@article {pmid40013383,
year = {2025},
author = {Pasinato, A and Singh, G},
title = {Lichens are a treasure chest of bioactive compounds: fact or fake?.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.70034},
pmid = {40013383},
issn = {1469-8137},
}

@article {pmid40012216,
year = {2025},
author = {Md-Zain, BM and Wan-Mustafa, WAS and Tingga, RCT and Gani, M and Mohd-Ridwan, AR},
title = {High-Throughput DNA Metabarcoding for the Gut Microbiome Assessment of Captive White-Handed Gibbon and Siamang.},
journal = {Journal of medical primatology},
volume = {54},
number = {2},
pages = {e70009},
doi = {10.1111/jmp.70009},
pmid = {40012216},
issn = {1600-0684},
support = {ST-2022-027//The National Conservation Trust Fund for Natural Resources (NCTF),/ ; ST-2021-017//Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics ; *DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic ; *Animals, Zoo/microbiology ; *Hylobates/microbiology ; *RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Feces/microbiology ; Malaysia ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/veterinary ; Hylobatidae/genetics/microbiology ; Male ; Female ; RNA, Bacterial/analysis/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The gut microbiota plays a vital role in primates' overall health and well-being, including small apes (Hylobatidae). The symbiotic relationships between bacteria and the gut aid food digestion, maintain host health, and help them adapt to their environment, including captive conditions. Despite being listed as endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list category, molecular studies on the small ape's gut microbiome are limited compared to other primates. This study aimed to characterize the gut microbiota of captive small apes at Zoo Taiping and Night Safari, Peninsular Malaysia, by evaluating their microbial communities.

METHODS: Seven fecal samples from Hylobatidae (white-handed gibbon and siamang) were collected, and the bacteria therein were successfully isolated and subjected to high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene.

RESULTS: The acquired amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were successfully classified into 17 phyla, 82 families, 164 genera, and 43 species of microbes. Each small ape exhibited a unique gut microbiota profile. The phyla Bacteroidota and Firmicutes were dominant in each individual. Environmental conditions and host genetics are among the factors that influence the small ape's gut microbiome composition.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide valuable insights into the gut microbiota composition of small apes at Zoo Taiping and Night Safari, thus contributing to the health management and welfare efforts of small apes in captivity.},
}

Animals
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics
*DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic
*Animals, Zoo/microbiology
*Hylobates/microbiology
*RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Feces/microbiology
Malaysia
High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/veterinary
Hylobatidae/genetics/microbiology
Male
Female
RNA, Bacterial/analysis/genetics

@article {pmid40011773,
year = {2025},
author = {Oyarte Galvez, L and Bisot, C and Bourrianne, P and Cargill, R and Klein, M and van Son, M and van Krugten, J and Caldas, V and Clerc, T and Lin, KK and Kahane, F and van Staalduine, S and Stewart, JD and Terry, V and Turcu, B and van Otterdijk, S and Babu, A and Kamp, M and Seynen, M and Steenbeek, B and Zomerdijk, J and Tutucci, E and Sheldrake, M and Godin, C and Kokkoris, V and Stone, HA and Kiers, ET and Shimizu, TS},
title = {A travelling-wave strategy for plant-fungal trade.},
journal = {Nature},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40011773},
issn = {1476-4687},
abstract = {For nearly 450 million years, mycorrhizal fungi have constructed networks to collect and trade nutrient resources with plant roots[1,2]. Owing to their dependence on host-derived carbon, these fungi face conflicting trade-offs in building networks that balance construction costs against geographical coverage and long-distance resource transport to and from roots[3]. How they navigate these design challenges is unclear[4]. Here, to monitor the construction of living trade networks, we built a custom-designed robot for high-throughput time-lapse imaging that could track over 500,000 fungal nodes simultaneously. We then measured around 100,000 cytoplasmic flow trajectories inside the networks. We found that mycorrhizal fungi build networks as self-regulating travelling waves-pulses of growing tips pull an expanding wave of nutrient-absorbing mycelium, the density of which is self-regulated by fusion. This design offers a solution to conflicting trade demands because relatively small carbon investments fuel fungal range expansions beyond nutrient-depletion zones, fostering exploration for plant partners and nutrients. Over time, networks maintained highly constant transport efficiencies back to roots, while simultaneously adding loops that shorten paths to potential new trade partners. Fungi further enhance transport flux by both widening hyphal tubes and driving faster flows along 'trunk routes' of the network[5]. Our findings provide evidence that symbiotic fungi control network-level structure and flows to meet trade demands, and illuminate the design principles of a symbiotic supply-chain network shaped by millions of years of natural selection.},
}

@article {pmid40011535,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhao, DX and Bai, Z and Yuan, YW and Li, SA and Wei, YL and Yuan, HS},
title = {Ectomycorrhizal fungal community varies across broadleaf species and developmental stages.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {6955},
pmid = {40011535},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {32371732//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32270017//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; U2102220//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/genetics/physiology ; *Quercus/microbiology/growth & development ; *Acer/microbiology/growth & development ; China ; Forests ; Trees/microbiology/growth & development ; Biodiversity ; Betula/microbiology/growth & development ; Mycobiome ; Plant Roots/microbiology/growth & development ; Ecosystem ; Symbiosis ; Fungi/classification/genetics ; Soil Microbiology ; },
abstract = {Ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) play pivotal roles in determining temperate forest ecosystem processes. We tracked root EMF community succession across saplings, juveniles, and adults of three temperate broadleaf trees (Acer mono, Betula platyphylla, and Quercus mongolica) in Northeast China. Adult stages showed higher alpha diversity but lower community dissimilarity compared to earlier stages. In particular, the EMF alpha diversity of Quercus mongolica marginally increased along with host developmental stages and ranked as sapling < juvenile < adult. Unlike those of Acer mono and Quercus mongolica, the EMF community composition of Betula platyphylla showed greater variation between the sapling and juvenile stages than between the sapling and adult stages. Cooccurrence networks revealed increasing interconnectivity with host maturity, dominated by positive correlations (> 99%). LEfSe was employed to identify stage- and/or host-specific EMF indicators. This study highlighted the assembly of EMF community during the development of broadleaf trees in temperate forests, thereby advancing understanding of the succession and coevolution of symbiotic relationships.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/genetics/physiology
*Quercus/microbiology/growth & development
*Acer/microbiology/growth & development
China
Forests
Trees/microbiology/growth & development
Biodiversity
Betula/microbiology/growth & development
Mycobiome
Plant Roots/microbiology/growth & development
Ecosystem
Symbiosis
Fungi/classification/genetics
Soil Microbiology

@article {pmid40011474,
year = {2025},
author = {Kobayashi, Y and Kondo, Y and Kohda, M and Awata, S},
title = {Active provisioning of food to host sea anemones by anemonefish.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {4115},
pmid = {40011474},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {23KJ1838//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 22H02703//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; JPMJSP2139-RS22A027//Japan Science and Technology Agency/ ; 2021-4082//The Japan Science Society/ ; OCU-SRG2021_BR10//Osaka City University/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Sea Anemones/physiology ; *Symbiosis/physiology ; Feeding Behavior/physiology ; },
abstract = {In mutualistic symbiosis, organisms often provide food to their partners. However, the processes and significance of food provisioning to hosts remain poorly understood. The anemonefish Amphiprion clarkii, which prefers larger hosts, has been suggested to provide food to its host the sea anemone Entacmaea quadricolor. In the present study, we investigated food provisioning by anemonefish and its effects on the symbiotic relationships. When given foods of various sizes and types in the field, anemonefish selectively consumed small animal food (krill, clams, squid, and fish) and green macroalgae of small size, while providing larger pieces of animal food to their hosts. Additionally, the anemonefish avoided either eating or providing brown macroalgae and sponges to the host anemone, which appeared to be unsuitable as food for both anemonefish and sea anemones. When repeatedly provided small pieces of animal food, the anemonefish initially consumed the food themselves, but upon satiety, increased provisioning to the host. Food provisioning positively influenced the growth of host anemones. These findings suggest that anemonefish actively provide food to host anemones based on the situation, adding to our knowledge of the mutual benefits of symbiosis among partners.},
}

Animals
*Sea Anemones/physiology
*Symbiosis/physiology
Feeding Behavior/physiology

@article {pmid40011281,
year = {2025},
author = {Haider, K and Abbas, D and Galian, J and Ghafar, MA and Kabir, K and Ijaz, M and Hussain, M and Khan, KA and Ghramh, HA and Raza, A},
title = {The multifaceted roles of gut microbiota in insect physiology, metabolism, and environmental adaptation: implications for pest management strategies.},
journal = {World journal of microbiology & biotechnology},
volume = {41},
number = {3},
pages = {75},
pmid = {40011281},
issn = {1573-0972},
mesh = {Animals ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology ; *Insecta/microbiology/physiology ; *Bacteria/classification/metabolism ; Symbiosis ; Adaptation, Physiological ; Pest Control/methods ; Insect Control/methods ; },
abstract = {Similar to many other organisms, insects like Drosophila melanogaster, Hypothenemus hampei, and Cockroaches harbor diverse bacterial communities in their gastrointestinal systems. These bacteria, along with other microorganisms like fungi and archaea, are essential to the physiology of their insect hosts, forming intricate symbiotic relationships. These gut-associated microorganisms contribute to various vital functions, including digestion, nutrient absorption, immune regulation, and behavioral modulation. Notably, gut microbiota facilitates the breakdown of complex plant materials, synthesizes essential vitamins and amino acids, and detoxifies harmful substances, including pesticides. Furthermore, these microorganisms are integral to modulating host immune responses and enhancing disease resistance. This review examines the multifaceted roles of gut microbiota in insect physiology, with particular emphasis on their contributions to digestion, detoxification, reproduction, and environmental adaptability. The potential applications of gut microbiota in integrated pest management (IPM) are also explored. Understanding the microbial dynamics within insect pest species opens new avenues for pest control, including developing microbial biocontrol agents, microbial modifications to reduce pesticide resistance, and implementing microbiome-based genetic strategies. In particular, manipulating gut microbiota presents a promising approach to pest management, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional chemical pesticides.},
}

Animals
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology
*Insecta/microbiology/physiology
*Bacteria/classification/metabolism
Symbiosis
Adaptation, Physiological
Pest Control/methods
Insect Control/methods

@article {pmid40009242,
year = {2025},
author = {Antunes, PM and Stürmer, SL and Bever, JD and Chagnon, PL and Chaudhary, VB and Deveautour, C and Fahey, C and Kokkoris, V and Lekberg, Y and Powell, JR and Aguilar-Trigueros, CA and Zhang, H},
title = {Enhancing consistency in arbuscular mycorrhizal trait-based research to improve predictions of function.},
journal = {Mycorrhiza},
volume = {35},
number = {2},
pages = {14},
pmid = {40009242},
issn = {1432-1890},
support = {RGPIN-2023-04103//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; grant 403.711/2023-1 and Research Assistanship Process 306.676/2022-2//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; NSF DBI 2027458//U.S. National Science Foundation Division of Biological Infrastructure/ ; },
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology/genetics ; Soil Microbiology ; Plants/microbiology ; Symbiosis ; Ecosystem ; Glomeromycota/physiology/genetics ; },
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi (phylum Glomeromycota) are obligate symbionts with plants influencing plant health, soil a(biotic) processes, and ecosystem functioning. Despite advancements in molecular techniques, understanding the role of AM fungal communities on a(biotic) processes based on AM fungal taxonomy remains challenging. This review advocates for a standardized trait-based framework to elucidate the life-history traits of AM fungi, focusing on their roles in three dimensions: host plants, soil, and AM fungal ecology. We define morphological, physiological, and genetic key traits, explore their functional roles and propose methodologies for their consistent measurement, enabling cross-study comparisons towards improved predictability of ecological function. We aim for this review to lay the groundwork for establishing a baseline of AM fungal trait responses under varying environmental conditions. Furthermore, we emphasize the need to include underrepresented taxa in research and utilize advances in machine learning and microphotography for data standardization.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology/genetics
Soil Microbiology
Plants/microbiology
Symbiosis
Ecosystem
Glomeromycota/physiology/genetics

@article {pmid40009197,
year = {2025},
author = {Kelleher, LA and Ramalho, MO},
title = {Impact of Species and Developmental Stage on the Bacterial Communities of Aphaenogaster Ants.},
journal = {Current microbiology},
volume = {82},
number = {4},
pages = {157},
pmid = {40009197},
issn = {1432-0991},
support = {7513312112//West Chester University/ ; },
mesh = {*Ants/microbiology ; Animals ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; *RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Microbiota ; Symbiosis ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Pennsylvania ; Phylogeny ; Ecosystem ; Biodiversity ; },
abstract = {Ants are distributed across the globe and there are currently over 14,000 described species. Due to the high diversity between species, ants are considered vital keystone species to many ecosystems. They provide basic ecosystem services such as: seed dispersal, soil bioturbation, decomposition, and pest control. Within these ecosystems ants form complex symbiotic relationships with plants, fungi, and bacteria. Studying the interaction between ants and their bacteria is important because of the crucial role that microbes play in the overall health of ants. Aphaenogaster Mayr, 1853, which is a globally distributed ant genus, remains understudied in terms of their bacterial community. This study aims to determine the taxonomic composition and abundance of the Aphaenogaster bacterial community and to determine if development stage and species impact the bacterial community composition. For this study, ants from several colonies were collected from the Gordon Natural Area in West Chester, Pennsylvania, USA. DNA was then extracted from the ants in all stages of development and the 16S rRNA gene was amplified and sequencing following the NGS amplicon approach. The findings from this study reveal that species and development stage have a significant impact upon the bacterial community composition and abundance of Aphaenogaster ants, and Wolbachia is highly associated with these ants.},
}

*Ants/microbiology
Animals
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
*RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
*Microbiota
Symbiosis
DNA, Bacterial/genetics
Pennsylvania
Phylogeny
Ecosystem
Biodiversity

@article {pmid40007963,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, J and Yang, X and Huo, C and Fan, X and Liu, Q and Liu, Z and Su, Y and Chen, Z},
title = {Eucalyptus grandis WRKY genes provide insight into the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis in defense against Ralstonia solanacearum.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1510196},
pmid = {40007963},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: WRKY transcription factors are essential for plant growth, health, and responses to biotic and abiotic stress.

METHODS: In this study, we performed a deep in silico characterization of the WRKY gene family in the genome of Eucalyptus grandis. We also analyzed the expression profiles of these genes upon colonization by the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) Rhizophagus irregularis (Ri) and infection with the bacterial pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum (Rs).

RESULTS: A total of 117 EgWRKYs were identified. Phylogenetic analysis divided the EgWRKY proteins into three groups: group I (21 proteins, 17.95%), group II (65 proteins, 55.56%), and group III (24 proteins, 20.51%). Additionally, seven EgWRKY proteins (5.98%) were categorized into group IV due to the absence of the WRKY domain or zinc-finger structure. All EgWRKY genes are distributed irregularly across the 11 chromosomes, with 25 pairs identified as segmental duplicates and four as tandem duplicates. The promoter regions of 50% of members of each subfamily contain plant hormone-related cis-elements associated with defense responses, such as ABREs, TGACG motifs, and CGTCA motifs. All subfamilies (except for group IV-b and IV-c) contain AW-boxes, which are related to mycorrhizal induction. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis revealed that 21 EgWRKYs were responsive to the AMF Ri, with 13 and 8 genes strongly up- and downregulated, respectively. Several genes (including EgWRKY116, EgWRKY62, and EgWRKY107) were significantly induced by Ri; these genes might enhance the defense of E. grandis against Rs.

DISCUSSION: Therefore, we identified E. grandis WRKY genes that are regulated by AMF colonization, some of which might improve the defense of E. grandis against R. solanacearum. These findings provide insights into E. grandis WRKY genes involved in interactions among the host plant, AMFs, and R. solanacearum.},
}

@article {pmid40007421,
year = {2025},
author = {Singh, G and Dal Grande, F and Martin, FM and Medema, MH},
title = {Breaking into nature's secret medicine cabinet: lichens - a biochemical goldmine ready for discovery.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.70003},
pmid = {40007421},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {//NextGenerationEU (to GS)/ ; ANR-11-LABX-0002-01//Laboratory of Excellence ARBRE/ ; },
abstract = {Secondary metabolites are a crucial source of bioactive compounds playing a key role in the development of new pharmaceuticals. Recently, biosynthetic research has benefited significantly from progress on various fronts, including reduced sequencing costs, improved genome/metabolome mining strategies, and expanding tools/databases to compare and characterize chemical diversity. Steady advances in these fields are crucial for research on non-modal organisms such as lichen-forming fungi (LFF). Although most fungi produce bioactive metabolites, biosynthetic research on LFF (c. 21% of known fungi) lags behind, primarily due to experimental challenges. However, in recent years, several such challenges have been tackled, and, in parallel, a critical foundation of genomic data and pipelines has been established to accomplish the valorization of this potential. Integrating these concurrent advances to accelerate biochemical research in LFF provides a promising opportunity for new discoveries. This review summarizes the following: recent advances in fungal and LFF omics, and chemoinformatics research; studies on LFF biosynthesis, including chemical diversity and evolutionary/phylogenetic aspects; and experimental milestones in LFF biosynthetic gene functions. At the end, we outline a vision and strategy to combine the progress in these research areas to harness the biochemical potential of LFF for pharmaceutical development.},
}

@article {pmid40007156,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, X and Wen, J and Jia, S and He, Y and Yang, W and Chen, W and Li, D and Liu, R and Liu, Q and Cai, Y and Cheng, K and Zhang, X},
title = {Glutamine synthetase GhGLN1.5 regulates arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis and Verticillium wilt resistance in cotton by modulating inorganic nitrogen assimilation.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.70035},
pmid = {40007156},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {32070262//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32301768//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 242300420138//Natural Science Foundation of Henan Province/ ; 234400510004//Project of Zhongyuan Scholars Workstation/ ; },
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi play a crucial role in the nitrogen uptake and Verticillium wilt resistance of cotton. The absorbed inorganic nitrogen is converted into organic nitrogen through nitrogen assimilation mediated by glutamine synthetase (GS). However, the role of GS in AM symbiosis and Verticillium wilt resistance remains unclear. We identified an AM fungus-induced GS gene, GhGLN1.5, which participated in AM symbiosis. Both in vivo and in vitro analyses demonstrated that GhGLN1.5 exhibits catalytic activity of GS. The knockdown of GhGLN1.5 resulted in a reduction of AM colonization, nitrogen uptake capacity, and AM symbiosis-dependent resistance to Verticillium wilt. Heterologous expression of GhGLN1.5 enhanced AM symbiosis, increased GS activity, and promoted plant growth. The knockout of GhGLN1.5 in cotton inhibited AM symbiosis. Furthermore, we identified an AM fungus-induced ethylene response factor gene GhWRI3 through yeast one-hybrid library screening and found that GhWRI3 activates the expression of GhGLN1.5 via AW-box element. These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of GhGLN1.5 expression in AM symbiosis, nitrogen assimilation, and Verticillium wilt resistance in cotton, suggesting potential strategies for regulating AM symbiosis in cotton through the WRI3-GLN1.5 module.},
}

@article {pmid40006841,
year = {2025},
author = {Utge Perri, SY and Valerga Fernández, MV and Scotti, A and Colombo, RP and González, F and Valenzuela, L and Godeas, AM and Silvani, VA},
title = {Responses of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Plant Communities to Long-Term Mining and Passive Restoration.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {40006841},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {UBACYT 20020170100142BA//University of Buenos Aires/ ; PIP 11220200102192CO//Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas/ ; PICT 2015-3474//Agencia Nacional de Promoción de la Investigación, el Desarrollo Tecnológico y la Innovación/ ; ATN RF-18951-RG//FONTAGRO/ ; },
abstract = {Mining activities cause strong soil alterations, such as heavy metal (HM) pollution, which decreases the diversity of plant communities and rhizospheric microorganisms, including arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. The polymetallic Paramillos de Uspallata mine in the Andes Mountains, the first mining exploitation in Argentina, provides a unique scenario to study AM fungal resilience after long-term disturbance following over 40 years of inactivity. This study aimed to analyze mycorrhizal status and AM fungal communities in the mine and a nearby unexploited area and to evaluate their associations with soil parameters to elucidate life history strategies. Long-term exposure to elevated Fe, Pb, Zn, and Ag concentrations and high electrical conductivity (EC, 5.46 mS/cm) led to the dominance of Entrophospora infrequens in association with Pappostipa speciosa, demonstrating that this AM species is a stress-tolerant strategist in symbiosis with a pioneer perennial plant, resilient in the most impacted mine areas. In contrast, the unexploited area, with an EC of 0.48 mS/cm and low HM contents, supported competitive and ruderal species, revealing distinct ecological strategies of AM fungi in disturbed versus undisturbed environments. These findings highlight the potential of E. infrequens for bioremediation and ecological restoration in post-mining landscapes.},
}

@article {pmid40006495,
year = {2025},
author = {Vassiliadis, S and Guthridge, KM and Reddy, P and Ludlow, EJ and Hettiarachchige, IK and Rochfort, SJ},
title = {Predicting Perennial Ryegrass Cultivars and the Presence of an Epichloë Endophyte in Seeds Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS).},
journal = {Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {25},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {40006495},
issn = {1424-8220},
support = {na//Agriculture Victoria Research/ ; na//Dairy Australia/ ; na//Gardiner Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Lolium/microbiology ; *Seeds/microbiology ; *Endophytes/physiology ; *Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared/methods ; *Epichloe/physiology ; },
abstract = {Perennial ryegrass is an important temperate grass used for forage and turf worldwide. It forms symbiotic relationships with endophytic fungi (endophytes), conferring pasture persistence and resistance to herbivory. Endophyte performance can be influenced by the host genotype, as well as environmental factors such as seed storage conditions. It is therefore critical to confirm seed quality and purity before a seed is sown. DNA-based methods are often used for quality control purposes. Recently, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) coupled with hyperspectral imaging was used to discriminate perennial ryegrass cultivars and endophyte presence in individual seeds. Here, a NIRS-based analysis of bulk seeds was used to develop models for discriminating perennial ryegrass cultivars (Alto, Maxsyn, Trojan and Bronsyn), each hosting a suite of eight to eleven different endophyte strains. Sub-sampling, six per bag of seed, was employed to minimize misclassification error. Using a nested PLS-DA approach, cultivars were classified with an overall accuracy of 94.1-98.6% of sub-samples, whilst endophyte presence or absence was discriminated with overall accuracies between 77.8% and 96.3% of sub-samples. Hierarchical classification models were developed to discriminate bulked seed samples quickly and easily with minimal misclassifications of cultivars (<8.9% of sub-samples) or endophyte status within each cultivar (<11.3% of sub-samples). In all cases, greater than four of the six sub-samples were correctly classified, indicating that innate variation within a bag of seeds can be overcome using this strategy. These models could benefit turf- and pasture-based industries by providing a tool that is easy, cost effective, and can quickly discriminate seed bulks based on cultivar and endophyte content.},
}

*Lolium/microbiology
*Seeds/microbiology
*Endophytes/physiology
*Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared/methods
*Epichloe/physiology

@article {pmid40005829,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhao, S and Xiang, J and Abedin, M and Wang, J and Zhang, Z and Zhang, Z and Wu, H and Xiao, J},
title = {Characterization and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Akkermansia muciniphila-Derived Extracellular Vesicles.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {40005829},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {6212002//Natural Science Foundation of Beijing Municipality，China/ ; },
abstract = {Bacterial extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a pivotal role in host-microbe communication. Akkermansia muciniphila, a symbiotic bacterium essential for intestinal health, is hypothesized to exert its effects via EVs. Here, we successfully isolated and characterized EVs derived from A. muciniphila (Am-EVs) using ultracentrifugation. Am-EVs exhibited a double-membrane structure, with an average diameter of 92.48 ± 0.28 nm and a proteomic profile comprising 850 proteins. In an in vitro model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2), treatment with both 25 and 50 μg/mL Am-EVs significantly reduced oxidative stress markers, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), and malondialdehyde (MDA), while restoring catalase activity (CAT). Am-EVs also suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Subsequent transcriptomic sequencing and Western blot experiments revealed that Am-EVs attenuate the MAPK signaling pathway by downregulating TRIF, MyD88, p38 MAPK, and FOS while upregulating TGFBR2. These findings suggest that Am-EVs mediate anti-inflammatory effects through modulation of MAPK signaling, highlighting their potential as therapeutic agents in intestinal inflammation.},
}

@article {pmid40005707,
year = {2025},
author = {Pešić, M and Tošić Jojević, S and Sikirić, B and Mrvić, V and Jovković, M and Milinković, M and Andjelković, S and Stajković-Srbinović, O},
title = {The Plant Growth-Promoting Ability of Alfalfa Rhizobial Strains Under Nickel Stress.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {40005707},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {GRANT No 7015//Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia/ ; 451-03-66/2024-03/200011//Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovations of the Republic of Serbia/ ; },
abstract = {The growth and nutrient balance of legumes can be disrupted in soils with increased nickel (Ni) concentrations. The inoculation of legumes with rhizobia, symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria, can be used for the alleviation of trace metal stress in plants. This study evaluated the Ni tolerance of alfalfa rhizobia isolates and some plant growth-promoting traits in the presence of Ni: indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production, Ni biosorption potential, and the effect of rhizobia on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) growth. The strains were characterized as Shinorhizobium meliloti, Sinorhizobium medicae, and Rhizobium tibeticum. In total, 70% of the tested strains tolerate up to 0.8 mM Ni, while 15% of the strains tolerate 1.2 mM Ni. The production of IAA was maintained in the presence of Ni until bacterial growth was stopped by raising the Ni concentration. Alfalfa seed germination is significantly reduced in the presence of 0.5 mM Ni, while a significant reduction in 10-day-old seedling length already occurs at a Ni concentration of 0.03 mM. In the plant experiment, when alfalfa was inoculated with rhizobial strains, nodulation was maintained up to 0.05 mM Ni, but a significant reduction in nodule number was detected at 0.01 mM Ni. At the concentration of 0.005 mM Ni, inoculation with 12 particular rhizobial strains significantly improved the number of nodules per plant, plant height, and root length, as well as plant shoot dry weight, compared to non-inoculated plants with Ni addition. However, higher concentrations caused a reduction in all of these plant growth parameters compared to the plants without Ni. The selected rhizobia strains showed a Ni biosorption capacity of 20% in the in vitro assay. The inoculation of alfalfa with effective rhizobial strains improves growth parameters compared to non-inoculated plants in the presence of certain concentrations of Ni.},
}

@article {pmid40005595,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, L and Xing, Y and Li, S and Zhou, L and Li, B and Guo, S},
title = {Different Symbiotic Species of Armillaria Affect the Yield and Active Compound Contents of Polyporus umbellatus.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {40005595},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {No. 2021-I2M-1-031, 2022-I2M-2-001, 2023-I2M-2-006//CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences/ ; },
abstract = {Polyporus umbellatus is a medicinal fungus primarily used for diuresis, with its sclerotium serving as the medicinal component. The growth and development of sclerotia are reliant on a symbiotic relationship with Armillaria. However, the impact of different Armillaria species on the yield and quality of sclerotia remains unclear. In this study, three Armillaria strains, A35, A541, and A19, were identified through TEF-1α sequence analysis and phylogenetic classification. These strains were classified into three distinct species: A35 as A. ostoyae, A541 as A. gallica, while the taxonomic status of A19 remains unresolved. After four years of co-cultivation with these Armillaria strains, three groups of P. umbellatus sclerotia were harvested and labeled as A35-P, A541-P, and A19-P, respectively. The yields of A35-P, A541-P, and A19-P exhibited significant variations, with A541-P achieving the highest yield (1221 ± 258 g·nest[-1]), followed by A35-P (979 ± 201 g·nest[-1]), and A19-P yielding the least (591 ± 54 g·nest[-1]). HPLC revealed significant differences in the levels of polyporusterone A and polyporusterone B among the groups. The total polysaccharide content, determined via the phenol-sulfuric acid method, also varied significantly, with A541-P recording the highest content (0.897 ± 0.042%), followed by A19-P (0.686 ± 0.058%), and A35-P showing the lowest value (0.511 ± 0.083%). PCA based on these data indicated clear distinctions among A35-P, A541-P, and A19-P, with the three groups forming separate clusters. This study, for the first time, demonstrates the effects of three different Armillaria species on the yield and active compound content of P. umbellatus. These findings provide valuable insights for selecting high-quality Armillaria strains and offer guidance for the artificial cultivation of P. umbellatus.},
}

@article {pmid40004472,
year = {2025},
author = {Díaz, V and Villalobos, M and Arriaza, K and Flores, K and Hernández-Saravia, LP and Velásquez, A},
title = {Decoding the Dialog Between Plants and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi: A Molecular Genetic Perspective.},
journal = {Genes},
volume = {16},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/genes16020143},
pmid = {40004472},
issn = {2073-4425},
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/genetics/physiology ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; Plants/microbiology/genetics ; Plant Roots/microbiology/genetics/growth & development ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Signal Transduction/genetics ; Transcription Factors/genetics/metabolism ; Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis, a mutually beneficial interaction between plant roots and AM fungi, plays a key role in plant growth, nutrient acquisition, and stress tolerance, which make it a major focus for sustainable agricultural strategies. This intricate association involves extensive transcriptional reprogramming in host plant cells during the formation of arbuscules, which are specialized fungal structures for nutrient exchange. The symbiosis is initiated by molecular signaling pathways triggered by fungal chitooligosaccharides and strigolactones released by plant roots, which act as chemoattractants and signaling molecules to promote fungal spore germination, colonization, and arbuscule development. Calcium spiking, mediated by LysM domain receptor kinases, serves as a critical second messenger in coordinating fungal infection and intracellular accommodation. GRAS transcription factors are key components that regulate the transcriptional networks necessary for arbuscule development and maintenance, while small RNAs (sRNAs) from both plant and fungi, contribute to modifications in gene expression, including potential bidirectional sRNA exchange to modulate symbiosis. Understanding the molecular mechanisms related to AM symbiosis may provide valuable insights for implementation of strategies related to enhancing plant productivity and resilience.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/genetics/physiology
*Symbiosis/genetics
Plants/microbiology/genetics
Plant Roots/microbiology/genetics/growth & development
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
Signal Transduction/genetics
Transcription Factors/genetics/metabolism
Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism

@article {pmid40004114,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, R and Gou, C and Zhang, K and He, M and Li, L and Kong, F and Sun, Z and Liu, H},
title = {Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analyses of Glycoside Hydrolase Family 18 Genes During Nodule Symbiosis in Glycine max.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {26},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms26041649},
pmid = {40004114},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {2023A1515110630 and 2023A1515110560//Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Glycine max/genetics/microbiology ; *Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; *Phylogeny ; *Glycoside Hydrolases/genetics/metabolism ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; Multigene Family ; Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Root Nodules, Plant/genetics/microbiology/metabolism ; Genome, Plant ; Chitinases/genetics/metabolism ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Amino Acid Sequence ; },
abstract = {Glycoside hydrolase family 18 (GH18) proteins can hydrolyze the β-1,4-glycosidic bonds of chitin, which is a common structure component of insect exoskeletons and fungal cell walls. In this study, 36 GH18 genes were identified and subjected to bioinformatic analysis based on the genomic data of Glycine max. They were distributed in 16 out of 20 tested soybean chromosomes. According to the amino acid sequences, they can be further divided into five subclades. Class III chitinases (22 members) and class V chitinases (6 members) are the major two subclades. The amino acid size of soybean GH18 proteins ranges from 173 amino acids (aa) to 820 aa and the molecular weight ranges from 19.46 kDa to 91.01 kDa. From an evolutionary perspective, soybean GH18 genes are closely related to Medicago (17 collinear loci with soybean) and Lotus (23 collinear loci with soybean). Promoter analysis revealed that GH18 genes could be induced by environmental stress, hormones, and embryo development. GmGH18-15, GmGH18-24, and GmGH18-33 were screened out due to their nodulation specific expression and further verified by RT-qPCR. These results provide an elaborate reference for the further characterization of specific GH18 genes, especially during nodule formation in soybean.},
}

*Glycine max/genetics/microbiology
*Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
*Phylogeny
*Glycoside Hydrolases/genetics/metabolism
*Symbiosis/genetics
Multigene Family
Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Root Nodules, Plant/genetics/microbiology/metabolism
Genome, Plant
Chitinases/genetics/metabolism
Promoter Regions, Genetic
Amino Acid Sequence

@article {pmid40003831,
year = {2025},
author = {Banfi, D and Mastore, M and Bianchi, T and Brivio, MF},
title = {The Expression Levels of Heat Shock Protein 90 (HSP90) in Galleria mellonella Following Infection with the Entomopathogenic Nematode Steinernema carpocapsae and Its Symbiotic Bacteria Xenorhabdus nematophila.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16020201},
pmid = {40003831},
issn = {2075-4450},
abstract = {Heat shock proteins (HSPs), particularly HSP90, play a vital role in insect responses to environmental and biotic stresses by maintaining protein stability and supporting immune defenses. This study explores HSP90 regulation in Galleria mellonella larvae following exposure to the nematode Steinernema carpocapsae and its symbiotic bacterium Xenorhabdus nematophila. Exposure to live nematodes caused slight changes in HSP90 expression, while non-viable nematodes had no effect, suggesting that nematode secretions or symbiotic bacteria do not directly influence HSP90 levels. However, nematodes with altered surface properties significantly increased HSP90 expression. X. nematophila also moderately elevated HSP90 levels but this effect disappeared when weakly bound surface proteins were removed. Interestingly, under thermal stress, live nematodes reduced heat-induced HSP90 expression, whereas surface-treated nematodes enhanced it. These findings suggest that HSP90 modulation is influenced by biological control agents, highlighting a potential link between HSP90 and immune detection of invaders. This interaction may be crucial in adapting biological control strategies in response to climate change. Further research is needed to clarify HSP activation pathways, host immune interactions, and mechanisms of entomopathogen immune evasion, particularly under varying environmental temperatures, to enhance bioinsecticide efficacy.},
}

@article {pmid40003776,
year = {2025},
author = {Cheng, H and Yan, X and Lin, C and Chen, Y and Ma, L and Fu, L and Dong, X and Liu, C},
title = {Exploring Bacterial Communities and Functions in Phytophagous Halyomorpha halys and Predatory Arma chinensis.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16020146},
pmid = {40003776},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {59-0212-9-001-F//Agricultural Research Service/ ; },
abstract = {The phytophagous Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is a global agricultural pest that damages many crops. Conversely, the predatory Arma chinensis (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) shows promise as a biological control agent against lepidopteran and coleopteran pests. Halyomorpha halys and A. chinensis are closely related species with different feeding habits, as confirmed via genomic and morphological analyses. However, no study investigating the implications of these differences has been reported. Herein, 16S rRNA sequencing technology was employed to analyze the microbiota diversity and function in different tissues (salivary glands, gut, sperm, and ovaries) of H. halys and A. chinensis to elucidate these differences from a microbial perspective. Additionally, the adult male-to-female ratio in A. chinensis organs was statistically similar, while that in H. halys was not. Based on the dominance of the symbionts in the two bug species, we inferred that Sodalis is involved in reproduction and digestion in A. chinensis, while Spiroplasma and Pantoea play essential roles in H. halys reproduction and digestion. We analyzed the data on the microbial diversity of two bug species, laying a foundation for further understanding microbial symbiosis in A. chinensis and H. halys, which may inform the development of biological control strategies.},
}

@article {pmid40003742,
year = {2025},
author = {Castillo, D and Abella, E and Sinpoo, C and Phokasem, P and Chantaphanwattana, T and Yongsawas, R and Cervancia, C and Baroga-Barbecho, J and Attasopa, K and Noirungsee, N and Disayathanoowat, T},
title = {Gut Microbiome Diversity in European Honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) from La Union, Northern Luzon, Philippines.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16020112},
pmid = {40003742},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {2022//Mekong - Lancang Special Fund/ ; },
abstract = {Insects often rely on symbiotic bacteria and fungi for various physiological processes, developmental stages, and defenses against parasites and diseases. Despite their significance, the associations between bacterial and fungal symbionts in Apis mellifera are not well studied, particularly in the Philippines. In this study, we collected A. mellifera from two different sites in the Municipality of Bacnotan, La Union, Philippines. A gut microbiome analysis was conducted using next-generation sequencing with the Illumina MiSeq platform. Bacterial and fungal community compositions were assessed using 16S rRNA and ITS gene sequences, respectively. Our findings confirm that adult worker bees of A. mellifera from the two locations possess distinct but comparably proportioned bacterial and fungal microbiomes. Key bacterial symbionts, including Lactobacillus, Bombilactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Gilliamella, Snodgrassella, and Frischella, were identified. The fungal community was dominated by the yeasts Zygosaccharomyces and Priceomyces. Using the ENZYME nomenclature database and PICRUSt2 software version 2.5.2, a predicted functional enzyme analysis revealed the presence of β-glucosidase, catalase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, glutathione transferase, and superoxide dismutase, which are involved in host defense, carbohydrate metabolism, and energy support. Additionally, we identified notable bacterial enzymes, including acetyl-CoA carboxylase and AMPs nucleosidase. Interestingly, the key bee symbionts were observed to have a negative correlation with other microbiota. These results provide a detailed characterization of the gut microbiota associated with A. mellifera in the Philippines and lay a foundation for further metagenomic studies of microbiomes in native or indigenous bee species in the region.},
}

@article {pmid40002351,
year = {2025},
author = {Papadopoulou, D and Chrysikopoulou, V and Rampaouni, A and Plakidis, C and Ofrydopoulou, A and Shiels, K and Saha, SK and Tsoupras, A},
title = {Antioxidant, Antithrombotic and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Amphiphilic Bioactives from Water Kefir Grains and Its Apple Pomace-Based Fermented Beverage.},
journal = {Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/antiox14020164},
pmid = {40002351},
issn = {2076-3921},
abstract = {Kefir-based fermentation products exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects against oxidative stress, inflammation, platelet activation and aggregation, and other related manifestations, thereby preventing the onset and development of several chronic diseases. Specifically, water kefir, a symbiotic culture of various microorganisms used for the production of several bio-functional fermented products, has been proposed for its health-promoting properties. Thus, water kefir grains and its apple pomace-based fermentation beverage were studied for bioactive amphiphilic and lipophilic lipid compounds with antioxidant, antithrombotic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Total lipids (TL) were extracted and further separated into their total amphiphilic (TAC) and total lipophilic content (TLC), in which the total phenolic and carotenoid contents (TPC and TCC, respectively) and the fatty acid content of the polar lipids (PL) were quantified, while the antioxidant activity of both TAC and TLC were assessed in vitro, by the ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP bioassays, along with the anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic activity of TAC against human platelet aggregation induced by the thrombo-inflammatory mediator, platelet-activating factor (PAF) or standard platelet agonists like ADP.ATR-FTIR spectra facilitated the detection of specific structural, functional groups of phenolic, flavonoid, and carotenoid antioxidants, while LC-MS analysis revealed the presence of specific anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic PL bioactives bearing unsaturated fatty acids in their structures, with favorable omega-6 (n-6)/omega-3 (n-3)polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), which further support the findings that the most potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic bioactivities were observed in the TAC extracts, in both water kefir grains and beverage cases. The detection of such bioactive components in both the uncultured water kefir grains and in the cultured beverage further supports the contribution of water kefir microorganisms to the bioactivity and the bio-functionality of the final fermented product. Nevertheless, the extracts of the beverage showed much stronger antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antithrombotic activities, which further suggests that during the culture process for producing this beverage, not only was the presence of bioactive compounds produced by kefir microflora present, but biochemical alterations during fermentation of bioactive components derived from apple pomace also seemed to have taken place, contributing to the higher bio-functionality observed in the apple pomace-water kefir-based beverage, even when compared to the unfermented apple pomace. The overall findings support further studies on the use of water kefir and/or apple pomace as viable sources of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antithrombotic amphiphilic bioactive compounds for the production of novel health-promoting bio-functional fermented products.},
}

@article {pmid40001925,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, C and Wang, Y and Dai, Q and Du, W and Zhao, Y and Song, Q},
title = {Screening of Bacteria Promoting Carbon Fixation in Chlorella vulgaris Under High Concentration CO2 Stress.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {14},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biology14020157},
pmid = {40001925},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {U21A2016//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; XCH2022ZA-01//the Key Laboratory of Low-cost Rural Environmental Treatment Technology at Sichuan Univer-sity of Arts and Science, Education Department of Sichuan Province/ ; TSZW2011, TSZW2103//the Key Laboratory of Exploitation and Study of Distinctive Plants in Education Department of Sichuan Province/ ; },
abstract = {The cooperation between microalgae and bacteria can enhance the carbon fixation efficiency of microalgae. In this study, a microalgae-bacteria coexistence system under high-concentration CO2 stress was constructed, and the bacterial community structure of the entire system was analyzed using the 16S rDNA technique. Microbacterium sp., Bacillus sp., and Aeromonas sp. were screened and demonstrated to promote carbon fixation in Chlorella vulgaris HL 01 (C. vulgaris HL 01). Among them, the Aeromonas sp. + C. vulgaris HL 01 experimental group exhibited the most significant effect, with an increase of about 24% in the final biomass yield and a daily carbon fixation efficiency increase of about 245% (day 7) compared to the control group. Continuous cultivation of microalgae and bacterial symbiosis showed that bacteria could utilize the compounds secreted by microalgae for growth and could produce nutrients to maintain the vitality of microalgae. Detection of extracellular organic compounds of microorganisms in the culture broth by excitation-emission matrix spectral analysis revealed that bacteria utilized the aromatic proteinaceous compounds and others secreted by C. vulgaris HL 01 and produced new extracellular organic compounds required by C. vulgaris HL 01. The metabolic organic substances in the liquids of the experimental groups and the control group were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and it was found that 31 unique organic substances of C. vulgaris HL 01 were utilized by bacteria, and 136 new organic substances were produced. These differential compounds were mainly organic acids and their derivatives, benzene compounds, and organic heterocyclic compounds, etc. These results fully demonstrate that the carbon fixation ability and persistence of C. vulgaris HL 01 are improved through material exchange between microalgae and bacteria. This study establishes a method to screen carbon-fixing symbiotic bacteria and verifies that microalgae and bacteria can significantly improve the carbon fixation efficiency of microalgae for high-concentration CO2 through material exchange, providing a foundation for further research of microalgae-bacterial carbon fixation.},
}

@article {pmid40001916,
year = {2025},
author = {Dvoretsky, AG and Dvoretsky, VG},
title = {Symbionts of Red King Crab from the Sea of Okhotsk: A Review of Russian Studies.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {14},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biology14020148},
pmid = {40001916},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {//Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation/ ; },
abstract = {The red king crab, Paralithodes camtscaticus, is a commercially significant crustacean that supports lucrative fisheries in Russia, the USA, and Norway. The western Kamchatka shelf, located in the Sea of Okhotsk, is home to one of the most important populations of the red king crab. In this study, we have conducted a review of the symbionts associated with P. camtscaticus in the waters off the Kamchatka Peninsula. A total of 42 symbiotic species belonging to 14 different phyla were identified in association with the red king crab. Out of these, 14 species were found to be parasitic to the red king crab, while the remaining 28 were either commensal or epibiont in nature. The taxa with the highest number of associated species included ciliates (11), crustaceans (8), and acanthocephalans (4). Our study found that red king crabs suffering from shell disease exhibited a more diverse symbiotic fauna and higher infestation indices as compared to healthy crabs, which were found to be free from parasites. Dangerous symbionts, such as dinoflagellates Hematodinium sp. and rhizocephalan barnacles Briarosaccus callosus, had low incidence rates, indicating that the red king crab population in the Sea of Okhotsk is in good condition with respect to population abundance, health, and recruitment and is not being adversely impacted by symbiotic organisms.},
}

@article {pmid40001319,
year = {2025},
author = {Risely, A},
title = {Feather mites selectively feed on specific bacteria and fungi on feathers with potential benefits to hosts.},
journal = {The Journal of animal ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1365-2656.70021},
pmid = {40001319},
issn = {1365-2656},
abstract = {Invited Research Highlight: Matthews, A. E., Trevelline, B. K., Wijeratne, A. J., & Boves, T. J. (2024). Picky eaters: Selective microbial diet of avian ectosymbionts. Journal of Animal Ecology. Trophic interactions such as herbivory and predation are crucial regulators of ecological communities, yet few examples exist for these processes within host-associated microbiomes. In a recent study, Matthews et al. (2024) looked for evidence of selective microbial predation of bacteria and fungi by microscopic mites on the feathers of wild Prothonotary warblers (Protonotaria citrea). The authors quantified the bacterial and fungal diet of commensal feather mites and compared this with the composition of microbial communities living directly on the feather. They found that, despite a large variety of microbes to choose from, mites strongly preferred to eat a small number of bacterial and fungal genera. Some of these selectively enriched taxa are known keratin-degraders, suggesting that mites may protect feathers by selectively consuming harmful microbes. This study presents a rare example of a trophic interaction within the microscopic ecosystem of the feather that may act as an important force shaping microbial communities in ways that benefit the host, providing an overlooked mechanism by which symbioses between birds and mites could evolve.},
}

@article {pmid40000815,
year = {2025},
author = {Smith, PMC and González-Guerrero, M},
title = {BRUTUS links iron with legume-rhizobia symbiosis.},
journal = {Nature plants},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40000815},
issn = {2055-0278},
}

@article {pmid39999802,
year = {2025},
author = {Saier, MH},
title = {Cooperation and competition were primary driving forces for biological evolution.},
journal = {Microbial physiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-25},
doi = {10.1159/000544890},
pmid = {39999802},
issn = {2673-1673},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: For many years, scientists have accepted Darwin's conclusion that "Survival of the Fittest" involves successful competition with other organisms for life-endowing molecules and conditions.

SUMMARY: Newly discovered "partial" organisms with minimal genomes that require symbiotic or parasitic relationships for growth and reproduction suggest that cooperation in addition to competition was and still is a primary driving force for survival. These two phenomena are not mutually exclusive, and both can confer a competitive advantage for survival. In fact, cooperation may have been more important in the early evolution for life on Earth before autonomous organisms developed, becoming large genome organisms.

KEY MESSAGES: This suggestion has tremendous consequences with respect to our conception of the early evolution of life on Earth as well as the appearance of intercellular interactions, multicellularity and the nature of interactions between humans and their societies (e.g., Social Darwinism).},
}

@article {pmid39999796,
year = {2025},
author = {Kim, S},
title = {Challenges and constraints to the sustainability of poultry farming in Republic of Korea.},
journal = {Animal bioscience},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.5713/ab.24.0641},
pmid = {39999796},
issn = {2765-0189},
abstract = {As of 2022, Republic of Korea accounted for 0.8% of global chicken meat production and 0.9% of global egg production. The country achieved self-sufficiency rates of 83.1% for chicken meat and 99.4% for eggs, demonstrating significant quantitative and qualitative growth to meet domestic demand. Although the industry is trending towards expansion and specialization, it faces several challenges in achieving sustainable poultry production. Key challenges in Korea include highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and pest issues, climate change and the push for carbon neutrality, reliance on imported breeding stock, insufficient preparedness for expanding cage space per laying hen, post-settlement payment systems for egg sales and an oversupply of chicken meat, and the aging poultry farming population and the closure of farms unable to secure successors. Following strategies are proposed to overcome or mitigate challenges mentioned above: (1) enhancing farm biosecurity and implementing vaccination policies for disease control, (2) modernizing facilities and promoting carbon-neutral practices to adapt to climate change, (3) diversifying breeding stocks across multiple locations and developing domestic strains, (4) implementing policies and supporting farms based on a comprehensive readiness assessment of all farms regarding expanded cage space requirements, (5) improving market transparency for the egg industry and regulating supply and demand in the broiler industry, and (6) offering incentives for farm succession, attracting labor, and promoting coexistence between corporations, rural communities, and small farms. In conclusion, the sustainable development of Korea's poultry industry is not a simple task. It requires a comprehensive approach considering economic efficiency, animal welfare, environmental protection, food security, and the symbiosis with rural communities. This approach necessitates efficient cooperation among all stakeholders, including the government, farmers, integrators, retailers, and research institutions, along with a comprehensive, phased strategy for both short- and long-term goals.},
}

@article {pmid39999781,
year = {2025},
author = {Chrismas, N and Yahr, R},
title = {Genomics: A window into the molecular mystery box of lichen symbiosis.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {35},
number = {4},
pages = {R139-R141},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2025.01.034},
pmid = {39999781},
issn = {1879-0445},
mesh = {*Lichens/genetics/physiology/microbiology ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; *Genomics ; Metagenomics ; },
abstract = {How is a symbiosis built? Lichen metagenomic and metatranscriptomic surveys comparing growth stages, experimental treatments and environmental settings identify a catalogue of candidate genes - and microbial partners - in a developing model system.},
}

*Lichens/genetics/physiology/microbiology
*Symbiosis/genetics
*Genomics
Metagenomics

@article {pmid39998668,
year = {2025},
author = {Kandalgaonkar, KN and Barvkar, VT},
title = {Intricate phytohormonal orchestration mediates mycorrhizal symbiosis and stress tolerance.},
journal = {Mycorrhiza},
volume = {35},
number = {2},
pages = {13},
pmid = {39998668},
issn = {1432-1890},
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Stress, Physiological ; *Plant Growth Regulators/metabolism ; *Plants/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are an essential symbiotic partner colonizing more than 70% of land plants. In exchange for carbon sources, mycorrhizal association ameliorates plants' growth and yield and enhances stress tolerance and/or resistance. To achieve this symbiosis, plants mediate a series of biomolecular changes, including the regulation of phytohormones. This review focuses on the role of each phytohormone in establishing symbiosis. It encases phytohormone modulation, exogenous application of the hormones, and mutant studies. The review also comments on the plausible phytohormone cross-talk essential for maintaining balanced mycorrhization and preventing fungal parasitism. Finally, we briefly discuss AMF-mediated stress regulation and contribution of phytohormone modulation in plants. We must examine their interplay to understand how phytohormones act species-specific or concentration-dependent manner. The review summarizes the gaps in these studies to improve our understanding of processes underlying plant-AMF symbiosis.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology
*Symbiosis
*Stress, Physiological
*Plant Growth Regulators/metabolism
*Plants/microbiology

@article {pmid39998220,
year = {2025},
author = {Kwak, Y and Argandona, JA and Miao, S and Son, TJ and Hansen, AK},
title = {A dual insect symbiont and plant pathogen improves insect host fitness under arginine limitation.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0358824},
doi = {10.1128/mbio.03588-24},
pmid = {39998220},
issn = {2150-7511},
abstract = {Some facultative bacterial symbionts are known to benefit insects, but nutritional advantages are rare among these non-obligate symbionts. Here, we demonstrate that the facultative symbiont Candidatus Liberibacter psyllaurous enhances the fitness of its psyllid insect host, Bactericera cockerelli, by providing nutritional benefits. L. psyllaurous, an unculturable pathogen of solanaceous crops, also establishes a close relationship with its insect vector, B. cockerelli, increasing in titer during insect development, vertically transmitting through eggs, and colonizing various tissues, including the bacteriome, which houses the obligate nutritional symbiont, Carsonella. Carsonella supplies essential amino acids to its insect host but has gaps in some of its essential amino acid pathways that the psyllid complements with its own genes, many of which have been acquired through horizontal gene transfer (HGT) from bacteria. Our findings reveal that L. psyllaurous increases psyllid fitness on plants by reducing developmental time and increasing adult weight. In addition, through metagenomic sequencing, we reveal that L. psyllaurous maintains complete pathways for synthesizing the essential amino acids arginine, lysine, and threonine, unlike the psyllid's other resident microbiota, Carsonella, and two co-occurring Wolbachia strains. RNA sequencing reveals the downregulation of a HGT collaborative psyllid gene (ASL), which indicates a reduced demand for arginine supplied by Carsonella when the psyllid is infected with L. psyllaurous. Notably, artificial diet assays show that L. psyllaurous enhances psyllid fitness on an arginine-deplete diet. These results corroborate the role of L. psyllaurous as a beneficial insect symbiont, contributing to the nutrition of its insect host.IMPORTANCEUnlike obligate symbionts that are permanently associated with their hosts, facultative symbionts rarely show direct nutritional contributions, especially under nutrient-limited conditions. This study demonstrates, for the first time, that Candidatus Liberibacter psyllaurous, a facultative symbiont and a plant pathogen, enhances the fitness of its Bactericera cockerelli host by supplying an essential nutrient arginine that is lacking in the plant sap diet. Our findings reveal how facultative symbionts can play a vital role in helping their insect hosts adapt to nutrient-limited environments. This work provides new insights into the dynamic interactions between insect hosts, their symbiotic microbes, and their shared ecological niches, broadening our understanding of symbiosis and its role in shaping adaptation and survival.},
}

@article {pmid39998180,
year = {2025},
author = {Lachnit, T and Ulrich, L and Willmer, FM and Hasenbein, T and Steiner, LX and Wolters, M and Herbst, EM and Deines, P},
title = {Nutrition-induced changes in the microbiota can cause dysbiosis and disease development.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0384324},
doi = {10.1128/mbio.03843-24},
pmid = {39998180},
issn = {2150-7511},
abstract = {Eukaryotic organisms are associated with complex microbial communities. Changes within these communities have been implicated in disease development. Nonetheless, it remains unclear whether these changes are a cause or a consequence of disease. Here, we report a causal link between environment-induced shifts in the microbiota and disease development. Using the model organism Hydra, we observed changes in microbial composition when transferring laboratory-grown Hydra to natural lake environments. These shifts were caused not only by new colonizers, through the process of community coalescence (merging of previously separate microbial communities), but also by lake water nutrients. Moreover, selective manipulation of the nutrient environment induced compound-specific shifts in the microbiota followed by disease development. Finally, L-arginine supplementation alone caused a transition in Pseudomonas from symbiotic to pathogenic, leading to an upregulation of immune response genes, tissue degradation, and host death. These findings challenge the notion that the host-associated microbiota is exclusively controlled by the host, highlighting the dynamic interplay between host epithelial environment, microbial colonizer pool, and nutrient conditions of the surrounding water. Furthermore, our results show that overfeeding of the microbiota allows for uncontrolled microbial growth and versatile interactions with the host. Environmental conditions may thus render symbionts a potential hazard to their hosts, blurring the divide between pathogenic and non-pathogenic microbes.IMPORTANCEThis study highlights the critical need to understand the dynamic interplay between host-associated microbiota and environmental factors to obtain a holistic view on organismal health. Our results demonstrate that ecosystem-wide microbial trafficking (community coalescence) and environmental nutrient conditions reshape microbial communities with profound implications for host health. By exploring nutrient-driven changes in microbial composition, our research finds experimental support for the "overfeeding hypothesis," which states that overfeeding alters the functionality of the host microbiota such that an overabundance in nutrients can facilitate disease development, transforming non-pathogenic microbes into pathogens. These findings emphasize the critical role of metabolic interactions driving microbial pathogenicity. Furthermore, our research provides empirical evidence for the "pathogenic potential" concept, challenging traditional distinctions between pathogenic and non-pathogenic microbes and supporting the idea that any microbe can become pathogenic under certain conditions.},
}

@article {pmid39997813,
year = {2025},
author = {Meng, G and Huang, Z and Tao, L and Zhuang, Z and Zhang, Q and Chen, Q and Yang, H and Zhao, H and Ye, C and Wang, Y and Zhang, J and Chen, W and Du, S and Chen, Y and Wang, D and Jin, H and Lei, Y},
title = {Atomic symbiotic- catalyst for low-temperature zinc-air battery.},
journal = {Angewandte Chemie (International ed. in English)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e202501649},
doi = {10.1002/anie.202501649},
pmid = {39997813},
issn = {1521-3773},
abstract = {Atomic-level designed electrocatalysts, including single-/dual-atom catalysts, have attracted extensive interests due to their maximized atom utilization efficiency and increased activity. Herein, a new electrocatalyst system termed as "atomic symbiotic-catalyst", that marries the advantages of typical single-/dual-atom catalysts while addressing their respective weaknesses, was proposed. In atomic symbiotic-catalyst, single-atom MNx and local carbon defects formed under a specific thermodynamic condition, act synergistically to achieve high electrocatalytic activity and battery efficiency. This symbiotic-catalyst shows greater structural precision and preparation accessibility than those of dual-atom catalysts owing to its reduced complexity in chemical space. Meanwhile, it outperforms the intrinsic activities of conventional single-atom catalysts due to multi-active-sites synergistic effect. As a proof-of-concept study, an atomic symbiotic-catalyst comprising single-atom MnN4 moieties and abundant sp3-hybridized carbon defects was constructed for low-temperature zinc-air battery, which exhibited a high peak power density of 76 mW cm-2 with long-term stability at -40 ℃, representing a top-level performance of such batteries.},
}

@article {pmid39996506,
year = {2025},
author = {Timmins-Schiffman, EB and Khanna, R and Brown, T and Dilworth, J and MacLean, BX and Mudge, MC and White, SJ and Kenkel, CD and Rodrigues, LJ and Nunn, BL and Padilla-Gamiño, JL},
title = {Proteomic Plasticity in the Coral Montipora capitata Gamete Bundles after Parent Thermal Bleaching.},
journal = {Journal of proteome research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.jproteome.4c00946},
pmid = {39996506},
issn = {1535-3907},
abstract = {Coral reefs are vital to marine biodiversity and human livelihoods, but they face significant threats from climate change. Increased ocean temperatures drive massive "bleaching" events, during which corals lose their symbiotic algae and the important metabolic resources those algae provide. Proteomics is a crucial tool for understanding coral function and tolerance to thermal stress, as proteins drive physiological processes and accurately represent cell functional phenotypes. We examined the physiological condition of coral (Montipora capitata) gametes from parents that either experienced thermal bleaching or were nonbleached controls by comparing data dependent (DDA) and data independent (DIA) acquisition methods and peptide quantification (spectral counting and area-under-the-curve, AUC) strategies. For DDA, AUC captured a broader dynamic range than spectral counting. DIA yielded better coverage of low abundance proteins than DDA and a higher number of proteins, making it the more suitable method for detecting subtle, yet biologically significant, shifts in protein abundance in gamete bundles. Gametes from bleached corals showed a broadscale decrease in metabolic proteins involved in carbohydrate metabolism, citric acid cycle, and protein translation. This metabolic plasticity could reveal how organisms and their offspring acclimatize and adapt to future environmental stress, ultimately shaping the resilience and dynamics of coral populations.},
}

@article {pmid39994923,
year = {2025},
author = {Salgueiro, J and Nussenbaum, AL and Marchesini, MI and Garbalena, MS and Brambilla, S and Belliard, S and Cuadros, F and Núñez, M and Yáñez, C and Juárez, ML and Vera, MT and Lanzavecchia, SB and Tsiamis, G and Segura, DF},
title = {Culturable bacteria associated with Anastrepha fraterculus sp. 1: in search of nitrogen-fixing symbionts with biotechnological potential.},
journal = {Insect science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1744-7917.70004},
pmid = {39994923},
issn = {1744-7917},
support = {RC 22515//International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)/ ; PICT-2019-04141//Ministry of Science Argentina/ ; PIP-CONICET 0039//Ministry of Science Argentina/ ; PI USAL 2022- 80020210100018//UNIVERSIDAD DEL SALVADOR/ ; },
abstract = {Anastrepha fraterculus is a significant fruit fly pest in Argentina and other South American countries. Previous studies showed the key role of gut bacteria in the protection and nutrient assimilation of fruit flies, particularly the importance of the biological fixation of nitrogen (diazotrophy). The presence of diazotrophic bacteria in A. fraterculus sp. 1 has been demonstrated through molecular, culture-independent methods. This study is aimed to characterize the composition and diversity of culturable gut bacteria of A. fraterculus sp. 1 males from different origins, and explore their metabolic roles, focusing on diazotrophic bacteria. Three male groups were studied: wild-caught (WW), lab-reared from wild larvae (WL), and lab-colony raised (LL). Gut bacteria were collected and characterized via 16S rRNA gene sequencing, with potential diazotrophs screened using selective media (SIL and NFb). Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene mapped potential diazotrophs across the bacterial collection, while biochemical profiling and ARDRA (Amplified rDNA Restriction Analysis) were used to quickly differentiate diazotrophic bacteria. PCR testing for the nifH gene, associated with nitrogen fixation, was also performed. Bacterial diversity was highest in WW, followed by WL, and lowest in LL. In LL and WL, Enterobacter was the most frequent genus, while Klebsiella dominated in WW. Among the 20 SIL+ isolates identified, 10 came from WW, 9 from WL, and 1 from LL. One of these isolates (Enterobacter sp.) was tested as a supplement to the adult diet, without showing a beneficial effect on males pheromone calling behavior. Three isolates were also NFb+; two had the nifH gene. ARDRA was effective for rapid diazotroph discrimination. These findings highlight the potential of gut symbiotic bacteria in eco-friendly pest management strategies like the sterile insect technique (SIT). By using diazotrophic bacteria, protein requirements in artificial diets could be reduced, cutting costs and improving the affordability of SIT programs.},
}

@article {pmid39994514,
year = {2025},
author = {Sendi, H and Klimov, PB and Kolesnikov, VB and Káčerová, J and Bonino, E and Azar, D and Robin, N},
title = {The oldest continuous association between astigmatid mites and termites preserved in Cretaceous amber reveals the evolutionary significance of phoresy.},
journal = {BMC ecology and evolution},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {16},
pmid = {39994514},
issn = {2730-7182},
support = {09I03-03-V04-00439//EU NextGenerationEU through the Recovery and Resilience Plan for Slovakia/ ; 09I03-03-V04-00439//EU NextGenerationEU through the Recovery and Resilience Plan for Slovakia/ ; 075-15-2021-1345//Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation within the framework of the Federal Scientific and Technical Program for the Development of Genetic Technologies/ ; 075-15-2021-1345//Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation within the framework of the Federal Scientific and Technical Program for the Development of Genetic Technologies/ ; 075-15-2021-1345//Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation within the framework of the Federal Scientific and Technical Program for the Development of Genetic Technologies/ ; B2/202/P1/PARADI2S//BELSPO BRAIN-be federal Belgian grant/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Isoptera/parasitology ; *Mites/genetics/physiology/classification ; *Biological Evolution ; *Fossils ; *Amber ; Symbiosis ; Nymph/growth & development/physiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Among minute-sized and wingless arthropods, astigmatid mites stand out for their diverse range of symbiotic associations (parasitic, neutral and mutualistic), with both invertebrate and vertebrate hosts. When inhabiting discontinuous and ephemeral environments, astigmatid mites adapt their life cycle to produce a phoretic heteromorphic nymph. When feeding resources are depleted, phoretic nymphs disperse to new habitats through phoresy, attaching to a larger animal which transports them to new locations. This dispersal strategy is crucial for accessing patchy resources, otherwise beyond the reach of these minute arthropods. In Astigmata, the phoretic nymph is highly specialized for dispersal, equipped with an attachment organ and lacking a mouth and pharynx. Despite the common occurrence of phoretic associations in modern mites, their evolutionary origins remain poorly understood. Among Astigmata, the family Schizoglyphidae represents an early derivative lineage with phoretic tritonymphs; however, our knowledge of this family is limited to a single observation.

RESULTS: Here, we report the oldest biotic association of arthropods fossilised in amber (~ 130 Ma, Lebanon): an alate termite with 16 phoretic tritonymphs of Schizoglyphidae (Plesioglyphus lebanotermi gen. et sp. n.). The mites are primarily attached to the membranes of the host's hindwings, using their attachment organs, pretarsal claws and tarsal setae. Additionally, we report new modern phoretic tritonymphs of this same family, on one of the earliest lineages of termites. These data collectively indicate that schizoglyphid-termite associations represent the oldest continuous mite-host associations. Notably, phoretic schizoglyphids retain a distinct mouth and pharynx, whereas these structures are absent in the modern phoretic stages of non-schizoglyphid Astigmata.

CONCLUSION: The discovery of Schizoglyphidae mites in Lebanese amber represents the oldest known continuous association between acariform mites and their hosts. This finding demonstrates the long-term evolutionary significance of phoresy in Astigmata, evidencing a relationship sustained for over 130 Ma. It indicates that these early mites lived inside termite nests as inquilines and used alate termites for dispersal. This ancient association offers key insights into the coevolution of both mites and termites, highlighting a potential for the future discoveries of similar mites. This fossil -a stem-group Astigmata- is important for the accurate calibration of acariform mite phylogenies, advancing our understanding of these mites evolutionary history.},
}

Animals
*Isoptera/parasitology
*Mites/genetics/physiology/classification
*Biological Evolution
*Fossils
*Amber
Symbiosis
Nymph/growth & development/physiology

@article {pmid39994115,
year = {2025},
author = {Prado, A and Pineda-Solis, S and Garibay-Orijel, R and Windsor, D and Boevé, JL},
title = {Fungal alkaloids mediate defense against bruchid beetles in field populations of an arborescent ipomoea.},
journal = {Journal of chemical ecology},
volume = {51},
number = {2},
pages = {26},
pmid = {39994115},
issn = {1573-1561},
support = {PAPIIT IA205121//Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México/ ; PAPIIT IA209323//Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México/ ; NA//Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Ipomoea/chemistry/metabolism ; *Coleoptera/physiology ; *Alkaloids/metabolism/analysis/chemistry ; *Seeds/chemistry/microbiology/metabolism ; *Plant Leaves/chemistry/metabolism ; Endophytes/physiology/chemistry ; Sesquiterpenes/analysis/metabolism/chemistry ; Swainsonine/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Several Convolvulaceae species harbor heritable fungal endophytes from which alkaloids are translocated to reproductive tissues of the plant host. Evidence for the distribution and ecological role of these fungal alkaloids, however, is lacking or incomplete for many host species and growth forms. Here we report on the identity of the fungal endophytes and quantities of alkaloids present in the leaves and seeds of the arborescent morning glory, Ipomoea murucoides (Convolvulaceae). Young folded leaf samples taken from the wild, harbored mycelium of one of two fungal taxa wrapped around the leaves' glandular trichomes. Most trees harbored the swainsonine producing Ceramothyrium (Chaetothyriales) fungi while a few trees were found to harbor a Truncatella (Xylariales) species, suggesting endophyte replacement. Seeds had higher concentrations of the indolizidine alkaloid swainsonine than leaves. Additionally, seeds from trees harboring Ceramothyrium fungi exhibited less bruchid damage and had higher concentrations of swainsonine than seeds from trees harboring Truncatella fungi. Five sesquiterpenes were detected in the leaf trichomes in both Ceramothyrium and Truncatella colonized trees. The seed content of the tropane alkaloids, tropine and tropinone, did not differ significantly among the two fungal symbionts. It is likely that the host allocates the defensive chemicals from leaves to seeds, protecting them from seed predators such as bruchid beetles. Overall, our field data show that Ipomoea species provides an interesting opportunity to study vertical and horizontal fungal symbiont transmissions.},
}

Animals
*Ipomoea/chemistry/metabolism
*Coleoptera/physiology
*Alkaloids/metabolism/analysis/chemistry
*Seeds/chemistry/microbiology/metabolism
*Plant Leaves/chemistry/metabolism
Endophytes/physiology/chemistry
Sesquiterpenes/analysis/metabolism/chemistry
Swainsonine/metabolism

@article {pmid39994074,
year = {2025},
author = {Grobbelaar, A and Osthoff, G and Deacon, F and Cason, ED},
title = {The Faecal Microbiome Analysed from Healthy, Free-Roaming Giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis).},
journal = {Current microbiology},
volume = {82},
number = {4},
pages = {151},
pmid = {39994074},
issn = {1432-0991},
support = {RA201126576714//National Research Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Feces/microbiology ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; *Giraffes/microbiology ; South Africa ; Male ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Microbiota ; },
abstract = {Similar to other herbivores, healthy giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) rely on a variety of symbiotic microorganisms in their digestive systems to break down cellulose and hemicellulose. In this study, we investigate the impact that external stimuli might have on the faecal prokaryote composition of healthy, free-roaming giraffes. Faecal samples were collected from six male and seven female giraffe individuals, over a 2-year period, during the wet and dry seasons, from six locations within the Free State Province, South Africa. Giraffe populations were exposed to one of two feeding practices which included provision of supplemental feed or only naturally available vegetation. Seventeen (17) different prokaryotic phyla, consisting of 8370 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs), were identified from the 13 healthy, adult, free-roaming giraffes included in the study. Overall, the bacterial phyla with the largest relative abundance included Fusobacteria (22%), followed by Lentisphaera (17%) and Cyanobacteria (16%), which included 21 dominant prokaryotic ASVs. The relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae UCG 014 and Treponema 2 were found to be significantly (P < 0.05) higher and Escherichia / Shigella, Romboutsia and Ruminococcus 1 significantly lower for giraffes receiving supplemental feed compared to natural available vegetation. This is the first study to investigate the composition of the faecal prokaryotic communities of healthy, free-roaming giraffes. The analysis of faecal prokaryotes contributes to the development of non-invasive methods for assessing the nutritional status and identifying health issues in giraffe populations. Ultimately, such advances are beneficial towards the larger-scale conservation, determining nutritional needs and management of other sensitive wildlife species, as well.},
}

Animals
*Feces/microbiology
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
*Giraffes/microbiology
South Africa
Male
Female
Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Microbiota

@article {pmid39993925,
year = {2025},
author = {Sajid, S and Xiao, B and Zhang, G and Zhang, Z and Chen, L and Fang, JK and Lu, Y and Cai, L},
title = {Increased sulfate-reducing bacteria can drive microbial dysbiosis in bleached corals.},
journal = {Journal of applied microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jambio/lxaf043},
pmid = {39993925},
issn = {1365-2672},
abstract = {AIMS: Coral bleaching occurs when coral colonies lose their Symbiodiniaceae partner and turn pale or white. Although this event is generally temperature-induced, there is also the possibility of holobiont microbial infection and dysbiosis. To address this issue, this study was conducted to investigate the diversity and composition of Symbiodiniaceae and bacteria in healthy and bleached colonies of Porites lutea collected from eastern Shenzhen.

METHODS AND RESULTS: Internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) and 16S amplicon sequencing analysis were used to explore the diversity and composition of Symbiodiniaceae and bacteria in healthy and bleached colonies of P. lutea. Bacterial diversity and richness were significantly higher in bleached colonies than in healthy colonies (P < 0.05), whereas the diversity and richness of Symbiodiniaceae showed no significant changes. The bleaching event exerted a more significant impact on Symbiodiniaceae composition, which differed between healthy and bleached colonies (PERMANOVA, F = 8.246, P < 0.05). In terms of composition, Clade C (Cladocopium) was the predominant Symbiodiniaceae, whereas subclade C116 and C2r were significantly less abundant in bleached colonies than in healthy colonies (P < 0.05). The phyla Bacteroidetes, Acidobacteria, and Actinobacteria were significantly more abundant in bleached colonies than in healthy colonies (P < 0.05). The sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) Desulfobulbus and Desulfobacter at the genus level and Desulfobacterales and Desulfuromonadales at the order level were significantly more abundant in bleached colonies than in healthy colonies (P < 0.05). The co-occurrence patterns of Symbiodiniaceae and bacteria revealed a negative correlation of Desulfofaba, Desulfovibrio, Desulfarculus, and Desulfobulbus with Endozoicomonas, a very common symbiotic bacterial genus found in corals.

CONCLUSION: Coral bleaching may be associated with significant shifts in microbial communities, including increased SRB abundance, which may disrupt microbial balance and contribute to bleaching.},
}

@article {pmid39992146,
year = {2025},
author = {Mou, A and Li, X and Li, Z and Qu, L and Dong, Y and Wang, Z and Zhang, X and Xu, Q},
title = {Comparative analysis of esophageal gland microbes between two body sizes of Gigantopelta aegis, a hydrothermal snail from the Southwest Indian Ridge.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0295924},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.02959-24},
pmid = {39992146},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {Microbial communities within animals provide nutritional foundation and energy supply for the hydrothermal ecosystem. The peltospirid snail Gigantopelta aegis forms large aggregation in the Longqi vent field on the Southwest Indian Ridge. This endemic species is characterized by a changeable diet and morphology, especially reflected in internal organs such as remarkably enlarged esophageal glands. Here, 16S full-length rRNA gene analysis was performed to compare the variations in esophageal gland microbiota between two body size groups (small and large) of G. aegis. Phyla Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes were the dominant featured bacteria contributing to the microbial community. No significant differences between the small and large groups were revealed by the diversity index and principal component analysis (PCA) clustering. The differences were in the relative abundance of bacteria. Compared with small-sized snails, the larger ones housed more Thiogranum (9.94% to 34.86%) and fewer Sediminibacterium (29.38% to 4.54%). Functional prediction for all of the microbiota showed that the pathways related to metabolism appeared highly abundant in smaller G. aegis. However, for the larger ones, the most distinctive pathways were those of environmental information processing. Facultative symbiotic Sulfurovum was marked as a core node in the co-occurrence network and suggested an influence on habitat selection of G. aegis in hydrothermal fields. In summary, variations in bacteria composition and potential functions possibly reflected changes in the anatomical structure and dietary habits of G. aegis. These dominant bacteria shared capabilities in nutritional supplementation and ecological niche expansion in the host, potentially a key adaptation for hydrothermal survival.IMPORTANCEDominant in the Longqi hydrothermal vent Southwest Indian Ridge, Gigantopelta aegis was observed to undergo unique and significant morphological changes and diet shifts known as cryptometamorphosis. During this process, G. aegis developed a specialized bacteria-housing organ, the esophageal gland, in the later life stages. Our research discovered variations in esophageal gland microbes between different body size groups of snails. These bacteria were closely related to the development and health of G. aegis. Full-length 16S rRNA gene analysis revealed more Thiogranum and fewer Sediminibacterium, suggesting a potential association with environmental adaptation. In the small-sized group, the potential functions were enriched in metabolism, while in larger G. aegis individuals, predictions indicated adaptive functions such as environmental information processing. Also, symbiotic Sulfurovum could be one of the factors influencing the habitat selection of G. aegis. Understanding the complex relationship between benthic macrofauna and microbes helps us describe the mechanisms of survival in extreme environments.},
}

@article {pmid39991579,
year = {2025},
author = {Meng, K and Song, J and Qi, F and Li, J and Fang, Z and Song, L and Shi, S},
title = {The mutualistic relationship between M2c macrophages of TGFβ1 induction and gastric cancer cells: the correlation between protective mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment and polarization of subtypes of cells.},
journal = {Journal of Cancer},
volume = {16},
number = {5},
pages = {1598-1617},
pmid = {39991579},
issn = {1837-9664},
abstract = {Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide, with fast metastasis and high mortality rate. GC cells and tumor immune microenvironment exhibit high heterogeneity. Multiple pieces of evidence suggest that TGFβ1 intervenes in the tumor microenvironment, immune cells and GC prognosis. The aim of this study is to comprehensively investigate the functional intervention of macrophage polarization subtypes on gastric cancer cell lines in the GC tumor microenvironment, providing valuable insights into tumor microenvironment research and potential targets for treatment strategies. Methods: TCGA database and multiple GEO datasets were used to validate the role of TGFβ1 in cancer prognosis, immune infiltration and subtype macrophage polarization. Construct different subtypes of macrophages and establish cell co culture systems using Transwell chambers. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), western blotting (WB) and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were used to verify the changes in the metastatic function and defense mechanism of gastric cancer cells (Hgc27 and MKN45) in different co culture systems. Further analyze the effect of gastric cancer cell metabolites on macrophage subtype polarization. Results: TGFβ1 was highly expressed in GC tissues, highly expressed TGFβ1 could reduce the survival time of GC patients. The GC immune infiltration results confirmed the correlation between TGFβ1 and M2 macrophages. The GEO dataset results of gastric cancer at different stages showed that some M2 macrophage markers showed consistent changes with TGFβ1. The WB, ELISA and RT-qPCR have identified TGFβ1-induced polarization of M2c macrophages, most biomarkers are associated with M2c. M2c macrophages can enhance cell migration and function, can inhibit ferroptosis in gastric cancer cells, endowing them with stronger special environmental resistance. Gastric cancer cells tend to polarize towards M2 macrophages, with M2c being the main M2 subtype of macrophages. Conclusion: In conclusion, our study reveals a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship between M2c macrophages and cancer cells in the microenvironment of gastric cancer tumors. TGFβ1 promotes the production of M2c macrophages, which enhance the function and ferroptosis resistance of gastric cancer cells. Gastric cancer cells provide the material basis for M2c macrophage polarization. This new evidence may provide new insights into developing more effective targeted therapies for gastric cancer to combat the formation of immune escape and metastasis in gastric cancer.},
}

@article {pmid39991448,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, ML and Huang, YH and Cai, LQ and Qin, XM and Meng, XY and Li, HS and Pang, H},
title = {Influence of Host Species, Location, and Aphid Prey on Microbial Diversity and Community Dynamics of Aphidophagous Ladybird Beetles in Guangxi, China.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {2},
pages = {e71036},
pmid = {39991448},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Host species, locations, and diet can significantly impact microbial diversity and community in insects. Several ladybird beetles are known as key predators and potential biological control agents for aphids. However, there is limited understanding of how host species, locations, and aphid prey influence the microbial diversity and community of aphidophagous ladybird beetles in natural environments. In this study, we collected 74 samples of ladybirds and their aphid prey from various locations in Guangxi, China, and sequenced the 16S amplicons to investigate differences in their microbiomes. The dominant genera in the ladybird samples, Bacteroides and Alistipes, were rarely reported as predominant in other ladybird populations, indicating a unique genus-level microbial community pattern in Guangxi. Alpha diversity indices and Bray-Curtis distances varied significantly among ladybird species. Abundance analysis revealed that the relative abundance of dominant bacteria in aphidophagous ladybirds differed significantly among different ladybird species and locations. Although the primary and facultative aphid symbionts differed among aphid samples from various populations and locations, they had minimal direct impact on the microbial community of the aphidophagous ladybirds, being sporadically detected in the corresponding predator samples. Our findings provide insights into the microbial communities of ladybirds and aphids in sympatric and distinct field environments, highlighting the plasticity of microbial abundance in aphidophagous ladybirds across different ladybird species and locations, as well as the low retention rate of specific aphid symbionts in ladybird predators.},
}

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

@article {pmid39990851,
year = {2024},
author = {Liang, L and Chen, X and Zhuang, W and Liu, Y and Zhao, W},
title = {[Research Progress on Drug Intervention to Inhibit Dental Plaque Biofilm Formation by Streptococcus mutans Based on the Concept of Ecological Prevention of Dental Caries].},
journal = {Sichuan da xue xue bao. Yi xue ban = Journal of Sichuan University. Medical science edition},
volume = {55},
number = {6},
pages = {1597-1603},
pmid = {39990851},
issn = {1672-173X},
mesh = {*Biofilms/drug effects ; *Streptococcus mutans/drug effects ; *Dental Plaque/microbiology/prevention & control ; *Dental Caries/prevention & control/microbiology ; Humans ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; },
abstract = {Dental caries is the local destruction of hard tooth tissue caused by acidic byproducts generated by cariogenic bacteria, primarily Streptococcus mutans, which ferment free sugars in the presence of host factors, dietary components, and environmental conditions. A main feature of dental caries is the formation of dental plaque biofilm, which significantly improves the resistance of bacteria to drugs and host immunity. Traditional anti-caries drugs mainly exert anti-biofilm functions indirectly through antibacterial activities. However, they tend to interfere with the symbiotic microbiota while inhibiting cariogenic bacteria, which may cause imbalance within the oral microbial system. With increasing attention paid to the homeostasis of oral microbiota, new types of anti-caries drugs have been developed, such as natural extracts, artificially synthesized small molecules, and oligonucleotides. They act on key targets to inhibit the formation of biofilm substrates or regulate the interactions between oral microorganisms, thereby efficiently inhibiting biofilm formation. These drugs do not have bactericidal effects. Nevertheless, they exert indirect antimicrobial effects by interfering with biofilm substrate formation or microbial interactions. The optimization of delivery carriers, combination drug therapy, and biomimetic design further enhance the efficacy of these new types of anti-caries drugs. This article provides a review of the prevention and treatment principles and key targets of dental plaque biofilm. We also discussed the types, mechanisms of action, and development trends of relevant drugs.},
}

*Biofilms/drug effects
*Streptococcus mutans/drug effects
*Dental Plaque/microbiology/prevention & control
*Dental Caries/prevention & control/microbiology
Humans
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology

@article {pmid39987861,
year = {2025},
author = {Peña, G},
title = {Wildfire impacts on Spanish municipal population.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {377},
number = {},
pages = {124504},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.124504},
pmid = {39987861},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {This paper analyzes the impact that different kinds of wildfires exert on population size of Spanish municipalities covering the 1986-2015 period, using recent developments in difference-in-differences estimation methods. The goal of the methodology is dealing with different wildfire events on several municipalities by considering as the initial time the first wildfire for all of them. Qualitative and quantitative effects are analyzed. Severity is measured as qualitative indicator by two ways. First, as major agricultural areas affected by dividing the sample in four quartiles according to the extension of the burned agricultural area. Second, as the highest proportion of total burned areas over total municipal area as measure of the rising closeness to the urban nuclei. The repetition of wildfires is used as a quantitative measurement by adding the number of all different wildfires officially recognized occurring during the studied period. The results show that higher severity and repetition lead to less population and a later possible recovery. There are around 260 less inhabitants on average after at least one severe wildfire (around 10-510 less residents with 95% confidence interval). This finding suggests that, as it is also the case of other types of shocks, the effects of wildfires on the urban structure are permanent when they are large enough. Policy implications include a better education and sensitization on the environmental care, not building in wildfire-prone areas and improved alert systems. A better human-nature symbiosis is needed (for instance, employing extensive animal farms for cleaning the grass) for preventing fires.},
}

@article {pmid39986160,
year = {2025},
author = {Ren, T and Yan, D and Zhang, Y and Li, X and Chen, J and Wang, C and Wang, C and Li, P and Wang, L and Zeng, Q and Cai, X},
title = {Biomass moulding fuel for zero-emission agricultural waste management: A case study of tobacco curing in China.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {377},
number = {},
pages = {124612},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.124612},
pmid = {39986160},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {This study explores the application of Biomass Moulding Fuel (BMF), including biomass briquette fuel (BBF) and biomass pellet fuel (BPF), as a renewable and environmentally sustainable alternative to coal in tobacco curing systems. Traditional coal-based curing methods contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, including CO2, SO2, and NOx, while posing challenges for environmental sustainability and tobacco quality. Addressing these issues, this study evaluates the technical, environmental, and economic performance of BMF-based curing systems using a self-designed gasification and combustion framework. Comparative experiments were conducted in bulk curing barns under controlled conditions to assess temperature control, emissions, curing costs, and tobacco quality. Results demonstrate that BMF-fired barns significantly outperform coal-fired systems, achieving a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, 82.06 and 67.48 times lower SO2 and NOx emissions, and curing cost reductions of 19.80% (BBF) and 15.90% (BPF). Furthermore, precise temperature control (-0.04 to 0.34 °C deviation in BPF-fired barns) enhanced the sensory and physical quality of tobacco leaves, including improved aroma and oil content. By utilizing agricultural residues such as tobacco stalks, BMF supports circular economy principles, transforming waste into energy and promoting resource efficiency in eco-industrial systems. These findings underscore the feasibility and scalability of integrating BMF into sustainable agricultural practices, advancing carbon neutrality and zero-emission goals. Future research should address lifecycle assessments, regional scalability, and supply chain optimization to overcome logistical and regulatory challenges, enabling broader adoption of BMF in agricultural and industrial processes.},
}

@article {pmid39985998,
year = {2025},
author = {Tang, CH and Lin, CY and Li, HH},
title = {Coral incorporating microplastics leads to a health-risking immunometabolic shift.},
journal = {Chemosphere},
volume = {374},
number = {},
pages = {144245},
doi = {10.1016/j.chemosphere.2025.144245},
pmid = {39985998},
issn = {1879-1298},
abstract = {Microplastic pollution has been associated with coral susceptibility to disease, yet the underlying mechanism is unclear. An untargeted lipidomic profiling was therefore performed to gain an insight into the effect of microplastics on a vulnerable coral (Turbinaria mesenterina) of actively reacting to suspended particles. Expending storage lipids on actions such as increasing 20:4-possessing ether membrane lipids and mitochondrial β-oxidation for immunoactivation was observed in coral hosts. A molecular realignment of symbiotic communication was correspondingly observed from symbiotic algae activating anti-inflammatory actions, which employed the 22:6-deriving effects that expended storage lipids as well, by, for example, increasing 22:6-possessing membrane lipids. Symbiotic algae reacting against the heightened host immunity also led to a metabolic compromise that lowered photoprotective capacity. Worryingly, increasing these polyunsaturated membrane lipids potentially sensitize the cells to oxidative stress-induced cell death that was simultaneously indicated by a sphingolipid profile as lipid peroxidation preliminarily increased in coral. Microplastic accumulation thus potentially increase coral susceptibility to environmental factors being able to elevating the oxidative stress, such as light-heat stress. In this manner, microplastic pollution in the ocean would chronically impair coral health, being highlighted by this study.},
}

@article {pmid39985754,
year = {2025},
author = {Farrokhzadeh, H and Jaronski, ST and Rashed, A},
title = {Reduced survivorship, host preference, and feeding damage by Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on cotton plants colonized by the endophyte Beauveria bassiana (Ascomycota: Hypocreales).},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toae302},
pmid = {39985754},
issn = {1938-291X},
abstract = {The GHA strain of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) is known to establish symbiotic relationships with some plant species. The present study was developed to determine whether the foliar application of B. bassiana-GHA and B. bassiana ANT-03, another commercial B. bassiana, results in the successful colonization of cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., and examine whether the endophyte can influence the survivorship and feeding damage by the corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea Boddie (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Using polymerase chain reaction, colonization success by B. bassiana-GHA, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days after inoculation was estimated at 83.3%, 100%, 91.7%, and 83.3%, respectively. The colonization success based on the mycelial outgrowth method was 41.7%, 66.7%, 58.3%, and 50%, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days after inoculation, respectively. Beauveria bassiana ANT-03 did not colonize cotton. Corn earworms preferred untreated plants over the neonicotinoid and B. bassiana-GHA treatments. The B. bassiana ANT-03-treated plants and controls were not distinguished from one another by the corn earworms. The corn earworm survivorship was higher on the control plants, compared to plants treated with B. bassiana ANT-03, B. bassiana-GHA, and the neonicotinoid insecticide. The neonicotinoid insecticide, B. bassiana-GHA, and B. bassiana ANT-03 reduced corn earworm damage compared to the untreated controls. Our results demonstrated the potential for B. bassiana-GHA to be used as a biological control agent against H. zea in cotton.},
}

@article {pmid39985565,
year = {2025},
author = {Chiurazzi, M and Frugis, G and Navazio, L},
title = {Symbiotic nitrogen fixation: a launchpad for investigating old and new challenges.},
journal = {Journal of experimental botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jxb/erae510},
pmid = {39985565},
issn = {1460-2431},
}

@article {pmid39985359,
year = {2025},
author = {Chekhun, V},
title = {Modern Landscape of Innovative Technologies in Optimizing the Quality of Life of Cancer Patients.},
journal = {Experimental oncology},
volume = {46},
number = {4},
pages = {281-288},
doi = {10.15407/exp-oncology.2024.04.281},
pmid = {39985359},
issn = {2312-8852},
mesh = {Humans ; *Quality of Life ; *Neoplasms/therapy/psychology ; *Precision Medicine/methods ; },
abstract = {In the era of the intensive development of post-genomic technologies, it is reasonable to review the modern strategy for solving the problems of cancer patients. The current trend of the new paradigm is based on the knowledge and possibilities of correcting molecular genetic processes based on the principles of precision medicine. The key role in implementing such an approach belongs to modern innovative technologies, among which omics technologies occupy a special place. The genesis of the symbiosis of medical-biological and cybernetic technologies aimed at processing information databases becomes the subject of learning the functioning of complex biological systems. Today, for the dynamic development of the implementation of precision medicine based on innovative technologies, it is worth concentrating the efforts on the deep consolidation of transdisciplinary approaches that can form an algorithm of a new market of medical services aimed at improving the quality of life.},
}

Humans
*Quality of Life
*Neoplasms/therapy/psychology
*Precision Medicine/methods

@article {pmid39985282,
year = {2025},
author = {Ren, J and Wang, Q and Zhang, X and Cao, Y and Wu, J and Tian, J and Yu, Y and Gong, Q and Kong, Z},
title = {Control of Rhizobia Endosymbiosis by Coupling ER Expansion with Enhanced UPR.},
journal = {Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e2414519},
doi = {10.1002/advs.202414519},
pmid = {39985282},
issn = {2198-3844},
support = {31925003//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32230007//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; YSBR-011//CAS Project for Young Scientists in Basic Research/ ; },
abstract = {Legumes establish symbiosis with rhizobia by forming a symbiotic interface that enables cross-kingdom exchanges of signaling molecules and nutrients. However, how host organelles interact with symbiosomes at the symbiotic interface remains elusive during rhizobia endosymbiosis. Here, symbiotic cells are reconstructed using 3D scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and uncover that the host endoplasmic reticulum (ER) undergoes dynamic expansion to gradually enwrap symbiosomes, facilitating their compartmentalization and endosymbiosis. Consistently, altering ER lamellar expansion by overexpressing MtRTNLBs, the reticulons responsible for ER tubulation, impairs rhizobia accommodation and symbiosome development. Intriguingly, unfolded protein response (UPR)-marker genes, bZIP60 and IRE1A/B, show continuously activated expression during nodule development, and the two UPR-deficient mutants, ire1b, and bzip60, exhibit compromised ER biogenesis and defective symbiosome development. Collectively, the findings underpin ER expansion and UPR activation as two key events in rhizobia accommodation and reveal an intrinsic coupling of ER morphology with proper UPR during root nodule symbiosis.},
}

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

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

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

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

@article {pmid39982014,
year = {2025},
author = {Kawamura, K and Sekida, S and Nishitsuji, K and Satoh, N},
title = {The property of larval cells of the scleractinian coral, Acropora tenuis, deduced from in vitro cultured cells.},
journal = {Development, growth & differentiation},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/dgd.70000},
pmid = {39982014},
issn = {1440-169X},
support = {23K25048//JSPS KAKENHI/ ; },
abstract = {In previous studies, we have established approximately 15 cultured cell-lines derived from planula larvae of Acropora tenuis. Based on their morphology and behavior, these cells were classified into three types, flattened amorphous cells (FAmCs), vacuolated adherent cells (VAdCs), and small smooth cells (SSmCs). FAmCs include fibroblast-like cells and spherical, brilliant brown cells (BBrCs), which are transformable to each other. To examine the larval origin of the three cell types, we raised antibodies: anti-AtMLRP2 that appears to recognize FAmC, anti-AtAHNAK for BBrC, anti-AtSOMP5 and anti-AtEndoG for SSmC, and anti-AtGal and anti-AtFat4 for VAdC, respectively. Anti-AtMLRP2 antibody stained in vivo stomodeum and neuroblast-like cells embedded in larval ectoderm around the aboral pole. Anti-AtAHNAK antibody stained neuron-like and neuroblast-like cells, both of which were also stained with neuron-specific tubulin β-3 antibody. These results suggest that in vitro BBrCs and in vivo neuroblast-like cells share neuronal properties in common. Two antibodies for SSmCs, anti-AtSOMP5 and anti-AtEndoG, stained larval ectoderm cells, suggesting that SSmCs have larval ectoderm properties. Two antibodies for VAdCs, anti-AtGal and anti-AtFat4, stained larval endoderm cells, suggesting that VAdCs have larval endoderm properties. Therefore, the in vitro cell lines appear to retain properties of the stomodeum, neuroblast, ectoderm, or endoderm. Each of them may be used in future investigations to reveal cellular and molecular properties of cell types of coral larvae, such as the potential for symbiosis.},
}

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

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

@article {pmid39979693,
year = {2025},
author = {Luttenschlager, H and Noël, G and Carpentier, J and Glacet, L and Ravelomanana, A and Rakotonirina, JC and Rajaonera, T and Francis, F},
title = {Diversity and Implication of Symbiotic Bacteria in Aphids-Ants Relationships in Madagascar.},
journal = {Neotropical entomology},
volume = {54},
number = {1},
pages = {40},
pmid = {39979693},
issn = {1678-8052},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids/microbiology/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Ants/microbiology ; *Rickettsia ; Madagascar ; Spiroplasma/physiology ; Serratia/physiology ; Bacteria/classification ; },
abstract = {Facultative bacteria in aphids provide their hosts with various physiological and ecological adaptations, such as resistance to thermal stress, parasitoids and entomopathogenic fungi. Furthermore, these symbionts possess the capacity to modulate the composition of honeydew, a substance that is particularly favored by numerous ant species. That's why we were interested in determining whether the presence of facultative bacteria in myrmecophilic aphids influences their relationship with mutualistic ants. In the vicinity of Antananarivo (Madagascar), the objectives of the study were to (i) determine the diversity of ants, aphids and symbionts and to (ii) assess the impacts of the identified symbiont on behavioural interactions of ants and aphids. We identified a total of four species (Serratia symbiotica, Rickettsia, Spiroplasma, Hamiltonella defensa) of facultative symbionts present in the three ant species (Camponotus maculate, Monomorium madecassum, Nylanderia gracilis) we tested and a total of six facultative symbionts (Serratia symbiotica, Rickettsia, Spiroplasma, Hamiltonella defensa, Regiella insecticola, Rickettsiella) among three of the five aphid species (Aphis citricidus, Aphis fabae, Aphis spiraecola, Macrosiphum euphorbiae, Rhopalosiphum maidis) we tested. Although our results did not show the involvement of symbionts on ant behaviour or their association with aphids, our study showed that the number of ants increases with the number of interactions, that Nylanderia gracilis are the ants with the most interactions and finally that ants observed on pesticide-treated plots have fewer interactions with aphids.},
}

Animals
*Aphids/microbiology/physiology
*Symbiosis
*Ants/microbiology
*Rickettsia
Madagascar
Spiroplasma/physiology
Serratia/physiology
Bacteria/classification

@article {pmid39978162,
year = {2025},
author = {Bourland, W and Čepička, I},
title = {The enigmatic genus Malacophrys Kahl, 1926 (Ciliophora: Intramacronucleata) belongs to the class Oligohymenophorea.},
journal = {Protist},
volume = {176},
number = {},
pages = {126089},
doi = {10.1016/j.protis.2025.126089},
pmid = {39978162},
issn = {1618-0941},
abstract = {The ciliate genus Malacophrys has been incertae sedis for more than 50 years in what is now subphylum Intramacronucleata, provisionally assigned to three different classes by various authors. Of the three species included in the genus, M. sphagni and the type species, Malacophrys rotans, have not been studied by modern methods and M. viridis, although morphologically well-described, lacks molecular characterization. We identified two freshwater ciliates as morphologically consistent with two members of Malacophrys, namely M. rotans and M. viridis. We studied one population of M. rotans, using in vivo observation and silver carbonate and silver nitrate impregnation, and two populations of M. viridis, using in vivo observation, silver carbonate impregnation, and 18S rRNA gene sequencing. Phylogenetic analyses strongly support the position of M. viridis in the class Oligohymenophorea. Morphologic features suggest Malacophrys rotans belongs to order Tetrahymenida, but a confident phylogenetic assignment awaits its molecular sequencing. Differences between their oral structures and silverline patterns indicate that M. rotans and M. viridis likely belong to different genera. A formal separation at the genus level awaits molecular characterization of the type species, M. rotans.},
}

@article {pmid39977582,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, L and Zhang, J and Chen, Z and Chen, Y and Wang, C and Yu, H and Zuo, F and Huang, W},
title = {Probiotic-Enzyme Synergy Regulates Fermentation of Distiller's Grains by Modifying Microbiome Structures and Symbiotic Relationships.},
journal = {Journal of agricultural and food chemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.jafc.4c11539},
pmid = {39977582},
issn = {1520-5118},
abstract = {The high fiber content and low rumen digestibility prevent the efficient use of distiller's grains (DGS) in ruminant feeds. This study investigated the effects of probiotics (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Bacillus subtilis) and enzymes (β-glucanase, xylanase, β-mannanase, and cellulase) on DGS nutrient content, ruminal degradability, and microbial communities under anaerobic storage for 30 days. Groups included control (C), probiotics (B), enzymes (E), and their mixture (EB). As compared to groups C, B, and E, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), hemicellulose, and cellulose contents were significantly decreased and the ruminal degradability of NDF and ADF at 48 h was significantly increased in group EB (p < 0.05). Enzyme activities significantly affected bacterial abundance, and the contents of these enzymes were negatively correlated with the content of fibrous components. The abundances of Bacillus and Rummeliibacillus were negatively correlated with fiber content but positively correlated with the activities of these enzymes. The symbiotic relationship between Bacillus and Anaerocolumna in the EB group sustained the synergistic effects of probiotics and enzymes. Co-fermentation of probiotics and enzyme additives enhanced the nutritional value of DGS, which was associated not only with probiotic-enzyme synergy but also variations in dominant microbes and microbiome commensal relationships.},
}

@article {pmid39976643,
year = {2025},
author = {Nakajima, M and Motouchi, S and Tanaka, N and Masaike, T},
title = {Enzymes that catalyze cyclization of β-1,2-glucans.},
journal = {Applied microbiology and biotechnology},
volume = {109},
number = {1},
pages = {49},
pmid = {39976643},
issn = {1432-0614},
support = {23K05041//JSPS KAKENHI/ ; },
mesh = {Cyclization ; *beta-Glucans/metabolism/chemistry ; *Glucosyltransferases/metabolism/chemistry ; Glycoside Hydrolases/metabolism/chemistry ; Catalysis ; },
abstract = {β-1,2-Glucans are physiologically important polymers for interactions such as symbiosis and pathogenesis between organisms and adaptation to environmental changes. However, rarity of β-1,2-glucans in nature limits exploration of related enzymes. Recently, many β-1,2-glucan-degrading enzymes have been found after identification of a novel phosphorylase acting on β-1,2-glucooligosaccharides. The expansion of the repertoire has reached revelation of the cyclization mechanism of cyclic β-1,2-glucan synthase and led to finding of new enzymes catalyzing cyclization of β-1,2-glucans in a manner different from cyclic β-1,2-glucan synthase. In this review, we mainly focus on newly found enzymes that catalyze cyclization of β-1,2-glucans along with existence of β-1,2-glucan-associated carbohydrates in nature and introduction of the repertoire of β-1,2-glucan-degrading enzymes. KEY POINTS: • Newly found domain which cyclizes β-1,2-glucan created a new glycoside hydrolase family. • Cyclization is performed with a unique mechanism. • α-1,6-Cyclized β-1,2-glucan is produced by an enzyme in another newly found family.},
}

Cyclization
*beta-Glucans/metabolism/chemistry
*Glucosyltransferases/metabolism/chemistry
Glycoside Hydrolases/metabolism/chemistry
Catalysis

@article {pmid39976461,
year = {2025},
author = {Kirichek, EA and Afonin, AM and Kusakin, PG and Tsyganov, VE},
title = {Complete genome sequence of the unique Rhizobium johnstonii strain NaPi.},
journal = {Microbiology resource announcements},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0120224},
doi = {10.1128/mra.01202-24},
pmid = {39976461},
issn = {2576-098X},
abstract = {In contrast to Rhizobium johnstonii strain 3841, R. johnstonii strain NaPi is able to form large pink nodules on the roots of pea (Pisum sativum L.) mutants in the gene Sym40. The genetic determinants underlying such efficiency have not been discovered yet. In this study, we report the complete genome sequence of the strain NaPi.},
}

@article {pmid39975474,
year = {2025},
author = {Prieto, SV and Orrù, B and Gonella, E and Alma, A},
title = {Effect of symbiont-targeted control of Halyomorpha halys on the co-occurring pentatomid community.},
journal = {Frontiers in insect science},
volume = {5},
number = {},
pages = {1520065},
pmid = {39975474},
issn = {2673-8600},
abstract = {Several native species in the family Pentatomidae are recorded in north-western Italy, associated with different crops. The arrival of Halyomorpha halys led to a reorganization of the role of other pentatomids, some of them becoming secondary pests. Symbiont-targeted control strategies, which disrupt beneficial interactions in stink bugs, have so far been applied to H. halys. However, this approach could also be useful for controlling other pentatomid pests. Additionally, the effects of this strategy on non-target stink bug species need further investigation to assess its potential impact on agroecosystems. Here the effect of symbiont disruption was assessed for stink bugs that share host crops (e.g., hazelnut, wheat, soybean) or the environment (especially wild areas adjacent to crops) with H. halys in north-western Italy (Carpocoris purpureipennis, Dolycoris baccarum, Graphosoma italicum, Palomena prasina and Rhaphigaster nebulosa). Their symbionts were identified as allied to the genus Pantoea through 16S rRNA gene sequencing and also other bacteria were detected in the V4 ventricle of the midgut. Strikingly, variable symbiont infection was found across species. Laboratory tests were conducted assessing the consequences of symbiont deprivation during the first nymphal instar. Egg masses treatment with an anti-symbiont formulation affected hatching rates in D. baccarum and G. italicum, while the mortality rates during the first instar increased in C. purpureipennis and G. italicum. A correspondence between mortality induction and the alteration of symbiont infection rates was observed, with species showing the highest infection drop being the most affected by treatments. These results provide new insights into pentatomid symbionts and reveal significant variability in the response to symbiosis disruption, likely due to species-specific intensity of symbiotic interactions. The consequences of this variability are discussed.},
}

@article {pmid39972643,
year = {2025},
author = {Gaši, E and Likar, M and Arbona, V and González-Guzmán, M and Hančević, K and Balestrini, R and Čarija, M and Regvar, M and Gambino, G and Sillo, F and Radić, T},
title = {Hormonal changes associated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi indicate defense-like alterations in virus-stressed grapevine.},
journal = {Physiologia plantarum},
volume = {177},
number = {1},
pages = {e70136},
doi = {10.1111/ppl.70136},
pmid = {39972643},
issn = {1399-3054},
support = {DOK-2021-02-2381//Hrvatska Zaklada za Znanost/ ; IP-2020-02-8397//Hrvatska Zaklada za Znanost/ ; },
mesh = {*Vitis/virology/microbiology ; *Mycorrhizae/physiology ; *Plant Diseases/virology/microbiology ; *Plant Growth Regulators/metabolism ; *Salicylic Acid/metabolism ; *Abscisic Acid/metabolism ; Glomeromycota/physiology ; Symbiosis ; Plant Viruses/physiology/pathogenicity ; Stress, Physiological ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Fungi ; },
abstract = {Grapevine is an economically important crop, affected by major production losses due to high virus prevalence. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can reduce the impact of plant biotic stresses. However, hormonal response to the simultaneous presence of viruses and AMF remains largely unknown. In this study, we explored the potential of AMF to modify the grapevine's defense response to compatible virus infections. We used GRSPaV, GLRaV-3, and GPGV as infectious viral agents, separately or in different combinations. Two AMF inoculums were tested for their bioprotective abilities, RHIZ (Rhizophagus irregularis) and MIX (R. irregularis, Funneliformis mosseae, F. caledonium). Generally, MIX induced stronger physiological responses than RHIZ inoculum, especially during the earlier phase of symbiosis. The main findings were connected to the hormonal profile of the grapevine infected by all three viruses and inoculated with MIX. In particular, salicylic acid (SA) and abscisic acid (ABA) concentrations were induced five and fifteen months post AMF inoculation, respectively. Expressions of VvNCED1 and VvBG1 were up-regulated in uninoculated grapevines, indicating slower induction of stress response mechanisms. Parameters related to plant vigour and growth were induced in grapevine at both time points, regardless of the virus combination. In conclusion, the defense-like response induced by AMF in grapevines infected with multiple viruses is characterized by the induction of ABA and SA, accompanied by a consistent enhancement of vigor parameters. This study confirms AMF symbiosis as a potentially promising additional tool for combating viral diseases in vineyards.},
}

*Vitis/virology/microbiology
*Mycorrhizae/physiology
*Plant Diseases/virology/microbiology
*Plant Growth Regulators/metabolism
*Salicylic Acid/metabolism
*Abscisic Acid/metabolism
Glomeromycota/physiology
Symbiosis
Plant Viruses/physiology/pathogenicity
Stress, Physiological
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
Fungi

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

@article {pmid39970784,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, Y and Liu, X and Feng, J and Xie, S and Lv, J},
title = {Ca[2+] enhanced the wastewater treatment performance of microalgal-bacterial consortia: Response of extracellular polymeric substances and bacterial communities.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {277},
number = {},
pages = {123298},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2025.123298},
pmid = {39970784},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {The technology of microalgae-bacteria consortia (MBC) for wastewater treatment is currently facing a variety of challenges. One of the main issues is the construction of structurally and functionally stable symbiont. Ca[2+] may be involved in this process, but the underlying mechanism is not well understood. Here the response of MBC to the regulation of Ca[2+] was systematically explored from the perspectives of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and bacterial communities. The results showed that the exogenous addition of Ca[2+] (10-50 mM) not only promoted the production of extracellular polysaccharides and proteins of MBC, but also increased the proportion of some functional groups and components of EPS, such as CO and α-helix. The change of EPS characteristics was conducive to provide more sites for bining Ca[2+], which in turn favored the formation of compact MBC via overcoming electrostatic repulsive effect. Besides, the supplementation of Ca[2+] favored the recruitment of more EPS-producing bacteria (such as Rhodobacter, Pedobacter, Rhizorhapis, and Sphingopyxis) and indole acetic acid producing bacteria (such as Hydrogenophaga and Agromyces). The enrichment of these functional bacteria not only promoted the adhesion between bacteria and microalgae, but also promoted the growth of symbiotic microalgae, which contributed to the formation of stable large-sized MBC. The change in structure and function of MBC was ultimately reflected in the improved performance in treating municipal wastewater. The findings of this study provided insights into the mechanism underlying the enhanced performance of MBC for wastewater treatment under the influence of Ca[2+].},
}

@article {pmid39969492,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, SL and Bi, XX and Huang, B and Xia, TY and Deng, LJ and Luo, XQ and Zhong, Y and Zhang, YP and Qian, YY and Yin, M and Ren, Z},
title = {Screening and transcriptomic profiling of tobacco growth-promoting arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.},
journal = {Plant signaling & behavior},
volume = {20},
number = {1},
pages = {2467935},
pmid = {39969492},
issn = {1559-2324},
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology ; *Nicotiana/microbiology/genetics/growth & development ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Symbiosis/genetics ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Transcriptome/genetics ; Plant Roots/microbiology/metabolism/growth & development/genetics ; },
abstract = {Tobacco is a significant economic crop cultivated in various regions of China. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can establish a symbiotic relationship with tobacco and regulate its growth. However, the influences of indigenous AMF on the growth and development of tobacco and their symbiotic mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, a pot inoculation experiment was conducted, revealing that six inoculants - Acaulospora bireticulata(Ab), Septoglomus viscosum(Sv), Funneliformis mosseae(Fm), Claroideoglomus etunicatum(Ce), Rhizophagus intraradices(Ri), and the mixed inoculant (H) - all formed stable symbiotic relationships with tobacco. These inoculants were found to enhance the activities of SOD, POD, PPO, and PAL in tobacco leaves, increase chlorophyll content, IAA content， CTK content， soluble sugars, and proline levels while reducing malondialdehyde content. Notably, among these inoculants, Fm exhibited significantly higher mycorrhizal infection density, arbuscular abundance, and soil spore density in the root systems of tobacco plants compared to other treatments. Membership function analysis confirmed that Fm had the most pronounced growth-promoting effect on tobacco. The transcriptome analysis results of different treatments of CK and inoculation with Fm revealed that 3,903 genes were upregulated and 4,196 genes were downregulated in the roots and stems of tobacco. Enrichment analysis indicated that the majority of these genes were annotated in related pathways such as biological processes, molecular functions, and metabolism. Furthermore, differentially expressed genes associated with auxin, cytokinin, antioxidant enzymes, and carotenoids were significantly enriched in their respective pathways, potentially indirectly influencing the regulation of tobacco plant growth. This study provides a theoretical foundation for the development and application of AMF inoculants to enhance tobacco growth.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology
*Nicotiana/microbiology/genetics/growth & development
Gene Expression Profiling
Symbiosis/genetics
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
Transcriptome/genetics
Plant Roots/microbiology/metabolism/growth & development/genetics

@article {pmid39969186,
year = {2025},
author = {Gómez-Fernández, GO and van Velzen, R and Mun, JH and Cook, DR and Kohlen, W and Larrainzar, E},
title = {Ethylene biosynthesis in legumes: gene identification and expression during early symbiotic stages.},
journal = {Journal of experimental botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jxb/eraf069},
pmid = {39969186},
issn = {1460-2431},
abstract = {The final steps of ethylene biosynthesis involve the consecutive activity of two enzymes, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase (ACS) and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase (ACO). These enzymes are encoded by small gene families, which, in the case of legumes, have not been systematically characterized at the level of gene family membership or phylogenetic relationships. Moreover, the absence of consensus nomenclature complicates comparisons within the scientific literature, where authors are addressing the roles of these genes in planta. In this study, we provide a framework in which the ACS and ACO family members of several legume species, including the two model legumes Medicago truncatula and Lotus japonicus, were systematically annotated, named, and analyzed relative to genes from other dicot and monocot model species. A combination of phylogenetic and reciprocal BLAST analyses was used to identify evolutionary relationships among genes, including the identification of orthologous relationships that can inform hypotheses about function. Given the role of ethylene as a negative regulator of the legume-rhizobium symbiosis, we queried publicly available RNA-seq expression datasets to obtain an overview of the expression profiles of these genes in the interaction between M. truncatula and its nitrogen-fixing microsymbiont. The resulting evolutionary framework, as well as structural and expression analyses, are intended to facilitate ongoing functional studies in legumes.},
}

@article {pmid39968046,
year = {2024},
author = {Battie-Laclau, P and Taudière, A and Bernard, M and Bodénan, L and Duchemin, M and de Roman, Y and Yol, A and Barry-Etienne, D},
title = {Terroir and farming practices drive arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities in French vineyards.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1463326},
pmid = {39968046},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Nature-based management of vineyards is at the heart of a sustainable development for the next decades. Although much is known about grapevine benefits from Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF), little is known about the influence of vineyard terroir and farming practices on AMF communities.

METHODS: We examined the relative effect of wine terroir and agricultural practices (organic, conversion, and conventional) on AMF abundance and diversity across 75 vineyards distributed over 14 wine terroirs in 6 winegrowing regions in France. We estimate AMF abundance by measuring spore density and root mycorrhization rates, and characterize AMF communities composition using metabarcoding by sampling both root and spore compartments for each vineyard.

RESULTS: Organic farming slightly increases AMF abundance (spore density and mycorrhization rate). Vineyards under conversion and using organic practices display a higher AMF diversity than conventional ones. Terroirs vary widely in terms of AMF abundance and diversity, with the median of OTUs count per sample ranging from 9 (Côte des Blancs) to 35 (Gigondas). The composition of AMF communities is structured mainly by terroir and in a lesser extent by practice. The effect of terroir on AMF communities is partially explained by distance decay and soil properties, but the majority of variation is still explained only by the terroir identity. Organic practices improve both abundance and diversity of AMF in vineyards, possibly leading to more productivity and resilience of grapevines.

CONCLUSION: This large-scale study highlights the importance of terroir in our understanding of vineyard microbiome and paves the way to incorporation of AMF in microbial terroir studies and applications.},
}

@article {pmid39967692,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, S and You, M and Shen, Y and Zhao, X and He, X and Liu, J and Ma, N},
title = {Improving fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome in laying hens through gut microbiota and oxylipin metabolism by Bacteroides fragilis: A potential involvement of arachidonic acid.},
journal = {Animal nutrition (Zhongguo xu mu shou yi xue hui)},
volume = {20},
number = {},
pages = {182-199},
pmid = {39967692},
issn = {2405-6383},
abstract = {Bacteroides fragilis (B. fragilis), a crucial commensal bacterium within the gut, has shown connections with hepatic lipid metabolism and inflammation regulation. Nonetheless, the role of B. fragilis in the progression of fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS) remains unknown. This study aims to explore the ameliorative effects of B. fragilis on FLHS in laying hens, as well as its underlying mechanisms. This is the first study to employ a chicken FLHS model, combining microbiomics and oxylipin metabolomics to investigate the mechanism of action of intestinal symbiotic bacteria. Exp. 1: 40 laying hens at 25 weeks old were randomly divided into five treatment groups (eight replicates per group and one hen per replicate), including the control group (basal diet), the high-energy and low-protein (HELP) group, and the HELP group with three different levels (10[8], 10[9], and 10[10] CFU) of B. fragilis. Exp. 2: 18 chickens at 25 weeks old were randomly divided into three treatment groups (six replicates per group and one hen per replicate) including the control group (basal diet), the model group (HELP diet), and the arachidonic acid (AA) group (HELP diet with 0.3% AA). The experiment period of Exp. 1 and Exp. 2 were 8 weeks. B. fragilis significantly improved body weight of seventh week (P = 0.006), liver lipid degeneration, blood lipid levels (triglycerides, cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; P < 0.05), and liver function (alanine aminotransferase and aminotransferase; P < 0.05) in laying hens. B. fragilis downregulated the expression of lipid synthesis-related genes fatty acid synthase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, and liver X receptor α, and inflammation-related genes tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 in the liver of FLHS-affected hens (P < 0.05), while upregulating the expression of lipid oxidation-related genes carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) α, and PPARγ (P < 0.05). The in-depth analysis indicated alterations in oxylipin pathways triggered by B. fragilis, as evidenced by changes in the expression of pivotal genes arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase, arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase (P < 0.05), subsequently causing modifications in relevant metabolites. This included a decrease in pro-inflammatory substances such as 15-oxoETE (P = 0.004), accompanied by an increase in AA (P = 0.008). B. fragilis regulated the homeostasis of intestinal flora by increasing the abundance of Bacteroides and decreasing the abundance of Succinatimonas and Faecalicoccus (P < 0.05). The integrated analysis revealed a robust positive correlation between Bacteroides abundance and AA levels (P = 0.007). This relationship was corroborated through in vitro experiments. Subsequently, the beneficial effect of AA in mitigating FLHS was confirmed in laying hens with FLHS, further supported by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrating gene expression patterns akin to B. fragilis intervention. This study demonstrated that B. fragilis exerts an anti-FLHS effect through modulation of oxylipin metabolism and gut microbiota stability, with a pivotal role played by AA.},
}

@article {pmid39966475,
year = {2025},
author = {Gu, Y and Wang, H and Yang, Y and Chen, H and Chen, C and Cheng, W},
title = {Metabonomics reveals the mechanism of stress resistance in Vetiveria zizanioides inoculated with AMF under copper stress.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {6005},
pmid = {39966475},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {31500451//The National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 31500451//The National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 31500451//The National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 31500451//The National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; Qiankehe Support Letter [2020] 1Y046//the Science and Technology Plan of Guizhou Province/ ; Qiankehe Support Letter [2020] 1Y046//the Science and Technology Plan of Guizhou Province/ ; Qiankehe Support Letter [2020] 1Y046//the Science and Technology Plan of Guizhou Province/ ; },
mesh = {*Copper/metabolism ; *Chrysopogon/metabolism ; *Metabolomics/methods ; *Stress, Physiological ; *Mycorrhizae/physiology/drug effects ; Plant Roots/metabolism/microbiology/drug effects ; },
abstract = {Vetiveria zizanioides, renowned for its robust stability and exceptional capacity to sequester heavy metals, has garnered widespread application in tailings ecological restoration efforts. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), which are capable of forming symbiotic relationships with more than 80% of terrestrial plant roots, play a pivotal role in enhancing plant nutrient uptake and bolstering resilience. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive investigation into the physiological and biochemical responses of Vetiveria zizanioides subjected to varying levels of copper stress (with copper concentrations ranging from 0 mg/kg to 400 mg/kg), with or without AMF inoculation. Additionally, we performed nontargeted metabonomic analyses to gain deeper insights into the metabolic changes that occur in vetiver grass under AMF inoculation and copper stress. Our findings revealed that Vetiveria zizanioides inoculated with AMF consistently demonstrated superior growth performance across all copper stress levels compared with noninoculated counterparts. Using nontargeted metabonomic analyses, inoculation with AMF affects the metabolism of phenylalanine and related pathways in vetiver as well as contributing to the promotion of the formation of phytochelatins (PCs) from glutamate, thereby alleviating copper stress. The results highlight the potential of AMF-inoculated Vetiveria zizanioides as a promising bioremediation tool capable of effectively mitigating the adverse effects of heavy metal pollution.},
}

*Copper/metabolism
*Chrysopogon/metabolism
*Metabolomics/methods
*Stress, Physiological
*Mycorrhizae/physiology/drug effects
Plant Roots/metabolism/microbiology/drug effects

@article {pmid39966403,
year = {2025},
author = {Tamayo, E and López-Lorca, VM and Shim, C and López-Castillo, O and Castillo, AG and Requena, N and Benz, JP and Ferrol, N},
title = {The Rhizophagus irregularis permease RiFTR1 functions without a ferroxidase partner for reductive iron transport.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {5840},
pmid = {39966403},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {*Iron/metabolism ; *Ceruloplasmin/metabolism/genetics ; *Medicago truncatula/genetics/metabolism/microbiology ; *Mycorrhizae/metabolism ; *Fungal Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Membrane Transport Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Plant Roots/metabolism/microbiology/genetics ; Biological Transport ; Oxidation-Reduction ; Symbiosis ; Fungi ; },
abstract = {The contribution of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AM fungi) to plant iron (Fe) acquisition has been demonstrated in several studies. A previous investigation revealed that the AM fungus Rhizophagus irregularis utilizes a high-affinity reductive pathway for Fe uptake, mediated by the Fe transporter RiFTR1. In this study, we used a genome-wide approach in R. irregularis to find genes encoding ferroxidases of the multicopper oxidase (MCO) gene family in an attempt to identify the ferroxidase partner of RiFTR1. Nine genes putatively encoding MCOs (RiMCO1-9) were identified. Yeast complementation assays demonstrated that RiMCO1 and RiMCO3 can function as ferroxidases, suggesting their involvement in the reductive Fe uptake pathway. Surprisingly, RiFTR1 was capable of transporting Fe in yeast without a ferroxidase partner, resembling the Fe transport mechanism of plant IRT1-like systems. RiFTR1 exhibited increase expression in arbuscules. Overexpression of RiFTR1 in Medicago truncatula roots led to enhanced mycorrhizal colonization and arbuscule abundance, highlighting the significance of Fe for AM symbiosis.},
}

*Iron/metabolism
*Ceruloplasmin/metabolism/genetics
*Medicago truncatula/genetics/metabolism/microbiology
*Mycorrhizae/metabolism
*Fungal Proteins/metabolism/genetics
Membrane Transport Proteins/metabolism/genetics
Plant Roots/metabolism/microbiology/genetics
Biological Transport
Oxidation-Reduction
Symbiosis
Fungi

@article {pmid39965474,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, X and Yao, M and Li, P and van der Hoek, JP and Zhang, L and Liu, G},
title = {Mutual symbiosis of electroactive bacteria and denitrifiers for improved refractory carbon utilization and nitrate reduction.},
journal = {Environment international},
volume = {197},
number = {},
pages = {109330},
doi = {10.1016/j.envint.2025.109330},
pmid = {39965474},
issn = {1873-6750},
abstract = {Mutual symbiosis of electroactive bacteria (EAB) and denitrifier may be the key for solving the refractory carbon and residual nitrogen in wastewater treatment plant effluent. However, its application is hampered by unclear co-metabolic model and uncertain electron transfer. Here, we achieved 3-5 times increase in refractory carbon degradation, 40 % improvement in denitrification, and 36.0 % decrease in N2O emission by co-culturing P. aeruginosa strain GWP-1 and G. sulfurreducens. Such an enhancement is obtained by both refractory carbon co-metabolism and interspecies electron transfer (IET) between GWP-1 and G. sulfurreducens. Importantly, IET was quantified via isotopic approach, which revealed that G. sulfureducens supplies more electrons to GWP-1 when the system was fed with cellulose (0.071 mM) than glucose (0.012 mM). This study demonstrates that the residual refractory carbon and nitrogen in treated wastewater could be further converted by mutual symbiosis of EAB and denitrifiers, which paves a synergic way for pollution and carbon reduction.},
}

@article {pmid39964876,
year = {2025},
author = {Stankiewicz, KH and Guiglielmoni, N and Kitchen, SA and Flot, JF and Barott, KL and Davies, SW and Finnerty, JR and Grace, SP and Kaufman, LS and Putnam, HM and Rotjan, RD and Sharp, KH and Peters, EC and Baums, IB},
title = {Genomic comparison of the temperate coral Astrangia poculata with tropical corals yields insights into winter quiescence, innate immunity, and sexual reproduction.},
journal = {G3 (Bethesda, Md.)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/g3journal/jkaf033},
pmid = {39964876},
issn = {2160-1836},
abstract = {Facultatively symbiotic corals provide important experimental models to explore the establishment, maintenance, and breakdown of the mutualism between corals and members of the algal family Symbiodiniaceae. Here, we report the de novo chromosome-scale genome assembly and annotation of the facultatively symbiotic, temperate coral Astrangia poculata. Though widespread segmental/tandem duplications of genomic regions were detected, we did not find strong evidence of a whole genome duplication (WGD) event. Comparison of the gene arrangement between A. poculata and the tropical coral Acropora millepora revealed considerable conserved colinearity despite ∼415 million years of divergence. Gene families related to sperm hyperactivation and innate immunity, including lectins, were found to contain more genes in A. millepora relative to A. poculata. Sperm hyperactivation in A. millepora is expected given the extreme requirements of gamete competition during mass spawning events in tropical corals, while lectins are important in the establishment of coral-algal symbiosis. By contrast, gene families involved in sleep promotion, feeding suppression, and circadian sleep/wake cycle processes were expanded in A. poculata. These expanded gene families may play a role in A. poculata's ability to enter a dormancy-like state ("winter quiescence") to survive freezing temperatures at the northern edges of the species' range.},
}

@article {pmid39964711,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, S and Ye, H and Yang, C and Zhang, Y and Pu, J and Ren, Y and Xie, K and Wang, L and Zeng, D and He, H and Ji, H and Herrera-Estrella, LR and Xu, G and Chen, A},
title = {OsNLP3 and OsPHR2 orchestrate direct and mycorrhizal pathways for nitrate uptake by regulating NAR2.1-NRT2s complexes in rice.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {122},
number = {8},
pages = {e2416345122},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2416345122},
pmid = {39964711},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {2021YFF1000400//MOST | National Key Research and Development Program of China (NKPs)/ ; 32172670//National Natural Science Foundation of China-Guangdong Joint Fund (NSFC)/ ; YDZX2024019//Fundamental Reserach Fund for the Cenbtral Universities/ ; BK20230992//Basic Research Program of Jiangsu province in China/ ; },
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/metabolism/physiology ; *Oryza/metabolism/microbiology/genetics ; *Nitrates/metabolism ; *Plant Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; *Symbiosis/physiology ; *Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Anion Transport Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Plant Roots/metabolism/microbiology ; Nitrate Transporters/metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; },
abstract = {Nitrogen (N) is the most important essential nutrient required by plants. Most land plants have evolved two N uptake pathways, a direct root pathway and a symbiotic pathway, via association with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. However, the interaction between the two pathways is ambiguous. Here, we report that OsNAR2.1-OsNRT2s, the nitrate (NO3[-]) transporter complexes with crucial roles in direct NO3[-] uptake, are also recruited for symbiotic NO3[-] uptake. OsNAR2.1 and OsNRT2.1/2.2 are coregulated by NIN-like protein 3 (OsNLP3), a key regulator in NO3[-] signaling, and OsPHR2, a major regulator of phosphate starvation responses. More importantly, AM symbiosis induces expression of OsNAR2.1-OsNRT2s, OsNLP3, and OsSPX4, encoding an intracellular Pi sensor, in arbuscular-containing cells, but weakens their expression in the epidermis. OsNAR2.1 and OsNLP3 can activate both mycorrhizal NO3[-] uptake and mycorrhization efficiency. Overall, we demonstrate that OsNLP3 and OsPHR2 orchestrate the direct and mycorrhizal NO3[-] uptake pathways by regulating the NAR2.1-NRT2s complexes in rice.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/metabolism/physiology
*Oryza/metabolism/microbiology/genetics
*Nitrates/metabolism
*Plant Proteins/metabolism/genetics
*Symbiosis/physiology
*Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
Anion Transport Proteins/metabolism/genetics
Plant Roots/metabolism/microbiology
Nitrate Transporters/metabolism
Signal Transduction

@article {pmid39964074,
year = {2025},
author = {Wu, T and Rodrigues, AA and Fayle, TM and Henry, LM},
title = {Defensive Symbiont Genotype Distributions Are Linked to Parasitoid Attack Networks.},
journal = {Ecology letters},
volume = {28},
number = {2},
pages = {e70082},
pmid = {39964074},
issn = {1461-0248},
support = {RPG-2020-211//Leverhulme Trust/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids/parasitology/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Genotype ; *Wasps/physiology/genetics ; *Host-Parasite Interactions ; Enterobacteriaceae/genetics/physiology ; },
abstract = {Facultative symbionts are widespread in arthropods and can provide important services such as protection from natural enemies. Yet what shapes associations with defensive symbionts in nature remains unclear. Two hypotheses suggest that interactions with either antagonists or host plants explain the prevalence of symbionts through shared selective pressures or vectors of symbiont transmission. Here we investigate the factors determining similarities in the Hamiltonella defensa symbiosis shared amongst field-collected aphid species. After accounting for host species relatedness, we find that Hamiltonella's genotype distribution aligns with sharing the same parasitoids, rather than host plants, highlighting parasitoids and hosts as key selective agents shaping the symbiosis across aphid species. Our data indicates parasitoid host specificity drives the prevalence of specific aphid-Hamiltonella associations, suggesting defensive symbioses are maintained by the selective pressure imposed by dominant parasitoids and their aphid hosts. These findings underscore the importance of interactions with natural enemies in explaining patterns of defensive symbiosis in nature.},
}

Animals
*Aphids/parasitology/physiology
*Symbiosis
*Genotype
*Wasps/physiology/genetics
*Host-Parasite Interactions
Enterobacteriaceae/genetics/physiology

@article {pmid39963532,
year = {2025},
author = {Bucher, M and Genre, A and Kameoka, H and Lanfranco, L and Paszkowski, U and Xue, L},
title = {Editorial: Highlights of iMMM2023 - International Molecular Mycorrhiza Meeting.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1559814},
pmid = {39963532},
issn = {1664-462X},
}

@article {pmid39963528,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, H and Zhang, Y and Zhang, L and Liu, Y and Chen, Y and Shi, Y},
title = {Nano-selenium strengthens potato resistance to potato scab induced by Streptomyces spp., increases yield, and elevates tuber quality by influencing rhizosphere microbiomes.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1523174},
pmid = {39963528},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The application of selenium could directly or indirectly modulate the activity of antioxidant enzymes in crops, thereby mitigating the detrimental effects of abiotic and biotic stresses on crop health. However, there are few studies on the effects of nano-selenium fertilizer on potato scab caused by Streptomyces spp., potato yield and tuber quality.

METHODS: We aimed to elucidate the impact of nano-selenium fertilizer on potato disease resistance, yield, tuber quality, antioxidant enzyme activity and rhizosphere soil bacterial communities, and to determine the optimal frequency and growth stages of nano-selenium fertilizer spraying.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The application of nano-selenium fertilizer twice during the seedling stage significantly reduced the disease index of potato scab, enhanced potato yield, tuber quality (dry matter, Vitamin C, crude protein, and selenium content), and antioxidant enzyme activity (glutathione peroxidase, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, superoxide dismutase, and phenylalanine ammonia lyase). The diversity of the rhizosphere bacterial community of potatoes subjected to selenium fertilizer spraying at the seedling stage increased significantly, and concurrently, the symbiotic network of rhizosphere bacterial microbiome grew more complex. Beneficial microorganisms such as bacteria of the genus Bacillus were enriched in the rhizosphere soil. The current study provided theoretical support for the exploration of a potato selenium-enriched technology system and supplies scientific guidance for the utilization of nano-selenium.},
}

@article {pmid39963284,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, H and Zhao, R and Wang, X and Qi, Y and Sandai, D and Wang, W and Song, Z and Liang, Q},
title = {Interruption of mitochondrial symbiosis is associated with the development of osteoporosis.},
journal = {Frontiers in endocrinology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1488489},
pmid = {39963284},
issn = {1664-2392},
mesh = {*Osteoporosis/metabolism/etiology/pathology ; Humans ; *Symbiosis ; *Mitochondria/metabolism ; Animals ; Osteoblasts/metabolism ; Osteoclasts/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Mitochondria maintain bacterial traits because of their endosymbiotic origins, yet the host cell recognizes them as non-threatening since the organelles are compartmentalized. Nevertheless, the controlled release of mitochondrial components into the cytoplasm can initiate cell death, activate innate immunity, and provoke inflammation. This selective interruption of endosymbiosis as early as 2 billion years ago allowed mitochondria to become intracellular signaling hubs. Recent studies have found that the interruption of mitochondrial symbiosis may be closely related to the occurrence of various diseases, especially osteoporosis (OP). OP is a systemic bone disease characterized by reduced bone mass, impaired bone microstructure, elevated bone fragility, and susceptibility to fracture. The interruption of intra-mitochondrial symbiosis affects the energy metabolism of bone cells, leads to the imbalance of bone formation and bone absorption, and promotes the occurrence of osteoporosis. In this paper, we reviewed the mechanism of mitochondrial intersymbiosis interruption in OP, discussed the relationship between mitochondrial intersymbiosis interruption and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, osteoblasts and osteoclasts, as well as the inheritance and adaptation in the evolutionary process, and prospected the future research direction to provide new ideas for clinical treatment.},
}

*Osteoporosis/metabolism/etiology/pathology
Humans
*Symbiosis
*Mitochondria/metabolism
Animals
Osteoblasts/metabolism
Osteoclasts/metabolism

@article {pmid39962733,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, N and Liu, L and Wang, J and Mao, D and Lu, H and Shishido, TK and Zhi, S and Chen, H and He, S},
title = {Novel Gene Clusters for Secondary Metabolite Synthesis in Mesophotic Sponge-Associated Bacteria.},
journal = {Microbial biotechnology},
volume = {18},
number = {2},
pages = {e70107},
pmid = {39962733},
issn = {1751-7915},
support = {422010882//Startup Foundation of Ningbo University/ ; 422110473//Startup Foundation of Ningbo University/ ; 422207513//Startup Foundation of Ningbo University/ ; 31600016//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 41776168//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2021Z04//Ningbo Natural Science Foundation/ ; D16013//National 111 Project of China/ ; NNF22OC0080109//Novo Nordisk Fonden/ ; },
mesh = {*Multigene Family ; *Porifera/microbiology ; *Secondary Metabolism/genetics ; *Bacteria/genetics/metabolism/classification ; Animals ; Polyketide Synthases/genetics/metabolism ; Biosynthetic Pathways/genetics ; Metagenome ; Peptide Synthases/genetics/metabolism ; Terpenes/metabolism ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {Mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) host a diverse array of sponge species, which represent a promising source of bioactive compounds. Increasing evidence suggests that sponge-associated bacteria may be the primary producers of these compounds. However, cultivating these bacteria under laboratory conditions remains a significant challenge. To investigate the rich resource of bioactive compounds synthesised by mesophotic sponge-associated bacteria, we retrieved 429 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from 15 mesophotic sponges, revealing a strong correlation between bacterial diversity and sponge species. Furthermore, we identified 1637 secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) within these MAGs. Among the identified BGCs, terpenes were the most abundant (495), followed by 369 polyketide synthases (PKSs), 293 ribosomally synthesised and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) and 135 nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs). The BGCs were classified into 1086 gene cluster families (GCFs) based on sequence similarity. Notably, only five GCFs included experimentally validated reference BGCs from the Minimum Information about a Biosynthetic Gene cluster database (MIBiG). Additionally, an unusual abundance of BGCs was detected in Entotheonella sp. (s191209.Bin93) from the Tectomicrobia phylum. In contrast, members of Proteobacteria and Acidobacteriota harboured fewer BGCs (6-7 on average), yet their high abundance in MCE sponges suggests a potentially rich reservoir of BGCs. Analysis of the BGC distribution patterns revealed that a subset of BGCs, including terpene GCFs (FAM_00447 and FAM_01046), PKS GCF (FAM_00235), and RiPPs GCF (FAM_01143), were widespread across mesophotic sponges. Furthermore, 32 GCFs were consistently present in the same MAGs across different sponges, highlighting their potential key biological roles and capacity to yield novel bioactive compounds. This study not only underscores the untapped potential of mesophotic sponge-associated bacteria as a source of bioactive compounds but also provides valuable insights into the intricate interactions between sponges and their symbiotic microbial communities.},
}

*Multigene Family
*Porifera/microbiology
*Secondary Metabolism/genetics
*Bacteria/genetics/metabolism/classification
Animals
Polyketide Synthases/genetics/metabolism
Biosynthetic Pathways/genetics
Metagenome
Peptide Synthases/genetics/metabolism
Terpenes/metabolism
Phylogeny

@article {pmid39961027,
year = {2025},
author = {Ling, L and Camuel, A and Wang, S and Wang, X and Liao, T and Tao, J and Lin, X and Nouwen, N and Giraud, E and Luo, H},
title = {Correlating phylogenetic and functional diversity of the nod-free but nodulating Bradyrhizobium phylogroup.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ismejo/wraf030},
pmid = {39961027},
issn = {1751-7370},
abstract = {Bradyrhizobium is a main rhizobial lineage of which most members nodulate legume plants using Nod factors synthetized by the nod genes. However, members of the Photosynthetic supergroup (phylogroup) within Bradyrhizobium are nod-free, but still capable of establishing nitrogen-fixing nodules with some tropical legumes of the Aeschynomene genus. These unusual findings are based on the genomic sequences of only 13 Photosynthetic Bradyrhizobium strains, and almost all were isolated from Aeschynomene nodules. Here, we report that Photosynthetic Bradyrhizobium supergroup members are more abundantly associated with rice root (endosphere and rhizosphere) compared to grassland, forest, and maize samples based on rpoB amplicon sequence analyses. We sequenced 263 new isolates of this supergroup mostly from two main subspecies of cultivated rice (Oryza sativa L. spp. indica and japonica). The extended supergroup comprises three major clades with their diversity broadly covering the natural community of this supergroup: a basal clade with significant expansion of its diversity, a clade composed by two phylogenetically diverse strains including one newly isolated, and a new clade exclusively represented by our new strains. Although this supergroup members universally lack the canonical nod genes, all 28 assayed strains covering the broad diversity induced nodules on Aeschynomene indica. The three clades displayed important differences in the efficiency of symbiosis, aligning well with their phylogenetic divergence. With this expanded ecological, phylogenetic, and functional diversity, we conclude that the nod factor-independent nodulation of Aeschynomene is a common trait of this supergroup, in contrast to the photosynthetic trait originally thought of as its unifying feature.},
}

@article {pmid39960031,
year = {2025},
author = {Guillierme, E and Gevaert, K and Goormachtig, S and Struk, S},
title = {About How Nitrate Controls Nodulation: Will Soybean Spill the Bean?.},
journal = {Plant, cell & environment},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/pce.15430},
pmid = {39960031},
issn = {1365-3040},
support = {//This work was funded by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) (1168425N to E.G., 1280424N to S.S.)./ ; },
abstract = {Legumes have the beneficial capacity to establish symbiotic interactions with rhizobia, which provide their host plants with fixed nitrogen. However, in the presence of nitrogen, this process is rapidly repressed to avoid unnecessary investments of carbon in the symbiosis. Several players involved in regulating nodulation in response to nitrate availability have been identified, including peptide hormones, microRNAs and transcription factors. Nevertheless, how these molecular players are linked to each other and what underlying molecular mechanisms are at play to inhibit nodulation remain unresolved. Nitrate-mediated control of nodulation seems to differ between model legumes, such as Medicago and Lotus, compared to legume crops such as soybean. A deeper understanding of these regulatory processes, particularly in soybean, is expected to contribute to establishing increased nodulation efficiency in modern agricultural systems, hence improving sustainability by reducing the need for environmentally hazardous nitrogen fertilizers. This review describes the state of the art of nitrate-regulated nodulation in soybean, while drawing parallels with molecular mechanisms described in other legumes and addressing knowledge gaps that require future study.},
}

@article {pmid39959470,
year = {2025},
author = {Kridler, MR and Howe, A and Legins, JA and Guerrero, C and Bartelme, RP and Taylor, B and Carini, P},
title = {High-quality PacBio draft genome sequences of 17 free-living Bradyrhizobium and four related Nitrobacteraceae strains isolated from arid soils in the Santa Catalina Mountains of Southern Arizona.},
journal = {Access microbiology},
volume = {7},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {39959470},
issn = {2516-8290},
abstract = {Non-symbiotic Bradyrhizobium are among the most abundant and ubiquitous microbes in bulk soils globally. Despite this, most available genomic resources for Bradyrhizobium are derived from plant-associated strains. We present high-quality draft genomes for 17 Bradyrhizobium and four Nitrobacteraceae cultures isolated from bulk semiarid soils in Arizona, USA. The genome sizes range from 5.99 to 10.4 Mbp. Phylogenomic analysis of the 21 genomes indicates they fall into four clades. Two of the clades are nested within the Bradyrhizobium genus. The other two clades were associated with Nitrobacteraceae outgroups basal to Bradyrhizobium. All genomes lack genes coding for molybdenum or vanadium nitrogenases, and nod genes that code for proteins involved in nodulation, suggesting these isolates are free-living, non-symbiotic and do not fix dinitrogen gas. These genomes offer new resources for investigating free-living Bradyrhizobium lineages.},
}

@article {pmid39954089,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, K and Deng, S and Zhou, Y and Xu, B and Zhang, Y and Li, W and Liu, X and Yao, X},
title = {Crosstalk Between the Skin Environment and Microbial Community in Immune-Related Skin Diseases.},
journal = {Clinical reviews in allergy & immunology},
volume = {68},
number = {1},
pages = {16},
pmid = {39954089},
issn = {1559-0267},
support = {82373489//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82373489//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82373489//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82373489//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82373489//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82373489//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82373489//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82373489//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2021-I2M-1-059//CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences/ ; 2021-I2M-1-059//CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences/ ; 2021-I2M-1-059//CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences/ ; 2021-I2M-1-059//CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences/ ; 2021-I2M-1-059//CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences/ ; 2021-I2M-1-059//CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences/ ; 2021-I2M-1-059//CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences/ ; 2021-I2M-1-059//CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Microbiota/immunology ; *Skin/microbiology/immunology ; *Skin Diseases/immunology/etiology/microbiology ; Animals ; Disease Susceptibility ; Cellular Microenvironment/immunology ; },
abstract = {The skin surface hosts diverse skin microbiota, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Intricate interactions between the skin microenvironment and microbial community are crucial for maintaining cutaneous homeostasis. This review explores the bidirectional relationship between the skin ecosystem and its microbiota. The skin microenvironment is shaped by a combination of intrinsic factors, dominated by sweat glands and pilosebaceous units, and external factors, such as UV radiation and personal care products, which create distinct niches that influence microbial colonization patterns across different skin regions. The skin microbiome, in turn, modulates the physical, chemical, immunological, and microbial barriers of the skin. We also discuss the alterations in this crosstalk in various immune-related skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, rosacea, hidradenitis suppurativa, skin cancer, and aging. Understanding these interactions is vital for developing targeted microbiome-based therapies for various skin disorders. Further researches are needed to deepen insights into the microbial roles and their therapeutic potentials in skin health and disease.},
}

Humans
*Microbiota/immunology
*Skin/microbiology/immunology
*Skin Diseases/immunology/etiology/microbiology
Animals
Disease Susceptibility
Cellular Microenvironment/immunology

@article {pmid39953951,
year = {2025},
author = {Ametrano, CG and Jensen, J and Lumbsch, HT and Grewe, F},
title = {UnFATE: A Comprehensive Probe Set and Bioinformatics Pipeline for Phylogeny Reconstruction and Multilocus Barcoding of Filamentous Ascomycetes (Ascomycota, Pezizomycotina).},
journal = {Systematic biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/sysbio/syaf011},
pmid = {39953951},
issn = {1076-836X},
abstract = {The subphylum Pezizomycotina (filamentous ascomycetes) is the largest clade within Ascomycota. Despite the importance of this group of fungi, our understanding of their evolution is still limited due to insufficient taxon sampling. Although next-generation sequencing technology allows us to obtain complete genomes for phylogenetic analyses, generating complete genomes of fungal species can be challenging, especially when fungi occur in symbiotic relationships or when the DNA of rare herbarium specimens is degraded or contaminated. Additionally, assembly, annotation, and gene extraction of whole-genome sequencing data require bioinformatics skills and computational power, resulting in a substantial data burden. To overcome these obstacles, we designed a universal target enrichment probe set to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships of filamentous ascomycetes at different phylogenetic levels. From a pool of single-copy orthologous genes extracted from available Pezizomycotina genomes, we identified the smallest subset of genetic markers that can reliably reconstruct a robust phylogeny. We used a clustering approach to identify a sequence set that could provide an optimal trade-off between potential missing data and probe set cost. We incorporated this probe set into a user-friendly wrapper script named UnFATE (https://github.com/claudioametrano/UnFATE) that allows phylogenomic inferences without requiring expert bioinformatics knowledge. In addition to phylogenetic results, the software provides a powerful multilocus alternative to ITS-based barcoding. Phylogeny and barcoding approaches can be complemented by an integrated, pre-processed, and periodically updated database of all publicly available Pezizomycotina genomes. The UnFATE pipeline, using the 195 selected marker genes, consistently performed well across various phylogenetic depths, generating trees consistent with the reference phylogenomic inferences. The topological distance between the reference trees from literature and the best tree produced by UnFATE ranged between 0.10 and 0.14 (nRF) for phylogenies from family to subphylum level. We also tested the in vitro success of the universal baits set in a target capture approach on 25 herbarium specimens from ten representative classes in Pezizomycotina, which recovered a topology congruent with recent phylogenomic inferences for this group of fungi. The discriminating power of our gene set was also assessed by the multilocus barcoding approach, which outperformed the barcoding approach based on ITS. With these tools, we aim to provide a framework for a collaborative approach to build robust, conclusive phylogenies of this important fungal clade.},
}

@article {pmid39953546,
year = {2025},
author = {Roux, N and Delannoy, C and Yu, SY and Miura, S and Carlu, L and Besseau, L and Nakagawa, T and Sato, C and Kitajima, K and Guerardel, Y and Laudet, V},
title = {Anemonefish use sialic acid metabolism as Trojan horse to avoid giant sea anemone stinging.},
journal = {BMC biology},
volume = {23},
number = {1},
pages = {39},
pmid = {39953546},
issn = {1741-7007},
support = {FY2023//J-GlycoNet Joint Research Program/ ; Shinka Grant//Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Sea Anemones/physiology/metabolism ; *N-Acetylneuraminic Acid/metabolism ; Symbiosis ; Perciformes/physiology/metabolism ; Mucus/metabolism ; Nematocyst/metabolism ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Anemonefish association with sea anemones is a prime example of mutualistic symbiosis. These fish live inside the sea anemone, benefitting from the protection of its toxic nematocysts, and in return, protect the anemone from its own predators. How anemonefish manage to avoid their host toxic stings remains unclear. One hypothesis suggests that low levels of sialic acids in anemonefish mucus prevent nematocyst discharge.

RESULTS: This study verified four predictions: (i) anemonefish mucus has lower sialic acid levels than non-symbiotic damselfish; (ii) this reduction is specific to mucus; (iii) during development, sialic acid levels inversely correlate with protection; (iv) sea anemone mucus has minimal sialic acids.

CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that anemonefish regulates the level of sialic acids in their mucus to avoid nematocyst discharge. We also highlight several genes implicated in sialic acid removal that could explain the protection mechanisms in place. This mechanism, potentially used by Dascyllus trimaculatus juveniles, suggests a convergent strategy for mutualistic associations with sea anemones.},
}

Animals
*Sea Anemones/physiology/metabolism
*N-Acetylneuraminic Acid/metabolism
Symbiosis
Perciformes/physiology/metabolism
Mucus/metabolism
Nematocyst/metabolism

@article {pmid39951998,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, S and Xiang, N and Shu, C and Xu, F},
title = {Unveiling the industrial synergy optimization pathways in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomeration based on water-energy-carbon nexus.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {376},
number = {},
pages = {124528},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.124528},
pmid = {39951998},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Urban agglomerations play an increasingly important role in bolstering regional economic growth; meanwhile bring with substantial water and energy consumption and carbon emissions. Its sustainable development needs synergistic management of water-energy-carbon (WEC), which is vitally linked by industrial activities. Taken Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) urban agglomeration in China, this study adopts material flow analysis to clarify WEC nexus footprint patterns of the urban agglomeration, initially develops a multi-regional dynamic synergistic development model to explore industrial optimization pathways for WEC system management from 2020 to 2035. The complex model is constructed and simulated by integrating input-output modeling, system dynamics, and multi-objective programming. Simulation results revealed that optimal industrial restructuring with regional corporation, including equipment manufacturing are in a leading position, whereas conventional manufacturing that achieve cross-regional synergy can still release locational advantages without adverse environmental impacts. Through above industrial roadmap, a symbiotic industrial chain among urban agglomerations could be formed; the integrated optimization of resource efficiency improvement and emission sinks could be achieved coherently, with eco-efficiency increasing by 24.4%, 21.8%, and 42.4% for water, energy, and carbon; moreover, key sectors for industrial transfer within the urban agglomeration (e.g., water- and energy-intensive, high emission sectors) will be critical areas for coordinated management (contributing over 68% of resource consumption and CO2 emissions). In addition to industrial structure optimization, the marginal potential for carbon reduction through energy structure optimization is more prominent than energy efficiency gains. The findings offer policymakers valuable insights into integrated resource management within industrial collaboration for urban agglomerations, providing guidance in formulating effective environmental policies and economic strategies aligned with sustainable development goals.},
}

@article {pmid39950727,
year = {2025},
author = {Szelag, B and Ciuccoli, N and González-Camejo, J and Giansanti, C and Kiczko, A and Eusebi, AL and Palermo, C and Fatone, F},
title = {Seawater intrusion and infiltration modelling coupled to digital tools to avoid high saline concentrations in reclaimed water: application in coastal central Italy.},
journal = {Water science and technology : a journal of the International Association on Water Pollution Research},
volume = {91},
number = {3},
pages = {280-294},
pmid = {39950727},
issn = {0273-1223},
support = {869318//Horizon 2020 Framework Programme/ ; },
mesh = {*Seawater/chemistry ; Italy ; *Models, Theoretical ; Salinity ; Wastewater/chemistry ; Waste Disposal, Fluid/methods ; Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis ; Sodium Chloride/chemistry/analysis ; },
abstract = {Industrial symbiosis approach was established between an industrial company and a water utility to prioritize the reuse of urban wastewater for industrial purposes. This requires low-salinity water, but this area is frequently affected by saline intrusion, thus creating water-related conflicts between the different economic activities. This study proposes a digital solution that combines dynamic simulation model (that predicts seawater intrusion and runoff) with digital tools, i.e., smart equalization (control algorithm) and matchmaking platform (decision support system). The models aim to predict the periods where significant peaks of salinity occurs, whereas the tools aim to distribute the wastewater and reclaimed water streams to diverse applications (industrial, agricultural) and/or treatments (conventional treatment, reverse osmosis) to maximize the amount of wastewater reused in efficient and sustainable way. During the 2D simulated period, wastewater conductivity was in range of 2100-2700 µS·cm[-1]. Although this conductivity was over the limit required for industrial reuse, the digital solution implemented in this study enabled to recover 71% of the total wastewater produced for industrial purposes and 10% for irrigation, only discharging 19% of the total. The approach implemented in this study would be very useful to be replicated in coastal areas where saline intrusion is relevant.},
}

*Seawater/chemistry
Italy
*Models, Theoretical
Salinity
Wastewater/chemistry
Waste Disposal, Fluid/methods
Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis
Sodium Chloride/chemistry/analysis

@article {pmid39950511,
year = {2025},
author = {Dou, R and Wang, L and Zhang, J and Cai, X and Tang, J and Liu, X and Hu, Y and Chen, J},
title = {Reversing Photodynamic Therapy-Induced Tumor Metabolic Symbiosis and Immune Evasion Delivers a Two-Punch Attack on Tumors.},
journal = {Small (Weinheim an der Bergstrasse, Germany)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e2409052},
doi = {10.1002/smll.202409052},
pmid = {39950511},
issn = {1613-6829},
support = {2022A1515140073//Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation/ ; 7212212//Beijing Municipal Natural Science Foundation/ ; 11875269//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 21574136//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2022-PUMCH-E-004//National High Level Hospital Clinical Research Funding/ ; },
abstract = {Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an attractive approach for tumor treatment because of its precision, potent cytotoxic effect, and low risk of resistance compared to conventional cancer treatments. However, PDT consumes oxygen. The oxygen depletion effects in PDT-treated tumor cells can elevate lactic acid production and efflux, promoting the progression of surrounding tumor cells through tumor metabolic symbiosis and promoting macrophages to M2-type polarization for supporting tumor progression. Herein, a multifunctional nanosystem is developed for the intracellular co-delivery of the photosensitizer (ICG), the nanozyme (iron oxide nanoparticles, MNPs), and siMCT4 (siRNA for monocarboxylate transporter 4). In tumor cells undergoing PDT, siMCT4 inhibits lactate efflux, thereby limiting extracellular lactate-associated malignancy and immune evasion. Meanwhile, both the reduction of extracellular lactate levels and the presence of MNPs in the tumor microenvironment promote the M1-type polarization to enhance the antitumor activity of macrophages. Furthermore, the intracellular lactic acid accumulation and M1-type macrophage-secreted H2O2 facilitate the MNPs-mediated chemodynamic therapy (CDT). Therefore, the intelligent nanosystem, IM@iPPAE@siMCT4, can regulate the intra/extracellular lactate levels and the M1-type macrophage polarization to deliver a two-punch attack on tumor cells. This nanosystem circumvents the problems arising from antitumor PDT.},
}

@article {pmid39950409,
year = {2025},
author = {DeMontigny, W and Bachvaroff, T},
title = {The Nuclear and Mitochondrial Genomes of Amoebophrya sp. ex Karlodinium veneficum.},
journal = {G3 (Bethesda, Md.)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/g3journal/jkaf030},
pmid = {39950409},
issn = {2160-1836},
abstract = {Dinoflagellates are a diverse group of microplankton that include free-living, symbiotic, and parasitic species. Amoebophrya, a basal lineage of parasitic dinoflagellates, infects a variety of marine microorganisms, including harmful-bloom-forming algae. Although there are currently three published Amoebophrya genomes, this genus has considerable genomic diversity. We add to the growing genomic data for Amoebophrya with an annotated genome assembly for Amoebophrya sp. ex Karlodinium veneficum. This species appears to translate all three canonical stop codons contextually. Stop codons are present in the open reading frames of about half of the predicted gene models, including genes essential for cellular function. The in-frame stop codons are likely translated by suppressor tRNAs that were identified in the assembly. We also assembled the mitochondrial genome, which has remained elusive in the previous Amoebophrya genome assemblies. The mitochondrial genome assembly consists of many fragments with high sequence identity in the genes but low sequence identity in intergenic regions. Nuclear and mitochondrially-encoded proteins indicate that Amoebophrya sp. ex K. veneficum does not have a bipartite electron transport chain, unlike previously analyzed Amoebophrya species. This study highlights the importance of analyzing multiple genomes from highly diverse genera such as Amoebophrya.},
}

@article {pmid39950092,
year = {2025},
author = {Bock, B and Curry, L and Gehring, C},
title = {Better utilization of inorganic nitrogen compared to organic nitrogen by a plant symbiotic fungal isolate of Alternaria alternata.},
journal = {microPublication biology},
volume = {2025},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39950092},
issn = {2578-9430},
abstract = {Alternaria alternata , a fungus that causes plant diseases, is also a Dark Septate Endophyte (DSE) that can enhance host plant growth by improving access to soil nutrients like nitrogen. To test the environmental factors influencing this relationship, we explored whether A. alternata can utilize both organic and inorganic nitrogen. Our results showed that an A. alternata isolate grew 133% larger in an inorganic nitrogen medium than in an organic nitrogen medium. These findings suggest the need for further research on other DSE taxa and nitrogen forms to better understand fungal nitrogen use.},
}

@article {pmid39949674,
year = {2024},
author = {Mithradas, N and Sudhakar, U and Shanmugapriya, K and Jeddy, N and Ram, S},
title = {The oral-lung microbiome dysbiosis: Unravelling its role in implications for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) pathogenesis.},
journal = {Journal of oral and maxillofacial pathology : JOMFP},
volume = {28},
number = {4},
pages = {619-625},
pmid = {39949674},
issn = {0973-029X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The impact of the oral flora on the composition of the microbiome in the lungs is substantial in both healthy and diseased conditions, contributing significantly to its intricacy. There is mounting evidence from microbiological research that suggests a major ecological relationship between periodontitis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and oral microecosystems. An association has been established between respiratory diseases and disruptions in the symbiotic equilibrium of the oral microbiome. This study aims to explore the intricate connections between oral health and lung microflora, particularly about the pathogenesis of COPD, and to highlight the implications for future research and clinical practice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subgingival Plaque samples were collected from a total of 120 participants with 30 healthy Control (H group),30 Periodontitis with no COPD (P group), 30 COPD with periodontally healthy (COPD) and 30 individuals with COPD and Periodontitis (COPD+ P). All participants underwent evaluation of periodontal measurements like Pocket Depth (PD), Clinical loss of Attachment (CAL), Gingival Index (GI), and Plaque Index (PI) Bacterial DNA was extracted and quantified using Real-time polymerase chain reaction. Using the One-dimensional Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and post-analysis test for multiple comparisons, the mean values of all the clinical parameters were analyzed among the four participant groups. Using the Pearson Correlation coefficient, the parameters were correlated.

RESULTS: Statistical relevant relation was shown among Probing Depth (PD), Clinical Loss of Attachment (CAL), Plaque Index (PI) and Gingival Index (GI) in the COPD+P group. Increased prevalence of Pa (Pseudomonas aeroginosa) seen among P group and COPD+P. A substantial inverse relationship was seen between the absolute levels of Pa, CAL, PI, and lung function measures (Fev1, Fev1/FVC).

CONCLUSION: The importance of maintaining dental health in the prevention and treatment of respiratory disorders is highlighted by the relationships that exist between the oral microecosystem, oral hygiene, and respiratory pathologies. There is substantial potential to decrease the occurrence of respiratory illnesses by practicing good oral care and strategically managing the balance of the oral microbial flora. Therefore, future research efforts should prioritize the characterization of the precise impact of the oral microbiota on pulmonary health and use this knowledge towards developing innovative preventive and treatment measures targeted at combating respiratory infections and related diseases.},
}

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

@article {pmid39948007,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, M and Sun, X and Ye, D and Duan, Y and Li, D and Guo, Y and Wang, M and Huang, Y and Chen, F and Feng, H and Dong, X and Cheng, S and Yu, Y and Xu, S and Zhu, Z},
title = {Corrigendum to "Glycine betaine enhances heavy metal phytoremediation via rhizosphere modulation and nitrogen metabolism in king grass-Serratia marcescens strain S27 symbiosis" [J Hazard Mater 487 (2025) 137153].},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {137555},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.137555},
pmid = {39948007},
issn = {1873-3336},
}

@article {pmid39947842,
year = {2025},
author = {Lodeiro, AR},
title = {Symbiotic nitrogen-fixing rhizobia as a potential source of nitrous oxide emissions.},
journal = {Revista Argentina de microbiologia},
volume = {57},
number = {1},
pages = {1-2},
doi = {10.1016/j.ram.2025.01.003},
pmid = {39947842},
issn = {0325-7541},
}

@article {pmid39947132,
year = {2025},
author = {Wittmers, F and Poirier, C and Bachy, C and Eckmann, C and Matantseva, O and Carlson, CA and Giovannoni, SJ and Goodenough, U and Worden, AZ},
title = {Symbionts of predatory protists are widespread in the oceans and related to animal pathogens.},
journal = {Cell host & microbe},
volume = {33},
number = {2},
pages = {182-199.e7},
doi = {10.1016/j.chom.2025.01.009},
pmid = {39947132},
issn = {1934-6069},
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; Animals ; *Choanoflagellata/physiology ; *Oceans and Seas ; *Phylogeny ; Humans ; Bacteria/genetics/classification ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; Genome, Bacterial ; Fishes/microbiology ; Eukaryota/physiology/genetics ; Microbiota ; },
abstract = {Protists are major predators of ocean microbial life, with an ancient history of entanglements with prokaryotes, but their delicate cell structures and recalcitrance to culturing hinder exploration of marine symbioses. We report that tiny oceanic protistan predators, specifically choanoflagellates-the closest living unicellular relatives of animals-and uncultivated MAST-3 form symbioses with four bacterial lineages related to animal symbionts. By targeting living phagotrophs on ship expeditions, we recovered genomes from physically associated uncultivated Legionellales and Rickettsiales. The evolutionary trajectories of Marinicoxiellaceae, Cosmosymbacterales, Simplirickettsiaceae, and previously named Gamibacteraceae vary, including host-engagement mechanisms unknown in marine bacteria, horizontally transferred genes that mediate pathogen-microbiome interactions, and nutritional pathways. These symbionts and hosts occur throughout subtropical and tropical oceans. Related bacteria were detected in public data from freshwater, fish, and human samples. Symbiont associations with animal-related protists, alongside relationships to animal pathogens, suggest an unexpectedly long history of shifting associations and possibilities for host expansion as environments change.},
}

*Symbiosis
Animals
*Choanoflagellata/physiology
*Oceans and Seas
*Phylogeny
Humans
Bacteria/genetics/classification
Gene Transfer, Horizontal
Genome, Bacterial
Fishes/microbiology
Eukaryota/physiology/genetics
Microbiota

@article {pmid39947128,
year = {2025},
author = {Rahimi-Midani, A and Iatsenko, I},
title = {Colonization island directs L. plantarum to its niche.},
journal = {Cell host & microbe},
volume = {33},
number = {2},
pages = {168-170},
doi = {10.1016/j.chom.2025.01.005},
pmid = {39947128},
issn = {1934-6069},
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology ; *Lactobacillus plantarum/physiology/genetics/metabolism ; Adhesins, Bacterial/metabolism/genetics ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology ; Genomic Islands ; },
abstract = {Symbiotic gut bacteria have evolved mechanisms to selectively recognize and colonize an appropriate host. In a recent issue of Science, Gutiérrez-García et al. reported a colonization island that encodes sugar-binding adhesins used by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum to colonize its symbiotic niche in the foregut of its host, Drosophila melanogaster.},
}

Animals
*Symbiosis
*Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology
*Lactobacillus plantarum/physiology/genetics/metabolism
Adhesins, Bacterial/metabolism/genetics
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology
Genomic Islands

@article {pmid39946910,
year = {2025},
author = {Shirdel, M and Eshghi, S and Shahsavandi, F and Fallahi, E},
title = {Arbuscular mycorrhiza inoculation mitigates the adverse effects of heat stress on yield and physiological responses in strawberry plants.},
journal = {Plant physiology and biochemistry : PPB},
volume = {221},
number = {},
pages = {109629},
doi = {10.1016/j.plaphy.2025.109629},
pmid = {39946910},
issn = {1873-2690},
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form a beneficial symbiotic relationship with plant roots, providing them with ample water and nutrients, especially under stressful conditions. It is inevitable to experience heat stress (HS) due to climate changes. The objective of this study was to investigate the possible role of AMF (with AMF = +AMF and without AMF = -AMF) on the strawberry cvs. ('Paros' and 'Queen Eliza')-resilience to HS at temperatures (control (23), 30, 35, 40, and 45 °C). The experiment was completely randomised and designed as a factorial arrangement with four replicates. The findings indicated that as the temperature increased, there was an increase in electrolyte leakage, proline, soluble carbohydrate contents and the activity of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POX). The presence of AMF at high temperatures improved the relative water content (RWC), maximum quantum efficiency yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), chlorophyll a, b, and total chlorophyll compared to the -AMF. AMF promoted root colonization and the content of phosphorus and potassium, which was more in the cv. 'Paros' than the cv. 'Queen Eliza'. Primary and secondary fruit weights and plant yield were reduced by HS; however, the AMF effectively increased average fruit weight and yield in comparison to plants without AMF. Yield was positively correlated with RWC and Fv/Fm, and root colonization was positively associated with phosphorus concentration. Adding AMF to rhizosphere improved plant growth and nutrient uptake and increased strawberry-resilience to HS. They have achieved this by increasing antioxidative activity, proline, soluble carbohydrates, and RWC. The symbiotic relationship with AMF greatly enhanced the strawberry's ability to tolerate HS.},
}

@article {pmid39946893,
year = {2025},
author = {Poitrimol, C and Thiébaut, É and Boulart, C and Cathalot, C and Rouxel, O and Jollivet, D and Hourdez, S and Matabos, M},
title = {Alpha and beta diversities of hydrothermal vent macrofaunal communities along the southwestern Pacific back-arc basins.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {967},
number = {},
pages = {178694},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.178694},
pmid = {39946893},
issn = {1879-1026},
abstract = {Ecosystems face various pressures, often leading to loss of biodiversity. Understanding how biodiversity is spatially structured, what are the driving factors, and the ecological and evolutionary processes involved is essential to assess communities' resilience to disturbances and guide efficient conservation measures. Hydrothermal vents from national waters of the West Pacific are targeted by mining industries for their mineral resources that include metals used in high-tech equipment. Although exploitation has not yet started, such activity could significantly affect ecosystem biodiversity and functioning. Here, we describe the distribution of hydrothermal biodiversity in the Southwest Pacific back-arc basins and the Futuna Volcanic Arc at different spatial scales in relation to environmental conditions and geography. We focused on three assemblages dominated by symbiotic megafauna: snails (Alviniconcha spp. and Ifremeria nautilei) and mussels (Bathymodiolus spp.). Faunal assemblages exhibit strong spatial structuring: between habitats along the dilution gradient of the hydrothermal fluid, and between geographic basins, with a faunal split between the Western and the Eastern basins of this region, and to a lesser extent, between fields in a basin. Species replacement along the chemical gradient drives faunal changes between Ifremeria and Bathymodiolus assemblages, while a drop in the number of species is noted when making this comparison with the Alviniconcha assemblage. While these local changes may result from environmental filtering along the diffuse flow gradient, geological settings and current geographic barriers, which drive colonization and speciation at larger scales, are likely shaping the vent community changes between the Eastern and Western basins. This result has significant implications for biodiversity conservation, especially in this mineral-rich setting. The Manus Basin is isolated and displays the highest proportion of endemism while the Woodlark Basin represents an important stepping-stone between the Eastern basins and Manus Basin, making them potentially highly vulnerable to mining with a risk of biodiversity loss.},
}

@article {pmid39946845,
year = {2025},
author = {Cheng, D and Yang, Z and Chen, G and Xu, H and Luwei, L and Chen, W},
title = {Design and implementation of an independent-drive bionic dragonfly robot.},
journal = {Bioinspiration & biomimetics},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1088/1748-3190/adb5e4},
pmid = {39946845},
issn = {1748-3190},
abstract = {Bionic flapping wing robots achieve flight by imitating animal flapping wings, which are safe, flexible, and efficient. Their practicality and human-machine symbiosis in narrow and complex environments are better than those of traditional fixed-wing or multirotor drones, which shows a broader application prospect. By systematic and biomimetic methods, a bionic dragonfly robot with four independent drive flapping wings, called DFly-I, was designed. First of all, the mechanical structure of the robot was introduced, especially the fluttering structure and the wing structure. Then, a new motion controller based on multi-channel field-oriented control (FOC) is proposed for its motion mechanism, which relies on four sets of brushless DC motors (BLDCs) based on FOC control and four sets of servos to achieve independent control of the flapping speed, rhythm, and angle of four flapping wings. In addition, the system model is analyzed, and on this basis, the robot motion and posture control are realized by an proportional-integral-derivative and active disturbance rejection (PID-ADRC) based controller. Lastly, a physical prototype was made, and the system was feasible through flight experiments in indoor venues.},
}

@article {pmid39945306,
year = {2025},
author = {Tian, C and Tang, J and Zhu, Q and Guo, X and Shu, Q and Gu, Z and Li, F and Li, B},
title = {A novel detoxification strategy of Bombyx mori (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) to dimethoate based on gut microbiota research.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toaf028},
pmid = {39945306},
issn = {1938-291X},
support = {32172795//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2022GXCSSC26//Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Modern Sericulture and Silk/ ; SNG2023016//Science and Technology Support Program of Suzhou/ ; //Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions/ ; },
abstract = {Bombyx mori (L.) (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) is an important economic insect, and Exorista sorbillans (W.) (Diptera: Tachinidae) is an endoparasitic pest of larval B. mori. Dimethoate is less toxic to B. mori than E. sorbillans and is used in sericulture to controlling E. sorbillans. To investigate the effects of dimethoate treatment on the gut microorganisms and physiological functions of B. mori, 16S rRNA sequencing was used to analyzed the composition and structure of the gut microbiota. This study investigated their role in enhancing silkworm resistance by screening dominant populations after dimethoate treatment. The results indicated that dimethoate did not alter the composition of the dominant gut bacterial groups in silkworm; however, it significantly increased the abundance of the gut bacteria Methylobacterium and Aureimonas, and decreased the abundance of Enterobacterales, Bifidobacterium, Blautia, Collinsella, Faecalibacterium, and Prevotella. Eleven strains of dimethoate-resistant bacteria were selected through in vitro culture, all of which were unable to grow when dimethoate was used as a carbon source. Additionally, a germ-free silkworm model was established to assess detoxifying enzyme activity in the midgut. The results revealed that the gut symbiotic microbiota can enhance dimethoate resistance by increasing detoxification enzyme activity. This study identifies a novel pathway for silkworm resistance to dimethoate based on gut microbiota, providing new insights into the role of symbiotic gut bacteria in insecticide metabolism.},
}

@article {pmid39943019,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, S and Zhang, Y and Yu, X and Cui, M and Jiang, L and Zhang, T and Gao, Y},
title = {Labile Carbon Input Mitigates the Negative Legacy Effects of Nitrogen Addition on Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis in a Temperate Grassland.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {39943019},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {2023E01008//Regional Collaborative Innovation Project of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region/ ; 32271579//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32160312//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Nitrogen (N) deposition and carbon (C) addition significantly influence the dynamics of plant-microbe interactions, particularly altering the symbiotic relationship between plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). However, the effects and underlying mechanisms of labile C input on the relationship between AMF and various plant species in a nitrogen-enriched environment remain a knowledge gap. A seven-year field experiment was conducted to examine how six levels of N and three levels of labile C addition impact AMF colonization in four key plant species: Leymus chinensis (Trin. ex Bunge) Tzvelev, Stipa baicalensis Roshev., Thermopsis lanceolata R. Br. and Potentilla bifurca Linn. Our results showed that N and C additions exert significantly different effects on the relationship between AMF and various plant species. Labile C addition mitigated historical N negative effects, particularly for S. baicalensis, enhancing AMF infection and promoting nutrient exchange under high-N and low-C conditions. The relationship between AMF and both L. chinensis and T. lanceolata changed to weak mutualism under low-N and high-C conditions, with significant decreases in vesicular and arbuscular abundance. Plant root stoichiometry plays a critical role in modulating AMF symbiosis, particularly under high-N and -C conditions, as reflected in the increased AMF infection observed in T. lanceolata and P. bifurca. Our findings emphasize the species-specific and nutrient-dependent AMF symbiosis, revealing that targeted C input can mitigate the legacy effects of N enrichment. Effective nutrient management is of crucial importance for ecological restoration efforts in temperate grasslands affected by long-term N enrichment.},
}

@article {pmid39942989,
year = {2025},
author = {Sulima, AS and Zhuravlev, IY and Alexeeva, EA and Kliukova, MS and Zorin, EA and Rakova, VA and Gordon, ML and Kulaeva, OA and Romanyuk, DA and Akhtemova, GA and Zhernakov, AI and Semenova, EV and Vishnyakova, MA and Tikhonovich, IA and Zhukov, VA},
title = {The Genomic and Phenotypic Characterization of the Sym2[A] Introgression Line A33.18 of Pea (Pisum sativum L.) with the Increased Specificity of Root Nodule Symbiosis.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {39942989},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {agreement № 075-15-2022-320, dated 20 April 2022//Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Russian Federation/ ; },
abstract = {In pea (Pisum sativum L.), alleles of the Sym2 gene determine the specificity of the interaction with nodule bacteria (rhizobia). The Sym2[A] allele present in landraces from Afghanistan provides higher selectiveness toward rhizobia than the Sym2[E] allele present in European cultivars. Rhizobial strains possessing the nodX gene can interact with both Sym2[A] and Sym2[E] peas, while strains lacking nodX can interact only with Sym2[E] peas. Here, we studied the previously obtained introgression line A33.18 bearing Sym2[A] in a homozygous state in the genome of the European pea cultivar 'Rondo'. A33.18 has proved its high selectiveness in pot experiments. Genome sequencing has shown that A33.18 possesses an 18.2 Mb region inherited from Afghanistan pea with 63 genes, including 5 receptor kinase genes, among which was the Sym2 candidate gene LykX. In a field experiment, under inoculation with the nodX[+] strain TOM, over 95% of nodules of A33.18 contained TOM, as opposed to less than 8% of nodules containing TOM in the parental European cultivar 'Rondo'. Thus, introgression of Sym2[A] enabled peas to interact specifically with the nodX[+] strain, favoring the formation of nodules by the strain from the inoculum and protecting peas from the indigenous soil microbiota.},
}