@article {pmid41800490,
year = {2026},
author = {Weng, YH and Chen, PC and Ruan, JW},
title = {Host-mediated Remodeling of the Gut Microbiota in Energy Homeostasis and Environmental Resilience.},
journal = {Journal of physiological investigation},
volume = {69},
number = {4},
pages = {227-233},
doi = {10.4103/ejpi.EJPI-D-25-00028},
pmid = {41800490},
issn = {2950-6344},
abstract = {The gut microbiome dynamically regulates mammalian energy homeostasis by remodeling its composition to optimize nutrient extraction and persistence, often exacerbating obesity under energy-rich diets through disruption of host intake–expenditure balance. For instance, phylum-level dynamics like Firmicutes dominance enhance energy harvest, while species such as Akkermansia muciniphila bolster barrier integrity, appetite control, and thermogenesis. Building on this, bidirectional host–microbiome interactions deploy feedback mechanisms to curb excesses and boost expenditure, guided by the hologenome framework where host genetics foster microbial resilience. This remodeling model portrays symbiosis as a flexible equilibrium, sustained by diversity, competition, and cooperation, enabling adaptation to stressors but susceptible to dysbiosis. Cold exposure exemplifies host-led remodeling, sculpting a specialized “cold microbiota” through neuroendocrine, metabolic, mucosal, and behavioral pathways to amplify thermogenesis and energy efficiency, illustrating co-evolved hologenomic adaptations for environmental challenges and potential interventions in metabolic disorders. Ultimately, this review explores how the host dynamically regulates energy homeostasis by managing microbiome dynamics.},
}

@article {pmid42976182,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, N and Zhang, Z and Zhou, H and Wen, Y and Wang, X and Song, H and Du, Y},
title = {Soil amendments reshape alpine meadow microbial communities across degradation gradients by modulating nutrient availability.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {21},
number = {11},
pages = {e0359576},
pmid = {42976182},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Soil Microbiology ; *Soil/chemistry ; *Grassland ; Bacillus subtilis ; Humic Substances/analysis ; Ecosystem ; *Nutrients ; *Microbiota ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Bacteria ; Tibet ; },
abstract = {Climate change and overgrazing have led to the continued degradation of alpine meadows on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, thereby severely impairing the ecosystem services provided by these grasslands. Soil amendments are an important strategy for restoring degraded grasslands; however, the regulatory effects of different amendment measures across varying degradation gradients and the underlying microbial response mechanisms remain unclear. This study systematically investigated the effects of three soil amendments (humic acid, superabsorbent polymer, and Bacillus subtilis) on soil physicochemical properties and microbial community structure in mildly, moderately, and severely degraded alpine meadows. The results indicated that the regulatory effects of soil amendments are significantly dependent on the degradation gradient: In the severe degradation stage, amendments significantly increased available nutrients, lowered pH, and alleviated alkalization, whereas their regulatory effects were limited in the mild degradation stage. Amendments selectively altered the abundance of microbial groups involved in organic matter degradation, nitrogen cycling, and stress-tolerant symbiosis. Humic acid demonstrated the optimal regulatory effect in the mild degradation stage, whereas superabsorbent polymers and Bacillus subtilis were more suitable for restoration in the moderate and severe degradation stages. Redundancy analysis indicated that bacterial communities were primarily subject to deterministic selection by soil pH, available potassium, and organic matter gradients, with the intensity of environmental selection increasing with increasing degradation severity; fungal communities exhibited significant environmental responses only in the moderate degradation stage, while stochastic processes dominated community assembly in the mild and severe degradation stages. In summary, alpine meadows at various stages of degradation require differentiated remediation strategies. Precise, stage-specific remediation tailored to degradation severity can facilitate synergistic restoration of the soil-microbial system, providing a theoretical basis and practical guidance for restoring degraded alpine meadows on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.},
}

*Soil Microbiology
*Soil/chemistry
*Grassland
Bacillus subtilis
Humic Substances/analysis
Ecosystem
*Nutrients
*Microbiota
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
Bacteria
Tibet

@article {pmid42977129,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, CZ and Wang, J and Fu, HM and Gao, MJ and Yan, P and Chen, YP},
title = {Optimizing light/dark cycle drives microbial synergy and cofactor metabolism in filamentous algae-anammox granules for zero‑aeration nitrogen removal.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {136194},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2026.136194},
pmid = {42977129},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {Light/dark alternation, which periodically regulates aerobic and anoxic conditions, is a key strategy for improving nitrogen removal in algae-bacteria consortia. In this study, three light/dark cycles (2 h light:1 h dark (2L:1D), 1L:1D, and 1L:2D) were applied to filamentous algae-partial nitrification/anammox (FA-PNA) granular system, improving total nitrogen removal efficiency (NRE) by 10.9%, 28.3%, and 13.7%, respectively. 1L:1D cycle achieved superior nitrogen removal performance, with an NRE of 98.8% under zero aeration, and enriched key functional microorganisms, including Pantanalinema (19.89%), Ca. Brocadia (7.58%), Nitrosomonas (6.64%), and Denitratisoma (13.72%). Mechanistically, these enriched microbial populations exhibited enhanced coordination through increased signalling molecule levels and signalling-related gene abundances. Meanwhile, enhanced cofactor metabolic potential was observed, with higher folate and cobalamin concentrations and 6.15-10.27-fold greater abundances of B vitamins and molybdenum cofactor biosynthesis genes than 2L:1D cycle. This integrated metabolic synergy strengthened key nitrogen transformation processes, as reflected by elevated abundances of amoA/B/C in Nitrosomonas, narG/H/I in Denitratisoma, and hdh/hzs in Ca. Brocadia. Overall, appropriate light/dark alternation promoted nitrogen removal by driving metabolic synergy through signal-mediated microbial coordination and cofactor metabolic support, providing mechanistic insights for developing low-energy algal-bacterial symbiotic nitrogen removal systems.},
}

@article {pmid42971394,
year = {2026},
author = {Chellappa, S and Mani, J and Uthandi, S and Purushothaman, SK and Balasubramanian, S and Kuppusamy, H and Ragupathy, TV and Subburamu, K and Muthusamy, R},
title = {Deciphering bioactive biomolecules of Photorhabdus sp.: Integrated molecular, biochemical, and metabolomic insights into its bioinsecticidal activity against galleria mellonella and Holotrichia serrata.},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108786},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2026.108786},
pmid = {42971394},
issn = {1096-0805},
abstract = {Photorhabdus is a gram-negative symbiotic bacteria having a relationship with entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN), Heterorhabditis spp. They are known to produce several toxins, antibiotics with antifungal and antibacterial compounds; hence, they are gaining considerable attention due to commercial interest in insecticidal metabolites active against several insect pests. Eight Photorhabdus luminescens were isolated from EPN Heterorhabditis indica strains maintained in the culture collection of ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore. Based on morphological, biochemical and molecular characterization using 16S rDNA-specific primers, all the eight bacteria were identified as Photorhabdus luminescens subsp. akhurstii. The 16S rDNA sequences were submitted to GenBank. Insecticidal activity of cell-free supernatant of bacterial strains against wax moth Galleria mellonella larvae and first instar white grub Holotrichia serrata revealed 51.2-99.2 and 35.1-81.2% mortality respectively. Among the eight bacteria tested, P. luminescens ssp. akhurstii strain SBIPLATND78 recorded maximum mortality of G. mellonella (99.2%) as well as H. serrata (81.25%). Purification and identification of insecticidal metabolites from P. luminescence subsp. akhurstii (SBIPLATND78) was done using GC-MS analysis. The total ion chromatogram (TIC) showed the presence of 40 compounds, and the GC-MS profile showed the presence of anti-helminthic and bioactive compounds such as 2,5-Piperazinedione, 3-benzyl-6-isopropyl-, n-Tetracosanol-1, and p-Cymene-2,5-diol. Molecular docking studies identified strong interactions between biomolecules and G. mellonella protein targets, with 2,5-piperazinedione, 3-benzyl-6-isopropyl showing the highest binding affinity (-6.4 kcal/mol). Further in vitro evaluation of 2,5-piperazinedione confirmed the insecticidal effect against G. mellonella, which also strengthens the study. The present study revealed P. luminescens subsp. Akhurstii exhibited strong insecticidal potential through the production of bioactive metabolites with significant toxicity against G. mellonella and H. serrata. These novel findings highlight its promising nature as an eco-friendly biocontrol agent for sustainable insect pest management and provide a molecular basis for the development of novel bio-insecticides.},
}

@article {pmid42972004,
year = {2026},
author = {Cui, G and Ngugi, DK and Konciute, M and Cheng, S and Liew, KX and Mi, J and Al-Babili, S and Aranda, M},
title = {Algal symbiosis adaptively restructures the cnidarian microbiome to enhance holobiont metabolism.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42972004},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {4937414//Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis/physiology ; Animals ; *Microbiota/physiology ; *Dinoflagellida/physiology/metabolism ; Nitrogen/metabolism ; Photosynthesis ; *Cnidaria/microbiology/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Microbiomes are integral to the function and resilience of cnidarian holobionts, yet the spatial and functional integration of microbial communities within host tissues remains poorly understood. Here, we show that symbiosis with photosynthetic dinoflagellates induces adaptive, tissue-specific restructuring of the microbiome in the cnidarian model Aiptasia, fundamentally enhancing holobiont nitrogen assimilation and metabolic flexibility. Using laser microdissection, tissue-resolved metatranscriptomics, gnotobiotic hosts, and stable isotope tracing, we reveal that symbiosis profoundly restructures microbial communities across the epidermis and gastrodermis, enriching for taxa and pathways that support nitrogen assimilation in photosynthetically active tissues. Expression of microbial nitrite reductase is strongly upregulated in the symbiotic gastrodermis, and [15]N-tracer experiments demonstrate that bacterial assimilation of nitrite synergizes with algal symbionts to fuel the biosynthesis of essential amino acids. These findings show that symbiosis drives spatially compartmentalized microbiome adaptation within animal tissues, aligning microbial metabolism with host-algal nutrient exchanges to enhance holobiont functioning.},
}

*Symbiosis/physiology
Animals
*Microbiota/physiology
*Dinoflagellida/physiology/metabolism
Nitrogen/metabolism
Photosynthesis
*Cnidaria/microbiology/metabolism

@article {pmid42973081,
year = {2026},
author = {Guo, L and Jin, W and Kang, Q and Tong, Y and Shi, H and Zhang, J and Li, X and Wang, H and Qin, Q and Meng, Q and Zhang, H},
title = {A gut symbiotic bacterium enhances baculovirus resistance in Spodoptera frugiperda by maintaining peritrophic matrix integrity.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.71453},
pmid = {42973081},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {2022YFD1400700//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Spodoptera frugiperda is a major agricultural pest worldwide, whereas Spodoptera frugiperda multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (SfMNPV) serves as an important microbial control agent against this pest. Resident gut bacteria are increasingly recognized as important modulators of insect-pathogen interactions; however, whether and how they influence SfMNPV infection in S. frugiperda remains unclear. We therefore investigated how gut bacteria modulate host resistance to SfMNPV.

RESULTS: Antibiotic-mediated depletion of gut bacteria increased larval susceptibility to SfMNPV. Transcriptomic analysis further revealed that gut bacterial depletion downregulated midgut genes associated with immune defense, digestive functions and peritrophic matrix (PM) maintenance. Among seven culturable midgut bacterial isolates, reinoculation with Glutamicibacter soli significantly enhanced larval resistance to SfMNPV. Pre-feeding with either the G. soli culture supernatant or cell lysis precipitate also increased larval resistance and partially reversed transcriptional changes caused by gut bacterial depletion before viral challenge, including the downregulation of peritrophin-1. RNAi-mediated silencing of peritrophin-1 disrupted PM structure, increased PM permeability, and enhanced larval susceptibility to SfMNPV. Consistently, G. soli reinoculation restored PM integrity impaired by gut bacterial depletion.

CONCLUSION: These findings identify maintenance of PM integrity as an important mechanism contributing to gut symbiotic bacterium-mediated resistance to SfMNPV. The study advances our understanding of how gut bacteria influence baculovirus infection in insect hosts and provides potential microbial and molecular targets for improving baculovirus-based pest management. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid42975000,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, J and Du, J and Zhang, X and Gao, M and Ai, L and Song, Y and Qiao, Y and Xie, X},
title = {Physiological and Transcriptomic Responses of Armillaria gallica to Selenium: Bioaccumulation, Biotransformation, and Growth Promotion.},
journal = {Journal of applied microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jambio/lxag271},
pmid = {42975000},
issn = {1365-2672},
abstract = {AIMS: Armillaria gallica is a medicinal fungus and key symbiont for Gastrodia elata cultivation. This study aimed to investigate the dose-dependent effects of exogenous selenium (Se) on mycelial growth, Se accumulation and biotransformation, antioxidant regulation, and transcriptional responses in A. gallica.

METHODS AND RESULTS: Dose-response experiments showed that 20 mg L-1 Na2SeO3 optimally promoted mycelial biomass (47% increase) and Se accumulation (837.53 mg kg-1), with 99.71% of Se in organic forms, predominantly associated with polysaccharides and proteins. Physiological assays revealed enhanced SOD, POD, CAT, and GPx activities and reduced MDA content under Se treatment. Transcriptomic profiling identified extensive gene remodeling in ion transport, redox metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and MAPK signaling pathways, with qRT-PCR validating key DEG expression patterns.

CONCLUSIONS: Appropriate Se concentration promotes A. gallica growth and enhances antioxidant capacity through coordinated transcriptional and metabolic regulation. The strong Se accumulation and biotransformation capacity position A. gallica as a promising candidate for Se biofortification and for developing Se-enriched Gastrodia elata via the Armillaria-Gastrodia symbiotic system.},
}

@article {pmid42975937,
year = {2026},
author = {Becker, L and Fürbach, L and Minten, T and Bathia, J and Karbach, M and Foret, S and Winterfeldt, NM and Usadel, B and Pauly, M and Axmann, IM and Fraune, S},
title = {Extracellular polymeric substances drive Curvibacter host adaptation and cospeciation with Hydra.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {123},
number = {45},
pages = {e2630695123},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2630695123},
pmid = {42975937},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {FR 3041/3-1//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)/ ; 517563163//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)/ ; 390686111//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Hydra/microbiology/physiology/genetics ; *Symbiosis/physiology ; Phylogeny ; *Host Adaptation ; *Adaptation, Physiological ; Host Microbial Interactions ; },
abstract = {The interactions between hosts and their microbial symbionts play a crucial role to host physiology. Bacteria can adapt to specific host environments over evolutionary timescales, leading to cospeciation and the formation of specialized host-microbe relationships. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying these adaptations provides key insights into the evolution of symbiosis and the stability of microbial communities. This study investigates the cospeciation and molecular adaptations of Curvibacter to its host Hydra, a well-established model for the study of host-microbe interactions. We provide strong evidence of cospeciation, as demonstrated by phylogenetic congruence between different Hydra species and their corresponding Curvibacter symbionts, along with preferential recolonization of germ-free Hydra by their native Curvibacter strains. Comparative genomic analyses reveal that host-associated Curvibacter strains exhibit distinct metabolic and biosynthetic adaptations compared to their free-living relatives. Specifically, the enrichment of proteins linked to host glycan interactions, extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), DNA metabolic processes, ABC transport, sugar metabolism, and bacterial chemotaxis highlights specialized adaptations of Curvibacter symbionts within the Hydra glycocalyx. Importantly, some of these signatures are only detectable within the Hydra vulgaris-associated Curvibacter subgroup, emphasizing the need to examine host-specific adaptations at a finer taxonomic resolution. Functional experiments identify a symbiont-specific EPS operon as a factor for host colonization, thereby establishing its role in facilitating symbiont specificity and stability. These findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms driving host-microbe coevolution and highlight the evolutionary forces shaping microbial specialization within host-symbiont relationships.},
}

Animals
*Hydra/microbiology/physiology/genetics
*Symbiosis/physiology
Phylogeny
*Host Adaptation
*Adaptation, Physiological
Host Microbial Interactions

@article {pmid42976005,
year = {2026},
author = {Xu, A and Ludington, WB},
title = {The enemy of my friend is … my friend? Host phage-microbiome symbiosis: An unexpected story of mutualism and betrayal.},
journal = {Cell reports},
volume = {45},
number = {11},
pages = {118194},
doi = {10.1016/j.celrep.2026.118194},
pmid = {42976005},
issn = {2211-1247},
abstract = {How does a host turn a beneficial symbiont into a nutrient source? In this issue of Cell Reports, Zhu et al. describe a novel symbiotic mechanism where an animal hijacks a prophage in its symbiont, which triggers lysis and nutrient release.},
}

@article {pmid42964598,
year = {2026},
author = {Hankins, C and McDaniel, K and Glahn, A and Moso, E and Arnette, B and Perzley, J and Rau, M and Reiss, M},
title = {Chitosan reduces turbidity without negative effects on scleractinian coral.},
journal = {Journal of coastal conservation},
volume = {30},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {42964598},
issn = {1874-7841},
support = {EPA999999/ImEPA/Intramural EPA/United States ; },
abstract = {Removal of marine sediment to widen or deepen channels during dredge operations is needed to maintain coastal infrastructure and navigation, but the fine sediment generated by dredging increases turbidity and can impact water quality creating adverse impacts on coral reefs. Corals heavily rely on the photosynthetic byproducts generated by symbiotic algae; increased turbidity reduces light availability inhibiting photosynthesis resulting in harmful impacts to growth and survival of scleractinian coral. Chitosan is a biodegradable flocculant, derived from the exoskeletons of crustaceans, which may be incorporated into existing dredging activities to reduce turbidity and mitigate water quality impacts for protection and conservation of scleractinian coral. This study investigated the potential health impacts of chitosan on Atlantic scleractinian coral. In a 30-day laboratory-based experiment, chitosan did not impact growth on Acropora cervicornis or Pseudodiploria clivosa. Additionally, chitosan significantly reduced turbidity within 1 hour of addition and maintained lower turbidity than the sediment only treatment every hour measured. Our research adds to the limited knowledge of potential chitosan impacts on scleractinian corals and expands on its potential use for effective turbidity mitigation in coastal ecosystems where coral reefs are present.},
}

@article {pmid42964694,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, L and Liu, Y and Liu, H and Yan, H and Yang, Y and Li, X and Wang, Y and Liu, Z and Hou, M and Li, D},
title = {Screening high symbiotic matching combinations of rhizobia and alfalfa varieties in saline soil.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1953432},
pmid = {42964694},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Rhizobium inoculation can improve alfalfa performance, but responses depend on both plant genotype and growing environment. We first screened 14 rhizobial strains plus one commercial inoculant with Medicago varia 'Caoyuan No. 3' (CY3) in a greenhouse pot experiment, together with an uninoculated control (16 treatments; three pots per treatment). Based on plant height, root length, leaf number, nodule number, and above- and belowground biomass after two months, SJN, HH, and HK were selected as higher-performing strains, whereas XBC, SWL, and XH were retained as lower-performing comparators. These six strains were then evaluated with CY3, Medicago sativa 'Aohan' (AH), and M. sativa 'Adrenalin' (ADN) in a replicated field experiment. Individual growth and nutritional responses varied among varieties and growth stages. At flowering, XH increased CY3 above-ground biomass by 113% relative to CK, whereas the reported TOPSIS composite ranking placed CY3+XBC first overall. The corresponding composite rankings placed AH+SJN and ADN+SWL first; notably, CK ranked second for ADN. Thus, 'optimal' refers to the highest reported composite score across the measured growth, nodulation and nutritional indicators, not superiority for every individual trait. Because symbiotic nitrogen fixation was not measured directly and a pre-sowing physicochemical baseline for the field soil was unavailable, the findings should be interpreted as context-dependent agronomic responses rather than direct quantification of nitrogen fixation or remediation of saline soil.},
}

@article {pmid42965090,
year = {2026},
author = {Hoggard, S and Calhoun, M and Bommes, A and Rahmatallah, Y and Neuhaus, D and Glazko, G and Mukherjee, A},
title = {Diffusible signals from Azospirillum brasilense promote rice growth and induce distinct gene expression changes in plant roots.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1911178},
pmid = {42965090},
issn = {1664-462X},
support = {P20 GM103429/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Plants form associations with diverse beneficial microbes, including arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, rhizobia, and plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB). Research on legume-rhizobia symbiosis (LRS) and AM symbiosis has demonstrated that molecular communication between symbiotic partners is essential for initiating these interactions. Genetic and biochemical studies have further identified both plant and microbial signals, as well as host genetic pathways, that regulate these interactions. However, most studies on plant-PGPB interactions have focused on direct application of PGPB to plant roots, leaving the early signaling mechanisms underlying these interactions poorly understood. In this study, we report that diffusible signals from A. brasilense can promote rice growth without direct contact between bacteria and plant roots, 7 days post-treatment (dpt). Using RNA sequencing, we identified 2,516 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in rice roots in response to diffusible signals from A. brasilense at 1 dpt. We identified differential expression of genes involved in flavonoid synthesis, defense responses, receptor activity, transcription factors, and hormone pathways. Comparative transcriptomic analysis of rice roots with or without contact with A. brasilense revealed both shared and unique gene expression patterns. We observed upregulation of certain defense-response genes (PAL, chitinase, thionin), transcription factors (AP2/ERFs, MYBs, WRKYs, and GRAS), and hormone-related (auxin and ethylene) genes without bacterial contact, but downregulation or no differential expression of these genes upon bacterial contact. This pattern suggests that initial induction followed by subsequent suppression of these genes may be crucial for establishing the interaction with A. brasilense. Our transcriptomic analysis also suggests that flavonoids may be required throughout the interaction, whereas nitrate transporters appear to be involved at later stages and likely require contact between plant roots and bacteria. Collectively, our findings reveal that diffusible signals from A. brasilense can promote rice growth and induce distinct gene expression changes in plant roots. These results provide novel insights into the early phase of rice-A. brasilense interaction and highlight the potential for leveraging plant-PGPB signaling mechanisms to enhance crop growth under adverse environmental conditions.},
}

@article {pmid42965514,
year = {2026},
author = {Akashi, T and Yoshida, J and Nakao, T and Uchida, K and Uchiyama, H and Ayabe, SI and Aoki, T},
title = {Functional Characterization of Isoflavonoid Synthase CYP736D1 Mediating Oxidative Aryl Migration in a Non-leguminous Plant, Iris germanica (Iridaceae).},
journal = {Plant & cell physiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/pcp/pcag151},
pmid = {42965514},
issn = {1471-9053},
abstract = {Isoflavonoids are a specialized subclass of flavonoids predominantly distributed in the Fabaceae, where they fulfill essential ecophysiological roles as antimicrobial phytoalexins and symbiotic signal molecules. During their biosynthesis, 2-hydroxyisoflavanone synthase [also called isoflavonoid synthase (IFS)], a cytochrome P450 (P450) of the CYP93C subfamily, catalyzes the oxidative aryl migration of (2S)-flavanones. While various species in the genus Iris (Iridaceae, monocots) are also prolific isoflavonoid producers, the biosynthetic mechanisms in these non-leguminous plants have remained elusive. To identify the Iris IFS, we utilized an established adventitious-root culture system for Iris germanica and employed functional expression-fractionation screening of its cDNA library in yeast cells. This sequence-independent strategy successfully identified CYP736D1 as the enzyme mediating the characteristic skeletal rearrangement of naringenin to form 2-hydroxyisoflavanone. CYP736D1 showed higher in vitro and in vivo catalytic activities than CYP93C2, owing to its higher substrate affinity, kinetic efficiency, and protein stability. The IFS activity was highly specific to naringenin; reactions with other flavanones (liquiritigenin, hesperetin, and pinocembrin) primarily yielded corresponding flavone or 3-hydroxyflavanones. The reaction mechanism of CYP736D1 is considered to be essentially identical to that of CYP93C, but the amino acid residues of CYP93C critical for the IFS activity are not conserved in CYP736D1. Thus, IFS proteins in the Fabaceae and Iridaceae likely evolved from different ancestral P450s and independently acquired the ability to construct the isoflavonoid skeleton through parallel evolution. Bioconversion and transgenic experiments demonstrated that CYP736D1 is a promising tool for biotechnological isoflavonoid production in heterologous systems.},
}

@article {pmid42965662,
year = {2026},
author = {Lu, Z and Li, F and Ouyang, S and Zhang, R and Zhou, X},
title = {Improving aerobic fermentation performance of glucose to gluconic acid production by cooperating with Gluconobacter oxydans and diatoms.},
journal = {Bioprocess and biosystems engineering},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42965662},
issn = {1615-7605},
abstract = {Gluconic acid (GA) and its derivatives are widely demanded in construction, food and pharmaceutical industries. To mitigate food resource competition, the enzymatic hydrolysate of lignocellulosic agricultural waste (corncob) is regarded as a sustainable alternative feedstock for the GA bioproduction by Gluconobacter oxydans (G. oxydans). However, high‑solid hydrolysate causes dissolved‑oxygen deficiency due to increased broth viscosity, inhibiting the aerobic metabolism of this obligate aerobe. Herein, an economical diatom co‑cultivation system was constructed to supply oxygen in‑situ through photosynthesis. The neutralizer CaCO3 neutralizes GA and generates CO2 to partially sustain diatom photosynthesis, forming a chemically coupled interaction cycle (rather than strict mutualistic symbiosis). Experimental results demonstrated that diatom addition can effectively improve GA productivity. For corncob hydrolysate containing 100 g/L initial glucose, up to 32% higher GA yield was obtained. Such performance improvement is condition‑dependent, and limited enhancement was observed in high‑viscosity hydrolysate under high‑substrate loadings. This strategy partially mitigates oxygen‑transfer bottlenecks for lignocellulose‑derived GA production and provides a complementary low‑cost route for aerobic biomanufacturing of sugar acids from non‑food biomass.},
}

@article {pmid42966219,
year = {2026},
author = {Yuasa, T and Takahashi, O},
title = {Chloroparvula (prasinophyte clade VII) occurs as an intracellular symbiont in the polycystine radiolarian Spongaster tetras.},
journal = {European journal of protistology},
volume = {106},
number = {},
pages = {126228},
doi = {10.1016/j.ejop.2026.126228},
pmid = {42966219},
issn = {1618-0429},
abstract = {The polycystine radiolarian Spongaster tetras harbors minute, greenish, coccoid algal symbionts. We conducted ultrastructural and 18S rDNA phylogenetic analyses of these algae. Although clonal cultures of symbiont cells could not be established from S. tetras, Chloroparvula clades B2 and B3 were consistently detected as symbionts of S. tetras collected from the East China Sea in September 2002, October 2021, and October 2025. The B2 sequences were 1589-1703 bp long. Comparison of their overlapping regions revealed a 2-bp difference between the B2 sequence obtained in 2002 and those obtained in 2021 and 2025. The B3 sequences were identical across overlapping regions. Ultrastructural observations of cells from mixed cultures revealed characteristic features of Chloroparvula, including coccoid cells lacking scales, a two-membraned chloroplast containing a starch grain, and fibrous cell walls. Repeated detection of both Chloroparvula lineages in S. tetras collected from the East China Sea over more than two decades suggests a consistent association between the host and these symbionts. However, whether related environmental sequences originate from free-living or symbiotic cells and how these associations are established remain unclear. Our findings expand the known ecological associations of Chloroparvula and provide insight into the diversity of photosymbiotic associations in radiolarians.},
}

@article {pmid42969031,
year = {2026},
author = {Villamizar, L and Jiang, D and Card, S and Jones, E and Lamoureaux, S and Schulte, L and Bourdôt, G},
title = {Sclerotinia sclerotiorum: a dual-purpose biological control agent for weed and disease management in pastures and cereal crops.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.71437},
pmid = {42969031},
issn = {1526-4998},
abstract = {The cosmopolitan phytopathogenic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary infects many dicotyledonous species, including major crops and weeds. Its virulence toward key pasture weeds and the innate immunity of grasses has motivated research in North America and New Zealand into its potential as a microbial bioherbicide for pastures. Independently, discovery in China that S. sclerotiorum adopts a symptomless endophytic lifestyle in grasses protecting them against fungal diseases has stimulated research into its potential as a cereal crop vaccine. Together, these findings raise the prospect of deploying a single fungal strain as a broad-spectrum biological tool for integrated weed and disease control in pastures and cereals, challenging long-held assumptions about the ecological roles and applied value of this pathogen. We evaluate S. sclerotiorum as the active ingredient of such a dual-purpose biocontrol product using four foundational pillars for success-hypervirulence (efficacy), low production cost, formulation suitability and biosafety. Wild-type strains are sufficiently virulent and competent endophytic mutualists, whereas microsclerotia offer a cost-effective scalable active ingredient alternative to mycelium. Further innovation is needed to optimize industrial-scale production and formulation. To meet biosafety requirements, we propose developing a non-sclerotia-forming strain retaining hypervirulence and endophytic competence. © 2026 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid42971151,
year = {2026},
author = {Uehling, J and Gohar, D and Johnson, H},
title = {Fungal-bacterial interactions.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {36},
number = {21},
pages = {R1209-R1213},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2026.09.047},
pmid = {42971151},
issn = {1879-0445},
mesh = {*Fungi/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Bacteria ; *Bacterial Physiological Phenomena ; *Microbiota ; },
abstract = {The study of fungal-bacterial interactions is an emerging field of biology with relevance for environmental health, medicine, and agriculture, among other sectors. The frequent co-occurrence of fungi and bacteria in many habitats has facilitated the evolution of their symbioses. Both groups are key players in host-associated microbiomes and in nutrient cycling, and these roles often intersect in dynamic ways. Interactions between fungi and bacteria can be mutualistic, commensal, or pathogenic, and they can vary in a context-dependent manner. In mutualistic interactions, fungi and bacteria can exchange nutrients, ameliorate each other's stress, enhance growth, enable dispersal, and facilitate novel niche exploration via metabolite exchange. In contrast, antagonistic interactions frequently involve competition for limited nutrients, such as iron, and active chemical warfare with secreted and bioactive compounds. Bacteria associated with fungi can occur inside of fungal cells (endosymbiotic) or on the surface of fungal hyphae (exosymbiotic). Endosymbiotic bacteria can be further differentiated into facultative symbionts, which retain the ability to enter fungal hyphae but also live independently, and obligate endosymbionts, which are always intracellular and not capable of independent life outside of hyphae. Whereas free-living bacteria can be pathogenic or mutualistic, endosymbiotic bacteria are often regarded as commensals or mutualists, although some can exhibit parasitic attributes in some conditions. A combination of molecular genetics, genomics, and microscopy has been used to study free-living bacteria. In addition to these approaches, fluorescence and electron microscopy have been used as the gold standards to study and differentiate endosymbiotic bacteria based on their intracellular location. More recently, researchers have started using systems-biology approaches to study fungal-bacterial interactions including high-throughput -omics assays. These methods produce expansive datasets that are ideally suited to artificial intelligence (AI)-based approaches to tackle long-standing questions about the basic biology and evolution of fungal-bacterial interactions. In this primer we give an overview of fungal-bacterial interactions, including their diversity, community structure, and symbiotic evolution. We highlight two research systems in particular: the intracellular endosymbionts of Mucoromycota fungi and the free-living bacteria associated with edible fungi. We focus on these systems because fungi remain understudied relative to other groups, and only a handful of fungal taxa with their bacterial symbionts are backed by large enough data sets to explore these concepts in detail. Our aim here is not to be comprehensive, but instead to use the most well-understood systems to illustrate emerging principles. We then discuss advances in using AI to infer new aspects of microbial biology and provide suggestions for how these technologies could advance research on fungal-bacterial interactions utilizing existing genomic datasets.},
}

*Fungi/physiology
*Symbiosis
*Bacteria
*Bacterial Physiological Phenomena
*Microbiota

@article {pmid42961282,
year = {2026},
author = {Coelho, CPES and Munduri, JMS and Oliveira, JAVC and Moreira, MI and Cena, JA and Dame-Teixeira, N},
title = {From enemy to ally: an update for dental professionals on oral microbiome ecology and its systemic implications.},
journal = {Journal of applied oral science : revista FOB},
volume = {34},
number = {},
pages = {e20260384},
doi = {10.1590/1678-7765-2026-0384},
pmid = {42961282},
issn = {1678-7765},
mesh = {Humans ; *Microbiota/physiology ; *Dysbiosis/microbiology ; *Mouth/microbiology ; *Mouth Diseases/microbiology ; },
abstract = {The oral microbiome is a natural and essential component of the human body, maintaining a symbiotic relationship with the host and contributing to health. Rather than being caused simply by the presence of microorganisms, oral diseases are now understood as ecological dysbioses, in which disruption of the oral microbiome precedes and drives the development of clinical signs. This perspective challenges traditional clinical approaches, as strategies focused exclusively on detecting or eliminating specific microorganisms are unlikely to address the ecological nature of oral diseases and may, in some cases, be counterproductive. Furthermore, far beyond local effects, oral dysbiosis may have systemic repercussions. Through mechanisms such as chronic inflammation and interactions along the oral-gut axis, oral dysbiosis may influence systemic health and has been associated with cardiovascular, metabolic, neurodegenerative, and autoimmune diseases. This relationship is bidirectional: oral dysbiosis may contribute to systemic inflammatory and metabolic alterations, while systemic conditions can also modify the oral environment. As oral microbiome discoveries increasingly reach dental professionals, there is a growing need to critically translate this body of evidence into clinically meaningful concepts. This review aims to help bridge the gap between rapidly evolving oral microbiome research and everyday dental practice by providing dental professionals with an integrated ecological perspective of the oral microbiome. By synthesizing emerging concepts in microbiome homeostasis, dysbiosis, resilience, and oral-systemic interactions into clinically relevant principles, this review can support evidence-based decision-making in contemporary dentistry. The role of dental professionals in maintaining oral microbiome balance is part of a broader strategy to support both oral and systemic health. Recognizing oral diseases as ecological dysbiosis highlights the need for a shift in dental practice, in which preserving microbiome eubiosis and ecological stability becomes central to care. In dysbiosis, the microbiome becomes an enemy, so it is better kept on our side.},
}

Humans
*Microbiota/physiology
*Dysbiosis/microbiology
*Mouth/microbiology
*Mouth Diseases/microbiology

@article {pmid42962303,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, S and Xu, G and Yu, Y and Zhong, Y and Li, S and Wang, J and Chen, H and Tang, M},
title = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis enhances salt tolerance in Eucalyptus grandis by coordinating antioxidant defense, hormone accumulation and ion homeostasis.},
journal = {Plant physiology and biochemistry : PPB},
volume = {240},
number = {},
pages = {111907},
doi = {10.1016/j.plaphy.2026.111907},
pmid = {42962303},
issn = {1873-2690},
abstract = {Eucalyptus is a globally important timber species, yet its productivity is markedly constrained by salt stress. Although arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi play crucial roles under environmental stress, the integrated physiological and molecular mechanisms by which they confer salinity tolerance in E. grandis remain incompletely understood. In this study, we explored the impact of inoculation with the AM fungus Rhizophagus irregularis on the physiological, biochemical, and transcriptional responses of E. grandis seedlings across a NaCl gradient (0-200 mM). The results indicated that AM symbiosis significantly alleviated salt-induced growth inhibition, membrane damage and water deficit. Relative to non-mycorrhizal plants, AM-colonized seedlings exhibited lower accumulations of osmolytes and oxidative stress markers, while maintaining higher activities of key antioxidant enzymes. Hormonal profiling revealed a coordinated downregulation of stress-related phytohormones in mycorrhizal plants under salinity. Additionally, AM plants accumulated less sodium (Na[+]) and more potassium (K[+]) than non-mycorrhizal controls, suggesting enhanced Na[+] efflux and K[+] uptake under salt stress. Genome-wide analysis identified 23 candidate SOS pathway genes in E. grandis, and qPCR expression profiling revealed that all of these responded to AM symbiosis under salt stress, suggesting that AM symbiosis may regulate SOS pathway gene expression as part of its salt tolerance mechanism. Redundancy analysis suggested strong correlations among enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, hormonal adjustments, ion homeostasis and the expression of specific EgSOS genes. Collectively, these findings provide integrated physiological and molecular evidence that AM symbiosis improves salt tolerance in a woody species through modulation of antioxidant defenses, hormonal balance, ion homeostasis and SOS pathway gene expression.},
}

@article {pmid42963947,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, Y and Liu, H and Perez, M and Li, YX and Hui, F and Shen, Z and Sun, Y and Martín-Durán, JM and Rouse, GW and Qian, PY and Xu, J and Xie, X and Qiu, JW},
title = {AnnelidaDB: a comprehensive platform of taxonomic and multi-omic resources across annelids.},
journal = {Nucleic acids research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/nar/gkag1087},
pmid = {42963947},
issn = {1362-4962},
support = {//Research Grants Council of Hong Kong/ ; C2013-22GF//Collaborative Research Fund/ ; 121010//General Research Fund/ ; 62472400//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; SZSM202411033//Sanming Project of Medicine in Shenzhen/ ; },
abstract = {Annelids inhabit marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems and are important models for studying animal evolution, regeneration, and host-microbe interactions, yet their rapidly growing omics resources remain dispersed across repositories and publications. We developed AnnelidaDB (www.annelidadb.com), a species-centred database built on an updated phylogenetic framework that integrates genomes, mitochondrial genomes, transcriptomes, proteomes, epigenomes, single-cell datasets, host-associated symbiont genomes, and comparative synteny for Annelida. The current release covers 1121 species, including 152 species with nuclear genomes, 177 with mitochondrial genomes, 591 with transcriptome data, 5 with single-cell datasets comprising 209 802 cells, and 30 bacterial symbiont genomes. AnnelidaDB organizes these resources through 10 navigation directories and connects species, genome, gene, functional annotation, and gene-family records. Users can browse genomic assemblies, explore interactive single-cell atlases and 12 200 precomputed Oxford plots, run BLAST queries and search genes against the annelid-specific database, and submit chromosome-level data for syntenic analysis against 20 Annelida linkage groups. Sequences, annotations, and private results are available for download. As a comprehensive multi-omics resource dedicated to annelids, AnnelidaDB provides an accessible platform for comparative investigations of annelid genome evolution, adaptation, regeneration, and symbiosis.},
}

@article {pmid42958427,
year = {2026},
author = {Song, J and An, J and Xia, H and Li, W and Hu, J and Li, Q and Li, C and Shen, X and Cheng, H and Zhou, Y and Hu, T and Yang, P},
title = {Pan-genome analysis of Caragana reveals genomic mechanisms of drought adaptation of leguminous shrubs to arid environments.},
journal = {Genome biology},
volume = {27},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42958427},
issn = {1474-760X},
support = {2023B02031//Key Research and Development Program of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region/ ; },
mesh = {*Caragana/genetics/physiology ; *Genome, Plant ; Drought Resistance ; *Droughts ; *Adaptation, Physiological/genetics ; Genomics ; Phylogeny ; Stress, Physiological/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Perennial leguminous shrubs of the genus Caragana play key roles in arid and semi-arid ecosystems, contributing to ecological restoration, nitrogen fixation, and bioenergy production. However, the genomic basis underlying their adaptation to arid environments remains insufficiently understood.

RESULTS: Here, we generate chromosome-scale genome assemblies for 14 representative Caragana species, including a near telomere-to-telomere assembly of Caragana korshinskii (NMCN13). Using these genomes, we construct a graph-based pan-genome and identify extensive genomic variation, including 801,351 structural variants and 104,404 presence-absence variations. Comparative analyses identify clade-specific gene family expansions enriched in stress-related pathways, particularly secondary metabolism. We further identify two candidate drought-responsive genes, CkoERF1 and CkoWAKL, whose functions are supported by heterologous overexpression in Arabidopsis thaliana and alfalfa, demonstrating enhanced drought-response phenotypes. Transposable element analyses indicate that variation in LTR retrotransposon abundance contributes to genome size diversity across species. Notably, we find that some key symbiosis-related genes, for example, NIN, DMI1, DMI2, and NSP1, are conserved across all species, suggesting a stable genetic basis for nitrogen fixation.

CONCLUSIONS: This study provides high-quality genomic resources and a comprehensive pan-genomic framework for Caragana. Our findings offer new insights into genome evolution, environmental adaptation, and drought tolerance mechanisms, and establish a foundation for future functional genomics and breeding efforts in leguminous shrubs.},
}

*Caragana/genetics/physiology
*Genome, Plant
Drought Resistance
*Droughts
*Adaptation, Physiological/genetics
Genomics
Phylogeny
Stress, Physiological/genetics

@article {pmid42958608,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, YJ and Wang, YC and Pang, YT and Fang, RC and Zhang, J and Ke, XH and Li, JJ and Zhang, LS and Yang, S and Guo, J and Miao, CH},
title = {Advances in research on the regulation of honey bee odor and chemical communication by symbiotic microorganisms.},
journal = {Insect science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1744-7917.70380},
pmid = {42958608},
issn = {1744-7917},
support = {202405AF140081//Science and Technology Talent and Platform Program (Academician and Expert Workstation)/ ; 32260863//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Because honey bees are key pollinators in terrestrial ecosystems, they are highly sensitive to environmental changes, and colony survival serves as a reliable indicator of environmental conditions. Insect symbiotic microorganisms regulate host chemical communication through multiple pathways, thereby playing critical roles in pheromone synthesis, olfactory perception, and social behavior modulation. However, a systematic review of the potential regulatory mechanisms by which symbiotic microorganisms influence chemical communication in honey bees is still lacking. Here, we synthesize domestic and international research to assess the compositions of symbiotic microorganisms in honey bees, as well as the mechanisms of pheromone release, perception, and function. Furthermore, drawing on specific experimental cases, we discuss how honey bee symbionts modulate host sensitivity to chemical signals and consequently affect host social behavior through multiple routes. These pathways are involved in regulating odorant-binding protein or odorant receptor expression and nervous system function, altering cuticular hydrocarbon profiles, modulating olfactory memory, and mediating immune signaling. This review further explores the interplay between symbiotic microorganisms and the release and reception of chemical signals in honey bees, thereby providing a solid foundation for the conservation of endangered pollinating insects.},
}

@article {pmid42958634,
year = {2026},
author = {de Medeiros Oliveira, E and Meyer, E and Lovato, PE and Guerra, MP and Gris, T and de Almeida, AFN and Mayer, JLS},
title = {Beyond Mycorrhizae: A Multi-Kingdom Community in Epiphytic Orchid Roots Reveals Cyanobacteria Intracellular and a Velamen Microbial Refuge.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology reports},
volume = {18},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {42958634},
issn = {1758-2229},
mesh = {*Plant Roots/microbiology ; *Mycorrhizae/genetics/classification/physiology/isolation & purification ; *Orchidaceae/microbiology ; *Cyanobacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification/physiology ; *Microbiota ; Symbiosis ; Phylogeny ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Fungi/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; },
abstract = {Orchid biology has long been dominated by the paradigm of mycorrhizal dependency; however, the nutrient acquisition strategies of epiphytic orchids in canopy niches remain poorly understood. Using an integrated approach of multilocus metabarcoding (16S, ITS, 18S) and advanced microscopy (SEM, TEM, CLSM), we characterised the root microbial community of the threatened epiphytic orchid Cattleya purpurata. We report the discovery of intracellular Nostoc-like cyanobacteria within cortical cells, coexisting with the mycorrhizal fungus Tulasnella at a root colonisation rate of 18%. Furthermore, we identified: (1) a diverse velamen-associated microbiome hosting plant growth-promoting bacteria (e.g., the Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia complex), nematodes and microalgae; and (2) a vast unknown fungal diversity, with over 39 genera and numerous ASVs unmatched in databases. We demonstrate that C. purpurata roots sustain a complex multi-kingdom community. We propose that the root velamen acts as a multi-kingdom microbial refuge, expanding the concept of symbiosis in orchids beyond fungi. Based on the intracellular presence of Nostoc-like cyanobacteria and their known diazotrophic capacity in other plant symbioses, we hypothesise a previously little-known nitrogen pathway mediated by cyanobacteria in a canopy environment, to be functionally tested in future studies.},
}

*Plant Roots/microbiology
*Mycorrhizae/genetics/classification/physiology/isolation & purification
*Orchidaceae/microbiology
*Cyanobacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification/physiology
*Microbiota
Symbiosis
Phylogeny
Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Fungi/classification/genetics/isolation & purification

@article {pmid42959114,
year = {2026},
author = {Saghi, M and Van Holm, W and Zayed, N and Lauwens, K and Teughels, K and Boon, N and Bernaerts, K and Teughels, W},
title = {Probiotic toothpastes and mouthrinses: probiotic presence, viability, culturability, label accuracy, and effectiveness in vitro.},
journal = {Frontiers in oral health},
volume = {7},
number = {},
pages = {1936217},
pmid = {42959114},
issn = {2673-4842},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Per their design, several oral hygiene products have antimicrobial properties to influence the oral microbiome. However, due to overconsumption, resistance to these antimicrobials is developing. In contrast, as a pro-microbial approach, probiotics hold promise for rebalancing the oral microbiome towards a symbiotic state. Despite the availability of probiotic oral products, uncertainties about the probiotic presence, culturability, and reliability of labels persist. This study assessed the culturability, effectiveness, and accuracy of probiotics listed in commercially available probiotic toothpastes and mouth rinses.

METHODS: A total of 16 probiotic toothpastes and 6 probiotic mouthrinses, available on the European and American markets, were analysed for the number of culturable (CFU; agar plating), live (viability qPCR), and total bacteria (qPCR), and if they indeed contain the probiotic species proclaimed (16S rRNA sequencing). The products with viable probiotics were further evaluated for their impact on an in vitro oral biofilm model. Additionally, culturable probiotic isolates from these products were tested for potential inhibitory effects against individual oral pathogens.

RESULTS: Not all of the examined products contained viable bacteria; instead, they contained ferments or inactivated probiotics. Only 2 toothpastes were found to contain culturable bacteria consistent with the probiotic species declared on their labels. Additionally, traces of DNA from actual probiotics were detected in 68% of the toothpastes and 50% of the mouthrinses. Furthermore, the tested products did not show any beneficial effect on an in vitro oral biofilm model. Similarly, the culturable probiotic isolates recovered from the products showed no inhibitory activity against selected oral pathogens.

CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights that in contrast to probiotic lozenges, which are widely used for oral probiotic delivery, currently available probiotic toothpastes and mouthrinses may not consistently meet established probiotic criteria. These findings highlight the need to critically reassess their use in scientific research and the commercial use of the term probiotic, while recognizing that the present findings are specific to the product batches analysed and may not represent each brand as a whole.},
}

@article {pmid42959809,
year = {2026},
author = {Reysenbach, AL and St John, E and Catchpole, R},
title = {Expanding the global diversity of Nanobdellales from deep-sea hydrothermal vents.},
journal = {ISME communications},
volume = {6},
number = {1},
pages = {ycag280},
pmid = {42959809},
issn = {2730-6151},
abstract = {The archaeal symbiotic Nanobdellales have been isolated with their hosts from a shallow hot marine vent off Iceland and from terrestrial hot springs in Yellowstone National Park and Japan. They have highly reduced genomes and rely on their archaeal hosts for most of their metabolic needs. Here, to provide further insights into the ecology and evolution of this order, we greatly expand their phylogenomic distribution using metagenome-assembled genomes from deep-sea hydrothermal vents in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, and the Gulf of California. We show that at least 11 novel genus-level lineages occur at deep-sea vents. We conservatively propose two new genera with their nomenclatural types, Nanoprofundum liuii Rb-1[Ts] gen. nov. sp. nov. and Nanojejuna irisiana Rb-38[Ts] gen. nov. sp. nov. We also describe a second species of Nanoarchaeum, N. abyssimaris 17S-22[Ts] sp. nov. Our genomic and metabolic characterization of the high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes confirm their highly reduced metabolic capabilities and likely symbiotic lifestyle. With the exception of Nanoarchaeum, all deep-sea genera resemble their terrestrial relatives in that they have genes that encode for archaella and RNAase P protein subunits, and have several genes involved in glycolysis and gluconeogenesis. Using an inferred lateral gene transfer analysis, our data suggest that deep-sea Nanobdellales may potentially associate with a greater taxonomic breadth of hosts than previously reported, spanning members of the Sulfolobales (Ignicoccaceae), the Archaeoglobales and Methanococcales.},
}

@article {pmid42960469,
year = {2026},
author = {Salih, A},
title = {Microscopy insights into reef coral fluorescent proteins: Diversity, light energy transfer and biological function.},
journal = {Journal of microscopy},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/jmi.70186},
pmid = {42960469},
issn = {1365-2818},
support = {DP0451629//Australian Research Council/ ; DP0665963//Australian Research Council/ ; RN0460002//ARC/NHMRC FABLS Network/ ; LP0453924//ARC Linkage/ ; },
abstract = {Fluorescent proteins (FPs) and chromoproteins (CPs) of reef-building corals, which generate much of their vivid colouration, occupy a distinctive position at the interface of natural photonics, symbiosis biology and fluorescence microscopy. They include cyan, green, yellow-orange and red, photoconvertible, photoswitchable FPs and weakly emissive CP classes and are often expressed at unusually high local concentrations within patterned tissues. Coral tissues, therefore, provide a naturally evolved system in which fluorescence, scattering, re-absorption and proximity-dependent energy transfer can be examined in vivo. This review focuses on the light-driven functions of coral GFP-type proteins in symbiosis, treating them as host-controlled optical elements that shape the photon environment experienced by Symbiodiniaceae. Evidence is synthesised for two complementary outcomes: photoprotection under high irradiance and redistribution, wavelength transformation or spectral enhancement of light in low-light tissues and habitats. These functions are particularly relevant during thermal stress and bleaching, when loss of symbiont pigmentation alters the internal light field and can change host FP/CP expression; in several coral taxa, high host fluorescence has also been associated with reduced bleaching susceptibility. In corals, strong spectral overlap, oligomerisation, photoconversion, chromoprotein- dark states, tissue and skeletal scattering make interpretation based on steady-state fluorescence intensity alone unreliable. Microscopy was critical for distinguishing the spatial and photophysical mechanisms underlying these optical effects. Confocal microspectroscopy localised spectrally distinct GFP-type proteins within intact tissues and revealed the spatial organisation required for light-transfer phenomena. Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) provided a means of distinguishing radiative re-emission/reabsorption from proximity-dependent non-radiative transfer through changes in donor fluorescence lifetime. Building on this foundation, the review advances an expanded interpretation of coral FP function in which dense pigment ensembles may redistribute or dissipate excitation through a hierarchy of processes, from tissue-scale radiative transfer to nanometre-scale FRET and, potentially, ultrafast proton-coupled excited-state dynamics and excitation migration. This Festschrift review honors Associate Professor Guy Cox, whose contributions to quantitative fluorescence microscopy, fluorescence lifetime imaging and collaborative coral FP research were foundational to this field.},
}

@article {pmid42960680,
year = {2026},
author = {Hassan, MU and Zhong, Y and Ishfaq, M and Zhang, C and Xu, L and Li, X},
title = {Carotenoid Cleavage Dioxygenase 8 Enhances Interspecific Facilitation in Maize-Soybean Intercropping via Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Symbiosis Under Phosphate Limitation.},
journal = {Plant, cell & environment},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/pce.71013},
pmid = {42960680},
issn = {1365-3040},
support = {2021YFF1000500//National Key Research and Development Programme of China/ ; },
abstract = {Carotenoid Cleavage Dioxygenase 8 (CCD8) regulates strigolactone (SL) biosynthesis, which mediates the establishment of arbuscular mycorrhiza fungal (AMF) symbiosis. This symbiosis makes a major contribution in nutrient uptake, thereby improving crop productivity, mostly without the need for specific inoculation. Quantifying the extent of this contribution in typical intercropping systems remains challenging. A pot experiment was conducted using ZmCCD8 knockout (zmccd8), overexpression (ZmCCD8-OE), and wild type (WT) maize lines, grown in sole cropping or intercropping with soybean under low phosphate (LP) and control conditions. Intercropped ZmCCD8-OE and soybean showed a 61.9% higher overyielding effect, partially attributed to a 72.7% greater AMF colonisation rate in ZmCCD8-OE than WT counterparts under LP. Together with the greater root, AMF promoted P accumulation by 58% and 35% in the ZmCCD8-OE shoot and root, respectively. Conversely, intercropped zmccd8 conferred negative impacts under LP, corresponding to 47.6% and 63.4% less overyielding and AMF colonisation, respectively. Consistent with these results was differential expression of genes (CCD8, D14, CCaMK, CYCLOPS, RAM1, PT6/PT8) regulating AMF symbiosis and P uptake in maize and soybean. Collectively, ZmCCD8 enhances interspecific facilitation by stimulating root growth and AMF symbiosis, providing a genetic approach for higher crop productivity in intercropping systems without inoculation.},
}

@article {pmid42954164,
year = {2026},
author = {Evy Prastiyanto, M and Khairunnisa, A and Wathon, MH and Kusmita, L and Sabdaningsih, A and Rukmana, RM and Putri, WA},
title = {Orange-pigmented Paracoccus marcusii, symbiotic with the coral Favites sp., shows antibacterial properties against multidrug-resistant (MDR) clinical samples.},
journal = {Natural product research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-9},
doi = {10.1080/14786419.2026.2752541},
pmid = {42954164},
issn = {1478-6427},
abstract = {The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria presents a critical challenge in clinical settings, prompting the search for novel antibacterial agents. Orange-pigmented marine bacteria, strain NOE18, were isolated from coral Favites sp. on Kartini Beach, Jepara, Central Java, Indonesia, and cultured in the laboratory. The aim of this research includes molecular identification of strain NOE18, extracting orange pigment from strain NOE18, and investigating the antibacterial efficacy of orange-pigmented NOE18 against MDR clinical isolates. Strain NOE18 was identified as Paracoccus marcusii based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Its orange pigment was extracted using methanol and methanol:acetone (7:3), characterised by LC-HRMS, and evaluated for antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant (MDR) clinical isolates using the microdilution method. The pigment exhibited antibacterial activity against all tested MDR isolates, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values of ≥25 mg/mL and ≥50 mg/mL, respectively. LC-HRMS analysis identified canthaxanthin, adonirubin, and 3-hydroxy-3'-oxo-β,ε-carotene as the dominant carotenoids, which are likely responsible for the observed antibacterial activity. The findings suggest that Paracoccus marcusii, as a symbiont of Favites sp., possesses notable antibacterial properties against MDR pathogens. This underscores the potential of marine-derived bacteria as sources for developing new antimicrobial agents. Further investigation is needed to evaluate the mechanisms of action of specific compounds.},
}

@article {pmid42954653,
year = {2026},
author = {Busturia, I and Martín-Cardoso, H and Domingo, C and Garcia-Molina, A and San Segundo, B},
title = {Decoding microbial diversity in roots of rice plants under flooded conditions: influence of the host genotype, root compartment, and mycorrhizal association.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0167126},
doi = {10.1128/aem.01671-26},
pmid = {42954653},
issn = {1098-5336},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Rice is a vital staple for more than half of the world's population, uniquely adapted to grow under flooded conditions. Our current understanding of root-associated microbiomes in rice plants under flooded conditions (anaerobic rice) is, however, limited. While rice plants are capable of establishing symbiotic associations with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, also under flooded conditions, little is known about the impact that mycorrhizal associations might have on the root microbiome. Here, we used metagenomic sequencing to characterize the root-associated microbiomes of cultivated rice grown under flooded conditions. The root endosphere and rhizosphere compartments were found to harbor distinct microbial communities, with bacterial taxa comprising approximately 95% of the total microbial community. At the phylum level, the root bacteriome was primarily composed of Pseudomonadota (Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, and Gammaproteobacteria), followed by Actinomycetota. The fungal microbiome was dominated by Ascomycota (Sordariomycetes, Eurotiomycetes, and Dothideomycetes) and Basidiomycota. Both root compartment and host genotype significantly influenced microbiome composition, with most genotype-specific recruitment occurring at the species level. These associations were further reshaped in plants pre-inoculated with the AM fungus Rhizophagus irregularis. Co-occurrence networks revealed a genotype-dependent effect in the complexity of microbial taxa in mycorrhizal rice plants. Key microbial species primarily involved in methane production and nutrient cycling (e.g., phosphate-solubilizing bacteria and nitrogen-cycling bacteria) residing in roots of flooded rice were identified. Functional analysis of gene abundance related to those microbial communities revealed compartmentalization, with nutrient-cycling bacteria being more prevalent at the endosphere. Overall, this study demonstrated that the rice genotype, root compartment, and mycorrhizal condition shape the root microbiome in rice plants, ultimately influencing holobiont dynamics in flooded rice fields.

IMPORTANCE: Plant roots harbor a large diversity of microorganisms that strongly influence plant health and improve stress tolerance. Among them, root colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi enhances mineral nutrition and mitigates environmental stress. Although most rice cultivated worldwide is grown under anaerobic conditions (flooded fields), investigation of microbial communities inhabiting root-associated compartments of flooded rice, including AM fungi, has received only little attention. Here, we demonstrated that the rice genotype, root compartment, and mycorrhizal condition markedly influence the microbiome in roots of rice plants in flooded conditions, thus illustrating the potential of the rice plant to shape its root-associated microbiome. Differential root-associated microbiomes of commercial rice varieties include microbes primarily associated with methane production and nutrient cycling. Elucidation of factors influencing root-associated microbiomes in flooded rice systems, including their association with AM fungi, offers practical guidance for exploiting root-associated microbial communities for sustainable rice cultivation while reducing reliance on agrochemicals.},
}

@article {pmid42954737,
year = {2026},
author = {Yan, B and Yan, C and Li, Q and Cai, S and Zhu, H and Song, M and Deng, X and Huang, X and Guo, W and Qin, K and Fu, Q and Ding, Y},
title = {A temperate phage acts as a symbiotic fitness enhancer for UPEC but surrenders to combination therapy through lysogeny suppression.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0162126},
doi = {10.1128/aem.01621-26},
pmid = {42954737},
issn = {1098-5336},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Temperate phages are increasingly recognized as key drivers of bacterial evolution. Here, we isolated a myoviral prophage, vB_EcoM_P899, from a clinical uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) isolate and characterized how lysogenization shapes host biology. Lysogenization significantly enhanced biofilm formation, swarming motility, oxidative stress resistance, and adhesion to macrophages (up to 100-fold) without altering antibiotic susceptibility or overall 72-h lethality in the Galleria mellonella larval infection model. Mechanistically, this is associated with upregulation of the fimbrial gene FimA and enhanced inducibility of the oxidative stress response genes KatE and OxyR under oxidative stress. Crucially, combining P899 with ciprofloxacin or kanamycin produced synergistic killing and suppressed new lysogen formation in an antibiotic-class-dependent manner. In contrast, ceftazidime, while synergistic, failed to prevent lysogeny. Our findings demonstrate that while prophage vB_EcoM_P899 promotes bacterial niche adaptation, its lysogenization frequency is significantly reduced under specific antibiotic pressure, facilitating clearance of the challenged UPEC population. This work provides a strong rationale for optimizing phage-antibiotic combination therapies to treat drug-resistant infections by simultaneously enhancing bacterial killing and limiting lysogenic survivors.

IMPORTANCE: This study reveals that lysogenization by a temperate phage can enhance the niche adaptation of uropathogenic Escherichia coli without increasing its virulence in the Galleria mellonella larval model or altering antibiotic resistance. Crucially, we demonstrate that combining this phage with select antibiotics (e.g., kanamycin and ciprofloxacin) not only kills the bacteria effectively but also actively suppresses the formation of new lysogens in an antibiotic-class-dependent manner. These findings uncover a novel role for temperate phages as symbiotic regulators within the host and provide direct experimental evidence for a phage-antibiotic combination strategy. This approach holds promise for combating chronic, recurrent urinary tract infections and offers a clinically viable pathway to address antibiotic tolerance in chronic, recurrent urinary tract infections.},
}

@article {pmid42955472,
year = {2026},
author = {Moreira, MM and Bouzada Dias, LP and Sena, LCP and Pereira, FMC and Kloss, TG and Yotoko, K},
title = {Antibiotic Treatment Reduces Wing Size and Alters Wing Shape in a Neotropical Drosophila (Diptera: Drosophilidae).},
journal = {Neotropical entomology},
volume = {55},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42955472},
issn = {1678-8052},
support = {001//Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior/ ; 2024/23360-7//Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wings, Animal/anatomy & histology/drug effects ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Male ; *Tetracycline/pharmacology ; *Drosophila/drug effects/anatomy & histology ; Wolbachia/drug effects ; },
abstract = {Antibiotics are widely used in studies of insect-microorganism interactions, particularly to investigate symbiotic associations. However, antibiotic exposure may also induce unexpected physiological and developmental effects. Tetracycline is often used to remove Wolbachia from different hosts, allowing comparisons between infected and uninfected lines. This treatment, however, may also affect the host's microbiota, physiology, and gene expression. In this study, we evaluated the effects of tetracycline on wing size and shape in 339 males of Drosophila prosaltans in three different generations. An original isofemale line was divided into sublines exposed to four generations of antibiotic treatment, followed by recovery generations in which the microbiota was reestablished, including reinoculation with feces from untreated males. Geometric morphometric analyses revealed a significant reduction in wing size in all treated sublines, which persisted after microbiota recovery. All sublines showed changes in wing shape after four generations of antibiotic treatment, and two returned to the original shape after recovery. These results suggest that the effects of tetracycline can persist for several generations, likely due to changes in the gut microbiota and gene expression. Such long-lasting effects may have broader phenotypic consequences and should be considered when interpreting studies that use antibiotics in host-symbiont interaction research.},
}

Animals
*Wings, Animal/anatomy & histology/drug effects
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Male
*Tetracycline/pharmacology
*Drosophila/drug effects/anatomy & histology
Wolbachia/drug effects

@article {pmid42957121,
year = {2026},
author = {Arslan-Akveran, G and Karasartova, D and Simsek, H and Sensoz, S and Keskin, A and Albayrak, L and Gokcen, E and Caltekin, I and Mumcuoglu, KY and Taylan-Ozkan, A},
title = {Bacterial microbiota profiling of human-biting ticks in Yozgat Province, Türkiye.},
journal = {Infection, genetics and evolution : journal of molecular epidemiology and evolutionary genetics in infectious diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {106051},
doi = {10.1016/j.meegid.2026.106051},
pmid = {42957121},
issn = {1567-7257},
abstract = {In the present study, the bacterial microbiota of ticks infesting humans in Yozgat Province, Türkiye, was investigated. Ticks were collected from 54 patients who were presented to the Emergency Service of the Yozgat Bozok University Research and Training Hospital between March and November 2019. The following tick species were identified: Hyalomma marginatum, Rhipicephalus turanicus, Rhipicephalus bursa, Haemaphysalis parva, Dermacentor marginatus, and Hyalomma aegyptium. 16S rRNA libraries were prepared from tick DNA pools using a two-step PCR protocol targeting the V3-V4 region. In the second (indexing) PCR, dual Illumina indexes and adapters were added using the Nextera XT Index Kit. The resulting libraries were then sequenced on an Illumina NovaSeq platform. A total of 3782 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified; an average of 127,823 reads were obtained per sample, and an average of 31,561 reads were retained after taxonomic assignment. The OTUs were classified into 20 phyla, 41 classes, 94 orders, 168 families, 344 genera, and 452 putative species-level taxa. At the phylum level, Proteobacteria were predominant (averaging 63%), followed by Actinobacteriota and Bacteroidota (each approximately 10%) and Firmicutes (9%). At the class level, Alphaproteobacteria (average 37%) and Gammaproteobacteria (26%) exhibited the highest relative abundance, while at the order level, Rickettsiales (34%) and Francisellales (17%) were prominent. At the family and genus levels, the dominant taxa were identified as Rickettsiaceae (33%), Francisellaceae (17%), Rickettsia (33%), Francisella (17%), and Coxiella (7%), respectively. The most prevalent species included symbiotic bacteria such as Francisella sp. and Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii. The Kruskal-Wallis test, conducted from phylum to genus level to evaluate taxonomic composition differences among tick species, revealed no statistically significant differences (p ≥ 0.05 for all comparisons). In alpha diversity analyses, no significant differences were found between tick species in terms of Shannon and Simpson indices (Shannon: H = 7.69; p = 0.26, Simpson: H = 8.07; p = 0.23). Similarly, no significant differences were observed between sex and developmental stages (Shannon: p = 0.86, Simpson: p = 0.73). The Chao1 and observed OTU values indicated higher richness trends, particularly in the Hyalomma marginatum and Hyalomma sp. pools. However, Spearman correlations between sample size and diversity indices were not significant (p > 0.05). These findings provide a baseline overview of the bacterial microbiota associated with human-biting ticks in Yozgat Province and may serve as a foundation for future studies employing higher-resolution methods to assess pathogen presence and public health risk.},
}

@article {pmid42958357,
year = {2026},
author = {Bruyant, P and Gillespie, LM and Doré, J and Courty, PE and Moënne-Loccoz, Y and Almario, J},
title = {Helotiales fungi as potential nutritional partners for non-mycorrhizal plants: a machine learning and experimental approach.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42958357},
issn = {2049-2618},
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology/genetics ; Symbiosis ; *Machine Learning ; Phosphorus/metabolism ; Plant Roots/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; Brassicaceae/microbiology ; *Ascomycota/classification/genetics/physiology ; Microbiota ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Most land plants benefit from the ancestral arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis for phosphorus (P) acquisition. However, several plant lineages have independently lost this symbiosis, raising fundamental questions about how these 'non-mycorrhizal' plants meet their nutritional requirements without this crucial partnership.

RESULTS: Comparative genomic analyses confirmed that Cyperaceae, Caryophyllaceae, and Brassicaceae lack genes essential for AM symbiosis, indicating that these lineages independently abandoned this association 90-122 million years ago. Field surveys of 42 wild populations across seven sites revealed that non-mycorrhizal plants generally maintain shoot P levels comparable to those in AM neighbors. To identify fungal taxa potentially associated with P nutrition in non-mycorrhizal plants, we applied a machine-learning approach to predict plant P-accumulation from root microbiome composition. The model explained substantial variance in plant P-accumulation (57-69%), and identified 85 fungal taxa as key predictors of shoot P-accumulation, predominantly belonging to the Helotiales (28%) and Pleosporales (23%) orders. Experimental validation of two phylogenetically distant Helotiales lineages (Tetracladium maxilliforme OTU29 and Helotiales sp. OTU7), using isotopic tracing, demonstrated their capacity to enhance plant growth and transfer P (and N) to their native non-mycorrhizal hosts under P-limiting conditions.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that non-mycorrhizal plants engage in nutritional partnerships with diverse Helotiales lineages that could collectively contribute to their mineral nutrition. However, given the widespread distribution of these Helotiales fungi, including in roots of AM plants, they may play a broader role in plant nutrition, i.e. also in mycorrhizal hosts. This study provides proof of concept for a novel framework integrating machine-learning predictions with experimental validation to identify functionally important microbial partnerships in natural plant communities. Video Abstract.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology/genetics
Symbiosis
*Machine Learning
Phosphorus/metabolism
Plant Roots/microbiology
Phylogeny
Brassicaceae/microbiology
*Ascomycota/classification/genetics/physiology
Microbiota

@article {pmid42949365,
year = {2026},
author = {Hassen, AI and Swanevelder, ZH and Muema, EK and Bopape, FL and Mtsweni, P and Kubheka, BP},
title = {Genome sequence of Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens WB74: a commercial nitrogen-fixing microsymbiont of soybean (Glycine max L.) in South Africa.},
journal = {Microbiology resource announcements},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0007126},
doi = {10.1128/mra.00071-26},
pmid = {42949365},
issn = {2576-098X},
abstract = {Bradyrhizobium spp. are a group of symbiotic bacteria within the rhizobia complex that fix atmospheric nitrogen in economically important legumes. Here, we present the Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens WB74 genome, an exotic rhizobium strain locally developed as a commercial inoculant that has been used for sustainable soybean production in South Africa over the last three decades.},
}

@article {pmid42949855,
year = {2026},
author = {Albert, M and Alizadeh, M and Jefferson, TA and Prismantoro, D and Hindersah, R and Joshi, RC and Harsonowati, W and Chua, KO and Permadi, N and Miranti, M and Doni, F},
title = {Engineering the plant holobiont for enhanced abiotic stress resilience: current insights and future directions.},
journal = {Plant signaling & behavior},
volume = {21},
number = {1},
pages = {2752710},
doi = {10.1080/15592324.2026.2752710},
pmid = {42949855},
issn = {1559-2324},
mesh = {*Stress, Physiological ; *Plants/microbiology/metabolism ; *Microbiota/physiology ; Symbiosis ; Adaptation, Physiological ; },
abstract = {Climate change has intensified abiotic stresses such as drought, heat, and salinity, posing major threats to agricultural productivity and global food security. Conventional strategies to improve crop tolerance often face limitations in efficiency, sustainability, and environmental adaptability, underscoring the need for innovative approaches. This review focuses on the plant holobiont, which views plants and their associated microbiomes as an integrated functional unit in governing stress adaptation. Abiotic stress can disrupt plant-associated microbial communities, leading to dysbiosis and reduced holobiont resilience. Beneficial microorganisms, including plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, endophytes, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, can enhance stress tolerance by improving nutrient acquisition, regulating phytohormone signaling, strengthening antioxidant defenses, maintaining osmotic balance, and modulating stress-responsive gene expression. Emerging evidence suggests that these interactions contribute to the establishment of holobiont stress adaptation through biochemical signaling, microenvironmental modification, and epigenetic regulation, enabling plants to respond more effectively to recurrent stress. Advances in microbiome engineering, particularly through the development of synthetic microbial communities (SynComs), offer promising opportunities to restore microbial functions and enhance crop resilience under changing climatic conditions. The integration of multi-omics technologies, artificial intelligence, and precision agriculture is expected to accelerate the development of microbiome-based solutions for sustainable crop production. Collectively, microbiome engineering represents a promising, environmentally sustainable strategy to enhance the holobiont's adaptive resilience and improve long-term plant performance under abiotic stress.},
}

*Stress, Physiological
*Plants/microbiology/metabolism
*Microbiota/physiology
Symbiosis
Adaptation, Physiological

@article {pmid42950121,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, YR and Wang, YF and Liu, QY and Wen, J and Mysore, KS and Reinhardt, D and Xie, ZP and Staehelin, C},
title = {Class III chitinases in Medicago truncatula facilitate arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis with Rhizophagus intraradices.},
journal = {Plant physiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/plphys/kiag772},
pmid = {42950121},
issn = {1532-2548},
abstract = {Plant chitinases are important defense enzymes in plant-microbe interactions and also participate in nodule symbiosis between legumes and nitrogen-fixing rhizobia. However, the roles of chitinases in arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis remain incompletely defined. In this study, we characterized two class III chitinase genes in the legume Medicago truncatula (ecotype R108), namely MtCHIT3e and MtCHIT3f. Heterologous expression in Nicotiana benthamiana confirmed hydrolytic activity toward colloidal chitin, a fluorogenic chitooligosaccharide substrate, chitooligosaccharides, and lipo-chitooligosaccharides. In M. truncatula roots inoculated with AM fungi, transcripts of the two genes were significantly upregulated. Analysis of M. truncatula hairy roots transformed with promoter-β-glucuronidase constructs indicated strong induction of MtCHIT3e and MtCHIT3f promoter activity in response to applied chitooligosaccharide and lipo-chitooligosaccharide signals. Furthermore, fluorescent protein fusions localized the chitinases predominantly to the apoplast of host cells during AM colonization. Tnt1 insertion mutants in the chitinase genes exhibited reduced AM colonization, whereas nodule formation induced by Sinorhizobium meliloti was unaffected. Together, these results support a role for class III chitinases in promoting AM symbiosis and provide genetic evidence that they are required for optimal root colonization by AM fungi.},
}

@article {pmid42950816,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhong, G and Toullec, G and Jouneau, PH and Decelle, J and Prakash, M},
title = {Long-range actin-driven endosymbiont mobility in an animal-algal symbiosis.},
journal = {Cell},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.cell.2026.10.003},
pmid = {42950816},
issn = {1097-4172},
abstract = {In animal-microbe symbioses, established symbionts are often thought to be confined to a niche and to lose motile appendages such as flagella. Whether this loss implies immobility within the host remains poorly understood. We report long-range, host-driven symbiont mobility in a dinoflagellate-acoel worm symbiosis. Using long-term tracking, fluorescence, and electron microscopy, we find that hundreds of dinoflagellate symbionts (Amphidinium sp., 10-20 μm in size) travel across the body of an acoel worm host (Waminoa sp.) at around 1 μm/s while confined inside a network of ultra-thin (∼200 nm) host parenchymal cells. We show this mobility is driven by host actin machinery, with symbionts moving faster than comparable actin-based transport systems despite confinement. We further show spatiotemporal regulation of symbiont distribution during diel rhythms and regeneration. By characterizing an active, host-cytoskeleton-driven mechanism of symbiont transport, our work expands our understanding of the regulatory strategies by which holobionts maintain dynamic homeostasis.},
}

@article {pmid42951213,
year = {2026},
author = {Lin, YC and Tseng, YK and Chen, P and Lin, CY and Tang, CK and Wu, YL},
title = {Cross-kingdom metabolic regulation by a symbiotic virus: Transient viral microRNAs coordinate host metabolism and immune responses.},
journal = {Insect biochemistry and molecular biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {104684},
doi = {10.1016/j.ibmb.2026.104684},
pmid = {42951213},
issn = {1879-0240},
abstract = {Symbiotic microorganisms and endogenous viruses play fundamental roles in shaping host physiology, yet the non-coding RNA-mediated mechanisms underlying viral-driven metabolic reprogramming remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate a novel mechanism of cross-kingdom metabolic manipulation mediated by symbiotic viral microRNAs. Using the tobacco cutworm Spodoptera litura, its endoparasitoid wasp Snellenius manilae, and the wasp-associated bracovirus SmBV as a model system, we identified two virus-derived microRNAs, SmBV-miR-2733 and SmBV-miR-3772, that target the host lipogenic genes encoding AGPAT and lipin, leading to the suppression of glycerolipid biosynthesis and reduced lipid accumulation. Functional analyses revealed that these symbiotic viral miRNAs concurrently attenuate host innate immune signaling pathways (Toll and JAK/STAT) and cellular encapsulation, establishing a mechanistic link between viral metabolic coercion and host immunomodulation. Crucially, this viral microRNA-mediated regulation is transient and highly dynamic; miRNA expression declines during later stages of infection, coinciding with an intermediate recovery of host lipogenic gene expression and lipid reserves, which may help sustain the developing parasitoids. Prolonged experimental maintenance of viral miRNAs disrupted host energetic homeostasis and compromised symbiotic success, underscoring the evolutionary necessity of temporally coordinated metabolic regulation. Comparative genomic analysis identified miR-2733- and miR-3772-like candidate loci with miRNA-precursor-like structures that are unevenly distributed across related bracovirus lineages. Together, our findings provide significant mechanistic insights into how symbiotic viral effectors post-transcriptionally rewire host metabolic and immune networks, offering a broader conceptual framework for understanding homeostasis in diverse host-microbe symbioses.},
}

@article {pmid42951912,
year = {2026},
author = {Noguchi, M and Suzuki, K and Fujita, H and Toju, H},
title = {Statistical inference of keystone taxa reshaping the assembly rules of forest root microbiomes.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42951912},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {JPMJFR2048//MEXT | Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)/ ; JPMJCR23N5//MEXT | Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)/ ; RGP0029/2019//Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP)/ ; JP23KJ1380//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; 25K02036//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; 24K03127//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; 23K26933//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; },
mesh = {*Plant Roots/microbiology ; *Forests ; *Microbiota ; Mycorrhizae/physiology ; Symbiosis ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Fungi/classification/genetics ; Japan ; },
abstract = {Root-associated fungi and bacteria play pivotal roles in terrestrial ecosystem processes. However, identifying keystone taxa driving below-ground microbial assembly remains a major challenge. Here, we present a statistical framework for identifying microbes that reorganize microbiome assembly. Using 1,270 root samples collected from a cool-temperate forest in Japan, we reconstruct assembly landscapes describing the probabilistic structure of community states. We then find that several endophytic fungi (e.g., Phialocephala and Oidiodendron) are strongly associated with the reorganization of assembly landscape topography along abundance gradients, coinciding with shifts in mycorrhizal symbiosis. Independent datasets from Europe confirm that the highlighted genera are significantly associated with changes in mycorrhizal colonization patterns. Prokaryotic communities exhibit transitions among states characterized by core taxa, Pseudomonadota, or Actinomycetota, strongly associated with abundance gradients of Candidatus Udaeobacter and several endophytic fungi. These findings provide a scalable framework for prioritizing candidate keystone taxa and linking microbiome assembly to ecosystem-scale processes.},
}

*Plant Roots/microbiology
*Forests
*Microbiota
Mycorrhizae/physiology
Symbiosis
Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Fungi/classification/genetics
Japan

@article {pmid42952360,
year = {2026},
author = {Grujić, N and Popović, A and Mesaroš, A and Nježić, B and Lozo, J},
title = {Characterisation of Steinernema carpocapsae populations from Serbia with notes on intraspecific variability and entomopathogenicity of their symbiotic and associated bacteria.},
journal = {Journal of helminthology},
volume = {100},
number = {},
pages = {e152},
doi = {10.1017/S0022149X26102521},
pmid = {42952360},
issn = {1475-2697},
support = {451-03-34/2026-03/200116//Ministarstvo Prosvete, Nauke i Tehnološkog Razvoja/ ; 451-03-33/2026-03/200178//Ministarstvo Prosvete, Nauke i Tehnološkog Razvoja/ ; 451-03-34/2026-03/200178//Ministarstvo Prosvete, Nauke i Tehnološkog Razvoja/ ; 451-03-12/2026-03/3499//Ministarstvo Prosvete, Nauke i Tehnološkog Razvoja/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Rhabditida/microbiology/anatomy & histology/classification/genetics ; Male ; Serbia ; Symbiosis ; *Bacteria/isolation & purification/genetics/classification/pathogenicity ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Larva/microbiology/parasitology ; Moths/parasitology ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {As part of a broader survey on entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN), two species, Steinernema carpocapsae and S. thesami, were found for the first time in Serbia at Mt Avala. Two populations of S. carpocapsae (AV10 and AV27) were characterised using morphological and molecular methods. Sequencing of the ITS rDNA region confirmed both isolates as S. carpocapsae. Morphometric examination of infective juveniles and first- and second-generation males revealed generally typical characteristics of S. carpocapsae, although notable intraspecific variation was observed. A comparison of morphometric characters among described S. carpocapsae populations available in the literature is provided. Bacteria associated with the nematode populations were isolated from infected Galleria mellonella larvae and identified by sequencing the 16S rRNA and rpoB genes as Xenorhabdus nematophila, Serratia marcescens, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Enterococcus casseliflavus, Bacillus cereus, B. paranthracis, and Priestia megaterium. Pathogenicity bioassays showed that oral administration of bacterial suspensions did not cause mortality in G. mellonella larvae, whereas direct injection into the haemocoel resulted in significant mortality for most isolates. The results expand knowledge of the morphological diversity of S. carpocapsae, pointing out some possible causes that may affect intraspecific variability and providing evidence that several members of the nematode-associated microbiota possess entomopathogenic potential when intrahemocoelically administered.},
}

Animals
*Rhabditida/microbiology/anatomy & histology/classification/genetics
Male
Serbia
Symbiosis
*Bacteria/isolation & purification/genetics/classification/pathogenicity
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Larva/microbiology/parasitology
Moths/parasitology
Phylogeny

@article {pmid42952544,
year = {2026},
author = {He, A and Wang, Y and Guo, H and Li, J and Zhang, Y and Huang, D and Yang, F and Zhang, R},
title = {Potato straw incorporation improves soybean agronomic traits and yield components and is associated with shifts in rhizosphere soil properties microbial communities and metabolites.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1990822},
pmid = {42952544},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The soil-improving effects of cereal straw incorporation have been well documented; however, potato straw differs markedly from cereal straw in composition and degradation characteristics, and whether straw return is associated with the soil microbial ecosystem and with gains in yield components through pathways similar to those of cereal straw remains unclear.

METHODS: In this study, a field-embedded pot experiment was conducted to characterize the interaction network among soil physicochemical properties, microbial communities, and metabolites under potato straw incorporation, and to elucidate its regulatory effects on soybean growth and yield components.

RESULTS: Compared with no incorporation, straw incorporation significantly increased soil organic matter (by 21.60%), available potassium (35.39%), alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen (16.94%), and available phosphorus (15.42%), and significantly enhanced the activities of acid phosphatase (28.63%) and polyphenol oxidase (16.04%). Amplicon sequencing identified treatment-associated enrichment of bacterial and fungal taxa previously linked to residue decomposition, nutrient cycling (e.g., Paenibacillus and Nitrosomonadaceae), or plant-beneficial interactions(e.g., arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi [Glomeromycota] and Bionectria). Correlation analysis between the soil metabolome and the microbial community showed that both bacterial and fungal communities exhibited a dichotomous pattern of contrasting metabolite preferences: among bacteria, Proteobacteria-dominated taxa were positively correlated with organic acid metabolites, whereas taxa dominated by Gemmatimonadota, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria were positively correlated with aromatic amino acids and nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds, each group being negatively correlated with the metabolites preferred by the other; among fungi, root-symbiotic taxa were positively correlated with secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, whereas saprotrophic fungi were positively correlated with plant-residue decomposition markers such as 2-furoic acid and geranylgeraniol. Three relatively independent organic nitrogen transformation pathways-arginine metabolism, histidine degradation, and purine nucleoside catabolism-were also detected, and pH, organic matter, urease (S-UE), and soybean isoflavone metabolites (daidzein and genistin) showed strong co-occurrence patterns with other network members.

CONCLUSION: Soybean plant height, stem diameter, pods per plant, and 100-seed weight significantly increased by 14.93%, 17.77%, 19.10%, and 11.40%, respectively. In summary, potato straw incorporation broadened the soil organic nitrogen substrate spectrum by reshaping the soil physicochemical property-microbe-metabolite interaction network, thereby promoting soybean growth and yield components formation through multi-pathway synergy. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the resource utilization of potato straw.},
}

@article {pmid42953723,
year = {2026},
author = {Bettarel, Y and Gadoin, E and Bouvier, T and Auguet, JC and Crochemore, S and Mehrotra, R and Nguyen, VX and Du, HT},
title = {Organ-specific microbiomes reveal strong bacterial compartmentalization in two tropical squid species.},
journal = {microLife},
volume = {7},
number = {},
pages = {uqag037},
pmid = {42953723},
issn = {2633-6693},
abstract = {Beyond the well-established symbiosis between the bobtail squid light organ and the bioluminescent bacterium Aliivibrio fischeri, the microbiomes associated with other cephalopod tissues remain poorly characterized. Here, we examined bacterial communities associated with major organs (e.g. skin, gut, gills and nidamental gland) in two Southeast Asian squid species, Uroteuthis chinensis and Sepioteuthis lessoniana. Because host species and environmental/temporal factors were fully confounded in our sampling design, we focused on characterizing microbiome compartmentalization across organs rather than on disentangling their relative contributions. Bacterial communities were strongly structured by anatomical compartment, with each organ harboring a distinct microbiome. In U. chinensis, gill communities were dominated by Endozoicomonas, whereas the gut microbiome of S. lessoniana was dominated by Mycoplasma. Nidamental glands from both species were enriched in Ruegeria and Pikeienuella, while skin communities displayed marked interspecific differences: U. chinensis skin was enriched in Sphingomonadales and Vibrionales, whereas S. lessoniana exhibited a more diverse mix including Micrococcales, Hyphomicrobiales, and Flavobacteriales. Together, these results provide a first descriptive characterization of microbiome organization across major squid organs and establish a baseline for future studies investigating the ecological and functional roles of host-associated bacteria in cephalopods.},
}

@article {pmid42943538,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, H and Lu, Y and Liao, L and Hu, Y and Chen, Y and Liang, T and Zhong, A and Zhao, L and Yu, D},
title = {Symbiotic Characteristics of a New Indigenous Sinorhizobium Strain 98002 from Medicago polymorpha in Poyang Lake Wetland.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {42943538},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {32160075//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; YJS2026YBGZZ28//Postgraduate Education Reform and Quality Improvement Project of Henan Province/ ; YJS2026ZYJC27//Postgraduate Education Reform and Quality Improvement Project of Henan Province/ ; },
abstract = {Medicago polymorpha serves as an important green manure, forage, and edible wild vegetable. Symbiotic nitrogen fixation represents its primary nitrogen source; nevertheless, rhizobial strains that establish symbiotic interactions with this plant have rarely been isolated, particularly from distinctive wetland habitats. In this work, sinorhizobial strain 98002 was isolated from root nodules of wild M. polymorpha collected at Poyang Lake wetland. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was applied to observe its cellular morphological features, and molecular identification combining 16S rRNA sequencing and six concatenated housekeeping gene multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) confirmed the isolate as Sinorhizobium medicae. Antibiotic susceptibility tests demonstrated that strain 98002 was fully sensitive to seven common antibiotics. Host inoculation assays further verified that this indigenous strain could develop pink nodules on M. polymorpha roots and remarkably improve host biomass accumulation under nitrogen-deficient conditions. This indigenous rhizobial resource serves as promising germplasm for sustainable M. polymorpha cultivation in the Poyang Lake basin.},
}

@article {pmid42943582,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhu, WJ and Zhang, Y and Mu, M and Pei, T and Wang, H and Liang, X and Tang, Y and Wang, C and Dai, Y and Wang, Z and Liu, Z and Yu, Z and Wang, T},
title = {Integrated Metagenomic and Metatranscriptomic Analysis Reveals Microbiome Differences Between Bisexual and Parthenogenetic Populations of Haemaphysalis longicornis.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {42943582},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {32201274//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; BJK2023017//Science Research Project of the Hebei Education Department/ ; },
abstract = {The tick Haemaphysalis longicornis is an important vector of human and animal pathogens in East Asia that comprises both bisexual (Bis) and parthenogenetic (Par) populations. While previous studies have documented differences between these reproductive groups in genome ploidy, host transcription, and vector capacity, it remains unclear whether reproductive strategy is accompanied by systematic divergence in the tick-associated microbiome, including microbial community composition, transcriptional activities, and functional outputs. Here, we profiled laboratory-maintained Bis and Par populations using metagenomic (MG) and metatranscriptomic (MT) sequencing to integrate community composition, core taxa, functional potential, and RNA/DNA relative activity (RNA abundance normalized to corresponding DNA abundance). Par populations exhibited higher MG alpha diversity, whereas Bis populations showed higher MT alpha diversity, indicating a decoupling between the microbial DNA reservoir and the active RNA transcript community. MG functional analysis revealed that Par populations possessed a higher potential for environmental sensing, membrane transport, biofilm formation, porphyrin metabolism, and iron acquisition. Conversely, Bis populations exhibited enhanced potential in biotin metabolism, lipoic acid metabolism, and oxidative phosphorylation. MT analysis identified significant differences in a limited number of species and CAZy families, while selected KEGG pathways showed no significant variance, suggesting restricted rather than systemic transcriptional differentiation. By integrating DNA and RNA profiles, we classified 279 shared species into four activity states, revealing higher RNA/DNA relative activity ratios for thiamine metabolism in Par, and for biofilm formation, flagellar assembly, sulfur metabolism, and fatty acid degradation in Bis. Overall, Bis and Par populations exhibit distinct differences in their microbial reservoirs, transcript compositions, and relative transcriptional activities, providing critical microbiome insights into the symbiosis and vector adaptation associated with reproductive strategies in H. longicornis.},
}

@article {pmid42943616,
year = {2026},
author = {Meesil, W and Sikhaophong, Y and Chanjitwiriya, K and Kantanet, Y and Sharkey, LKR and Pidot, SJ and Vitta, A and Thanwisai, A},
title = {Genomic Analysis and Advanced Mining of Photorhabdus Isolates Reveal Cryptic Polyketide Synthase Clusters and Potent Anti-Staphylococcal Activity.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {42943616},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {R2567B031, R2567C003//Naresuan University/ ; },
abstract = {This study investigates the genomic and antibacterial potential of five Photorhabdus isolates recovered from Heterorhabditis sp. entomopathogenic nematodes collected from soil samples in northern Thailand (Kamphaengphet and Phitsanulok provinces). Whole-genome sequencing combining Illumina short-read and Oxford Nanopore long-read platforms, followed by phylogenetic analysis, digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) and average nucleotide identity (ANI) calculations, classified strain KLK8.1 as Photorhabdus hainanensis and strains KLK18.5, NMP12.2, NMP13.3, and NMP13.5 as Photorhabdus akhurstii. Genome mining using antiSMASH v8.0 and DeepBGC v0.1.23 identified 134 biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) across the five genomes, including conserved clusters associated with symbiosis and a substantial proportion (~60%) of clusters lacking characterized homologs. Deep-learning-assisted mining further identified rare, highly reducing type II polyketide synthase (HR-T2PKS) clusters, which were predicted to be associated with polyene biosynthetic pathways. Antibacterial profiling by disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration assays revealed that the crude extracts exhibited potent activity against Staphylococcus aureus and selective activity against Acinetobacter baumannii. These findings highlight the unexplored biosynthetic capacity of Thai Photorhabdus isolates and support their potential as valuable sources for discovering novel bioactive compounds.},
}

@article {pmid42943632,
year = {2026},
author = {Hicham, K and Abdessamad, T and Hamza, K and Lahcen, O},
title = {Mycelial Production and Mycorrhizal Establishment of Terfezia arenaria and Tirmania pinoyi on Helianthemum canariense: A Morphological and Molecular Study.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {42943632},
issn = {2076-2607},
abstract = {Desert truffles are hypogeous edible fungi of ecological and economic importance in arid and semi-arid ecosystems, where they establish mycorrhizal associations with Helianthemum species. This study evaluated the effects of pH, culture medium, and fungal species on the apical growth and mycelial biomass production of Terfezia arenaria and Tirmania pinoyi under controlled conditions. Fungal identification was confirmed by sequencing the ITS region. Both species were cultured on Potato Dextrose Agar and Malt Extract Agar at four pH levels (4.55, 5.6, 6.0, and 6.5) at 28 °C. Mycelial biomass was further evaluated at pH 6.0 and 6.5, and the resulting mycelial suspensions (100 mL) were used to inoculate Helianthemum canariense seedlings under controlled conditions. The resulting suspension was applied directly to the root system of young seedlings at a rate of 20 mL per plant. The results revealed highly significant effects of pH and culture medium, slightly significant effects of fungal species, and highly significant interactions between all factors, including the three-way interaction medium, pH and fungal species. T. arenaria exhibited strong growth across all pH levels on PDA but showed marked inhibition on MEA at pH ≥ 6.0. In contrast, T. pinoyi responded more favorably to PDA than MEA at higher pH levels. For mycelial biomass production, no significant effect of species, pH, or medium was found when considered individually. However, a highly significant interaction was detected between species and solid-state culture for both wet- and dry-weight mycelium biomass production. T. arenaria has produced a greater biomass on MEA, while T. pinoyi performed better on PDA. In contrast, pH has shown no significant effect within the tested conditions. Inoculated H. canariense roots exhibited abundant fungal hyphae, vesicles, and endospores, together with a fungal mantle and Hartig net, confirming the establishment of a dual ectomycorrhizal-endomycorrhizal symbiosis. Overall, the results highlight strong species-specific responses and demonstrate that successful desert truffle cultivation requires optimization of culture medium and pH according to fungal species.},
}

@article {pmid42945357,
year = {2026},
author = {Kozikova, D and Pascual, I and Garmendia, I and Goicoechea, N},
title = {Could mycorrhizal symbiosis prepare the grapevine to withstand subsequent biotic stresses through changes in the volatilome and ionome of leaves?.},
journal = {Plant biology (Stuttgart, Germany)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/plb.70308},
pmid = {42945357},
issn = {1438-8677},
support = {PID2020-118337RB-I00/AEI/10.13039/501100011033//Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación/ ; //Asociación de Amigos de la Universidad de Navarra/ ; MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033//Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades/ ; PID2024-156430OB-C21//ERDF/EU/ ; },
abstract = {Searching alternatives to chemicals to protect vines against biotic stresses, while minimizing environmental impact, is a priority. The association of grapevines with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) is a promising tool, since AMF can change volatilome (VOCs) profile and improve mineral status of grapevine. Whether the inoculation of Tempranillo (T) and Cabernet Sauvignon (CS) with beneficial microorganisms (AMF and plant-growth promoting rhizobacteria, PGPRs) improved the nutritional status and the levels of VOCs in leaves thus reinforcing the constitutive defences of this crop against potential biotic stresses was evaluated. VOCs were isolated and analysed by headspace-solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Minerals were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy, while proteins, sugars, phenolics, starch and proline spectrophotometrically. More than 40 VOCs were detected in the leaves of T and CS, mostly synthesized via the lipoxygenase-hydroperoxide lyase pathway. The total amount of VOCs was higher in CS than in T, as were pentyl leaf volatiles, some green leaf volatiles (GLVs) and VOCs synthesized via the shikimate pathway. Mycorrhizal association increased the concentration of GLVs only in CS. AMF favoured the accumulation of 2-hexenal and 3-hexenal in CS, but reduced VOCs synthesized via the mevalonate pathway in T. Mycorrhization increased copper in leaves of T, but reduced iron in CS. Soluble leaf phenolics also decreased in CS associated with AMF. AMF (in the presence of PGPRs) triggered subtle and cultivar-specific changes in the ionome and volatilome of leaves in T and CS, which may be linked to different resistance levels. VOCs synthesis in response to pathogen attack cannot be excluded.},
}

@article {pmid42947494,
year = {2026},
author = {Jacott, CN and Wilkinson, H and López-Beltrán, M and Rotundo, JL and Couzigou, JM and Goormachtig, S and Del Cerro, P and Hungria, M and Khazaei, H},
title = {Integrating environmental adaptation, breeding, and rhizobia bioinoculants for soybean expansion in Europe.},
journal = {Journal of experimental botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jxb/erag539},
pmid = {42947494},
issn = {1460-2431},
abstract = {Europe's heavy dependence on imported protein is environmentally and strategically costly. Soybean (Glycine max) offers a great opportunity to close this gap. Soybean cultivation can reduce reliance on synthetic nitrogen (N) fertiliser through its symbiosis with N-fixing bacteria (rhizobia). Nevertheless, it remains a relatively new crop across much of Europe and establishing it in the continent's diverse environments raises challenges of climate adaptation, symbiotic N fixation, and crop management. We argue that these challenges must be addressed together rather than separately, because yield stability, N fixation, and environmental stress resilience emerge from the interactions between plant genotype, rhizobial strain, environment, and soil and crop management practices. Drawing on lessons from major soybean-producing regions, we review environmental adaptation through maturity-group selection and stress-resilience breeding, rhizobia inoculant design, and the management practices that shape symbiotic and crop performance. We further examine genetic, genomic, and computational resources that make these interactions predictable and optimisable and identify priorities for future research and practice.},
}

@article {pmid42947504,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, Y and Xiang, QW and Li, JT and Liang, TT and Huang, QY and Wadood, SF and Khan, A and Xie, ZP and Staehelin, C},
title = {The NopD effector of Bradyrhizobium XS1150 is phosphorylated by mitogen-activated protein kinases and promotes soybean nodulation.},
journal = {Journal of experimental botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jxb/erag548},
pmid = {42947504},
issn = {1460-2431},
abstract = {Effectors secreted by the rhizobial type III secretion system (T3SS) are host-specific determinants of nodule symbiosis. We previously showed that NopD from Bradyrhizobium sp. XS1150 possesses protease activity that negatively affects nodulation on Tephrosia vogelii. Using a NopD-calmodulin-dependent adenylate cyclase fusion expressed in Sinorhizobium sp. NGR234, we demonstrate translocation of NopD into nodule cells of Vigna unguiculata. In soybean, a nopD mutant of XS1150 induced fewer nodules than the wild-type strain. We found that NopD is a substrate of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and identified four phosphorylation sites within its tandem repeat (TR) domain. In Arabidopsis protoplasts, NopD localized to nuclei and recruited co-expressed MAPKs to nuclear bodies. In tobacco cells, NopDΔTR and the phospho-dead NopD4A variant lost the ability to trigger NopD-induced cell death. Using a nopL-deficient Sinorhizobium sp. NGR234 strain expressing NopD, NopDΔTR or NopD4A, we found that only NopD suppressed premature senescence of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) nodules. Further assays using a nopL knockout mutant of Sinorhizobium fredii USDA257 showed that NopD, but not NopD4A, enhanced nodulation in soybean. Together, these data establish NopD as a bona fide T3SS effector and show that its phosphorylation sites are required for effector activity in legume cells.},
}

@article {pmid42947608,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, C and Zheng, G and Chen, Y and Zhang, L and Li, X and Ning, P and Quan, M and Wang, D and Xie, Z},
title = {Supraoptimal Mycorrhizal Colonisation Elicits Defence and Depletes Rhizosphere Inhabiting Massilia in Mild Salt‑Stressed Maize: A Split‑Root Comparison of Locally Colonised Roots.},
journal = {Plant, cell & environment},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/pce.71000},
pmid = {42947608},
issn = {1365-3040},
support = {KF2024-6//the Open Research Fund Program of State Key Laboratory of Nutrient Use and Management/ ; ZR2024QD021//Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation/ ; 32270065//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; tscy20251061//Taishan Industrial Experts Programme/ ; },
abstract = {Environmental conditions, such as light availability, affect the growth‑promoting effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis. However, how the root‑rhizosphere continuum responds when mycorrhizal structures become unsuitable due to environmental deterioration remains unresolved. Using a split‑root system under mild salinity and low light, we generated two AM colonisation states (moderate and supraoptimal) and focused on roots with similar colonisation rates to compare local responses under different whole‑plant symbiotic backgrounds. Supraoptimal colonisation reduced the mycorrhizal growth response compared with moderate colonisation, and this reduction was uncoupled from ion homoeostasis. Root transcriptomics and rhizosphere exudates revealed that supraoptimal colonisation induced jasmonate/ethylene‑mediated defence responses, downregulated carbon transporter genes, and shifted exudation from symbiosis‑supporting lipids/terpenoids toward defence‑related amino acid derivatives. Consequently, supraoptimal colonisation reduced beneficial bacteria, notably Massilia, and simplified co‑occurrence networks. We propose a model in which salt stress and low light drive a host‑mediated "defence‑symbiosis" trade‑off, reducing the mycorrhizal growth response under supraoptimal AM colonisation. These findings provide a mechanistic framework for optimising AM applications in saline systems.},
}

@article {pmid42947631,
year = {2026},
author = {Kozikova, D and Pascual, I and Goicoechea, N},
title = {Integrating arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in Mediterranean Climate-Smart Viticulture: Progress, bottlenecks, and future directions.},
journal = {Journal of experimental botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jxb/erag550},
pmid = {42947631},
issn = {1460-2431},
abstract = {Climate change is increasingly threatening global viticulture through rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events, affecting grapevine physiology, yield, composition and vineyard health and, ultimately, leading to changes in wine composition and typicity. Particular attention is being paid to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), soil microorganisms that form symbiotic associations with grapevine roots. They are able to improve water and nutrient uptake and plant tolerance to environmental stressors. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the impact of climate change on grapevine performance, focusing on Mediterranean viticulture, as well as the range of potential short- and long-term adaptation strategies to reduce its effects. Among them, this review explores integrating AMF into climate-smart viticulture and describes their potential to enhance grapevine resilience to environmental stresses. The review discusses how climate change may influence native mycorrhizal communities in vineyard soils and when commercial AMF inoculants may be necessary to apply. Additionally, it addresses the opportunities and limitations associated with their use. Overall, the available evidence suggests that AMF are a promising component of sustainable vineyard management and may improve vineyard resilience under future climate scenarios. However, more research is needed to optimize their application and understand their long-term effects on different viticultural systems.},
}

@article {pmid42947642,
year = {2026},
author = {Becana, M and Duanmu, D and Minchin, FR and Chiurazzi, M},
title = {Nitrate metabolism and regulation of legume nitrogen fixation.},
journal = {Journal of experimental botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jxb/erag551},
pmid = {42947642},
issn = {1460-2431},
abstract = {The interaction between nitrate and symbiotic nitrogen fixation is complex, diverse, and tightly regulated at multiple levels. The effects of nitrate are strongly dependent on the specific legume-rhizobia symbiosis and on the concentration and exposure time to nitrate. This has hampered studies on nitrate inhibition of nodule development and function. Here, we critically review most of the proposed mechanisms, which include carbohydrate deprivation, inactivation of nitrogenase and/or leghemoglobin by nitrite and/or nitric oxide, feedback regulation of nodule activity by an increase of nitrogenous metabolites in the phloem, and oxygen limitation through an oxygen diffusion barrier (ODB) mainly located in the inner cortex. Several hypotheses to explain the limitation of oxygen access to the nitrogen-fixing zone include glycoprotein occlusion of intercellular spaces, shifts in K+ and H2O2, and enhanced 'protective' respiration and activity of the ascorbate-associated enzymes in the cortical cells. Important progress has been made with the identification of nitrate transporters (NPF and NRT2 families) and transcription factors involved in nitrate regulation of nodulation (NIN, NLPs, and FUN) and in nitrate-induced nodule senescence (NAC094 and SNAP1/2/3/4). However, with the exception of a genetic study showing that suberin deposition in the endodermis is involved in nodule oxygen permeability, the molecular mechanisms underlying the ODB remain a mystery.},
}

@article {pmid42949329,
year = {2026},
author = {Mi, L and Lu, L and Sun, J and Li, Y and Ma, C and Ma, S and Yang, M and Hong, S and Wang, M and Chen, L and Liu, C and Xin, D and Chen, Q and Wang, J},
title = {The Rhizobial Type III Effector NopD Regulates the GmPP2C-ENOD93 Axis to Control Symbiotic Nodulation and Yield in Soybean.},
journal = {Journal of agricultural and food chemistry},
volume = {74},
number = {42},
pages = {32770-32783},
doi = {10.1021/acs.jafc.6c07326},
pmid = {42949329},
issn = {1520-5118},
support = {32272072//National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)/ ; 32372106//National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)/ ; 32472149//National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)/ ; },
mesh = {*Glycine max/microbiology/genetics/growth & development/metabolism ; Symbiosis ; *Plant Root Nodulation ; *Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Nitrogen Fixation ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; *Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; *Rhizobium/genetics/metabolism/physiology ; Root Nodules, Plant/microbiology/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Type III effector proteins (T3Es) are pivotal orchestrators of host-microbe interactions and essential for establishing symbiosis, thereby influencing soybean growth and productivity through modulation of symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF). While the central role of the T3E NopD in soybean SNF is recognized, its mechanistic underpinnings have remained elusive. In this study, we determined that GmPP2C, whose expression is regulated by NopD, serves as a regulator of nodulation. Overexpression of GmPP2C suppressed infection-thread formation and markedly reduced nodule number, whereas CRISPR/Cas9-mediated disruption enhanced infection events and partially rescued nodulation defects of NopD deficiency. Transcriptome profiling and complementation assays indicate GmPP2C inhibits nodulation by repressing ENOD93. Loss of GmPP2C increased per-plant yield without altering plant architecture or seed quality. These findings delineate the NopD-GmPP2C-ENOD93 regulatory module governing soybean nodulation and pinpoint GmPP2C as a compelling target for molecular breeding to enhance nitrogen-fixation efficiency and bolster crop yields.},
}

*Glycine max/microbiology/genetics/growth & development/metabolism
Symbiosis
*Plant Root Nodulation
*Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Nitrogen Fixation
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
*Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism
*Rhizobium/genetics/metabolism/physiology
Root Nodules, Plant/microbiology/metabolism

@article {pmid42930742,
year = {2026},
author = {Inácio, CP and Albuquerque, GMR and Alves, MAR and Silva, IG and da Silva, GB and Laranjeira, D and Neves, RP},
title = {A Review of Biotechnological Applications of Glomeromycota: Inoculum Production, Plant Performance, Environmental Management, and Metabolites.},
journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {12},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {42930742},
issn = {2309-608X},
support = {310237/2026-2//National Council for Scientific and Technological Development/ ; 449677/2025-7//National Council for Scientific and Technological Development/ ; 88881.263518/2026-01//Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel/ ; APQ-0712-2.12/25//Pernambuco Science and Technology Support Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (Glomeromycota) offer routes to inoculum production, crop management, phytomanagement of contaminated soils, and modulation of plant metabolites. This critical narrative review integrates 102 selected original studies, including genomic, physiological, transcriptomic, cultivation, and field research. Evidence is interpreted by fungal strain, host genotype, tissue, environment, and application-specific endpoint. Host-lipid transfer and asymbiotic propagation inform inoculum manufacture, but spore production remains distinct from infective potency, storage stability, and economic feasibility. Receptor signaling and functional nutrient-transport studies connect symbiotic establishment to resource exchange; stress experiments reveal context-dependent changes in water transport, ion homeostasis, photosynthesis, and oxidative regulation. Commercial-product variability, resident microbiota, pesticide exposure, and ecological responses constrain translation. Metal localization and transport studies distinguish retention, mobilization, and tolerance from contaminant removal. Plant-metabolite experiments demonstrate chemical modulation rather than direct fungal biosynthesis or therapeutic efficacy. Soil carbon and hydraulic responses further show that ecological benefits cannot be generalized across communities or substrates. Development should prioritize verified inocula, defined host × fungal strain × environment combinations, relevant controls, and repeatable field outcomes. The narrative design and author-proposed assessment framework covers a deployment protocol.},
}

@article {pmid42931228,
year = {2026},
author = {Berry, S and Theml, F and Smith, TK},
title = {An Evolutionary Weakness: Can We Exploit Parasite-Bacteria Symbiosis?.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {42931228},
issn = {2076-0817},
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; Animals ; Humans ; *Host-Parasite Interactions ; Wolbachia/physiology ; *Biological Evolution ; Virulence ; Entamoeba/physiology ; Nematoda/microbiology ; *Parasites ; },
abstract = {Exploiting the endosymbiotic relationship between some parasites and bacteria may be an exciting therapeutic strategy. The obligate relationship between Wolbachia and nematodes represents a successful model, where the disruption of bacterial metabolism leads to parasite death, although challenges in applying novel drugs remain. Obligate endosymbiosis is rare in protozoa, limiting its broader application. Instead, facultative associations, such as those between Trichomonas vaginalis and Mycoplasma hominis and Entamoeba spp. and gut bacteria, demonstrate complex effects on parasite virulence and treatment outcomes. Successfully exploiting symbiosis depends on the stability and necessity of the symbiotic relationship, as well as the accessibility of the bacterial partner.},
}

*Symbiosis
Animals
Humans
*Host-Parasite Interactions
Wolbachia/physiology
*Biological Evolution
Virulence
Entamoeba/physiology
Nematoda/microbiology
*Parasites

@article {pmid42932018,
year = {2026},
author = {Lin, X and Luo, S and Wang, M and Luo, L and Tian, X},
title = {Engineering symbiotic networks in microalgae-bacteria consortia for sustainable biohydrogen production: mechanisms, regulation, and perspectives.},
journal = {World journal of microbiology & biotechnology},
volume = {42},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {42932018},
issn = {1573-0972},
support = {32460861//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2025D008//Shangrao City Basic (Applied) Research Program of Jiangxi Province, China/ ; },
mesh = {*Hydrogen/metabolism ; *Microalgae/metabolism/growth & development/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Microbial Consortia/physiology ; *Bacteria/metabolism/growth & development ; Coculture Techniques ; Biomass ; Quorum Sensing ; Biofuels ; Chlamydomonas reinhardtii/growth & development/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Microalgae-bacteria consortia show better H2 productivity compared with axenic microalgae, but the quantitative understanding of the underlying mechanisms is still limited. This review summarizes the available quantitative knowledge of the shift from mono-cultivation to consortium, with a focus on symbiotic network engineering. The co-culture of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Microbacterium forte is capable of producing 11.27 g·L[-1] biomass production and 185.8 mL·L[-1] H2 titre, reaching up to 10 times higher H2 yield compared with axenic controls. A three-stage developmental model, comprising metabolic cooperation, spatial self-organization, and functional specialization, is proposed as a conceptual framework rather than an established trajectory. Mechanisms such as cross-feeding, direct interspecies electron transfer, gas signaling, and quorum sensing are considered quantitatively. Important design principles include C/N ratio between 20 and 30 for carbohydrate accumulation, microaerobic oxygen concentration between 2 and 4% for protection of hydrogenases, and over 70% COD, N, and P removal simultaneously. The multi-agent systems paradigm is proposed for the explanation of emergent properties like substrate flexibility and robustness. There are still major challenges with low consortium stability, lack of evidence for DIET, and the absence of performance metrics. Priorities include AI-assisted optimization and extremophile chassis engineering.},
}

*Hydrogen/metabolism
*Microalgae/metabolism/growth & development/physiology
*Symbiosis
*Microbial Consortia/physiology
*Bacteria/metabolism/growth & development
Coculture Techniques
Biomass
Quorum Sensing
Biofuels
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii/growth & development/metabolism

@article {pmid42933024,
year = {2026},
author = {Katlav, A and Wang, J and Trębicki, P and Tourani, AH and Morrow, JL and Liu, H and Riegler, M},
title = {Bacterial and Fungal Midgut Communities of Four Australian Citrus Stinkbug Species, With a Focus on Pantoea-Like Symbionts and Their Fitness Effects in Biprorulus bibax.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {28},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {42933024},
issn = {1462-2920},
support = {INT-1050//Australian Postgraduate Research Intern (APR.Intern) program/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; Citrus/parasitology ; *Pantoea/physiology/genetics ; Australia ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; *Heteroptera/microbiology/physiology ; *Fungi/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Phylogeny ; Gastrointestinal Tract/microbiology ; Microbiota ; },
abstract = {True bugs harbour diverse microbial symbionts and are models of host-microbe interactions. Yet, most studies focus on bacterial partners of Holarctic-Oriental species, leaving bacterial and fungal communities of Australasian taxa unexplored. We conducted the first comparative analysis of bacterial and fungal microbiota inhabiting the crypt-bearing midgut region of Australian stink bugs by focussing on citrus-associated Biprorulus bibax and Poecilometis strigatus (Pentatomidae), and Lyramorpha rosea and Musgraveia sulciventris (Tessaratomidae). Using high-throughput amplicon sequencing, we found consistently low-diversity bacterial communities dominated by host-specific gammaproteobacterial symbionts within the Pantoea-Erwinia complex, although L. rosea and P. strigatus also harboured several other low-abundance taxa. Fungal amplicon sequencing recovered low abundance taxa and unevenly represented communities, including Cladosporium, Eremothecium and unassigned Ascomycota, suggesting they were mostly environmentally acquired rather than conserved fungal associates. Despite host specificity, bacterial symbiont phylogeny was incongruent with host phylogeny, indicating host switches and decoupled host-symbiont evolution. Egg-surface sterilisation in B. bibax revealed vertical transmission of its dominant Pantoea-like symbiont via egg smearing, and its role in host fitness, with aposymbiotic offspring showing reduced survival, delayed development, shorter longevity and lower fecundity. Overall, our findings extend established patterns of stink bug symbiosis to understudied Australian taxa, providing new insights into host-microbe associations, particularly for Tessaratomidae.},
}

Animals
*Symbiosis
Citrus/parasitology
*Pantoea/physiology/genetics
Australia
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
*Heteroptera/microbiology/physiology
*Fungi/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Phylogeny
Gastrointestinal Tract/microbiology
Microbiota

@article {pmid42933698,
year = {2026},
author = {Qiao, Z and Wei, Z and Yuan, M and Wei, L and Hu, M and Song, K and Bi, Z and Qin, X and Yin, X},
title = {Start‑up and functional performance assessment of electron-shuttling-driven microalgal-anammox process.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {136132},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2026.136132},
pmid = {42933698},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {The anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) process has received extensive attention because of its low energy consumption and high nitrogen removal efficiency. Nevertheless, its long start-up period limits practical application. In this study, a microalgae-bacteria symbiotic system (ABSS) based on Chlorella vulgaris (C. vulgaris) was established to investigate its effects on anammox start-up and nitrogen and phosphorus removal. The introduction of C. vulgaris shortened the start-up time from 68 to 46 days, corresponding to a 32 % reduction. After 210 days of operation, the nitrogen removal rate (NRR) and phosphorus removal rate (PRR) in the microalgae-bacteria symbiotic reactor (RAM) were 21 % and 25 % higher than those in the control reactor (RA), respectively. The concentration of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) derived from C. vulgaris, as quantified via total organic carbon measurement, was 297.73 ± 8.55 mg/L. Spectroscopic analyses suggested the presence of humic-like substances and quinone-related structures in the EPS, indicating a potential role in electron transfer. At 100 mg/L, EPS increased hydrazine dehydrogenase (HDH) activity by 49 % relative to the control group. After CoQ extraction, EPS restored HDH activity more effectively than exogenous coenzyme Q (CoQ). Metagenomic analysis showed higher abundances of genes associated with photosynthesis, carbon fixation, and nitrogen metabolism. These findings imply that EPS-mediated electron transfer and strengthened HDH activity may have contributed to the establishment of anammox activity and the shortened start-up period. Overall, this study highlights microalgal integration as a potential strategy for accelerating anammox startup and improving simultaneous nitrogen and phosphorus removal.},
}

@article {pmid42935274,
year = {2026},
author = {Yamamoto, A and Kaneda, Y and Todaka, H and Arikawa, M},
title = {Comparative Physiological and Ecological Characterization of the Photosymbiotic Amoeba Mayorella viridis Across Symbiotic and Aposymbiotic States.},
journal = {The Journal of eukaryotic microbiology},
volume = {73},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {42935274},
issn = {1550-7408},
support = {21K06268//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis/physiology ; *Chlorella/physiology ; Light ; *Amoeba/physiology ; Phototaxis ; },
abstract = {Symbiosis is a fundamental biological strategy that enables metabolic complementation between distinct organisms. The amoeba Mayorella viridis establishes a photosymbiotic relationship with the green alga Chlorella, yet the physiological basis of this association remains poorly understood. Here, we compared symbiotic (green) and aposymbiotic (white) strains to quantify phenotypic effects of the symbiotic state. Cell size did not differ when the cells were fed but was significantly reduced in the white strain under starvation, indicating that Chlorella contributes to host stability under nutrient limitation. Motility was unaffected by symbiosis. In contrast, photoresponses, including positive phototaxis and photophobic responses, were completely abolished in the white strain, demonstrating that symbiotic Chlorella is essential for host photoresponse. Growth and survival were significantly reduced in the white strain under both constant light and constant dark conditions, indicating that the symbiont enhances both proliferation and starvation tolerance. Notably, under dark and nutrient-limited conditions, intracellular Chlorella declined, suggesting digestion and utilization as an internal nutrient source. Photosymbiosis was re-established by reintroducing isolated Chlorella into aposymbiotic cells, restoring green phenotype and photoresponse. These findings establish a reversible system and clarify the physiological roles of photosymbiosis in M. viridis.},
}

*Symbiosis/physiology
*Chlorella/physiology
Light
*Amoeba/physiology
Phototaxis

@article {pmid42935396,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhu, WM and Zhang, XZ and Wang, J and Fan, ZH and Gu, JL and Xing, DF},
title = {[Research Progress on Microalgae-bacteria Symbioses Influencing the Persistence and Spread of Antibiotic Resistance Genes].},
journal = {Huan jing ke xue= Huanjing kexue},
volume = {47},
number = {10},
pages = {6856-6868},
doi = {10.13227/j.hjkx.202507293},
pmid = {42935396},
issn = {0250-3301},
mesh = {*Microalgae/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Bacteria/genetics ; Waste Disposal, Fluid/methods ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics ; *Drug Resistance, Microbial/genetics ; *Genes, Bacterial ; Wastewater/microbiology ; },
abstract = {The dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes （ARGs） has become a major challenge in global public health， particularly in wastewater treatment plants， which serve as critical hubs. With the widespread use of antibiotics， the spread of resistant bacteria and ARGs in the environment has accelerated， making wastewater treatment facilities a significant source of ARG dissemination. Traditional wastewater treatment technologies， such as the activated sludge process and membrane filtration， can remove some organic pollutants and microorganisms from water， but their efficiency in eliminating ARGs remains low， often accompanied by high energy consumption and the use of chemical agents that risk secondary pollution. As a result， the development of efficient， eco-friendly， and sustainable wastewater treatment technologies has become an urgent priority. The microalgae-bacteria symbiotic system， an emerging approach， exhibits immense potential for ARG removal through the synergistic interplay of microalgae and bacteria. Microalgae fix carbon dioxide via photosynthesis and absorb nutrients from water， while bacteria utilize their robust degradative abilities to effectively break down ARGs and other harmful substances. This system not only excels in removing ARGs but also meets green and sustainable standards due to its low energy demands and minimal reliance on chemical reagents. The interactions between microalgae and bacteria， including metabolic cooperation and quorum sensing mechanisms， are central to its effectiveness in ARG removal. However， practical application of the microalgae-bacteria symbiotic system faces challenges， particularly in terms of system stability， scalability， and operational costs. Furthermore， quorum sensing plays a vital role in regulating ARG dissemination and removal， with microalgae potentially enhancing ARG elimination and inhibiting their horizontal transfer by modulating bacterial quorum sensing （QS）. This review examines the application of the microalgae-bacteria symbiotic system in ARG removal， its underlying mechanisms， environmental impacts， challenges， and future research directions， offering suggestions to improve system stability and achieve large-scale implementation， while highlighting its promising prospects for widespread use in wastewater treatment.},
}

*Microalgae/physiology
*Symbiosis
*Bacteria/genetics
Waste Disposal, Fluid/methods
*Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics
*Drug Resistance, Microbial/genetics
*Genes, Bacterial
Wastewater/microbiology

@article {pmid42939787,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhao, Y and Ouyang, Y and Xiong, N and Ji, X and Jia, Q and Qin, L and Xie, J and He, Y},
title = {Schizophyllum commune Enhances Dendrobine Accumulation in Dendrobium nobile in Association with Induced Fungal Cellulolytic Activity and Host Jasmonate Biosynthesis.},
journal = {Biomolecules},
volume = {16},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {42939787},
issn = {2218-273X},
support = {82460705, 82460748//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; QKHPTRC-CXTD [2023]024, QKHPTRC-GCC [2023]075//Department of Science and Technology of Guizhou Province/ ; QZYY-2027-081//Guizhou Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine/ ; QKX2026-KC-YZ053//Guizhou Association for Science and Technology/ ; },
mesh = {*Oxylipins/metabolism ; *Cyclopentanes/metabolism ; *Dendrobium/metabolism/microbiology/genetics ; *Schizophyllum/metabolism/physiology ; Acetates/pharmacology ; Cellulase/metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism by which Schizophyllum commune elevates dendrobine accumulation in Dendrobium nobile, and verify whether cellulase derived from this fungus triggers jasmonate biosynthesis to mediate the regulation of alkaloid production.

METHODS: Endophytic fungi were isolated from D. nobile stems via tissue block isolation and identified by ITS sequencing. A plant-fungus symbiotic system was established with axenic plantlets. Dual RNA seq transcriptomic analysis, RT qPCR, pharmacological interventions with methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and the JA biosynthesis inhibitor salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM) and Extracellular cellulase activities assays was performed.

RESULTS: In this study, none of 29 endophytic fungal strains from D. nobile stems produced dendrobine independently. Symbiotic screening subsequently identified Schizophyllum commune CY01 1H (SC) as the best strain that significantly increased dendrobine accumulation in D. nobile plantlets. Dual RNA seq revealed that SC colonization substantially activated jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis, accompanied by marked upregulation of the key biosynthetic gene DnLOX2. In contrast, downstream JA-signaling components exhibited an atypical transcriptional pattern, DnJAR was downregulated, whereas DnJAZ was upregulated. These results suggest that SC colonization induces a reconfiguration of JA signaling that may contribute to the maintenance of symbiotic homeostasis. In the fungus, cellulase-encoding genes were significantly induced. Experimental verification that MeJA promoted dendrobine accumulation, whereas SHAM suppressed it, and SC symbiosis partially mitigated this suppression. Stem section assays showed dynamic increases in extracellular cellulase activities (endoglucanase, cellobiohydrolase, β glucosidase), peaking at day 19, with endoglucanase being the highest.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings support a cross-regulatory model in which S. commune CY01-1H induces cellulolytic enzyme production during colonization, coinciding with host JA-biosynthetic activation and JA-signaling reprogramming, ultimately enhancing dendrobine accumulation. This study provides integrated evidence from fungal and host transcriptomes and enzymatic assays, expanding our understanding of endophyte-mediated regulation of medicinal plant metabolism. S. commune CY01 1H represents a promising biostimulant for sustainable improvement of dendrobine yield in cultivated D. nobile.},
}

*Oxylipins/metabolism
*Cyclopentanes/metabolism
*Dendrobium/metabolism/microbiology/genetics
*Schizophyllum/metabolism/physiology
Acetates/pharmacology
Cellulase/metabolism
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
Symbiosis

@article {pmid42940219,
year = {2026},
author = {Pfukwa, TM and Abdulraheem, MI and Aremu, AO and Fawole, OA},
title = {Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) Fruit Pulp in Nutritional Therapeutics: Mechanistic Insights, Clinical Evidence, and Future Research Priorities.},
journal = {Foods (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {20},
pages = {},
pmid = {42940219},
issn = {2304-8158},
support = {RCHDI2411105279212;SPAR231013155231//National Research Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {The renewed interest in indigenous African foods reflects a shift towards traditional, nutrient-dense alternatives to address the burden of non-communicable diseases and micronutrient deficiencies. This review evaluates the evidence for proposed health benefits of baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) fruit pulp (BFP) across four domains: gut homeostasis, immune modulation, glycemic control, and iron bioavailability. The evidence base is predominantly preclinical. Tier 3 (in vitro) and Tier 2 (animal) studies suggest that BFP fibers (low-methoxylated homogalacturonan, xylogalacturonan, and possibly inulin and fructooligosaccharides) may exert prebiotic-like effects by selectively stimulating Bifidobacteriaceae and Lactobacilli, while BFP polyphenols and organic acids have been associated with enzyme inhibition and enhanced iron bioaccessibility, respectively. The methodological quality of these studies was not assessed. However, human evidence is scarce. Only six human intervention studies were identified, limited to glycemic response in healthy normoglycemic adults and one iron status trial in schoolchildren, which showed increased hemoglobin but no significant improvement in ferritin or soluble transferrin receptor. No human studies have examined gut microbiota modulation, immune outcomes, or effects in diabetic or pre-diabetic populations. Consequently, clinical efficacy has not been established, and BFP cannot currently be characterized as having confirmed prebiotic or therapeutic properties. The current evidence supports potential prebiotic and enzyme-inhibitory activity in preclinical models only. Evidence-based dietary recommendations require high-quality human intervention trials with clinically meaningful endpoints, standardization of BFP preparations, and systematic investigation of real-world dietary contexts. Future research should address these gaps to advance the evidence base for BFP. Practical barriers to translation, including sensory acceptance, product adulteration, and sustainable sourcing, are briefly considered.},
}

@article {pmid42940926,
year = {2026},
author = {Kuprin, A and Baklanova, V and Rechits, A},
title = {First Shotgun Metagenomic Characterization of the Gut Microbiome of the Endangered Longhorn Beetle Callipogon relictus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae).},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {17},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {42940926},
issn = {2075-4450},
abstract = {The gut microbiome of Callipogon relictus, a rare member of the family Cerambycidae, was characterized for the first time using shotgun metagenomic sequencing. The aim of this study was to compare the taxonomic diversity and structure of the gut microbial communities in larvae and adults. Bacteria dominated the metagenomic profiles, accounting for 92.47% of the taxonomic composition in adults and 85.31% in larvae. Proteobacteria predominated in the bacterial component of both pooled profiles, accounting for 87.88% and 89.43%, respectively. The pooled adult profile had the highest relative abundances of Gammaproteobacteria and Enterobacterales, whereas the pooled larval profile had higher relative abundances of Alphaproteobacteria and Rickettsiales. In the pooled samples analyzed, 155 bacterial and 69 fungal genera were detected in the larval profile, compared with 85 and 17 genera, respectively, in the adult profile; the fungal component accounted for 10.46% of the larval profile and 0.18% of the adult profile. The two profiles shared 77 bacterial, 17 fungal, and 15 protist genera. The virus-like/retroelement sequence fraction was dominated by sequences related to Errantivirus, a member of the family Metaviridae. Because Metaviridae comprise LTR retrotransposons, this signal was interpreted as endogenous retroelement DNA rather than evidence of a free-virus gut virome. These results provide a preliminary description of a shared bacterial core accompanied by differences between the pooled profiles in lower-rank bacterial composition and in the structure of the fungal and protist components of the C. relictus microbiome.},
}

@article {pmid42940953,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhao, J and Xu, X and Li, J and Ye, J and Tong, T and Wu, W and Wan, Z and Chen, Y},
title = {Biochar Ingestion Is Associated with Hindgut Symbiotic Disruption and Mortality in Coptotermes formosanus: A Proposed Protist-to-Bacterial Cascade.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {17},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {42940953},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {2023A1515011424//the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province of China/ ; 2023xkjq002//the Scientific Research Foundation for High-level Talents of Huangshan University/ ; AHLYCX-2024-14//the Anhui Forestry Science and Technology Innovation project/ ; PX-135267162//College Students' Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program/ ; ylxk202101//Huangshan University University-Level First-Class Discipline/ ; kypt202003//Characteristic Forestry Industry Development and Research Center, Huangshan University/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Biochar is being explored for pest management, but its potential as a subterranean termite bait and its mechanism of action on the gut symbiont community are poorly understood.

METHODS: We fed Coptotermes formosanus workers a diet of pine wood powder containing 0%, 5%, or 20% (w/w) rice-straw biochar. We then measured feeding preference, body weight, mortality, and analyzed changes in the hindgut flagellate community, bacterial 16S rRNA gene profiles, and host transcriptomics.

RESULTS: The 5% biochar diet did not deter feeding, whereas 20% reduced intake by ~18.75%. Both doses were associated with significant, time- and dose-dependent reductions in body weight and survival. The three major cellulolytic flagellate species (Holomastigotoides mirabile, Pseudotrichonympha grassii, Spirotrichonympha leidyi) declined sharply, coinciding with a restructuring of the bacterial community, notably a decrease in nitrogen-fixing Dysgonomonadaceae and an increase in opportunistic taxa. Host transcriptomics revealed exploratory, dose-dependent trends from anabolic growth toward catabolic stress and detoxification pathways, including upregulation of the proteasome and downregulation of ribosomal and energy metabolism pathways; several of these enrichment signals did not remain significant after multiple-testing correction and are therefore treated as hypothesis-generating.

CONCLUSIONS: Our data are consistent with a proposed cascade hypothesis in which biochar ingestion is associated with disruption of essential gut flagellates, subsequent restructuring of bacterial symbiosis, and host metabolic stress. However, these links are inferred from parallel measurements and require continuous causal and rescue experiments for confirmation. Reduced intake at 20% and unmeasured biochar physicochemical properties remain alternative or non-exclusive explanations. Low-dose, non-deterrent biochar formulations represent candidate multi-mode active ingredients for termite bait development.},
}

@article {pmid42940977,
year = {2026},
author = {Ye, C and Chen, Y and Gu, H and Cheng, Y and Xie, D and Liang, Z and Lin, J and Li, X and Zhang, L and Jiang, X and Kong, H},
title = {Bacterial Community Structural Dynamics and Predicted Functional Potential in Loxostege sticticalis.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {17},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {42940977},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {2024YFE0113000//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 2022YFD1400600//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 32472540//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32172397//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Symbiotic bacteria contribute to insect physiology and environmental adaptation, yet their dynamics and potential functions in the major migratory pest Loxostege sticticalis remain poorly understood. We characterized bacterial community composition, diversity, and predicted functional potential across developmental stages, tissues and frass samples, and environmental conditions. In laboratory-reared insects, Enterococcus and Staphylococcus predominated from the second to fifth instars, whose predicted functions emphasized carbohydrate and nucleotide metabolism. Adults were instead dominated by Pseudoalteromonas and Asaia, with predicted profiles showing greater representation of lipid and amino acid metabolism and transport and catabolism. First-instar larvae exhibited an adult-like community structure. Among sample types, Enterococcus predominated in the midgut, whereas Staphylococcus was overrepresented in the epidermis and frass. Epidermal and frass communities emphasized cellular processes and genetic information processing, whereas midgut and other internal tissue communities showed greater predicted potential for membrane transport and metabolism. Wild-caught larvae harbored distinct communities consistently enriched in Stenotrophomonas and Ralstonia, with predicted profiles shifting toward carbohydrate, amino acid, and lipid metabolism and environmental adaptation in later instars. Overall, these findings demonstrate that the symbiotic bacterial communities of L. sticticalis vary markedly with development, tissue niche, and environment, providing a basis for further studies of host-microbe interactions.},
}

@article {pmid42943038,
year = {2026},
author = {Su, X and Ma, W and Lyu, G and Xiao, Z and Qi, Y and Li, J and Qi, J and Chen, Y and Tian, X},
title = {Soil Phosphorus Conditions Drives Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Community Differentiation and Modulate the Growth of Cenchrus pauciflorus.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {20},
pages = {},
pmid = {42943038},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {2026MS0668、2025MS03103、2026ZD025//Natural Science Foundation of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region/ ; 32360267、32260683//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; GXKY26Z004//Fundamental Research Funds for the Universities directly under Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region/ ; BS673、BS615//Inner Mongolia Minzu University Research Startup Fund/ ; },
abstract = {Cenchrus pauciflorus is a major invasive plant in the sandy lands of northern China, with the Horqin Sandy Land being a hotspot of its invasion, where soil phosphorus availability may influence its spread through arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). To elucidate the effects of soil phosphorus on AMF communities and their role in the invasion of C. pauciflorus, we conducted a field survey at two sites with contrasting phosphorus backgrounds: Chajintai Ranch (high phosphorus) and Bahuta Sumu (low phosphorus). Rhizosphere soil and root samples of C. pauciflorus and the co-occurring native grass Setaria viridis were collected for high-throughput sequencing of 18S SSU rRNA gene to analyze AMF community composition and diversity. Two AMF species, Funneliformis mosseae and Diversispora epigaea, were selected for a pot experiment with C. pauciflorus. Five phosphorus treatments were established under high- and low-phosphorus conditions using different phosphorus forms. The effects of the two AMF species on the growth and reproduction of C. pauciflorus under different phosphorus treatments were analyzed. The results showed that Glomeraceae and Glomus were the predominant family and genus, respectively. Under Bahuta Sumu, Diversispora was relatively enriched in the roots of C. pauciflorus compared with S. viridis roots. However, other nutrient factors also varied between the two field sites, the independent effect of phosphorus on AMF community composition and diversity could not be fully disentangled. The pot experiment revealed that AMF inoculation did not significantly promote the growth of C. pauciflorus under high-phosphorus treatment. In contrast, when phosphorus was low and supplied in insoluble forms, both AMF species significantly promoted the growth and reproduction of C. pauciflorus. D. epigaea exhibited a stronger growth-promoting effect than F. mosseae, with significantly higher colonization rates in most treatments. In summary, C. pauciflorus is associated with the enrichment of specific AMF taxa in low-phosphorus habitats, which may in turn promote its growth by enhancing the acquisition of insoluble phosphorus. This may represent an important belowground symbiotic mechanism underlying its successful invasion in nutrient-poor sandy habitats.},
}

@article {pmid42943380,
year = {2026},
author = {Gao, Y and Dong, H and Fang, Z and Liu, S and Xu, Y and Guo, Y and Yang, Y and Luo, J and Yan, L},
title = {Regulatory Pathways of Endophytic Fungi in Promoting Flavonoid Biosynthesis in Medicinal Plants.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {42943380},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {PL2025H203//Heilongjiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation/ ; YQJH2025093//Young Talents of Basic Research in Universities of Heilongjiang Province/ ; 2025-KYYWF-ZR0104//Fundamental Research Funds in Universities of Heilongjiang Province/ ; ZHY2025-084//Heilongjiang Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Project/ ; },
abstract = {Endophytic fungi form complex symbiotic associations with medicinal plants via long-term coevolution. Such cross-kingdom interactions substantially modulate flavonoid biosynthesis in host plants. This review dissects the mechanisms through which endophytic fungi elevate flavonoid accumulation in medicinal plants. We first summarize symbiotic and growth-promoting relationships between endophytic fungi and medicinal plants, outlining four core synergistic functions: nutrient supply, phytohormone homeostasis, stress resistance enhancement, and secondary metabolism activation. We then elaborate on three primary regulatory patterns underlying endophyte-modulated flavonoid biosynthesis, including direct activation of plant flavonoid biosynthetic pathways, indirect regulation via stress mitigation and host metabolic reprogramming, and autonomous flavonoid production by endophytic fungi. Notably, most current evidence for autonomous flavonoid biosynthesis by endophytic fungi is derived from axenic cultures, whereas its occurrence and quantitative contribution within colonized plant tissues remain to be established. We further discuss state-of-the-art technologies for untangling plant-fungus symbiotic interactions, including multi-omics integration, spatial metabolomics, single-cell sequencing, synthetic microbial consortia, and CRISPR-Cas genome editing. Lastly, we propose future research perspectives covering green cultivation of medicinal plants, targeted improvement of medicinal quality, and efficient microbial biosynthesis of flavonoids.},
}

@article {pmid42925804,
year = {2026},
author = {Arossa, S and Cerrano, C and Benedetti, M and Roveta, C and Regoli, F and Di Camillo, CG},
title = {Seasonality of intra-organismal variations of antioxidant defenses of a symbiotic sea anemone from the Adriatic Sea.},
journal = {Marine environmental research},
volume = {223},
number = {},
pages = {108452},
doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.108452},
pmid = {42925804},
issn = {1879-0291},
abstract = {Seasonal fluctuations in light and temperature were observed to cause oxidative stress in symbiotic cnidarians. We investigated region-specific and seasonal antioxidant responses and symbionts' traits (chlorophyll a, Symbiodiniaceae concentrations, mitotic index) in the temperate sea anemone Anemonia viridis, focusing on single antioxidants and total oxyradical scavenging capacity (TOSC) in tentacles and column regions of wild specimens. Symbiont density increased in tentacles during summer (32.3 ± 18 × 10[6] cells g[-1] Dry weight), coinciding with elevated mitotic index (6.8 %) and decreased chlorophyll a levels. In contrast, catalase activity reached 65 ± 14.6 μmol min[-1] mg protein[-1] in the column, over twice that in tentacles. TOSC towards hydroxyl radicals also increased in tentacles during summer (977 ± 162 UTOSC mg protein[-1]), indicating enhanced oxidative pressure in this season. Antioxidant activity declined in winter concurrently with reduced symbiont activity. Overall, these findings demonstrate anatomical compartmentalization and seasonal plasticity in antioxidant defenses, supporting holobiont resilience, with tentacles functioning as primary stress-buffering structures that localize and mitigate oxidative damage. These mechanisms may be critical for cnidarian survival in increasingly variable environments.},
}

@article {pmid42925928,
year = {2026},
author = {Shao, Y and Wen, Z and Ye, C and Yang, M and Fuzzati, N and Zhang, B and Cavellec, C and Jiang, W and Li, L and Hao, Q and Shu, Q and Li, Y},
title = {Native AMF from wild Paeonia ostii enhance root development via PoCCD4-mediated hormone homeostasis and reshape rhizosphere microbiome assembly and function.},
journal = {Plant science : an international journal of experimental plant biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {113550},
doi = {10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.113550},
pmid = {42925928},
issn = {1873-2259},
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play vital roles in plant growth and rhizosphere microbiome assembly. Tree peony (Paeonia sect. Moutan DC.) is an economically valuable perennial crop, yet the symbiotic mechanisms between it and native AMF remain poorly understood. In this study, we surveyed the rhizosphere AMF community of wild P. ostii from its native habitat, and isolated two dominant species: Funneliformis mosseae and Claroideoglomus etunicatum. Inoculation with these AMF significantly improved root development and leaf photosynthetic efficiency. Furthermore, the promotion involved a novel pathway whereby carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 4 (PoCCD4) mediated strigolactone and abscisic acid homeostasis in P. ostii roots. Beyond direct effects on host plant growth, AMF inoculation fine-tuned rhizosphere microbiota composition, reinforcing host-driven assembly and favoring beneficial consortia without altering overall diversity. Correlation analyses revealed that the AMF-shaped microenvironment established a disease-suppressive network linked to soil nutrient dynamics and phytohormone profiles. This study elucidates the interaction mechanisms between native AMF and P. ostii, uncovers their co-adaptive relationships, and offers a scientific basis for developing AMF inoculants for sustainable tree peony cultivation.},
}

@article {pmid42926714,
year = {2026},
author = {Nahar, N and Kumar, A and Grossman, AS and McLean, JS and Bor, B and Dong, PT and He, X},
title = {A domesticated prophage enzyme links bacterial metabolism, episymbiosis and phage fitness.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.64898/2026.10.08.757619},
pmid = {42926714},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {Prophages are increasingly recognized as drivers of bacterial adaptation, yet how domesticated prophage genes shape microbial symbiosis remains poorly understood. Here, we identify GDPD Xhp1 , a glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase encoded by prophage Xhp1 of Schaalia odontolytica XH001, as a metabolic regulator linking bacterial physiology, episymbiosis and phage fitness. Association with the epibiotic bacterium Nanosynbacter lyticus TM7x strongly induced gdpd Xhp1 expression and triggered GDPD Xhp1 -dependent lipid droplet accumulation in XH001. GDPD Xhp1 orchestrated glycerophospholipid remodeling, membrane biophysical properties, respiration and cell-surface glycan composition in XH001, thereby promoting TM7x episymbiosis. Remarkably, GDPD Xhp1 was also required for productive Xhp1 infection by remodeling susceptible bacterial host envelope structures to facilitate phage-host interactions. Together, our findings reveal a domesticated prophage enzyme that contributes to bacterial metabolism, interspecies symbiosis and viral reproduction, highlighting prophage as an overlooked source of metabolic innovation in microbial symbiosis.},
}

@article {pmid42926785,
year = {2026},
author = {Gil-Polo, A and Guha, S and Chancey, D and Clouse, KM and Siva, N and Anderson, CT and Burghardt, LT},
title = {Natural isolates of Sinorhizobium meliloti with dry, as opposed to mucoid, colony morphologies have higher soil fitness, slightly lower host fitness, and reduced nitrogen fixation.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.64898/2026.10.07.757178},
pmid = {42926785},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {Sinorhizobium meliloti is a nitrogen-fixing soil bacterium that forms a facultative mutualism with its host alfalfa. S. meliloti strains exhibit diverse colony morphologies on solid culture media that span a continuum from dry to mucoid. Studies on how this trait affects symbiosis rely on mutations in exopolysaccharide II production genes; however, whether natural variation in morphology confers a selective advantage on rhizobia in their natural habitats remains unknown. Here, we used 90 mucoid and 27 dry natural isolates to test whether colony morphology associates with rhizobial fitness in the soil and in the host, or with the nitrogen-fixation benefits they provide to the plant. Colony morphologies were widely distributed across a phylogenetic tree, suggesting that morphological shifts occurred repeatedly and no single genetic variant was strongly associated with this trait. We inoculated soil mesocosms and plants with a mixture of dry and mucoid bacteria. We observed that dry rhizobia have higher fitness, particularly at 22°C and 32°C, but not under cold or drought conditions, independent of the initial rhizobial load. Conversely, mucoid bacteria have a modestly higher relative fitness in host nodules, and single inoculations showed that they tend to confer greater benefits to all three alfalfa varieties. Over time, we also observed rare, repeated conversion from mucoid to dry morphologies in soil and host plants. Taken together, our study reveals that morphological variation within a species in a single agricultural field is important for bacterial fitness in the soil and can have cascading effects on the rhizobia's plant benefits.},
}

@article {pmid42927258,
year = {2026},
author = {Miransari, M and Adham, S and Moradkhani, S and Miransari, M and Miransari, AA and Doostikhah, N and Karimi, A},
title = {Microbial lipo-chitooligosaccharides as key regulators of plant growth: Recent updates.},
journal = {Biotechnology notes (Amsterdam, Netherlands)},
volume = {7},
number = {},
pages = {211-218},
pmid = {42927258},
issn = {2665-9069},
abstract = {Chemical fertilization is a favorite method of providing plants with their essential nutrients by farmers. However, due to being subject to leaching and emission of greenhouse gases, the complementary methods of fertilization such as biological ones (i.e. plant-microbes associations) may be economically and environmentally recommendable. During initiation of intimate associations between plants and soil microbes, a set of organic molecules including phenolic compounds such as flavonoids and lipo-chitooligosaccharides (LCOs) are exchanged between symbionts resulting in establishment and development of symbiosis. Due to competition with indigenous soil microbes, microbial inoculants including rhizobium and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi may not be as efficient. So, interestingly, researchers have used organic molecules including bacterial LCOs, which can positively affect plant growth and yield production. However, more has to be indicated on related mechanisms including identification and expression of related genes in plant and bacteria. The present review article is about some of the most recent in LCOs production, effectiveness, compatibility and marketing. It also has reviewed and analysed how LCOs: 1) are produced by bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi, 2) are perceived by plant, 3) affect plant growth including the roots, 4) may act in stress conditions, and 5) affect climate change. LCOs and soil physicochemical properties are among the most important factors affecting the efficiency and so LCOs commercial production. Such analyses are useful for the development of microbial strains and species with high and effective LCOs production, which can efficiently enhance the growth and yield of legumes and non-legumes and are beneficial for environment.},
}

@article {pmid42928421,
year = {2026},
author = {Wendrix, R and Coolen, S},
title = {Frenemies forever: when parasitic fungi become an insect's secret weapon.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.71697},
pmid = {42928421},
issn = {1469-8137},
abstract = {Plant-feeding insects pose a major threat to global food production, and finding sustainable pest control strategies is challenging. Insect-associated symbiotic microorganisms fulfill important beneficial functions for their host insects, enabling them to adapt and thrive in a changing environment. Understanding how these interactions evolve and what they mean for insect-plant interactions is key to the development of novel targets and potential tools for pest control. Since yeast and fungal insect symbionts are understudied in comparison to bacterial symbionts, this Tansley Insight explores their role in insect-plant interactions.},
}

@article {pmid42929006,
year = {2026},
author = {Moini Jazani, A and Nasimi Doost Azgomi, R and Maghsoumi-Norouzabad, L},
title = {A Systematic Review of The Role of Probiotics and Synbiotics on Semen Quality and Sperm Function in Male Infertility.},
journal = {International journal of fertility & sterility},
volume = {20},
number = {4},
pages = {353-368},
doi = {10.22074/ijfs.2025.2057893.1858},
pmid = {42929006},
issn = {2008-076X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: With the increasing prevalence of male infertility in recent years, studies on therapeutic interventions leading to improvement in semen quality have increased. There has been increasing interest in recent years in the possible role of probiotics and synbiotics in improving male fertility, especially idiopathic male infertility. This systematic review aimed to assess the effects of probiotics and/or synbiotics on male semen quality and discusses the results, mechanism, and future potential of these interventions in male reproductive health.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive systematic search of major databases (PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus) was conducted using the following search terms ("male infertility" or "semen" or "semen analysis" or "sperm" or "spermatozoa" and "probiotic" or "synbiotic"), without restriction on publication date, and a hand search reference list was also performed between January and March 2025. Only original clinical and animal (rat, mice and dog) studies published in English were included. Observational, in vitro, book, review, editorial, and conference articles were excluded.

RESULTS: A total of 296 articles were found, of which 4 randomized clinical studies and 5 animal studies met the inclusion criteria. The results of the included studies suggested that probiotics or symbiotic have significant effects on semen parameters such as motility, morphology, and total sperm count through alleviating oxidative stress, modulating inflammation, regulating reproductive hormones, and restoring gut microbiota balance.

CONCLUSION: The available evidence suggests that supplementation with probiotics and synbiotics holds promise for enhancing semen quality. However, the field is limited by small, heterogeneous study populations and short follow-up periods, necessitating larger, well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs).},
}

@article {pmid42929652,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, K and Wang, D and Zhang, X and Lin, F and Liu, Z},
title = {Chinese fir-Phoebe mixture increases microbial diversity and functional potential by accelerating SOM decomposition and increasing nutrient availability.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0035126},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.00351-26},
pmid = {42929652},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Near-natural silviculture practices have gained prominence as sustainable forestry strategies for optimizing stand site conditions and enhancing forest productivity. The performance of these ecosystem processes is closely related to soil microorganisms. However, there is still a lack of systematic characterization of how microorganisms respond to such silvicultural interventions, and this critical knowledge gap limits our ability to predict long-term forest ecosystem trajectories. Moreover, the specific functions of microbial communities in mixed plantations remain largely unknown. Here, we analyzed the compositional and functional profiles of bacterial and fungal communities across a gradient of stand types, including nine near-natural mixed Cunninghamia lanceolata and Phoebe bournei plantations (a 3 × 3 factorial design with three densities per species) and one pure C. lanceolata stand. The results showed that mixed planting enhanced bacterial and fungal diversity and altered their community structures by accelerating soil organic matter decomposition and total nitrogen mineralization, while increasing soil pH, available phosphorus, and available potassium. Notably, mixed planting increased the relative abundance of bacteria involved in carbon and nitrogen metabolism, along with saprophytic and symbiotic fungi, while reducing that of pathogenic fungi. Moreover, microbial community variation was stronger among mixed planting treatments than between soil depths, with reduced C. lanceolata density exerting a greater influence than increased P. bournei density. These findings underscore that tree diversity and planting density collectively determine soil microbial assembly. Consequently, this study provides empirical evidence to predict the impact of near-natural silviculture on microbial communities and offers insights for optimizing the management of C. lanceolata plantations.

IMPORTANCE: Driven by western forest management concepts of "Nature-Approximating Forestry," near-natural afforestation has emerged as a key strategy for improving forest quality and productivity, especially in mixed conifer-broadleaf afforestation. Soil microorganisms constitute a vital component of forest ecosystems, serving as a primary driver of ecosystem functioning. Our research demonstrated that mixed conifer-broadleaf forests (Chinese fir-Phoebe) can increase soil bacterial and fungal diversity and functional potential in pure C. lanceolata plantations by accelerating organic matter decomposition and increasing soil pH, available phosphorus, and available potassium levels.},
}

@article {pmid42930131,
year = {2026},
author = {Ye, S and Xia, Z and Li, B and Wu, D and Liu, C and Ma, L and Shi, S},
title = {TSDGNet: Multiscale Temporal and Dual-Graph Learning for Pathological Gait Classification Using Wearable Inertial Sensors.},
journal = {Biosensors},
volume = {16},
number = {10},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/bios16100584},
pmid = {42930131},
issn = {2079-6374},
support = {E2026404015//the Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province/ ; 24B0792 and 23B0799//the Outstanding Youth Project of the Education Department of Hunan Province, China/ ; kq2402042//the Natural Science Foundation of Changsha City/ ; CXZZSS2026158//the Hebei Province Graduate Innovation Ability Cultivation Support Project/ ; XY2026044//the Graduate Innovation Fund Project of Hebei University of Architecture/ ; 2403199//the 2024 Annual Project under the 14th Five-Year Plan for Educational Science Research in Hebei Province/ ; YKCSZ2026069//the Graduate Course Ideological and Political Education Demonstration Project for the 2026 Ac-ademic Year, "Digital Modeling and Simulation"/ ; 254Z3801G//the Central Government Guiding Local Science and Technology Development Fund Project (Re-gional Science and Technology Innovation System Project), "Construction of a Comprehensive System for Wind and Sand Control Based on Green Recycling of Construction W/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Wearable Electronic Devices ; *Gait ; Graph Neural Networks ; *Biosensing Techniques ; Walking ; },
abstract = {Wearable inertial sensors offer a portable means of assessing gait abnormalities associated with neurological and orthopedic disorders. However, intersubject variability, overlapping gait patterns, and class imbalance complicate multiclass recognition. This study presents the Temporal Structural Dual Graph Network (TSDGNet) for pathological gait classification using inertial measurement unit (IMU) signals. Four IMUs positioned on the head, lower back, and both feet provide acceleration and angular velocity signals during walking and turning. The framework combines multiscale temporal feature extraction with graph-based modeling of sequence-level relationships among sensor representations. Two fixed prior graphs encode anatomical and symbiotic relationships, while trainable graph attention and context-guided gated residual refinement adapt sensor-node representations. Class-balanced optimization is incorporated to reduce training bias toward majority classes. Subject-independent evaluation was performed on a public clinical dataset comprising healthy controls and seven neurological or orthopedic disease groups. Comparisons with representative baseline and advanced models showed competitive classification performance. Ablation analyses examined the contributions of temporal modeling, structural relationship learning, and class-balanced optimization. These findings support the potential of combining wearable inertial sensing with temporal and graph-based learning for objective classification of pathological gait.},
}

Humans
*Wearable Electronic Devices
*Gait
Graph Neural Networks
*Biosensing Techniques
Walking

@article {pmid42930589,
year = {2026},
author = {Nassar, SA},
title = {From Dysbiosis to Symbiosis: Using the Gut Microbiome to Improve Cancer Outcomes.},
journal = {Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/medsci14060669},
pmid = {42930589},
issn = {2076-3271},
support = {2025/03/37810//Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Symbiosis ; *Dysbiosis/microbiology ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology ; *Neoplasms/microbiology/therapy ; Animals ; },
abstract = {The gut microbiome has emerged as an important regulator of cancer biology, influencing carcinogenesis, treatment response, and therapy-related toxicity. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on the mechanistic roles of the gut microbiota in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers and evaluates emerging microbiome-based strategies for improving cancer outcomes. Dysbiosis-characterized by altered microbial diversity, depletion of beneficial functions, and enrichment of disease-associated taxa-may contribute to tumorigenesis through interconnected mechanisms involving chronic inflammation, genotoxicity, metabolic dysregulation, epigenetic alterations, and immune evasion. Key cancer-associated bacteria, including Fusobacterium nucleatum, enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF), pks[+]Escherichia coli, and Helicobacter pylori, illustrate the mechanistic diversity of microbiota-associated carcinogenesis. Beyond cancer initiation, the gut microbiome can influence the efficacy and toxicity of anticancer therapies. In immunotherapy, specific microbial taxa and metabolites modulate antitumor immunity and immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) responses, while antibiotic-associated dysbiosis has been linked to poorer outcomes. In chemotherapy, microbial metabolism and microbiota-derived metabolites can alter drug efficacy and toxicity, including modulation of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) activity. Microbiome-based biomarkers show promise for cancer detection and treatment prediction, with fecal microbial signatures, including F. nucleatum, potentially improving colorectal cancer (CRC) screening when incorporated into multimarker strategies. Therapeutic approaches aimed at restoring microbial symbiosis include fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), which has shown preliminary potential to restore ICI responsiveness in treatment-refractory melanoma, and probiotic interventions, although clinical evidence remains limited. Emerging engineered microbial therapeutics, including tumor-targeting bacteria designed to deliver localized immunostimulatory payloads, are advancing toward clinical translation. Despite substantial progress, important challenges remain, including methodological heterogeneity, lack of standardized protocols, confounding factors, and unresolved safety concerns. Personalized strategies integrating microbial features with host characteristics and treatment context may ultimately enable more effective microbiome-based approaches to improve cancer outcomes.},
}

Humans
*Symbiosis
*Dysbiosis/microbiology
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology
*Neoplasms/microbiology/therapy
Animals

@article {pmid42925030,
year = {2026},
author = {Coste, M and Breusing, C and Travis, BA and Girguis, PR},
title = {Transposable element content is associated with total genome size and host taxonomy in sulfur-oxidizing bacterial endosymbionts.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0114826},
doi = {10.1128/msystems.01148-26},
pmid = {42925030},
issn = {2379-5077},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile genetic sequences that can disrupt, relocate, or create genes and regulatory elements, thereby contributing to genome evolution. Their potential role in shaping adaptation, including symbiotic relationships, has drawn increasing attention. Most research on TEs to date has focused on terrestrial environments, while less is known about TE function and prevalence in marine habitats. This study investigates the presence and distribution of TEs in marine chemosynthetic symbioses, specifically among the genomes of sulfur-oxidizing Gammaproteobacteria associated with animals living in a diversity of chemically reducing environments. Our data reveal that factors such as phylogenetic relationship and habitat type have no demonstrated association with TE abundance, while factors such as genome size, host family, and lifestyle are significantly correlated. Almost all vesicomyid clam symbionts lacked TEs likely because of reductive genome evolution, while mytilid symbionts had the highest TE abundance possibly due to increased rates of homologous recombination or TE proliferation related to adaptive genome streamlining. Transposase family diversity varied considerably among symbiont groups but was not associated with genome size, indicating that other factors influence transposase composition. Notably, a large fraction of transposase genes was flanked by genes involved in DNA replication and repair, membrane transport, and prokaryotic defense systems, implying a possible role in environmental or host adaptation. This study highlights the dynamic nature of TE content in symbiotic bacteria and allows for the formulation of hypotheses on TE function for the evolution of bacteria in diverse, chemically reducing environments.

IMPORTANCE: Transposable elements are key drivers of bacterial genome evolution and environmental adaptation by creating new gene functions and altering existing ones, yet they remain comparatively understudied in marine microbes. In this study, we assessed TE content and the function of flanking genes in symbiotic and free-living sulfur-oxidizing bacteria from a variety of aquatic environments. Our analyses show that genome size, bacterial lifestyle, and host association have a significant impact on TE abundance, but not necessarily transposase diversity. Transposases were often flanked by DNA replication and repair genes, membrane transporters, and prokaryotic defense systems, which likely represent transposition cargo that might be relevant for habitat adaptation. The patterns observed within these data further our understanding of the distribution and function of transposases and lay a foundation for future studies investigating the role of transposases in bacterial genome evolution.},
}

@article {pmid42919855,
year = {2026},
author = {Maehara, S and Takahara, C and Watanabe, R and Yoshitake, S and Nakajima, S and Ohashi, H and Watashi, K and Hata, T},
title = {Endophytic extract from Zanthoxylum piperitum as a promising source of anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents.},
journal = {The Journal of antibiotics},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42919855},
issn = {1881-1469},
support = {26K09707//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; JP24K02290//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; 25K21782//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; JP26fk0310525//Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)/ ; JP26ak0101271//Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)/ ; 25wm0325079//Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)/ ; },
abstract = {Endophytic fungi produce secondary metabolites that protect their host plants from external threats, and this symbiotic system represents a promising source of antiviral compounds. In this study, we evaluated the anti- severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) activity of culture extracts from endophytic fungi isolated from Zanthoxylum piperitum. Among the 12 isolates tested, six exhibited significant antiviral activity in SARS-CoV-2-infected cells, and three of these showed distinct inhibitory effects on the viral 3C-like (3CL) protease. Chemical analysis of the active extracts identified sapinopyridione-produced by a Botryosphaeria endophyte-as the principal active metabolite. This compound displayed potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity, with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 2.45 μM (0.58 μg/mL). These findings suggest that sapinopyridione derivatives are promising lead compounds for the development of antiviral agents targeting SARS-CoV-2.},
}

@article {pmid42920135,
year = {2026},
author = {Cnudde, P and Rolfson, O and Huxtable-Thomas, L},
title = {The "symbiosis" between high-quality register data and value-based health care and the role of local, national, and international registers in the development and promotion of value-based healthcare projects.},
journal = {BMC health services research},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42920135},
issn = {1472-6963},
mesh = {*Registries/standards ; Humans ; *Value-Based Health Care ; Evidence-Based Medicine ; Interviews as Topic ; Quality Improvement ; *Arthroplasty, Replacement/standards ; Qualitative Research ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Since 2006, the idea of Value-Based Health Care (VHBC) has gained traction, introducing the need for value from a patient's view as well as a health system's view. Arthroplasty registers and their international body, the international society of arthroplasty registries (ISAR) seek to improve outcomes for individuals receiving joint replacements; at face value, register data forms part of a VBHC approach. This study explored the symbiotic relationship between register data and VBHC and contributions between registers and evidence-based medicine (EBM), quality improvement and pathways.

METHODS: The study used exploratory, semi-structured interview methods with a sample of regionally, nationally, and internationally recognised register experts. Fifteen participants were provided with some contextual questions prior to the interview. Interviews were held using online technology, and transcriptions stored and analysed using NVivo software. The thematic analysis was performed using qualitative coding to seek trends in experts' views on registers with a confirmatory coding and analysis undertaken by a social science researcher.

RESULTS: Improved patient outcomes and linking value to care by contributing to EBM as part of the function of the registers were supported by interviewees and interviews revealed the importance of clinician-led registers in the integration of outcome measures and the implementation of an evidence-based practice. By providing the four stakeholders (the patient, the clinical teams, the health system, and the society) with information to improve decision-making protocols, support clinical decisions on effective implant choices and pre- and post-operative care regimes, registers have contributed to improved outcomes. The role of the registers in supporting the development of arthroplasty pathways was found to be more ambiguous and variable across territories and between practitioners. Whilst the focus of the registers has been on improving outcomes, cost-savings for the healthcare systems were considered a bonus.

CONCLUSIONS: The analysis supports a link between the principles of VBHC including the aim to reduce unwarranted variations, and the evidence-generating potential of arthroplasty registers, outlining a common purpose in improving outcomes and value for patients, surgical teams, healthcare organisations and society. Further research is planned to refine views and provide further insights in the complete pathway and potential symbiosis.},
}

*Registries/standards
Humans
*Value-Based Health Care
Evidence-Based Medicine
Interviews as Topic
Quality Improvement
*Arthroplasty, Replacement/standards
Qualitative Research

@article {pmid42920712,
year = {2026},
author = {Lai, D and Li, Z and Zhang, S and Wen, P},
title = {Construction of a digital literacy education support model and development and validation of a scale for physical education majors in China.},
journal = {Frontiers in psychology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1901994},
pmid = {42920712},
issn = {1664-1078},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Physical education majors have a dual identity as current learners and future educators. Their digital literacy is not only related to their adaptation to digital learning environments but also directly influences the development of their future competence in physical education teaching, training organization, and management practice. Therefore, it is necessary to systematically identify and strengthen educational support for their digital literacy development. However, existing studies have mainly focused on digital literacy levels or single influencing factors, with insufficient attention paid to the educational support structure underlying the formation of digital literacy. In particular, standardized measurement tools tailored to the context of physical education remain limited. This study aimed to construct a Digital Literacy Education Support model for physical education majors in China and to develop and validate a corresponding scale.

METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 physical education majors and 12 university teachers and counselors. The interview data were analyzed using grounded theory through three-stage coding, which identified five main categories: personal traits, symbiotic environment, school environment, social environment, and policy and institutional system. Based on these categories, an educational support model was constructed. Subsequently, an initial item pool was developed through literature analysis and expert review, and item analysis, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and reliability and validity testing were conducted using pilot and formal survey data.

RESULTS: The results showed that exploratory factor analysis supported a five-factor structure, explaining 58.119% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated good model fit (χ [2]/df = 2.725, RMSEA = 0.037, CFI = 0.968, TLI = 0.965, IFI = 0.968). Cronbach's alpha coefficients, split-half reliability, and test-retest reliability for all dimensions met recommended psychometric standards, and the scale demonstrated good convergent and discriminant validity.

DISCUSSION: The findings suggest that the development of digital literacy among physical education majors is shaped by the joint effects of multilevel support involving individual, relational, school, social, and institutional conditions. The developed 30-item scale shows good reliability and validity and can provide a theoretical basis and practical tool for universities to diagnose and improve educational support for digital literacy among physical education majors.},
}

@article {pmid42922012,
year = {2026},
author = {Vieites-Blanco, C and Caballol, M and Oliva, J},
title = {The Influence of Nitrogen on Alnus glutinosa Susceptibility to Phytophthora × alni.},
journal = {Plant disease},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {PDIS10252034RE},
doi = {10.1094/PDIS-10-25-2034-RE},
pmid = {42922012},
issn = {0191-2917},
abstract = {Riparian forest ecosystems face multiple anthropogenic pressures, including chronic nitrogen (N) pollution and invasive pathogens. However, the putative synergies among them are poorly understood. In the case of the keystone N-fixing tree Alnus glutinosa attacked by the exotic pathogen Phytophthora × alni, such pressures may act synergistically. N can indirectly promote susceptibility to the pathogen by affecting native soil microbiome composition and disrupting alder's symbiotic partnership with actinobacteria of the genus Frankia. In a greenhouse experiment that involved the manipulation of N through fertilization and Frankia nodulation through soil sterilization, we examined the interactive effects of nodulation, soil microbiota, and P. × alni infection on alder performance. We found that alder survival after infection was strongly influenced by the origin of the substrate in which the plants were grown. Under N-fertilization, mortality due to Phytophthora was higher in plants grown without alder soil amendments. In contrast, in soils amended with alder soil, N-fertilization did not increase alder susceptibility to the pathogen, although it significantly reduced Frankia nodulation. Nodulation was lowest in plants carrying the highest pathogen loads, showing that P. × alni infection not only kills alders but also undermines N-fixation. Our findings show that N-fertilization and P. × alni suppress nodulation and therefore can simultaneously contribute negatively to the N-fixing central function of alders in river ecosystems. Our results also seem to discard any protective role of soil microbiome or Frankia nodulation against P. × alni on alder.},
}

@article {pmid42914000,
year = {2026},
author = {Maartens, LH and Thompson, PN and Grewar, JD and Picard, JA and Gummow, B},
title = {Bovine keratoconjunctivitis: a review of the bovine ocular surface microbiome and related epidemiological risk factors.},
journal = {Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)},
volume = {320},
number = {},
pages = {106947},
doi = {10.1016/j.tvjl.2026.106947},
pmid = {42914000},
issn = {1532-2971},
abstract = {Bovine keratoconjunctivitis (BK) is a common inflammatory condition of the ocular surface (OS) of cattle, with a complex epidemiology. This review summarises current knowledge about the bovine ocular surface microbiota (OSMt) and discusses how it integrates with agent, host and environmental factors involved in BK epidemiology. A comprehensive literature review, from 1950 to 2026, was conducted to identify known constituents of the OSMt and symbionts with pathogenic potential within this community. Information about key epidemiological factors associated with BK was simultaneously collected. After applying a structured literature search and selection criteria, 321 papers remained. A directed acyclic graph was used to construct a conceptual framework that visualised the role of the bovine OSMt in BK within the epidemiological web. The graph indicated that cattle are exposed to six injurious environmental factors acting from outside the ocular surface microbiome (OSMe)-(i) ultraviolet B, (ii) lachryphagous insects, (iii) desiccation stress, (iv) nutritional deficiencies, (v) large particulate matter, and (vi) small particulate matter-and two factors acting from within the microbiome-(vii) pathogenic stages of Thelazia spp. and (viii) pathogenic viruses. Metagenomic analyses revealed marked diversity within the bovine OSMt and symbionts of both high (e.g., Moraxella bovis) and low pathogenic potential (e.g., Mesomycoplasma bovoculi). The symbiotic relationship is influenced by damaging or disruptive environmental influences impacting on barrier integrity. Integrating the OSMe within a network of agent, host, and environmental factors provides a new perspective on BK that may inform future control strategies.},
}

@article {pmid42914133,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, LQ and Kim, JY and Yoshinari, A and Gong, T and Rouina, H and Frommer, WB},
title = {SWEET uniporters - a 2026 update.},
journal = {Plant physiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/plphys/kiag784},
pmid = {42914133},
issn = {1532-2548},
abstract = {SWEETs are a family of ancient sugar transporters found in Archaea, Eubacteria, oomycetes, fungi, plants and metazoa. In plants, SWEETs play central roles in carbon allocation from source to sink tissues, as well as reproductive development, response to changes in environmental conditions, and biotic interactions. Recent studies have provided deeper mechanistic insights into SWEET-mediated transport, including substrate specificity, transport selectivity, structural dynamics, and the physiological diversification of family members across species. Emerging evidence highlights roles of SWEETs in symbiotic interactions and microbiome-associated carbon exchange. Given the growing number of recent reviews on SWEET physiology, this update focuses on current challenges and emerging perspectives on SWEET-mediated transport processes, cell-type specificity, functional diversification, the interpretation of overexpression phenotypes, and functions in symbiotic interactions. We also discuss how these insights may be leveraged to optimize carbon partitioning, improve resilience, and enhance crop productivity and biofuel production.},
}

@article {pmid42914795,
year = {2026},
author = {Córdova-López, G and Bermúdez-Barrientos, JR and Martínez-Ugalde, I and Cabrera-Rangel, JF and Abreu-Goodger, C and Partida-Martínez, LP},
title = {Symbiont-dependent sexual reproduction in Rhizopus microsporus involves transcriptional reprogramming and RNAi-associated small-RNA responses.},
journal = {Microbiological research},
volume = {315},
number = {},
pages = {128782},
doi = {10.1016/j.micres.2026.128782},
pmid = {42914795},
issn = {1618-0623},
abstract = {Symbioses play a central role in shaping host development and physiology, yet how multiple symbiotic partners collectively influence complex biological processes remains poorly understood. In the fungal holobiont Rhizopus microsporus, bacterial (Mycetohabitans) and viral (narnaviruses) endosymbionts contribute to the formation of zygospores between compatible sexual partners, although their influence on early sexual reproduction remains largely unexplored. Here, we used mRNA sequencing data to evaluate the impact of bacterial and viral symbionts on the fungal transcriptional landscape at the onset of sexual development, revealing a substantial transcriptional reprogramming. Through network analysis, we identified candidate hub genes, including transcription factors, protein kinases, and signal transduction components, that may contribute to this developmental transition. By integrating sRNA-sequencing data, we found small-RNA signals correlating with early sexual success. Furthermore, we uncovered distinct processing patterns for the RmNV-20S and RmNV-23S viral symbionts, revealing that RmNV-23S processing shifted during the initiation of fungal sexual reproduction in the absence of the bacterial partner. Target prediction analyses further suggest that viral-derived sRNAs could influence distinct functional signatures in the fungal genome. Moreover, predicted interactions between endogenous or viral sRNAs and fungal transcripts suggest a potential role for sRNAs in fine-tuning the host transcriptional profile. Altogether, our findings provide a novel framework for understanding how multi-kingdom symbioses modulate host development and identify potential molecular factors that may contribute to the onset of sexual reproduction in R. microsporus.},
}

@article {pmid42916240,
year = {2026},
author = {Dorantes-Aranda, JJ and Stevens, J and Camp, EF and Lugo-Ibarra, KDC and Marcus, MI and Grover, R and Rottier, C and Matthews, JL and Keaney, D and Ferrier-Pagès, C},
title = {Antioxidant and Phytoplankton-Enriched Microparticle Diets Mitigate Thermal Stress in the Reef-Building Coral Stylophora pistillata.},
journal = {Environmental science & technology},
volume = {60},
number = {37},
pages = {26566-26580},
pmid = {42916240},
issn = {1520-5851},
support = {1184//CORDAP Coral Accelerator Program (CAP) 2022: Super Supplement - Boosting Coral Resilience through Nutritional Subsidies/ ; NA//Centre Scientifique de Monaco research programme, supported by the Government of the Principality of Monaco/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Antioxidants ; *Anthozoa ; *Phytoplankton ; Coral Reefs ; Oxidative Stress ; Curcumin ; },
abstract = {The global coral crisis continues to intensify the urgent need for conservation and restoration interventions. Heatwaves are the primary driver of coral declines, triggering coral bleaching by disrupting the symbiosis with the dinoflagellates that provide corals with essential nutrients and energy. Since oxidative stress and nutrient disruption are key processes associated with coral bleaching, we developed a novel, low-cost bioengineering approach to deliver antioxidant support to corals. We used the reef-building model coral Stylophora pistillata to test microparticle feeds containing antioxidants and phytoplankton cells during a simulated heatwave. Among five phytoplankton species, Pavlova lutheri, known to produce antioxidants de novo, offered the best protection to S. pistillata. Moreover, the encapsulated antioxidants curcumin and fucoxanthin outperformed P. lutheri, supporting corals by showing higher photosynthetic efficiency and total antioxidant capacity as well as lower lipid peroxidation impacts. Considering cost-effectiveness for upscaling, curcumin emerges as a promising, scalable intervention for coral conservation, allowing a direct delivery of antioxidant protection to fight oxidative stress associated with warming waters.},
}

Animals
*Antioxidants
*Anthozoa
*Phytoplankton
Coral Reefs
Oxidative Stress
Curcumin

@article {pmid42919557,
year = {2026},
author = {Ren, Z and Hu, Z and Bao, Y and Qin, W and Qin, J and Wan, H and Tan, H and Chen, H},
title = {Enterococcus mundtii regulates SfCYP6B39 expression to modulate chlorantraniliprole resistance in Spodoptera frugiperda.},
journal = {Pesticide biochemistry and physiology},
volume = {224},
number = {},
pages = {107362},
doi = {10.1016/j.pestbp.2026.107362},
pmid = {42919557},
issn = {1095-9939},
mesh = {Animals ; *Spodoptera/microbiology/genetics/drug effects/metabolism ; *Insecticide Resistance/genetics ; *ortho-Aminobenzoates/pharmacology ; *Enterococcus/physiology ; *Insecticides/pharmacology ; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System/metabolism/genetics ; Symbiosis ; *Insect Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Microbiota-mediated adaptation is increasingly recognized as an important driver of insecticide resistance. Here, we demonstrate that gut symbionts promote chlorantraniliprole resistance in Spodoptera frugiperda through transcriptional regulation of host detoxification pathways. Resistant populations exhibited a distinct gut microbial community dominated by Enterococcus mundtii, accompanied by elevated cytochrome P450 (P450) activity and widespread upregulation of detoxification genes. Disruption of the gut microbiota reduced resistance, suppressed P450 activity, and downregulated multiple P450 genes, whereas recolonization with E. mundtii SC1 restored these effects. Functional analyses employing RNA interference and transgenic Drosophila melanogaster identified SfCYP6B39 as a key gene contributing to resistance. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations further revealed that chlorantraniliprole can stably bind to SfCYP6B39. Mechanistically, E. mundtii SC1 promotes SfCYP6B39 overexpression via the transcription factors CncC and BR-C, forming a microbe-host regulatory axis that links symbiont presence to detoxification gene activation. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that gut symbionts enhance insecticide resistance through transcriptional reprogramming of host detoxification networks, providing mechanistic insight and suggesting microbiome-targeted strategies for sustainable pest management.},
}

Animals
*Spodoptera/microbiology/genetics/drug effects/metabolism
*Insecticide Resistance/genetics
*ortho-Aminobenzoates/pharmacology
*Enterococcus/physiology
*Insecticides/pharmacology
Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System/metabolism/genetics
Symbiosis
*Insect Proteins/genetics/metabolism

@article {pmid42905317,
year = {2026},
author = {Strand, JR and Burkle, LA and Cook, D and Gardner, DR and Keith, B and Wallander, R and Weaver, DK and Sterling, TM},
title = {Volatile Insensitivity and Localized Alkaloids Support Commensalism in the Oxytropis sericea-Alternaria oxytropis Association.},
journal = {Journal of chemical ecology},
volume = {52},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {42905317},
issn = {1573-1561},
support = {W-1193/2193/3193//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; },
mesh = {*Volatile Organic Compounds/analysis/metabolism/chemistry ; *Alternaria/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Oxytropis/microbiology/chemistry/physiology/metabolism ; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry ; Endophytes/physiology ; *Swainsonine/metabolism/analysis ; Animals ; Flowers/chemistry/metabolism ; Pollination ; Plant Leaves/chemistry/metabolism ; },
abstract = {The endophytic fungus Alternaria oxytropis is vertically transmitted through silky crazyweed (Oxytropis sericea Nutt.) and produces the neurotoxin swainsonine, yet its influence on host chemical signaling remains unclear. Here we characterize the floral and foliar volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles of endophyte-infected (E+) and endophyte-free (E-) O. sericea using dynamic headspace GC-MS on greenhouse- and field-grown plants - the first characterization of volatile profiles in this species. Endophyte infection had a negligible effect on VOC composition, explaining less than 1% of compositional variance in both greenhouse and field settings, with no compound differing consistently by infection status. Seven volatiles were reliably detected across both environments. The dominant axes of variation (PCA) instead reflected differences among individuals and between size-matched E+/E- plant across years. These accounted for most compositional variance (72.6% greenhouse, 64.9% field), and VOC profiles differed markedly between collection years, likely reflecting fine-scale environmental and physiological variation. Ancillary nectar assays and pollinator observations revealed no consistent differences between E + and E- plants, and seed set was unaffected regardless of endophyte status. Swainsonine in floral organs was roughly an order of magnitude lower than in leaves and near-trace in nectar, indicating that any localized chemical defense is likely decoupled from scent chemistry. Together, these findings position the Oxytropis-Alternaria association toward the commensal end of the symbiotic continuum: the fungus maintains vertical transmission while the host shows no detectable effect on volatile signaling, pollinator attraction, or reproductive output, despite the resources required to sustain fungal alkaloid biosynthesis. This system offers a tractable model for understanding how endophyte associations persist in the absence of measurable host benefit.},
}

*Volatile Organic Compounds/analysis/metabolism/chemistry
*Alternaria/physiology
*Symbiosis
*Oxytropis/microbiology/chemistry/physiology/metabolism
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Endophytes/physiology
*Swainsonine/metabolism/analysis
Animals
Flowers/chemistry/metabolism
Pollination
Plant Leaves/chemistry/metabolism

@article {pmid42905784,
year = {2026},
author = {Yuan, H and Zhang, Y and Zhao, Y and Wang, C and Zhou, Y and Ni, Q and Li, X and Zhang, B and Wang, Y and Cai, L and Liu, H and Wang, J and Gong, J and Zhang, M and Xi, Z and Pan, X},
title = {Wolbachia outcompetes mosquito-borne viruses by reprogramming host ATPSβ1-driven ATP metabolism toward symbiotic proliferation.},
journal = {PLoS pathogens},
volume = {22},
number = {10},
pages = {e1014692},
doi = {10.1371/journal.ppat.1014692},
pmid = {42905784},
issn = {1553-7374},
abstract = {Wolbachia endosymbionts confer broad-spectrum resistance to mosquito-borne viruses. While the antiviral metabolites in Wolbachia-Aedes have been identified during viral replication, the core metabolic gene underlying this defense across the entire viral infection cycle remains undefined. Here, we demonstrated for the first time that Wolbachia strongly suppressed the emerging alphavirus Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, extending its known antiviral spectrum. Transcriptomic and functional analyses revealed ATP synthase beta subunit 1 (ATPSβ1) as a key metabolic hub hijacked by both MBV and the symbiont. Without Wolbachia symbiosis, dengue virus and VEEV induced ATPSβ1 to promote viral binding via the viral envelope protein and increased intracellular ATP production for viral replication. Conversely, Wolbachia overrode ATPSβ1-mediated viral binding and redirected ATPSβ1-driven ATP synthesis to fuel its proliferation, strengthening antiviral activity. Pharmacologically, adenosine increased Wolbachia wAlbB density and potently suppressed viral infection in Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus cells. Oligomycin reduced intracellular ATP and inhibited viral infection in Wolbachia-free Ae. aegypti cells. Collectively, Wolbachia repurposes dual-functional ATPSβ1, which governs MBV binding and replication, into a potent antiviral effector through a metabolic tug-of-war over host ATP during symbiont-virus competition. Moreover, we highlight interventions targeting the ATPSβ1-driven metabolism as promising strategies to curb MBV transmission.},
}

@article {pmid42906142,
year = {2026},
author = {Murakami, H and Awai, K},
title = {Phospholipid analogs and beyond: pleiotropic roles of betaine lipids in phycology, ecology, and biomedicine.},
journal = {Journal of experimental botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jxb/erag534},
pmid = {42906142},
issn = {1460-2431},
abstract = {Betaine lipids (BLs) are a class of non-phosphorus glycerolipids widely found in microalgae, fungi, bacteria, mosses, and ferns. For decades, the central paradigm regarding the biological function of BLs has been their role in substituting for phospholipids under phosphate starvation-a crucial adaptive mechanism for survival in oligotrophic environments. However, accumulating evidence indicates that the functional diversity of BLs is far more extensive. Recent studies have demonstrated their distinct roles in fatty acid metabolism, adaptation to various environmental stresses, and ecological interactions such as symbiosis and predation. This review summarizes current insights into the pleiotropic roles of BLs in microalgal physiology and ecology, moving beyond their role as mere phospholipid surrogates. Furthermore, we highlight the recently discovered bioactive function of BL derivative in mammals.},
}

@article {pmid42906328,
year = {2026},
author = {Song, ZH and He, XL and Zhang, QH and Li, JW and Lin, LC and Li, YH and Wang, JF},
title = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal inoculation as a potential approach for enhancing pollutant removal from tailwater in Acorus calamus constructed wetlands.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {518},
number = {},
pages = {143955},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143955},
pmid = {42906328},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {The residual organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, and heavy metals (HMs) in the effluent from wastewater treatment plants pose persistent risks to the ecological environment. To enhance advanced treatment of synthetic tailwater, this study used CWs based on the symbiosis of Acorus calamus and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and investigated its pollutant removal efficiency and underlying mechanisms. The results showed that AMF inoculation significantly increased the removal rates of organic matter and total nitrogen by 11.35% and 16.62%, respectively, while TP removal showed a non-significant increasing trend (7.65%), respectively; reduced N2O flux and peak emissions by 39.34% and 21.96%. Compared with the control group, AMF symbiotic treatment showed more positive changes: AMF-plant symbiosis significantly increased plant biomass and significantly enhanced plant HM content and accumulation (Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn). Meanwhile, changes in microbial diversity and the relative abundance of microbial communities related to nitrogen and phosphorus cycling indirectly enhanced the removal of organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus in CWs. In addition, changes in the abundance of functional genes related to carbon metabolism and nitrogen transformation/reduction were consistent with organic matter and nitrogen removal and reduced N2O/TN emissions. In summary, this study proposes that the AMF-plant symbiosis may coordinately enhance the advanced treatment performance of CWs for synthetic tailwater through plant-microbial community-functional gene interactions, thereby providing new insights for the application of plant-microbe symbiotic technology in advanced tailwater treatment.},
}

@article {pmid42906824,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, S and Feng, YW and Zhu, C},
title = {From aseptic ideal to microbial community balance: The shift in gut microbiota management models for hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients.},
journal = {Transplant immunology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {102470},
doi = {10.1016/j.trim.2026.102470},
pmid = {42906824},
issn = {1878-5492},
abstract = {In the clinical practice of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), we find ourselves in a thought-provoking paradox. On one hand, hematologists strive to create an sterility paradigm for patients through systemic drug baths before admission, prophylactic use of broad-spectrum antibiotics during the conditioning phase, and sterile diets during transplantation. The core goal of these strategies is to minimize the risk of infection for patients. However, from a microbiological perspective, a completely different picture emerges; the gut microbiota is a virtual organ that co-evolved with the host and possesses critical metabolic and immune regulatory functions. Microbiologists point out that indiscriminate antibiotic clearing strategies, while attempting to eradicate a few pathogens, also destroy the diversity and ecological functions of the microbiota necessary for maintaining gut homeostasis, leading to the collapse of intestinal barrier, disruption of intestinal epithelial energy metabolism, and loss of immune regulatory signals. Increasing evidence suggests that this pursuit of aseptic ideal, particularly the extensive suppression of the gut microbiome by broad-spectrum antibiotics, may be opening another Pandora's box: severe gut dysbiosis, which is not only associated with unexplained fever and diarrhea but may also affect the overall reconstruction and regulation of the patient's immune system, thus correlating with the occurrence and development of challenging complications such as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The divergence of views between hematologists and microbiologists highlights a core cognitive conflict in contemporary HSCT management: are we treating a patient, or are we regulating a superorganism composed of human cells and symbiotic microorganisms? This comment aims to analyze this contradiction based on existing evidence and advocate for a more refined and ecologically-oriented new model of clinical management.},
}

@article {pmid42908221,
year = {2026},
author = {Luo, D and Wu, S and Zhang, H and Lu, W and Zeng, X and Luo, F and Li, M and Li, J and Li, R and Wan, H and Liao, X},
title = {Effects of cadmium stress on the biological fitness and insecticide susceptibility of the rice pest brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål).},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.71424},
pmid = {42908221},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {32360690//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; CXTD [2023]015//Guizhou Provincial Innovation Talents Team/ ; QKHPTZSYS[2025]024//Guizhou Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosecurity/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The brown planthopper (BPH) is one of the most destructive migratory pests of rice. In paddy ecosystems, cadmium (Cd) contamination and pesticide exposure are major environmental stressors. However, studies simulating BPH immigration into and emigration from Cd-contaminated areas, and evaluating the effects of Cd on BPH development, reproduction, and insecticide susceptibility remain scarce.

RESULTS: Continuous Cd stress over three generations significantly reduced parental female longevity and fecundity, and decreased offspring egg hatchability. Compared to the control, the relative fitness values of the offspring population produced by 0.1, 0.5, and 2.5 mg/L Cd-treated parents decreased to 0.78, 0.72, and 0.51, respectively. Furthermore, Cd exposure markedly increased BPH susceptibility to chlorpyrifos (median lethal concentration (LC50) from 27.91 to 19.55 mg/L), imidacloprid (from 481.94 to 226.89 mg/L), nitenpyram (from 14.03 to 9.60 mg/L), and sulfoxaflor (from 19.69 to 12.14 mg/L). This increased susceptibility was further demonstrated to be associated with the down-regulation of five detoxification genes - CYP417A2, UGT386G2, UGT386N1, ABCH1, and CarE2. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in cuticle-related pathways. Moreover, transmission electron microscopy showed reduced cuticle thickness under Cd stress. In addition, microbiomic analyses revealed a marked increase in the symbiont Arsenophonus, which is known to correlate with higher insecticide susceptibility.

CONCLUSION: These results show Cd stress impairs BPH fitness and increases susceptibility to multiple insecticides. These changes may be caused by the down-regulation of detoxification genes, reduced cuticular barrier function, and shifts in symbiotic bacteria. These findings provide a mechanistic basis for adaptive pest management strategies in Cd-contaminated rice agroecosystems, thereby supporting more sustainable and effective control practices. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid42908565,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, H and Li, Y and Li, Q},
title = {Dimensions of perceived algorithmic control and endorsement of minimum-only execution in platform delivery work.},
journal = {Frontiers in psychology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1937810},
pmid = {42908565},
issn = {1664-1078},
abstract = {An overall perception of algorithmic control may obscure how specific work experiences relate to emotional reports and minimum-only execution. Drawing on affective events theory, conservation of resources theory, and emotional labor theory, this study examines how control-related work experiences and emotions relate to endorsement of minimum-only execution. Single-wave survey data from 650 platform delivery workers in China were analyzed using ordinary partial least squares structural equation modeling. The primary model jointly includes temporal demands and pace adjustment, response demands and reported responses, and trajectory-recording awareness as separate reflective constructs. Conditional on the other dimensions and both emotional variables, temporal and response dimensions were positively associated with minimum-only execution (β = 0.339 and 0.242), whereas the trajectory dimension was negatively associated (β = -0.183). Trajectory-recording awareness was positively associated with exhaustion and feigning; its positive total indirect association accompanied a total association with minimum-only execution that was not statistically distinguishable from zero. Exhaustion and feigning were each positively associated with minimum-only execution, but their conditional association and the indirect associations involving both were nonsignificant. The common-PAC diagnostic further indicated that a single control representation obscured differences in the three dimensions' external associations. These findings highlight the value of assessing deadlines and pacing, response expectations, and recording practices separately, while considering both workers' resource depletion and emotional display regulation in platform work design.},
}

@article {pmid42909664,
year = {2026},
author = {Feulner, M and Spieleder, U and Dose, FJP and Motzkus, J and Thomas, DC},
title = {Expanding the geographic and host range of moss-nostocacean symbioses in central Europe.},
journal = {Oecologia},
volume = {208},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {42909664},
issn = {1432-1939},
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Bryophyta ; Nostoc ; Phylogeny ; *Cyanobacteria ; },
abstract = {Since their re-discovery, Moss-cyanobacterial symbioses are of increasing interest, especially Nostoc-feather moss symbioses. Efforts to document Nostoc-feather moss symbioses have historically been centered in Scandinavia and the North American Boreal forest zone. Herein we report the results of several opportunistic surveys investigating the occurrence of Nostocaceae-moss symbioses in the region of Franconia (Germany), from Hylocomium splendens of the forest floor and four moss species (Orthotrichum lyellii, Zygodon dentatus, Homalia trichomanoides, Pseudoamblystegium subtile) located on three tree species (Fagus sylvatica, Fraxinus excelsior, and Sorbus schuwerkiorum). Using culture- and microscopy-based methods, we confirm the occurrence of such symbioses in our region. Four new moss host species for the symbiosis are documented, from the epiphytic family Orthotrichaceae (Orthotrichum sp. and Zygodon sp.), and also Neckeraceae (Homalia trichomanoides) and Amblystegiaceae (Pseudoambylstegium subtile). This further extends the range of known moss hosts for Nostoc and Nostoc-related organisms outside the traditional feather moss (Hypnales) and Sphagnum clades. 16S rRNA gene sequence alignments placed the moss-associated Nostoc and Nostoc-related organisms throughout our Nostocaceae phylogeny, with no obvious single symbiotic clade. We note the presence of multiple alternate nifH genes within the genomes of our cultured Nostoc and Nostoc-related organisms, possibly enabling diazotrophy under variable ecological conditions. We also present evidence for possible endophytic colonization by cyanobacteria of stems of mosses.},
}

*Symbiosis
*Bryophyta
Nostoc
Phylogeny
*Cyanobacteria

@article {pmid42909986,
year = {2026},
author = {Román, ED and Nebhut, AN and Fukami, T and Gould, AL},
title = {Bioluminescence may be affected by strain assembly history in a marine symbiont.},
journal = {ISME communications},
volume = {6},
number = {1},
pages = {ycag279},
pmid = {42909986},
issn = {2730-6151},
abstract = {Symbionts can be highly variable in their species or strain composition in ways that environmental factors alone cannot explain. One potential mechanism that contributes to this variability is priority effects, whereby the arrival order and timing influence how species or strains affect one another in the host. Here, we investigated whether priority effects influence strain composition in the luminous bacterial symbiont Photobacterium mandapamensis, which inhabits the light organ of the cardinalfish Siphamia tubifer. Using three strains isolated from the same individual host, we conducted in vitro experiments manipulating arrival order and initial abundance. Strains introduced earlier or at higher initial abundance consistently dominated the resultant bacterial populations, indicating strong priority effects. The strains differed measurably in growth and light production. Moreover, the bioluminescence of mixed-strain populations was not predictable from the performance of strains grown individually and, in some cases, exceeded monoculture luminosity by up to 4000%. These results suggest that assembly history could create otherwise inexplicable variability in the strain composition of symbionts and their bioluminescent output, calling for in vivo investigations to study priority effects in the symbiosis.},
}

@article {pmid42910271,
year = {2026},
author = {Kaszecki, E and Emery, RJN and Saville, BJ},
title = {Glucose amendments are associated with structural and hormonal shifts in a fungal-algal-bacterial (FAB) consortium.},
journal = {FEMS microbes},
volume = {7},
number = {},
pages = {xtag051},
pmid = {42910271},
issn = {2633-6685},
abstract = {The fungal-algal-bacterial (FAB) consortium composed of Euglena mutabilis, Talaromyces, and Acidiphilium acidophilum is a natural acid-tolerant assemblage whose heavy metal handling may depend on interspecies cooperation rather than a single-organism uptake alone. Here, glucose was used as a simplified laboratory model of labile carbon availability to test whether carbon input reorganizes consortium structure and stress responses under CdCl2 exposure. Glucose supplementation promoted fungal hyphal development, more extensive visible bacterial colonization, pronounced flocculation, and higher Euglena cell densities under CdCl2 stress. CdCl2 accumulation relative to Euglena cell abundance increased over time in all CdCl2-treated cultures but did not differ significantly among glucose treatments. Hormone profiling revealed distinct extracellular responses under glucose + CdCl2, including elevated bioactive trans-Zeatin (tZ), gibberellin GA7, methyl-thiolated cytokinins, and jasmonic acid, consistent with coordinated consortium-level signalling under metal stress. Scanning electron microscopy provided visual evidence of the FAB physically restructuring when grown in glucose, while transmission electron microscopy (TEM) identified previously uncharacterized electron-dense intravacuole bodies within E. mutabilis, although their identity could not be determined. Together, these findings show that glucose availability reorganizes structural and biochemical signalling of the FAB consortium and is associated with changes in consortium organization and physiological responses under heavy metal stress. They also highlight coordinated structural and biochemical responses associated with consortium persistence under acidic, metal-rich conditions and identify directions for future mechanistic investigations.},
}

@article {pmid42910735,
year = {2026},
author = {Gorman, LM and Tivey, TR and Davy, SK and Weis, VM},
title = {Cell-cycle dynamics in cnidarian-dinoflagellate symbioses.},
journal = {Cell cycle (Georgetown, Tex.)},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {1-16},
doi = {10.1080/15384101.2026.2745302},
pmid = {42910735},
issn = {1551-4005},
mesh = {*Symbiosis/physiology ; *Dinoflagellida/physiology ; Animals ; *Cnidaria/physiology ; *Cell Cycle/physiology ; },
abstract = {The eukaryotic cell cycle is an evolutionarily conserved process that underpins cell division and growth in multicellular and unicellular organisms alike. The regulation of cell cycles of the partners in an endosymbiosis is complex, wherein coordinated growth is central to the maintenance of biomass homeostasis. Imbalanced growth can result in the starvation of one or both partners, the loss of immune tolerance, and the subsequent collapse of the symbiosis. The cnidarian-dinoflagellate symbiosis is an intracellular partnership where unicellular dinoflagellate symbionts reside within cnidarian host cells, provide their hosts with photosynthetically-derived carbon in return for inorganic carbon and nitrogen, and participate in a broader metabolic exchange. This nutritional symbiosis is the foundation of critically important coral reef ecosystems. Cell-cycle arrest is the primary mechanism of symbiont biomass regulation, yet despite this fundamental role in symbiosis homeostasis, many knowledge gaps remain. Here, we summarize our current understanding of host and symbiont cell-cycle regulation during the development and breakdown of cnidarian-dinoflagellate symbiosis.},
}

*Symbiosis/physiology
*Dinoflagellida/physiology
Animals
*Cnidaria/physiology
*Cell Cycle/physiology

@article {pmid42911326,
year = {2027},
author = {Aguirre-Noyola, JL and Gómez-Godínez, LJ and Cuaxinque-Flores, G and Martínez-Romero, E},
title = {Cryopreservation of Rhizobium Strains Associated with Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.): Evaluation of Functional Stability and Nodulation Capacity.},
journal = {Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)},
volume = {3090},
number = {},
pages = {47-54},
pmid = {42911326},
issn = {1940-6029},
mesh = {*Phaseolus/microbiology ; *Cryopreservation/methods ; *Rhizobium/physiology/genetics ; Symbiosis ; Nitrogen Fixation ; Cryoprotective Agents/pharmacology ; *Plant Root Nodulation ; Glycerol ; Root Nodules, Plant/microbiology ; },
abstract = {The conservation of rhizobial diversity is essential to sustain the functionality of symbiotic associations that underpin biological nitrogen fixation in ecologically and agriculturally important legumes. In particular, Rhizobium strains associated with the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) represent a strategic genetic resource in both productive systems and natural ecosystems of Mexico. However, the loss of viability or symbiotic plasmids during laboratory maintenance may compromise their nodulation capacity and nitrogen-fixing ability. In this study, we describe a standardized glycerol-based cryopreservation protocol at -80°C for the long-term preservation of Rhizobium strains symbiotic with P. vulgaris, along with the evaluation of their functional stability after thawing. The method relies on the use of glycerol as a penetrating cryoprotectant, which minimizes cellular damage associated with ice crystal formation and osmotic stress, thereby preserving cell viability and genetic integrity. Furthermore, the capacity of preserved strains to form nitrogen-fixing nodules is assessed as an indicator of symbiotic stability. This protocol provides a reliable tool for the preservation of microbial genetic resources of high ecological and agronomic value, contributing to the safeguarding of rhizobial biodiversity and to its potential application in sustainable agriculture.},
}

*Phaseolus/microbiology
*Cryopreservation/methods
*Rhizobium/physiology/genetics
Symbiosis
Nitrogen Fixation
Cryoprotective Agents/pharmacology
*Plant Root Nodulation
Glycerol
Root Nodules, Plant/microbiology

@article {pmid42911327,
year = {2027},
author = {Aguirre-Noyola, JL and García-Iglesias, V and Cuaxinque-Flores, G and Chávez-González, JD},
title = {Glycerol-Based Cryopreservation of Sinorhizobium/Ensifer Strains from Sweet Acacia (Vachellia farnesiana [L.] Wight & Arn.).},
journal = {Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)},
volume = {3090},
number = {},
pages = {55-61},
pmid = {42911327},
issn = {1940-6029},
mesh = {*Cryopreservation/methods ; *Sinorhizobium/physiology/drug effects ; *Glycerol/pharmacology ; *Acacia/microbiology ; Symbiosis ; *Cryoprotective Agents/pharmacology ; Nitrogen Fixation ; },
abstract = {The genus Sinorhizobium (Ensifer) exhibits remarkable metabolic versatility and adaptive capacity, establishing effective nitrogen-fixing symbioses with diverse legume crops, including the pioneer shrub Vachellia farnesiana. This association is crucial for ecological restoration in arid and nutrient-deficient Mexican dryland ecosystems and for the remediation of contaminated sites. However, the prolonged preservation of specialized native strains through continuous serial subculturing risks genomic instability and the loss of extrachromosomal replicons harboring essential nod, nif, and heavy metal tolerance determinants. Here, we describe an optimized, reproducible, and effective glycerol-based cryopreservation protocol specifically adapted for Sinorhizobium strains associated with V. farnesiana. The protocol is based on the use of a glycerol solution for immediate ultra-low-temperature freezing at -80°C. Strain reactivation via a frozen stock-scraping technique minimized the physiological shock associated with freeze-thaw cycles. Post-preservation validation confirmed the typical Sinorhizobium morphology and, critically, demonstrated the retention of symbiotic competence through in vitro root nodulation assays with V. farnesiana seedlings. This optimized procedure ensures the viable and functionally intact preservation of microbial genetic resources for potential large-scale reforestation and restoration applications.},
}

*Cryopreservation/methods
*Sinorhizobium/physiology/drug effects
*Glycerol/pharmacology
*Acacia/microbiology
Symbiosis
*Cryoprotective Agents/pharmacology
Nitrogen Fixation