@article {pmid42628764,
year = {2026},
author = {Xiao, R and Li, Y and Liu, P and Chou, HH},
title = {Synthetic microalgal-bacterial symbiotic system integrating oxidase-protease fusion enzyme for simultaneous removal of recalcitrant nitrogen-containing organic compounds and PET microplastics.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {135685},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2026.135685},
pmid = {42628764},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {Industrial wastewaters-particularly those from the printing and dyeing sector-contain complex mixtures of recalcitrant nitrogen-containing organic compounds and microplastics that resist conventional treatment. Here we report a previously undescribed oxidase-protease fusion enzyme (A20674), discovered through transcriptomic analysis of wastewater-acclimated Chlorella vulgaris. Domain dissection reveals that the oxidase-like region drives broad-spectrum removal of N-heterocyclic and aromatic compounds, while the protease-like domain removes organic nitrogen. Engineered overexpression of this enzyme boosted organic nitrogen removal up to fifty-five-fold (final concentration 13-100 mg/L) across different industrial wastewaters. Capitalizing on this metabolic specialization, we constructed a synthetic microalgal-bacterial consortium in which Pseudomonas putida uses microalgal extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) as a carbon source to sustain growth, while supplying indole-3-acetic acid that stimulates microalgal biomass and EPS production. Reciprocal engineering of EPS overproduction in C. vulgaris and enhanced polysaccharide-catabolism in P. putida amplified this mutualistic loop. An evolved, PETase/MHETase-expressing P. putida strain simultaneously acquired elevated IAA output, further strengthening the symbiosis. The optimized consortium reduced organic nitrogen concentrations by sixteen-fold to discharge-compliant levels (≤5 mg/L), enhanced removal of recalcitrant organic nitrogen compounds by five-fold (final concentration 34 mg/L), and improved PET microplastic removal by nine-fold (initial concentration 1 g/L and final concentration 684 mg/L) in printing and dyeing wastewater. These findings uncover a bifunctional enzyme architecture for degrading structurally diverse industrial pollutants, and establish a synthetic-ecology framework for integrated removal of dissolved nitrogen-containing organic compounds and particulate microplastics-a combination unattainable by any single organism or conventional treatment process.},
}

@article {pmid42629340,
year = {2026},
author = {Wan, X and Zhou, Y and Yang, J and Guo, G and Lei, M and Chen, T},
title = {Engineering Plant-Microbiome Interaction Networks for Predictive Soil Bioremediation Under the Stress-Stability Paradox.},
journal = {Physiologia plantarum},
volume = {178},
number = {4},
pages = {e71082},
doi = {10.1111/ppl.71082},
pmid = {42629340},
issn = {1399-3054},
support = {2023YFD1702300//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 4257072380//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {*Biodegradation, Environmental ; *Plants/microbiology/metabolism ; *Soil Microbiology ; *Microbiota/physiology ; Soil/chemistry ; Soil Pollutants/metabolism ; Metals, Heavy/metabolism ; Stress, Physiological ; },
abstract = {Soil pollution poses a profound threat to ecosystem and human health. This review proposes a novel framework centered on engineering biological interaction networks for efficient and sustainable soil decontamination, moving beyond the traditional single-species paradigm. We dissect the architecture and dynamics of key interactions, including plant-plant, plant-microbe, and microbe-microbe interactions, within remediation contexts, elucidating how mechanisms like mutualism, competition, and cross-kingdom signaling govern the fate of heavy metals, organic pollutants, and complex mixtures. Crucially, we explore how these natural networks can be actively engineered through strategies such as targeted bioaugmentation, precision biostimulation, and rational plant community assembly to enhance remediation outcomes. Furthermore, we highlight how cutting-edge multi-omics, synthetic ecology, and computational modeling are transitioning the field from descriptive ecology to predictive network design, enabling the decoding of the soil black box and the rational construction of tailored, resilient remediation consortia. Finally, we discuss the ecological challenges of introducing designed networks and outline a future road map toward precision restoration ecology, where theory-guided interaction network management enables effective, stable, and ecologically sound soil clean-up. This network-centric paradigm represents a fundamental shift from experience-based trial-and-error to a principled design approach for restoring soil health.},
}

*Biodegradation, Environmental
*Plants/microbiology/metabolism
*Soil Microbiology
*Microbiota/physiology
Soil/chemistry
Soil Pollutants/metabolism
Metals, Heavy/metabolism
Stress, Physiological

@article {pmid42630429,
year = {2026},
author = {Preiner, J and Steccari, I and Oburger, E and Wienkoop, S},
title = {Excess molybdenum impairs growth, nitrogen metabolism and nutrient translocation of soybean in Bradyrhizobium symbiosis, with parallels to tungsten stress.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1905971},
doi = {10.3389/fpls.2026.1905971},
pmid = {42630429},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Molybdenum (Mo) serves an important biological role as part of cofactors of various enzymes in all domains of life. In plants, it is critical for nitrogen metabolism and integral to rhizobial enzymes such as nitrogenase, which is essential for plant-rhizobia symbiosis. However, like other transition metals, Mo can be toxic at excess concentrations. Its chemical analog tungsten (W) has no biological function in eukaryotes and is known to be toxic, primarily by inhibiting molybdoenzymes. Previously, we found that soybean (Glycine max) in symbiosis with N2-fixing rhizobia (Bradyrhizobium japonicum) (N fix plants) had greater capacity to synthesize protective compounds in response to W-induced stress than KNO3-fertilized (N fed) plants. This shotgun metabolomic and proteomic study investigates the response of N fed and N fix plants to excess Mo (0.5 mM Na2MoO4), whether the metabolic plasticity observed upon W-stress is also present in Mo-exposed N fix plants and the key drivers of this plasticity. Our results show that, similar to W, excess Mo elicits a strong metabolic response in symbiotic soybean plants, disrupting plant growth, photosynthesis, nitrogen metabolism and the translocation of essential nutrients including Fe, Cu, Mn and S. Furthermore, excess Mo elicits a profile of protective compounds that is qualitatively similar to, but quantitatively distinct from, that seen under W stress. Notably, while this defense response was more pronounced in symbiotic plants (N fix) under W and Mo stress, it did not result in restored plant growth. Together, these findings demonstrate that the deployment of protective compounds is largely independent of whether the excess metal is essential for plant growth. The fact that this response is associated with the plant-rhizobia symbiosis highlights the importance of biotic interactions for shaping a plant's chemical defense against abiotic stress.},
}

@article {pmid42631637,
year = {2026},
author = {Downey, ER and Forero Pinto, AM and Booth, AL and Brown, J and Rejniak, KA and Damaghi, M},
title = {Symbiotic cancer cell-stroma crosstalk in the acidic tumor microenvironment.},
journal = {Journal of evolutionary biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jeb/voag072},
pmid = {42631637},
issn = {1420-9101},
abstract = {The acidic microenvironment (AME) is a defining metabolic feature of solid tumors that fundamentally reshapes tumor-stroma interactions. Tumor acidosis arises from multiple metabolic processes, including hypoxia-driven glycolysis in poorly vascularized regions, the Warburg Effect (WE) in well-perfused areas, and carbon dioxide accumulation from tumor respiration. As a sustained ecological stress distinct from physiological pH (∼7.4), extracellular acidosis imposes powerful selective pressures within the tumor ecosystem. In response, cancer and stromal cells must adapt through selection of pre-existing phenotypic heterogeneity or acclimate through phenotypic plasticity that enables rapid, non-genetic state transitions. AME influences all stromal components, including fibroblasts, macrophages, extracellular matrix proteins such as collagen and fibronectin, and the broader metabolic habitat, thereby remodeling the tumor niche. Through these adaptive processes, acidosis drives stromal reactivity, niche construction, and reciprocal crosstalk that promote tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. This review highlights AME as an ecological force governing cancer-stroma symbiosis and proposes mathematical modeling as a systems-level tool to dissect the dynamic and nonlinear interactions that shape the tumor ecosystem and evolution.},
}

@article {pmid42631855,
year = {2026},
author = {Cemin, AJ and Graeff-Filho, VL and Nolibos, JPS and Miola, ECC and Mello-Farias, P and Cerqueira, VS},
title = {Spore-based arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community in an olive cultivation area in southern Brazil.},
journal = {Archives of microbiology},
volume = {208},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {42631855},
issn = {1432-072X},
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/classification/isolation & purification/genetics/physiology ; *Olea/microbiology/growth & development ; Brazil ; *Spores, Fungal/isolation & purification/classification/genetics ; Soil Microbiology ; *Glomeromycota/classification/isolation & purification ; Rhizosphere ; Seasons ; Phylogeny ; *Mycobiome ; },
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), belonging to the phylum Glomeromycota, establish symbiotic associations with approximately 90% of terrestrial plant species and play a key role in nutrient acquisition, tolerance to abiotic stresses, and agroecosystem functioning. Although olive cultivation has expanded in southern Brazil, information on native AMF communities associated with this crop remains scarce. This study characterized the AMF community associated with the rhizosphere of the olive cultivars Arbequina, Coratina, and Picual cultivated in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Soil sampling was conducted in February 2025, during the summer dry season, when trees were in a vegetative growth, were not flowering or fruiting. Because AMF sporulation may vary according to host phenology and seasonal environmental conditions, the present survey reflects fungal communities under vegetative growth during the dry season. Spores were extracted by wet sieving and identified based on morphological characteristics. Six species belonging to five genera: Acaulospora koskei, Glomus ambisporum, Diversispora globifera, Gigaspora decipiens, Gigaspora rosea, and Scutellospora calospora. G. ambisporum was dominant in all cultivars. Differences among cultivars were observed for G. decipiens, D. globifera, and G. rosea. Cultivar identity explained 56.2% of the total compositional variation. Coratina showed lower evenness due to the dominance of G. ambisporum. SIMPER analysis indicated that G. ambisporum and G. decipiens accounted for 59.7% of the dissimilarity between Arbequina and Coratina. This study represents the first inventory of AMF associated with olive rhizospheres in southern Brazil and provides a basis for selecting native isolates for future inoculant development.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/classification/isolation & purification/genetics/physiology
*Olea/microbiology/growth & development
Brazil
*Spores, Fungal/isolation & purification/classification/genetics
Soil Microbiology
*Glomeromycota/classification/isolation & purification
Rhizosphere
Seasons
Phylogeny
*Mycobiome

@article {pmid42631930,
year = {2026},
author = {Choi, W and Mangal, U and Cha, JK and Cho, H and Ryu, JH and Kim, JY and Koh, WG and Lee, KJ and Kim, KW and Choi, SH and Traverso, G and Hong, J},
title = {A Mucosa-Inspired Dynamic Biointerface Engineering a Biofilm-Preventive Niche Against Pathogenic Microbiome Dysbiosis.},
journal = {Advanced materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e74745},
doi = {10.1002/adma.74745},
pmid = {42631930},
issn = {1521-4095},
support = {//Korea-US Collaborative Research Fund/ ; RS-2024-00468036//Ministry of Science and ICT and Ministry of Health & Welfare/ ; 2025-RISE-10-101//Regional Innovation System & Education/ ; //Regional Anchor company-Academia Partnership Innovation Development/ ; //Institute for Project-Y Seed/ ; RS-2024-00438634//Korea Health Technology R&D Project through the Korea Health Industry Development Institute/ ; //Nano & Material Technology Development Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; RS-2024-00449435//Ministry of Science and ICT/ ; RS-2021-NR059601//National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; RS-2023-00217709//National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; RS-2025-00522998//National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; },
abstract = {A stable symbiosis within the microbiome-host axis is essential for human health. However, preventing microbiome dysbiosis using biomaterials remains challenging due to their unpredictable influence on microbiome evolution. Inspired by the defensive niche of symbiotic mucosa, we have developed a biointerface that forms an engineered mucosa-inspired dynamic niche to prevent pathogenic dysbiosis. This biointerface features a dynamic zwitterionic network that emulates the mucosa's biophysical defensive functions. Notably, by leveraging its dynamic niche, the biointerface restricts microbial attachment and aggregation, thereby preventing biofilm formation. Comprehensive metagenomic analyses reveal that microbial communities adapt to this biofilm-preventive dynamic biointerface compositionally and functionally. In particular, Gram-negative bacteria were relatively reduced, along with decreased abundance of pathways associated with virulence and biofilm formation. Consequently, the mucosa-inspired biointerface intrinsically prevents the development of pathogenic dysbiosis. This study demonstrates the groundbreaking potential of material-based niche engineering to guide the ecological shifts of microbial communities from the material scale.},
}

@article {pmid42624061,
year = {2026},
author = {Wu, Q and Zhang, W and Liao, Y and Lv, Y and Wang, W and Wang, H and Li, S and Zhu, L},
title = {Resolving the electron bottleneck in denitrification for N2O mitigation: The roles of algal-mediated metabolic coupling and extracellular electron shuttling networks.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {307},
number = {},
pages = {126669},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2026.126669},
pmid = {42624061},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {Excessive nitrogen (N) discharge from agriculture and industry causes severe ecological harm. Moreover, conventional nitrogen removal processes often generate N2O, adding to the environmental burden. While algal-bacterial consortium has emerged as a low-carbon alternative to address these issues, the bioenergetic mechanisms governing their N2O-mitigation performance remain poorly understood. In this study, a Chlorella sorokiniana-Paracoccus denitrificans consortium was established to clarify the mechanism underlying enhanced N2O mitigation. The consortium achieved superior total nitrogen removal (86.6%) while mitigating N2O emissions by 67.7% compared with the bacterial monoculture system, effectively overcoming the metabolic limitations of denitrification. The consortium established a coordinated nitrogen-metabolic network, which not only upregulated assimilatory pathways but, crucially, enhanced the expression of downstream reductase genes to prevent intermediate accumulation. Comprehensive analysis revealed that the enhanced nitrogen transformation and N2O mitigation in the MIC&BAC system were driven by a dual mechanism involving assimilation shunt and downstream denitrification reinforcement. In this mechanism, algal-bacterial coupling increased ATP and NAD(P)H availability and promoted nitrogen assimilation into biomass, thereby reducing the nitrogen flux entering the denitrification pathway. Meanwhile, improved reducing-equivalent supply and electron-transfer regulation strengthened terminal N2O reduction to N2. Crucially, we identified a key extracellular "redox capacitor" mechanism mediated by extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). The specific enrichment of humic/fulvic acid components and c-type cytochromes formed a redox-active interfacial network with enhanced charge-transfer capacity. The enhanced extracellular electron transfer (EET) process supported more electron delivery to downstream denitrifying reductases while minimizing N2O accumulation. These findings provide new insights into the bioenergetic and electron-transfer mechanisms governing algal-bacterial symbiosis.},
}

@article {pmid42625229,
year = {2026},
author = {Talebi Bezmin Abadi, A},
title = {AI in academia: navigating ethical crossroads of innovation, integrity, and equity.},
journal = {BMC research notes},
volume = {19},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42625229},
issn = {1756-0500},
mesh = {Humans ; Academia/ethics ; *Artificial Intelligence/ethics ; Generative Artificial Intelligence ; *Biomedical Research/ethics ; Research Personnel/ethics ; },
abstract = {The recent integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into academia could usher in transformative efficiencies across scholarly workflows-from manuscript drafting to data analysis-yet it also presents problematic ethical challenges that urgently require intense attention. While some surveys suggest that over 50% of researchers employ AI chatbots like ChatGPT and DeepSeek for tasks such as language refinement and administrative coordination, their adoption raises potential concerns about cognitive dependency, systemic bias, and accountability gaps. AI tools can enhance productivity by automating repetitive tasks, democratizing access for non-native English speakers, and streamlining literature synthesis. However, reliance on these systems could gradually erode critical thinking skills, particularly among early-career researchers pressured to prioritize publication quantity over rigor. Ethical ambiguities seem to persist: AI-generated content may complicate authorship norms, potentially entrench biases against Global South scholarship, and introduce risks of misinformation. Transparency deficits could further undermine trust, as undisclosed AI use might compromise peer review integrity and patient privacy in medical research. To balance innovation with ethical imperatives, this study advocates a tripartite framework: [1] ethical governance, including mandated disclosure of AI contributions and inclusive dataset curation to mitigate bias; [2] symbiotic human-AI collaboration, preserving human oversight in critical analysis and interpretation; and [3] equitable innovation, leveraging AI to bridge global research disparities. Unresolved challenges-such as accountability for AI errors and the potential cognitive consequences of prolonged dependency-appear to underscore the urgent need for global standards to clarify liability and preserve academic rigor while fostering equitable innovation. Proactive engagement from journals, institutions, and developers may be essential to ensure AI augments, rather than undermines, the integrity and equity of scholarly ecosystems.},
}

Humans
Academia/ethics
*Artificial Intelligence/ethics
Generative Artificial Intelligence
*Biomedical Research/ethics
Research Personnel/ethics

@article {pmid42625297,
year = {2026},
author = {Torres-Llamas, A and Sampedro, A and Díaz-Sáez, V and Morales-Yuste, M and Rodríguez-Granger, J and Pedrosa-Corral, I and Navarro-Marí, JM and Morillas-Márquez, F and Martín-Sánchez, J},
title = {Natural Infection by Toscana Virus and Other Phleboviruses in Wild Sand Flies From Spain: Prevalence, Genetic Characterization and Tripartite Interactions With Leishmania infantum and Wolbachia.},
journal = {Zoonoses and public health},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/zph.70086},
pmid = {42625297},
issn = {1863-2378},
support = {PID2022-142230NB-I00//Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033)/ ; PREP2022-000570//Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033)/ ; PID2022-142230NB-I00//FEDER, EU/ ; PREP2022-000570//FSE+/ ; //Universidad de Granada/CBUA/ ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Toscana virus (TOSV) and Leishmania species are sand fly-borne pathogens that pose a significant public health threat and an increasing risk of exposure in Europe. The objective of this study was to identify the phleboviruses circulating in an area endemic for sand fly-borne pathogens and to estimate infection prevalence in wild sand fly populations. We also aimed to analyse co-infections with L. infantum and the symbiotic bacterium Wolbachia.

METHODS: The study was conducted in southern Spain. Sand flies were collected using CDC light traps, morphologically identified and DNA/RNA was extracted individually or in pools. A generic RT-nested PCR was used to detect phleboviruses, followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Leishmania infantum loads were quantified by qPCR, and Wolbachia was detected by PCR.

RESULTS: We found that 2/443 individual sand flies (0.45%) and 8/64 pools (12.5%) were infected with phleboviruses, with an estimated prevalence of 1.9%. We confirm the circulation of TOSV-lineage B, together with Massilia-like virus and Alcube virus, in three sand fly species, and report novel strains of these phleboviruses. In addition, two Phlebotomus perniciosus individuals were co-infected with TOSV-lineage B and Wolbachia wPrn. We also detected L. infantum in 27.6% (60/217) of individuals, 66.7% (40/60) of which were co-infected with Wolbachia. Mean L. infantum loads [log-(parasite load +1)] in specimens co-infected with Wolbachia were not significantly different from those in uninfected specimens (p = 0.4).

CONCLUSIONS: This study provides further evidence for the continued circulation of TOSV and other phleboviruses in sand fly populations in southern Spain, with an estimated prevalence higher than that reported in the same region over a decade ago. Our study provides the first evidence of co-infection with TOSV-lineage B and Wolbachia in P. perniciosus, as well as a high proportion of specimens co-infected with Wolbachia and L. infantum. Understanding these co-infection dynamics is essential to elucidate the potential role of Wolbachia and the impact of Leishmania-phlebovirus co-infection on transmission.},
}

@article {pmid42625767,
year = {2026},
author = {Jiang, T and Wang, Y and Wang, C and Zhou, Z},
title = {The evolution and reconstruction of digital addiction: from compulsive consumption in the internet era to symbiotic dependence in the artificial intelligence era.},
journal = {Frontiers in psychology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1858405},
pmid = {42625767},
issn = {1664-1078},
abstract = {With the development of generative artificial intelligence (AI), human-computer interaction has shifted from a primarily instrumental function to a more human-like symbiotic relationship. However, current research on digital addiction (DA) remains limited to the compulsive consumption characteristic of the Web 2.0 era and does not adequately address the new pathological features emerging with AI. This study uses a narrative review method to systematically trace the evolution from internet addiction disorder to smartphone addiction, and subsequently to AI addiction. Research indicates that DA has progressed from dopamine-driven sensory pursuits to anthropomorphic interaction and cognitive offloading, now influenced by oxytocin and the law of cognitive economy. Building on these findings, this article introduces the concept of "intelligent symbiotic digital addiction," which encompasses "algorithmic intimacy disorder" at the emotional level and "generative dependency syndrome" at the cognitive level. Additionally, it presents the "dual-track drive" pathological theory of cognitive and emotional symbiosis, analyzes the internal mechanisms of subjectivity alienation, offers new perspectives for addressing pathological challenges in the AI era, and suggests directions for future algorithm ethics oversight and clinical intervention.},
}

@article {pmid42625942,
year = {2025},
author = {Pardis, N and Mostafa, N and Fazel, P},
title = {Isolation and Antibacterial Properties of Actinomycetes From Yellow Olive Tree (Olea europaea).},
journal = {Archives of Razi Institute},
volume = {80},
number = {6},
pages = {1533-1542},
pmid = {42625942},
issn = {2008-9872},
mesh = {*Olea/microbiology ; *Actinobacteria/isolation & purification/chemistry/physiology/genetics ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; *Endophytes/isolation & purification/chemistry ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/analysis ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The symbiotic relationships between actinomycetes and their host plants further enhance their potential as sources of bioactive compounds. These bacteria produce a wide array of secondary metabolites with antimicrobial, insecticidal, and anticancer properties, making them valuable for bioprospecting in pharmaceuticals and agriculture. The ineffectiveness of existing antibiotics has resulted in higher morbidity and mortality rates, alongside escalating healthcare costs due to treatment failures. The rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens poses a significant threat to global health, necessitating the discovery of novel antimicrobial agents.

MATERIALS & METHODS: This study isolates and characterizes endophytic actinomycetes from the yellow olive tree (Olea europaea), a plant known for its rich phytochemical composition, to evaluate their antibacterial potential against ESKAPE pathogens. Samples were collected from olive tree roots, yielding 54 bacterial isolates, of which 45(83.3%) were identified as actinomycetes through 16S rRNA gene amplification. Among these, 16 isolates (35.6%) exhibited antibacterial activity against drug-sensitive and drug-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

RESULTS: Molecular screening revealed that 66.7%, 28.9%, and 93.3% of the isolates harbored non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS), polyketide synthase I (PKS-I), and polyketide synthase II (PKS-II) genes, respectively, which are associated with secondary metabolites biosynthesis. However, no direct correlation was found between these biosynthetic genes and antibacterial activity, suggesting that gene expression and environmental factors play crucial roles in metabolite production.

CONCLUSION: The study highlights the potential of endophytic actinomycetes from O. europaea as a source of novel antimicrobial compounds, particularly in the fight against MDR pathogens. These findings underscore the importance of exploring plant-associated microbes for developing new therapeutic agents to address the global antibiotic resistance crisis.},
}

*Olea/microbiology
*Actinobacteria/isolation & purification/chemistry/physiology/genetics
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
*Endophytes/isolation & purification/chemistry
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/analysis

@article {pmid42626785,
year = {2026},
author = {Konečná, E and Steinová, J and Černajová, I and Grewe, F},
title = {Unravelling the Secret of Phantom Phenotypes in Macrolichens: Insights From Cladonia bellidiflora Complex.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {35},
number = {16},
pages = {e70515},
doi = {10.1111/mec.70515},
pmid = {42626785},
issn = {1365-294X},
support = {24-10510K//Grantová Agentura České Republiky/ ; 111824//Grantová Agentura, Univerzita Karlova/ ; EHP-BFNU-OVNKM-3-056-2020//EEA and Norway grants 2014-2021/ ; //The Grainger Foundation/ ; UNCE/24/SCI/006//University Centre of Excellence (UNCE)/ ; },
mesh = {*Phenotype ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; *Ascomycota/genetics/classification ; *Lichens/genetics/microbiology/classification ; DNA, Fungal/genetics ; DNA, Ribosomal Spacer/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Actins/genetics ; Chlorophyta/genetics ; },
abstract = {Lichens are unique among symbiotic organisms because their distinctive features develop only through interactions between the partners and differ from the appearance of each partner when grown separately in culture. Traditionally, lichen phenotype has been assumed to be determined by the mycobiont; however, exceptions exist that challenge the universal validity of this rule. One example is the phenomenon of 'phantom phenotypes', where lichens with genetically indistinguishable mycobionts exhibit distinct morphologies, sometimes better explained by differences among other symbiotic partners. In previous work, we documented such a case in the Cladonia bellidiflora complex, a group of red-fruited macrolichens with striking morphological and ecological variation, in which photobiont identity corresponded more closely to phenotype than the mycobiont when studied using five molecular markers. Here, we investigate this phenomenon using restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) of both fungal and algal symbionts, combined with Sanger sequencing of ITS rDNA and the actin locus of the photobiont. Our results indicate that recent fungal divergence, together with correlated photobiont differentiation, is associated with the observed phenotypic differentiation, highlighting the importance of sensitive methods in similar cases. Specifically, RADseq analyses revealed a clear split between C. bellidiflora and all sorediate taxa, including C. polydactyla and C. umbricola, which showed no genomic differentiation, supporting their recognition as a single species. Additionally, substrate preference, symbiont associations and dispersal strategy appear to have acted in parallel to shape diversification in this complex. Photobiont data revealed unexpected patterns: esorediate C. bellidiflora associated with narrow photobiont sets, whereas sorediate lineages harboured a broader photobiont pool.},
}

*Phenotype
*Symbiosis/genetics
Sequence Analysis, DNA
*Ascomycota/genetics/classification
*Lichens/genetics/microbiology/classification
DNA, Fungal/genetics
DNA, Ribosomal Spacer/genetics
Phylogeny
Actins/genetics
Chlorophyta/genetics

@article {pmid42627030,
year = {2026},
author = {McDougall, R and Storey, M and Hall, K and Feldman, S and Geluk, M and Halpin, W and Simionato, J and Luo, J and Ko, D},
title = {Responding Ethically to Violence From Patients and Families in the Hospital Emergency Department: A Symbiotic Empirical Ethics Study.},
journal = {Bioethics},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/bioe.70176},
pmid = {42627030},
issn = {1467-8519},
support = {2023/000175//Avant Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {Violent behaviour by patients and families is a significant issue facing healthcare providers, with a particularly high prevalence in hospital emergency departments. Occupational violence and aggression (OVA) puts both staff and patients at risk of physical and psychological harm and can affect the delivery of timely patient care. To help address this issue, many healthcare settings have adopted zero-tolerance language in relation to OVA. Drawing on interviews with 25 emergency department staff in one Australian hospital, we argue that a more nuanced ethical approach is needed and develop a framework of values for responding ethically to OVA incidents in the emergency department. Staff are ethically and legally entitled to a safe working environment, and their safety should be protected. Yet some patients acting aggressively, including patients without capacity, need emergency medical or psychiatric healthcare and ways must be found to deliver such care. For some other patients and visitors however, removal from the hospital is ethically appropriate. The unique uncertainty and urgency of emergency department work means that six values are important in ethical responses to OVA: staff safety, the health needs of the patient acting aggressively, the patient's decision-making capacity, community safety, fair resource allocation, and compassion. We argue for an approach which prioritizes staff safety while also considering the other values, in order to generate nuanced ethical decisions which are sensitive to the range of OVA situations that arise in emergency departments.},
}

@article {pmid42627153,
year = {2026},
author = {Wei, N and Lu, J and Chai, B and Sun, S and Zhou, B and Lin, Z},
title = {Stage- and host-dependent microbiome remodeling and reciprocal changes between Haemaphysalis longicornis and host skin.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0086426},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.00864-26},
pmid = {42627153},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {Ticks harbor diverse microbial communities that are crucial for their biology and capacity to transmit pathogens. Although interactions between tick and host skin microbiomes are likely to play critical roles in feeding and pathogen transmission, these reciprocal changes during tick-host interactions remain largely unexplored. Here, we used 16S rRNA-seq to investigate how blood feeding by Haemaphysalis longicornis (larvae, nymphs, and adults) influences both the tick microbiome and the host skin microbiome. We further characterized microbial distribution across major tick tissues. Results revealed that feeding on different host species (mice vs rabbits) significantly altered the tick microbiome. Blood feeding reshaped microbial communities in the salivary glands and midgut, whereas the ovarian microbiome exhibited remarkable stability, suggesting the maintenance of a conserved symbiotic microbial core. Notably, Coxiella was identified as the dominant and stable bacterial symbiont across developmental stages and tissues and was consistently detected in eggs, suggesting that persistent vertical transmission may contribute to tick development, fitness, and nutritional homeostasis. On the other hand, Staphylococcus was consistently enriched at tick bite sites across host species and developmental stages, indicating that it may represent a key microbial responder involved in local microbiome remodeling and host skin responses to tick feeding. Collectively, these findings suggest that blood feeding drives dynamic remodeling of both tick and host skin-associated microbiomes and highlights Coxiella persistence and Staphylococcus enrichment as key microbial signatures of tick-host microbial interactions. Our study advances current understanding of microbiome cross-talk at the tick-host interface and provides new insights into microbiome-mediated mechanisms that may influence tick adaptation, host responses, and pathogen transmission. These findings also highlight potential opportunities for the development of microbiome-based strategies for the control of ticks and tick-borne diseases.IMPORTANCEMicrobial communities are fundamental regulators of host physiology, development, and ecological interactions. In arthropod vectors, microbiomes play important roles in development, reproduction, and pathogen transmission. However, the dynamic interactions between vector-associated microbiomes and host skin microbiomes during blood feeding remain poorly understood, particularly in ticks. Here, we found that both tick-associated and host skin microbiomes showed stage- and host-dependent alterations following tick bites. Host species differentially reshaped microbial communities across tick tissues, whereas tick bites reciprocally altered the composition of host skin microbiomes. The stable vertical maintenance of Coxiella and the enrichment of Staphylococcus at bite sites suggest that specific microbial taxa might be involved in tick and host ecological interactions. Collectively, our findings provide evidence for bidirectional microbiome modulation at the tick-host interface and highlight potential targets for the development of microbiome-based strategies to control ticks and tick-borne diseases.},
}

@article {pmid42628369,
year = {2026},
author = {Zheng, M and Liu, Y and Qiu, S and Chen, G and Ge, S and Liang, H},
title = {Dark-light cycle driven metabolic H2/O2 switching for benzothiazole removal and sulfate transformation in a nano-Fe3O4-assisted anoxic bacterial-microalgal biofilm.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {307},
number = {},
pages = {126737},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2026.126737},
pmid = {42628369},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {Benzothiazole (BTH) and sulfate coexist in thiazole-containing pharmaceutical wastewater, but their biological removal is constrained by conflicting redox requirements for oxidative ring cleavage and reductive sulfate transformation. Here, a nano-Fe3O4-assisted anoxic bacterial-microalgal biofilm (ABMB) was constructed to couple dark-light cycle driven metabolic H2/O2 switching with pollutant conversion. During long-term operation (60 days) at a hydraulic retention time of 24 h, the nano-Fe3O4-assisted ABMB achieved 99.3 ± 0.7% BTH removal, 92.9 ± 2.1% sulfate removal, and 49.8 ± 8.7% total organic carbon removal, outperforming suspended and unmodified biofilm systems. Metabolism analysis indicated that BTH was transformed through hydroxylation and thiazole-ring cleavage to 2-mercaptophenyl-carbamate and further degradable intermediates, whereas sulfate was converted mainly into recoverable elemental sulfur. The 6 h dark/6 h light cycle was optimal for coordinating the sulfate reduction and the BTH oxidation degradation. Metagenomic and physiological analyses further validated that nano-Fe3O4 enhanced extracellular electron transfer, regulated photosynthetic activity and optimized biofilm structure, as well as enriched key genes related to BTH oxidation, sulfate reduction, and sulfide oxidation. This system breaks the conventional reliance on microalgae solely for O2 supply by harnessing a dark-light cycle driven metabolic H2/O2 switching mechanism. It provides a paradigm shift in bacterial-microalgal symbiosis with a sustainable, zero-aeration, and resource-oriented strategy for treating thiazole-containing wastewater.},
}

@article {pmid42618361,
year = {2026},
author = {Zwahlen, SM and Vincent, F},
title = {Symbiotic capacity in a changing ocean: emerging questions around phytoplankton interactions.},
journal = {Trends in ecology & evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.tree.2026.07.009},
pmid = {42618361},
issn = {1872-8383},
abstract = {Phytoplankton fix half of global CO2 annually and drive key global nutrient cycles. They depend on interactions with bacteria, viruses, and protists. Yet our understanding of these interactions remains fragmented. We introduce symbiotic capacity-an organism's ability to initiate, maintain, and modulate partnerships-as a quantifiable trait fundamental to phytoplankton ecology and resilience in changing oceans. By adapting Tinbergen's four questions from ethology, we reveal critical gaps in our knowledge regarding phytoplankton symbiotic capacity. While functional benefits, molecular mechanisms, and evolutionary origins of phytoplankton symbioses are increasingly documented, their developmental dynamics remain almost entirely unexplored. Bridging molecular mechanisms to planetary-scale biogeochemical processes requires a fifth question and suitable model systems, such as Chaetoceros diatoms, that integrate laboratory tractability with ecological relevance.},
}

@article {pmid42618688,
year = {2026},
author = {Atwa, MAM and El-Abeid, SE},
title = {Bioformulations of Entrophospora lutea enriched with biostimulants for growth promotion and control of Rhizoctonia root rot in lupine.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42618688},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {*Rhizoctonia/drug effects/growth & development ; *Lupinus/microbiology/growth & development ; *Plant Roots/microbiology/growth & development ; *Plant Diseases/microbiology/prevention & control ; *Mycorrhizae/physiology ; Symbiosis ; Soil Microbiology ; },
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) Entrophospora lutea was previously selected as a highly compatible isolate for lupine, and the main objective of the present study was to further improve its performance and practical applicability by developing two E. lutea formulations using peat and vermiculite carriers enriched with various biostimulants. Incorporating biostimulants into AMF formulations can enhance fungal performance and root symbiosis. The first formulation contained proline, ascorbic acid, and hemicellulose, whereas the second contained proline, humic acid, and mannitol. Both formulations improved AMF performance by increasing the number of infective propagules and root colonization rate. Their efficacy against Rhizoctonia root rot in lupine was evaluated in comparison with unamended E. lutea and the fungicide Rizolex under greenhouse and field conditions. Under greenhouse conditions, Formulation 2 increased plant survival to 92% and reduced disease severity to 24.2%, compared with 48% survival and 65.8% disease severity in the infected control. Root colonization reached 78% and 69% for Formulations 1 and 2, respectively, compared with 53% for the unamended E. lutea. These improvements were associated with enhanced plant growth, nodulation, nitrogenous activity, and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities. Formulation 2 showed a more pronounced effect with increased proline accumulation and caused 82.6% reduction in H2O2 accumulation compared with the infected control. Under field conditions, both formulations improved yield compared with the untreated control across the two growing seasons. No significant differences were observed between the AMF formulations and Rizolex for most evaluated parameters. These findings demonstrate that the developed biostimulants-enriched AMF formulations are effective and environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical fungicides for controlling R. solani root rot in lupine, while improving plant growth and productivity.},
}

*Rhizoctonia/drug effects/growth & development
*Lupinus/microbiology/growth & development
*Plant Roots/microbiology/growth & development
*Plant Diseases/microbiology/prevention & control
*Mycorrhizae/physiology
Symbiosis
Soil Microbiology

@article {pmid42618767,
year = {2026},
author = {Heaver, SL and Ley, RE},
title = {Bacterial lipid structural diversity mediates commensalism and pathogenesis.},
journal = {Nature reviews. Microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42618767},
issn = {1740-1534},
abstract = {The human immune system must continuously distinguish between pathogenic bacteria and the numerous symbiotic bacteria that live in and on our bodies. In part, this distinction is driven by host sensing of specific lipid structures that comprise the bacterial membrane. Bacterial lipids from commensal and pathogenic bacteria alike are sensed via lipid recognition receptors, initiating downstream responses in the innate and adaptive immune systems. However, structural variations in the lipids from commensal bacteria tend to enable overall less stimulatory or more immunomodulatory outcomes following host recognition. This contributes to homeostatic immunity in their hosts, supporting normal immune development, proper immune responses and functional gut physiology. Conversely, in some pathogens, similar lipid modifications enable evasion or modulation of the immune system. Here, we review how the detection of pathogenic and commensal lipids via Toll-like receptor 2, Toll-like receptor 4 and CD1 lipid antigen presentation is mediated by bacterial lipid structure, with subsequent outcomes on host physiology.},
}

@article {pmid42619259,
year = {2026},
author = {Van Haeften, S and Brunner, SM and Dinglasan, E and Fabreag, E and Eyre, J and Mens, C and Hayes, BJ and Udvardi, M and Alahmad, S and Eglinton, M and McQuinn, R and Ryan, M and van der Meer, S and Smith, MR and Hickey, LT},
title = {Genetic legacy effects in a mungbean-wheat rotation reveal potential to breed for system-level yield gains.},
journal = {Plant communications},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {102081},
doi = {10.1016/j.xplc.2026.102081},
pmid = {42619259},
issn = {2590-3462},
abstract = {Legume crops provide protein-rich food, critical disease breaks in cereal rotations, and contribute to soil fertility through symbiotic nitrogen fixation. However, crop improvement programs typically focus on within-crop performance rather than system-level benefits. We hypothesise that legacy effects (the influence of one crop's genotype on subsequent crop performance) are under genetic control and could be leveraged in breeding programs. To test this, we evaluated how 309 genetically diverse mungbean genotypes influence subsequent wheat performance. The mungbean panel was grown, followed by a single wheat cultivar sown in the same plot locations. Remarkably, wheat yield varied by nearly 1 t ha[-1] (2.52-3.49 t ha[-1]) depending solely on the preceding mungbean genotype, with legacy effects displaying moderate heritability (H[2]: 0.43-0.65) and demonstrating untapped genetic potential for breeding, although these estimates derive from a single site and season and require validation across environments. Analyses of mungbean traits, soil properties, and volatile organic compounds identified root architecture, symbiotic nitrogen fixation and the soil microbiome as candidate mechanisms underlying legacy effects, which remain to be tested directly. Haplotype mapping identified genomic regions in mungbean associated with wheat yield, and to a lesser extent grain protein, revealing trade-offs between within-crop performance and legacy effects. Genetic simulations using empirically derived marker effects compared genomic selection strategies targeting mungbean yield, wheat yield, or both simultaneously. A selection strategy placing equal weight on mungbean yield and subsequent wheat yield (50:50 weighting) achieved simultaneous gains in both crops (19.5% and 7.6%), highlighting the opportunity to breed for system-level productivity with reduced input requirements.},
}

@article {pmid42619407,
year = {2026},
author = {Jiang, J and Cao, Y and Dirbaba, NB and Xia, Y and Xie, J},
title = {Symbiont-mediated insecticide resistance in insect hosts: Mechanisms and integrated management prospects.},
journal = {Insect science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1744-7917.70340},
pmid = {42619407},
issn = {1744-7917},
support = {2025YFA0924200//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 2024CDJQYJCYJ-001//Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities/ ; },
abstract = {The rapid escalation of insecticide resistance poses a profound threat to global food security and public health. While chemical resistance mechanisms are well characterized, the functional contribution of symbiotic microorganisms has only recently gained prominence. However, the intricate molecular cross-talk between insect symbionts and host detoxification pathways remains poorly defined, constraining our capacity to leverage these interactions for resistance management. This review synthesizes current findings on how endosymbionts and gut microbiota modulate insecticide resistance across diverse pest lineages. We critically evaluate evidence from multiple systems, underscoring the inherent complexity and context-dependency of symbiont-mediated effects. A pivotal insight emerging from this synthesis is the dual role of specific symbionts, which may either augment or attenuate host resistance contingent upon environmental stressors and host genetic architecture. Building on these foundations, we propose a "holobiont" that conceptualizes the insect host and its associated microbiota as a unified functional entity in the evolution of resistance. This framework identifies discrete molecular interfaces and symbiont taxa as promising candidates for intervention. By integrating mechanistic insights with applied objectives, this review delineates a strategic roadmap for the development of sustainable, next-generation tools to mitigate the spread of insecticide resistance.},
}

@article {pmid42619427,
year = {2026},
author = {Sun, X and Liu, BQ and Chen, ZB and Li, CQ and Li, XY and Luan, JB},
title = {A horizontally acquired pantothenate gene drives vitellogenin's benefit to whitefly symbiosis persistence.},
journal = {Insect science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1744-7917.70345},
pmid = {42619427},
issn = {1744-7917},
support = {2024-BSLH-278//Department of Science and Technology of Liaoning Province/ ; 32402376//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2025T181038//The China Postdoctoral Science Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {Insects can survive in nutrient-poor environments owing to nutritional symbionts that produce vitamins and essential amino acids (EAAs). Nonetheless, how symbionts actively benefit from this nutritional symbiosis remains incompletely understood. Horizontally transferred genes (HTGs) expressed in bacteriocytes can function autonomously or cooperatively with symbionts to biosynthesize EAAs or B vitamins. We previously demonstrated that the horizontally transferred panBC and the symbiont Portiera cooperatively synthesize vitamin B5 (pantothenate), thereby enhancing whitefly fecundity. Beyond supporting host reproduction, this nutritional symbiosis also confers a fitness advantage on the symbionts. We further showed that induction of autophagy reduces symbiont abundance in bacteriocytes, whereas inhibition of autophagy increases it. Here, we found that silencing panBC reduced Portiera titer, impaired whitefly oogenesis, and disrupted vitellogenin (Vg) localization in ovarioles and bacteriocytes by modulating juvenile hormone biosynthesis. Pantothenate supplementation restored Vg localization in panBC RNAi whiteflies. Furthermore, silencing either Vg or panBC induced autophagy in bacteriocytes, and rapamycin-induced autophagy decreased symbiont titers. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that pantothenate, synthesized cooperatively by the horizontally transferred panBC and Portiera, regulates Vg localization in whiteflies and that Vg, in turn, protects symbionts from autophagic degradation. Our study suggests that horizontally transferred genes and symbionts jointly contribute to an important role of Vg in maintaining and shaping the evolution of insect-symbiont interactions. This study advances our understanding of how HTGs contribute to the persistence of nutritional symbiosis.},
}

@article {pmid42619670,
year = {2026},
author = {Song, H and Xu, B and Guo, Y and Zhou, C and Yang, M and Liu, Y and Zhong, Z and Li, CY and Tian, X and Wang, Y and Flatau, R and Wang, M and Zhang, T and Distel, DL and Li, Y},
title = {Hologenomics of xylotrophic bivalves reveals a minimalist, remote-acting evolutionary strategy of wood digestion.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.64898/2026.07.25.740686},
pmid = {42619670},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {Wood constitutes the largest reservoir of biogenic carbon on Earth, yet remarkably few animals can exploit it. While terrestrial wood-feeders like termites rely on highly diverse gut microbiomes, xylotrophic marine bivalves have evolved a fundamentally different approach: a spatially segregated system where intracellular gill symbionts produce enzymes that act remotely within a nearly sterile cecum. However, the genetic and evolutionary basis of this unique symbiosis remains largely elusive. Here, we integrate hologenomics, transcriptomics, and biochemistry of a shallow-water shipworm (Teredo navalis) and a deep-sea borer (Xyloredo sp.). We find that despite diverging approximately 147 million years ago and occupying drastically different habitats, these bivalves maintain a strictly conserved ancestral karyotype and a shared genomic architecture for wood digestion. Our models reveal a clear host-symbiont division of labor. The host genome is specialized for lignin modification and targeted enzyme transport, whereas a highly streamlined symbiont community is responsible for core polysaccharide degradation. Central to this minimalist strategy is a lineage-specific GH5-GH6 dual-catalytic enzyme. By sharing amino acids across proximal binding pockets, this fusion protein unites endo- and exo-cellulase activities, enabling highly synergistic cellulose cleavage without the need for complex microbial communities. Ultimately, our comparative analysis with terrestrial models demonstrates that these marine invertebrates achieve efficient biomass degradation not through microbial expansion, but through extreme functional streamlining and molecular innovation, offering a distinct evolutionary paradigm for marine carbon cycling.},
}

@article {pmid42619704,
year = {2026},
author = {Guha, S and Gil Polo, MA and Paillan, E and Sutherland, J and Bingham, E and Clouse, K and Burghardt, L},
title = {Alfalfa varieties can weakly choose beneficial nitrogen-fixing bacteria from a population isolated from a single field.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.64898/2026.06.12.731664},
pmid = {42619704},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {In natural and agricultural systems, legumes recruit rhizobia from diverse soil populations to fix nitrogen in root nodules. A few legumes, including the model legume Medicago truncatula, can select and enrich beneficial rhizobia. Here, we investigated whether its perennial relative, Medicago sativa (alfalfa), a globally important forage crop, also possesses this ability. We developed a genetically variable collection of 117 Sinorhizobium meliloti strains sampled from three field-grown alfalfa varieties, performed multi-strain and single-strain inoculations in a nitrogen-free greenhouse experiment across the same hosts, and evaluated plant benefits and relative strain fitness in nodules. Alfalfa varieties differed in which strains best promoted plant growth and which strains had high fitness in nodules. Regressing strain fitness and host benefit revealed that two of three alfalfa varieties selected and enriched more beneficial strains during symbiosis, though the strength of selection was weak. In alignment with these results, no variety produced as much biomass in mixed inoculation as it did with the best-performing single strain. Legumes' ability to enrich beneficial rhizobial populations from field-representative strain diversity warrants further study to develop optimized varieties. Ultimately, identifying crop varieties that naturally select for beneficial bacteria could reduce the need for repeated inoculant applications.},
}

@article {pmid42619727,
year = {2026},
author = {Ruggeri, M and Bedgood, S and Cai, JB and Qian, J and Montesanto, F and McCauley, M and Dyer, GE and Oluokun, A and Fowowe, M and Oluokun, O and Mechref, Y and Harii, S and Loesgen, S and Weis, VM},
title = {Thermal pre-treatment of algal symbiont species differentially affects coral development.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.64898/2026.07.24.739192},
pmid = {42619727},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {The foundation of coral reef ecosystems centered around the nutritional relationship between corals and intracellular algal symbionts. Although these symbioses are highly obligate for coral hosts, many partnerships are re-established anew with each coral generation. Furthermore, climate change destabilizes the symbiosis, and the cellular mechanisms underlying successful symbiont colonization of hosts and host development, and how they are affected by thermal stress are poorly understood. Here, we explored the effect of algal species and thermal treatments on symbiont and host cell proliferation by offering Acropora tenuis larvae one of four algal species pre-exposed to elevated or ambient temperature. In addition, we characterized the cell-surface glycome of each species-temperature combination to understand its role in symbiont recognition and proliferation. We found that thermal pre-treatment negatively affected algal photosynthetic efficiency and initial symbiont density in hosts, but did not affect symbiont colonization rate or cell proliferation. In contrast, host cell proliferation was affected in a species-specific manner. Thermal pre-treatment of B. minutum and D. trenchii negatively affected host cell proliferation compared to control symbionts, whereas thermal treatment of S. microadriaticum did not affect developmental outcomes. Further, uptake of thermally pre-treated D. trenchii decreased host cell proliferation below that of larvae not offered any symbionts, indicating that this relationship is costly to host development despite the high thermal tolerance of this species. Algal surface glycan composition varied across species but not by thermal pre-treatment, suggesting reductions in density of thermally pre-treated algae may be due to changes in physiology rather than altered surface chemistry. Further, variation in glycan abundance across species did not track differences in colonization rate or symbiont density, hinting towards a smaller role of glycans in host-symbiont specificity.},
}

@article {pmid42619780,
year = {2026},
author = {Fong, V and Ly, M and Erickson, AW and Abeysundara, N and Hendrikse, L and Ommeren, RV and Balin, P and Mishra, J and Livingston, B and Skowron, P and Sirbu, O and Mankahla, N and Zhang, J and Richman, C and Suarez, R and Huang, N and Wang, H and Qin, L and Douglas, T and Pallotta, J and Mak, E and Kumar, SA and Kaushik, AK and Vu, H and Zacharias, L and Veerasammy, K and Chen, YX and Ocsenas, O and Voisin, V and Taj, F and Koubourli, D and Dzieciol, V and Xu, L and Harvey, M and Fan, JJ and Przelicki, D and Yeh, A and Kharas, K and Rasnitsyn, A and Wang, E and Ong, W and Jubenville, T and Yang, Q and Huang, X and Ayrault, O and Wechsler-Reya, R and Egan, SE and Largaespada, D and DeBerardinis, RJ and Ye, H and Abzalimov, R and Stein, L and Ellison, DW and Bader, G and Lucas, CH and Saulnier, O and Shih, D and Reimand, J and Daniels, C and Singh, S and Agnihotri, S and Rich, JN and Ramaswamy, V and Taylor, MD and Wu, X},
title = {Medulloblastoma Forms Symbiotic Metabolic Partnerships with Macrophages to Establish Leptomeningeal Metastases.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.64898/2026.07.26.740417},
pmid = {42619780},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {Leptomeningeal metastases are the primary source of morbidity and mortality for pediatric medulloblastoma patients. Due to limited surgical sampling of metastases in patients, little is understood of the mechanisms of metastasis. Here, we identify biologically distinct quiescent small metastases (designated as micrometastases) and mitotically active larger metastases (macrometastases). Macrometastases are more metabolically active than micrometastases and contain higher levels of lipids, particularly cholesterol. Macrometastases secrete CXCL12, which attracts lipid-laden macrophages into the tumor. Lipid-laden macrophages upregulate the cholesterol transporter ABCG1, promoting the efflux of free cholesterol, which is then taken up by tumor cells via the HDL receptor SCARB1. CXCL12-driven macrophage recruitment and exogenous cholesterol are sufficient and necessary to drive progression of medulloblastoma leptomeningeal metastases in vivo. High fat diets drive metastatic progression in vivo. Dietary or pharmacological interventions targeting the CXCL12-SCARB1-cholesterol axis represent therapeutic strategies to either prevent or treat medulloblastoma leptomeningeal metastases.},
}

@article {pmid42621945,
year = {2026},
author = {Gao, X and Zheng, Y},
title = {Research advances in early diagnosis and treatment strategies for peri-implantitis: from microecology to regenerative therapy.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1863773},
pmid = {42621945},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {Humans ; *Peri-Implantitis/therapy/diagnosis/microbiology ; Early Diagnosis ; Biomarkers ; Dysbiosis ; *Regenerative Medicine/methods ; Biofilms/growth & development ; },
abstract = {Peri-implantitis, a plaque-associated inflammatory disease characterized by progressive bone loss around functional implants, poses a significant threat to the long-term success of oral rehabilitation. The understanding of its etiology has evolved from a traditional infection model to a dysbiosis-based host-microbe interaction disorder model. This paradigm shift underscores the critical need for early detection and novel therapeutic strategies. This review comprehensively summarizes recent research advances within a logical framework: microbial dysbiosis, early diagnosis, treatment evolution, and regeneration. We detail the transition from a symbiotic microflora to a pathogenic biofilm, emphasizing key pathogens and host immune dysregulation mechanisms. The review evaluates the refinement of clinical and imaging diagnostics, the application of molecular biomarkers for early warning, and the emergence of point-of-care testing (POCT). Treatment strategies are discussed, moving beyond mechanical debridement to include innovative approaches like microecological modulation and regenerative therapies employing guided bone regeneration (GBR), bioactive factors, and tissue engineering concepts. Finally, we address current challenges in clinical translation and highlight future directions, including integrated diagnostics, personalized minimally invasive treatment, and smart biomaterials. The effective management of peri-implantitis necessitates an integrated strategy combining microbiological control with predictable tissue regeneration, requiring interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure the long-term stability of implant restorations.},
}

Humans
*Peri-Implantitis/therapy/diagnosis/microbiology
Early Diagnosis
Biomarkers
Dysbiosis
*Regenerative Medicine/methods
Biofilms/growth & development

@article {pmid42612471,
year = {2026},
author = {Gong, H and Fu, M and Wang, N and Zheng, J and Zhang, W and Ye, J and Wang, Q and Jiang, L and Liao, Y and Xu, F and Cong, X and Yang, W},
title = {Research Progress on Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi-mediated Selenium Uptake, Transport, and Metabolism in Plants.},
journal = {Plant physiology and biochemistry : PPB},
volume = {238},
number = {},
pages = {111641},
doi = {10.1016/j.plaphy.2026.111641},
pmid = {42612471},
issn = {1873-2690},
abstract = {Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for human health, playing a crucial role in antioxidant defense and immune regulation. However, the uneven global distribution of bioavailable Se in soils has led to widespread dietary Se deficiency, posing a potential public health risk. Although plants are the primary dietary source of Se, their intrinsic capacity for Se enrichment is limited. This necessitates the exploration of microbial-assisted strategies for enhancing Se biofortification. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are keystone symbionts in the plant-soil continuum and are known to significantly improve plant nutrient acquisition. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms underlying AMF-mediated Se metabolism in plants remain incompletely understood. This review systematically summarizes extant knowledge on the molecular regulation of AMF-mediated Se uptake, transport, and assimilation in plants, with a focus on symbiotic signal perception, Se transport networks, Se speciation, and their integrated roles in plant stress responses. The aim is to provide a theoretical foundation for the development of Se-rich agriculture through biological approaches and for breeding crops with enhanced stress tolerance. Furthermore, this review provides insights into the sustainable advancement of agroecological restoration and functional agriculture.},
}

@article {pmid42613963,
year = {2026},
author = {Heslop, AD and Arojju, SK and Hofmann, RW and Ford, JL and Hefer, CA and Jahufer, MZZ and Larking, AC and Hong, W and Bilton, TP and Ashby, R and O'Connor, J and Griffiths, AG},
title = {Harnessing exotic germplasm for red clover improvement: Tracking genomic introgression and deploying genomic selection.},
journal = {The plant genome},
volume = {19},
number = {3},
pages = {e70287},
doi = {10.1002/tpg2.70287},
pmid = {42613963},
issn = {1940-3372},
support = {//Bioeconomy Science Institute-AgResearch/ ; PRJ0036572//TR Ellett Trust/ ; G-202201-00511//Kathleen Spragg Agricultural Fellowship/ ; //Grasslands Innovation Legume Research Programme-AgResearch Clover and Herb Breeding Continuum/ ; },
mesh = {*Trifolium/genetics ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; *Selection, Genetic ; *Genome, Plant ; Phenotype ; *Genetic Introgression ; Plant Breeding/methods ; Genotype ; },
abstract = {Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is a globally important temperate forage legume. Its symbiosis with soil-borne rhizobia enables nitrogen fixation, and its ability to produce quality forage under diverse soil conditions enhances pasture productivity, particularly during water deficits. With increasing climate-related stresses, harnessing adaptive traits absent in current cultivars is critical. Genebanks conserve diverse red clover germplasm, providing genetic variation for agronomic and adaptive traits. In this study, we introgressed novel germplasm into locally adapted cultivars to track the inheritance of allelic variants using genotyping-by-sequencing. Multi-location, multi-year trials evaluated half-sib families (generation two [Gen 2]) two generations removed from the exotic germplasm (genereation zero [Gen 0]) against local cultivars. Several Gen 2 populations matched or outperformed local cultivars and exhibited a moderate family mean heritability (h[2] > 0.40) for most traits. Integrating genomic, phenotypic, and environmental data, 77 bioclimatic-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified, of which 35 SNPs and 27 associated genes were significantly linked to trait expression. By using the original germplasm (Gen 0) as a training population and the derived half-sib families (Gen 2) as a validation population, genomic prediction models were developed to calculate prediction accuracies for key agronomic traits. Biomass and plot density traits showed high predictive abilities and the highest prediction accuracies across generations. This study demonstrates a route by which genetic diversity from genebanks can be successfully incorporated into local populations, enabling evaluation and selection of key traits. The identified molecular markers and genomic prediction models provide a pathway to efficiently develop climate-adaptive red clover cultivars.},
}

*Trifolium/genetics
Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
*Selection, Genetic
*Genome, Plant
Phenotype
*Genetic Introgression
Plant Breeding/methods
Genotype

@article {pmid42614658,
year = {2026},
author = {Riabzev, A and Metzner, S},
title = {From dissociation to embodied memory through voice: music therapists' perspectives on vocal music therapy with women survivors of sexualized trauma.},
journal = {Frontiers in psychiatry},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1852780},
pmid = {42614658},
issn = {1664-0640},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Sexualized trauma is frequently accompanied by dissociation, disrupted embodiment, and loss of voice. Although somatic and arts-based approaches are increasingly integrated into trauma care, little is known about how music therapists conceptualize and implement voicework with women survivors of sexualized trauma. Drawing on expert interviews, this study explores therapists' perspectives on vocal music therapy as an embodied-relational pathway from dissociation toward integration and embodied memory.

METHODOLOGY: A qualitative expert interview study employed reflexive thematic analysis. Seven experienced female music therapists (ages ~36-78) from Israel, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Belgium participated in semi-structured interviews (~120 minutes) conducted via video platform and transcribed verbatim. Analysis focused on embodied, relational, and affective dimensions of voicework.

ANALYSIS: Three interrelated themes emerged: (1) Cutting the Dissociation-breath, toning, mirroring, and free-associative singing linked fragmented self-parts and mobilized dissociated affect within co-regulated holding fields. (2) Creating Memories-titrated vocal engagement fostered bodily reconnection and embodied sensory awareness, supported agency, and enabled the formation of returnable experiential traces; voicework also carried risks of evoking traumatic memories, underscoring the need for careful pacing. (3) Changing Positions within the Abuse Constellation-dynamic, vocally enacted movement among victim, perpetrator, bystander, and neglectful caregiver positions illuminated transference-countertransference processes and facilitated shifts from avoidance and symbiosis toward boundaries, including an embodied "no," and individuation.

DISCUSSION: The discussion integrates three interrelated processes - cutting dissociation, creating embodied memory traces, and transforming positions within the abuse constellation - as a continuous, non-linear movement. Therapists' vocal presence functioned as a co-regulating holding field supporting clients' embodied reintegration. Vocal music therapy may ease dissociation, support embodied memory formation, and foster relational repair, while also carrying risks of retraumatization - emphasizing the need for specialized training, ethical sensitivity, and client-centered research.},
}

@article {pmid42615636,
year = {2026},
author = {Tak, N and Zawada, Z and Maluk, M and Beukes, C and Ketelboeter, L and Gehlot, HS and Gyaneshwar, P and James, EK},
title = {Comparative genomic analysis of North American Bradyrhizobium symbionts of Chamaecrista fasciculata (Caesalpinioideae) with related bradyrhizobia.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0079826},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.00798-26},
pmid = {42615636},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {The symbionts of Chamaecrista fasciculata, a caesalpinioid legume, were isolated from plants growing in native soil or by host trapping. To these, we added strains from the United States Department of Agriculture and strains isolated earlier from nodules of C. fasciculata and Chamaecrista nictitans. The phylogeny of 16 strains was determined by examining and comparing sequences of their rrs (16S rRNA) genes, the intergenic transcribed spacer region, two "core" housekeeping genes (recA and dnaK), and two symbiotic (nodA and nifH) genes. Seven strains were whole-genome sequenced and compared phylogenomically to related strains isolated from Caesalpinioideae nodules. All the symbionts belonged to Bradyrhizobium spp. dispersed in both Mega Clades-I and II, with some forming novel clusters and others sharing similarities with previously reported Chamaecrista symbionts. All strains nodulated and enhanced C. fasciculata growth in nitrogen-free axenic conditions. The draft genomes of seven Chamaecrista strains were sequenced, including four isolated from C. fasciculata in the United States (CFUW1, CFUSD1, CFUMN1, and USDA3010) and three from Brazil (JHI2701, JHI2711, and Cens1A). Comparative genomic analysis based on average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization suggested that six strains were closely related to Bradyrhizobium frederickii, Bradyrhizobium ferriligni, Bradyrhizobium elkanii, Bradyrhizobium australafricanum, "Bradyrhizobium brasilense," and Bradyrhizobium yuanmingense. Meanwhile, the C. fasciculata strain USDA3010 and the non-mimosoid Caesalpinioideae Dimorphandra wilsonii strain DW12.5 are potential new species.IMPORTANCEThe legume-rhizobium symbiosis is of immense economic and ecological importance, but most knowledge about its evolution and molecular biology has been obtained through the intense study of only two to three "model" species in the subfamily Papilionoideae, while nodulating symbioses in the sister subfamily, the Caesalpinioideae, which have a separate but parallel evolutionary history, are less well understood. Chamaecrista fasciculata appears to be exclusively nodulated by Bradyrhizobium, particularly Bradyrhizobium frederickii. We propose the symbiosis between C. fasciculata and B. frederickii CFUW1 as a model system to examine the parallel evolution (to the Papilionoideae) of symbiotic nodulation in the Caesalpinioideae.},
}

@article {pmid42617457,
year = {2026},
author = {Guo, H and Zhai, L and Yu, N and Wang, E},
title = {Cell cycle reprogramming in plant symbiotic and pathogenic interactions.},
journal = {Current opinion in plant biology},
volume = {93},
number = {},
pages = {102949},
doi = {10.1016/j.pbi.2026.102949},
pmid = {42617457},
issn = {1879-0356},
abstract = {Intracellular plant-microbe interactions rely on host-derived interface membranes: as sites for reciprocal nutrient and signal exchange during symbiosis, or as conduits for asymmetrical nutrient acquisition and effector delivery by pathogens. Sustaining these dynamic structures places substantial metabolic and vesicular trafficking demands on host cells. This review examines how cell cycle reprogramming may help plants meet these demands. During plant-pathogen interactions, biotrophic pathogens can reprogram host cell cycle pathways to establish metabolically favorable niches, whereas plant immunity can engage cell cycle checkpoints to restrict resource allocation and reinforce physical barriers. In arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis, localized endoreduplication in host cells could function as a "metabolic amplification program" to boost biosynthetic output, whereas host cells may adopt a "division-restricted state" that enables extensive intracellular remodeling while preserving the transcellular infection pathway. Root nodule symbiosis and mycorrhizal symbiosis share several cellular programs for microbial accommodation and the cell cycle could be further activated during symbiotic nodule development. Thus, we speculate that interface formation-during either symbiotic or pathogenic infection-may rely on a shared cellular toolkit that is potentially governed by distinct regulatory thresholds, tentatively suggesting the possibility of engineering cell cycle programs to improve symbiotic efficiency or enhance resistance against pathogens.},
}

@article {pmid42607884,
year = {2026},
author = {Ge, T and Yao, X and Li, Y and Wang, X and Li, S and Xie, F and Chen, Z and Guan, Y},
title = {GmNIGT2a/2b-mediated transcriptional cascade buffers high-nitrogen-triggered nodule senescence in soybean.},
journal = {Journal of genetics and genomics = Yi chuan xue bao},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.jgg.2026.08.006},
pmid = {42607884},
issn = {1673-8527},
abstract = {Soil inorganic nitrogen (N) availability is a critical determinant of symbiotic nitrogen fixation efficiency, making it essential for legumes to respond appropriately and effectively to N fluctuations. Here, we identify a pair of high N response factors GmNIGT2a/2b (NITRATE-INDUCIBLE GARP-TYPE TRANSCRIPTIONAL REPRESSOR). GmNIGT2a/2b are activated by GmNLP4a/b (NIN-like proteins) under high N. The nodules of gmnigt2a/2b double mutants exhibit exacerbated reduction in nitrogenase activity and accelerated senescence in response to high N. Integration of RNA-seq and DAP-seq analyses reveals that GmNIGT2a/2b negatively regulate a suite of core N-induced genes, including NAC, WRKY, and bZIP transcription factors as well as trehalose metabolism genes. GmNIGT2b binds to the promoters of SNAP3 and NAC039 and represses their expression, thereby delaying nodule senescence. Our results suggest that GmNIGT2a/2b-mediated transcriptional regulation prevents excessive nodule senescence in response to high N, highlighting the complexity of transcriptional reprogramming for environmental adaptation in nodules.},
}

@article {pmid42608551,
year = {2026},
author = {Cazzaniga, SG and Lauber, T and van den Hoogen, J and Beaury, EM and Bueno, CG and Bever, JD and Damasceno, G and Catford, J and Lenoir, J and Martin, A and Mori, AS and Novakovskiy, A and Gutiérrez, AG and González-Robles, A and de Gasper, AL and Moles, A and Stanisci, A and Csecserits, A and Jentsch, A and Kuzemko, A and Perea, AJ and Nerlekar, A and Munje, A and Güler, B and Jiménez-Alfaro, B and Hérault, B and Pinho, BX and Baraloto, C and Rossi, C and Hending, D and Laughlin, DC and Rogers, D and Schellenberger Costa, D and Thakur, D and Uogintas, D and Chacón-Madrigal, E and Alvarez-Davila, E and Weiher, E and Thomas, E and Gonçalves, F and Rodrigues, F and Sabatini, FM and Schurr, FM and Essl, F and Zizka, G and Bonari, G and Swacha, G and Chen, HYH and Bruelheide, H and Ford, H and Wang, HF and Biurrun, I and Aubin, I and Dembicz, I and Willie, J and Altman, J and Svenning, JC and Lichstein, JW and Moeslund, JE and Dolezal, J and Cornelissen, JHC and Hunter, J and Messier, J and Dengler, J and Homeier, J and Orwin, KH and Korznikov, K and Van Meerbeek, K and Macía, MJ and Schmidt, M and Varricchione, M and Carlucci, MB and Spasojevic, M and Giorgis, MA and Chytrý, M and El-Sheikh, MA and Hatim, MZ and Kraft, NJB and Mohanbabu, N and Phillips, OL and Reich, PB and Pielech, R and Arasa-Gisbert, R and Guarino, R and Testolin, R and Tarifa, R and Mukul, SA and Phartyal, SS and Schmitt, S and Haider, S and Dziuba, T and Domingues, T and Liu, U and Golub, V and Silva, V and Fontana, V and Vandvik, V and Kissling, WD and Stančić, Z and Winter, M and Crowther, TW and Delavaux, CS},
title = {Mycorrhizal strategy of non-native plants varies with biome and disturbance.},
journal = {Nature ecology & evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42608551},
issn = {2397-334X},
support = {DFG FZT 118, 202548816//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; DNRF173//Danmarks Grundforskningsfond (Danish National Research Foundation)/ ; TMPFP3_209925//Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung (Swiss National Science Foundation)/ ; },
abstract = {Predicting which non-native plant species will become established and where is critical for conserving and managing biodiversity. Theory suggests that the mycorrhizal strategy of non-native plants may predict their establishment success. Here we combine a global dataset of 440,788 vegetation plots with data on plant native status and mycorrhizal type to assess mycorrhizal strategy of non-native plants. The mycorrhizal strategy of non-native plants varies strongly across biomes. Across grassland and desert biomes, non-native species are more frequently non-mycorrhizal than native species, whereas in other biomes non-native species are more likely to be mycorrhizal, most commonly arbuscular-mycorrhizal. Disturbance type and intensity are key predictors of mycorrhizal strategy of non-native species, as mycorrhizal species are favoured by landscape modification and non-mycorrhizal species by natural and human-caused disturbance events. Facultatively mycorrhizal species are consistently under-represented among non-native plants compared with natives, suggesting that symbiotic flexibility does not confer an advantage for non-natives as previously expected. Our study shows that non-native mycorrhizal strategy varies across biogeographical contexts and disturbance, highlighting the need for region-specific prevention and management approaches to plant species introductions.},
}

@article {pmid42608964,
year = {2026},
author = {Hey, L and Chen, C and Xu, T and Cowell, E and Langlet, D and Methou, P},
title = {Widespread Association of Ciliates Colonizing Gills of Shrimps Inhabiting Vents and Seeps Across the Pacific Ocean.},
journal = {The Journal of eukaryotic microbiology},
volume = {73},
number = {5},
pages = {e70115},
doi = {10.1111/jeu.70115},
pmid = {42608964},
issn = {1550-7408},
support = {ANR-17-EURE-0015//ISblue project, Interdisciplinary Graduate School for the Blue Planet/ ; ANR-22-POCE-0007//National Research Agency/ ; 23K05942//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 16309324//General Research Funds (GRFs) & Collaborative Research Fund (CRF) of the Hong Kong SAR government/ ; 16100425//General Research Funds (GRFs) & Collaborative Research Fund (CRF) of the Hong Kong SAR government/ ; C2013-22G//General Research Funds (GRFs) & Collaborative Research Fund (CRF) of the Hong Kong SAR government/ ; CCRS25SC01//Otto Poon Center for Climate Resilience and Sustainability of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology/ ; 2021HJ01//Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou)/ ; SMSEGL24SC01//Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou)/ ; YK23-16S//Cooperative Research Program of Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute/ ; SIP//Council for Science, Technology, and Innovation (CSTI), Japan/ ; FKt231024//Schmidt Ocean Institute/ ; NSF OCE 1635219//National Science Foundation (NSF)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Gills/parasitology ; Pacific Ocean ; *Ciliophora/classification/genetics/isolation & purification/physiology/ultrastructure ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics ; Symbiosis ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; DNA, Ribosomal/genetics/chemistry ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; },
abstract = {Bacterial symbiosis is well-documented in chemosynthesis-based ecosystems, but associations with microeukaryotes remain overlooked. In this study, using scanning electron microscopy and 18S rDNA barcoding, we investigate the presence, diversity, and biogeographic patterns of ciliate epibionts associated with two deep-sea caridean families: Alvinocarididae and Thoridae. We identified a widespread lineage of ciliates colonizing the gills of different alvinocaridid species, extending their previously known distribution in freshwater and coastal habitats to deep ocean down to 3388 m. These ciliates form a distinct clade related to coastal Chonotrichia, but show clear genetic divergence from the previously described species. Geographic divergence of these ciliate populations was observed across the Pacific Ocean, with no evident structure related to their host species. These chonotrichian ciliates exhibited variation in occurrence across host species, individuals, and regions, indicating a facultative association with their hosts. In contrast, the thorid shrimps harbored rare and phylogenetically diverse ciliates. More rarely, we found ciliates related to known parasitic lineages hosted by both shrimp families, with signs of immune response (black gills) in some individuals colonized by these ciliates. Our results reveal previously overlooked protist-crustacean associations in chemosynthetic ecosystems and highlight the ecological and biogeographic importance of this group in the deep ocean.},
}

Animals
*Gills/parasitology
Pacific Ocean
*Ciliophora/classification/genetics/isolation & purification/physiology/ultrastructure
Phylogeny
RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics
Symbiosis
Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
DNA, Ribosomal/genetics/chemistry
Sequence Analysis, DNA

@article {pmid42609619,
year = {2026},
author = {Everett, E and Gore, HM and Kallepalli, S and Duffield, KR and Flor-Weiler, L and Marino, J and Ramirez, JL},
title = {Cordyceps and Beauveria infections drive species-specific microbiome dysbiosis in the mosquito Aedes aegypti.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1879658},
pmid = {42609619},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {With the rising prevalence of vector-borne diseases and insecticide resistance in mosquitoes, alternative vector control strategies are urgently needed. Fungal entomopathogens offer a promising approach with a decreased likelihood of resistance development in mosquito populations. However, the mechanisms by which each fungus contributes to host mortality remain poorly understood, and the potential role of microbiome disruption as a secondary pathogenic mechanism has received limited attention. We evaluated the impact of four entomopathogenic fungal species (Beauveria bassiana, Cordyceps javanica, C. cateniannulata, and C. amoenerosea) on the microbiome of the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti) colonized with a defined, field-derived bacterial community. Whole-body bacterial communities were profiled using high throughput 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, and community structure was assessed through alpha diversity metrics, beta diversity analysis, hierarchical clustering, and linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe). All four fungal species successfully infected the mosquito; however, their effects on the mosquito microbiome were species-specific. Cordyceps javanica and C. cateniannulata reduced community evenness without significantly affecting species richness, a pattern consistent with a dominance-driven dysbiosis rather than broad bacterial loss. Infections by C. amoenerosea significantly increased total bacterial load and drove strong enrichment of the opportunistic genus Pandoraea, suggesting epithelial disruption or immune dysregulation as possible contributing factors. Beta diversity analysis indicated partial community-level restructuring across all fungal infections. B. bassiana showed a distinct genus-level compositional response, with enrichment of core symbiotic taxa and depletion of Chryseobacterium and Kluyvera, which was different from the Enterobacteriaceae-dominated shifts seen across infections with Cordyceps species. LEfSe analysis identified Kluyvera and Burkholderia as the strongest genus-level discriminators of infection state, suggesting potential utility as microbiome-based indicators of successful fungal colonization. These key findings were independently validated using EdgeR and batch-corrected MaAsLin2 analyses, with Pandoraea enrichment under C. amoenerosea and Burkholderia depletion under C. cateniannulata confirmed by both methods. Taken together, these results show that entomopathogenic fungi restructure the Ae. aegypti microbiome in a species-specific manner, inducing community destabilization and opportunistic bacterial enrichment that likely contribute to the detrimental effects of fungal infection. These results provide a mechanistic insights for the selection and development of fungal biopesticides for mosquito control.},
}

@article {pmid42609926,
year = {2026},
author = {Avasiloaiei, DI and Calara, M and Brezeanu, PM and Burzo, I and Brezeanu, C},
title = {Crop wild relatives of legumes: evolutionary resources for climate-responsive pre-breeding.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1892793},
pmid = {42609926},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Legume crops are increasingly exposed to a combination of abiotic stresses - including drought, heat, salinity and flooding - alongside mounting biotic pressures from pathogens and insect pests. Historical domestication and modern breeding practices have substantially narrowed the genetic base of cultivated legumes, constraining their adaptive potential and limiting yield stability under fluctuating and extreme environments. Crop wild relatives (CWRs) represent a vital reservoir of genetic variation, providing alleles that enhance physiological resilience, reproductive stability, stress-responsive signaling and symbiotic nitrogen fixation. Across major and minor legumes such as chickpea, lentil, lupin, pea, soybean, cowpea and common bean, their CWRs harbor both single-trait and multifaceted adaptive mechanisms, including robust root systems, efficient water and nutrient use, early phenology and resistance to emerging pests and diseases. These wild gene pools maintain functional diversity lost during domestication and constitute essential evolutionary resources for sustaining legume productivity while buffering cropping systems against climate variability. Landraces complement CWRs by offering pre-adapted, locally optimized phenotypes, providing alleles suited to specific agro-ecological niches. The integration of CWRs and landraces into breeding pipelines allows the capture of both cryptic and novel alleles governing complex polygenic traits. Modern breeding innovations - including high-throughput phenotyping, multi-omics platforms, genomic selection and genome editing - have tremendously enhanced the ability to exploit this diversity systematically. By minimizing linkage drag and overcoming reproductive constraints, these technologies accelerate the development of climate-resilient cultivars. Harnessing the combined evolutionary potential of CWRs and landraces with contemporary breeding approaches enables legumes to achieve greater productivity, yield stability and nutritional quality under dynamic environmental conditions, thereby reinforcing their role in sustainable agriculture and global food security.},
}

@article {pmid42609940,
year = {2026},
author = {},
title = {Correction to: Intracellular vesicle-mediated biomineralization of arsenic and barium by a sponge symbiotic bacterium.},
journal = {ISME communications},
volume = {6},
number = {1},
pages = {ycag224},
doi = {10.1093/ismeco/ycag224},
pmid = {42609940},
issn = {2730-6151},
abstract = {[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1093/ismeco/ycag039.].},
}

@article {pmid42610324,
year = {2026},
author = {Ege, YC and Foth, C and Richter, S},
title = {On Shell Closure and Beyond: Classification and Functional Interpretation of Chela Types in Paguroidea (Decapoda).},
journal = {Journal of morphology},
volume = {287},
number = {8},
pages = {e70161},
doi = {10.1002/jmor.70161},
pmid = {42610324},
issn = {1097-4687},
support = {DFG RI 837/24-1//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; DFG INST 264/130-1 FUGG//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; //Heisenberg-Programm 562995972/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Animal Shells/anatomy & histology/physiology ; Biological Evolution ; Phylogeny ; *Anomura/anatomy & histology ; X-Ray Microtomography ; *Decapoda/anatomy & histology/physiology/classification ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; },
abstract = {In Paguroidea, the chelae of the first thoracopods (chelipeds) encompass heterochelate (unequal), homoiochelate (subequal, weakly differentiated), and homochelate (equal, mirrored) conditions, reflecting functional differentiation and evolutionary adaptation across taxa. For 30 species from seven hermit crab families detailed 3D models of chelae were generated using microCT imaging. For these, 3D shape analysis identified six distinct shape types (I-compact, II- sturdy, III-elongate, IV-scutiform, V-discoid, VI-semidiscoid) across the investigated taxa. These shape types correspond closely with key biological roles. Paired semidiscoid chelae enable symmetrical shelter closure, while scutiform and discoid chelae function in one-sided shelter closure and defense and are associated with the utilization of gastropod shells. Compact and elongate chelae serve in food manipulation and grooming. Sturdy chelae, which include most homoiochelate forms, are associated with intermediate conditions related to alternative defensive strategies, such as complete (deep) withdrawal into shells, preference for shells with narrow apertures, or symbiotic relationships with anthozoans. Phylogenetic patterns might indicate that potentially basal taxa like Pylochelidae retain plesiomorphic, symmetrical semidiscoid chelae, but it cannot be excluded that these homochelate chelae represent an apomorphic condition for the taxon. In any case, the asymmetric hermit crabs (Parapaguridae, Paguridae, Diogenidae, Coenobitidae, Lithodidae) evolved pronounced heterochely, with the dominant chela adapted (primarily) for shelter closure and the subdominant one for feeding and grooming. Homoiochelate forms occur repeatedly across Diogenidae, suggesting multiple evolutionary transitions related to shifts in defensive strategy. The association between chela shape, biological role, and phylogeny highlights the dynamic interplay of evolutionary history, functional demands, and ecological adaptation in shaping hermit crab morphology.},
}

Animals
*Animal Shells/anatomy & histology/physiology
Biological Evolution
Phylogeny
*Anomura/anatomy & histology
X-Ray Microtomography
*Decapoda/anatomy & histology/physiology/classification
Imaging, Three-Dimensional

@article {pmid42611039,
year = {2026},
author = {Romero Picazo, D and Ripcke, K and Dagan, T},
title = {Diversity and Taxonomic Classification of Plasmids in Pantoea.},
journal = {Phytopathology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1094/PHYTO-03-26-0098-IA},
pmid = {42611039},
issn = {0031-949X},
abstract = {Plasmids play a key role in prokaryotic evolution, as their acquisition can lead to the emergence of novel traits that confer adaptive advantages during niche colonization. Members of the genus Pantoea harbor diverse plasmids, many of which encode metabolic functions or mechanisms relevant for interactions with eukaryotic hosts, predominantly plants and insects. Several Pantoea plasmids have been characterized as domesticated, that is, vertically inherited similarly to chromosomes, whereas others are mobile or mobilizable. Although knowledge of Pantoea plasmid function and evolution is expanding, a general framework for their classification is still lacking. Here, we propose a framework for classifying Pantoea plasmids into plasmid taxonomic units (PTUs). This approach integrates phylogenetic analysis of plasmid backbone genes with gene content similarity. Using this framework, we recover previously described plasmid groups across broader species ranges and identify novel PTUs characterized by distinct functional traits. Our study establishes a unified framework for plasmid classification in Pantoea.},
}

@article {pmid42604383,
year = {2026},
author = {Song, G and Cheng, F and Qiao, Z and Ge, F and Bi, Y},
title = {Phycosphere microbiome contributes to ecological dominance of diatoms: a comparative study of Cyclotella atomus and Ulnaria ulna.},
journal = {ISME communications},
volume = {6},
number = {1},
pages = {ycag211},
pmid = {42604383},
issn = {2730-6151},
abstract = {Diatoms play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems, yet the mechanisms underlying their long-term dominance remain poorly understood. This study investigated the relationship between diatom ecological persistence and their phycosphere bacterial communities by comparing the long-term dominant species Cyclotella atomus with the short-term dominant species Ulnaria ulna. 16S rRNA gene sequencing combined with predictive functional profiling revealed that the bacterial community associated with C. atomus was more diverse, stable, and interconnected than that associated with U. ulna. Taxonomic analysis identified key bacterial taxa such as Gemmatimonas, Sphingobium, and Pseudorhodoferax enriched in C. atomus. Co-occurrence network analysis demonstrated higher microbial interaction complexity in C. atomus, enhancing functional redundancy and ecosystem stability. Functional predictions indicated significant enrichment in carbohydrate metabolism (glycosaminoglycan degradation, pentose/glucose interconversion) and stress response pathways (betaine biosynthesis, xenobiotic metabolism by cytochrome P450) in the C. atomus microbiome, supporting a mutualistic relationship in which diatom-derived extracellular polymeric substances sustains specialized bacteria that reciprocate with vitamin B12, phytohormones, and chemical defenses. Based on these results, a mutually reinforced symbiotic cycle model was proposed to illustrate how the diatom and its phycosphere microbiome established a resilient holobiont capable of prolonged ecological dominance. The bacterial community associated with each diatom species exhibited host specificity and contributed to the maintenance of host dominance. These findings highlight the critical role of microbial partnerships in diatom success, offering new insights for predicting phytoplankton community dynamics and managing aquatic ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid42603184,
year = {2026},
author = {Mapari, SV and Gaikwad, SB and Sutar, RR and Khare, R and Patil, RM and Behera, BC},
title = {Anticancer activity of lichen-derived compounds against triple-negative breast cancer: integrated in vitro evaluation, network pharmacology, molecular docking, and KEGG pathway analysis.},
journal = {Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42603184},
issn = {1432-1912},
abstract = {Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype that lacks ER, PR, and HER2, which results in limited treatment options and poor outcomes. Lichens are symbiotic organisms known for producing unique secondary metabolites and have a history of use in folk medicine. This study investigated the effects of lichen-derived compounds on MDA-MB-231 cells using integrated in vitro and in silico approaches to explore their anticancer potential and potential molecular targets. Six lichen compounds were isolated, characterized, and tested for antioxidant properties using DPPH and ABTS assays. In vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated on MDA-MB-231 using the MTT and FACS assays. ADMET was evaluated using SwissADME and ADMETLab3; GeneCards was used to retrieve the TNBC-associated genes. The STRING database is used to construct the protein-protein interaction network. Molecular docking analysis was done using CB Dock 2. Structural fluctuation was evaluated in CABS-flex 3.0 web server, and an open-source web-based platform, ShinyGO, was used for functional enrichment analysis. Out of six studied lichens, the extract of Everniastrum cirrhatum showed comparatively stronger antioxidant activity in terms of DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging potential. A decrease of up to 80% in cell viability at 320 µg/mL was observed when treated with Everniastrum cirrhatum, Heterodermia boryi, and Usnea longissima extracts. Six lichen compounds were isolated and characterized. ADMET analysis of isolated compounds suggests that they have acceptable drug-like characteristics with minimal major organ toxicity. The analysis of cytotoxicity using MTT and flow cytometry demonstrated a clear dose-dependent reduction in cell viability by atranorin (ATR), barbatic acid (BAR), and usnic acid (USN). Top 14 TNBC-associated hub genes were identified, and molecular docking analysis suggested that ATR and BAR have favorable binding affinities toward AKT1 and mTOR. RMSF analysis predicted reduced structural fluctuations in selected regions of AKT1 and mTOR following ligand binding, suggesting potential stabilization while preserving overall protein dynamics. KEGG pathway enrichment indicated that these hub genes are enriched in cancer-related pathways, including endometrial cancer and central carbon metabolism in cancer, and are associated with the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAS/MAPK signaling pathways. Lichen-derived compounds atranorin, barbatic acid, and usnic acid demonstrated anticancer activity in vitro, while integrated computational analyses suggested potential multitarget interactions that warrant further experimental validation.},
}

@article {pmid42603919,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, Z and Tian, Y and Zhang, B and Zhu, K},
title = {Metabolic reprogramming in pancreatic cancer: interplay of glucose, lipid, and amino acid metabolism in tumor progression.},
journal = {Cytotechnology},
volume = {78},
number = {5},
pages = {179},
pmid = {42603919},
issn = {0920-9069},
abstract = {Pancreatic cancer is one of the most malignant solid tumors, with a five-year survival rate of less than 10%. The therapeutic challenges primarily stem from difficulties in early diagnosis, high heterogeneity, and extensive resistance to chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Recent studies have revealed that metabolic reprogramming, a core hallmark of cancer, is a key mechanism driving the malignant phenotype of pancreatic cancer, persisting throughout its initiation, progression, and development of treatment resistance. This article systematically reviews the molecular mechanisms underlying the dysregulation of three major nutrient metabolic pathways-glucose, lipid, and amino acid metabolism-and their interconnected regulatory networks. Regarding glucose metabolism, enhanced aerobic glycolysis and PPP activation collectively support tumor growth, redox maintenance, and microenvironmental remodeling, whereas lactate accumulation further contributes to immune evasion. Lipid metabolic reprogramming is characterized by coordinated alterations in de novo synthesis, fatty acid oxidation, and cholesterol homeostasis, which collectively regulate membrane remodeling, stemness maintenance, and therapeutic resistance. Amino acid metabolism is characterized by glutamine dependency and branched-chain amino acid metabolic reprogramming, which collectively support biosynthesis, redox homeostasis, and tumor adaptation. These three major metabolic pathways do not operate in isolation but form a dynamic, interconnected network. This network confers robust metabolic plasticity and adaptability to the tumor, constituting a fundamental basis for treatment resistance. Concurrently, stromal cells and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment also undergo metabolic reprogramming, forming a metabolic symbiotic system with cancer cells that further exacerbates treatment resistance. Although combination strategies targeting metabolic pathways-such as glycolysis inhibitors combined with gemcitabine, statins synergizing with chemotherapy, or metabolic interventions combined with immunotherapy-have shown promise in preclinical models, clinical translation remains challenging. These challenges arise from multiple factors, including tumor heterogeneity, metabolic compensation, drug delivery limitations, and the complexity of the tumor microenvironment. Future efforts should integrate single-cell metabolomics, organoid models, and multimodal imaging technologies to advance precision therapy based on metabolic subtyping. Additionally, the development of novel nanodelivery systems and multi-target combination regimens is needed to bridge the gap from mechanistic understanding to clinical application. Metabolic intervention holds potential not only for advanced-stage treatment but also for chemoprevention at the precancerous lesion stage, offering a novel approach to improving the prognosis of pancreatic cancer.},
}

@article {pmid42601014,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, Z and Zhao, Y and Bi, B and Zhang, Y and Yang, H and Zhang, G and Zhang, J},
title = {Disruption of gut bacterial symbiont homeostasis in Streltzoviella insularis larvae under sublethal chlorantraniliprole exposure.},
journal = {Journal of insect physiology},
volume = {173},
number = {},
pages = {105048},
doi = {10.1016/j.jinsphys.2026.105048},
pmid = {42601014},
issn = {1879-1611},
abstract = {Chemical insecticides remain a cornerstone of contemporary integrated pest management (IPM). However, the toxicological profile of Streltzoviella insularis, an economically important wood-boring pest, remains insufficiently characterized. In this study, a laboratory rearing system for S. insularis was established using a customized artificial diet, providing a reliable platform for toxicological assays. Bioassays indicated that chlorantraniliprole (CAP) exhibited significantly higher insecticidal activity against fifth-instar larvae than the three other insecticides tested. Focusing on disruption of gut bacterial symbiont homeostasis as a mechanistic entry point, we investigated whether sublethal CAP exposure imposes fitness costs on S. insularis through perturbation of gut symbiotic communities. 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing revealed substantial restructuring of the larval bacterial community under sublethal CAP stress. The abundance of the core genus Enterococcus was significantly reduced, whereas Carnimonas and Levilactobacillus were significantly enriched. These three taxa came to dominate the reshaped gut microbiota, suggesting a potential compensatory functional shift following depletion of core symbionts. Activities of key digestive enzymes, including α-amylase, lipase, and trypsin, were significantly reduced. Substantial fitness costs were observed, including reduced larval and pupal weights, prolonged larval development time, and decreased pupation success, adult emergence, egg hatching, and female fecundity. Collectively, these findings suggest that sublethal CAP exposure is closely associated with gut symbiont dysbiosis in S. insularis, accompanied by impaired digestive function and delayed larval growth and development.},
}

@article {pmid42602462,
year = {2026},
author = {Bhattacharjee, S and Mukhopadhyay, A},
title = {From cooperation to collapse: the diet-microbiota-host gene triad in disease and aging.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiomes},
volume = {5},
number = {},
pages = {1872481},
pmid = {42602462},
issn = {2813-4338},
abstract = {Symbiotic relationships are the basis of biological complexity. It can be traced back from ancient mitochondrial acquisition to modern host-microbiota interactions. In this review, we explore aging and disease susceptibility through the lens of a diet-microbiota-host gene triad, a dynamic symbiotic network in which dietary inputs, the gut microbiota, and the host genome co-regulate physiological equilibrium. The symbiotic triad evolved as nutrition was outsourced, with dietary and microbial components internalized by the host. Dietary components modulate microbial composition and metabolic activity. In contrast, microbial fermentation of nutrients produces short-chain fatty acids, vitamins, bile acids, and neuroactive compounds, which, in turn, influence host gene expression, immune responses, barrier integrity, nutrient preferences, and health. Host genes have also co-evolved as critical modulators of this triad, encoding nutrient sensors, immune effectors, and proteins that maintain microbial balance and prevent dysbiosis. Polymorphisms in key metabolic and immune genes fine-tune responses to dietary and microbial adaptations, building resilience across different contexts. As organisms age, this triadic equilibrium destabilizes, leading to reduced microbial diversity, compromised barrier integrity and function, and chronic inflammation that accelerates age-related pathologies. Therefore, understanding dietary, microbial, and genetic interdependencies and viewing aging and disease from this perspective offers a blueprint for developing personalized nutrition- and microbiome-targeted therapies to combat age-associated diseases and promote health and longevity.},
}

@article {pmid42602867,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, J and Liu, Q and Chen, J and Zhou, Y and Zhang, B and Yuan, Z and Li, P and Pang, Z},
title = {Correction: Moderate organic-inorganic fertilization optimizes soybean productivity by reshaping rhizosphere microbiome-metabolite networks.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1902091},
doi = {10.3389/fpls.2026.1902091},
pmid = {42602867},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2026.1823609.].},
}

@article {pmid42594987,
year = {2026},
author = {Hu, Z and Gong, H and Huang, Y and Wang, Y and Li, C and Yan, M},
title = {Toxicity differences of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) and polylactic acid nanoplastics (PLA-NPs) on the Paramecium bursaria - Chlorella symbiotic system.},
journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)},
volume = {408},
number = {},
pages = {128954},
doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128954},
pmid = {42594987},
issn = {1873-6424},
abstract = {Biodegradable plastics are often presumed to pose lower biological risks, yet their nanoparticulate forms may not follow this assumption. This study compared the 24-h acute toxicity and associated biological responses of conventional polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) and biodegradable polylactic acid nanoplastics (PLA-NPs) using the Paramecium bursaria-Chlorella symbiotic system. The 24-h median lethal concentrations (LC50) were 27.41 mg/L for PS-NPs and 5.55 mg/L for PLA-NPs, indicating greater acute lethal toxicity of PLA-NPs under the tested conditions. After exposure and washing, pronounced NP-associated fluorescence was detected for both NP types. Both materials produced concentration-related increases in ROS-associated fluorescence and MDA content, together with concentration-specific changes in SOD and CAT activities. TEM observations revealed ultrastructural alterations in mitochondria, the pellicle, nucleoli, digestive vacuoles, and symbiotic Chlorella. NP exposure also altered chlorophyll a and carotenoid contents, indicating disruption of photosynthetic pigment homeostasis. RT-qPCR further showed concentration-specific expression changes in selected genes associated with photosynthesis, antioxidant defense, proteostasis, mitochondrial respiration, and vesicular transport. Overall, PLA-NPs exhibited greater acute lethal toxicity than PS-NPs during short-term exposure. These findings demonstrate that biodegradability does not necessarily correspond to lower biological toxicity when polymers occur in nanoparticulate form and highlight the need to consider nano-specific effects in the environmental safety assessment of biodegradable plastics.},
}

@article {pmid42596090,
year = {2026},
author = {Bouzembila, S and Charaabi, K and Hamden, H and Fadhel, S and Tanfouri, N and Guerfali, MM},
title = {Beyond a dual role: how Purpureocillium lilacinum reprograms citrus metabolism for integrated biocontrol and growth promotion.},
journal = {Journal of the science of food and agriculture},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/jsfa.70954},
pmid = {42596090},
issn = {1097-0010},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Plants harbor complex microbial communities that are fundamental to their health and productivity. Among them, endophytic fungi such as Purpureocillium lilacinum establish mutualistic associations, offering dual benefits as plant growth promoters and biocontrol agents. However, the potential of this fungus in citrus cultivation and the metabolic dynamics of its interaction with citrus hosts remain unexplored. This study employed an integrated dual metabolomics approach to investigate the symbiosis between P. lilacinum and Citrus aurantium. It was hypothesized that the fungus would enhance plant performance through its own bioactive metabolites, and also by systemically reprogramming the host metabolism. To test this hypothesis, the in vitro fungal metabolome was characterized, plant growth promotion was evaluated in vivo, and metabolomic shifts in host tissues were analyzed.

RESULTS: The results reveal a multilayered mode of action. Purpureocillium lilacinum stimulated plant growth directly through nutrient solubilization and phytohormone modulation. Concurrently, the fungus engaged in active metabolic cross-talk with the host, reprogramming primary metabolism, as exemplified by the spatial redistribution of amino acids like proline and arginine, and activating secondary defense pathways. The fungal metabolome also revealed a direct biocontrol arsenal, including insect-modulating acetophenone and the insecticidal alkaloid arecoline, underscoring its capacity for immediate antagonism.

CONCLUSION: These findings provide novel insights into the biochemical mechanisms underlying P. lilacinum-citrus interactions. They confirm the role of the fungus in orchestrating a synergized growth-and-defense response in citrus, highlighting its strong potential as a sustainable, multi-functional bioinoculant for citrus production systems. © 2026 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid42596721,
year = {2026},
author = {Cantera, I and Marta, S and Carteron, A and Guerrieri, A and Giachello, S and Bonin, A and Ambrosini, R and Azzoni, RS and Caccianiga, M and Pittino, F and Simonicini, A and Valle, B and Gobbi, M and Ficetola, GF},
title = {The Biodiversity of Retreating Glaciers Leaves an Ecological Legacy in Emerging Soil Communities.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {32},
number = {8},
pages = {e71040},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.71040},
pmid = {42596721},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {772284/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; 101052342//Biodiversa+/ ; },
mesh = {*Biodiversity ; *Ice Cover/microbiology ; *Soil Microbiology ; Animals ; Soil ; Argentina ; Bacteria/classification ; Fungi ; Ecosystem ; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic ; },
abstract = {Glacier retreat is transforming high-mountain and polar landscapes, replacing ice with vast, newly exposed terrains where soil development and ecological succession start. Although ecosystems developing in deglaciated terrains are often viewed as starting from scratch, glaciers host diverse communities whose links with emerging soils remain unquantified. Using environmental DNA metabarcoding, we provide the first multi-taxa assessment of biodiversity transitions across the supraglacial-proglacial interface across five glacier systems in Svalbard, the Alps and Patagonia. We analysed 212 samples from the surfaces of retreating glaciers and their forelands, spanning a chronosequence from 1 to 483 years since deglaciation. Recently deglaciated soils (≤ 10 years since glacier retreat) showed taxonomic and functional similarity to supraglacial communities. This ecological continuity was highly taxon-specific, being pronounced for communities of microorganisms (Bacteria, Fungi, Protista) but weak for animals (e.g., Collembola, Insecta). For microbes, similarity diminished rapidly over succession as community turnover increased, and functional composition shifted from phototrophic and saprotrophic dominance toward heterotrophic and symbiotic assemblages. Shared microbial taxa and functions indicate a transient glacial influence during early soil succession. Our results suggest that early soil communities are not assembled independently of glacier ecosystems, but are initially linked to them through diverse ecological pathways that diminish over time. The observed glacier-proglacial connectivity challenges the view of succession on deglaciated terrains as beginning on lifeless substrates and instead points to a glacial legacy in emerging soils. As glaciers rapidly disappear under climate change, the unique biodiversity they host is also being lost, underscoring the urgent need to study supraglacial and proglacial systems together. Such integration is essential to understand ecological succession in proglacial ecosystems, which are expected to play an increasingly important role in this century.},
}

*Biodiversity
*Ice Cover/microbiology
*Soil Microbiology
Animals
Soil
Argentina
Bacteria/classification
Fungi
Ecosystem
DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic

@article {pmid42597203,
year = {2026},
author = {Krumsvik, RJ and Slettvoll, V},
title = {Symbiotic AI and equitable digital health: toward trustworthy and inclusive health ecosystems.},
journal = {Frontiers in digital health},
volume = {8},
number = {},
pages = {1885289},
pmid = {42597203},
issn = {2673-253X},
abstract = {Digital health has accelerated rapidly through advances in telemedicine, wearable technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), remote monitoring, and interoperable healthcare infrastructures. Despite these developments, substantial inequities persist among underserved populations, including rural and remote communities, older adults, low-socioeconomic groups, and geographically isolated populations exposed to infrastructure disruptions caused by avalanches, landslides, storms, flooding, or prolonged power outages. Current digital health approaches frequently emphasize technological innovation and connectivity while underestimating the importance of trust, contextual adaptation, resilience, health literacy, and human guidance. This Perspective argues that equitable digital health requires a shift from isolated AI tools in primary health services toward resilient symbiotic health ecosystems in which clinicians, patients, caregivers, communities, and AI systems collaboratively support healthcare delivery. Building on emerging research on symbiotic intelligence, health empowerment, telemedicine, rural resilience, and trustworthy AI, we propose a conceptual perspective in which calibrated human-AI collaboration becomes central to equitable healthcare delivery. The article discusses how resilient and locally adaptive infrastructures-including telemedicine, wearable monitoring, low-risk diagnostic technologies, local AI systems, backup energy systems, drones for medicine delivery, local Wi-Fi preparedness, and community-supported transport models-may strengthen healthcare preparedness and continuity in underserved and disrupted contexts. Although several examples are drawn from Norway and rural Nordic contexts, the conceptual framework is intended to be transferable to underserved populations globally. Finally, this Perspective highlights the need for implementation-oriented, equity-centered, and epistemically transparent approaches to future digital health ecosystems, exemplified through five models.},
}

@article {pmid42598024,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, J and Pan, A and Song, Z and Liu, X and Zhang, J and Zhang, G},
title = {Adaptation mechanisms of low-phosphorus stress in plants: physiological responses, molecular regulation, and future perspectives.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1877859},
pmid = {42598024},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Phosphorus (P) is essential for plant growth and development. Although soils contain abundant total P, about 70% of global arable land is deficient in available inorganic phosphate (Pi), severely restricting sustainable agricultural production. To date, numerous physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying plant adaptation to low-Pi stress have been elucidated. In this review, we provide an overview of recent advances in plant adaptation to low-Pi stress at both the physiological and molecular levels, including root plasticity and hormonal regulation, root exudate-mediated Pi acquisition, metabolic adaptation such as sugar metabolism, membrane lipid remodeling, and secondary metabolite accumulation, as well as arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis. Furthermore, we summarize the molecular regulatory networks governing plant responses to low-Pi stress, covering phosphate transporters, SPX-PHR signaling, transcription factors, non-coding RNAs, and epigenetic modifications. The interaction between low-Pi signaling and other signaling pathways is also discussed. This review synthesizes recent advances in adaptive mechanisms across multiple regulatory levels and discusses strategies for breeding P-efficient crops to support sustainable agriculture.},
}

@article {pmid42599078,
year = {2026},
author = {Battaje, RR and Skalenko, KS and Han, A and Abdujabbarova, K and Boyd, JM and Carabetta, VJ and Yang, JH and Yadavalli, SS},
title = {Microbiome symbiosis, host-pathogen dynamics, and the search for new therapeutics: highlights from the Theobald Smith Society Spring 2026 Symposium.},
journal = {mSphere},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0036626},
doi = {10.1128/msphere.00366-26},
pmid = {42599078},
issn = {2379-5042},
abstract = {The annual Theobald Smith Society (TSS) spring meeting was convened at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, on 8 May 2026. TSS is the New Jersey branch of ASM and holds two annual meetings, in the fall and spring. These meetings bring together microbiologists, trainees at all levels, and professionals from both academia and industry to share their research, to network, and to engage in discussions on a wide array of topics that fall under ASM's three main units: health, mechanism discovery, and applied and environmental microbiology. The TSS spring meeting brought together more than 140 attendees from institutions across New Jersey. This report highlights the vision and work of TSS and ASM, the breadth of research presented at the meeting through invited talks and posters, and the two keynote lectures on nutritional immunity and the modern decline of human microbiome diversity.},
}

@article {pmid42599095,
year = {2026},
author = {Nagabhyru, P and Florea, S and Liu, H and Kachroo, P and Calie, PJ and Young, CA and Schardl, CL},
title = {Chemotypic diversity of the fungus Epichloë brachyelytri symbiotic with the wild forest grass Brachyelytrum erectum.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0075426},
doi = {10.1128/aem.00754-26},
pmid = {42599095},
issn = {1098-5336},
abstract = {Many cool-season grasses (Poaceae subfam. Poöideae) host seed-transmissible symbionts (endophytes) in the fungal genus Epichloë, which can produce diverse alkaloids that protect against invertebrate and, in some cases, vertebrate herbivores. Rarely have population surveys been conducted to assess comprehensive alkaloid profiles and diversity of Epichloë in wild grasses. In this study, we surveyed Brachyelytrum erectum, which is a woodland grass in an early-diverging lineage of Poöideae, and commonly symbiotic with Epichloë brachyelytri. Analytical methods based on high-resolution UHPLC-MS/MS were refined to provide rapid, comprehensive detection, and quantitation of E. brachyelytri alkaloids, for six B. erectum populations in Kentucky. Chemotypes were identified with two or three of the alkaloids exo-1-acetamidopyrrolizidine (1), chanoclavine (2), and peramine (3). Both 1 and 2 are known as intermediates in biosynthetic pathways to more complex alkaloids, and chemotypes having both 1 and 2 as pathway end-products are novel. Such chemotypes were also identified in other species, and phylogenetic analysis indicated their multiple origins by a combination of convergent evolution, possible horizontal gene transfer, and interspecific hybridization. Alkaloid levels were comparable between most populations and at most plant developmental stages. Levels of 3 were compared between E. brachyelytri variants with and without 1, providing evidence for competition between the pathways in young shoots, but not in older leaves or seeds. Furthermore, levels of 1 and 2 were moderate to high compared with their respective alkaloid classes in other grass-Epichloë symbiotic systems. We conclude that production of the alkaloids likely represents an important metabolic investment by E. brachyelytri.IMPORTANCEDefensive mutualisms, symbioses of hosts with organisms that defend them against parasites or predators, play important ecological roles. A widespread example is protection of cool-season grasses by symbiotic Epichloë species, which are fungi that transmit in seeds and produce several kinds of anti-insect alkaloids. Profiles of alkaloids evolve due to shifting balances of their benefits and the costs of producing them. In this study, Epichloë brachyelytri symbiotic with the wild forest grass Brachyelytrum erectum produced three alkaloids, of which two have been rarely reported. Furthermore, variations in its alkaloid profiles and quantities of each alkaloid at different plant growth stages and tissues suggested that occasional loss of its most abundant alkaloid can be adaptive due to the metabolic load of producing it. Although rare, similar alkaloid profiles were identified in several other species in which they arose by a combination of convergent evolution, possible horizontal gene transfer, and interspecific hybridization.},
}

@article {pmid42599670,
year = {2026},
author = {Kosecka, M and Bourceret, A and Perez-Lamarque, B and Guzow-Krzemińska, B and Kukwa, M and Flakus, A and Rodriguez-Flakus, P and Selosse, MA},
title = {Factors shaping the lichen photobiome and mycobiome in a tropical lichen community.},
journal = {FEMS microbiology ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/femsec/fiag094},
pmid = {42599670},
issn = {1574-6941},
abstract = {Lichen thalli host complex microbial communities, defined as a holobiont, which may foster the ecological stability and longevity of the lichen symbiosis. Currently, the understanding of the lichen features that structure the diversity of lichen holobionts in complex lichen communities in natural ecosystems remains incomplete. This study assessed the microbial community diversity and structure in taxonomically diverse co-occurring lichens associated with Trebouxiophyceae algae from Bolivian forests. We focused on three components of the lichen holobiont: the lichenized fungus (mycobiont), its associated algal (photobiome), and fungal (mycobiome) communities. We specifically tested the influence of mycobiont identity, lichen thallus morphological type, reproductive strategy, and secondary metabolites composition on the lichen-associated photobiome and mycobiome. To understand the specialization patterns between holobiont components, we investigated biotic interactions between the mycobiont and the lichen-associated photobiome and mycobiome using network analysis. We observed that co-occurring lichens host diverse, host-specific, yet overlapping photobiomes and mycobiomes. In particular, these microbial communities are influenced by the host's thallus morphological type and its secondary metabolite content. Finally, we demonstrated that both photobiome and mycobiome are shaped mainly by the mycobiont identity, which results in modular interaction networks, with strong phylogenetic signals and high levels of specialization.},
}

@article {pmid42600105,
year = {2026},
author = {Taniguchi, T and Hayashi, Y and Hirose, M and Oka, M and Suzuki, K and Witkowski, O and Tang, A},
title = {Symbiotic Alignment via Collective Predictive Coding: A Theoretical Framework for Co-Creative Human-AI Ecosystems.},
journal = {Artificial life},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-29},
doi = {10.1162/ARTL.a.475},
pmid = {42600105},
issn = {1530-9185},
abstract = {The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into society has surfaced systemic risks, particularly deep polarization exacerbated by algorithms optimizing for individual engagement. The dominant alignment paradigm, reliant on unilateral control (e.g., RLHF), is ill-suited to address these emergent collective dynamics. This paper proposes a philosophical and computational shift toward symbiotic alignment (SA), moving beyond top-down constraints to a framework of mutual adaptation and co-evolution. We ground SA in collective predictive coding (CPC), reframing human-AI symbiosis as participation in a symbol emergence system (SES). Mathematically, we formalize this interaction as multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL) augmented by a collective regularization term, driving agents to minimize collective free energy (CFE) while preserving individual autonomy. Crucially, this formulation reveals that social coherence does not require uniformity; within this framework, we computationally reinterpret "plurality" as a stable multimodal distribution of shared beliefs, where diverse worldviews coexist through mutual negotiation. We conclude by outlining the research agenda for realizing this vision: designing AI agents capable of co-creative learning and social mechanisms ("gardeners") that foster trust, thereby steering our technological future toward a flourishing plurality.},
}

@article {pmid42600211,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, D and Sun, B and Cui, S and Meng, L and Du, S and Nie, Z},
title = {Comparison of allocation methods in the life cycle assessment of nickel products.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {415},
number = {},
pages = {130723},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.130723},
pmid = {42600211},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Ni is essential for stainless steel and electric vehicle batteries, but its pyrometallurgical process creates allocation challenges in life cycle assessments due to by- and co-production. This study addresses the complexity of multi-output allocation in the Ni-Cu-S symbiotic metallurgical system. By comparatively analysing avoiding allocation (substitution method) and single-criterion allocation methods such as thermodynamic, mass, and economic allocations, this study highlights their applicability and limitations. Based on this analysis, a hybrid allocation method with a double-hierarchy allocation structure is proposed to effectively address the limitations of traditional methods in multi-output systems. The results indicate that in the Ni production symbiotic system, physical relationship allocation (thermodynamic) is the most scientifically robust method but requires substantial fundamental material data. The effectiveness of the substitution method in handling products in different states depends on the accuracy of the inventory. Mass and economic allocation methods, while simple to implement, exhibit significant numerical deviations, such as mass allocation, yielding an S factor of 81.55%. The hybrid allocation method achieves the allocation of S (4.86%), Cu (27.56%), and Ni (67.58%), accurately reflecting the material transformation relationships among these three elements in the system. Compared with single-criterion allocation methods, hybrid allocation achieves a superior balance between data accuracy and operational feasibility, demonstrating methodological robustness and engineering applicability. This methodology is expected to be applicable to other polymetallic symbiotic systems, providing a key tool for lifecycle management in the metallurgical industry.},
}

@article {pmid42600536,
year = {2026},
author = {Marrero, M and Pérez, JA and Rodríguez, C and Galindo, A and Rodríguez, A},
title = {Projecting the impact of climate change on the lipid profile of the hydrocoral Millepora alcicornis: Relative lipid homeostasis under warming and ocean acidification.},
journal = {Marine environmental research},
volume = {221},
number = {},
pages = {108349},
doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.108349},
pmid = {42600536},
issn = {1879-0291},
abstract = {Climate change exerts a strong impact on marine ecosystems, particularly through ocean acidification and rising water temperatures. Within this context, shifts in lipid composition have emerged as valuable stress indicators in many organisms, providing insights into the trophic ecology of ecosystems. The objective of this study was to assess the combined effects of warming and ocean acidification scenarios projected for the end of the century (+5 °C and pH 7.5) on the lipid profiles of the hydrocoral Millepora alcicornis, recently recorded for the first time in Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain). After an 84-day experiment, corals exhibited significant reductions in total lipid content, key lipid classes and fatty acids, particularly triacylglycerides (TAG) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3), whereas sterol esters (ST) and saturated fatty acids (SFAs) showed the opposite trend. By contrast, symbiont-derived glycolipids and C18 fatty acids characteristic of zooxanthellae were not significantly affected by environmental stress, suggesting relative stability of membrane lipid composition. Overall, the maintenance of membrane lipid composition in symbiotic algae together with evidence of lipid remodelling in the host suggests a capacity for short-term physiological acclimation of M. alcicornis under the simulated climate change conditions. However, reduced DHA availability may have important physiological implications for the colonies, justifying future studies on the molecular regulation of LC-PUFA biosynthesis and the long-term acclimation capacity of Millepora alcicornis under climate change.},
}

@article {pmid42600773,
year = {2026},
author = {Moriyama, M},
title = {Dynamic regulation and remodeling of the symbiotic midgut in stinkbugs: Short title: Dynamics of stinkbug symbiotic midgut.},
journal = {Current opinion in insect science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {101604},
doi = {10.1016/j.cois.2026.101604},
pmid = {42600773},
issn = {2214-5753},
abstract = {The establishment of mutualistic symbiosis with microorganisms has contributed to the ecological success and diversification of a wide range of insect lineages. In such systems, microbial partners are often stably inherited across generations and have co-evolved with their hosts over long evolutionary timescales. These intimate associations are often supported by specialized symbiotic organs that intracellularly or extracellularly harbor beneficial microorganisms. As an interface between hosts and symbionts, these symbiotic organs play a pivotal role in harnessing diverse symbiont functions, as represented by nutritional supplementation. However, what constitutes an optimal symbiotic state can vary across life stages, infection status, or environmental conditions. Recent studies have revealed that symbiotic organs undergo dynamic, life-stage-specific remodeling during the lifetime of a single insect, highlighting the remarkable flexibility and sophistication of insect-microbe interactions. This review synthesizes recent advances in our understanding of such dynamic regulation, with particular emphasis on the midgut symbiotic organ in stinkbugs. It illustrates how regional differentiation within the midgut enables diverse functions, including symbiont sorting, population control, and vertical transmission, beyond its primary role in nutritional interactions. Moreover, life stage-specific adjustments and remodeling of the symbiotic midgut flexibly accommodate potentially incompatible constraints arising from varying food sources, symbiont status, and host metabolic demands. Elucidating the dynamic nature of insect-microbe interactions across the entire life cycle will shed light on previously unexplored aspects of the evolutionary trajectories and adaptive mechanisms underlying mutualistic symbiosis.},
}

@article {pmid42586315,
year = {2026},
author = {Muhammad, A and Sun, C and Shao, Y},
title = {The gut microbiome-immunity-virus axis in lepidopteran antiviral defensee.},
journal = {Current opinion in insect science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {101602},
doi = {10.1016/j.cois.2026.101602},
pmid = {42586315},
issn = {2214-5753},
abstract = {The gut microbiota forms a competitive biological barrier against enteric pathogens and may also modulate antiviral immunity and disease prevention. This review presents recent advances demonstrating the tripartite model of the gut microbiome-immunity-virus axis in lepidopteran insects. Emerging evidence indicates that their gut microbiota regulates antiviral immunity through context-dependent mechanisms shaped by host species identity, microbial community composition, and strain-specific differences in viral resistance. Rather than acting as a uniformly protective factor, gut microbes fine-tune the local immune environment chiefly through antimicrobial peptide induction, modulation of PPO/melanization, Duox/ROS regulation, and maintenance of epithelial homeostasis. Although RNAi, STING-related, and JAK/STAT signalling are established antiviral pathways in Lepidoptera, their direct regulation by gut microorganisms during viral infection remains elusive. These microbiota-conditioned immune states can either restrict viral replication and maintain gut barrier integrity or, conversely, favor virus pathogenesis when infection disrupts gut homeostasis, drives dysbiosis, or suppresses key antiviral effectors. Furthermore, strain-specific microbiome signatures correlate with differential viral resistance in susceptible and resistant hosts. By positioning the gut microbiome as a crucial immunological interface, this review integrates symbiosis biology into insect antiviral immunity and highlights microbiome-informed opportunities for sustainable pest management and the protection of beneficial insects.},
}

@article {pmid42587102,
year = {2026},
author = {Gautier, M and Selosse, MA and Taschen, E and Bellanger, JM and Taudière, A and Richard, F},
title = {Soil disturbance influences ectomycorrhizal fungal communities: an in-situ experiment under Mediterranean holm oak (Quercus ilex L.).},
journal = {Mycorrhiza},
volume = {36},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {42587102},
issn = {1432-1890},
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology/classification/genetics ; *Soil Microbiology ; *Quercus/microbiology ; *Soil/chemistry ; Biodiversity ; DNA, Fungal/genetics ; *Mycobiome ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {The functioning of temperate forests is based on a symbiosis linking trees to a vast diversity of ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungi. Although disturbance is a major driver of biodiversity patterns in these ecosystems, its effects on the fine-scale distribution and the short-term dynamics of EM fungal communities are still largely unknown. We used an in situ experiment combined with the analysis of the ITS rDNA region of EM root tips to compare the composition of fungal communities before and one year after small-scale soil disturbance simulating animal bioturbation. Disturbance induced a transient increase in EM root tip abundance, a 56.3% decrease in species richness and a marked composition turnover. One year after disturbance, the proportion of Ascomycota had increased by 38.5% to represent 49.3% of the total number of mycorrhizae. This shift was associated with an increase in Pezizales (Tuberaceae, Helvellaceae, Pezizaceae and Pyronemataceae) and a decrease in Russulaceae, Cortinariaceae and Hydnaceae. The results show that small-scale soil disturbances promote highly localized fungal successions, from late-colonizing Basidiomycota lineages to early-colonizing Ascomycota. In temperate ecosystems, asynchronous small-scale disturbances may contribute to ectomycorrhizal community richness (α-diversity) and spatial turnover (β-diversity) by generating fine-scale spatial heterogeneity within forests.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology/classification/genetics
*Soil Microbiology
*Quercus/microbiology
*Soil/chemistry
Biodiversity
DNA, Fungal/genetics
*Mycobiome
Ecosystem

@article {pmid42587902,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, Y and Zhou, X and Zheng, D and Yuan, X and Xu, S and Zhu, J and Cheng, W},
title = {Lactic Acid Bacteria-Derived γ-Aminobutyric Acid: From Targeted Screening and Biosynthesis to Functional Food Applications and Health Benefits.},
journal = {Foods (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {15},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/foods15152642},
pmid = {42587902},
issn = {2304-8158},
support = {No. 22208285//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; No. 2024M762732//China Postdoctoral Science Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a non-proteinogenic amino acid that acts as a major signaling molecule across the nervous, cardiovascular, and immune systems. While GABA has historically been produced via chemical synthesis or plant extraction, microbial fermentation using lactic acid bacteria (LAB) provides a safe, sustainable, and food-grade alternative. This review details the recent progress of LAB-derived GABA, covering the workflow from strain selection to functional food applications. We discuss how modern screening methods combine high-throughput phenotypic testing with genomic mining of the gad operon to efficiently identify high-yielding strains. The biochemical mechanisms of the GABA shunt are also explained, alongside recent CRISPR-based metabolic engineering efforts designed to bypass natural yield limits. Furthermore, we address practical industrial challenges-such as the poor proteolytic ability of key producers like Levilactobacillus brevis-and evaluate viable solutions, including symbiotic co-cultures and optimized downstream purification steps. The review then summarizes the specific health benefits of dietary LAB-derived GABA, focusing on its ability to relieve anxiety via the microbiota-gut-brain axis, control blood pressure, and regulate immunity. Finally, we analyze the current regulatory and sensory hurdles, highlighting how integrating multi-omics data can help establish LAB-derived GABA as a reliable ingredient for functional foods and personalized nutrition.},
}

@article {pmid42588462,
year = {2026},
author = {Savo Sardaro, ML and Kuthyar, S and Dada, O and Deivassagayame, N and Tran, M and Kern, R and Koenig, S and Seidman, Y and Atallah, M and Amato, KR},
title = {How Complex Dietary Fibers Can Be Used to Shape the Human Gut Microbiome Toward Reduced Inflammatory Potential: A Pilot Study.},
journal = {Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {31},
number = {15},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/molecules31152613},
pmid = {42588462},
issn = {1420-3049},
mesh = {*Dietary Fiber/pharmacology ; Humans ; Pilot Projects ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Feces/microbiology ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects ; Fermentation ; *Inflammation/microbiology ; Fatty Acids, Volatile/metabolism ; Pectins ; Bacteria/genetics/classification ; Inulin ; },
abstract = {Microbiome-linked pathologies in humans have significantly increased over recent decades, suggesting that lifestyle changes, particularly those related to diet, have contributed to the disruption of beneficial microbial composition and functions. Specifically, modern processed diets that are low in dietary fiber and high in fat and sugar can lead to the depletion of bacterial taxa over generations and contribute to chronic inflammatory diseases. These pathologies can potentially be prevented by increasing fiber intake, making the promotion of dietary fiber crucial for human health. Despite the recognized importance of fiber integration, there remains a significant gap in the understanding of the use of multiple dietary fibers in food to promote microbiota diversity, as well as which dietary fibers promote specific microbial taxa to restore symbiosis. To address this gap, we conducted an in vitro fermentation study using fecal samples from two individuals. We tested three types of dietary fibers of varying complexity: inulin, pectin, and dextran in a β-glucan-based medium. Samples were collected over a 48 h fermentation period (0-4-8-24-32-48 h) to evaluate temporal shifts in microbial composition and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production. Through 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, we found that the introduction of different fibers steered the microbiota of both individuals toward a convergent trajectory by 24-48 h. This result indicated that fiber complexity can reduce inter-individual variation in microbial community structure. Distinct levels of polysaccharide complexity between fiber types modulated specific bacterial taxa, supporting the concept that consuming a diversity of dietary fiber acts on complementary microbial niches. Notably, the observed shifts toward butyrate-associated taxa and reduction of pro-inflammatory lineages with dextran/β-glucan are relevant for pathologies characterized by dysbiosis, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Together, these results underscore the value of incorporating multiple fibers into food production, including fermented foods, to enhance prebiotic properties, stimulate the growth of fiber-fermenting bacteria, and promote microbial diversity. While these observations derive from a controlled in vitro pilot setting, they support the concept that multi-fiber dietary strategies based on complementary fermentable fibers with prebiotic properties may help shift the microbiome away from a pro-inflammatory state. Accordingly, dietary guidelines and public health approaches aimed at reducing chronic disease risk may benefit from emphasizing the inclusion of composite fiber blends rather than relying solely on single-fiber supplementation.},
}

*Dietary Fiber/pharmacology
Humans
Pilot Projects
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Feces/microbiology
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects
Fermentation
*Inflammation/microbiology
Fatty Acids, Volatile/metabolism
Pectins
Bacteria/genetics/classification
Inulin

@article {pmid42588755,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, J and Ma, L and Pu, G and Wang, J and Zhang, R and Wu, J},
title = {Multi-Trait Screening Identifies Cold-Adapted Soybean Rhizobia from Northeastern China as Candidate Inoculant Strains.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {15},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants15152251},
pmid = {42588755},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {CZKYF2025-1-B005//the Classification of the Genus of Soybean Rhizobia and Transcriptomic Analysis thereof/ ; },
abstract = {Developing effective rhizobial inoculants for high-latitude soybean production requires strains that are both well-adapted to local soil conditions and capable of sustaining symbiotic nitrogen fixation under abiotic stress. In this study, 66 indigenous rhizobial strains isolated from four ecological regions of Heilongjiang Province, China, i.e., the Songnen Plain, Sanjiang Plain, Northwest Arid Sandy Region, and Daxing'anling-Xiaoxing'anling mountainous area, were characterized for phenotypic diversity, abiotic stress tolerance, symbiotic nitrogen fixation capacity, and plant growth-promoting (PGPR) traits. Carbon and nitrogen source utilization, physiological and biochemical properties, and tolerance to salinity, pH extremes, temperature, and drought were assessed and analyzed by hierarchical cluster analysis. The strains showed habitat-associated phenotypic differentiation, with stress-tolerance traits accounting for the greatest proportion of variation. Isolates from the Northwest Arid Sandy Region displayed the broadest stress tolerance, while Sanjiang Plain isolates showed more conservative phenotypic profiles. Eight representative strains were subsequently evaluated for symbiotic performance and PGPR activity. Nodule dry weight, nitrogenase activity, and total plant nitrogen content were strongly intercorrelated and appeared more reliable indicators of nitrogen-fixation efficiency than nodule number alone. Songnen Plain strains SN1 and SN8 showed the highest symbiotic performance, while Northwest Arid Sandy Region strain FS1 exhibited the greatest ACC deaminase activity. A two-dimensional ranking framework integrating symbiotic and non-symbiotic traits ordered the strains as SN1 > SN8 > SJ1 > SJ11 > DX5 > DX1 > FS7 > FS1, identifying SN1 and SN8 as the most promising candidates requiring field validation for inoculant applications. These findings suggest that multi-trait evaluation frameworks may offer a practical and reproducible approach to screening indigenous rhizobia for region-specific biofertilizer applications in cold-region soybean agriculture.},
}

@article {pmid42588777,
year = {2026},
author = {Datta, P and Samira, R},
title = {Plant-Microbe Interactions in Sorghum Nutrient Acquisition: Roles of Rhizosphere Microbes and N, P, and K Transporters.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {15},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants15152273},
pmid = {42588777},
issn = {2223-7747},
abstract = {Sorghum bicolor is an important cereal crop because of its tolerance to drought, high temperature, and low input requirements. However, the low productivity of sorghum is still due to the inadequate nutrient status and inappropriate use of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). These nutrients are essential for plant growth, metabolism, abiotic stress tolerance, and yield development. Nutrient uptake in sorghum is regulated by the plant, the rhizosphere microbiome, and close interactions between the root system and membrane-localized transporter systems. This review summarizes the molecular interaction between the root and microbes that control the N, P, and K transporter genes in sorghum. It initially describes the architecture of sorghum roots, root exudation, and the key elements that govern rhizosphere microbiome assembly. It goes on to explain the molecular structure of significant nutrient transport systems, such as nitrate, ammonium, phosphate, and potassium transporters. Other important microbial groups related to nutrient uptake identified include diazotrophs, phosphate-solubilizing, potassium-mobilizing, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. The focus is specifically on the interaction of plants and microbes that affect transporter gene expression and symbiotic acquisition of nutrients. In general, the review highlights an integrated framework of the interaction of root characteristics, microbial communities, and transporter networks in the process of controlling nutrient uptake in sorghum, and it determines valuable directions for future studies and crop enhancement.},
}

@article {pmid42588780,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhao, H and Zhong, J and Ma, C and Wang, T and Fan, W and Shi, Q and Ma, S and Tang, C and Chen, L and Xin, D and Chen, Q and Liu, C and Wang, J},
title = {Functional Characterization of GmRD22 Modulating Nitrogenase Activity in Soybean with Transcriptomic Comparison Between Two Genotypes.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {15},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants15152276},
pmid = {42588780},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {PL2025C002//Heilongjiang Provincial Science and Technology Department/ ; },
abstract = {Soybean (Glycine max) is a key crop in China grown as a source of edible oil and plant-derived protein, and its production is closely linked to national food security. Insufficient nitrogen availability remains a key constraint on soybean yield. In legumes, symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) enables the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms, thereby reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers and improving soil quality. Nitrogenase activity is a central determinant of SNF efficiency; however, its regulatory mechanisms in soybean nodules are not yet fully understood. In this study, transcriptomic data from two soybean accessions with contrasting SNF performance (Suinong 14 and ZYD00006) were analyzed, leading to the identification of Glyma.04G013500 as a member of the GmRD22 gene family. This study verified that this gene is potentially associated with nitrogenase activity. Functional characterization revealed that this gene acts as a negative regulator of nodulation by influencing the expression of genes associated with nodule development. Haplotype analysis further uncovered a pattern consistent with domestication, as the elite haplotype (HapI) with enhanced nitrogen fixation capacity, exhibited a progressive increase in frequency from wild soybean populations to landraces and modern cultivars. These findings suggest that GmRD22 has undergone directional selection during soybean domestication and improvement. Overall, these results offer new insights into the genetic control of SNF and establish promising targets for breeding soybean varieties with improved nitrogen fixation efficiency.},
}

@article {pmid42588901,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, Z and Chen, Y and Liu, KP and Xu, RX and Ding, G and Wang, YD},
title = {Identification of Bioactive Metabolites from Dust-like Seeds of Cremastra appendiculata via Metabolomics, UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, and Molecular Networking.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {15},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants15152399},
pmid = {42588901},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {2023-I2M-2-006//Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College/ ; },
abstract = {Orchid seeds are dust-like and lack endosperm, which limits their capacity to support germination using endogenous nutrient reserves. Successful germination therefore depends on the establishment of a compatible symbiotic association with germination-promoting orchid mycorrhizal fungi (OMF). In plant-root symbioses, host-derived small molecules, such as strigolactones and flavonoids, function as early chemical signals that recruit microbial partners and stimulate their growth. However, the chemical constituents that may facilitate fungal recognition, growth, or colonization during orchid seed germination remain poorly understood. In this report, we combined metabolomics, UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, molecular networking, phytochemical isolation, and bioactivity assays to characterize bioactive metabolites from the seeds of the medicinal orchid Cremastra appendiculata. Metabolomic profiling revealed abundant primary metabolites, including lipids, amino acids, organic acids, saccharides, and nucleosides. And then, nineteen secondary metabolites were isolated and identified, including two new structures. Functional assays showed that selected organic acids, saccharides, and lignanamides promoted the growth of Coprinellus disseminatus, a fungus required for seed germination, whereas lignanamides inhibited the plant pathogen Fusarium oxysporum. These findings provide the first systematic chemical and functional characterization of metabolites from C. appendiculata seeds and offer new insight into the molecular basis of symbiosis between orchids and fungi.},
}

@article {pmid42589130,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, Y and Zhao, Y and Liu, R and Wang, S},
title = {Decoupling the Good from the Bad: Translational Strategies for Strigolactone Application in Agriculture.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {15},
number = {15},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biology15151263},
pmid = {42589130},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {ZR2023QC016, ZR2025QC238, ZR2023QC046//Department of Science and Technology of Shandong Province/ ; 318052288//Liaocheng University/ ; 32501392//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Strigolactones (SLs) are multifunctional plant metabolites that govern shoot architecture, facilitate symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and trigger seed germination of parasitic weeds, making them attractive targets for crop improvement. Their agricultural potential has been validated in field trials for parasitic weed suppression, drought resilience, and grain yield improvement. However, a major challenge is decoupling their beneficial effects from undesirable functions. To address this, we adopt a precision intervention framework distinguishing two strategies: functional decoupling, which separates beneficial from detrimental SL activities; and situational decoupling, which exploits detrimental functions in controlled contexts. We evaluate progress across parasitic weed control, abiotic stress mitigation, and agronomic trait optimization. We also identify scientific gaps and practical barriers limiting translation and critically assess emerging solutions to these barriers. By critically analyzing where decoupling works and what trade-offs limit its success, this review aims to guide sustainable implementation of SL-based technologies in agriculture.},
}

@article {pmid42589208,
year = {2026},
author = {Malewski, T and Matić, S and Bilska, AG and Cucu, MA and Miozzi, L and Mello, A and Skwiercz, A and Oszako, T and Nowakowska, JA},
title = {Primer-Less Species Identification Throughout Fungal (Tuber magnatum), Plant (Corylus avellana) and Animal (Eisenia fetida) Kingdoms by Direct RNA Sequencing.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {27},
number = {15},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms27156549},
pmid = {42589208},
issn = {1422-0067},
mesh = {Animals ; *Fungi/genetics/classification ; *Sequence Analysis, RNA/methods ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {Accurate species identification is essential for biodiversity studies, ecological monitoring, and biosecurity, but current molecular approaches rely on PCR amplification, which requires universal primers. Here, we evaluated the possibility of primer-free species identification via direct RNA sequencing (dRNA-seq) by using Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT). Total RNA isolated from three major eukaryotic kingdoms-fungal (Tuber magnatum Picco 1788), plant (Corylus avellana L. 1753), and animal (Eisenia fetida Savigny 1826) specimens-was sequenced without reverse transcription and PCR amplification. Taxonomic assignments based on similarity to ribosomal nuclear (fungi and animals) and chloroplast (plant) transcripts enabled reliable host species identification. Ribosomal RNA reads dominated the datasets and supported accurate identification of the target organisms, while additional sequences revealed associated microbiota and co-occurring taxa. Notably, dRNA-seq successfully detected symbiotic bacteria in E. fetida and latent fungal infection in C. avellana, highlighting the method sensitivity. However, the complex organization of nuclear ribosomal gene clusters may complicate taxonomic assignment in plants, underscoring the need for improved analytical pipelines. Overall, our results provide proof of concept that dRNA-seq enables primer-independent species identification while simultaneously providing insights into the host microbiomes. Direct sequencing of naturally present RNA molecules generated sufficient sequence information for species identification across different taxonomic kingdoms, indicating the technical feasibility of the developed technique. Further validation using larger biological datasets and direct comparisons with conventional sequencing methods will determine its wider applicability as an innovative and complementary species identification approach.},
}

Animals
*Fungi/genetics/classification
*Sequence Analysis, RNA/methods
Phylogeny

@article {pmid42589263,
year = {2026},
author = {Huang, S and Xu, Z and Li, W and Xie, F and Chen, D and Li, Y and Lin, H},
title = {Transcriptomic Profiling Identifies Symbiosis-Induced GDSL Lipase Genes Associated with Soybean-Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {27},
number = {15},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms27156605},
pmid = {42589263},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {2022YFA0912100//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 2024YFA0918200//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 32270259//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis/genetics ; *Mycorrhizae/physiology/genetics ; *Glycine max/genetics/microbiology ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Plant Roots/microbiology/genetics ; *Transcriptome ; *Lipase/genetics/metabolism ; *Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Fungi ; },
abstract = {The symbiotic association between soybean and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi enhances phosphorus acquisition, improving crop yield and quality. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying nutrient exchange in this symbiosis remain poorly understood. We performed transcriptomic profiling of Glycine max cv. Williams 82 roots across three time points during colonization by Rhizophagus irregularis BEG141, revealing distinct transcriptional reprogramming between mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal roots. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were significantly enriched in pathways related to fatty acid biosynthesis, carbon metabolism, and redox homeostasis. Time-course comparisons further identified DEGs associated with transcriptional regulation, biosynthetic processes, and nitrogen metabolism. Notably, five GDSL lipase genes (GmGELP6, GmGELP29, GmGELP140, GmGELP141, and GmGELP151) exhibited AM-associated expression patterns and were associated with AM-induced lipid-related transcriptional programs. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated disruption of these genes in soybean transgenic hairy roots altered arbuscule development and was associated with reduced expression of mycorrhiza-inducible fatty acid metabolism genes, suggesting that these genes are associated with normal AM colonization and arbuscule development. This study provides a transcriptomic resource and identifies AM-induced GmGELP candidate genes associated with normal soybean-AM symbiosis for future functional and mechanistic studies.},
}

*Symbiosis/genetics
*Mycorrhizae/physiology/genetics
*Glycine max/genetics/microbiology
Gene Expression Profiling
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
Plant Roots/microbiology/genetics
*Transcriptome
*Lipase/genetics/metabolism
*Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Fungi

@article {pmid42589360,
year = {2026},
author = {García-Díaz, I and Díaz-Quintana, A and Roldán, M and Gómez-Villegas, P and López-Maury, L and García-Calderón, M and Márquez, AJ and Betti, M},
title = {Molecular Analysis of Two CC-Type Glutaredoxins from the Model Legume Lotus japonicus.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {27},
number = {15},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms27156703},
pmid = {42589360},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {PID2021-122353OB-I00//Spanish State Research Agency/ ; },
mesh = {*Lotus/genetics/enzymology/metabolism ; *Glutaredoxins/chemistry/metabolism/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Amino Acid Sequence ; *Plant Proteins/chemistry/metabolism/genetics ; Molecular Dynamics Simulation ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; Models, Molecular ; Catalytic Domain ; },
abstract = {Glutaredoxins (GRXs) are small oxidoreductases involved in redox regulation, but the biochemical properties of plant-specific CC-type GRXs remain poorly understood, particularly in legumes. In a previous transcriptomic analysis, two CC-type glutaredoxins from Lotus japonicus, LjGRX460 and LjGRX569, were identified as differentially expressed during symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing rhizobia. Here, both proteins were produced recombinantly and characterized by sequence analysis, structural modelling and in vitro biochemical assays. Phylogenetic and sequence studies confirmed that both proteins belong to the plant-specific CC-type GRX class but differ in active site composition and overall sequence organization. Homology modelling and molecular dynamics simulations revealed distinct conformational properties, including differences in active site accessibility, electrostatic surface distribution and putative oxidation-dependent structural rearrangements. Comparative analyses with representative class I and II GRXs supported substantial structural divergence, suggesting functional specialization. Optimized expression and purification protocols yielded soluble recombinant proteins. Both LjGRX460 and LjGRX569 displayed a strong tendency to form soluble high molecular weight aggregates, similar to the class I control GRX. Enzymatic assays showed low oxidoreductase activity towards classical disulfide substrates compared with class I GRXs, while molecular docking suggested reduced affinity for bis(2-hydroxyethyl) disulfide (HEDS) and preferential interaction with L-cystine. These results indicate that LjGRX460 and LjGRX569 are unlikely to function as classical oxidoreductases and may instead perform specialized regulatory functions.},
}

*Lotus/genetics/enzymology/metabolism
*Glutaredoxins/chemistry/metabolism/genetics
Phylogeny
Amino Acid Sequence
*Plant Proteins/chemistry/metabolism/genetics
Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Molecular Docking Simulation
Models, Molecular
Catalytic Domain

@article {pmid42590980,
year = {2026},
author = {Baiz, MD and Phung, LN and Pierce, D and Szarmach, SJ and Beam, JK and Healy, S and Brelsford, A and Toews, DPL},
title = {Genetic Links to Gut Microbiome Variation in the Yellow-Rumped Warbler Hybrid Zone.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {35},
number = {16},
pages = {e70498},
pmid = {42590980},
issn = {1365-294X},
support = {2010679//National Science Foundation/ ; DEB-2131469//National Science Foundation/ ; DEB-2337828//National Science Foundation/ ; MRI-2215705//National Science Foundation/ ; MRI-1429826//National Science Foundation/ ; //American Ornithological Society/ ; //Animal Behavior Society/ ; //Wilson Ornithological Society/ ; //Alberta Conservation Association Grant in Biodiversity/ ; //Pennsylvania State University Science Achievement Graduate Fellowship/ ; S10 OD026929//National Institutes of Health SIG/ ; 1S10OD016290-01A1/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Hybridization, Genetic ; *Songbirds/microbiology/genetics ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Genotype ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Alleles ; },
abstract = {The gut microbiome is a dynamic ecosystem wherein microbes can exert beneficial, neutral or harmful effects on their host organism. Previous research has supported a large role for the environment in shaping avian gut microbiome diversity, but host-specific factors that regulate gut microbiome variation remain elusive. In hybrid zones, genetic recombination shuffles divergent alleles among backcrossed individuals allowing associations between genomic regions and specific traits to be identified. In this study, we use an association mapping approach to investigate the contribution of host alleles in shaping gut microbiome composition. We collected samples from across the Yellow-rumped Warbler hybrid zone (Setophaga coronata coronata × S. c. auduboni), including from distantly allopatric sites. The narrow width of this hybrid zone suggests that selection acts against hybrids, although the source of that selection is unclear. We quantified gut microbiome variation using 16S amplicon sequencing and produced genome-wide sequence data for hosts to link warbler genotypes to microbiome traits. This study is one of the first to identify candidate genes underlying gut microbiome variation in wild passerines. Notably, candidate loci include genes with immune function, redox status and gene regulation functions; two genes overlap with candidate genes identified in another avian system. Genetic differentiation was weak among candidate loci, indicating that alleles associated with gut microbiome variation are shared between subspecies. Our analysis of microbiome variation across nearly the full breeding range of an avian species complex yields important insights on the genetic factors that shape symbiotic interactions in vertebrate systems.},
}

Animals
*Hybridization, Genetic
*Songbirds/microbiology/genetics
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Genotype
Sequence Analysis, DNA
Alleles

@article {pmid42591585,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, G and Pan, Y and Bai, Z and Zheng, Y and Wei, Y},
title = {Synergistic algae-bacteria interactions in a novel membrane aeration biofilm system: performance and microbial function.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1900925},
pmid = {42591585},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Low carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio wastewater poses a major challenge to biological nitrogen removal due to insufficient electron donors for denitrification. In this study, an algae-bacteria membrane-aerated biofilm reactor (AB-MABR) was established to enhance nitrogen removal under carbon-limited conditions, and its performance was compared with that of a conventional bacterial MABR (B-MABR). The results showed that the AB-MABR achieved superior pollutant removal performance, with COD, NH4 [+]-N, and TN removal efficiencies being 4.0, 21.9, and 12.3% higher, respectively, than those of the B-MABR. Overall, AB-MABR outperformed B-MABR in pollutant removal. The removal efficiencies of COD, NH4 [+]-N, and TN were 92.3, 77.2, and 66.6%, respectively, which were markedly higher than those achieved by B-MABR (88.8, 55.3, and 54.3%). The incorporation of microalgae significantly enhanced microbial metabolic activity, as evidenced by higher ATP content, electron transport system activity (ETSA), and cytochrome c (Cyt-c) levels. Meanwhile, EPS production increased by 25% in the AB-MABR, accompanied by greater accumulation of protein-like and humic-like substances. SEM and CLSM analyses revealed that microalgae promoted the formation of a denser and more stratified biofilm with higher biomass and stronger structural stability. Metagenomic analysis further demonstrated that pathways associated with microbial metabolism, secondary metabolite biosynthesis, and environmental adaptation were enriched in the AB-MABR system, indicating enhanced metabolic potential and ecological resilience. Overall, microalgal incorporation strengthened electron transfer, stimulated EPS secretion, improved biofilm development, and enhanced microbial metabolic functions, thereby promoting nitrogen transformation and removal under low C/N conditions. These findings provide new insights into the synergistic mechanisms of algae-bacteria biofilms and demonstrate the potential of AB-MABR technology for sustainable nitrogen removal from carbon-limited wastewater.},
}

@article {pmid42591698,
year = {2026},
author = {Huang, H and Yang, M and Tan, L and Fu, Z},
title = {Decoding the gut interactome after severe trauma: from molecular dialogue to integrative treatment strategies.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1885772},
pmid = {42591698},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Severe trauma constitutes not merely a localized injury, but a systemic insult to the host's barrier systems driven by massive hemorrhage, hemorrhagic shock, and the systemic inflammatory response. Rather than being a passive victim of this cascade, the gut is widely considered a critical mediator contributing to the pathogenesis of remote MODS. The concept of the interactome redefines disease outcome as the product of a dynamic and reciprocal dialogue among host immune status, gut microbiota structure and function, and pathogen virulence expression. This framework offers a conceptual shift from the traditional single-pathogen model. Based on the interactome theory, this paper systematically reviews the current understanding of the evolution of intestinal microecology from symbiotic homeostasis to pathobiome after severe trauma. These include intestinal epithelial energy metabolism crisis induced by shock and hypoperfusion, excessive activation of pattern recognition receptors in the context of concurrent DAMPs and PAMPs, loss of mucosal protection associated with aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligand depletion, cytotoxic transformation suggested to be linked to bile acid metabolism disorder, and iatrogenic stress destruction of colonization resistance. On this basis, this paper outlines an integrated treatment strategy grounded in molecular targets. The strategy encompasses metabolic substrate supplementation with short-chain fatty acids and prebiotics, AhR signal reactivation via dietary tryptophan and phytochemicals, pathogenic group clearance and virulence inhibition using multi-targeted traditional Chinese medicine compounds, neuroimmune regulation through acupuncture, and a new clinical pathway combining dietary pre-rehabilitation with dynamic functional omics monitoring. Finally, we argue that future therapeutic strategies may benefit from shifting from pathogen eradication toward restoring host-microbiota symbiosis. This review provides a systematic framework for the precision intervention of post-traumatic gut microecology, spanning from molecular mechanisms to clinical translation.},
}

@article {pmid42592337,
year = {2026},
author = {Godoy-Vitorino, F},
title = {Community Dynamics in a Changing World: highlights from the 1st Puerto Rico & Caribbean Microbiome Symposium and vision for a new microbiome hub.},
journal = {Sustainable microbiology},
volume = {3},
number = {3},
pages = {qvag030},
pmid = {42592337},
issn = {2755-1970},
abstract = {The Puerto Rico Center for Microbiome Sciences (PR-CMS) seeks to become a leading hub for multiomics research and host-microbiota symbiosis in the Caribbean. As part of this effort, PR-CMS organizes an annual symposium that convenes international leaders, regional experts, and the local scientific community to address key challenges in microbiome science. The 1st Microbiome Symposium of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, titled "Community Dynamics in a Changing World," took place in San Juan in February 2026. The event brought together more than 200 participants, including researchers, trainees, and stakeholders from clinical, environmental, computational, and translational fields. Topics highlighted the role of microbiomes in human health, disease, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience, covering host-microbiome interactions, cancer, infectious diseases, diet-immune dynamics, environmental microbiology, and bioinformatics. Through keynote talks, invited presentations, and student research, the symposium emphasized integrating multiomics, data science, and translational approaches. It strengthened collaborative networks locally and globally, positioning PR-CMS as a regional leader in microbiome innovation. This meeting report also emphasizes the vision and mission of the PR-CMS as a new regional and global hub for the study of biodiversity.},
}

@article {pmid42593029,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, B and Fang, X and He, K},
title = {Networks in plant nitrate foraging: From model plants to crop improvement.},
journal = {Journal of integrative plant biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/jipb.70367},
pmid = {42593029},
issn = {1744-7909},
abstract = {Land plants must cope with the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of soil nutrients. During evolution, plants have developed sophisticated systems to perceive nutrient distribution and adaptively remodel their root system architecture (RSA) to maximize nutrient acquisition while minimizing energy expenditure. This process, referred to as nutrient foraging, involves local nutrient perception at the root, signal integration in the shoot, and subsequent RSA adjustment. Over the past decade, significant progress has been made in understanding how plants sense spatially heterogeneous nutrient availability and how systemic signals coordinate root development. Nitrogen (N) is a key limiting nutrient, often unevenly distributed in soils. Nitrate (NO3 [-]), a predominant N source, displays pronounced heterogeneity in soils. To adapt to this heterogeneity, plants use nitrate transporters, small peptides, phytohormones, receptor-like kinases (RLKs), microRNAs (miRNAs), mobile transcription factors, and amino acid signals as central regulators to mediate long-distance bidirectional signaling between the root and the shoot, ultimately guiding RSA modulation to match whole-plant nutritional demands. In legumes, systemic signaling pathways also regulate symbiotic nitrogen fixation. The product of symbiotic nitrogen fixation, ammonia (NH3)/ammonium (NH4 [+]), represents a nitrogen form fundamentally distinct from nitrate. This review summarizes current understandings of nitrate foraging, from local sensing to systemic signaling, and discusses how these insights can be harnessed to optimize RSA and improve nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in crops. By integrating these concepts, we provide a framework for designing nitrogen-efficient crops adapted to heterogeneous soil environments.},
}

@article {pmid42593046,
year = {2026},
author = {Barbi, F and Menzel, U and Simone, D and Niskanen, T and Lindahl, BD},
title = {Ectomycorrhizal Cortinariaceae species dominate class II peroxidase gene expression in a boreal forest soil.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.71506},
pmid = {42593046},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {//Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet Uppsala (SLU)/ ; //Stiftelsen skogsvetenskaplig forskning/ ; },
abstract = {Boreal forest ecosystems constitute a large terrestrial reservoir of carbon. In these nitrogen-limited environments, release of nutrients through decomposition of soil organic matter is of fundamental importance. Fungi, particularly saprotrophic Agaricomycetes, are thought to drive this process using lignocellulolytic enzymes to degrade plant litter. However, some ectomycorrhizal fungal lineages have retained ancestral decomposition capabilities, yet evidence of their direct involvement in decomposition under field conditions is scarce. We used metatranscriptomics to examine the involvement of ectomycorrhizal fungi in the production of class II peroxidases in the soil of a Swedish boreal forest. We compared nutrient-poor plots with more fertile ones and related the peroxidase-expressing community to the total and cellulose-degrading fungal communities. We found that overall expression of class II peroxidase genes was upregulated in nutrient-poor soil, with ectomycorrhizal species in the Cortinariaceae family accounting for most of the transcripts. Among cellulose-degrading fungi, there was a shift from saprotrophic Agaricomycetes in nutrient-rich soil to dominance by Ascomycetes under nutrient-poor conditions. Symbiosis may enable ectomycorrhizal fungi to use tree photoassimilates to drive energetically costly oxidation belowground. Ectomycorrhiza-driven oxidation may, thereby, enable trees to indirectly regulate decomposition and nutrient cycling to maintain ecosystem productivity on unfertile soils.},
}

@article {pmid42593258,
year = {2026},
author = {Ferreira, P and Oliveira Filho, LCI and Vahter, T and Kotschik, P and Pieper, S and da Cruz, SP and Rodríguez-Echeverría, S and van der Heijden, MGA and Alves, D and Ronsani, AL and Alves Dos Santos Peron, R and Aderjan, E and Birkhold, F and Duffner, A and Bräuer, A and Kirschner, S and Schulz, L and Barth, M and Warning, D and Menke, U and Volkert, J and Zumsande, H and Reiermann, V and Schlinkert, R and Schlich, K and Flickinger, B and Royer, S and Bergtold, M and Camargo, LS and Gimeno, C and Soler, E and Varela, S and Moora, M and Klauberg-Filho, O and Sousa, JP and Natal-da-Luz, T},
title = {International Ring Test on the Effects of Chemicals on the Symbiotic and Pre-symbiotic Phases of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi - Potential for Risk Assessment of Plant Protection Products.},
journal = {Environmental toxicology and chemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/etojnl/vgag225},
pmid = {42593258},
issn = {1552-8618},
abstract = {Ecological relevance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) led the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to identify AMF as a potential group of non-target in-soil organisms to be included in environmental risk assessment (ERA) of plant protection products (PPPs). Currently, no OECD test guidelines including AMF exist, and technical specification standard documents are limited to ISO/TS 10832:2009 for pre-symbiotic phase testing and AFNOR FDX31-205-2 for symbiotic phase testing. A new methodology was developed to assess the effects of contaminants on the AMF-plant symbiosis and the method described in the ISO/TS document was updated with new methodologies and test conditions. A ring test involving nine laboratories for symbiotic-phase experiments and six laboratories for pre-symbiotic-phase experiments was performed to assess the validity of these methods using Rhizophagus irregularis, artificial soil and two fungicides (Azoxystrobin and Fluazinam). Allium ampeloprasum was the host plant used in the symbiotic phase tests. Endpoints estimated during the ring test were variable: 8-week EC10 for total colonization in the symbiotic phase varied from 0.1 to 5 mg/kg of soil for Azoxystrobin (coefficient of variation (CV)=123.5%) and 0.03 to 7.8 mg/kg for Fluazinam (CV = 185.9%); in the pre-symbiotic phase, 14-day EC10 for spore germination with Fluazinam was 0.6 mg/kg of soil and for Azoxystrobin 0.4 and 1.4 mg/kg of soil (CV = 78.6%). The outcome of the ring test suggests a potential sensitivity of AMF but the high data variability and the fact that the validity criteria are frequently not met indicate that further development of the test system is needed. Nevertheless, comparisons between these data and data from published studies suggest that AMF may be more sensitive than other non-target soil organisms currently considered in EU ERA, particularly for Azoxystrobin. Consequently, current ERA procedures may not provide sufficient protection for AMF communities, but additional data are needed to confirm this assumption.},
}

@article {pmid42593685,
year = {2026},
author = {Nazir, M and Rehman, A and Ibrahim, AH and Al-Rawi, SS and Akmal, M and Iram, G and Manzoor, F and Aziz, S and Zafar, MS and Iqbal, MA},
title = {Biological and synthetic biology strategies for polystyrene degradation: mechanisms, microbial advances, and circular economy perspectives.},
journal = {Biodegradation},
volume = {37},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {42593685},
issn = {1572-9729},
mesh = {Biodegradation, Environmental ; *Fungi/metabolism ; *Bacteria/metabolism ; *Polystyrenes/metabolism ; *Synthetic Biology/methods ; Animals ; Metabolic Engineering ; *Environmental Pollutants/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Polystyrene (PS), a petroleum-based synthetic polymer which is extensively used in packaging, insulation, and consumer goods, has emerged as a major environmental pollutant. This report provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in biological and synthetic biology strategies for novel PS-degrading microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi isolated from unique ecosystems such as insect gut microbiomes and extreme environments. Insects like mealworms and superworms have demonstrated the ability to ingest and degrade PS through symbiotic microbial activity, while fungi such as Aspergillus tubingensis and marine-derived fungi contribute enzymatically to polymer breakdown. Advances in enzymology involving oxidative enzymes like laccases and peroxidases have improved our understanding of PS degradation at the molecular level, supported by innovations in enzyme engineering and immobilization. The paper also examines the biodegradation abilities of bacteria, fungi, and microbes associated with insects and critically analyzes the methods used for degradation assessments, differentiating between genuine biodegradation and mineralization versus surface oxidation, fragmentation, and reduction in polymer weight. Moreover, the advancements in synthetic biology, which include metabolic engineering and engineered microbial consortia, and the biological upcycling of PS intermediates to valuable products, are also covered in light of the circular economy approach.},
}

Biodegradation, Environmental
*Fungi/metabolism
*Bacteria/metabolism
*Polystyrenes/metabolism
*Synthetic Biology/methods
Animals
Metabolic Engineering
*Environmental Pollutants/metabolism

@article {pmid42594117,
year = {2026},
author = {Khan, S and Khan, S and Afshan, A and Arif, M and Gul, H and Hamayun, M and Rauf, M and Law, D and M Almunqedhi, B and A El-Tayeb, M and Othman Alsabih, A and Ahmad, W and R De Los Ríos-Escalante, P and Ahmad, A},
title = {Endophytic Aspergillus fumigatus modulates growth, oxidative stress, and cadmium accumulation in okra under salinity and heavy-metal stress.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {21},
number = {8},
pages = {e0356384},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0356384},
pmid = {42594117},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Cadmium/metabolism/toxicity ; *Oxidative Stress/drug effects ; *Abelmoschus/growth & development/microbiology/metabolism/drug effects ; *Aspergillus fumigatus/physiology ; Salinity ; Plant Growth Regulators/metabolism ; Plant Roots/microbiology/metabolism ; *Metals, Heavy/toxicity ; Chlorophyll/metabolism ; *Endophytes/physiology ; Stress, Physiological ; Indoleacetic Acids/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Abiotic stress factors, such as salinity and heavy metals (HM), significantly reduce okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) yield, an important vegetable crop cultivated globally. The symbiotic relationship between endophytic fungi and plants enhances plant growth and helps plants overcome such stresses. This study was designed to isolate and examine endophytic fungi from Ziziphus lotus roots for their growth-promoting potential under salt (250 mM NaCl) and cadmium (100 ppm Cd) stress. The growth of okra was significantly enhanced by inoculation with Aspergillus fumigatus (SOA), resulting in a 28.9% increase in plant height (33.24 cm vs. 25.79 cm in the control) and improved biomass, chlorophyll content, and phytohormone regulation. Chlorophyll A content rose by 108.4% in SOA-treated plants (4.894 mg/g FW) relative to control (2.348 mg/g FW), while shoot dry weight increased more than threefold (4.365 g vs. 1.42 g in control). Abscisic acid (ABA) content decreased in SOA-treated plants, indicating a reduced stress response, whereas enhanced gibberellic acid (GA) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) content promoted growth. Biochemical analysis revealed higher accumulation of lipids, sugars, phenols, and flavonoids, resulting in improved stress adaptation. Oxidative damage was reduced through high antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT and POD). SOA modulated cadmium uptake, thereby reducing heavy metal toxicity. These findings showed that endophytic fungi have the potential to enhance plants' resilience and provide a promising controlled-environment approach to enhance crop productivity in metal- and salt-contaminated soils.},
}

*Cadmium/metabolism/toxicity
*Oxidative Stress/drug effects
*Abelmoschus/growth & development/microbiology/metabolism/drug effects
*Aspergillus fumigatus/physiology
Salinity
Plant Growth Regulators/metabolism
Plant Roots/microbiology/metabolism
*Metals, Heavy/toxicity
Chlorophyll/metabolism
*Endophytes/physiology
Stress, Physiological
Indoleacetic Acids/metabolism

@article {pmid42594433,
year = {2026},
author = {Fan, Y and Wei, Q and Zhang, P and Zou, L and Aisikaier, A and Ma, X and Dai, Z and Tian, Y and Li, Y and Wang, F and Yang, S and Cao, W},
title = {Hydrological regime modulates nitrogen retention-removal shifts in a glacier-oasis alpine river by restructuring multi-trophic interactions and microbial assembly.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {415},
number = {},
pages = {130604},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.130604},
pmid = {42594433},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Nitrogen (N) cycling in glacier-oasis alpine rivers exhibits distinct spatiotemporal patterns driven by multi-trophic community interactions. This study integrated 16S/18S rRNA sequencing with metagenomic analysis to investigate N-transformation dynamics across trophic levels and their response to varying hydrological regimes. The α-diversity of multi-trophic communities exhibited trophic-level-specific longitudinal patterns, with bacteria and algae generally showing higher diversity in the oasis reach (OR), whereas protozoans and metazoans were more diverse in the glacial reach (GR). In the OR, the species turnover of microeukaryotes exceeded 40%, and the pooled OR-irrigation channel reach (ICR) group exhibited 9.1-22.6-fold greater network complexity than the GR. The abundances of functional genes associated with nitrification and denitrification were 12.3-13.8 and 4.7-9.6 times higher in the OR than in the GR, respectively; N fixation potential was 2.4-14.1 times greater and bacterial α-diversity was 0.94-1.42 times higher in the OR than in the GR. Notably, only during the dry season did the GR exhibit 63-84% higher nitrate assimilation than the OR. Path analysis revealed that algae-protozoan symbiosis promoted N assimilation and retention (β = 0.87), whereas bacterial communities enhanced dissimilatory nitrate reduction and denitrification, facilitating N removal (β > 0.66). In contrast, metazoan predation (β = -0.78) and dissolved oxygen (β = -0.24) suppressed denitrification. The differentiation of N-cycling functions was governed by high α- and β-diversity within microbial communities. Heterogeneous selection and dispersal limitation during community assembly, acting through cross-trophic cascading effects, collectively balanced N retention against removal and ultimately determined the fate of N in the river ecosystem. Climate change may redistribute N-cycling hotspots along alpine rivers by altering hydrological regimes and riverine gradients, potentially increasing eutrophication risk by reducing N removal and enhancing N retention.},
}

@article {pmid42594807,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, W and Chen, J and Guo, D},
title = {Cable bacteria-mediated electromicrobial interactions: Mechanisms, ecological effects, and biotechnological prospects.},
journal = {Bioelectrochemistry (Amsterdam, Netherlands)},
volume = {173},
number = {},
pages = {109431},
doi = {10.1016/j.bioelechem.2026.109431},
pmid = {42594807},
issn = {1878-562X},
abstract = {Cable bacteria are filamentous microorganisms with the unique ability to conduct electrons over centimeter-scale distances, thereby coupling spatially separated sulfide oxidation and oxygen reduction in sediments. Recent research confirms that these organisms not only perform extracellular electron transfer (EET) but also act as "biological conduits", mediating electromicrobial interactions with other microorganisms and thus forming complex networks of electroactive microbial communities. In light of these findings, this review systematically synthesizes the core mechanisms of cable bacteria-mediated electromicrobial interactions, including the structural basis for electrical conductivity, interaction modes with flocking bacteria, the regulatory role of electron shuttles, and the synergistic effects of conductive materials. The adaptive strategies of cable bacteria and their associated communities under environmental stresses, including oxygen fluctuation, sulfide limitation, salinity variation, and physical disturbance, are summarized. We further explore the ecological effects driven by these interactions, such as the coupled cycling of sulfur, carbon, iron, and phosphorus, as well as plant-microbe symbiosis. Finally, we discuss prospects for their application in bioelectrosynthesis, particularly in pollutant degradation and optimization of microbial fuel cells. This review aims to elucidate core function of cable bacteria as "electron hubs" in ecosystems, thereby providing novel perspectives for field of electromicrobiology.},
}

@article {pmid42580580,
year = {2026},
author = {Mallick, S and Chakkalakkal, GJ and Lažetić, V and Eleftherianos, I},
title = {Host-specific pathogenicity of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora in Galleria mellonella and Plodia interpunctella larvae.},
journal = {Experimental parasitology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {109185},
doi = {10.1016/j.exppara.2026.109185},
pmid = {42580580},
issn = {1090-2449},
abstract = {Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are useful as biological agents for the control of insect pests and disease vectors. They are also important for understanding nematode pathogenicity and host anti-nematode response. The pathogenic properties of EPNs towards insects are attributed to effector molecules, which are produced by both the nematodes and their symbiotic bacteria during infection. Here, we hypothesized that the contribution of the mutualistic bacterium Photorhabdus luminescens to the virulence of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora is host-dependent. To test this hypothesis, we compared the survival responses of two natural lepidopteran hosts, the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella and the Indianmeal moth Plodia interpunctella, following infection with either axenic H. bacteriophora (lacking P. luminescens) or symbiotic nematodes carrying their bacterial partner. We find that the presence of P. luminescens enhances the pathogenicity of H. bacteriophora towards G. mellonella larvae, whereas P. interpunctella larvae show broadly similar survival trajectories following infection with symbiotic or axenic nematodes, despite a shorter median survival time after symbiotic infection. These findings imply that EPNs may exert distinct infection strategies against different but related natural insect hosts, which may in turn activate differential immune mechanisms to deal with the combined threat of the nematodes and their symbiotic bacterial partners.},
}

@article {pmid42581543,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, Y and Tan, Z and Freeman, NA and Phukan, UJ and Greer, SA and Mukhtar, MS},
title = {Spatial Transcriptomics in Plants: From Cellular Maps to Mechanistic Insight.},
journal = {Plant communications},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {102070},
doi = {10.1016/j.xplc.2026.102070},
pmid = {42581543},
issn = {2590-3462},
abstract = {Spatial transcriptomics has transformed plant biology by restoring the spatial context lost in bulk and dissociation-based transcriptomic approaches. This review synthesizes recent progress across diverse plant species and tissues, showing that gene expression is not only cell-type specific but also tightly organized by position within organs and developmental niches. Studies of meristems, vascular tissues, and floral organs reveal spatially segregated developmental programs underlying growth and differentiation; seed and grain analyses uncover compartmentalized programs controlling nutrient transport, dormancy, and embryogenesis; plant-microbe and emerging plant-parasite studies show that symbiosis, immunity, and feeding-site development depend on sharply localized host responses; and work on photosynthesis, drought adaptation, and regeneration demonstrates that metabolic and stress-related processes are likewise spatially patterned. Together, these findings establish spatial gene expression as a fundamental organizing principle of plant development and physiology. At the same time, the plant spatial transcriptomics community faces important limitations, including restricted spatial resolution in standard array-based platforms, reliance on computational deconvolution, uneven taxonomic coverage, limited temporal resolution, and a persistent gap between correlation and causal validation. The next stage of plant spatial transcriptomics will require true single-cell spatial resolution, standardized computational pipelines, spatial multi-omics integration, improved benchmarking across platforms, and functional perturbation of spatially defined regulators. By connecting transcriptomic position to biological function, spatial transcriptomics is poised to move plant science from descriptive atlas-building toward mechanistic and predictive understanding with major implications for crop improvement and resilience.},
}

@article {pmid42584102,
year = {2026},
author = {Serrano, GA and De Santiago, A and Pereira, TJ and Marcelino Barros, M and Bik, HM},
title = {Location and habitat specificity structure benthic microbial assemblages in a temperate seagrass ecosystem.},
journal = {mSphere},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0043126},
doi = {10.1128/msphere.00431-26},
pmid = {42584102},
issn = {2379-5042},
abstract = {Seagrass meadows are globally distributed coastal ecosystems that provide habitats for diverse species and facilitate ecosystem services, such as carbon storage and nutrient cycling. However, anthropogenic activities and climate change are causing seagrass decline worldwide, broadly impacting ecosystem functioning. Although macrofaunal communities in seagrass habitats are relatively well studied, benthic microbial assemblages (including microeukaryote groups such as protists and microbial metazoa) remain underexplored. In this study, we used environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding to characterize assemblages of bacteria/archaea (16S rRNA gene), microeukaryotes (18S rRNA amplified from raw sediment), and meiofauna (18S rRNA amplified from sieved and Ludoxed sediment fractions) in seagrass fields and bare sediment habitats at three sites along an estuarine gradient in Bodega Harbor, California. We found that microbial and microeukaryote communities were primarily structured by location, with sediment properties (sand vs silt/clay proportions) being the main driver of community assemblages. Habitat type was a secondary factor influencing benthic fauna, with bare sediments typically displaying higher biodiversity than seagrass beds, except at Westside Park mudflats, where bare sediments showed significantly reduced diversity compared to all other sampling locations. The differential recovery of nematode bioindicator taxa, including Terschellingia, Daptonema, Viscosia, Microlaimus, and Spilophorella, suggested that abiotic factors, such as physical disturbance, pollution, or oxygen dynamics, may influence the success of specific taxa at each site. Finally, nematode-bacterial co-occurrence networks confirmed known symbiotic associations and suggest additional taxonomic relationships to explore in future studies. Our findings underscore the importance of environmental gradients and microhabitat features in shaping benthic biodiversity in temperate seagrass ecosystems.IMPORTANCESeagrass meadows, which sustain a wide variety of plant and animal life, are vital coastal habitats. These submerged ecosystems support biodiversity, coastal protection, biogeochemical cycling, and carbon storage. However, seagrass habitats worldwide are declining due to pressures from climate change and human activity. This study characterizes the microbial and microeukaryote communities (including microbial animals with a body size <1 mm) that inhabit and surround temperate seagrass meadows in Bodega Harbor, California. Our findings demonstrate that location is a primary factor that determines microbial communities inhabiting sediments at each site, with habitat type (bare sediment vs seagrass beds) exerting a secondary influence on the biodiversity and distribution of microbial species. By using nematode bioindicator taxa and nematode-bacterial co-occurrence patterns, our results also suggest specific environmental factors that shape sediment biodiversity, including tidal cycles, oxygen, sulfur, and decaying organic matter. A comprehensive understanding of the variation within benthic communities associated with seagrass habitats can significantly enhance conservation and restoration efforts for seagrass meadows.},
}

@article {pmid42585158,
year = {2026},
author = {Boot, MR and Sozanski, KS and Davis, M and Hamilton, IM and Adams, RMM},
title = {Guest-ant social parasites avoid conflict with social hosts using venom signaling.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {21},
number = {8},
pages = {e0345143},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0345143},
pmid = {42585158},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Ants/physiology ; *Host-Parasite Interactions ; *Venoms/metabolism ; Symbiosis ; *Social Behavior ; Signal Transduction ; *Animal Communication ; },
abstract = {Communication is a fundamental component of symbiosis but when the interests of sender and receiver are not aligned, manipulative rather than informative signaling, may occur between species. Although honest parasite signals are rarely explored, they could be favored if the host-parasite relationship provides an opportunity for a reduction of mutual costs or an acquisition of mutual benefits. Eusocial insect societies exhibit a unique type of symbiotic lifestyle-parasitism of one social unit (i.e., colony) by another. These social parasites gain resources despite risking repeated, and potentially costly, interactions with hosts. Megalomyrmex symmetochus "guest ant" parasites cohabit, long-term, within the nest of a single colony of Sericomyrmex amabilis, a fungus-farming ant. Although M. symmetochus exploit their stingless hosts for resources, they directly rely on their host colony for survival and reproduction, and thus, have been demonstrated to protect their host colony from threats to the shared nest using venom weaponry. We use behavioral observation of staged host-parasite conflict, lethal-dose assays, and direct venom measurements to show that M. symmetochus uses conspicuous and costly displays of venom during interactions with hosts. Megalomyrmex symmetochus is observed to dispense alkaloid venom directly through stinging, but more frequently, indirectly through airborne venom dispersal of volatile pyrrolizidine alkaloids. We further demonstrate that indirect venom use can alter interaction outcomes if hosts switch to non-aggressive behavioral tactics. We interpret this as an honest signal of the threat of envenomation, which reduces the risk of lethal aggression between heterospecific nestmates. We argue that venom signaling in this system, from parasites to their hosts, benefits both species due to the alignment of interest resulting from two different forms of conditional dependence 1) parasite reliance on host colony persistence and 2) the potential role that the parasites play in defending resources of the host colony. This work also demonstrates that communication strategies to manage conflict can arise in antagonistic partnerships and helps us understand how groups with competing interests are able to coexist.},
}

Animals
*Ants/physiology
*Host-Parasite Interactions
*Venoms/metabolism
Symbiosis
*Social Behavior
Signal Transduction
*Animal Communication

@article {pmid42585703,
year = {2026},
author = {Han, J and Xu, S and Qiu, YY and Yuan, M and Sun, J and Yuan, W and Zhang, L and Jiang, F},
title = {Achieving efficient nitrogen removal through spatial coupling of sulfur disproportionation and sulfur-based autotrophic denitrification in microenvironments.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {307},
number = {},
pages = {126630},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2026.126630},
pmid = {42585703},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {Polysulfide (Sn[2-]) produced by sulfur-disproportionating bacteria (SDB) mediated sulfur disproportionation (SD) could serve as effective electron donors for high-rate nitrogen removal from low C/N wastewaters. The syntrophic interactions between SDB and sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) have been considered the key for establishing Sulfur disproportionation-driven Polysulfide-Enhanced Expeditious autotrophic DeNitrification (SPEEDN) process. However, the presence of NO3[-] could inhibit SD activity, making it difficult for achieving the stable syntrophic symbiosis between SDB and SOB. To address this issue, sulfur-based porous alkaline carriers (SPAC) were constructed in this study to offer them differentiated ecological niches within microenvironments in the presence of NO3[-]. The long-term operation of laboratory-scale reactor packed with SPAC achieved average nitrogen removal rates of 0.96 kg N/m[3]-d, and peaked at 2.05 kg N/m[3]-d with HRT of 0.5 h when treating real domestic wastewater, which were substantially higher than that with commercial carriers (0.45 kg N/m[3]-d on average). The total relative abundance of bacteria potentially performing SD (e.g., Dissulfurimicrobium, Sulfurimonas) reached 14.3% in the inner layer of SPAC, significantly higher than those in the outer layer (4.8%) and in the flocs (2.6%) as well as in the commercial carriers (4.8%). SOB such as Ferritrophicum, Thiobacillus, and Denitratisoma were widely distributed in the SPAC. Batch experiments indicated that the SD and denitrification processes primarily occurred in the inner and outer layers of SPAC, respectively. The produced S[2-]/Sn[2-] in the inner layer could be utilized for denitrification, thereby enhancing the nitrogen removal rate. It suggested that the SPAC exhibited spatially stratified collaborative characteristic of functional microorganisms, wherein SDB primarily colonized the inner layer of SPAC, rendering SDB less susceptible to NO3[-] shock, while SOB flourished in both outer and inner layers acted as the dual shield for SDB. Collectively, with the functionally space-confining carriers, this study achieved the efficient coupling of sulfur‑nitrogen cycle reactions in the microenvironments, offering a novel approach for the improvement of system performance and stability of SPEEDN.},
}

@article {pmid42575002,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, W and Song, H and Xie, M and Li, Y and Wang, Z and Wang, Y and Yao, R and Zhang, M and Chen, L},
title = {Conservation and developmental roles of MtSMAX1 in Medicago truncatula.},
journal = {Plant physiology and biochemistry : PPB},
volume = {238},
number = {},
pages = {111628},
doi = {10.1016/j.plaphy.2026.111628},
pmid = {42575002},
issn = {1873-2690},
abstract = {Karrikin (KAR) signaling plays crucial roles in plant development, regulating key traits such as photomorphogenesis, root hair development, and arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis. SUPPRESSOR OF MAX2 1 (SMAX1), a key negative regulator of the KAR pathway, has been functionally studied in several plant species. However, the SMAX1 protein remains poorly understood in Medicago truncatula, an important model legume, which limits the comprehensive understanding and application of the KAR pathway in legumes. In this study, we identified the single SMAX1 ortholog MtSMAX1 in M. truncatula. Sequence alignment and structural modeling analyses revealed that MtSMAX1 is highly conserved with SMAX1 homologs from other plant species. Yeast two-hybrid assays demonstrated that MtSMAX1 interacts with two KAR signaling receptors KARRIKIN INSENSITIVE 2 (MtKAI2a/b). In addition, both MtKAI2a/b interact with the F-box protein MORE AXILLARY GROWTH 2 (MtMAX2), suggesting a conserved KAR signaling pathway in M. truncatula. To further investigate the biological functions of MtSMAX1, we generated two distinct CRISPR-edited mutant lines. The loss-of-function mutant Mtsmax1, which carries a premature termination mutation, displays defective phenotypes including reduced seed size, dwarfism, and delayed flowering. In contrast, the Mtsmax1[ΔQ210] mutant, harboring a single glutamine deletion at position 210, exhibits specific defects only in seed development. These phenotypic differences indicate a previously unreported role of MtSMAX1 in regulating legume seed development, with the conserved Q210 residue potentially involved in this process. Furthermore, MtSMAX1 overexpression lines exhibit phenotypes opposite to those of the mutants, further validating the biological functions of MtSMAX1. Gene expression analysis of key developmental marker genes revealed altered expression levels in MtSMAX1 mutants, which are tightly consistent with the corresponding phenotypic variations. These results suggest that MtSMAX1 likely functions as an important transcriptional regulator to modulate the expression of downstream developmental genes. Collectively, our findings establish MtSMAX1 as a pivotal regulator of multiple developmental processes in legumes and provide a foundation for elucidating the broader biological functions and regulatory mechanisms of the KAR signaling pathway.},
}

@article {pmid42576860,
year = {2025},
author = {Adeyemi, OO and Feruke-Bello, YM and Odeyemi, O},
title = {Improvement of yield parameters of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) by rhizobia sp. isolated from Mucuna pruriens and Centrosema pubescens at Ile-Ife, Nigeria.},
journal = {Sustainable microbiology},
volume = {2},
number = {1},
pages = {qvaf004},
pmid = {42576860},
issn = {2755-1970},
abstract = {This research was conducted to isolate, authenticate, and assess the symbiotic effectiveness of cowpea nodulating rhizobia isolated from Centrosema pubescens and Mucuna pruriens at different locations in Ile-Ife, Nigeria with two varieties of cowpea (Ife BPC and Ife Brown). Thirteen Rhizobium and three Bradyrhizobium species were isolated and all of them significantly enhanced nodulation with Ife brown and Ife BPC cowpeas having 50% and 81.25% effective nodules formation, respectively. The inoculation of the cowpea with Bradyrhizobium sp (C7) increased the yields significantly with Ife brown recording 73.92 g, while Ife BPC had 58.14 g. The symbiotic relationship between the rhizobia species and the two varieties of cowpea increased the soil fertility with nitrogen concentration in the soil increasing to 84.28 mg/g for Ife brown and 55.89 mg/g for Ife BPC. All the sixteen rhizobia isolates were resistant to Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63% W/P; 2,3 Dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate; Chlorpyriphos; Atrazine and 2,3 Dimethylamine. In contrast, four Rhizobium sp. were sensitive to Glyphosate at 14.4 mg/ml, while paraquat had inhibitory effect on 14 out of the 16 rhizobial species at 2.76 mg/ml. This study concluded that the rhizobia isolates improved the cowpea yield and also enriched the soil compared to the Nitrogen, Phoshorus and potassium (NPK) fertilized soil.},
}

@article {pmid42576869,
year = {2025},
author = {Onyeaka, H and Akinsemolu, A and Muhammad, AI and Ejiohuo, O},
title = {A green microbe for a sustainable future: the versatile applications of Nostoc commune.},
journal = {Sustainable microbiology},
volume = {2},
number = {4},
pages = {qvaf025},
pmid = {42576869},
issn = {2755-1970},
abstract = {Nostoc commune, a terrestrial nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium, presents a multifaceted opportunity for sustainable development through its ecological resilience, nutritional richness, and biotechnological versatility. This review synthesizes and critically evaluates current knowledge on N. commune, with an emphasis on its taxonomy, morpho-physiology, and ecological roles, particularly its contributions to nutrient cycling, stress tolerance, and symbiotic associations. Comparative insights into nitrogen-fixing efficiency, metabolite production, and strategies to mitigate cyanotoxin-related risks are discussed alongside emerging applications in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and sustainable agriculture. Its nutritional profile and adaptability position N. commune as a low-impact alternative within integrated food and health systems. Additionally, the review explores its significance in cultural traditions, biotechnology, and environmental remediation. Despite its promise, challenges remain, including variable metabolite profiles and safety concerns related to neurotoxins such as β-N-methylamino-L-alanine, necessitating targeted strain selection and regulatory frameworks. By integrating advances in genetic engineering, circular bioeconomy strategies, and community-centred approaches, N. commune could become a cornerstone of climate-smart agriculture, sustainable food systems, and global health solutions.},
}

@article {pmid42576920,
year = {2026},
author = {Golaz, D and Pessi, G},
title = {Insights into trehalose synthase function in the rhizobium Paraburkholderia phymatum STM815[T] under abiotic stresses and during symbiosis.},
journal = {Sustainable microbiology},
volume = {3},
number = {2},
pages = {qvag013},
pmid = {42576920},
issn = {2755-1970},
abstract = {The beta-proteobacterium Paraburkholderia phymatum STM815[T] is a diazotrophic rhizobium that is highly competitive for legume root nodulation and is resistant to abiotic stresses, including heat, low pH, or drought stress. A gene coding for a potential trehalose synthase and localized on the symbiotic plasmid (Sp treS) was among the most highly upregulated genes in microoxic conditions and in symbiosis. In this study, we observed that cells grown in microaerobic conditions produced 5.8 times more trehalose than in aerobic conditions. Accordingly, a P. phymatum Sp treS mutant accumulated 29.5% less trehalose than the wild-type strain in microaerobic conditions. During symbiosis with common bean, the Sp treS mutant showed a 58.8% lower nitrogenase activity compared to the wild-type strain. Furthermore, in absence of Sp treS P. phymatum was more sensitive to H2O2-induced oxidative stress and to freezing conditions and formed filaments. These results expand our knowledge on the behavior of this beta-rhizobium under microoxic conditions and on the role of the enzyme trehalose synthase in rhizobial resistance to abiotic stresses and in symbiotic efficiency.},
}

@article {pmid42577601,
year = {2026},
author = {Wu, D and Zhang, C and Cheng, Y and Wen, H and Du, G and Liu, D and Tian, M},
title = {Differential sensitivity to strigolactone signaling and identification of putative D14/KAI2-like receptors in symbiotic Armillaria.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1894528},
pmid = {42577601},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Strigolactones (SLs) are carotenoid-derived signaling molecules that play essential roles in plant development and rhizosphere communication, particularly in the establishment of beneficial plant-fungus interactions. Although SL-mediated signaling has been extensively studied in arbuscular mycorrhizal symbioses, its role in the Gastrodia elata-Armillaria association remains largely unknown.

METHODS: In this study, the Gastrodia-symbiotic strain Armillaria gallica Arm016 and the non-symbiotic strain Armillaria ostoyae Arm024 were used to investigate the effects of the synthetic SL analog GR24 on fungal growth, rhizomorph development, and transcriptional responses. To explore the molecular basis of SL perception, three candidate receptor-encoding transcripts were identified in Arm016 through homology-based screening. Domain annotation and structural modeling were performed to characterize their structural features.

RESULTS: GR24 treatment significantly promoted rhizomorph formation in Arm016, increasing rhizomorph numbers by 82.9% compared with the control (p < 0.01), whereas only a minor effect was observed in Arm024. Biomass accumulation was enhanced in both strains following GR24 treatment. Transcriptome analysis revealed markedly different responses between the two species. A total of 489 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in Arm016, compared with only 55 DEGs in Arm024. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that GR24-responsive genes in Arm016 were primarily associated with filamentous growth, metabolic processes, catalytic activity, and transporter functions, suggesting extensive transcriptional reprogramming related to fungal development. In contrast, Arm024 exhibited a comparatively weak transcriptional response. Domain annotation revealed the presence of the conserved α/β-hydrolase (Abhydrolase_1) domain, a hallmark of canonical plant SL receptors. Structural modeling further demonstrated that the candidate protein i2 shares a conserved α/β-hydrolase fold with the Arabidopsis thaliana SL receptor D14 (TM-score = 0.64), supporting its potential role in SL perception.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Collectively, these findings demonstrate that symbiotic and non-symbiotic Armillaria species exhibit distinct sensitivities to SL signaling and provide preliminary evidence for the existence of D14/KAI2-like SL perception mechanisms in Armillaria. This study advances our understanding of chemical communication within the Gastrodia-Armillaria symbiosis and provides a foundation for elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying fungal recruitment and symbiotic establishment.},
}

@article {pmid42577950,
year = {2026},
author = {Davis, HE and Torres, J and Adler, MJ and Parker, BJ},
title = {A Wolbachia coinfection in the common bed bug.},
journal = {ISME communications},
volume = {6},
number = {1},
pages = {ycag197},
pmid = {42577950},
issn = {2730-6151},
abstract = {The common bed bug (Cimex lectularius) relies on an obligate mutualism with the Wolbachia strain wCle to supplement B vitamins deficient in human blood. Using metatranscriptomic and metagenomic sequencing of hospital-collected bed bugs, we found that some individuals also harbor a second strain of Wolbachia (wChem). Using publicly available data we showed that wChem is distributed in bed bugs worldwide at intermediate frequencies and may have moved recently between C. lectularius and Cimex hemipterus, the tropical bed bug, which also feeds on human hosts. We found that wChem encodes a highly expressed cifA/B operon in males and females, consistent with cytoplasmic incompatibility, a reproductive manipulation strategy used by Wolbachia to increase in frequency in host populations. Together, these results demonstrate that some bed bugs harbor a Wolbachia coinfection of a nutritional mutualist and a potentially manipulative facultative symbiont. This discovery identifies a previously hidden aspect of bed bug biology with significant implications for its evolution, spread, and potential control.},
}

@article {pmid42578494,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, Z and Wang, YD and Xiao, B and Xu, CQ and Chen, Y and Liu, KP and Zhao, XH and Yang, J and Niu, JF and Xing, XK and Ding, G},
title = {Phenolic exudates from orchid seeds as nutrients chemically attract fungi.},
journal = {Journal of integrative plant biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/jipb.70368},
pmid = {42578494},
issn = {1744-7909},
support = {2023-I2M-2006//CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences/ ; },
abstract = {Most orchid species require fungi for natural germination, but the molecular mechanism of this symbiosis is poorly understood. Cremastra appendiculata seeds secrete phenolic acids before fungal contact, acting as nutrient molecules to chemically attract its symbiotic fungus Coprinellus disseminatus.},
}

@article {pmid42579079,
year = {2026},
author = {Yu, J and Xiong, Q and Li, X},
title = {Synergistic degradation of sulfamethoxazole by Enterococcus wangshanyuanii F4 and black soldier fly larvae.},
journal = {Biodegradation},
volume = {37},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {42579079},
issn = {1572-9729},
support = {39829117//Nanjing Tech University/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Larva/microbiology/metabolism/growth & development ; *Sulfamethoxazole/metabolism ; *Enterococcus/metabolism ; Biodegradation, Environmental ; *Simuliidae/microbiology/metabolism ; *Diptera/microbiology ; },
abstract = {This study demonstrates that inoculation with the Enterococcus wangshanyuanii strain F4 in a germ-free black soldier fly larval (BSFL) system enhances sulfamethoxazole (SMX) degradation, larval growth, and substrate conversion. Following inoculation with strain F4, the net SMX degradation rate reached 37.08%, and the net substrate consumption rate reached 46.12%, both representing significant improvements compared to the control group. Metagenomic analysis revealed that strain F4 modulated the BSFL gut microbial community structure and enriched functional genes associated with organic pollutant degradation. Accordingly, the activities of key degradation enzymes in the larval gut, including catechol-1,2-dioxygenase (C12O), catechol-2,3-dioxygenase (C23O), and peroxidase (POD), were significantly elevated following inoculation. Taken together, these findings suggest a synergistic effect between Enterococcus wangshanyuanii F4 and the host during the degradation process, which significantly enhances the removal of SMX by black soldier fly larvae. This provides a theoretical basis for the use of symbiotic microbial augmentation strategies in antibiotic bioremediation.},
}

Animals
Larva/microbiology/metabolism/growth & development
*Sulfamethoxazole/metabolism
*Enterococcus/metabolism
Biodegradation, Environmental
*Simuliidae/microbiology/metabolism
*Diptera/microbiology

@article {pmid42579146,
year = {2026},
author = {Huang, Y and Wu, Y and Cai, B},
title = {Research progress on flavonoid-mediated communication between plants and rhizosphere microorganisms.},
journal = {Archives of microbiology},
volume = {208},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {42579146},
issn = {1432-072X},
support = {31972502//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2023-KYYWF-1445//Basic Research Operating Expenses of Provincial Higher Education Institutions in Heilongjiang Province/ ; },
mesh = {*Rhizosphere ; *Flavonoids/metabolism/biosynthesis ; Symbiosis ; Soil Microbiology ; Plant Roots/microbiology/metabolism ; Mycorrhizae/physiology ; *Plants/microbiology/metabolism ; Quorum Sensing ; Bacteria/metabolism ; Host Microbial Interactions ; },
abstract = {Flavonoids are important components of plant root exudates and key chemical signals mediating cross-kingdom interactions between plants and rhizosphere microorganisms. Based on the theory of chemical communication in the plant rhizosphere, this article systematically reviews the biosynthesis and secretion characteristics of flavonoids, as well as their major regulatory roles in plant-microbe interactions, including symbiotic signal induction in legume-rhizobium associations, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal colonization, recruitment of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, inhibition of pathogenic microorganisms, and interference with quorum sensing. In addition, flavonoids are also involved in host nutrient acquisition and stress-response regulation, affecting the uptake of mineral elements such as phosphorus and iron, as well as plant adaptation to biotic and abiotic stresses. Although significant progress has been made in related research, current evidence remains largely confined to legume model systems. Systematic understanding is still lacking regarding receptor recognition, spatiotemporal dynamic regulation, and field ecological functions of flavonoid signals in non-leguminous staple crops. Future studies should integrate multi-omics analyses, in situ imaging, and functional gene validation to further elucidate the general principles and ecological specificity of flavonoid-mediated rhizosphere interactions. This article aims to provide a theoretical basis for elucidating the mechanisms underlying flavonoid-mediated plant-rhizosphere microbial interactions, advancing the precise regulation of the rhizosphere microecology, and supporting the development of sustainable agriculture.},
}

*Rhizosphere
*Flavonoids/metabolism/biosynthesis
Symbiosis
Soil Microbiology
Plant Roots/microbiology/metabolism
Mycorrhizae/physiology
*Plants/microbiology/metabolism
Quorum Sensing
Bacteria/metabolism
Host Microbial Interactions

@article {pmid42579493,
year = {2026},
author = {Tagirdzhanova, G and Brown, NE and Bucknell, AH and Cameron, ES and Finn, RD and Blaxter, M and McDonald, MC and Gluck-Thaler, E and Talbot, NJ},
title = {Tangerine: A new family of Starships from lichen-forming fungi.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {123},
number = {33},
pages = {e2534402123},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2534402123},
pmid = {42579493},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {BBS/E/J/000PR9798//UKRI | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (AFRC)/ ; MR/Y01717X/1//UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)/ ; 220540/Z/20/A//Wellcome Trust (WT)/ ; GBMF8897//Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation (GBMF)/ ; },
mesh = {*Lichens/genetics/microbiology ; *DNA Transposable Elements/genetics ; *Ascomycota/genetics ; Symbiosis/genetics ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; Phylogeny ; Base Sequence ; Genome, Fungal ; },
abstract = {Lichens are symbiotic associations between filamentous fungi and photosynthetic micro-organisms, such as green algae and/or cyanobacteria, that result in a single anatomically complex structure that can thrive in environments inhospitable to most organisms, including arctic tundra, high mountains, and deserts. Recent evidence suggests that lichens may be even more complex than previously appreciated, containing multiple microbial constituents, but how genomes of the principal fungal symbiont (which provides the majority of biomass in lichen tissue) have been shaped during evolution is largely unexplored. Recently, giant transposable elements called Starships have been found in many genomes of filamentous fungi, but to which extent they occur in lichen-forming fungi is not known. In this report, we describe a Starship element from the lichen fungus Xanthoria parietina. This element, named Tangerine, contains several genes that have signatures of horizontal gene transfer from nonlichen-forming fungi, most likely from black yeasts of the Chaetothyriales, that are often lichen-associated. Repetitive sequences carried by Tangerine, and found in other sites in Xanthoria genomes, are affected by repeat-induced point mutation, a mechanism of genome defense against transposable elements, consistent with fungal sexual reproduction which always precedes new lichen formation by X. parietina. Tangerine's "captain" belongs to a newly defined family of tyrosine recombinases specific to lichen-forming Lecanoromycetes. Several other captain clades have signatures of horizontal gene transfer between distantly related lichen-forming fungi and nonmycobiont lichen-associated fungi. We speculate that Starships may play a significant, yet hitherto unrecognized role, in lichen genome evolution and provide a roadmap for further investigation.},
}

*Lichens/genetics/microbiology
*DNA Transposable Elements/genetics
*Ascomycota/genetics
Symbiosis/genetics
Molecular Sequence Data
Gene Transfer, Horizontal
Phylogeny
Base Sequence
Genome, Fungal

@article {pmid42579863,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, Y and Cui, X and Wang, L and Ye, X and Yang, X and Liu, G and Huang, Z},
title = {Modulation of leaf economics spectrum, mycorrhizal type, and phylogeny on leaf nutrient resorption in a temperate urban forest.},
journal = {Annals of botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/aob/mcag255},
pmid = {42579863},
issn = {1095-8290},
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Nutrient resorption is a key nutrient conservation strategy employed by plants. However, the leaf economics spectrum (LES), which reflects a fundamental trade-off between resource acquisition and conservation in plants, has not been properly linked to nutrient resorption. Mycorrhizal associations may influence nutrient resorption by affecting plant nutrient acquisition strategies, but their role in nutrient resorption remains poorly understood. Moreover, the role of phylogenetic signal in shaping nutrient resorption has been overlooked.

METHODS: Here, we collected green and newly senesced leaves from 154 woody species spanning different leaf habits, growth forms, and mycorrhizal types in the China National Botanical Garden. Leaf morphological and chemical traits and nutrient resorption efficiency were determined. Phylogenetic effects on leaf nutrient resorption were analyzed. We investigated the influences of multiple biotic drivers on nitrogen resorption efficiency (NRE) and phosphorus resorption efficiency (PRE).

KEY RESULTS: Differences in NRE and PRE were observed among plant functional types (PFTs). Importantly, NRE and PRE were closely associated with the LES, with conservative species tending to exhibit higher resorption efficiency than acquisitive species; ecto-mycorrhizae, evergreen, and tree species tended to adopt a more conservative strategy, whereas arbuscular mycorrhizae, deciduous, and shrub species exhibited a more acquisitive strategy. In addition, NRE and PRE showed phylogenetic conservatism; both showed distinct relationships with divergence time, which were mediated by mycorrhizal type, likely due to functional differences in soil P acquisition.

CONCLUSIONS: Nutrient resorption efficiency varies across PFTs with different LES strategies. We highlight how plant strategies, symbiotic associations, and evolutionary history shape leaf nutrient resorption. Our findings shed light on the mechanistic understanding of plant nutrient conservation strategies from ecological and evolutionary perspectives.},
}

@article {pmid42580019,
year = {2026},
author = {Bi, C and Liu, S and Yin, W and Li, Y and Hong, X and Li, Y and An, N},
title = {SCDM-Net: Symbiotic causal debiasing for SERS-based exosome profiling in lung cancer.},
journal = {Spectrochimica acta. Part A, Molecular and biomolecular spectroscopy},
volume = {364},
number = {Pt 1},
pages = {128591},
doi = {10.1016/j.saa.2026.128591},
pmid = {42580019},
issn = {1873-3557},
abstract = {Early detection of lung cancer improves patient prognosis. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) analysis of exosomes provides an approach for lung cancer-related molecular profiling; however, instrument- and batch-related variation can obscure class-relevant spectral features. We developed a Symbiotic Causal Debiasing Multi-scale Network (SCDM-Net) to address this problem. A "symbiotic-parasitic" module uses gated residual fusion to model interactions between bias-associated and class-relevant representations. A dual-stream architecture processes raw one-dimensional spectra and two-dimensional short-time Fourier transform (STFT) representations using multi-scale convolutions to capture complementary spectral patterns across the fingerprint region and regions associated with lipids and proteins. A gradient reversal layer (GRL) encourages the separation of class-relevant and batch-associated representations. Using 4006 exosome SERS spectra from 12 independent biological batches, SCDM-Net achieved an accuracy of 90.77% and an F1 score of 0.8980 on a held-out test set comprising four biological batches not used during training. These proof-of-concept results, obtained using cell-line-derived exosomes, provide a methodological framework for SERS-based exosome profiling in lung cancer; clinical translation will require validation using patient-derived samples.},
}

@article {pmid42571016,
year = {2026},
author = {Metwally, RA and Soliman, ERS},
title = {Mycorrhizal symbiosis maintains DNA integrity and cellular homeostasis in lettuce under combined heavy metals and salt stress conditions.},
journal = {BMC plant biology},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42571016},
issn = {1471-2229},
mesh = {*Lactuca/microbiology/physiology/genetics/drug effects/metabolism ; *Metals, Heavy/toxicity ; *Mycorrhizae/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; Homeostasis ; *Salt Stress ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Combination stresses are the primary obstacle that plants encounter in nature. Consequently, there is an urgent need for environmentally sustainable solutions. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) constitute one such eco-friendly approach for promoting agricultural sustainability under heavy metals (HMs) contamination, drought, heat, and salinity stress conditions, owing to their well-documented role as biostimulants. Therefore, the present investigation aimed to assess the impact of combined HMs (Cr, Pb, and Cd; each at 100 mg L[- 1]) and salt stress (100 mM NaCl) on lettuce and to evaluate the potential of AMF inoculation to mitigate these combined stresses.

RESULTS: AMF colonization effectively mitigated this adverse effect, as evidenced by increases in shoot fresh weight (12.97%), total pigment (76.74%), relative water content (RWC, 10.98%), glycine betaine (GB, 21.04%), and phenolic content (15.68%). Conversely, a substantial decrease in stress markers was observed, including lipid peroxidation (MDA, 11.03%), H2O2 content (20.66%), and reductions in the antioxidant enzymes (23.56% in POD, 22.38% in PPO, and 14.73% in phenylalanine ammonia-lyase [PAL]). The Start codon targeted (SCoT) analysis demonstrated that all of these were associated with a 51% retention of genome integrity, and the percentage of damaged nuclei was reduced by 25.78%, as confirmed by the comet assay. Both easily extractable (EE, 29.58%) and total extractable (TE, 36.42%) glomalin content were significantly increased by AMF colonization upon stress. Although AMF-colonized roots exhibited a higher concentration of Pb, Cr, and Cd during combined stress, the concentration of these metals in the shoots was lower. This reduction was attributed to the ability of AMF to reduce the root-shoot translocation by 74.39, 61.42, and 56.92% for Cr, Pb, and Cd, respectively.

CONCLUSION: This method could be used to cultivate lettuce in contaminated locations by trapping HMs and Na[+] ions in the roots, which are not edible, while allowing the edible shoots to develop. Thus, AMF could be used to protect food safety and agricultural output in contaminated areas.},
}

*Lactuca/microbiology/physiology/genetics/drug effects/metabolism
*Metals, Heavy/toxicity
*Mycorrhizae/physiology
*Symbiosis
Homeostasis
*Salt Stress

@article {pmid42572978,
year = {2026},
author = {Xie, Y and Feng, X and Wang, Z and Dong, Z and Niu, Y and Xu, F and Liang, X and He, C and Yin, L and Li, H and Tang, H},
title = {Dual-cargo polymeric micelles with tumor-cell/stroma dual-targeting for synergistic eradication of drug-resistant breast cancer.},
journal = {Biomaterials science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1039/d6bm00808a},
pmid = {42572978},
issn = {2047-4849},
abstract = {Therapeutic resistance in breast cancer, driven by tumor-intrinsic adaptive mechanisms and microenvironmental survival cues, remains a critical barrier to curative treatment. To address this dual challenge, we developed a redox-responsive polymeric micelle system (TPSP) functionalized with telmisartan for simultaneous targeting of angiotensin II type 1 receptor-overexpressing tumor cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). This platform co-encapsulates doxorubicin (DOX), a classic topoisomerase IIα (Topo IIα) poison, and aconitine linoleate (L29), a novel catalytic Topo IIα inhibitor with a distinct mechanism of action compared with conventional agents. The TPSP micelles exhibit dual therapeutic synergism: (1) L29 disrupts DNA replication through G1/S cell cycle arrest via Topo IIα catalytic inhibition, complementing DOX's DNA double-strand break induction to counter acquired resistance, and (2) telmisartan-mediated CAF depletion disrupts stromal-mediated drug resistance by eliminating metabolic symbiosis and biomechanical barriers. In vivo evaluations across resistant breast cancer models revealed superior tumor growth inhibition (>72%) with CAF ablation. This combinatorial nanomedicine strategy pioneers a paradigm shift in overcoming multidrug resistance by concurrently targeting tumor plasticity and microenvironmental protection, providing a clinically translatable blueprint for treatment-refractory malignancies.},
}

@article {pmid42572998,
year = {2026},
author = {Yang, Y and Yue, X and Xu, S},
title = {Research Progress on the Diversity, Functions, and Applications of Endophytes in Panax ginseng.},
journal = {Journal of basic microbiology},
volume = {66},
number = {8},
pages = {e70194},
doi = {10.1002/jobm.70194},
pmid = {42572998},
issn = {1521-4028},
support = {LJBKY2025027//Basic Research Funds for Universities in Liaoning Province/ ; LJBKY2026025//Basic Research Funds for Universities in Liaoning Province/ ; LJBKY2024050//Basic Research Funds for Universities in Liaoning Province/ ; },
mesh = {*Panax/microbiology ; *Endophytes/classification/physiology/isolation & purification/metabolism/genetics ; Ginsenosides/metabolism/biosynthesis ; Plant Roots/microbiology ; Symbiosis ; Bacteria/classification/isolation & purification/metabolism/genetics ; Fungi/classification/isolation & purification/metabolism ; Biodiversity ; Indoleacetic Acids/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Endophytes of Panax ginseng are symbiotic microbes colonizing internal tissues asymptomatically, forming a core component of the ginseng microecosystem through co-evolution. This review summarizes recent progress on ginseng endophytes, covering community diversity, ecological functions, and application prospects. Culturable endophytic fungi span over 40 genera, dominated by Ascomycota, while endophytic bacteria mainly belong to Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria. Research methodologies have advanced from culture-based isolation to high-throughput amplicon sequencing and ASV-based profiling. Functionally, approximately 78% of culturable isolates produce indole-3-acetic acid, and strains with phosphate-solubilizing, nitrogen-fixing and siderophore-secreting activities are widely identified. For biocontrol, Paenibacillus and Burkholderia strains show broad-spectrum antagonism against 5-8 common ginseng pathogens, with Bacillus strains achieving 61.45%-80% mycelial inhibition. Over 10 endophytic species can synthesize ginsenosides or convert common ginsenosides into rare monomers like Rg2, Rb3, and compound K, with some elicitor strains increasing total ginsenoside contents in adventitious roots up to fourfold. Ginseng endophytes show great potential as microbial fertilizers and biocontrol agents for sustainable ginseng cultivation, biocatalysts for rare ginsenosides production, and sources of novel bioactive lead compounds for drug discovery. Current challenges, including the abundance of unculturable microbiota, unclear host-microbe interactions, and inconsistent field efficacy are discussed, along with future research directions.},
}

*Panax/microbiology
*Endophytes/classification/physiology/isolation & purification/metabolism/genetics
Ginsenosides/metabolism/biosynthesis
Plant Roots/microbiology
Symbiosis
Bacteria/classification/isolation & purification/metabolism/genetics
Fungi/classification/isolation & purification/metabolism
Biodiversity
Indoleacetic Acids/metabolism