@article {pmid40654802,
year = {2025},
author = {Heo, K and Jung, DJ and Yoo, JS and Goh, B and Kasper, DL and Oh, SF},
title = {Bacterial glycosphingolipids orchestrate colonization and immune modulation in neonatal host.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1101/2025.05.02.651985},
pmid = {40654802},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {Symbiotic microbiota has co-existed with the mammalian host over millennia, conserving a stable community structure generation after generation. During the vertical transmission, gut symbionts rapidly colonize the unoccupied host lumen, nonetheless, how symbionts adapt to the dynamic changes of host environment, and contribute to the structural and immunological maturation remains elusive. Here, we show that the early gut symbiont Bacteroides fragilis produces a species- and stage-specific sphingolipid, alpha-galactosylceramide (BfaGC), that orchestrates neonatal colonization and immune modulation. BfaGC stabilizes membrane integrity and facilitates aerobic respiration, providing a critical advantage under early-life oxygen exposure. Temporally induced in the neonatal gut, BfaGC is necessary to regulate colonic type I natural killer T (NKT) cells, highlighting metabolic adaptation of the symbiont is synchronized with the time-sensitive host development. These findings reveal a mutualistic benefit exerted by endobiotic lipid metabolites in host-microbe interactions and provide new insights into species-specific mechanisms in early microbiota establishment and host immune education.},
}

@article {pmid40654299,
year = {2025},
author = {Duval, BD and Carabotta, E and de Tomas-Marin, S and Lightfoot, DC},
title = {Coincident shifts in riparian ground-active arthropod diversity and soil nutrients under an introduced symbiotic N2-fixing tree.},
journal = {Environmental entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ee/nvaf025},
pmid = {40654299},
issn = {1938-2936},
support = {//New Mexico Game and Fish/ ; },
abstract = {Symbiotic nitrogen-fixing plants such as Russian olive can significantly impact soil chemistry and invertebrate biodiversity in riparian ecosystems. Here, the effects of Russian olive on soil chemical properties and invertebrate communities in riparian zones of the southwestern United States were investigated. Russian olive stands were compared to native cottonwood stands and restoration sites by analyzing soil nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and moisture levels, and arthropod diversity and abundance. Sites where Russian olive is present led to a net increase in soil nitrogen, a decrease in soil phosphorus, and greater soil moisture compared to both native cottonwood stands and restoration sites. Native cottonwood stands showed lower soil N and higher P levels, as well as higher arthropod diversity. This increased diversity could be linked to the soil's nutrient stoichiometry, as there is a negative correlation between taxonomic diversity and the soil N:P ratio. Moreover, there was a greater abundance of detritivorous arthropods in Russian olive stands compared to native vegetation. Soil nitrate (NO3-) levels showed a strong positive correlation with detritivorous arthropod abundance (r2 = 0.98), but only a moderate correlation with herbivores (r2 = 0.38), and NO3- was unrelated to predator abundance (r2 = 0.01). These results suggest that Russian olive stands can alter soil chemistry in ways that disproportionately benefit detritivores, potentially disrupting the balance of arthropod communities and reducing overall biodiversity in riparian ecosystems. The study underscores the need for careful management of invasive, symbiotic N2-fixing plant species to preserve the ecological integrity of riparian habitats.},
}

@article {pmid40654156,
year = {2025},
author = {Suetsugu, K},
title = {Isotope evidence for partial mycoheterotrophy and trophic flexibility in the arbuscular mycorrhizal green plant Gentiana zollingeri.},
journal = {Plant biology (Stuttgart, Germany)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/plb.70071},
pmid = {40654156},
issn = {1438-8677},
support = {JPMJPR21D6//Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology/ ; },
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) associations are central to terrestrial ecosystems, typically facilitating the exchange of organic carbon from plants for mineral nutrients from fungi. Full mycoheterotrophy, in which plants derive all their carbon from AM fungi, is widespread among many achlorophyllous plant taxa such as Voyria and Voyriella (Gentianaceae). However, the extent and ecological significance of partial mycoheterotrophy, where green AM plants supplement photosynthesis with fungal carbon, remain under debate. This study investigates the nutritional mode of Gentiana zollingeri, a photosynthetic Gentianaceae species, using [13]C and [15]N stable isotope analysis, focusing on the relationship between isotopic enrichment and leaf ratio (leaf biomass relative to total shoot biomass). Gentiana zollingeri exhibited significantly higher [13]C and [15]N than autotrophic reference plants, suggesting a reliance on fungal-derived carbon and nitrogen. A negative correlation between [13]C enrichment and leaf ratio indicates that the enrichment reflects fungal dependence rather than alternative physiological traits. Notably, the underground stem showed [13]C enrichment comparable to that of fully mycoheterotrophic Gentianaceae, suggesting it is primarily composed of fungal carbon. These findings support the hypothesis that G. zollingeri employs a flexible nutrition strategy, adjusting fungal dependence according to photosynthetic capacity. Although modest [13]C and [15]N enrichment alone cannot confirm partial mycoheterotrophy, integrative approaches combining stable isotope data with ecological and physiological indicators (e.g., negative correlation between [13]C enrichment and leaf ratio) strongly support fungal carbon acquisition in G. zollingeri. Similar frameworks will help to rigorously assess partial mycoheterotrophy in other Paris-type AM plants with subtle isotopic enrichment.},
}

@article {pmid40654068,
year = {2025},
author = {Gill, J and Tharp, CL and Suseela, V},
title = {Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis Enables Efficient Phosphorus Uptake in Sorghum Accessions With Contrasting Root Traits.},
journal = {Plant, cell & environment},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/pce.15666},
pmid = {40654068},
issn = {1365-3040},
support = {//The study was supported by the USDA-NIFA award 2022-67014-37145./ ; },
abstract = {Phosphorus (P), an essential nutrient, is apparently unavailable to plants due to strong sorption in soils. Plants with shallow root systems and high surface area exhibit high P acquisition efficiency (PAE). Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) symbiosis can also enhance PAE. However, whether AMF symbiosis will equally benefit crop accessions with contrasting root traits is less known. We selected sorghum accessions that varied in root traits to evaluate P uptake strategies and assessed changes in root traits, acid-phosphatase activity, primary and specialised metabolome in the presence of AMF, and under limited and stratified P availability. Our results revealed that regardless of the inherent accession differences in root traits, all accessions had higher shoot P and biomass with AMF inoculation. AMF-inoculated plants had lower specific root length, higher hyphal length and acid phosphatase activity than the non-inoculated control, indicating that plants can enhance PAE with AMF, irrespective of inherent accession differences. The AMF induced similar changes in root metabolome, where AMF-inoculated plants had higher organic acids and specialised metabolites necessary for a functional symbiosis. Our results emphasise the critical role of AMF in efficient P uptake regardless of inherent root traits, which should be considered while selecting crop accessions for improved PAE.},
}

@article {pmid40653935,
year = {2025},
author = {Zheng, Z and Ke, W and Liu, C and Cai, H and Zhu, D and Liu, Q and Ji, C and Feng, L and Gu, J and Huang, J and Wan, X and Zheng, Y and Gao, C},
title = {Symbiosomal Proteomic Analysis Reveals the Implication of Endosomal Regulators and CAPs in the Formation of Peanut Nodules.},
journal = {Physiologia plantarum},
volume = {177},
number = {4},
pages = {e70409},
doi = {10.1111/ppl.70409},
pmid = {40653935},
issn = {1399-3054},
support = {32270291//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32470797//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32470353//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {*Arachis/metabolism/microbiology/genetics ; *Root Nodules, Plant/metabolism/ultrastructure ; *Plant Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Proteomics/methods ; Symbiosis/physiology ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; *Endosomes/metabolism ; Nitrogen Fixation ; Proteome/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Arachis hypogaea (peanut) is an important leguminous crop that obtains nitrogen through symbiotic nitrogen fixation with rhizobia, with root nodules serving as the site of this symbiosis. Although the cytological characteristics and ultrastructure of root nodules in model leguminous plants have been well elucidated, research progress on peanut root nodules remains relatively limited. In this study, we characterized the spatiotemporal developmental pattern of peanut root nodules through microscopic imaging and ultrastructural analysis. Furthermore, we isolated symbiosome-enriched fractions from peanut nodules for proteomic analysis and identified 340 and 182 peanut proteins in a comprehensive proteome atlas of the peanut symbiosome membrane (SM) and peribacteroid space (PBS), respectively. Notably, our analysis revealed a significant enrichment of endosomal regulators in the SM and CAP family proteins (cysteine-rich secretory proteins, antigen 5, and pathogenesis-related 1 proteins) in the PBS. Finally, we demonstrated that AhCAP21 specifically localizes to the symbiosome, and the SM-localized AhRabA2a is essential for proper symbiosome development. Together, these findings advance our understanding of peanut nodule development and provide insights into the protein compositions and regulators in symbiosome biogenesis in peanut nodules.},
}

*Arachis/metabolism/microbiology/genetics
*Root Nodules, Plant/metabolism/ultrastructure
*Plant Proteins/metabolism/genetics
Proteomics/methods
Symbiosis/physiology
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
*Endosomes/metabolism
Nitrogen Fixation
Proteome/metabolism

@article {pmid40653356,
year = {2025},
author = {Sarath Krishnan, MP and Goyal, B and Nampui, L and Gupta, SC},
title = {The role of microbiome in gastrointestinal cancer.},
journal = {International review of cell and molecular biology},
volume = {395},
number = {},
pages = {67-98},
doi = {10.1016/bs.ircmb.2024.12.009},
pmid = {40653356},
issn = {1937-6448},
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Neoplasms/microbiology/pathology/therapy ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Animals ; },
abstract = {The human microbiome consists of the diverse microorganisms with their equally diverse functional abilities that have evolved over millions of years with humans. This microbiome creates a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship with their host. Through their varied functions, the human gut microbiota is crucial for preserving health and homeostasis. Any imbalance in this microbial population can lead to an array of diseased states, including cancer especially of the gastrointestinal system. The focus of this chapter is to discuss the mechanisms through which the gut microbiome creates a conducive environment for initiation and progression of cancer. In addition, the effect of microbial products such as short chain fatty acids, bile acids and Trimethylamine N-oxide on the formation of gastrointestinal cancer is also discussed. The various experimental methods and new molecular techniques that have facilitated the characterization and study of microorganisms is also discussed. The developments in microbiome research have shed light on the potential role of gut microbiota for novel biomarker discovery and therapeutic interventions in gastrointestinal cancer, like fecal microbiota transplantation. The prospects of these areas for further exploration are discussed.},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Neoplasms/microbiology/pathology/therapy
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Animals

@article {pmid40651702,
year = {2025},
author = {Yu, PF and Wang, D and Fu, YB and Ma, XG and Zheng, H and Han, LY and Wang, A and Jiang, DL and Sun, HW and Jin, X},
title = {The recovery mechanism of granular sludge fragmentation and re-granulation caused by long-term high-concentration organic matter erosion in the SAD process: performance, sludge evolution, and metagenomic sequencing.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {436},
number = {},
pages = {132966},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132966},
pmid = {40651702},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {The Simultaneous Anammox and Denitrification (SAD) process effectively removes organic carbon sources, the impact of high-concentration carbon sources on the SAD process remains unclear. This study investigated the performance, sludge characteristics, microbial community correlations, and metagenomic sequencing of the SAD system under conditions of excessive organic matter exposure. The results showed that the organic matter metabolism ability of SAD granular sludge increased from 90.16 ± 1.16 % to 95.2 ± 2.3 %. The Mantel test revealed that Anaerobic Ammonium Oxidation Bacteria (AnAOB) (Candidatus_Kuenenia) were positively correlated with VSS/SS and instability coefficient, while Denitrifying Bacteria (DNB) (Truepera, Ottowia, Deniratisoma, Arenimonas) were negatively correlated with wet density, settling velocity, granule size, protein/polysaccharides (PN/PS) ratio, and the complete coefficient. Following the recovery of the SAD system, the bacterial community correlations increased, and the stability and mechanical strength of the granular sludge were enhanced. Metagenomic sequencing showed that a decrease of Quorum sensing (QS) and the increase of c-di-GMP levels led to up-regulation of exopolysaccharide and extracellular protein expression, resulting in the disintegration of SAD granular sludge. As the sludge aggregated, recombined, and re-granulated, the system up-regulated the expression of the hzs gene in AnAOB nitrogen metabolism via c-di-GMP and QS signals. It also up-regulated the expression of genes such as Dissimilatory Nitrate Reduction to Ammonium (DNRA) and potential denitrification pathways, enhancing the metabolism of AnAOB and symbiotic bacteria.},
}

@article {pmid40651449,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, X and Zhang, Y and Wang, Y and Han, Y and Yang, T and Yan, C and Li, H and Li, C and Yan, X},
title = {Spatiotemporal distribution, co-occurrence patterns, and potential effects of virulence factors in bioaerosols emitted from an Anaerobic-Anoxic-Aerobic wastewater treatment plant.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {286},
number = {},
pages = {124188},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2025.124188},
pmid = {40651449},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {Bacterial pathogenicity poses a significant concern for both environmental and public health. Various virulence factors (VFs) contribute to the establishment and pathogenicity of bacteria, either independently or in combination. VFs are key indicators of the invasive potential of a pathogen. Increasing evidence suggests that municipal wastewater treatment plant (MWTP) act as both sinks and sources of pathogens and VFs. This study systematically evaluated the spatiotemporal distribution, co-occurrence patterns, and potential effects of pathogenic VFs in bioaerosols within a conventional anaerobic-anoxic-aerobic (A[2]/O) MWTP through longitudinal field monitoring. The results showed that after wastewater treatment, most VFs from wastewater were transferred to the dewatered sludge containing pathogens or host bacteria. During wastewater treatment and sludge dewatering, significant quantities of pathogenic VFs were released into the air. Pathogenic VFs were most abundant and stable in bioaerosols during the spring. Fine grid (FG) and sludge dewatering room (SDR) were identified as the primary units responsible for VF dissipation and pathogen accumulation. Pathogens significantly affected VF overexpression in bioaerosols, with strong positive symbiotic networks observed during all four seasons (54.14 %, 74.26 %, 59.77 %, and 59.82 %). In addition, the pathogenic VFs emitted from MWTPs were carried by wind, affecting the surrounding air quality. This study enhances understanding of the pollution caused by pathogenic VFs in MWTPs, providing important insights for assessing their environmental risks and formulating effective control strategies. It also contributes to safeguarding aquatic ecosystems and public health.},
}

@article {pmid40650573,
year = {2025},
author = {Dunken, N and Thomsen, T and Zuccaro, A},
title = {Purine-Based Infochemicals and Immunometabolites: A Comparative Review of Emerging Signaling Pathways in Plants and Animals.},
journal = {FEMS microbiology reviews},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/femsre/fuaf029},
pmid = {40650573},
issn = {1574-6976},
abstract = {Purine-based metabolites serve as essential mediators of signaling, immunity, and host-microbe interactions across biological kingdoms. This review explores their extracellular and intracellular functions, focusing on well-characterized molecules as well as emerging players, and examines the conserved and divergent mechanisms underlying purine-mediated responses in plants and animals, with comparative insights into microbial strategies that influence or exploit these pathways. Key topics include the role of extracellular ATP in immune responses, the dual function of NAD+ as both a metabolic cofactor and signaling molecule, and the emerging roles of deoxynucleosides and cyclic nucleotides in stress and immunity regulation. Special emphasis is placed on TIR domain-containing proteins, which generate novel purine-derived infochemicals-bioactive signaling metabolites that regulate immune responses and cell death while modulating host-microbe interactions. By integrating insights across biological kingdoms, this review underscores the potential of purine-based signaling molecules and their natural and chemically modified functional derivatives as targets for therapeutic and agricultural innovation, bridging fundamental discoveries with practical applications. Finally, moving beyond purine-based metabolites, we offer a new perspective on immunometabolism and infochemicals as fundamental regulators of host-microbe interactions, shaping defense, modulating metabolism, facilitating symbiosis, and driving broader evolutionary dynamics.},
}

@article {pmid40649804,
year = {2025},
author = {Saleem, MA and Khan, A and Tu, J and Huang, W and Liu, Y and Feng, N and Zheng, D and Xue, Y},
title = {Salinity Stress in Rice: Multilayered Approaches for Sustainable Tolerance.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {26},
number = {13},
pages = {},
pmid = {40649804},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {2024KJ31//Guangdong Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/ ; },
mesh = {*Oryza/genetics/physiology ; *Salt Tolerance/genetics ; *Salt Stress ; Gene Editing ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Salinity ; Stress, Physiological ; },
abstract = {Salt accumulation in arable lands causes significant abiotic stress, resulting in a 10% loss in global arable land area and jeopardizing food production and agricultural sustainability. In order to attain high and sustainable food production, it is imperative to enhance traditional agricultural practices with modern technology to enable the restoration of arable lands afflicted by salinity. This review consolidates recent rice-specific advancements aimed at enhancing salt stress resilience through integrated strategies. We explore the functions of primary and secondary metabolic pathways, organic amendments, microbial symbiosis, and plant growth regulators in reducing the negative impacts of salt. Furthermore, we highlight the significance of emerging genetic and epigenetic technologies, including gene editing and transcriptional regulation, in developing salt-tolerant rice cultivars. Physiological studies reveal salt stress responses in rice plants, biochemical analyses identify stress-related metabolites, microbial investigations uncover beneficial plant-microbe interactions, and molecular approaches enable the identification of key genes-together providing essential insights for developing salt-tolerant rice varieties. We present a comprehensive overview of the multilayered strategies-ranging from agronomic management and physiological adaptations to molecular breeding and microbial applications-that have been developed and refined over recent decades. These approaches have significantly contributed to understanding and improving salinity tolerance mechanisms in rice. This review provides a foundational framework for future research and practical implementation in stress-resilient rice farming systems.},
}

*Oryza/genetics/physiology
*Salt Tolerance/genetics
*Salt Stress
Gene Editing
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
Salinity
Stress, Physiological

@article {pmid40648017,
year = {2025},
author = {Sun, W and Shahrajabian, MH and Guan, L},
title = {The Biocontrol and Growth-Promoting Potential of Penicillium spp. and Trichoderma spp. in Sustainable Agriculture.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {13},
pages = {},
pmid = {40648017},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {Grant no. 2024YFA0918200//the National Key R&D Program of China/ ; MTGF2023050//the Scientific Research Project of Kweichow Moutai Liquor Co., Ltd./ ; },
abstract = {Plant-growth-promoting fungi (PGPF) play a central role in promoting sustainable agriculture by improving plant growth and resilience. The aim of this literature review is to survey the impacts of Trichoderma spp. and Penicillium spp. on various agricultural and horticultural plants. The information provided in this manuscript was obtained from randomized control experiments, review articles, and analytical studies and observations gathered from numerous literature sources such as Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct. The keywords used were the common and Latin names of various agricultural and horticultural species, fungal endophytes, plant-growth-promoting fungi, Trichoderma, Penicillium, microbial biostimulants, and biotic and abiotic stresses. Endophytic fungi refer to fungi that live in plant tissues throughout part of or the entire life cycle by starting a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship with its host without any negative effects. They are also capable of producing compounds and a variety of bioactive components such as terpenoids, steroids, flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolic components. Penicillium is extensively known for its production of secondary metabolites, its impact as a bioinoculant to help with crop productivity, and its effectiveness in sustainable crop production. The plant-growth-promotion effects of Trichoderma spp. are related to better absorption of mineral nutrients, enhanced morphological growth, better reproductive potential and yield, and better induction of disease resistance. Both Penicillium spp. and Trichoderma spp. are effective, affordable, safe, and eco-friendly biocontrol agents for various plant species, and they can be considered economically important microorganisms for both agricultural and horticultural sciences. The present review article aims to present the most up-to-date results and findings regarding the practical applications of two important types of PGPF, namely Penicillium spp., and Trichoderma spp., in agricultural and horticultural species, considering the mechanisms of actions of these species of fungi.},
}

@article {pmid40647982,
year = {2025},
author = {Sheng, H and Shahzad, B and Long, F and Haider, FU and Li, X and Xian, L and Huang, C and Ma, Y and Li, H},
title = {Plant Diversity and Microbial Community Drive Ecosystem Multifunctionality in Castanopsis hystrix Plantations.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {13},
pages = {},
pmid = {40647982},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {52478053//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 52078222//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Monoculture plantation systems face increasing challenges in sustaining ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF) under intensive management and climate change, with long-term functional trajectories remaining poorly understood. Although biodiversity-EMF relationships are well-documented in natural forests, the drivers of multifunctionality in managed plantations, particularly age-dependent dynamics, require further investigation. This study examines how stand development influences EMF in Castanopsis hystrix L. plantations, a dominant subtropical timber species in China, by assessing six ecosystem functions (carbon stocks, wood production, nutrient cycling, decomposition, symbiosis, and water regulation) of six forest ages (6, 10, 15, 25, 30, and 34 years). The results demonstrate substantial age-dependent functional enhancement, with carbon stocks and wood production increasing by 467% and 2016% in mature stand (34 year) relative to younger stand (6 year). Nutrient cycling and water regulation showed intermediate gains (6% and 23%). Structural equation modeling identified plant diversity and microbial community composition as direct primary drivers. Tree biomass profiles emerged as the strongest biological predictors of EMF (p < 0.01), exceeding abiotic factors. These findings highlight that C. hystrix plantations can achieve high multifunctionality through stand maturation facilitated by synergistic interactions between plants and microbes. Conservation of understory vegetation and soil biodiversity represents a critical strategy for sustaining EMF, providing a science-based framework for climate-resilient plantation management in subtropical regions.},
}

@article {pmid40647912,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, L and Liu, L and Zou, G and Wang, X and Xu, L and Yang, Y and Liu, J and Liu, H and Liu, D},
title = {Composted PBST Biodegradable Mulch Film Residues Enhance Crop Development: Insights into Microbial Community Assembly, Network Interactions, and Soil Metabolism.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {13},
pages = {},
pmid = {40647912},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {KJCX20230421//Capacity-building Projects by the Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences/ ; CARS-02-23//Earmarked Fund for China Agriculture Research System/ ; 2023YFD1701901-05//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 2024-zz-077//Beijing Postdoctoral Research Foundation/ ; 42407035//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Biodegradable mulch film (BDM) is regarded as a key solution to combat plastic mulch film pollution due to its ability to degrade completely into CO2 and H2O through environmentally friendly microorganisms. However, commercial BDM often fails to degrade fully after use, leading to the accumulation of BDM residues in soil and their transformation into microplastics (MPs) via various processes, posing a threat to the soil ecosystem. Given these discrepancies between the theoretical and practical degradation performance of BDM, there is an urgent need to understand the impacts of BDM residues on plant growth and soil health. This research conducted pot experiments spanning the entire growth cycle of Chinese cabbage to evaluate the impact of PBST-BDM raw material (R), PBST-BDM residues (M), and PBST-BDM composting product (P) on crop growth and soil quality. The findings revealed that R treatments had a slight effect on Chinese cabbage growth (e.g., a 5.80% increase in emergence rate in R 1% treatment, p < 0.05), while M treatments significantly hindered the emergence rate, plant height, leaf area, and biomass accumulation of Chinese cabbage by 30.4% (p < 0.05), 2.71 cm (p < 0.05), 39.0% (p < 0.05), and 1.86 g (p < 0.05) in the M 1% treatment compared to the control group (CK). In contrast, P treatments enhanced Chinese cabbage growth, with greater improvements at higher weight ratios, resulting in increases of 8.89% (p < 0.05), 4.96 cm (p < 0.05), 36.3% (p < 0.05), and 2.31 g (p < 0.05) in the P 1% treatment. Microbial network topology in the M 1% treatment is highly variable, with the increased proportion of positive correlations in the P 1% treatment hinting at stronger symbiotic interactions between species (p < 0.05). Analysis results of PCoA and PLS-DA showed significant differences in microbial community and soil metabolites between M 1% treatment and CK (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that, although composting post-use BDM may reduce their negative ecological effects, possibly via accelerating the early breakdown of residues, the feasibility and scalability of this approach require further validation under real-world field conditions.},
}

@article {pmid40647560,
year = {2025},
author = {Unrug-Bielawska, K and Sandowska-Markiewicz, Z and Piątkowska, M and Czarnowski, P and Goryca, K and Zeber-Lubecka, N and Dąbrowska, M and Kaniuga, E and Cybulska-Lubak, M and Bałabas, A and Statkiewicz, M and Rumieńczyk, I and Pyśniak, K and Mikula, M and Ostrowski, J},
title = {Comparative Analysis of Gut Microbiota Responses to New SN-38 Derivatives, Irinotecan, and FOLFOX in Mice Bearing Colorectal Cancer Patient-Derived Xenografts.},
journal = {Cancers},
volume = {17},
number = {13},
pages = {},
pmid = {40647560},
issn = {2072-6694},
support = {2018/31/B/NZ7/02675//National Science Center/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Symbiotic gut microbiota can enhance cancer therapy efficacy, while treatment-induced dysbiosis may reduce effectiveness or increase toxicity. Our preclinical study compared the anticancer effects and impact on fecal microbiota and metabolites of two water-soluble SN-38 derivatives (BN-MePPR and BN-MOA), with those observed after treatment with Irinotecan, and the FOLFOX regimen in NOD scid gamma mice bearing patient-derived colon adenocarcinoma xenografts (CRC PDX).

METHODS: Five individual experiments with Irinotecan and its derivatives and eight individual experiments with FOLFOX were conducted using eight CRC PDX models. Chemotherapeutics were administered intraperitoneally 4-5 times at 5-day intervals. Fecal samples were collected before and after treatment. Microbiota composition was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene (V3-V4 regions) sequencing. Mass spectrometry was used to quantify short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and amino acids (AAs).

RESULTS: All treatments significantly inhibited tumor growth versus controls. However, no significant changes were observed in gut microbiota α- and β-diversity between treated and untreated groups. Tumor progression in controls was associated with increased abundance of Marvinbryantia, Lactobacillus, Ruminococcus, and [Eubacterium] nodatum group. FOLFOX-treated mice showed increased Marvinbryantia, Bacteroides, and Candidatus Arthromitus, and decreased Akkermansia. No distinct taxa changes were found in the Irinotecan or derivative groups. SCFA levels remained unchanged across groups, while BN-MePPR, BN-MOA, and Irinotecan all increased AA concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to earlier toxicological data, these findings indicate a relatively limited impact of the tested chemotherapeutics on the gut microbiome and metabolome, emphasizing the importance of research method selection in preclinical studies.},
}

@article {pmid40646719,
year = {2025},
author = {Tong, X and Kobayashi, Y and Ikeda, M and Wen, H and Akimoto, S-i and Shigenobu, S},
title = {Draft genome sequences of Buchnera aphidicola from three aphid species (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Eriosomatinae) associated with gall formation on elm trees.},
journal = {Microbiology resource announcements},
volume = {14},
number = {7},
pages = {e0033625},
pmid = {40646719},
issn = {2576-098X},
support = {Special Postdoctoral Researcher Fellowship//RIKEN/ ; 22K20588//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 24-IMS-C279//National Institute for Basic Biology/ ; },
abstract = {The Buchnera aphidicola genomes from eriosomatine gall-forming aphids Tetraneura sorini, Tetraneura akinire, and Eriosoma harunire were sequenced, with genome sizes of 533,871, 530,863, and 627,315 bp, respectively. These genomes shed light on Buchnera's role in aphid symbiosis and adaptation.},
}

@article {pmid40645173,
year = {2025},
author = {Mercader, M and Ziadi-Künzli, F and Olivieri, S and Komoto, S and Rosti, ME and Frédérich, B and Laudet, V},
title = {Integrative phenotyping reveals new insights into the anemonefish adaptive radiation.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2025.06.041},
pmid = {40645173},
issn = {1879-0445},
abstract = {Evolutionary radiations are fundamental to the generation of biodiversity, occurring when organisms rapidly diversify to exploit various ecological niches. Symbiosis can serve as a powerful catalyst for such diversification, as illustrated by the iconic association of anemonefish and sea anemones. However, a critical gap in our understanding of adaptive radiations lies in determining how ecological opportunities drive adaptive morphological, behavioral, and physiological traits and how these traits, in turn, influence diversification. Using anemonefish (Amphiprion spp.) as a model, we investigated the phenotypic diversification accompanying their evolutionary history following symbiosis with giant sea anemones. While host specificity has traditionally been viewed as the primary driver of anemonefish adaptive radiation, we present an alternative perspective, showing that distinct ecological strategies-independent of host species-may also significantly contribute to their diversification. By examining half of the described anemonefish species, we combined field observations, swimming tunnel experiments, computational simulations, and morphological analyses to empirically reveal the presence of eco-morphotypes that exist independently of host specificity. Our findings provide novel insights into the evolutionary history and processes shaping anemonefish diversity. We show that, beyond sea anemone hosts, multiple drivers significantly contributed to their diversification. Integrative phenotyping, combining in situ and laboratory observations, reveals the forces driving adaptive radiations. It uncovers an unexpected, fine-tuned diversification in anemonefish, exemplifying how natural selection precisely shapes biodiversity during radiative bursts and highlighting the complexity of ecological interactions and evolutionary mechanisms.},
}

@article {pmid40644904,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, H and Xu, K and Xing, R and Wang, L and Liu, R and Wang, X and Chen, L and Li, R and Yu, Z and Cao, X and Cheng, C and Su, Q},
title = {Differential response patterns of bacterial communities in seawater and sediments to the Chaetomorpha valida bloom in sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus aquaculture ponds.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {220},
number = {},
pages = {118359},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.118359},
pmid = {40644904},
issn = {1879-3363},
abstract = {The microbiota play a critical role in the health of the aquaculture pond ecosystem. Green tide have been found to affect the microbial community in the marine environments, but effects of Chaetomorpha valida bloom on the microbial composition in the aquaculture ponds related to the marine economic species have been rarely investigated. To address this shortcoming, we provided baseline information on the bacterial composition and diversity in C. valida bloom areas and non-bloom areas of Apostichopus japonicus aquaculture ponds in four seasons. High-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that C. valida bloom significantly changed the bacterial community composition in seawater and bacterial richness in sediment, but has minor effects on sediment bacterial community structure. The co-occurrence network analysis indicated that the bloom of C. valida intensified interspecific competition among sedimentary bacteria, thereby enhancing their stability. In contrast, it promoted symbiotic relationships among bacteria in seawater. Importantly, there were higher proportions of potential pathogens in seawater from C. valida bloom areas compared to non-bloom areas, suggesting a higher ecological risk associated with the C. valida blooms. This study offers novel perspectives on how bacterial communities in sediments and seawater differently respond to C. valida bloom in aquaculture systems.},
}

@article {pmid40644680,
year = {2025},
author = {McGarrigal, LD and Morse, CI and Sims, DT and Stebbings, GK},
title = {Development of Stretch-Shortening Cycle Function in Girls During Maturation and in Response to Training: A Narrative Review.},
journal = {Journal of strength and conditioning research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1519/JSC.0000000000005191},
pmid = {40644680},
issn = {1533-4287},
abstract = {McGarrigal, LD, Morse, CI, Sims, DT, and Stebbings, GK. Development of stretch-shortening cycle function in girls during maturation and in response to training: A narrative review. J Strength Cond Res 39(8): e1061-e1069, 2025-The aim of this narrative review was to examine stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) function and to explore its effects on the athletic performance in girls during maturation and in response to plyometric training (PT), where there has been limited focus to date. The SSC is an integral component of explosive actions such as sprinting and jumping. Literature shows that the SSC develops during maturation because of several morphological, neurophysiological, and structural mechanisms, and that the SSC response can be amplified by training. Research suggests that boys experience "accelerated adaptation" in slow and fast SSC function as they mature, but to date, similar studies in girls are limited and often contradictory. Plyometric training capitalizes on the ability of the SSC to generate greater force production by including an eccentric muscle action quickly followed by a concentric action. However, the number of PT studies involving youth female athletes is lacking, with only 10% of all PT studies including female subjects aged <18 years. This is surprising given that PT can enhance athletic performance and reduce the risk of noncontact anterior cruciate ligament injuries in girls. After PT, boys experience "synergistic adaptation," which is the symbiotic relationship between PT strategically programmed to coincide with the development of the SSC that is being concurrently enhanced by the processes of growth and maturation. Establishing if girls experience periods of accelerated and synergistic adaptation in slow and fast SSC function after PT would likely influence future training in this population, which has traditionally been underserved.},
}

@article {pmid40644522,
year = {2025},
author = {Fercoq, F and Cormerais, C and Remion, E and Gal, J and Plisson, J and Fall, A and Alonso, J and Lhermitte-Vallarino, N and Hübner, MP and Kohl, L and Landmann, F and Martin, C},
title = {Host environment shapes filarial parasite fitness and Wolbachia endosymbionts dynamics.},
journal = {PLoS pathogens},
volume = {21},
number = {7},
pages = {e1013301},
doi = {10.1371/journal.ppat.1013301},
pmid = {40644522},
issn = {1553-7374},
abstract = {Filarial nematodes, responsible for diseases like lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis, depend on symbiotic Wolbachia bacteria for reproduction and development. Using the Litomosoides sigmodontis rodent model, we investigated how host type-2 immunity influences Wolbachia dynamics and parasite development. Wild-type and type-2 immune-deficient (Il4rα[-]/[-]Il5[-]/[-]) BALB/c mice were infected with L. sigmodontis, and the distribution and abundance of Wolbachia were analyzed at different developmental stages using quantitative PCR and fluorescence in situ hybridization. Our results show that type-2 immune environments selectively reduce germline Wolbachia in female filariae from wild-type mice, a change associated with disrupted oogenesis, embryogenesis, and microfilarial production, while somatic Wolbachia remain unaffected. Antibiotic treatments achieving systemic Wolbachia clearance result in similar reproductive impairments. Notably, Wolbachia-free microfilariae are observed shortly after Wolbachia depletion, suggesting that early-stage embryogenesis can proceed temporarily before progressive germline dysfunction ensues. Wolbachia-free microfilariae develop into infective larvae in the vector, but stall beyond the L4 stage in vertebrate hosts, showing arrested growth and reproductive organ maturation defects in both male and female larvae. These findings highlight the variable dependency on Wolbachia across life stages and provide insights into host-parasite-endosymbiont interactions shaped by environmental pressures.},
}

@article {pmid40643254,
year = {2025},
author = {Tian, H and Fei, G and Guan, J and Xu, Z and Qu, J and Dai, Y and Zou, X},
title = {Ophiocordyceps zhenxingensis sp. nov. and its microbiota during sexual and asexual stages in nature.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0215924},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.02159-24},
pmid = {40643254},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Ophiocordyceps holds significant importance in forest arthropod population regulation, biological control of agricultural pests, and the development of bioactive substances. Investigating the microbial community composition of wild Ophiocordyceps is significant for understanding its individual development process, understory cultivation, and taxonomy. In this study, a novel insect pathogenic fungus, Ophiocordyceps zhenxingensis, parasitizing Hymenoptera larvae, originating from Liaoning Province, China, was delineated based on morphology and phylogenetics. The microbial communities in the sclerotium and host surface complex of its different reproductive stages (sexual and asexual) were investigated. O. zhenxingensis was detected within the Hirsutella citriformis subclade, being closely related to Hirsutella gigantea and Ophiocordyceps elongata. It was morphologically characterized by solitary or multiple stromata, semi-submerged perithecia, and viscous basidiospores. Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota, and Bacteroidota were the major bacterial taxa, and Basidiomycota and Ascomycota were the major fungal taxa. Tomentella, Sebacina, and Russula were abundant in the host surface complex that belongs to mycorrhizal fungi. The microbial co-occurrence network suggested that microbial relationships were predominantly positive correlations, and positive correlations were more pronounced in the asexual stage than the sexual stage. The microbial co-occurrence network of O. zhenxingensis was more complex during the asexual stage; it exhibited greater metabolic activity during the asexual stage. These results have enhanced our understanding of the composition, diversity, and functions of the endophytic microbial community of Ophiocordyceps, furnishing additional evidence for classifying its sexual and asexual stages and establishing a theoretical basis for subsequent research on its individual development.

IMPORTANCE: Ophiocordyceps exhibits two distinct life stages (asexual and sexual) in its natural environment. The symbiotic microorganisms associated with the fungus play a crucial role in its growth and development. We have identified a new species, Ophiocordyceps zhenxingensis, which belongs to the Hirsutella citriformis subclade. A large number of mycorrhizal fungi were found in the insect appendages of O. zhenxingensis, whereas the fungal community within the sclerotium was predominantly composed of Ascomycota. During the asexual stage, O. zhenxingensis exhibited greater microbial diversity and stronger positive correlations among microorganisms. Additionally, it possesses a richer array of metabolic pathways. These results have deepened our knowledge of the composition, diversity, and roles of the microbial community in Ophiocordyceps, providing further evidence for distinguishing its sexual and asexual stages and laying a theoretical foundation for future research on its developmental processes.},
}

@article {pmid40642959,
year = {2025},
author = {Wilder, SM and Herzog, C and Reeves, J and Knowles, O and Cuff, JP},
title = {Bridging digestive physiology and ecology for a more integrative understanding of invertebrate predators.},
journal = {The Journal of experimental biology},
volume = {228},
number = {14},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1242/jeb.249697},
pmid = {40642959},
issn = {1477-9145},
support = {IOS-2420366//National Science Foundation/ ; //Newcastle University/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Invertebrates/physiology ; *Predatory Behavior/physiology ; *Digestive System Physiological Phenomena ; *Food Chain ; Symbiosis ; Ecology ; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena ; },
abstract = {Nutritional ecology aims to explore the connections between the behaviour, physiology and ecology of organisms using nutrients as the unifying currency. Although significant progress has been made in studying the nutritional ecology of vertebrates and herbivorous invertebrates, research on predatory invertebrates has lagged, despite their importance in driving ecosystem processes and services, such as nutrient cycling and pest management. However, recent methodological and conceptual advances have provided significant opportunities to explore the interface of digestive physiology and ecology in predatory invertebrates. The goal of this Commentary is to explore evidence for interactions between the ecology and physiology of invertebrate predators, and to propose hypotheses and directions for future studies to expand our understanding in this area. Connections between invertebrate predator ecology and digestive physiology are discussed in relation to four pertinent topics that allow for integrative studies of invertebrate predators: micronutrients, foraging behaviour, microbial symbiosis and the Anthropocene. We hope that these areas of research will serve as examples of how physiology and ecology can be integrated for a more holistic understanding of the nutritional ecology of predatory invertebrates.},
}

Animals
*Invertebrates/physiology
*Predatory Behavior/physiology
*Digestive System Physiological Phenomena
*Food Chain
Symbiosis
Ecology
Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena

@article {pmid40642887,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, Y and Jian, J and Xu, L and Meng, L and Yang, F and Li, S and Yan, J},
title = {Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Change the Growth and Metabolites of Perilla frutescens, with Subsequent Effects on the Development and Behavior of Spodoptera exigua.},
journal = {Journal of agricultural and food chemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.jafc.5c03530},
pmid = {40642887},
issn = {1520-5118},
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) influence plant-insect interactions, yet how they modulate volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to affect insect behavior remains unclear. This study integrates physiological assays, GC-MS volatile metabolomics, and insect bioassays to investigate how Funneliformis mosseae (Fm) and Rhizophagus intraradices (Ri) inoculation affects Perilla frutescens growth and its resistance to Spodoptera exigua. The results showed that Fm and Ri inoculation both promoted plant growth but differed in defense strategies. Ri inoculation increased the tannin content (16.98%) and polyphenol oxidase activity (40.52%), whereas Fm inoculation showed neutral effects. VOC profiling revealed that Ri inoculation upregulated leaf monoterpenes and phenylpropanoids, while Fm inoculation reduced sesquiterpenes (e.g., β-selinene). Insect bioassays showed that Ri inoculation inhibited the insect growth, whereas Fm inoculation promoted the insect growth and enhanced its feeding preference. These results revealed that AMF triggers a plant growth-defense trade-off, with sesquiterpenoid regulation critical for insect behavioral shifts. The findings provide a basis for sustainable pest management using AMF-plant symbiosis.},
}

@article {pmid40641649,
year = {2025},
author = {Yu, X and Zhu, H},
title = {Enacting partner specificity in legume-rhizobia symbioses.},
journal = {aBIOTECH},
volume = {6},
number = {2},
pages = {311-327},
pmid = {40641649},
issn = {2662-1738},
abstract = {Legumes, such as peas, beans, and alfalfa, have evolved a remarkable ability to establish root nodule symbioses with nitrogen-fixing soil bacteria to fulfill their nitrogen needs. This partnership is characterized by a high degree of specificity, occurring both within and between host and bacterial species. Consequently, nodulation capacity and nitrogen-fixing efficiency vary significantly among different plant-bacteria pairs. The genetic and molecular mechanisms regulating symbiotic specificity are diverse, involving a wide array of host and bacterial genes and signals with various modes of action. Understanding the genetic basis of symbiotic specificity could enable the development of strategies to enhance nodulation capacity and nitrogen fixation efficiency. This knowledge will also help overcome the host range barrier, which is a critical step toward extending root nodule symbiosis to non-leguminous plants. In this review, we provide an update on our current understanding of the genetics and evolution of recognition specificity in root nodule symbioses, providing more comprehensive insights into the molecular signaling in plant-bacterial interactions.},
}

@article {pmid40641645,
year = {2025},
author = {Gao, JP and Su, Y and Jiang, S and Liang, W and Lou, Z and Frugier, F and Xu, P and Murray, JD},
title = {Applying conventional and cell-type-specific CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in legume plants.},
journal = {aBIOTECH},
volume = {6},
number = {2},
pages = {346-360},
pmid = {40641645},
issn = {2662-1738},
abstract = {The advent of genome editing technologies, particularly CRISPR/Cas9, has significantly advanced the generation of legume mutants for reverse genetic studies and understanding the mechanics of the rhizobial symbiosis. The legume-rhizobia symbiosis is crucial for sustainable agriculture, enhancing nitrogen fixation and improving soil fertility. Numerous genes with a symbiosis-specific expression have been identified, sometimes exclusively expressed in cells forming infection threads or in nitrogen-fixing nodule cells. Typically, mutations in these genes do not affect plant growth. However, in some instances, germline homozygous mutations can be lethal or result in complex pleiotropic phenotypes that are challenging to interpret. To address this issue, a rhizobia-inducible and cell-type-specific CRISPR/Cas9 strategy was developed to knock-out genes in specific legume transgenic root tissues. In this review, we discuss recent advancements in legume genome editing, highlighting the cell-type-specific CRISPR system and its crucial applications in symbiotic nitrogen fixation and beyond.},
}

@article {pmid40641644,
year = {2025},
author = {Sun, F and Zhu, F and Ran, S and Ye, Q and Wang, T and Dong, J},
title = {Heterotrimeric G-protein subunits regulate plant architecture, pod development, seed size, and symbiotic nodulation in Medicago truncatula.},
journal = {aBIOTECH},
volume = {6},
number = {2},
pages = {141-159},
pmid = {40641644},
issn = {2662-1738},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Heterotrimeric G proteins are crucial transducers of signaling from receptors, participating in growth and development, as well as in responses to biotic and abiotic stimuli. However, little is known about their roles in regulating various yield-related traits in legumes. In this study, we systematically analyzed the functions of two G-protein-encoding genes, MtGα1 and MtGβ1, along with Regulator of G-protein Signaling1 (MtRGS1), in Medicago truncatula. All three genes were ubiquitously expressed in roots, stems, leaves, nodules, flowers, and pods. We generated the knockout mutants Mtgα1, Mtgβ1, and Mtrgs1 using CRISPR/Cas9 and assessed their growth and development. MtGα1 knockout resulted in slightly shorter plants with smaller pods and shorter spines, but larger seeds, without affecting overall biomass or other traits. MtGβ1 knockout led to dwarfism, weak root development, a severe drop in biomass production, smaller legume pods with shorter spines, and smaller seeds. However, the Mtrgs1 mutants were largely similar to wild-type plants, with few significant defects in growth and development. We also investigated the symbiotic nodulation-related phenotypes of these mutants, discovering that Mtgβ1 mutants produce lighter nodules, whereas Mtgα1 and Mtrgs1 mutants have normal nodulation phenotypes similar to those of wild-type plants. These observations suggest that MtGβ1 positively regulates nodulation, although the detailed mechanisms by which G proteins regulate symbiotic nitrogen fixation in M. truncatula remain to be explored. This work provides potentially valuable genetic resources for further functional analysis and elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of G proteins in this model legume.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42994-025-00210-x.},
}

@article {pmid40639969,
year = {2025},
author = {Shi, C and Wang, C and He, J and Zhang, M and Huang, W},
title = {Epichloë Endophytes Potentially Facilitate Host Plant Recruitment of Rhizosphere Microbiota Carrying Beneficial Traits.},
journal = {Physiologia plantarum},
volume = {177},
number = {4},
pages = {e70397},
doi = {10.1111/ppl.70397},
pmid = {40639969},
issn = {1399-3054},
support = {31760704//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2022D01A79//Natural Science Foundation of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region/ ; 23XJTRZW07//Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Soil and Plant Ecological Processes/ ; },
mesh = {*Rhizosphere ; *Endophytes/physiology ; Plant Roots/microbiology ; *Epichloe/physiology ; *Microbiota/physiology ; Soil Microbiology ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Plant-microbe symbiotic relationships drive ecosystem evolution. This study employed metabolomics and metagenomic technologies to investigate the effects of the aboveground-restricted endophytic fungus Epichloë guerinii in the host plant Melica transsilvanica on the rhizosphere microbial community structure and functional traits. Our results revealed that the presence of E. guerinii significantly increased the secretion of organic acids, amino acids, and sugar alcohols from the host root system. These exudates correlated strongly with abundant, plant growth-promoting rhizosphere microorganisms like Pseudomonas, Bradyrhizobium, and Nitrospira. Functional genes that were significantly enriched in the host rhizosphere microbiota were predominantly associated with biofilm formation and organic acid metabolic pathways. Co-enrichment analyses of rhizosphere soil metabolites and genes highlighted pathways such as flagellar assembly and carbon/nitrogen/sulfur metabolism. Notably, the abundance of key genes governing the flagellar motor MotA protein in the host rhizosphere, as well as those involved in the reductive tricarboxylic acid (rTCA) cycle, nitrification, and thiosulfate oxidation, were significantly elevated. This study demonstrates that E. guerinii positively regulates rhizosphere microbial community functions by reprogramming the composition of host root exudates. These findings deepen the mechanistic understanding of Epichloë-plant-rhizosphere microbe interactions.},
}

*Rhizosphere
*Endophytes/physiology
Plant Roots/microbiology
*Epichloe/physiology
*Microbiota/physiology
Soil Microbiology
Symbiosis

@article {pmid40638949,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, S and Yuan, C and Wang, G and Zhou, Y and Tian, M and Gao, C and Li, D and Guo, L and Wei, L and Yang, J and Liu, N and Jian, S},
title = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi enhance the tolerance of Casuarina equisetifolia to drought and salt stress under coral sand matrix conditions.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {220},
number = {},
pages = {118400},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.118400},
pmid = {40638949},
issn = {1879-3363},
abstract = {To evaluate the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on the stress tolerance of Casuarina equisetifolia in coral sand matrix, we inoculated seedlings with Funneliformis mosseae and Rhizophagus intraradices and subjected them to salt stress (SS) and drought stress (DS). The results indicated that AMF colonization significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced height (42-123 %), proline and soluble sugar concentrations, and the peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities (0.65-1.78-fold) when seedlings subjected to DS or SS. Compared to non-inoculated seedlings, genes and metabolites in AM-inoculated seedlings were significantly enriched in flavonoid, anthocyanin, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and citrate cycle pathways under DS. Under SS, there was significant enrichments in pathways related to MAPK signaling, plant hormone signaling, and anthocyanin biosynthesis. This study elucidates the mechanisms by which AMF enhance C. equisetifolia tolerance in coral sand matrix at physiological, transcriptional, and metabolic levels, providing a theoretical basis for coastal vegetation restoration.},
}

@article {pmid40638905,
year = {2025},
author = {Uthra, C and Muralitharan, G and Manjula, R and Nagaraj, K},
title = {High-Sensitivity Detection of Neurodegenerative Cyanotoxins in Cycas circinalis and Symbiotic Cyanobacteria Dolichospermum circinalis Using Advanced LC-MS/MS and HR-MS With Toxicological Assessment via Artemia salina Bioassay.},
journal = {Chemistry & biodiversity},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e00988},
doi = {10.1002/cbdv.202500988},
pmid = {40638905},
issn = {1612-1880},
abstract = {Human exposure to β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) and its derivatives, aminoethyl glycine (AEG) and 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (DAB), through environmental and dietary sources has been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, necessitating the development of sensitive detection methods. We developed and validated a high-sensitivity liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method to detect BMAA and its derivatives in seeds and coralloid roots of Cycas circinalis and associated cyanobacteria (Anabaena circinalis). These neurotoxins are produced by cyanobacteria and can bioaccumulate in symbiotic plant systems such as cycads, raising concerns over potential human exposure through environmental contact or dietary consumption. In this study, we developed and validated a highly sensitive LC-MS/MS and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS) method for detecting BMAA, DAB, and AEG in C. circinalis seeds and coralloid roots, as well as associated cyanobacteria. An acid hydrolysis extraction, followed by 6-aminoquinolyl-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl carbamate (AQC) derivatization, increased detection sensitivity. The structural confirmation was performed using FT-IR and ESI-MS. Our results demonstrated significant variation in toxin concentrations, with seeds containing the highest quantities of BMAA and AEG. Compared with the aqueous extract, the methanolic extracts of A. circinalis showed severe toxicity in a brine shrimp lethality assay, resulting in 100% mortality at 100 µL.},
}

@article {pmid40637797,
year = {2025},
author = {Giani, NM and Lim, SJ and Anderson, LC and Paterson, AT and Engel, AS and Campbell, BJ},
title = {Variation in accessory and horizontal gene transfer-associated genes drives lucinid endosymbiont diversity.},
journal = {FEMS microbiology ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/femsec/fiaf074},
pmid = {40637797},
issn = {1574-6941},
abstract = {Lucinid bivalves harbor environmentally acquired endosymbionts within the class Gammaproteobacteria and genus Candidatus Thiodiazotropha. Despite recent studies focused on lucinid endosymbiont genomic and functional diversity, processes influencing species diversity have been understudied. From the analysis of 333 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from 40 host species across eight waterbodies and 77 distinct locations, 272 were high quality MAGs of Ca. Thiodiazotropha endosymbionts that represented 11 genomospecies. Of those, two new genomospecies from lucinids collected from The Bahamas and Florida (USA) were identified, Ca. Thiodiazotropha fisheri and Ca. Thiodiazotropha grosi. Metabolic specialization was evident, such as potential adaptations to diverse carbon sources based on detection of C1 metabolic genes in eight genomospecies. Genes associated with defense, symbiosis/pathogenesis, and horizontal gene transfer (HGT) were also distinct across genomospecies. For instance, Ca. T. taylori exhibited lower abundances of HGT-associated genes compared to other genomospecies, particularly Ca. T. endolucinida, Ca. T. lotti, and Ca. T. weberae. HGT-associated genes were linked to previously unreported retron-type reverse transcriptases, dsDNA phages, and phage resistance. Collectively, the pangenome highlights how lucinid endosymbiont diversity has been shaped by geographic and host-specific interactions linked to gene loss and HGT through time.},
}

@article {pmid40637599,
year = {2025},
author = {Shik, JZ and Dussutour, A and De Fine Licht, HH},
title = {Harnessing Nutritional Niches to Explore Fungus-Animal Symbioses.},
journal = {Ecology letters},
volume = {28},
number = {7},
pages = {e70176},
pmid = {40637599},
issn = {1461-0248},
support = {CF20-0609//Carlsbergfondet/ ; CF22-0664//Carlsbergfondet/ ; 50281//Villum Fonden/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; Animals ; *Fungi/physiology ; Biological Evolution ; },
abstract = {Fungus-animal symbioses have evolved countless times across the tree of life. While the stability of these mutualistic or parasitic interkingdom interactions often depends on optimised nutrient exchange, we lack a framework to explore whether animal-derived nutrients are optimal for fungal symbionts. This conceptual gap has constrained studies about the ecological success and evolutionary stability of fungus-animal symbioses. We use Nutritional Geometry (NG) to harness nutritional niche theory and identify the crucial nutritional niche dimensions of fungi that mediate symbiotic stability. We hypothesise that these fungal nutritional niche dimensions are governed by symbiotic role (mutualist vs. pathogen), degree of animal host control over nutritional competition (monoculture vs. polyculture), and breadth of host associations (specialist vs. generalist). We explore the promise of integrating NG with advanced imaging and -omics approaches to test coevolutionary hypotheses at precise microscales where fungus and animal cells trade nutrients. We conclude that niche-based theory can advance studies of coevolutionary dynamics from arms races to the emergence of economically important pathogens.},
}

*Symbiosis
Animals
*Fungi/physiology
Biological Evolution

@article {pmid40637409,
year = {2025},
author = {Imes, AM and Pavelsky, MN and Badal, K and Kamp, DL and Briseño, JL and Sakmar, T and Vogt, MA and Nyholm, SV and Heath-Heckman, EAC and Grasse, B and Septer, AN and Mandel, MJ},
title = {Euprymna berryi as a comparative model host for Vibrio fischeri light organ symbiosis.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0000125},
doi = {10.1128/aem.00001-25},
pmid = {40637409},
issn = {1098-5336},
abstract = {Functional studies of host-microbe interactions benefit from natural model systems that enable the exploration of molecular mechanisms at the host-microbe interface. Bioluminescent Vibrio fischeri colonize the light organ of the Hawaiian bobtail squid, Euprymna scolopes, and this binary model has enabled advances in understanding host-microbe communication, colonization specificity, in vivo biofilms, intraspecific competition, and quorum sensing. The hummingbird bobtail squid, Euprymna berryi, can be generationally bred and maintained in lab settings and has had multiple genes deleted by CRISPR approaches. The prospect of expanding the utility of the light organ model system by producing multigenerational host lines led us to determine the extent to which the E. berryi light organ symbiosis parallels known processes in E. scolopes. However, the nature of the E. berryi light organ, including its microbial constituency and specificity for microbial partners, has not been examined. In this report, we isolated bacteria from E. berryi animals and tank water. Assays of bacterial behaviors required in the host, as well as host responses to bacterial colonization, illustrate largely parallel phenotypes in E. berryi and E. scolopes hatchlings. This study reveals E. berryi to be a valuable comparative model to complement studies in E. scolopes.IMPORTANCEMicrobiome studies have been substantially advanced by model systems that enable functional interrogation of the roles of the partners and the molecular communication between those partners. The Euprymna scolopes-Vibrio fischeri system has contributed foundational knowledge, revealing key roles for bacterial quorum sensing broadly and in animal hosts, for bacteria in stimulating animal development, for bacterial motility in accessing host sites, and for in vivo biofilm formation in development and specificity of an animal's microbiome. Euprymna berryi is a second bobtail squid host, and one that has recently been shown to be robust to laboratory husbandry and amenable to gene knockout. This study identifies E. berryi as a strong symbiosis model host due to features that are conserved with those of E. scolopes, which will enable the extension of functional studies in bobtail squid symbioses.},
}

@article {pmid40637407,
year = {2025},
author = {Chin, HS and Ravi Varadharajulu, N and Teo, KC and Cheong, PCH and Tang, S-L},
title = {Key findings from 15 years of Mangrovibacter research: a generalist bacterium beyond endophytes.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0247924},
doi = {10.1128/aem.02479-24},
pmid = {40637407},
issn = {1098-5336},
abstract = {Since the discovery of Mangrovibacter plantisponsor in 2010, research on Mangrovibacters (MGBs) has stagnated. Although laboratories worldwide have isolated various MGB strains and deposited their 16S rDNA sequences in the NCBI database, a limited understanding of MGBs has resulted in only a few publications from these collections. Recent advancements in metagenomic technology have revealed the presence of MGBs in a broader range of habitats. Most microbiomes exhibit low MGB abundance (typically <1%). Even in environments with higher prevalence, such as salt-tolerant aerobic granular sludge (75%), the gut of superworms fed with polyurethane (22%), or fermented foods like mandai (16%), the functional roles of MGBs remain unclear. Through meticulous curation of publications and data from MicrobeAtlas and AMIBASE, MGBs can be classified as free living, endophytic, or zoonotic. Recent evidence suggests their presence in food sources and potential interactions with humans. Current studies confirm the coexistence of MGBs with humans. This review underscores the phenotypic features and genomic foundations of MGBs, highlighting attributes such as endophytic behavior, diverse metabolite utilization, tolerance to salinity and pH, metal homeostasis, biofilm formation, and bioremediation potential. Insights are derived from the analysis of four MGB genomes deposited in NCBI since 2014, along with three newly reported genomes in 2024. Experimental and genetic evidence suggests that MGBs act as "generalist microbes" capable of thriving in diverse nutrient sources and harsh environments. This review elucidates prospective research trajectories and highlights numerous potential commercial applications of MGBs, emphasizing the need for further investigation into their roles and benefits.},
}

@article {pmid40636972,
year = {2025},
author = {Zavorskas, J and Vlahos, P and Wagstrom, K and Srivastava, R},
title = {Dynamic Flux Balance Analysis Reveals Climate-Driven Shifts in Arctic Diatom Succession and Bloom Dynamics.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {31},
number = {7},
pages = {e70339},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.70339},
pmid = {40636972},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {//University of Connecticut, College of Engineering/ ; },
mesh = {*Diatoms/physiology/growth & development ; *Climate Change ; Arctic Regions ; *Phytoplankton/physiology ; *Carbon Cycle ; *Eutrophication ; },
abstract = {There is a critical need to understand the impact of climate change on marine microorganisms, especially phytoplankton, which are responsible for as much as half of atmospheric oxygen and are critical for the global carbon cycle. Climate change is causing drastic alterations in marine ecosystems, with the Arctic Ocean experiencing unprecedented environmental changes such as sea ice retreat and rising temperatures. These changes threaten to have severe consequences on the global carbon cycle, specifically on processes mediated by marine phytoplankton communities. Diatoms are one of the primary carbon-fixing phytoplankton in the Arctic Ocean and represent a critical sink within the global carbon cycle and are especially vulnerable to these changes. Spring blooms of diatoms in the Arctic account for approximately 20% of annual carbon fixation, but climate change effects will fundamentally change the environmental conditions that govern these blooms' dynamics. The succession pattern of diatom communities, from early blooming Thalassiosira to later-blooming Chaetoceros, is a critical driver of carbon sequestration, yet our understanding of how these patterns will respond to climate change remains limited. To address this knowledge gap, we developed dynamic flux balance analysis models incorporating complex empirical environmental parameters to simulate the annual life cycle of Thalassiosira and Chaetoceros. Model validation against historical data successfully recreated known diatom succession patterns, predicted post-bloom diatom biomass and nutrient concentrations independently, and recreated the known diatom succession pattern. Our models predicted that climate change will cause earlier, shorter, and more intense phytoplankton blooms, which are less effective at sequestering carbon. However, we found the succession pattern including diatom-cyanobacterial symbiosis may provide resilience because blooms including both symbiotic Chaetoceros and non-symbiotic Thalassiosira did not suffer losses in carbon sequestration.},
}

*Diatoms/physiology/growth & development
*Climate Change
Arctic Regions
*Phytoplankton/physiology
*Carbon Cycle
*Eutrophication

@article {pmid40636503,
year = {2025},
author = {Lei, W and Qin, Z and Jia, B and Lu, W and Yang, J and Gao, Q},
title = {Diversity and functional analysis of gut microbiota reveal ecological adaptations in the inquilinism of Ancistrotermes dimorphus and its host Macrotermes barneyi.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1587281},
pmid = {40636503},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Inquilinism describes an interesting interspecific interaction in termite ecosystems wherein an inquiline species inhabits the host's nest structure. In this context, gut microbiota play a crucial role in mediating the ecological relationship. The facultative inquiline Ancistrotermes dimorphus (Termitidae: Macrotermitinae) frequently inhabits nests of the host Macrotermes barneyi but can also establish independent colonies. We used 16S rRNA sequencing to compare the gut microbiota of A. dimorphus and M. barneyi in independent and inquilinism nests, assessing microbial diversity and composition. Gut microbiota diversity increased under inquilinism, with greater microbial similarity between A. dimorphus and M. barneyi in shared nests. Furthermore, inquilinism altered microbial function, increasing taxa linked to environmental adaptation while reducing those involved in energy metabolism, suggesting potential metabolic trade-offs. Beta diversity analysis indicated that inquilinism drives the gut microbiota adaptation between the host and inquiline. These findings reveal how gut microbiota mediates host-inquiline interactions, advancing our understanding of microbial adaptation in social insect symbiosis.},
}

@article {pmid40636498,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, Y and Ren, H and Zhong, Y and Song, R and Jiang, S and Lai, M and Shen, Y and Liu, S and Shi, W and Qi, G},
title = {Microbial diversity and function in bamboo ecosystems.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1533061},
pmid = {40636498},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Bamboo is widely distributed or cultivated globally, offering significant economic and ecological values. Soil microorganisms are crucial for plant environmental adaptation, playing essential roles in regulating plant growth and development, nutrient absorption, and resistance to environmental stresses. In recent years, substantial progress has been made in the study of bamboo soil microorganisms. This review highlights the scientific challenges in understanding the interactions between bamboo and soil microorganisms, summarizes the research progress, and discusses future research directions. The microbial community composition and diversity in various bamboo soils have been successfully characterized, with some bamboo-associated microorganisms identified and shown to promote plant growth, demonstrating considerable application potential. It has been established that the composition of soil microorganisms in bamboo is influenced by factors such as bamboo species, spatial and temporal distribution, tissue specificity, management practices, and symbiosis with other plants. Future research will likely focus on the functional genomics of bamboo, the screening and identification of bamboo-specific soil microbial communities, the dynamic responses of these microbes to environmental changes, and the molecular mechanisms regulating bamboo growth and environmental adaptation.},
}

@article {pmid40635576,
year = {2025},
author = {Mackevicius-Dubickaja, V and Gottlieb, Y and White, JA and Doremus, MR},
title = {Wolbachia Feminises a Spider Host With Assistance From Co-Infecting Symbionts.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {27},
number = {7},
pages = {e70149},
pmid = {40635576},
issn = {1462-2920},
support = {1953223//National Science Foundation/ ; 201697//United States-Israel Binational Science Foundation/ ; 1020740//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; 7007679//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; 2023-67012-39352//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; 2809/23//Israel Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/physiology/genetics ; *Spiders/microbiology/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; Female ; Male ; Feminization ; },
abstract = {Arthropods commonly harbour maternally-transmitted bacterial symbionts that manipulate host biology. Multiple heritable symbionts can co-infect the same individual, allowing these host-restricted bacteria to engage in cooperation or conflict, which can ultimately affect host phenotype. The spider Mermessus fradeorum is infected with up to five heritable symbionts: Rickettsiella (R), Tisiphia (T), and three strains of Wolbachia (W1-3). Quintuply infected spiders are feminised, causing genetic males to develop as phenotypic females and produce almost exclusively female offspring. By comparing feminisation across nine infection combinations, we identified a Wolbachia strain, W1, that is required for feminisation. We also observed that spiders infected with both W1 and W3 produced ~10% more females than those lacking W3. This increase in feminisation rate does not seem to be due to direct changes in W1 titre, nor does W1 titre correlate with feminisation rate. Instead, we observed subtle titre interactions among symbionts, with lower relative abundance of R and T symbionts in strongly feminised infections. This synergistic effect of co-infection on Wolbachia feminisation may promote the spread of all five symbionts in spider populations. These results confirm the first instance of Wolbachia-induced feminisation in spiders and demonstrate that co-infecting symbionts can improve the efficacy of symbiont-induced feminisation.},
}

Animals
*Wolbachia/physiology/genetics
*Spiders/microbiology/physiology
*Symbiosis
Female
Male
Feminization

@article {pmid40633698,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, C and Ji, B and Li, A and Zhang, X and Liu, Y},
title = {Shear-driven stirring optimization modulates microbial synergy for robust structural-metabolic performance in microalgal-bacterial granular sludge systems.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {132944},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132944},
pmid = {40633698},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {This study systematically investigates the impact of stirring speed on the performance of microalgal-bacterial granular sludge (MBGS) ranging from 0 to 250 rpm, revealing that an optimal speed of 210 rpm induces synergistic structural-metabolic adaptations in MBGS. At this optimal stirring speed, Improvements in granule morphology and homogeneity, indicated by a decreased non-uniformity coefficient, as well as enhanced roundness and an optimal microalgae-bacteria ratio were observed, which collectively contribute to structural integrity and stable granule size. Notably, at 210 rpm, a significant increase in the abundance of Pseudomonadota including key genera such as Aquimonas, Azonexus, and Dechloromonas was detected, which resulted in an up-regulation of the abundance of key functional genes involved in contaminant metabolism (e.g., DLD, SucD, glmS, and ppa). These findings highlight the importance of stirring shear force as a strategic approach for maintaining granule size and stability in MBGS technology for real-world applications.},
}

@article {pmid40633656,
year = {2025},
author = {Chakraborty, S and Banerjee, S and Kumar, S and Ghosh, S and Mukherjee, P and Das, S and Bhattacharyya, P},
title = {Biofortified vermicompost: Exploring bacterial community dynamics and enzymatic pathways through bacteriome analysis for arsenic bioremediation in mine waste.},
journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)},
volume = {382},
number = {},
pages = {126795},
doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126795},
pmid = {40633656},
issn = {1873-6424},
abstract = {The extraction of mica from open-cast mines generates substantial waste, often laden with arsenic, posing severe environmental risks. Addressing this waste is essential to mitigate co-contamination. Vermitechnology offers a promising solution by converting toxic waste into nutrient-enriched, sanitized compost suitable for agriculture. This study explored bioremediation of toxic mine tailings (MT) through aerobic composting, vermicomposting and enriched vermicomposting (with Bacillus subtilis K5BGRD). Earthworm fecundity was impaired in dense MT settings but improved in MT+CD (1:1) treatments. Vermicomposting stabilized pH, enhanced nutrient mineralization and increased potassium bioavailability compared to aerobic composting. Enriched vermicompost reduced bioavailable arsenic by 58-88 % post-maturity, alongside increased microbial diversity and enzymatic activity. Earthworms bioaccumulated arsenic, contributing to a total reduction of 14.25 %. Pearson correlation and PLS-SEM analyses highlighted reduced arsenic-induced stress upon compost maturity. Metataxonomic analysis revealed microbial similarities between V1 (MT+CD [1:1]) and EV1 (MT+CD+B [1:1:1]) composts, with enrichment of stress-resistant, bioremediating and plant growth-promoting taxa. Upon crop trial it was deduced that microbe-mediated vermicomposting, particularly when combined with recommended fertilizer doses (as in T2), not only minimized arsenic accumulation in tomato plants but also significantly enhanced yield, highlighting its potential as a sustainable and effective strategy for safe crop production in contaminated soils. The study demonstrated the symbiotic relationship between earthworms and microbes in waste-treated settings, establishing a novel feedstock combination to remediate hazardous mine waste. Ultimately, this approach has the potential to replace chemical fertilizers, improve crop yields and reduce arsenic exposure - offering a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution to mining waste management.},
}

@article {pmid40633640,
year = {2025},
author = {Xie, Q and Lian, Y and Li, H and Fang, C and Wang, H and Chen, Z},
title = {Response to microplastics exposure and changes in system performance: a stark contrast between domestic sewage and landfill leachate.},
journal = {Environmental research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {122317},
doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2025.122317},
pmid = {40633640},
issn = {1096-0953},
abstract = {Explored the evolution process of representative polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS) in anaerobic/aerobic biological treatment of domestic sewage and landfill leachate, and their effects on system efficiency, sludge performance, and microbial community structure. The results showed that microplastics (MPs) promoted the degradation of COD and NH3-N in domestic wastewater (approximately 99.00% and 98.16%), but this result was completely opposite to that in the leachate. The biofilm formation of MPs in leachate was relatively fast in the initial stage, with a biofilm amount (9.39) higher than that in domestic sewage (1.05), showing an "S"-shaped trend, but with large fluctuations over time. The amount of PE and PS biofilm in domestic sewage varied with different oxygen concentrations, but the amount of PS biofilm in leachate was generally higher than that in PE, and PS was more sensitive to biodegradation, while PE had stronger resistance to microbial attacks. Meanwhile, the presence of MPs significantly enhanced the synthesis of extracellular polymeric substances in the leachate (139.81 mg/g MLVSS, anaerobic condition on day 15), increased the concentration of heavy metals in the supernatant (842.91 μg/L, anaerobic condition on day 15), manifested as Mn and Zn. MPs stress led to varying degrees of changes in the structure of microbial communities, but the microbial abundance on the surfaces of PE and PS in the same reactor was similar. Ottowia, unclassifiedd_f_Rhizobiaceae, and Castellaniella were potential MPs degradation genera. The proportion of Thermomonas in the leachate system was about three times that of domestic sewage. The symbiotic mode between MPs and dominant bacteria in activated sludge confirmed the shaping of microbial community structure by MPs. This study contributes to improving the overall understanding of the environmental behavior and risks of MPs in domestic wastewater and leachate biological systems.},
}

@article {pmid40633341,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, R and Oliphant, KD and Xia, Z and Chen, Z and Hou, R and Zhang, R and Peng, T and Hänsch, R and Wang, D and Rennenberg, H and Hu, B},
title = {Rhizobial symbiosis modulates mercury accumulation and metabolic adaptation under hydrological extremes.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {495},
number = {},
pages = {139141},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.139141},
pmid = {40633341},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {Phytoremediation offers a sustainable strategy for mitigating mercury (Hg) contamination, yet its efficacy under variable water availability remains poorly understood. Robinia pseudoacacia, a leguminous tree with notable phytoremediation potential, was investigated under combined Hg exposure and water stress-drought (HgD) or flooding (HgF)-with or without rhizobia inoculation. In a controlled greenhouse study, HgD exposure enhanced root dry biomass, increased nodule nitrogenase activity, and promoted root Hg accumulation, indicating a detoxification mechanism via root retention. In contrast, HgF suppressed plant growth and nitrogen fixation, reduced total Hg uptake, and increased Hg translocation to shoots, suggesting redistribution to protect root function. Multi-omics analyses revealed that both HgD and HgF induced genes involved in cysteine and methionine metabolism (e.g., GSS, GCLC, ACS), enhancing thiol-mediated Hg detoxification and altering sulfur allocation. L-serine biosynthesis was consistently downregulated. Hormonal responses diverged: HgD suppressed jasmonic acid biosynthesis (downregulation of AOS, AOC) and reduced 12-OPDA levels, whereas HgF activated α-linolenic acid oxidation, elevating 12-OPDA and its derivatives (e.g., colneleic acid). Rhizobial inoculation further improved root Hg retention, upregulated antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD), and maintained membrane integrity. Under HgD, inoculation enhanced phenylpropanoid metabolism (upregulation of PAL, CCR, CAD), promoting lignification. Under HgF, it stimulated the pentose phosphate pathway (via PFK induction), optimizing carbon flux for stress resilience. These findings demonstrate that Robinia-rhizobia symbiosis mediates distinct physiological and metabolic reprogramming under drought and flooding, enabling context-specific Hg detoxification. This highlights Robinia's potential as a robust phytoremediator in Hg-contaminated environments with fluctuating water regimes.},
}

@article {pmid40631381,
year = {2025},
author = {Huang, X and Gao, X and Fan, Y and Wang, D and Chen, X and Qi, X and Yang, Z and Wang, YE and Meng, J and Zou, G and Liu, Z and Li, X},
title = {Moderate altitude exposure impacts extensive host-microbiota multi-kingdom connectivity with serum metabolome and fasting blood glucose.},
journal = {Virulence},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {2530660},
doi = {10.1080/21505594.2025.2530660},
pmid = {40631381},
issn = {2150-5608},
abstract = {The contributions and interactions of multi-kingdom microbiota (i.e. bacteriome, mycobiome, archaeaome, and phageome) with serum metabolome and host phenome in healthy individuals under moderate altitude exposure remain unclear. We applied shotgun metagenomic sequencing in faeces and targeted metabolomics technology in serum to explore how the human gut multi-kingdom microorganisms influence the serum metabolome and phenome in healthy Chinese individuals following moderate altitude exposure. The results indicated that individuals with moderate altitude exposure exhibited more substantial alterations in gut bacteriome and phageome compared to those in mycobiome and archaeaome. Both intra-kingdom and inter-kingdom correlations at baseline were denser than those following moderate altitude exposure. Bacteriophages-host interactions analysis revealed symbiosis between bacteriophages and Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) producers. Furthermore, bacteriophage Shirahamavirus PTm1 (odds ratio (OR) = 3.82; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.20-12.16), archaeon Crenarchaeota (OR = 3.70; 95% CI: 1.35-10.14) and bacterium Bacteroidetes (OR = 3.69; 95% CI: 1.34-10.15) showed a positive association with lowered fasting blood glucose (FBG) benefits, while bacteriophage Candidatus Nitrosopelagicus brevis (OR = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.10-0.89) and butyric acid (OR = 0.07; 95% CI: 0.01-0.37) exhibited a negative association with lowered FBG benefits. These findings suggest that targeting gut multi-kingdom microorganisms could serve as an alternative therapeutic approach to mitigate dysglycemia and its associated metabolic disorders.},
}

@article {pmid40631325,
year = {2025},
author = {Dregni, J and Lindsey, ARI and Ferrer-Suay, M and Celis, SL and Heimpel, GE},
title = {Wolbachia -mediated parthenogenesis induction in the aphid hyperparasitoid Alloxysta brevis (Hymenoptera: Figitidae: Charipinae).},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1101/2025.06.30.662338},
pmid = {40631325},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Thelytokous parthenogenesis (thelytoky), in which females can produce female offspring without mating, can be caused by parthenogenesis-inducing endosymbiotic bacteria in the genus Wolbachia . This interaction is well known in hymenopteran parasitoids, where unfertilized eggs typically develop as males via haplo-diploidy in the absence of parthenogenesis-inducing bacteria. We report on a case of thelytoky in Alloxysta brevis (Thomson) (Hymenoptera: Figitidae), a globally widespread aphid hyperparasitoid. A previous study had shown that sex ratios of this species collected in Minnesota (USA) were extremely female biased, and we found here that unmated females reared from field-collected hosts produced female offspring without exposure to males. This result demonstrated thelytoky, and we tested for the role of bacterial endosymbionts by comparing offspring production of unmated females fed the antibiotic rifampicin to offspring production of control females not fed antibiotics. Antibiotic-fed females produced almost exclusively male offspring, and control females produced mainly females. This result showed that antibiotic treatment facilitated male production by unmated Alloxysta brevis females, thus implicating bacterial symbiosis in the expression of thelytoky. We then used molecular analyses to determine the identity of the symbiont. These analyses identified a Wolbachia strain from supergroup B, and excluded other bacteria known to mediate parthenogenesis induction, such as Cardinium and Rickettsia . While Wolbachia had been previously detected by molecular analysis in this species, these are the first experiments demonstrating Wolbachia -mediated parthenogenesis in the figitid subfamily Charipinae.

IMPORTANCE: Parthenogenesis induction in insects can have important environmental and economic consequences. This is especially true if pests or their natural enemies are affected. The case of Alloxysta brevis is of particular interest, as this species is a hyperparasitoid of aphids, meaning that they attack and kill primary parasitoids of aphids. The populations of many species of pest aphids are controlled by primary parasitoid species, and hyperparasitoids thus have the potential to interfere with this mechanism of control. The role of hyperparasitoid parthenogenesis in the suppression of aphids by primary parasitoids remains unexplored. Thus, the results of this set of studies provides a starting point for determining whether parthenogenesis-inducing Wolbachia in hyperparasitoids should be expected to improve or hinder biological control of pest aphids by primary parasitoids. The focus on Alloxysta brevis as a model for these questions could be particularly instructive, since it is a species of worldwide distribution that is involved in numerous economically important aphid-parasitoid interactions.},
}

@article {pmid40630184,
year = {2025},
author = {Regassa, GB and Zhang, Y and Shen, Y and Zhang, L and Zhang, J and Liu, Y and Li, G and Xiao, R and Yang, Z},
title = {Effects of pathogen infection and Rhizobium inoculation on instantaneous and long-term water use efficiency of peanut with and without drought.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1612341},
pmid = {40630184},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Water Use Efficiency (WUE) is one of the critical indicators to characterize plant adaptation to arid environments, however, the effects of pathogens infection and Rhizobium symbiosis on WUE are not considered in contexts of water stress.

METHODS: A study was conducted in a greenhouse pot to examine the effects of changed soil water conditions on instantaneous Water Use Efficiency (WUEi) and long-term Water Use Efficiency (WUEL) under inoculation Rhizobium, inoculation Fusarium sp., and co-inoculation Rhizobium and Fusarium sp.

RESULTS: The results showed that inoculation Fusarium sp. and co-inoculation Rhizobium and Fusarium sp. reduced WUEi by increasing net photosynthetic rate without drought. Inoculation Fusarium sp. and co-inoculation Rhizobium and Fusarium sp. reduced WUEi by decreasing plant height with drought. Inoculation Rhizobium and Fusarium sp. significantly reduced WUEL by lowering intercellular CO2 concentration without drought. Inoculation Rhizobium reduced WUEL by increasing root nodule number with drought. In contrast, drought had no effect on either WUEi or WUEL without inoculation.

DISCUSSION: The results suggest that Fusarium sp. infection is detrimental to instantaneous Water Use Efficiency while inoculation Rhizobium is unfavorable to long-term Water Use Efficiency, regardless of drought effects. Our findings provide a new insight for developing effective water use strategies after pathogen infection or Rhizobium symbiosis under increased precipitation scenarios.},
}

@article {pmid40630045,
year = {2025},
author = {Samanta, I and Ghosh, K and Saikia, R and Savita, and Maity, PJ and Chowdhary, G},
title = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi - a natural tool to impart abiotic stress tolerance in plants.},
journal = {Plant signaling & behavior},
volume = {20},
number = {1},
pages = {2525843},
pmid = {40630045},
issn = {1559-2324},
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology ; *Stress, Physiological/physiology ; Symbiosis/physiology ; *Plants/microbiology/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are crucial components of the soil microbiomes that establish symbiotic associations with most terrestrial plants. The review summarizes the basic mechanisms behind the plant-AMF symbiosis, the genes involved in the fungal and their plant counterparts, novel biomolecules and growth regulators, leading to probable signal transduction pathways. It also focuses on the involvement of lipids and strigolactones in establishing AMF-plant symbiosis. Herein, we further emphasize the role played by these AMF in enhancing plant resistance to various abiotic stresses while giving a broad outline of current research practices and attempting to dissect the mechanism behind the AMF-mediated abiotic stress signal transduction. Discussion on the mechanisms behind this stress reduction involving AMF will be valuable for the researchers, agronomists, and environmentalists involved in sustainable agriculture. Water scarcity, salinity, heavy metals, and extreme temperatures are the primary abiotic stresses that pose serious challenges to agricultural sustainability and ecosystem functioning. Conventional responses to such pressures typically rely on genetic modifications as well as chemical treatments, which could be expensive and detrimental to the environment. However, these AM fungi act in an alternative way that is natural and cost-effective too, leading to healthy plants with resilience toward stress through symbiosis, leading to the fulfillment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG) 2 of zero hunger.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology
*Stress, Physiological/physiology
Symbiosis/physiology
*Plants/microbiology/metabolism

@article {pmid40629845,
year = {2025},
author = {Monnens, M and Artois, T and Briscoe, A and Diez, YL and Fraser, KPP and Leander, BS and Littlewood, DTJ and Santos, MJ and Smeets, K and Van Steenkiste, NWL and Vanhove, MPM},
title = {Signatures of Endosymbiosis in Mitochondrial Genomes of Rhabdocoel Flatworms.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e70015},
doi = {10.1111/mec.70015},
pmid = {40629845},
issn = {1365-294X},
support = {1141817N//Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek/ ; GOH3817N//Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek/ ; NSERC 2019-03986//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; BOF15BL09//Special Research Fund (Bijzonder Onderzoeksfonds) UHasselt/ ; BOF20TT06//Special Research Fund (Bijzonder Onderzoeksfonds) UHasselt/ ; //Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee/ ; //Hakai Institute/ ; UIDB/04423/2020//Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia/ ; UIDP/04423/2020//Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia/ ; },
abstract = {The transition from a free-living lifestyle to endosymbiosis represents a large evolutionary shift, impacting various aspects of any organism's biology, including its molecular-genetic groundwork. So far, it has been impossible to generalise the impact this lifestyle shift has on genomic architecture. This study explores this phenomenon using a new model system: neodalyellid flatworms (Rhabdocoela), a diverse assemblage of free-living and independently evolved endosymbiotic lineages. A uniquely comprehensive mitochondrial genomic dataset, consisting of 50 complete or partial mitogenome sequences (47 of which are new to science), is constructed, increasing the genomic resources available for rhabdocoel flatworms over tenfold. A robust phylogenomic framework is built, enabling an in-depth exploration of the molecular-genetic signatures associated with evolutionary shifts towards endosymbiosis. To understand speciation influenced by host phylogeny, first steps are taken to unravel the host-switching history of the largest endosymbiotic group of neodalyellids. We test several hypotheses regarding the potential consequences of a symbiotic lifestyle and find marginally heightened AT content, more pronounced GC skew and relaxed selection on specific protein-coding genes in endosymbionts compared to their free-living counterparts. Numerous substitutions have accumulated in certain endosymbiotic lineages; however, the correlation with lifestyle remains uncertain. A high frequency of genetic rearrangements across all studied lineages is observed. Our findings affirm the variable nature of rhabdocoel mitogenomes and, for the first time, reveal distinct signatures of an endosymbiotic lifestyle in neodalyellid flatworms. This effort lays the groundwork for future research into the evolutionary and genomic consequences of a symbiotic lifestyle in this and other animal systems.},
}

@article {pmid40629841,
year = {2025},
author = {Tian, B and Hao, M and Ma, J and Feng, W and Wang, J and Fang, A and Yang, Y and Bi, C and Yu, Y},
title = {A xylan hydrolase contributes to pathogenicity and induces resistance to pathogens in a schizotrophic fungus.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.8976},
pmid = {40629841},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; //Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Xylanases are widely distributed in fungi, and are involved in the breakdown of carbohydrates and polysaccharides in plant cell walls, and activating host immune responses. However, the role of xylanase in regulating the interaction between schizotrophic fungi and both the symptomatic host plant and the endophytic host is not yet clear.

RESULTS: A secretory xylanase, SsXyl3, was identified from the schizotrophic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, which contains a glycoside hydrolase family 11 domain and a signal peptide. SsXyl3 is associated with vegetative growth and sclerotial development and influences sugar metabolism in S. sclerotiorum, as demonstrated by phenotyping SsXyl3 mutants and RNA-seq analysis. Additionally, SsXyl3 is crucial for the complete virulence of S. sclerotiorum, and is further involved in establishing the symbiotic relationship between S. sclerotiorum and wheat plants. It also regulates the induction of resistance against stripe rust and Fusarium head blight (FHB) diseases in wheat by S. sclerotiorum.

CONCLUSION: These results highlight that S. sclerotiorum induces resistance to stripe rust and FHB diseases in wheat, and shows complete virulence in symptomatic hosts through secreting SsXyl3. These findings offer valuable clues for developing innovative and eco-friendly crop disease control methods for FHB and stripe rust diseases in asymptomatic wheat and Sclerotinia diseases in symptomatic hosts. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid40629501,
year = {2025},
author = {Voinnet, O},
title = {Three decades of mobile RNA-silencing movement within plants: what have we learnt?.},
journal = {Journal of experimental botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jxb/eraf312},
pmid = {40629501},
issn = {1460-2431},
abstract = {In plant RNA-silencing, small interfering (si)RNAs and micro (mi)RNAs guide ARGONAUTE (AGO) effector proteins to silence sequence-complementary RNA/DNA. This helps regulate developmental patterning, adaptation to stress, antiviral defense or genome integrity-maintenance. Remarkably, these regulations not only occur intra-cellularly, but may also manifest in remote tissues. Here, I summarize the evidence that RNA-silencing moves from cell-to-cell and via the phloem, the long-distance extension of the symplasm-the cytosolic connection-network between cells through plasmodesmata (PDs). I then illustrate several biological functions linked to RNA-silencing movement. Besides a still largely putative role for mobile virus-derived (v)siRNAs in conferring immunity, several endogenous sRNAs act as systemic signals orchestrating organismal responses to abiotic stress or symbiosis. Other mobile sRNAs act as morphogens and generate gene expression gradients by moving from cell-to-cell. If RNA-silencing indeed moves symplasmically via PDs, then processes likely regulate its transport; discovering these processes was expected to illuminate macromolecular trafficking in general. In a final part of this perspective, I describe several forward genetic systems set in Arabidopsis to specifically tackle the above issue. Some were instrumental in revealing hitherto unknown AGO-mediated mechanisms that modulate silencing movement within silencing-incipient, traversed or recipient cells. Somewhat disappointingly, however, the systems fell short of identifying factors impacting the silencing cell-to-cell trafficking channels or their regulations. I discuss here plausible reasons for these shortcomings, what could be learnt from them, how they could be remedied, and how a better understanding of their physiological foundations might illuminate so far overlooked aspects of plant RNA- silencing movement.},
}

@article {pmid40629387,
year = {2025},
author = {Kearsley, JVS and Geddes, BA and diCenzo, GC and Zamani, M and Finan, TM},
title = {A minimized symbiotic gene set from the 1.68 Mb pSymB chromid of Sinorhizobium meliloti reveals auxiliary symbiotic loci.},
journal = {BMC biology},
volume = {23},
number = {1},
pages = {204},
pmid = {40629387},
issn = {1741-7007},
mesh = {*Sinorhizobium meliloti/genetics/physiology ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; *Nitrogen Fixation/genetics ; *Medicago sativa/microbiology/genetics ; *Genes, Bacterial ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Symbiotic nitrogen-fixation between bacteria called rhizobia and leguminous plants is a critical aspect of sustainable agriculture. Complex, two-way communication governs the invasion of plant roots and the formation of nodules in which the rhizobia reduce N2 to bioavailable ammonia. Research has uncovered many of the genes required for the symbiosis; however, engineering the symbiosis to function with alternative hosts such as cereal crops necessitates the establishment of a core set of symbiotic players.

RESULTS: We examined the symbiotic relevance of the genes on the 1.68 Mb pSymB chromid of the model rhizobium Sinorhizobium meliloti. By employing a strain in which pSymB was removed, we used a gain-of-function approach to assess a select group of known symbiotic regions totalling 261 kb (15.5%) of pSymB. This gene set enabled symbiotic N2-fixation with alfalfa with a high degree of plant genotype-dependent variation in which nodules often senesced prematurely. We demonstrate that additional regions lacking canonical symbiosis genes are important for the efficient formation of symbiosis with the plant host. These regions appear to contain auxiliary symbiotic loci whose genes encode products with quasi-essential functions for the symbiosis and that are redundant in nature. We further established a 673-kb pSymB genome that engages consistently in N2-fixation with alfalfa with 45% efficiency.

CONCLUSIONS: The reduction of the pSymB genome showcases the complexity and nuance of its involvement in the N2-fixing symbiosis.},
}

*Sinorhizobium meliloti/genetics/physiology
*Symbiosis/genetics
*Nitrogen Fixation/genetics
*Medicago sativa/microbiology/genetics
*Genes, Bacterial

@article {pmid40628488,
year = {2025},
author = {Fronk, DC and Ortiz-Barbosa, GS and Macedo, F and Lee, J and Wun, K and Sachs, JL},
title = {Nitrogen fertilization nullifies host sanctions against non-fixing rhizobia and drives divestment from symbiosis in Lotus japonicus.},
journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences},
volume = {292},
number = {2050},
pages = {20251055},
doi = {10.1098/rspb.2025.1055},
pmid = {40628488},
issn = {1471-2954},
support = {//NIFA/ ; //NSF/ ; //USDA/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Lotus/microbiology/physiology/metabolism ; Fertilizers/analysis ; *Nitrogen/metabolism ; Nitrogen Fixation ; *Rhizobium/physiology ; Root Nodules, Plant/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Plants and animals house microbes that provide critical nutrients, but little is known about host control over microbial cooperation when resources are also accessed from the environment. Changes in nutrient access can challenge the host's ability to detect and selectively reward beneficial partners, destabilizing symbiosis. Legumes acquire nitrogen from soil and from symbiosis with rhizobia, but it is unclear if extrinsic sources of nitrogen interfere with host control systems. We inoculated the legume Lotus japonicus with rhizobia-bearing nitrogen fixation or nitrogen metabolism knockouts, and factorially varied molecular sources of nitrogen fertilizer. Lotus hosts selectively rewarded beneficial rhizobia and sanctioned non-fixing strains when extrinsic nitrogen was unavailable. Host benefits were undiminished when inoculated with rhizobia-bearing nitrogen metabolism knockouts, suggesting redundancies in nitrogen provisioning systems. However, under nitrogen fertilization, hosts did not discriminate between fixing and non-fixing rhizobia. Fertilized hosts formed miniaturized nodules housing limited rhizobia, divesting from symbiosis. Thus, sanctioning mechanisms rely on the detection of nitrogen fixation differences among rhizobia strains and can break down in nitrogen-rich environments. Nonetheless, divestment from symbiosis offers legumes robust host control, minimizing investment into rhizobia strains, irrespective of their capacity to provide benefit, when symbiosis services are not needed.},
}

*Symbiosis
*Lotus/microbiology/physiology/metabolism
Fertilizers/analysis
*Nitrogen/metabolism
Nitrogen Fixation
*Rhizobium/physiology
Root Nodules, Plant/microbiology

@article {pmid40627970,
year = {2025},
author = {Batista, A and Helgoe, J and Rodriguez-Lanetty, M},
title = {Acute dimethyl phthalate exposure impairs tissue integrity in a model cnidarian without disrupting symbiosis.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {220},
number = {},
pages = {118306},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.118306},
pmid = {40627970},
issn = {1879-3363},
abstract = {In addition to heat waves and diseases that continue to decimate coral reef ecosystems, corals must increasingly contend with growing concentrations of microplastics in the oceans. Phthalates (PAE), a class of commonly used plasticizers, readily leach from plastics into marine environments and may pose threats to cnidarian health and coral symbiosis. To assess the acute effect of phthalate exposure, we investigated the impact of dimethyl phthalate (DMP) on the model cnidarian Exaiptasia diaphana. Anemones were exposed to four treatments across three weeks to the following: a control, and DMP concentrations of 2.9 mg/L, 15.3 mg/L, and 29.4 mg/L. Changes to photosynthesis, symbiont density, and visual changes to the host anemone tissue integrity were measured. DMP exposure did not significantly affect symbiont density (i.e., bleaching rate) or photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm) of the algal symbionts. However, marked degradation of host tissue was observed in the chemically-treated anemones. These findings raise concerns that PAEs, if their concentrations continue to rise, could contribute to the decline of reef ecosystems by weakening host resilience, even in the absence of symbiosis breakdown.},
}

@article {pmid40627646,
year = {2025},
author = {Michel, J and Lehnert, M and Nebel, M and Quandt, D},
title = {Low and facultative mycorrhization of ferns in a low-montane tropical rainforest in Ecuador.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {7},
pages = {e0326712},
pmid = {40627646},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology ; *Rainforest ; Symbiosis ; Ecuador ; *Ferns/microbiology ; Tropical Climate ; },
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are amongst the most studied obligate plant symbionts and regularly found in terrestrial plants. However, global estimates of AMF abundance amongst all land plants are difficult because i) the mycorrhizal status of many non-commercial, wild plant species is still unknown, ii) numerous plant species engage in facultative symbiosis, meaning that they can, but do not always do, associate with mycorrhiza, and iii) mycorrhizal status can vary within families, genera, and species. To gain deeper insights to the distribution of the plant-AMF symbiosis we investigated the mycorrhizal status in some of the oldest lineages of extant vascular plants, Polypodiophytina (ferns) and lycophytes, in one of the hotspots of natural plant diversification, the tropical rainforest. Providing a new data set of AMF abundance for 82 fern species representing 19 families, we hypothesized that (1) AMF would be found in 60-80% of the studied plants and (2) plant species with AMF symbionts would be more abundant than non-mycorrhizal species. Both hypotheses were rejected while the following observations were made: (1) AMF occurred in 30.5% of studied species, representing 63% of the studied fern families, (2) AMF colonisation was not correlated with species abundance, (3) a small proportion of AMF-hosting ferns was epiphytic (6%) and (4) mycorrhization was inconsistent among different populations of the same species (facultative mycorrhization). While these observations align with previous studies on ferns, they emphasise that mycorrhization is not a taxonomic trait and underscore the challenges in estimating the global abundance of AMF. In addition, the occurrence of AMF in epiphytic plants and no net benefits of AMF for plant abundance indicate that the mycorrhization observed in this study likely comprises the commensalism to parasitism range of the symbiosis spectrum.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology
*Rainforest
Symbiosis
Ecuador
*Ferns/microbiology
Tropical Climate

@article {pmid40627546,
year = {2025},
author = {Delbaje, E and de Castro, PA and Pupo, MT and Rokas, A and Goldman, GH},
title = {Gliotoxin Production and Self-Defense in Filamentous Fungi.},
journal = {Annual review of microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1146/annurev-micro-040324-032342},
pmid = {40627546},
issn = {1545-3251},
abstract = {Gliotoxin (GT) is a sulfur-containing secondary metabolite that belongs to a class of naturally occurring 2,5-diketopiperazines produced by fungi. Although GT production has been observed only in a few species, GT is the most studied fungal secondary metabolite, and the GT biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) is broadly present in filamentous fungi. GT has a multitarget mechanism of action: It is fungicidal and bacteriostatic, it induces apoptosis in mammalian cells, and it modulates phagocytosis and neutrophil attraction. GT is important for Aspergillus fumigatus virulence and pathogenesis in humans and in animals and for Trichoderma spp. symbiotic and antagonistic behavior. GT is also toxic for producer and nonproducer organisms. Consequently, very sophisticated mechanisms of GT self-protection have evolved in producers; some of these protective mechanisms are also found in nonproducer organisms. This review discusses the distribution of the GT BGC among filamentous fungi and discusses GT biosynthesis, mechanisms of action and self-defense, and ecological properties.},
}

@article {pmid40627541,
year = {2025},
author = {Hisatomi, A and Yoshida, T and Hasunuma, T and Ohkuma, M and Sakamoto, M},
title = {Difficult-to-culture micro-organisms specifically isolated using the liquid-liquid co-culture method - towards the identification of bacterial species and metabolites supporting their growth.},
journal = {Microbiology (Reading, England)},
volume = {171},
number = {7},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1099/mic.0.001581},
pmid = {40627541},
issn = {1465-2080},
mesh = {Coculture Techniques/methods ; Feces/microbiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Bacteria/isolation & purification/genetics/classification/metabolism/growth & development ; Animals ; Phylogeny ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Culture Media/chemistry ; },
abstract = {In this study, the liquid-liquid co-culture method was applied using faecal samples and specific bacterial species as growth-supporting bacteria. We aimed to isolate new, difficult-to-culture bacterial species using metabolites produced by supportive bacteria to promote the growth of small bacteria selected using filter treatment. This study aimed to identify the supporting bacteria and their metabolites that promote the growth of these isolates. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences of the isolates obtained by co-culture revealed that they were Waltera spp., Roseburia spp. and Phascolarctobacterium faecium. Roseburia spp. and Waltera spp. were isolated from several faecal samples, suggesting that they were specifically isolated using this culture method. We focused on Waltera spp. isolated from several faecal samples with unique shapes, from long to short or thin cells. The growth of Waltera spp. was not promoted by co-culture on the agar medium, suggesting that growth was only promoted by liquid-liquid co-culture. The growth of the selected small-sized Waltera spp. was promoted by co-culture, whereas the growth of the unfiltered long-cell Waltera sp. strain was suppressed by co-culture. The selected small Waltera spp. did not grow when the supporting bacterial supernatant was added, suggesting that the supporting bacteria and Waltera spp. had a symbiotic relationship through the continuous exchange of metabolites. Co-cultured supporting bacteria (diluted faecal samples) with selected small-sized Waltera spp. were predominantly Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron and Escherichia coli, compared with monoculture diluted faecal samples. We further confirmed the growth of filtered Waltera spp. by co-culturing them with B. thetaiotaomicron and E. coli. Additionally, when B. thetaiotaomicron and E. coli were co-cultured with the selected small Waltera spp., some nutrients and metabolites were reduced. Decreased metabolites were added to the medium, and selected small-sized Waltera spp. were cultured, but Waltera spp. did not grow. Therefore, it was again strongly suggested that continuous co-culturing with the supporting bacteria was important for the growth of Waltera spp. The liquid-liquid co-culture method used in this study can be used to isolate new and unique bacterial species from any environment, not just the gut microbiome. Furthermore, this co-culture method helped identify supporting bacteria and understand metabolite variations.},
}

Coculture Techniques/methods
Feces/microbiology
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
*Bacteria/isolation & purification/genetics/classification/metabolism/growth & development
Animals
Phylogeny
DNA, Bacterial/genetics
Culture Media/chemistry

@article {pmid40627403,
year = {2025},
author = {Xue, Y and Huang, M and Zhang, J and Navin, S and Tao, Y and Zeng, G},
title = {Sex-Specific Postmortem Microbiome Dynamics in Mice: Implications for Death Definitions.},
journal = {FEMS microbiology letters},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/femsle/fnaf070},
pmid = {40627403},
issn = {1574-6968},
abstract = {Gut microbes form a complex and dynamic symbiotic relationship with their host. However, the microbial response during the early stages following host death remains largely uncharacterized. In this study, we employed a mouse model to systematically characterize the postmortem response of the intestinal microbiota, and analyzed the dynamic changes in microbial composition during the early stages after death in both male and female mice (at 0, 0.5, 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours postmortem). Our findings reveal that sex-dimorphic shifts in microbiome composition occur as early as 2 hours postmortem. Male mice exhibited increased functional redundancy and delayed community restructuring, whereas female mice displayed earlier community shifts. These sex-specific patterns were accompanied by differences in metabolic pathway activity and biomarker taxa. Notably, the observed retention of regulatory capacity by intestinal microbes after host death offers a novel perspective on the conceptualization of death itself. We propose the term "ecological death" to describe the irreversible collapse of the host-associated microbial ecosystem following death, marking a critical transition in the functional and structural integrity of the intestinal microbiota.},
}

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Humans
*Microbiota
*Health
*Disease
Animals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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