@article {pmid40626910,
year = {2025},
author = {Kust, A and Zorz, J and Paniker, CC and Bouma-Gregson, K and Krishnappa, N and Liu, W and Banfield, JF and Diamond, S},
title = {Model cyanobacterial consortia reveal a consistent core microbiome independent of inoculation source or cyanobacterial host species.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ismejo/wraf142},
pmid = {40626910},
issn = {1751-7370},
abstract = {Cyanobacteria are integral to biogeochemical cycles, influence climate processes, and hold promise for commercial applications. In natural habitats, they form complex consortia with other microorganisms, where interspecies interactions shape their ecological roles. Although in vitro studies of these consortia have significantly advanced our understanding, they often lack the biological replication needed for robust statistical analysis of shared microbiome features and functions. Moreover, the microbiomes of many model cyanobacterial strains, which are central to our understanding of cyanobacterial biology, remain poorly characterized. Here, we expanded on existing in vitro approaches by co-culturing five well-characterized model cyanobacterial strains with microorganisms filtered from three distinct freshwater sources, generating 108 stable consortia. Metagenomic analyses revealed that, despite host and inoculum diversity, these consortia converged on a similar set of non-cyanobacterial taxa, forming a 25-species core microbiome. The large number of stable consortia in this study enabled statistical validation of both previously observed and newly identified core microbiome functionalities in micronutrient biosynthesis, metabolite transport, and anoxygenic photosynthesis. Furthermore, core species showed significant enrichment of plasmids, and functions encoded on plasmids suggested plasmid-mediated roles in symbiotic interactions. Overall, our findings uncover the potential microbiomes recruited by key model cyanobacteria, demonstrate that laboratory-enriched consortia retain many taxonomic and functional traits observed more broadly in phototroph-heterotroph assemblages, and show that model cyanobacteria can serve as robust hosts for uncovering functional roles underlying cyanobacterial community dynamics.},
}

@article {pmid40625873,
year = {2025},
author = {Mu, D and Zhang, M and Liang, Y and Ding, C and Chen, Q and Fan, X and Meng, X and Zhang, X and Gao, S and Zhai, D and Gao, Y and Wu, Y},
title = {Piriformospora indica enhances growth and salt tolerance in a short rotation woody crop, Paulownia elongata, under NaCl stress.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1566470},
pmid = {40625873},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Salinization is a major environmental challenge that jeopardizes productivity and resilience of plants such as the short rotation woody crops (SRWC) and bioenergy crops. Leveraging beneficial microbes will enhance plant resistance to salinity with physiological adjustments. Here we investigated the efficacy of plant growth promoting fungus (Piriformospora indica) on optimizing growth and salt tolerance of SRWCs and bioenergy tree crops, using Paulownia elongata as an example. Following culture in sterile soil, the chlamydospore of P. indica were found in paulownia plants roots. We treated both inoculated and uninoculated plants with four salt concentrations (0.00%, 0.30%,0.50%, 0.70%) by soaking them in varying concentrations of NaCl solution every 7 days. After 30 days of treatment, we investigated various physiological parameters, i.e., biomass, infection rate, growth rate, photosynthetic parameters, antioxidant enzyme activity, and soluble sugar of paulownia plants. Our two-way ANOVA demonstrated that the interaction between salinity stress and P. indica inoculation significantly enhanced plant height growth rate, leaf net photosynthetic rate, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and soluble protein content in Paulownia seedlings. Inoculated plants exhibited improved salt tolerance due to the mitigating effect of symbiosis across a salinity gradient. Mortality in the P. indica-treated group was reduced by approximately 5.55%, 22.22%, and 27.77% under 0.30%, 0.50%, and 0.70% NaCl treatments. Our study is the first application of P. indica to enhance salinity tolerance in Paulownia, a short-rotation woody crop. Inoculating such endophyte significantly improves the resilience and productivity of Paulownia plantations in saline environments, for a sustainable afforestation effort.},
}

@article {pmid40625865,
year = {2025},
author = {Georgopoulos, K and Bezemer, TM and Vesterdal, L and Li, K and de Nobel, L and Gomes, SIF},
title = {Nondestructive Detection of Frankia in Alnus glutinosa With NIR Spectroscopy.},
journal = {Plant-environment interactions (Hoboken, N.J.)},
volume = {6},
number = {4},
pages = {e70066},
pmid = {40625865},
issn = {2575-6265},
abstract = {Nitrogen (N) is essential for plant growth, yet excessive fertilizer use contributes to environmental degradation. Actinorhizal trees like Alnus glutinosa form symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria of the genus Frankia, reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers. However, distinguishing between soil-derived and symbiotically fixed nitrogen remains a challenge. This study investigates the potential of NIR spectroscopy as a nondestructive tool for differentiating N sources in A. glutinosa. Seedlings were grown in sterilized soil under controlled conditions with and without Frankia inoculation, and across a gradient of NH4NO3 fertilization (0-20 mM). We measured leaf chlorophyll, nitrogen content, biomass, and NIR reflectance (330-1100 nm) of the third fully expanded leaf. principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares (PLS) regression revealed that spectral signatures significantly differed between inoculated and uninoculated plants, particularly in the visible range around 555 nm. Despite similar leaf chlorophyll levels, Frankia-inoculated plants and those fertilized with 20 mM NH4NO3 exhibited spectral differences that could otherwise not be detected by SPAD measurements. PLS regression explained up to 54.8% of spectral variance based on nitrogen source, even in the absence of unique spectral peaks. These findings highlight the potential of NIR spectroscopy for rapid, in vivo and in vitro assessment of symbiotic N-fixation in trees, offering a novel and more precise approach than SPAD measurements.},
}

@article {pmid40625831,
year = {2025},
author = {Han, Y and Ding, PH},
title = {Advancing periodontitis microbiome research: integrating design, analysis, and technology.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1616250},
pmid = {40625831},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {Humans ; *Periodontitis/microbiology ; *Microbiota ; Biofilms/growth & development ; Gingiva/microbiology ; Bacteria/genetics/classification ; },
abstract = {Periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease affecting 20%-50% of adults worldwide, is driven by polymicrobial synergy and dysbiosis. Despite numerous studies on the oral microbiota in periodontitis, significant heterogeneity exists between findings, posing challenges for treatment strategies. To understand the sources of this variability and establish standardized protocols, we reviewed the literature to identify potential factors contributing to these discrepancies. We found most studies focus on microbial communities in periodontal pockets, with fewer investigating microbial composition within gingival tissue. Research indicates that bacterial communities in gingival tissue exist as biofilms, potentially serving as reservoirs for persistent infection. Therefore, further exploration of the microbiome within periodontal tissues is needed, which may offer new insights for treatment strategies. Metatranscriptomics provides valuable insights into gene expression patterns of the oral microbiota, enabling the exploration of microbial activity at a functional level. Previous studies revealed that most upregulated virulence factors in periodontitis originate from species not traditionally considered major periodontal pathogens. However, current studies have not fully identified or revealed the functional changes in key symbiotic microbes in periodontitis. We reviewed the analytical paradigms of metatranscriptomics and found that current analysis is largely limited to assessing functional changes in known periodontal pathogens, highlighting the need for a functional-driven approach. Beyond the limitations of current analytical paradigms, the metatranscriptomics also has inherent constraints. We suggested integrating emerging high-throughput microbial sequencing technologies with functional-driven analytical strategies to provide a more comprehensive and higher-resolution insight for microbiome reconstruction in periodontitis.},
}

Humans
*Periodontitis/microbiology
*Microbiota
Biofilms/growth & development
Gingiva/microbiology
Bacteria/genetics/classification

@article {pmid40625334,
year = {2025},
author = {Lan, B and Malik, TG and Tsai, MT and Wu, YT and Sun, SJ},
title = {No Evidence That the Phoretic Mite Poecilochirus carabi Influences Mate Choice or Fitness in the Host Burying Beetle Nicrophorus nepalensis.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {7},
pages = {e71733},
pmid = {40625334},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Mate choice is a fundamental aspect of sexual selection where the "chooser" chooses a "courter" by assessing a variety of traits that communicate potential fitness. However, the role of interspecific interactions, such as symbiosis, in shaping mate choice remains poorly understood. Here, we investigate whether phoretic mites Poecilochirus carabi, which can act as either mutualists or parasites, influence female mate choice or reproductive fitness in the burying beetle Nicrophorus nepalensis. These mites affect beetle fitness in context-dependent ways, influenced by temperature, competitor presence, and mite density-factors that could potentially impact mate selection. In an olfactory-based mate choice assay, we presented female N. nepalensis hosting a range of natural mite densities (0, 5, 10, or 20) with a choice between males carrying either 0 or 10 mites. Subsequently we allowed females to breed with their chosen male before evaluating the fitness effects of the varying male and female mite densities. We found no evidence that female N. nepalensis preferred males based on mite presence, regardless of their own mite density. Furthermore, mite density did not affect beetle fitness, as measured by brood size or average larval mass. However, mite reproductive output increased with higher total mite densities per breeding pair. Our findings suggest that, under naturally occurring conditions and in the absence of competitors, P. carabi mites do not influence female mate choice or beetle reproductive success in N. nepalensis.},
}

@article {pmid40624948,
year = {2025},
author = {Lu, R and Lanooij, J and Smakowska-Luzan, E},
title = {From Roots to Reproduction: The Multifaceted Roles of RALF and EPF Peptides in Plants.},
journal = {Journal of experimental botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jxb/eraf303},
pmid = {40624948},
issn = {1460-2431},
abstract = {In plants, peptides play an irreplaceable role as intercellular communication molecules, triggering signal transduction by activating plasma membrane-localized receptors. Of specific interest here are the cysteine-rich peptides (CRPs), which are well-characterized for their disulfide bonds that enhance structural stability and functional specificity. Although the first CRP, systemin, was identified over three decades ago, our understanding of CRPs' evolutionary trajectories, functional diversity, and underlying mechanisms remains limited. This review focuses on two main families of CRPs: the Rapid Alkalinization Factor and the Epidermal Patterning Factor (EPF)/EPF-Like peptides. We thus explore the diverse and, so far, identified signalling pathways in which the peptides play a pivotal function. We organize our tour by providing a comprehensive overview of the discovery of peptides, structural diversity, and biological functions. Particularly, emphasis is placed on their roles in plant growth, development, reproduction, defence against biotic and abiotic stresses, and plant-bacteria symbiosis.},
}

@article {pmid40624256,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, N and Xu, X and Liu, X and Wu, J and Tang, H},
title = {Incentive mechanism of foundation model enabled cross-silo federated learning.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {24181},
pmid = {40624256},
issn = {2045-2322},
abstract = {The integration of foundation models (FMs) into cross-silo federated learning (FL) introduces transformative capabilities but also exacerbates strategic client behaviors, such as knowledge hoarding and free-riding, which degrade global model performance and system sustainability. Existing incentive mechanisms fail to address the knowledge hoarding and free-riding in FM-enabled FL. This paper proposes a novel incentive framework to harmonize client-server interests while suppressing adversarial behaviors. First, we propose a dynamic participant screening mechanism including pre-screening mechanism and confidence attenuation monitoring to filter low-quality updates and penalize intermittent participation. Second, we propose a cost-benefit balanced contribution metric to quantify clients' impacts by jointly evaluating accuracy gains, cost, and participation patterns. Third, we model the incentive mechanism as a two-stage Stackelberg game to establish symbiotic incentives, where the server adaptively adjust pricing strategy while clients optimize participation strategies. Simulation results demonstrate that our method can achieve up to 21.9% higher model accuracy and effectively filter malicious clients compared to existing benchmarks.},
}

@article {pmid40623763,
year = {2025},
author = {Agrawal, P and Mendhey, P and Kumar, R and Patel, S and Kaushik, PK and Dadsena, A and Kumar, S},
title = {Introduction to microbiomes in health and diseases.},
journal = {International review of cell and molecular biology},
volume = {394},
number = {},
pages = {1-42},
doi = {10.1016/bs.ircmb.2024.12.010},
pmid = {40623763},
issn = {1937-6448},
mesh = {Humans ; *Microbiota ; *Health ; *Disease ; Animals ; },
abstract = {The human microbiome is a complex ecological system of commensal, symbiotic, and pathogenic microorganisms that plays a crucial role in human health and disease. The microbiome includes both the living microorganisms also called microbiota and their synthesized metabolites and structural components. It is distributed to the gastrointestinal tract, skin, respiratory system, and oral cavity, each with a distinct microbial composition. Dysbiosis, or imbalance in the microbiome is linked to numerous diseases such as eczema, gastric ulcers, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. The axes of microbial activity and their connections to disease, including the gut-skin, gut-lung, gut-brain, and gut-kidney play a crucial role in health and disease conditions. Also, the role of the microbiome in cancer development and response to therapy is examined. This book chapter underscores the importance of maintaining a balanced microbiome for overall health and the potential for microbiome-based interventions in disease prevention and treatment.},
}

Humans
*Microbiota
*Health
*Disease
Animals

@article {pmid40622550,
year = {2025},
author = {Madhukaran, SP and Yasmin, H and Kishore, U},
title = {Innate Immune Mechanisms in Normal and Adverse Pregnancy.},
journal = {Advances in experimental medicine and biology},
volume = {1476},
number = {},
pages = {339-379},
pmid = {40622550},
issn = {0065-2598},
mesh = {Pregnancy ; Humans ; Female ; *Immunity, Innate ; Animals ; Signal Transduction/immunology ; *Receptors, Pattern Recognition/immunology ; Immune Tolerance ; *Pregnancy Complications/immunology ; Inflammation/immunology ; },
abstract = {The innate immune system's recognition of microorganisms through pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) is a fundamental aspect of host defense and microbial symbiosis. During pregnancy, this system is finely tuned to accommodate the fetal allograft while still protecting against infections. Dysregulation in the recognition and response to commensal microorganisms can lead to pathological conditions, which may have implications for both maternal and fetal health. PRRs play a critical role in maintaining a balanced immune response, which is essential during pregnancy to prevent excessive inflammation that could affect pregnancy outcomes. They are involved in the regulation of immune cell proliferation and the integrity of mucosal barriers, which are vital for the protection of the maternal-fetal interface. The signaling pathways of PRRs are also key in the initiation and modulation of inflammation in response to microbial invasion. Changes in PRR function, as observed in certain animal models, indicate that the outcome of immune responses can be significantly altered by the specific signaling pathways activated in immune cells, and by the nature of the microbial environment. This is particularly relevant in pregnancy, where an altered PRR response may influence the risk of developing inflammatory conditions that could impact gestation and labor. In light of these considerations, understanding the role of PRR signaling in pregnancy is crucial for elucidating the mechanisms of maternal immune tolerance and the maintenance of a healthy pregnancy, as well as for identifying potential therapeutic targets for pregnancy-related complications arising from immune system dysregulation.},
}

Pregnancy
Humans
Female
*Immunity, Innate
Animals
Signal Transduction/immunology
*Receptors, Pattern Recognition/immunology
Immune Tolerance
*Pregnancy Complications/immunology
Inflammation/immunology

@article {pmid40622371,
year = {2025},
author = {Binay, S and Li, HH and Tsai, S and Saco, JA and Wen, ZH and Lin, C},
title = {Effects of cryopreservation on the glycan profile of Symbiodiniaceae.},
journal = {Journal of phycology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/jpy.70057},
pmid = {40622371},
issn = {1529-8817},
support = {MOST 110-2313-B-291 -001 -MY3//Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan/ ; },
abstract = {Symbiodiniaceae are crucial dinoflagellate symbionts for corals. They are affected by climate change-induced temperature rises that lead to coral bleaching, impacting coral reefs' health. Cryopreservation offers a solution to ensuring long-term storage of this species, preserving genetic diversity and viability. However, cryoinjury's impacts on glycan, a class of biomolecules with diverse biological roles including the initiation of coral-Symbiodiniaceae symbiosis, remain unknown. Thus, we examined the glycan profile of Breviolum psygmophilum cells cultured for varied periods post-thaw. The cells were subjected to two-step freezing with 2 M methanol as the cryoprotectant, and were cryopreserved for 2 h, then thawed and cultured. Lectin Array 70 was used to analyze glycan profiles of B. psygmophilum before and after cryopreservation. The results indicated that fucose and mannose differed significantly from N-acetyllactosamine, indicating its low presence in non-cryopreserved cells. Cryopreserved B. psygmophilum showed significant changes in fucose and mannose content, and several lectins contributed to the abundance of their respective carbohydrate moieties. These carbohydrates may affect cell division, repair, and energy. Lectins Gal1, CNL, DSA, BC2LCN, GRFT, HHA, NPA, Orysata, ConA, Gal3, and ACG changed in content post-cryopreservation, which may have been to mitigate the cryopreservation-induced stress, similar to their response to other stresses, while vital biological processes were maintained. This study sheds light on Symbiodiniaceae glycan profile alterations post-cryopreservation, which could influence Symbiodiniaceae's ability to establish symbiosis with corals thus highlighting the need to optimize cryopreservation protocols to minimize glycan alterations and enhance Symbiodiniaceae preservation, ultimately supporting coral reef conservation efforts.},
}

@article {pmid40621956,
year = {2025},
author = {Huang, X and Yang, L and Zhou, S and Zhong, L and Xu, G and Bi, M and Yang, X and Su, X and Rillig, MC},
title = {Plastic Biofilms as Hotspots of Nitrogen Cycling in Estuarine Ecosystems: Comparative Ecological, Genomic, and Transcriptomic Analysis Across Substrates.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {31},
number = {7},
pages = {e70329},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.70329},
pmid = {40621956},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {42021005//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; U23A20145//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2021-DST-004//Ningbo Municipal Science and Technology Innovative Research Team/ ; ANSO-PA-2023-18//Alliance of International Science Organizations/ ; },
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Plastics ; *Nitrogen Cycle ; *Estuaries ; Transcriptome ; Nitrogen/metabolism ; Ecosystem ; Seawater/microbiology ; Bacteria/metabolism/genetics ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Metagenome ; },
abstract = {Biofilms represent a ubiquitous microbial lifestyle that facilitates colonization, symbiosis, and nutrient cycling, shaping environmental chemical transformations. In the Anthropocene, the proliferation of artificial surfaces, particularly plastics, has introduced novel and artificial ecological niches for microbial colonization. However, the biogeochemical potential of biofilms on these emerging artificial substrates remains largely unknown. Here, using [15]N tracing, amplicon, metagenome, and metatranscriptomic sequencing, we explore nitrogen (N) potential biogeochemistry across artificial and natural biofilms as well as the bulk seawater. Our results reveal that plastic biofilms exhibit enhanced N transformation potential, including elevated nitrification (2~45-fold), denitrification (5~44-fold), and N2O production (3~13-fold) rates, compared to natural biofilms and ambient seawater. This functional shift corresponds to distinct microbial community structures, driven by active N-cycling taxa and metabolic pathway reconfigurations on plastic surfaces. We also observe that carbohydrate metabolism pathways, such as glycolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway, were highly expressed in plastic biofilms, with transcriptional levels of glk (encoding glucokinase) and PGK (encoding phosphoglycerate kinase) increased by 6- and 2-fold, respectively. Our findings depict the role of plastic biofilms as active participants in estuarine N cycling and underscore the broader implications of plastic pollution on ecosystem biogeochemistry.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Plastics
*Nitrogen Cycle
*Estuaries
Transcriptome
Nitrogen/metabolism
Ecosystem
Seawater/microbiology
Bacteria/metabolism/genetics
Gene Expression Profiling
Metagenome

@article {pmid40621907,
year = {2025},
author = {Liang, X and Lu, X and Wei, Y and Jiang, F and Wang, M and Wei, X},
title = {Composition and driving factors of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities in the roots and rhizosphere soil of naturally regenerated Phoebe bournei seedlings in Guizhou Province, China.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0021025},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.00210-25},
pmid = {40621907},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi play vital roles in promoting tree growth and maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem stability in subtropical forests. Phoebe bournei, a key species endemic to the subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests of China, forms symbiosis associations with AM fungi. However, the composition and structure of AM fungal communities associated with naturally regenerated P. bournei remain insufficiently characterized. This study used Illumina MiSeq sequencing to investigate the AM fungal communities in the root and rhizosphere soil samples. In total, 305 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) belonging to four orders and seven families were uncovered within Glomeromycota. Seven and nine AM fungal genera were detected in root and rhizosphere soil samples, respectively, with Glomus being the most dominant genus in both root and rhizosphere soil samples. Moreover, the diversity of AM fungal communities varied across sampling locations in the rhizosphere soil and roots. The co-occurrence network structure of the AM fungal community in the rhizosphere soil was more complex and robust than that of the roots. Furthermore, soil properties, latitude, and altitude influenced the changes in AM fungal α-diversity and the relative abundance of genera in roots and rhizosphere soil to varying degrees. Overall, our findings highlight the pivotal role of soil properties over geographical variables in explaining variations in the AM fungal community structure, with soil properties-particularly total phosphorus and total nitrogen-markedly driving the AM fungal community structure in the rhizosphere soil and roots of naturally regenerated P. bournei seedlings.IMPORTANCEAlthough subtropical forest ecosystems harbor rich arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal resources, insights into their communities in the rhizosphere of Phoebe bournei remain limited. This study investigates the composition and key drivers of AM fungi communities in the rhizosphere soil and roots of naturally regenerated P. bournei seedlings in Guizhou, subtropical China. The findings deepen the understanding of the potential of AM fungi in supporting the establishment and growth of mycorrhizal plants, as well as maintaining the diversity, productivity, and stability of subtropical forest ecosystems. Moreover, this study provides valuable insights into the selection and application of AM fungi resources in mycorrhizal seedling cultivation and afforestation of P. bournei.},
}

@article {pmid40621614,
year = {2025},
author = {Reichert, J and Tepavčević, J},
title = {Growing Apart: Global Warming Severely Impacts the Symbiosis of the Hawaiian Bobtail Squid and Bioluminescent Bacteria.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {31},
number = {7},
pages = {e70308},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.70308},
pmid = {40621614},
issn = {1365-2486},
}

@article {pmid40621421,
year = {2025},
author = {Majeed, M and Ahmed, W and Javad, S and Iahtisham-Ul-Haq, and Rashid, S and Perveen, R and Farooq, U and Abid, J and Ahmad, AMR},
title = {Optimization of microwave-assisted extraction for quercetin (prebiotic) and the effect of its symbiotic combination with Lactobacillus acidophilus (probiotic) in NAFLD induced rat model.},
journal = {Frontiers in nutrition},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {1596758},
pmid = {40621421},
issn = {2296-861X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Changing dietary patterns, lifestyle related disorders and associated metabolic syndromes have increased the prevalence of NAFLD over the last few years. It has been observed that there is a direct association between intestinal dysbiosis and NAFLD truly depicted by interconnected complex mechanisms. Besides its antioxidant activity, quercetin serves prebiotic functions as well.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the current research was to determine the synbiotic effect of quercetin and Lactobacillus acidophilus on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) induced rat models.

METHODS: Quercetin was extracted from red onions via microwave-assisted extraction technique (MAE). Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize MAE parameters. 25 female albino rats were divided into 5 groups of 5 rats each; 2 control (untreated and negative control) and 3 treatment groups (G1, G2, G3). High fat diet (HFD) (40% fat) in combination with 15% sucrose water and 440 mg cholesterol/100 g feed was given to rats over a period of 6 weeks to induce NAFLD. For the efficacy trial, treatment groups received different doses of quercetin; 50 mg, 80 mg and 100 mg in G1, G2 and G3, respectively, with a dose of 10[2] CFU of Lactobacillus acidophilus/200 μL of PBS in all three groups.

RESULTS: The results revealed optimal MAE conditions for maximum amount of quercetin as 600 W microwave power, 3 min irradiation time and distilled water as a solvent. Resultantly, 86.10 mg quercetin/gram of red onion extract (32.7mgQ/g onion powder) was obtained. There was no significant difference in HDL, VLDL, triglycerides, serum AST and serum ALP levels (p-value > 0.05) between all groups. However, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and serum ALT significantly improved in G3 (p-value < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The synbiotic combination is effective at lowering total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol as well as serum ALT levels at a dose of 100 mg of quercetin/kg body weight for rats.},
}

@article {pmid40620226,
year = {2025},
author = {Sangwan, S and Saxena, G and Chawla, G and Prasanna, R and Bana, RS and Choudhary, AK},
title = {Propagule-Specific Bacteriome of Funneliformis mosseae Spores and Hyphae: Integrated High-Throughput and Culture-Dependent Insights.},
journal = {Journal of basic microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e70076},
doi = {10.1002/jobm.70076},
pmid = {40620226},
issn = {1521-4028},
support = {//This research was supported by the Indian Potash Limited, New Delhi./ ; },
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis is increasingly recognized as a tripartite interaction involving the fungal symbiont, the host plant, and a diverse assemblage of associated bacteria. Through this study, propagule-specific bacteriome of Funneliformis mosseae was explored, particularly its taxonomic composition and plant growth-promoting (PGP) potential. Using a polyphasic approach integrating Illumina high-throughput sequencing with culture-dependent techniques, bacterial communities associated with monosporal hyphae and spores were characterized. Sequencing analyses revealed distinct taxonomic profiles between two propagule types: spores were dominated by Pseudomonas, whereas hyphae harbored higher relative abundances of Sphingobium and Rhodococcus. Culture-dependent screening on NBRIP medium yielded 53 phosphate-solubilizing bacterial isolates-21 from spores and 32 from hyphae. While hyphae-associated propagules contained a greater number of phosphate-solubilizing isolates, those from spores exhibited significantly higher solubilization capacities, ranging from 16.87 to 273 µg mL[-1], with 47.6% exceeding 100 µg mL[-1]. In contrast, hyphae-derived isolates ranged from 35.03 to 142.20 µg mL[-1], with 28.1% surpassing the 100-µg mL[-1] threshold. Functional screening further revealed that 38% of spore and 31% of hyphae-associated isolates exhibited diverse PGP traits. The five most potent strains were identified through 16S rDNA sequencing as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Bacillus haynesii, Bacillus licheniformis, and Enterococcus innesii. This study represents the first attempt to characterize a propagule-specific core bacteriome in Funneliformis mosseae, revealing clear taxonomic and functional divergence between spore and hyphae-associated bacterial communities. These findings highlight the specialized ecological roles of distinct propagule microbiomes and offer novel avenues for targeted manipulation of AM symbiosis to enhance plant nutrient acquisition and growth.},
}

@article {pmid40619070,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, W and Xu, C and Wang, J and Li, X},
title = {Diversity of symbiotic microbes and their potential functions associated with multiple development stages of Zeugodacus tau (Walker).},
journal = {Gene},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {149655},
doi = {10.1016/j.gene.2025.149655},
pmid = {40619070},
issn = {1879-0038},
abstract = {Zeugodacus tau is a major quarantine insect pest that causes considerable damage to vegetable industries in Jiangxi area. Symbiotic microbes play essential roles in the long-term coevolution of host insects. While symbiotic bacteria are increasingly recognized as pivotal mediators of insect physiology and ecology, characterization of bacteria dynamics across life cycles of Z. tau remains limited. To address this knowledge gap, we surveyed the dynamic changes of symbiotic microbiota across various life stages of Z. tau, including larva, pupa, female and male adult, using high-throughput sequencing technology using high-throughput sequencing on the Illumina MiSeq platform. A total of 2,574 Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) were discerned from 16S rRNA genes. Alpha diversity analysis disclosed the pupa of Z. tau possessed the highest bacterial abundance and diversity. Notably, Pseudomonadota was the dominant phylum across all stages except the larva, where Lactiplantibacillus predominated. Klebsiella and Enterobacter were the main genera in adult males and females. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis demonstrated stage-specific functional specialization, with larvae preferentially activating carbohydrate metabolism for growth while adults upregulated energy metabolism to support flight and reproduction. These findings provide foundational insights into host-microbiota interactions and may inform the development of microbiota-targeted pest management strategies.},
}

@article {pmid40616161,
year = {2025},
author = {Yin, D and Fang, N and Zhu, Y and Bao, X and Yang, J and Zhang, Q and Wang, R and Huang, J and Wu, Q and Ma, F and Wei, X},
title = {Adipocytes-induced ANGPTL4/KLF4 axis drives glycolysis and metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer.},
journal = {Journal of experimental & clinical cancer research : CR},
volume = {44},
number = {1},
pages = {192},
pmid = {40616161},
issn = {1756-9966},
support = {2023AH050555//Key Program of Natural Scientific Research in Higher Education Institutions of Anhui Province/ ; 2023AH050554//Key Program of Natural Scientific Research in Higher Education Institutions of Anhui Province/ ; 82003811//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; XJ201917//Scientific Research Foundation of Anhui Medical University/ ; },
mesh = {*Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms/pathology/metabolism/genetics ; Humans ; *Angiopoietin-Like Protein 4/metabolism/genetics ; Female ; Kruppel-Like Factor 4 ; Glycolysis ; Mice ; Animals ; *Adipocytes/metabolism/pathology ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Cell Line, Tumor ; *Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors/metabolism/genetics ; Tumor Microenvironment ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The adipocyte-rich tumor microenvironment (TME) is recognized as a key factor in promoting cancer progression. A distinct characteristic of peritumoral adipocytes is their reduced lipid content and the acquisition of a proinflammatory phenotype. However, the underlying mechanisms by which adipocytes rewire metabolism and boost tumor progression in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remain poorly understood.

METHODS: We utilized transcriptomic analysis, bioinformatic analysis, metabolic flux analysis, protein-protein docking, gene and protein expression profiling, in vivo metastasis analysis and breast cancer specimens to explore how adipocytes reprogram tumor metabolism and progression in TNBC.

RESULTS: Our findings reveal that Angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) exhibits significantly higher expression levels in adipocyte-rich tumor circumstance compared to the symbiotic environment lacking of adipocyte. Furthermore, ANGPTL4 expression in tumor cells is essential for adipocyte-driven glycolysis and metastasis. Interleukin 6 (IL-6), enriched in cancer-associated adipocytes, and lipolysis-derived free fatty acids (FFAs) released from adipocytes, amplify ANGPTL4-mediated glycolysis and metastasis through activation of STAT3 and PPARα pathways in TNBC cells. Additionally, ANGPTL4 interacts with transcription factor KLF4 and enhances KLF4 activity, which further drives glycolysis and metastasis, whereas KLF4 knockdown attenuates migration and glycolysis in TNBC cells. Importantly, Elevated ANGPTL4 and KLF4 expression was observed in metastatic breast cancer specimens compared to non-metastatic cases and was positively correlated with poor prognosis.

CONCLUSION: Collectively, our results uncover a complex metabolic interaction between adipocytes and TNBC cells that promotes tumor aggressiveness. ANGPTL4 emerges as a key mediator in this process, making it a promising therapeutic target to inhibit TNBC progression.},
}

*Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms/pathology/metabolism/genetics
Humans
*Angiopoietin-Like Protein 4/metabolism/genetics
Female
Kruppel-Like Factor 4
Glycolysis
Mice
Animals
*Adipocytes/metabolism/pathology
Neoplasm Metastasis
Cell Line, Tumor
*Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors/metabolism/genetics
Tumor Microenvironment
Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic

@article {pmid40615560,
year = {2025},
author = {Kusajima, M and Fujita, M and Takahashi, I and Mori, T and Tanaka, T and Nakamura, H and Le Thanh, T and Yoneyama, K and Akiyama, K and Buensanteai, K and Asami, T and Nakashita, H},
title = {Enhancement of systemic acquired resistance in rice by F-box protein D3-mediated strigolactone/karrikin signaling.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {23875},
pmid = {40615560},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {JPJ01193//Research and implementation promotion program through open innovation grants/ ; JPJ01193//Research and implementation promotion program through open innovation grants/ ; JPJ01193//Research and implementation promotion program through open innovation grants/ ; JPJ01193//Research and implementation promotion program through open innovation grants/ ; 19J14665//Grant-in-Aid for JSPS Fellows/ ; 27004A//Forestry and Fisheries under Science and Technology Research Promotion Program for Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Food Industry/ ; 27004A//Forestry and Fisheries under Science and Technology Research Promotion Program for Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Food Industry/ ; 27004A//Forestry and Fisheries under Science and Technology Research Promotion Program for Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Food Industry/ ; 27004A//Forestry and Fisheries under Science and Technology Research Promotion Program for Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Food Industry/ ; 18K05656//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; },
mesh = {*Oryza/genetics/metabolism/immunology/microbiology/drug effects ; *Lactones/metabolism/pharmacology ; *Signal Transduction ; *Plant Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; *Pyrans/metabolism ; *Disease Resistance ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant/drug effects ; *Furans/metabolism ; Plant Growth Regulators/metabolism/pharmacology ; Plant Diseases/microbiology/immunology/genetics ; Heterocyclic Compounds, 3-Ring ; },
abstract = {Strigolactones (SLs) are butenolide-type plant hormones that play several roles in plants, such as suppressing shoot branching and promoting arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis. Recently, SLs have been reported to positively regulate disease resistance in plants. In this study, we analyzed the effect of the synthetic SL analog rac-4-bromodebranon (rac-4BD) on systemic acquired resistance (SAR) in rice. First, we demonstrated in vitro that rac-4BD, similar to the common SL analog rac-GR24, promotes the interaction of SL and karrikin receptor, D14 and D14-like (D14L), respectively, with signaling factor D3. Gene expression analysis and inoculation tests indicated that pretreatment with rac-4BD promotes the effect of the SAR inducer BIT. Activation of SAR was also significantly observed in the SL and karrikin signal-deficient rice mutant d3. These results suggest that D3-mediated SL/karrikin signaling by rac-4BD treatment does not directly activate rice immunity but induces a priming state in the plant that enhances SAR induction.},
}

*Oryza/genetics/metabolism/immunology/microbiology/drug effects
*Lactones/metabolism/pharmacology
*Signal Transduction
*Plant Proteins/metabolism/genetics
*Pyrans/metabolism
*Disease Resistance
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant/drug effects
*Furans/metabolism
Plant Growth Regulators/metabolism/pharmacology
Plant Diseases/microbiology/immunology/genetics
Heterocyclic Compounds, 3-Ring

@article {pmid40614119,
year = {2025},
author = {Zeng, Z and Wu, WS and Ding, Q and Liu, Y and Feng, XY and Zhao, P and Jiang, XM and Li, SX and Jiang, YQ and Chen, JQ and Shao, ZQ},
title = {Overexpression of miR399d impairs arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis in tomato.},
journal = {Plant biotechnology journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/pbi.70242},
pmid = {40614119},
issn = {1467-7652},
support = {//Outstanding Young Teacher of "QingLan Project" of Jiangsu Province/ ; 2022ZB45//Jiangsu Excellent Postdoctoral Funding/ ; 2023ZB796//Jiangsu Excellent Postdoctoral Funding/ ; CX(23)3116//Jiangsu Provincial Agricultural Science and Technology Independent Innovation Fund/ ; 31770245//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32170218//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32200195//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32270241//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32400186//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32461160254//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; GZB20230303//Postdoctoral Fellowship Program of CPSF/ ; 2022721558//China Postdoctoral Science Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis (AMS) is a pervasive mutualistic interaction that is prevalent among fungi and the majority of terrestrial plant species. AMS host plants possess an alternative phosphate (Pi) acquisition pathway via arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in addition to direct Pi uptake by the root epidermis. In the present study, we found that miR399d homologues were consistently downregulated in multiple angiosperms during AMS. Genetic approaches were used to study its role in AMS in a tomato model. The overexpression of tomato miR399d significantly inhibited the colonization of plants by AMF and the development of arbuscules. A similar phenotype was observed by inactivation of PHO2 (PHOSPHATE2), a target gene of miR399d. Considering that both miR399d overexpression and PHO2 deficiency increase the accumulation of Pi transporters in the direct Pi uptake pathway, a Pi transporter gene PT1, which is involved in direct Pi uptake, was overexpressed in tomato. The resulting transgenic plants presented elevated direct Pi uptake and a decreased degree of AMF colonization. These findings suggest that the downregulation of miR399d is required for AMS establishment and that miR399d may act as a negative regulator of AMS by fine-tuning distinct Pi uptake pathways in tomato plants under phosphorus starvation conditions.},
}

@article {pmid40613947,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, J and Geng, X and Zhang, Q and Lin, K and Li, Z and Wang, B and Xiao, Q and Li, X},
title = {Effect of Claroideoglomous etunicatums on rhizosphere bacterial community of tobacco under low nutrient conditions.},
journal = {Advanced biotechnology},
volume = {3},
number = {3},
pages = {22},
pmid = {40613947},
issn = {2948-2801},
support = {202204c06020021//Anhui Provincial Key Research and Development Plan/ ; 32201308//Natural Science Foundation of Jilin Province/ ; },
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have the potential to enhance plant tolerance to abiotic stresses. However, the impact of AMF on the rhizosphere bacterial community of tobacco under conditions of low nutrient availability remains unclear. This study investigated the influence of inoculating Claroideoglomus etunicatum on the tobacco rhizosphere bacterial community and the microbial mechanisms by which AMF enhanced plants antioxidant capacity, employing Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing. The findings indicated that AMF significantly increased both the aboveground and belowground fresh weight, as well as the plant height of tobacco. AMF inoculation led to elevated activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), a reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and an overall enhancement of the plants antioxidant capacity. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that AMF modified the bacterial community structure and significantly enriched beneficial rhizosphere bacteria, predominantly from the phyla Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, Actinobacteriota, and Myxococcota, thereby facilitating tobacco growth. The network analysis revealed that the incorporation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) contributed to increased stability within the bacterial community, enriched species diversity, and more intricate ecological networks. AMF enhanced interactions and positive correlations among bacterial species, indicating that heightened microbial synergy is associated with improved symbiotic relationships. Furthermore, the structural equation model demonstrated that AMF bolstered the plants antioxidant capacity by modulating the rhizosphere bacterial community. This study elucidates the impact of AMF on the tobacco rhizosphere bacterial community, providing a theoretical basis for promoting tobacco growth.},
}

@article {pmid40613418,
year = {2025},
author = {Batzenschlager, M and Lace, B and Zhang, N and Su, C and Boiger, A and Egli, S and Krohn, P and Salfeld, J and Ditengou, FA and Laux, T and Ott, T},
title = {Competence for transcellular infection in the root cortex involves a post-replicative, cell-cycle exit decision in Medicago truncatula.},
journal = {eLife},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40613418},
issn = {2050-084X},
support = {OPP1172165//Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation/ ; 20170808001//China Scholarship Council/ ; G119217//Gates Agricultural Innovations/ ; 431626755//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; 403222702//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; 39093984//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; 414136422//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; },
mesh = {*Medicago truncatula/microbiology/cytology/physiology/genetics ; *Cell Cycle ; *Symbiosis ; *Plant Roots/microbiology/cytology ; Root Nodules, Plant/microbiology ; Cell Division ; Sinorhizobium meliloti/physiology ; },
abstract = {During root nodule symbiosis (RNS), cell-division activity is reinitiated and sustained in the root cortex to create a hospitable cellular niche. Such a temporary and spatially confined site is required to render host cells compatible with the intracellular progression of rhizobia. Although it has been suggested that early infection events might involve a pre-mitotic cell-cycle arrest, this process has not been dissected with cellular resolution. Here, we show that a dual-color Medicago histone reporter robustly identifies cells with different mitotic or endoreduplication activities in the root cortex. By imaging deep root tissues, we found that a confined trajectory of cortical cells that are transcellularly passed by infection threads is in a stage of the cell cycle that is distinct from directly adjacent cells. Distinctive features of infected cells include nuclear widening and large-scale chromatin rearrangements consistent with a cell-cycle exit prior to differentiation. Using a combination of fluorescent reporters demarcating cell-cycle phase progression, we confirmed that a reduced proliferation potential and modulating the G2/M transition, a process possibly controlled by the NF-YA1 transcription factor, mark the success of rhizobial delivery to nodule cells.},
}

*Medicago truncatula/microbiology/cytology/physiology/genetics
*Cell Cycle
*Symbiosis
*Plant Roots/microbiology/cytology
Root Nodules, Plant/microbiology
Cell Division
Sinorhizobium meliloti/physiology

@article {pmid40613303,
year = {2025},
author = {Stefano, GB},
title = {Mitochondria: A Covert Chronic Infection Masquerading as a Symbiotic Partner?.},
journal = {Frontiers in bioscience (Landmark edition)},
volume = {30},
number = {6},
pages = {42854},
doi = {10.31083/FBL42854},
pmid = {40613303},
issn = {2768-6698},
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Mitochondria/physiology/microbiology/metabolism/ultrastructure ; Humans ; Animals ; *Persistent Infection/microbiology ; Host-Pathogen Interactions ; Bacteria/metabolism ; Chronic Disease ; },
abstract = {Mitochondria, ubiquitous in eukaryotic cells, evolved from an ancestral aerobic alpha-proteobacterium that had been phagocytosed by a primordial archaeal cell. Numerous factors link mitochondria to current-day bacteria, notably the facultative pathogens that are phagocytosed and survive within the host as a chronic infection. Despite these parallels, we typically refer to mitochondria as "symbionts" and rarely consider them as perhaps the most successful example of long-term chronic infection. Here, we will explore critical aspects of mitochondrial structure and function and consider what we might learn by refocusing our attention on mitochondria as bacteria that are uniquely adapted to their host cell, i.e., as a chronic infection tolerated by its eukaryotic host.},
}

*Symbiosis
*Mitochondria/physiology/microbiology/metabolism/ultrastructure
Humans
Animals
*Persistent Infection/microbiology
Host-Pathogen Interactions
Bacteria/metabolism
Chronic Disease

@article {pmid40613140,
year = {2025},
author = {Nyzhnyk, T and Kots, S},
title = {Chelated Forms of Trace Elements as a Promising Solution for Improving Soybean Symbiotic Capacity and Productivity Under Climate Change.},
journal = {Frontiers in bioscience (Elite edition)},
volume = {17},
number = {2},
pages = {33505},
doi = {10.31083/FBE33505},
pmid = {40613140},
issn = {1945-0508},
mesh = {*Glycine max/microbiology/growth & development/physiology/metabolism ; *Climate Change ; *Symbiosis ; *Bradyrhizobium/physiology ; *Trace Elements/pharmacology ; Nitrogen Fixation ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The tolerance and productivity of soybeans under the current climate change conditions can be increased by providing these crops with the necessary macro- and microelements. This can be achieved using effective Bradyrhizobium strains for seed inoculation and adding chelated trace elements.

METHODS: Soybean Bradyrhizobium japonicum symbioses were cultivated by adding chelates of trace elements, such as iron (Fe), germanium (Ge), and molybdenum (Mo), to the culture medium, after which microbiological and biochemical analyses were performed.

RESULTS: The addition of chelated forms of Fe or Ge to the Bradyrhizobium culture medium promoted a change in the pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance in soybean nodules under different water supply conditions. This is due to the production of hydrogen peroxide in the nodules (an increase of 12.9%), as well as a twofold increase in the ascorbate peroxidase activity and a decrease in the levels of superoxide dismutase (by 40%) and catalase (by 50%) under water stress. Stimulation of nodulation and nitrogen fixation in soybeans (by 40.1 and 73.0%) and an increase in grain productivity (by 47.5 and 58%) were observed when using Bradyrhizobium inoculant containing Fe or Ge chelates. The inoculation of soybeans with Bradyrhizobium modified using Mo chelate causes similar changes in antioxidant processes as Fe or Ge chelates, but the soybean symbiotic capacity decreases under water stress.

CONCLUSION: Chelated forms of Fe or Ge as additional components in the Bradyrhizobium culture medium are effective in regulating the antioxidant status of soybeans under drought conditions and can simultaneously contribute to increased nitrogen fixation and grain productivity. These findings are important in expanding the current technologies used to grow this legume in risky farming areas caused by climate change.},
}

*Glycine max/microbiology/growth & development/physiology/metabolism
*Climate Change
*Symbiosis
*Bradyrhizobium/physiology
*Trace Elements/pharmacology
Nitrogen Fixation

@article {pmid40612939,
year = {2025},
author = {Xu, Z and Wang, X and Cheng, H and Li, J and Zhang, X and Wang, X},
title = {The role of MCT1 in tumor progression and targeted therapy: a comprehensive review.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1610466},
pmid = {40612939},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {Humans ; *Monocarboxylic Acid Transporters/metabolism/antagonists & inhibitors/genetics ; *Neoplasms/metabolism/pathology/drug therapy ; *Symporters/metabolism/antagonists & inhibitors/genetics ; Disease Progression ; Animals ; Molecular Targeted Therapy ; },
abstract = {Overexpression of monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) in tumor cells is often associated with poor prognosis. The established mechanisms through which MCT1 and its mediated lactate transport drive tumor progression are manifold. The classical mechanisms include fostering metabolic symbiosis among tumor cells, dampening the immune function of immune cells, and spurring tumor angiogenesis. Beyond these, new findings of MCT1's role in tumor progression have emerged. These new findings highlight MCT1's involvement in mediating the reverse Warburg effect, inhibiting ferroptosis, promoting protective autophagy, and augmenting tumor glycolysis. When acetate serves as a transport substrate for MCT1, additional mechanisms come into play. These encompass MCT1's participation in the acetylation of histone H3K27 and its role in upregulating c-Myc levels. Several studies have demonstrated that while selective MCT1 inhibitors can effectively impede tumor progression, they also face notable challenges. To address these, combining MCT1 inhibitors with other drugs appears to hold more promise.},
}

Humans
*Monocarboxylic Acid Transporters/metabolism/antagonists & inhibitors/genetics
*Neoplasms/metabolism/pathology/drug therapy
*Symporters/metabolism/antagonists & inhibitors/genetics
Disease Progression
Animals
Molecular Targeted Therapy

@article {pmid40610880,
year = {2025},
author = {Nyzhnyk, T and Kiedrzyńska, E and Kots, S and Zalewski, M and Kiedrzyński, M},
title = {Alleviation of water stress in soybean symbiosis by salicylic acid and methyl jasmonate-activated Bradyrhizobium.},
journal = {BMC plant biology},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {862},
pmid = {40610880},
issn = {1471-2229},
mesh = {*Bradyrhizobium/drug effects/physiology ; *Glycine max/microbiology/physiology/drug effects/metabolism ; *Cyclopentanes/pharmacology ; *Oxylipins/pharmacology ; *Symbiosis/drug effects ; *Salicylic Acid/pharmacology ; *Acetates/pharmacology ; Nitrogen Fixation/drug effects ; Root Nodules, Plant/microbiology ; *Plant Growth Regulators/pharmacology ; Antioxidants/metabolism ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The use of exogenous compounds with growth-regulatory properties can play an effective part in providing plants with the necessary plastic resources for the synthesis of protective compounds. The aim of the research is to determine the effectiveness of salicylic acid and methyl jasmonate treatment for inducing resistance in soybean-Bradyrhizobium symbiosis, and improving symbiotic capacity.

METHODS: Soybean nodule bacteria Bradyrhizobium japonicum cultures were treated with salicylic acid (50 µM) or methyl jasmonate (0.75 µM) and used to create symbioses with soybean. The symbioses were cultivated under normal watering and water stress conditions, and the resulting plants were tested for inter alia pro-oxidant-antioxidant status, productivity and N-fixation activity.

RESULTS: The 0.75 µM methyl jasmonate treatment demonstrated 54.7% catalase and 14.6% greater superoxide dismutase (by 14.6%) activity, as well as and induced two-fold higher hydrogen peroxide, under water stress; in addition, nodulation processes were stimulated by 40% and inhibited nitrogen-fixing activity inhibited by 73.5%. The 50 µM salicylic acid treatment exhibited 54.5% lowered hydrogen peroxide, but 20.7% greater superoxide dismutase activity and 44.8% higher catalase activation water stress; this increased the efficiency of molecular nitrogen fixation (by 23.5%) and productivity (by 15.9%) in soybeans.

CONCLUSIONS: Effect of 50 µM SA-treated Bradyrhizobium effectively activates the protective antioxidant mechanisms of soybean, improving symbiotic capacity and stress tolerance. Methyl jasmonate 0.75 µM in combination with Bradyrhizobium stimulates nodulation and inhibites nitrogen fixation in soybean under both optimal and insufficient water supply.},
}

*Bradyrhizobium/drug effects/physiology
*Glycine max/microbiology/physiology/drug effects/metabolism
*Cyclopentanes/pharmacology
*Oxylipins/pharmacology
*Symbiosis/drug effects
*Salicylic Acid/pharmacology
*Acetates/pharmacology
Nitrogen Fixation/drug effects
Root Nodules, Plant/microbiology
*Plant Growth Regulators/pharmacology
Antioxidants/metabolism

@article {pmid40610866,
year = {2025},
author = {Hushan, W and Yijian, W and Yunzhu, H and Lin, J and Mengjuan, L and Zihui, S and Yihao, L and Tianxu, W and Gunquan, W and Wangfeng, Z and Xiaozhen, P},
title = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi colonization regulates root traits and soil carbon economic strategies.},
journal = {BMC plant biology},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {865},
pmid = {40610866},
issn = {1471-2229},
support = {32460538//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2024DB015//Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Science and Technology Program/ ; 2023ZD049//Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Guiding Science, Technology Program/ ; CXBJ202201//Youth Innovative Talents Project of Shihezi University/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The symbiotic interaction between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and roots can change root traits, soil carbon - nitrogen processes and crop yield. However, the precise mechanisms by which AMF affect soil carbon economic strategies and crop yield remain unclear. A two - factor pot experiment was done with cotton. Factor 1 was nitrogen application (1.5, 1.0, 0.5 g·kg[−1]), Factor 2 was AMF treatment (colonization and non - colonization) to study relationships between AMF and root traits, nutrient strategies, yield.

RESULTS: The analysis of the root economic spectrum reveals that after inhibiting AMF colonization in roots, root nitrogen content (RNC), root intersection count (RIC), specific root length (SRL), root branching intensity (RBI), specific root area (SRA), and root tip count (RTC) adopting an acquisitive strategy, whereas AMF colonization and root diameter (RD) showed a conservative strategy. When AMF normally colonizes roots, AMF colonization, RNC, RBI and RTC exhibit conservative strategy, whereas SRA, RD, SOC and leaf nitrogen content (LNC) display an acquisitive strategy. Additionally, there is a non - linear relationship between root traits and seed - cotton yield. Notably, AMF colonization leads to variability in the relationships between SRA and yield, and between RTC and yield.

CONCLUSIONS: Under nitrogen reduction conditions, AMF colonization can enhance nitrogen acquisition by optimizing root characteristics (SRA and RBI), coordinating nitrogen metabolism between leaves and roots, and adjusting the soil carbon economic strategy. In addition, AMF hyphae will adopt a strategy of slowly acquiring nitrogen as a reward for plants, which is one of the key factors contributing to the observed differences between the trends in root morphology and seed - cotton yield.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12870-025-06903-1.},
}

@article {pmid40610480,
year = {2025},
author = {Han, X and Li, H and Xu, S and Miao, X and Guan, R},
title = {Bacillus secretes nucleases to degrade dsRNA, thereby reducing host's susceptibility to RNAi.},
journal = {NPJ biofilms and microbiomes},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {127},
pmid = {40610480},
issn = {2055-5008},
support = {K2023019//Shanghai Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program/ ; 22QB1405900//Shanghai Rising-Star Program/ ; 25B210009//Key scientific research projects of colleges and universities in Henan Province/ ; 252102111110//the Science and Technology Research Project of Henan Province/ ; CB2025A34//State Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization and Sponsored by State Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization Open Fund/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *RNA Interference ; *RNA, Double-Stranded/metabolism/genetics ; *Bacillus/enzymology/genetics/metabolism/classification ; *Ribonucleases/metabolism/genetics ; *Moths/microbiology/genetics ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {RNAi technology, which can induce mortality by disrupting the transcription of essential growth and development-related genes in insects, has emerged as a groundbreaking pest control method. However, insects have developed defense mechanisms to counteract the efficiency of RNAi. The specific role of symbiotic microorganisms in this process remains poorly understood and requires further exploration. This study examines the reduced RNAi efficiency in Lepidopteran pest Helicoverpa armigera. Through screening, six Bacillus strains exhibiting dsRNA-degrading activity were identified through in vitro assays. Further investigation into one representative strain Ba 6 revealed that it significantly decreased RNAi efficiency by secreting ribonuclease into the insect gut fluid, directly degrading dsRNA, thus reducing its accumulation and blocking RNAi effects. These findings clarify the mechanism by which symbiotic bacteria influence the host's RNAi efficiency and provides a valuable reference for the development and large-scale implementation of RNA biopesticides targeting H. armigera and other lepidopteran pests.},
}

Animals
*RNA Interference
*RNA, Double-Stranded/metabolism/genetics
*Bacillus/enzymology/genetics/metabolism/classification
*Ribonucleases/metabolism/genetics
*Moths/microbiology/genetics
Symbiosis

@article {pmid40608926,
year = {2025},
author = {Lawrence, A},
title = {Collisions in the sky.},
journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)},
volume = {389},
number = {6755},
pages = {eady9838},
doi = {10.1126/science.ady9838},
pmid = {40608926},
issn = {1095-9203},
abstract = {Over the past six decades, astronomy, space science, and the space industry have seemed to be in a kind of virtuous symbiosis. Astronomy has benefited from improvements in technology and has had the opportunity to place observing platforms in space. The space industry has been pushed by the extreme technological demands of curiosity-driven research, and benefited from the flow of public money to industrial contracts to build astronomical missions. Both science and industry have been driven by a shared romantic vision of exploring the Universe, whether by studying distant galaxies or by humanity stepping out into space. All of this was suddenly disrupted in 2019 by a rude awakening. Starlink communication satellites began to photo-bomb astronomers' images as they streaked across the sky. Suddenly, it seemed, astronomy and commercial space activity were in conflict. This friction may be coming to a crunch as the Vera C. Rubin Observatory begins a 10-year survey of the cosmos.},
}

@article {pmid40608704,
year = {2025},
author = {Ben-Mordechai, L and Herman, N and Vitenberg, T and Margalit, S and Tettamanti, G and Casartelli, M and Bruno, D and Opatovsky, I},
title = {The fate of Candida tropicalis in the black soldier fly larvae and its nutritional effect suggest indirect interactions.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {7},
pages = {e0325056},
pmid = {40608704},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Candida tropicalis/physiology ; *Larva/microbiology/metabolism ; Gastrointestinal Tract/microbiology ; *Tephritidae/microbiology ; Fatty Acids/metabolism/biosynthesis ; Metabolomics ; },
abstract = {Bacteria are known to colonize the insect gut and determine a positive effect on their host's fitness, for example, by providing essential nutrients or improving digestion efficiency. However, information on the colonization of the insect gut by fungi and their nutritional contribution is still scarce and fragmentary. In this study, the presence of Candida tropicalis, a fungus abundant in the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens, BSF) larvae's gut and environment, was determined in the different gut regions. In addition, metabolites present in larvae fed with a fungus-containing diet were determined by untargeted metabolomics and compared to the C. tropicalis metabolic composition and metabolic changes in the feeding substrate supplemented with the microorganism. Our results indicate that C. tropicalis ceased to be present in the BSF gut after its supplementation in the feeding substrate was stopped, indicating that C. tropicalis does not colonize the gut. Larvae that were reared on diet supplemented with C. tropicalis displayed an increase in the fatty acid biosynthesis pathway, due to an increase in the palmitic and myristic acids that are abundant in C. tropicalis. The presence of C. tropicalis in the substrate caused an increase in threonine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis pathways in the larvae and suggests indirect feeding from the fungal excretions in the substrate. In addition, the lysozyme activity in the larval gut was reduced by the presence of C. tropicalis, suggesting the fungal involvement in the digestive process for increasing fungal survival. This study suggests indirect symbiotic interactions, in which C. tropicalis thrives in the BSF larvae's environment and manipulates BSF digestive enzyme production to survive in this environment, but on the other hand, BSF larvae benefit metabolically from the C. tropicalis presence in its surrounding environment.},
}

Animals
*Candida tropicalis/physiology
*Larva/microbiology/metabolism
Gastrointestinal Tract/microbiology
*Tephritidae/microbiology
Fatty Acids/metabolism/biosynthesis
Metabolomics

@article {pmid40608492,
year = {2025},
author = {Ozuru, R and Yamagishi, J and Takeuchi, A and Date, Y and Fujii, T and Sugimoto, C and Nakajima, C and Suzuki, Y and Aoki, K and Fujii, J and Matsuba, T},
title = {Unification of Symbiotic Bacteria During Larva-to-Adult Transition in Culicoides circumscriptus (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae).},
journal = {FEMS microbiology letters},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/femsle/fnaf069},
pmid = {40608492},
issn = {1574-6968},
abstract = {Blood-sucking midges such as Leptoconops and Culicoides are of medical importance due to their role in causing skin irritation and potentially transmitting pathogens. Investigating their bacterial communities, including possible endosymbionts, may help clarify ecological adaptations and interactions with hosts. Leptoconops nipponensis Tokunaga (Lnt) and Culicoides circumscriptus (Cc), blood-sucking midges, cause severe itching and inflammation in humans. Cc was collected from a small sample of an outbreak swarm of Lnt in the peninsula area of Yonago City, Tottori Prefecture, Japan. This study compared the bacterial flora of Lnt and Cc, revealing distinct bacterial diversity shifts in these insect species between life stages. We analyzed the bacterial communities of adult and larval females of Cc and Lnt using MiSeq sequencing of the V3-V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene. Notably, alpha diversity in Cc adults was significantly reduced to 1.5 (n = 43), indicating that Cc adults were dominated by a single bacterial genus, compared to 14.9 in Cc larvae (n = 19). BLAST analysis identified this dominant genus in adult Cc as Rickettsia (Candidatus Tisiphisa), which is known for transovarial transmission in arthropod vectors. In contrast, the bacterial diversity of Lnt showed no significant difference between adults (18.1, n = 32) and larvae (n = 15). These findings suggest that the dominance of Rickettsia in Cc (Candidatus Tisiphisa) adults is linked to their emergence, potentially reflecting differences in reproductive biology and ecological adaptations between these two insect species. Further research is needed to elucidate the functional role of Rickettsia in the life cycle and physiology of Cc.},
}

@article {pmid40606924,
year = {2025},
author = {Xi, XL and Yang, YD and Liu, HL and Jiang, J and Wu, B},
title = {Chromatin accessibility module identified by single-cell sequencing underlies the diagnosis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma.},
journal = {World journal of hepatology},
volume = {17},
number = {6},
pages = {107329},
pmid = {40606924},
issn = {1948-5182},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is notorious for its aggressive progression and dismal prognosis, with chromatin accessibility dynamics emerging as pivotal yet poorly understood drivers.

AIM: To dissect how multilayered chromatin regulation sustains oncogenic transcription and tumor-stroma crosstalk in HCC, we combined multiomics single cell analysis.

METHODS: We integrated single-cell RNA sequencing and paired single-cell assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with sequencing data of HCC samples, complemented by bulk RNA sequencing validation across The Cancer Genome Atlas, Liver Cancer Institute, and GSE25907 cohorts. Cell type-specific chromatin architectures were resolved via ArchR, with regulatory hubs identified through peak-to-gene linkages and coaccessibility networks. Functional validation employed A485-mediated histone 3 lysine 27 acetylation suppression and small interfering RNA targeting DGAT1.

RESULTS: Malignant hepatocytes exhibited expanded chromatin accessibility profiles, characterized by increased numbers of accessible peaks and larger physical regions despite reduced peak intensity. Enhancer-like peaks enriched in malignant regulation, forming long-range hubs. Eighteen enhancer-like peak-related genes showed tumor-specific overexpression and diagnostic accuracy, correlating with poor prognosis. Intercellular coaccessibility analysis revealed tumor-stroma symbiosis via shared chromatin states. Pharmacological histone 3 lysine 27 acetylation inhibition paradoxically downregulated DGAT1, the hub gene most strongly regulated by chromatin accessibility. DGAT1 knockdown suppressed cell proliferation.

CONCLUSION: Multilayered chromatin reprogramming sustains HCC progression through tumor-stroma crosstalk and DGAT1-related oncogenic transcription, defining targetable epigenetic vulnerabilities.},
}

@article {pmid40606872,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, W and Wu, B and Chen, L and Zhu, JA and Chen, S},
title = {How do family firms balance economic and non-economic goals: from symbiosis to competition.},
journal = {Frontiers in psychology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1538103},
pmid = {40606872},
issn = {1664-1078},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The coexistence of non-economic and economic goals is a prominent feature of family firms. However, does the pursuit of non-economic goals necessarily imply that the economic goals should be sacrificed? Our research addresses this question by exploring the symbiotic or competitive relationship between non-economic goals and economic goals in Chinese family firms, and the moderating effect of firm size and firm age.

METHODS: Based on 2877 firm-year observations of Chinese listed family firms from year 2009 to 2019, this paper examines the relationship between non-economic goals (measured by family management) and economic goals (measured by firm performance). A panel data fixed-effects regression model was employed for the primary analysis. To further ensure the credibility of our conclusions, we performed several robustness tests, such as utilizing alternative variable measurement and conducting an endogeneity test.

RESULTS: The empirical analysis revealed an inverted U-shaped relationship between family management and firm performance, where the extent to which non-economic goals are positively related to economic goals up to a point, after the turning point it becomes negative, which shows the trend from symbiosis to competition. Furthermore, as firm age increases and firm size expands, the inverted U-shaped curve flattens, and the turning point shifts to the right.

DISCUSSION: Employing a willingness and ability perspective, this research contributes to the socioemotional wealth (SEW) framework by offering insights into the dynamic interplay between economic and non-economic goals in Chinese family firms. Moreover, by examining Chinese family firms influenced by Confucian values, our study highlights the importance of cultural context for generalizability, while simultaneously enriching SEW discourse and fostering avenues for cross-regional comparative analysis.},
}

@article {pmid40606486,
year = {2025},
author = {Alayafi, AAM and Alharbi, BM and Abdulmajeed, AM and Alnusaire, TS and ALrashidi, AA and Al-Balawi, SM and Khalaf Anazi, H and Alghanem, SMS and Al Zoubi, OM and Soliman, MH},
title = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi symbiosis enhances growth, nutrient uptake, and oil quality in sunflower-pumpkin under intercropping systems.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1598272},
pmid = {40606486},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the effects of Funneliformis mosseae, an arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus, on nutrient uptake, biomass production, and oil quality in sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) under both sole and intercropping field systems.

METHODS: A factorial experimental design was conducted over two growing seasons (2023 and 2024), involving three cropping systems: sunflower monoculture, pumpkin monoculture, and additive sunflower-pumpkin intercropping. Each system was assessed with and without AM inoculation to determine the interactive effects of mycorrhizal symbiosis and cropping pattern.

RESULTS: AM inoculation significantly improved root colonization, especially in intercropped pumpkins, and enhanced key plant growth parameters, including chlorophyll content, plant height, leaf number, biomass, and reproductive traits. The highest performance was recorded in AM-treated intercropped systems for both crops. Seed weight increased notably under AM inoculation, reflecting improved reproductive development. Analysis of mineral nutrient content revealed substantial improvements in macro- and micronutrient uptake with AM symbiosis. Intercropped AM-treated plants showed enhanced levels of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, zinc, and iron compared to their non-mycorrhizal counterparts. Additionally, AM treatments led to a marked improvement in oil yield and quality. In particular, AM-inoculated sunflower and pumpkin seeds exhibited higher total oil content and a favorable shift in fatty acid composition, characterized by increased oleic acid and reduced linoleic acid concentrations.

DISCUSSION: These findings highlight the synergistic potential of integrating AM fungal inoculation with intercropping practices to enhance crop productivity, nutrient use efficiency, and oilseed quality. The results support the adoption of AM fungi as a sustainable biofertilizer strategy in modern agroecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid40606478,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhou, Q and Niu, C and Feng, L and Dong, M and Li, X and Kong, B and Li, C},
title = {Chemistry and chemical biology tools contributing to the discovery and functional characterization of strigolactones.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1618437},
pmid = {40606478},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Strigolactones are a newly identified group of phytohormones that regulate plant growth and development and also act as communication signals in the rhizosphere. Beyond their well-known activity in stimulating parasitic weed germination, strigolactones function in regulating plant architecture, promoting symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and modulating responses to various environmental stresses. However, their low abundance, structural diversity, and instability have hindered comprehensive research and their practices. In this review, from the perspective of biological researcher, we summarize the powerful tools and strategies related to chemistry and chemical biology used in strigolactone area, covering analytical chemistry tools for isolation and structural elucidation, synthetic chemistry for structural elucidation and agricultural applications, chemical biology and biosynthetic strategies for functional characterization. Biosensors and probes used in monitoring strigolactone activity and signaling were also highlighted. Finally, we address current challenges and discuss future research perspectives, aiming to provoke more investigations on strigolactone biology and further boost their agricultural practices.},
}

@article {pmid40606408,
year = {2025},
author = {Noh, Y and Cha, Y and Oh, SY},
title = {Comparative Analysis of the Mycobiomes of Two Terrestrial Isopods, Armadillidium vulgare and Spherillo obscurus.},
journal = {Mycobiology},
volume = {53},
number = {4},
pages = {520-530},
pmid = {40606408},
issn = {1229-8093},
abstract = {Terrestrial isopods serve as key decomposers in soil ecosystems and harbor diverse microbial communities that may contribute to their ecological functions. However, specific mycobiome composition of terrestrial isopods remains unknown. Therefore, in this study, we investigated and compared the fungal communities associated with the two terrestrial isopods, Armadillidium vulgare and Spherillo obscurus, which co-occur in island habitats in South Korea. Through metabarcoding based on the internal transcribed spacer region, we characterized fungal communities using 16 individuals collected from the Heuksan and Eocheong Islands. In total, 252 operational taxonomic units were identified, of which 27 were shared between the two hosts. Comparatively, S. obscurus harbored a significantly more diverse and phylogenetically rich fungal community, including taxa from Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Mortierellomycota, whereas A. vulgare was largely dominated by Mycosphaerella (Dothideomycetes, Ascomycota). Alpha and beta diversity analyses revealed the host-associated enrichment, rather than the geographic location, as the primary factor influencing the mycobiome composition. Linear discriminant analysis further revealed host specialists, with distinct fungal taxa showing preferential associations with each isopod species. Our findings suggest that host identity strongly influences the fungal community assembly in isopods and that S. obscurus supports diverse ecological niches for fungal colonization. Overall, this study provides novel insights into host-fungus interactions and expands the current understanding of symbiotic mycobiomes in soil macroinvertebrates.},
}

@article {pmid40606169,
year = {2025},
author = {Mallick, S and Pavloudi, C and Saw, J and Eleftherianos, I},
title = {Heterorhabditis bacteriophora symbiotic and axenic nematodes modify the Drosophila melanogaster larval microbiome.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1598221},
pmid = {40606169},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {The Drosophila melanogaster microbiome is crucial for regulating physiological processes, including immune system development and function. D. melanogaster offers distinct advantages over vertebrate models, allowing a detailed investigation of host-microbiota interactions and their effects on modulating host defense systems. It is an outstanding model for studying innate immune responses against parasites. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) activate immune signaling in the fly, leading to immune responses to combat infection. However, the impact of EPN infection on the host larval microbiome remains poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated whether EPN infection affects the D. melanogaster larval microbiome. We infected third-instar D. melanogaster larvae with Heterorhabditis bacteriophora symbiotic nematodes (containing Photorhabdus luminescens bacteria) and axenic nematodes (devoid of symbiotic bacteria). Drosophila melanogaster microbiome analysis revealed statistically significant differences in microbiome composition between uninfected and EPN-infected larvae. Notably, infection with axenic nematodes resulted in 68 unique species, causing a significant shift in the D. melanogaster larval microbiome and an increase in bacterial diversity compared to larvae infected with symbiotic nematodes. This suggests that the absence of the endosymbiont creates ecological niches for unique species and a more diverse microbiome in larvae infected with the axenic nematodes. This research will enhance our understanding of microbial species within the D. melanogaster microbiome that regulate homeostasis during nematode infection. These insights could be beneficial in developing innovative strategies for managing agricultural pests and disease vectors.},
}

@article {pmid40606155,
year = {2025},
author = {Fu, Q and Wang, W and Chen, B and Hu, Y and Ma, R and Zhu, E and Jin, S and Cai, H and Xiao, G and Du, G},
title = {Longitudinal dynamics of intestinal bacteria in the life cycle and their effects on growth and development of potato tuber moth.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1542589},
pmid = {40606155},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Potato tuber moth (PTM), Phthorimaea operculella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is an oligophagous pest that damages potatoes. Intestinal microorganisms play important roles in regulating the life activities of host insects. The gut of PTM is rich in microbials, but it is unclear that the dynamics of the structure and diversity of intestinal bacteria in the different development period of potato tuber moth. In this study, the dynamics of the intestinal bacterial community across the whole life cycle of PTM were evaluated using single molecule real-time sequencing. The intestinal microbiota of PTM is predominantly composed of Proteobacteria and Firmicutes, and it is different with the difference of development stages. Wolbachia endosymbionts were the dominant species of intestinal symbiotic bacteria in eggs and the first-instar larvae. Enterococcus mundtii was the dominant species of intestinal symbiotic bacteria in the second, third, and the fourth instar larvae, as well as in both male and female pupae. Moreover, the predominant species of intestinal symbiotic bacteria in female adults is Enterobacter ludwigii, while the dominant bacterial species is Serratia rubidaea in male adults. Principal component analysis and non-metric Multi-dimensional scaling analysis confirmed the differences in intestinal symbiotic bacteria structure at different developmental stages. In addition, after reintroducing the bacteria following antibiotic treatment, it was found that the antibiotics significantly inhibited the development of the potato tuber moth, whereas the gut bacteria appeared to facilitate its growth. The findings of this study will enhance our understanding of intestinal microorganisms on the development of their host insects across the life cycle. Moreover, it will establish a foundation for elucidating the physiological functions of key microorganisms in the intestinal tract of the potato tuber moth, while also offering new insights and strategy to the biological control of this pest.},
}

@article {pmid40605789,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, G and Tian, Z and Yue, Y and Gao, X and Chen, H and Yang, J and Ma, W and Zheng, D and Tan, H and Zhou, Z},
title = {Symbiotic bacteria participate in pectinolytic metabolism to enhance larval growth in Zeugodacus cucurbitae.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.70035},
pmid = {40605789},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {CAAS-ZDRW202307//Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/ ; YBXM2411//Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Symbiotic microbes play a pivotal role in the feeding processes of phytophagous insects, and symbiosis has been established as a key strategy for certain species to acquire pectinases. However, whether symbiotic bacteria play a role in the pectinolytic metabolism of Zeugodacus cucurbitae remains unclear.

RESULTS: Removal of symbiotic bacteria via egg sterilization significantly reduced larval food consumption, growth, and pectinase activity (P < 0.05), highlighting that the microbiota was required for Z. cucurbitae larval growth under feeding on host plants. Microbial community analysis identified Klebsiella spp. as persistent colonizers of larval feeding wounds, exhibiting recycling between host tissues and plant substrates. Functional assays demonstrated that Klebsiella strains (CpL20, CpL49, CpL63, and CpL64) formed distinct hydrolysis zones on pectin medium and degraded pectin via high enzymatic activity (495.98-830.54 μ/mL). Reintroduction of Klebsiella spp. restored larval growth in sterile treatment groups, confirming their metabolic contribution.

CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that Klebsiella spp. circulate between the feeding environment and larval tissues, participating in the pectinolytic metabolism to utilize the host plant efficiently, thereby facilitating larval growth and development. This study provides a foundation for understanding the role of symbiotic bacteria in pectinolytic metabolism during the ecological adaptation of phytophagous insects and offers new insights into the environmentally friendly management of Z. cucurbitae in agricultural settings. © 2025 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid40605337,
year = {2025},
author = {Kurata, A and Uegaki, K},
title = {Recent advances in understanding the role of extracellular vesicles from probiotics in intestinal immunity signaling.},
journal = {Biochemical Society transactions},
volume = {53},
number = {2},
pages = {419-429},
pmid = {40605337},
issn = {1470-8752},
mesh = {*Probiotics/metabolism ; *Extracellular Vesicles/immunology/metabolism ; Humans ; *Signal Transduction/immunology ; Animals ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/immunology ; *Intestines/immunology/microbiology ; },
abstract = {The diverse functions of gut symbiotic bacteria are attracting attention for their potential as probiotics. Some of those bacteria release extracellular vesicles (EVs), spherical structures of approximately 20-400 nm in diameter, outside their cell bodies. Recent research has significantly advanced our understanding of the physicochemical and biochemical properties, functions, and host-cell interactions of EVs released by probiotic bacteria used in food fermentation, such as lactic acid bacteria, bifidobacteria, butyric acid bacteria, and acetic acid bacteria. However, concerns have been raised regarding the use of these EVs as postbiotics. In this review, we discuss the newly discovered roles of EVs in the gut immune signaling and the challenges associated with their application as postbiotics.},
}

*Probiotics/metabolism
*Extracellular Vesicles/immunology/metabolism
Humans
*Signal Transduction/immunology
Animals
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/immunology
*Intestines/immunology/microbiology

@article {pmid40605185,
year = {2025},
author = {Rather, RA},
title = {Shaping Plant Growth Beneath the Soil: A Theoretical Exploration of Fungal Endophyte's Role as Plant Growth-Promoting Agents.},
journal = {MicrobiologyOpen},
volume = {14},
number = {4},
pages = {e70026},
pmid = {40605185},
issn = {2045-8827},
support = {//The author received no specific funding for this work./ ; },
mesh = {*Endophytes/physiology/metabolism ; *Soil Microbiology ; *Fungi/physiology/metabolism ; *Plant Development ; Soil/chemistry ; Symbiosis ; Plant Growth Regulators/metabolism ; *Plants/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Plant growth relies on both natural and agrochemical inputs, with natural soil nutrients and chemically synthesized fertilizers enhancing its growth. However, continuous fertilizer use can lead to soil alkalinity and environmental contamination, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices. Microbial agents, particularly fungal endophytes, have emerged as promising natural alternatives. They are recognized as integral components of the plant microbiome and aid in nutrient acquisition, hormone production, and stress resistance. Fungal endophytes enhance nutrient uptake by solubilizing phosphorus, fixing nitrogen, and producing siderophores that chelate iron. They also modulate plant hormones, including auxins, gibberellins, and cytokinins, promoting growth and development. Under abiotic stress, these endophytes improve plant tolerance by inducing systemic resistance and enhancing water and nutrient absorption. This review provides a comprehensive theoretical exploration of the role of fungal endophytes in promoting plant growth, examining their diversity, mechanisms of action, and practical applications. The focus is on understanding how these symbiotic organisms can be harnessed to enhance sustainable agricultural practices and contribute to environmental conservation.},
}

*Endophytes/physiology/metabolism
*Soil Microbiology
*Fungi/physiology/metabolism
*Plant Development
Soil/chemistry
Symbiosis
Plant Growth Regulators/metabolism
*Plants/microbiology

@article {pmid40604402,
year = {2025},
author = {Geng, J and Zhang, M and Hu, J and Bilal, M and Yang, J and Hu, T},
title = {Genome-wide expression analysis of Festuca sinensis symbiotic with endophyte of reveals key candidate genes in response to nitrogen starvation.},
journal = {BMC plant biology},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {819},
pmid = {40604402},
issn = {1471-2229},
support = {2023-NK-147-2//the Leading Scientist Project of Qinghai Province/ ; },
mesh = {*Nitrogen/deficiency/metabolism ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; *Festuca/genetics/microbiology/metabolism/physiology ; *Endophytes/physiology/genetics ; *Epichloe/physiology ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Genes, Plant ; Gene Expression Profiling ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Nitrogen is one of the essential macronutrients bulk elements affecting plant growth and yield. However, the nitrogen content in most agricultural soils today is insufficient to meet the increasing demand for crop productivity. Festuca sinensis is an important cultivated forage grass found in high-altitude regions of China. Breeding forage varieties capable of maintaining high yields under nitrogen-deficient conditions is of great significance. Despite its ecological and agricultural importance, the molecular mechanisms underlying the response of Festuca sinensis to nitrogen starvation, as well as the identification of key regulatory genes, remain largely unexplored.

RESULTS: In this study, Festuca sinensis was cultured under different nitrogen concentrations using 1/2 Hoagland nutrient solution. Significant morphological differences were observed among the treatments, and physiological experiments confirmed that Festuca sinensis experienced substantial stress under low-nitrogen conditions. Subsequently, RNA-Seq analysis was conducted with four treatment groups and two plant tissue types. We focused on the Gene Ontology (GO) terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways enriched with Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) in three aspects: (1) the nitrogen starvation response of Festuca sinensis, (2) the symbiosis between Festuca sinensis and Epichloë sinensis, and (3) the response to nitrogen starvation after symbiosis. Through this analysis, we screened five key genes (FsNRT2.2, FsNRT2.4, FsC/VIF2, FsIRT1, and FsYSL15) as potentially important regulators. Additionally, protein interaction network analysis revealed several core genes that may play crucial roles in nitrogen starvation response and provide insights for breeding new Festuca sinensis germplasm with enhanced nitrogen deficiency tolerance.

CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to screen core genes in Festuca sinensis related to its response to nitrogen starvation, its symbiosis with Epichloë sinensis, and the symbiotic response to nitrogen-deficient conditions. the key genes identified along with their enriched pathways, provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying nitrogen starvation tolerance. These genes can be utilized to develop new Epichloë sinensis germplasm with enhanced tolerance to nitrogen deficiency and may also serve as a reference for advancing nitrogen starvation research in other plant species.},
}

*Nitrogen/deficiency/metabolism
*Symbiosis/genetics
*Festuca/genetics/microbiology/metabolism/physiology
*Endophytes/physiology/genetics
*Epichloe/physiology
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
Genes, Plant
Gene Expression Profiling

@article {pmid40604166,
year = {2025},
author = {Nakashima, M and Matsuura, K},
title = {Termite antimicrobial defense through interaction with symbiotic microorganisms in nest materials.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {23391},
pmid = {40604166},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {JPMJSP2110//the Sasakawa Scientific Research Grant from the Japan Science Society, the JST SPRING grant/ ; Project # JPJ009237//the Cabinet Office, Government of Japan, Moonshot R&D Program for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (funding agency: Bio-oriented Technology Research Advancement Institution)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Isoptera/microbiology/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; Streptomyces/physiology ; *Nesting Behavior ; Bacteria ; },
abstract = {Social insects build robust nests to physically defend their colonies against attacks by predators and the intrusion of parasites and pathogens. While many previous studies on termite nests have focused on their physical defense functions, their nests also harbor various microorganisms that play a role in maintaining the colony's hygienic environment. In this study, we report a dynamic defense mechanism of termite nests, where termites bury pathogen-infected corpses into the nest material, enhancing the antimicrobial defense provided by symbiotic bacteria inhabiting the nest. Termites buried pathogen-infected corpses, which could pose a high pathogenic risk, into the nest material, while they cannibalized corpses that were non-infected. In nest material where corpses were buried, the abundance of Streptomyces, antibiotic-producing bacteria, increased and enhanced the antifungal activity of the nest material. Furthermore, this Streptomyces inhibited the growth of termite pathogens and improved worker survival rates in the presence of these pathogens. These results suggest that the interaction between termites and nest-associated symbiotic bacteria, facilitated by corpse burial, contributes to the continuous maintenance of nest hygiene. This study elucidates the function of the nest as a 'living defensive wall' and enhances our understanding of the dynamic pathogen-defense systems employed by social insects.},
}

Animals
*Isoptera/microbiology/physiology
*Symbiosis
Streptomyces/physiology
*Nesting Behavior
Bacteria

@article {pmid40603680,
year = {2025},
author = {Gong, Y and Zhang, Y and Dong, L},
title = {Numerical simulation and governance framework for multi stakeholder symbiotic evolution in digital innovation ecosystems.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {23638},
pmid = {40603680},
issn = {2045-2322},
abstract = {The symbiotic evolution of stakeholders within digital innovation ecosystems (DIES) is crucial for achieving ecological sustainability. Thus, we integrate the Lotka-Volterra symbiotic evolution model into digital DIES research by constructing both three-actor and four-actor dynamic interaction frameworks and simulating multiple symbiotic evolution scenarios. This study indicates that: (1) The principal actors in DIES are core digital enterprises, innovation partners, digital product users, and digital platforms, with their interdependencies governed by symbiotic coefficients. (2) Introducing the digital platform into the four-actor symbiotic model significantly increases the system's maximum carrying capacity and equilibrium scale. Parasitic symbiosis and commensal symbiosis may temporarily enhance individual actors' competitiveness, but they undermine the overall stability of cooperation, whereas mutually beneficial symbiosis provides the optimal pattern for system evolution. (3) Building on these insights, we propose a governance framework centered on resource balancing, value sharing, and trust cooperation, and demonstrate its practical applicability through an Alibaba Cloud case study. This work not only broadens the scope of symbiosis theory within a digital-economy context but also provides actionable guidance for designing efficient, resilient DIES.},
}

@article {pmid40603490,
year = {2025},
author = {Meesil, W and Bode, HB and Rückert-Reed, C and Shi, YM and Pidot, SJ and Muangpat, P and Rattanarojpong, T and Chantratita, N and Sitthisak, S and Vitta, A and Thanwisai, A},
title = {Genomic analysis for the identification of bioactive compounds in Xenorhabdus stockiae strain RT25.5.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {23672},
pmid = {40603490},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {PHD / 0084/2561//Royal Golden Jubilee Ph.D. Program/ ; PHD / 0084/2561//Royal Golden Jubilee Ph.D. Program/ ; 32470066//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2024YFA0917000//National Key R&D Program of China/ ; R2567C003//Global and Frontier Research University Fund, Naresuan University/ ; R2567C003//Global and Frontier Research University Fund, Naresuan University/ ; R2566B043//National Science, Research and Innovation Fund/ ; },
mesh = {*Xenorhabdus/genetics/metabolism/chemistry ; *Genome, Bacterial ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; *Genomics/methods ; Biological Products/pharmacology ; Multigene Family ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; Animals ; },
abstract = {Elucidating microorganism genomes holds great promise for the discovery of novel bioactive compounds with diverse applications. In this study, we investigated the complete genome of Xenorhabdus stockiae strain RT25.5, which is recognized for its symbiotic association with entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) and its biosynthesis of secondary metabolites relevant to the pharmaceutical industry, agriculture, and ecology. Through high-throughput genome sequencing, assembly, and annotation, followed by advanced bioinformatics analyses, we elucidated the genetic basis of its antimicrobial potential. Our analysis revealed 21 putative biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) associated with bioactive compound production. Notably, LC‒MS/MS analysis of the bacterial cultures confirmed the presence of diverse secondary metabolites, which aligned with the in silico predictions. Furthermore, the crude extract of X. stockiae strain RT25.5 exhibited antibacterial activity against 10 pathogenic bacterial isolates, highlighting its potential as a source of novel antimicrobial agents. This study highlights the importance of X. stockiae as a promising candidate for natural product discovery. The integration of genome mining, LC‒MS/MS, and bioassays not only advances our understanding of its biosynthetic capabilities but also paves the way for the development of novel antimicrobial agents. Future research should focus on the isolation and structural characterization of key metabolites, as well as evaluations of their mechanisms of action against multidrug-resistant pathogens.},
}

*Xenorhabdus/genetics/metabolism/chemistry
*Genome, Bacterial
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
*Genomics/methods
Biological Products/pharmacology
Multigene Family
Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Animals

@article {pmid40602890,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, X and Du, X and Zuo, X and Wang, Z and Czech, B and Oleszczuk, P and Gao, Y},
title = {Using degrading endophytic bacteria to detoxify the phthalic acid esters in crops from contaminated soil.},
journal = {Journal of environmental sciences (China)},
volume = {157},
number = {},
pages = {378-390},
doi = {10.1016/j.jes.2024.11.029},
pmid = {40602890},
issn = {1001-0742},
mesh = {*Biodegradation, Environmental ; *Soil Pollutants/metabolism ; *Crops, Agricultural/metabolism ; *Endophytes/metabolism ; *Phthalic Acids/metabolism ; *Soil Microbiology ; *Bacteria/metabolism ; *Esters/metabolism ; Rhizosphere ; },
abstract = {Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are widely released into the environment due to industrial and agricultural activities. This poses significant risks, not only to crops grown on contaminated soil but also to humans. PAEs enter the human body through the food chain, causing potential health hazards. Endophytic bacteria have demonstrated a significant potential as effective bioremediation agents, with specialized mechanisms of PAEs degradation. Endophytic bacteria such as Rhodococcus, Pseudomonas and Sphingomona recognize root exudates, adhere to and penetrate root surfaces, and ultimately colonize crops. They form symbiotic relationships with crops, obtaining nutrients and habitats from crops, meanwhile, promoting plant growth and health through hormone production, nutrient regulation, and the suppression of pathogenic microorganisms. Furthermore, endophytic bacteria efficiently degrade PAEs in soil-crop systems through synergistic interactions with indigenous rhizosphere microflora and regulatory effects on enzyme activity in crops. Here, we review the role of endophytic bacteria in the bioremediation of PAEs-contaminated crops and soils. In addition, we discuss the scarcity of endophytic bacterial strains with a confirmed ability to degrade PAEs, and underscore the lack of the research on the mechanisms of PAEs degradation by these bacteria. This review also points out that future study should investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between endophytic bacteria and PAEs to offer novel insights and solutions for environmental protection and sustainable agricultural development.},
}

*Biodegradation, Environmental
*Soil Pollutants/metabolism
*Crops, Agricultural/metabolism
*Endophytes/metabolism
*Phthalic Acids/metabolism
*Soil Microbiology
*Bacteria/metabolism
*Esters/metabolism
Rhizosphere

@article {pmid40600712,
year = {2025},
author = {Comeault, AA and Orta, AH and Fidler, DB and Nunn, T and Ellison, AR and Anspach, TA and Matute, DR},
title = {Phylogenetic and functional diversity among Drosophila-associated metagenome-assembled genomes.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0002725},
doi = {10.1128/msystems.00027-25},
pmid = {40600712},
issn = {2379-5077},
abstract = {Host-associated microbial communities can mediate interactions between their hosts and biotic and abiotic environments. While much work has been done to document how microbiomes vary across species and environments, much less is known about the functional consequences of this variation. Here, we test for functional variation among drosophilid-associated bacteria by conducting Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing and generating metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from communities associated with six species of drosophilid flies collected from "anthropogenic" environments in North America, Europe, and Africa. Using phylogenetic analyses, we find that drosophilid flies harbor a diverse microbiome that includes core members closely related to the genera Gilliamella, Orbus, Entomomonas, Dysgonomonas, and others. Comparisons with publicly available bacterial genomes show that many of these genera are associated with phylogenetically diverse insect gut microbiomes. Using functional annotations and predicted secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters, we show that MAGs belonging to different bacterial orders and genera vary in gene content and predicted functions, including metabolic capacity and how they respond to environmental stressors. Our results provide evidence that wild drosophilid flies harbor phylogenetically and functionally diverse microbial communities. These findings highlight a need to quantify the abundance and function of insect-associated bacteria from the genera Gilliamella, Orbus, Entomomonas, and others on the performance of their insect hosts across diverse environments.IMPORTANCEWhile much attention has been given to catalogue the taxonomic diversity intrinsic to host-associated microbiomes, much less is known about the functional consequences of this variation, especially in wild, non-model host species. In this study, we use long-read sequencing to generate and analyze 103 high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes from host-associated bacterial communities from six species of wild fruit fly (Drosophila). We find that the genomes of drosophilid-associated bacteria possess diverse metabolic pathways and biosynthetic gene clusters that are predicted to generate metabolites involved in nutrition and disease resistance, among other functions. Using functional gene predictions, we show that different bacterial lineages that comprise the insect microbiome differ in predicted functional capacities. Our findings highlight the functional variation intrinsic to microbial communities of wild insects and provide a step towards disentangling the ecological and evolutionary processes driving host-microbe symbioses.},
}

@article {pmid40600705,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, X and Chen, J and Lee, S and Ju, Z and Akhand, A and Liu, H},
title = {Compartment-specific microbial communities highlight the ecological roles of fungi in a subtropical seagrass ecosystem.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0060625},
doi = {10.1128/aem.00606-25},
pmid = {40600705},
issn = {1098-5336},
abstract = {Plant-associated compartments provide habitats for various microbes. Seagrasses are the only submerged marine angiosperms. However, the simultaneous investigation of fungi and prokaryotes inhabiting different seagrass-associated compartments is limited, and much remains to be learned about the functional roles of seagrass fungi. We examined the diversity, composition, and networks of fungal and prokaryotic communities in multiple compartments associated with the seagrass Halophila ovalis to shed light on the significance of fungi in the seagrass ecosystem. Seagrass compartments primarily differentiated the microbial communities. Notably, the root and rhizome tissues of visually healthy H. ovalis exhibited a very narrow, single-species dominated and enriched fungal spectrum, leading us to hypothesize the possible establishment of a symbiotic relationship between the Lulworthiaceae mycobiont, Halophilomyces hongkongensis, and the seagrass host. In addition, the Vibrionaceae family, represented by the genus Vibrio, emerged as the most abundant prokaryotic taxon enriched in the roots/rhizomes, showing exclusive positive correlations with H. hongkongensis within the tissues, implying a cross-kingdom reciprocal interaction between these taxa in the endosphere of H. ovalis. Fungal-prokaryotic interdomain network analysis identified H. hongkongensis as a keystone taxon, essential for coordinating microbial interactions in H. ovalis-associated compartments, while robustness analysis of interdomain networks suggested fungi plays a more crucial role in sustaining the network structures of H. ovalis inner tissues compared to surrounding compartments. These findings provide valuable insights into the seagrass-fungi relationship and emphasize the importance of fungi in the seagrass ecosystem.IMPORTANCEAlthough plant-associated microbes are key determinants of plant health, fitness, and stress resilience, microbial communities associated with seagrasses remain poorly understood compared to those in land plants, particularly concerning the diversity and ecological roles of their fungal associates. Our work provides a comprehensive assessment of fungal and prokaryotic communities across multiple above- and below-ground compartments associated with Halophila ovalis, the most widespread seagrass species in Hong Kong, through a year-round sampling. Our findings reveal compartment-specific patterns in diversity, network topology, and stability of microbial communities, highlighting the critical roles of fungi in seagrass-associated microbial networks and advancing our understanding of plant-fungal interactions in the marine environment.},
}

@article {pmid40600212,
year = {2025},
author = {Balti, S and Mabrouk, Y and Souihi, M and Hemissi, I and Amri, I and Humm, E and Khan, N and Hirsch, AM},
title = {Combined inoculation of rhizobacteria with Mesorhizobium promotes growth, nutrient contents, and protects chickpea against Fusarium redolens.},
journal = {AIMS microbiology},
volume = {11},
number = {2},
pages = {318-337},
pmid = {40600212},
issn = {2471-1888},
abstract = {Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is considered a cheap source of plant protein. In Mediterranean regions, and particularly in Tunisia, fungal attacks are likely to further aggravate drought stress and increase the economic vulnerability of chickpea production. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and rhizobia have the potential to enhance plant growth and mitigate the adverse effects of biotic and abiotic stresses. The objective of this study was to isolate non-rhizobial rhizosphere bacteria from the soil and evaluate their ability to enhance plants' growth and symbiotic performance and to control chickpea wilt caused by F. redolens. A total of 26 bacterial isolates from rhizosphere soil samples were subsequently evaluated for their antagonistic properties against five phytopathogenic fungi (Fusarium oxysporum solani, Fusarium oxysporum matthioli, Fusarium oxysporum MN-2, Fusarium oxysporum 184, and Fusarium rdolens). Seven bacterial isolates demonstrated in vitro plant-beneficial characteristics and/or antagonistic activity against 5 Fusarium strains. Two bacterial strains including Streptomyces diastaticus subsp. diastaticus and Bacillus subtilis were chosen for additional investigation because they showed the greatest number of plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits and exhibited an antagonistic effect on pathogens. Assays conducted in pots showed that PGPRs co-inoculated with Mesorhizobium sp. Bj1 protected chickpea plants from F. redolens infection and enhanced plant growth and nutrient uptake. Pot experiments carried out in a greenhouse further demonstrated that the co-inoculation of chickpea plants with the bacterial strains and a Mesorhizobium strain lessened the severity of the F. redolens infection. These results suggest that co-inoculation with S. diastaticus subsp. diastaticus and Mesorhizobium sp. Bj1 may act as a helpful bioformulation to boost chickpea plants' growth and protect them from wilting. Other PGPR candidates included Mesorhizobium spp. and B. subtilis strains. Both Mesorhizobium sp. Bj1 and the uninoculated plants were used as controls. The association of PGPR with other inoculants potentially could substitute for chemical fertilizers, and testing of PGPR under field conditions will further elucidate their effectiveness on grain yields of chickpea.},
}

@article {pmid40599451,
year = {2024},
author = {Younis, JH and Karadas, F and Beski, S},
title = {The Effects of Different Level of Synbiotic Supplementation in Diet of Broiler on Growth Performance, Intestinal Histology and Microbial Colony.},
journal = {Archives of Razi Institute},
volume = {79},
number = {6},
pages = {1227-1234},
pmid = {40599451},
issn = {2008-9872},
mesh = {Animals ; *Chickens/growth & development/microbiology/physiology ; *Synbiotics/administration & dosage ; Animal Feed/analysis ; *Intestines/microbiology/anatomy & histology/drug effects ; Diet/veterinary ; Dietary Supplements/analysis ; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects ; Random Allocation ; Weight Gain ; Male ; },
abstract = {The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of varying levels of synbiotic supplementation on the growth performance and intestinal physiology of broiler chickens. A total of 360-day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to six different treatments, with four replicates per treatment and 15 birds per replicate. The control treatment was not supplemented, while the remaining treatments were supplemented with four different levels (0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1 g/kg) of synbiotic to the basal diets. The treatments were as follows: (1) control (not any supplement), (2) zinc bacitracin 0.04 g/kg, and (3) the remaining four treatments, which were supplemented with four different levels of synbiotic. On days 10, 24 and 35, the feed remaining and the birds were weighed in order to measure the body weight, weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio. On day 10 and throughout the experimental period, there was a significant increase (P<0.05) in both body weight and weight gain, as well as a significant improvement in feed conversion ratio (FCR) with rising level of synbiotic. The control group exhibited a poorer feed conversion ratio than the other experimental groups (P<0.05). Up to 10 days, there was a significant increase in feed intake in birds on diets supplemented with 0.25 and 0.75 g/kg synbiotic. However, when the data from the 35-day experimental period were analyzed, it was found that the birds that had received 0.75 g/kg of synbiotic had significantly (P<0.05) decreased feed intake compared to the other experimental groups. The relative weight of the internal organs was not affected by the dietary treatments. The carcass yield and breast meat were found to increase significantly (P<0.05) with rising levels of dietary synbiotic. The length of the villi was found to be significantly affected by the treatment, with the villi in birds on diets supplemented with 0.5 g/kg of synbiotic being longer than those in the control group. Significantly, the shortest villi were observed in birds that received the highest supplement level (1 g/kg) of synbiotic. The number of Escherichia coli in the ileum was not affected by the dietary treatments. It can be concluded that synbiotic dietary supplementation exerts beneficial effects on growth output at an early age and during the broiler development cycle. In terms of performance, synbiotics supplementation resulted in an improvement in performance and a positive effect on carcass yield and breast meat production. The current research has demonstrated that the administration of synbiotics at a dosage of 0.75 g/kg exerts beneficial effects on the efficiency and subsequent physiological processes of broilers during the course of their growth.},
}

Animals
*Chickens/growth & development/microbiology/physiology
*Synbiotics/administration & dosage
Animal Feed/analysis
*Intestines/microbiology/anatomy & histology/drug effects
Diet/veterinary
Dietary Supplements/analysis
Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects
Random Allocation
Weight Gain
Male

@article {pmid40599082,
year = {2025},
author = {Ishii, Y and Kanamori, S and Deguchi, R and Kawata, M and Maruyama, S and Yoshida, T and Kamikawa, R},
title = {Positive selection of a starch synthesis gene and phenotypic differentiation of starch accumulation in symbiotic and free-living coral symbiont dinoflagellate species.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/gbe/evaf133},
pmid = {40599082},
issn = {1759-6653},
abstract = {Symbiosis is a basis for species diversification through interactions between organisms. In tropical and subtropical oceans, dinoflagellate symbionts belonging to the family Symbiodiniaceae, including the genus Symbiodinium, support the flourishment of cnidarian hosts, including corals, and thereby the ecology of oligotrophic oceans through their photosynthate carbon transfers. Although the genus Symbiodinium includes both free-living and symbiotic species, the detailed genetic background of their lifestyle differences remains unclear. In this study, we identified candidate genes involved in the evolutionary acquisition or maintenance of symbiosis in Symbiodinium spp. by detecting genes that have undergone positive selection during symbiotic and free-living lifestyle diversification. Using multiple Symbiodinium genomes to detect positive selection, 35 genes were identified, including a gene encoding soluble starch synthase SSY1 and genes related to metabolite secretion, which may be preferred for symbiotic lifestyles. In particular, our in silico analyses revealed that the SSY1 gene family has undergone extensive gene duplications in an ancestral dinoflagellate, and that the mutations detected as positive selection have occurred in the intrinsically disordered region of one of the homologs. Consistent with molecular evolution, the phenotypes of intracellular starch synthesis/accumulation were distinct between the symbiotic and free-living species of Symbiodinium when cultured under different pH and nitrogen conditions. These results provide molecular and phenotypic insights into symbiotic Symbiodinium-coral relationships.},
}

@article {pmid40596010,
year = {2025},
author = {Palacio-Castro, AM and Soderberg, N and Zagon, Z and Cooke, K and Studivan, MS and Gill, T and Kelble, C and Christian, T and Enochs, IC},
title = {Elevated temperature decreases stony coral tissue loss disease transmission, with little effect of nutrients.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {22261},
pmid = {40596010},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {SA00002041//Florida Department of Environmental Protection/ ; NO_0065//NOAA 'Omics/ ; 31252//NOAA's Coral Reef Conservation Program/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa/physiology/microbiology ; Coral Reefs ; *Nutrients ; *Hot Temperature ; Temperature ; Calcification, Physiologic ; },
abstract = {Stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) is the deadliest scleractinian coral disease reported, causing significant coral loss in the Western Atlantic reefs. Environmental conditions are known to influence disease dynamics, but determining the specific conditions that exacerbate SCTLD remains challenging. We developed a robotic multi-stressor system to study the effects of temperature and ammonium on SCTLD transmission. For a month, coral fragments were preconditioned to two temperatures (28 °C and 31 °C) and nutrient treatments (with and without ammonium dosing), and subsequently exposed to SCTLD. Environmental treatments only caused modest effects in the corals (based on calcification, photochemical efficiency, and symbiotic algal communities). However, SCTLD incidence was strongly reduced at higher temperature (17% at 31 °C compared to 70% at 28 °C), contrasting with other coral diseases that typically worsen with increased heat. Disease management approaches may involve concentrating SCTLD treatment efforts during warmer periods when reduced incidence might enhance treatment efficacy.},
}

Animals
*Anthozoa/physiology/microbiology
Coral Reefs
*Nutrients
*Hot Temperature
Temperature
Calcification, Physiologic

@article {pmid40595299,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, B and Shen, L and Pan, Z and Pan, C and Zeng, G},
title = {Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and soil substrate on invasive plant Alternanthera philoxeroides.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {21461},
pmid = {40595299},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {mygccrc[2022]051//the Fundamental Research Funds for the high-level talent project of Moutai Institute/ ; },
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology ; *Introduced Species ; *Soil Microbiology ; *Amaranthaceae/microbiology/growth & development ; Biomass ; *Soil/chemistry ; Plant Roots/microbiology/growth & development ; China ; Plant Leaves/growth & development/microbiology ; Symbiosis ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi form symbiotic relationships with plants, using their hyphae to enhance nutrient uptake and promote plant growth. Alternanthera philoxeroides, an invasive species, poses a significant threat to agriculture, forestry, and urban ecosystems in China. However, there is a lack of research on how AM fungi influence invasive plants under varying environmental conditions. This study explored the effects of two AM fungal strains and four substrate types on A. philoxeroides. The results showed that the mycorrhizal dependency of A. philoxeroides ranged from 6.09% and 37.21%. Plant height and root length of A. philoxeroides were primarily shaped by substrate quality. AM fungi significantly enhanced root and aboveground biomass, especially under nutrient-poor conditions. Leaf area increased in response to fungal inoculation, while leaf number was regulated by substrate nutrients. Overall, AM fungi promoted biomass accumulation, particularly when combined with nutrient-enriched substrates, underscoring their potential application in invasive plant management. Therefore, future management strategies should divide invaded areas into distinct control zones based on gradients of soil nutrient levels, with special attention given to key regions for targeted monitoring and prevention.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology
*Introduced Species
*Soil Microbiology
*Amaranthaceae/microbiology/growth & development
Biomass
*Soil/chemistry
Plant Roots/microbiology/growth & development
China
Plant Leaves/growth & development/microbiology
Symbiosis
Ecosystem

@article {pmid40595274,
year = {2025},
author = {Idan, T and Shefer, S and Chatzigeorgiou, G and Gerovasileiou, V and Goren, L},
title = {Testing the effect of host availability on endobiont diversity: proposing the single hotel hypothesis.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {21717},
pmid = {40595274},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {730984//European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, Assemble Plus Project/ ; 730984//European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, Assemble Plus Project/ ; MIS 5002670//"Centre for the study and sustainable exploitation of Marine Biological Resources (CMBR)"/ ; MIS 5002670//"Centre for the study and sustainable exploitation of Marine Biological Resources (CMBR)"/ ; NSRF 2014-2020//the Action "Reinforcement of the Research and Innovation Infrastructure", funded by the Operational Programme "Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship and Innovation"/ ; NSRF 2014-2020//the Action "Reinforcement of the Research and Innovation Infrastructure", funded by the Operational Programme "Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship and Innovation"/ ; GA N°101052342//the European Commission/ ; ΓΓΒΙΟ-0559429//GSRI - General Secretariat for Research and Innovation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Porifera/physiology ; *Biodiversity ; Mediterranean Sea ; Ecosystem ; *Symbiosis ; Greece ; },
abstract = {This study investigates the determinants of endobionts diversity within habitat-forming organisms, employing concepts from Island Biogeographic Theory (IBT) as a prospective explanatory framework. Sponges have long been considered "living hotels" due to the great diversity and abundance of their associated fauna. Various factors have been proposed to influence the composition and diversity of sponge-associated fauna, often relating to individual sponge characteristics, such as volume and oscular diameter. However, studies frequently contradict when identifying the main determinant. Focusing on two common massive sponge species, Agelas oroides and Sarcotragus foetidus, we collected, dissected, and analyzed 18 sponge specimens of A. oroides and 12 of S. foetidus from three sites in Crete, Greece (Eastern Mediterranean Sea). The sponges hosted 943 macroinvertebrates belonging to 94 different taxa, half of which were polychaetes. Crustaceans were the most abundant group, with over 50% of the individuals. Contrary to IBT predictions, A. oroides from areas with lower sponge abundance (i.e., "single hotel in town"), exhibited higher endofauna densities and richness. Notably, S. foetidus, which hosted large numbers of snapping shrimps, presented a different pattern, highlighting the importance of species-specific interactions on endobiont communities. Additionally, the reproductive state of S. foetidus correlated with increased endobiont richness, suggesting a potentially overlooked aspect of sponge-endobiont interactions related to the sponge's reproductive state. These results emphasize the importance of sponges as "living hotels" and sponge communities as sources of biodiversity and highlight the complex influence of habitat availability and species-specific interactions on sponge-associated fauna.},
}

Animals
*Porifera/physiology
*Biodiversity
Mediterranean Sea
Ecosystem
*Symbiosis
Greece

@article {pmid40594438,
year = {2025},
author = {Sugiyama, T and Hasegawa, K},
title = {Synergistic actions of symbiotic bacteria modulate the insecticidal potency of entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema monticolum KHA701.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {22550},
pmid = {40594438},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; Xenorhabdus/physiology ; *Insecticides ; *Rhabditida/microbiology ; Larva/parasitology/microbiology ; Photorhabdus/physiology ; Moths/parasitology ; Microbiota ; },
abstract = {Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), primarily Steinernema and Heterorhabditis, form symbiotic relationships with bacteria from the genera Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus, respectively. These bacteria exhibit insecticidal activity and suppress competing microorganisms, allowing EPNs and their symbionts to dominate insect cadavers. While monoxenic associations are fundamental to EPN-bacteria interactions, recent studies suggest that EPNs may harbor a diverse array of symbiotic bacteria with consistent associations. However, the role of these additional symbiotic bacteria in EPN pathogenesis and the complexity of their interactions remain unclear. In this study, Steinernema monticolum KHA701 was newly isolated using the Galleria mellonella bait method. Compared to the highly pathogenic Heterorhabditis bacteriophora TT01, S. monticolum KHA701 demonstrated superior insecticidal activity against G. mellonella larvae and exhibited a broad host range, targeting 63 arthropod species across 18 orders and 41 families. Microbiota analysis of S. monticolum KHA701 infective juveniles identified 34 bacterial species, including Xenorhabdus hominickii, from the nematode body. Five bacteria-Elizabethkingia miricola, Serratia marcescens, Pseudomonas protegens, Staphylococcus sp., and X. hominickii-were confirmed to be highly pathogenic to Zophobas morio and Periplaneta fuliginosa larvae. Notably, the combination of X. hominickii with any of the other four bacteria significantly enhanced the insecticidal activity of S. monticolum KHA701 against G. mellonella. These findings suggest that S. monticolum KHA701 utilizes a diverse community of bacterial symbionts to enhance its insecticidal efficacy, providing novel insights into the ecological strategies of EPNs.},
}

Animals
*Symbiosis
Xenorhabdus/physiology
*Insecticides
*Rhabditida/microbiology
Larva/parasitology/microbiology
Photorhabdus/physiology
Moths/parasitology
Microbiota

@article {pmid40594188,
year = {2025},
author = {Kong, S and Zhang, C and Zhang, M and Lu, W},
title = {Heterogeneity analysis of the effects of new quality productive forces on ecological resilience in the Yangtze River Delta Economic Belt.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {20563},
pmid = {40594188},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {2024AH052426//the Key Projects of Social Sciences in Anhui University Research Programme/ ; 23YJC630126//Humanities and Social Science Fund of Ministry of Education of China/ ; rc382305//The Talent Introduction Project of Anhui Agricultural University/ ; },
abstract = {Exploring the heterogeneous effects of new quality productive forces on ecological resilience is crucial for fostering high-quality development within the Yangtze River Delta Economic Zone. By using panel data spanning from 2006 to 2022 for 27 cities within this region, the heterogeneity, moderating effect, and threshold effect of new quality productive forces on ecological resilience are systematically analysed through panel quantile regression, moderating effect models, and threshold regression models, respectively. The findings reveal the following. (1) New quality productive forces significantly enhance ecological resilience, particularly at the low ecological resilience quantile, where its impact is most pronounced; however, the effect gradually diminishes at higher quantiles, adhering to the "diminishing marginal effect" law. (2) The moderating effect of technological innovation varies considerably; cities with greater resilience benefit the most from technological innovation, whereas those with low resilience experience weaker benefits. (3) Technological innovation exhibits a notable threshold characteristic in enhancing the effects of new quality productive forces on ecological resilience. Drawing from these conclusions, recommendations aimed at bolstering ecological resilience in the Yangtze River Delta Economic Zone and at accelerating the creation of new quality productive forces to foster harmonious symbiosis and sustainable development of the regional economy and the ecological environment are proposed.},
}

@article {pmid40593767,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhu, L and Zhang, A and Guo, J and Liu, H and Xie, Y and Lu, X and Yan, C and Wang, J and Zhou, C},
title = {Iron limitation-induced endophytic Ammoniphilus assemblage promotes root apoplastic iron remobilization by attenuation of salicylic acid pathways.},
journal = {NPJ biofilms and microbiomes},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {125},
pmid = {40593767},
issn = {2055-5008},
mesh = {*Salicylic Acid/metabolism ; *Plant Roots/microbiology/metabolism ; *Iron/metabolism ; *Solanum lycopersicum/microbiology/metabolism ; Hydrogen Peroxide/metabolism ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Endophytes/metabolism/genetics/classification/isolation & purification ; Symbiosis ; Glutamine/metabolism ; Iron Deficiencies ; Microbiota ; },
abstract = {Plants establish symbiotic associations with root-colonizing microbes to adapt to adverse conditions. However, how root-associated microbiota interacted with their hosts to improve plant growth under nutrient deficient conditions remains poorly understood. In this study, we explored an interaction between tomato plants and root-associated microbiota under iron (Fe) limitation, mediated by bacterial secretion of glutamine. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that Fe-limited conditions altered the composition of root-associated microbiomes, resulting in the enrichment of Ammoniphilus sp. This taxon was isolated and shown to alleviate Fe deficiency symptoms. Moreover, Fe deficiency triggered salicylic acid (SA)-induced hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) burst, thereby inhibiting the exudation of Fe-mobilizing phenolics from the roots. However, bacterial secretion of Gln greatly attenuated the SA-induced H2O2 production in the roots, thereby enhancing bacterial colonization and promoting apoplastic Fe remobilization. Collectively, these results underscored a microbial strategy for orchestrating plant SA pathways to facilitate the reutilization of root apoplastic Fe.},
}

*Salicylic Acid/metabolism
*Plant Roots/microbiology/metabolism
*Iron/metabolism
*Solanum lycopersicum/microbiology/metabolism
Hydrogen Peroxide/metabolism
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
*Endophytes/metabolism/genetics/classification/isolation & purification
Symbiosis
Glutamine/metabolism
Iron Deficiencies
Microbiota

@article {pmid40593575,
year = {2025},
author = {Ding, Y and Lesterps, Z and Gasciolli, V and Fuchs, AL and Gaston, M and Medioni, L and de-Regibus, A and Remblière, C and Vicédo, C and Bensmihen, S and Bono, JJ and Cullimore, J and Reyt, G and Dalmais, M and Saffray, C and Mazeau, S and Bendahmane, A and Sibout, R and Vandenbussche, M and Rouster, J and Wang, T and He, G and Masselin, A and Cottaz, S and Fort, S and Lefebvre, B},
title = {Several groups of LysM-RLKs are involved in symbiotic signal perception and arbuscular mycorrhiza establishment.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {5999},
pmid = {40593575},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {ANR-16-CE20-0025-01//Agence Nationale de la Recherche (French National Research Agency)/ ; ANR-10-LABX-41//Agence Nationale de la Recherche (French National Research Agency)/ ; ANR-18-EURE-0019//Agence Nationale de la Recherche (French National Research Agency)/ ; ANR-14-CE18-0008-01//Agence Nationale de la Recherche (French National Research Agency)/ ; ANR-14-CE18-0008-01//Agence Nationale de la Recherche (French National Research Agency)/ ; ANR-10-LABX-40-SPS//Agence Nationale de la Recherche (French National Research Agency)/ ; ANR-16-CE20-0025-01//Agence Nationale de la Recherche (French National Research Agency)/ ; ANR-17-EURE-0003//Agence Nationale de la Recherche (French National Research Agency)/ ; 32100241//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; },
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology/metabolism/genetics ; *Symbiosis/physiology/genetics ; *Signal Transduction ; *Plant Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Oryza/microbiology/genetics/metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Chitin/analogs & derivatives/metabolism ; Oligosaccharides ; Chitosan ; },
abstract = {Lipo-chitooligosaccharides (LCO) and short-chain chitooligosaccharides (CO) are produced by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and activate the plant symbiosis signalling pathway, which is essential for mycorrhiza formation. High-affinity LCO receptors belonging to the LysM receptor-like kinase (LysM-RLK) phylogenetic group LYR-IA play a role in AM establishment, but it is unclear which proteins are the plant high-affinity short-chain CO receptors. Here we studied members of the uncharacterized LYR-IB group, and found that they show high affinity for LCO, short- and long-chain CO, and play a complementary role with the LYR-IA receptors for AM establishment. While LYR-IB knock out mutants had a reduced AMF colonization in several species, constitutive/ectopic expression in wheat increased AMF colonization. LYR-IB function is conserved in all tested angiosperms, but in most japonica rice a deletion creates a frameshift in the gene, explaining differences in AM phenotypes between rice and other monocot single LYR-IA mutants. In conclusion, we identified a class of LysM-RLK receptors in angiosperms with unique biochemical properties and a role in both LCO and CO perception for AM establishment.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology/metabolism/genetics
*Symbiosis/physiology/genetics
*Signal Transduction
*Plant Proteins/metabolism/genetics
Phylogeny
Oryza/microbiology/genetics/metabolism
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
Chitin/analogs & derivatives/metabolism
Oligosaccharides
Chitosan

@article {pmid40592450,
year = {2025},
author = {Valim, HF and Otte, J and Schmitt, I},
title = {Fungal and algal lichen symbionts show different transcriptional expression patterns in two climate zones.},
journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences},
volume = {292},
number = {2050},
pages = {20242962},
pmid = {40592450},
issn = {1471-2954},
support = {//LOEWE Center for Translational Biodiversity Genomics/ ; },
mesh = {*Lichens/physiology/microbiology/genetics ; *Symbiosis ; Italy ; Climate ; Transcriptome ; *Chlorophyta/physiology/genetics ; *Fungi/physiology/genetics ; },
abstract = {In the lichen symbiosis, the fungal and algal partners constitute a closely integrated system. The combination of fungal and algal partners changes along climate gradients in many species, and is expected to be adaptive. However, the functional mechanisms behind this symbiosis-mediated environmental adaptation are unknown. We investigated which transcriptional profiles are associated with specific fungal-algal symbiont pairings found in lichens from high-elevation (Lower Supratemperate) and low-elevation (Lower Mesomediterranean) sites at two extremes of a climatic gradient on Mount Limbara, Sardinia. Using laboratory-acclimatized thalli, we found that lichen fungal and algal symbionts show variable expression profiles between high- and low-elevation individuals: circadian- and temperature-associated genes for fungi and light-responsive genes for algae show climate-specific patterns. High- and low-elevation individuals differentially express sugar transporters in both symbionts, pointing to symmetrical and climate-dependent sugar transport mechanisms between them. A light pulse treatment identified asymmetries between fungal and algal light responses, with high- and low-elevation fungal symbionts but only low-elevation algal symbionts showing a response. Together, these results tie previously observed genomic variation along climatic gradients in a lichen species to functional differences in transcription for the fungal and algal symbionts, contributing to our understanding of environmental specialization and niche-specific partner combinations in lichens.},
}

*Lichens/physiology/microbiology/genetics
*Symbiosis
Italy
Climate
Transcriptome
*Chlorophyta/physiology/genetics
*Fungi/physiology/genetics

@article {pmid40589574,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, Z and Wen, M and Tang, C and Chen, S and Tang, D and Zhang, J and Sun, J and Ge, L and Long, K and Lu, L and Jin, L and Li, M and Li, X and Ma, J},
title = {Gut microbiota orchestrates skeletal muscle development and metabolism in germ-free and SPF pigs.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1615884},
pmid = {40589574},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {The gut microbiota, as a crucial symbiotic microbial community in the host, participates in regulating the host's metabolism, immunity, and tissue development. Skeletal muscle is a key tissue for movement and energy metabolism in the body, with its development and function regulated by multiple factors; however, the molecular mechanisms by which the gut microbiota influences skeletal muscle remain unclear. This study utilized germ-free (GF) and specific pathogen-free (SPF) pig models, combined with multiple analytical approaches, to systematically investigate the effects of gut microbiota absence on skeletal muscle development, muscle fiber typing, and metabolism. The study found that skeletal muscle development in GF pigs was impaired, with significant changes in muscle fiber diameter and the proportion of type I muscle fibers, with the forelimb extensor digitorum lateralis being the most significantly affected. Metabolic analysis revealed that short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels in the muscles of GF pigs were reduced, while amino acid and organic acid levels were elevated, suggesting that the gut microbiota regulates muscle energy metabolism. RNA-seq analysis revealed that the expression levels of protein-coding genes (PCGs) and LncRNAs in the muscles of GF pigs were generally reduced, with LncRNAs exhibiting more pronounced dynamic changes. Differentially expressed genes were enriched in muscle development and immune pathways, with significant changes in the expression patterns of HOX and Homeobox family genes, myokines, and myosin heavy chain (MYH) subtypes. WGCNA analysis identified 16 core genes associated with muscle nutrient metabolism and nine core genes related to muscle fiber phenotypes. Cis-acting LncRNA target gene prediction identified 40 differentially expressed LncRNAs and their regulated 29 PCGs, which are primarily involved in skeletal muscle development and immune responses, suggesting that LncRNAs may influence muscle homeostasis by regulating adjacent genes. In summary, the absence of gut microbiota disrupts skeletal muscle morphogenesis, metabolic characteristics, and transcriptional regulatory networks, with LncRNAs potentially mediating the regulation of muscle-specific genes in this process. This study elucidates the interaction mechanisms between the gut microbiota and skeletal muscle, providing a theoretical foundation and data support for further exploration of the microbiota-muscle axis in pathophysiological contexts.},
}

@article {pmid40588842,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, Y and Wang, R and Xue, K and Dijkstra, FA and Sardans, J and Liu, H and Rillig, MC and Peñuelas, J and Han, X and Jiang, Y},
title = {Expanding the Root Economics Space With Root Nitrogen Reallocation.},
journal = {Plant, cell & environment},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/pce.70051},
pmid = {40588842},
issn = {1365-3040},
support = {//This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant no. 32222056 and 32271677) and Hebei Provincial Natural Science Foundation (Grant no. C2022201042 and C2024201044). J.S. and J.P. were supported by the Spanish Government grants PID2020115770RB-I, PID2022-140808NB-I00, and TED2021-132627 B-I00 funded by MCIN and AEI/10.13039/501100011033 European Union Next Generation EU/PRTR./ ; },
abstract = {Harnessing root nitrogen reallocation (RNR) to enhance plant productivity commences with positioning RNR in the root economics space, about which we still know little. We conducted an inclusive synthesis linking RNR to root traits, combined with a 2-year [15]N-labelling field experiment, to position RNR in the root economics space under acidification. RNR was negatively correlated with specific root length (SRL) and mycorrhizal colonisation in the synthesis, suggesting that RNR is a conservative trait. Sedges, grasses and forbs coordinated root traits (e.g., RD and SRL) from acquisitive to conservative and from low to high RNR reliance (and vice versa for their direct root N uptake) in the [15]N-tracing experiment. Along the collaboration gradient, mycorrhizal symbiosis contributed more to N acquisition in grasses and forbs than in sedges, correlating inversely with SRL but remaining orthogonal to RD and RNR, thus partially reflecting the root economics space. Specifically, sedges and forbs exhibited the lowest and highest RNR that increased and decreased with acidification, respectively. Grasses associated well with mycorrhizal fungi, showing moderate RNR and root traits. Our results demonstrated the significance of RNR in plant growth, and the need to consider RNR as a conservative trait.},
}

@article {pmid40586543,
year = {2025},
author = {Begmatov, S and Beletsky, AV and Mardanov, AV and Lukina, AP and Glukhova, LB and Karnachuk, OV and Ravin, NV},
title = {Novel lineages of bacteria with reduced genomes from the gut of farm animals.},
journal = {mSphere},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0029425},
doi = {10.1128/msphere.00294-25},
pmid = {40586543},
issn = {2379-5042},
abstract = {Genome reduction and associated metabolic deficiencies have been described in various lineages of parasitic and symbiotic microorganisms that obtain essential nutrients from their partners, and in some free-living microorganisms that inhabit stable environments. The animal gut is a relatively stable ecosystem, characterized by an abundance of organic substances and a high concentration of microorganisms, which provides favorable conditions for the survival of microorganisms with reduced genomes. Metagenomic analysis of 49 samples of feces of farm animals (cows, sheep, yaks, and horses) revealed uncultured lineages of bacteria with reduced genomes (<1 Mbp): family UBA1242 (Christensenellales, Firmicutes), order Rs-D84 (Alphaproteobacteria), and family UBA9783 (Opitutales, Verrucomicrobiota), defined in genome-taxonomy database. Analysis of the genomes showed that these bacteria lacked pathways for the biosynthesis of amino acids, nucleotides, lipids, and many other essential metabolites. The UBA9783 genomes encoded a near-complete Embden-Meyerhof glycolytic pathway and the non-oxidative phase of the pentose phosphate pathway, while in UBA1242 and Rs-D84, these pathways are incomplete. All bacteria are limited to fermentative metabolism and lack aerobic and anaerobic respiratory pathways. All UBA9783 and some Rs-D84 genomes encoded F0F1-type ATP synthase and pyrophosphate-energized proton pump; they also can import and utilize peptides and some amino acids. While UBA9783 bacteria could thrive as specialized free-living organisms in the organic-rich gut environment, the UBA1242 and Rs-D84 lineages appear to have adopted the lifestyle of an obligate symbiont/parasite, obtaining metabolites from other cells.IMPORTANCEThe microbiota of the animal gastrointestinal tracts is a complex community of microorganisms which interact in a synergistic or antagonistic relationship and play key nutritional and metabolic roles. However, despite its importance, the gut microbiota of farm animals, especially its uncultured majority, remains largely unexplored. We performed a metagenomic analysis of the gut microbiome of farm animals and characterized three uncultured lineages of bacteria with reduced genomes (<1 Mbp) from the phyla Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Verrucomicrobiota. These bacteria were predicted to possess key metabolic deficiencies such as the inability to synthesize essential cell metabolites, suggesting their adaptation to the lifestyle of a symbiont/parasite, or a scavenger obtaining nutrients from the organic-rich gut environment. This study shows that genome reduction with metabolic specialization and adaptation to a partner-dependent lifestyle occurred through convergent evolution in several phylogenetically distant lineages of gut microbiota.},
}

@article {pmid40586386,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, K and Arbab, S and Du, Q and Zhou, J and Chen, Y and Tian, Y and Qijie, L and Ullah, H and Zhang, B},
title = {Regulatory and Influencing Factors of Digestive Function in Elderly People: Roles of the Gut Microbiota and Nutritional Interventions.},
journal = {Aging and disease},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.14336/AD.2025.0565},
pmid = {40586386},
issn = {2152-5250},
abstract = {Aging is a natural and gradual biological process through which living organisms undergo physical, physiological, and sometimes psychological changes over time. Aging is commonly associated with a decline in gastrointestinal function, leading to various digestive disorders that impact the quality of life of older adults. The gut microbiota is a highly complex ecosystem that plays crucial roles in digestion, metabolic processes, immune functions, and overall health. However, emerging evidence indicates that many elderly individuals maintain relatively stable digestive health, suggesting the influence of modifiable regulatory factors. In this review, we describe the key physiological, microbial, and nutritional factors that regulate and influence digestive function in an aging population. Additionally, we explored the impact of age-associated alterations in the gut microbiota on digestive health challenges in older adults and emphasized the therapeutic potential of targeted nutritional intervention approaches, such as dietary modifications, prebiotics, probiotics, and symbiotic and fecal microbiota transplantation, which have shown promise in rebalancing the gut microbiome and reducing inflammation.},
}

@article {pmid40585391,
year = {2025},
author = {da Silva, LL and Auler do Amaral Santos, CC and Libeck, BDS and Melo, DS and Dias, DR and Schwan, RF},
title = {Indigenous-based probiotic beverage from peanuts and soybean: development, optimization, and characterization.},
journal = {FEMS microbes},
volume = {6},
number = {},
pages = {xtaf006},
pmid = {40585391},
issn = {2633-6685},
abstract = {This study aimed to develop a probiotic fermented beverage inspired by the traditional Brazilian indigenous beverage Cauim. The beverage was formulated using peanuts and soybeans and fermented using a combination of bacteria and yeast based on traditional methods of Brazilian indigenous cultures. The composition and processing conditions of the beverage were optimized using a Plackett-Burman design and response surface methodology. Strains isolated from indigenous Brazilian fermentations, Pediococcus acidilactici CCMA 0347, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae CCMA 0681, were used in addition to the commercial probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus (HOWARU[®]). The optimized formulation contained 61.2% water-soluble peanut extract, inoculated with 8.00, 6.70, and 5.0 log CFU/ml of P. acidilactici, L. acidophilus, and S. cerevisiae, respectively. The fermented beverage maintained a high level of probiotic cell viability (>10[7] CFU/ml) over 35 days of storage. The metabolic activity of the microorganisms was sustained throughout storage, mirroring the behavior observed in traditional fermented foods such as Cauim. In addition to high probiotic viability, the beverage presented elevated levels of lactic acid and low pH, indicating the presence of postbiotic components. It also showed nutritional richness in proteins, isoflavones, unsaturated fatty acids, and micronutrients. Sensory analysis demonstrated good acceptance, particularly in appearance and aroma, although further improvements are needed in flavor perception. These results indicate that the optimized plant-based beverage is a promising functional food with probiotic and postbiotic properties, good sensory appeal, and potential to promote health while enhancing the cultural value of Brazilian Indigenous food traditions.},
}

@article {pmid40584845,
year = {2025},
author = {Guo, DJ and Yang, GR and Singh, P and Wang, JJ and Lan, XM and Singh, RK and Guo, J and Dong, YD and Li, DP and Yang, B},
title = {Comprehensive analysis of the physiological and molecular responses of phosphate-solubilizing bacterium Burkholderia gladioli DJB4-8 in promoting maize growth.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1611674},
pmid = {40584845},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Phosphorus (P) is one of the essential macroelements for the growth of maize. The deficiency of P in maize will result in adverse effects, including chlorosis and reduced yield. The Hexi Corridor in China serves as the principal region for seed maize production, with chemical phosphate fertilizer remaining the predominant source of P delivery for local maize cultivation. Nonetheless, the agricultural non-point source pollution resulting from the prolonged application of artificial phosphate fertilizers is intensifying. P in farmland soil often exists in an insoluble form, which plants cannot directly absorb and utilize. Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) in the rhizosphere are a kind of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) that can transform insoluble P in soil into soluble P for plants to absorb and utilize. Utilizing PGPR in agricultural production is an ecological approach to achieving sustainable development in agricultural practices and output. In this study, 41 strains of bacteria were isolated from the rhizosphere soil of four maize varieties. According to an in vitro plant growth-promoting (PGP) feature study and 16S RNA molecular identification, Burkholderia gladioli DJB4-8, among all strains tested, exhibited the highest in vitro PGP activity, with a phosphate-solubilizing ability of 8.99 mg/L. By scanning electron microscope (SEM) and green fluorescent protein (GFP) labeling technique, it was found that strain DJB4-8 formed a colonization symbiotic system with maize roots. The inoculation of maize Zhengdan 958 with strain DJB4-8 altered the plant's photosynthetic physiology and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) level, and it also dramatically increased the plant's growth rate. The combined analysis of transcriptome and metabolomics showed that the key genes and metabolites in the interaction between strain DJB4-8 and maize were mainly concentrated in plant growth key pathways such as plant hormone signal transduction, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, phenylalanine metabolism, phenylpropane biosynthesis, pentose phosphate pathway, zeatin biosynthesis, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, and glutathione metabolism. These findings shed light on the need for additional research into the mechanism of interaction between PSB and maize.},
}

@article {pmid40584553,
year = {2025},
author = {Katayama, S and Shiraishi, K and Kaji, K and Kawabata, K and Tamura, N and Tani, A and Yurimoto, H and Sakai, Y},
title = {Methanol chemoreceptor MtpA- and flagellin protein FliC-dependent methylotaxis contributes to the spatial colonization of PPFM in the phyllosphere.},
journal = {ISME communications},
volume = {5},
number = {1},
pages = {ycaf092},
pmid = {40584553},
issn = {2730-6151},
abstract = {Pink-pigmented facultative methylotrophs (PPFMs) capable of growth on methanol are dominant and versatile phyllosphere bacteria that provide positive effects on plant growth through symbiosis. However, the spatial behavior of PPFMs on plant surfaces and its molecular basis are unknown. Here, we show that Methylobacterium sp. strain OR01 inoculated onto red perilla seeds colonized across the entire plant surface in the phyllosphere concomitant with the plant growth. During its transmission, strain OR01 was found to be present on the entire leaf surface with a preference to sites around the periphery, vein, trichome, and stomata. We found that methanol-sensing chemoreceptor MtpA-dependent chemotaxis (methylotaxis; chemotaxis toward methanol) and flagellin protein FliC-dependent motility facilitated the bacterial entry into the stomatal cavity and their colonization in the phyllosphere.},
}

@article {pmid40584038,
year = {2025},
author = {Xu, J and Lu, Y},
title = {The microbiota-gut-brain axis and central nervous system diseases: from mechanisms of pathogenesis to therapeutic strategies.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1583562},
pmid = {40584038},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in metabolic processes associated with host brain function. Emerging research is progressively uncovering the intricate and multifaceted relationship between the gut and the brain. The gut microbiota significantly influences immune responses, secondary metabolism, and symbiosis with the host, thereby facilitating the production of essential metabolites, neurotransmitters, and other neuroactive compounds that impact the development and treatment of central nervous system disorders. This article delineates the communication pathways and mechanisms linking the microbiota, gut, and brain, providing a comprehensive overview of current research on how the gut microbiota affects nervous system function. Furthermore, it examines factors that can alter the gut microbiota and influence metabolite profiles, as well as current intervention strategies aimed at enhancing gut-brain communication, mitigating adverse triggers that disrupt the gut microbiota, and minimizing neuro-pathological changes.},
}

@article {pmid40583315,
year = {2025},
author = {Fernández, PC and Minás, A and Omacini, M},
title = {The interplay of symbiotic beings in the Pampa: the encounter between an alien grass and leaf-cutting ants.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.70333},
pmid = {40583315},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {//Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas/ ; PICT 2017-0910//National Agency of Science and Tecnology (ANPCYT)/ ; PICT 2020-01559//National Agency of Science and Tecnology (ANPCYT)/ ; //Universidad de Buenos Aires/ ; },
abstract = {Symbiotic relationships across trophic levels influence invasions. Although Epichloë endophytes are often linked to forage grasses spread through alkaloid-mediated herbivore resistance, this link oversimplifies a complex, multifactorial process. We investigate whether this fungal endophyte interacts with the fungus garden of the native leaf-cutting ant Acromyrmex ambiguus by inducing the release of a widespread green leaf volatile, thereby altering its foraging behavior. We conducted 5-d choice experiments to assess ant preferences for leaves and seeds of Lolium multiflorum plants, either infected (E+) or uninfected (E-) with Epichloë occultans, along with a Petri dish assay to evaluate the effects of (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate (Z3-HAC) on the growth of Leucoagaricus gongylophorus, ants' mutualistic fungi. Ants exhibited delayed rejection for E+ plants while showing no preference for seeds. In vitro, Z3-HAC promoted fungal growth away from volatile sources. These findings suggest that mutualistic fungi of a grass (alien) and its herbivore (native) shape their defense strategies in Pampean grasslands. Z3-HAC's effects extend beyond direct plant-herbivore interactions, signaling antagonistic fungi within the fungal garden without acting as a novel weapon. This study highlights the importance of integrating microbial networks into invasion ecology frameworks to understand the consequences of co-introduced plants and symbionts.},
}

@article {pmid40582907,
year = {2025},
author = {Ye, F and Wang, S and Zheng, H},
title = {Engineering insect-microbe symbiosis: synthetic microbial communities for sustainable insect management.},
journal = {Trends in parasitology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.pt.2025.06.003},
pmid = {40582907},
issn = {1471-5007},
abstract = {Insect-microbe symbiosis enables innovative modulation of insect biology via gut microbiota engineering. Synthetic microbial communities enhance pathogen resistance, nutrient provisioning, and host fitness. Engineering components of insect microbiomes enables precise manipulation of insect-microbe dynamics, advancing ecofriendly pest control and beneficial insect conservation while addressing biosafety and stability challenges.},
}

@article {pmid40582832,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, Y and Cao, HY and Zhao, PS and Ren, Y and Ding, GD and Gao, GL},
title = {[Evolution of Soil Fungal Community with the Stand Aging of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica Forests in Semi-arid and Dry Sub-humid Regions].},
journal = {Huan jing ke xue= Huanjing kexue},
volume = {46},
number = {6},
pages = {3975-3984},
doi = {10.13227/j.hjkx.202405138},
pmid = {40582832},
issn = {0250-3301},
mesh = {*Soil Microbiology ; *Pinus sylvestris/growth & development/microbiology ; *Forests ; *Fungi/classification/growth & development ; Soil/chemistry ; China ; Desert Climate ; Biodiversity ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {To clarify the soil fungal community structure and functional groups associated with Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica in semi-arid and dry sub-humid regions， soil fungi of different ages of P. sylvestris var. mongolica forests in the Mu Us Desert， Hulunbuir Desert， and Horqin Desert were selected as the research objects. Through field investigation and sampling， soil samples of middle-aged， near-mature， and mature forests were collected， and experimental methods such as high-throughput sequencing and soil physical and chemical analysis were used， combined with data analysis methods such as principal component analysis and canonical correspondence analysis， to analyze the composition and functional groups of soil fungi communities and their influencing factors. The results show that： ① There was no significant difference in the α diversity index of the soil fungi community in different climatic regions （P>0.05）， but there was a significant difference in β diversity. ② There was no significant difference in the composition of the soil fungi community between natural forests and plantation forests of different ages in different climate zones. Soil fungi of the saprotrophic， symbiotrophic， and multi-trophic modes in different climatic regions had significant differences in middle and near-mature forests （P<0.05） and no significant differences in mature forests （P>0.05）， but there were still significant differences with natural forests （P<0.05）. ③ The functional groups of soil fungi were affected by different factors at different scales. Sunshine duration， soil water content， and total nitrogen were the main driving factors of soil fungal communities and functional groups in semi-arid and sub-humid regions of P.sylvestris forests. The main driving factors of soil fungal community functional groups were different in different climate zones. Soil nutrients （especially soil total potassium， soil organic matter， and soil total nitrogen） and climate factors （average annual rainfall and average annual sunshine duration） had significant effects on soil saprophytic and pathophytic fungi. The symbiotic fungi were less affected by environmental factors， and only average annual temperature had a certain effect on them. After introduction， different functional groups of soil fungi adapted to environmental changes with the growth of stand age， and the community composition gradually converged from the previous heterogeneity. The research results can provide theoretical basis for scientific management of P. sylvestris var. mongolica plantation in different climate regions.},
}

*Soil Microbiology
*Pinus sylvestris/growth & development/microbiology
*Forests
*Fungi/classification/growth & development
Soil/chemistry
China
Desert Climate
Biodiversity
Ecosystem

@article {pmid40582582,
year = {2025},
author = {Munshi, ID and Mathuria, A and Sharma, H and Acharya, M and Chaudhary, A and Jain, K and Ragini, and Dahiya, S and Arora, R and Singh, V and Saini, A and Mani, I},
title = {Emerging concept of genomic islands in bacterial adaptation and pathogenicity.},
journal = {Research in microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {104303},
doi = {10.1016/j.resmic.2025.104303},
pmid = {40582582},
issn = {1769-7123},
abstract = {Genomic Islands (GEIs) are distinct DNA segments acquired through horizontal gene transfer (HGT), driving bacterial evolution and adaptation. These include Pathogenicity Islands (PAIs), Symbiosis Islands, Antibiotic Resistance Islands, Xenobiotic-Degradation Islands, and Nitrogen Fixation Islands. GEIs contribute to genetic diversity, enhancing bacterial pathogenicity, symbiosis, antibiotic resistance, and xenobiotic degradation. Characterized by variations in GC content, codon bias, and integration sites, they distinguish themselves from the core genome. Advances in genome sequencing and bioinformatics have deepened our understanding of GEIs in bacteria like Salmonella, Vibrio, E. coli, and many more, offering insights into microbial evolution, pathogenicity, and antibiotic resistance mechanisms.},
}

@article {pmid40582138,
year = {2025},
author = {Schiessl, K and Jhu, MY},
title = {From roots to nodules: regulation of organogenesis in nitrogen-fixing symbiosis.},
journal = {Current opinion in plant biology},
volume = {86},
number = {},
pages = {102755},
doi = {10.1016/j.pbi.2025.102755},
pmid = {40582138},
issn = {1879-0356},
abstract = {Plants in the nitrogen-fixing clade have evolved symbiotic root nodules to overcome nitrogen limitations in the soil. These nodules host nitrogen-fixing bacteria that convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, supplying essential nutrients to the plant. Nodule formation is triggered by plant-bacteria interactions and relies on genetic adaptations, including the recruitment of existing regulatory pathways. The transcription factor NODULE INCEPTION (NIN) is a key regulator required for bacterial infection, nodule initiation, and organ differentiation. Nodule development shares key features with lateral root formation, particularly in organ initiation and early growth stages, as both arise from the same root tissue layers. This overlap raises intriguing questions about how nodules evolved distinct forms and functions. This review highlights recent discoveries in the molecular and cellular mechanisms of nodule development, especially in the Papilionoideae clade. By comparing nodules and lateral roots, we explore the regulatory changes that led to their evolutionary divergence. We highlight emerging tools-single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, and advanced imaging-that are deepening insights into nodulation, alongside phylogenomics revealing its evolutionary history.},
}

@article {pmid40581059,
year = {2025},
author = {Shi, Y and Zuo, S and Zhang, Z and Li, A and Ji, B},
title = {Mechanistic insights into nitrogen source influence on microalgal-bacterial granular sludge: Community dynamics and metabolic functions.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {435},
number = {},
pages = {132895},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132895},
pmid = {40581059},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {This study investigated the effects of nitrogen sources (different ammonia and urea compositions) on pollutant removal, microbial evolution and function in the MBGS system. Results showed that a higher ammonia proportion significantly enhanced the total nitrogen removal during the initial 7 days of operation compared with urea (p < 0.05). However, this nitrogen source-dependent effect adapted and diminished during the subsequent 14 days (p > 0.05). Microbial analysis revealed that urea enriched Proteobacteria (specifically Alphaproteobacteria including Roseomonas), while ammonia stimulated Firmicutes (specifically Clostridia including Acetoanaerobium), Betaproteobacteria, and Cyanophyceae. Metagenomic analysis identified that Alphaproteobacteria played dominant roles in the key genes (ureA/B/C, GLUD, and gltB) involved in nitrogen metabolism. The robust correlation between nitrogen source composition and microbial population dynamics underscores the self-regulating capacity of the MBGS system. These comprehensive findings demonstrate the excellent adaptability of the MBGS to varying nitrogen compositions through microbial community regulation.},
}

@article {pmid40580082,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, X and Guo, N and Zhang, Y and Wang, G and Liao, S and Shi, K},
title = {Cadmium-immobilizing bacteria utilize octanoic acid and two synthetic compounds to enhance nitrogen fixation in soybeans under cadmium stress.},
journal = {Journal of experimental botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jxb/eraf290},
pmid = {40580082},
issn = {1460-2431},
abstract = {Maintaining a stable symbiotic relationship between rhizobia and soybeans is important in agriculture and ecosystems. However, cadmium (Cd) pollution disrupts this mutualism's delicate balance. We investigated the protective role of non-nitrogen-fixing bacteria on soybeans under Cd-induced stress. Here, we have identified three Cd-immobilizing bacteria, namely Arthrobacter sp. CC3, Pseudarthrobacter sp. CC12, and Mesorhizobium sp. CC13. These bacteria reduced the bioavailable Cd content in the soil, decreased Cd accumulation in soybeans, and increased nodule nitrogenase activity. However, no nitrogenase genes were identified in the genomes of these three bacterial strains. Soil metabolomics was used to investigate the mechanisms by which these three bacteria enhanced soybean nitrogenase activity. The levels of octanoic acid, propafenone, and levonorgestrel were increased following the introduction of Cd-tolerant bacterial strains. Subsequent soybean pot experiments demonstrated these strains' ability to enhance nodule nitrogenase activity and reduce Cd content in soybeans. The analysis of bacterial abundance in harvested soybean nodules revealed a significant decline in the Bradyrhizobium population, accompanied by a notable increase in Xanthobacteraceae abundance. Co-inoculation with Ancylobacter sp. QY-1, a bacterium belonging to the Xanthobacteraceae family, and Bradyrhizobium sp. USDA110 resulted in enhanced nitrogenase activity in soybean root nodules. Our findings reveal a cooperative mechanism wherein both non-nitrogen-fixing bacteria and specific compounds support soybeans' nitrogen-fixation function under Cd stress by regulating bioavailable Cd and rhizobia abundance. Surprisingly, we also found that the synthetic compounds propafenone and levonorgestrel can confer Cd-stress protection to plants.},
}

@article {pmid40579583,
year = {2025},
author = {Arbib, MA},
title = {Artificial intelligence meets brain theory (again).},
journal = {Biological cybernetics},
volume = {119},
number = {4-6},
pages = {16},
pmid = {40579583},
issn = {1432-0770},
mesh = {*Artificial Intelligence ; Humans ; *Brain/physiology ; Animals ; },
abstract = {After noting the cybernetic origins of Kybernetik/ Biological Cybernetics, we respond to the Editorial by Fellous et al. (2025) and then analyze talks from the NIH BRAIN NeuroAI 2024 Workshop to get one "snapshot" of the state of the conversation between Artificial intelligence (AI) and brain theory (BT). Key recommendations going beyond the earlier Editorial are that: (i) Successes in fitting ANNs to increasingly large neuroscience datasets must not distract us from the quixotic but demanding quest to understand "how the brain works" and discover underlying brain (and AI) operating principles. (ii) We must integrate functional and structural analyses in exploring systems of systems, integrating structures (e.g., brain regions, cortical modules) and functions (e.g., schemas for perception, action and cognition) that bridge between neural circuitry and patterns of behavior. (iii) We must study the diversity of intelligences exhibited by animals in their strategies for survival and not only the disembodied employment of language and reasoning. Finally and briefly, we note the urgency of assessing the societal implications of an age of increasingly pervasive human-machine symbiosis.},
}

*Artificial Intelligence
Humans
*Brain/physiology
Animals

@article {pmid40579175,
year = {2025},
author = {Takamatsu, H},
title = {Mitochondrial DNA: leakage, recognition, and associated human diseases.},
journal = {Journal of biochemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jb/mvaf037},
pmid = {40579175},
issn = {1756-2651},
abstract = {Mitochondria are intracellular organelles originating from intracellular symbiotic bacteria that play essential roles in life activities such as energy production, metabolism, Ca2+ storage, signal transduction, and cell death. Mitochondria also function as hubs for host defense against harmful stimuli such as infection and inflammation control. However, when cells are exposed to stress, mitochondrial homeostasis is disrupted, and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) can leak into the cytoplasm or extracellular space. Leaked mtDNA activates innate immune sensors, causing severe inflammation and contributing to the pathogenesis of human diseases. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms by which mtDNA leaks from the mitochondria and subsequently induces inflammation. We also review the relationship between mtDNA leakage and human diseases.},
}

@article {pmid40578701,
year = {2025},
author = {Hou, X and Zhang, X and Li, Y and Li, M and Jiang, X and Shen, J and Chen, D},
title = {Bacterial soluble secondary metabolites enhance algal tolerance to pyridine in an indirect-contact symbiotic system.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {132890},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132890},
pmid = {40578701},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {Bacterial soluble secondary metabolites are key regulators of interspecies interactions in algae-bacteria symbiotic systems (ABSS), but their in situ roles under toxic environmental conditions remain poorly understood. This study employed an indirect-contact system to investigate their contribution to the tolerance of Chlorella sorokiniana under pyridine stress. Bacterial degradation reduced pyridine concentrations by 23.1 % and generated 5.24 mg L[-1] of NH4[+]-N, alleviating algal oxidative stress. Diffusible bacterial secondary metabolites, including N-acyl homoserine lactones (1.2-fold increased), indole-3-acetic acid (1.1-fold increased), and humic-like substances, accumulated in the algal compartment. These metabolites activated algal antioxidant defenses, promoted photosystem repair, and supported algal growth. Compared with monoculture, algal biomass increased by 2.2-fold, and carbohydrate content rose by 21.9 %, alongside the activation of SOD-glutathione detoxification pathways. Transcriptomic analysis revealed significant upregulation of genes related to photosynthesis, DNA repair, and protein refolding. These findings uncover an indirect-contact regulatory mechanism that enhances algal resilience. They also support a modular strategy that combines functional bacterial consortia with spatially structured systems to improve ABSS performance in treating nitrogen-containing heterocyclic pollutants.},
}

@article {pmid40577796,
year = {2025},
author = {Pan, W and Lu, M and Lai, S and Ding, X and Sun, B and Ji, D and Hao, D and Dai, L},
title = {Laboratory and field evaluation of integrated insecticide-fungicide treatments for controlling Euwallacea interjectus and its symbiotic Fusarium fungi.},
journal = {Environmental entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ee/nvaf054},
pmid = {40577796},
issn = {1938-2936},
abstract = {As an emerging forestry pest characterized by rapid spread, wide distribution, and significant damage, Euwallacea interjectus necessitates comprehensive and scientifically validated chemical control measures. Currently, there is a lack of large-scale and precise experimental data on the efficacy of insecticides and fungicides for chemical control. Even for closely related ambrosia beetles, existing chemical control methods have unresolved aspects. Given the high dependency of E. interjectus life cycle on its symbiotic fungi, this study employed fungicides as a pivotal control strategy. Additionally, to mitigate potential secondary environmental hazards associated with broad-spectrum insecticides, detailed toxicity tests were conducted in laboratory settings, followed by field spray experiments. An organosilicon compound was utilized to examine the synergistic effects of insecticides, and liquid chromatography was employed to quantify insecticide residues in the xylem of host trees. In the laboratory, beta-cyfluthrin exhibited the lowest LC50 value (8.989 mg/L), achieving an 80.6% reduction in beetle infestations after 30 d. The addition of adjuvants increased residue levels by 2.5%, thereby enhancing control efficacy. Among the tested fungicides, a 4:1 mixture of fludioxonil and prochloraz-manganese chloride complex demonstrated the highest efficacy, with an EC50 value of 2.669 mg/L. In field experiments, spraying at a concentration of 2000 mg/L resulted in a 58.7% reduction in beetle infestations after 60 d. The findings provide a scientific basis for the control of E. interjectus and the judicious application of chemical pesticides, offering technical support for the management of wood-boring pests in forestry production.},
}

@article {pmid40577708,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, X and Wu, YG and Zhang, JL and Li, P and Tang, Y and Mu, YP and Wang, MY and Wang, W and Mao, YB},
title = {Gut microbiota facilitates the adaptation of Apolygus lucorum (Hemiptera: Miridae) to its host plant.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toaf142},
pmid = {40577708},
issn = {1938-291X},
abstract = {The mirid bug, Apolygus lucorum Meyer-Dür, is a significant pest in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivation. Previous studies have shown that gut microbiota plays a crucial role in insect adaptation to host plants. However, the gut microbiota of A. lucorum and its role in insect adaptation remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the gut microbiota of A. lucorum and their contributions to the growth performance of the mirids on cotton plants. We analyzed gut microbial compositions of field-collected (FCAL) and laboratory-reared (LRAL) A. lucorum populations. High-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene revealed distinct gut microbial community structures between the two populations, with Delftia and Serratia serving as the dominant gut bacteria in the FCAL and LRAL populations, respectively. We confirmed that Delftia sp. W1 and Serratia marcescens R1 facilitate the growth of A. lucorum on cotton. The A. lucorum exhibits retarded growth on cotton by removal of these two strains, and its growth performance is restored upon recolonization with these strains. The capabilities of both strains in protein degradation are evident, with S. marcescens R1 exhibiting the most pronounced degradation ability. This study reveals the crucial role of gut microbiota in A. lucorum's adaptation to cotton. We identified two strains from the gut microbiota which contribute to protein digestion in A. lucorum. Our findings contribute to understanding the interaction mechanisms among insects, symbiotic bacteria, and plants, facilitating the development of insect symbiotic microbial resources.},
}

@article {pmid40577668,
year = {2025},
author = {González, LFL},
title = {"The Shrinking Heart": The Pathologies of Sadness in Medieval and Early Modern Culture.},
journal = {Journal of the history of medicine and allied sciences},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jhmas/jraf014},
pmid = {40577668},
issn = {1468-4373},
abstract = {From the time of Classical Greek medicine through Early Modernity, sadness was considered both a mood and a diagnosable disease. Sadness was closely related to the physiological condition of melancholia, as both sadness and melancholia stemmed from a common etiology (excess of black bile), and both conditions could result in death. Sadness and melancholia had a symbiotic relationship; either one of the two could trigger the other. Because sadness was melancholia's foremost symptom and catalyst, medieval physicians often referred to melancholia and sadness as interchangeable notions and sometimes as synonyms. Influenced by Hippocratic-Galenic systems of thought that dominated the discipline of medicine well after the Renaissance, premodern doctors and natural philosophers conceived the idea that excessive sorrow greatly harmed the human body. They believed that sadness was more than a mood. This paper probes the physiological dimensions of sadness, arguing that from ancient Greek medicine to the Early Modern period, some physicians and natural philosophers believed that because of its inherent relationship with the caustic and cold substance of black bile, sadness had the power to physically shrink the heart. To support my argument, I analyze the medical traditions that developed from the Hippocratic-Galenic system of humorism, zeroing in on the humor of black bile as the main agent of corrosion and contraction. Because the shrinking-heart theory transcended the discipline of medicine, I also investigate this principle in the disciplines of theology, philosophy, and amatory literature in order to demonstrate the impact that the theory of the shrinking heart had on the European imaginary from the Middle Ages to Early Modernity.},
}

@article {pmid40577287,
year = {2025},
author = {Afarin, M and Naeimpoor, F},
title = {Diazotrophic growth of free-living Rhizobium etli: Community-like metabolic modeling of growing and non-growing nitrogen-fixing cells.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {6},
pages = {e0325888},
pmid = {40577287},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Nitrogen Fixation/physiology ; *Rhizobium etli/growth & development/metabolism ; *Models, Biological ; Ammonia/metabolism ; Nitrogen/metabolism ; Symbiosis ; Biomass ; },
abstract = {Rhizobium etli, a nitrogen-fixing bacterium, grows both in symbiosis (with plants) and in free-living state. While most metabolic models focus on its symbiotic form, this study refined the existing iOR363 model to account for free-living growth. By addition of a biomass formation reaction followed by model curation growth was simulated using various N-sources (NH3, NO2, and NO3). At fixed succinate uptake rate (4.16 mmol/gDWC/h), ammonia yielded the highest growth rate of 0.259 h [-] [1]. To represent free-living N-fixing R. etli, a novel two-member community-like model, consisting of both growing and differentiated non-growing N-fixing cells with ammonia exchange, was developed. The XFBA approach, based on community Flux Balance Analysis (cFBA), was formulated to maintain fixed abundances rather than assuming equal growth rates. With a non-growing:growing abundance ratio of 1:9 in community, N-fixation resulted in lower growth rate of 0.1933 h [-] [1] due to the high energy demand of N2 assimilation compared to ammonia. Sensitivity analysis revealed that increased abundance of N-fixing cells from 5 to 30% led to decreases of 10% in N2-fixation and 25% in growth rate of growing member. Furthermore, Principal Component Analysis identified oxidative phosphorylation, TCA cycle, and glycolysis as key pathways differentiating flux distributions across N-sources. At high uptake of oxygen, causing nitrogenase inactivity, cytochrome bd oxidase was activated to scavenge oxygen, though at the cost of lower growth rate (by 12% per mmol increase in O2 uptake/gDWC/h). This study provided a platform to obtain insights to free-living state of R. etli which may have applications for other diazotrophs.},
}

*Nitrogen Fixation/physiology
*Rhizobium etli/growth & development/metabolism
*Models, Biological
Ammonia/metabolism
Nitrogen/metabolism
Symbiosis
Biomass

@article {pmid40576959,
year = {2025},
author = {Henning, AP and Hofstetter, RW},
title = {A novel choice test to detect the influence of fungi on the tunneling behavior of sympatric bark beetles (Coleoptera: Scolytinae).},
journal = {Environmental entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ee/nvaf055},
pmid = {40576959},
issn = {1938-2936},
support = {//Arizona Mushroom Society/ ; },
abstract = {Bark beetles are significant forest pests, with primary tree-killing species often relying on obligate mutualistic fungi carried in specialized mycangia. In contrast, secondary bark beetles, which do not typically attack healthy trees, often lack obligate fungal mutualists. However, all bark beetles vector fungi that may provide nutrition to them, improve substrate conditions, or act as antagonists, hindering their success. This study introduces a paired-tube choice test arena to assess bark beetle-fungal interactions using minimal phloem-media. We hypothesized that primary bark beetles with mycangial fungi (eg Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann and Dendroctonus barberi Hopkins) avoid phloem infested with nonmycangial fungi such as Ophiostoma minus (Hedgcock) Sydow & P. Sydow, while secondary beetles like Ips pini Say, which do not rely on mycangial fungi, show no preference for fungal-infested or fungus-free phloem. Our findings revealed that D. barberi preferred uninfested phloem, whereas I. pini preferred the O. minus-infested phloem. Interestingly, D. frontalis did not show a preference for either uninfested phloem or O. minus-infested phloem. These results underscore the importance of understanding the effects of fungal symbionts on tunneling behavior, with potential applications in pest management, such as deploying cues from antagonistic fungi as repellents.},
}

@article {pmid40576466,
year = {2025},
author = {Bacińska, Z and Strub, DJ and Balcerzak, L},
title = {Antibacterial potential of essential oils against oral pathogenic bacteria: A literature and clinical review.},
journal = {Journal of applied microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jambio/lxaf161},
pmid = {40576466},
issn = {1365-2672},
abstract = {The human oral microbiome is a complex ecosystem, comprising diverse microbial species in symbiotic relationships. Environmental factors such as diet, immune response, and inflammation can disrupt the balance of the oral microbiome, leading to increased activity and proliferation of pathogenic species associated with oral diseases. In response to global dental problems, there is a burgeoning interest in exploiting the antibacterial properties of essential oils (EOs) for clinical applications, being promising alternative to traditional antiseptics. This review synthesizes literature on the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of plant-derived EOs and their effectiveness against key oral pathogenic bacteria, which belong to the so-called 'red', 'orange', 'purple', 'yellow', and 'green' complexes, and includes newly discovered oral bacteria. Furthermore, it examines clinical investigations into oral hygiene products infused with EOs, evaluating their antiplaque, antigingivitis properties, and effectiveness in reducing tartar formation and gingival bleeding. Overall, this review highlights the high antibacterial efficacy of EOs against oral bacteria and their potential therapeutic abilities. It is expected that they will be used as a potential alternative for chemical preservatives in oral care products in the future. Based on the searched clinical studies, EO-based oral care products seem to be effective in the treatment of dental problems, such as e.g. dental plaque, gingivitis, and caries.},
}

@article {pmid40576359,
year = {2025},
author = {Marulanda-Gomez, AM and Mueller, B and Bayer, K and Abukhalaf, M and Cassidy, L and Tholey, A and Fraune, S and Pita, L and Hentschel, U},
title = {Combined cellular and proteomics approach suggests differential processing of a native and a foreign vibrio in the sponge Halicondria panicea.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0147425},
doi = {10.1128/mbio.01474-25},
pmid = {40576359},
issn = {2150-7511},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Phagocytosis is a conserved cellular mechanism for food uptake, defense, and animal-microbe interactions in metazoans. How the discrimination and subsequent processing of different microbes in marine invertebrates is facilitated remains largely unknown. Thereto, we combined a recently developed phagocytic assay with proteomics analysis to compare the phagocytic activity of the sponge Halichondria panicea upon encounter with the native Hal 281 (i.e., H. panicea isolate) and the foreign NJ 1 (i.e., Nematostella vectensis isolate) Vibrio. The sponge cell fraction was recovered after Vibrio exposure of 30 and 60 min and used for cellular (fluorescence-activated cell sorting and microscopy) and proteomics analyses. While the number of phagocytically active cells was similar between the isolates (P = 0.19), the distribution of vibrios over cell types differed (P = 0.02) over time, with the tendency for accumulation of NJ 1 in choanocyte-like cells compared to a shift of Hal 281 being incorporated from choanocyte-like to archaeocyte-like cells. Initially, both vibrios elicited a proteomic response related to bacterial infection and immunity (e.g., ADAM10, RAPTOR), followed by an increase of lysosomal and endocytic proteins (e.g., NPC2) after 60 min. The attenuation of the immune response and concomitant increase of vesicular trafficking in Hal 281 after 60 min corroborates cellular observations suggesting the fast transfer of Hal 281 from choanocyte-like cells to archaeocyte-like cells, compared to an accumulation of NJ 1 in the former. Subtle but distinct differences suggest strain-specific discrimination between the two tested vibrios and may indicate a degree of immune specificity in sponges.

IMPORTANCE: Metazoans recognize and discriminate between different microbes. In marine invertebrates, the underlying mechanisms of microbial discrimination and immune specificity are, however, not well understood. Phagocytosis is a conserved cellular process from amoeba to humans that facilitates the ingestion and digestion of microbial cells and likely plays a role in this discrimination. To elucidate the molecular and cellular basis of this microbial discrimination, we examined the differential phagocytic processing of a native (i.e., sponge-isolated) and foreign (i.e., sea anemone-isolate) Vibrio in a marine sponge. Our findings revealed that both vibrios provoke an initial bacterial infection- and immune-related, followed by a lysosomal- and endocytic-related proteomic response. Nuanced differences in the cellular and molecular processing suggest a strain-specific discrimination between the two vibrios. This study investigates a mechanism for microbial discrimination in an early-divergent metazoan and may provide a valuable model for studying the evolution of immunity and its role in animal-microbe interactions.},
}

@article {pmid40575880,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, Y and Cao, X and Yang, C and Cai, W and Shu, X and Li, Y and Zhu, J and Ma, J and Zhang, J},
title = {From Corrosion to Creation: Interfacial De-electronation Drives Hydrogenation-Energy Symbiosis.},
journal = {Angewandte Chemie (International ed. in English)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e202507722},
doi = {10.1002/anie.202507722},
pmid = {40575880},
issn = {1521-3773},
abstract = {Metal corrosion, conventionally perceived as a destructive phenomenon driven by de-electronation, imposes significant economic burdens and safety hazards. To repurpose corrosion into a valuable resource, we demonstrate a macroscopic corrosion battery concept that harnesses galvanic corrosion to drive the synthesis of high-value chemicals and energy generation, challenging conventional corrosion mitigation paradigms. By spatially segregating corrosion process, the system couples anodic metal de-electronation with metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) deposition, while integrating diverse cathodic reactions including hydrogen evolution reaction, oxygen reduction, electrocatalytic hydrogenation, and hydrogen peroxide reduction with remarkable accelerated kinetics. The prototype system demonstrates concurrent production of p-aminophenol (14.3 mg cm-2 h-1) and zinc oxalate (86.9 mg cm-2 h-1) while generating 34.2 mW cm-2 of electrical power. Techno-economic analysis establishes the inaugural empirical validation of economic feasibility for corrosion-driven energy-matter symbiosis, highlighting its high gross profit. Transcending conventional corrosion engineering boundaries for inorganic synthesis, this methodology mechanistically deciphers MOF growth kinetics and advanced system design. By broadening the scope of corrosion utilization, this work enables a paradigm shift from damage mitigation to value creation, providing a blueprint for sustainable chemical-energy ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid40573773,
year = {2025},
author = {Watanabe, R and Artigas Ramirez, MD and Agake, SI and Bellingrath-Kimura, SD and Lewandowska, S and Onishi, Y and Nishikawa, Y and Takeyama, H and Yasuda, M and Ohkama-Ohtsu, N},
title = {Genetic Characterization and Symbiotic Performance of Soybean Rhizobia Under Cold and Water-Deficient Conditions in Poland.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {40573773},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {JPMJSC16C2//JST-SICORP Concert-Japan/ ; 20KK0136//JSPS KAKENHI/ ; SUSCROP/I/LegumeGap/01/2019//SusCrop-ERANET/ ; JPJ009237//Moonshot R&D Program for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries/ ; },
abstract = {Soybeans have been cultivated in Poland for more than 140 years. However, Poland's cold and water-deficient climatic conditions hinder soybean cultivation. Although the availability of suitable soybean varieties in Poland contributes to meeting the demand for soybean production, it is important to identify rhizobial inoculants in Polish soils suitable for soybean cultivation. In this study, we cultivated soybean varieties (Abelina, Merlin, and Sultana) grown in soils taken from four regions in Poland and isolated 330 strains from soybean root nodules. 16S rRNA gene sequencing identified 49 strains of highly stress-tolerant nodule-associated bacteria, including Bradyrhizobium, Rhizobium, Ensifer, Tardiphaga, and Ralstonia spp. Several isolates exhibited positive effects on soybean growth under cold and water-deficient conditions. In particular, the isolate Bradyrhizobium japonicum PSN49, which is phylogenetically similar to B. japonicum USDA 123, increased plant biomass and nodule formation in the soybean cultivar Abelina under abiotic stress conditions due to its high nitrogen-fixing activity. Whole-genome comparisons between PSN49 and other Bradyrhizobium strains revealed that trehalose biosynthesis genes and cold shock proteins contributed to cold stress tolerance. These findings and the strains identified in this study will enhance soybean production and deepen the understanding of the soybean-rhizobium relationship in Poland.},
}

@article {pmid40573163,
year = {2025},
author = {Biţă, A and Scorei, IR and Soriano-Ursúa, MA and Mogoşanu, GD and Belu, I and Ciocîlteu, MV and Biţă, CE and Rău, G and Pisoschi, CG and Racu, MV and Pinzaru, I and Contreras-Ramos, A and Kostici, R and Neamţu, J and Biciuşcă, V and Gheonea, DI},
title = {Microbiota-Accessible Borates as Novel and Emerging Prebiotics for Healthy Longevity: Current Research Trends and Perspectives.},
journal = {Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {18},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {40573163},
issn = {1424-8247},
abstract = {Precision nutrition-targeted gut microbiota (GM) may have therapeutic potential not only for age-related diseases but also for slowing the aging process and promoting longer healthspan. Recent studies have shown that restoring a healthy symbiosis of GM by counteracting dysbiosis (DYS) through precise nutritional intervention is becoming a major target for extending healthspan. Microbiota-accessible borate (MAB) complexes, such as boron (B)-pectins (rhamnogalacturonan-borate) and borate-phenolic esters (diester chlorogenoborate), have a significant impact on healthy host-microbiota symbiosis (HMS). The mechanism of action of MABs involves the biosynthesis of the autoinducer-2-borate (AI-2B) signaling molecule, B fortification of the mucus gel layer by the MABs diet, inhibition of pathogenic microbes, and reversal of GM DYS, strengthening the gut barrier structure, enhancing immunity, and promoting overall host health. In fact, the lack of MAB complexes in the human diet causes reduced levels of AI-2B in GM, inhibiting the Firmicutes phylum (the main butyrate-producing bacteria), with important effects on healthy HMS. It can now be argued that there is a relationship between MAB-rich intake, healthy HMS, host metabolic health, and longevity. This could influence the deployment of natural prebiotic B-based nutraceuticals targeting the colon in the future. Our review is based on the discovery that MAB diet is absolutely necessary for healthy HMS in humans, by reversing DYS and restoring eubiosis for longer healthspan.},
}

@article {pmid40572756,
year = {2025},
author = {Karitnig, R and Bogner, A and Jahn, N and Vlachos, C and Lederer, A and Geisler, A and Sucher, R and Hau, HM},
title = {Value of Probiotics on Outcome in Patients Following Liver Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.},
journal = {Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)},
volume = {61},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {40572756},
issn = {1648-9144},
mesh = {Humans ; Hepatectomy/adverse effects/methods ; Liver/surgery ; Liver Transplantation/adverse effects/methods ; Postoperative Complications/prevention & control ; *Probiotics/therapeutic use ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; },
abstract = {Background and Objectives: The gut-liver axis plays a crucial role in the development of post-surgical infections. Surgery-induced dysbiosis can lead to increased bacterial translocation, impairing the liver's detoxification capacity and negatively affecting surgical outcomes. Following liver surgery, approximately a third of the patients develop bacterial infections, with a high risk of bacteremia or even sepsis-related liver failure and death. The potential advantages of administering pro- or synbiotics before/after surgery remain a topic of discussion. Therefore, a systematic review of randomized clinical trials comparing patients with and without supplementation and their outcomes and effects after liver resection (LR) or liver transplantation (LT) was conducted. Materials and Methods: A computer-based search of electronic databases was conducted to gather randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that focused on probiotic/synbiotic use during the perioperative period for liver surgery patients. Two researchers independently screened the studies, extracted the data, evaluated the risk of bias, and performed a meta-analysis using RevMan Web. Results: Our research revealed 19 relevant randomized controlled studies that included a total of 1698 patients on the perioperative use of pro-/symbiotic administration in liver surgery. Eight studies were performed on liver transplantation (LT), and 11 studies were performed for liver resection (LR). The results of the meta-analysis demonstrated that the probiotic group exhibited lower rates of postoperative infectious complications (OR = 0.34; 95%CI 0.25 to 0.45; p < 0.0001), hospital stay duration (SMD = -0.13; 95%CI -0.25 to -0.00; p = 0.05), lower serum endotoxin levels (SMD = -0.39%CI -0.59 to -19; p < 0.0001), and white blood cell counts (SMD = -SMD = -0.35; 95%CI -0.56 to -0.13; p = 0.002) compared to the control group. Further, with regard to liver function, we observed significant postoperative differences in alanine aminotransferase (ALT)-levels (SMD = -0.46; 95%CI -0.63 to -0.29; p < 0.0001), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels (SMD = -0.53; 95%CI -0.71 to -0.34; p < 0.0001), bilirubin levels (SMD = -0.35; 95%CI -0.50 to -0.19; p < 0.0001), and international ratio (INR) levels (SMD = -0.1; 95%CI -0.12 to -0.08; p ≤ 0.0001), favoring the symbiotic group compared to the control group. Conclusions: The use of pro-/synbiotics during the perioperative period reduces the risk of postoperative infections, support postoperative liver function, and recovery and shortens hospital stays for liver surgery patients. However, they do not appear to particularly aid in inflammation reduction.},
}

Humans
Hepatectomy/adverse effects/methods
Liver/surgery
Liver Transplantation/adverse effects/methods
Postoperative Complications/prevention & control
*Probiotics/therapeutic use
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

@article {pmid40572525,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, Z and Liu, X and Ma, Y and Zheng, J and Xu, K and Chang, Y and Ye, Z and Ling, Y and Wang, L},
title = {Novel Type I/II Carbazole/Benzindole Photosensitizers Achieve Chemo-Photodynamic Synergistic Therapy for Suppressing Solid Tumors and Drug-Resistant Bacterial Infections.},
journal = {Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {30},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {40572525},
issn = {1420-3049},
mesh = {*Photosensitizing Agents/pharmacology/chemistry/chemical synthesis ; Humans ; *Photochemotherapy ; *Carbazoles/chemistry/pharmacology ; Animals ; Mice ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry/chemical synthesis ; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism ; HT29 Cells ; *Indoles/chemistry/pharmacology ; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects ; *Neoplasms/drug therapy ; *Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology/chemistry/chemical synthesis ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; },
abstract = {To address the clinical challenges posed by symbiotic drug-resistant bacterial infections and tumor microenvironments, this study designed and synthesized novel carbazole/benzindole-based photosensitizers A1-A4, systematically evaluating their antitumor and antibacterial therapeutic potential through chemo-photodynamic therapy. Especially, compound A4 demonstrated potent Type I/II reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation capabilities. In vitro experiments revealed that A4 concentration-dependently inhibited HT-29 cells under hypoxic conditions (IC50 = 0.89 μM) with a prominent photodynamic index (PI > 9.23), and substantially promoted cancer cell programmed death. In antibacterial evaluations, A4 achieved the complete eradication of dermal MRSA infections within 7 days through ROS-mediated membrane disruption under illumination. In the HT-29 xenograft model, the PDT-chemotherapy synergy strategy achieved a tumor suppression rate of 96%. This work establishes an innovative strategy for the combinatorial management of multidrug-resistant infections and solid tumors.},
}

*Photosensitizing Agents/pharmacology/chemistry/chemical synthesis
Humans
*Photochemotherapy
*Carbazoles/chemistry/pharmacology
Animals
Mice
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry/chemical synthesis
Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism
HT29 Cells
*Indoles/chemistry/pharmacology
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects
*Neoplasms/drug therapy
*Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology/chemistry/chemical synthesis
Microbial Sensitivity Tests

@article {pmid40572191,
year = {2025},
author = {Jin, X and Xu, L and Dong, M and Song, Z and Zhang, X and Liu, W and Xu, J and Li, Y},
title = {In Vitro Screening of NaCl-Tolerant Dark Septate Endophytes and Their Growth-Promoting Effects on Anemone tomentosa.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {40572191},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {2020YFD1000700//National Key R&D Program of China/ ; HBCT2025190206//Innovation Team on Dry Fruits of Hebei Provincial Modern Agricultural Industry Technology System/ ; LC2025-08//Expert Support Team Project for Forest, Fruit and Flower Industry in Hebei Province/ ; 21326802D//Hebei Science and Technology Support Project/ ; },
abstract = {NaCl is the main cause of natural soil salinization. Exploring dark septate endophytes (DSEs) with NaCl tolerance provides information for ecological remediation in saline soil areas. In this study, six DSE strains (Didymella macrostoma (Dm), Paraboeremia selaginellae (Ps), Paraphoma pye (Pp), Paraphoma aquatica (Pa), Acrocalymma ampeli (Aa), and Exophiala xenobiotica (Ex)) isolated from the root sections of Anemone tomentosa were subjected to in vitro NaCl stress experiments and inoculation tests. The results showed that six DSE strains can grow on solid media with different NaCl concentrations (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 M) and increase the antioxidant enzyme activities and soluble protein contents to adapt to a salt stress environment. Among these strains, the Pp strain exhibited the greatest biomass accumulation under high NaCl concentrations (1.0 M), indicating greater NaCl tolerance compared to the other five strains. In addition, in the pot experiment, all six DSE strains were able to successfully establish a symbiotic relationship with A. tomentosa, and the Pp strain also showed significant growth-promoting effects on seedlings. In summary, the Pp strain is identified as having strong NaCl tolerance and a significant growth-promoting impact, indicating that it has potential applications as a NaCl-tolerant microbial agent and can be used for bioremediation in saline soils. This research contributes to the basic material and theoretical basis for joint plant-microbe combined remediation in areas prone to soil salinization.},
}

@article {pmid40572163,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, H and Pang, Y and Yang, Y and Wang, D and Wang, Y},
title = {Habitat Heterogeneity of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Cycling Functional Genes in Rhizosphere Microorganisms of Pinus tabuliformis in Qinling Mountains, China.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {40572163},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {32271861//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Microbial functional genes serve as the core genetic foundation driving microbial ecological functions; however, its microbial functional gene composition across varied habitats and its ecological adaptation interplay with plants remain understudied. In this study, we investigated the P. tabuliformis rhizosphere microbial functional genes which are related to N and P cycles across ridge and slope habitats between different elevational gradients, analyzed their composition and abundance, and analyzed their responses to environmental factors. Results showed that slope habitats had a significantly greater abundance of N and P cycling functional genes compared to those of ridge counterparts (p < 0.05). Specifically, slope environments showed an enhanced gene abundance associated with denitrification, nitrogen fixation, nitrification, assimilatory/dissimilatory nitrate reduction, and nitrogen transport processes, along with the superior expression of genes related to inorganic/organic phosphorus metabolism, phosphorus transport, and regulatory gene expression. These nutrient cycling gene levels were positively correlated with soil nutrient availability. Our findings revealed distinct ecological strategies: Ridge communities employ resource-conservative tactics, minimizing microbial investments to endure nutrient scarcity, whereas slope populations adopt competitive strategies through enriched high-efficiency metabolic genes and symbiotic microbial recruitment to withstand resource competition.},
}

@article {pmid40572151,
year = {2025},
author = {Jiang, S and Qu, H and Cheng, Z and Fu, X and Yang, L and Zhou, J},
title = {Actinobacteria Emerge as Novel Dominant Soil Bacterial Taxa in Long-Term Post-Fire Recovery of Taiga Forests.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {40572151},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {GZCG2023-024//Forestry and Grassland Ecological Protection and Restoration Funds Project/ ; KY2023ZR03//the Foundation of Heilongjiang Academy of Sciences/ ; CZKYF2024-1-A008//the Financial Special Project of Heilongjiang Province/ ; },
abstract = {The long-term post-fire recovery phase is a critical stage for forest ecosystems to progress toward regeneration and mature succession. During this process, soil bacteria exhibit greater environmental adaptability, rapidly driving nutrient cycling and facilitating vegetation restoration. This study investigated the community structure and diversity of soil bacteria during long-term recovery after forest fires in the cold temperate zone, focusing on soils from the 2000 fires in Daxing'anling. Soil samples were classified into Low (L), Moderate (M), and High (H) fire damage intensity, with bacterial community composition and diversity analyzed using Illumina sequencing technology. After long-term fire recovery, the contents of soil organic carbon, black carbon, total nitrogen, alkaline nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium were significantly higher elevated (p < 0.05), and water content was significantly lower, compared with that in the control check (CK) group. Soil urease, fluorescein diacetate, soil acid phosphatase, and soil dehydrogenase activities were significantly higher, and soil sucrase activity was significantly lower in H. There was a significant difference in the Alpha diversity index among the groups. Compared with CK, the Shannon index was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in L, while both Chao1 and Shannon indices were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in M and significantly higher in H than CK. The results of the PCoA showed that there was a significant difference in the Beta diversity of the bacterial community among the groups (R[2] = 0.60 p = 0.001). The dominant bacteria groups were Proteobacteria and Acidobacteriota, while Actinobacteria became the new dominant group during the long-term post-fire recovery. AP, WC, DOC, MBC, S-DHA, and S-SC were significantly and positively correlated with soil bacterial diversity (p < 0.05). The results of the co-occurrence network analysis showed that all groups were dominated by symbiotic relationships, with M having the highest network complexity and strongest competitive effects. This study found that the physicochemical properties of soils recovered over a long period of time after fire returned to or exceeded the unfired forest condition. The Actinobacteria phylum became a new dominant bacterial group, with stronger network complexity and competition, in the process of forest recovery after moderate fire.},
}

@article {pmid40571913,
year = {2025},
author = {Soliman, NS and Soliman, MS and Elhossary, W and El-Kholy, AA},
title = {Analysis of gastric mucosa associated microbiota in functional dyspepsia using 16S rRNA gene next-generation sequencing.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {368},
pmid = {40571913},
issn = {1471-2180},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Gastric disorders have been associated with changes in the abundance and composition of microbiota, which typically coexist in symbiosis within the stomach. There is a scarcity of data regarding the presence of gastric mucosa-associated dysbiosis in functional dyspepsia. The present study aimed to characterize the taxonomy and diversities of the microbiota in the gastric mucosa of patients with functional dyspepsia. The study was conducted on a total of 50 paired antral and body gastric biopsies collected from the dyspepsia group (n = 15) and control group (n = 10). Microbial DNA was extracted from all gastric biopsies, followed by 16 S rRNA gene next-generation sequencing (NGS) using the Miseq Illumina platform. Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroides were the most predominant phyla in both groups, with a significant overrepresentation of Proteobacteria in the dyspepsia group (p value = 0.004). The genera Streptococcus, Prevotella, and Helicobacter were the most prevalent in both groups. The species of H. pylori and Prevotella melaninogenica were significantly more abundant in the dyspepsia group. The species of The LEfSe analysis revealed that E. coli, Helicobacter, Pseudomonas, Bifidobacteria, and Enterobacteriaceae were the most highly abundant and discriminating taxa in the gastric biopsies of the dyspepsia group compared to the control group. The microbial alpha diversity was significantly higher among gastric biopsies of dyspepsia than controls (P = 0.031). The beta diversity showed microbial dissimilarity between samples of dyspepsia and the control group. The 16 S rRNA gene NGS used in the present study demonstrated significant alteration in composition and diversities of gastric mucosa-associated microbiota among cases of functional dyspepsia compared to the controls. It is advisable to utilize advanced innovative technologies to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of disrupted microbiota in gastric disorders.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12866-025-04095-0.},
}

@article {pmid40572138,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, Y and Zhao, M and Li, G and Wang, Y and Shen, Q and Yang, J and Asseri, TAY and Wang, Y and Guo, M and Ahmed, W},
title = {Molecular Tactics of Biocontrol Fungi to Hack Plant Immunity for Successful Host Colonization-A Focus on Trichoderma Fungi.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {40572138},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {202401AT071224//Yunnan Fundamental Research Projects/ ; },
abstract = {To play a role effectively, biocontrol fungi must fight against plant immune response and establish a symbiotic interaction with their host. After successfully colonizing the host plant, the biocontrol fungi may deliver beneficial effects related to plant health and resistance against phytopathogens. These fungi use a variety of tactics to bypass the host immune response, including the production of effector proteins, miRNA interference, manipulation of host defense mechanisms, and others. In this review article, we discussed these strategies of biocontrol fungi based on recent findings. These methods enable the fungi to escape the plant's intrinsic immunity and finely adjust the plant's defense signaling cascades. Additionally, we discussed the importance of the physical barrier in the form of host cell walls and elucidated how biocontrol fungi use a combination of mechanical and enzymatic tactics to overcome this obstacle. Given the evolving comprehensions from molecular biology, genomics, and ecology, this review article highlights the prospective for a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to improve our understanding of the biocontrol mechanism.},
}

@article {pmid40572131,
year = {2025},
author = {Chang, T and Yang, T and Ren, M and Li, X and Fang, X and Niu, B and Yang, H and Wang, L and Chen, X},
title = {Screening and Validation of Rhizobial Strains for Improved Lentil Growth.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {40572131},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {32241046//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 202304010930003-27//Shanxi Houji Laboratory Autonomous Project/ ; YZGC069//The Biological Breeding Project of Shanxi Agricultural University/ ; 20230206//Xinzhou City Key Research and Development Plan in Agriculture/ ; TYGC-33//2024 "Special" and "Excellent" Agricultural High-quality Agricultural Development Science and Technology Support Project/ ; 2021YFD1600600//National Key R & D Program Project/ ; 202101140601027//Major Science and Technology Project of Shanxi Province/ ; 202204051001020//Shanxi Province Science and Technology Innovation Talent Team Project/ ; },
abstract = {Lentil is a nutritionally valuable legume crop, rich in protein, carbohydrates, amino acids, and vitamins, and is also used as green manure. Symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) plays a crucial role in lentil growth and development, yet there is limited research on isolating and identifying lentil rhizobia related to nodulation and nitrogen fixation. This study employed tissue block isolation, line purification, and molecular biology to isolate, purify, and identify rhizobial strains from lentils, analyzing their physiological characteristics, including bromothymol blue (BTB) acid and alkali production capacity, antibiotic resistance, salt tolerance, acid and alkali tolerance, growth temperature range, and drought tolerance simulated by PEG6000. Additionally, the nodulation capacity of these rhizobia was assessed through inoculation experiments using the identified candidate strains. The results showed that all isolated rhizobial strains were resistant to Congo red, and nifH gene amplification confirmed their potential as nitrogen fixers. Most strains were positive for H2O2 and BTB acid and base production, with a preference for alkaline environments. In terms of salt tolerance, the strains grew normally at 0.5-2% NaCl, and six strains were identified as salt stress resistant at 4% NaCl. The temperature range for growth was between 4 °C and 49 °C. Antibiotic assays revealed resistance to ampicillin and low concentrations of streptomycin, while kanamycin significantly inhibited growth. Two drought-tolerant strains, TG25 and TG55, were identified using PEG6000-simulated drought conditions. Inoculation with candidate rhizobial strains significantly increased lentil biomass, highlighting their potential for enhancing crop productivity.},
}

@article {pmid40572111,
year = {2025},
author = {Lucero, J and Nishiguchi, MK},
title = {Host-Associated Biofilms: Vibrio fischeri and Other Symbiotic Bacteria Within the Vibrionaceae.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {40572111},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {1T32GM141862-24S3/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; DBI 2214038//National Science Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {Biofilm formation is important for microbial survival, adaptation, and persistence within mutualistic and pathogenic systems in the Vibironaceae. Biofilms offer protection against environmental stressors, immune responses, and antimicrobial treatments by increasing host colonization and resilience. This review examines the mechanisms of biofilm formation in Vibrio species, focusing on quorum sensing, cyclic-di-GMP signaling, and host-specific adaptations that influence biofilm structure and function. We discuss how biofilms differ between mutualistic and pathogenic species based on environmental and host signals. Recent advances in omics technologies such as transcriptomics and metabolomics have enhanced research in biofilm regulation under different conditions. Horizontal gene transfer and phase variation promote the greater fitness of bacterial biofilms due to the diversity of environmental isolates that utilize biofilms to colonize host species. Despite progress, questions remain regarding the long-term effects of biofilm formation and persistence on host physiology and biofilm community dynamics. Research integrating multidisciplinary approaches will help advance our understanding of biofilms and their implications for influencing microbial adaptation, symbiosis, and disease. These findings have applications in biotechnology and medicine, where the genetic manipulation of biofilm regulation can enhance or disrupt microbiome stability and pathogen resistance, eventually leading to targeted therapeutic strategies.},
}

@article {pmid40571923,
year = {2025},
author = {Sedeek, AM and Elfeky, H and Hanora, AS and Solyman, SM},
title = {Genomic insights into biosynthesis and adaptation in the bioactive marine bacterium Streptomyces albidoflavus VIP-1 from the Red Sea.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {372},
pmid = {40571923},
issn = {1471-2180},
mesh = {*Streptomyces/genetics/isolation & purification/classification/metabolism/physiology ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Indian Ocean ; Phylogeny ; Animals ; Genomics ; *Seawater/microbiology ; Secondary Metabolism ; Multigene Family ; *Adaptation, Physiological/genetics ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/biosynthesis ; Biosynthetic Pathways/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Marine actinobacteria represent a diverse and biotechnologically rich group of microorganisms that have adapted to the unique challenges of marine ecosystems, including fluctuating salinities, temperatures, pressures, and nutrient levels. These environmental pressures have enhanced their biosynthetic capabilities, making them a prolific source of novel bioactive compounds.

RESULTS: In this research, we report the isolation of a novel marine bacterium "Streptomyces albidoflavus VIP-1" associated with the marine invertebrate Molgula citrine isolated from the Red Sea. The secondary metabolites from the isolated strain exhibited significant in vitro antimicrobial and antitumor activities. The isolate has an estimated genome length of 7,090,100 base pairs. Based on the phylogenomic analysis and the values of digital DNA-DNA hybridization, average amino acids identity, and average nucleotide identity in comparison to genomes of known type strains, the isolated strain was found to belong to the species of Streptomyces albidoflavus. The genome of S. albidoflavus VIP-1 revealed genetic adaptations enabling its survival in harsh environments, including stress response genes and regulatory systems. Moreover, a wide variety of biosynthetic gene clusters belonging to polyketides, terpenes, and non-ribosomal peptides were detected. Finally, a comparative genome analysis with related marine and terrestrial strains highlighted its elevated biosynthetic potential.

CONCLUSIONS: The genome of S. albidoflavus VIP-1 reflects its potential as a valuable resource for biotechnological and biomedical applications. It reveals genetic adaptation to the marine environment through various anti-stress mechanisms and competitive strategies, including the production of antimicrobial metabolites.},
}

*Streptomyces/genetics/isolation & purification/classification/metabolism/physiology
*Genome, Bacterial
Indian Ocean
Phylogeny
Animals
Genomics
*Seawater/microbiology
Secondary Metabolism
Multigene Family
*Adaptation, Physiological/genetics
Anti-Bacterial Agents/biosynthesis
Biosynthetic Pathways/genetics

@article {pmid40571449,
year = {2025},
author = {Cameron, TC and Broad, RC and Smith, PMC and Reid, D},
title = {Opportunities and challenges to optimise symbiotic nitrogen fixation.},
journal = {Trends in microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.tim.2025.06.005},
pmid = {40571449},
issn = {1878-4380},
abstract = {Legumes are not only major cash crops but also contribute valuable nitrogen to cropping systems due to their ability to form a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing rhizobia in specialised root organs called nodules. To balance the cost of carbon provision to the rhizobia, nodulation is finely regulated in legumes across various spatiotemporal levels, including host-microbe signalling within the rhizosphere, infection of the legume host, and nodule initiation, function, and senescence. Since symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) evolved in natural ecosystems which lack resemblance to modern agricultural systems, opportunities present themselves to genetically improve SNF. Based on recent findings and the opportunities arising with new breeding technologies, we review here the many opportunities to optimise SNF and highlight the key challenges associated with these approaches.},
}

@article {pmid40570397,
year = {2025},
author = {Ruini, A and Sporchia, F and Niccolucci, V and Pulselli, FM and Bastianoni, S},
title = {Rethinking environmental benefit allocation in industrial symbiosis.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {992},
number = {},
pages = {179932},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179932},
pmid = {40570397},
issn = {1879-1026},
abstract = {Industrial Symbiosis (IS) enables enterprises that typically operate independently to collaborate through the exchange of energy, materials, services, and knowledge. This approach helps reduce reliance on virgin resources, minimize waste, and contribute to climate change mitigation, among other impacts. Recently, the potential of this approach has gained attention, as policymakers are integrating IS into ambitious targets, such as 2050 climate neutrality. Moreover, initially mainly driven by cost savings, now IS is valued for its environmental gains. This shift has sparked interest in quantifying the advantages to both the overall network and individual enterprises. However, a standardized method for assessing these benefits has yet to be established. Most of the current methodologies found in literature and guidelines take a reductionist approach, addressing the multifunctionality issue in IS by isolating one or a few enterprises at a time, thus fragmenting the complex system. This approach, which focuses on identifying 'who benefits' among the enterprises involved in IS, overlooks the complexity of the entire system. To address the tension between the need for a systemic perspective and the desire to quantify each enterprise's contribution and environmental gains, this study proposes a new redistribution approach. This approach ensures that each enterprise improves its score in line with the overall rate of improvement in the industrial symbiosis, compared to a scenario where no symbiotic practices are implemented. This approach is based on the idea that, regardless of the types of products and organizations involved, the environmental benefits of IS are emergent properties of the entire industrial symbiosis network, a composite system. That is why rather than focusing on inputs, this approach redistributes the overall benefits and impacts across the network, shifting the allocation process from the Life Cycle Inventory stage to the Life Cycle Impact Assessment stage.},
}

@article {pmid40570170,
year = {2025},
author = {Yan, L and Hayes, PE and Nge, FJ and Rogers, EIE and Wright, IJ and Ranathunge, K and Ellsworth, DS and Lambers, H},
title = {Leaf manganese concentrations reveal phosphorus-mining strategies and trait diversification of Myrtaceae in south-eastern Australia.},
journal = {Annals of botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/aob/mcaf129},
pmid = {40570170},
issn = {1095-8290},
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Phosphorus (P)-impoverished soils shape plant adaptation in biodiverse ecosystems worldwide, from Australian heathlands to Amazonian rainforests to southern China's karst regions. While non-mycorrhizal lineages like Proteaceae and Cyperaceae use carboxylate exudation that mobilise P, and are celebrated for such strategies, the mechanisms allowing mycorrhizal Myrtaceae-especially eucalypts-to thrive in these soils without fungal assistance remain unclear. Given Myrtaceae's dominance in P-impoverished Australian ecosystems, a key question arises: How do mycorrhizal plants succeed in P-impoverished environments without relying on fungal symbiosis? We challenge the paradigm that carboxylate-driven P acquisition is exclusive to non-mycorrhizal species.

METHODS: Using leaf manganese concentrations ([Mn]) as a proxy for carboxylate exudation, we assessed trait diversification across Myrtaceae genera. We collected leaf and soil samples from 34 species of eucalypt (Angophora, Blakella, Corymbia, Eucalyptus) and other Myrtaceae from 18 sites in south-eastern Australia.

KEY RESULTS: Our findings reveal consistently high leaf [Mn] in many Myrtaceae, comparable to that in known carboxylate-releasing species, indicating intensive P mining. This suggests convergent evolution of carboxylate exudation in mycorrhizal Myrtaceae, fundamentally reshaping our understanding of nutrient acquisition in symbiotic plants. Significant interspecific variation was observed, with Angophora showing markedly higher [Mn] than Eucalyptus, suggesting divergent P-acquisition strategies within Myrtaceae. Weak phylogenetic signals for leaf [Mn] and [P] in eucalypts imply repeated evolutionary change in these traits, similar to what is known in other Australian species adapted to P scarcity.

CONCLUSIONS: By demonstrating carboxylate-driven P mining in mycorrhizal Myrtaceae, we redefine the mechanisms behind their dominance in low-P environments. Trait diversity-linked to variation in carboxylate-mediated P acquisition and plant-soil feedbacks-likely drives niche differentiation and genus-level distribution across south-eastern Australia. Connecting leaf [Mn] to carboxylate-driven P mining advances our understanding of trait evolution in Myrtaceae and provides a framework for predicting plant-soil interactions in P-impoverished ecosystems globally.},
}

@article {pmid40569661,
year = {2025},
author = {Giovannini, L and Del Boccio, P and Pagliarani, C and Chitarra, W and Conte, A and Montesano, V and Petrozza, A and Summerer, S and Cellini, F and Cañizares, E and Spanos, A and Bergese, F and Sillo, F and Vergine, M and Vita, F and De Rose, S and González-Guzmán, M and Fotopoulos, V and Arbona, V and Balestrini, R},
title = {Phenotyping as a tool to study the impact of seed priming and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on tomato response to water limitation.},
journal = {FEMS microbiology letters},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/femsle/fnaf064},
pmid = {40569661},
issn = {1574-6968},
abstract = {This study explores the effects of natural seed priming compounds (i.e. chitosan alone and in combination with salicylic acid or melatonin) with the symbiosis of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on the capability of two Italian tomato varieties (Principe Borghese and San Marzano nano) to withstand water deprivation through high-throughput plant phenotyping (HTPP) technology. Plant responses have been automatically evaluated by integrating physiological, morpho-biometric and biochemical data. Under water deprivation, AMF-inoculated plants exhibited enhanced physiological performance, by reducing oxidative damage and improving stomatal function. Digital phenotyping provides a non-invasive approach to assess the effects of external factors, such as the impact of mycorrhizal fungi on plant development. RGB (visible light) imaging enables the analysis of morphological traits like plant size and growth patterns, and of colourimetric changes use as proxy of physiological responses. Biochemical analyses revealed increased carotenoid and flavonoid content in chitosan + salicylic acid-treated plants with AMF, particularly in Principe Borghese. Genotype-dependent differences were evident in terms of fruit production, where Principe Borghese plants showed significantly more red fruits AM-inoculated plants. Results underline the potential of combined AMF and natural compounds application as sustainable strategy for improving tomato resilience to water stress, contributing to resource-efficient agricultural practices and climate change mitigation.},
}