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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*Artificial Intelligence
Humans
*Brain/physiology
Animals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

@article {pmid40569657,
year = {2025},
author = {Henry, Y and Dahirel, M and Wallisch, J and Ginesi, S and Vorburger, C},
title = {A test of specific adaptation to symbiont-conferred host resistance in natural populations of a parasitoid wasp.},
journal = {Journal of evolutionary biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jeb/voaf083},
pmid = {40569657},
issn = {1420-9101},
abstract = {Parasitoids are important natural enemies of insects, imposing strong selection for the evolution of resistance. In aphids, the heritable defensive endosymbiont Hamiltonella defensa is a key determinant of resistance, making symbiont-conferred defense a potential target for specific adaptation by parasitoids. We tested this hypothesis in the aphid parasitoid Lysiphlebus fabarum and four of its host species, Aphis fabae fabae, A. hederae, A. urticata, and A. ruborum. The parasitoids show host-associated genetic differentiation indicative of host specialization, and each of these aphid species harbors 1-3 distinct strains of H. defensa, with no shared strains. We introduced eight H. defensa strains from all four aphid species into a common host background (a laboratory strain of symbiont-free A. f. fabae) and then tested the ability of 35 field-collected L. fabarum lines from the same four hosts to parasitize the H. defensa-carrying aphids. The natural origin of symbionts was a key determinant of parasitism success, with strains from A. f. fabae and A. hederae conferring strong protection, and strains from A. urticata and A. ruborum providing virtually no protection. For one strain each from A. f. fabae and A. hederae, we found a signature of specific adaptation by parasitoids, as parasitoids able to overcome their protection mostly came from the same hosts as the symbiont strains. Two other strains were so strongly protective that they permitted very little parasitism independent of where parasitoids came from. While not fully conclusive, these results are consistent with specialized parasitoids adapting to certain defensive symbionts of their host species, supporting the notion of symbiont-mediated coevolution.},
}

@article {pmid40569479,
year = {2025},
author = {Galotta, MP and Omacini, M and Fernández, PC},
title = {Symbiosis with Mycorrhizal Fungi Alters Sesquiterpene but not Monoterpene Profile in the South American Willow Salix humboldtiana.},
journal = {Journal of chemical ecology},
volume = {51},
number = {4},
pages = {70},
pmid = {40569479},
issn = {1573-1561},
support = {PICT-2020-01559//Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica/ ; PIP21-23 Nr. 11220200102849//Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas/ ; Proyecto INTA-PE-E1-I600//Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria/ ; },
mesh = {*Salix/microbiology/metabolism/growth & development/chemistry/physiology ; *Mycorrhizae/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; Volatile Organic Compounds/metabolism/analysis ; *Sesquiterpenes/metabolism/analysis ; Animals ; *Monoterpenes/metabolism/analysis ; Larva/physiology ; Plant Leaves/metabolism/growth & development/chemistry ; Herbivory ; },
abstract = {The emission of volatile organic compounds (VOC) in plants can be influenced by abiotic factors such as light, temperature and moisture, as well as biotic factors like herbivory, oviposition, and pathogen damage. The influence of symbiotic microorganisms on VOC emission is less explored. Although it is widely known that arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi can significantly affect host plant metabolism, their role in VOC emission in trees remains under-investigated. Here, we examine the impact of AM fungi on VOC production in the South American willow tree, Salix humboldtiana. We assessed the effects of inoculation with AM fungi on plant growth and larval feeding by the willow sawfly Nematus oligospilus, as well as its impact on the plant's VOC emission profile. Willow plants inoculated with AM fungi exhibited increased leaf biomass and reduced damage incidence from willow sawfly larvae, supporting the role of mycorrhiza as a protective symbiosis. Notably, AM fungi-inoculated plants emitted 40% less total VOC compared to non-inoculated plants. Both groups emitted similar levels of monoterpenes; however, inoculated plants produced 30% fewer sesquiterpenes. Herbivory did not alter total VOC emission, but non-inoculated plants showed a reduction in (E)-β-ocimene, which was not observed in inoculated plants. The significant decline in sesquiterpene emission of inoculated willow saplings points out the importance of considering the symbiotic microorganisms in the study of plant defenses and insect-plant interactions.},
}

*Salix/microbiology/metabolism/growth & development/chemistry/physiology
*Mycorrhizae/physiology
*Symbiosis
Volatile Organic Compounds/metabolism/analysis
*Sesquiterpenes/metabolism/analysis
Animals
*Monoterpenes/metabolism/analysis
Larva/physiology
Plant Leaves/metabolism/growth & development/chemistry
Herbivory

@article {pmid40569380,
year = {2025},
author = {Maeda, GP and Dang, V and Kelly, MK and Sundar, A and Arnott, RLW and Marcotte, EM and Moran, NA},
title = {Heritable symbiont producing nonribosomal peptide confers extreme heat sensitivity and antifungal protection on its host.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {122},
number = {26},
pages = {e2509873122},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2509873122},
pmid = {40569380},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {R35 GM131738/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; F-1515//Welch Foundation (The Welch Foundation)/ ; R35 GM122480/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; W911NF-12-1-0390//DOD | USA | AFC | CCDC | Army Research Office (ARO)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Aphids/microbiology/physiology ; Peptide Synthases/genetics/metabolism ; *Antifungal Agents/metabolism/pharmacology ; Hot Temperature ; *Peptides/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Insects frequently form associations with maternally transmitted symbiotic bacteria. This transmission mode ensures that symbiont-conferred effects, both beneficial and negative, are passed onto offspring. Here, we report an extreme example of symbiont-mediated temperature sensitivity imposed by a vertically transmitted, defensive symbiont. Pea aphids infected with the bacterial endosymbiont, Fukatsuia symbiotica, resist infection by fungal pathogens but produce few or no offspring when moved from cool (15 °C) to mildly warmer temperatures (20 °C). This temperature-dependent reduction in host fitness is associated with increased symbiont abundance, disordered symbiont localization, and high expression of a horizontally acquired nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) locus. This NRPS operon is syntenic with the locus responsible for the production of Herbicolin A, a known antifungal produced by some plant-associated Erwiniaceae. Activity of chemical extracts from infected aphids is predictive of in vivo protection against entomopathogenic fungi, indicating that an Herbicolin A-like molecule is the likely source of Fukatsuia's protective effects against fungal pathogens. Injection of the same chemical extracts into naive aphids partially recapitulates developmental defects observed in natural infections at 20 °C, suggesting that increased levels of this compound contribute to disrupted embryonic development. Finally, the purification of the causal agent revealed Fukatsuia produces a compound similar but not identical to Herbicolin A, that exhibits both antifungal and hemolytic activity. These results suggest that F. symbiotica infection imposes a trade-off between antifungal defense and disrupted embryonic development, mediated by a single genetic locus.},
}

Animals
*Symbiosis
*Aphids/microbiology/physiology
Peptide Synthases/genetics/metabolism
*Antifungal Agents/metabolism/pharmacology
Hot Temperature
*Peptides/metabolism

@article {pmid40569073,
year = {2025},
author = {Kobiałka, M and Świerczewski, D and Walczak, M and Urbańczyk, W},
title = {Extremely distinct microbial communities in closely related leafhopper subfamilies: Typhlocybinae and Eurymelinae (Cicadellidae, Hemiptera).},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0060325},
doi = {10.1128/msystems.00603-25},
pmid = {40569073},
issn = {2379-5077},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Among the Hemiptera insects, a widespread way of feeding is sucking sap from host plants. Due to their nutrient-poor diet, these insects enter into obligate symbiosis with their microorganisms involved in the synthesis of components essential for host survival. However, within the Cicadellidae family, there is a relatively large group of mesophyll feeders-Typhlocybinae-that is considered to be devoid of obligate symbiotic companions. In this work, we examine the composition of microorganisms in this subfamily and compare the results with their close relatives-the Eurymelinae subfamily. To study the microbiome, we used high-throughput next-generation sequencing (NGS, Illumina) and advanced microscopic techniques, such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), in a confocal microscope. In the bodies of Typhlocybinae insects, we did not detect the presence of microorganisms deemed to be obligate symbionts. Their microbial communities consist of facultative symbionts, mainly alphaproteobacteria such as Wolbachia or Rickettsia as well as others that can be considered as facultative, including Spiroplasma, Acidocella, Arsenophonus, Sodalis, Lariskella, Serratia, Cardinium, and Asaia. On the other hand, the Eurymelinae group is characterized by a high diversity of microbial communities, both obligate and facultative, similar to other Cicadomorpha. We find co-symbionts involved in the synthesis of essential amino acids such as Karelsulcia, betaproteobacteria Nasuia, or gammaproteobacteria Sodalis. In other representatives, we observed symbiotic yeast-like fungi from the family Ophiocordycipitaceae or Arsenophonus bacteria inhabiting the interior of Karelsulcia bacteria. Additionally, we investigated some aspects of symbiont transmission and the phylogeny of symbiotic organisms and their hosts.

IMPORTANCE: The Typhlocybinae and Eurymelinae leafhoppers differ significantly in their symbiotic communities. They have different diets, as Typhlocybinae insects feed on parenchyma, which is richer in nutrients, while Eurymelinae, like most representatives of Auchenorrhyncha, consume sap from the phloem fibers of plants. Our work presents comprehensive studies of 42 species belonging to the two above-mentioned, and so far poorly known, Cicadomorpha subfamilies. Phylogenetic studies indicate that the insects from the studied groups have a common ancestor. The diet shift in the Typhlocybinae leafhoppers contributed to major changes in the composition of microorganisms inhabiting the body of these insects. Research on the impact of diet on the microbiome and the subsequent consequences on the evolution and adaptation of organisms plays an important role in the era of climate change.},
}

@article {pmid40569035,
year = {2025},
author = {Valadez-Ingersoll, M and Rivera, HE and Da-Anoy, J and Kanke, MR and Gomez-Campo, K and Martinez-Rugerio, MI and Metz, S and Sweet, M and Kwan, J and Hekman, R and Emili, A and Gilmore, TD and Davies, SW},
title = {Cell type-specific immune regulation under symbiosis in a facultatively symbiotic coral.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ismejo/wraf132},
pmid = {40569035},
issn = {1751-7370},
abstract = {Many cnidarians host single-celled algae within gastrodermal cells, yielding a mutually beneficial exchange of nutrients between host and symbiont, and dysbiosis can lead to host mortality. Previous research has uncovered symbiosis tradeoffs, including suppression of immune pathways in hosts, and correlations between symbiotic state and pathogen susceptibility. Here, we used a multiomic approach to characterize symbiotic states of the facultatively symbiotic coral Oculina arbuscula by generating genotype-controlled fragments of symbiotic and aposymbiotic tissue. 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed no difference in bacterial communities between symbiotic states. Whole-organism proteomics revealed differential abundance of proteins related to immunity, confirming immune suppression during symbiosis. Single-cell RNAseq identified diverse cell clusters within seven cell types across symbiotic states. Specifically, the gastrodermal cell clusters containing algal-hosting cells from symbiotic tissue had higher expression of nitrogen cycling and lipid metabolism genes than aposymbiotic gastrodermal cells. Furthermore, differential enrichment of immune system gene pathways and lower expression of genes involved in immune regulation were observed in these gastrodermal cells from symbiotic tissue. However, there were no differences in gene expression in the immune cell cluster between symbiotic states. We conclude that there is growing evidence for compartmentalization of immune system regulation in specific gastrodermal cells in symbiosis. This compartmentalization may limit symbiosis tradeoffs by dampening immunity in algal-hosting cells while simultaneously maintaining general organismal immunity.},
}

@article {pmid40568966,
year = {2025},
author = {Singh, J and Mendoza-Soto, AB and Tiwari, M and Acevedo-Sandoval, TT and Formey, D and Ané, JM and Isidra-Arellano, MC and Valdés-López, O},
title = {Phosphate deficiency reduces nodule formation through a Phosphate Starvation Response -Like protein in Phaseolus vulgaris.},
journal = {Plant & cell physiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/pcp/pcaf069},
pmid = {40568966},
issn = {1471-9053},
abstract = {Phosphate deficiency reduces nodule formation in various legumes, which hinders nitrogen fixation and crop yield. We previously showed that phosphate deficiency reduces nodule formation by activating the autoregulation of nodulation (AON) pathway. We also observed that some genetic components of the AON pathway contain P1BS cis-regulatory elements in their promoter regions, which are recognized by the phosphate starvation response 1 (PHR1) transcription factor. This evidence led us to hypothesize that host plant phosphate levels regulate the expression of genes essential for forming nodules through a PHR-Like protein. In the present study, we provide evidence supporting the participation of PvPHR-Like 7 (PvPHR-L7) in regulating nodule formation in Phaseolus vulgaris. Modulation of PvPHR-L7's expression by RNA interference (RNAi) and overexpression suggested that this transcription factor may control the expression of crucial symbiotic genes involved in nodule development in P. vulgaris. An RT-qPCR analysis revealed that the expression of PvPHR-L7, PvNIN, and PvTML is regulated in accordingly to the plant host Pi levels. Transactivation assays in Nicotiana benthamiana and P. vulgaris transgenic roots indicate that PvPHR-L7 can upregulate the expression of PvNIN and PvTML in the absence of rhizobia. In contrast, PvPHR-L7 downregulates the expression of PvNIN under symbiotic conditions with rhizobia. The data presented shed light on the potential role that PvPHR-L7 plays in the root nodule symbiosis.},
}

@article {pmid40567942,
year = {2025},
author = {Zheng, W and Su, M and Hong, N and Ye, P},
title = {Gut-eye axis.},
journal = {Advances in ophthalmology practice and research},
volume = {5},
number = {3},
pages = {165-174},
pmid = {40567942},
issn = {2667-3762},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The gut microbiome, colonizing the human gastrointestinal tract, is increasingly recognized for its symbiotic relationship with the immune system in maintaining overall host health. This emerging understanding raises intriguing questions about potential connections between the gut microbiome and anatomically distant organs, such as the eye, possibly mediated through immune pathways.

MAIN TEXT: This review synthesizes contemporary research on ocular diseases with the framework of the burgeoning "gut-eye axis" concept. Investigations spanning from the ocular surface to the fundus suggest correlations between the gut microbiome and various ocular disorders. By elucidating the putative pathogenic mechanisms underlying these ocular conditions, we offer novel perspectives to inform future diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in ophthalmology.

CONCLUSIONS: By presenting a critical analysis of current knowledge regarding the role of gastrointestinal microbiota in ocular health, this review shed light on the complex interplay between gut dysbiosis and eye disorders. Our work endeavors to catalyze interdisciplinary research and foster innovative clinical applications, thereby bridging the gap between the gut microbiota and the ocular well-being.},
}

@article {pmid40567412,
year = {2025},
author = {Mo, Z and Wang, H and Sun, L and Zhang, Y and Wei, S and Huang, H},
title = {Rhizocompartments drive the structure of root-associated fungal communities in halophytes with different life forms.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1584398},
pmid = {40567412},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Symbiotic fungi with plants are important for plant nutrient uptake and resource redistribution.

METHODS: High-throughput sequencing was used to investigate the composition and driving factors of fungal communities in three rhizocompartments (root endosphere, rhizosphere soil, and non-rhizosphere soil) of different halophyte life forms in the National Nature Reserve of Ebinur Lake Wetland in Xinjiang, China.

RESULTS: (1) The α-diversity index differed significantly among the three rhizocompartments of halophytes with different life forms (P < 0.05), and α and β-diversity were mainly driven by rhizocompartments. (2) Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were the dominant communities across various rhizocompartments in the different life forms. Aporospora and Monosporascus were the dominant fungal genera in the root endosphere of all three plant life forms. Alternaria was dominant in both rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils in herb. Penicillium and Knufia were the dominant in the rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils in shrub, respectively. While Penicillium and Aspergillus were dominant in both rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils in abor. (3) The complexity of the fungal co-occurrence network varied among plant life forms; the highest complexity was found in the rhizosphere soil of herb (11.102), the root endosphere of shrub (23.837) and in the non-rhizosphere soil of arbor (9.920). Furthermore, the co-occurrence networks of the three plant life forms in the three rhizocompartments were mainly positively correlated (86.73%-97.98%). (4) Root-associated fungal communities were significantly and strongly correlated with soil and root water content, soil and root total nitrogen, root and leaf total phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, nitrate nitrogen and salt content in herb. While in shrub, root-associated fungal communities were strongly correlated with soil water content, available phosphorus, catalase and total phosphorus. However, arbor exhibited no significant correlations with soil and plant physicochemical factors.

DISCUSSION: These results provide a theoretical foundation for understanding the complex interaction mechanism between desert halophytes and fungi and are of great significance for strengthening desert vegetation management and vegetation restoration in arid areas.},
}

@article {pmid40566686,
year = {2025},
author = {Jing, S and Li, M and Li, C and Zhang, C and Zhu, L and Du, L and Li, Y and Wei, X and Zhang, M and Ma, B and Ruan, Y and Ma, F},
title = {ABA promotes fatty acid biosynthesis and transport to boost arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis in apple roots.},
journal = {Plant communications},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {101426},
doi = {10.1016/j.xplc.2025.101426},
pmid = {40566686},
issn = {2590-3462},
abstract = {The roots of most land plants are in symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. The fungus promotes nutrient uptake from the soil while receiving plant photosynthate as lipids and sugars. Nutrient exchange must be regulated by both partners, but the mechanisms underlying the regulation of lipid supplement from the plant to the AM fungus remain elusive. Here, we conducted a molecular study on the role of increased abscisic acid (ABA) levels during AM fungus infection in the roots of apple (Malus spp.). AM fungus induced the expression of two ABA synthesis genes, MdNCED3.1 and 3.2, in apple roots and increased the ABA content, which promoted the growth of the AM fungus. The effect of ABA on symbiosis was confirmed in transgenic apple roots either overexpressing or silencing MdNCED3.1 or MdNCED3.2. Transcriptome analysis and transgenic manipulation revealed that the transcription factor MdABF2 played a key role in the ABA-mediated formation of symbiosis during AM infection and that MdABF2 could regulate the expression levels of genes related to fatty acid (FA) synthesis (e.g., MdKASIII) and translocation (such as MdSTR2) in apple roots. Activation of these genes boosted the levels of available fatty acids in the roots and increased the AM fungal colonization and arbuscule development in the roots. These results reveal a molecular pathway in which ABA signaling positively regulates fatty acid synthesis and transport, thereby enhancing lipid supply to AM fungi and promoting AM symbiosis.},
}

@article {pmid40565508,
year = {2025},
author = {Shi, S and Zhang, Z and Lin, X and Lu, L and Fu, K and He, M and Lee, SY and Yin, H and Yu, J},
title = {Comparative and Phylogenetic Analysis of the Complete Chloroplast Genomes of Lithocarpus Species (Fagaceae) in South China.},
journal = {Genes},
volume = {16},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {40565508},
issn = {2073-4425},
support = {GDZZDC20228703//Investigation of forest germplasm resources in Guangdong Province/ ; },
mesh = {*Genome, Chloroplast/genetics ; Phylogeny ; China ; *Fagaceae/genetics/classification ; Microsatellite Repeats/genetics ; Evolution, Molecular ; Base Composition ; },
abstract = {Background/Objectives: In South China, Lithocarpus species dominate mixed evergreen broadleaf forests, forming symbiotic relationships with ectomycorrhizal fungi and serving as food resources for diverse fauna, including frugivorous birds and mammals. The limited understanding of chloroplast genomes in this genus restricts our insights into its species diversity. This study investigates the chloroplast genome (cp genome) sequences from seven Lithocarpus species, aims to elucidate their structural variation, evolutionary relationships, and functional gene content to provide effective support for future genetic conservation and breeding efforts. Methods: We isolated total DNA from fresh leaves and sequenced the complete cp genomes of these samples. To develop a genomic resource and clarify the evolutionary relationships within Lithocarpus species, comparative chloroplast genome studies and phylogenetic investigations were performed. Results: All studied species exhibited a conserved quadripartite chloroplast genome structure, with sizes ranging from 161,495 to 163,880 bp. Genome annotation revealed 130 functional genes and a GC content of 36.72-37.76%. Codon usage analysis showed a predominance of leucine-encoding codons. Our analysis identified 322 simple sequence repeats (SSRs), which were predominantly palindromic in structure (82.3%). All eight species exhibited the same 19 SSR categories in similar proportions. Eight highly variable regions (ndhF, ycf1, trnS-trnG-exon1, trnk(exon1)-rps16(exon2), rps16(exon2), rbcL-accD, and ccsA-ndh) have been identified, which could be valuable as molecular markers in future studies on the population genetics and phylogeography of this genus. The phylogeny tree provided critical insights into the evolutionary trajectory of Fagaceae, suggesting that Lithocarpus was strongly supported as monophyletic, while Quercus was inferred to be polyphyletic, showing a significant cytonuclear discrepancy. Conclusions: We characterized and compared the chloroplast genome features across eight Lithocarpus species, followed by comprehensive phylogenetic analyses. These findings provide critical insights for resolving taxonomic uncertainties and advancing systematic research in this genus.},
}

*Genome, Chloroplast/genetics
Phylogeny
China
*Fagaceae/genetics/classification
Microsatellite Repeats/genetics
Evolution, Molecular
Base Composition

@article {pmid40563984,
year = {2025},
author = {Saavedra-Tralma, D and Gaete, A and Merino-Guzmán, C and Parada-Ibáñez, M and Nájera-de Ferrari, F and Jofré-Fernández, I},
title = {Functional and Genomic Evidence of L-Arginine-Dependent Bacterial Nitric Oxide Synthase Activity in Paenibacillus nitricinens sp. nov.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {14},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {40563984},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {Fondecyt Iniciación 11230807//Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo/ ; },
abstract = {Although nitric oxide (NO) production in bacteria has traditionally been associated with denitrification or stress responses in model or symbiotic organisms, functionally validated L-arginine-dependent nitric oxide synthase (bNOS) activity has not been documented in free-living, non-denitrifying soil bacteria. This paper reports Paenibacillus nitricinens sp. nov., a bacterium isolated from rainforest soil capable of synthesizing NO via a bNOS under aerobic conditions. A bnos-specific PCR confirmed gene presence, while whole-genome sequencing (6.7 Mb, 43.79% GC) revealed two nitrogen metabolism pathways, including a bnos-like gene. dDDH (<70%) and ANI (<95%) values with related Paenibacillus strains support the delineation of this isolate as a distinct species. Extracellular and intracellular NO measurements under aerobic conditions showed a dose-dependent response, with detectable production at 0.1 µM L-arginine and saturation at 100 µM. The addition of L-NAME reduced NO formation, confirming enzymatic mediation. The genomic identification of a bnos-like gene strongly supports the presence of a functional pathway. The absence of canonical nitric oxide reductase (Nor) genes or other typical denitrification-related enzymes reinforces that NO production arises from an alternative, intracellular enzymatic mechanism rather than classical denitrification. Consequently, P. nitricinens expands the known repertoire of microbial NO synthesis and suggests a previously overlooked source of NO flux in well-aerated soils.},
}

@article {pmid40563329,
year = {2025},
author = {Shoham, S and Pintel, N and Avni, D},
title = {Oxidative Stress, Gut Bacteria, and Microalgae: A Holistic Approach to Manage Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.},
journal = {Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {40563329},
issn = {2076-3921},
support = {101000501//European Commission/ ; },
abstract = {Oxidative stress is a recognized contributor to the pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), exacerbating chronic inflammation and tissue damage. While traditional IBD therapies primarily focus on immune modulation, alternative approaches that address oxidative stress and promote gut microbial health present new opportunities for symptom relief and disease management. Microalgae, known for their potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and prebiotic properties, show promise in alleviating oxidative damage and supporting beneficial gut bacteria. This review explores the multifaceted role of oxidative stress in IBD and highlights the therapeutic potential of microalgae-derived compounds. In addition, it examines the synergistic benefits of combining microalgal antioxidants with probiotics to promote gut homeostasis. Advances in delivery systems, including nanotechnology and symbiotic bacteria-microalgae interactions, are also discussed as emerging approaches for targeted treatment. The review concludes by identifying future research priorities focused on clinical translation and microalgae-based bioengineering innovations to enhance the efficacy and accessibility of therapeutics for IBD patients.},
}

@article {pmid40563081,
year = {2025},
author = {Hatami, H and Bahrami, Y and Kakaei, E},
title = {Endophytic actinobacteria from Mentha longifolia and Lonicera nummulariifolia: a novel source against antibiotic resistance.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {365},
pmid = {40563081},
issn = {1471-2180},
support = {4000326//Deputy for Research and Technology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The escalating global challenge of antibiotic resistance severely restricts our ability to treat common infectious diseases, necessitating the urgent need for the development of novel antibiotics with distinct mechanisms of action. Actinobacteria, a diverse group of bacteria with medical, industrial, pharmaceutical, and ecological significance, produce approximately two-thirds of clinically used antibiotics. Endophytic actinobacteria (EA), residing within various plant species, represent a promising source for discovering novel antibiotics to combat this raising threat. This study aimed to explore the diversity and antibacterial characteristics of EA isolated from Mentha longifolia and Lonicera nummulariifolia, leveraging the host specificity and adaptation of EA to different plant species. Healthy plant samples were surface-sterilized and cultured on four distinct isolation media.

RESULTS: Nine EA isolates were identified from the roots, stems, and leaves of the plants based on morphological and molecular characterization. These isolates were taxonomically classified into two different families, Nocardiaceae and Streptomycetaceae, with Streptomyces being the dominant genus. All strains, except KUMS-B13, were reported as endophytes for the first time. Among the isolates, KUMS-B9 showed 98.66% sequence similarity to its closest relative strain, classifying it as a potential rare novel strain. The isolates exhibited diverse spore morphologies, including cylindrical, cubic, biconvex, oval, or ovoid shapes, with smooth or wrinkled surfaces. Six of the nine isolates displayed antibacterial activity against at least one of the tested bacteria: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. Isolate KUMS-B11, closely related to Streptomyces flavogriseus, showed broad-spectrum inhibition against all tested bacteria. Notably, a majority of the isolates demonstrated antagonistic activity against P. aeruginosa.

CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights EA isolated from Mentha longifolia and Lonicera nummulariifolia as a valuable source of medically bioactive metabolites with potential applications in human health. The isolation of new EA presents a promising approach to discovering novel therapeutic agents from unexplored ecological niches to battle antibiotic resistance. Furthermore, these findings emphasize the potential of plant-symbiotic bacteria in producing bioactive compounds with significant medicinal, pharmaceutical, and biotechnological applications.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12866-025-04089-y.},
}

@article {pmid40562331,
year = {2025},
author = {Martin, WF},
title = {ATP requirements for growth reveal the bioenergetic impact of mitochondrial symbiosis.},
journal = {Biochimica et biophysica acta. Bioenergetics},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {149564},
doi = {10.1016/j.bbabio.2025.149564},
pmid = {40562331},
issn = {1879-2650},
abstract = {Studies by microbiologists in the 1970s provided robust estimates for the energy supply and demand of a prokaryotic cell. The amount of ATP needed to support growth was calculated from the chemical composition of the cell and known enzymatic pathways that synthesize its constituents from known substrates in culture. Starting in 2015, geneticists and evolutionary biologists began investigating the bioenergetic role of mitochondria at eukaryote origin and energy in metazoan evolution using their own, widely trusted-but hitherto unvetted-model for the costs of growth in terms of ATP per cell. The more recent model contains, however, a severe and previously unrecognized error that systematically overestimates the ATP cost of amino acid synthesis up to 200-fold. The error applies to all organisms studied by such models and leads to conspicuously false inferences, for example that the synthesis of an average amino acid in humans requires 30 ATP, which no biochemistry textbook will confirm. Their ATP 'cost' calculations would require that E. coli obtains ~100 ATP per glucose and that mammals obtain ~240 ATP per glucose, untenable propositions that invalidate and void all evolutionary inferences so based. By contrast, established methods for estimating the ATP cost of microbial growth show that the first mitochondrial endosymbionts could have easily doubled the host's available ATP pool, provided (i) that genes for growth on environmental amino acids were transferred from the mitochondrial symbiont to the archaeal host, and (ii) that the host for mitochondrial origin was an autotroph using the acetyl-CoA pathway. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Life is a chemical reaction. It requires energy release in order to proceed. The currency of energy in cells is adenosine triphosphate ATP. Five decades ago, microbiologists were able to measure and understand the amount of ATP that cells require to grow. New studies by evolutionary biologists have appeared in the meantime that brush aside the older microbiological findings, using their own methods to calculate the ATP cost of growth instead. Science is, however, an imperfect undertaking. The new studies contain a major error, similar to conflating centimeters with yards. The error affects many publications and their conclusions. Using the old methods, we can still meaningfully study the role of energy in evolution, including the origin of complex, nucleus-bearing cells.},
}

@article {pmid40561903,
year = {2025},
author = {Guillier, C and Giraudo, M and Clergeaud, F and Thorel, E and Chapron, L and Marcon, L and Lebaron, P and Houël, E and Stien, D},
title = {Mineral UV filters and their effects on Pocillopora damicornis metabolome.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {991},
number = {},
pages = {179961},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179961},
pmid = {40561903},
issn = {1879-1026},
abstract = {The rising use of sunscreens and cosmetics containing ultraviolet (UV) filters has increased their presence in marine ecosystems. UV filters encompass a wide range of organic and mineral compounds with diverse behaviors and properties in aquatic environments. The mineral filters titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) are commonly found in cosmetic products as particles or nanoparticles (NPs) and are increasingly used as alternatives to organic UV filters. In this study, the effects of a coated form of TiO2 (Solaveil™ XTP1, 60 nm, hydrophobic) and uncoated ZnO particles from two different sizes (Zano®10 and Zano®M, 60 and 250 nm, hydrophilic) were assessed on the symbiotic tropical coral Pocillopora damicornis using an untargeted metabolomic approach. Corals were exposed for seven days to environmentally relevant particle concentrations (5 to 1000 μg.L[-1]), and their metabolomes were analyzed using UHPLC-HRMS/MS. While TiO2 exposure did not induce significant metabolomic changes, both sizes of ZnO particles caused shifts in the metabolome of the coral's symbiotic dinoflagellates, leading to a noticeable decrease in the relative concentrations of symbiont lipids and pigments. A size-dependent toxicity of ZnO was observed: ZnO NPs triggered signs of bleaching at concentrations as low as 300 μg.L[-1], whereas larger ZnO particles exhibited only mild effects at the highest concentration tested (1000 μg.L[-1]). This underscores the critical role of particle size in determining toxicity. This research highlights the contrasting effects of different mineral UV filters on symbiotic corals and aims to inform cosmetic companies in selecting mineral filters that minimize harmful impacts on coral reefs.},
}

@article {pmid40561607,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, X and Wang, Q and Wang, Y and Shen, S and Ge, Y and Pan, K and Guo, X and Lei, Y and Gao, Y},
title = {Strategy for nitrogen fertilizer substitution: Co-composting of agricultural waste to regulate vegetable quality and rhizosphere microorganisms.},
journal = {Ecotoxicology and environmental safety},
volume = {302},
number = {},
pages = {118573},
doi = {10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118573},
pmid = {40561607},
issn = {1090-2414},
abstract = {Agricultural waste compost is being used as an alternative to traditional chemical fertilizers as an effective way to achieve sustainable agricultural development. In this study, a mixed compost derived from human faeces, livestock manure, and crop residues was used as a proportional replacement for traditional chemical fertilizers, and the mechanisms of its effects on pakchoi quality and soil rhizosphere microorganisms were systematically explored. The results showed that co-composting of agricultural waste effectively reduced the required amount of nitrogen fertilizer, with the combination of 40 % mixed compost + 60 % chemical fertilizer application (T60) yielding the highest pakchoi biomass and quality, notably increasing the fresh weight by 138.91 % and reaching a peak vitamin C content of 13.80 mg·100 g[-1]. In addition, the application of compost as a chemical fertilizer substitute changed the composition of the soil microbial community, with a greater impact on bacteria than fungi. Composting could improve the growth and quality indices of pakchoi by increasing rhizobacterial alpha diversity. Proteobacteria and Ascomycota are important microbial families that affect the growth and quality indicators of pakchoi, respectively. Functional analysis showed that the compost mainly regulated the growth and quality of pakchoi by upregulating the relative abundance of functional genes related to carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism, and exogenous biodegradation and metabolism, as well as by increasing the abundance of symbiotic and saprotrophic fungi while decreasing that of pathotrophic fungi. This research can provide a foundation and theoretical support for the resource utilization of agricultural waste and the reduction of traditional chemical fertilizers.},
}

@article {pmid40560611,
year = {2025},
author = {Kochanowsky, JA and Betts, EL and Encinas, G and Amoah, J and Johnson, PJ},
title = {Trichomonas vaginalis extracellular vesicles suppress IFNε-mediated responses driven by its intracellular bacterial symbiont Mycoplasma hominis.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {122},
number = {26},
pages = {e2508297122},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2508297122},
pmid = {40560611},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {R01AI103182//HHS | NIH | National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)/ ; R01AI148475//HHS | NIH | National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)/ ; T32AI007323//HHS | NIH | National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)/ ; F32AI186416//HHS | NIH | National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)/ ; DBI-2149582//NSF (NSF)/ ; },
mesh = {*Trichomonas vaginalis/immunology ; *Extracellular Vesicles/immunology/metabolism/microbiology ; *Mycoplasma hominis/immunology/physiology ; Humans ; *Symbiosis/immunology ; Female ; Immunity, Innate ; *Mycoplasma Infections/immunology/microbiology ; Animals ; },
abstract = {Trichomonas vaginalis is a common, extracellular, sexually transmitted parasite which is often found in symbiosis with the intracellular bacterium Mycoplasma hominis (Mh), an opportunistic pathogen of the female reproductive tract. How this symbiosis affects infection outcomes and the host cell innate immune response is poorly understood. Here, we show that infection with T. vaginalis in symbiosis with M. hominis or M. hominis alone triggers a noncanonical type I interferon, interferon-epsilon (IFNε), but infection with T. vaginalis alone does not. We also demonstrate that extracellular vesicles (TvEVs) produced by the parasite downregulate host cell IFNε, counteracting this symbiont-driven response and elevating infection. We further demonstrate that IFNε, a hormonally regulated cytokine produced in the human reproductive system, is protective against T. vaginalis cytoadherence and cytolysis of host cells. These studies provide insight into how a parasite and its bacterial symbiont work in concert to regulate host cell innate immune responses to drive infection.},
}

*Trichomonas vaginalis/immunology
*Extracellular Vesicles/immunology/metabolism/microbiology
*Mycoplasma hominis/immunology/physiology
Humans
*Symbiosis/immunology
Female
Immunity, Innate
*Mycoplasma Infections/immunology/microbiology
Animals

@article {pmid40559515,
year = {2025},
author = {Brar, AK and Bilodeau, KM and Trickey, DJ and Mackey, CS and Redfern, BL and Fisher, GT and Simms, EL and Jones, KM},
title = {Non-Nitrogen-Fixing Sinorhizobium meliloti Can Escape Sanctions in Indeterminate Alfalfa Nodules, Exhibiting Parasitic Growth.},
journal = {Molecular plant-microbe interactions : MPMI},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1094/MPMI-06-25-0074-R},
pmid = {40559515},
issn = {0894-0282},
abstract = {The soil bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti can proliferate by leveraging its nitrogen-fixing symbiosis with legumes that form indeterminate root nodules, such as Medicago sativa (alfalfa) and M. truncatula. In contrast to determinate-nodulating legumes, e.g. Glycine max (soybean) and Lotus japonicus, indeterminate-nodulating legumes impose terminal differentiation on nitrogen-fixing (N2-fixing) rhizobia. Thus, the bacterial population is split between those that benefit the plant by N2 fixation, but are a reproductive dead end, and those that are undifferentiated, capable of resuming free-living growth, but not fixing nitrogen. We show that, in mixed nodules colonized by nearly-isogenic strains, with one N2-fixing and one unable to fix N2 (Fix-), alfalfa do not preferentially penalize the Fix- strain, allowing 'cheating' at the expense of the plant and the N2-fixer. Thus, a Fix- strain that successfully co-nodulates with a N2-fixing strain can benefit from resources the host provides to the nodule in response to N2 fixed by the co-nodulating strain. Co-invasion of alfalfa nodules with a N2-fixing strain may be a successful strategy for a Fix- strain to cheat both the plant that provides fixed carbon and the N2-fixing strain.},
}

@article {pmid40559314,
year = {2025},
author = {Ukwattage, NL and Zhiyong, Z},
title = {Impacts of Cerium Dioxide Nanoparticles on the Soil-Plant System and Their Potential Agricultural Applications.},
journal = {Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {40559314},
issn = {2079-4991},
abstract = {Cerium dioxide nanoparticles (CeO2-NPs) are increasingly used in various industrial applications, leading to their inevitable release into the environment including the soil ecosystem. In soil, CeO2-NPs are taken up by plants, translocated, and accumulated in plant tissues. Within plant tissues, CeO2-NPs have been shown to interfere with critical metabolic pathways, which may affect plant health and productivity. Moreover, their presence in soil can influence soil physico-chemical and biological properties, including microbial communities within the rhizosphere, where they can alter microbial physiology, diversity, and enzymatic activities. These interactions raise concerns about the potential disruption of plant-microbe symbiosis essential for plant nutrition and soil health. Despite these challenges, CeO2-NPs hold potential as tools for enhancing crop productivity and resilience to stress, such as drought or heavy metal contamination. However, understanding the balance between their beneficial and harmful effects is crucial for their safe application in agriculture. To date, the overall impact of CeO2-NPs on soil -plant system and the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, this review analyses the recent research findings to provide a comprehensive understanding of the fate of CeO2-NPs in soil-plant systems and the implications for soil health, plant growth, and agricultural productivity. As the current research is limited by inconsistent findings, often due to variations in experimental conditions, it is essential to study CeO2-NPs under more ecologically relevant settings. This review further emphasizes the need for future research to assess the long-term environmental impacts of CeO2-NPs in soil-plant systems and to develop guidelines for their responsible use in sustainable agriculture.},
}

@article {pmid40559074,
year = {2025},
author = {Joseph, RA and Tirmizi, E and Masoudi, A and Keyhani, NO},
title = {Cell Structure of the Preoral Mycangia of Xyleborus (Coleoptera: Curculiondiae) Ambrosia Beetles.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {40559074},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {IOS-2418026//National Science Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {Ambrosia beetles have evolved specialized structures termed "mycangia", which house and transport symbiotic microbes. Microbial partners include at least one obligate mutualistic filamentous fungus used as food for larvae and adults, and potentially secondary filamentous fungi, yeasts, and bacteria. Beetles in the genus Xyleborus possess paired pre-oral mycangial structures located within the head on either side of the mouth parts. Mycangia develop in pupae, with newly emerged adults acquiring partners from the environment. However, information concerning the cellular structure and function of Xyleborus mycangia remains limited. We show that in X. affinis, mycangia are lined with a layer of striated dense material, enclosing layers of insect epithelial cells, with diverse spine-like structures. Larger (5-10 μm) projections were concentrated within and near the entrance of mycangia, with smaller filaments (4-8 μm) within the mycangia itself. Rows of "eyelash" structures lined the inside of mycangia, with fungal cells free-floating or in close association with these projections. Serial sections revealed mandibular articulations, and mandibular, pharyngeal, and labial muscles, along with the mycangial entry/exit channel. Sheets of comb-like spines at the mycangial entrance and opposite the mycangia attached to the roof of the labrum or epipharynx may serve as an interlocking mechanism for opening/closing the mycangia and guiding fungal cells into entry/exit channels. Additionally, mandibular fibra (muscle tissue) potentially enervating and affecting the mechanism of mycangial functioning were noted. These data add crucial mechanistic detail to the model of pre-oral mycangia in Xyleborus beetles, their cellular structures, and how they house and dispense microbial symbionts.},
}

@article {pmid40559044,
year = {2025},
author = {Castrejón-Antonio, JE and Tamez-Guerra, P},
title = {Overview and Recent Advances in Bioassays to Evaluate the Potential of Entomopathogenic Fungi Against Ambrosia Beetles.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {40559044},
issn = {2075-4450},
abstract = {Ambrosia beetles, known for their symbiotic relationship with fungi cultivated within the tissues of host trees, have become significant pests, particularly when they serve as vectors for pathogenic fungi such as Raffaelea lauricola. Given the regulatory and environmental constraints for chemical application as a tool for their control, entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) represent a promising pest management alternative. This review presents an overview of bioassays assessing the pathogenicity and virulence of EPF against ambrosia beetles. Most studies have been performed in vivo (artificial diet) under laboratory conditions, focusing on exotic species and testing EPF genera such as Beauveria, Metarhizium, Isaria, and Purpureocillium. However, variations in inoculation methods, environmental conditions, and fungal formulations, have led to diverse results. In addition, the complex biology of these insects, particularly their dependence on symbiotic fungi, represents significant methodological challenges. Field trials (in situ bioassays) are still scarce, and there is a need to move toward standardized protocols and more objective experimental models that consider not only insects' behavior but also ecological factors. Bridging this gap is essential for successfully implementing EPF-based strategies to assess ambrosia beetles' biocontrol.},
}

@article {pmid40559041,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, M and Cao, X and Xu, L and Lin, L and Wu, X and Fan, S and Zhang, X and Zhou, F},
title = {Laboratory Test Indirectly Reveals the Unreliability of RNA-Dependent 16S rRNA Amplicon Sequences in Detecting the Gut Bacterial Diversity of Delia antiqua.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {40559041},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {32272530//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2024KJI002//Young Innovation Team Project of Higher Education in Shandong Province/ ; SDAIT-31-04//Shandong Province Key Agricultural Project for Application Technology Innovation/ ; 2024ZDZX10//QLU Major innovation projects of education-industry integration pilot/ ; },
abstract = {In insect-microbe symbiosis, understanding the diversity of associated bacteria is crucial. DNA-dependent sequence methods are widely used to assess microbial diversity in insects, but they cannot distinguish between live and dead microbes. In contrast, RNA-dependent sequencing can identify alive bacterial communities, making them more suitable for evaluating alive microbiota diversity. However, its practical reliability in insect-microbe symbiosis remains poorly validated. This study investigated larval gut bacteria diversity of Delia antiqua, a major pest of Liliaceae crops, by employing both DNA- and RNA-dependent 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. The reliability of both sequencing methods was evaluated by comparing the effects of synthetic communities (SynComs, constructed according to DNA- or RNA-dependent sequencing) and bacterial communities from wild larvae on axenic larvae. Results revealed significant differences in bacterial community between DNA- and RNA-dependent sequence samples. Compared to bacterial communities from wild larvae, the SynCom constructed based on RNA-dependent sequencing exhibited inhibition effects on D. antiqua larvae survival and body weight, while DNA-dependent SynCom did not, suggesting that DNA-dependent methods were superior for assessing symbiotic microbiota in D. antiqua. This work will provide insights into microbial diversity detection in D. antiqua and offer a framework for other insect-microbe studies.},
}

@article {pmid40559014,
year = {2025},
author = {Jia, J and Liang, M and Zhao, Z and Huang, W and Feng, Q and Lin, Z and Ji, X},
title = {Effects of Periodic Short-Term Heat Stress on Biological Characteristics and Gut Bacteria of Spodoptera frugiperda.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {40559014},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {FW20230002//This work was supported by the technical innovation project of the provincial scientific research institute of the Hainan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China/ ; },
abstract = {In this study, the migratory agricultural pest Spodoptera frugiperda was exposed to three periodic short-term heat stress regimes at 37 °C, 40 °C, and 43 °C (2 h daily), with a constant 26 °C control. We systematically evaluated the effects of periodic thermal stress on developmental traits across all life stages. Combined with 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing, we analyzed the structural and functional characteristics of the gut bacterial community in adults under heat stress. The results demonstrated that 37 °C exposure accelerated egg-to-adult development, whereas 43 °C markedly extended it. Additionally, 43 °C heat stress suppressed pupation and eclosion rates. Increasing stress temperatures were negatively correlated with pupal weight and body size in both sexes. Notably, 43 °C heat stress caused complete loss of hatching ability in offspring eggs, thereby rendering population reproduction unattainable. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that Proteobacteria (>90%) dominated the gut bacterial community at the phylum level across all treatments. Under 43 °C heat stress, although female and male adults exhibited an increase in specific bacterial species within their gut bacteria, Alpha diversity analysis revealed no significant differences in the diversity (Shannon index) and richness (Chao index) of gut bacterial communities between sexes under temperature treatments. PICRUSt2 functional prediction indicated that metabolic pathways, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, and microbial metabolism in diverse environments constituted the dominant functions of gut bacteria in both sexes, while heat stress exerted minimal effects on the functional profiles of gut bacteria in S. frugiperda. These findings not only provide a theoretical basis for predicting summer population dynamics and formulating ecological control strategies for S. frugiperda but also offer critical insights into the adaptive interactions between this pest and its gut bacterial community under heat stress. The results lay a foundation for further exploring the interactions between insect environmental adaptability and bacterial symbiosis.},
}

@article {pmid40558966,
year = {2025},
author = {Xue, Y and Wang, Y and Shi, J and Wei, J and Wang, Q and Song, W},
title = {Plant Functional Traits and Soil Nutrients Drive Divergent Symbiotic Fungal Strategies in Three Urban Street Tree Species.},
journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {11},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {40558966},
issn = {2309-608X},
support = {32301442//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Understanding species-specific mechanisms governing symbiotic fungal responses to plant traits and soil factors is critical for optimizing urban tree "plant-soil-fungus" systems under pollution stress. To address this gap, we combined δ[13]C/δ[15]N isotope analysis and ITS sequencing for three common street trees in Beijing: Sophora japonica, Ginkgo biloba, and Populus tomentosa. In S. japonica, symbiotic fungal abundance was positively associated with leaf δ[15]N, indicating root exudate-mediated "plant-microbe" interactions during atmospheric NOx assimilation. G. biloba, with weak NOx assimilation, exhibited a negative correlation between fungal abundance and soil available N/P, suggesting mycorrhizal nutrient compensation under low fertility. P. tomentosa showed decreased fungal abundance with increasing soil N/P ratios and specific leaf area, reflecting carbon allocation trade-offs that limit mycorrhizal investment. These results demonstrate that symbiotic fungi respond to atmospheric and edaphic drivers in a tree species-dependent manner. Urban greening strategies should prioritize S. japonica for its NOx mitigation potential and optimize fertilization for G. biloba (nutrient-sensitive fungi) and P. tomentosa (nutrient balance sensitivity). Strategic mixed planting of P. tomentosa with S. japonica could synergistically enhance ecosystem services through complementary resource acquisition patterns. This study provides mechanism-based strategies for optimizing urban tree management under atmospheric pollution stress.},
}

@article {pmid40558568,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, Y and Yang, L and Yang, Y and Deng, H and Su, S and Xia, Y and Su, J and Liu, Y and Wu, J and Zhang, J and Liao, Y and Wang, L},
title = {Bacteroides Fragilis-Derived Outer Membrane Vesicles Deliver MiR-5119 and Alleviate Colitis by Targeting PD-L1 to Inhibit GSDMD-Mediated Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Formation.},
journal = {Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e00781},
doi = {10.1002/advs.202500781},
pmid = {40558568},
issn = {2198-3844},
support = {2023A04J0559//Science and Technology Plan Project of Guangzhou/ ; SL2023A04J0252//Guangzhou Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation/ ; GZC20230601//Postdoctoral Fellowship Program of China Postdoctoral Science Foundation/ ; 2023ZDZX2048//Department of Education of Guangdong Province/ ; 81902081//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2020A1515011573 2023A1515220167//Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province/ ; 2024A03J0791//Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Science and Technology Fund/ ; 2022KQNCX061//Youth Innovation Talent Project of Ordinary university in Guangdong Province/ ; },
abstract = {Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) results from a breakdown in the symbiotic relationship between the intestinal commensal microflora and the mucosal immune system. Non-toxigenic Bacteroides fragilis, a common human colon symbiote, has been shown to alleviate colitis. However, the underlying mechanisms of this alleviation remain incompletely understood. Herein, it is demonstrated that promoting the secretion of B. fragilis outer membrane vesicles (Bf[OMVs+]) enhances its ability to alleviate dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis, while inhibiting B. fragilis OMV secretion (Bf[OMVs-]) reduces this effect. Bf[OMVs+] alleviates colitis by inhibiting neutrophil recruitment and neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation. Further, B. fragilis OMVs (Bf-OMVs) are isolated and extracted, then administered them intraperitoneally to DSS-induced colitis mice, observing that Bf-OMVs can target intestinal tissues, the spleen, and bone marrow, and they are internalized by neutrophils to inhibit NET formation, thereby alleviating colitis. The expression profile of miRNAs in Bf-OMVs is assessed, revealing that Bf-OMVs are enriched with mmu-miR-like sRNA, miR-5119, which targets and inhibits PD-L1, leading to the suppression of GSDMD-mediated NET release and promoting the proliferation of intestinal stem cells (ISCs), culminating in the alleviation of colitis. These findings provide new insights into the role of B. fragilis OMVs in the pathogenesis and treatment of IBD.},
}

@article {pmid40556900,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, Q and Wang, X and Cheng, P and Huo, S and Liu, C and Yu, Z},
title = {Editorial: Recent advances in agricultural waste recycling by microorganisms and their symbiosis.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1631828},
doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2025.1631828},
pmid = {40556900},
issn = {1664-302X},
}

@article {pmid40556894,
year = {2025},
author = {Cruz, LF and Menocal, O and Dunlap, C and Cooperband, MF and Cloonan, KR and Tabanca, N and Carrillo, D},
title = {Insights on the symbiotic associations of the tea shot hole borer (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1589710},
pmid = {40556894},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The tea shot hole borer (TSHB), Euwallacea perbrevis (Schedl 1951) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is an invasive ambrosia beetle that carries multiple symbiotic fungi and vectors Fusarium spp. to avocado (Persea americana Mill.). This study investigated the role of six fungal species (Fusarium sp. FL-1, Fusarium sp. AF-8, Fusarium sp. AF-6, Graphium sp., Acremonium sp., and Acremonium murorum) as nutritional symbionts of TSHB, and the role of Fusarium species in plant pathogenicity.

METHODS: Four experimental approaches were used: (1) testing each of the six symbionts as a food source for TSHB larvae, (2) examining the stability of symbiotic associations by rearing TSHB on substrates previously colonized by individual fungi, (3) establishing TSHB colonies with single Fusarium symbionts (Mono-Fusarium Lines, MFL), (4) testing disease development in avocado trees infested with MFL.

RESULTS: Fusarium sp. FL-1 and Fusarium sp. AF-8 supported the highest percentage of larval development among the tested fungi. These two fungi persisted in the mycangia of beetles reared on a substrate pre-inoculated with other symbionts. In addition, both fungal species caused the largest lesions in avocado branches. TSHB feeding on the other tested symbionts (Fusarium sp. AF-6, Graphium sp., Acremonium sp. or Acremonium murorum) resulted in poor larval development and/or overall reduced reproduction compared to feeding upon Fusarium sp. FL-1 and AF-8 and the symbiont blend (control).

DISCUSSION: These findings demonstrate the dual role of Fusarium sp. FL-1 and AF-8 as nutritional symbionts of TSHB and as key drivers of pathogenicity in avocado.},
}

@article {pmid40556499,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, Y and Jin, X and Zhao, Z},
title = {Distribution and Evolutionary Trajectories of β-Lactamases in Vibrio: Genomic Insights from CARB-Type Enzymes in the Harveyi and Cholerae Clades.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/gbe/evaf128},
pmid = {40556499},
issn = {1759-6653},
abstract = {Antibiotic resistance mediated by β-lactamases (BLs), encoded by bla genes, is a significant global health threat, necessitating systematic studies of their diversity and evolution, particularly among pathogenic bacteria lineages. Leveraging over 6,000 quality-filtered Vibrio genomes alongside six newly sequenced marine symbiotic strains representing 128 nominal and 57 unclassified Vibrio species, our study extends taxonomic breadth and resolution for investigating BL diversity. We identified 4,431 BLs across 41 species, encompassing all four Ambler Classes (A∼D). Among these, CARBenicillin-hydrolyzing Class A BLs (CARBs encoded by blaCARB family) were the most prevalent (60.7%) and exhibited a clade-centric distribution particularly in Harveyi clade and V. cholerae, underscoring influence of specific ecological and evolutionary pressures. We refined CARB classification into two subfamilies: CARB-17-like (blaCARB-17-like) confined to Harveyi clade, and CARB-1-like (blaCARB-1-like) found exclusively outside Harveyi clade, based on phylogenetic placement, sequence similarity, and inheritance patterns, providing a clearer framework for delineating their functional and phylogenetic nuances. Notably, blaCARB-17-like genes in non-pathogenic Harveyi Subclade II showed significantly relaxed selection, accompanied by unusual mutations within key conserved motifs especially catalytic serine residues, suggesting evolutionary drift that may compromise canonical enzymatic activity. Furthermore, blaCARB-17-like genes, present as a single copy, emerged as a core gene in Harveyi clade, showing promise as a diagnostic marker for clinically significant Harveyi clade species, despite limited yet significant interspecies genetic exchanges mediated by recombination or mobile genetic elements. Our study advances the understanding of BL evolution and genomic distribution in Vibrio, with broad implications for diagnostic applications and resistance management strategies.},
}

@article {pmid40556045,
year = {2025},
author = {Jia, J and Lu, Y and Li, Y and Li, Y and Li, L and Zhang, H},
title = {Functional Characterization of Acer Truncatum PHT1 Family Phosphate Transporter Genes and Their Involvement in Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis.},
journal = {Physiologia plantarum},
volume = {177},
number = {4},
pages = {e70346},
doi = {10.1111/ppl.70346},
pmid = {40556045},
issn = {1399-3054},
support = {C2021204002//Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province/ ; 42277027; 31700530//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology ; *Phosphate Transport Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; *Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; *Acer/genetics/microbiology/metabolism ; Phosphorus/metabolism ; Nicotiana/genetics ; Plant Roots/microbiology/genetics/metabolism ; Fungi ; },
abstract = {Acer truncatum Bunge, an economically significant species, is often growth-limited by phosphorus availability. Phosphate transporters, especially the PHT1 family, are crucial for plant phosphorus absorption, transport, and redistribution. This study aimed to elucidate the role of Acer truncatum PHT1 genes in phosphorus transport. We cloned five PHT1 family genes (AtPT1, AtPT2, AtPT4, AtPT9, and AtPT11) and investigated their expression and function under varying phosphorus regimes in the context of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis with Rhizophagus irregularis. Real-time quantitative PCR revealed differential gene expression patterns in response to AM colonization and phosphorus levels. Functional characterization through yeast complementation, tobacco overexpression, subcellular localization, and GUS reporter gene assays confirmed the plasma membrane localization and typical PHT1 family traits of these transporters. AM colonization upregulated AtPT4 and AtPT11, with AtPT11 having a specific induction pattern for mycorrhizal phosphorus acquisition. AtPT4 was linked to phosphorus uptake via mycorrhizal symbiosis, AtPT1 is involved in phosphorus remobilization within plant tissues, AtPT2 in phosphorus transport and remobilization (suppressed by AM colonization), and AtPT9 in phosphorus uptake and transport efficiency under high-phosphorus conditions. These findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying phosphorus homeostasis in Acer truncatum and its mycorrhizal interactions.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology
*Phosphate Transport Proteins/genetics/metabolism
*Symbiosis/genetics
*Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
*Acer/genetics/microbiology/metabolism
Phosphorus/metabolism
Nicotiana/genetics
Plant Roots/microbiology/genetics/metabolism
Fungi

@article {pmid40555950,
year = {2025},
author = {Liang, Z and Zhao, Y and Ji, H and Li, Z},
title = {Algae-bacteria symbiotic biofilm system for low carbon nitrogen removal from municipal wastewater: A review.},
journal = {World journal of microbiology & biotechnology},
volume = {41},
number = {7},
pages = {218},
pmid = {40555950},
issn = {1573-0972},
mesh = {*Biofilms/growth & development ; *Wastewater/microbiology/chemistry ; *Nitrogen/metabolism ; *Symbiosis ; *Carbon/metabolism ; Water Purification/methods ; *Microalgae/physiology/metabolism/growth & development ; *Bacteria/metabolism/growth & development ; Denitrification ; Sewage/microbiology ; Biodegradation, Environmental ; },
abstract = {The treatment of municipal wastewater has become a significant challenge due to its intricate composition and low carbon-to-nitrogen ratio. In order to meet the discharge standards, a large amount of energy is consumed. In this context, the incorporation of microalgae into the conventional activated sludge process has become a promising strategy for low-carbon denitrification. This study aims to integrate research on algal-bacterial symbiotic systems with biofilm technology to enhance energy-efficient nitrogen removal in municipal wastewater treatment. Through comprehensive analysis, this paper elucidates (1) the developmental dynamics of algal-bacterial symbioses, (2) the process of combining algal-bacterial symbiotic systems with biofilm systems, (3) the fundamentals and operational determinants of algal-bacterial symbiotic membrane systems, and (4) the potential applications in sustainable water treatment. The proposed hybrid system demonstrates significant potential for carbon-neutral wastewater treatment through synergistic pollutant degradation, offering an innovative approach to address critical challenges in environmental sustainability and water resource management.},
}

*Biofilms/growth & development
*Wastewater/microbiology/chemistry
*Nitrogen/metabolism
*Symbiosis
*Carbon/metabolism
Water Purification/methods
*Microalgae/physiology/metabolism/growth & development
*Bacteria/metabolism/growth & development
Denitrification
Sewage/microbiology
Biodegradation, Environmental

@article {pmid40555346,
year = {2025},
author = {Rooy, PV and Wu, CJ and Liu, C and Wang, Y},
title = {Insect gut-dwelling fungus Zancudomyces culisetae: A hidden player in mosquito development.},
journal = {Journal of insect physiology},
volume = {164},
number = {},
pages = {104842},
doi = {10.1016/j.jinsphys.2025.104842},
pmid = {40555346},
issn = {1879-1611},
abstract = {Mosquitoes and their gut-dwelling fungi have been documented worldwide, yet their relationships remain poorly understood. Harpellales fungi (Kickxellomycotina, Zoopagomycota) have traditionally been considered commensals, but recent studies suggest they may exhibit parasitic or mutualistic characteristics under certain conditions. In this study, we explored these interactions using two well-established laboratory models: Aedes aegypti and Zancudomyces culisetae. Specifically, we investigated the impact of the gut-dwelling fungus Z. culisetae on A. aegypti larval development by measuring body size and development time under different nutritional conditions, with or without the fungus in the hindgut. Significant differences in body size and development time were observed during larval development in the presence of the gut fungus compared to the control group. Larvae colonized by the fungus exhibited larger body sizes and accelerated development. These effects were consistent under both nutrient-rich and nutrient-deficient conditions, underscoring the symbiotic roles of the gut-dwelling fungus. Interestingly, our results also revealed that even dead fungal spores enhanced mosquito larval development, suggesting previously unrecognized beneficial mechanisms associated with the fungal tissue. Transmission electron microscopy provided additional evidence of mosquito-fungus interactions, showing electron-dense particles within mosquito cells at sites of close contact with fungal cells, although further investigation is required to confirm their identity. Collectively, our findings challenge the traditional view of insect relationships with gut-dwelling fungi, providing evidence for a potential shift from commensalism to mutualism.},
}

@article {pmid40554681,
year = {2025},
author = {Jalal, RS and Aloufi, AS and Al-Andal, A and Alotaibi, NM and Abuauf, HW and Alshehrei, FM and Refai, MY and Alshareef, SA and Alnahari, AA and Sefrji, FO and Almutrafy, AM and Abulfaraj, AA},
title = {Enriched enzymes and crosstalking KEGG pathways in the rhizospheric soil fungiome of the wild plant Moringa oleifera.},
journal = {Functional plant biology : FPB},
volume = {52},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1071/FP24297},
pmid = {40554681},
issn = {1445-4416},
mesh = {*Moringa oleifera/microbiology/enzymology ; *Soil Microbiology ; *Rhizosphere ; *Mycobiome ; *Fungi/enzymology/genetics ; },
abstract = {We aimed to identify the genes encoding predominant KEGG enzymes within the rhizospheric soil fungiome of Moringa oleifera . We also aimed to uncover how the rhizospheric fungiome drives intricate biochemical networks that bolster soil health, plant vitality, nutrient cycling, metabolic efficiency and resilience to environmental stress. These findings offer valuable insights that could enhance the efficacy of innovative agricultural practices. Previous research has focused on the role of soil microbiomes, including both bacteriomes and fungiomes, in the ecological dynamics of native and cultivated plants. The rhizospheric fungiome plays a critical role in plant health by suppressing pathogens, decomposing plant residues and facilitating nutrient assimilation in various environmental conditions. Fungal taxa from the phylum Mucoromycota, including Rhizophagus , Mucor ambiguus , Phycomyces blakesleeanus , Mortierella elongata , Absidia glauca , Mucor circinelloides and the taxon Basidiobolus meristosporus from Zoopagomycota, were identified as primary hosts of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG)-enriched enzymes in the rhizospheric soil of M. oleifera . These enzymes participate in crosstalk pathways within KEGG categories such as 'Metabolism', 'Genetic Information Processing', and 'Environmental Information Processing'. These fungal enzymes contribute to the biosynthesis of critical metabolites, including carbamoyl-P, lipoyllysine, acetyl-CoA, isoleucine, valine and nucleotides (dADP, dGDP, dCDP, dUDP) that are essential for cellular functions such as DNA repair, replication and transcription. The symbiotic relationship between these enzymes and plant roots regulates nitrogen levels in the rhizosphere and supports mitochondrial stability. Metabolites also aid in cellular development, membrane metabolism, plant signal transduction and energy metabolism, including fueling the citric acid cycle. Our findings highlight the potential of crosstalking pathways in the rhizospheric fungiome of M. oleifera to enhance energy metabolism and maintain plant cell integrity. We propose that this research can serve as a foundation for advancing sustainable agricultural practices.},
}

*Moringa oleifera/microbiology/enzymology
*Soil Microbiology
*Rhizosphere
*Mycobiome
*Fungi/enzymology/genetics

@article {pmid40552053,
year = {2025},
author = {Menéndez, E and Brígido, C},
title = {Editorial: Deciphering the root nodule microbiome: implications for legume fitness and stress resilience.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1634838},
pmid = {40552053},
issn = {1664-302X},
}