@article {pmid40241006,
year = {2025},
author = {Czerwinski, A and Löwenstrom, J and Franzenburg, S and Groth, EE and Obeng, N and Schulenburg, H},
title = {PelD is required downstream of c-di-GMP for host specialization of Pseudomonas lurida.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {220},
pmid = {40241006},
issn = {1471-2180},
mesh = {*Caenorhabditis elegans/microbiology ; *Cyclic GMP/analogs & derivatives/metabolism ; Animals ; *Pseudomonas/genetics/physiology/metabolism ; Biofilms/growth & development ; Symbiosis ; *Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; Multigene Family ; Gene Expression Profiling ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The bacterial second messenger c-di-GMP is known to influence the formation of biofilms and thereby persistence of pathogenic and beneficial bacteria in hosts. A previous evolution experiment with Pseudomonas lurida MYb11, occasional symbiont of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, led to the emergence of host-specialized variants with elevated intracellular c-di-GMP. Thus far, the molecular underpinnings of c-di-GMP-mediated host specialization were unknown in this symbiosis. Therefore, the current study aimed at identifying candidate molecular processes by combining transcriptomic and functional genetic analyses.

RESULTS: We found that MYb11 host specialists differentially expressed genes related to attachment, motility and biofilm production, including pelD from the pel gene cluster. pelD deletion resulted in reduced intra-host competitive fitness, lower bacterial numbers in C. elegans and loss of biofilm biomass.

CONCLUSION: Our results identify pelD as a previously unknown key modulator of beneficial symbiont-host associations that acts downstream of c-di-GMP.},
}

*Caenorhabditis elegans/microbiology
*Cyclic GMP/analogs & derivatives/metabolism
Animals
*Pseudomonas/genetics/physiology/metabolism
Biofilms/growth & development
Symbiosis
*Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
Multigene Family
Gene Expression Profiling

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

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

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

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

@article {pmid40235960,
year = {2025},
author = {Basgaran, A and Lymberopoulos, E and Burchill, E and Reis-Dehabadi, M and Sharma, N},
title = {Machine learning determines the incidence of Alzheimer's disease based on population gut microbiome profile.},
journal = {Brain communications},
volume = {7},
number = {2},
pages = {fcaf059},
pmid = {40235960},
issn = {2632-1297},
abstract = {The human microbiome is a complex and dynamic community of microbes, thought to have symbiotic benefit to its host. Influences of the gut microbiome on brain microglia have been identified as a potential mechanism contributing to neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, motor neurone disease and Parkinson's disease (Boddy SL, Giovannelli I, Sassani M, et al. The gut microbiome: A key player in the complexity of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). BMC Med. 2021;19(1):13). We hypothesize that population level differences in the gut microbiome will predict the incidence of Alzheimer's disease using machine learning methods. Cross-sectional analyses were performed in R, using two large, open-access microbiome datasets (n = 959 and n = 2012). Countries in these datasets were grouped based on Alzheimer's disease incidence and the gut microbiome profiles compared. In countries with a high incidence of Alzheimer's disease, there is a significantly lower diversity of the gut microbiome (P < 0.05). A permutational analysis of variance test (P < 0.05) revealed significant differences in the microbiome profile between countries with high versus low incidence of Alzheimer's disease with several contributing taxa identified: at a species level Escherichia coli, and at a genus level Haemophilus and Akkermansia were found to be reproducibly protective in both datasets. Additionally, using machine learning, we were able to predict the incidence of Alzheimer's disease within a country based on the microbiome profile (mean area under the curve 0.889 and 0.927). We conclude that differences in the microbiome can predict the varying incidence of Alzheimer's disease between countries. Our results support a key role of the gut microbiome in neurodegeneration at a population level.},
}

@article {pmid40235917,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, Y and Wang, Z and Sun, X and He, X and Zhang, Y},
title = {Specific soil factors drive the differed stochastic assembly of rhizosphere and root endosphere fungal communities in pear trees across different habitats.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1549173},
pmid = {40235917},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Pyrus betulifolia is tolerant to diverse environmental conditions and is commonly planted in infertile habitats (such as beaches and ridges) to conserve arable land for cereal crops. Symbiotic fungi in the rhizosphere and root endosphere benefit host plants by enhancing their resilience to nutritional deficiencies under stressful conditions. However, the mechanisms underlying the assembly of these symbiotic fungal communities in the roots of P. betulifolia across different habitats remain poorly understood.

METHODS: Pyrus betulifolia of 30-year-old were selected from five sites in northern China to investigate the assembly of fungal communities in the rhizosphere and root endosphere. Soil samples were collected to assess the heterogeneity of the environment surrounding each plant. Procrustes analysis, variance partitioning analysis, and ordination regression analysis were employed to explore the ecological relationships between soil factors and fungal community composition.

RESULTS: The rhizosphere fungal community exhibited higher richness, greater diversity and lower structural variability compared to the root endosphere. Additionally, the rhizosphere supported a fungal network with higher abundance and stronger connectivity than the root endosphere. The composition of fungal communities varies significantly among different regions. In both the rhizosphere and root endosphere fungal communities, the number of genera specific to mountainous regions was larger than those in plain areas and saline-alkali areas. Null model-based analyses indicated that the assembly of rhizosphere and root endosphere fungal communities in P. betulifolia was mainly governed by stochastic processes. Specifically, in non-saline-alkali soils, the assembly of rhizosphere fungi was primarily driven by dispersal limitation, whereas the assembly of root endosphere fungi was dominated by ecological drift. In saline-alkali soils, both rhizosphere and root endosphere fungal communities were primarily influenced by ecological drift.

CONCLUSION: The assembly of root-associated fungal communities in P. betulifolia is not only driven by soil physicochemical properties but also influenced by root compartment niche and topography. Moreover, the impact intensity of the root compartment niche is greater than topography. Specifically, the assembly of the rhizosphere fungal community was primarily influenced by alkaline nitrogen (AN) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), while the root endosphere fungal community was more strongly affected by pH and sucrase (SUC). These findings could provide valuable insights for the design of beneficial root-associated microbiomes to enhance fruit tree performance.},
}

@article {pmid40235687,
year = {2025},
author = {},
title = {Correction to: Significant role of symbiotic bacteria in the blood digestion and reproduction of Dermanyssus gallinae mites.},
journal = {ISME communications},
volume = {5},
number = {1},
pages = {ycae166},
doi = {10.1093/ismeco/ycae166},
pmid = {40235687},
issn = {2730-6151},
abstract = {[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1093/ismeco/ycae127.].},
}

@article {pmid40235654,
year = {2025},
author = {Ellis, SL and Baird, ME and Harrison, LP and Schulz, KG and Harrison, DP},
title = {A photophysiological model of coral bleaching under light and temperature stress: experimental assessment.},
journal = {Conservation physiology},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {coaf020},
pmid = {40235654},
issn = {2051-1434},
abstract = {Marine heatwaves occurring against the backdrop of rising global sea surface temperatures have triggered mass coral bleaching and mortality. Irradiance is critical to coral growth but is also an implicating factor in photodamage, leading to the expulsion of symbiotic algae under increased temperatures. Numerical modelling is a valuable tool that can provide insight into the state of the symbiont photochemistry during coral bleaching events. However, very few numerical physiological models combine the influence of light and temperature for simulating coral bleaching. The coral bleaching model used was derived from the coral bleaching representation in the eReefs configuration of the CSIRO Environmental Modelling Suite, with the most significant change being the equation for the rate of detoxification of reactive oxygen species. Simulated physiological bleaching outcomes from the model were compared to photochemical bleaching proxies measured during an ex situ moderate degree-heating week (up to 4.4) experiment. The bleaching response of Acropora divaricata was assessed in an unshaded and 30% shade treatment. The model-simulated timing for the onset of bleaching under elevated temperatures closely corresponded with an initial photochemical decline as observed in the experiment. Increased bleaching severity under elevated temperature and unshaded light was also simulated by the model, an outcome confirmed in the experiment. This is the first experimental validation of a temperature-mediated, light-driven model of coral bleaching from the perspective of the symbiont. When forced by realistic environmental conditions, process-based mechanistic modelling could improve accuracy in predicting heterogeneous bleaching outcomes during contemporary marine heatwave events and future climate change scenarios. Mechanistic modelling will be invaluable in evaluating management interventions for deployment in coral reef environments.},
}

@article {pmid40235528,
year = {2025},
author = {Cameirão, C and Pereira, JA and Tavares, R and Lino-Neto, T and Baptista, P},
title = {Bacterial dynamics and exchange in plant-insect interactions.},
journal = {Current research in insect science},
volume = {7},
number = {},
pages = {100110},
pmid = {40235528},
issn = {2666-5158},
abstract = {In nature, plants and insects engage in intricate interactions. Despite the increasing knowledge of the microbiomes of plants and insects, the extent to which they exchange and alter each other's microbiomes remains unclear. In this work, the bacterial community associated with nymphs of Philaenus spumarius (Hemiptera: Aphrophoridae), the stems of Coleostephus myconis where the nymphs were feeding, and the foam produced by the nymphs, were studied by culture-dependent and -independent approaches, with an attempt to elucidate the exchange of bacteria between plants and insects. The results suggest that both approaches complement each other, as many bacterial genera identified by metabarcoding were not detected by culturing, and vice versa. Overall, stems and foam exhibited higher bacterial diversity than nymphs, with all the samples showing enrichment in bacteria known to provide diverse benefits to their host. Stems and foam were the most similar in bacterial composition, but Burkholderiaceae and Moraxellaceae dominated the stems, whereas Rhizobiaceae and Sphingobacteriaceae dominated the foam. Nymphs exhibit the most distinct bacterial composition, yet more similar to that found in the stem compared to the foam. Indeed, nymphs were enriched on endosymbiotic bacteria, mostly Candidatus Sulcia and Sodalis, not found in the stem and foam. Nevertheless, during feeding, nymphs appeared to exchange several bacteria genera with C. myconis, with a significant number being incorporated into the bacteriome of the nymph. The genera Curvibacter, Cutibacterium, Methylobacterium, Pseudomonas and Rhizobium are likely the most exchanged. Nymphs also appear to exchange bacteria to the foam, notably species from the Enhydrobacter, Pseudomonas, Rhizobium and Roseomonas genera. More studies to infer the functions of the shared bacteria between P. spumarius-C. myconis are needed.},
}

@article {pmid40235299,
year = {2025},
author = {Andongma, AA and Whitten, MMA and Chofong, GN and Dyson, PJ},
title = {The thrips gut pH and implications for symbiont-mediated RNAi.},
journal = {Bulletin of entomological research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-7},
doi = {10.1017/S0007485325000240},
pmid = {40235299},
issn = {1475-2670},
abstract = {The gut pH plays crucial roles in diet preference, habitat choice, insect fitness, and insect-microbial relationships. It significantly impacts enzyme activity efficiency, as well as the internalisation and efficacy of pesticides. Without a comprehensive understanding of the gut environment, potential pest management strategies cannot be fully optimised.This study investigates the gut pH of the globally invasive pest insect Western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis, and the effect its Gram-negative symbiotic gut bacterium BFo2 has on pH modulation. Indicator dyes were fed to F. occidentalis and the gut pH was found to vary between 6 and 7. In general, the larval and adult guts appear to have a pH of between 6 and 6.5; however, the posterior gut of some adults appears to be closer to 7. This almost neutral pH offers a favourable environment for the neutrophilic symbiotic BFo2. The ability of BFo2 isolates to buffer pH towards neutral was also observed during in vitro culture using broths at different pH values.This paper also discusses the implications of this gut environment on dsRNAi delivery. By laying the foundation for understanding how gut pH can be leveraged to enhance current pest management strategies, this study particularly benefits research aimed at optimising the delivery of lethal dsRNA through symbiont-mediated RNAi to Western flower thrips in pest management programs.},
}

@article {pmid40233891,
year = {2025},
author = {Luo, Y and Lan, C and Ren, W and Wu, A and Yu, B and He, J and Chen, D},
title = {Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron: A symbiotic ally against diarrhea along with modulation of gut microbial networks via tryptophan metabolism and AHR-Nrf2 signaling.},
journal = {Journal of advanced research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.jare.2025.04.016},
pmid = {40233891},
issn = {2090-1224},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Bacteroides is a crucial mucosal symbiotic bacterium in mammals, with Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron (B. thetaiotaomicron) being particularly noteworthy as a glyco-specialist due to its significant nutritional impact. However, B. thetaiotaomicron may affect host health, but related research is limited.

OBJECTIVES: Our main focus is to understand the patterns of microbial community changes and the molecular mechanisms mediated by microbial metabolites in the alleviation of piglet diarrhea by B. thetaiotaomicron.

METHODS: Cold stress was induced in piglets to trigger stress-induced diarrhea. The control group and B group were administered a blank medium and 1 × 10[8] CFU of B. thetaiotaomicron, respectively, on days 1, 3, and 5. The diarrhea rate and growth performance of the piglets were recorded during the experimental period. Based on 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, microbial network analysis, and metabolomics analysis, the composition and changes of the colonic microbiota and metabolites were analyzed. The antibacterial capacity and anti-inflammatory molecular mechanisms of B. thetaiotaomicron metabolites were analyzed through in vitro antibacterial assays and inflammatory cell models.

RESULTS: B. thetaiotaomicron alleviated diarrhea in piglets and improved their growth performance. It influenced the composition of the intestinal microbiota and microbial interactions, with metabolites primarily enriched in the tryptophan metabolism pathway, particularly indole and its derivatives, which were closely related to host phenotypes. In vitro co-culture experiments demonstrated that B. thetaiotaomicron metabolites inhibited the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Further in vitro experiments revealed that these metabolites, including indole, reinforced barrier function and reduced TNF-α-induced inflammation and apoptosis in Caco-2 cells, confirming the significance of the AHR-Nrf2 pathway in mediating these positive effects.

CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study offers a theoretical framework for understanding the role of the symbiotic bacterium B. thetaiotaomicron in the gut microbiota ecosystem during diarrhea and its interactions with the host's intestinal tract.},
}

@article {pmid40233882,
year = {2025},
author = {Gao, J and Mang, Q and Li, Q and Sun, Y and Xu, G},
title = {Microbial-algal symbiotic system drives reconstruction of nitrogen, phosphorus, and methane cycles for purification of pollutants in aquaculture water.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {132531},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132531},
pmid = {40233882},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {Intensive aquaculture's excessive nitrogen, phosphorus, and methane emissions caused environmental degradation. This study explored how algae-bacteria symbiotic systems (ABSS) enhanced water purification by regulating element cycles. We established a Chlorella pyrenoidosa-Bacillus subtilis symbiotic system. At a 1:1 bacteria-to-algae ratio, chlorophyll a and cell dry weight were highest. C. pyrenoidosa supplied organic acids, carbohydrates, and amino acids to B. subtilis, which reciprocated with amino acids, purines, and vitamins. ABSS significantly reduced total nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen (NH4[+]-N), nitrite (NO2[-]-N), nitrate (NO3[-]-N), phosphate (PO4[3-]-P), total phosphorous, dissolved organic carbon, and chemical oxygen demand in aquaculture water. It reshaped microbial communities and enriched key genus (Limnohabitans, Planktophila, Polaromonas, Methylocystis) and upregulating genes linked to organic phosphate mineralization, methane oxidation, and nitrate reduction. These changes strengthened nitrogen-phosphorus-methane cycle coupling, boosting water purification. ABSS offers an eco-engineering solution for aquaculture pollution by optimizing microbial interactions and nutrient cycling.},
}

@article {pmid40233415,
year = {2025},
author = {Diamond, MJ},
title = {Toward Eradicating the Unbearable: The Dangerous Allure of Fascistic States of Mind.},
journal = {The Psychoanalytic quarterly},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-31},
doi = {10.1080/00332828.2025.2481955},
pmid = {40233415},
issn = {2167-4086},
abstract = {To understand fascistic group movements, it is necessary to understand the dynamics of fascistic states of mind within all of us. Following a note on the American polity, the author differentiates fascism from authoritarianism before reviewing the dynamics of fascistic states of mind, including the omnipotent longing for purity and its relationship to destructive narcissism. Considering the role of the death drive, the allure of the fascistic state is explored, based largely in the need to avoid primary terrors of annihilation. In addressing the movement of such states from the individual psyche to the larger group mind, the author examines the symbiotic fit between the leader and the group's unconscious fears and phantasies, as illustrated by perverse containment within the cult of Trumpism. Finally, in noting the inability of reason alone to contain destructive forces, he ponders how we might deal with fascistic states of mind most effectively in individuals, groups, and ourselves.},
}

@article {pmid40232938,
year = {2025},
author = {Nogueira, JCC and Boldori, JR and Santos Ribas, LP and Lunardi, AG and Aguiar, TA and Carriço, MRS and Roehrs, R and Denardin, CC},
title = {Toxicity and Antioxidant Activity of Black Tea Kombucha in Wistar Rats: A 28-Day Repeated Dose Oral Study.},
journal = {Chemistry & biodiversity},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e202500046},
doi = {10.1002/cbdv.202500046},
pmid = {40232938},
issn = {1612-1880},
abstract = {Kombucha is a fermented beverage produced from sweetened black tea using a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts. While studies suggest potential health benefits, such as antioxidant activity, its toxicological profile must be thoroughly evaluated to ensure safe consumption. This study aimed to assess the subacute oral toxicity of kombucha over 28 days in Wistar rats and evaluate its effects on oxidative stress markers. Forty female Wistar rats were divided into four groups: a control group receiving saline (1 mL/100 g), and three treatment groups-T1 (1 mL/100 g) and T2 (2 mL/100 g) receiving kombucha fermented for 7 days, and T3 (1 mL/100 g) receiving kombucha fermented for 14 days. All treatments were administered daily for 28 days. No signs of toxicity, mortality, or histopathological changes in tissue morphology were observed. However, significant behavioral changes, including increased exploration and self-care, were noted. Additionally, kombucha administration modulated the activity of antioxidant enzymes, specifically superoxide dismutase and catalase, and reduced tissue lipid peroxidation. These findings suggest that kombucha fermented for 7 and 14 days is non-toxic and exhibits antioxidant properties by modulating oxidative stress markers in Wistar rats.},
}

@article {pmid40232537,
year = {2025},
author = {Guarnizo, ÁL and Marqués-Gálvez, JE and Arenas, F and Navarro-Ródenas, A and Morte, A},
title = {Morphological and molecular development of Terfezia claveryi ectendomycorrhizae exhibits three well-defined stages.},
journal = {Mycorrhiza},
volume = {35},
number = {2},
pages = {31},
pmid = {40232537},
issn = {1432-1890},
support = {PID2020-115210RB-I00//Agencia Estatal de Investigación/ ; },
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/growth & development/genetics/physiology/cytology ; *Symbiosis ; *Ascomycota/growth & development/genetics/physiology ; Plant Roots/microbiology ; },
abstract = {The normal development of mycorrhizal symbiosis is a dynamic process, requiring elaborately regulated interactions between plant roots and compatible fungi, mandatory for both partners´ survival. In the present study, we further elucidated the mycorrhizal development of the desert truffles Terfezia claveryi with the host plant Helianthemum almeriense as an ectendomycorrhizal symbiosis model under greenhouse conditions. To investigate this, we evaluated the morphology of mycorrhizal colonization, concomitantly with the dynamic expression of selected marker genes (6 fungal and 11 plant genes) measured every week until mycorrhiza maturation (three months). We were able to determine 3 main stages in the mycorrhization process, 1) pre-symbiosis stage where mycelium is growing in the soil with no direct interaction with roots, 2) early symbiosis stage when the fungus spreads along the roots intercellularly and plant-fungal signaling is proceeding, and 3) late symbiosis stage where the fungus consolidates and matures with intracellular hyphal colonization; this is characterized by the regulation of cell-wall remodeling processes.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/growth & development/genetics/physiology/cytology
*Symbiosis
*Ascomycota/growth & development/genetics/physiology
Plant Roots/microbiology

@article {pmid40231847,
year = {2025},
author = {Kamp, DL and Kerwin, AH and McAnulty, SJ and Nyholm, SV},
title = {Organ structure and bacterial microbiogeography in a reproductive organ of the Hawaiian bobtail squid reveal dimensions of a defensive symbiosis.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0216324},
doi = {10.1128/aem.02163-24},
pmid = {40231847},
issn = {1098-5336},
abstract = {Many plants and animals house symbiotic microorganisms in specialized tissues or organs. Here, we used multidimensional in situ imaging techniques to illuminate how host organ structure and bacterial microbiogeography contribute to the symbiotic function of an organ in the Hawaiian bobtail squid, Euprymna scolopes. Along with the well-studied light organ, female E. scolopes harbor a community of bacteria in the accessory nidamental gland (ANG). The ANG is a dense network of epithelium-lined tubules, some of which are dominated by a single bacterial taxon. These bacteria are deposited into squid eggs, where they defend the developing embryos from harmful biofouling. This study used a combination of imaging techniques to visualize different dimensions of the ANG and its bacterial communities. Imaging entire organs with light sheet microscopy revealed that the ANG is a composite tissue of individual, non-intersecting tubules that each harbor their own bacterial population. The organ is bisected, with tubules converging toward two points at the posterior end. At these points, tubules empty into a space where bacteria can mix with squid jelly to be deposited onto eggs. Observations of the symbiotic community correlated bacterial taxa with cell morphology and revealed that tubule populations varied: some tubules contained populations of mixed taxa, whereas others contained only one bacterial genus. Together, these data shed light on how bacterial populations interact within the ANG and how the host uses physical structure to maintain and employ a symbiotic bacterial population in a defensive context.IMPORTANCESequence-based microbiome studies have revealed much about how hosts interact with communities of symbiotic microbiota but often lack a spatial understanding of how microbes relate to each other and the host in which they reside. This study uses a combination of microscopy techniques to reveal how the structure of a symbiotic organ in the female bobtail squid, Euprymna scolopes, houses diverse, beneficial bacterial populations and deploys them for egg defense. These findings suggest that spatial partitioning may be key to harboring a diverse population of antimicrobial-producing bacteria and establishing a foundation for further understanding how host structures mediate symbiotic interactions.},
}

@article {pmid40231754,
year = {2025},
author = {Poelmans, W and Beeckman, T and Lakehal, A},
title = {The multifaceted role of auxin in root growth and branching: Insights from non-seed vascular plants.},
journal = {Physiologia plantarum},
volume = {177},
number = {2},
pages = {e70210},
doi = {10.1111/ppl.70210},
pmid = {40231754},
issn = {1399-3054},
support = {101062418//HORIZON EUROPE Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions/ ; 11I3721N//Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO)/ ; G027313N//Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO)/ ; G028421N//Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO)/ ; },
mesh = {*Indoleacetic Acids/metabolism ; *Plant Roots/growth & development/metabolism/genetics ; *Plant Growth Regulators/metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; },
abstract = {Plant root systems play a crucial role in taking up water and nutrients, as well as in facilitating symbiotic partnerships with microorganisms like rhizobia and mycorrhizae that enhance nutrient fixation and assimilation. Extensive research in seed plants has demonstrated the dominant role of the phytohormone auxin during root development in this group of vascular plants. Non-seed vascular plants (lycophytes, horsetails and ferns) occupy a key phylogenetic position as the sister group to seed plants, making them essential for understanding the evolution of roots. These lineages exhibit distinct root development and branching patterns, in which the hormone auxin might play a pivotal role. However, the molecular basis underlying its function during root development in these plant groups remains poorly understood. In this review, we summarize the current progress in our understanding of auxin-mediated root initiation, patterning, and branching in vascular non-seed plants while highlighting outstanding key questions. Despite limited research, the available evidence suggests that both conserved and lineage-specific auxin-dependent genetic circuits regulate root development in these species. While remaining relatively limited in lycophytes and ferns, seed plants have evolved extensive environmentally sensitive regulatory networks facilitating the adaptation of their branching strategies to perceived external cues. These networks likely emerged through the duplication and neofunctionalization of gene families involved in auxin transport and signalling, as well as their downstream factors, such as LBD and PLT genes.},
}

*Indoleacetic Acids/metabolism
*Plant Roots/growth & development/metabolism/genetics
*Plant Growth Regulators/metabolism
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant

@article {pmid40231499,
year = {2025},
author = {Nasser, A and Jahanbakhshi, S},
title = {Interaction Between Staphylococcus aureus and Microbiota: Invasion or Commensalism.},
journal = {Current pharmaceutical biotechnology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.2174/0113892010364717250404175242},
pmid = {40231499},
issn = {1873-4316},
abstract = {The term "Microbiota" refers to the vast array of symbiotic microorganisms that coexist with their hosts in practically all organs. However, the microbiota must obtain nutrition and minerals from its host to survive; instead, they produce beneficial compounds to protect the host and regulate the immune system. Conversely, pathogenic bacteria utilize their enzymes to independently gain sustenance through an invasive process without almost any beneficial compound production. One of the fully equipped pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus, is present in nearly every organ and possesses a variety of defense and invasion systems including an enzyme, a mineral collection system, a system for detecting environmental conditions, and broad toxins. The microbiota properly can defend its kingdom against S. aureus; however, if necessary, the host immune system is alerted against the pathogen, so this system also acts against the pathogen, a game that can ultimately lead to the death of the pathogen. However, S. aureus can change the host's conditions in its favor by changing the host's conditions and causing inflammation, a condition that cannot be tolerated by the microbiota. In this review, we will explain how microbiota defend against S. aureus.},
}

@article {pmid40230086,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhong, X and Hui, J and Zhang, H and Zeng, Q and Han, D and Tian, H},
title = {TaLAC129 is a negative regulator of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis but enhanced the growth and yield of bread wheat.},
journal = {The Plant journal : for cell and molecular biology},
volume = {122},
number = {1},
pages = {e70136},
doi = {10.1111/tpj.70136},
pmid = {40230086},
issn = {1365-313X},
support = {2021YFD1900700//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 2024T170732//China Postdoctoral Science Foundation/ ; 31972497//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2024JC-YBQN-0235//Natural Science Basic Research Program of Shaanxi/ ; },
mesh = {*Triticum/genetics/growth & development/microbiology/metabolism ; *Mycorrhizae/physiology ; *Symbiosis/genetics/physiology ; *Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Genome-Wide Association Study ; Plant Roots/microbiology/metabolism ; Phosphorus/metabolism ; *Laccase/genetics/metabolism ; Nitrogen/metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; },
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis enhances nutrient acquisition and stress resilience in plants, yet the genetic mechanisms regulating this interaction in wheat remain poorly understood. This study explores the variation in AM colonization rates across a diverse set of wheat varieties and aims to identify key genes that regulate the wheat-AM symbiosis. Understanding these molecular mechanisms is crucial for improving nutrient uptake efficiency and stress resistance in wheat breeding programs. Here, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 291 wheat varieties and integrated transcriptomic data to identify TaLAC129, a laccase (LAC)-encoding gene, as a critical negative regulator of AM colonization in wheat roots. Overexpression of TaLAC129 significantly increased root LAC activity and lignin content, concurrently suppressing AM colonization. While this suppression reduced nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) uptake in stems, leaves, and glumes, it markedly enhanced nutrient utilization efficiency (NUE) in grains. Furthermore, TaLAC129 overexpression improved agronomic traits, including grains per panicle, 1000-grain weight, and overall yield. Our findings reveal the dual role of TaLAC129 in balancing AM symbiosis and nutrient allocation, offering a novel genetic target for breeding wheat varieties with improved yield and nutrient efficiency. This study provides critical insights into the molecular coordination between symbiotic trade-offs and agricultural productivity in cereal crops.},
}

*Triticum/genetics/growth & development/microbiology/metabolism
*Mycorrhizae/physiology
*Symbiosis/genetics/physiology
*Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Genome-Wide Association Study
Plant Roots/microbiology/metabolism
Phosphorus/metabolism
*Laccase/genetics/metabolism
Nitrogen/metabolism
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant

@article {pmid40228808,
year = {2025},
author = {Jones, KR and Duong, T and Sacci, O and Gregory, CL and Belden, LK},
title = {Amphibian bacterial communities assemble variably among host species, across development, and between similar habitats.},
journal = {Integrative and comparative biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/icb/icaf014},
pmid = {40228808},
issn = {1557-7023},
abstract = {Symbiotic host-associated microbial communities are nearly ubiquitous and are often essential to host growth and development. The assembly of these communities on hosts is the result of a combination of the processes of selection, dispersal, and drift. For some species, essential symbionts are quickly acquired from the environment during embryonic development, while others may vertically acquire symbionts from parents. For amphibians with complex life cycles that undergo metamorphosis, an additional physiological transition from larval to adult forms may represent another distinct developmental window for bacterial colonization. Prior research has demonstrated that metamorphosis impacts the composition of amphibian-associated bacterial communities, however, we do not know whether similar shifts occur during metamorphosis across different amphibian species. To more clearly understand patterns in microbiome development across host species within a given area, we assessed the bacterial communities associated with eggs from five locally-occurring amphibian species and tadpoles and juveniles from four of the species. Additionally, to determine if stochasticity result in varied microbiome composition among conspecifics, we raised one species, spring peepers (Pseudacris crucifer), in outdoor 1000 L mesocosms. Through 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, we detected distinct bacterial communities across amphibian species and development. Additionally, we found that tadpoles harbored different communities of bacteria in the different mesocosms, suggesting that stochasticity may play a large role in bacterial assembly on tadpoles. Our results serve to deepen our understanding of natural shifts in amphibian-associated bacterial communities and how these shifts are host-species dependent. Additionally, this study provides support for the idea that stochasticity in the form of drift or priority effects can drive individual variation in microbiome composition among hosts.},
}

@article {pmid40228606,
year = {2025},
author = {Lee, J and McClure, S and Weichselbaum, RR and Mimee, M},
title = {Designing live bacterial therapeutics for cancer.},
journal = {Advanced drug delivery reviews},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {115579},
doi = {10.1016/j.addr.2025.115579},
pmid = {40228606},
issn = {1872-8294},
abstract = {Humans are home to a diverse community of bacteria, many of which form symbiotic relationships with their host. Notably, tumors can also harbor their own unique bacterial populations that can influence tumor growth and progression. These bacteria, which selectively colonize hypoxic and acidic tumor microenvironments, present a novel therapeutic strategy to combat cancer. Advancements in synthetic biology enable us to safely and efficiently program therapeutic drugs production in bacteria, further enhancing their potential. This review provides a comprehensive guide to utilizing bacteria for cancer treatment. We discuss key considerations for selecting bacterial strains, emphasizing their colonization efficiency, the delicate balance between safety and anti-tumor efficacy, and the availability of tools for genetic engineering. We also delve into strategies for precise spatiotemporal control of drug delivery to minimize adverse effects and maximize therapeutic impact, exploring recent examples of engineered bacteria designed to combat tumors. Finally, we address the underlying challenges and future prospects of bacterial cancer therapy. This review underscores the versatility of bacterial therapies and outlines strategies to fully harness their potential in the fight against cancer.},
}

@article {pmid40228525,
year = {2025},
author = {Bruyant, P and Doré, J and Vallon, L and Moënne-Loccoz, Y and Almario, J},
title = {Needle in a Haystack: Culturing Plant-Beneficial Helotiales Lineages From Plant Roots.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {27},
number = {4},
pages = {e70082},
pmid = {40228525},
issn = {1462-2920},
support = {//French Ministère de l'Enseignemnet Supérieur et la Recherche/ ; //AnaEE France (ANR-11-INBS- 0001 AnaEE-Services, Investissements d'Avenir frame/ ; //the French National program EC2CO (Ecosphère Continentale et Côtière)/ ; //Défi ISOTOP initiative (CNRS, MITI, France)/ ; ANR-22-CE02-0018//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; //Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique/ ; //Lautaret Garden - UAR 3370 (Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, 38000 Grenoble, France)/ ; },
mesh = {*Plant Roots/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; *Endophytes/isolation & purification/classification/genetics ; Soil Microbiology ; Mycorrhizae/isolation & purification/genetics ; *Brassicaceae/microbiology ; Caryophyllaceae/microbiology ; Symbiosis ; DNA, Fungal/genetics ; },
abstract = {Root-associated Helotiales fungi are increasingly recognised as beneficial fungal partners promoting plant growth under nutrient-limited conditions, particularly, in non-mycorrhizal hosts lacking the ancestral arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis. However, the ecology of these fungi is still cryptic as relatively few lineages have been successfully cultivated from roots for further study. Here, we attempted the mass isolation of root endophytic fungi to evaluate the recovery of known plant-beneficial Helotiales lineages using a tailored culture-based approach. We sampled six wild non-mycorrhizal species from the Brassicaceae, Caryophyllaceae, and Cyperaceae, growing in nutrient-limited alpine soils. We isolated 602 root endophytes and compared this culturable diversity with the one observed via fungal ITS2 metabarcoding. Metabarcoding revealed that Helotiales taxa dominated the fungal communities, with 43% of these detected taxa also represented in our collection. Accordingly, most root endophytes in our collection (53%) were Helotiales. These isolates, some with P solubilisation potential, belonged primarily to three Helotialean clades and were phylogenetically related to plant growth-promoting or mycorrhizal-like strains. This analysis highlights that the roots of alpine non-mycorrhizal plants harbour diverse plant-beneficial root-endophytic Helotiales, and the isolates obtained are a promising resource to explore the plant-beneficial mechanisms and ecological traits of these fungi.},
}

*Plant Roots/microbiology
Phylogeny
*Endophytes/isolation & purification/classification/genetics
Soil Microbiology
Mycorrhizae/isolation & purification/genetics
*Brassicaceae/microbiology
Caryophyllaceae/microbiology
Symbiosis
DNA, Fungal/genetics

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

@article {pmid40228382,
year = {2025},
author = {Mason, ARG and Salomon, MJ and Lowe, AJ and Cavagnaro, TR},
title = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculation and biochar application enhance soil carbon and productivity in wheat and barley.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {977},
number = {},
pages = {179230},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179230},
pmid = {40228382},
issn = {1879-1026},
abstract = {Influencing the global carbon cycle via modification to the terrestrial soil carbon pool has been suggested as one solution to help mitigate climate change. Cropping systems cover a vast expanse of earth's surface and represent a major carbon exchange point. Investigating management practices and biotechnologies capable of influencing soil carbon in cropping systems is thus a valuable endeavour, as even modest interventions have the capacity to increase carbon stocks and improve soil fertility and plant production. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are obligate biotrophs forming mutually beneficial relationships with a wide array of symbiotic partners. Increasingly, AMF are being investigated for their potential to enhance agricultural productivity through inoculation of soil and seeds with living propagules or spores. Beyond their positive influence on plant growth and resilience, AMF may have some capacity to influence the global carbon cycle through several conceptually recognised yet poorly understood mechanisms, warranting further exploration. Here, we evaluate the potential of AMF as an inoculant to promote soil carbon sequestration in wheat and barley under greenhouse conditions. We assess the growth response of these crops and explore interactive effects of AMF with several organic amendments. Both wheat and barley exhibited a strong mycorrhizal growth response, with inoculation significantly increasing biomass (root and shoot dry weight) and productivity (head dry weight), especially under low nutrient conditions. Effects of AMF on soil carbon cycling were assessed through soil respiration, total carbon (TC) content, and easily extractable organic carbon. Inoculation significantly increased soil TC concentration in both the unamended control and the biochar-amended wheat treatments. We reveal evidence for a biochar + AMF carbon stabilisation pathway, whereby biochar may act to stabilise new fungal derived carbon inputs while reducing soil respiration. We discuss these results in the context of carbon credit generation and climate change mitigation potential.},
}

@article {pmid40228122,
year = {2025},
author = {Bashyal, S and Everett, H and Matsuura, S and Müller, LM},
title = {A plant CLE peptide and its fungal mimic promote arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis via CRN-mediated ROS suppression.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {122},
number = {16},
pages = {e2422215122},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2422215122},
pmid = {40228122},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {2022-67013-42820//USDA | National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)/ ; },
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology/metabolism ; *Symbiosis/physiology ; *Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism ; *Medicago truncatula/microbiology/metabolism/genetics ; *Plant Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Plant Roots/microbiology/metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Peptides/metabolism ; Glomeromycota ; Signal Transduction ; Fungi ; },
abstract = {CLAVATA3/EMBRYO SURROUNDING REGION-related (CLE) peptides have emerged as key regulators of plant-microbe interactions, including arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis. Here, we identify Medicago truncatula CLE16 as a positive regulator of AM symbiosis. MtCLE16 is expressed in root cells colonized by AM fungi (AMF) and its overexpression within colonized tissues increases arbuscule abundance by finetuning their growth and lifespan. Functional and transcriptomic analyses reveal that MtCLE16 acts via the M. truncatula pseudokinase CORYNE (MtCRN) and suppresses the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in roots, thereby attenuating immune responses and promoting root colonization by mutualistic AM fungi. Notably, AMF also express MtCLE16-like peptides. We show that the Rhizophagus irregularis MtCLE16-like peptide, RiCLE1, also attenuates ROS and promotes AMF colonization via MtCRN. This finding suggests that RiCLE1 can interfere with the MtCLE16-MtCRN signaling module of host roots to benefit the fungus. Our research uncovers a functional mechanism underpinning cross-kingdom signaling and molecular mimicry in mutualistic plant-microbe interactions.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology/metabolism
*Symbiosis/physiology
*Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism
*Medicago truncatula/microbiology/metabolism/genetics
*Plant Proteins/metabolism/genetics
Plant Roots/microbiology/metabolism
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
Peptides/metabolism
Glomeromycota
Signal Transduction
Fungi

@article {pmid40227500,
year = {2025},
author = {Broeckhoven, I and Devriese, A and Honnay, O and Merckx, R and Bruno, V},
title = {Impact of agricultural systems on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi community composition in robusta coffee roots in the Democratic Republic of congo.},
journal = {Mycorrhiza},
volume = {35},
number = {2},
pages = {30},
pmid = {40227500},
issn = {1432-1890},
support = {B2/191/P1/COFFEEBRIDGE//Belgian Federal Science Policy Office/ ; },
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/classification/physiology/genetics/isolation & purification ; Democratic Republic of the Congo ; *Plant Roots/microbiology ; *Agriculture/methods ; *Coffea/microbiology ; Soil Microbiology ; Soil/chemistry ; Biodiversity ; Symbiosis ; Coffee/microbiology ; *Mycobiome ; },
abstract = {Robusta coffee, grown by 25 million farmers across more than 50 countries, plays an important role in smallholder farmers' livelihoods and the economies of many low-income countries. Coffee establishes a mutualistic symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF); however, the impact of agricultural practices and soil characteristics on AMF diversity and community composition is not well understood. To address this, we characterised the AMF community composition of robusta coffee in part of its region of origin, the Democratic Republic of Congo. AMF diversity and community composition were compared between coffee monoculture, agroforestry systems and wild robusta in its native rainforest habitat. Using Illumina sequencing on 304 root samples, we identified 307 AMF operational taxonomic units (OTUs), dominated by the genera Glomus and Acaulospora. OTU richness did not vary across the three studied systems, yet large differences in community composition were found. Many unique OTUs were only observed in the coffee in the rainforest. In general, lower available soil phosphorus (P) and lower soil bulk density increased AMF diversity, yet higher available soil P and pH increased AMF diversity in the wild forest coffee. Shifts in AMF community composition across coffee systems were driven by canopy closure, soil pH, available soil P and soil bulk density. Our study is the first to characterise mycorrhizal communities in wild robusta coffee in its region of origin and shows that even low-input agricultural practices result in major AMF community shifts as compared to a natural baseline.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/classification/physiology/genetics/isolation & purification
Democratic Republic of the Congo
*Plant Roots/microbiology
*Agriculture/methods
*Coffea/microbiology
Soil Microbiology
Soil/chemistry
Biodiversity
Symbiosis
Coffee/microbiology
*Mycobiome

@article {pmid40227227,
year = {2025},
author = {Arai, H and Katsuma, S and Matsuda-Imai, N and Lin, SR and Inoue, MN and Kageyama, D},
title = {Prophage-encoded Hm-oscar gene recapitulates Wolbachia-induced male-killing in the tea tortrix moth Homona magnanima.},
journal = {eLife},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40227227},
issn = {2050-084X},
support = {19J13123//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 21J00895//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 22K14902//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 23H02229//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 24H02293//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 22H00366//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 24H02289//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 21KK0105//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; Male ; *Moths/microbiology/physiology/genetics ; *Prophages/genetics ; Female ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia are maternally transmitted bacterial symbionts that are ubiquitous among arthropods. They can hijack host reproduction in various ways, including male-killing (MK), where the sons of infected mothers are killed during development. The recent discovery of MK-associated Wolbachia genes, i.e., oscar in Ostrinia moths and wmk in Drosophila flies, stimulates our interest in the diversity and commonality of MK mechanisms, which remain largely unclear. We recently discovered that a Wolbachia symbiont of the moth Homona magnanima carries an MK-associated prophage region encoding homologs of oscar (Hm-oscar) and wmk (wmk-1-4). Here, we investigated the effects of these genes in the native host. Upon transient overexpression, Hm-oscar, but not wmk, induced male lethality in H. magnanima, in contrast to our observations in Drosophila, where the wmk homologs, but not Hm-oscar, killed the males. Hm-oscar disrupted sex determination in male embryos by inducing a female-type doublesex splicing and impaired dosage compensation, recapitulating the Wolbachia phenotype. Cell-based transfection assays confirmed that Hm-oscar suppressed the function of masculinizer, the primary male sex determinant involved in lepidopteran dosage compensation. Our study highlights the conserved roles of oscar homologs in Wolbachia-induced lepidopteran MK and argues that Wolbachia have evolved multiple MK mechanisms in insects.},
}

Animals
*Wolbachia/genetics
Male
*Moths/microbiology/physiology/genetics
*Prophages/genetics
Female
Symbiosis

@article {pmid40225017,
year = {2025},
author = {Wei, T and Zhang, H and Wang, S and Wu, C and Tu, T and Wang, Y and Qian, X},
title = {Divergent altitudinal patterns of arbuscular and ectomycorrhizal fungal communities in a mid-subtropical mountain ecosystem.},
journal = {IMA fungus},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {e140187},
pmid = {40225017},
issn = {2210-6340},
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) form ubiquitous symbiotic relationships with plants through co-evolutionary processes, providing multiple benefits for plant growth, productivity, health, and stress mitigation. Mountain ecosystem multifunctionality is significantly influenced by mycorrhizal responses to climate change, highlighting the importance of understanding the complex interactions between these fungi and environmental variables. In this study, we investigated five vegetation zones across an altitudinal gradient (675-2157 m a.s.l.) in Wuyi Mountain, one of the most well-preserved mid-subtropical mountain ecosystems in eastern China. Using high-throughput sequencing, we examined the altitudinal distribution patterns, community assembly mechanisms, and network interactions of soil AMF and EMF. Our analyses demonstrated significant altitudinal variations in the composition and diversity of mycorrhizal fungal communities. AMF richness peaked in the subalpine dwarf forest at intermediate elevations, whereas EMF richness was highest in the low-altitude evergreen broad-leaved forest, showing a marked decrease in the alpine meadow ecosystem. β-diversity decomposition revealed that species turnover constituted the primary mechanism of community differentiation for both fungal types, explaining >56% of the observed variation. Stochastic processes dominated community assembly, with the relative importance of dispersal limitation and drift showing distinct altitudinal patterns. Network analysis indicated that AMF networks reached maximum complexity in evergreen broad-leaved forests, while EMF networks showed similar complexity levels in coniferous forests. Among the examined factors, soil properties emerged as the predominant driver of altitudinal variations in ecosystem multifunctionality, followed by AMF communities and climatic variables. These findings provide critical insights into the ecological functions and environmental adaptations of mycorrhizal fungi, advancing our understanding of their responses to environmental changes in mountain ecosystems and informing evidence-based conservation strategies.},
}

@article {pmid40223278,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, Y and Cai, S and Tao, Z and Peng, J and Li, D and Li, L and Cao, X and Jiang, J},
title = {Isolation of Endophytic Fungi and Effects on Secondary Metabolites in Hairy Roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza.},
journal = {Journal of microbiology and biotechnology},
volume = {35},
number = {},
pages = {e2411051},
doi = {10.4014/jmb.2411.11051},
pmid = {40223278},
issn = {1738-8872},
mesh = {*Salvia miltiorrhiza/microbiology/metabolism/growth & development ; *Plant Roots/microbiology/metabolism ; *Endophytes/isolation & purification/classification/metabolism/genetics ; *Fungi/isolation & purification/classification/metabolism/genetics ; Benzofurans/metabolism ; Cinnamates/metabolism/analysis ; *Secondary Metabolism ; Depsides/metabolism/analysis ; Polysaccharides/metabolism ; Rosmarinic Acid ; Abietanes/metabolism ; Biomass ; Plant Leaves/microbiology ; Coculture Techniques ; Plant Stems/microbiology ; },
abstract = {The slow growth rate of medicinal plants has made them unable to meet people's needs, and the use of biotechnology to obtain natural products from medicinal plants can alleviate this problem. This study isolated and identified 42 endophytic fungi from the roots, stems, and leaves of Salvia miltiorrhiza, belonging to 13 genera. The endophytic fungi that promote the accumulation of secondary metabolites in the hairy roots of S. miltiorrhiza were screened by co-culture and elicitors preparation. Among them, 15 endophytic fungi presented relatively high crude polysaccharide yields. Co-culture experiments showed that endophytic strains had different effects on the biomass and the accumulation of secondary metabolites in the hairy roots of S. miltiorrhiza, with strain KLBMPSM237 being the most effective. The contents of tanshinone I, salvianolic acid B and rosmarinic acid in the hairy roots of S. miltiorrhiza were significantly increased by KLBMPSM237 polysaccharide inducers at different concentrations. This study provides new microbial resources and technical methods for increasing the natural products in hairy roots of S. miltiorrhiza.},
}

*Salvia miltiorrhiza/microbiology/metabolism/growth & development
*Plant Roots/microbiology/metabolism
*Endophytes/isolation & purification/classification/metabolism/genetics
*Fungi/isolation & purification/classification/metabolism/genetics
Benzofurans/metabolism
Cinnamates/metabolism/analysis
*Secondary Metabolism
Depsides/metabolism/analysis
Polysaccharides/metabolism
Rosmarinic Acid
Abietanes/metabolism
Biomass
Plant Leaves/microbiology
Coculture Techniques
Plant Stems/microbiology

@article {pmid40223234,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, R and Wang, Y and Fu, S and Liao, S and Jiang, T and Zhou, B},
title = {Combining whole genome and transcriptome sequencing to analyze the pathogenic mechanism of Diplodia sapinea blight in Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica Litv.},
journal = {Virulence},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {2490216},
doi = {10.1080/21505594.2025.2490216},
pmid = {40223234},
issn = {2150-5608},
mesh = {*Plant Diseases/microbiology ; *Ascomycota/genetics/pathogenicity ; *Pinus sylvestris/microbiology ; *Transcriptome ; Gene Expression Profiling ; *Genome, Fungal ; Whole Genome Sequencing ; Protein Interaction Maps ; Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal ; },
abstract = {Diplodia sapinea (= Sphaeropsis sapinea) is an opportunistic pathogen that usually lives in symbiosis (the coexistence of dissimilar organisms) with its host and can cause disease under extreme climatic or physiological stress. In this study, we generated a high-quality genome map of D. sapinea using PacBio Circular Consensus Sequencing (CCS) technology and analysed the key disease-causing genes of D. sapinea by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). In the study, a number of cell wall degrading enzyme genes were identified to be up-regulated during pathogen infection, which may be involved in biotic stress response in P. sylvestris var. mongolica Litv. It was also found that the expression of antioxidant-related genes, such as those involved in carotenoid biosynthesis, ascorbate and glutathione metabolism, was up-regulated in the P. s. var. mongolica Litv. after fungus infection. Differently expressed genes (DEGs) -based protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed that included 163 pairs of significantly positively correlated proteins, forming three highly interacting gene clusters, and the PPI network was predicted to be associated with the replication and propagation processes of the fungus. These results provide important information for understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of Diplodia tip blight and developing control strategies in P. s. var. mongolica Litv.},
}

*Plant Diseases/microbiology
*Ascomycota/genetics/pathogenicity
*Pinus sylvestris/microbiology
*Transcriptome
Gene Expression Profiling
*Genome, Fungal
Whole Genome Sequencing
Protein Interaction Maps
Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal

@article {pmid40222783,
year = {2025},
author = {Azarfarin, M and Moradikor, N and Salatin, S and Sarailoo, M and Dadkhah, M},
title = {Stress-related neurodegenerative diseases: Molecular mechanisms implicated in neurodegeneration and therapeutic strategies.},
journal = {Progress in brain research},
volume = {291},
number = {},
pages = {253-288},
doi = {10.1016/bs.pbr.2025.01.011},
pmid = {40222783},
issn = {1875-7855},
mesh = {Humans ; *Neurodegenerative Diseases/metabolism/therapy/etiology ; *Oxidative Stress/physiology ; Animals ; *Stress, Psychological/complications/metabolism ; Mitochondria/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Chronic stress is a striking cause of major neurodegenerative diseases disorders (NDDs). These diseases share several common mechanisms regarding to disease pathology, in spite of they have various properties and clinical manifestations. NDDs are defined by progressive cognitive decline, and stress contribute to the promotion and progression of disease. In addition, various pathways such as production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial dysfunction, and neurodegeneration are the main crucial hallmarks to develop common NDDs, resulting in neuronal cell death. Although the exact mechanisms of NDDs are underexplored, the potential neuroprotective critical role of such therapies in neuronal loss the treatment of NDDs are not clear. In this regard, researchers investigate the neuroprotective effects of targeting underlying cascade to introduce a promising therapeutic option to NDDs. Herein, we provide an overview of the role of non-pharmacological treatments against oxidative stress, mitochondrial symbiosis, and neuroinflammation in NDDs, mainly discussing the music, diet, and exercise effects of targeting pathways.},
}

Humans
*Neurodegenerative Diseases/metabolism/therapy/etiology
*Oxidative Stress/physiology
Animals
*Stress, Psychological/complications/metabolism
Mitochondria/metabolism

@article {pmid40222548,
year = {2025},
author = {Watanabe, Y and Kumeta, H and Watanabe, S},
title = {Structural basis for phosphatidylcholine synthesis by bacterial phospholipid N-methyltransferases.},
journal = {The Journal of biological chemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108507},
doi = {10.1016/j.jbc.2025.108507},
pmid = {40222548},
issn = {1083-351X},
abstract = {In phosphatidylcholine (PC)-containing bacteria, PC is synthesized by phospholipid N-methyltransferases (Pmts) and plays an important role in the interactions between symbiotic and pathogenic bacteria and their eukaryotic host cells. Pmts catalyze the S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) dependent three methylation reactions of the head group of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) to form PC through monomethyl PE and dimethyl PE. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying PC biosynthesis by PmtA remain largely unclear, owing to the lack of structural information. Here, we determined the crystal structures of Agrobacterium tumefaciens Pmt (AtPmtA) in complex with S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) or 5'-methylthioadenosine. Crystal structures and NMR analysis revealed the binding mode of AtPmtA to SAH in solution. Structure-based mutational analyses showed that a conserved tyrosine residue in the substrate-binding groove is involved in methylation. Furthermore, we showed that differences in substrate specificity among Pmt homologs were determined by whether the amino acid residues comprising the substrate-binding groove were isoleucine or phenylalanine. These findings provide a structural basis for understanding the mechanisms underlying Pmts-mediated PC biosynthesis.},
}

@article {pmid40222514,
year = {2025},
author = {Xie, D and Zhang, R and Huang, J and Fei, Z and Wang, L and Zhao, J and Si, J and Jin, P},
title = {Efficient production, structural characterization and bioactivity of an extracellular polysaccharide from Grifola frondosa endophytic Burkholderia sp.},
journal = {International journal of biological macromolecules},
volume = {309},
number = {Pt 3},
pages = {143090},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.143090},
pmid = {40222514},
issn = {1879-0003},
abstract = {Endophytic bacteria Burkholderia sp. (GFB) was firstly identified and isolated from Grifola frondosa. An exopolysaccharide (GFB-MP) of GFB strain was obtained following fermentation optimization, resulting in a maximum yield of 11.36 g/L in 5 L fed-batch fermentation. GFB-MP (MW 432.05 kDa) comprised mainly galactose, glucose, and mannose with a ratio of 39.52:14.22:46.26, indicating a mannose-enriched polysaccharide. Methylation and NMR analysis revealed that GFB-MP consisted of the main chain that was repeat units →4)-α-D-Glcp-(1 → bonded →6)-β-D-Galp-1 → repeat units and three O-6-linked branched chains. Antibacterial activity suggested that GFB-MP can effectively inhibit food pathogen bacteria Listeria and Escherichia coli with inhibition ratios of 73.4 % and 81.6 %, respectively. In addition, GFB-MP exhibited remarkable growth-promoting activity on probiotics with >50 % increments of cell growth. This study demonstrates that GFB-MP has the potential for health-beneficial food. Knowledge of endophyte polysaccharides in G. frondosa is important to understand their physiological activities and symbiotic interactions.},
}

@article {pmid40222493,
year = {2025},
author = {Shi, Y and Xu, C and Xu, K and Chen, C and Li, A and Ji, B},
title = {Metabolic responses of microalgal-bacterial granular sludge to enrofloxacin and sulfamethoxazole exposure.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {132516},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132516},
pmid = {40222493},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {This study examined the removal performance and responses of the microalgal-bacterial granular sludge (MBGS) system to enrofloxacin (ENR), sulfamethoxazole (SMX), and their combination. Results showed that MBGS could achieve 73.2 % and 64.0 % removal of ENR and SMX at 1 mg/L of mixed antibiotics, while ENR severely affected organics removal (from 84.5 % to 74.7 %). Antibiotic exposure could raise reactive oxygen species levels, which disrupted cellular structures and energy metabolism. ENR had the most significant disruptive effect, markedly reducing the abundance of Oscillatoriales and impairing their interactions with other taxa. In contrast, Xanthomonadales and Micrococcales were essential for sustaining energy metabolism under ENR stress, while Hyphomicrobiales demonstrated strong adaptability to these antibiotics. Notably, the combination of ENR and SMX mitigated oxidative stress, facilitating the growth of Rhodospirillales and Chloroflexales. These findings provide insight into microbial adaptation mechanisms under antibiotic pressure and offer guidance for optimizing wastewater treatment strategies in antibiotic-polluted environments.},
}

@article {pmid40222285,
year = {2025},
author = {Shen, D and Su, L and Ding, H and Long, Y and Hui, C},
title = {Study on the growth and decline patterns and environmental drivers of pathogens during the stabilization process of simulated landfilling municipal solid waste.},
journal = {Waste management (New York, N.Y.)},
volume = {201},
number = {},
pages = {114791},
doi = {10.1016/j.wasman.2025.114791},
pmid = {40222285},
issn = {1879-2456},
abstract = {Waste and leachate in landfills are substantial reservoirs of pathogens, however information about the risk of pathogen contamination during the stabilization process under different landfill conditions is very limited. In this study, dynamic changes of culturable pathogens, bacteria community, and human bacterial pathogens (HBPs) during the stabilization process under different landfill conditions were investigated, and the environmental drivers were explored. Results showed that total coliforms, Enterococcus, and Staphylococcus aureus were the dominant pathogens detected in waste and leachate samples. During the landfill stabilization process, the concentration of culturable pathogens peaked at the hydrolysis-acidification stage (3.6 × 10[5] CFU·g[-1]) in the anaerobic condition, fluctuated from 4.18 × 10[4] to 5.35 × 10[5] CFU·g[-1] in the anaerobic leachate-recirculation condition, and kept rising (from 4.18 × 10[4] to 2.12 × 10[6] CFU·g[-1]) in the micro-aerobic condition. Moreover, HBPs abundance and diversity in the waste and leachate under micro-aerobic conditions were higher than those under the other two conditions, suggesting a higher risk of pathogen contamination. Sulfate and pH were significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with the composition of bacterial communities and HBPs, likely serving as the major environmental driving factors. Additionally, the interactions between HBPs and functional bacterial groups tended towards cooperative symbiotic relationships, with hydrolytic-acidogenic bacteria promoting the growth and proliferation of most pathogens. These findings will help to understand the changes and environmental drivers of pathogens during landfill stabilization, which will provide a theoretical basis for the risk prevention and control of pathogens in waste disposal.},
}

@article {pmid40221798,
year = {2025},
author = {Chiu, L and Guo, JL and Li, HW and Chang, HJ and Yang, SH and Dufour, S and Chang, CF and Tseng, YC and Wu, GC},
title = {Microbial diversity and pigment synthesis in the accessory nidamental gland: species-specific and color-associated patterns in bigfin reef squid (Sepioteuthis lessoniana).},
journal = {Animal microbiome},
volume = {7},
number = {1},
pages = {36},
pmid = {40221798},
issn = {2524-4671},
support = {The Featured Areas Research Center Program within the framework of the Higher Education Sprout Project//Ministry of Education/ ; NSTC 111-2326-B-019-001-MY3//National Science and Technology Council/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: In certain cephalopod species, two distinct symbiotic organs host large populations of microorganisms: the light organ, regulated by the daily cycle, and the accessory nidamental gland (ANG), regulated by the female reproductive cycle. While host-microbiota interactions in the light organ of the bobtail squid are well understood, the dynamics within the ANG remain largely unexplored. This study uses the bigfin reef squid, Sepioteuthis lessoniana, as a model to investigate the microbiomes associated with specific regions of the ANG, capitalizing on its relatively large gland size compared to the bobtail squid. Our goal was to characterize species-specific microbiomes in the ANG and explore how pigmented region-dependent microbes contribute to reproductive fitness in bigfin reef squid.

RESULTS: Histological results indicate that four types of epithelial cells were observed in the secondary tubules of inner ANG layer. Using an amplicon-based approach, we found that Alphaproteobacteria were highly abundant in different cephalopod species. Beta diversity analyses revealed significant interspecies differences in microbiomes, while alpha diversity showed that the bigfin reef squid harbored a richer bacterial community than the other two species. Notably, pigmented regions of the ANG exhibited lower microbial diversity compared to whole ANG tissues, with Alphaproteobacteria significantly enriched in these regions. Hyphomicrobiaceae (Alphaproteobacteria) were unique to the orange regions, while Fodinicurvataceae (Alphaproteobacteria) and Flavobacteriaceae (Bacteroidia) were exclusive to the white regions. qPCR results showed higher transcription levels of immune response-associated genes in the orange region compared to other pigmented regions, suggesting localized immune interactions.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that Alphaproteobacteria, particularly the Hyphomicrobiaceae clade, may correlated to the synthesis orange pigmentation in the ANG of the bigfin reef squid. The roles of Hyphomicrobiaceae in ANG symbiosis and reproductive fitness still needs further investigation. With this knowledge, we propose further investigations using in situ hybridization to detect host-expressed genes and pigmented region-dependent bacteria as markers. This approach will facilitate the study of localized host-microbiota interactions in distinct pigmented regions of the ANG, providing deeper insights into the mechanism of host-microbe communication.},
}

@article {pmid40220671,
year = {2025},
author = {Gu, L and Li, S and Zhou, L and Yuan, F and Zhang, T and Wang, Y and Liu, T and Li, M and Zhang, Z and Guo, X},
title = {Ecophysiological and transcriptional landscapes of arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi enhancing yield, quality, and stalk rot resistance in Anoectochilus roxburghii.},
journal = {Plant physiology and biochemistry : PPB},
volume = {223},
number = {},
pages = {109885},
doi = {10.1016/j.plaphy.2025.109885},
pmid = {40220671},
issn = {1873-2690},
abstract = {Anoectochilus roxburghii (Wall.) Lindl. (A. roxburghii) is an increasingly popular medicinal herb. Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) fungi, known for their symbiotic relationships with plant roots, enhance nutrient uptake and disease resistance in host plants. However, their specific regulatory mechanisms in A. roxburghii are not fully understood. In this study, Fujian A. roxburghii was inoculated with the AM fungus Glomus intraradices, and successful root colonization was observed. Following AM fungal colonization, there was a significant upregulation of photosynthesis-related genes in the stems, accompanied by improved canopy phenotypes and root architecture. Consequently, AM-inoculated plants exhibited increased fresh and dry biomass, as well as elevated levels of polysaccharides and flavonoids. Additionally, the incidence of Fusarium oxysporum-induced stalk rot was reduced in AM-inoculated plants. Analysis of defense-related enzymes indicated that AM-inoculated plants exhibited a rapid and robust response to pathogen infection, mitigating oxidative stress. Transcriptomic analysis revealed significant upregulation of genes associated "Fatty acid degradation", "MAPK signaling pathway-plant", and "Plant-pathogen interaction", suggesting their involvement in enhanced disease resistance. A regulatory network centered on ACX1 and calmodulin, involving multiple transcription factors such as WRKY, bHLH, ERF, NAC, and HSF, was implicated in defense responses. These findings demonstrated the beneficial effects of AM fungi on yield, quality, and disease resistance in A. roxburghii, providing a theoretical foundation for its cultivation and genetic improvement.},
}

@article {pmid40220559,
year = {2025},
author = {Vaccaro, F and Bettini, PP and Courty, PE and Mengoni, A and Passeri, I and Sarrocco, S and Fagorzi, C},
title = {Toward deciphering the molecular dialogue in the rhizomicrobiota: Transcriptomic profiling of Trichoderma in rhizobia interaction.},
journal = {Microbiological research},
volume = {297},
number = {},
pages = {128180},
doi = {10.1016/j.micres.2025.128180},
pmid = {40220559},
issn = {1618-0623},
abstract = {Microbial interactions are of key importance for the emergent properties of microbiota and ecosystems, playing a pivotal role in plant health, growth, and productivity. This study explores the interactions between soil fungi and rhizosphere bacteria, focusing specifically on fungi belonging to the genus Trichoderma and the plant symbiotic bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti. Our aim is to provide evidence of the impact of different strains of the same bacterial species on the fungus. By analysing the effects of four S. meliloti strains on gene expression of T. velutinum, we revealed the presence of several differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (from 139 to 254 genes) indicating a remodelling of its metabolism and growth. Remarkably, the majority of the DEGs (∼90 %) could not be assigned to function, indicating the presence of a large genetic "unknown space" potentially involved in fungal-bacterial interactions. Moreover, results indicated that transcriptomic profiles of T. velutinum significantly changed with respect to the four S. meliloti strains, suggesting the ability of the fungus to perceive the presence of specific bacterial strains. Our study emphasizes that strain specificity of microbial interactions could play crucial role in shaping microbiota functions, and highlights their potential impact on the success of bioinoculants.},
}

@article {pmid40220175,
year = {2025},
author = {Mazumder, S and Bhattacharya, D and Lahiri, D and Nag, M},
title = {Rhizobacteria and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) Community in Growth Management and Mitigating Stress in Millets: A Plant-Soil Microbe Symbiotic Relationship.},
journal = {Current microbiology},
volume = {82},
number = {6},
pages = {242},
pmid = {40220175},
issn = {1432-0991},
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology ; *Soil Microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; Rhizosphere ; Stress, Physiological ; Plant Roots/microbiology ; Bacteria/classification/metabolism/genetics ; },
abstract = {Millets, commonly referred to as the "future crop," provide a practical solution for addressing hunger and reducing the impact of climate change. The nutritional and physiological well-being of soil is crucial for the survival and resilience of plants while countering environmental stressors, both abiotic and biotic, that arise from the current climate change scenario. The health and production of millet are directly influenced by the soil microbial community. Millets have several plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria such as Pseudomonas, Azotobacter, Bacillus, Rhizobium, and fungi like Penicillium sp., that increase nutrient uptake, growth, and productivity and protect against abiotic and biotic stressors. Rhizobacteria enhance plant productivity by many mechanisms, including the release of plant hormones and secondary metabolic compounds, the conversion of nutrients into soluble forms, the ability to fix nitrogen, and the provision of resistance to both biotic and abiotic stresses. The microbial populations in the rhizosphere have a significant impact on the growth and production of millet such as enhancing soil fertility and plant nourishment. Additionally, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi invade the roots of millets. The taxon Glomus is the most prevalent in association with millet plant soil, followed by Acaulospora, Funneliformis, and Rhizophagus. The symbiotic relationship between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and millet plants improves plant growth and nutrient absorption under diverse soil and environmental circumstances, including challenging abiotic factors like drought and salinity.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology
*Soil Microbiology
*Symbiosis
Rhizosphere
Stress, Physiological
Plant Roots/microbiology
Bacteria/classification/metabolism/genetics

@article {pmid40219166,
year = {2025},
author = {Ji, Z and Dong, Q and Yang, R and Qin, W and Peng, Y and Jia, Y},
title = {From Ordinary to Extraordinary: The Crucial Role of Common Species in Desert Plant Community Stability with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) Fungi Under Increased Precipitation.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {40219166},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {32101304//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32460321//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 42207372//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Climate change is altering precipitation patterns in Central Asia's arid zones, destabilizing desert ecosystems. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, key soil microorganisms forming symbiosis with most plants, critically maintain ecosystem stability, yet their mechanisms in regulating individual plant species to sustain community stability remain unclear. We conducted a 5-year in situ experiment in the Gurbantunggut Desert, testing how AM fungi influence desert plant community stability under increased precipitation. Using a randomized block design with three treatments-control (CK), increased precipitation (W), and precipitation with Benomyl fungicide (BW)-we monitored plant community dynamics. We discovered that both increased precipitation and AM fungi altered plant community structure without affecting diversity. Precipitation boosted aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) and density, enhancing community stability via dominant species (e.g., Meniocus linifolius), supporting the mass ratio hypothesis. AM fungi further stabilized the community by increasing ANPP and enhancing the common species stability under increased precipitation, while the contribution of rare species was also non-negligible, aligning with the subordinate insurance hypothesis. Overall, our study elucidates how increased precipitation and AM fungi regulate plant community stability at the species level. Specifically, it overcomes key gaps by revealing AM fungi's pivotal role in stabilizing communities through sustaining common species stability.},
}

@article {pmid40219157,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, M and Shi, C and Wang, C and Yao, Y and He, J},
title = {Metabolic Regulation and Saline-Alkali Stress Response in Novel Symbionts of Epichloë bromicola-Bromus inermis.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {40219157},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {23XJTRZW07//Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Soil and Plant Ecological Processes/ ; },
abstract = {Epichloë endophytic fungi are important microbial resources in agriculture and animal husbandry. Because of their stable symbiosis, species transmission, and positive effects on host plants, the use of endophytic fungi in grass breeding is of great significance. In this study, six inoculation methods were used, including the sterile seedling slit inoculation method, sterile seedling cut inoculation method, sterile seedling injection inoculation method, seed soaking inoculation method, seed piercing and then soaking inoculation method, and seed slit inoculation method. Spectrometry was used to construct new symbionts, and Liquid Chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to analyze the effects of endophytic fungi on the metabolism of new hosts. The physiological response of the new symbionts to salt and alkali stress was studied using a pot experiment. The results were as follows: In this study, Epichloë bromicola was successfully inoculated into Bromus inermis via the sterile seedling slit inoculation method, and new symbionts (EI) were obtained; the vaccination rate was 2.1%. Metabolites up-regulated by EI are significantly enriched in citrate cycle and ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, suggesting that the symbiosis of endophytic fungi indirectly triggers the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through multiple metabolic pathways. The saline-alkali stress test showed that the host antioxidant system was active after inoculation, and the total antioxidant capacity was significantly increased compared with non-symbionts (EF) under mild stress (p < 0.05), which provided important clues to reveal the complex mechanism of plant-fungus symbiosis. This study provides practical guidance and a theoretical basis for plant adaptation under climate change, health management of grass seeds, and soil improvement through endophytic fungi.},
}

@article {pmid40219154,
year = {2025},
author = {Utgés-Minguell, L and Sierras-Serra, N and Marín, C and Pintó-Marijuan, M},
title = {Enhanced Production by Terra-Sorb[®] Symbiotic Biostimulant in Two Model Species Under Nitrogen Stress.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {40219154},
issn = {2223-7747},
abstract = {The increasing soil pollution has accelerated the implementation of new agricultural regulations that significantly limit the use of synthetic nitrogen (N) fertilizers. Consequently, plants are likely to experience nutrient stress, leading to decreased productivity and potential threats to food security. To address these critical challenges, microbial-based biostimulant (BS) products, which utilize metabolites from microorganisms, offer a sustainable and eco-friendly solution to mitigate plant nutrient stress. This study evaluated the effects of the radicular application of a microbial-based BS containing L-α-amino acids on lettuce and pepper crops under two nitrogen regimes: optimal N availability and N stress (NS). Various parameters, including growth, production, soluble proteins, photosynthetic pigment content, and oxidative stress markers, were assessed. Under optimal N conditions, BS application enhanced commercial biomass in lettuce and vegetative biomass in pepper, indicating that BSs can reduce the need for nitrate uptake and endogenous amino acid synthesis, thereby conserving energy for other physiological processes. Despite BS application, NS conditions significantly reduced vegetative and reproductive growth in both species. However, BS treatment in pepper plants increased chloroplast pigments, improving light absorption and photosynthetic efficiency. The reduction in the carotenoid/chlorophyll ratio suggests efficient N allocation to growth and production. Thus, BS application proved effective in mitigating NS in pepper plants, enhancing pepper production, while under optimal conditions, it improved lettuce yield, particularly commercial biomass. These findings underscore the potential of symbiotic microbial-based BSs as a promising tool for sustainable agriculture under reduced N availability.},
}

@article {pmid40219116,
year = {2025},
author = {Catania, MDV and Albornoz, PL and Rausch, AO and Ledesma, TM and Dong, S and Cai, Y and Zeng, Y and Liu, Y and Suárez, GM and Moreno, JE},
title = {Discovery of Arbuscular Mycorrhizae in Mosses of the Pottiaceae Family from the Chaco Serrano (Tucumán, Argentina).},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {40219116},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {PICT2018-0650 and PICT2020-0110//AGENCIA I+D+I/ ; 50620190100039LI//Universidad Nacional del Litoral/ ; 11220220100177CO//CONICET/ ; G744//Universidad Nacional de Tucumán/ ; },
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are symbiotic fungi that associate with the vast majority of terrestrial plants. Among non-vascular plants, while AMF associations are well-documented in liverworts and hornworts, there is a broad consensus that symbiotic associations do not occur in mosses. Here, we report the presence of AMF in the living material of mosses found in Chaco Serrano (Tucumán, Argentina). We found all characteristic structures of AMF when establishing an intimate connection with two moss species of Pottiaceae (Bryophyta). While Gertrudiella uncinicoma exhibited AMF with both Arum- and Paris-type morphologies, Pleurochaete luteola only displayed an Arum-type morphology. Plant tissue samples were subjected to high-throughput sequencing for AMF identification. We determined that Rhizophagus irregularis was a clear dominant species in both moss species, with Glomus sp. also being present as a less abundant element. In addition, we also reported the presence of vesicles, arbuscules, and spores adhered to the hyphae and the presence of septate endophytes. This finding expands our understanding of the interactions between AMF and non-vascular plants and prompt us to further characterize this interaction by considering the diversity of mycorrhizal associations with concurrent implications for the ecology of mosses and the functionality of the ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid40218980,
year = {2025},
author = {Slöcker-Barrio, M and López-Herce Cid, J and Solana-García, MJ},
title = {The Interplay Between Nutrition and Microbiota and the Role of Probiotics and Symbiotics in Pediatric Infectious Diseases.},
journal = {Nutrients},
volume = {17},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {40218980},
issn = {2072-6643},
mesh = {Humans ; *Probiotics/therapeutic use/administration & dosage ; Child ; *Communicable Diseases/microbiology/therapy/immunology ; Prebiotics/administration & dosage ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Dietary Supplements ; *Nutritional Status ; *Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena ; Immunocompromised Host ; },
abstract = {The interplay between nutrition and infectious diseases has been a central theme in health sciences for the last decades due to its great impact on the pediatric population, especially in immunocompromised patients and critically ill children. As conventional treatment and the development of antimicrobials for most infections standard treatment is either limited or not possible, alternative treatment options should be explored. Recent research shows that early enteral nutrition and nutritional supplements (such as probiotics and symbiotics) could have a pivotal role in promoting a healthy microbiome and subsequently preventing and improving outcomes for certain pediatric infectious diseases. However, understanding the specific mechanism of action and tailoring nutritional interventions remains a significant challenge. The optimal dose range for different probiotic strains and prebiotics and the most effective combination for each treatment indication needs further investigation and is yet to be defined. Additionally, in the era of personalized medicine, goal- and patient-directed treatment are key to optimizing and improving outcomes and minimizing potential complications and side effects, especially in complex and immunocompromised patients. The main objectives of this narrative review are 1. to explore the relationship and the complex interactions between microbiota and the human immune system; 2. to describe the influence of nutrition on infectious diseases; 3. to evaluate the impact of supplementation with probiotics and symbiotics in the prevention and treatment of the most relevant infections in children; and 4. to identify knowledge gaps and potential research priorities regarding the use of these supplements in pediatric patients.},
}

Humans
*Probiotics/therapeutic use/administration & dosage
Child
*Communicable Diseases/microbiology/therapy/immunology
Prebiotics/administration & dosage
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Dietary Supplements
*Nutritional Status
*Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
Immunocompromised Host

@article {pmid40218328,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, Z and Wang, Y and He, Z and Wu, S and Wang, S and Zhao, N and Zhu, W and Jiang, J and Wang, S},
title = {Research Status and Prospect of Amphibian Symbiotic Microbiota.},
journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI},
volume = {15},
number = {7},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ani15070934},
pmid = {40218328},
issn = {2076-2615},
support = {2022M723135//China Postdoctoral Science Foundation/ ; 31901120 and 31700320//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Amphibians are the most severely threatened vertebrate group in terms of biodiversity. The microbiota that coexist in a mutualistic relationship with amphibians play a crucial role in shaping their health status, reproductive efficiency, and environmental adaptability. Understanding the relationship between amphibians and microbiota is vital for elucidating the causes of amphibian diseases and developing effective prevention and control techniques, which in turn is significant for enhancing the effectiveness of amphibian diversity conservation. The main findings of this article are as follows: Firstly, it provides an overview of the systematic assessment and analysis methods regarding the importance of amphibians and their symbiotic microbiota, detailing the primary research techniques currently employed. Secondly, it discusses the impacts of environmental and biological factors on the characteristics of amphibian symbiotic microbial communities, including dimensions such as altitude, temperature fluctuations, and host dietary habits. Finally, the future directions of research on amphibian symbiotic microbiota are examined, with five recommendations presented: (1) Establish a comprehensive sample library and database of amphibians and their symbiotic microbiota to create a solid foundation for scientific research. (2) Explore the coevolutionary paths between amphibians and symbiotic microbiota to clarify the dynamic evolutionary patterns and principles of their interactions. (3) Strengthen research on specific areas of amphibians, especially the microbial communities in the oral cavity and cloaca. (4) Enhance research on the symbiotic microbiota of the Gymnophiona. (5) Strengthen international cooperation to build cross-border research platforms and jointly promote the rapid development of global amphibian symbiotic microbiology. This article summarizes the current research progress on the interaction between amphibians and their symbiotic microbiota (not necessarily mutualistic). It discusses the conservation of amphibian biodiversity from the perspective of their symbiotic microbial communities and provides a forward-looking analysis of future research directions. It aims to provide rich background information for understanding the complexity of this symbiotic system, while also having significant value in enhancing the effectiveness of amphibian biodiversity conservation.},
}

@article {pmid40212385,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, X and Deng, B and Lu, S and Wang, C and Liang, Y and Liu, S},
title = {Differences in rhizospheric microbial communities between cultivated and wild endangered Glyptostrobus pensilis.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1548836},
pmid = {40212385},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Glyptostrobus pensilis is an endangered species belonging to the Cupressaceae family. The comprehensive examination of soil characteristics and rhizosphere microbial communities is vital for conservation efforts, as it provides insights into the necessary environmental conditions for safeguarding and ensuring the viability of rare and endangered species. In this study, the diversity and composition of bacterial and fungal communities were compared in the roots and rhizosphere soils of cultivated and wild G. pensilis in Guangxi, China. The results revealed that, at the phylum level, the rhizosphere of cultivated G. pensilis was significantly enriched with Verrucomicrobiota, Acidobacteriota, Glomeromycota, and Chloroflexi, while wild G. pensilis was significantly enriched with Planctomycetota, Basidiomycota, and Ascomycota. Symbiotic network analysis indicated that the bacterial network in the cultivated G. pensilis rhizosphere had higher edge values, average degree, clustering coefficient, and network density, while the fungal network in the wild G. pensilis rhizosphere had higher node values, edge values, average degree, and clustering coefficient. Moreover, functional prediction results suggested that bacteria in cultivated G. pensilis showed higher metabolic activity, with fungi primarily acted as saprotrophs and symbionts. In contrast, bacteria in wild G. pensilis displayed lower metabolic activity, with fungi predominantly functioning as saprotrophs. The analysis linking rhizospheric microbial diversity to soil environmental factors showed a closer association for the wild G. pensilis microbial community, suggesting a stronger influence of soil environmental factors. The Random Forest (RF) highlighted that the total phosphorus and total potassium levels were key influencing factors for rhizospheric microbes in cultivated G. pensilis, while available potassium levels were crucial for those in wild G. pensilis. These differences underscore the significant strategies for G. pensilis in adapting to different habitats, which may be intricately linked to land management practices and soil environmental factors. Among these, phosphorus and potassium are significantly associated with the rhizosphere microorganisms of G. pensilis. Therefore, continuous monitoring of nutrient availability and regular supplementation of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers in the rhizosphere are recommended during the cultivation and ex-situ conservation of G. pensilis.},
}

@article {pmid40212382,
year = {2025},
author = {Cheng, Y and Jiang, X and He, X and Wu, Z and Lv, Q and Zhao, S and Zhang, X and Wang, S and He, H and Liu, J},
title = {Bacillus velezensis 20507 promotes symbiosis between Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA110 and soybean by secreting flavonoids.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1572568},
pmid = {40212382},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: While co-inoculation with rhizobia and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can enhance soybean growth and nodulation, the interaction mechanisms between Bacillus velezensis 20507 and Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA110 under varying nitrogen (N) supply levels (0-10 mmol/L) remain unclear. This study investigates how their synergistic interactions influence soybean nitrogen content per plant and molecular pathways.

METHODS: Soybean plants were co-inoculated with B. velezensis and B. japonicum across four N levels. Nodulation, plant growth, physiology, and N content were quantified. Transcriptome sequencing of soybean roots under N deficiency compared single and co-inoculation treatments. Flavonoids in B. velezensis fermentation broth were identified via mass spectrometry, and rutin's regulatory effects on B. japonicum nodulation genes (NodD1/NodD2) were tested in coculture.

RESULTS: Co-inoculation significantly increased nodulation, biomass, and N content per plant compared to single inoculations across all N levels. Under N deficiency, co-inoculation induced 5,367 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment in phenylpropanoid (ko00940) and flavonoid biosynthesis (ko00941). B. velezensis produced 29 flavonoids and 4 isoflavonoids (including rutin). Rutin (5-10 mg/L) upregulated NodD1 and suppressed NodD2 in B. japonicum.

DISCUSSION: B. velezensis enhances B. japonicum-soybean symbiosis via flavonoid secretion, particularly rutin, which modulates nodulation gene expression. This metabiotic interaction improves soybean N assimilation and growth, even under low N conditions. The findings provide a foundation for designing composite inoculants to optimize soybean yield and nitrogen-use efficiency.},
}

@article {pmid40211145,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, X and Wang, Z and Li, J and Struik, PC and Jiang, S and Jin, K and Mu, H},
title = {How do arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi enhance drought resistance of Leymus chinensis?.},
journal = {BMC plant biology},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {453},
pmid = {40211145},
issn = {1471-2229},
support = {32071861//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology ; *Droughts ; *Poaceae/microbiology/physiology/growth & development ; Symbiosis ; *Glomeromycota/physiology ; Stress, Physiological ; Drought Resistance ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Leymus chinensis is a vital, dominant grass species in Eurasian temperate grasslands, including the Inner Mongolian steppe. L. chinensis exhibits enhanced drought tolerance through symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). The physiological mechanisms behind this drought resistance need to be unraveled. A pot experiment was conducted with four inoculation treatments (inoculation with Funneliformis mosseae, with Claroideoglomus etunicatum, or with both, and no inoculation) and three drought treatments (no drought (75.00% field capacity), mild drought (56.25% field capacity), severe drought (37.50% field capacity)) to analyze how AMF enhance drought resistance of L. chinensis.

RESULTS: The results showed that drought stress inhibited the growth of L. chinensis, depending on its intensity, whereas AMF inoculation significantly improved growth and alleviated the effects of drought stress. Regardless of drought conditions, AMF inoculation significantly enhanced key biochemistry parameters, including soluble sugar concentration and antioxidant enzyme activities, ultimately promoting plant productivity. Structural equation models (SEMs) further showed that the increase in biomass of L. chinensis inoculated with AMF during mild drought was primarily due to reduced catalase activity and increased cytokinin concentration by increased soluble sugar concentration. However, under severe drought, the increase in biomass of L. chinensis inoculated with AMF was associated with increased soluble sugar concentration caused by increased peroxidase activity and reduced cytokinin concentration.

CONCLUSIONS: The mechanisms by which AMF enhance the drought resistance of L. chinensis vary depending on the severity of drought. AMF increase the soluble sugar concentration by enhancing photosynthetic activity to improve drought resistance under mild drought. Under severe drought conditions, AMF enhance the concentration of soluble sugars in L. chinensis by further activating the expression of antioxidant enzyme genes, thereby improving its drought resistance. Additionally, C. etunicatum maintains high ectomycelium by requiring less carbon sources to efficiently absorb the residual soil moisture under severe drought, thus superiorly enhancing the drought resistance of L. chinensis. This study provides a theoretical foundation for the application of AMF fertilizer to improve the productivity of L. chinensis in arid grasslands.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology
*Droughts
*Poaceae/microbiology/physiology/growth & development
Symbiosis
*Glomeromycota/physiology
Stress, Physiological
Drought Resistance

@article {pmid40210669,
year = {2025},
author = {Mocăniță, M and Martz, K and D'Costa, VM},
title = {Characterizing host-microbe interactions with bacterial effector proteins using proximity-dependent biotin identification (BioID).},
journal = {Communications biology},
volume = {8},
number = {1},
pages = {597},
pmid = {40210669},
issn = {2399-3642},
support = {DGECR-2019-00088//Gouvernement du Canada | Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (Conseil de Recherches en Sciences Naturelles et en Génie du Canada)/ ; },
mesh = {*Bacterial Proteins/metabolism ; *Biotin/metabolism ; Humans ; *Host Microbial Interactions ; *Host-Pathogen Interactions ; *Bacteria/metabolism/pathogenicity ; *Virulence Factors/metabolism ; Animals ; },
abstract = {Bacterial pathogens have evolved diverse strategies to manipulate host cells to establish infection. At a molecular level, this is often mediated by virulence factors that are secreted into host cells (herein referred to as effectors), which target host cellular pathways by initiating host-pathogen protein-protein interactions that alter cellular function in the host. By establishing this network of host-pathogen protein-protein interactions, pathogenic bacteria modulate and hijack host cell processes for the benefit of the pathogen, ultimately promoting survival, replication, and cell-to-cell spread within the host. Effector proteins also mediate diverse host-microbe interactions in nature, contributing to symbiotic relationships spanning from mutualism to commensalism to parasitism. While effector proteins play crucial roles in nature, molecular properties such as the transient nature of the underlying protein-protein interactions and their affinity for targeting host biological membranes often presents challenges to elucidating host targets and mechanism of action. Proximity-dependent biotin identification (termed BioID) has proven to be a valuable tool in the field of cell biology to identify candidate protein-protein interactions in eukaryotic cells, yet has remained relatively underexploited by bacterial pathogenesis researchers. Here, we discuss bacterial effector function at a molecular level, and challenges presented by traditional approaches to host target identification. We highlight the BioID approach and its potential strengths in the context of identifying host-pathogen protein-protein interactions, and explore BioID's implementation to study host-microbe interactions mediated by bacteria. Collectively, BioID represents a powerful tool for the study of bacterial effector proteins, providing new insight into our understanding of pathogenesis and other symbiotic relationships, and opportunities to identify new factors that contribute to host response to infection.},
}

*Bacterial Proteins/metabolism
*Biotin/metabolism
Humans
*Host Microbial Interactions
*Host-Pathogen Interactions
*Bacteria/metabolism/pathogenicity
*Virulence Factors/metabolism
Animals

@article {pmid40210400,
year = {2025},
author = {Wei, Y and Chen, Y and Lin, X and Zhang, S and Zhu, B and Ji, C},
title = {Integrated transcriptome and proteome analysis unveils black tea polyphenols metabolic pathways in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.},
journal = {Food microbiology},
volume = {130},
number = {},
pages = {104777},
doi = {10.1016/j.fm.2025.104777},
pmid = {40210400},
issn = {1095-9998},
mesh = {*Polyphenols/metabolism/chemistry ; *Saccharomyces cerevisiae/metabolism/genetics ; *Proteome/genetics/metabolism ; Fermentation ; *Tea/microbiology/chemistry/metabolism ; Metabolic Networks and Pathways ; *Transcriptome ; Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Proteomics ; Kombucha Tea/microbiology ; Camellia sinensis ; },
abstract = {Kombucha is a fermented beverage produced through the fermentation of sweetened tea by a symbiotic community of bacteria and yeasts (SCOBY). Microbial fermentation in kombucha increases low-molecular-weight polyphenols contents, effectively improving the bioavailability and antioxidant properties. However, the biotransformation pathways of polymerized polyphenols remain poorly understood. This study combines polyphenol dynamics with transcriptomic and proteomic analyses to elucidate the metabolic pathways in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a yeast frequently found in kombucha, during black tea broth fermentation. Firstly, profiles of polyphenols, particularly catechins were analyzed and key points of polyphenol changes kinetics were identified, then transcriptome and proteome of S. cerevisiae were examined. The overall omics data profile indicated the reduction in protein synthesis in S. cerevisiae, reflecting a shift in resource allocation, with energy focused more on metabolic activities rather than on growth. Specifically, enzymes related to biotransformation of polymerized polyphenols and hydrolyzing of glycoside polyphenols were extracted. For polymeric polyphenols, the upregulation of peroxidases (CCP1) and multicopper oxidases (FET3) suggests their role in the degradation of organic aromatic compounds. They also showed a strong correlation with catechin changes. Additionally, S. cerevisiae enzymes like monooxygenase (COQ6) likely contribute to the reductive cleavage of the O1-C2 bond in the C-ring of flavan-3-ols. Enzymes such as NADPH dehydrogenase 3 (OYE3) may be involved in catechin degradation in the later stages of fermentation. In addition, glycoside hydrolases, involved in breaking glycosidic bonds in polyphenol glycosides, were also identified. Based on these findings, the tea polyphenol biotransformation pathways in S. cerevisiae were mapped. This research provides a foundation for uncovering polyphenol metabolism pathways in starter cultures, designing new cultures to achieve predictable polyphenol profiles in kombucha, and enhancing its health benefits.},
}

*Polyphenols/metabolism/chemistry
*Saccharomyces cerevisiae/metabolism/genetics
*Proteome/genetics/metabolism
Fermentation
*Tea/microbiology/chemistry/metabolism
Metabolic Networks and Pathways
*Transcriptome
Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Proteomics
Kombucha Tea/microbiology
Camellia sinensis

@article {pmid40209752,
year = {2025},
author = {Akl, E and Dyrba, M and Görß, D and Schumacher, J and Weber, MA},
title = {MRI for diagnosing dementia - update 2025.},
journal = {RoFo : Fortschritte auf dem Gebiete der Rontgenstrahlen und der Nuklearmedizin},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1055/a-2563-0725},
pmid = {40209752},
issn = {1438-9010},
abstract = {Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a crucial role alongside clinical and neuropsychological assessments in diagnosing dementia. The recent and ongoing advancements in MRI technology have significantly enhanced the detection and characterization of the specific neurostructural changes seen in various neurodegenerative diseases, thereby significantly increasing the precision of diagnosis. Within this context of perpetual evolution, this review article explores the recent advances in MRI with regard to diagnosing dementia.A retrospective literature review was conducted by searching the PubMed and ScienceDirect databases for the keywords "dementia", "imaging", and "MRI". The inclusion criteria were scientific papers in English that revolved around the role of MRI as a diagnostic tool in the field of dementia. A specific time frame was not determined but the focus was on current articles, with an overall of 20 articles dating from the last 6 years (after 2018), corresponding to 55% of the total number of articles.This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest advances in the radiologic diagnosis of dementia using MRI, with a particular focus on the last 6 years. Technical aspects of image acquisition for clinical and research purposes are discussed. MRI findings typical of dementia are described. The findings are divided into non-specific findings of dementia and characteristic findings for certain dementia subtypes. This provides information about possible causes of dementia. In addition, developed scoring systems that support MRI findings are presented, including the MTA score for Alzheimer's disease with corresponding illustrative figures.The symbiosis of clinical evaluation with high-field MRI methodologies enhances dementia diagnosis and offers a holistic and nuanced understanding of structural brain changes associated with dementia and its various subtypes. The latest advances, mainly involving the emergence of ultra-high-field (7T) MRI, despite having limited use in clinical practice, mark a pragmatic shift in the field of research. · High-field MRI (3T) and specialized sequences allow for the detection of early structural changes indicative of dementia.. · Characteristic neuroanatomical MRI patterns enable the differentiation between various subtypes of dementia.. · Established scales provide added value to the quantification and categorization of MRI findings in dementia.. · Akl E, Dyrba M, Görß D et al. MRI for diagnosing dementia - update 2024. Rofo 2025; DOI 10.1055/a-2563-0725.},
}

@article {pmid40209669,
year = {2025},
author = {Luo, M and Song, X},
title = {Phyto-metabolites on guard: Role of gut microbial deglycosylation.},
journal = {Cell host & microbe},
volume = {33},
number = {4},
pages = {451-453},
doi = {10.1016/j.chom.2025.03.011},
pmid = {40209669},
issn = {1934-6069},
mesh = {*Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Humans ; *Bacteroides/metabolism/enzymology ; *Glycosides/metabolism ; Glycosylation ; Symbiosis ; *Plants/metabolism/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Plant phenolic glycosides are thought to be beneficial for human health. In a recent issue of Cell, Kuziel et al. identified that Bacteroides species, the dominant symbiotic bacteria in the gut, harbor a unique multi-enzyme system that processes dietary plant glycosides into various aglycone metabolites with antimicrobial or immunomodulatory activities.},
}

*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Humans
*Bacteroides/metabolism/enzymology
*Glycosides/metabolism
Glycosylation
Symbiosis
*Plants/metabolism/chemistry

@article {pmid40208324,
year = {2025},
author = {Mazzella, V and Zahn, G and Dell'Anno, A and Pons, LN},
title = {Marine Mycobiomes Colonize Mediterranean Sponge Hosts in a Random Fashion.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {88},
number = {1},
pages = {25},
pmid = {40208324},
issn = {1432-184X},
support = {C63C22000520001//National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP)/ ; C63C22000520001//National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP)/ ; C63C22000520001//National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Porifera/microbiology ; *Fungi/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Mediterranean Sea ; *Mycobiome ; *Seawater/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; Biodiversity ; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic ; DNA, Fungal/genetics ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Marine sponges are widespread, sessile, filter-feeding animals, known for living in association with complex prokaryotic communities structured by host species. Though marine fungi are ubiquitous across marine environments, little is known about sponge-associated fungal communities (mycobiome). Indeed, aside from a few studies based on the isolation of fungal strains for biotechnological purposes, little information is available to understand the diversity and structure of sponge mycobiome. Here, a metabarcoding approach based on the ITS1 marker was applied to examine the structure and composition of fungal communities associated with four Mediterranean sponges. The species: Petrosia ficiformis, Chondrosia reniformis, Crambe crambe, and Chondrilla nucula were analyzed along with the surrounding seawater, revealing Aspergillus (1-56%), Cladosporium (1-75%), Malassezia (1-38.5%), and Pennicillium (1.5-36%) as the most represented fungal genera. Our data showed high intra-specific variability and no clear core mycobiome within each of the sponge species host, suggesting stochastic and perhaps transient community membership. This study sheds light on one of the most abundant yet least understood components of the marine ecosystem. Unraveling the dynamics of fungal interactions within sponge holobionts is essential to advance our understanding of their ecological roles and functions. By addressing the enigmatic nature of sponge-associated fungi, this research opens new avenues for exploring their contributions to marine ecosystems and resolving the many unanswered questions in this field.},
}

Animals
*Porifera/microbiology
*Fungi/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Mediterranean Sea
*Mycobiome
*Seawater/microbiology
Phylogeny
Biodiversity
DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic
DNA, Fungal/genetics
Ecosystem

@article {pmid40207924,
year = {2025},
author = {Hendricks, A and Philips, TK and Engl, T and Plarre, R( and Martinson, VG},
title = {The bacterial microbiome in spider beetles and deathwatch beetles.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0198124},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.01981-24},
pmid = {40207924},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: The beetle family Ptinidae contains a number of economically important pests, such as the cigarette beetle Lasioderma serricorne, the drugstore beetle Stegobium paniceum, and the diverse spider beetles. Many of these species are stored product pests, which target a diverse range of food sources, from dried tobacco to books made with organic materials. Despite the threat that the 2,200 species of Ptinidae beetles pose, fewer than 50 have been surveyed for microbial symbionts, and only a handful have been screened using contemporary genomic methods. In this study, we screen 116 individual specimens that cover most subfamilies of Ptinidae, with outgroup beetles from closely related families Dermestidae, Endecatomidae, and Bostrichidae. We used 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon data to characterize the bacterial microbiomes of these specimens. The majority of these species had never been screened for microbes. We found that, unlike in their sister family, Bostrichidae, that has two mutualistic bacteria seen in most species, there are no consistent bacterial members of ptinid microbiomes. For specimens which had Wolbachia infections, we did additional screening using multilocus sequence typing and showed that our populations have different strains of Wolbachia than noted in previous publications.

IMPORTANCE: Ptinid beetles are both household pests of pantry goods and economic pests of dried goods warehouses and cultural archives, such as libraries and museums. Currently, the most common pest control measures for ptinid beetles are phosphine and/or heat treatments. Many ptinid beetles have been observed to have increasing resistance to phosphine, and heat treatments are not appropriate for many of the goods commonly infested by ptinids. Pest control techniques focused on symbiotic bacteria have been shown to significantly decrease populations and often have the beneficial side effect of being more specific than other pest control techniques. This survey provides foundational information about the bacteria associated with diverse ptinid species, which may be used for future control efforts.},
}

@article {pmid40206216,
year = {2025},
author = {Jin, M and Cai, L and Lu, L and Yu, M and Zhang, R},
title = {Combined metabolomic and genomic analyses reveal phage-specific and infection stage-specific alterations to marine Roseobacter metabolism.},
journal = {ISME communications},
volume = {5},
number = {1},
pages = {ycaf047},
pmid = {40206216},
issn = {2730-6151},
abstract = {Phages can reshape the metabolic network of hosts to support specific requirements for replication during infection. However, metabolomic profiling of phage-elicited host global metabolic alterations and the linkage of phage-encoded auxiliary metabolic genes to these alterations are understudied. In this study, the dynamics of intracellular metabolites of Dinoroseobacter shibae DFL12, a member of marine environmentally and biogeochemically relevant Roseobacter clade, in response to four distinct lytic roseophage infections were investigated. Metabolomic profiling indicated that roseophage infections significantly altered host metabolism in a phage-specific manner. Pathway enrichment analyses showed that the central carbon pathway and DNA, amino acid, and coenzyme metabolism were commonly altered by roseophages, revealing a central role of these pathways in phage replication. Furthermore, clear infection stage-specific host responses were observed, corresponding to different metabolic demands of phage replication in the early and late infection stages. Interestingly, the content of host vitamin B1, which is the essential nutrient provided by D. shibae to its symbiotic microalgae, increased in the early infection stage for most roseophages, implying that phage infection may impact the symbiosis of D. shibae with microalgae. Finally, combined metabolomic and phage genomics analyses showed that roseophages adopt different strategies to expand the host pyrimidine pool (recycling or de novo synthesis of pyrimidine nucleotides), and this difference was likely related to variation in the GC content between phage and host genomes. Collectively, these results highlight the potential importance of phage-specific and infection stage-specific host metabolic reprogramming in marine phage-host interactions, bacteria-microalgae symbiosis, and biogeochemical cycles.},
}

@article {pmid40205611,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, Z and Liang, L and Jiang, X and Shan, J and Li, S and Liu, J and Dong, Q and Wang, X and Zhang, H},
title = {Skin microbiome influences the progression of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma through the immune system.},
journal = {World journal of surgical oncology},
volume = {23},
number = {1},
pages = {129},
pmid = {40205611},
issn = {1477-7819},
support = {2024ZYYA033//Shanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine/ ; 2023RC-2-4//Science and Technology Bureau of Luliang/ ; 20240399//Shanxi Provincial Department of Education/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/immunology/microbiology/pathology ; *Skin Neoplasms/immunology/microbiology/pathology ; *Microbiota/immunology ; *Skin/microbiology/immunology ; Disease Progression ; *Immune System/immunology ; *Dysbiosis/immunology/microbiology ; Immunity, Innate ; Skin Microbiome ; },
abstract = {Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a type of skin tumor that develops in the epithelial cells. This disease has the second highest incidence of human skin cancers, with a high metastatic rate. While ultraviolet radiation significantly contributes to the genomic changes that support cSCC development, the dysbiosis of the skin microbiome and influence of the immune system also play important roles in this process. In this review, we discuss the effects of skin microbes and their metabolites on the immune system, including innate immune cells, T cells, and cytokines. We also discuss how Staphylococcus aureus and human papillomavirus can affect cSCC by impacting the immune system. Furthermore, we explore the antagonism of symbiotic microorganisms with cSCC-associated pathogens and their potential as novel therapeutic modalities.},
}

Humans
*Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/immunology/microbiology/pathology
*Skin Neoplasms/immunology/microbiology/pathology
*Microbiota/immunology
*Skin/microbiology/immunology
Disease Progression
*Immune System/immunology
*Dysbiosis/immunology/microbiology
Immunity, Innate
Skin Microbiome

@article {pmid40205240,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, Y and Liang, J and Shi, J and Yuan, W and Li, X and Ding, C},
title = {Applications of endophytic fungi in plant disease control.},
journal = {Archives of microbiology},
volume = {207},
number = {5},
pages = {117},
pmid = {40205240},
issn = {1432-072X},
support = {2023yjscx046//Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Graduate Innovative Research Project/ ; LH2020H093//Heilongjiang Natural Science Foundation joint guidance project/ ; 20060302//Central level major increase and decrease project/ ; 15041190011//Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine outstanding young and middle-aged backbone teachers training support plan project/ ; },
mesh = {*Endophytes/physiology ; *Plant Diseases/prevention & control/microbiology ; *Fungi/physiology ; *Biological Control Agents ; Crops, Agricultural/microbiology ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, and viruses) have resulted in the quality and yield of crops, which has seriously affected the development of the agricultural economy. The prolonged use of chemical fungicides for prevention and control can lead to environmental pollution, hindering the sustainable development of safe and eco-friendly agriculture while also promoting the resistance of pathogenic microorganisms. Nevertheless, non-pathogenic endophytic fungi that form symbiotic relationships with plants still exhibit significant antagonistic effects on pathogenic microorganisms, even in small concentrations. These fungi pose no threat to human health and are highly beneficial to the ecological environment, making them an ideal alternative to chemical fungicides. They are increasingly being recognized and have been subjected to comprehensive research. Based on this, this article summarizes the types of endophytic fungi with biocontrol effects in recent years. It focuses on elucidating the mechanisms of their biocontrol from physiological and molecular perspectives. In addition, the application and development challenges of biocontrol agents (BCAs) derived from these fungi are also discussed, including difficulties in elucidating their mechanisms of action during research and development, challenges in strain selection and improvement, difficulties in controlling environmental adaptability, and stringent storage conditions. The aim is to develop more effective endophytic fungi as emerging biocontrol resources for agricultural production.},
}

*Endophytes/physiology
*Plant Diseases/prevention & control/microbiology
*Fungi/physiology
*Biological Control Agents
Crops, Agricultural/microbiology
Symbiosis

@article {pmid40204265,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, Y and Zhao, X and Fan, Y and Huo, P and Huang, S and Wang, H and Lu, Z and Luo, Z and Zhang, Y},
title = {Transcriptome analysis of Beauveria bassiana interaction with Nicotiana benthamiana reveals signatures of N. Benthamiana growth promotion and enhanced defense responses.},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {211},
number = {},
pages = {108334},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2025.108334},
pmid = {40204265},
issn = {1096-0805},
abstract = {Many entomopathogenic fungi form intimate (epi- and endo-phytic) associations with that plant that can stimulate plant growth and /or improve resistance to pathogens and insect pests. However, little is known concerning global gene networks that mediate such responses. Nicotiana benthamiana seedlings were artificially colonized by the entomogenous fungus, Beauveria bassiana, and the root tissues were examined via comparative transcriptome analyses performed versus fungal cells grown in vitro on dried root biomass. Plant hormone pathways, and genes involved in photosynthesis, immune defense response, and nutrient metabolism were triggered in roots after fungal colonization. Fungal differentially expressed genes during plant colonization included plant cell wall-degrading enzymes, and those involved in lipid metabolism, detoxification, and fungal cell wall remodeling, the latter suggesting reduction in the exposure of pathogen related molecular patterns to avoid perception by the plant immune system. Fungal metabolic genes involved in amino acid, nitrogen, sulfur and carbohydrate assimilation were activated, nutrient exchange with the plant host. Exchange was confirmed by detection of sulfur in the seedling that was increased by the fungal colonization. A set of fungal secondary metabolism-associated genes were also upregulated during the plant interaction, which might contribute to plant resistance against pathogens or/and insect pest. In addition, B. bassiana expressed a suite of effector/elicitor genes consistent with triggering plant growth and/or immune defense response pathways. These results revealed global gene networks active in both the plants and the fungus as a consequence of their symbiotic interaction, and provides insights into the molecular determinants and physiological responses affected.},
}

@article {pmid40204028,
year = {2025},
author = {Wei, Q and Wang, C and Qi, Y and Pang, F and Wang, M and Yang, G and Ma, X},
title = {Optimizing algal-bacterial systems for efficient sugar cane wastewater treatment: Pollutant removal and biomass resource recovery.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {429},
number = {},
pages = {132497},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132497},
pmid = {40204028},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {Sugarcane wastewater is highly biodegradable; however, conventional single-treatment processes are constrained by its excessive organic load. Here, we integrated anaerobic acidification with microalgal bioaugmentation to establish an algal-bacterial symbiotic system, leveraging metabolic synergies within functional microbial consortia. The results demonstrate that this system enables the synergistic integration of anaerobic and aerobic bacteria with microalgae, forming a highly efficient metabolic network that enhances water purification. By systematically investigating environmental determinants of water purification and biomass dynamics in conjunction with response surface methodology (RSM), we optimized environmental parameters. The optimized parameters included an aeration rate of 267 mL/min, a light intensity of 6985 lx, and a 12:12 h light-dark photoperiod. Under optimized conditions, the system achieved a COD removal efficiency of 98.56 % and a biomass yield of 3.43 g/L, underscoring dual efficacy in organic load reduction, aeration demand minimization, and resource recovery. This work provides a sustainable approach for treating high-strength sugarcane wastewater through integrated algal-bacterial processes.},
}

@article {pmid40204026,
year = {2025},
author = {Wu, Z and Shi, W and Yuan, W and Chen, Z and Xie, Y and Lv, Z and Xu, J and Amadu, AA and Qiu, S and Ge, S},
title = {Development and operation of indigenous microalgal-bacterial consortium system treating eutrophic lake water: Consortium identification and system demonstration.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {429},
number = {},
pages = {132496},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132496},
pmid = {40204026},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {Natural water bodies such as the inland lake suffers from eutrophication due to excessive nutrient, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus. This study demonstrated an indigenous microalgal-bacterial consortium (IMBC) system to treat eutrophic lake. Three IMBC were enriched from eutrophic lake water or/and sediments, exhibiting superior growth and complete nutrient removals compared to two commercial microalgal species. Particularly, the IMBC3 enriched from lake water and sediment (volume ratio of 1:1) were found to simultaneously achieve 91.0 % settling efficiency, attributed to its larger flocs and surface physical properties (e.g., higher surface hydrophobicity (78.0 %), protein/polysaccharide ratio (10.7) and zeta potential (-19.1 mV)). Subsequently, a long-term photobioreactor using IMBC3 further demonstrated stable nutrient removal and cold tolerance year-around. The microbial community's shift towards cold-tolerant genera and alleviated photoinhibition likely enhanced nitrogen cycling efficiency during colder months. These findings offer a feasible alternative using the IMBC with good environmental adaptation to eutrophication mitigation in nature water.},
}

@article {pmid40204004,
year = {2025},
author = {Jiang, W and Hou, X and Peng, G and Xia, Y and Cao, Y},
title = {Fungal ergot alkaloids: Metabolic pathways, biological functions, and advances in synthetic reprogramming.},
journal = {Biotechnology advances},
volume = {81},
number = {},
pages = {108578},
doi = {10.1016/j.biotechadv.2025.108578},
pmid = {40204004},
issn = {1873-1899},
abstract = {Ergot alkaloids (EAs) are a class of secondary metabolites produced by fungi. These compounds are predominantly synthesized by Ascomycota, with variations in types and biosynthetic pathways among different fungal species. The EA synthesis has minimal impact on the normal growth and development of most EA-producing fungi, but serves as a virulence factor that influences the biocontrol functions of entomopathogenic fungi and symbiotic fungi in plants. In the medical field, EAs have been widely used for treating neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease. However, the biosynthetic pathways of EAs are highly complex and significantly influenced by environmental factors, resulting in low yields from field production or chemical synthesis. To address the global demand for EAs, various strategies have been developed to reprogram the biosynthetic pathways in some chassis strains, aiming to simplify the process and increase EA production. This review summarizes the biosynthetic pathways and regulatory mechanisms of EAs in fungi, their biological functions, and recent advances in strategies for synthetic reprogramming.},
}

@article {pmid40203555,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, Y and Niu, Y and Zhou, Z and Ma, Y and Chen, M and Xu, N and Zhao, F and Sun, Y and Chen, P},
title = {Insight into endophytic microbiota-driven geographical and bioactive signatures toward a novel quality assessment model for Codonopsis Radix.},
journal = {Plant physiology and biochemistry : PPB},
volume = {223},
number = {},
pages = {109888},
doi = {10.1016/j.plaphy.2025.109888},
pmid = {40203555},
issn = {1873-2690},
abstract = {Codonopsis Radix, a medicinal and dietary herb in traditional Chinese medicine, largely owes its pharmacological efficacy to both intrinsic phytochemistry and symbiotic interactions with plant-associated microbes. Here, we deciphered the geo-environmental regulation of Codonopsis Radix's endophytic microbiota across four major production regions using 16S rRNA/ITS sequencing and bioactive compound profiling. Results demonstrated that the planting environment significantly shaped the endophytic community of Codonopsis Radix, where Bifidobacteriaceae and Muribaculaceae exhibited the strongest correlations with its bioactive components. Monolobus and Bradyrhizobium not only exhibit distinct associations with Lobetyolin and Atractylenolide III respectively, but also demonstrate significant correlations with the key biosynthetic pathways of these compounds. Leveraging machine learning, we developed the first microbiota-driven quality assessment model, achieving 100.0% and 85.7% prediction accuracies for Lobetyolin and Atractylenolide III respectively, using Random Forest algorithms. This dual-metric framework-integrating microbial signatures with chemical profiles-establishes a novel paradigm for Codonopsis Radix quality control, bridging ecological insights with precision agriculture. Our findings illuminate the microbiota's role as a biosynthetic orchestrator in geoherbalism, offering actionable strategies for sustainable cultivation and standardized production of Codonopsis Radix.},
}

@article {pmid40202595,
year = {2025},
author = {Yadav, G and Meena, M},
title = {Seasonal dynamics and enzyme profiles of diverse endophytic fungi in Sterculia urens Roxb.: insights into host-associated trends.},
journal = {World journal of microbiology & biotechnology},
volume = {41},
number = {4},
pages = {128},
pmid = {40202595},
issn = {1573-0972},
support = {SUR/2022/005216//Science and Engineering Research Board/ ; },
mesh = {*Endophytes/enzymology/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Seasons ; *Fungi/enzymology/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Phylogeny ; Biodiversity ; DNA, Fungal/genetics ; },
abstract = {Sterculia urens Roxb., well known for its medicinal uses, remains largely unexplored in terms of its fungal endophytic communities. This study is the first comprehensive assessment of fungal endophyte diversity in S. urens. Sampling was conducted across different plant parts, seasons, and study sites. Molecular identification of fungal isolates was carried out using ITS sequencing. Additionally, colonization frequency and endophytic fungal diversity were analyzed. These isolates were evaluated for extracellular enzyme. A total of 31 different endophytic fungal species, representing 16 genera, were identified based on > 97% ITS sequence similarity. Colonization frequency was significantly influenced by season (P ≤ 0.0001), tissue type (P ≤ 0.0001), and site (P ≤ 0.0001). Diversity indices revealed a significant difference in relation to season and tissue type, but not with respect to location. Furthermore, this study reports, for the first time globally, the identification of Chaetomium meridiolense and Crinipellis wandoensis as endophytic fungi. Extracellular enzyme analysis revealed enzymatic activity in 29 morphotypes. The diverse enzymatic profiles of these fungal endophytes highlight their potential for various biotechnological applications. In addition, molecular and genomic investigations will provide a deeper understanding of the functional roles and symbiotic mechanisms of these fungal endophytes. Potential applications of this research include enhancing plant growth and stress tolerance, developing sustainable biofertilizers and biocontrol agents, promoting eco-friendly bioremediation strategies for dye-contaminated environments, and discovering novel enzymes suitable for industrial biotechnological processes.},
}

*Endophytes/enzymology/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Seasons
*Fungi/enzymology/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Phylogeny
Biodiversity
DNA, Fungal/genetics

@article {pmid40202371,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, Y and Gao, Y and Vandeputte, DJ and Leermakers, M and Ruytinx, J},
title = {Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Improve Rice Production in Zinc-Amended Soils by Altering Zinc Transport and Translocation Routes.},
journal = {Plant, cell & environment},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/pce.15543},
pmid = {40202371},
issn = {1365-3040},
support = {//Y.Z. is a Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC) doctoral fellow (No. 202008410213). VUB IRP GROW project is thanked by Y.G. and D.V. This study was supported by Vrije Universiteit Brussel through start-up funding granted to J.R. (OZR3483)./ ; },
abstract = {Human activities including industry and overcultivation resulted in marginal soils, unbalanced in nutrients or polluted with heavy metals. Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient and its nonoptimal soil bio-availability, negatively affects plant growth and production. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) could improve Zn acquisition in limited conditions and prevent accumulation in plant tissue in contaminated soils. However, it is not clear how AMF impact host plant Zn uptake and transport routes. In this study we assessed the potential of commercial AMF inoculum to support rice growth and production in non-Zn-fertilised, Zn-fertilised and Zn-polluted soils alongside their impact on host plant nutrient balances and Zn uptake and translocation routes. The results demonstrated that AMF inoculation restores rice growth and grain production in Zn-amended soils and that Zn amendment improves root colonisation. Shoot ionomes were particularly sensitive to differences in Zn supply and differentially affected in AMF and mock-inoculated plants. When present in excess, AMF inoculation decreased accumulation of Zn in shoots and disturbed Zn-P (phosphorus) relationship. We could not detect a mycorrhiza-specific Zn transporter in rice but rather a modification of expression for Zn transporters in the direct uptake routes. AMF inoculation interacts with the Zn-dependent response of heavy metal ATPase (OsHMA) transporters involved in root-to-shoot translocation. All together, these data indicate a change in relative importance of different direct Zn transport routes upon AMF colonisation. These findings provide valuable insights into how AMF symbiosis influences Zn uptake and distribution in rice under varying Zn conditions, allowing for the development of plant-fungus bioremediation and biofortification technologies.},
}

@article {pmid40202233,
year = {2025},
author = {Nandi, D and Ramteke, NS},
title = {Immune responses in the skin: Not so skinny at all.},
journal = {Journal of biosciences},
volume = {50},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40202233},
issn = {0973-7138},
mesh = {Humans ; *Skin/immunology/microbiology ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/immunology ; Animals ; Microbiota/immunology ; Symbiosis/immunology ; },
abstract = {The immune system is our defence network and primarily geared to protect us from pathogens and tumors. This aspect is evident in people who lack or possess a compromised immune system and are, therefore, highly susceptible to infections and development of cancer, as in AIDS patients (Nandi et al. 2020). However, healthy humans possess commensals in the gut and have developed a symbiotic relationship with these microbes. Indeed, we benefit from gut microbes that reside within us due to the production of microbial products such as vitamins, short-chain fatty acids, and other metabolites. As the gut flora changes with disease, information on the changed microbiome can be highly reflective of our health status (Shreiner et al. 2015). Recently, efforts have been directed towards better understanding of host responses towards commensals. While it is true that most of these efforts have focused on the gut, other organs have also been studied such as the respiratory tract and oral cavities. Two new studies have shed light on immune responses in the skin (Bousbaine et al. 2024; Gribonika et al. 2024). Why the skin? In fact, the skin is the largest and most well-exposed organ harboring immune capabilities to deal with several commensals (Belkaid and Segre 2014; Honda et al. 2019; Zhang et al. 2022). Most importantly, bacteria obtained from the skin in healthy humans are coated with antibodies, demonstrating host-directed immune responses (Metze et al. 1991); also, immunodeficient people are susceptible to skin infections (Lehman 2014). However, a detailed understanding of the players involved, and the extent of skin-directed immune responses in dealing with various microbes are lacking. Two recent papers have shed new light on immune responses in the skin utilizing high end flow cytometry, several strains of mutant mice and RNA seq (Bousbaine et al. 2024; Gribonika et al. 2024).},
}

Humans
*Skin/immunology/microbiology
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/immunology
Animals
Microbiota/immunology
Symbiosis/immunology

@article {pmid40201846,
year = {2025},
author = {Herdiana, Y},
title = {Polymeric rumen-stable delivery systems for delivering nutricines.},
journal = {Open veterinary journal},
volume = {15},
number = {2},
pages = {565-593},
pmid = {40201846},
issn = {2218-6050},
mesh = {Animals ; *Rumen/microbiology ; *Drug Delivery Systems/veterinary ; *Polymers/chemistry ; *Ruminants/physiology ; Animal Feed/analysis ; *Nutrients/administration & dosage ; },
abstract = {Ruminants face unique drug and nutrient delivery challenges because of their symbiotic rumen microorganisms. Polymeric rumen-stable delivery systems (RDSs) have emerged as a promising solution for efficiently delivering nutrition and enhancing animal health and productivity. Traditional methods such as heat and chemical treatment have been improved with polymeric coatings that facilitate the slow postruminal release of bioactive substances. Polymeric coatings of nutrients offer significant potential for improving ruminant health, reducing farmer costs, and promoting sustainability in livestock. This paper explores the mechanisms of rumen protection and abomasal release provided by polymeric coatings, discusses other RSDs, and reviews methods for evaluating their performance in vitro and in vivo. Further research in this area could advance novel nutricine delivery solutions for ruminants.},
}

Animals
*Rumen/microbiology
*Drug Delivery Systems/veterinary
*Polymers/chemistry
*Ruminants/physiology
Animal Feed/analysis
*Nutrients/administration & dosage

@article {pmid40201438,
year = {2025},
author = {Lu, W and Yi, X and Ge, Y and Zhang, X and Shen, K and Zhuang, H and Deng, Z and Liu, D and Cao, J and Ma, C},
title = {Effects of dietary fiber on the composition, function, and symbiotic interactions of intestinal microbiota in pre-weaned calves.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1554484},
pmid = {40201438},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Dietary fiber plays a crucial role in maintaining gastrointestinal health. However, its protective effects on the intestinal health of calves remain to be fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the impact of dietary fiber supplementation on the intestinal microbiota of pre-weaned calves and its potential role in modulating microbial metabolic pathways.

METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted, enrolling 135 calves that were randomly assigned into three groups: (1) inulin supplementation, (2) psyllium husk powder (PHP) supplementation, and (3) a control group receiving no dietary fiber. Fecal microbiota samples were collected from calves without diarrhea at five time points (0, 7, 14, 28, and 56 days of age). Metagenomic sequencing was performed to analyze microbial composition and functional pathways. Additionally, a differential analysis of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) was performed to evaluate the effect of dietary fiber on carbohydrate metabolism enzyme activity within the intestinal microbiota.

RESULTS: Calves supplemented with dietary fiber exhibited a significant increase in the abundance of Bifidobacterium and Prevotella compared to the control group. These bacterial genera contributed to intestinal protection by modulating secondary bile acid metabolism and flavonoid metabolism pathways. CAZymes differential analysis revealed an increased abundance of carbohydrate metabolism enzymes in response to dietary fiber supplementation, with distinct microbial community compositions observed among different fiber treatments. Notably, at 56 days of age, calves fed PHP harbored intergeneric symbiotic clusters comprising Clostridium, Prevotella, and Bacteroides, suggesting a cooperative microbial network that may contribute to intestinal homeostasis.

DISCUSSION: The findings of this study highlight the beneficial effects of dietary fiber on calf intestinal microbiota, particularly in enhancing microbial diversity and enzymatic activity related to carbohydrate metabolism. The observed microbial symbiosis in PHP-fed calves suggests a potential role in maintaining intestinal homeostasis. These insights provide a theoretical foundation for optimizing dietary interventions to promote gut health in calves during the transition period. Further research is warranted to explore the mechanistic interactions between dietary fiber, gut microbiota, and host health outcomes.},
}

@article {pmid40201155,
year = {2025},
author = {Skubała, K and Chowaniec, K and Kowaliński, M and Mrozek, T and Bąkała, J and Latkowska, E and Myśliwa-Kurdziel, B},
title = {Ionizing radiation resilience: how metabolically active lichens endure exposure to the simulated Mars atmosphere.},
journal = {IMA fungus},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {e145477},
pmid = {40201155},
issn = {2210-6340},
abstract = {To deepen our understanding of lichen adaptation and their potential to colonize extraterrestrial environments, we aimed to identify physiological/biochemical responses of selected lichen species in a metabolically active state to simulated Mars-like conditions in the dark including exposure to X-rays. Our study is the first to demonstrate that the metabolism of the fungal partner in lichen symbiosis was active while being in a Mars-like environment. Diploschistesmuscorum was able to activate defense mechanisms effectively. In contrast, increased oxidative stress and associated damage were not effectively balanced in C.aculeata, which does not support the melanin's radioprotective function in this species. The heavy crystalline deposit on D.muscorum thallus might offer protection enhancing lichen resistance to extreme conditions. We concluded that metabolically active D.muscorum can withstand the X-ray dose expected on the Mars surface over one year of strong solar activity. Consequently, X-rays associated with solar flares and SEPs reaching Mars should not affect the potential habitability of lichens on this planet.},
}

@article {pmid40200676,
year = {2025},
author = {Addison, SL and Yan, ZZ and Carlin, T and Rúa, MA and Smaill, SJ and Daley, K and Singh, BK and Wakelin, SA},
title = {Unravelling Changes in the Pinus radiata Root and Soil Microbiomes as a Function of Aridity.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {31},
number = {4},
pages = {e70165},
pmid = {40200676},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {C04X2002//Forest Growers Levy Trust/ ; //Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment/ ; },
mesh = {*Pinus/microbiology ; *Soil Microbiology ; *Microbiota ; *Plant Roots/microbiology ; Climate Change ; Soil/chemistry ; Symbiosis ; *Desert Climate ; },
abstract = {Increased aridity is emerging as a key impact of climate change in terrestrial ecosystems globally. Forest biomes are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of changing environmental conditions due to their long-lived and sessile nature. Microbiomes have coevolved with plants under changing environmental conditions with shared fitness outcomes. However, both the movement of plants via domestication and rapid pace of environmental change may impact the ability of plants to recruit microbial symbionts that support environmental stress tolerance. This study investigates the effects of aridity on tree-root microbiome symbiosis, focusing on the widely planted Pinus radiata. By sampling a broad geographic range and diverse environmental gradients, we reveal how aridity, soil and climatic variables shape microbial communities in P. radiata roots and soils. Our findings highlight that while aridity significantly predicts microbial community assembly, other environmental variables such as soil pH and organic carbon, strongly influence bacterial diversity. Groups of both bacterial and fungal taxa were identified as conditionally present with aridity, underscoring their importance in P. radiata resilience under increasingly environmental stress. Based on the transition of current mesic ecosystems to arid conditions under climate change, we found these arid associated taxa vary in their frequency in bulk soils projected to become arid. These results highlight the risk that these taxa will need to be recruited by other means. Ecological filtering by the host and environmental conditions fosters a "friends with benefits" relationship, wherein certain microbial taxa provide key benefits, such as extension of phenotypic tolerance to water limitation, to the host. Both bacterial and fungal communities are shaped more by stochastic than deterministic assembly processes, suggesting a complex interplay of host and environmental factors in community structure formation. The insights gained have implications for understanding the resilience of tree species and the ecosystem services they provide under future climate scenarios.},
}

*Pinus/microbiology
*Soil Microbiology
*Microbiota
*Plant Roots/microbiology
Climate Change
Soil/chemistry
Symbiosis
*Desert Climate

@article {pmid40199921,
year = {2025},
author = {Chaudhary, VB and Nokes, LF and González, JB and Cooper, PO and Katula, AM and Mares, EC and Pehim Limbu, S and Robinson, JN and Aguilar-Trigueros, CA},
title = {TraitAM, a global spore trait database for arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.},
journal = {Scientific data},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {588},
pmid = {40199921},
issn = {2052-4463},
support = {DEB-2205650//National Science Foundation (NSF)/ ; Feodor Lynen Fellowship//Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung (Alexander von Humboldt Foundation)/ ; },
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/genetics ; *Spores, Fungal ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis ; Databases, Factual ; },
abstract = {Knowledge regarding organismal traits supports a better understanding of the relationship between form and function and can be used to predict the consequences of environmental stressors on ecological and evolutionary processes. Most plants on Earth form symbioses with mycorrhizal fungi, but our ability to make trait-based inferences for these fungi is limited due to a lack of publicly available trait data. Here, we present TraitAM, a comprehensive database of multiple spore traits for all described species of the most common group of mycorrhizal fungi, the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi (subphylum Glomeromycotina). Trait data for 344 species were mined from original species descriptions and used to calculate newly developed fungal trait metrics that can be employed to explore both intra- and inter-specific variation in traits. TraitAM also includes an updated phylogenetic tree that can be used to conduct phylogenetically-informed multivariate analyses of AM fungal traits. TraitAM will aid our further understanding of the biology, ecology, and evolution of these globally widespread, symbiotic fungi.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/genetics
*Spores, Fungal
Phylogeny
Symbiosis
Databases, Factual

@article {pmid40199344,
year = {2025},
author = {Kagawa, O and Itoh, H and Nakajima, N and Fukumori, H},
title = {Phylogenetic history of the acquisition of molluscan hosts in acotylean flatworms.},
journal = {Biology letters},
volume = {21},
number = {4},
pages = {20240721},
doi = {10.1098/rsbl.2024.0721},
pmid = {40199344},
issn = {1744-957X},
support = {//Environmental Genomics Research Promotion Program/ ; //Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Phylogeny ; *Symbiosis ; *Mollusca/physiology/parasitology ; Host Specificity ; *Platyhelminths/physiology/genetics/classification ; Biological Evolution ; },
abstract = {How symbionts acquired hosts and diversified phylogenetically during their evolutionary history is a focus of attention in many symbiotic taxa. Marine polyclad flatworms are usually free-living, but some are symbiotic, using animals as hosts. However, the history of their acquisition of symbiotic systems is not well understood. Therefore, we focused on mollusc symbiotic flatworms in the suborder Acotylea and investigated the host specificity and phylogenetic history of the acquisition of symbiosis. Field surveys revealed that symbiotic flatworms utilized certain molluscs as hosts. In particular, Stylochoplana pusilla and Stylochoplana parasitica utilized different molluscan species as hosts sympatrically. The phylogenetic analysis and the ancestral state reconstruction indicate that the mollusc symbiotic flatworms formed a monophyletic group and that their common ancestor shifted from free-living to mollusc symbiosis. These results suggest that each of the flatworms did not independently acquire a symbiotic system with molluscan hosts during its phylogenetic history, but that their common ancestor acquired a mollusc symbiotic system, which then underwent acquisition of host specificity and speciation. This study emphasizes that multiple host use can be a driving force for niche advancement and speciation in the symbionts.},
}

Animals
*Phylogeny
*Symbiosis
*Mollusca/physiology/parasitology
Host Specificity
*Platyhelminths/physiology/genetics/classification
Biological Evolution

@article {pmid40199213,
year = {2025},
author = {Sarinho, L and Carvalho, P and Patoilo, D and Peres Ribeiro, J and Gaião, JM and Baião da Cruz, J and Marques, C and Nunes, MI},
title = {Optimization of electro-Fenton process applied to the treatment of codfish brines in a context of industrial symbiosis.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {381},
number = {},
pages = {125205},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.125205},
pmid = {40199213},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {The ancient method of preserving fish by salting is still widely practiced but generates two challenging waste streams: contaminated salt (solid) and brine (liquid). Conventional treatment methods are ineffective in reducing the organic content of brine due to its high salt content (≅ 25-30 % wt. NaCl). Although advanced oxidation processes are extensively used for treating certain wastewaters, their application to real saline effluents near saturation, such as food industry brines, remains underexplored. This study optimized the electro-Fenton (EF) process for treating real contaminated brines from the codfish industry, aiming to reuse the treated brines in the pickling stage of the tannery industry, thereby diverting waste streams from environment disposal. A central composite experimental design and response surface methodology were used to evaluate the effects of three EF process operating variables: (i) current density (76-429 A m[-2]), (ii) electrolysis time (1.0-10.0 min), and (iii) hydrogen peroxide concentration ([H2O2], 50-201 mM), using iron electrodes. The primary goal was to maximize total organic carbon (TOC) removal from codfish brine. Additionally, the specific roles of reactive oxygen and chlorine species responsible for TOC removal (such as HO[•], Cl[•], ClO, O2[•-]/HO2[•] and HClO/OCl[-]) were investigated using scavengers. The results revealed that O2[•-], HO2[•] were the main active species. The optimal EF operating conditions were determined to be a current density of 275 A m[-2], electrolysis time of 5.2 min, and [H2O2] of 91 mM, resulting in a 70 % removal of TOC. The treated brines, diluted to ≅ 7.5-8.0 % wt. NaCl, were tested in hide pickling trials to assess their impact on the quality of the wet-blue leathers. Results showed that the treated brines did not affect leather quality; instead, they enhanced shrinkage temperature from 103 °C to 112 °C. This increase of shrinkage temperature broadens the potential applications of the leather, making it suitable for a wider range of markets and products. Furthermore, the chromium oxide content fixed in the leather increased from 4.1 % to 5.3 %, reducing chromium in the industrial wastewater generated at the end of the process. This valorisation of codfish brines presents a promising opportunity for industrial symbiosis between the codfish and the tannery industries.},
}

@article {pmid40199092,
year = {2025},
author = {Kareem, HA and Li, Y and Saleem, S and Mustafa, A and Azeem, M and Wang, Q and Li, S and Chen, Y and Shen, X},
title = {Eco-safe potential of FITC-tagged nFeO in enhancing alfalfa-rhizobia symbiosis and salt stress tolerance via physicochemical and ultrastructural modifications.},
journal = {Ecotoxicology and environmental safety},
volume = {295},
number = {},
pages = {118158},
doi = {10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118158},
pmid = {40199092},
issn = {1090-2414},
abstract = {Salt stress severely limits global crop productivity by disrupting ionic balance, physiological processes, and cellular ultrastructure, particularly in salt-sensitive forages like alfalfa (Medicago sativa L). Addressing this issue requires environmentally feasible and innovative strategies. This study investigated the comparative potential of Nano-FeO and FeSO4 (30 mg kg[-1]) soil supplements with rhizobium on alfalfa salt tolerance employing morphological, physicochemical, and cellular approaches. The results demonstrated that FITC-nFeO and rhizobium significantly reduced Na[+] uptake, enhanced K[+] accumulation, and improved the Na[+]/K[+] ratio in alfalfa roots and shoots relative to FeSO4. Scanning electron microscopy illustrated that FITC-nFeO ameliorated root ultracellular structure and leaf stomatal functionality, facilitating improved gaseous exchange characteristics and photosynthetic performance. Confocal laser scanning microscopy confirmed FITC-tagged nFeO adhesion to roots, supported by transmission electron microscopy findings of preserved chloroplast ultrastructure under FITC-nFeO and rhizobium application. FITC-nFeO also mitigated oxidative damage of ROS, as evidenced by reduced hydrogen peroxide, electrolyte leakage, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) content, through enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities. Overall, in comparison to FeSO4, FITC-nFeO with rhizobium retrieved the salt-induced damages in alfalfa by promoting morpho-physiological and ultracellular integrity. This study highlights the role of nanotechnology in enhancing the resilience of forages on salt-contaminated soils, paving the way for eco-friendly remediation strategies.},
}

@article {pmid40198578,
year = {2025},
author = {De Jode, A and Titus, BM},
title = {The first de novo HiFi genome assemblies for three clownfish-hosting sea anemone species (Anthozoa: Actiniaria).},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/gbe/evaf064},
pmid = {40198578},
issn = {1759-6653},
abstract = {The symbiosis between clownfish and giant tropical sea anemones (Order Actiniaria) is one of the most iconic on the planet. Distributed on tropical reefs, 28 species of clownfishes form obligate mutualistic relationships with 10 nominal species of venomous sea anemones. Our understanding of the symbiosis is limited by the fact that most research has been focused on the clownfishes. Chromosome scale reference genomes are available for all clownfish species, yet only short reads based reference genomes are available for five speciesof host sea anemones. Recent studies have shown that the clownfish-hosting sea anemones belong to three distinct clades of sea anemones that have evolved symbiosis with clownfishes independently. Here we present the first high quality long read assemblies for three species of clownfish-hosting sea anemones belonging to each of these clades: Entacmaea quadricolor, Stichodactyla haddoni, Radianthus doreensis. PacBio HiFi sequencing yielded 1,597,562, 3,101,773, and 1,918,148 million reads for E. quadricolor, S. haddoni, and R. doreensis, respectively. All three assemblies were highly contiguous and complete with N50 values above 4Mb and BUSCO completeness above 95% on the Metazoa dataset. Genome structural annotation with BRAKER3 predicted 20,454, 18,948 and 17,056 protein coding genes in E. quadricolor, S. haddoni and R. doreeensis genome, respectively. These new resources will form the basis of comparative genomic analyses that will allow us to deepen our understanding of this mutualism from the host perspective.},
}

@article {pmid40196783,
year = {2025},
author = {Saini, HP and Meena, M and Sahoo, A and Mehta, T},
title = {A review on fungal endophytes of the family Fabaceae, their metabolic diversity and biological applications.},
journal = {Heliyon},
volume = {11},
number = {3},
pages = {e42153},
pmid = {40196783},
issn = {2405-8440},
abstract = {Fabaceae is considered the third largest family of the plant kingdom, comprising of a large number of plants, belonging to 650 genera and 20,000 species of plants. Out of the various plant species that are reported in the family Fabaceae, many of the species have been reported to exhibit diverse pharmacological activities and are of economic importance to agriculturists and scientists across the globe. Studies over the last few decades have unraveled a lot of concrete information about different plants, ranging from the mutualistic interdependence of plants and microbes for their survival to the innumerable benefits of plants in the sectors of agriculture, food industry, medicine, and healthcare. The survival and effective maintenance of plant homeostasis is largely regulated by the diverse microbial population that co-exists in symbiotic relationships with plants. This endophytic microbial population can be either categorized as endophytic bacteria or endophytic fungi. The studies over the past decades have highlighted the crucial role of both endophytic bacteria and fungi in the growth and development of plants. This review explores the ameliorative roles of endophytic fungi in alleviating biotic and abiotic stresses in plants. Additionally, it highlights the vast diversity of secondary metabolites produced by these fungi and their potential applications. Secondary metabolites exhibit a wide range of biologically significant activities, including anticancer, antimicrobial, antimalarial, and nematicidal properties, which hold substantial importance in therapeutic and agricultural applications. Furthermore, the role of various endophytic fungi of the Fabaceae family has been shown in phytoremediation.},
}

@article {pmid40196693,
year = {2025},
author = {Sobhani, I and De Oliveira Alves, N and Sadeghi, M and Charpy, C and Bergsten, E and Amiot, A and Barau, C and Brunetti, F and Vaysse, A and Tournigand, C and Chamaillard, M and Khashayarsha, K and Mestivier, D},
title = {Poor prognosis in IBD-complicated colon cancer through gut dysbiosis-related immune response failure.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1101/2025.03.25.645177},
pmid = {40196693},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) results from the accumulation of mutations and epigenetic changes in gut epithelial cells likely due to gut microbiota dysbiosis. However, limited research has been done to explore the link between host tumour dysbiosis and disease outcome.

METHODS: The mechanisms influencing outcomes of 97 colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, including 13 with Lynch syndrome, 20 with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and 64 sporadic cases, were analyzed using a multiomics approach. These patients were categorized into two groups: "disease-free/stable disease" and "progression disease" survival outcomes. The analysis included tumor adherent microbiota composition (16S rRNA), somatic gene mutations (WES), gene expression (RNAseq), immune markers (RNAscope), and immune infiltrate cells (immunohistochemistry).

RESULTS: IBD-CRC patients had worse outcomes than those with Lynch or sporadic CRC, regardless of TNM staging or treatment. Symbiotic bacteria like Lactococcus lactis were significantly reduced in IBD-CRC tissues. Patient outcomes were influenced by the abundance of virulent (Escherichia coli) relative to beneficial bacteria (Lactococcus lactis). Although no significant increase in deleterious somatic mutations was found in IBD-CRC. 16sRNA revealed increased virulent- and decreased anti-inflammatory symbiotic-bacteria correlating with the upregulation of oncogenes and downregulation of anti-oncogenes like PHLPP1. The multiplex in situ hybridization of CD8, IFNγ and PHLPP1 an anti-oncogene revealed significant decrease of immune cells with detectable PHLPP1 expression in IBD-CRC tumour tissues as compared to sporadic CRCs.

CONCLUSION: The poor outcomes in IBD-CRC patients are likely due to gut dysbiosis and immune cell alterations, possibly triggered by microbiota-related epigenetic pathways.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis. Inflammatory bowel disease-related CRC (IBD-CRC) is classified as an environment-related condition.NEW FINDINGS: In relation with patient outcomes, tumour tissues from three types of CRC (Sporadic-, IBD-, and Lynch syndrome-CRC) were analyzed using a multiomic approach. This included examining tissue adherent virulent bacteria, gene analyses, and quantifying immune cell infiltration in the mucosa. IBD-CRC patients had the worst outcomes, associated with the down regulation of PHLPP1 gene, virulent/symbiotic imbalance, and immune response failure.LIMITATIONS: Lack of animal experiments using FMT of fresh stool from IBD-CRC patients.CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH RELEVANCE: Among the different types of CRC, IBD-CRC patients showed a greater imbalance between harmful and beneficial bacteria, along with immune response failure.Lay summary: This study compares the pathological and clinical characteristics of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) across three distinct etiologies: sporadic CRC, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-associated CRC, and Lynch syndrome-associated CRC (LS-CRC). Distinct differences in tumor-adherent microbiota, gene expression and immune response profiles were observed. Notably, IBD-CRC patients demonstrated the poorest prognosis depending on microbe-host gene interaction highlighting potential biomarkers for disease prognosis and treatment strategies.},
}

@article {pmid40195807,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, Y and Lu, L and Wang, Q and Liu, X and Tian, J and Zhang, R and Liao, H and Lambers, H and Wang, X},
title = {Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Promote Nodulation and N2 Fixation in Soybean by Specific Root Exudates.},
journal = {Plant, cell & environment},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/pce.15529},
pmid = {40195807},
issn = {1365-3040},
support = {//This study was financially supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2021YFF1000500) and by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32472824). HL received support from the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) at the University of Western Australia./ ; },
abstract = {Legume plants commonly associate with both arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and rhizobia and thus enhance the acquisition of phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) nutrition. Inoculation with AM fungi can promote nodulation and N2 fixation of legume plants; however, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, root exudates collected from AM-colonised soybean plants showed greater accumulation of the specific flavonoids (daidzein and genistein) and phenolic acids (benzoic acid and p-Hydroxybenzoic acid), and significantly promoted nodulation. Furthermore, the exudates from AM-colonised roots and the derived specific flavonoids and phenolic acids effectively increased rhizobial growth, chemotaxis, biofilm formation. Addition of the specific synthetic root exudates enhanced nodulation and N2 fixation, and expression of the core nodulation genes in soybean. Overexpression of a phenylalanine ammonia-lyase gene, GmPAL2.4 markedly upregulated the expression of the genes related to the biosynthesis of daidzein, genistein, benzoic acid, and p-Hydroxybenzoic acid, and increased accumulation of these specific flavonoids and phenolic acids in the transgenic plants, thus enhancing nodulation and N2 fixation. In summary, we demonstrated a crucial role of specific flavonoids and phenolic acids induced by AM symbiosis in promoting rhizobium-host symbiosis. This offers a pathway for improving symbiotic efficiency through the use of specific synthetic compounds.},
}

@article {pmid40195594,
year = {2025},
author = {Selosse, MA and Alaux, PL and Deloche, L and Delannoy, E and Minasiewicz, J and Tsiftsis, S and Figura, T and Martos, F},
title = {Mixotrophy in orchids: facts, questions, and perspectives.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.70106},
pmid = {40195594},
issn = {1469-8137},
abstract = {While orchids germinate thanks to carbon from their symbiotic fungi, variable carbon exchanges exist between adult orchids and their mycorrhizal fungi. Although some truly autotrophic orchids reward their fungi with carbon at adulthood, some species remain achlorophyllous and fully dependent on fungal carbon (mycoheterotrophy). Others are photosynthetic but also import fungal carbon: The so-called mixotrophic (MX) orchids rely on fungi of diverse taxonomy and ecology. Here, we classify MX nutrition of orchids into three types. Type I mixotrophy associates with diverse Asco- and Basidiomycota that are either saprotrophic or ectomycorrhizal, entailing enrichment of the orchids in [2]H, [13]C, and [15]N. The two other types associate with rhizoctonias, a polyphyletic assemblage of Basidiomycotas that is ancestrally mycorrhizal in orchids. Type II mixotrophy associates with rhizoctonias that secondarily evolved into saprotrophic or ectomycorrhizal ecology, and thus enrich the orchid in [2]H, [13]C, and [15]N. Type III mixotrophy, which remains debated, associates with rhizoctonias that have retained their ancestral lifestyle, that is saprotrophic and/or endophytic in nonorchids, and only entail orchid enrichment in [2]H and [15]N. Based on a case study of achlorophyllous variants in Mediterranean Ophrys and on published data, we discuss the distinct nature and research perspectives of type III mixotrophy.},
}

@article {pmid40192559,
year = {2025},
author = {Son, NE and Son, E},
title = {The Effect of Prebiotics and Probiotics (Synbiotics) on Weight Loss and Biochemical Parameters in Obese Individuals.},
journal = {Journal of medicinal food},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1089/jmf.2023.0233},
pmid = {40192559},
issn = {1557-7600},
abstract = {This study examined the effects of prebiotic and probiotic (synbiotic) supplementation on weight loss and biochemical parameters in treating obesity. The study was conducted with 110 participants in Eskisehir Anadolu Hospital, Turkiye, between February 15, 2019 and February 15, 2020. Individuals with obesity, who were following a weight loss diet, were randomly assigned to two groups. While one group (the control group) followed the diet only, the other group received synbiotic tablets in the morning and evening, in addition to the diet. Anthropometric values and biochemical parameters of the patients were measured at the beginning of the study and 3 months after. A significant decrease was found in weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference values compared with baseline in both groups (P: .001; P < .05). A significant decrease was found in fasting blood sugar and HOMA-IR values compared with baseline in both groups. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in vitamin B12 and vitamin D values in the group receiving synbiotics compared with their baseline values. As a result of our study, both groups experienced similar weight loss and a decrease in BMI values. The vitamin B12 and vitamin D values of the group that took supplements increased significantly. The HOMA-IR values were significantly lower in both groups, albeit more in the synbiotic group. Changes in vitamin B12, vitamin D, and HOMA-IR values are extremely important for improving the health parameters in the long term.},
}

@article {pmid40189709,
year = {2025},
author = {Nemec, M and Ringl, P and Spettel, K and Schneider, L and Kriz, R and Galazka, S and Sedlak, M and Jonke, E and Andruhkov, O and Makristathis, A},
title = {Exploring the impact of orthodontic appliances on the oral microbiome and inflammatory parameters.},
journal = {Progress in orthodontics},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {13},
pmid = {40189709},
issn = {2196-1042},
support = {19089//Bürgermeister Fonds der Stadt Wien - Medizinisch-Wissenschaftlicher Fonds der Stadt Wien/ ; Förderpreis 2020//Deutsche Gesellschaft für Aligner Orthodontie/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Microbiota ; *Saliva/microbiology ; Male ; Female ; *Orthodontic Appliances, Fixed/adverse effects ; Adolescent ; *Orthodontic Appliances/adverse effects ; *Inflammation ; *Mouth/microbiology ; Dental Caries/microbiology ; Young Adult ; Orthodontic Appliances, Removable ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The symbiotic relationship between the oral microbiome and the host immune system is a prerequisite of oral health. Disruptions to this system can be associated with the development of diseases like dental caries. Introducing orthodontic treatments, such as aligners and fixed appliances, might impact this microbial ecosystem. This study evaluated potential changes in salivary microbiome and the level of inflammatory marker myeloid-related protein 8/14 in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with aligners or fixed appliances.

METHODS: Forty-eight patients were divided into two groups for treatment with fixed appliances or clear aligners. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected at baseline, three, and six months for microbiome analysis via 16 S rRNA sequencing and MRP-8/14 level measurement using ELISA.

RESULTS: Among 503 identified microbial species, no significant changes were noted in overall microbiome. A considerable increase of caries-relevant species could not be observed either. MRP-8/14 levels remained unchanged across treatments, indicating no alterations in the inflammatory level.

CONCLUSION: Orthodontic treatment with fixed or removable appliances does not significantly alter the salivary microbiome or influence inflammation, suggesting that these interventions are unlikely to affect oral health negatively.},
}

Humans
*Microbiota
*Saliva/microbiology
Male
Female
*Orthodontic Appliances, Fixed/adverse effects
Adolescent
*Orthodontic Appliances/adverse effects
*Inflammation
*Mouth/microbiology
Dental Caries/microbiology
Young Adult
Orthodontic Appliances, Removable

@article {pmid40189564,
year = {2025},
author = {He, Y and Zhuo, S and Li, M and Pan, J and Jiang, Y and Hu, Y and Sanford, RA and Lin, Q and Sun, W and Wei, N and Peng, S and Jiang, Z and Li, S and Li, Y and Dong, Y and Shi, L},
title = {Candidate Phyla Radiation (CPR) bacteria from hyperalkaline ecosystems provide novel insight into their symbiotic lifestyle and ecological implications.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {94},
pmid = {40189564},
issn = {2049-2618},
support = {42472366, 92051111 and 42272353//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 122-G1323522144//Fundamental Research Funds for the Chinese Central Government via China University of Geosciences (Wuhan)/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Bacteria/genetics/classification/metabolism/isolation & purification ; Metagenomics/methods ; Metagenome ; Folic Acid/biosynthesis ; Ecosystem ; Phylogeny ; Genome, Bacterial ; *Microbiota ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Candidate Phyla Radiation (CPR) represents a unique superphylum characterized by ultra-small cell size and symbiotic lifestyle. Although CPR bacteria have been identified in varied environments, their broader distribution, associations with hosts, and ecological roles remain largely unexplored. To address these knowledge gaps, a serpentinite-like environment was selected as a simplified model system to investigate the CPR communities in hyperalkaline environments and their association with hosts in extreme conditions. Additionally, the enzymatic activity, global distribution, and evolution of the CPR-derived genes encoding essential metabolites (e.g., folate or vitamin B9) were analyzed and assessed.

RESULTS: In the highly alkaline serpentinite-like ecosystem (pH = 10.9-12.4), metagenomic analyses of the water and sediment samples revealed that CPR bacteria constituted 1.93-34.8% of the microbial communities. Metabolic reconstruction of 12 high-quality CPR metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) affiliated to the novel taxa from orders UBA6257, UBA9973, and Paceibacterales suggests that these bacteria lack the complete biosynthetic pathways for amino acids, lipids, and nucleotides. Notably, the CPR bacteria commonly harbored the genes associated with essential folate cofactor biosynthesis and metabolism, including dihydrofolate reductase (folA), serine hydroxymethyltransferase (glyA), and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (folD). Additionally, two presumed auxotrophic hosts, incapable of forming tetrahydrofolate (THF) due to the absence of folA, were identified as potential hosts for some CPR bacteria harboring folA genes. The functionality of these CPR-derived folA genes was experimentally verified by heterologous expression in the folA-deletion mutant Escherichia coli MG1655 ΔfolA. Further assessment of the available CPR genomes (n = 4,581) revealed that the genes encoding the proteins for the synthesis of bioactive folate derivatives (e.g., folA, glyA, and/or folD genes) were present in 90.8% of the genomes examined. It suggests potential widespread metabolic complementarity in folate biosynthesis between CPR and their hosts.

CONCLUSIONS: This finding deepens our understanding of the mechanisms of CPR-host symbiosis, providing novel insight into essential cofactor-dependent mutualistic CPR-host interactions. Our observations suggest that CPR bacteria may contribute to auxotrophic organisms and indirectly influence biogeochemical processes. Video Abstract.},
}

*Symbiosis
*Bacteria/genetics/classification/metabolism/isolation & purification
Metagenomics/methods
Metagenome
Folic Acid/biosynthesis
Ecosystem
Phylogeny
Genome, Bacterial
*Microbiota

@article {pmid40186970,
year = {2025},
author = {Jiang, LX and Cui, YW and Mi, YN and Zhou, DX and Li, MT and Yang, RC},
title = {Recovery of volatile ethanol gas via microalgal-bacterial consortium: Ethanol-to-acetate conversion pathway boosts lipid production.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {381},
number = {},
pages = {125210},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.125210},
pmid = {40186970},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {The pharmaceutical industry, an essential sector of the global economy, heavily relies on ethanol solvents, which leads to significant volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions. As a sustainable treatment method aligning with carbon reduction goals, this study proposed and demonstrated a synergistic approach of using microalgae (Chlorella sorokiniana FACHB-24) and acetic acid bacteria (Acetobacter pasteurianus CICC 20056) to recover ethanol into value-added products (algal lipids). In the innovative co-culture, A. pasteurianus oxidizes ethanol to acetic acid, which is fed to algae for lipid production. This method increased biomass and lipid yield by 21.29% and 150.16% (p < 0.05), respectively, compared to microalgae directly using ethanol. Some operational parameters including ethanol concentration, bacterial-algal biomass ratio, pH value, and light intensity made influence on lipid production. Under the optimal conditions (1.0% v/v ethanol concentration, 1:10 bacterial-algal biomass ratio, pH 6.5, and 5000 lux light intensity), the maximal biomass and lipid yields were 572.5 mg L[-1] and 161.1 mg L[-1] (26.7% lipid content), respectively. In the harvested lipid from microalgae, C16 - C18 fatty acids made up 98.22% of the total fatty acid methyl esters content. In proteomic comparison of the single culture and co-culture, the conversion of ethanol to acetate by A. pasteurianus provides C. sorokiniana with a more efficient acetyl-CoA source by bypassing energy-intensive glycolysis and directly enhancing lipid synthesis. This study provides a solution to increasing the lipid production from ethanol gas as a sustainable VOCs management of pharmaceutical industry.},
}

@article {pmid40186135,
year = {2025},
author = {Hernández-Miranda, OA and Campos, JE and Sandoval-Zapotitla, E and Rosas, U and Ortiz-Melo, MT and Salazar-Rojas, VM},
title = {Transcriptomic analysis reveals molecular phenological changes during the flower-to-fruit transition in Vanilla planifolia Andrews (Orchidaceae).},
journal = {BMC plant biology},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {437},
pmid = {40186135},
issn = {1471-2229},
support = {Project 255952//Consejo Nacional de Humanidades, Ciencias y Tecnologías/ ; },
mesh = {*Flowers/growth & development/genetics/physiology ; *Fruit/growth & development/genetics ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Pollination ; *Transcriptome ; *Vanilla/genetics/growth & development/physiology ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The transition from flower to fruit, encompassing flower formation to fruit maturation, has been extensively studied in model plants such as Arabidopsis thaliana. However, the Orchidaceae family, including Vanilla planifolia, exhibits a unique phenomenon known as post-pollination syndrome (PPS), where pollination initiates ovule development but often leads to premature ovary drop. This phenomenon significantly impacts the yield and stability of V. planifolia crops. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying PPS is essential for improving crop production. This study explores transcriptomic and histological variations to identify key molecular and phenological changes in the ovary during the flower-to-fruit transition in V. planifolia.

RESULTS: The flower-to-fruit transition in Vanilla planifolia involves dynamic changes in gene expression and phenotypic events, which can be categorized into four distinct stages: (1) Pre-pollination: Ovary differentiation is characterized by the enrichment of nitrogen metabolism and photoperiod-responsive pathways. The upregulation of VpVRN5-like and VpNAC14-like suggests their roles in photoperiod-induced flowering and ovarian tissue differentiation in response to nitrate availability. (2) Pollination: Key events include nucellar filament branching and the functional enrichment of pathways associated with growth and responses to light intensity. The upregulation of VpMBS1-like indicates its involvement in regulating and adapting to high light conditions. (3) Post-pollination: This stage is marked by embryo sac formation and pollen tube elongation, with enrichment in auxin response pathways. The upregulation of VpIAA6-like and VpRALF27-like suggests their roles in auxin signaling during ovule development. (4) Fertilization: Seed development is associated with the enrichment of abiotic stress response pathways and carbohydrate transport. The upregulation of VpAAE3-like, VpPR1-like, and VpSWET12-like suggests functions in stress responses and sucrose transport, potentially linked to fungal interactions or symbiosis.

CONCLUSIONS: This study characterizes the molecular and phenological changes occurring during the flower-to-fruit transition in V. planifolia by integrating transcriptomic analysis with anatomical data on post-pollination syndrome. Based on functional predictions, this approach provides valuable insights into the mechanisms governing this transition in plants exhibiting PPS and identifies candidate genes for future experimental validation in V. planifolia.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.},
}

*Flowers/growth & development/genetics/physiology
*Fruit/growth & development/genetics
Gene Expression Profiling
Pollination
*Transcriptome
*Vanilla/genetics/growth & development/physiology
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant

@article {pmid40185029,
year = {2025},
author = {Banda, MM and Salas-Ocampo, MPE and Rodríguez, M and Martínez-Absalón, S and Leija-Salas, A and Reyero-Saavedra, R and Sánchez-Pérez, M and Hernández, G and Georgellis, D and Fuentes-Hernández, A and Girard, L},
title = {The Rhizobium etli response regulator CenR is essential for both: Free-life and the rhizobial nitrogen-fixing symbiosis.},
journal = {Microbiological research},
volume = {297},
number = {},
pages = {128159},
doi = {10.1016/j.micres.2025.128159},
pmid = {40185029},
issn = {1618-0623},
abstract = {The canonical two-component systems (TCS) consist of a histidine kinase and a response regulator that work together to control various pathways in bacteria. Rhizobia are rod-shaped, Gram-negative alpha-proteobacteria capable of establishing a nitrogen-fixing symbiosis with compatible legume hosts. These bacteria can live freely in the soil or as intracellular symbionts within root nodules. Here, we characterized an orphan OmpR-type response regulator in Rhizobium etli CE3, which we renamed CenR due to its similarity to CenR proteins known as essential regulators of cell envelope-related functions in alpha-proteobacteria. We identified the cognate histidine kinase encoded by cenK, located in a separate genomic region from cenR. CenR and CenK form a TCS that has not been previously reported in Rhizobium. Our results indicate that the overexpression of cenR as well as the absence of cenK, negatively impacts R. etli growth and cell morphology, while bacteria overexpressing cenR also exhibit uncoordinated cell division. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the CenKR TCS directly or indirectly regulates the expression of essential genes involved in pathways that control cell growth and morphology. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays confirmed that CenR binds directly to the promoter regions of two uncharacterized genes in R. etli. Furthermore, analysis of the R. etli - common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) symbiosis revealed increased infection threads, reduced leghemoglobin content, and lower nitrogen fixation efficiency in nodules infected by the cenR-overexpressing strain. In conclusion, our findings revealed that the CenKR TCS coordinates important cell cycle events in Rhizobium that are vital for both free-living and symbiotic conditions.},
}

@article {pmid40184709,
year = {2025},
author = {Wu, X and Wang, Y and Meador, JP and Zhou, GJ and Xu, W and Hua, F and Liu, W and Liu, X and Wang, Z},
title = {Biodegradation pathways and mechanisms of 17α-ethynylestradiol via functional enzymes in the freshwater microalga Scenedesmus quadricauda.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {281},
number = {},
pages = {123569},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2025.123569},
pmid = {40184709},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) is a potent synthetic hormone exhibiting very high estrogenic activity and low rates of biodegradation. The removal capabilities of EE2 by bacteria, fungi and algal-bacterial symbiotic systems have attracted considerable attention recently. Specifically, algal biodegradation has been explored recently; however, the pathway and mechanisms of EE2 degradation have remained largely unknown. Therefore, we investigated the pathways and mechanisms by which EE2 is degraded by the freshwater microalga Scenedesmus quadricauda. After exposure for 10.5 d, the algal species was able to metabolize 58 % of a 15 mg/L solution of EE2, with the highest removal rate of 13 % occurring at 1.5 d An Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Q-Exactive Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry was used innovatively to identify the biodegradation products of EE2 through non-target screening, followed by the verification of standard compounds. Transcriptomic analysis and molecular docking analysis revealed several degradation pathways and mechanisms by this algal species. One pathway was the demethylation of EE2 to estradiol (E2) by short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase. Subsequently, we also observed interconversion of estrone (E1) and E2 by 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase through hydroxylation or ketonization, hydroxylation of E1 to 16α-hydroxyestrone (16-OH E1) by cytochrome P450 and flavin-containing monooxygenase. A second pathway was methoxylation of E2 to estradiol acetate by catechol O-methyltransferase. As a result, the ethynyl group was degraded to hydroxy, ketone and methoxyl groups, which promotes EE2 degradation. Considering that EE2 pollution could result in adverse effects for aquatic organisms, the results of this study provide insights and a comprehensive approach for practical and effective bioremediation of EE2 contamination in aquatic ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid40183777,
year = {2025},
author = {Bao, H and Wang, Y and Li, H and Wang, Q and Lei, Y and Ye, Y and Wadood, SF and Zhu, H and Staehelin, C and Stacey, G and Xu, S and Cao, Y},
title = {The rhizobial effector NopT targets Nod factor receptors to regulate symbiosis in Lotus japonicus.},
journal = {eLife},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40183777},
issn = {2050-084X},
support = {2019YFA0904700//National Key R&D Program of China/ ; 32090063//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2662022SKYJ002//Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities/ ; 2662021JC010//Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities/ ; Plant Genome Research Program 2048410//National Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Lotus/microbiology/metabolism/physiology ; *Plant Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; *Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Nicotiana/microbiology/genetics ; *Sinorhizobium fredii/enzymology/genetics ; Signal Transduction ; },
abstract = {It is well documented that type-III effectors are required by Gram-negative pathogens to directly target different host cellular pathways to promote bacterial infection. However, in the context of legume-rhizobium symbiosis, the role of rhizobial effectors in regulating plant symbiotic pathways remains largely unexplored. Here, we show that NopT, a YopT-type cysteine protease of Sinorhizobium fredii NGR234 directly targets the plant's symbiotic signaling pathway by associating with two Nod factor receptors (NFR1 and NFR5 of Lotus japonicus). NopT inhibits cell death triggered by co-expression of NFR1/NFR5 in Nicotiana benthamiana. Full-length NopT physically interacts with NFR1 and NFR5. NopT proteolytically cleaves NFR5 both in vitro and in vivo, but can be inactivated by NFR1 as a result of phosphorylation. NopT plays an essential role in mediating rhizobial infection in L. japonicus. Autocleaved NopT retains the ability to cleave NFR5 but no longer interacts with NFR1. Interestingly, genomes of certain Sinorhizobium species only harbor nopT genes encoding truncated proteins without the autocleavage site. These results reveal an intricate interplay between rhizobia and legumes, in which a rhizobial effector protease targets NFR5 to suppress symbiotic signaling. NFR1 appears to counteract this process by phosphorylating the effector. This discovery highlights the role of a bacterial effector in regulating a signaling pathway in plants and opens up the perspective of developing kinase-interacting proteases to fine-tune cellular signaling processes in general.},
}

*Symbiosis
*Lotus/microbiology/metabolism/physiology
*Plant Proteins/metabolism/genetics
*Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics
Nicotiana/microbiology/genetics
*Sinorhizobium fredii/enzymology/genetics
Signal Transduction

@article {pmid40182281,
year = {2025},
author = {Hasanović, M and Durmić-Pašić, A and Karalija, E},
title = {Enhancing nickel stress tolerance in Micro-Tom tomatoes through biopriming with Paraburkholderia phytofirmans PsJN: insights into growth and physiological responses.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1561924},
pmid = {40182281},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The strategic utilization of plant growth-promoting (PGP) rhizospheric bacteria is a sustainable approach to mitigating the negative effects of anthropogenic activities and excessive nickel (Ni) accumulation in plants. Given that the specific effects of symbiotic interactions depend on the direct relationship between the plant species, bacterial strain, and heavy metals (HMs), this study aimed to investigate the effects of Paraburkholderia phytofirmans PsJN seed priming on Ni tolerance in adult Micro-Tom tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.).

METHODS: Sterilized Micro-Tom seeds were bioprimed with P. phytofirmans PsJN for 24 hours and then sown into the soil. Non-primed, imbibed seeds were used as a control. After 10 days, the seedlings were transferred to a Hoagland nutrient solution. Chronic (10 μM Ni) and acute (50 μM Ni) stress conditions were induced by supplementing the Hoagland solution with Ni salt. The experiment lasted approximately 75 days, covering the complete life cycle of the plants. Various physiological and biochemical parameters were analyzed.

RESULTS: Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed between non-primed and bioprimed tomato plants in terms of fruit yield. Bioprimed tomatoes exhibited higher resilience to Ni stress, particularly under acute stress conditions. Non-primed tomatoes treated with 50 μM Ni showed statistically lower concentrations of chlorophyll a and total chlorophylls compared to bioprimed tomatoes. Moreover, proline content was generally lower and more stable in bioprimed plants, indicating reduced oxidative stress.The activity of antioxidant enzymes exhibited distinct patterns between nonprimed and bioprimed tomatoes.

CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that biopriming with P. phytofirmans PsJN enhances Micro-Tom tomato resilience and growth under Ni stress. This technique appears to mitigate Ni-induced stress effects, particularly at higher Ni concentrations, making it a promising strategy for improving tomato performance in Ni-contaminated environments. Future studies should explore the underlying molecular mechanisms and field applications of this biopriming approach.},
}

@article {pmid40197560,
year = {2024},
author = {Tamás, PN and Lisincki, A and Jekkel, É},
title = {[Munchausen by proxy qualitative case analysis].},
journal = {Psychiatria Hungarica : A Magyar Pszichiatriai Tarsasag tudomanyos folyoirata},
volume = {39},
number = {4},
pages = {381-387},
pmid = {40197560},
issn = {0237-7896},
mesh = {Humans ; *Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy/psychology/diagnosis ; Female ; Male ; Adult ; Child ; Personality ; Motivation ; Life Change Events ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: In 1977, Meadow coined the term Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy (MSBP) to describe a situation in which a parent or caregiver fabricates or induces illness in a child, leading to painful diagnostic procedures and hospital treatments. This can result in both short- and long-term psychological and physiological damage, with potentially severe consequences.

METHOD: The aim of this study, beyond summarizing the existing literature, is to explore the underlying personality traits, psychological mechanisms, motives, and dynamics associated with MSBP through two case analyses. These analyses are based on a thematic content analysis of exploratory interview material and the results of psychological personality tests (Rorschach, MMPI, SCID-II).

RESULTS: The thematic analysis of the two interviews identified the following common main themes: Background and pre-existing life events (e.g., loss as a traumatic event); Indicators of Munchausen by Proxy (e.g., manipulation of medical records or samples); Personality traits (e.g., theatricality, manipulative behavior, trivialization, relationship dependency, egocentricity); Motivating factors and consequences of Munchausen by Proxy (e.g., illness-related secondary gain).

CONCLUSION: Both cases shared a history of multiple traumatic events prior to the onset of MSBP-such as bereavement, miscarriage, and abuse - which likely had a significant impact on their personality and emotional state. Another common factor was the close, intense, and symbiotic relationship with the child. However, the cases differed in the degree of aggression involved in inducing illness in the child. In both cases, a diagnosis of personality disorder was confirmed, predominantly with histrionic traits.},
}

Humans
*Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy/psychology/diagnosis
Female
Male
Adult
Child
Personality
Motivation
Life Change Events

@article {pmid40181655,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, B and Chen, X and Zhu, Y and Chen, H and Tan, J and Yang, Z and Li, J and Zheng, P and Feng, L and Wang, Q and Gai, S and Zhong, L and Yang, P and Cheng, Z and Lin, J},
title = {One-Step Symbiosis of Bimetallic Peroxides Nanoparticles to Induce Ferroptosis/Cuproptosis and Activate cGAS-STING Pathway for Enhanced Tumor Immunotherapy.},
journal = {Advanced materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e2500337},
doi = {10.1002/adma.202500337},
pmid = {40181655},
issn = {1521-4095},
support = {52402340//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 52432008//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; U22A20347//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 52272282//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 52272273//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2023M730825//China Postdoctoral Science Foundation/ ; 2023TQ0091//China Postdoctoral Science Foundation/ ; GZC20233423//Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (Grade C) of China Postdoctoral Science Foundation/ ; YQ2023B005//Heilongjiang Natural Science Foundation Project of Outstanding Youth Project/ ; LBH-Z23014//Heilongjiang Postdoctoral Fund/ ; ZD2023E005//Key Projects for Science and Technology Development Plan of Heilongjiang Province/ ; 20220101050JC//Science and Technology Project of Jilin Province/ ; },
abstract = {To improve the efficiency and application prospects of metal peroxides in tumor therapy, the synthesis of bimetallic peroxides via simple yet effective approaches will be highly significant. In this work, hyaluronic acid modified zinc-copper bimetallic peroxides (ZCPO@HA) nanoparticles are synthesized through a one-step symbiotic method by co-hydrolysis of zinc acetate and copper acetate in weakly alkaline solution, followed by modification with sodium hyaluronate. Upon decomposition in the tumor microenvironment, ZCPO@HA nanoparticles can generate a considerable content of hydroxyl radical (·OH) by Fenton-like reaction between Cu[2+] and self-compensating hydrogen peroxide, while downregulating the expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 to induce ferroptosis. The abundant release of Cu[2+] leads to the aggregation of dihydrolipoamide S-acetyltransferase and the reduction of iron-sulfur cluster proteins, causing cuproptosis. The immunogenic cell death of tumor cells releases abundant damage associated molecular patterns, effectively activating the adaptive immune response. Zn[2+] and ·OH cause mitochondrial damage, leading to the release of a substantial amount of mitochondrial DNA. This subsequently activates the cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) pathway, enhancing the innate immune response. In conclusion, it synthesizes a new type of bimetallic peroxides by one-step symbiosis for activating anti-tumor immunotherapy combined with immune checkpoint inhibitor.},
}

@article {pmid40181596,
year = {2025},
author = {Mevers, E},
title = {Emily Mevers.},
journal = {Angewandte Chemie (International ed. in English)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e202506847},
doi = {10.1002/anie.202506847},
pmid = {40181596},
issn = {1521-3773},
abstract = {"My favorite place on earth where science has taken me is the Amazon region in Brazil, where we studied the symbiosis of fungus-growing ants… The most rewarding part of my job is working with brilliant young researchers who are experiencing the thrills of research for the first time…" Find out more about Emily Mevers in her Introducing… Profile.},
}

@article {pmid40179708,
year = {2025},
author = {Chidiac, CN and Leshuk, TMC and Gu, F},
title = {Photocatalysis and phosphorus drive organic production in algal-bacterial co-cultures treating oil sands process affected water.},
journal = {Chemosphere},
volume = {377},
number = {},
pages = {144322},
doi = {10.1016/j.chemosphere.2025.144322},
pmid = {40179708},
issn = {1879-1298},
abstract = {Photocatalysis has been previously identified as an effective pre-treatment for biodegrading naphthenic acid fraction compounds (NAFCs) in oil sands process-affected water (OSPW), achieving mineralization rates unattainable by standalone methods. However, previous studies focused on bacteria cultures for biological treatment, overlooking the potential of algae-bacteria co-growth and its possible effects on enhancing mineralization. Thus, this study replicated those experiments under conditions that promote algal growth. Synthetic OSPW underwent photocatalytic pre-treatment for varying durations, followed by biological treatment in illuminated microcosms. Biostimulation, through phosphate addition, was also tested to determine its effect on accelerating mineralization. Photocatalytic pre-treatments of 24 h or longer created oligotrophic conditions, triggering the production of algal-derived organics, which released nutrients into the water and reduced mineralization rates during the biological treatment phase. Moreover, nutrient addition generally exacerbated these effects by promoting photosynthetic biomass growth. Nutrient-fixing and symbiotic microbes were identified, contributing to prolonged organic production phases. These phases of persistent organic generation could pose a risk of eutrophication, highlighting the need to mitigate light exposure during post-biological treatments. Under controlled light exposure, BPCs with biological treatments offer a scalable, energy-efficient solution for addressing complex industrial wastewater challenges, advancing the sustainable management of OSPW and similar hard-to-treat water sources.},
}

@article {pmid40179703,
year = {2025},
author = {Chang, JS and Kim, WS},
title = {Co-oxidation of arxB response by As(III), Fe(II), and Mn(II)-oxidizing bacteria in As-contaminated tap water.},
journal = {Chemosphere},
volume = {377},
number = {},
pages = {144330},
doi = {10.1016/j.chemosphere.2025.144330},
pmid = {40179703},
issn = {1879-1298},
abstract = {Iron pipe corrosion can be caused by tap water contamination with arsenic (As), heavy metals, and symbiotic microorganisms. In this study, we performed laboratory experiments on drinking water samples collected from Yanbian University of Science and Technology, Jilin Province, eastern China, to evaluate the mechanism of heavy metal oxidation by microbes. The experiments revealed corrosion of the entire water pipe, heavy metal contamination, and microbial co-oxidation of As(III), iron (Fe(II)), and manganese (Mn(II)). Pipe corrosion was observed in several university buildings, with particularly high levels of As (4.3 μg/L), Fe (143.4 μg/L), Mn (0.6 μg/L), and bacteria (1,200 CFU/100 mL) in the Engineering building. The As(III), Fe(II), and Mn(II) co-oxidation activity of As(III)-resistant and Fe(II)- and Mn(II)-oxidizing bacteria was investigated based on frvA, aioE, boxA, arsB, and arxB gene activities in Burkholderia glathei strain YUST-DW12 (NCBI accession No.: HM640291). Batch experiments revealed that YUST-DW12 completely co-oxidized 1 mM As(III) to As(V), 5 mM Fe(II) to Fe(III), and 5 mM Mn(II) to Mn(IV) within 45-50 h, 10 h, and 25 h, respectively. Co-oxidation related to arxB gene activity significantly contributed to As, Fe, and Mn bioremediation and mobility in tap water, indicating that As, Fe, and Mn oxidases in bacteria control the biogeochemical cycle of contaminated public tap water affected by iron pipe corrosion. This research provides novel insights into the role of microbial arxB in As(III), Fe(II), and Mn(II) co-oxidation in corroded iron pipes, enhancing our understanding of the co-oxidative removal of As from contaminated tap and bottled water.},
}

@article {pmid40178890,
year = {2025},
author = {Gorman, LM and Tivey, TR and Raymond, EH and Ashley, IA and Oakley, CA and Grossman, AR and Weis, VM and Davy, SK},
title = {Stability of the cnidarian-dinoflagellate symbiosis is primarily determined by symbiont cell-cycle arrest.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {122},
number = {14},
pages = {e2412396122},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2412396122},
pmid = {40178890},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {VUW1601//Royal Society of New Zealand | Marsden Fund (Royal Society of New Zealand Marsden Fund)/ ; 2109786//NSF | NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis/physiology ; Animals ; *Dinoflagellida/physiology ; *Cell Cycle Checkpoints/physiology ; *Cnidaria/physiology ; Apoptosis ; Autophagy ; },
abstract = {The cnidarian-dinoflagellate symbiosis relies on the regulation of resident symbiont populations to maintain biomass stability; however, the relative importance of host regulatory mechanisms [cell-cycle arrest (CC), apoptosis (AP), autophagy (AU), and expulsion (EX)] during symbiosis onset and maintenance is largely unknown. Here, we inoculated a symbiont-free (aposymbiotic) model cnidarian (Exaiptasia diaphana: "Aiptasia") with either its native symbiont Breviolum minutum or one of three non-native symbionts: Symbiodinium microadriaticum, Cladocopium goreaui, and Durusdinium trenchii. We then measured and compared host AP, host AU, symbiont EX, and symbiont cell-cycle phase for up to a year with these different symbionts and used these discrete measurements to inform comparative models of symbiont population regulation. Our models showed a general pattern, where regulation through AP and AU is reduced after onset, followed by an overshoot of the symbiont population that requires a strong regulatory response, dealt with by strong CC and increased EX. As colonization progresses into symbiosis maintenance, CC remains crucial for achieving steady-state symbiont populations, with our models estimating that CC regulates 10-fold more cells (60 to 90%) relative to the other mechanisms. Notably though, our models also revealed that D. trenchii is less tightly regulated than B. minutum, consistent with D. trenchii's reputation as a suboptimal partner for this cnidarian. Overall, our models suggest that single regulatory mechanisms do not accurately replicate observed symbiont colonization patterns, reflecting the importance of all mechanisms working concomitantly. This ultimately sheds light on the cell biology underpinning the stability of this ecologically significant symbiosis.},
}

*Symbiosis/physiology
Animals
*Dinoflagellida/physiology
*Cell Cycle Checkpoints/physiology
*Cnidaria/physiology
Apoptosis
Autophagy

@article {pmid40178031,
year = {2025},
author = {Wieczorek, K and Bell, CA},
title = {Exploited mutualism: the reciprocal effects of plant parasitic nematodes on the mechanisms underpinning plant-mutualist interactions.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.70125},
pmid = {40178031},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {BB/X009823/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; },
abstract = {We are quickly gaining insights into the mechanisms and functions of plant-mutualist relationships with the common overarching aim of exploiting them to enhance food security and crop resilience. There is a growing mass of research describing various benefits of plant-mutualistic fungi, including increased nutrition, yields, and tolerance to biotic and abiotic factors. The bulk of this research has been focused on arbuscular mycorrhiza; however, there is now an expansion toward other plant mutualistic fungi. Contrary to the established 'mycorrhizal induced resistance' principle, increasing evidence shows that certain plant pests and pathogens may, in fact, exploit the benefits that mutualists provide their hosts, resulting in enhanced pathogenicity and reduced mutualist-derived benefits. In this Viewpoint, we propose that studying plant mutualistic fungi under controlled artificial conditions indeed provides in-depth knowledge but may mislead long-term applications as it does not accurately reflect multi-symbiont scenarios that occur in natura. We summarize the reciprocal impacts of plant pests, such as plant parasitic nematodes, on plant-fungal mutualisms and highlight how glasshouse experiments often yield contradictory results. We emphasize the need for collaborative efforts to increase the granularity of experimental systems, better reflecting natural environments to gain holistic insights into mutualist functions before applying them in sustainable crop protection strategies.},
}

@article {pmid40177686,
year = {2025},
author = {Argueta-Guzmán, M and Spasojevic, MJ and McFrederick, QS},
title = {Solitary Bees Acquire and Deposit Bacteria via Flowers: Testing the Environmental Transmission Hypothesis Using Osmia lignaria, Phacelia tanacetifolia, and Apilactobacillus micheneri.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {4},
pages = {e71138},
pmid = {40177686},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Microbial environmental transmission among individuals plays an important role in shaping the microbiomes of many species. Despite the importance of the microbiome for host fitness, empirical investigations on environmental transmission are scarce, particularly in systems where interactions across multiple trophic levels influence symbiotic dynamics. Here, we explore microbial transmission within insect microbiomes, focusing on solitary bees. Specifically, we investigate the environmental transmission hypothesis, which posits that solitary bees acquire and deposit their associated microbiota from and to their surroundings, especially flowers. Using experimental setups, we examine the transmission dynamics of Apilactobacillus micheneri, a fructophilic and acidophilic bacterium, between the solitary bee Osmia lignaria (Megachilidae) and the plant Phacelia tanacetifolia (Boraginaceae). Our results demonstrate that bees not only acquire bacteria from flowers but also deposit these microbes onto uninoculated flowers for other bees to acquire them, supporting a bidirectional microbial exchange. We therefore find empirical support for the environmental transmission hypothesis, and we discuss the multitrophic dependencies that facilitate microbial transmission between bees and flowers.},
}

@article {pmid40175892,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, L and Wang, X and Li, H and Ali, MM and Hu, X and Oelmuller, R and Yousef, AF and Alrefaei, AF and Liu, J and Chen, F},
title = {The SWEET14 sugar transporter mediates mycorrhizal symbiosis and carbon allocation in Dendrobium officinale.},
journal = {BMC plant biology},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {416},
pmid = {40175892},
issn = {1471-2229},
support = {RSP2025R218//Researchers Supporting Project, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia/ ; 2022N5016//Fujian Province Science and Technology Plan Project: Dendrobium officinale quality and high yield key technology research and development and industrialization/ ; },
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology ; *Dendrobium/microbiology/metabolism/genetics/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Plant Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; *Carbon/metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; *Membrane Transport Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Plant Roots/metabolism/microbiology ; Arabidopsis/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Orchid mycorrhizal (OM) fungi form mutualistic relationships with orchids, facilitating the uptake of minerals from the soil in exchange for sugars and lipids provided by the plant. In this study, we explored the role of the DoSWEET14 sugar transporter in Dendrobium officinale during OM symbiosis. Transcriptome sequencing revealed significant changes in gene expression in mycorrhizal roots, particularly the upregulation of DoSWEET14. Subcellular localization studies confirmed that DoSWEET14 is localized to the plasma membrane, suggesting its involvement in nutrient exchange between the orchid and OM fungi. Complementation assays using a yeast strain deficient in hexose transport demonstrated that DoSWEET14 has broad substrate specificity, efficiently transporting multiple monosaccharides. Additionally, overexpression of DoSWEET14 in Arabidopsis increased sugar content without affecting biomass, supporting its role in carbohydrate transport and storage during symbiosis. These findings suggest that DoSWEET14 plays a key role in regulating carbon allocation and stabilizing the mutualistic relationship between Dendrobium officinale and OM fungi.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology
*Dendrobium/microbiology/metabolism/genetics/physiology
*Symbiosis
*Plant Proteins/metabolism/genetics
*Carbon/metabolism
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
*Membrane Transport Proteins/metabolism/genetics
Plant Roots/metabolism/microbiology
Arabidopsis/genetics/metabolism

@article {pmid40174748,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhou, L and Xiang, X and Chen, Y and Ma, H and Kong, L and Lu, Y and Cheng, S},
title = {Enhanced nitrogen removal in modular moving bed constructed wetland at low temperature: Optimization of dissolved oxygen distribution and reconfiguration of core microbial symbiosis.},
journal = {Environmental research},
volume = {276},
number = {},
pages = {121507},
doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2025.121507},
pmid = {40174748},
issn = {1096-0953},
abstract = {Low temperatures can significantly reduce nitrogen (N) removal efficiency of constructed wetlands (CWs), thus limiting the application of this technology in cold climates and cold areas. We developed modular moving bed constructed wetlands (MMB-CWs) by integrating biofilm method into CWs through specialized design and achieved satisfactory N removal under ambient condition. Evaluating the N removal performance of MMB-CWs at low temperature is crucial for promoting CWs in cold climates. This study investigated the N removal performances of MMB-CWs and the variations of core functional genera at low temperature. Results indicated that the MMB-CW with a 60 % substrate filling rate achieved the highest N removal efficiency of 68.6 %, exceeding horizontal subsurface flow CW by 19.5 % (p < 0.05). The incorporation of vertical baffles and partial substrate filling optimized the distribution and concentration of dissolved oxygen. Although microbial community in the MMB-CW experienced a decline in microbial richness and diversity, N-transforming genera became more concentrated. Proteobacteria increased significantly from 46.6 % to 69.0 % (p < 0.05) as temperature decreased, in which the denitrifying genera including unclassified_f__Comamonadaceae, Hydrogenophaga and Acinetobacter increased significantly (p < 0.05) and dominated the N removal process. The distribution of N-transforming functional genes suggested that denitrification was the primary pathway for N removal at low temperature, while anaerobic ammonium oxidation played a pivotal role as well. The findings reveal the mechanism by which the MMB-CW enhance N removal in low C/N wastewater at low temperature, providing strategy and theoretical support for improving the N removal performance of CWs in response to low temperature stress.},
}

@article {pmid40174120,
year = {2025},
author = {Anker, A and Scioli, JA},
title = {Description of a new infaunal shrimp species (Decapoda: Alpheidae: Salmoneus) from the Atlantic coast of Florida.},
journal = {Zootaxa},
volume = {5583},
number = {1},
pages = {143-153},
doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.5583.1.8},
pmid = {40174120},
issn = {1175-5334},
mesh = {Animals ; Florida ; *Decapoda/anatomy & histology/classification/growth & development ; Male ; Female ; Animal Distribution ; Body Size ; Animal Structures/anatomy & histology/growth & development ; Organ Size ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {A new alpheid shrimp, Salmoneus manningi sp. nov., is described based on material collected in the Indian River Lagoon on the Atlantic coast of Florida, USA. In addition, one of the two paratypes of S. cavicolus Felder & Manning, 1986 is assigned to the new species. All specimens of S. manningi sp. nov. were extracted from burrows using a suction pump, sometimes together with the burrowing mantis shrimp, Lysiosquilla scabricauda (Lamarck, 1818), suggesting a possible symbiosis between these two crustaceans. Although S. manningi sp. nov. is morphologically similar to S. cavicolus, the two species do not appear to be closely related. In addition, S. cavicolus is reported from several new localities in the Indian River Lagoon and its previously unknown burrowing host is shown to be Alpheus floridanus Kingsley, 1878.},
}

Animals
Florida
*Decapoda/anatomy & histology/classification/growth & development
Male
Female
Animal Distribution
Body Size
Animal Structures/anatomy & histology/growth & development
Organ Size
Ecosystem

@article {pmid40173549,
year = {2025},
author = {Dresch, F and Lima, LD and Romanowski, HP and Kaminski, LA},
title = {Immature stages of the Zebra Hairstreak butterfly, Arawacus separata (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae): a model organism for studies on mimicry and mutualism.},
journal = {Zootaxa},
volume = {5569},
number = {1},
pages = {179-199},
doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.5569.1.9},
pmid = {40173549},
issn = {1175-5334},
mesh = {Animals ; *Butterflies/anatomy & histology/growth & development/classification/physiology ; Symbiosis ; Female ; Male ; Larva/anatomy & histology/growth & development/physiology/classification ; Biological Mimicry ; Animal Structures/growth & development/anatomy & histology ; Ants/physiology ; Body Size ; Organ Size ; },
abstract = {Hairstreak butterflies are model organisms in evolutionary biology due to the variety of predator-avoidance strategies they possess, including false head mimicry and symbiosis with ants, both of which Zebra Hairstreaks employ. Natural history information is basic for the generation of hypothesis-driven research in ecology and evolution, especially for holometabolous organisms. Here, the complete life cycle of the Zebra Hairstreak Arawacus separata is described for the first time. The natural history records, including citizen science, for other Zebra Hairstreaks species in Eumaeini were also reviewed. Host plant records for A. separata indicate that its caterpillars are oligophagous on Solanaceae, being locally specialized on the shrub Cestrum strigilatum (Solanaceae). Development from egg to adult was found to last ~30 days. Caterpillars underwent four instars with cryptic coloration and texture. The larval tegument is covered by short dendritic setae and pore cupola organs (PCOs), and, from the second instar on, shows a dorsal nectary organ (DNO). Caterpillars live on plants surrounded by ants throughout their entire ontogeny. Facultative symbiosis was observed in all instars with seven ant species in four genera. Myrmecophily is potentiated by honeydew-producing hemipterans and attractive sap of leaf lesions. Territory occupancy of males and non-aerial contests suggest a neglected role of sexual selection in the evolution of the false-head traits. Due to the typical false-head wing coloration pattern and myrmecophily, A. separata is proposed as a model organism to study mimicry and mutualism.},
}

Animals
*Butterflies/anatomy & histology/growth & development/classification/physiology
Symbiosis
Female
Male
Larva/anatomy & histology/growth & development/physiology/classification
Biological Mimicry
Animal Structures/growth & development/anatomy & histology
Ants/physiology
Body Size
Organ Size

@article {pmid40173017,
year = {2025},
author = {Verdonk, CJ and Agostino, M and Eto, KY and Hall, DA and Bond, CS and Ramsay, JP},
title = {Structural basis for control of integrative and conjugative element excision and transfer by the oligomeric winged helix-turn-helix protein RdfS.},
journal = {Nucleic acids research},
volume = {53},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {40173017},
issn = {1362-4962},
support = {FT170100235//Australian Research Council/ ; //Australian Government/ ; //University of Western Australia/ ; //Curtin University/ ; },
mesh = {*Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics/chemistry ; *Conjugation, Genetic ; *Mesorhizobium/metabolism/genetics ; Binding Sites ; DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism/genetics/chemistry ; Recombination, Genetic ; Protein Binding ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Helix-Turn-Helix Motifs ; Crystallography, X-Ray ; Attachment Sites, Microbiological/genetics ; DNA, Bacterial/metabolism/genetics ; Protein Multimerization ; },
abstract = {Winged helix-turn-helix (wHTH) proteins are diverse DNA-binding proteins that often oligomerize on DNA and participate in DNA recombination and transcriptional regulation. wHTH recombination directionality factors (RDFs) associated with tyrosine recombinases, stimulate excision of prophage and integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs). RdfS is required for excision and conjugation of the Mesorhizobium japonicum R7A ICE, ICEMlSymR7A, which carries genes for nitrogen-fixing symbiosis. We show RdfS binds to DNA regions within the IntS attachment site (attP) and within the rdfS promoter, enabling RdfS to coordinate rdfS/intS expression and stimulate RdfS/IntS-mediated ICEMlSymR7A excision. Several RdfS DNA-binding sites were identified. However, no consensus motif was apparent and no individual nucleotide substitutions in attP prevented RdfS binding. RdfS forms extensive helical filaments in crystals, with subunits contacting via a novel α1-helix absent in other wHTH-RDFs. RdfS oligomerized in solution in the absence of DNA. Molecular dynamics simulations supported a role for the α1-helix in oligomerization and compaction of nucleoprotein complexes. Removal of RdfS-α1 did not eliminate DNA-binding in vitro but reduced oligomerization and abolished RdfS-mediated ICEMlSymR7A excision and conjugative transfer. We propose the novel RdfS-α1 mediated oligomerization enables RdfS to specifically recognize larger DNA regions with low primary sequence conservation through an indirect readout mechanism.},
}

*Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics/chemistry
*Conjugation, Genetic
*Mesorhizobium/metabolism/genetics
Binding Sites
DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism/genetics/chemistry
Recombination, Genetic
Protein Binding
Promoter Regions, Genetic
Helix-Turn-Helix Motifs
Crystallography, X-Ray
Attachment Sites, Microbiological/genetics
DNA, Bacterial/metabolism/genetics
Protein Multimerization

@article {pmid40172721,
year = {2025},
author = {De Rose, S and Sillo, F and Ghirardo, A and Schnitzler, JP and Balestrini, R and Perotto, S},
title = {Omics approaches to investigate pre-symbiotic responses of the mycorrhizal fungus Tulasnella sp. SV6 to the orchid host Serapias vomeracea.},
journal = {Mycorrhiza},
volume = {35},
number = {2},
pages = {26},
pmid = {40172721},
issn = {1432-1890},
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology ; *Orchidaceae/microbiology/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; Metabolomics ; Transcriptome ; Plant Roots/microbiology ; Metabolome ; },
abstract = {Like other plant-microbe symbioses, the establishment of orchid mycorrhiza (ORM) is likely to require specific communication and metabolic adjustments between the two partners. However, while modulation of plant and fungal metabolism has been investigated in fully established mycorrhizal tissues, the molecular changes occurring during the pre-symbiotic stages of the interaction remain largely unexplored in ORM. In this study, we investigated the pre-symbiotic responses of the ORM fungus Tulasnella sp. SV6 to plantlets of the orchid host Serapias vomeracea in a dual in vitro cultivation system. The fungal mycelium was harvested prior to physical contact with the orchid roots and the fungal transcriptome and metabolome were analyzed using RNA-seq and untargeted metabolomics approaches. The results revealed distinct transcriptomic and metabolomic remodelling of the ORM fungus in the presence of orchid plantlets, as compared to the free-living condition. The ORM fungus responds to the presence of the host plant with a significant up-regulation of genes associated with protein synthesis, amino acid and lipid biosynthesis, indicating increased metabolic activity. Metabolomic analysis supported the RNA-seq data, showing increased levels of amino acids and phospholipids, suggesting a remodelling of cell structure and signalling during the pre-symbiotic interaction. In addition, we identified an increase of transcripts of a small secreted protein that may play a role in early symbiotic signalling. Taken together, our results suggest that Tulasnella sp. SV6 may perceive information from orchid roots, leading to a readjustment of its transcriptomic and metabolomic profiles.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology
*Orchidaceae/microbiology/physiology
*Symbiosis
Metabolomics
Transcriptome
Plant Roots/microbiology
Metabolome