@article {pmid42393074,
year = {2026},
author = {Happacher, I and Pichler, G and Abt, B and Tagirdzhanova, G and Oberegger, S and Kraihammer, M and Faserl, K and Sarg, B and Decristoforo, C and Türk, R and Winkelmann, G and Talbot, NJ and Brock, M and Kranner, I and Haselwandter, K and Haas, H},
title = {Siderophore production by the lichen fungus Xanthoria parietina supports its algal symbiont.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41467-026-74988-9},
pmid = {42393074},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {10.55776/DOC82//Austrian Science Fund (Fonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung)/ ; 10.55776/I6613//Austrian Science Fund (Fonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung)/ ; 10.55776/P32092//Austrian Science Fund (Fonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung)/ ; 10.55776/I6613//Austrian Science Fund (Fonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung)/ ; 10.55776/P32092//Austrian Science Fund (Fonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung)/ ; },
abstract = {Lichens are symbiotic associations between a fungal mycobiont and a photosynthetic photobiont. They thrive in nutrient-poor environments; yet the mechanisms underlying their adaptation to iron limitation remained largely unknown. Here, we characterize the iron acquisition system of Xanthoria parietina, a globally distributed lichen-forming fungus associated with the microalgal photobiont Trebouxia decolorans. We demonstrate that the mycobiont produces the siderophore ferrichrome and possesses the full genetic repertoire not only for siderophore biosynthesis, but also reductive iron assimilation, iron detoxification, and regulation. The ferrichrome-synthesizing non-ribosomal peptides synthetase exhibits a lichen-specific compact architecture but retains functionality when heterologously expressed in a non-lichenized ascomycete. Transcriptomic analysis and ferrichrome quantification reveal substrate-dependent regulation of the siderophore system. Importantly, ferrichrome promotes photobiont growth independent of extracellular iron reduction, indicating direct utilization. These findings provide the functional evidence of siderophore-mediated iron acquisition in a lichen symbiosis and highlight ferrichrome as a key mediator of mutualistic nutrient exchange.},
}

@article {pmid42393520,
year = {2026},
author = {Svriz, M and Lanari, E and Spinedi, N and Painefilú, JC and Fracchia, S and Aranda, E and Novas, MV and Dubles, L and Scervino, JM},
title = {Impact of Bisphenol A on root development, oxidative stress, and arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis in transformed root of Daucus carota L.},
journal = {BMC ecology and evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12862-026-02557-1},
pmid = {42393520},
issn = {2730-7182},
support = {PID2021-123164OB-I00 MCIN/AEI/https:// doi. org/ 10. 13039/ 50110 00110 3//ERDF A way of making Europe/ ; PINI04/B254//Universidad Nacional del Comahue/ ; PICT 00073-2019, PICT 01283-2021 and PICT 02-00940-2022//Agencia Nacional de Promocion de la Investigacion, el Desarrollo Tecnologico y la Innovacion (ANPCYT)/ ; },
abstract = {Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widespread contaminant of increasing concern because of its persistence in soils and its ability to interfere with hormonal regulation. Although its harmful effects on plant roots are relatively well described, its impact on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) remains poorly understood. In this study, we examined how different BPA concentrations (0, 10, 20, 50, and 100 mg L[- 1]) affect transformed carrot (Daucus carota L.) roots, grown either alone or in association with Rhizophagus irregularis. Root growth stopped completely at the highest concentrations (≥ 50 mg L[- 1]), while intermediate levels (10-20 mg L[- 1]) reduced root area, length, and branching. At 10 mg L[- 1], roots still developed similarly to controls, but fungal growth outside the roots and spore formation were already reduced. At a concentration of 20 mg L[- 1], the fungus successfully colonized the internal root despite the absence of external hyphae and a marked inhibition of root growth. In both mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal roots, oxidative stress increased at 10-20 mg L[- 1], suggesting that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a central role in mediating the toxic effects of BPA and possibly in signaling stress responses. Altogether, these results show that BPA disrupts the balance of the plant-fungus relationship, limiting fungal development and altering root physiology, even when colonization persists. Considering the ecological role of AMF, our findings underline the need to include these symbiotic fungi in environmental risk assessments and in strategies aimed at restoring soils contaminated with emerging pollutants. Given the scarcity of previous research, our study provides the first direct assessment of this topic, suggesting that our results may help shape future research in this emerging field.},
}

@article {pmid42394662,
year = {2026},
author = {Virág, E and Zombori, Z and Hóvári, M and Hegedűs, G and Sass, L and Ferenc, G and Dudits, D and Posta, K},
title = {Funneliformis mosseae enhances drought tolerance in maize inbred lines through root transcriptomic reprogramming.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1808527},
pmid = {42394662},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Drought is a major constraint on maize productivity, and its increasing frequency due to climate change necessitates improved stress adaptation strategies. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can enhance plant drought tolerance; however, the integrated mechanisms linking root development, host transcriptional regulation, and microbiome activity remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated these interactions in maize using an integrated phenotyping-transcriptomic-metatranscriptomic approach under controlled greenhouse conditions. Two inbred lines with contrasting drought tolerance (K1, tolerant; K2, sensitive) and their hybrid (KH) were grown under well-watered (60% soil moisture) and drought (30%) conditions, with or without Funneliformis mosseae inoculation. Mycorrhizal colonization reached 51.3-62.5% under drought, confirming effective symbiosis. RNA-seq analysis (FDR ≤ 0.05, |log2;FC| ≥ 1) revealed strong genotype-dependent transcriptional responses, with the drought-sensitive genotype showing the largest number of differentially expressed genes. Principal component analysis identified genotype as the primary driver of variation (PC1: 13%), followed by mycorrhizal status (PC2: 8%). AMF induced distinct, genotype-specific functional reprogramming. The drought-tolerant genotype showed moderated stress responses and maintained metabolic activity, whereas the drought-sensitive genotype exhibited sustained stress signaling and compensatory metabolic activation. The hybrid displayed a non-additive response associated with enhanced root remodeling and symbiosis-related functions. Metatranscriptomic analysis of the non-host root-associated transcript pool further revealed genotype-specific microbial functional activity patterns, ranging from activation to repression. These results demonstrate that AMF-mediated drought tolerance emerges from coordinated, genotype-dependent interactions among root development, host regulatory networks, and microbiome activity. This study provides a holobiont-level framework for understanding crop stress adaptation.},
}

@article {pmid42394844,
year = {2026},
author = {Cui, L and Zeng, Y and Wang, M and Huang, L and Wang, Z and Liu, Y and Zheng, Y},
title = {The oxygen-sensing FixLJ represses nitrogen fixation in Rhodopseudomonas palustris in response to oxygen.},
journal = {mLife},
volume = {5},
number = {3},
pages = {312-324},
pmid = {42394844},
issn = {2770-100X},
abstract = {Biological nitrogen fixation in symbiotic diazotrophs is subject to oxygen regulation by an oxygen-sensing FixLJ two-component system under micro-oxic conditions. However, it remains unclear whether this mechanism is conserved in free-living diazotrophs. In this study, we discovered for the first time that FixLJ strongly inhibits the expression of nifHDK genes that encode molybdenum nitrogenase in response to oxygen. The deletion of fixLJ genes, whose expression was stimulated by oxygen, allowed a free-living photosynthetic diazotroph Rhodopseudomonas palustris to express active nitrogenase and grow diazotrophically even under oxic conditions. The unphosphorylated FixJ protein showed high-affinity binding to the promoter of nitrogenase gene cluster (P nifH) and strongly repressed the nitrogenase expression in response to oxygen. The transcriptional repression of nifHDK by FixJ reveals a new regulatory role for the FixLJ system. In addition, transcriptome analysis suggested that the FixLJ regulatory system also plays a role in the energy metabolism of R. palustris, probably through FixK regulation. This newly identified mechanism is speculated to allow R. palustris to rapidly shut down the synthesis of nitrogenase when exposed to oxygen, avoiding the build-up of nitrogenase with impaired activity due to the lack of protection from oxygen damage.},
}

@article {pmid42395249,
year = {2026},
author = {Patel, SR and Vundamati, VS and Patel, RR and Eriskin, N and Friedrich, CJ and Tila-Cohen, B and Tupikin, D and Pidikiti, AS and Lall, KD and Mayrovitz, HN},
title = {Mapping the Oral Microbiome's Role in Periodontal Disease Progression: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {Cureus},
volume = {18},
number = {6},
pages = {e110078},
pmid = {42395249},
issn = {2168-8184},
abstract = {Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition characterized by progressive destruction of the tooth-supporting tissues and a shift from a symbiotic to a dysbiotic oral microbial community, rather than by a single pathogen. This review aimed to synthesize current evidence on how alterations in microbial composition, community structure, and functional activity contribute to periodontal disease severity and progression. A comprehensive literature search across four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Embase) was conducted. Studies were included if they were peer-reviewed, human studies published between 2000 and 2026, and met the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Twenty-two articles met these criteria and were analyzed for relationships between microbial patterns and clinical peritoneal outcomes. Across the studies reviewed, periodontal disease severity was consistently associated with compositional shifts in the oral microbiome rather than changes in overall microbial diversity or bacterial load. Increased prevalence and abundance of red-complex organisms, including Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola, were strongly associated with worsening clinical parameters, whereas Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans showed a stronger association with aggressive disease phenotypes. Functional analyses further revealed enrichment of inflammatory and metabolic pathways, which support the concept of functional dysbiosis as a factor influencing tissue destruction. Interventions that modified local ecological conditions or host-microbe interactions demonstrated improved microbial profiles and clinical outcomes. These findings reinforce the idea that periodontal disease management is not just about targeting a single pathogen; it should focus on restoring microbial homeostasis and regulating the host's inflammatory response. Adopting this approach will help to create a more effective and personalized treatment strategy for the patient that will likely improve their symptoms, help prevent periodontal disease progression, and reduce their risk of developing complications associated with chronic oral inflammation.},
}

@article {pmid42395913,
year = {2026},
author = {Gaspary, JFP and Lopes, LFD and Gaspary, FP and Lopes, EG and Edgar, AL and Camara, EP and Camara, AG},
title = {Mapping the multigenomic human system: structural asymmetry and interface gaps in host-exogenous biological interactions.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1834677},
pmid = {42395913},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Host-microbiome research has expanded rapidly over the past two decades, generating extensive evidence linking microbial communities to immune regulation, metabolism, epithelial barrier integrity, and neuroendocrine signaling. Despite this progress, the organizational architecture through which exogenous biological signals become integrated into human physiological regulation remains comparatively under-synthesized. In particular, the regulatory interfaces connecting ecological microbial interaction with cellular and systemic physiological responses remain insufficiently integrated within the current literature.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to perform a structured synthesis of host-exogenous biological interaction in order to examine how evidence is distributed across distinct levels of biological integration and to evaluate whether the literature supports a coherent multigenomic interpretative framework for human physiological organization.

METHODS: A prospectively registered systematic synthesis was conducted using a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)-based analytical architecture. Literature searches were organized into three predefined integration layers: functional physiological coupling, regulatory-interface mediation, and explicit genetic-level interaction. Following structured screening and architectural refinement, 168 studies were retained for cross-domain synthesis. Evidence was analyzed through sequential stages of structural mapping, cross-domain convergence analysis, and structural plausibility assessment.

RESULTS: The synthesis revealed a pronounced asymmetry within the evidentiary landscape. Functional host-microbe coupling is extensively consolidated across immune, metabolic, barrier, and neuroendocrine domains. In contrast, regulatory interfaces-particularly membrane-associated signaling environments and microenvironment-dependent regulatory dynamics-remain comparatively under-integrated. Cross-domain analysis identified recurrent stabilization-related processes involving barrier remodeling, immune recalibration, metabolic reprogramming, neuroendocrine coupling, and ecological signal amplification. These mechanisms frequently converged at membrane-associated signaling platforms operating within physicochemical microenvironments capable of shaping cellular decision processes.

CONCLUSION: These findings support a systems-level interpretation in which the human organism may be understood as a symbiotic multigenomic system characterized by continuous signal integration across interacting genomic sources. Membrane-associated signaling interfaces appear to function as important regulatory nodes where ecological signals, host physiological state, and microenvironmental constraints interact to shape long-term physiological organization. Reframing host-exogenous biological interaction within this multigenomic systems perspective may therefore provide a conceptual foundation for future research investigating how stabilized regulatory configurations emerge and persist across human physiological systems.},
}

@article {pmid42397039,
year = {2026},
author = {Ren, Y and Zhu, R and Bao, J and Dong, Z and Yuan, F and Chen, H and Shi, Z},
title = {The combined phytoremediation strategy using arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, rhizobia, and biochar enhances lead tolerance and growth of white clover (Trifolium repens L.).},
journal = {International journal of phytoremediation},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-11},
doi = {10.1080/15226514.2026.2695201},
pmid = {42397039},
issn = {1549-7879},
abstract = {Phytoremediation is reliably used to remediate heavy metal-contaminated soils as a green technology. This study evaluates a synergistic approach using arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, rhizobia (Rh), and biochar to remediate lead (Pb)-contaminated soils. Trifolium repens Linn. was used in a pot experiment with treatments using different combinations of AM fungi, Rh, and biochar. The results indicate that a combination of moderate biochar (5%-10% w/w) and dual inoculation enhanced plant growth, biomass, and root development while also mitigating the inhibitory effects observed at a higher biochar dosage (15%). Treatment with 10% biochar and dual inoculation achieved the greatest Pb immobilization by reducing root Pb content by 78.4%, restricting Pb translocation to shoots, and improving plant nutrient acquisition, especially nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). The combined treatment enhanced plant growth, improved N and P acquisition, upregulated key metabolic enzymes, and strengthened antioxidant defenses. Multivariate analyses revealed strong negative correlations between roots P and carbon (C) contents and Pb accumulation, supporting a rhizosphere-level immobilization mechanism. This study demonstrates a practical and sustainable biochar-microbe-plant synergy that reduces Pb toxicity, enhances plant growth, and benefits long-term soil health. These results offer a potential approach for remediating Pb-contaminated fields while supporting environmental quality and resource recycling.},
}

@article {pmid42397066,
year = {2026},
author = {Birt, HWG and Paisey, SJ and Möhl, P and Hind, J and Xu, J and Pickett, J and Tredwell, M and Johnson, D},
title = {Novel Imaging Approaches for Visualising Root-Mycorrhizal Fungal Interactions.},
journal = {Journal of experimental botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jxb/erag309},
pmid = {42397066},
issn = {1460-2431},
abstract = {Mycorrhizal fungi form essential symbiotic relationships with plant roots, facilitating nutrient exchange and promoting plant health. Understanding their interactions can benefit from advanced imaging techniques capable of visualising nutrient exchange and structural colonisation at subcellular resolutions across large sample sizes. This review explores novel imaging approaches that are revolutionising our understanding of root-mycorrhizal fungal symbioses. Several techniques can now visualise and characterise mycorrhizal fungi and associated root structures non-destructively and in three dimensions, for example, X-ray computed tomography (micro-CT), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy. Metabolic processes and nutrient exchange can be tracked through positron emission tomography (PET), fluorescent nanoparticles (FNPs), and the monitoring of electrical signalling. AI-powered image processing software is enabling high-throughput analysis of complex images generated from a range of sources. Mycorrhiza systems are also able to be tracked in-field at multiple scales: hyperspectral imaging can detect mycorrhizal associations at the kilometre scale, while portable MRI imagers can detect changes at the tissue scale. These converging technologies enable the direct, continuous measurement of structural and metabolic root-mycorrhizal fungi interactions, paving the way for a mechanistic understanding of these vital symbiotic partnerships and their impact on plant health and ecosystem functioning.},
}

@article {pmid42398099,
year = {2026},
author = {Lin, GM and Lange, T and Förderer, A},
title = {Structure-informed engineering of plant-microbe interactions.},
journal = {The Plant journal : for cell and molecular biology},
volume = {127},
number = {1},
pages = {e70986},
doi = {10.1111/tpj.70986},
pmid = {42398099},
issn = {1365-313X},
mesh = {Symbiosis ; Plant Immunity ; *Plants/microbiology/immunology ; Signal Transduction ; Host-Pathogen Interactions ; Plant Proteins/metabolism/genetics/chemistry ; },
abstract = {This review critically evaluates how structural biology has enabled interface-informed engineering of plant-microbe interactions, with a clear emphasis on the relative maturity of plant-pathogen research compared with symbiosis engineering. In plant immunity, atomic resolution structures of apoplastic receptors, host targets, and intracellular nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat receptors (NLRs) were already translated into concrete engineering strategies, including altered effector recognition, expansion of specificity, effector-insensitive host variants, and mitigation of autoimmune phenotypes. These studies collectively demonstrate that structure-guided approaches can move beyond descriptive insight to predictive and functional receptor design. Meanwhile, the rapidly accumulating structural information on symbiosis-related receptors, signaling components, and nutrient-sensing pathways indicates that engineering of symbiosis is an emerging new frontier. Structures of LysM receptors, symbiotic co-receptors, calcium channels, transcriptional regulators, and hormone receptors reveal mechanistic parallels to immune signaling, including ligand discrimination, allosteric activation, and signal integration. The manuscript argues that symbiosis engineering can explicitly draw on conceptual and methodological templates established in pathogen resistance, such as interface remodeling, domain swapping, gain-of-function channel variants, and regulatory buffering to avoid deleterious outcomes. By juxtaposing these two fields, the review identifies transferable design principles and current limitations, and outlines how lessons from structure-guided immunity engineering may accelerate rational manipulation of beneficial plant-microbe interactions for sustainable crop improvement.},
}

Symbiosis
Plant Immunity
*Plants/microbiology/immunology
Signal Transduction
Host-Pathogen Interactions
Plant Proteins/metabolism/genetics/chemistry

@article {pmid42398480,
year = {2026},
author = {Shi, D and Liu, T},
title = {Hydroxyapatite-facilitated microalgae-bacteria aggregates enable robust aeration-free nutrient removal from saline domestic wastewater.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {304},
number = {},
pages = {126382},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2026.126382},
pmid = {42398480},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {Microalgae-bacteria symbiotic systems offer a promising nature-based solution for wastewater treatment, yet their application is often constrained by poor biomass retention and limited phosphorus removal. In this study, an aeration-free upflow photobioreactor (UPBR) was developed to demonstrate a hydroxyapatite (HAP)-facilitated microalgae-bacteria system to simultaneously address these two constraints. The system was evaluated under realistic conditions, treating real saline domestic wastewater and considering seasonal temperature variations. Over >250 days of operation, the system achieved stable ammonium, total nitrogen, and phosphorus removal efficiencies of 99.3 ± 1.9%, 96.4 ± 6.0%, and 61.6 ± 11.9%, respectively, together with a COD removal efficiency of 65.3 ± 10.0%, consistently meeting local discharge standards. Stable nutrient removal performance was maintained at temperatures as low as 14 °C, demonstrating strong robustness against temperature stress. Pathway-decoupling batch tests and microbial community analysis consistently indicated an assimilation-dominant nitrogen transformation pathway, with minimal contribution from bacterial nitrification. Meanwhile, dispersed HAP precipitates under near-neutral pH facilitated the formation of mechanically robust, multi-nucleated aggregates with excellent settleability and structural stability. Overall, this study demonstrates that integrating chemical phosphorus removal with assimilation-dominant nitrogen transformation enables an energy-efficient and structurally stable microalgae-bacteria system for wastewater treatment under realistic conditions.},
}

@article {pmid42387026,
year = {2026},
author = {Xu, T and Chen, Y and Zhu, B and Fan, B and Wu, Y and Jiang, Y},
title = {AI agency drives college students' entrepreneurial thinking through human sense of agency in human and ai symbiosis.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-60406-z},
pmid = {42387026},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {Y202456238//A Project Supported by Scientific Research Fund of Zhejiang Provincial Education Department/ ; },
abstract = {As artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly penetrates education and entrepreneurial practice, cultivating students' entrepreneurial thinking in a "human-AI symbiotic" environment has become a crucial issue in entrepreneurship education. Based on symbiotic agency theory and triadic reciprocal determinism, this study constructs a theoretical model of "AI agency-human sense of agency-entrepreneurial thinking," using opportunity recognition and creativity as the core dimensions of entrepreneurial thinking to examine how AI agency is associated with college students' entrepreneurial cognition. Based on a sample of 972 college students, the study employs a hybrid research method combining SLR, SEM, and fsQCA. The results show that: (1) AI agency is composed of three dimensions: cognitive support, interaction support, and action support, forming a stable structure of human-AI symbiotic environment in entrepreneurial learning contexts. (2) AI agency is positively associated with entrepreneurial thinking both directly and indirectly through the human sense of agency. (3) High-level entrepreneurial thinking is not associated with a single factor alone but with configurations of multiple conditions, with interaction support and sense of agency playing stable core roles. (4) Furthermore, creativity and opportunity recognition exhibit different generative logics. The study theoretically elevates AI from a tool to a technological partner and capability community in entrepreneurial learning, and provides insights for the design of AI instructional courses in entrepreneurship education.},
}

@article {pmid42387610,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, Y and Cheng, Y},
title = {Humanistic thought in medical dao: a cross-cultural perspective of global medical humanities.},
journal = {Philosophy, ethics, and humanities in medicine : PEHM},
volume = {21},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s13010-026-00223-4},
pmid = {42387610},
issn = {1747-5341},
mesh = {Humans ; *Humanism ; *Humanities ; *Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; *Cross-Cultural Comparison ; },
abstract = {Rooted in "the real human being and their practice", the humanistic thought of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) encompasses four core dimensions: the Theory of Valuing Life and Attaining Sagehood, the Theory of Temperament and Human Nature, the Theory of Subject Mutual Benefit, and the Theory of Body-State Synchronism. It provides crucial support for the mutual learning of Chinese and Western medical humanities. The Theory of Valuing Life and Attaining Sagehood resonates with Western bioethics while adding a unique dimension of spiritual self-cultivation; the Theory of Temperament and Human Nature aligns with the precision medicine paradigm and complements the perspective of cultural ethical examination; the Theory of Subject Mutual Benefit firmly opposes the objectification of patients and theoretically expands the Western concept of "patient-centered care"; the Theory of Body-State Synchronism integrates individual physical and mental health with collective public well-being, aligning with the core values of contemporary global health governance. As an ideological system deeply embedded in Chinese civilization, it takes the Qi ontology and Yin-Yang balance as its profound metaphysical foundation, constructing a holistic medical humanistic paradigm independent of the Western biomedical model. In the contemporary academic context where medical humanities are moving toward pluralistic coexistence, the value of non-Western medical traditions has attracted increasing scholarly attention. It can not only enrich the Western medical humanistic tradition through cross-cultural dialogue but also provide solid ethical support for the global dissemination and clinical practice of TCM, ultimately realizing two-way mutual learning, complementarity and symbiosis between Eastern and Western medical humanities across cultures.},
}

Humans
*Humanism
*Humanities
*Medicine, Chinese Traditional
*Cross-Cultural Comparison

@article {pmid42387861,
year = {2026},
author = {Siguret, C and Olivier, M and Huneau, C and Sow, MD and Stenger, PL and Klopp, C and Martin, ML and Tamby, JP and Gorbounov, S and Flores, R and Legeai, F and Boudet, M and Battaglia, R and Guerra, D and Civan, P and Pont, C and Adam-Blondon, AF and Cattivelli, L and Mathieu, O and Salse, J},
title = {Reconstruction of ancestral plant genomes for inter-crop translational research.},
journal = {Molecular plant},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.molp.2026.06.012},
pmid = {42387861},
issn = {1752-9867},
abstract = {We present an initial exploratory framework, Ancestral Genome Reconstruction (AGR), to automatically infer 'paleogenomes' from large comparative datasets. By analyzing 84 extant angiosperm species, we reconstructed 10 key ancestral plant genomes of millions of years old. These reconstructed ancestors were instrumental in (i) estimating when emerged the angiosperms as well as major botanical families as well as ancestral shared whole genome duplication events, (ii) tracing the evolutionary trajectories of ancestral chromosomes as well as genes, especially those that may have driven the emergence of key life history traits (exemplifies with woody vs. herbaceous, aquatic vs. terrestrial, C3 vs. C4 and symbiotic root nodulators vs. non-nodulators species). We demonstrate that these paleogenomes serve as tractable backbones for inter-crop translational research, in delivering though an open access web tool (OrthoViewer) genes that have conserved the same ancestral genomic context favoring the identification of 'phenologs' -genes underlying similar phenotypes, traits, or processes across species- exemplified with FUWA for yield components, FLC for flowering time, and DDM1 for DNA methylation. Taken together, this study provides a testable paleogenomics workflow, opening novel avenues to integrate evolutionary genomics data into modern climate-smart breeding and support the agroecological transition.},
}

@article {pmid42387864,
year = {2026},
author = {Fonouni-Farde, C and Ma, X and Sánchez-Rodríguez, F and Latrasse, D and Brik-Chaouche, R and Ferrero, L and Daviddi, N and He, X and Wang, Q and Brault, M and Tan, S and Laffont, C and Tian, Y and Clappe, C and Ma, X and Lelandais, C and Ariel, F and Crespi, M and Benhamed, M and Frugier, F},
title = {Three-dimensional genome reorganization enables cytokinin activation of NODULE INCEPTION during symbiotic nodulation.},
journal = {Plant communications},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {101986},
doi = {10.1016/j.xplc.2026.101986},
pmid = {42387864},
issn = {2590-3462},
abstract = {Legumes establish symbiotic interactions with soil-dwelling rhizobial bacteria, leading to the formation of nitrogen-fixing root nodules. This process requires extensive transcriptional reprogramming, which is associated with dynamic changes in DNA methylation and histone modifications. However, the role of three-dimensional (3D) genome architecture in symbiosis remains largely unexplored. Using High-throughput Chromosome Conformation Capture (Hi-C), we reveal that the 3D chromatin landscape undergoes major reorganizations in nitrogen-fixing symbiotic nodules compared with non-symbiotic roots and non-nitrogen-fixing nodules. These changes involve alterations in A / B compartmentalization and the establishment of enhancer-promoter loops linked to the symbiotic program. Strikingly, we identified a long-range chromatin loop bridging a 15 kb distal enhancer to the proximal promoter of the NODULE INCEPTION (NIN) gene, a master regulator of nodulation. This enhancer region contains multiple putative cytokinin (CK) response elements, and the CK-dependent induction of NIN in roots is associated with this enhancer-promoter interaction. Moreover, we demonstrate that the CK signaling transcription factor RESPONSE REGULATOR B3 (RRB3), binds specifically to this distal enhancer region and participates in forming enhancer-promoter looping. Altogether, these results uncover a critical role for 3D chromatin reorganization in regulating gene expression during legume-rhizobium symbiosis, highlighting a regulatory mechanism through which hormonal signaling shapes genome architecture and modulates NIN activation via long-range chromatin looping.},
}

@article {pmid42388297,
year = {2026},
author = {Purohit, A and Chakraborty, A and Křivánek, J and Hanus, R and Mohan, K and Roy, A},
title = {Subterranean synergies: termite bacterial diversity and eugenol-mediated selective dysbiosis.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1818254},
pmid = {42388297},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Subterranean termites, Coptotermes formosanus and Reticulitermes flavipes (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) rank among the most economically significant wood-feeding pests, relying on complex symbiotic associations with gut microbes to facilitate lignocellulose digestion, nitrogen fixation, and other essential metabolic processes. Although their bacterial communities have been individually described, direct comparisons and the effects of plant-derived bioactive compounds on these symbioses remain poorly understood. Here, we present the first comparative analysis of bacterial communities in these two termite species under phytochemical stress induced by eugenol, a phenolic monoterpenoid with known insecticidal and antimicrobial properties. Using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, we demonstrate that although the two species harbor distinct bacterial assemblages, they share a conserved core microbiota dominated by Spirochaetota. C. formosanus harbored a higher relative abundance of Bacteroidota, whereas R. flavipes exhibited prevalence of Firmicutes, Elusimicrobiota, and Actinobacteria. Despite these differences, both species shared a core bacterial community dominated by Spirochaetota. Eugenol exposure resulted in significant termite mortality and induced taxon-specific shifts in bacterial composition without altering overall community diversity, indicating a selective restructuring rather than a broad-spectrum disruption of the termite bacteriome. Specifically, eugenol decreased the abundance of Spirochaetota, particularly the genus Treponema, while enriching Firmicutes and Proteobacteria. This pattern of selective dysbiosis indicates a mechanistic shift away from non-specific antimicrobial effects, underscoring targeted microbial restructuring as a key ecological consequence of eugenol exposure. Moreover, PICRUST2-based predictions indicated that eugenol treatment alters microbial functional potential, including pathways associated with carbohydrate metabolism, fermentation, and amino acid biosynthesis, suggesting that eugenol selectively interferes with key symbiotic functions critical to termite survival. These findings demonstrate species-specific differences in termite-associated bacterial assemblages and highlight the potential of eugenol to selectively disrupt functionally important microbial taxa, providing a foundation for microbiome-targeted, environmentally sustainable termite control strategies.},
}

@article {pmid42389124,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhou, Y and Bian, P and Yang, C and Qu, J and Wang, H and Gao, W},
title = {Differences in carbon sequestration capacity, rhizosphere microorganisms and metabolic functions among different herbaceous plants.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1849153},
pmid = {42389124},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Mitigating the rapid increase in global CO2 concentrations necessitates a deeper understanding of plant-microbe symbiotic carbon sequestration. While previous research has predominantly focused on woody plants, the carbon sequestration potential and mechanisms of herbaceous plants and their rhizosphere microbiomes remain largely underexplored. To address this gap, this study employed metagenomic technology to systematically investigate the carbon sequestration capacities and metabolic mechanisms of seven plant species and their rhizosphere soil microorganisms. Plant physiological measurements were integrated with microbial functional profiles predicted via PICRUSt2. The results show that the rhizosphere soil microbial communities generally possess functional genes for carbon decomposition and carbon fixation, providing evidence for the coupling of intracellular decomposition and synthesis metabolism in microorganisms. Notably, Spearman correlation analysis established a direct statistical link between plant physiological performance and specific microbial metabolic pathways. These findings demonstrate a functional coupling between plant physiology and rhizosphere microbial carbon metabolism. By linking plant phenotypes to microbial gene pathways, this study reveals that herbaceous plants and their rhizosphere microbiomes form an integrated carbon sequestration system. Therefore, leveraging such plant-soil interactions offers a promising strategy to enhance ecosystem carbon sinks and mitigate rising atmospheric CO2.},
}

@article {pmid42389179,
year = {2026},
author = {Uršič, ED},
title = {Interview dataset: Encouraging the development of industrial symbiosis networks in Slovenia - transition to the circular economy.},
journal = {Data in brief},
volume = {67},
number = {},
pages = {112979},
pmid = {42389179},
issn = {2352-3409},
abstract = {This article provides a dataset collected through semi-structured interviews with stakeholders involved in industrial symbiosis and circular economy practices in Slovenia. The dataset includes anonymized transcripts in Slovene and English translations, offering insights into sustainability practices, collaboration mechanisms, and stakeholder trust in the context of the Slovenian transition to a circular economy. All interviews were conducted in Slovene, converted into note-based transcripts, anonymized, and translated into English, resulting in 50 transcripts. The article also presents a structured coding scheme developed from the interview material, including main categories, subthemes, operational definitions, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and illustrative quotations. The coding scheme enhances the dataset's reuse potential by supporting thematic analysis, comparative research, and methodological training in qualitative coding. The Zenodo record contains 54 relevant files across versions v3 and v4: 25 anonymized Slovene transcripts, 25 English translations, 2 interview protocols, 1 README file, and 1 structured codebook file in Excel format. The dataset provides qualitative insights into organizational structures, sustainability goals, collaboration mechanisms, regulatory frameworks, and relational trust dynamics in symbiotic networks. It is openly available for reuse in thematic analysis, discourse studies, comparative policy research, and training in qualitative research methods.},
}

@article {pmid42390218,
year = {2026},
author = {Wright, R and Abbot, B and Yonemura, T and Carter, M},
title = {Identifying effective cryoprotection agents for non-model bacterial species.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0393925},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.03939-25},
pmid = {42390218},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Host-associated bacteria live amongst eukaryotes within varied niches and form relationships ranging from facultative to obligate. With advancement in the studies of such symbiotic associations, fastidious bacteria are increasingly becoming targets for genetic manipulation. However, there are limited resources for screening possible agents, enabling in vitro culturing and storage of these microbes. In this study, we present a simple protocol for optimizing cryopreservation of non-model organisms in laboratory settings using conventional chemicals. Our initial motivation for this observation was to discover a cryoprotection agent for independently cultured Mycetohabitans spp., fungal endosymbionts. We tested several common bacterial cryoprotection agents like glycerol, bovine serum albumin (BSA), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) over an ultralow freeze-thaw cycle to determine an adequate method of cryoprotection for assorted bacteria. We observed different recovery rates across bacterial species and cryopreservation methods, and identified cryoprotectants that reliably resulted in viable bacteria for each of the strains tested. We present this as a resource for those working with other fastidious and host-associated bacteria that may be missing effective cryopreservation methods.

IMPORTANCE: The ability to cryopreserve bacteria is important for optimizing laboratory procedures, preserving strains that have been genetically manipulated, and growing fresh cultures of microorganisms without in vitro evolution from serial subculturing. There are several known cryoprotection agents of bacteria, but there are limited accessible studies that collect these together and screen them for effectiveness with new bacteria studied in laboratory settings. With several fastidious and host-associated microorganisms emerging as new model systems, we aim to generate a resource for determining long-term storage solutions for novel organisms of interest.},
}

@article {pmid42390751,
year = {2026},
author = {Vletsos, P and Koukara, J and Papadopoulou, KK},
title = {Rhizobium rhizogenes-Mediated Hairy Root Transformation Protocol for Lotus japonicus and Other Legumes.},
journal = {Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)},
volume = {3054},
number = {},
pages = {143-164},
pmid = {42390751},
issn = {1940-6029},
mesh = {*Lotus/genetics/microbiology/growth & development ; *Plant Roots/genetics/microbiology/growth & development ; *Transformation, Genetic ; Plants, Genetically Modified/genetics/growth & development ; *Rhizobium/genetics ; Agrobacterium/genetics ; *Fabaceae/genetics ; },
abstract = {Rhizobium rhizogenes-mediated hairy root transformation has been extensively applied across various legumes, ranging from model species such as Medicago truncatula and Lotus japonicus to crop legumes like Glycine max and Phaseolus vulgaris. This technique is highly regarded for its simplicity and rapid production of transgenic roots, making it invaluable for studies on gene expression and function, root biology, symbiotic interactions, and metabolic engineering. Consequently, multiple protocols have been developed to optimize its use in legumes. In this chapter, we present a detailed protocol for hairy root transformation in the model plant Lotus japonicus, emphasizing key elements essential for success that can be adapted for use in other legumes.},
}

*Lotus/genetics/microbiology/growth & development
*Plant Roots/genetics/microbiology/growth & development
*Transformation, Genetic
Plants, Genetically Modified/genetics/growth & development
*Rhizobium/genetics
Agrobacterium/genetics
*Fabaceae/genetics

@article {pmid42391838,
year = {2026},
author = {Yu, YH and Marín Arancibia, M},
title = {Mesorhizobium bavaricum sp. nov. and Mesorhizobium monacense sp. nov., two novel Lotus-associated species harbouring symbiotic plasmids.},
journal = {Systematic and applied microbiology},
volume = {49},
number = {5},
pages = {126739},
doi = {10.1016/j.syapm.2026.126739},
pmid = {42391838},
issn = {1618-0984},
abstract = {Legumes establish a mutualistic interaction with nitrogen-fixing rhizobia. Lotus japonicus is a model for studying this symbiosis; however, only a limited number of rhizobial species nodulating this host have been taxonomically described. Here, we characterise four Mesorhizobium strains (DC-1.1[T], Qj1B1, DC-1.5[T], and Qj2B2) isolated from root nodules of Lotus japonicus and Lotus burttii. Multi-locus phylogeny and phylogenomic analyses resolved these isolates into two well-supported monophyletic clades. Genome-based comparisons supported their classification as distinct taxa, with strains DC-1.1[T] and Qj1B1 showing 95.2% average nucleotide identity (ANI) and 62.9-63.5% digital DNA-DNA hybridisation (dDDH) values relative to Mesorhizobium newzealandense ICMP 19545[T], whereas DC-1.5[T] and Qj2B2 exhibited 92.5-92.8% ANI and 49.9-50.5% dDDH compared with Mesorhizobium waimense ICMP 19557[T]. Together with chemotaxonomic and physiological traits, these data support the proposal of two novel species, Mesorhizobium bavaricum sp. nov. (DC-1.1[T] and Qj1B1) and Mesorhizobium monacense sp. nov. (DC-1.5[T] and Qj2B2). Metagenomic analyses predicted high environmental prevalence for these novel taxa, particularly within soil habitats. Isolates DC-1.1[T], Qj1B1, and DC-1.5[T] effectively nodulated Lotus burttii and significantly promoted plant growth, whereas Qj2B2 neither nodulated nor enhanced growth. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that the nodulating isolates harbour symbiotic genes (nod, fix, and nif) on symbiotic plasmids, a rare feature in Mesorhizobium strains, whereas Qj2B2 lacks essential nod and nif genes. Consistent with these genomic features, symbiotaxonomic analysis assigned the nodulating isolates to symbiovar loti. These results highlight the potential of these isolates as models for comparative analyses of symbiotic plasmid evolution and horizontal gene transfer.},
}

@article {pmid42391863,
year = {2026},
author = {Cheng, HY and Wang, YC and Meng, YZ and Wu, CY and Liu, AC and Lin, YC and Hung, JH and Yang, SH},
title = {Differential thermal sensitivity among shallow-water octocorals and its association with holobiont composition.},
journal = {Marine environmental research},
volume = {220},
number = {},
pages = {108234},
doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.108234},
pmid = {42391863},
issn = {1879-0291},
abstract = {Octocorals are increasingly recognized as important structural components of reef ecosystems, yet the mechanisms underlying their responses to thermal stress remain poorly understood. In particular, it remains unclear whether differences in thermal sensitivity among octocorals correspond to variation in their symbiotic algae and associated bacterial communities. Here, we investigated the physiological and microbial responses of four shallow-water octocoral genera (Litophyton, Lobophytum, Sarcophyton, and Sclerophytum) collected from the same region and exposed to experimentally elevated temperatures. Physiological measurements revealed clear genus-specific differences in thermal sensitivity: Litophyton was the most sensitive, showing the most rapid decline in photosynthetic efficiency, the greatest loss of algal symbionts, and the highest mortality. Notably, this pattern did not track symbiont identity: Litophyton was dominated by the thermally tolerant symbiont Durusdinium, whereas the more resilient genera were associated primarily with Cladocopium. Microbiome analyses revealed host-specific bacterial assemblages, with Litophyton harboring a distinct community dominated by Endozoicomonas. Under heat stress, total Endozoicomonas abundance in Litophyton remained relatively stable, but its composition shifted at the ASV level, indicating fine-scale microbial restructuring. Together, these results suggest that thermal sensitivity was not explained by symbiont identity or bacterial community composition among the octocorals examined here. The factors underlying these genus-level differences remain to be identified, but host-level traits, such as morphology and evolutionary history, represent plausible candidates that warrant further investigation. More broadly, our findings caution against directly applying scleractinian-derived holobiont frameworks to octocorals, and highlight the need to better understand how octocoral-dominated reefs respond to continued warming.},
}

@article {pmid42392438,
year = {2026},
author = {Sun, Y and Huang, Y and Xia, A and Zhu, X and Zhu, X and Liao, Q},
title = {Insights into the assistance of bacteria in digested wastewater pollutants removal by microalgae from the aspect of flow and mixing characteristics.},
journal = {Environmental research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {125175},
doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2026.125175},
pmid = {42392438},
issn = {1096-0953},
abstract = {Photosynthetic symbiotic microorganisms (PSM, photosynthetic microalgae and heterotrophic bacteria) show great potential for the treatment of digested piggery wastewater (DPW). However, how bacterial metabolic activities affect substance exchange ability between microalgae and bacteria, and their subsequent impact on pollutant removal remains unclear. Thus, the flow characteristics, gas exchange, and mass mixing of PSM suspension were investigated using a hydrodynamic method. The findings demonstrated that the viscosity of the PSM increased to 1.09 mPa·s due to the extracellular polymeric substance secreted by bacteria, which was higher than the value of 0.83 mPa·s observed in photosynthetic microorganisms (PM, photosynthetic microalgae). The increased viscosity of the suspension extended residence time of the CO2 bubble (845 ms) in liquid phase, which facilitated sufficient contact between CO2 and microalgae and enhanced capture probability. In addition, flow simulations indicated that the increased CO2 bubble residence time resulted in a 2.7% higher gas holdup in PSM compared to PM, thereby enhancing the total dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) concentration to 329.7 mg L[-1]. Simultaneously, compared with PM (2.79E-8 m[2] s[-2]), the higher turbulent kinetic energy in PSM (4.77E-8 m[2] s[-2]) facilitated material mixing and exchange. Therefore, the maximum COD removal rate in PSM was 649 mg L[-1] d[-1], significantly higher than the 565.5 mg L[-1] d[-1] observed in PM. The maximum NH4[+]-N removal rate in PSM increased by 20.1%. In summary, this study provided new insights into the collaborative treatment of DPW using PSM from the perspective of flow characteristics.},
}

@article {pmid42392792,
year = {2026},
author = {Abbà, S and Vallino, M and Cicerone, A and Cirrincione, S and Aiuto, B and Galetto, L and Rossi, M},
title = {Multi-Omics Profiling of the Scaphoideus titanus Yeast-Like Symbiont Guides the Bioinformatic Discovery of Related Fungal Symbioses in Insects.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {28},
number = {7},
pages = {e70361},
doi = {10.1111/1462-2920.70361},
pmid = {42392792},
issn = {1462-2920},
support = {CUP B17G23000320005//Ministero dell'Agricoltura, della Sovranità Alimentare e delle Foreste; Project MICOTI/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Hemiptera/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; Computational Biology ; Multiomics ; Proteomics ; *Hypocreales/genetics/classification ; Genomics ; },
abstract = {Symbiotic partnerships have opened new ecological niches and contributed to the remarkable diversification of insects. The leafhopper Scaphoideus titanus, a phloem-feeding insect known to be the primary vector of Flavescence dorée phytoplasma, harbours two primary endosymbionts: the bacterium 'Candidatus Karelsulcia muelleri' and a yeast-like symbiont (YLS). While most studies on insect-associated microorganisms have focused on obligate bacterial symbionts, fungal endosymbionts, although documented for almost a century, are only now gaining renewed attention for their evolutionary and ecological significance. In this study, we integrated genomic and proteomic data with phylogenetic analyses to elucidate the functional and evolutionary features of the YLS associated with S. titanus. Using a data-independent proteomic approach supported by a newly sequenced symbiont genome, we defined the proteins expressed by the YLS that may contribute to host physiology. Comparative analyses across the five currently available YLS genomes enabled a proteome-wide phylogenetic reconstruction within the genus Ophiocordyceps, refining the evolutionary placement of these symbioses. Finally, large-scale mining of NCBI transcriptomic Sequence Read Archive datasets using a novel computational workflow, combined with an extensive literature survey, identified several new candidate insect hosts and provided a comprehensive inventory of species harbouring these fungal partners.},
}

Animals
*Symbiosis
*Hemiptera/microbiology
Phylogeny
Computational Biology
Multiomics
Proteomics
*Hypocreales/genetics/classification
Genomics

@article {pmid42379884,
year = {2026},
author = {Martínez-Renau, E and Bodawatta, KH and Martín-Platero, AM and Martín-Vivaldi, M and Barón, MD and Ruiz-Castellano, C and Martínez-Bueno, M and Jønsson, KA and Poulsen, M and Soler, JJ},
title = {Environmental factors associated with nesting habits and age shape the composition and connection between skin and uropygial gland microbiomes of birds.},
journal = {The Journal of animal ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1365-2656.70304},
pmid = {42379884},
issn = {1365-2656},
support = {CGL2017-83103-P//Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación/Agencia Estatal de Investigación/ ; PID2020-117429GB-C21//Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación/Agencia Estatal de Investigación/ ; PID2020-117429GB-C22//Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación/Agencia Estatal de Investigación/ ; PID2024-159017NB-C31//Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación/Agencia Estatal de Investigación/ ; PID2024-159017NB-C32//Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación/Agencia Estatal de Investigación/ ; PRE2018-085378//Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación/Agencia Estatal de Investigación/ ; },
abstract = {Bacterial communities on skin and feathers can act as a critical line of defence against pathogenic infections in birds and may originate from secretions produced by the uropygial gland. These secretions reach the bird integument during preening, with the preening effort possibly determining the connectivity between uropygial gland and integument microbiomes. The risk of pathogen infections depends on a number of variables, including environmental conditions (i.e. temperature and humidity), species identity, life-history traits (i.e. cavity vs. open-cup nesters) and life stage (i.e. age). Bacterial symbionts of the host, particularly those of the uropygial gland, may counter such pathogenic infections. We therefore hypothesise that bacterial communities of the uropygial gland differ among host species, age and nesting habits, with higher bacterial diversity in nestlings due to their immature immune system, and in cavity nesters due to potentially increased pathogen exposure. We examined this using 16S rRNA metabarcoding of bacterial communities of the uropygial secretion (N = 352) and uropygial gland skin (N = 339) of nestlings and adults of 26 bird species from 14 families in southern Spain. In accordance with the hypotheses, we find species-specific differences in bacterial communities of uropygial gland skin and secretion, as well as an effect of age, with nestlings showing a higher bacterial diversity, especially in the uropygial gland skin. Additionally, the microbiotas of cavity-nesting species are more diverse and heterogeneous than those of open nesters, with these effects more pronounced in adult and uropygial secretions. Finally, the uropygial gland is relatively larger in cavity- than in open-nester species, which suggests that cavity nesters preen more often than the open nesters. Moreover, we found a stronger sharing of secretion and skin microbes in cavity nesters and nestlings compared to adults and open nesters. Overall, our findings on the effects of age and nest type on structuring bird uropygial gland skin and secretion microbiota imply that age and pathogen risks related to nest environment could drive the external microbiome assembly in birds.},
}

@article {pmid42380482,
year = {2026},
author = {Kang, X and He, P and Zhang, H and Lü, F},
title = {Virus-mediated prokaryotic community adaptation dynamics under thermal stress in municipal organic solid waste microbiomes.},
journal = {Communications biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s42003-026-10568-3},
pmid = {42380482},
issn = {2399-3642},
abstract = {Temperature influences microbial metabolic activity, which is crucial for biotechnological processes and bioproducts stabilization. However, temperature-driven responses of complex viruses and prokaryotic communities, and the modulatory role of viruses in prokaryotic community within environmental biotechnology systems, remain poorly understood. We developed a continuous thermal stress system with temperature gradients and high-resolution temporal sampling of metagenomics and metatranscriptomics, using municipal organic solid waste as a biological model. An optimized meta-omics pipeline integrating genomic potential and activity was applied to investigate the adaptive dynamics of complex prokaryotic and viral communities. Continuous thermal stress triggered stress responses in paired virus-hosts within the system. Thermal stress exerted distinct effects on temperate and virulent viruses. Viruses formed quasi-symbiotic alliances with their hosts to withstand thermal stress by integrating protein folding genes, stress response, and metabolic function genes, shaping host adaptability under thermal pressure. Equipped with multiple defense and counter-defense systems, viruses accelerated the accumulation of beneficial mutations under thermal stress, enabling them to escape host immunity and intensify competition with prokaryotic communities. This study demonstrates how viruses accelerated both the restructuring and adaptive responses of prokaryotic communities under thermal stress, advancing our understanding of phage-based therapeutic strategies in temperature-variable engineering applications.},
}

@article {pmid42381048,
year = {2026},
author = {Porcel Sanchis, D and Pola, M and Engelberts, JP and Guerra-Font, O and Messer, L and Alberola-Mora, I and Escobar Sáez, L and Pérez Gómez, N and Portolés Campo, Á and Valero-Tebar, J and Naya Garmendia, LM and Preciado Barahona, JC and Gil García, R and Arnau, V and McIlroy, SJ and Džunková, M},
title = {Museomics reveals uncultured symbionts with biosynthetic potential in nudibranchs.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s40168-026-02456-z},
pmid = {42381048},
issn = {2049-2618},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Museum specimens are widely used for PCR-based pathogen detection, yet their potential for metagenomic discovery of beneficial microbes remains underexplored, largely due to difficulties in distinguishing true symbionts from contaminants. Here, we use metagenomics of museum specimens to uncover symbioses in endangered or difficult-to-collect animals, such as nudibranchs. To date, Doriopsilla is the only nudibranch demonstrated to harbor an uncultured symbiont involved in chemical defense, leaving it unclear whether comparable associations occur in other nudibranchs. We hypothesized that bona fide symbionts should belong to abundant, uncultured lineages consistently present across individuals of the same host taxon collected across space and time.

RESULTS: Using ethanol-preserved specimens archived for up to 30 years, we doubled the number of available nudibranch microbiome datasets and found that dominant uncultured symbionts are rare, with most nudibranchs likely relying on alternative chemical defense mechanisms. An exception were Polycera and Felimare that contained two previously unknown symbionts, Candidatus Polyceribacter and Candidatus Felimaribacter, from distinct uncultured orders that are globally rare in marine metagenomes. These symbionts encode diverse biosynthetic gene clusters exhibiting strain- and species-level microdiversity consistent with metabolites previously reported from their hosts. Their restricted host distribution, phylogenetic distinctiveness, and phylogenetic similarity to symbionts of sponges or corals that are not nudibranch prey, support long-term evolutionary specialization and functional convergence. Fine-scale diversification further suggests host-driven microbial adaptation following symbiosis establishment.

CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this study establishes museomics as a robust framework for symbiosis research and advances understanding of the evolutionary and chemical ecology of host-microbe interactions in rare marine invertebrates. Video Abstract.},
}

@article {pmid42382239,
year = {2026},
author = {Cheng, KH and Fan, K and Gao, X and Wang, L and Zhang, H and Zhang, F and Wong, FL and Wang, Z and Wu, J and Jin, S and Lam, HM},
title = {Leaf to Root: Harnessing leaf spectral signatures for non-destructive monitoring of soybean nodule traits.},
journal = {Plant phenomics (Washington, D.C.)},
volume = {8},
number = {2},
pages = {100203},
pmid = {42382239},
issn = {2643-6515},
abstract = {Soybean (Glycine max) root nodules, formed through symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing rhizobia, are essential for biological nitrogen fixation. While quantifying key nodulation traits, nodule number and weight, is critical for assessing symbiotic efficiency and yield potential, current methods are destructive and labor-intensive, unsuitable for longitudinal monitoring and high-throughput phenotyping. Here, we established hyperspectral leaf reflectance as a non-destructive, high-resolution tool capable of monitoring root nodule development. Using Partial Least Squares Regression models, we connected spectral data with nodule metrics from 528 unique soybean plants across 18 genotypes, inoculated with different rhizobium strains, and under different abiotic stresses. These models achieved high accuracy for predicting nodule number (R[2] = 0.75, nRMSE = 6.02%) and moderate accuracy for nodule weight (R[2] = 0.53, nRMSE = 12.38%). Crucially, spectral analyses revealed distinct hyperspectral signatures sensitive to nodule traits. While different rhizobium strains induced comparable changes in both nodule traits, and therefore produced highly overlapped spectral domains, diagnostically distinct spectral patterns were generated under drought versus salt stress, with the former suppressing nodulation more significantly than the latter. Furthermore, we demonstrated the effectiveness of our models for real-time in-situ monitoring of nodule development for individual plants. Spectral-nodule trait covariation analyses further revealed leaf signatures correlated with nodule traits primarily through systemic physiological coupling governed by carbon-nitrogen exchange dynamics and plant water status. This study showcased hyperspectral sensing as a transformative methodology, enabling the unprecedented non-destructive quantification of nodulation dynamics, revealing novel physiological insights into plant-microbe-environment interactions, facilitating breeding and management strategies for sustainable soybean production.},
}

@article {pmid42382596,
year = {2026},
author = {Xie, Z and Yao, S and Chen, L and Wang, T and Liu, T and Zheng, Y and Zhu, L and Lu, G},
title = {Temporal Activity and Co-Occurrence Patterns of Sympatric Wild Ungulates in Baotianman, China.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {16},
number = {7},
pages = {e73897},
pmid = {42382596},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Species' habitat utilization reflects their habitat preferences and activity patterns. Understanding the coexistence mechanism of wild ungulates is critical for deciphering intra- and inter- species survival strategies. The interactions between species including predation, competition, symbiosis, and reproduction, are dynamic processes influenced by seasonal shifts, diel cycles, and weather variations. The Baotianman National Nature Reserve in northern China hosts diverse wild ungulate populations, yet their daily activity rhythms remain inadequately investigated. Leveraging camera-trap data, we investigated the seasonal daily activity patterns of five sympatric wild ungulates (i.e., forest musk deer Moschus berezovskii, Siberian roe deer Capreolus pygargus, Reeve's muntjac Muntiacus reevesi, wild boar Sus scrofa, Chinese goral Naemorhedus griseus), to assess temporal niche differentiation as a key coexistence mechanism. Comparative analyses revealed statistically significant seasonal differentiation in daily rhythms among these species. By Watson's U [2] test, the daily activity patterns differed significantly across forest musk deer, Reeve's muntjac, wild boar, and Chinese goral (p < 0.05). In contrast, the activity rhythms showed no significant differentiation between forest musk deer and Siberian roe deer. Notably, we found that forest musk deer, Siberian roe deer, and Reeve's muntjac were crepuscular, whereas wild boar and Chinese goral were diurnal. The highest degree of overlap coefficients was observed between the forest musk deer and the Siberian roe deer, with no significant difference in their diel activity rhythms. This study offers novel insights for developing conservation strategies for wild ungulates, and is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity.},
}

@article {pmid42384746,
year = {2026},
author = {Akoh-Arrey, T and Basu, U and Brooks, JF},
title = {Circadian Control of Host-Microbiome Symbioses.},
journal = {Annual review of microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1146/annurev-micro-042424-091144},
pmid = {42384746},
issn = {1545-3251},
abstract = {Life on Earth has evolved under the predictable rotation of the planet, giving rise to intrinsic timing mechanisms that synchronize physiology and behavior with the 24-h day-night cycle. These molecular timing systems organize metabolism, immunity, and cellular renewal into recurring daily programs that optimize energy use and defense. Increasing evidence now reveals that circadian logic extends beyond the host to include its microbial partners. Host feeding rhythms, epithelial renewal, and immune activity impose temporal order on the microbiota, while microbial metabolites and immune signaling feedback to reinforce host circadian oscillations. When this temporal coordination is lost, through genetic disruption of clock genes, high-fat diet, or behavioral desynchrony, microbial and host rhythms collapse, leading to metabolic syndrome, obesity, and impaired xenobiotic detoxification. Thus, temporal order emerges as a coevolved property of host-microbe symbiosis, linking planetary rotation to cellular physiology across kingdoms and defining a chronobiological foundation for health and disease.},
}

@article {pmid42385469,
year = {2026},
author = {Mogoşanu, GD and Biţă, A and Scorei, IR and Gheonea, DI and Geormăneanu, C},
title = {Boron symbiotaxis: A trace element perspective on host-microbiome signaling and lipidomic coherence in obesity.},
journal = {Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology : organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements (GMS)},
volume = {96},
number = {},
pages = {127921},
doi = {10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127921},
pmid = {42385469},
issn = {1878-3252},
abstract = {Boron (B) is a biologically relevant trace element whose role in human physiology is still interpreted predominantly through dietary intake, systemic absorption, and measurable circulating levels. Although this absorption-centered framework has been useful, it may underestimate B-dependent functions within compartmentalized biological microenvironments, particularly at mucosal host-microbiome interfaces. In obesity, metabolic dysfunction is increasingly understood not merely as an energy imbalance, but as a disorder of host-microbiome integration characterized by gut microbial dysregulation, barrier dysfunction, low-grade inflammation, and membrane lipid remodeling, especially ceramide accumulation and altered microdomain organization that impair insulin signaling. Here, we propose a trace-element-centered framework that integrates dual-access B availability, distinguishing plasma-accessible B from microbiota-accessible B complexes, with the concept of B symbiotaxis, defined as B-dependent stabilization of microbial communication equilibria, including borate-complexed autoinducer-2 signaling. We hypothesize that reduced functional B availability in the gut may weaken microbial network coherence, destabilize short-chain fatty acid signaling, increase endotoxemic pressure, and thereby promote lipidomic incoherence characterized by ceramide enrichment, membrane rigidity, and impaired metabolic flexibility. This perspective extends the biological interpretation of B beyond a systemic micronutrient or metabolic cofactor toward a potential regulator of symbiotic information architecture linking microbiome organization to membrane-level metabolic regulation. We also discuss current evidential limitations and outline experimentally testable predictions and a translational roadmap spanning B speciation, microbial signaling assays, lipidomic profiling, and integrated biomarkers of metabolic resilience.},
}

@article {pmid42385579,
year = {2026},
author = {Han, YH and Zou, MZ and Wei, XM and Chen, X and Tong, LC and Zhang, Y and Zhang, H and Chen, Z},
title = {Mining rare earth elements with ammonium sulfate as a leaching agent provokes a significant perturbation in soil microbial function.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {514},
number = {},
pages = {142856},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142856},
pmid = {42385579},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {The mining of rare earth elements (REEs), which are critical for modern technologies, frequently leads to severe soil degradation, particularly through ammonium sulfate-based in-situ leaching. This study provided a comprehensive metagenomic assessment of how REEs mining reshapes soil ecosystems. We analyzed paired samples from a mined site and an adjacent unmined control in a typical ion-adsorption REEs deposit region in China. Mining activity was associated with profound alterations in soil geochemical profiles. While soil pH decreased from 4.72 to 4.42, total carbon (TC) declined by over two-thirds (from 1.05 to 0.31 g kg[-1]), and total nitrogen (TN) exhibited a significant 22% increase (from 215.60 to 263.26 mg kg[-1]). Regarding REEs, mining caused an approximately 53% reduction in their total content (from 475.83 to 218.82 mg kg[-1]) and a restructured composition (cerium from 28% to 75%, lanthanum from 23% to 5.4%, and neodymium from 18% to 4.8%). Metagenomic analysis revealed that microbial diversity was significantly lower in the post-mining area compared to the unmined control. Bacterial communities shifted from a balanced composition to an oligotroph-dominated state, with p_Acidobacteriota increasing to 41% and the copiotrophic p_Actinomycetota declining from 23% to 10%. Fungal communities transitioned from a p_Basidiomycota-rich (31%) symbiotic state to an p_Ascomycota-dominated (77%), saprotrophic condition. Mantel tests and path analysis identified the mining-induced deterioration of soil physicochemical and nutrient properties (especially pH, TC, and Mg) as a key factor associated with microbial restructuring, rather than REEs depletion itself. Functionally, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes annotation revealed a widespread suppression of metabolic pathways critical for ecosystem functioning, including C fixation, N metabolism, energy production, and environmental adaptation. The identification of key microbial taxa (e.g., declining p_Actinomycetota and p_Chloroflexota) as biomarkers for soil health, and their strong linkage to decreased C and N cycling functions, offers potential genomic targets for monitoring and guiding the recovery of soil ecosystem services in post-mining landscapes.},
}

@article {pmid42385704,
year = {2026},
author = {Maruyama, S and Henderson, CF and Swinhoe, N and Kowalewski, GP and Meier, EK and Engelke, TR and Cleves, PA},
title = {Co-option of lysosomal machinery shapes the evolution of the intracellular photosymbiosis supporting coral reefs.},
journal = {Cell},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.cell.2026.06.015},
pmid = {42385704},
issn = {1097-4172},
abstract = {Endosymbiosis has spurred the evolution of new organelles across life. Corals and other cnidarians have repeatedly evolved an organelle, called the symbiosome, which houses intracellular algal symbionts. However, the molecular mechanisms enabling this repeated evolution remain unclear. Using the sea anemone Aiptasia, we generated a high-quality proteome of the symbiosome, revealing protein trafficking mechanisms and the types of biomolecules exchanged during symbiosis. Symbiosomal enrichment of lysosomal proteins, visualization of lysosomal fusion, and reduced symbiosis following knockdown of lysosomal genes indicate that the symbiosome functions through extensive co-option of lysosomal proteins. We identified a symbiosomal bicarbonate/sulfate transporter, SLC26A11, and showed through CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis that this lysosomal transporter is required for symbiosis in Aiptasia and a reef-building coral. Together, these findings reveal that corals and anemones have repeatedly co-opted lysosomal proteins to concentrate carbon and shuttle metabolites to support photosymbiosis, providing a relatively simple path for the repeated evolution of new photosymbioses.},
}

@article {pmid42385807,
year = {2026},
author = {Leal, MRS and Barbosa, IC and Júnior, WB and de Albuquerque Lima Duarte, C and Rodrigues, NER and das Graças Carneiro-da-Cunha, M and de Albuquerque, PBS},
title = {Improving the technological properties of whole and skimmed symbiotic yogurts supplemented with fructooligosaccharides and Cassia grandis seed galactomannan.},
journal = {International journal of biological macromolecules},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {153329},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.153329},
pmid = {42385807},
issn = {1879-0003},
abstract = {Although yogurt is an excellent vehicle for incorporating functional ingredients, its production still faces technical challenges, including syneresis, rheological instability, and reduced microbial stability during prolonged storage. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of galactomannan from Cassia grandis seeds (0.2% w/v), combined with fructooligosaccharides (FOS) (1% w/v), on the physicochemical and functional properties of whole and skimmed milk yogurts. Galactomannan and FOS concentrations were selected based on preliminary studies as their synergism stabilized the yogurts´ casein network, thus resulting in lower whey separation. Samples were monitored for pH, acidity, color, syneresis, water holding capacity (WHC), texture profile, and rheological behavior. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), and means were compared by Tukey's test (p < 0.05). The incorporation of additives significantly reduced syneresis by 14.68% and increased WHC by 14% compared to the control. Firmness increased by 1.45 g in supplemented yogurts when compared to the control, providing a more robust matrix without compromising sensory acceptance or microbiological safety (p > 0.05). These findings demonstrate that the synergistic effect of GCg and FOS favors a denser network and a more cohesive gel, thus validating the potential of the C. grandis galactomannan as a stabilizing agent. Finally, the use of GCg and FOS can be promoted at the industrial level to improve shelf life and functional appeal in dairy products. However, further studies are required to optimize protein content, ensure probiotic viability during storage, and estimate large-scale production costs.},
}

@article {pmid42386767,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, G and Zhou, Y and Wang, Y and Guo, Q and Zhao, S and Zhang, M and Lin, J and Li, Z and Huang, Y and Li, A and Zhuang, T},
title = {Ultralong, spin-photon fibres enable polarization-enhanced wearable sensing.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41467-026-75025-5},
pmid = {42386767},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {22471253, 224B2116//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; BJ2060190120//Natural Science Foundation of Anhui Province (Anhui Provincial Natural Science Foundation)/ ; },
abstract = {Photon-in-textile offers transformative potential for wearable sensing, yet persistent challenges in signal overlap, coupling, and quality degradation in dynamic, multivariate environments limit their efficacy. A new polarization-enhanced sensing technology, enabled by a spin fibre-textile capable of efficient decoupling between multivariable interference, is presented. We develop a discrete helix anchoring strategy that autonomously embeds circularly polarized materials within fibres during extrusion, yielding kilometer-scale spin-photon fibres-exceeding 1300 m in continuous length. More importantly, the resulting core-sheath beaded fibres exhibit a luminescence asymmetry factor of 0.41. The fibre-woven fabrics are then produced, allowing for dynamic, real-time signal acquisition by our developed polarization-enhanced sensing approach-that is, distinguishing spin light from surrounding optical fields-achieving signal segmentation and noise suppression at source with 92.63% signal entropy reduction in dynamic scenarios. This spin-photon-digital signal conversion system realizes a superior normalized signal-to-noise ratio of 1.0 (noiseless), thereby enabling multi-dimensional robotic control with 100% sensing accuracy under interference. Furthermore, we demonstrate the scalability and compatibility of this technology in polarization-based image processing, target recognition, and virtual reality. This work offers an innovative solution for robust, embedded intelligence in soft robotics and human-machine symbiosis.},
}

@article {pmid42387016,
year = {2026},
author = {Wu, F and Zhou, W and Ma, M and Lu, H and Hu, Y},
title = {Chromosomal-level genome assembly of Tetraponera attenuata (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).},
journal = {Scientific data},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41597-026-07751-w},
pmid = {42387016},
issn = {2052-4463},
support = {32370448//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2243200009//Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities/ ; },
abstract = {Symbiotic partnerships between hosts and microbes drive evolutionary innovation by expanding metabolic capacity, yet how these partnerships are integrated into superorganismal systems remains poorly understood in social insects. In the herbivorous Tetraponera nigra-group ants, we previously identified an adult-specific bacterial pouch that enables colony-wide nutritional symbiosis. However, this partnership has been characterized primarily from the symbiont side. The lack of high-quality genomic resources for this clade of Tetraponera ants has hindered in-depth exploration of the host genetic basis underlying beneficial host-symbiont interactions. Here, we report the first chromosomal-level genome assembly of T. attenuata, a species belonging to the T. nigra-group ants, leveraging PacBio HiFi long reads and Hi-C data. The assembled genome size is 323.72 Mb, with a scaffold N50 of 14.16 Mb and high completeness (BUSCO score 95.98%). A total of 99.93% of assembly sequences were anchored to 21 chromosomes, consistent with its karyotype (2n = 42). Genome annotation revealed that repetitive sequences constitute 41.66% of the assembly and we identified 12,929 predicted protein-coding genes, of which 11,785 were functionally annotated. This high-quality genome provides a crucial foundation for dissecting the host genetic mechanisms of superorganismal co-adaptation in nutritional symbiosis.},
}

@article {pmid42374012,
year = {2026},
author = {Shamshitov, A and Kadžienė, G and Trinchera, A and Supronienė, S},
title = {Short-term legacy effects of white mustard cover cropping and tillage on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal colonization, community composition, and abundance in volunteer barley.},
journal = {Mycorrhiza},
volume = {36},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {42374012},
issn = {1432-1890},
support = {S-MIP-24-104//Lietuvos Mokslo Taryba/ ; },
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology/classification/genetics ; *Hordeum/microbiology ; *Agriculture/methods ; *Sinapis/microbiology/growth & development ; Plant Roots/microbiology ; Soil Microbiology ; Biodiversity ; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics/analysis ; *Mycobiome ; },
abstract = {Brassicaceae cover crops are widely adopted in agroecosystems, yet their legacy effects on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) remain context-dependent and mechanistically unresolved. In this study, we assessed how a standing white mustard (Sinapis alba L.) cover crop interacts with tillage intensity to influence AMF colonization, community composition, diversity, and abundance in volunteer barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) roots. AMF responses were quantified using complementary approaches, including microscopic assessment of root colonization, 18S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, and taxon-specific real-time PCR (qPCR). Roots were sampled before white mustard termination, thereby avoiding tissue disruption and isothiocyanate release, to distinguish host-mediated filtering from biofumigation-associated chemical disturbance. Colonization intensity was primarily determined by tillage, with significantly higher colonization under no-tillage compared to conventional tillage. Community-level responses, however, were dependent on taxonomic resolution. At the amplicon sequence variant (ASV) level, white mustard reduced AMF richness, whereas diversity and evenness were unaffected. At the genus level, richness remained stable, but diversity and evenness declined under the combined effects of cover cropping and conventional tillage, indicating that tillage modulated the impact of cover crop legacy. Dominant Glomeraceae lineages remained stable across treatments, and total AMF abundance showed no consistent response to management, although Rhizophagus irregularis was more abundant under no-tillage. Colonization intensity correlated with ASV richness rather than with individual taxa, suggesting that early symbiotic dynamics were linked to community diversity rather than to the dominance of specific lineages. These findings suggest that white mustard cover cropping, despite its well‑recognized agronomic benefits, may also carry context‑dependent shifts in AMF communities, highlighting a potential ecological trade‑off that should be considered when designing cover crop-tillage management combinations.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology/classification/genetics
*Hordeum/microbiology
*Agriculture/methods
*Sinapis/microbiology/growth & development
Plant Roots/microbiology
Soil Microbiology
Biodiversity
RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics/analysis
*Mycobiome

@article {pmid42375298,
year = {2026},
author = {Hellyward, J and Purwati, E and Sandra, A and Melia, S and Ramadhanti, N and Putri, BRT},
title = {Quality characteristics and economic viability of frozen goat milk kefir fortified with Lactobacillus fermentum 1743 and avocado pulp.},
journal = {Open veterinary journal},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {589-603},
pmid = {42375298},
issn = {2218-6050},
mesh = {Animals ; *Kefir/analysis/microbiology/economics ; Goats ; *Persea/chemistry ; *Limosilactobacillus fermentum ; *Probiotics ; Milk ; Humans ; Food Microbiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Kefir, a symbiotic fermentation product of yeast and lactic acid bacteria, offers significant health benefits as a functional food. However, its characteristic sour taste limits consumer acceptance, necessitating product innovation.

AIM: This study evaluated the physicochemical, microbiological, sensory, and economic feasibility of frozen goat milk kefir fortified with Lactobacillus fermentum 1,743 and avocado pulp.

METHODS: A 3 × 3 factorial randomized complete block design (n = 27) was employed with Factor A: lactic acid bacteria (LAB) concentrations (2%, 4%, and 6%) and Factor B: avocado pulp concentrations (0%, 10%, and 20%). The parameters assessed included pH, total titrated acids (TTA), antioxidant activity, proximate composition, total LAB count, sensory attributes (taste, flavor, texture), and income analysis.

RESULTS: Significant interactions (p < 0.05) were observed between factors A and B for antioxidant activity and all sensory attributes. The optimal formulation (A2B3: 4% LAB + 20% avocado) achieved superior characteristics: pH 4.20, TTA 0.76%, antioxidant activity 56.88%, probiotic viability 119.6 × 10[3] CFU/ml, and the highest sensory scores (taste: 4.04/5.0, flavor: 3.78/5.0, texture: 3.54/5.0). Economic analysis demonstrated commercial viability with a net profit of IDR 56,156,850 annually.

CONCLUSION: The integration of 4% L. fermentum 1,743 and 20% avocado pulp produces frozen goat milk kefir with enhanced functional properties, superior sensory acceptance, and positive economic indicators, offering a viable functional food alternative for lactose-intolerant consumers.},
}

Animals
*Kefir/analysis/microbiology/economics
Goats
*Persea/chemistry
*Limosilactobacillus fermentum
*Probiotics
Milk
Humans
Food Microbiology

@article {pmid42375532,
year = {2026},
author = {Yan, L and Deng, W and Qiu, P and Liu, T and Deng, K and Zhang, L and Liu, X and Fan, J and Wei, P and Wei, D and Liu, X},
title = {A NACHT domain-containing protein Ncp is required for appendage-associated unconventional protein secretion in the fungus Penicillium herquei.},
journal = {iScience},
volume = {29},
number = {7},
pages = {116464},
pmid = {42375532},
issn = {2589-0042},
abstract = {Unconventional protein secretion (UcPS) enables leaderless proteins to bypass the ER-Golgi pathway, yet its regulation in fungi is not fully characterized. Here, we identify an appendage-associated secretion route in the symbiotic fungus Penicillium herquei Ph506 that mediates the extracellular accumulation of leaderless proteins. Functional analyses reveal that Ncp, a highly upregulated NACHT domain-containing protein, is dispensable for appendage formation but required for the efficient secretion of leaderless proteins into these specialized structures under tested conditions. Notably, Ncp depletion suppresses programmed cell death (PCD) features and reduces ionic stress tolerance, suggesting a potential link between NACHT-mediated processes and stress-associated cellular states. Together, this work provides evidence of a specific regulatory mechanism for protein secretion in symbiotic fungi, offering insights into how PCD-related pathways and UcPS may be co-regulated to maintain cellular homeostasis.},
}

@article {pmid42376112,
year = {2026},
author = {Surya, S and Pringgenies, D and Pathak, Y and Sedjati, S and Brotosudarmo, THP and Ariyanto, D and Mailoa, MN},
title = {Enzymes from mollusk-associated bacteria in Ambon waters of Wallacea: Prospective cosmetic applications.},
journal = {Open veterinary journal},
volume = {16},
number = {3},
pages = {1695-1703},
pmid = {42376112},
issn = {2218-6050},
mesh = {Animals ; *Bacteria/enzymology/isolation & purification ; *Cosmetics ; *Mollusca/microbiology ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/analysis ; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Marine mollusks serve as hosts for symbiotic bacteria capable of producing secondary metabolites with significant biotechnological potential, including those used in the cosmetic industry. The rich aquatic biodiversity of Ambon, located within the Wallacea region, presents a unique opportunity to explore marine microbes with distinctive metabolite profiles. However, research exploring mollusk symbiont bacteria from Ambon for cosmetic-related bioactive metabolites remains scarce. The valuable metabolite-producing potential of these compounds highlights the importance of further investigating their biological activities and metabolite profiles for prospective cosmetic applications.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the mollusk-associated bacteria for antibacterial and enzymatic activities, identify the bacterial strains, and analyze their secondary metabolites using GC-MS to support the development of active cosmetic ingredients.

METHODS: As many as 6 mollusks were selectively collected from Sopapey waters, Ambon region, and bacterial isolates were obtained using standard culturing techniques. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis, enzymatic activities were tested using 1% skim milk on agar medium, and molecular identification was conducted using 16S rRNA sequencing. GC-MS analysis was employed to profile secondary metabolites from selected isolates. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance in RStudio to determine significant differences among the isolates and controls.

RESULTS: Three isolates exhibited inhibitory activity, with SPG241 showing the strongest inhibition zone, 4.80 ± 0.57 mm (24 hours) and 2.75 ± 0.49 mm (48 hours) against C. acnes and 8.43 ± 1.26 mm (24 hours) and 7.04 ± 0.97 mm (48 hours) against S. epidermidis. Protease assays demonstrated that eight isolates possessed proteolytic activity, with hydrolysis zones of 11.65-13.85 mm in 48 hours. Molecular identification revealed that the potential isolates belonged to Pseudoalteromonas citrea, Pseudoalteromonas peptidolytica, Vibrio xuii, and Vibrio tubiashii. These symbionts produced bioactive metabolites, including esters (e.g., methyl palmitate and trans-13-octadecenoic acid) and functional molecules, such as 2,3-butanediol and 2-piperidinone. Isolates with the highest enzymatic activity exhibited promising cosmetic properties, including emollient, humectant, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects.

CONCLUSION: The findings confirm that mollusk symbiont bacteria from Sopapey water, particularly within the Wallacea region, are a promising source of secondary metabolites for natural-based cosmetic products, reinforcing the region's importance as a promising frontier for the discovery of innovative marine bioactive compounds.},
}

Animals
*Bacteria/enzymology/isolation & purification
*Cosmetics
*Mollusca/microbiology
Anti-Bacterial Agents
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/analysis
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Symbiosis

@article {pmid42376445,
year = {2026},
author = {Teng, Y and Yang, J and Li, T and Yin, Z and An, Q and Shi, Z and Jia, D and Lv, Q and Ramakrishna, S and Shi, J},
title = {The cutting-edge advancements in biomaterials under the guidance of intelligence and bionics.},
journal = {Regenerative biomaterials},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {rbag110},
pmid = {42376445},
issn = {2056-3418},
abstract = {The fusion of biomaterials with intelligent technologies and bionics represents a significant transformation in modern medicine, particularly in therapeutic applications and regenerative medicine. The development history of biomaterials has gone through four distinct stages: from inert biological materials and materials with biological activity and biodegradability to stimulus-responsive biomaterials and finally to the current integration of intelligent bionic materials. Due to clinical needs and the impetus of precision medicine, this development process has also been accelerated by advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), 4D bioprinting and intracellular monitoring. Here, we introduced two major categories of advanced biomaterials: intelligent responsive materials and biomimetic functionalized materials. Key manufacturing and characterization platforms were also explored, including 4D printing technology for dynamic molding, design methods based on AI for rapid screening and in vivo monitoring techniques for real-time feedback. The cutting-edge clinical applications were introduced, including precise drug delivery and personalized medicine approaches within regenerative medicine. Although these technologies have made significant progress, there are still major challenges in laboratory-to-clinical applications, especially involving complex material-biological interfaces, long-term stability and the need for evolving regulatory frameworks. Future development depends on interdisciplinary collaboration, ultimately achieving a true symbiotic relationship between biomaterials and living systems.},
}

@article {pmid42376922,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, Y and Li, J and Liu, J and Dong, Q and Zhang, H and Wang, Y and Li, H and Guan, Y and Cao, L and Zhang, M and Guo, F and Liu, X and Yang, Z and Lu, M and Liu, H and Zhong, L and Ji, T and Liu, T},
title = {PDGFRα[+]/Integrin α2[+] Fibroblasts Orchestrate Tumor Budding in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma via Mechano-Metabolic Symbiosis: E-Cadherin/Integrin α2β1 Adhesion and Mitochondrial Transfer.},
journal = {Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e76385},
doi = {10.1002/advs.76385},
pmid = {42376922},
issn = {2198-3844},
support = {82573113//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 23ZR1454800//Shanghai Natural Science Foundation/ ; 24141900800//Shanghai "Science and Technology Innovation Action Plan" Laboratory Animal Research/ ; },
abstract = {Tumor budding (TB), defined as single tumor cells or small clusters (≤4 cells) at the invasive front, is a strong adverse prognostic feature in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, the stromal regulators and molecular mechanisms that drive TB remain unclear. Here, we developed a tumor-budding organoid (TBO) model that faithfully recapitulates the OSCC tumor-stroma interface and budding dynamics. By integrating this model with single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), in situ RNA sequencing (isRNA-seq), and functional perturbations, we identify platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha[+]/integrin α2[+] (PDGFRα[+]/integrin α2[+]) cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) as the key stromal subset promoting OSCC budding. OSCC cells recruit PDGFRα[+] CAFs through PDGFA/PDGFRα signaling. These CAFs engage OSCC cells through two complementary crosstalk pathways: (1) heterotypic E-cadherin/integrin α2β1 adhesion that transmits biomechanical cues to activate YAP signaling and induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like programs; and (2) tunneling nanotube (TNT)-mediated mitochondrial transfer that enhances oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and bioenergetic supply in budding cells. Targeted inhibition of TNT-mediated mitochondrial transfer markedly suppresses TB in TBO and xenograft models. Together, our results reveal a mechano-metabolic symbiosis between PDGFRα[+]/integrin α2[+] CAFs and OSCC cells that drives TB and provides actionable targets to block this aggressive metastatic precursor.},
}

@article {pmid42377624,
year = {2026},
author = {Mwazembe, KJ and Chauhan, A and Pathak, A and Chukwujindu, C},
title = {Isolation and characterization of microalgal growth-enhancing bacteria from a wastewater treatment facility.},
journal = {World journal of microbiology & biotechnology},
volume = {42},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {42377624},
issn = {1573-0972},
mesh = {*Wastewater/microbiology ; *Microalgae/growth & development/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; *Bacteria/isolation & purification/classification/genetics/metabolism ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Biomass ; Microbial Consortia ; Coculture Techniques ; Biofuels ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Metagenomics ; Water Purification ; },
abstract = {Microalgae-bacteria interactions represent a promising approach for improving microalgal growth and biomass productivity, with potential applications in biofuel production, wastewater remediation, and the synthesis of value-added bioproducts. In this study, enriched microalgae consortia from the Tallahassee Wastewater Treatment Facility were first characterized using shotgun metagenomic sequencing to assess their taxonomic composition and functional potential. The consortia were dominated by Chlorella species and associated with diverse bacterial communities. Subsequently, bacterial strains were isolated and characterized to evaluate their potential as natural growth enhancers for microalgae. Eight bacterial isolates, Mesorhizobium sp., Enterococcus avium, Stenotrophomonas sp., Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Citrobacter freundii, Cellulosimicrobium sp., Stenotrophomonas pavanii, and Mycobacterium sp. SMC-4 were identified through 16 S rRNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. The influence of these isolates on microalgae was assessed using a membrane-separated coculture system that enabled metabolite exchange without direct cell-to-cell contact. Microalgal growth, monitored through optical density (OD) at 680 nm over 18 days, showed significant enhancement across all bacterial treatments compared to the reference (microalgae without bacteria). The most pronounced effects were observed with Mesorhizobium sp., Enterococcus avium, Stenotrophomonas sp., and Agrobacterium tumefaciens, which exhibited the highest growth responses. These findings suggest that wastewater-derived bacteria can substantially enhance microalgal growth performance, likely through metabolite-mediated interactions. This study expands the repository of algal-supportive bacterial taxa and highlights the potential of targeted microalgae-bacteria consortia for scalable and sustainable bioprocessing.},
}

*Wastewater/microbiology
*Microalgae/growth & development/microbiology
Phylogeny
*Bacteria/isolation & purification/classification/genetics/metabolism
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Biomass
Microbial Consortia
Coculture Techniques
Biofuels
DNA, Bacterial/genetics
Metagenomics
Water Purification

@article {pmid42377967,
year = {2026},
author = {Young, SE and Bryan, CT and Gotting, K and Currie, C},
title = {Evidence for cryptic sex in Escovopsis, a mycoparasite in the fungus-growing ant symbiosis.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/gbe/evag160},
pmid = {42377967},
issn = {1759-6653},
abstract = {The Red Queen hypothesis for the maintenance of sexual reproduction proposes that sex should be favored during parasite-host interactions. The presence of sexual reproduction in Escovopsis sensu lato (s.l.) (Hypocreaceae, Ascomycota), obligate specialized parasites on the fungal gardens of fungus-growing ants, has been debated; previous analyses have concluded that sex is likely absent based on Escovopsis s.l. appearing to lack a complete mating-type (MAT) locus, which controls sexual compatibility in fungi. Using 39 previously sequenced genomes, we found that computational annotation of these loci was inconsistent. Through manual annotation, we show that all sequenced Escovopsis s.l. have a complete MAT1 locus. The MAT1 locus is found in the typical genomic context for Hypocreaceae fungi, contains the expected genes (one in the MAT1-2 idiomorph and three in the MAT1-1 idiomorph), are highly conserved at a structural and functional level, and are under strong purifying selection. Using a Phi test, we also find evidence for recombination in one closely related group of samples. Past phylogenomic analyses of Escovopsis s.l. have generated two distinct topologies, and we find that the MAT1 genes also have differing topologies. Further, phylogenetic network analyses show large-scale gene tree discordance between early diverging Escovopsis s.l. taxa and some outgroups, supporting a potential past hybridization event. Taken together, these data suggest that Escovopsis s.l. undergoes cryptic sex, changing our understanding of the ecology and evolution of the model fungus-growing ant symbiosis and opening many exciting research avenues on the dynamics of sex and infection in this system.},
}

@article {pmid42378406,
year = {2026},
author = {Shah, R and Marcora, A and Ruffell, A and Sinclair, GM and Vanwonterghem, I and Bissett, A and Hulthen, A and Wijffels, G and Paull, C and Beale, DJ},
title = {Plastic Diets Drive Microbiome and Metabolic Reprogramming in Wax Moth Larvae (Achroia grisella).},
journal = {Archives of insect biochemistry and physiology},
volume = {122},
number = {3},
pages = {e70180},
doi = {10.1002/arch.70180},
pmid = {42378406},
issn = {1520-6327},
mesh = {Animals ; *Moths/microbiology/metabolism/growth & development ; Larva/microbiology/metabolism/growth & development ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects ; Diet ; *Polyethylene/metabolism ; Polyesters/metabolism ; Biodegradation, Environmental ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S ; *Plastics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {The burgeoning global plastic crisis necessitates transformative solutions beyond current recycling and disposal methods. This study investigates the ability of wax moth larvae (Achroia grisella) to biodegrade low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polylactic acid (PLA), emphasizing the complex interactions between the physiology of larvae, their gut microbiome, and the plastic degradation process. Using 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing, Seahorse bioassays, and advanced metabolomic and lipidomic profiling, we demonstrate that plastic consumption is associated with microbial and metabolic restructuring in larvae. LDPE-fed larvae displayed elevated microbial diversity, dominated by Bacillus spp., which correlated with shifts in carbohydrate metabolism and amino acid biosynthesis pathways critical for energy production and detoxification. Conversely, PLA-fed larvae were enriched with Enterococcus spp., linked to oxidative stress mitigation and nucleotide turnover. These diet-induced adaptations, such as the proliferation of Bacillus spp. in LDPE‑fed larvae, known to express alkane‑hydroxylase enzymes that initiate polyethylene depolymerization, and enrichment of Enterococcus spp. in PLA‑fed larvae, linked to ester bond hydrolysis, underscore a symbiotic co-metabolism that may play a contributory role in plastic processing, albeit at the cost of reduced larval growth and suppressed mitochondrial function. By unraveling these complex biological interactions, this study establishes a foundation for harnessing insect-microbiome ecosystems to develop scalable and eco-friendly strategies for plastic waste management. Future research should explore the genetic and enzymatic mechanisms underpinning plastic metabolism in insect-microbiome ecosystems.},
}

Animals
*Moths/microbiology/metabolism/growth & development
Larva/microbiology/metabolism/growth & development
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects
Diet
*Polyethylene/metabolism
Polyesters/metabolism
Biodegradation, Environmental
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S
*Plastics/metabolism

@article {pmid42378558,
year = {2026},
author = {Tiwari, R and Singh, J},
title = {Secretory Circuits of Symbiosis in Medicago truncatula.},
journal = {Molecular plant-microbe interactions : MPMI},
volume = {39},
number = {3},
pages = {325-326},
doi = {10.1094/MPMI-06-26-0051-CM},
pmid = {42378558},
issn = {0894-0282},
}

@article {pmid42379142,
year = {2026},
author = {Hipperdinger, YG and Gonzalez, NA and Padilla, G and Estevez, JM},
title = {Integrated signaling mechanisms governing root hair growth via transcriptional master regulators.},
journal = {The Plant journal : for cell and molecular biology},
volume = {127},
number = {1},
pages = {e71021},
doi = {10.1111/tpj.71021},
pmid = {42379142},
issn = {1365-313X},
support = {//Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo/ ; PICT2021-0514//ANPCyT Argentina/ ; ICN17_022//ANID - Programa Iniciativa Cientiıfica Milenio Chile/ ; 1250304//Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo Cientiıfico y Tecnologico Chile/ ; },
abstract = {Root hairs (RH), single cells that develop from the root epidermis, are key for anchorage in the soil and the absorption of water, macronutrients, and micronutrients as well as for establishing symbiotic relationships with soil microorganisms. RH has become a significant cell model system for investigating plant growth and the mechanisms by which plants adjust their growth in response to intrinsic cellular and environmental stimuli. Here, we focus on our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms that govern the growth of Arabidopsis thaliana RH at the intersection of environmental responses (e.g., nutrients like nitrate and phosphate, as well as microorganisms), hormonal signals (e.g., auxin, ethylene, jasmonic acid, etc) and the main transcriptional regulators. The regulation of RH development is governed by several transcription factors including the master regulators RHD6 and RSL2/RSL4, which are subject to stringent control at multiple levels. In this review, we summarize the latest advances in the signaling integration pathways that may increase our capacity to enhance nutrient uptake by the roots in the context of abiotic stresses for a more sustainable agriculture.},
}

@article {pmid42379542,
year = {2026},
author = {Spyropoulou, A and Dushku, E and Iοannidou, E and Athanasiadou, M and Kotzamanidis, C and Passalis, N and Staikou, A and Yiangou, M},
title = {Characterization and determination of the immunomodulatory activity of intestinal microbiota microorganisms isolated from free-range Cornu aspersum snails in olive groves before and after aestivation.},
journal = {Developmental and comparative immunology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {105670},
doi = {10.1016/j.dci.2026.105670},
pmid = {42379542},
issn = {1879-0089},
abstract = {The present study investigated the impact of aestivation of free-range snails on the intestinal microbiota and its potential to protect the host from infection by pathogenic bacteria. Bacterial strains were isolated just before and at the end of aestivation from the gut of free-range Cornu aspersum aspersum snails from the island of Crete (Greece). Α total of 31 BA (Before Aestivation) and 25 EA (End Aestivation) isolates, were tested for their in vitro probiotic properties. Principal component analysis (PCA) and a machine learning model showed that BA isolates exhibited a different pattern of in vitro properties from that of EA isolates, and that all the EA isolates, except one, were presumptive probiotics, while among BA only isolates BA2Ae and BA5An were presumptive probiotics. 16SrRNA sequencing analysis at species-level revealed that most BA isolates belonged to potentially snail pathogens, while EA isolates belonged to the genera of Citrobacter, Lactiplantibacillus and Enterococcus, that belong to normal intestinal microbiota and presumptive probiotics. Injection of selected isolates in snails resulted in increased immune activity such as chemotaxis and phagocytosis. Food administration of the strains, E. malodoratus BA5An and L. plantarum EA2An, exhibiting the highest immunomodulatory activity, showed further probiotic properties since symbiosis achieved by enhancing some immune humoral responses, as well as restoration of intestinal homeostasis by inhibiting the dysbiosis induced by the snail pathogenic strain Listeria monocytogenes SN3. Each presumptive probiotic strain exhibited a different pattern of immunomodulatory activity against the pathogen.},
}

@article {pmid42379588,
year = {2026},
author = {Stenvers, VI and Hemmi, JM and Schlining, KL and Collins, R and Ianniello, L and Waters, HF and Choy, CA and Haddock, SHD and Robison, BH and Hoving, HJ and Osborn, KJ},
title = {In situ observations reveal a link between association behaviour, camouflage and eye complexity in midwater amphipods.},
journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences},
volume = {293},
number = {2074},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1098/rspb.2025.2837},
pmid = {42379588},
issn = {1471-2954},
support = {//The University of Western Australia Collaborative Grant Program/ ; //Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program/ ; //David and Lucile Packard Foundation/ ; //Rathbun Endowment for Crustacean Research/ ; //Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; //Kenneth Jay Boss Fellowship Program/ ; //Emmy Noether Junior Research Group Grant/ ; },
abstract = {In the largest habitat on earth-the deep open ocean-water depth is typically linked to adaptations for camouflage and vision. Recently, it was hypothesized that association behaviour is a primary evolutionary driver of the great eye diversity in a group of crustaceans, the hyperiid amphipods (suborder Hyperiidea). Here, we test that hypothesis by investigating the link between association behaviour (symbiotic or free swimming), depth, eye complexity and camouflage across a broad range of hyperiid diversity. We collated a unique dataset containing observations of 48 of the 80 hyperiid genera from a comprehensive literature review, blackwater scuba photographs and nearly 30 years of submersible observations. By scoring association behaviour in 5759 in situ observations, we show that approximately one third of hyperiid genera have adopted a free-swimming lifestyle. This supports a shift from the current assumption that all hyperiids live in close association with gelatinous animals, to one allowing a free-swimming, predatory lifestyle in many genera. Using phylogenetic generalized linear mixed model (PGLMM) analyses, we show that a free-swimming lifestyle correlates with body transparency and more complex eyes at upper mesopelagic depths. Our results support the hypothesis that a free-swimming lifestyle drives eye complexity while increasing the need for transparency.},
}

@article {pmid42379631,
year = {2026},
author = {Williams, S and Ruiz, KA and Heath-Heckman, E and Rutter, EM and Khatri, S},
title = {Thermal stress disrupts symbiotic fluid dynamics in bobtail squid.},
journal = {Journal of the Royal Society, Interface},
volume = {23},
number = {240},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1098/rsif.2025.1136},
pmid = {42379631},
issn = {1742-5662},
support = {DBI-2214038//National Science Foundation/ ; 2021-06594//Swedish Research Council/ ; },
abstract = {The effect of thermal stress on beneficial symbiosis, in the face of rapid climate change, remains poorly understood. We investigate this using the model system, Euprymna scolopes (Es), the Hawaiian bobtail squid, and its bioluminescent symbiont, Vibrio fischeri (Vf), which enables the squid to camouflage itself through counter-illumination. Successful colonization of the squid by Vf must occur hours after hatching and is mediated by fluid flow due to respiration within the squid mantle cavity. To study this process, we develop a mathematical model using the method of regularized stokeslets to simulate the flow and resulting bacterial trajectories within the squid. We explore how thermal stress, mediated by physiological changes in respiration, ciliary dynamics and internal geometry, affects early colonization by analysing the time bacteria spend in regions crucial to the establishment of symbioses in these simulations. A variance-based sensitivity analysis of physiologically relevant parameters on these metrics demonstrated that changes in the breath cycle significantly affect and reduce the time bacteria spend in the critical zone within the squid, hindering colonization.},
}

@article {pmid42364619,
year = {2026},
author = {Magalhães, IB and Silva, TA and Pereira, ASAP and Couto, E and Assemany, P and Calijuri, ML},
title = {Insights on industrial symbiosis applied to algal wastewater treatment: Decoupling remediation from valorization to achieve technological readiness.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {413},
number = {},
pages = {130332},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.130332},
pmid = {42364619},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Despite over six decades of research, microalgae-based wastewater treatment systems coupled to biomass valorization pathways remain stagnant at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) of 4-6, failing to bridge the gap between pilot demonstrations and widespread commercialization. In this sense, an important, still underexplored structural problem is the persistent "dual-function" paradigm, which aims to simultaneously optimize environmental remediation and biomass valorization within a single reactor. This approach frequently generates operational incompatibilities, resulting in biomass with variable composition, potential contaminants, and limited market value, often suitable only for saturated, low-margin sectors (e.g., bioenergy and fertilizers). This paper argues that overcoming this bottleneck requires a fundamental shift in business models towards industrial symbiosis and process decoupling. Drawing on the principles of different Eco-Industrial Parks, the researchers propose a modular framework where wastewater treatment is optimized for regulatory compliance, while the resulting biomass and treated effluent serve as intermediate feedstocks for separate, specialized downstream biotechnological units. By decoupling these functions, facilities can resolve the trade-offs between hydraulic throughput and cultivation control. This study concludes that adopting such modular, circular economy-driven strategies is essential to improve economic feasibility, ensuring biomass quality, and finally advancing algal-based technologies toward mature commercial readiness (TRL 7-9).},
}

@article {pmid42367188,
year = {2026},
author = {Montesanto, F and McCauley, M and Bedgood, SA and Miner, C and Steinworth, B and Sharp, V and Ohdera, AH and Oluokun, A and Fowowe, M and Oluokun, O and Mechref, Y and Xiang, T and Medina, M and Weis, VM and Martindale, MQ and Loesgen, S},
title = {Cnidarian-algal partnerships structure bacterial communities during strobilation in Cassiopea xamachana.},
journal = {ISME communications},
volume = {6},
number = {1},
pages = {ycag147},
pmid = {42367188},
issn = {2730-6151},
abstract = {Cnidarian-algal (Symbiodiniaceae) symbioses rely on complex interactions among the cnidarian host, algal symbionts, and associated bacterial communities. In the upside-down jellyfish Cassiopea xamachana, the polyp-to-medusa transition (strobilation) requires the establishment of symbiosis with Symbiodiniaceae algal partners, yet bacterial community dynamics during this developmental process remain unknown. Here, we experimentally induced symbiosis in aposymbiotic polyps using four algal treatments: xenic Symbiodinium microadriaticum (native symbiont), xenic Breviolum minutum, antibiotic-treated B. minutum, and a photosynthetically impaired B. minutum mutant. We combined 16S rRNA gene sequencing with measurements of photosynthetic efficiency, asexual budding, and algal surface N-glycan profiles to characterize holobiont assembly during symbiosis onset and strobilation. Algal treatment structured bacterial communities in both algal cultures and polyp tissues. Our analyses identified a set of amplicon sequence variants that consistently distinguished strobilating polyps from non-strobilating aposymbiotic and mutant polyps, in addition to potential bacterial biomarkers associated with successful metamorphosis. Strobilation was associated with the enrichment of bacterial communities putatively involved in sulfur and nitrogen cycling, whereas non-strobilating aposymbiotic and mutant polyps were characterized by opportunistic bacteria and increased community variability. Together, these results reveal coordinated changes in algal physiology, surface glycan profiles, and bacterial community structure associated with successful strobilation in C. xamachana and support a model in which tripartite host-alga-bacteria interactions influence cnidarian life stage transitions.},
}

@article {pmid42367678,
year = {2026},
author = {Dong, J and Chen, T and Peng, Z},
title = {Closed-Loop digital therapeutics empowered by deep reinforcement learning and wearable sensing for precision orthopedic rehabilitation: a simulation-based proof-of-concept study.},
journal = {Frontiers in rehabilitation sciences},
volume = {7},
number = {},
pages = {1822939},
pmid = {42367678},
issn = {2673-6861},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Static, one-size-fits-all protocols in postoperative orthopedic rehabilitation fail to adapt to individual recovery dynamics, potentially leading to suboptimal rehabilitation efficiency or an elevated risk of secondary injury. To address this critical gap, we propose and provide a simulation-based proof-of-concept validation for a novel closed-loop management system that deeply integrates patient-generated health data (PGHD) with deep reinforcement learning (DRL), offering a potential technical pathway for real-time personalized optimization of rehabilitation regimens and continuous prediction of long-term functional outcomes.

METHODS: A three-tier system architecture was constructed, comprising an intelligent sensing layer, an AI decision-making and prediction layer, and an interactive feedback layer. Through wearable inertial measurement units (IMUs) and surface electromyography (sEMG) devices, the system continuously collected multi-dimensional PGHD, including movement quality, training intensity, adherence, and pain feedback. These heterogeneous data were encoded into a comprehensive "patient state space" through a standardized feature engineering pipeline. A proximal policy optimization (PPO) algorithm was employed to train a DRL agent to learn the optimal policy for dynamically adjusting the next-cycle rehabilitation prescription (including exercise type, intensity, frequency, and progression pace). The agent aimed to maximize a hierarchical cumulative reward function that integrates short-term safety (ΔVAS pain score monitoring), mid-term adherence (training completion rate), and long-term functional improvement. Critically, a temporal convolutional network (TCN) prognostic module was deeply coupled with the DRL agent, providing prospective predictions of future functional recovery curves that inform the agent's long-term reward calculation, equipping the system with the capability of "making decisions based on predictions."

RESULTS: A proof-of-concept validation was conducted in a simulated environment for a post-operative anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) scenario. The trained DRL agent demonstrated the ability to generate differentiated rehabilitation strategies: in stratified analysis, it prescribed distinct progression paces for virtual patients with fast vs. slow recovery trajectories. Under this simulation setting, compared with a static conservative protocol, the DRL-driven strategy reduced the simulated time to "safe return to light activity" by an average of 15% and, compared with a static aggressive protocol, relatively decreased simulated "re-injury" events by 40%. The mean absolute errors (MAEs) of the TCN prognostic module for predicting functional scores at 2, 4, and 8 weeks into the future were 3.2, 4.8, and 6.5 points (on a 100-point scale), respectively, outperforming the ARIMA, LSTM, and GRU baseline models. An ablation study confirmed the TCN module's independent contribution, as its removal led to a relative increase in the simulated re-injury rate.

CONCLUSION: This proof-of-concept study provides foundational evidence for the technical feasibility of a DRL-based closed-loop rehabilitation system. The proposed framework uniquely couples a wearable sensing layer with a symbiotic DRL-TCN architecture, demonstrating the potential to safely and dynamically personalize rehabilitation strategies in a simulated environment. These findings lay the groundwork for future prospective clinical trials, which are the necessary next step to validate safety, efficacy, and clinical utility in real-world settings.},
}

@article {pmid42369718,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, Z and Zhang, X},
title = {[The Oral Microbiome: Maintenance of Homeostasis, Disease Associations, and Mechanisms of Pathogenesis].},
journal = {Sichuan da xue xue bao. Yi xue ban = Journal of Sichuan University. Medical science edition},
volume = {57},
number = {3},
pages = {861-869},
pmid = {42369718},
issn = {1672-173X},
mesh = {Humans ; *Microbiota/physiology ; *Homeostasis ; *Dental Caries/microbiology ; *Mouth/microbiology ; Periodontitis/microbiology ; Dysbiosis ; Biofilms ; Dental Plaque/microbiology ; },
abstract = {The oral microbiome is a complex and highly structured ecosystem composed of diverse microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microbes, which establish an intimate symbiotic relationship with the host. Its composition across distinct ecological niches, such as teeth and mucosa, is modulated by multiple factors, including age, genetics, and lifestyle. A stable microbial community acts as an essential barrier for sustaining oral and systemic health. This review systematically examines the structure and function of the oral microbiome under healthy and diseased conditions, with an emphasis on the formation mechanisms of plaque biofilms and their pivotal roles in the initiation and progression of dental caries and periodontitis. Dental caries is predominantly driven by acidogenic and aciduric bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus spp., accompanied by microenvironmental acidification and enamel demineralization. Periodontitis is closely associated with the enrichment of pathogenic microorganisms, including the "red complex" in subgingival plaque, and host immune dysregulation. Furthermore, ecological dysbiosis of the oral microbiome, particularly the abnormal proliferation of pathogens such as Fusobacterium nucleatum and Porphyromonas gingivalis, not only contributes to the development and progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma but also closely correlates with numerous systemic disorders, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, and pancreatic cancer, via mechanisms such as inflammatory induction, immunosuppression, and microbial translocation. Systematic elucidation of the ecological characteristics and pathogenic mechanisms of the oral microbiome will provide a critical theoretical foundation for maintaining oral microecological homeostasis and for preventing and treating oral and systemic comorbidities.},
}

Humans
*Microbiota/physiology
*Homeostasis
*Dental Caries/microbiology
*Mouth/microbiology
Periodontitis/microbiology
Dysbiosis
Biofilms
Dental Plaque/microbiology

@article {pmid42370652,
year = {2026},
author = {Suwa, T and Lau, JA},
title = {The role of microbial resource mutualists in plant adaptation to abiotic environments.},
journal = {Evolution; international journal of organic evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/evolut/qpag113},
pmid = {42370652},
issn = {1558-5646},
abstract = {Despite more than eighty years of study, the selective agents driving local adaptation largely remain unknown, in part because populations exist in complex environments where they experience both abiotic and biotic conditions that can exert strong selection. We used a replicated reciprocal transplant experiment combined with a greenhouse inoculation experiment to investigate plant adaptation to soil moisture and the role of nitrogen-fixing rhizobium mutualists in plant local adaptation. We find that the annual legume hog peanut (Amphicarpaea bracteata) is locally adapted to soil moisture conditions and that interactions with nitrogen-fixing rhizobia likely contribute to the observed local adaptation. Specifically, plant populations from wet sites transplanted into wet habitats were more likely than those from dry sites to associate with rhizobium mutualists and formed more nodules and had higher nitrogen fixation rates when inoculated with rhizobium strains isolated from wet compared to dry habitats. As a result, local adaptation to wet environments was most apparent when plants successfully associated with rhizobia in the field. In sum, our results suggest that: 1) soil moisture is a strong cause of local adaptation in this system and 2) divergence in how plant populations interact with rhizobia likely contributes to plant local adaptation to soil moisture. These findings illustrate how biotic interactions can influence plant adaptation to a strong abiotic gradient and highlight the need to consider microbial mutualists in studies of plant local adaptation.},
}

@article {pmid42371255,
year = {2026},
author = {Sung, TY and Shih, PC and Chen, B and Hong, MC},
title = {Proteomic and Small RNA Characterization of Extracellular Vesicle-enriched Particles Released from Cultured Host-isolated Symbiodiniaceae.},
journal = {Marine biotechnology (New York, N.Y.)},
volume = {28},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {42371255},
issn = {1436-2236},
support = {MOE-114-TPRSR-0053-046Y2//MOE Teaching Practice Research Program/ ; 114-2637-8-992 -006 -//National Science and Technology Council/ ; },
mesh = {*Dinoflagellida/genetics/metabolism ; Animals ; *Extracellular Vesicles/metabolism/genetics ; *Sea Anemones/parasitology ; Proteomics ; Symbiosis ; *Proteome ; MicroRNAs/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Extracellular vesicles and EV-enriched extracellular particles are increasingly recognized as potential mediators of intercellular communication. In coral reef ecosystems, dinoflagellate symbionts of the family Symbiodiniaceae play central roles in host metabolism, environmental acclimation, and stress responses; however, the molecular composition of extracellular particles released by cultured Symbiodiniaceae remains poorly understood. In this study, a host-isolated Symbiodiniaceae culture derived from the sea anemone Exaiptasia diaphana was established under host-free laboratory conditions for EV-enriched particle isolation and characterization. Physicochemical analysis of the recovered extracellular particle fraction showed an average diameter of 534.1 ± 63.9 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.733 ± 0.08, and an average zeta potential of - 14.57 ± 1.55 mV, indicating a heterogeneous and negatively charged extracellular particle suspension. Small RNA analysis showed that the EV-associated RNA fraction contained multiple RNA biotypes, with rRNA- and tRNA-derived reads representing the dominant annotated components, whereas miRNA-like sequences accounted for only a minor fraction of the annotated small RNA pool. Comparison against an antisense Exaiptasia diaphana CDS dataset further identified retained EV-associated small RNAs showing sequence complementarity to host coding transcripts, including cytohesin-1 and EPG5. These matches are interpreted as candidate sequence-level observations rather than evidence of functional host regulation. In parallel, miRNA-oriented analysis identified candidate miRNA-like sequences after downstream filtering. Proteomic profiling by LC-MS/MS generated 4,086 accession-level matches. After removal of uninformative entries and consolidation of duplicate protein names, 834 non-redundant named proteins were retained and classified into nine functional groups, including proteins involved in metabolism and energy production, transport and membrane trafficking, photosynthesis and chloroplast function, and signal transduction and regulation. Representative annotations included 14-3-3-related proteins, Rab/ARF family proteins, Hsp70, Hsp90, and oxygen-evolving enhancer protein. These results provide an initial qualitative molecular characterization of EV-associated molecules released by a host-isolated Symbiodiniaceae culture and serve as a baseline for future studies of algal extracellular communication and cnidarian-dinoflagellate symbiosis.},
}

*Dinoflagellida/genetics/metabolism
Animals
*Extracellular Vesicles/metabolism/genetics
*Sea Anemones/parasitology
Proteomics
Symbiosis
*Proteome
MicroRNAs/genetics/metabolism

@article {pmid42372096,
year = {2025},
author = {Martin, SN and Hall, MA and Poole, AZ},
title = {The Cnidarian Bcl-2 Family and Apoptosis: Evidence for Evolutionary Diversity and Involvement in the Onset of Symbiosis.},
journal = {The Biological bulletin},
volume = {249},
number = {1},
pages = {46-60},
doi = {10.1086/741681},
pmid = {42372096},
issn = {1939-8697},
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis/physiology ; *Apoptosis/physiology/genetics ; *Dinoflagellida/physiology ; *Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/genetics/metabolism ; *Sea Anemones/genetics/physiology ; Phylogeny ; *Biological Evolution ; *Evolution, Molecular ; },
abstract = {AbstractCoral bleaching, which occurs in response to breakdown of cnidarian-dinoflagellate symbiosis, is a major ecological issue that leads to destruction of the entire reef ecosystem. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms regulating symbiosis is of critical importance. One pathway implicated in both establishment and breakdown of cnidarian symbiosis is apoptosis, or programmed cell death. In vertebrates, this process is regulated by the Bcl-2 family, which contains both pro- and antiapoptotic proteins. In corals, Bcl-2 family gene expression is altered during thermal stress, but a role during symbiosis establishment remains unexplored. Additionally, variation in the Bcl-2 repertoire across cnidarians is not well understood. Therefore, we explored the evolution of the Bcl-2 family in cnidarians and their role in regulating apoptosis during symbiosis with homologous and heterologous dinoflagellates using the anemone Exaiptasia diaphana. This was done by correlating apoptosis levels measured by caspase-3 assays with Bcl-2 family gene expression data. The results indicated that each species has a unique repertoire of Bcl-2 proteins, likely as a result of multiple gene loss and duplication events. Functional work revealed that apoptosis was not initiated during recolonization with either homologous or heterologous symbionts, which corresponded to minimal differences in Bcl-2 family gene expression. Additionally, no gene expression changes were observed as a function of steady symbiotic state. Collectively, this work suggests that suppression of apoptosis is a common mechanism used by homologous and heterologous dinoflagellates to form long-term associations with a cnidarian host but members of the Bcl-2 family play a minimal role in this process.},
}

Animals
*Symbiosis/physiology
*Apoptosis/physiology/genetics
*Dinoflagellida/physiology
*Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/genetics/metabolism
*Sea Anemones/genetics/physiology
Phylogeny
*Biological Evolution
*Evolution, Molecular

@article {pmid42372850,
year = {2026},
author = {Gong, X and Zhang, L and Xu, A and Huang, Z and Wang, C and Yang, T and Liang, H and Zhang, M and Zhan, X and Peng, Y and Gao, D},
title = {Root Exudates Recruit Beneficial Microbes to Promote Anammox-Driven Nitrogen Cycling in Wetland.},
journal = {Environmental research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {125149},
doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2026.125149},
pmid = {42372850},
issn = {1096-0953},
abstract = {Anammox bacteria serve as a major biological sink in nitrogen (N) cycling within wetland, yet the hydrophyte root exudates-mediated microbial interplay mechanism that sustain their activity and ecosystem function remain unclear. To address this gap, we established flow-controlled microcosms planted with Iris pseudacorus, combined with [15]N stable isotope tracing and metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) analysis. Our findings revealed that root exudates significantly enhanced in-situ anammox rates (rhizosphere: 5.9±2.0 mg N/(m[3]·d), non-rhizosphere: 0.4±0.02 mg N/(m[3]·d), p<0.001), leading to a remarkable enrichment of anammox bacteria in the rhizosphere (6.5×10[7] copies/g dry sludge, p<0.001). We further uncovered a previously overlooked partial denitrification pathway that supplied nitrite, substantially increasing anammox contributions to rhizosphere N removal (16.6±4.1%). Key bioactive components, flavonoids and amino acids, selectively recruited beneficial rhizobacteria affiliated to Pseudomonadota and Bacteroidota. MAGs-based analysis revealed that these microbial taxa encoded pathways for producing essential substrates (nitrite loop) and metabolites (cofactor, biotin) supporting anammox metabolism. The symbiotic interaction facilitated the survival and metabolic activity of anammox bacteria in the oligotrophic rhizosphere habitat. These findings unveil a natural plant-microbiota interaction that effectively enhances the sustainability of N cycling and provide new insights for optimizing nitrogen removal strategies in engineered wetland systems.},
}

@article {pmid42372957,
year = {2026},
author = {Kozono, Y and Mikami, K and Yorimoto, S and Hayashi, T and Okamura, H and Qian, Q and Hoshino, R and Kamiyama, T and Sanaki, Y and Asaoka, M and Ohsawa, S and Azuma, S and Iwasaki, YW and Hayashi, M and Hayashi, Y and Shigenobu, S and Niwa, R and Kobayashi, S},
title = {EC-isHCR: A rapid method for in situ hybridization chain reaction in diverse animal samples.},
journal = {Methods (San Diego, Calif.)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.ymeth.2026.06.007},
pmid = {42372957},
issn = {1095-9130},
abstract = {The in situ hybridization chain reaction (isHCR) visualizes RNA across multiple spatial scales, from organs to subcellular structures, in diverse samples. We previously proposed a rapid protocol, EC-isHCR, for Drosophila embryos and ovaries. Whether EC-isHCR retains the features of conventional isHCR, including wide-spatial-scale analyses in various samples, however, has remained unclear. Here, we show that EC-isHCR enables robust RNA detection in a broad range of samples, such as whole-mount fruit fly, parasitoid wasp, and aphid preparations; paraffin sections of trout; frozen mouse sections; and human cultured cells. Moreover, EC-isHCR enabled detection of subcellular RNA localization. EC-isHCR also visualized association of RNA with phase-separated condensates in fruit fly embryos and detected the protrusion-enriched mRNA in HeLa cells. To broaden the applicability of EC-isHCR, we developed an automated probe design tool (https://github.com/ShuntaYorimoto/hcrkit). By combining this tool with EC-isHCR, we provide a fast and versatile framework to visualize mRNAs. This framework will help reduce the barrier to using fast isHCR and thereby facilitate research across diverse areas of the life sciences.},
}

@article {pmid42373779,
year = {2026},
author = {Torppa, KA and Davison, J and Haljak, M and Hiiesalu, I and Käämer, K and Kaljund, K and Karron, E and Laugis, M and Maido, AL and Penu, P and Saue, T and Sell, R and Sepp, K and Tamm, I and Tamm, K and Tamm, Ü and Tikk, K and Toom, M and Vahter, T and Vasar, M and Wipulasena, AYAP and Zobel, M},
title = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal plasticity in cereals reflects quantitative rather than taxonomically selective regulation.},
journal = {Mycorrhiza},
volume = {36},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {42373779},
issn = {1432-1890},
support = {PRG2584//Eesti Teadusagentuur/ ; PRG1789//Eesti Teadusagentuur/ ; PRG1836//Eesti Teadusagentuur/ ; PRG1065//Eesti Teadusagentuur/ ; 101207667//European Union/ ; TK200//Estonian Ministry of Education and Research/ ; },
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology/classification ; Symbiosis ; Nitrogen/metabolism ; *Edible Grain/microbiology ; Plant Roots/microbiology ; Hordeum/microbiology ; Triticum/microbiology ; Avena/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Grasses, including major cereal crops, associate with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi to varying degrees depending on environmental conditions. Understanding mechanisms driving this environment-induced variation in mycorrhization, i.e. plant AM plasticity, is necessary to predict grass-mycorrhizal responses to global change factors, such as nutrient enrichment, and to resolve the role of AM symbiosis in cereal crop production. We compared AM plasticity in four cereal crops by testing the effect of nitrogen (N) fertilization on AM colonization and root PLFA 16:1ω5 concentration. To assess whether mycorrhization patterns reflect root functional traits, we compared specific root length among species. To determine whether plants regulate AM colonization qualitatively (by selectively associating with certain AM taxa) or quantitatively (by collectively suppressing colonization across taxa), we investigated directional shifts and variability in AM community structure in response to N fertilization. AM colonization varied between cereal species and was reduced by N fertilization, but we found limited evidence for interspecific differences in AM plasticity. Winter wheat appeared less AM responsive and associated more with uncultured AM fungi compared to the three spring-sown cereal species, oat, spring wheat and spring barley. Fertilization did not affect AM community composition, and within-species variation in AM community β-dispersion did not covary with variation in AM colonization or PLFA 16:1ω5 concentration. These results support the view that host plants regulate arbuscular mycorrhization quantitatively rather than through taxonomic selectivity. We propose AM plasticity as a plant-mycorrhizal trait to be used for more accurate predictions of plant environmental responses in eco-physiological and agroecological research.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology/classification
Symbiosis
Nitrogen/metabolism
*Edible Grain/microbiology
Plant Roots/microbiology
Hordeum/microbiology
Triticum/microbiology
Avena/microbiology

@article {pmid42362756,
year = {2026},
author = {Shen, X and Shen, Y and Zeng, J and Jiang, T and Lin, J and Fu, Y and Li, Y and Wang, L and Xia, Y},
title = {A novel circSLIT2-encoded SLIT2 isoform suppresses neural invasion in gastric cancer.},
journal = {Oncogene},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42362756},
issn = {1476-5594},
abstract = {CircRNAs have emerged as critical regulators in various types of cancer. Neural invasion (NI) refers to a process whereby cancer cells infiltrate into the surrounding nerves and has been shown to predict poor prognosis in gastric cancer (GC). Accumulating evidence has suggested that tumor NI is a symbiotic relationship between cancer and nerves, which leads to the growth advantage for both. However, the involvement of circRNAs in the nerve-cancer cell crosstalk remains to be elucidated. In this study, downregulation of circSLIT2 expression was validated in GC tissues, especially in NI-positive GC tissues. Reduced circSLIT2 predicts poor prognosis in GC patients. CircSLIT2 inhibits the migration and neural invasion of GC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanically, a novel peptide (SLIT2-284aa) translated by circSLIT2 was identified. SLIT2-284aa facilitates SLIT2/ROBO1 signaling via binding and inducing the ROBO1 membrane localization. Moreover, SLIT2-284aa enhances the association between ROBO1 and RhoGDI1, which suppresses RhoGDI1 phosphorylation and further reduces the release and activation of RhoA. Our work uncovers a novel circRNA-encoding peptide and a previously unknown SLIT2-284aa/ROBO1/RhoGDI1/RhoA signaling pathway that suppresses cell migration and neural invasion in GC, which provides a new prospect to understand the underlying biological mechanism of the nervous system in GC.},
}

@article {pmid42350174,
year = {2026},
author = {Wood, CW and Howard, MM and Yi, E and Heath, KD and O'Keeffe, KR and Lau, JA},
title = {Integrating nutritional mutualists into the evolution of defense.},
journal = {Trends in ecology & evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.tree.2026.05.002},
pmid = {42350174},
issn = {1872-8383},
abstract = {Historically, mutualisms have been categorized by their benefits: nutrition, defense, or transportation. However, many nutritional mutualists have secondary effects on defense. In this review, we propose that nutritional mutualists are major, overlooked drivers of defense evolution and identify four distinct mechanisms by which they can affect the evolution of defense traits. Direct tests of all four mechanisms are scarce. We argue that this is because most work has focused on mutualist effects on trait expression rather than on the parameters that govern evolution: genetic variances, genetic correlations, and natural selection. We highlight new questions that this perspective brings into focus and outline experiments to test them. Finally, we propose that overlap in mutualism and defense resource budgets can unite mutualism and defense theory.},
}

@article {pmid42351394,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, D and Liu, Y and Zhao, X and Ishangulyyeva, G and Erbilgin, N},
title = {Dose-response modelling uncovers compound-specific inhibitory effects of host defence volatiles on mountain pine beetle fungal symbionts.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.71060},
pmid = {42351394},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; //China Scholarship Council/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The mountain pine beetle relies on symbiotic fungi to overcome host tree defences, yet these fungi must tolerate the toxic volatile compounds produced by their hosts. However, how individual volatiles affect fungal symbionts and whether these effects constrain fungal performance when exposed to such toxic compounds remain poorly understood. Quantifying the responses of mountain pine beetle fungal symbionts to host defence volatiles can help explain growth constraints within beetle-fungus symbioses in host trees.

RESULTS: We evaluated the toxicity of eight pine defence volatiles, seven monoterpenes and one phenylpropene, 4-allylanisole, on the three primary fungal symbionts, Grosmannia clavigera, Leptographium longiclavatum and Ophiostoma montium, of the mountain pine beetle in vitro. Fungal cultures were exposed to a range of concentrations of each volatile, and individual growth responses were quantified to determine dose-response relationships. All volatiles reduced fungal growth, except for (-)-α-pinene against L. longiclavatum, although sensitivity varied substantially among fungal species and volatiles. Grosmannia clavigera was overall the most strongly inhibited. We found that toxicity differed between enantiomers. Among the volatiles tested, 4-allylanisole and terpinolene were highly toxic to fungi, whereas (-)-α-pinene was the least inhibitory overall. Even with comparable concentrations at intermediate inhibitory potency, some volatiles (e.g. 3-carene) required much higher concentrations to achieve near-complete growth inhibition.

CONCLUSION: These findings show that pine defence volatiles exert differential, compound-specific impacts on the fungal symbionts of mountain pine beetles, suggesting that chemical diversity in tree defences may enhance their defences by simultaneously targeting multiple components of the beetle-fungus symbioses. © 2026 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid42352058,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, X and Wu, T and Zheng, Z and Gan, C and Lin, J and Yin, S and Li, Z and Liu, H and Cao, Y and Huang, Z and Wang, H and Zhang, G and Zhong, Z},
title = {Quorum Sensing Regulator CinR Directly Activates the Catalase-Peroxidase Gene katG to Alleviate Oxidative Stress and Promote Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation in Rhizobium etli CFN42.},
journal = {Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/antiox15060752},
pmid = {42352058},
issn = {2076-3921},
support = {2024YFA0918200 and 2019YFA0904700//National Key R&D Program of China/ ; 32270254, 32470102, 31970266 and 31770096//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; SZKJXM202502//Tongji project of Suzhou Science and Technology Bureau/ ; ZA32417//the Agricultural Technology Innovation Project of Jurong/ ; },
abstract = {Many rhizobia use quorum sensing (QS) systems to detect their population density and modify their symbiotic behavior with the legume host. There are three LuxRI-type QS systems in Rhizobium etli CFN42, and CinR plays a key role in symbiotic performance. However, the details of how CinR regulates the symbiotic process remain unknown. In this study, we employed the RNA-Seq method to screen differentially expressed genes between the wild-type strain and the ΔcinR mutant of R. etli CFN42. We found that most of the genes related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) were expressed at lower levels in the ΔcinR mutant than in CFN42. We also found that the ΔcinR mutant was more sensitive to H2O2 than to CFN42. We then showed that CinR positively regulated katG expression and possessed an affinity to bind the katG promoter in the absence of the AHL ligand. The addition of AHLs promoted CinR binding to the katG promoter and enhanced katG expression. Accumulation of H2O2 and O2[•-] was observed in root nodules formed by the ΔcinR mutant. Crucially, katG overexpression rescued the H2O2-sensitive phenotype in vitro and partially restored defective symbiotic performance in nodules formed by the ΔcinR mutant on the common bean. These results suggest that CinR globally regulates ROS scavenging gene expression in order to balance oxidative stress within root nodules, promoting nitrogenase activity of R. etli CFN42.},
}

@article {pmid42353845,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, S and Yi, J and Li, Z and Wu, J and Xu, Y and Xue, R and Wang, Y and Duan, L and Zhao, L and Pi, E},
title = {Functional Overview of Plant Genes Essential for Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis.},
journal = {Genes},
volume = {17},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/genes17060686},
pmid = {42353845},
issn = {2073-4425},
support = {31970286//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2025SDXT004-2//Zhejiang Provincial-Local Collaborative Major Project: Dongyang Wood Carving Major Scientific and Technological Project/ ; LHZQN25C130006//The Hangzhou Joint Fund of the Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; LHZSZ24C010001//The Hangzhou Joint Fund of the Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/genetics/physiology ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; *Genes, Plant ; *Plant Proteins/genetics ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; *Plants/genetics/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Since the first plant gene essential for arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis was identified, more than 170 such genes have been discovered. However, these findings remain scattered across species, and a systematic synthesis is urgently needed to guide future functional studies and breeding applications. This review provides a systematic classification and contextual overview of the currently reported plant genes essential for AM symbiosis, covering leguminous species (e.g., Medicago truncatula, Lotus japonicus) and non-leguminous species (e.g., Oryza sativa, Solanum lycopersicum). We classify these genes into functional modules corresponding to key stages of AM symbiosis: SL-mediated pre-symbiotic signaling, chitin signal perception, activation of the common symbiosis signaling pathway (CSSP), calcium (Ca[2+]) oscillation generation, arbuscule development and maintenance, and nutrient exchange. Beyond classification, we highlight conserved genetic modules across plant lineages and discuss their implications for engineering AM symbiosis in non-host or poorly symbiotic crops. This synthesis establishes a foundational genetic resource for molecular breeding aimed at enhancing nutrient-use efficiency and sustainable crop production.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/genetics/physiology
*Symbiosis/genetics
*Genes, Plant
*Plant Proteins/genetics
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
*Plants/genetics/microbiology

@article {pmid42354040,
year = {2026},
author = {Sales, AL and Dal Sasso, MA and Azevedo, DA and Maia, A and Calado, V and Miguel, MAL and Farah, A},
title = {Changes in Short- and Medium-Chain Fatty Acids and Sugars During Kombucha Fermentation of Tea and Coffee Byproducts and Their Relation to Sourness.},
journal = {Foods (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {12},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/foods15122074},
pmid = {42354040},
issn = {2304-8158},
abstract = {Kombucha is traditionally produced by fermenting Camellia sinensis tea and sugar in a consortium of microorganisms called SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeasts). Short- and medium-chain fatty acids and other organic acids in K are mainly produced by acetic acid bacteria, which contribute to the typical K taste. Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world and one of the most traded commodities globally. Harvesting during coffee production generates tons of byproducts generally considered of low value, including cascara (CC), composed of dried pulp and skin, and leaves (CL). To date, few studies have investigated the production of short- and medium-chain fatty acids and monosaccharide's profile during traditional kombucha fermentation, and their composition in kombuchas prepared from substrates other than C. sinensis is even scarcer. This study followed the changes in sugars and the production of short- and medium-chain fatty acids during K fermentation of black tea (BT), CC, and CL and associated their concentrations with physicochemical parameters (total soluble solids (TSS), pH, and titratable acidity (TA)) and the perceived acidity of the beverages evaluated by a trained panel and untrained consumers. BT K, a SCOBY, and 10% sucrose were added to infusions of arabica CC, CL, or BT. The mixture was fermented for 0, 3, 6, and 9 days. Organic acids were analyzed by GC-MS; sucrose and monosaccharides were analyzed by HPLC-RID. The Rate All That Apply (RATA) test was used for sensory analysis. Results were treated by ANOVA-Fisher and Pearson correlation tests with significance at p < 0.05. Glucose, fructose, arabinose, xylose, cellobiose and glycerol were identified in the infusions. On average, sucrose concentration decreased by 28% up to day 9, considering all K samples, accompanied by TSS decrease. Eight organic acids were semi-quantified, with acetic being the major acid in all beverages (8.4 to 1971 mg L[-1]) and isovaleric being the lead minor acid (0.7 to 17.7 mg L[-1]). Additional acids identified were: butanoic, 2-methylpropanoic, pentanoic, 3-methylpentanoic, hexanoic, and octanoic acids. TA values and sourness perceived by consumer assessors increased generally, even though in CC Ks, the acid concentration decreased by day 9. TA, sourness, and sparkling and fizzy mouthfeel correlated positively in all Ks. In general, although the total acid concentration was mainly higher on days 3 or 6, CO2 formation, among other organic acids, probably increased TA and sourness on day 9. Although it is generally accepted that pH and organic acid concentrations are directly associated with sour taste, it is not possible to accurately predict and modify sour taste intensity in kombucha based only on these parameters, given that other factors, such as the production of CO2, the existence of buffer systems, and the presence of sugars and other soluble solids, will probably affect the perceived acidity and sourness.},
}

@article {pmid42354099,
year = {2026},
author = {Campos, D and Chirinos, R and Aguilar-Galvez, A and Carrasco, MP and Pedreschi, R},
title = {Storage Stability of a Multifunctional Fermented Blend Based on Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) Oil Press Cake and Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) Flour: Physicochemical Properties, Bioactivity, and Prebiotic-Probiotic Potential.},
journal = {Foods (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {12},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/foods15122131},
pmid = {42354099},
issn = {2304-8158},
support = {N°PE501083311-2023-PROCIENCIA//National Council of Science, Technology and Technological Innovation/ ; },
abstract = {Plant-based symbiotic systems are often limited by poor storage stability and inconsistent biofunctional performance. This study evaluated the stability and functionality of a fermented blend based on sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) oil press cake (SIC) and yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) flour (YF) as sources of protein and fructooligosaccharides (FOS), respectively, using two processing strategies: fermentation with Lactobacillus rhamnosus (T1) and combined enzymatic hydrolysis with Alcalase and fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum (T2). Both treatments maintained viable cell counts (VCC) above probiotic thresholds (>10[6] CFU mL[-1]) during 28 days of storage at 4 °C, confirming their suitability as probiotic carriers. Notably, T2 significantly enhanced metabolic activity, as evidenced by higher organic acid production and increased soluble protein content due to Alcalase-mediated hydrolysis, which promoted the generation of bioactive peptides associated with improved antioxidant and antihypertensive activities. Biofunctional properties, including total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity (AC), and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity, remained stable throughout storage, while FOS degradation was minimal, confirming preservation of prebiotic functionality. LC-MS/MS Q-TOF analysis revealed a complex phenolic profile that was differentially modulated by lactic acid fermentation, with L. plantarum (T2) promoting extensive phenolic biotransformation and increased metabolite diversity, whereas L. rhamnosus (T1) largely preserved the original phenolic profile. These findings demonstrate that the synergistic interaction between enzymatic hydrolysis and L. plantarum fermentation promoted peptide release, intensified microbial metabolism, and enhanced phenolic biotransformation, thereby contributing to the superior functional properties observed in T2, while maintaining stable biofunctional characteristics throughout refrigerated storage in both treatments.},
}

@article {pmid42354154,
year = {2026},
author = {Andrade, ME and Magalhães, IS and Martins, ML and Martins, FO and Martins, EMF and Dutra, LL and Leite Júnior, BRC},
title = {Production and Characterization of Potentially Symbiotic Acerola Ice Cream with Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum and Added Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG.},
journal = {Foods (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {12},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/foods15122186},
pmid = {42354154},
issn = {2304-8158},
support = {Finance Code 001//CAPES/ ; 01.23.0632.00//FINEP/ ; APQ-00785-23; APQ-06600-24; RED-00157-23//FAPEMIG/ ; },
abstract = {This study aimed to develop low-fat acerola ice creams enriched with partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) at concentrations of 6% and 12% and supplemented with Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG. Three formulations were prepared by partially or totally replacing fat with PHGG. After preparation, the ice creams were stored at -18 °C and evaluated over 180 days. Physicochemical analyses showed no differences in pH, acidity, moisture, or ash content among the samples. However, soluble solids and fat content varied depending on the PHGG level. The melting rate remained stable, while overrun increased proportionally with PHGG incorporation. Rheologically, PHGG addition significantly enhanced consistency. Microbiological analyses confirmed that all samples complied with safety standards. The ice creams exhibited symbiotic potential, maintaining L. rhamnosus GG viability > 8 log CFU/g for up to 180 days. In simulated gastrointestinal resistance tests, probiotic survival increased with PHGG concentration. After one day, counts during the enteric phase were 3.87, 6.20, and 6.08 log CFU/g for 0%, 6%, and 12% PHGG, respectively. After 180 days, the counts were 1.98, 4.41, and 3.25 log CFU/g, with corresponding survival rates of 47%, 84%, and 78% after one day, and 36%, 53%, and 42% after 180 days. Sensory analysis with 121 untrained panelists revealed no significant differences in aroma and taste. However, samples with higher fat content were better accepted in terms of appearance, texture, and purchase intent. Overall, partial fat replacement with PHGG proved effective in reducing fat while maintaining quality and enhancing probiotic stability, supporting its potential for functional low-fat foods.},
}

@article {pmid42354477,
year = {2026},
author = {Pires, SM and Gomes, I},
title = {Cancer Patient Advocacy in the Postoperative Intensive Care Unit: The Experience of Nurses and the Voice of Older Adult Patients.},
journal = {Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {12},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/healthcare14121618},
pmid = {42354477},
issn = {2227-9032},
abstract = {Background/Objectives: Older adults with cancer in the postoperative environment face complex vulnerability, exacerbated by the frailty of ageing and the aggressiveness of surgical treatment. In this highly demanding context, nurses play a crucial role as patient advocates. However, there is a knowledge gap regarding how advocacy is perceived and experienced by the nurse-patient dyad. This qualitative study aims to explain the practice of advocacy by comparing the perspectives of nurses and patients in order to construct part of a substantive theory on the subject. Methods: The Grounded Theory methodological approach was adopted. The sample included 6 specialist nurses and 10 older cancer patients from the ICU. Data collection consisted of participant observation and semi-structured interviews with both groups of participants. The analysis followed the constant comparison method, using MAXQDA software (version 24.10.0; VERBI Software; Berlin, Germany), allowing for the systematic and comparative identification of codes and categories from the two data sources. Results: The core process, defined as The Advocacy-Adjustment Dyad, reveals how older adult cancer patients navigate critical care through a symbiotic interplay of coping and support. Patients autonomously deploy Internal Adjustment mechanisms namely, Shielding the Emotional Self, to mitigate disease stress. Concurrently, the nurse operationalizes the Dynamic Expert Nurse Advocacy Cycle through a Therapeutic Alliance that prioritizes the patient's best interest, integrates the Family as an anchor, and ensures a meaningful understanding of information. This dyadic interaction transforms the ICU from a purely technological setting into a therapeutic space, ensuring the Preservation of Personhood and the safeguarding of the patient's self-determination. Conclusions: This study is pioneering in integrating the patient's voice into the construction of a theory on advocacy in critical care, demonstrating that its effectiveness is a process of mutual interaction and not merely a unilateral function of the nurse. The findings emphasise the need to actively include the patient's perspective in training and policy, offering valuable implications for optimizing older adult-centered care.},
}

@article {pmid42354870,
year = {2026},
author = {Xie, J and Liu, M and Mu, X and Liu, Y and Ma, S and Guo, Y and Hu, J and Wang, Y and Yan, H and Zhao, X and Wang, Y},
title = {Diatomite-Mediated Humification and Fungal Community Succession During Composting.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms14061245},
pmid = {42354870},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {42007121//Taiyuan Normal University/ ; 202303021222072//Shanxi Agricultural University/ ; },
abstract = {Organic-matter degradation and humification degree are key determinants of compost quality. In this study, we used pig manure and wheat straw to investigate the effects of diatomite on organic-component degradation, humification, and fungal community succession. In a 40-day aerobic composting experiment, we compared a control treatment with treatments supplemented with 4% and 8% diatomite. The results indicated that diatomite significantly accelerated organic-matter degradation and humification, with 8% diatomite increasing organic matter and lignin degradation by 9.05% and 9.27%, respectively. Based on linear interpolation of the HA/FA ratio dynamics, it was estimated that the maturity threshold (a ratio of humic acid to fulvic acid > 1.6) was reached 5-7 days earlier in the group subjected to 8% diatomite treatment relative to the control. Fungal community analysis revealed that the 8% diatomite treatment effectively alleviated fungal suppression under high-temperature conditions. By the maturation phase, fungal richness and diversity in the group subjected to the 8% diatomite treatment reached 1.8 and 2.6 times that of the control, respectively, significantly promoting the colonization and recovery of thermophilic Ascomycota, including Mycothermus and Aspergillus. Diatomite shifted fungal interactions from competition to symbiotic cooperation centered on Mycothermus, with partial least squares path modeling confirming fungal composition was a primary regulator of humification. This study demonstrates that 8% diatomite enhances composting efficiency and humification quality by optimizing fungal community structure and function, offering a theoretical and practical basis for the use of agricultural waste resources.},
}

@article {pmid42355270,
year = {2026},
author = {Fiakpornu, G and Kamata, N},
title = {Effect of Temperature and Genetic Inheritance on the Number of Mycangium Pits in Female Platypus quercivorus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Platypodinae).},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {17},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects17060536},
pmid = {42355270},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (A) (22H00378)//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; },
abstract = {Ambrosia beetle Platypus quercivorus is a vector of Japanese oak wilt. Only females possess 4-12 mycangial pits on the pronotum, which are essential for carrying symbiotic fungi and are thought to be a significant determinant of beetle fitness. However, the factors influencing the pit numbers remain poorly understood. To elucidate the effects of environmental conditions and parental traits on the pit number, we conducted a controlled breeding experiment. Collected P. quercivorus broods were categorized into three groups (large, middle and small) based on their average number of maternal mycangial pits. Excluding the middle groups, male-female pairs from the same group (large or small) were inoculated into Quercus crispula logs and incubated under four temperature regimes: 18, 22, 26, and 30 °C. We analyzed offspring pit number and body weight relative to temperature and parental traits. Both traits increased at lower temperatures likely because accelerated metabolism and developmental rates at higher temperatures, reduces the time and resources available for body growth and pit development. Notably, the traits exhibited distinct inheritance patterns: offspring pit number was significantly influenced by maternal pit number but not by the body weight of either parent. In contrast, offspring body weight was significantly correlated with maternal pit number, paternal body weight, and maternal body weight. Thus, we conclude that temperature plays a critical role in shaping these traits. Parental effects indicate that both mycangium pit number and body weight are heritable in P. quercivorus. However, their distinct inheritance patterns suggest a weak genetic association between the traits, implying that they may evolve largely independently.},
}

@article {pmid42355278,
year = {2026},
author = {Qin, H and Xue, C and Li, W and Li, R and Yi, X},
title = {Seasonal Dynamics Without Reset: Core Microbiota Stability Across Development in a Gall-Dwelling Weevil.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {17},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects17060544},
pmid = {42355278},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {32570582//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; ZR2025MS341//Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province/ ; },
abstract = {Coccotorus beijingensis is a typical gall-inducing insect whose larvae complete their development within enclosed galls, providing a unique model for investigating host-microbe symbiosis. This study aimed to characterize the dynamic succession of the symbiotic microbiota in C. beijingensis across the larval stage (April-August) and pupal stage (September). Using high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we performed a systematic analysis of monthly collected samples spanning the larval and pupal stages. The results revealed significant temporal variation in the structure of the larval microbial community. Bacillota and Bacteroidota were the dominant bacterial phyla throughout development. Although non-core bacterial groups, such as Pseudomonadota, showed pronounced seasonal fluctuations, no clear microbial reset was observed during metamorphosis. Exploratory PICRUSt2-based functional prediction suggested that the predicted metabolic potential of the microbiota may vary across development, with pathways related to carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and energy metabolism showing higher predicted representation during the middle larval stages. Overall, this study demonstrates that, within the confined gall microhabitat, larval development and seasonal dynamics jointly drive the temporal restructuring and functional adaptation of the microbial community. These findings provide new insights into the symbiotic mechanisms of holometabolous insects and their associated microbiota.},
}

@article {pmid42355348,
year = {2026},
author = {Piquer-Esteban, S and Pérez-Brocal, V and Domínguez-Santos, R and Latorre, A and García-Ferris, C and Moya, A},
title = {Blattella germanica Selects Microbiota Taxa from Feces and Environmental Inputs.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {17},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects17060615},
pmid = {42355348},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {Prometeo/2018/133//Conselleria d'Educació, Generalitat Valenciana (Spain)/ ; CIPROM/2021/042//Conselleria d'Educació, Generalitat Valenciana (Spain)/ ; FPU20/05756//Spanish Ministry of Universities/ ; },
abstract = {Cockroaches display a double symbiosis: an obligate intracellular one with Blattabacterium spp., and a complex extracellular non-vertically transmitted gut microbiota, that may be affected by horizontally transmitted factors. Four experiments using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing were conducted to analyze the microbiota of the hindgut and feces of adult cockroaches. They aimed to understand the influence of the environment and feces on the acquisition and development of the hindgut microbiota. We observed that sample type (hindgut vs. feces), rearing conditions (environment, i.e., place and diet), coprophagy, and host influenced microbiota composition. Cockroaches initially germ-free, placed in non-sterile conditions and with blocked parental coprophagy, were unable to develop the normal microbiota of the control population, demonstrating that coprophagy is essential for acquiring a normal microbiota. This also showed that, in the absence of parental fecal input, the cockroach gut microbiota is strongly diminished. Moreover, when exploring fecal microbiota differences among three cockroach species, the greatest divergence was observed between Periplaneta americana and Blattella germanica, with Blatta orientalis occupying an intermediate position. Therefore, P. americana was selected for fecal transplantation on B. germanica. This transplantation experiment indicates that different species select different gut microbes, and that even when they receive feces from other species, only some of those bacteria are retained. Overall, these results suggest that beyond other factors, the host species had the strongest influence on shaping the cockroach gut microbiota.},
}

@article {pmid42355378,
year = {2026},
author = {Graebin, A and Pinheiro, PF and Amaral, KD and Santos, VF and Nascimento, TF and Vilela, MVS and Silva, YKM and Marcelino, TD and Guedes, RNC},
title = {Selectively Targeting of Gardeners and Symbiotic Fungus in Leaf-Cutting Ant Colonies Using Essential Oils.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {17},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects17060645},
pmid = {42355378},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {PQ//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; Financial Code 001//Coordenação de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior/ ; },
abstract = {Social insect pests such as leaf-cutting ants challenge conventional pest management because effective control must disrupt colony-level organization rather than target individual insects. Colony persistence depends on the mutualistic association between gardener workers and their cultivated fungus, Leucoagaricus gongylophorus. Compounds that selectively impair these components while preserving forager-mediated bait transport may therefore offer strategic advantages. We evaluated the essential oils of weeping willow (Salix babylonica), Surinam cherry (Eugenia uniflora), weeping bottlebrush (Melaleuca viminalis), ginger (Zingiber officinale), and black pepper (Piper nigrum) against two leaf-cutting ant species, Atta sexdens and Acromyrmex subterraneus, after characterizing their chemical composition by GC-MS. The oils displayed distinct terpenoid profiles: bottlebrush oil, for instance, was dominated by 1,8-cineole and α-pinene, while ginger oil was rich in camphene and β-phellandrene. Forager and gardener workers were tested separately, along with their symbiotic fungus. Responses were generally concentration-dependent, although effects varied among oils and biological targets. Ginger oil exhibited strong fungicidal activity, but only at the highest concentration tested (100 mg mL[-1]). Bottlebrush oil showed marked toxicity to A. sexdens gardeners at concentrations as low as 0.10 mg mL[-1], while effects on foragers were comparatively low. The remaining oils produced limited or inconsistent responses. These findings indicate that caste-selective toxicity and fungal suppression are achievable but not widespread among essential oils. Bottlebrush oil emerges as a promising candidate for further investigation, particularly regarding its constituent compounds and potential synergistic interactions for toxic bait development.},
}

@article {pmid42355427,
year = {2026},
author = {Jian, S and Xu, X and Yang, T and Gao, F and Liu, J and Fang, Y and Ai, W and Zhang, C},
title = {Pulchragaricus rhodophyllus gen. et sp. nov. (Callistosporiaceae, Agaricales) from Yunnan, China, Based on Morphological and Molecular Data.},
journal = {Life (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {16},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/life16060899},
pmid = {42355427},
issn = {2075-1729},
support = {No. ZY11//Yunnan Institute of Tropical Crops/ ; No. 727-18//Yunnan Institute of Tropical Crops/ ; No. 2025kjcx004//Xishuangbanna Prefecture Sci-Tech Innovation Program/ ; No. 202401BD070001-125//Yunnan Fundamental Research Projects/ ; No. 202501BD070001-110//Yunnan Fundamental Research Projects/ ; },
abstract = {Callistosporiaceae is a recently established family within the suborder Tricholomatineae, encompassing tricholomatoid, collybioid or pleurotoid morphological forms. While most species of this family exhibit a saprotrophic lifestyle and have been predominantly documented in Europe and Americas, records from Asia remain comparatively sparse. In this study, Pulchragaricus rhodophyllus gen. et sp. nov., discovered in a Pinaceae and Fagaceae mixed forest in southwestern China, is described based on a comprehensive approach integrating both multigene phylogenetic analyses and morphological methods. A concatenated dataset comprising nuclear ribosomal DNA (ITS, LSU) and protein-coding genes (rpb2, tef1-α) provides robust statistical support for the placement of Pulchragaricus within Callistosporiaceae. Morphologically, this new taxon is characterized by a tomentose and yellowish-brown pileus, pink to pinkish lamellae, a solid and basally tapering stipe, broadly ellipsoid to ellipsoid basidiospores, sparse and subclavate cheilocystidia, and plentiful clamp connections. This discovery not only broadens the known diversity and distribution of the poorly documented Chinese Callistosporiaceae, but also offers a potential clue for understanding the evolutionary origins of the ectomycorrhizal symbiosis within the family.},
}

@article {pmid42355465,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, J and Huang, W and Cai, J and Zhang, H and Qian, X},
title = {From Single Strains to Synthetic Bacterial Communities: Microbial Remediation in Saline-A-Alkali Soil.},
journal = {Life (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {16},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/life16060938},
pmid = {42355465},
issn = {2075-1729},
abstract = {Global salinization affects approximately one billion hectares of land in more than 100 countries, posing a severe threat to food security and ecosystem sustainability. Microbial remediation using plant growth-promoting microorganisms offers an eco-friendly alternative to physicochemical methods. However, bridging the gap between laboratory cultivation of single strains and field-scale application of synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) remains difficult, owing to inconsistent efficacy and a lack of unified design frameworks. This review examines the evolution from single strains to rationally designed SynComs for saline soil remediation. A 'structure-function-mechanism' framework is proposed, integrating five core microbial modules, namely ion regulation and osmotic stabilization, ethylene and phytohormone modulation, antioxidant activation, nutrient cycle activation, and systemic resistance induction. The review elucidates key determinants of synthetic community success, including functional complementarity, strain compatibility, and host-environment matching, while revealing a marked quantitative gap between controlled experiments and field performance. Key bottlenecks are identified, including the lack of high-throughput compatibility screening, poorly quantified long-term ecological risks, and the absence of standardized application guidelines across agro-ecological zones. Finally, emerging avenues are discussed, such as microbial-microalgal symbiosis and AI-assisted design, outlining a roadmap for next-generation smart microbial products integrated into climate-resilient farming systems.},
}

@article {pmid42357103,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, Y and Wu, Q and Yang, Y and Ma, J and Yu, S and Mi, X and Chen, J and Yu, M},
title = {Ontogenetic Shifts in Mycorrhiza-Mediated Neighborhood Effects Among Multi-Stemmed Species in a Subtropical Forest.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {12},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants15121784},
pmid = {42357103},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {2023C03137//Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation/ ; 32401333//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Although plant-mycorrhizal fungi associations play critical roles in maintaining species diversity within forest communities, the influence of tree ontogeny in mediating these effects on species diversity remains poorly understood. In this study, we integrated tree census data with information on the mycorrhizal types and sprouting ability of multi-stemmed species from a subtropical forest to assess how mycorrhiza-mediated neighborhood interactions affecting survival vary across ontogenetic stages (sapling, juvenile and adult stages) and how these effects correlate with sprouting ability. Our results revealed pervasive ontogenetic shifts in mycorrhiza-mediated neighborhood effects on tree survival for multi-stemmed species. AM heterospecific neighbors consistently exerted positive effects on tree survival across all life stages. In contrast, ErM heterospecific neighbors significantly influenced survival only at the sapling stage, whereas EcM heterospecific neighbors had significant effects during the juvenile and adult stages. When focal individuals were classified by mycorrhizal type, AM focal plants were significantly influenced by three types of mycorrhizal heterospecific neighbors, with the effect of AM heterospecific neighbors at the sapling stage being significantly greater than those of EcM or ErM heterospecific neighbors. Notably, AM heterospecific neighbors were critical predictors of survival for EcM focal plants during both the juvenile and adult stages, while AM and EcM heterospecific neighbors jointly the enhanced survival of ErM focal plants during the adult stage. Moreover, the effects of both AM and EcM heterospecific neighbors increased significantly with the sprouting ability of multi-stemmed species, particularly at the sapling stage. Our study highlights the importance of incorporating tree ontogeny and mycorrhizal symbiosis types into the assessment of factors contributing to species coexistence among long-lived organisms.},
}

@article {pmid42357117,
year = {2026},
author = {Wu, Y and Chen, J and Ren, Y and Zhang, G and Liu, Q and Xu, Y and Zhang, X and Wu, L and Lu, Z and Wang, H},
title = {Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals the Role of AhERN1 in Peanut Nodulation.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {12},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants15121798},
pmid = {42357117},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {Taishan Scholars Program//Taishan Scholars Program/ ; CXGC2026G07 and CXGC2026D31//Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences/ ; 32570963, 32401963, 32301958 and 32500723//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; ZR2025QC251, ZR2022QC068, ZR2022QC168 and ZR2022QC109//Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province/ ; },
abstract = {Legume-rhizobium symbiosis represents a crucial biological nitrogen fixation system. The AP2/ERF transcription factor ERN1 plays a vital role in nodulation of model legumes; however, its function in peanut (Arachis hypogaea), a typical crack-entry infection legume, remains unclear. To explore this, we performed transcriptome sequencing of peanut roots at 3 days post-inoculation (dpi) with rhizobium. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses showed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were mainly enriched in DNA-binding transcription factor activity, plant-pathogen interaction, and plant hormone signal transduction pathways. The most strongly up-regulated gene was AhERN1, which was highly expressed in peanut roots and nodules. Subcellular localization indicated that AhERN1 was a nuclear-localized protein, and yeast transcriptional activation assays confirmed that AhERN1 functions as a transcriptional activator relying on its C-terminal domain. Furthermore, hairy root overexpression of AhERN1 significantly increased the number of peanut nodules. Collectively, these results reveal that AhERN1 acts as a positive regulator to promote rhizobium-induced nodule development in peanut, providing new insights into the regulatory mechanism of nodulation in dalbergoid legumes.},
}

@article {pmid42357150,
year = {2026},
author = {Dau, L and Wongkaew, A and Wannarat, W and Wisawapipat, W and Nonkum, K and Kumdee, O and Kaewsuralikhit, S and Nakasathien, S},
title = {Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis Imposes a Net Carbon Cost on Maize Under Phosphorus-Sufficient Conditions and Alters Nutrient-Dependent Scaling Trajectories.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {12},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants15121831},
pmid = {42357150},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {PRP6405032480//Agricultural Research Development Agency/ ; },
abstract = {The impact of arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) on root-shoot scaling strategies under zinc and phosphorus deficiency remains poorly understood in maize. The aims of this study were (i) To quantify the effects of zinc/phosphorus deficiency on AMF colonization, (ii) to quantify biomass accumulation in different plant parts in the presence of AMF, and (iii) to characterize how AMF alter root-shoot allometric scaling under zinc/phosphorus deficiency. We conducted a pot experiment arranged in RCBD split plot with 6 replications. SUWAN 5819 maize seeds were grown for 22 days under five Hoagland's solution-based nutrient regimes (+Zn+P, -Zn-P, +Zn-P, -Zn+P, and deionized water), with and without AMF. AMF colonization was highest (49.6%) under -Zn+P contrary to hypothesis 1 which predicted highest colonization under dual deficiency, while the deionized water treatment had the lowest colonization (30.1%). Phosphorus was the dominant factor affecting biomass accumulation with a 2-4-fold reduction in organ dry weights for phosphorus-deficient treatments compared to phosphorus-sufficient treatments. AMF colonization significantly reduced dry weights in +Zn+P by 8.6%, 19.0%, and 47.5% in the leaf, stem, and roots, respectively, consistent with mycorrhiza-induced growth depression (MGD). Nutrient deficiency resulted in root biomass accumulation, consistent with the optimal partitioning theory. AMF increased shoot mass fraction from 50% to 63% in +Zn+P, and from 41% to 52.5% in -Zn-P, suggesting AMF role in modulating biomass accumulation. Root-shoot scaling slopes derived from LMM revealed that zinc deficiency caused negative scaling trajectory, and AMF was associated with positive root-shoot scaling trajectory in the -Zn+P treatment, though the scaling relationship was not confirmed by SMA analysis. These findings highlight nutrient specific AMF-mediated growth dynamics in early vegetative stage.},
}

@article {pmid42357219,
year = {2026},
author = {Skipitytė, R and Barisevičiūtė, R and Jamil, Y and Toleikienė, M},
title = {Isotopic Nitrogen and Carbon Allocation Among Soybean Plant Parts Under Impact of Bradyrhizobium japonicum Strains.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {12},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants15121900},
pmid = {42357219},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {S-PD-24-45//Research Council of Lithuania/ ; },
abstract = {Understanding how plants regulate nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) allocation among their organs under adverse environmental and climatic conditions remains a significant challenge, despite its direct impact on the value of plant residues and agricultural products. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the dynamics of N and C through their stable isotope ratios in two soybean varieties of differing maturity groups (Merlin and Laulema) inoculated with various nitrogen-fixing Bradyrhizobium japonicum bacterial strains. The contents of N and C as well as their isotopic ratios in soybean plant parts were analyzed at full-flowering (R2) and full-maturity (R8) stages. The results demonstrated overall compatibility between soybean varieties and selected B. japonicum strains, resulting in up to 32 nodules per plant; however, significant variation in root nodule numbers was observed. From a physiological perspective, both the soybean variety and the strain of nitrogen-fixing bacteria significantly influenced nitrogen stable isotope ratios across different plant organs, including roots, shoots, stems, pods, and seeds, with similar trends in δ([15]N) variation among plant parts observed in both varieties. In contrast, the main differences in carbon stable isotope composition were observed among varieties less affected by the amendment strategy. N content was higher in roots and shoots during flowering and declined by twofold in roots and fivefold in aboveground biomass at maturity, reflecting extensive nitrogen remobilization to support seed formation. From an agronomic perspective, the highest yields were achieved by the inoculated soybean Merlin, with more than 3 t ha[-1]. However, the positive effects of symbiosis can improve yields in less productive varieties like Laulema, making them comparable to those of more productive varieties. Soybean inoculation not only influenced the isotopic redistribution within the plant but also proved to be an effective practice for increasing seed N content, with strain AGF78 producing the highest number of nodules and a significantly high amount of nitrogen in seeds, followed by SEMIA5079, the least effective being RF10.},
}

@article {pmid42358258,
year = {2026},
author = {Khater, AK and Kirui, CK and Njeru, EM and Githiri, SM},
title = {16S rRNA-based genetic diversity and symbiotic efficiency of indigenous cowpea-nodulating rhizobia from semiarid Eastern Kenya.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1875429},
pmid = {42358258},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Indigenous rhizobia that nodulate cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) can support inoculant development for semiarid farming systems, yet their 16S rRNA-based molecular diversity and symbiotic performance in Eastern Kenya remain poorly characterized. In this study, we isolated nodule-associated bacteria from cowpea root nodules collected from smallholder farms in Machakos and Kitui Counties and evaluated nodulation and plant growth under greenhouse conditions. We recovered 70 isolates and grouped them into 19 morphotypes on the basis of colony and biochemical traits, but only 15 isolates (21.4%) formed nodules. The authenticated isolates varied in nodulation (16.20 ± 1.39 to 51.70 ± 4.68 nodules plant[-1]) and total dry biomass under greenhouse conditions. The symbiotic efficiency ranged from 37.88 to 157.04% relative to the nitrogen-supplemented control, and eight isolates (53.3%) exceeded 100%. Three isolates (M-34, M-17, and M-27) presented the highest efficiencies (~140-157%) and outperformed the nitrogen-supplemented control and the reference strain (Bradyrhizobium sp. USDA 3456). Partial 16S rRNA sequencing assigned isolates to Rhizobium (53.3%), Bradyrhizobium (40.0%), and one isolate was affiliated with Mesorhizobium plurifarium, representing one of the first documented associations of this species with cowpea in Eastern Africa. Closely related isolates differed markedly in efficiency, indicating that taxonomic identity alone does not predict symbiotic performance. These results identify high-performing indigenous strains for further evaluation as candidates for field evaluation and future inoculant development.},
}

@article {pmid42358265,
year = {2026},
author = {Jia, Y and Duan, W and Wang, H and Li, W and Cao, W and Zhang, F and Liu, W},
title = {Symbiotic soil fungi mitigate nitrogen-driven methane emissions in an experimental grassland.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1815239},
pmid = {42358265},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Methane (CH4) emission is a critical natural process contributing to atmospheric greenhouse gas accumulation and constitutes an important component of global carbon cycling. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi play vital roles in regulating greenhouse gas emissions and participate in soil carbon cycling. However, the understanding of the functions and regulatory patterns of AM fungi in regulating soil CH4 emissions remains equivocal, particularly under non-waterlogged conditions accompanied by increased nitrogen (N) deposition. To fill this critical knowledge gap, this study dynamically monitored soil CH4 fluxes spanning three plant growth seasons of the presence/absence of AM fungi under increased N deposition in an experimental grassland. The study found that increased N deposition stimulated soil CH4 emissions, but this response was only detected in the absence of AM fungi. AM fungi exhibited a significant association with soil CH4 emissions, and these correlative patterns were dependent on N deposition levels. Specifically, AM fungi significantly mitigated the stimulatory effects of high N deposition on CH4 emissions, but AM fungi were correlated with elevated soil CH4 emissions under low N deposition, likely in association with higher plant community diversity. Furthermore, plant community Shannon-Wiener diversity acted as a key factor that was interactively modulated by increased N deposition and AM fungi, showing a statistical association with soil CH4 emissions. These findings provide experimental evidence that AM fungi are involved in regulating soil CH4 emissions in an N deposition-dependent manner, and further highlight the close statistical linkage between plant community diversity and soil CH4 emissions. Meanwhile, these results underscore the necessity of future study to quantify changes in soil microbial communities associated with CH4 production and oxidation processes induced by AM fungi, contributing to informing evidence-based policies for mitigating global warming and ensuring sustainable ecosystem management under ongoing climate change.},
}

@article {pmid42358271,
year = {2026},
author = {Xu, Y and Li, X and Miao, Y and Liu, X and Zang, X and Meng, Q and Li, Y and Yang, F and Yuchi, Z and Wang, Y},
title = {Xuanfei Baidu decoction alleviates intestinal inflammation and modulates microbiota distribution by suppressing IMD/NF-κB and JNK signaling pathways.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1853715},
pmid = {42358271},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Xuanfei Baidu decoction (XFBD), one of China's recommended prescriptions for COVID-19, has demonstrated clinical efficacy in mitigating gastrointestinal inflammation associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, yet its exact therapeutic mechanism remains incompletely understood, necessitating further in vivo investigation. In this study, we utilized a fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) model of intestinal inflammation to assess the therapeutic potential and underlying mechanisms of XFBD in ameliorating intestinal inflammation.

METHODS: We induced intestinal inflammation in D. melanogaster by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) administration. We examined XFBD's protective effects on D. melanogaster's intestine and explored changes in the IMD and JNK-JAK/STAT signaling pathways. Furthermore, we analyzed the intestinal microbiota through 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

RESULTS: XFBD effectively mitigated DSS-induced intestinal inflammation, leading to a significant extension of the flies' lifespan. It enhanced the integrity of intestinal barrier while reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in intestine. Additionally, XFBD restored the disrupted intestinal microbiota by regulating immune homeostasis, notably inhibiting the IMD, Toll, and JNKJAK/STAT pathways. Furthermore, the reintroduction of symbiotic microbiota partially alleviated the DSS-induced dysregulation.

CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our study underscores the therapeutic potential of XFBD for intestinal inflammation, providing valuable insights into its key mechanisms and highlighting the pivotal role of symbiotic microbiota in anti-inflammatory responses and immune pathway regulation.},
}

@article {pmid42358748,
year = {2026},
author = {Shah, SAUR and Tang, B and He, D and Ahmad, M and Nabi, G and Wang, C and Fan, F and Zheng, J and Wang, K and Hao, Y},
title = {Sex and social group altered the gut microbiome and fecal metabolome in the critically endangered Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis).},
journal = {Current zoology},
volume = {72},
number = {3},
pages = {395-408},
pmid = {42358748},
issn = {1674-5507},
abstract = {Factors like sex, diet changes, hormone levels, and stressors disrupt animals' symbiotic bacterial communities. Maintaining healthy bacterial communities is particularly challenging for social species, as group membership, social relationships, microbial transfer, and social stressors influence their microbiotas. This study investigated the influence of sex and social dynamics on the gut microbiome and associated metabolites in the captive Yangtze finless porpoise (YFP), employing 16S rRNA gene sequencing and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry-based metabolomic analyses. The present study reveals that sex and social grouping, that is, male-male (MM), female-female (FF), and male-female (MF) groups, significantly influence the alpha and beta diversity in the captive YFP. The phylum Firmicutes were increased considerably in the FF social group, while Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria, and Fusobacteriota were significantly increased in the MM group, while Desulfobacterota were risen considerably in the MF group. The genera Macrococcus, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_13, and Cetobacterium were considerably raised in the MM group, Paeniclostridium and Turicibacter were substantially raised in the FF group, while the genus Peptostreptococcaceae were substantially raised in the MF group. The current research also presented significant metabolite variations in the sex and social groups which significantly altered the metabolic pathways such as bile secretion, glycerophospholipid metabolism, protein digestion and absorption, citrate cycle, and carbohydrate digestion in the captive YFPs. Additionally, the research identified a significant correlation between the gut microbiome and fecal metabolome across different sex and social groups. In conclusion, this research highlights the connection between changes in fecal microbiota and host metabolism in captive YFP. It shows how sex and social group dynamics affect both metabolic and bacterial variations, offering valuable insights for improving health and social welfare management in captive YFPs.},
}

@article {pmid42361173,
year = {2026},
author = {Hu, B and Hänsch, R and Grunau, K and Hohtanz, L and Kucklick, M and Grünig, N and Hänsch, VG and Liu, R and Peng, T and Wiebicke, M and Sarhangi Fard, I and Messerer, M and Gädeke, F and Stradal, TEB and Milatz, M and Hertweck, C and Engelmann, S and Rennenberg, H and Oliphant, KD},
title = {Symbiotic peptides modulate rhizobial physiology without terminal differentiation.},
journal = {Science advances},
volume = {12},
number = {26},
pages = {eaed2816},
doi = {10.1126/sciadv.aed2816},
pmid = {42361173},
issn = {2375-2548},
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Peptides/metabolism/genetics ; Root Nodules, Plant/microbiology/metabolism ; Nitrogen Fixation ; Fabaceae/microbiology/metabolism ; *Mesorhizobium/physiology ; *Rhizobium/physiology ; *Plant Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; },
abstract = {Symbiotic nitrogen fixation reduces reliance on synthetic fertilizers and is central to agriculture and ecosystem functioning. In legumes, this process occurs in root nodules where rhizobia differentiate into bacteroids that either remain viable or undergo terminal differentiation, a strategy that can enhance nitrogen fixation but limits nodule life span. This irreversible program suits annual legumes and has evolved convergently across multiple lineages, including the inverted repeat-lacking clade (IRLC), where it is enforced by nodule-specific cysteine-rich (NCR) peptides. By contrast, perennial legumes with indeterminate nodules must sustain symbiosis over extended periods, which is incompatible with terminally differentiated bacteroids. Here, we identify a family of nodule-specific proline-glycine-rich peptides (NPGs) in Robinia that are induced upon rhizobial infection. NPGs are highly expressed in nodules, encode intrinsically disordered peptides, and accumulate in infected cells within the fixation zone. Exposure of Mesorhizobium robiniae to recombinant NPGs induces transcriptional changes associated with a fixation-related physiological state while preserving bacterial viability. These findings identify NPGs as candidate host effectors at the plant-microbe interface and point to an alternative mode of symbiont modulation in perennial legumes.},
}

*Symbiosis
*Peptides/metabolism/genetics
Root Nodules, Plant/microbiology/metabolism
Nitrogen Fixation
Fabaceae/microbiology/metabolism
*Mesorhizobium/physiology
*Rhizobium/physiology
*Plant Proteins/metabolism/genetics

@article {pmid42361923,
year = {2026},
author = {Huang, Y and Zhang, Q and Li, M and Zhang, B and Ding, Y and Chen, J and Wu, D and Liu, X and Huang, Z},
title = {Investigating mechanisms of gradient applied voltages on electro-enhanced algal-bacterial symbiosis system for mariculture wastewater: system performance, symbiotic community characteristics, and microbial ecology.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {135246},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2026.135246},
pmid = {42361923},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {This study investigated the effect of applied voltage gradients on pollutant degradation and nitrogen removal in an electro-enhanced algal-bacterial symbiotic system treating marine aquaculture wastewater. Three groups with different voltage gradient conditions were set up in the experiment: E1 (1.8 V), E2 (2.2 V), and E3 (2.6 V). While all reactors achieved stable chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal (>70%), their total nitrogen (TN) removal efficiencies varied markedly. The system operating at 2.2 V achieved the best TN removal efficiency (77%), surpassing those at 1.8 V (68%) and 2.6 V (44%). The lower voltage limited anoxic denitrification, whereas the higher voltage suppressed ammonium assimilation and nitrification. Excessive voltage led to severe loss of microalgal biomass and a sharp decline in extracellular polysaccharide production, whereas insufficient voltage reduced extracellular polymeric substance secretion and biomass accumulation. Voltage gradients also shifted microbial community composition and enhanced deterministic processes during community assembly, with stochastic sub‑processes transitioning from "homogenizing dispersal" toward "drift". At voltages 2.2 V, broader ecological niches for both bacteria and microalgae supported a stable, highly functional denitrifying consortium dominated by unclassified_f__Rhodobacteraceae (24.90%) and Denitromonas (13.90%). Therefore, 2.2 V is identified as the optimal voltage for achieving high nitrogen removal and stable algal-bacterial symbiosis. These findings provide a mechanistic basis for optimizing mariculture wastewater treatment through voltage‑controlled engineering of algal‑bacterial symbiosis.},
}

@article {pmid41108337,
year = {2026},
author = {Muniz Silva, AC and Dias Rates, ER and Silva Diniz Filho, JFD and Dos Santos, CC and Noronha de Souza, PF and Mesquita, FP and Santos-Oliveira, R and Alencar, LMR},
title = {Melanoma Spotlight: New Perspectives Through Biophysical Markers.},
journal = {Cell biochemistry and biophysics},
volume = {84},
number = {1},
pages = {1177-1191},
doi = {10.1007/s12013-025-01933-w},
pmid = {41108337},
issn = {1559-0283},
abstract = {ABASTRACT: Melanoma is a highly aggressive skin cancer with significant metastatic potential. Recent studies highlight the pivotal role of fibroblasts within the melanoma microenvironment. Fibroblasts become activated in response to chronic lesions, such as melanoma, expressing molecules that sustain tumor growth and progression. The symbiotic interaction between fibroblast and tumor cells is complex and not fully elucidated. Despite its importance, few studies have directly compared the biophysical properties of fibroblasts and melanoma cells, particularly in the pulmonary context and in relation to tumor progression. Here, we combined Raman spectroscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) to investigate the vibrational signatures and morphometric parameters of MRC-5 pulmonary fibroblasts and two melanoma cell lines: SK-MEL-19 (less aggressive) and SK-MEL-103 (more aggressive). Raman spectra from melanoma cells exhibited increased intensities in bands associated with structural and signaling amino acids, indicative of extracellular matrix remodeling, cyto- and cytoskeletal reorganization, and apoptotic deregulation. SK-MEL-104 showed more pronounced proline and guanine peaks, consistent with its higher aggressiveness and known BRAF and NRAS mutations. AFM topography revealed marked crater-like features in nuclear and cytoplasmic regions, suggestive of cytoskeletal alterations. Measurements of relative surface area and nucleus-to-cytoplasm ratio confirmed the lower metabolic activity of MRC-5 fibroblasts compared with the high plasticity and metabolic activity of melanoma cells. These results provide structural and biochemical insights into melanoma adaptation and proliferation within lung tissue and underscore the complementary potential of Raman spectroscopy and AFM as powerful tools for characterization and prognosis in metastatic progression studies.},
}

@article {pmid41774382,
year = {2026},
author = {Chaudhry, A and Wang, T and Chio, C and Jeyakumar, DT and Rahman, MS and Jiang, ZH and Sun, S and Qin, W},
title = {Co-cultures of Microalgae and Other Microorganisms: Wastewater Treatment and Production of Value-Added Bioproducts.},
journal = {Applied biochemistry and biotechnology},
volume = {198},
number = {5},
pages = {3269-3302},
pmid = {41774382},
issn = {1559-0291},
support = {RGPIN-2017-05366//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; },
abstract = {Microbial interactions are crucial for a wide range of processes, including the production of high-quality food and beverages, environmental sustainability through nutrient cycling, waste valorization, bioremediation, and maintaining ecological balance across diverse ecosystems. In natural habitats, microorganisms exhibit competitive and symbiotic relationships, utilizing evolved mechanisms to protect substrates and defend habitats. The combined activity of microorganisms in co-cultures offers synergistic benefits compared to single-microorganism systems, particularly in wastewater treatment and bioproduct production. Microalgal-bacterial coculture processes have gained significant attention due to their high nutrient remediation efficiencies and low-cost wastewater treatment potential. Co-cultures of microalgae with bacteria, yeast, and fungi have shown promise not only in wastewater treatment but also in the production of valuable bioproducts such as biofuels, lactic acid, hydrogen, microbial fuel cells, antibiotics, bioethanol, and biopolymers. This review paper explores the potential of microalgae and other microorganisms in various biotechnological applications. This review highlights the importance of co-cultures in wastewater management, the production of value-added products, challenges faced in co-culture systems, and future research directions. Therefore, integrating microalgae with other microorganisms offers great promise for sustainable biotechnological applications, with the resilience of these systems being crucial for large-scale operations.},
}

@article {pmid41857737,
year = {2026},
author = {Lei, C and Wu, J and Fu, Z and Jin, R and Hu, B and Xu, K and Cheng, C and Shi, T and Gong, D and Huang, C and Qin, J},
title = {The microbiome of host saliva, gastric fluid, and gastric mucosa as accurate diagnostic tools for gastric cancer detection.},
journal = {Journal of translational medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12967-026-07953-1},
pmid = {41857737},
issn = {1479-5876},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Early non-invasive detection is crucial for improving the prognosis of gastric cancer (GC). Dysbiosis in the oral and gastric microbiome is closely associated with GC development, yet its complex nature poses challenges for traditional analytical methods. This study aims to integrate oral and gastric microbial characteristics and employ machine learning algorithms to construct a high-precision GC diagnostic model. METHODS: We collected saliva, gastric fluid, and gastric mucosa samples from 106 GC patients and 111 healthy controls. Microbiome data were obtained via 16S rRNA sequencing, with analyses conducted on species abundance, diversity and community composition. Algorithms including random forest and support vector machines were employed to identify the most discriminative bacterial genera. Multiple diagnostic models were trained based on these findings and evaluated through ten-fold cross-validation and independent external datasets. RESULTS: Results revealed significant differences in microbial composition between GC patients and healthy individuals. Diagnostic models constructed based on key bacterial genera demonstrated excellent performance: AUC values in the training set reached 0.96, 0.87, and 0.96 for oral, gastric fluid and gastric mucosa classifiers respectively, maintaining robust performance in external validation. Functional prediction revealed dysregulation in the microbiota of GC patients, while correlation analysis further indicated symbiotic relationships among cancer-associated bacterial genera. CONCLUSION: This study successfully established a GC diagnostic model based on oral and gastric microbial signatures. Its outstanding performance validates the substantial potential of the ‘oral-stomach’ microbial axis in GC auxiliary diagnosis, offering a novel cost-effective strategy for early screening.},
}

@article {pmid41968131,
year = {2026},
author = {Gortari, M and Maguire, VG and Ezquiaga, JP and Cicchino, M and Bailleres, M and Escaray, RU and Ruiz, OA and Llames, ME},
title = {Associations between soil microbiomes and carbon stabilization under long-term no-till farming systems in the Argentine Pampas.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-47621-4},
pmid = {41968131},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {PICTs 2018-3723 y 2020-2023//Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica , Argentina/ ; PICTs 2018-3723 y 2020-2023//Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica , Argentina/ ; PICTs 2018-3723 y 2020-2023//Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica , Argentina/ ; PICTs 2018-3723 y 2020-2023//Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica , Argentina/ ; PICTs 2018-3723 y 2020-2023//Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica , Argentina/ ; PICTs 2018-3723 y 2020-2023//Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica , Argentina/ ; PICTs 2018-3723 y 2020-2023//Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica , Argentina/ ; PICTs 2018-3723 y 2020-2023//Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica , Argentina/ ; PIP CONICET11220210100584CO 2022-2024//Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas , Argentina/ ; PIP CONICET11220210100584CO 2022-2024//Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas , Argentina/ ; PIP CONICET11220210100584CO 2022-2024//Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas , Argentina/ ; PIP CONICET11220210100584CO 2022-2024//Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas , Argentina/ ; PIP CONICET11220210100584CO 2022-2024//Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas , Argentina/ ; PIP CONICET11220210100584CO 2022-2024//Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas , Argentina/ ; PIP CONICET11220210100584CO 2022-2024//Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas , Argentina/ ; PIP CONICET11220210100584CO 2022-2024//Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas , Argentina/ ; },
abstract = {Soil microbial communities play a key role in carbon (C) cycling in agroecosystems; however, their long-term responses to contrasting management practices remain poorly understood in agricultural soils. In this study, we evaluated the effects of more than 20 years of no-till farming (NTF) and conventional tillage (CT) on soil physicochemical properties, bacterial and fungal community composition, and inferred functions related to C and nutrient cycling in the Argentine Pampas. We show that NTF increased total organic carbon (TOC) stocks in surface soils and promoted edaphic conditions associated with C stabilization, including higher cation exchange capacity and structural stability. Bacterial communities exhibited high functional redundancy and were primarily structured along sodium-related parameters, whereas fungal communities were more sensitive to management, with NTF favoring ligninolytic and symbiotic fungi that contribute to necromass formation and long-term carbon stabilization. In contrast, CT enriched opportunistic fungal guilds associated with disturbance and short-term nutrient turnover. Phylogenetic analyses revealed community assembly dominated by environmental filtering in both microbial domains. Overall, these results highlight the central role of fungi as mediators of soil C stabilization and suggest that conservation practices such as NTF enhance microbiome contributions to ecosystem services and climate change mitigation in intensively managed agroecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid42009852,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhou, L and Liu, Y and Ma, Y and Ma, W and Sang, D},
title = {Proteomic Analysis Reveals Differential Expression of Extracellular and Intracellular Proteins in Epichloë sinensis Grown Under Selenium Conditions.},
journal = {Current microbiology},
volume = {83},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {42009852},
issn = {1432-0991},
support = {32260345//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; grant number 2026-ZJ-711//the Science and Technology Program of Qinghai Province/ ; },
abstract = {Epichloë sinensis, a symbiotic fungus of Festuca sinensis, can enhance its host’s resistance to both abiotic and biotic stresses. Some microorganisms can convert toxic selenite into various forms of selenium, however, few studies have investigated the mechanisms by which Epichloë endophytes respond to selenite exposure in vitro. In the present study, we conducted a proteomic analysis of E. sinensis mycelia and secretome following treatment with 0.1 mmol/L sodium selenite, using Nano UPLC-MS/MS. The results identified approximately 141 intracellular proteins and 63 extracellular proteins. Among these, only seven differentially expressed proteins were commonly altered under both conditions. Based on Cluster of Orthologous Groups of proteins (COG) annotation, a total of 68 proteins showed significant changes in the treated intracellular condition, including 15 upregulated and 53 downregulated proteins. These proteins were primarily involved in protein turnover and chaperones, energy production and conversion, and ribosomal structure and biogenesis, compared to the control condition. Among the extracellular proteins, 25 (10 upregulated and 15 downregulated) were differentially expressed and were associated with protein turnover and chaperones, as well as inorganic ion transport and metabolism. Proteins encoded by hsp78 and catA were markedly upregulated, whereas catB, stiA, cpn10, and hsp70A were significantly downregulated, enhancing the adaptation of E. sinensis to selenium stress. Our findings suggest that E. sinensis responds to selenium stress through differential changes in intracellular and extracellular proteomes, providing a theoretical foundation for understanding the mechanism of Se metabolism in this fungus.},
}

@article {pmid42020828,
year = {2026},
author = {Bodea, M},
title = {Steps forward to synthetic consciousness measurement.},
journal = {Cognitive processing},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42020828},
issn = {1612-4790},
abstract = {Biological consciousness is the product of millions of years of evolution, being deeply rooted in the neural architecture of living organisms. It emerges from the interplay of sensory processing, memory, emotion, and metacognition, with the human brain being its most complex known expression. Synthetic consciousness, on the other hand, remains a theoretical construct, an aspiration rather than an achievement. Current AI systems, including the most advanced models, demonstrate highly sophisticated pattern recognition, reasoning, and even emergent behaviors, but they lack the embodied, affective, and subjective depth associated with biological beings. The paper focuses on the measurable aspects of conscious access the global availability of information for report, reasoning, and control, and proposes a model to quantify this capacity across biological and artificial systems. Projections based on Moore’s law, neural simulation efforts, and the exponential growth in processing power suggest that AI could begin to develop complex consciousness in the next 10 to 15 years, particularly through advances in neural architecture, affective computing, and brain-inspired hardware like neuromorphic chips. Looking forward, the interplay between biological and synthetic consciousness may become symbiotic rather than competitive. AI could help humans better understand their own consciousness by modeling cognitive processes, testing philosophical theories, and simulating consciousness under altered conditions. Conversely, biological paradigms of learning, adaptation, and emotion will continue to inspire AI development. The coming decades may see the rise of hybrid consciousness systems, where biological and synthetic processes intertwine, creating forms of awareness that transcend current definitions.},
}

@article {pmid42342450,
year = {2026},
author = {Chowdhury, S and Kruger, AJ and Roger, LM},
title = {Conserved HSP60 structure with lineage- and context-specific regulation in cnidarians.},
journal = {Life science alliance},
volume = {9},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {42342450},
issn = {2575-1077},
mesh = {Animals ; *Chaperonin 60/genetics/metabolism/chemistry ; Phylogeny ; Heat-Shock Response ; *Cnidaria/metabolism/genetics ; Sea Anemones/metabolism/genetics ; Mitochondria/metabolism ; Stress, Physiological ; },
abstract = {Heat shock proteins safeguard proteostasis under stress. We examined mitochondrial chaperonin HSP60 in three cnidarians to assess stress responses. We evaluated HSP60 expression in Pocillopora acuta (hard coral), Exaiptasia diaphana (sea anemone), and Cassiopea xamachana (upside-down jellyfish) using immunoblotting. In P. acuta, HSP60 was not detected at the fragment level under either control (25°C) or heat-stress (30°C). In contrast, isolated cells showed transient HSP60 expression under both temperature conditions, indicating context-dependent regulation in coral. E. diaphana and C. xamachana showed elevated HSP60 expression over 24 h when stressed (+5°C above laboratory optima). These patterns indicate lineage-specific regulatory mechanisms underlying chaperone-mediated stress response pathways. Thus, thermal sensitivity varies among species and across biological contexts. Consistent antibody cross-reactivity prompted evolutionary analysis. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed cnidarian HSP60 proteins are orthologous to vertebrate HSP60, demonstrating deep conservation across Metazoa. Although HSP60 is ancient and highly conserved, its role in regulating mitochondrial proteostasis varies across early-diverging metazoans. This study underlines the role of chaperone plasticity in cnidarian thermotolerance and diverging bleaching susceptibility of symbiotic cnidarians.},
}

Animals
*Chaperonin 60/genetics/metabolism/chemistry
Phylogeny
Heat-Shock Response
*Cnidaria/metabolism/genetics
Sea Anemones/metabolism/genetics
Mitochondria/metabolism
Stress, Physiological

@article {pmid42343093,
year = {2026},
author = {Lu, J and Chen, J and Jiang, K and Zhang, F and Peng, Y and Zhang, Y and Long, M and Dong, X and Yang, W and Gao, Y and Li, J and Li, X and Wang, Z},
title = {A Phytosulfokine signaling module activates the Nod factor receptor to control soybean nodulation.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41467-026-74586-9},
pmid = {42343093},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {32090062, 32472087//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 32330078//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 2025AFB582//Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province (Hubei Provincial Natural Science Foundation)/ ; },
abstract = {The rhizobia-legume symbiosis, essential for nitrogen fixation, is initiated through Nod Factor (NF) perception by the NF receptors (NFRs). However, the mechanisms regulating NFR activity remain poorly defined. Here, we identify a NODULE INCEPTION 1 (GmNIN1)- Subtilisin-like Protease 1.2 (GmSBT1.2) - Phytosulfokine 4 (GmPSK4) - Phytosulfokine Receptor 1 (GmPSKR1) signaling module that directly activates the GmNFR1ɑ to promote nodulation in soybean. We demonstrate that GmNIN1a specifically activates GmSBT1.2b/1.2d, which are important for nodulation. GmSBT1.2b cleaves the proprotein of the phytosulfokine peptide GmPSK4a into mature form. Knockout of GmPSK4a and its homolog GmPSK4b severely impairs nodulation. Genetic analyses confirm the functionally interdependency of GmSBT1.2b/1.2d and GmPSK4a/4b. GmPSKR1a/1b/1c, identified as GmPSK4 receptors, are beneficial to nodulation. Notably, GmPSKR1a physically interacts with GmNFR1ɑ and enhances its kinase activity. Thus, the activation of GmNFR1ɑ by GmPSKR1a is important to its role in initiating NF signaling. Our findings uncover a previously unknown regulatory mechanism that controls the core NF signaling, providing fundamental insights into the governance of symbiotic nitrogen fixation.},
}

@article {pmid42343230,
year = {2026},
author = {Martínez-Moré, M and Filippi, CV and Eastman, G and Quero, G and Sotelo-Silveira, M and Píriz-Pezzutto, S and Sotelo-Silveira, J and Borsani, O and Sainz, MM},
title = {Genes associated with translation and oxidative phosphorylation as components of the translational response in nodulated and water-restricted soybean.},
journal = {BMC plant biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12870-026-09344-6},
pmid = {42343230},
issn = {1471-2229},
support = {RTS_1_2014_1-ANII//Red Nacional de Biotecnología Agrícola/ ; Grant No. 22520220100256UD//CSIC I+D 2022/ ; Grant No. 282//CSIC I+D 2020/ ; Grant No. 210//FVF-MEC 2017/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Soybean primarily acquires nitrogen through symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Water deficit (WD) is a major stress limiting crop yield. Nodulation may enhance drought tolerance in legumes by modulating nitrogen and hormone metabolism, osmotic adjustment, and antioxidant defenses; however, the molecular basis underlying the differential WD responses between N-fix and N-fed plants remain unclear. Translational control of gene expression is a key regulatory mechanism during stress.

RESULTS: We compared the transcriptome and translatome of soybean roots from N-fix and N-fed plants exposed to WD across four combined treatments. N-fix plants under WD exhibited more complex responses in terms of total differentially expressed genes (DEGs) compared to N-fed plants. This increased complexity was also evident among translationally regulated DEGs and differentially expressed transcription factors, whose involvement in WD responses of N-fix plants is novel. Co-expression network analysis identified modules associated with core biological processes encompassing nodulation, WD, and notably, their interplay was particularly prominent in Module 1, which was enriched in genes related to ribosomal protein synthesis and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Guilt-by-Association analysis enabled the prediction of novel functions for differentially expressed, uncharacterized hub genes related to stress and/or nodulation responses.

CONCLUSIONS: Translational regulation of genes involved in OXPHOS and translation initiation emerged as a central response in N-fix plants under WD. These findings reveal distinct molecular adaptations in N-fix soybean roots facing WD and highlight translational control as a key regulatory layer. We also identified promising candidate genes-including transcription factors and uncharacterized hub genes under translational regulation-that represent potential targets for improving drought tolerance in legumes once validated functionally.},
}

@article {pmid42343442,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhu, H and Cheng, L and Liu, D and Ma, Y and Fan, H and He, S and Liang, W and Mei, D and Ma, X and Li, R and Mi, H and Wang, J and Li, J and Yu, X and Zhang, S and Shu, K},
title = {Complement C5a/C5aR1 pathway facilitates glioblastoma progression via fostering glioma stem cell-macrophage symbiosis.},
journal = {Journal of neuroinflammation},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12974-026-03930-z},
pmid = {42343442},
issn = {1742-2094},
support = {82403476//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82503376//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 81974452//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82072805//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2024//Hubei Association for Science and Technology Young Talents Support Projects/ ; 2023AFB135//Hubei Natural Science Foundation/ ; 2022M711253//China Postdoctoral Science Foundation/ ; 2024M761034//China Postdoctoral Science Foundation/ ; 2025JCYJ053//Huazhong University of Science and Technology Young Scholars Program for Medical-Engineering Interdisciplinary Research/ ; AI2025B01//Artificial Intelligence Program of Tongji Hospital/ ; 2019kfyXJJS187//Huazhong University of Science and Technology Independent Innovation Research Fund Project/ ; 2023YFC2510000//National Key R&D Program of China, MOST/ ; },
abstract = {Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) symbiotically interact with glioma stem cells (GSCs) to facilitate GSCs stemness maintenance and glioblastoma (GBM) progression. Here we identified the complement 5a (C5a) as a key mediator of GSCs-TAMs symbiosis through integrative screening. C5a is preferentially expressed and secreted by GSCs. C5a activates the p-STAT3-cMyc-PD-L1 axis to promote GSCs proliferation, self-renewal and resistance against cytotoxic T cells through its receptor C5aR1. Moreover, GSCs-derived C5a trigger the infiltration and immunosuppressive polarization of TAMs through C5aR1-p-AKT T308 axis in tumor microenvironment. Importantly, silencing or pharmacological inhibition of C5a/C5aR1 disrupts both GSCs and TAMs and suppresses GBM tumor growth. In human GBM, the C5a/C5aR1 axis is activated and positively correlates with stemness, immunosuppressive TAMs and predicts poor prognosis. Collectively, these results demonstrate the key role of C5a/C5aR1 pathway in GSCs-TAMs symbiosis and indicate the therapeutic potential of targeting this pathway for GBM treatment.},
}

@article {pmid42343855,
year = {2026},
author = {Baños-Quintana, AP and de Carvalho, ASP and Kaltenpoth, M},
title = {Symbiotic organs in insects: diversity, functional implications, and terminology.},
journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences},
volume = {381},
number = {1953},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1098/rstb.2024.0386},
pmid = {42343855},
issn = {1471-2970},
support = {//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; //H2020 European Research Council/ ; //Max-Planck-Gesellschaft/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Insecta/microbiology/physiology/anatomy & histology ; Terminology as Topic ; *Fungi/physiology ; *Microbiota ; *Bacterial Physiological Phenomena ; },
abstract = {With over a million described species, insects represent the most successful group of animals on Earth. One of the drivers of insect diversity is their ability to engage in multifold beneficial symbioses with microorganisms, often involving specialized host organs to accommodate intra- or extracellular symbionts. The existence of such organs and their importance for sustaining and transmitting beneficial symbionts has been known for over a century, and specific terms have been established for categorizing organs harbouring intracellular bacteria (bacteriomes) or fungi (mycetomes), or cuticular crypts containing extracellular fungi (mycetangia). For others, however, general terms are lacking, e.g. organs containing extracellular bacteria associated with the cuticle or with the digestive tract. Furthermore, previously established terms have been misused in other contexts. Notably, 'bacteriome' has been increasingly employed in the microbiome field to refer to bacterial communities, instead of the term's original meaning of specialized organs housing intracellular bacterial symbionts. Here, we review and categorize the diversity of symbiotic organs in insects and propose a unified terminology. Our hope is that this common language will facilitate communication and thereby support the field of symbiosis research in unravelling commonalities and differences in the evolution, ecology, development, physiology and molecular basis across symbiotic interactions. This article is part of the theme issue 'Life in natural microcosms'.},
}

Animals
*Symbiosis
*Insecta/microbiology/physiology/anatomy & histology
Terminology as Topic
*Fungi/physiology
*Microbiota
*Bacterial Physiological Phenomena

@article {pmid42343885,
year = {2026},
author = {Lin, F and Chen, H and Ye, J and Xu, H and Lin, H and Cen, L and Luo, D and Chen, X and Hu, H and Wang, Z and Deng, Y and Deng, L},
title = {Holistic genome assembly and analysis of the Tremella fuciformis interaction community uncovers intergenomic insights beyond dual genomes.},
journal = {IMA fungus},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {e185345},
pmid = {42343885},
issn = {2210-6340},
abstract = {Tremella fuciformis (T. fuciformis) is consistently found in association with Annulohypoxylon stygium (A. stygium) in natural environments. However, their interaction remains largely cryptic and requires a dedicated in situ sequencing approach for elucidation. Traditional genome sequencing and assembly yield genetic information for only one species at a time. In this study, the interacting community of T. fuciformis was sequenced as an integrated unit, obtaining three complete genomes in a single run, specifically two heterokaryotic genomes of T. fuciformis and one of A. stygium. Validated across four dimensions, these genomes showed excellent continuity, completeness, and accuracy. Interspecifically, the cell ratio of T. fuciformis to A. stygium was estimated at 1:1.09, and no genomic evidence supported DNA exchange through long-term symbiosis. Heterokaryotically, distinct chromosomal structural variations were observed between the core and accessory chromosomes of T. fuciformis, while internal transcribed spacer (ITS) fragment polymorphism indicated that single-locus ITS data may inadequately reflect genetic complexity. Using the community genome as molecular markers enabled strain identification and confirmed interactions. Overall, this study provides methods for studying interactive community genomes and their interspecific and internuclear connections.},
}

@article {pmid42345343,
year = {2026},
author = {Zeng, MY and Zhou, CY and Wang, L and Gao, J and Yin, W and Peng, DH and Lan, S and Yang, FX and Liu, ZJ},
title = {Orchid genome evolution and trait innovation.},
journal = {Journal of integrative plant biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/jipb.70315},
pmid = {42345343},
issn = {1744-7909},
abstract = {Orchidaceae, one of the largest and most morphologically diverse angiosperm families, showcases unique evolutionary adaptations in morphology, ecology, and function. Recent advances in molecular and genomic research have greatly reshaped our understanding of orchid evolution, revealing how genome dynamics, ecological interactions, and developmental plasticity jointly shaped their exceptional diversification. Phylogenomic frameworks derived from various genomic datasets have reconstructed the evolutionary history, revealing the influence of geological, climatic, and biotic factors on ancient divergences and global distributions. Comprehensive genomic studies have uncovered substantial variation in genome size, structure, and composition, largely driven by repetitive elements and whole-genome duplication events that facilitated adaptive radiations. Key innovations, including epiphytism, mycoheterotrophy, and deceptive pollination, are linked to gene family evolution and modifications in pathways related to CAM photosynthesis, mycorrhizal symbiosis, and floral morphogenesis. Integrative multi-omics approaches further illuminate mechanisms underlying speciation hotspots, coevolution with pollinators and fungi, and the molecular basis of developmental diversity. Overall, this review synthesizes current genomic, phylogenetic, and functional insights into orchid evolution, providing a theoretical foundation and future research framework for understanding their molecular diversification.},
}

@article {pmid42345650,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, Y and Qin, C},
title = {A Hybrid Metaheuristic for High-Dimensional Constrained Optimization: Applications to Logistics and UAV Path Planning.},
journal = {Biomimetics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {11},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biomimetics11060361},
pmid = {42345650},
issn = {2313-7673},
support = {NYG2024093)//Ningxia Higher Education Institution Project/ ; },
abstract = {Inspired by the hovering, diving, and cooperative hunting behaviors of the pied kingfisher, the Pied Kingfisher Optimizer (PKO) has demonstrated competitive performance in optimization tasks. However, it exhibits several phase-specific limitations, including uneven population distribution caused by random initialization, insufficient use of historical information during exploration, over-reliance on the global best during exploitation, and weakly guided perturbation in the symbiosis phase. To address these issues, this study proposes an Improved Pied Kingfisher Optimizer (IPKO), which incorporates biologically inspired adaptive strategies. Drawing inspiration from the kingfisher's diverse perching, gaze adjustment during hovering, evasive diving after failed strikes, and territory shifting based on flock position, four mechanisms are developed. Specifically, sine chaotic opposition-based initialization enhances population diversity; adaptive directional search regulates the exploration-exploitation balance; stochastic perturbation-based information fusion improves the ability to escape local optima; and centroid-based adaptive boundary handling strengthens constraint adaptability. The performance of IPKO is evaluated on the CEC2017 benchmark suite (10, 30, 50, and 100 dimensions) and two real-world engineering problems. Experimental results show that IPKO achieves superior overall performance compared with eleven state-of-the-art algorithms, with statistical significance confirmed by the Friedman test and Holm's post-hoc procedure. Ablation studies further verify the contribution of each strategy. In engineering applications such as cold chain logistics and dynamic multi-UAV cooperative path planning, the IPKO algorithm demonstrates superior solution quality, robustness, and constraint-handling capability compared with competing algorithms. These results demonstrate that IPKO is a robust and effective bio-inspired optimization approach for solving complex, high-dimensional constrained engineering problems.},
}

@article {pmid42345810,
year = {2026},
author = {Duan, Y and Huang, Z and Yang, X and Tian, Q and Ye, L and Zhang, B and Li, X},
title = {Armillaria Species: Biological Complexity, Bioactive Metabolites and Molecular Foundations for Medicinal and Agricultural Applications.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {15},
number = {12},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biology15120954},
pmid = {42345810},
issn = {2079-7737},
abstract = {Armillaria is a genus of macrofungi with high ecological, biological, medicinal, and edible value. As facultative plant pathogens and nutritional symbionts, Armillaria species support the growth of valuable medicinal plants including Gastrodia elata and Polyporus umbellatus. They also exhibit unique traits such as exceptional longevity, widespread clonal expansion, rhizomorph formation, and bioluminescence, making them a valuable model for studying fungal ecology, symbiosis, specialized metabolism, and applied research. This review summarizes recent progress in Armillaria research, covering biological characteristics, nutritional components, bioactive constituents, species identification, genomic resources, and biosynthetic pathways. We discuss advances in artificial cultivation and the regulatory roles of exogenous phytohormones in mycelial and rhizomorph development. The nutritional value of fruiting bodies is highlighted, with a focus on key pharmacologically active metabolites such as protoilludane-type sesquiterpenes and polysaccharides. We also review multilocus phylogenetic analysis, comparative genomics, and the biosynthetic gene clusters of melleolides and bioluminescence, which have improved understanding of Armillaria evolution and functional differentiation.},
}