, X and Yuan, H and Lian, B},
title = {Roles of oxalate-degrading bacteria in fungus-growing termite nests.},
journal = {Biodiversity data journal},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {e130041},
doi = {10.3897/BDJ.12.e130041},
pmid = {39193424},
issn = {1314-2828},
abstract = {Fungus-growing termite (FGT) nests possess an oxalate pool derived from termite input and fungal oxalogenesis. The effect of oxalate biotransformation in the termite nest on the symbiotic association between FGTs and Termitomyces fungi is poorly understood. Here, we measured the pH value, mineral composition, oxalate and carbonate contents, along with the abundance and composition of oxalotrophic bacteria (OxB) in termite nests. The results showed the community structures of OxB in different parts of the termite nest across fungus comb, termite nest wall and surface soil, were significantly different. The diversity of OxB in the fungus comb was significantly lower than that in the termite nest wall and surface soil. Results also showed the abundance of OxB in the fungus comb was higher than that in the termite nest wall and significantly lower than that in the surface soil. In addition, we isolated and screened an oxalotrophic bacterium Methylobacterium sp. TA1 from the fungus comb, which can degrade calcium oxalate and convert it into calcite. Our results from the perspective of oxalate biodegradation and transformation show that the oxalate-carbonate pathway driven by OxB in active termite nests can maintain stable microecological environments in termite nests and is beneficial to the symbiotic association between FGTs and Termitomyces.},
}

@article {pmid39192697,
year = {2024},
author = {Gautam, CK and Mutyala, P and Das, D},
title = {RAM1 orchestrates arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis in non-legumes.},
journal = {Journal of experimental botany},
volume = {75},
number = {16},
pages = {4689-4692},
doi = {10.1093/jxb/erae253},
pmid = {39192697},
issn = {1460-2431},
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Plant Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; },
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology
*Symbiosis
*Plant Proteins/metabolism/genetics

@article {pmid39191430,
year = {2024},
author = {Prasanna, PGS},
title = {Harnessing Senescence for Antitumor Immunity to Advance Cancer Treatment.},
journal = {Radiation research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1667/RADE-24-00098.1},
pmid = {39191430},
issn = {1938-5404},
abstract = {Considering the limitations and complexities of the cell-killing-based cancer treatment approaches, one could aim to integrate symbiotic advances in many energy delivery technologies and transformational pieces of evidence in research on senescence and immunomodulators to advance cancer treatment. Although senescent cells contribute to drug tolerance, resistance to therapy, tumorigenesis, maladapting cancer phenotypes, tumor relapse, recurrence, and metastasis, emerging pieces of evidence also demonstrate that acutely induced senescent cells in tumors can elicit a strong and lasting antitumor immune response juxtaposed to the immunologically silent apoptotic cells. This commentary is to help develop an unconventional conceptual framework to advance cancer treatment. Accordingly, it will involve transiently inducing senescent cells in tumors at optimal levels to prime the immune system with radiation, then eliminating senescent cells with senolytics (drugs that specifically eliminate senescent cells) to disrupt their positive feedback accumulation (to prevent tumor maladaptation and adverse effects in healthy cells) and unleash long-lasting antitumor immunity with immunomodulators. The approach is reasonably speculative and will require scientifically rigorous "fit-for-purpose," well-controlled preclinical research and development involving dose and schedule optimization of radiation and drugs, using representative in vitro and in vivo cancer models to obtain high-quality data to proceed to clinical studies.},
}

@article {pmid39190925,
year = {2024},
author = {Yuan, L and Lei, L and Jiang, F and Wang, A and Chen, R and Wang, H and Meng, S and Fan, W},
title = {The genomes of 5 underutilized Papilionoideae crops provide insights into root nodulation and disease resistance.},
journal = {GigaScience},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39190925},
issn = {2047-217X},
support = {JCYJ20190814163805604//Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Program/ ; },
mesh = {*Genome, Plant ; *Crops, Agricultural/genetics ; *Disease Resistance/genetics ; *Plant Root Nodulation/genetics ; Fabaceae/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Plant Diseases/genetics ; Genome Size ; Genomics/methods ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The Papilionoideae subfamily contains a large amount of underutilized legume crops, which are important for food security and human sustainability. However, the lack of genomic resources has hindered the breeding and utilization of these crops.

RESULTS: Here, we present chromosome-level reference genomes for 5 underutilized diploid Papilionoideae crops: sword bean (Canavalia gladiata), scarlet runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus), winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus), smooth rattlebox (Crotalaria pallida), and butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea), with assembled genome sizes of 0.62 Gb, 0.59 Gb, 0.71 Gb, 1.22 Gb, and 1.72 Gb, respectively. We found that the long period of higher long terminal repeat retrotransposon activity is the major reason that the genome size of smooth rattlebox and butterfly pea is enlarged. Additionally, there have been no recent whole-genome duplication (WGD) events in these 5 species except for the shared papilionoid-specific WGD event (∼55 million years ago). Then, we identified 5,328 and 10,434 species-specific genes between scarlet runner bean and common bean, respectively, which may be responsible for their phenotypic and functional differences and species-specific functions. Furthermore, we identified the key genes involved in root-nodule symbiosis (RNS) in all 5 species and found that the NIN gene was duplicated in the early Papilionoideae ancestor, followed by the loss of 1 gene copy in smooth rattlebox and butterfly pea lineages. Last, we identified the resistance (R) genes for plant defenses in these 5 species and characterized their evolutionary history.

CONCLUSIONS: In summary, this study provides chromosome-scale reference genomes for 3 grain and vegetable beans (sword bean, scarlet runner bean, winged bean), along with genomes for a green manure crop (smooth rattlebox) and a food dyeing crop (butterfly pea). These genomes are crucial for studying phylogenetic history, unraveling nitrogen-fixing RNS evolution, and advancing plant defense research.},
}

*Genome, Plant
*Crops, Agricultural/genetics
*Disease Resistance/genetics
*Plant Root Nodulation/genetics
Fabaceae/genetics
Phylogeny
Plant Diseases/genetics
Genome Size
Genomics/methods

@article {pmid39190452,
year = {2024},
author = {Wang, Z and Li, S and Zhang, S and Zhang, T and Wu, Y and Liu, A and Wang, K and Ji, X and Cao, H and Zhang, Y and Tan, EK and Wang, Y and Wang, Y and Liu, W},
title = {Hosts manipulate lifestyle switch and pathogenicity heterogeneity of opportunistic pathogens in the single-cell resolution.},
journal = {eLife},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39190452},
issn = {2050-084X},
support = {32470044//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2308085MC74//Natural Science Foundation of Anhui Province/ ; FKLRIB202401//Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Resource Insect Biology and Innovative Utilization/ ; RC342201//Talents in Anhui Agricultural University/ ; 2022YFE0132000//Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China/ ; 2022JJ40048//Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province/ ; 531118010546//Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of China/ ; 31501175//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Serratia marcescens/pathogenicity/genetics/physiology ; *Larva/microbiology ; *Host-Pathogen Interactions ; *Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology ; Single-Cell Analysis ; Symbiosis ; Drosophila/microbiology ; Virulence/genetics ; },
abstract = {Host-microbe interactions are virtually bidirectional, but how the host affects their microbiome is poorly understood. Here, we report that the host is a critical modulator to regulate the lifestyle switch and pathogenicity heterogeneity of the opportunistic pathogens Serratia marcescens utilizing the Drosophila and bacterium model system. First, we find that Drosophila larvae efficiently outcompete S. marcescens and typically drive a bacterial switch from pathogenicity to commensalism toward the fly. Furthermore, Drosophila larvae reshape the transcriptomic and metabolic profiles of S. marcescens characterized by a lifestyle switch. More importantly, the host alters pathogenicity and heterogeneity of S. marcescens in the single-cell resolution. Finally, we find that larvae-derived AMPs are required to recapitulate the response of S. marcescens to larvae. Altogether, our findings provide an insight into the pivotal roles of the host in harnessing the life history and heterogeneity of symbiotic bacterial cells, advancing knowledge of the reciprocal relationships between the host and pathogen.},
}

Animals
*Serratia marcescens/pathogenicity/genetics/physiology
*Larva/microbiology
*Host-Pathogen Interactions
*Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology
Single-Cell Analysis
Symbiosis
Drosophila/microbiology
Virulence/genetics

@article {pmid39186565,
year = {2024},
author = {Do, QV and Minh, BV and Nguyen, QS and Kim, BS},
title = {Analysis of symbiotic backscatter empowered wireless sensors network with short-packet communications.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {19},
number = {8},
pages = {e0307366},
pmid = {39186565},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Wireless Technology/instrumentation ; Computer Communication Networks/instrumentation ; Models, Theoretical ; Algorithms ; },
abstract = {Recent progress studies in light of wireless communication systems mainly centred around two focuses: zero-energy consumption and ultra-reliable and low-latency communication (URLLC). Among various cutting-edge areas, exploiting ambient backscatter communication (Backcom) has recently been devised as one of the foremost solutions for achieving zero energy consumption through the viability of ambient radio frequency. Meanwhile, using short-packet communication (SPC) is the cheapest way to reach the goal of URLLCs. Upon these benefits, we investigate the feasibility of Backcom and SPC for symbiotic wireless sensor networks by analyzing the system performance. Specifically, we provide a highly approximated mathematical framework for evaluating the block-error rate (BLER) performance, followed by some useful asymptotic results. These results provide insights into the level of diversity and coding gain, as well as how packet design impacts BLER performance. Numerical results confirm the efficacy of the developed framework and the correctness of key insights gleaned from the asymptotic analyses.},
}

*Wireless Technology/instrumentation
Computer Communication Networks/instrumentation
Models, Theoretical
Algorithms

@article {pmid39184602,
year = {2024},
author = {B, N and Narayanarao, G and T R, S and B, RS and Chandrasekaran, D and Rakeeba, F},
title = {Oral Commensals in Healthy Individuals: A Clinicocytological Study.},
journal = {Cureus},
volume = {16},
number = {7},
pages = {e65317},
pmid = {39184602},
issn = {2168-8184},
abstract = {Background Each human being has a specific group of microorganisms that are necessary for both sustaining health and causing illness. Normally, these microorganisms maintain bio-communalism, do not harm the host, and lead to a state known as symbiosis or eubiosis. The commensal nature of these bacteria is always maintained in symbiosis and attains pathogenic potential when there is an imbalance between host immunity and microorganisms. Our study focuses on the identification and differentiation of the various commensals present in the oral cavity of healthy individuals over a given period of time. Aims and objectives This study aims to: (i) identify various commensal bacterial species present in the oral cavity; (ii) differentiate each commensal bacterial species present in the oral cavity of healthy individuals using cytological and culturing methods; (iii) identify the presence of different types of commensal bacterial species in the same individuals with the specific time intervals; (iv) compare and correlate the presence or absence of bacterial species present as a commensal in both male and female; (v) identify and characterize the commensal bacterial species present in the oral cavity of healthy individuals; (vi) investigate the consistency of commensal bacterial species presence over time and between genders. Methodology We included sixty healthy individuals between the ages of 20 and 24 from both genders, took buccal smears once every two days for ten days, stained them with Gram stain, and grew them in blood agar and Mac Conkey agar. Results The most common commensals include Gram-positive cocci, and among them, Coagulase-negative staphylococcus species (85%) are predominant, followed by Staphylococcus aureus (13.33%), and Streptococcus species (1.67%). The presence of colonies remains the same in all three samples obtained from the same healthy individuals. Conclusion Loss of balance between commensals and pathogens can lead to dysbiosis, which results in disease.},
}

@article {pmid39184028,
year = {2024},
author = {Prihatna, C and Yan, Q},
title = {Exopolysaccharide is required by Paraburkholderia phytofirmans PsJN to confer drought-stress tolerance in pea.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1442001},
pmid = {39184028},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Paraburkholderia phytofirmans PsJN is a plant symbiotic bacterium that can colonize a broad spectrum of plant hosts and frequently shows beneficial effects on plant growth. Exopolysaccharide (EPS) is known to be important in plant-bacteria interactions. Previously, we reported that EPS is required for PsJN to survive from drought stress and colonize in pea (Pisum sativum) under drought condition. However, whether EPS is necessary for PsJN to promote plant growth remains unknown. In this work, a comparative study was conducted between the wild-type PsJN and its ∆bceQ mutant that lacks EPS to investigate the role of EPS in PsJN to confer drought-stress tolerance on pea plant. Our results showed that wild type PsJN, but not the ∆bceQ mutant, promoted pea seed germination and seedlings growth under drought stress. Pea plants inoculated with the wild type PsJN had a higher level of drought tolerance, as shown by a better vegetative growth and enhanced nodule formation, than plants inoculated with the ∆bceQ mutant. Moreover, EPS plays a role in the plant colonization under drought stress, because the ∆bceQ mutant was unable to colonize pea seeds and roots as effectively as the wild type PsJN. Further, expression of the EPS biosynthesis genes in the bceOVN operon of the wild type PsJN was induced by the presence of glucose. Overall, this study demonstrated that PsJN can promote pea plant growth under drought conditions and EPS is required for PsJN to confer beneficial effects to host plant.},
}

@article {pmid39183547,
year = {2024},
author = {Eid, M and Martínek, A and Dolina, J and Uvírová, M and Dítě, P},
title = {Gut microbio-me and pancreatic cancer.},
journal = {Klinicka onkologie : casopis Ceske a Slovenske onkologicke spolecnosti},
volume = {38},
number = {1},
pages = {20-26},
doi = {10.48095/ccko202420},
pmid = {39183547},
issn = {1802-5307},
mesh = {Humans ; *Pancreatic Neoplasms ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The incidence of pancreatic cancer (pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma - PDAC) is increasing, especially in developed countries. In 2021, 496,000 new PDAC cases were dia-gnosed worldwide. In the Czech Republic, the incidence is one of the highest in the world, with 2,332 new PDAC patients dia-gnosed in 2018. Due to the absence of symptoms in the early stages, approximately 50% of patients are initially dia-gnosed with distant metastases. Mortality is slightly lower than the incidence count and, despite significant advances in cancer research, PDAC remains a fatal dia-gnosis. However, microbio-me seems to be an interesting approach, and not only in PDAC patients. Microbio-me is defined as the set of all microorganisms (microbio-ta, i.e. bacteria, fungi, viruses, archaea, and protozoa) and their genome in a certain environment. In a physiological setting, the gut microbio-me is in symbio-sis with the host organism, maintaining the balance of metabolism, mucosal immunomodulation and regulating the digestion process. When dysregulation of the number or function of intestinal microorganisms occurs, dysbio-sis is developed. It may lead to metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, nervous system disorders, induction of intestinal inflammation, or carcinogenesis. Microbio-ta can induce carcinogenesis in multiple ways, such as by activating an inflammatory response, reducing the immune system's ability to eliminate damaged cells, and deregulation of the host genome by microbial metabolites. This deregulation may lead to an activation of pro-apoptotic and pro-proliferative proteins. To date, research shows that the gut or oral microbio-me may be involved in the development of PDAC. One of the most studied bacteria is Porphyromonas gingivalis. Other bacteria, such as Fusobacteria, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Prevotella, and Rothia, have also been shown to play a role in PDAC.

PURPOSE: The aim of this review article is to point out one of the possible mechanisms of cancerogenesis in PDAC patients and its therapeutic influence to reduce the incidence and improve the prognosis of this aggressive disease.},
}

Humans
*Pancreatic Neoplasms
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal

@article {pmid39183269,
year = {2024},
author = {Arapidi, GP and Urban, AS and Osetrova, MS and Shender, VO and Butenko, IO and Bukato, ON and Kuznetsov, AA and Saveleva, TM and Nos, GA and Ivanova, OM and Lopukhov, LV and Laikov, AV and Sharova, NI and Nikonova, MF and Mitin, AN and Martinov, AI and Grigorieva, TV and Ilina, EN and Ivanov, VT and Govorun, VM},
title = {Non-human peptides revealed in blood reflect the composition of intestinal microbiota.},
journal = {BMC biology},
volume = {22},
number = {1},
pages = {178},
pmid = {39183269},
issn = {1741-7007},
support = {17-00-00461//Russian Foundation for Basic Research/ ; 20-15-00400//Russian Science Foundation/ ; 075-15-2019-1669//Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation/ ; 124031200004-7//State funding for the "Immunopeptidome" project/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology ; *Peptides/analysis ; Male ; Adult ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The previously underestimated effects of commensal gut microbiota on the human body are increasingly being investigated using omics. The discovery of active molecules of interaction between the microbiota and the host may be an important step towards elucidating the mechanisms of symbiosis.

RESULTS: Here, we show that in the bloodstream of healthy people, there are over 900 peptides that are fragments of proteins from microorganisms which naturally inhabit human biotopes, including the intestinal microbiota. Absolute quantitation by multiple reaction monitoring has confirmed the presence of bacterial peptides in the blood plasma and serum in the range of approximately 0.1 nM to 1 μM. The abundance of microbiota peptides reaches its maximum about 5 h after a meal. Most of the peptides correlate with the bacterial composition of the small intestine and are likely obtained by hydrolysis of membrane proteins with trypsin, chymotrypsin and pepsin - the main proteases of the gastrointestinal tract. The peptides have physicochemical properties that likely allow them to selectively pass the intestinal mucosal barrier and resist fibrinolysis.

CONCLUSIONS: The proposed approach to the identification of microbiota peptides in the blood, after additional validation, may be useful for determining the microbiota composition of hard-to-reach intestinal areas and monitoring the permeability of the intestinal mucosal barrier.},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology
*Peptides/analysis
Male
Adult

@article {pmid39182778,
year = {2024},
author = {Duan, H and Zhang, L and Wang, H and Li, S and Li, X and Zhuang, Y},
title = {Enhancing nitrate removal from small wetlands via regulating bacterial-algal symbiosis with macrophyte coverage.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {175745},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175745},
pmid = {39182778},
issn = {1879-1026},
abstract = {With increasing land resource constraints, wetlands, as ecological hotspots, are expected to enhance biogeochemical processes to mitigate nitrogen (N) pollution, particularly nitrate-nitrogen (NO3[-]-N). However, the interactions among bacteria, algae, and macrophytes in wetlands, which are crucial for N removal, remain largely unknown. This study explored how macrophyte coverage influences bacterial-algal interactions, shifting from mutualism to inhibition, thereby affecting N removal. Moderate coverage enhanced NO3[-]-N and total nitrogen (TN) removal (P < 0.05), which was correlated with increased microbial abundance (P < 0.05). This may have resulted from moderate algal photosynthesis, reduced physiological stress, and the expansion of ecological niches for microbes. Insufficient coverage promoted algal growth (chlorophyll-a > 31.5 μg·L[-1]), leading to increased competition for substrates and elevated pH, which further inhibited bacterial activity. Excessive coverage also inhibited bacterial activity by reducing illumination and oxidation-reduction potential. Consequently, insufficient and excessive coverage decreased N removal efficiencies by 2.7-15.7 % (NO3[-]-N) and 3.7-11.1 % (TN) while increasing methane emission potential by 1.4-6.9 times compared with moderate coverage. These findings offer insights into solving NO3[-]-N contamination using near-natural methods and balancing the ecological and practical considerations for small wetlands.},
}

@article {pmid39182440,
year = {2024},
author = {Schettini, F and Gattazzo, F and Nucera, S and Rubio Garcia, E and López-Aladid, R and Morelli, L and Fontana, A and Vigneri, P and Casals-Pascual, C and Iebba, V and Generali, D},
title = {Navigating the complex relationship between human gut microbiota and breast cancer: Physiopathological, prognostic and therapeutic implications.},
journal = {Cancer treatment reviews},
volume = {130},
number = {},
pages = {102816},
doi = {10.1016/j.ctrv.2024.102816},
pmid = {39182440},
issn = {1532-1967},
abstract = {The human body represents the habitat of trillions of symbiotic microorganisms, collectively known as human microbiota, approximately half of which residing in the gut. The development of next-generation sequencing techniques has boosted the profiling of human microbiota in recent years. A growing body of evidence seems to support a strict relationship between the disruption of the mutualistic relationship between the microbiota and the host (i.e., dysbiosis) and the development of several diseases, including breast malignancies. Breast cancer still represents the most frequent cause of cancer-related death in women. Its complex relationship with gut microbiota is the object of a growing body of evidence. In fact, the interaction with the host immune system and a direct impact of gut microbiota on estrogen, lipid and polyphenols metabolism, seem to potentially affect breast tumor development, progression and response to treatments. In this review, in an attempt to help oncologists navigating this rapidly-evolving research field, we provide an essential overview on the taxonomy, main analytical techniques and terminology most commonly adopted. We discuss what is currently known regarding the interaction between gut microbiota and breast cancer and potential efforts to harness this complex interplay for therapeutic purposes, and revise main ongoing studies. We also briefly provide an overview on breast cancer intratumoral microbiota and its potential role beyond gut microbiota.},
}

@article {pmid39182290,
year = {2024},
author = {Xue, C and Liu, R and Xia, Z and Jia, J and Hu, B and Rennenberg, H},
title = {Sulfur availability and nodulation modify the response of Robinia pseudoacacia L. to lead (Pb) exposure.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {478},
number = {},
pages = {135612},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135612},
pmid = {39182290},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {Both sulfur (S) supply and legume-rhizobium symbiosis can significantly contribute to enhancing the efficiency of phytoremediation of heavy metals (HMs). However, the regulatory mechanism determining the performance of legumes at lead (Pb) exposure have not been elucidated. Here, we cultivated black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.), a leguminous woody pioneer species at three S supply levels (i.e., deficient, moderate, and high S) with rhizobia inoculation and investigated the interaction of these treatments upon Pb exposure. Our results revealed that the root system of Robinia has a strong Pb accumulation and anti-oxidative capacity that protect the leaves from Pb toxicity. Compared with moderate S supply, high S supply significantly increased Pb accumulation in roots by promoting the synthesis of reduced S compounds (i.e., thiols, phytochelatin), and also strengthened the antioxidant system in leaves. Weakened defense at deficient S supply was indicated by enhanced oxidative damage. Rhizobia inoculation alleviated the oxidative damage of its Robinia host by immobilizing Pb to reduce its absorption by root cells. Together with enhanced Pb chelation in leaves, these mechanisms strengthen Pb detoxification in the Robinia-rhizobia symbiosis. Our results indicate that appropriate S supply can improve the defense of legume-rhizobia symbiosis against HM toxicity.},
}

@article {pmid39181961,
year = {2024},
author = {Ossowska, EA and Guzow-Krzemińska, B and Kukwa, M and Malíček, J and Schiefelbein, U and Thell, A and Kosecka, M},
title = {The application of haplotypes instead of species-level ranks modifies the interpretation of ecological preferences in lichen symbiont interactions in Parmelia.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {19682},
pmid = {39181961},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {2012/07/N/NZ8/00061//Narodowe Centrum Nauki/ ; BW/538-L150-B257-16//Wydział Biologii, Uniwersytet Gdański, Poland/ ; RVO 67985939//Institute of Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis/genetics ; *Haplotypes ; *Lichens/genetics/microbiology/physiology ; Parmeliaceae/genetics ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {The analysis of the interaction between main bionts (mycobiont and photobiont) in the lichen symbiosis delivers substantial information about their preferences in the selection of symbiotic partners, and their ecological preferences. The selectivity in the Parmelia genus has been defined as strong so far. However, data on this lichen genus, which includes several widely distributed species, are biogeographically limited. Therefore, using specialization indicators and extended sampling, in this study, we estimated the interactions between the main bionts of selected Parmelia spp., using two levels of estimation (species/OTU and haplotype). A comparison of mycobiont-photobiont interactions at different levels showed that considering only mycobiont species and Trebouxia OTUs, greater specialization is found, while Parmelia species studied in this work present a more generalistic strategy in photobiont choice when haplotypes are considered. Despite the uneven sampling of Parmelia species, the interpretation of specialization within species and individuals of the genus leads to a more precise and accurate interpretation of their adaptation strategies. Furthermore, the data from P. sulcata indicate the existence of a different pool of compatible haplotypes in some geographical regions compared to neighboring areas. This observation suggests the potential influence of climatic factors.},
}

*Symbiosis/genetics
*Haplotypes
*Lichens/genetics/microbiology/physiology
Parmeliaceae/genetics
Phylogeny

@article {pmid39179679,
year = {2024},
author = {Chen, X and Feng, J and Yu, L and Zhang, T},
title = {Diversity of lichen mycobionts and photobionts and their relationships in the Ny-Ålesund region (Svalbard, High Arctic).},
journal = {Extremophiles : life under extreme conditions},
volume = {28},
number = {3},
pages = {40},
pmid = {39179679},
issn = {1433-4909},
support = {31300115//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {*Lichens/classification/microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; Phylogeny ; Svalbard ; Arctic Regions ; Biodiversity ; Mycobiome ; },
abstract = {Lichens are dual organisms, with one major mycobiont and one major photobiont in each lichen symbiosis, which can survive extreme environmental conditions in the Arctic. However, the diversity and distribution of lichen photobionts in the Arctic remain poorly understood compared to their mycobiont partners. This study explored the diversity of lichen mycobionts and photobionts in 197 lichen samples collected from the Ny-Ålesund region (Svalbard, High Arctic). The nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions were sequenced and phylogenetic analyses were performed. The relationships between mycobionts and photobionts, as well as the association patterns, were also investigated. A total of 48 species of lichen mycobionts (16 families, nine orders) and 31 species/lineages of photobionts were identified. These 31 photobiont species belonged to one class (Trebouxiophyceae) and five genera, including 22 species of Trebouxia, five species of Asterochloris, two species of Chloroidium, one species of Symbiochloris, and one species of Coccomyxa. The results indicated that most analyzed lichen mycobionts could associate with multiple photobiont species, and the photobionts also exhibited a similar pattern. The results provided an important reference dataset for characterizing the diversity of lichen mycobionts and photobionts in the High Arctic region.},
}

*Lichens/classification/microbiology
*Symbiosis
Phylogeny
Svalbard
Arctic Regions
Biodiversity
Mycobiome

@article {pmid39179239,
year = {2024},
author = {Kühl, M and Nielsen, DA and Borisov, SM},
title = {In Vivo Lifetime Imaging of the Internal O2 Dynamics in Corals with near-Infrared-Emitting Sensor Nanoparticles.},
journal = {ACS sensors},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acssensors.4c01029},
pmid = {39179239},
issn = {2379-3694},
abstract = {Mapping of O2 with luminescent sensors within intact animals is challenging due to attenuation of excitation and emission light caused by tissue absorption and scattering as well as interfering background fluorescence. Here we show the application of luminescent O2 sensor nanoparticles (∼50-70 nm) composed of the O2 indicator platinum(II) tetra(4-fluoro)phenyltetrabenzoporphyrin (PtTPTBPF) immobilized in poly(methyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) (PMMA-MA). We injected the sensor nanoparticles into the gastrovascular system of intact colony fractions of reef-building tropical corals that harbor photosynthetic microalgae in their tissues. The sensor nanoparticles are excited by red LED light (617 nm) and emit in the near-infrared (780 nm), which enhances the transmission of excitation and emission light through biological materials. This enabled us to map the internal O2 concentration via time-domain luminescence lifetime imaging through the outer tissue layers across several coral polyps in flowing seawater. After injection, nanoparticles dispersed within the coral tissue for several hours. While luminescence intensity imaging showed some local aggregation of sensor particles, lifetime imaging showed a more homogeneous O2 distribution across a larger area of the coral colony. Local stimulation of symbiont photosynthesis in corals induced oxygenation of illuminated tissue areas and formation of lateral O2 gradients toward surrounding respiring tissues, which were dissipated rapidly after the onset of darkness. Such measurements are key to improving our understanding of how corals regulate their internal chemical microenvironment and metabolic activity, and how they are affected by environmental stress such as ocean warming, acidification, and deoxygenation. Our experimental approach can also be adapted for in vivo O2 imaging in other natural systems such as biofilms, plant and animal tissues, as well as in organoids and other cell constructs, where imaging internal O2 conditions are relevant and challenging due to high optical density and background fluorescence.},
}

@article {pmid39178998,
year = {2024},
author = {Zhao, Y and Wang, J and Xiao, Q and Liu, G and Li, Y and Zha, X and He, Z and Kang, J},
title = {New insights into decoding the lifestyle of endophytic Fusarium lateritium Fl617 via comparing genomes.},
journal = {Genomics},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {110925},
doi = {10.1016/j.ygeno.2024.110925},
pmid = {39178998},
issn = {1089-8646},
abstract = {Fungal-plant interactions have persisted for 460 million years, and almost all terrestrial plants on Earth have endophytic fungi. However, the mechanism of symbiosis between endophytic fungi and host plants has been inconclusive. In this dissertation, we used a strain of endophytic Fusarium lateritium (Fl617), which was found in the previous stage to promote disease resistance in tomato, and selected the pathogenic Fusarium oxysporum Fo4287 and endophytic Fusarium oxysporum Fo47, which are in the same host and the closest relatives of Fl617, to carry out a comparative genomics analysis of the three systems and to provide a new perspective for the elucidation of the special lifestyle of the fungal endophytes. We found that endophytic F. lateritium has a smaller genome, fewer clusters and genes associated with pathogenicity, and fewer plant cell wall degrading enzymes (PCWDEs). There were also relatively fewer secondary metabolisms and typical Fusarium spp. toxins, and a lack of the key Fusarium spp. pathogenicity factor, secreted in xylem (SIX), but the endophytic fungi may be more sophisticated in their regulation of the colonization process. It is hypothesized that the endophytic fungi may have maintained their symbiosis with plants due to the relatively homogeneous microenvironment in plants for a long period of time, considering only plant interactions and discarding the relevant pathogenicity factors, and that their endophytic evolutionary tendency may tend to be genome streamlining and to enhance the fineness of the regulation of plant interactions, thus maintaining their symbiotic status with plants.},
}

@article {pmid39178983,
year = {2024},
author = {Kamou, N and Papafoti, A and Chatzaki, V and Kapranas, A},
title = {Exploring the effects of entomopathogenic nematode symbiotic bacteria and their cell free filtrates on the tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta and its predator Nesidiocoris tenuis.},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {206},
number = {},
pages = {108181},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2024.108181},
pmid = {39178983},
issn = {1096-0805},
abstract = {The use of biocontrol agents, such as predators and entomopathogenic nematodes, is a promising approach for the effective control of the tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidaean), an oligophagous insect feeding mainly on Solanaceae species and a major pest of field- and greenhouse-grown tomatoes globally. In this context, the effects of two entomopathogenic nematode species Steinernema carpocapsae (Weiser) (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Poinar) (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae), as well as their respective bacterial symbionts, Xenorhabdus nematophila and Photorhabdus luminescens (Enterobacterales: Morganelaceae), which were applied as bacterial cell suspensions and as crude cell-free liquid filtrates on T. absoluta larvae, were investigated. The results showed that of all treatments, the nematodes S. carpocapsae and H. bacteriophora were the most effective, causing up to 98 % mortality of T. absoluta larvae. Regarding bacteria and their filtrates, the bacterium X. nematophila was the most effective (69 % mortality in young larvae), while P. luminescens and both bacterial filtrates showed similar potency (ca. 48-55 % mortality in young larvae). To achieve a holistic approach of controlling this important pest, the impact of these factors on the beneficial predator Nesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter) (Hemiptera: Miridae) was also studied. The results demonstrated that although nematodes and especially S. carpocapsae, caused significant mortality on N. tenuis (87 %), the bacterial cell suspensions of X. nematophila and P. luminescens and crude cell-free liquid filtrates had minimum impact on this beneficial predator (∼11-30 % mortality).},
}

@article {pmid39178802,
year = {2024},
author = {Xie, B and Zhao, Z and Wang, X and Wang, Q and Yuan, X and Guo, C and Xu, L},
title = {Exogenous protectants alleviate ozone stress in Trifolium repens: Impacts on plant growth and endophytic fungi.},
journal = {Plant physiology and biochemistry : PPB},
volume = {215},
number = {},
pages = {109059},
doi = {10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.109059},
pmid = {39178802},
issn = {1873-2690},
abstract = {Industrialization-driven surface ozone (O3) pollution significantly impairs plant growth. This study evaluates the effectiveness of exogenous protectants [3 mg L[-][1] abscisic acid (ABA), 400 mg L[-][1] ethylenediurea (EDU), and 80 mg L[-][1] spermidine (Spd)] on Trifolium repens subjected to O3 stress in open-top chambers, focusing on plant growth and dynamics of culturable endophytic fungal communities. Results indicate that O3 exposure adversely affects photosynthesis, reducing root biomass and altering root structure, which further impacts the ability of plant to absorb essential nutrients such as potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and zinc (Zn). Conversely, the application of ABA, EDU, and Spd significantly enhanced total biomass and chlorophyll content in T. repens. Specifically, ABA and Spd significantly improved root length, root surface area, and root volume, while EDU effectively reduced leaves' malondialdehyde levels, indicating decreased oxidative stress. Moreover, ABA and Spd treatments significantly increased leaf endophytic fungal diversity, while root fungal abundance declined. The relative abundance of Alternaria in leaves was substantially reduced by these treatments, which correlated with enhanced chlorophyll content and photosynthesis. Concurrently, EDU and Spd treatments increased the abundance of Plectosphaerella, enhance the absorption of K, Ca, and Mg. In roots, ABA treatment increased the abundance of Paecilomyces, while Spd treatment enhanced the presence of Stemphylium, linked to improved nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and K uptake. These findings suggest that specific symbiotic fungi mitigate O3-induced stress by enhancing nutrient absorption, promoting growth. This study highlights the potential of exogenous protectants to enhance plant resilience against O3 pollution through modulating interactions with endophytic fungal communities.},
}

@article {pmid39175686,
year = {2024},
author = {Xiong, T and Gao, Q and Zhang, J and Zhang, J and Zhang, C and Yue, H and Liu, J and Bai, D and Li, J},
title = {Engineering Escherichia coli with a symbiotic plasmid for the production of phenylpyruvic acid.},
journal = {RSC advances},
volume = {14},
number = {36},
pages = {26580-26584},
pmid = {39175686},
issn = {2046-2069},
abstract = {Plasmid-based microbial systems have become a major avenue for the production of pharmaceutical and chemical products; however, antibiotics are often required to maintain the stability of the plasmid. To eliminate the need for antibiotics, we developed a symbiotic system between plasmids and hosts by knocking out the essential gene of folP on the chromosome and placing it on the same plasmid as l-amino acid dehydrogenase (aadL); the resulting strain was named E. coli A06ΔfolP. To increase the copy number of aadL, different strengths of promoters were used for the expression of folP, resulting in the creation of a mutant E. coli A17ΔfolP. The yield of phenylpyruvic acid (PPA) from E. coli A17ΔfolP (4.1 ± 0.3 g L[-1]) was 1.9-fold that of E. coli A06ΔfolP (2.1 ± 0.2 g L[-1]). Next, the stability of plasmids was tested, and results showed that the plasmids could be maintained stably for 10 transfer numbers under antibiotic-free conditions. Finally, E. coli A17ΔfolP was used to produce PPA; the yield of PPA was 18.7 g L[-1] within 14 h.},
}

@article {pmid39174531,
year = {2024},
author = {Scarinci, G and Ariens, JL and Angelidou, G and Schmidt, S and Glatter, T and Paczia, N and Sourjik, V},
title = {Enhanced metabolic entanglement emerges during the evolution of an interkingdom microbial community.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {7238},
pmid = {39174531},
issn = {2041-1723},
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Microbiota/physiology ; *Biological Evolution ; Nitrogen/metabolism ; Microbial Interactions ; Metabolic Networks and Pathways/genetics ; Bacteria/metabolism/genetics/classification ; Selection, Genetic ; },
abstract = {While different stages of mutualism can be observed in natural communities, the dynamics and mechanisms underlying the gradual erosion of independence of the initially autonomous organisms are not yet fully understood. In this study, by conducting the laboratory evolution on an engineered microbial community, we reproduce and molecularly track the stepwise progression towards enhanced partner entanglement. We observe that the evolution of the community both strengthens the existing metabolic interactions and leads to the emergence of de novo interdependence between partners for nitrogen metabolism, which is a common feature of natural symbiotic interactions. Selection for enhanced metabolic entanglement during the community evolution repeatedly occurred indirectly, via pleiotropies and trade-offs within cellular regulatory networks, and with no evidence of group selection. The indirect positive selection of metabolic dependencies between microbial community members, which results from the direct selection of other coupled traits in the same regulatory network, may therefore be a common but underappreciated driving force guiding the evolution of natural mutualistic communities.},
}

*Symbiosis
*Microbiota/physiology
*Biological Evolution
Nitrogen/metabolism
Microbial Interactions
Metabolic Networks and Pathways/genetics
Bacteria/metabolism/genetics/classification
Selection, Genetic

@article {pmid39174240,
year = {2024},
author = {Richardson, JA and Rose, BD and Garcia, K},
title = {X-ray fluorescence and XANES spectroscopy revealed diverse potassium chemistries and colocalization with phosphorus in the ectomycorrhizal fungus Paxillus ammoniavirescens.},
journal = {Fungal biology},
volume = {128},
number = {6},
pages = {2054-2061},
doi = {10.1016/j.funbio.2024.08.004},
pmid = {39174240},
issn = {1878-6146},
mesh = {*Potassium/metabolism/analysis ; *Mycorrhizae/metabolism/chemistry ; *Phosphorus/metabolism ; *X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy ; *Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission ; Basidiomycota/metabolism/chemistry/growth & development ; Plant Roots/microbiology ; Mycelium/chemistry/metabolism/growth & development ; },
abstract = {Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi play a major role in forest ecosystems and managed tree plantations. Particularly, they facilitate mineral weathering and nutrient transfer towards colonized roots. Among nutrients provided by these fungi, potassium (K) has been understudied compared to phosphorus (P) or nitrogen (N). The ECM fungus Paxillus ammoniavirescens is a generalist species that interacts with the root of many trees and can directly transfer K to them, including loblolly pine. However, the forms of K that ECM fungi can store is still unknown. Here, we used synchrotron potassium X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and K-edge X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES) spectroscopy on P. ammoniavirescens growing in axenic conditions to investigate the K chemistries accumulating in the center and the edge of the mycelium. We observed that various K forms accumulated in different part of the mycelium, including K-nitrate (KNO3), K-C-O compounds (such as K-tartrate K2(C4H4O6) and K-oxalate (K2C2O4)), K-S and K-P compounds. Saprotrophic fungi have been shown to excrete carboxylic acids, which in turn play a role in soil mineral weathering. Our finding of several K counter-ions to carboxylic acids may suggest that, besides their direct transfer to colonized roots, K ions can also be involved in the production of compounds necessary for sourcing nutrients from their surrounding environment by ECM fungi. Additionally, this work reveals that XANES spectroscopy can be used to identify the various forms of K accumulating in biological systems.},
}

*Potassium/metabolism/analysis
*Mycorrhizae/metabolism/chemistry
*Phosphorus/metabolism
*X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy
*Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission
Basidiomycota/metabolism/chemistry/growth & development
Plant Roots/microbiology
Mycelium/chemistry/metabolism/growth & development

@article {pmid39173792,
year = {2024},
author = {Gonnami, M and Tominaga, T and Isowa, Y and Takashima, S and Takeda, N and Miura, C and Takagi, M and Egusa, M and Mine, A and Ifuku, S and Kaminaka, H},
title = {Chitin nanofibers promote rhizobial symbiotic nitrogen fixation in Lotus japonicus.},
journal = {International journal of biological macromolecules},
volume = {278},
number = {Pt 3},
pages = {134910},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134910},
pmid = {39173792},
issn = {1879-0003},
abstract = {Chitin, an N-acetyl-D-glucosamine polymer, has multiple functions in living organisms, including the induction of disease resistance and growth promotion in plants. In addition, chitin oligosaccharides (COs) are used as the backbone of the signaling molecule Nod factor secreted by soil bacteria rhizobia to establish a mutual symbiosis with leguminous plants. Nod factor perception triggers host plant responses for rhizobial symbiosis. In this study, the effects of chitins on rhizobial symbiosis were examined in the leguminous plants Lotus japonicus and soybean. Chitin nanofiber (CNF), retained with polymeric structures, and COs elicited calcium spiking in L. japonicus roots expressing a nuclear-localized cameleon reporter. Shoot growth and symbiotic nitrogen fixation were significantly increased by CNF but not COs in L.japonicus and soybean. However, treatments with chitin and cellulose nanofiber, structurally similar polymers to CNF, did not affect shoot growth and nitrogen fixation in L.japonicus. Transcriptome analysis also supported the specific effects of CNF on rhizobial symbiosis in L.japonicus. Although chitins comprise the same monosaccharides and nanofibers share similar physical properties, only CNF can promote rhizobial nitrogen fixation in leguminous plants. Taking the advantages on physical properties, CNF could be a promising material for improving legume yield by enhancing rhizobial symbiosis.},
}

@article {pmid39173365,
year = {2024},
author = {Naseer, MA and Zhang, ZQ and Mukhtar, A and Asad, MS and Wu, HY and Yang, H and Zhou, XB},
title = {Strigolactones: A promising tool for nutrient acquisition through arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi symbiosis and abiotic stress tolerance.},
journal = {Plant physiology and biochemistry : PPB},
volume = {215},
number = {},
pages = {109057},
doi = {10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.109057},
pmid = {39173365},
issn = {1873-2690},
abstract = {Strigolactones (SLs) constitute essential phytohormones that control pathogen defense, resilience to phosphate deficiency and abiotic stresses. Furthermore, SLs are released into the soil by roots, especially in conditions in which there is inadequate phosphate or nitrogen available. SLs have the aptitude to stimulate the root parasite plants and symbiotic cooperation with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in rhizosphere. The use of mineral resources, especially phosphorus (P), by host plants is accelerated by AMF, which also improves plant growth and resilience to a series of biotic and abiotic stresses. Thus, these SL treatments that promote rhizobial symbiosis are substitutes for artificial fertilizers and other chemicals, supporting ecologically friendly farming practices. Moreover, SLs have become a fascinating target for abiotic stress adaptation in plants, with an array of uses in sustainable agriculture. In this review, the biological activity has been summarized that SLs as a signaling hormone for AMF symbiosis, nutrient acquisition, and abiotic stress tolerance through interaction with other hormones. Furthermore, the processes behind the alterations in the microbial population caused by SL are clarified, emphasizing the interplay with other signaling mechanisms. This review covers the latest developments in SL studies as well as the properties of SLs on microbial populations, plant hormone transductions, interactions and abiotic stress tolerance.},
}

@article {pmid39172149,
year = {2024},
author = {Sutar, RR and Mapari, SV and Gaikwad, SB and Khare, R and Behera, BC},
title = {An investigation on the cardioprotective potential of lichen compound protocetraric acid by H2O2-induced toxicity in H9c2 rat heart cells through in vitro and in silico analysis.},
journal = {Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39172149},
issn = {1432-1912},
support = {835/Dec. 2017//University Grants Commission, Government of India, New Delhi, India/ ; DBTHRDPMU/JRF/BET-20/I/2020/AL/1 dated 27.11.2020//Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, New Delhi, India/ ; },
abstract = {Worldwide, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death and require treatment and prevention. Lichens are symbiotic organisms that are known to produce unique secondary metabolites and have been used as folk medicines. The aim of the study is to emphasize the importance of lichens in improving heart health, with the objective of investigating protocetraric acid, a lichen metabolite, for its antioxidant and cardioprotective potential by using in vitro and in silico techniques. Protocetraric acid (PRC) was isolated, characterized, and tested for antioxidant properties using six assays. In cardiovascular investigations, hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzymeA reductase (HMGCR), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory, and fibrinolytic capacities, along with enzyme inhibitory kinetics studies, were carried out. In silico toxicology and molecular docking analysis were done to determine the binding sites on target proteins. The cytoprotective ability of PRC was evaluated by H2O2-induced toxicity in H9c2 rat heart cells. Out of six lichens, the extract of F. caperata showed comparatively stronger antioxidant activity in terms of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazil (DPPH), scavenging of nitric oxide (SNO), and ferric reducing potential (FRAP) equivalent values. PRC showed significant antioxidant properties, and with respect to cardiovascular studies, PRC exhibited 86% HMGCR and 82% ACE inhibition, while 57% fibrinolysis at 320 µM concentration. Inhibitory kinetic tests of PRC showed competitive and uncompetitive HMGCR and ACE inhibition types respectively. PRC showed minimum binding energies of - 7.9, - 8.9, and - 9.0 kcal/mol with 1HWK, 1O8A, and 4BZS. The H9c2 cell line pre-treated with PRC was found to reduce H2O2 toxicity as well as increase cell viability. Protocetraric acid is a potent compound that has been experimentally shown to have hypocholesterolemic, hypotensive, and cardioprotective properties for treating cardiovascular diseases.},
}