@article {pmid41162177,
year = {2025},
author = {Nam, Y and Seo, G and Kim, Y and Kim, SR and Kim, JN},
title = {Comparative Analysis of Microbial Communities and Biopolymer Production in Kombucha.},
journal = {Journal of microbiology and biotechnology},
volume = {35},
number = {},
pages = {e2508004},
doi = {10.4014/jmb.2508.08004},
pmid = {41162177},
issn = {1738-8872},
mesh = {Cellulose/biosynthesis/metabolism ; Fermentation ; Biopolymers/biosynthesis/metabolism ; *Bacteria/metabolism/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; *Microbiota ; *Kombucha Tea/microbiology ; Yeasts/metabolism/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Ethanol/metabolism ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Phylogeny ; Acetobacteraceae/metabolism/isolation & purification ; },
abstract = {While the microbial diversity of kombucha has been previously investigated, only a limited number of studies have explicitly distinguished between the symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) and the liquid broth, and even fewer have directly associated microbial diversity with bacterial cellulose production. This study investigated the microbial communities present in commercially available kombucha products by using both culture-based and molecular analysis methods, along with metabolite profiling by chemical analyses. Culture-based methods identified key cellulose-producing strains, including Komagataeibacter intermedius, K. rhaeticus, and Novacetimonas hansenii, while next-generation sequencing revealed Komagataeibacter as the dominant bacterial genus in kombucha. Yeast communities in kombucha were predominated by Zygosaccharomyces bisporus and Z. parabailii. As fermentation progressed, all kombucha samples exhibited typical fermentation dynamics, characterized by progressive sucrose depletion and an increase in ethanol and acetate production. Given the promising industrial applications of bacterial cellulose, the biopolymer content of kombucha was evaluated. Among the kombucha samples, K2 showed the highest cellulose yield (4.50 ± 2.28 g), and N. hansenii was identified as the most efficient cellulose producer among the isolates. This integrative approach provides critical insights into the role of microbial communities in regulating kombucha fermentation. Specifically, this study delineated the core microbiota required for stable fermentation and identified strains with enhanced cellulose-producing capacity. Beyond defining the key microbial taxa associated with kombucha production, these findings underscore the industrial potential of kombucha-derived cellulose producers and present a strategy for optimizing bacterial cellulose yield in large-scale applications.},
}

Cellulose/biosynthesis/metabolism
Fermentation
Biopolymers/biosynthesis/metabolism
*Bacteria/metabolism/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
*Microbiota
*Kombucha Tea/microbiology
Yeasts/metabolism/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Ethanol/metabolism
High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
Phylogeny
Acetobacteraceae/metabolism/isolation & purification

@article {pmid41161318,
year = {2025},
author = {Balmand, S and Rivard, C and Peignier, S and Santarella-Mellwig, R and Ghanem-Debbache, M and Maire, J and Engl, T and Galvão Ferrarini, M and Dell'Aglio, E and Soriano-Saiz, B and Dalverny, C and La Padula, V and Turunen, P and Rahioui, I and Vallier, A and Vincent-Monégat, C and Vierne, B and Parisot, N and Condemine, G and Da Silva, P and Jaurand, X and Schwab, Y and Kaltenpoth, M and Heddi, A and Zaidman-Rémy, A},
title = {Bacterial tubular networks channel carbohydrates in insect endosymbiosis.},
journal = {Cell},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.cell.2025.10.001},
pmid = {41161318},
issn = {1097-4172},
abstract = {Symbiosis is widespread in nature and plays a fundamental role in organism adaptation and evolution. In nutritional endosymbiosis, host cells accommodate intracellular bacteria and act as a "metabolic factory," requiring extensive metabolic exchanges between host and endosymbiont. To investigate the mechanisms supporting these exchanges, we used the association between the bacterium Sodalis pierantonius and the insect Sitophilus spp. that thrives on an exclusive cereal diet. Volume electron microscopy uncovered that endosymbionts generate complex membranous tubular networks (tubenets) that connect bacteria and drastically increase their exchange surface with the host cytosol. In situ high spatial resolution chemical analysis indicated that tubenets are enriched in carbohydrates, which are the main substrate used by bacteria to generate nutrients for the host. Multiple membranous structures favoring nutrient absorption are described in multicellular organisms. This work demonstrates that bacteria have convergently evolved a similar "biostrategy" that enhances nutrient acquisition by increasing membrane interface.},
}

@article {pmid41160691,
year = {2025},
author = {Becker-Kerber, B and Brocks, JJ and Archilha, NL and Rodella, CB and Petkov, V and deAzevedo, ER and Pimentel, T and Garcia, R and Petts, D and Czas, J and Ardakani, OH and Chappaz, A and Albuquerque, Â and Ortega-Hernández, J and Lerosey-Aubril, R and Kipp, MA and Johnson, B and Thoury, M and Oliveira, CMA and Pimentel, HHLSM and Freitas, RO and Vicentin, FC and Borges, LGF and Almer, J and Park, JS and Polo, CC and Kerber, G and Del Mouro, L and Figueiredo, M and Prado, GMEM and Ahmed, S and Basei, MAS},
title = {The rise of lichens during the colonization of terrestrial environments.},
journal = {Science advances},
volume = {11},
number = {44},
pages = {eadw7879},
doi = {10.1126/sciadv.adw7879},
pmid = {41160691},
issn = {2375-2548},
mesh = {*Lichens/physiology ; *Fossils ; *Ecosystem ; Biological Evolution ; Brazil ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {The origin of terrestrial life and ecosystems fundamentally changed the biosphere. Lichens, symbiotic fungi-algae partnerships, are crucial to nutrient cycling and carbon fixation today, yet their evolutionary history during the evolution of terrestrial ecosystems remains unclear due to a scarce fossil record. We demonstrate that the enigmatic Devonian fossil Spongiophyton from Brazil captures one of the earliest and most widespread records of lichens. The presence of internal hyphae networks, algal cells, possible reproductive structures, calcium oxalate pseudomorphs, abundant nitrogenous compounds, and fossil lipid composition confirms that it was among the first widespread representatives of lichenized fungi in Earth's history. Spongiophyton abundance and wide paleogeographic distribution in Devonian successions reveal an ecologically prominent presence of lichens during the late stages of terrestrial colonization, just before the evolution of complex forest ecosystems.},
}

*Lichens/physiology
*Fossils
*Ecosystem
Biological Evolution
Brazil
Symbiosis

@article {pmid41160687,
year = {2025},
author = {Okada, K and Fujiwara, T and Hirooka, S and Kobayashi, Y and Onuma, R and Miyagishima, SY},
title = {The closed nutrient recycling system in the Paramecium-Chlorella photosymbiosis contributes to survival under oligotrophic conditions.},
journal = {Science advances},
volume = {11},
number = {44},
pages = {eadz0004},
doi = {10.1126/sciadv.adz0004},
pmid = {41160687},
issn = {2375-2548},
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Paramecium/physiology/metabolism ; *Chlorella/physiology/metabolism ; *Nutrients/metabolism ; Nitrogen/metabolism ; Light ; },
abstract = {Endosymbiotic relationships between a heterotrophic host and a unicellular algal endosymbiont are observed across many eukaryotic lineages. Although these relationships are prevalent in oligotrophic environments, how they function and provide an advantage under such conditions remains largely unknown. To address these issues, we examined the behavior of the ciliate Paramecium bursaria hosting Chlorella endosymbionts under nitrogen- and prey-depleted conditions. The Paramecium host survived for up to 5 weeks while maintaining the number of Chlorella endosymbionts, whereas aposymbiotic Paramecium and free-living Chlorella either died or bleached, respectively, under the same conditions. In the symbiotic state, the host continuously fed on the endosymbionts without excreting nitrogenous waste into the medium, while the remaining endosymbionts continued to proliferate using heterotrophic metabolites from the host and light energy. Thus, the cyclical farming of endosymbionts by the host maintains a high concentration of nutrients within the closed system, providing a selective advantage in oligotrophic environments.},
}

*Symbiosis
*Paramecium/physiology/metabolism
*Chlorella/physiology/metabolism
*Nutrients/metabolism
Nitrogen/metabolism
Light

@article {pmid41160089,
year = {2025},
author = {Abuzahrah, SS},
title = {The microbiome of marine sponges located on the Saudi Arabia coast of the Red sea using high-throughput 16S amplicon sequencing.},
journal = {AMB Express},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {160},
pmid = {41160089},
issn = {2191-0855},
support = {PROJECT NO.: CRP/SAU24-02//International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB)/ ; },
abstract = {Marine sponges (Porifera) from the Red Sea host diverse microbial communities that are integral to sponge health, nutrient cycling, and ecological resilience. Using high-throughput 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, we characterized the bacterial diversity and functional potential across several Red Sea sponge species. Our findings revealed that these microbiomes are dominated by Alphaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, and Roseobacteraceae, with notable contributions from bacterial taxa involved in nitrogen fixation, organic matter degradation, and antimicrobial compound production. Functional predictions indicate that these symbionts support sponge nutrition, defense, and adaptation to the extreme Red Sea environment, including high salinity and temperature. Compared to sponge microbiomes from other marine regions, the Red Sea communities display unique taxonomic compositions and enhanced metabolic and defensive capacities. This highlights the essential ecological roles and potential biotechnological applications of these symbiotic assemblages. Our study underscores the significance of exploring sponge-associated microbiomes in understudied and extreme marine ecosystems. These results provide a foundation for future bioprospecting and work on adaptive mechanisms, emphasizing the value of Red Sea sponges and their microbiota for marine biotechnology and ecosystem resilience.},
}

@article {pmid41159495,
year = {2025},
author = {Kurimoto, SI and Nishie, K and Kubota, T},
title = {Absolute Configuration of Symbiodinolactone A.},
journal = {Journal of natural products},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.jnatprod.5c01163},
pmid = {41159495},
issn = {1520-6025},
abstract = {The absolute configurations at five stereogenic centers in symbiodinolactone A, a 12-membered macrolide isolated from the symbiotic marine dinoflagellate Symbiodinium sp. associated with an acoelomorpha Amphiscolops sp., were determined to be 7R,11R,12R,13R,14R. A combination of different techniques was applied in this regard such as Rychnovsky's method, Kishi's universal NMR databases, the modified Mosher's method, and comparison of the NMR data of the bis(S)-MTPA ester of a degradation product of symbiodinolactone A with those of synthesized reference compounds. In addition, symbiodinolactone A was found to exhibit cytotoxicity against L1210 murine leukemia cells.},
}

@article {pmid41159488,
year = {2025},
author = {Ge, X and Li, N and Zhang, J and Fan, X and Chen, L and Zhao, N and Ren, A},
title = {Epichloë endophyte-infected Achnatherum sibiricum and neighbouring non-host grasses exhibit associational resistance to soil-borne diseases.},
journal = {Plant biology (Stuttgart, Germany)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/plb.70112},
pmid = {41159488},
issn = {1438-8677},
support = {32271586//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Grasses and Epichloë endophytes often form mutualistic symbiotic defence systems. Studies have shown Epichloë endophytes improve resistance of host plants to airborne diseases. However, whether endophytes affect soil-borne disease resistance of host or neighbouring non-host plants remains unclear. We used endophyte-infected (EI) and endophyte-free (EF) Achnatherum sibiricum as host grass, Leymus chinensis as non-host grass, and Rhizoctonia solani as pathogen to explore the effects of endophyte infection on disease resistance of host and neighbouring non-host grasses. To clarify the contribution of root exudates to disease resistance of the non-host grass, three different root separation methods were employed between host and non-host plants: plastic barrier (PB), nylon mesh barrier (NL, allowing root exudates to pass through), or no barrier (NB). Epichloë endophytes decreased the disease index (DI) of the host A. sibiricum and reduced pathogen abundance in both host roots and soil. The DI of L. chinensis was affected by the interaction between root separation and endophyte infection. Under NL and NB treatments, the DI of L. chinensis with an EI neighbour was significantly lower than that with an EF neighbour, indicating that endophytic fungi can alleviate disease in non-host plants by influencing root exudates. Additionally, endophytic fungi increased the content of total phenolic compounds and salicylic acid in L. chinensis through activation of host root exudates, which could be one reason for the reduced DI of L. chinensis. Upon analysing root exudate components of the host, we found 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (DTBP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) were the main antifungal compounds mediated by endophyte infection. Epichloë endophytes improved soil-borne disease resistance of the host and enhanced resistance of the neighbouring non-host grass through host root exudates; overall, host and non-host plants showed "associational resistance" to soil-borne diseases. This study highlights that Epichloë endophytes could potentially serve as efficient biological control agents against R. solani-associated diseases in grassland communities.},
}

@article {pmid41158803,
year = {2025},
author = {Totleben, L and Thomas, J and Austin, D},
title = {Drug-mediated disruption of the aging gut microbiota and mucosal immune system.},
journal = {Frontiers in aging},
volume = {6},
number = {},
pages = {1603847},
pmid = {41158803},
issn = {2673-6217},
abstract = {The human gut microbiota is comprised predominantly of bacteria, and also includes archaea, fungi, and viruses. The gastrointestinal epithelium, mucosal barrier, and mucosal immune system balance protection against infection at mucosal entry points with symbiosis and tolerance to non-harmful organisms and antigens. Aging is associated with notable changes in both gut microbiota and mucosal immunity, including reduced microbial diversity, increased proportion of pathobionts relative to commensals, immunosenescence, and chronic inflammation. These changes may disrupt gastrointestinal function and homeostasis and increase susceptibility to infection and inflammatory conditions. Multiple drug classes are also associated with disruption of the gut microbiota and mucosal immunity, including antibacterials, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), metformin, and steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. This review describes the mechanisms by which these drugs affect the gut microbiota and mucosal immunity to provide perspective of the concurrent effects of drugs and age-related changes.},
}

@article {pmid41158770,
year = {2025},
author = {Peng, Y and Huang, D and Li, J and Sun, X and Zhang, Q and Zhang, R and Yang, R and Li, B and Kong, T and Xiong, Z and Huang, Y and Chang, Z and Su, Y and Shang, Y and Ghani, MU and Wang, Y and Sun, W},
title = {Investigation of the role of sulfide oxidation in the gill-associated microbiota of freshwater mussel Limnoperna fortunei.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1671425},
pmid = {41158770},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Limnoperna fortunei is a notable invasive freshwater species, altering structure and function of natural and engineered aquatic ecosystems. The host-associated microbiomes play a critical role in the survival and thriving of L. fortunei, with the gill-associated microbiomes being particularly significant due to their involvement in filter feeding, nutrient metabolism, and symbiosis. However, research on microbiomes associated with L. fortunei remains limited, and studies specifically focusing on gill-associated microbiota are scarce, leaving a significant gap in our understanding of their ecological roles.

METHODS: In this study, gill-associated bacterial communities of the L. fortunei were compared with their surrounding water microbial populations in the largest water diversion projects (the Middle Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project) to elucidate their environmental adaptations and potential contribution to their hosts. Analyses included assessing bacterial diversity and composition, conducting Neutral Community Model (NCM) analysis to explore community assembly processes, constructing an environmental-microbial co-occurrence network to identify key environmental factors, and performing metagenomic analysis of gill samples to investigate functional genes.

RESULTS: Significant variations were observed in bacterial diversity and composition between gills and surrounding water. Sulfur oxidizing bacteria Pirellula, SM1A02, and Roseomonas were significantly enriched in gill-associated microbiota. Neutral community model (NCM) analysis unveiled that the assembly of gill microbial communities was primarily governed by stochastic processes, constrained by determined processes. Moreover, environmental-microbial co-occurrence network identified reduced sulfur as the key factor shaping the composition of bacterial communities. Metagenomic binning of gill samples further revealed that metagenome assembled genomes associated with Pirellula within the phylum Planctomycetota contained functional genes related to sulfide oxidation and resistant to oxidative stress.

DISCUSSION: This study provides systematic insights into the microbial community diversity, assembly patterns, and functional characteristics of L. fortunei gill-asscociated microbiota, contributing to a mechanistic understanding of their ecological roles.},
}

@article {pmid41158324,
year = {2025},
author = {Fatemi, S and Kriefall, NG and Yogi, D and Weber, D and Hynson, NA and Medeiros, MCI and Sadowski, P and Amend, AS},
title = {Microbial composition and function are nested and shaped by food web topologies.},
journal = {ISME communications},
volume = {5},
number = {1},
pages = {ycaf175},
pmid = {41158324},
issn = {2730-6151},
abstract = {Food webs govern interactions among organisms and drive energy fluxes within ecosystems. With an increasing appreciation for the role of symbiotic microbes in host metabolism and development, it is imperative to understand the extent to which microbes conform to, and potentially influence, canonical food web efficiencies and structures. Here, we investigate whether bacteria and their taxa and functional genes are compositionally nested within a simple model food web hierarchy, and the extent to which this is predicted by the trophic position of the host. Using shotgun and amplicon sequencing of discrete food web compartments within replicate tank bromeliads, we find that both taxonomy and function are compositionally nested and largely mirror the pyramid-shaped distribution of food webs. Further, nearly the entirety of bacterial taxa and functional genes associated with hosts are contained within host-independent environmental samples. Community composition of bacterial taxa did not significantly correlate with that of functional genes, indicating a high likelihood of functional redundancy. Whereas bacterial taxa were shaped by both location and trophic position of their host, functional genes were not spatially structured. Our work illustrates the advantages of applying food web ecology to predict patterns of overlapping microbiome composition among unrelated hosts and distinct habitats. Because bacterial symbionts are critical components of host metabolic potential, this result raises important questions about whether bacterial consortia are shaped by the same energetic constraints as hosts, and whether they play an active role in food web efficiency.},
}

@article {pmid41157958,
year = {2025},
author = {Stillson, PT and Sim, SB and Corpuz, RL and Ravenscraft, A},
title = {Symbiont Gene Expression Predicts Insect Host's Response to High Temperatures.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e70154},
doi = {10.1111/mec.70154},
pmid = {41157958},
issn = {1365-294X},
support = {0201-88888-002-000D//Agricultural Research Service/ ; 0201-88888-003-000D//Agricultural Research Service/ ; 2040-22430-028-000-D//Agricultural Research Service/ ; 2019-67013-29407//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; 2023-67013-39897//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; 2024-67012-43746//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; 2146512//National Science Foundation/ ; //University of Texas at Arlington/ ; },
abstract = {Microbial symbionts play crucial roles in host nutrition, defence, and detoxification. However, host-symbiont interactions are context-dependent, and environmental stressors can disrupt these benefits. Diverse hosts, including corals, insects and leguminous plants, have been shown to suffer under thermal stress due to the negative impact of high temperatures on their symbionts. This failure is often linked to a symbiont's poor transcriptional regulation of heat shock genes, causing vulnerability at high temperatures. In the bug-Caballeronia model system, insect performance at elevated temperatures varies based on the hosted symbiont species. Here, we explore the underlying mechanisms that drive this variation using comparative metatranscriptomics and two symbionts with contrasting host outcomes at high temperatures. We evaluated both host and symbiont transcriptional responses to elevated temperature, testing the hypothesis that symbionts conferring improved host outcomes at high temperatures will have more upregulated heat shock genes under thermal stress compared to those conferring worse host outcomes. Our findings reveal that host transcription did not change with different symbionts but rather only at different temperatures. Furthermore, symbionts had distinct gene expression profiles across temperatures. At 36°C, the heat-resistant symbiont not only increased expression of heat shock genes but surprisingly upregulated flagellar genes, which are normally turned off during symbiosis. This suggests that symbiont, not host, transcription underlies host benefits at low versus high temperatures and ultimately furthers our understanding of context dependence in the outcomes of symbiotic associations.},
}

@article {pmid41157763,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhuang, H and Tang, X and Ning, Z and Zhou, C and Zhao, Q and Wang, H and Xing, Y and Zhang, A},
title = {The Impact of Reduced Nitrogen Fertilizer Application and Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi Inoculation on Nitrogen Utilization in Intercropped Areca catechu L. and Vanilla planifolia Andrews.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {20},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants14203207},
pmid = {41157763},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {322RC779//Hainan Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; CATASCXTD202510//Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences for Science and Technology Innovation Team of National Tropical Agricultural Science Center/ ; 32360796//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 1630042025014//the Central Public-interest Scientific Institution Basal Research fund/ ; ZDYF2025XDNY087//Science and Technology special fund of Hainan Province/ ; },
abstract = {Areca (Areca catechu L.) is an important economic crop in tropical regions, but excessive nitrogen application leads to low nitrogen fertilizer utilization efficiency (approximately 30%). Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia Andrews) can be intercropped with areca to enhance land use efficiency. However, the impact of combined nitrogen reduction and Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation on the intercropping system of areca and vanilla remains unclear. This study examined the impact of nitrogen reduction (at levels of conventional fertilization, a 30% reduction and a 60% reduction) and the inoculation of AMF on the photosynthetic characteristics, physiological metabolism, and nitrogen utilization within an areca and vanilla intercropping system, employing a two-factor experimental design. The nitrogen reduction significantly inhibited SPAD value (chlorophyll content) (decreased by 46.21%), net photosynthesis (Pn) (decreased by 71.13%), and transpiration rate (Tr) (decreased by 44.34%) of vanilla without inoculation of AMF, but had little effect on the photosynthesis of areca. Inoculation with AMF, notably Funneliformis mosseae, alleviated the adverse effects of reduced nitrogen on vanilla. The net photosynthesis and intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) significantly increased by 76.23% and 69.48%, respectively. Additionally, the nitrogen uptake efficiency of the areca was improved, with root vitality increasing by 39.96%. Additionally, AMF enhanced the activities of acid phosphatase (ACP) (increased by 38.86% in vanilla) and nitrate reductase (NR) (increased by 53.77% in areca), promoting soil mineral nutrient activation and nitrogen metabolism. The nitrogen reduction combined with AMF inoculation can improve the nitrogen use efficiency of the areca and vanilla intercropping system, revealing its synergistic mechanism in the tropical intercropping system.},
}

@article {pmid41157245,
year = {2025},
author = {Breivik, TJ and Gjermo, P and Opstad, PK and Murison, R and von Hörsten, S and Fristad, I},
title = {Brain Structures, Circuits, and Networks Involved in Immune Regulation, Periodontal Health, and Disease.},
journal = {Life (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {10},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/life15101572},
pmid = {41157245},
issn = {2075-1729},
abstract = {The interaction between microorganisms in the dental microfilm (plaque) at the gingival margin, the immune system, and the brain is vital for gingival health. The brain constantly receives information regarding microbial composition and inflammation status through afferent nerves and the bloodstream. It modulates immune responses via efferent nerves and hormonal systems to maintain homeostasis. This relationship determines whether the gingiva remains healthy or develops into gingivitis (non-destructive inflammation) or periodontitis (a destructive condition), collectively referred to as periodontal disease. Factors associated with severe periodontitis heighten the responsiveness of this homeostatic system, diminishing the adaptive immune system's defence against symbiotic microorganisms with pathogenic properties, known as pathobionts. This leads to excessive innate immune system activation, effectively preventing infection but damaging the periodontium. Consequently, investigating the microbiota-brain axis is vital for understanding its impact on periodontal health and disease. Herein, we examine recent advancements in how the defence against pathobionts is organised within the brain, and how it regulates and adapts the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory immune balance, controlling microbiota composition. It also discussed how pathobionts and emotional stress can trigger neurodegenerative diseases, and how inadequate coping strategies for managing daily stress and shift work can disrupt brain circuits linked to immune regulation, weakening the adaptive immune response against pathobionts.},
}

@article {pmid41156846,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, Y and Shang, Y and Wang, X and Li, X and Yu, Z and Zeng, Z and Chen, Z and Wang, L and Xiang, T and Huang, X},
title = {Metagenomics and In Vitro Growth-Promoting Experiments Revealed the Potential Roles of Mycorrhizal Fungus Humicolopsis cephalosporioides and Helper Bacteria in Cheilotheca humilis Growth.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {10},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms13102387},
pmid = {41156846},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {31872181//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2021QDL062//Research Start-up Funds from the Hangzhou Normal University/ ; 2025JCXK01//Interdisciplinary Research Project of Hangzhou Normal University/ ; },
abstract = {In mycorrhizal symbiotic relationships, non-photosynthetic myco-heterotrophic plants are unable to supply photosynthates to their associated fungi. On the contrary, they rely on fungal carbon to sustain their own growth. Mycorrhizal fungi can mediate plant interactions with the rhizosphere microbiome, which contributes to the promotion of plant growth and nutrient uptake. However, the microbial community and key microbial species that function during the growth of the myco-heterotrophic plant Cheilotheca humilis remain unclear. In this study, we evaluated the microbial community associated with Cheilotheca humilis, which was confirmed via morphological characteristics typical of this plant species. Metagenomic analysis showed that the Afipia carboxidovorans was dominant at species level. Based on the LDA score, Bradyrhizobium ottawaense exhibited the higher abundance in the CH-B group (related to bud) while Afipia carboxidovorans was identified from the CH-F group (related to flower). Microbial co-occurrence networks showed that the Rhizobium genus, Herbaspirillum genus, and Cyanobacteriota were defined as core functional microbial species. To explore the potential microorganisms, metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) of the rhizosphere microbiome identified 14 medium- and high-quality MAGs, mainly involved in carbon fixation, nitrogen transformation, and phosphorus metabolism, possibly providing nutrients for the plant. Furthermore, a total of 67 rhizospheric and 66 endophytic microorganisms were isolated and obtained. In vitro experiments showed that the mycorrhizal helper bacteria (MHBs) Rhizobium genus and Pseudomonas genus possessed the ability of nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, and siderophores production. Most importantly, the mycorrhizal fungus Humicolopsis cephalosporioides was obtained, which could potentially produce cellulase to supply carbohydrates for host. The findings suggest the mycorrhizal fungus Humicolopsis cephalosporioides and helper bacteria have great potential in the growth of the myco-heterotrophic plant Cheilotheca humilis.},
}

@article {pmid41156827,
year = {2025},
author = {Yüksel, E and Lahlali, R and Barış, A and Sameeullah, M and Ulaş, F and Koca, AS and Ait Barka, E and İmren, M and Dababat, A},
title = {Entomopathogenic Nematodes and Bioactive Compounds of Their Bacterial Endosymbionts Act Synergistically in Combination with Spinosad to Kill Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller, 1873) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), a Serious Threat to Food Security.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {10},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms13102368},
pmid = {41156827},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {FAPD-2025-15290//Erciyes University Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit/ ; },
abstract = {As a staple food, potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) (Solanaceae) is one of the most produced food crops to ensure food security. The potato tuber moth (PTM), Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller, 1873) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is a major pest of potato, damaging both the growing and storage processes. In recent years, green pest control strategies have been gaining importance to reduce the adverse effects of chemicals and protect the environment. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) and their bacterial endosymbionts (Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus spp.) have been one of the top topics studied in sustainable pest control approaches. In the present study, the two most common EPN species, Steinernema feltiae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, and their bacterial associates, Xenorhabdus bovienii and Photorhabdus luminescens subsp. kayaii were evaluated against PTM larvae separately and in combination with spinosad. The survival rates of infective juveniles (IJs) of EPNs were over 92% after 72 h of direct exposure to spinosad. Co-application of EPNs and bioactive compounds (BACs) of endosymbiotic bacteria with spinosad induced synergistic interactions and achieved the maximum mortality (100%) in PTM larvae 48 h post-treatment. Spinosad and BAC combinations were highly efficient in controlling the PTM larvae and provided LT50 values below 23.0 h. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified 29 compounds in total, 20 of which belonged to P. luminescens subsp. kayaii. The results indicate that the integration of EPNs and BACs of endosymbiotic bacteria with spinosad presents a synergistic interaction and enhances pest control efficacy.},
}

@article {pmid41156804,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, Q and Dong, P and Chen, M and Wang, H and Wang, L and Yuan, J and Hu, C and Liu, Z and Li, Y and Fan, Q},
title = {Soybean-Bupleurum Rotation System Can Optimize Rhizosphere Soil Microbial Community via Impacting Soil Properties and Enzyme Activities During Bupleurum Seedling Stage.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {10},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms13102346},
pmid = {41156804},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {the Youth Fund of the Shanxi Provincial Basic Research Program, Grant No.202203021212442;//Mengni Chen/ ; Sub-project of the Key Science and Technology Special Program with a "Revealing the Rank and Appointing the Leader" Approach in Shanxi Province, No. 202301140601014-01A//Hui Wang/ ; Surface project funded by the Shanxi Provincial Department of Science and Technology, No. 202303021211103//Hui Wang/ ; Scientific Research and Development Fund of the Cotton Research Institute, Shanxi Agricultural University, No.SJJCX2023-03//Peng Dong/ ; },
abstract = {To avoid continuous cropping problems with Bupleurum, we screened suitable preceding crops for rotation with Bupleurum through different crop rotations. Therefore, the objective of this study was to find out the relationships between microbial community characteristics, soil properties, and enzyme activities under four different rotation patterns, including fallow-Bupleurum (CK), maize-Bupleurum (M), soybean-Bupleurum (So), and sunflower-Bupleurum (Su). Results indicated that under all four rotation patterns, So treatment significantly enhanced soil nutrients and enzyme activities compared to CK. So not only optimized the composition of soil bacterial and fungal communities but markedly enhanced microbial α diversity. Additionally, So exhibited high similarity in bacterial and fungal community composition with M, and featured complex symbiotic relationships within the soil microbial network. While no clear discrepancies were detected in the abundance of the top twenty metabolic pathways in the predictive functions of bacterial and fungal communities across four rotation patterns, the metabolic pathway function MET-SAM-PWY (methionine synthesis pathway) in bacterial communities and the metabolic pathway function VALSYN-PWY (valine synthesis pathway) in fungal communities were particularly prominent under the So rotation pattern. RDA suggested that soil properties (available phosphorus and pH) and enzyme activities (sucrase and alkaline phosphatase activities) were the driving forces for bacterial community composition, while soil properties (soil organic matter and available potassium) and enzyme activities (sucrase and catalase activities) regulated fungal community composition. Hence, the soybean-Bupleurum rotation pattern represents a cultivation practice more beneficial for the sustainable development of the bupleurum industry, which can significantly improve soil fertility and the micro-ecological environment.},
}

@article {pmid41156693,
year = {2025},
author = {Aranda-Pérez, J and Sánchez-Aguilar, MDC and Cutiño-Gobea, AM and Pérez-Montaño, F and Medina, C},
title = {Cyclic di-GMP Modulation of Quorum Sensing and Its Impact on Type VI Secretion System Function in Sinorhizobium fredii.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {10},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms13102232},
pmid = {41156693},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {PID2020-118279RA-I00//Spanish Minister of Science, Innovation and Universities (MICIU)/ ; PPIT2024-31787//FEDER program/ ; },
abstract = {Effective rhizobium-legume symbiosis depends on multiple molecular signaling pathways, integrating not only classical nodulation factors and surface polysaccharides but also diverse protein secretion systems. Among them, the Type VI Secretion System (T6SS) has emerged as a key player, due to its dual roles in interbacterial competition and interactions with eukaryotic hosts, though its contribution to symbiosis remains unclear. Key regulatory messengers, including the main autoinducer of the quorum sensing (QS) systems, the N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs), and the second messenger cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP), modulate the transition between motility and biofilm formation, especially in the context of bacteria interacting with eukaryotes, including rhizobia. While c-di-GMP's impact on exopolysaccharide production in these organisms is well established, its influence on protein secretion systems, particularly in conjunction with QS, is largely unexplored. To contribute to the study of such interplay, we artificially increased intracellular c-di-GMP levels by overexpressing a heterologous diguanylate cyclase in three Sinorhizobium fredii strains of agronomic relevance. This engineering revealed strain-specific outcomes, since elevated c-di-GMP enhanced biofilm development in two strains, but reduced it in another. Furthermore, using β-galactosidase expression assays, we confirmed that both high c-di-GMP and/or AHL concentrations contribute to the transcriptional activation of T6SS. These results demonstrate a direct regulatory link between c-di-GMP, QS signals, and T6SS expression, shedding light on the multilayered control mechanisms that structure beneficial rhizobia-plant interactions.},
}

@article {pmid41156619,
year = {2025},
author = {Sultankulova, KT and Kozhabergenov, NS and Shynybekova, GO and Almezhanova, MD and Zhaksylyk, SB and Abayeva, MR and Chervyakova, OV and Argimbayeva, TO and Orynbayev, MB},
title = {Metagenomic Profile of Bacterial Communities of Hyalomma scupense and Hyalomma asiaticum Ticks in Kazakhstan.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {10},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/pathogens14101008},
pmid = {41156619},
issn = {2076-0817},
mesh = {Animals ; Kazakhstan ; *Metagenomics/methods ; *Ixodidae/microbiology ; Male ; Female ; *Bacteria/genetics/classification/isolation & purification ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Cattle ; *Microbiota ; *Metagenome ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; },
abstract = {Ticks are important vectors of pathogens affecting humans and animals, posing a serious threat to health. For the first time, we studied the metagenomic profile of the microbial composition of Hyalomma scupense and Hyalomma asiaticum ticks in Kazakhstan. A total of 94 adult H. asiaticum and H. scupense ticks collected from randomly selected cattle in Kazakhstan in 2023 were analyzed. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed using the Ion Torrent NGS platform. Taxonomic classification was carried out in the BV-BRC platform with the Kraken2 database. Metagenomic analysis revealed 26 bacterial genera, including both pathogenic and symbiotic taxa. In H. scupense, the dominant groups were Francisella (89.0%), Staphylococcus (76.0%) and Candidatus Midichloria (61.0%), while in H. asiaticum, they were Francisella (99.0% and 95.0%) and Helcococcus (65.0%). In male H. scupense, the proportion of Francisella reached 89%, whereas in females, it varied from 2% to 28%. In H. asiaticum, Helcococcus accounted for 65% in males compared to 11% in females. This is the first report on the metagenomic profile of the microbiota of H. scupense and H. asiaticum in Kazakhstan. The detection of pathogens indicates a risk of their transmission to humans and animals and highlights the need to develop new tick control strategies.},
}

Animals
Kazakhstan
*Metagenomics/methods
*Ixodidae/microbiology
Male
Female
*Bacteria/genetics/classification/isolation & purification
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Cattle
*Microbiota
*Metagenome
DNA, Bacterial/genetics

@article {pmid41155435,
year = {2025},
author = {Kuprin, A and Baklanova, V},
title = {The Microbiome as a Protagonist of Xylophagous Insects in Adaptation to Environmental Conditions and Climate Change.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {26},
number = {20},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms262010143},
pmid = {41155435},
issn = {1422-0067},
mesh = {Animals ; *Climate Change ; *Insecta/microbiology/physiology ; *Microbiota ; *Adaptation, Physiological ; Ecosystem ; Symbiosis ; Forests ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; },
abstract = {Xylophagous insects represent a diverse group of species whose life cycles are trophically associated with wood at various stages of decomposition. In forest ecosystems, they play a pivotal role in wood degradation and biogeochemical nutrient cycling. Their remarkable adaptation to feeding on structurally complex and nutrient-poor woody substrates has been largely mediated by long-term symbiotic interactions with gut microbiota. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the molecular and ecological mechanisms underlying insect-microbiota interactions, with particular attention paid to the impact of environmental stressors-including elevated temperature, shifts in moisture regimes, and pollution-on microbial community structure and host adaptive responses. We critically evaluate the strength of evidence linking climate-driven microbiome shifts to functional consequences for the host and the ecosystem. The ecological implications of microbiota restructuring, such as impaired wood decomposition, decreased disease resistance, facilitation of xylophagous species spread, and alterations in key biotic interactions within forest biocenoses, are discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on the integration of multi-omics technologies and functional assays for a deeper, mechanistic understanding of microbiota roles. We also assess the potential and limitations of microbiome-based approaches for insect population management, with the overall goal of maintaining and enhancing the resilience of forest ecosystems under ongoing climate change.},
}

Animals
*Climate Change
*Insecta/microbiology/physiology
*Microbiota
*Adaptation, Physiological
Ecosystem
Symbiosis
Forests
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome

@article {pmid41154803,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhou, Y and Tian, T and Ji, J and Tan, L and Peng, K and Liu, Z and Zhao, W and Wang, C and Liu, F and Zhang, X},
title = {Dissecting the Functional Interplay Between Heme Oxygenase LjHO1 and Leghemoglobins in Lotus japonicus Nodules.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {14},
number = {10},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biology14101401},
pmid = {41154803},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {2308085QC75//Anhui Provincial Natural Science Foundation/ ; 2023AH052250//Major Natural Science Foundation of the Anhui Educational Committee/ ; 2022BSK023, 2022BSK030//Doctoral Startup Research Fund/ ; 2024XHX216//the industry-funded project/ ; },
abstract = {Heme metabolism is crucial for the function and longevity of legume nodules, with leghemoglobins (Lbs) serving as the primary heme sink and heme oxygenase (HO) mediating heme degradation. However, the precise functional relationship between HO and Lbs remains unclear. Here, we show that Lotus japonicus HO1 (LjHO1) is strongly induced in early-stage Lb-deficient nodules, but its expression gradually decreases during nodule development. Subcellular localization analysis revealed that LjHO1 is plastid-localized in uninfected cells of lb123 mutant nodules, consistent with its localization in wild-type nodules. Using CRISPR/Cas9, we generated a quadruple ho1lb123 mutant lacking LjHO1 and all three Lb isoforms in L. japonicus. Phenotypic analyses revealed that Lbs deficiency predominantly impairs nitrogen fixation, whereas loss of LjHO1 further reduces nodule formation. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) analysis revealed that loss of Lbs strongly decreased heme accumulation, whereas LjHO1 deficiency slightly increased heme levels in nodules. These results demonstrate that Lbs are essential for heme accumulation and nitrogen fixation, while LjHO1 fine-tunes heme turnover, highlighting their complementary roles in maintaining nodule heme homeostasis and symbiotic efficiency.},
}

@article {pmid41154716,
year = {2025},
author = {Kumru, E and Korkmaz, AF and Ekinci, F and Aydoğan, A and Güzel, MS and Akata, I},
title = {Deep Ensemble Learning and Explainable AI for Multi-Class Classification of Earthstar Fungal Species.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {14},
number = {10},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biology14101313},
pmid = {41154716},
issn = {2079-7737},
abstract = {The current study presents a multi-class, image-based classification of eight morphologically similar macroscopic Earthstar fungal species (Astraeus hygrometricus, Geastrum coronatum, G. elegans, G. fimbriatum, G. quadrifidum, G. rufescens, G. triplex, and Myriostoma coliforme) using deep learning and explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) techniques. For the first time in the literature, these species are evaluated together, providing a highly challenging dataset due to significant visual overlap. Eight different convolutional neural network (CNN) and transformer-based architectures were employed, including EfficientNetV2-M, DenseNet121, MaxViT-S, DeiT, RegNetY-8GF, MobileNetV3, EfficientNet-B3, and MnasNet. The accuracy scores of these models ranged from 86.16% to 96.23%, with EfficientNet-B3 achieving the best individual performance. To enhance interpretability, Grad-CAM and Score-CAM methods were utilised to visualise the rationale behind each classification decision. A key novelty of this study is the design of two hybrid ensemble models: EfficientNet-B3 + DeiT and DenseNet121 + MaxViT-S. These ensembles further improved classification stability, reaching 93.71% and 93.08% accuracy, respectively. Based on metric-based evaluation, the EfficientNet-B3 + DeiT model delivered the most balanced performance, with 93.83% precision, 93.72% recall, 93.73% F1-score, 99.10% specificity, a log loss of 0.2292, and an MCC of 0.9282. Moreover, this modeling approach holds potential for monitoring symbiotic fungal species in agricultural ecosystems and supporting sustainable production strategies. This research contributes to the literature by introducing a novel framework that simultaneously emphasises classification accuracy and model interpretability in fungal taxonomy. The proposed method successfully classified morphologically similar puffball species with high accuracy, while explainable AI techniques revealed biologically meaningful insights. All evaluation metrics were computed exclusively on a 10% independent test set that was entirely separate from the training and validation phases. Future work will focus on expanding the dataset with samples from diverse ecological regions and testing the method under field conditions.},
}

@article {pmid41154033,
year = {2025},
author = {Gantner, M and Piotrowska, A and Kostyra, E and Hallmann, E and Ponder, A and Sionek, B and Neffe-Skocińska, K},
title = {Influence of Herbal Additives on the Physicochemical, Microbiological, Polyphenolic, and Sensory Profile of Green Tea-Based Kombucha.},
journal = {Foods (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {20},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/foods14203497},
pmid = {41154033},
issn = {2304-8158},
abstract = {Kombucha is a functional beverage with growing popularity due to its health-promoting properties. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of herbal infusions on the quality of green tea-based kombucha. Four variants were prepared: a control (K1) and three experimental samples combining 70% green tea with 30% (v/v) Mentha spicata (K2), Hibiscus sabdariffa (K3), or Clitoria ternatea (K4). Fermentation lasted four days at 24 ± 1 °C. Physicochemical parameters, polyphenol profile (HPLC), microbiological safety, and sensory quality were assessed using QDA and electronic tongue analysis. K3 showed the highest polyphenol content (291 mg/L), especially catechins. K4 achieved the highest overall sensory quality due to its fruity aroma, balanced sweet-sour taste, and favorable microbiological profile. K2 had the lowest caffeine content (114 mg/L) and a distinct minty flavor. All samples were microbiologically safe. Herbal additives influenced fermentative microbiota: K3 had fewer acetic acid bacteria, while K4 had the highest lactic acid bacteria count. Electronic tongue analysis confirmed sensory panel results and revealed distinct taste profiles among the variants. Herbal infusions significantly enhance the nutritional and sensory properties of kombucha. Their use offers a promising strategy for developing functional beverages with tailored characteristics.},
}

@article {pmid41153433,
year = {2025},
author = {Lalawmpuii, K and Jacob, SS and Tolenkhomba, TC and Behera, P and Lalmuanpuia, J and Lalremsanga, HT and Lalrintluanga, K and Lalchhandama, C and Biakzuala, L and Lalrinkima, H},
title = {Mitochondrial and Nuclear DNA Analyses of Rhipicephalus microplus from Mizoram, Northeast India: Insights into Genetic Diversity and Endosymbiont.},
journal = {Genes},
volume = {16},
number = {10},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/genes16101216},
pmid = {41153433},
issn = {2073-4425},
mesh = {Animals ; India ; *Rhipicephalus/genetics/microbiology/classification ; Phylogeny ; *DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; *Genetic Variation ; Haplotypes ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Cell Nucleus/genetics ; },
abstract = {Background/Objectives: In this study, we conducted molecular identification of R.microplus and explored the genetic diversity of R. microplus for the first time in Mizoram, a Northeastern Hill (NEH) state of India bordering Myanmar. Methods: To assess genetic variation and evolutionary relationships, we employed phylogenetic analyses, genetic divergence metrics, and haplotype network construction based on mitochondrial (COX1 and 16S rDNA) and nuclear (ITS-2 and 18S rDNA) markers. Additionally, multivariate Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) was used to visualize genetic differentiation among R. microplus populations. Results: Our analyses indicated that populations of R. microplus sensu lato from India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan form a closely related matrilineal lineage distinct from R. microplus sensu stricto, clustering within clade C of the COX1-based phylogeny. Globally, 24 COX1 haplotypes were recovered, with 1 haplotype identified in India. The Mizoram population exhibited a single 16S rDNA haplotype; however, intraspecific divergence was evident across India, with seven matrilineal haplotypes detected and nineteen globally. Further, five haplotypes were identified within R. microplus using the ITS-2 marker, while five haplotypes were observed within the Rhipicephalus genus using the 18S rDNA marker. Moreover, this study revealed the presence of Coxiella-like endosymbionts in 95% of the tick specimens analyzed. Conclusions: This study fills a critical knowledge gap by providing the first molecular documentation of tick diversity in Mizoram, a strategic region along the Indo-Myanmar border, and offers novel insights into the phylogeography and symbiotic associations of R. microplus and related tick taxa.},
}

Animals
India
*Rhipicephalus/genetics/microbiology/classification
Phylogeny
*DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics
*Genetic Variation
Haplotypes
*Symbiosis/genetics
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Cell Nucleus/genetics

@article {pmid41152548,
year = {2025},
author = {Guedán, ML and Smykala, M and Käfer, S and Mueller, JS and Lohmus, K and Pieck, D and Engelen, B and Gerlach, G},
title = {Seasonal and spatial dynamics of the microbiome of the polychaete Lanice conchilega in the Wadden Sea.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {37731},
pmid = {41152548},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Polychaeta/microbiology ; *Seasons ; *Microbiota ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Bacteria/genetics/classification ; Ecosystem ; Germany ; Oceans and Seas ; Geologic Sediments/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Rapidly changing abiotic conditions, particularly temperature variations, pose adaptation challenges to many animal communities across the globe. Lanice conchilega, a key polychaete in the ecosystem of the German Wadden Sea, faces an increasing threat hampered by its limited mobility. The microbiome can alleviate stress, alter local environmental conditions, and provide new metabolic capabilities, contributing to host adaptation. To understand the potential roles of the microbiome of L. conchilega, we analysed a broad sample set via 16 S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. We compared the bacterial composition of the microbiome of L. conchilega with that of the surrounding sediment, and the effect of seasonality, zonation, tidal, and diurnal cycles. Our findings reveal a set of ASVs exclusive to the microbiome of L. conchilega. Community composition was mostly shaped by seasonality, slightly influenced by zonation, day/night cycles, and tides. Notably, Endozoicomonas ASVs were found only in the L. conchilega microbiome and were particularly abundant during summer. These bacteria, known for their symbiotic relationships, broad metabolic capabilities, and linked to heat resistance in corals, are predicted to contribute unique metabolic functions in L. conchilega. This work provides novel insights into the host-microbiome relationship of L. conchilega and highlights the potential role of symbionts in the environmental adaptation of these and similar animals.},
}

Animals
*Polychaeta/microbiology
*Seasons
*Microbiota
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Bacteria/genetics/classification
Ecosystem
Germany
Oceans and Seas
Geologic Sediments/microbiology

@article {pmid41151998,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, D and Wu, J and Zeng, X and Xie, F and Lin, H and Chen, D and Wang, L and Li, Y},
title = {The Extracellular Loop2 domain of the rhizobia outer membrane protein MhOpa22 mediates symbiotic nodulation and nitrogen fixation.},
journal = {Plant physiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/plphys/kiaf535},
pmid = {41151998},
issn = {1532-2548},
abstract = {The Mesorhizobium huakuii opacity protein (MhOpa22) is essential for effective nodulation and nitrogen fixation in rhizobium-legume symbiosis. Astragalus sinicus AsGLP1 interacts with MhOpa22, but the molecular mechanisms underlying the ability of MhOpa22 to mediate symbiosis remain elusive. This study demonstrated that the Loop2-3 domains of MhOpa22 interact with AsGLP1 in planta. Inoculating A. sinicus with different M. huakuii loop deletion mutants revealed that the Loop2 mutant gives rise to fewer root nodules and decreased nodule nitrogenase activity relative to inoculation with the wild-type strain. The Loop2 mutation also significantly affects ROS production and the coordinated expression of defense and symbiosis genes in host plant roots during early symbiosis. Furthermore, MhOpa22 was confirmed to be a membrane protein that exerts its function via outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). Taken together, these results provide molecular insights into the function of the outer membrane protein MhOpa22 and its critical extracellular Loop2 domain during symbiosis. MhOpa22 inhibits host defense responses through OMVs during early symbiosis and plays an essential role in rhizobial infection and nodule formation.},
}

@article {pmid41151337,
year = {2025},
author = {Yurdunkulu, A and Bulut, MA and Göçen, A},
title = {From academics to Aidemics: Unpacking the human-AI symbiosis in higher education.},
journal = {Acta psychologica},
volume = {261},
number = {},
pages = {105796},
doi = {10.1016/j.actpsy.2025.105796},
pmid = {41151337},
issn = {1873-6297},
abstract = {The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into higher education is reshaping both academic roles and organizational practices. This transformation is not merely technical; it also introduces psychological and ethical tensions as academics negotiate new forms of work. This qualitative study advances the concept of Aidemics-academics who efficiently, ethically, and critically employ AI to enhance their professional practice-and examines how AI reconfigures intellectual tasks while challenging traditional academic identities. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with twenty academics (informed by five pilot interviews), we show that Aidemics engage in a symbiotic, human-in-the-loop relationship with AI: they exploit efficiencies for routine tasks, yet safeguard creative and critical work, actively auditing AI outputs and setting clear boundaries of use. Participants also surface structural concerns-framed as AI colonialism-about the potential of AI to entrench power asymmetries and epistemic inequities in global knowledge production. Key challenges include hallucinations, erosion of human agency, and unequal access to AI tools. We argue for policies and professional-development strategies that preserve human agency and ethical judgment while enabling responsible, explainable, and context-sensitive AI use. The findings specify the competencies of Aidemics and outline supports for balanced human-AI collaboration at individual and institutional levels.},
}

@article {pmid41150878,
year = {2025},
author = {Roces, F and Bollazzi, M},
title = {Nest Building in Leaf-Cutting Ants: Behavioral Mechanisms and Adaptive Value.},
journal = {Annual review of entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1146/annurev-ento-121423-013337},
pmid = {41150878},
issn = {1545-4487},
abstract = {Leaf-cutting ants, which comprise more than 50 species distributed from Patagonia to North America, build the largest nests among ants. Workers forage plant fragments to cultivate a symbiotic fungus inside underground chambers, which serves as the primary food source for the colony. While digging the nest, workers respond to local cues such as soil temperature, moisture, and CO2 levels, resulting in the emergence of a nest architecture that provides a proper environment for fungus growth. Leaf-cutting ants have species-specific nest architectures, which evolved from a basal design consisting of a vertical tunnel and a few interconnected chambers. Some species developed, in addition, architectural innovations aimed at the control of both hygiene and nest climate, including waste chambers, ventilatory turrets, and a nest thatch. A fine-tuned climate control is achieved by the relocation of fungus gardens within the nest following the workers' environmental preferences and by nesting plasticity.},
}

@article {pmid41150726,
year = {2025},
author = {Ma, M and Li, Q and Wu, F and Zhu, B and Lu, H and Zhang, D and Łukasik, P and Hu, Y},
title = {Symbiotic solutions for colony nutrition: Conserved nitrogen recycling within the bacterial pouch of Tetraponera ants.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {122},
number = {44},
pages = {e2514882122},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2514882122},
pmid = {41150726},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {32370448//MOST | National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)/ ; 2243200009//MOE | Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (Fundamental Research Fund for the Central Universities)/ ; },
mesh = {*Ants/microbiology/physiology/metabolism ; Animals ; *Symbiosis/physiology ; *Nitrogen/metabolism ; Microbiota/physiology ; Larva/microbiology/growth & development ; Amino Acids/metabolism ; *Bacteria/metabolism/genetics ; Urea/metabolism ; },
abstract = {While microbial symbioses are fundamental to the nutrition of many animal groups, current paradigms focus on symbiont functions at the host individual level. It remains unclear whether microbial symbioses can sustain colony-level fitness in social insects, whose ecological success depends on nutrient coordination across castes. Here, we investigate the specialized bacterial pouch, a symbiont-containing organ present exclusively in adult workers of Tetraponera nigra-group ants, revealing its crucial role in colony-wide nutrient provisioning. Using a combination of microscopy, amplicon and metagenomic sequencing, and [15]N-urea feeding experiments on four species in the group, we show that its adult-specific pouch-associated microbiota, primarily Tokpelaia, recycle nitrogen from urea and convert it into amino acids which are provisioned to adult workers and developing larvae. Disruption of this nitrogen-recycling symbiosis severely impairs larval growth and overall colony fitness. Our results show how caste-restricted microbial organs can centralize metabolic functions at the colony level, challenging individual-centric paradigms of host-microbe mutualism and providing insights into the pivotal role of microbial symbionts in superorganismal adaptation to nutritional constraints.},
}

*Ants/microbiology/physiology/metabolism
Animals
*Symbiosis/physiology
*Nitrogen/metabolism
Microbiota/physiology
Larva/microbiology/growth & development
Amino Acids/metabolism
*Bacteria/metabolism/genetics
Urea/metabolism

@article {pmid41149927,
year = {2025},
author = {He, JY and Xie, XY and Liang, ZQ and Zhang, JX and Liu, S and Zhao, XL},
title = {Comparative Symbiotic Effects of Mycorrhizal Fungal Strains from Different Hosts on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth in Dendrobium officinale.},
journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {11},
number = {10},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/jof11100737},
pmid = {41149927},
issn = {2309-608X},
support = {31770740//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; HZU202528//Huizhou University independent innovation capability enhancement program author contributions/ ; },
abstract = {Compatible fungal partners of orchids can significantly enhance seed germination and increase seedling establishment under both in vitro and in situ conditions. This study isolated 14 Tulasnella isolates from five-year-old potted plants of three D. officinale cultivars. Three phylogenetically representative strains (Dca122, Dca222, and Dca113) and two additional orchid mycorrhizal fungus (OMFs, ML01 and Pi) were selected to evaluate their effects on D. officinale seed germination and seedling development in vitro, and subsequent seedling growth under greenhouse conditions. All five OMFs supported seed germination and seedling development in vitro. Notably, Dca113, Pi, and ML01 exhibited the most pronounced effects, producing protocorms 3-4 times larger in volume than controls. By day 25, 37.54%, 37.34%, and 42.6% of protocorms developed cotyledons with these isolates, respectively. Furthermore, after 120 days, ML01 and Dca113 treatments yielded 35.6% and 30.68% autotrophic seedlings with fully differentiated roots. Under greenhouse, ML01, Pi, and Dca122 significantly enhanced fresh weight accumulation, plant height, and stem node number in potted seedlings. In contrast, Dca222 primarily stimulated sprouting tillers and adventitious root formation. Our results demonstrate that the mycorrhizal effectiveness of OMFs from different hosts varies significantly in D. officinale. ML01 and Dca113 are ideal candidates for reintroduction programs due to their strong promotion of seed germination and rapid formation of rooted seedlings. ML01 proved the most effective OMF for enhancing growth in potted seedlings, while Dca222 demonstrated potential for co-inoculation strategies.},
}

@article {pmid41149907,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, X and Sun, R and Hu, D and Yang, Y and Cheng, Z and Hu, P and Fei, Y},
title = {Serendipita indica Enhances Drought Tolerance in Phoebe sheareri Seedlings by Improving Photosynthetic Efficiency, Stimulating the Antioxidant Defense System, and Modulating Hormone Synthesis.},
journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {11},
number = {10},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/jof11100717},
pmid = {41149907},
issn = {2309-608X},
support = {E [2025]TG 30//the Central Financial Forestry Science and Technology Extension Demonstration Fund/ ; 2023AFB298//General Program of the Hubei Province Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {In the context of contemporary climate change, drought is widely recognized as a major stressor affecting plant growth. While numerous studies have demonstrated that Serendipita indica enhances stress resistance in host plants and is widely used in agriculture, research on its symbiotic interactions with woody plants for improving drought tolerance remains limited. This study investigated the effects of S. indica inoculation on the growth of Phoebe sheareri seedlings under varying drought conditions-well-watered (WW), moderate drought (MD), and severe drought (SD)-and explored the physiological mechanisms underlying improved drought resistance. The results showed that under WW conditions, S. indica inoculation promoted seedling growth and development. Under MD and SD conditions, although drought stress inhibited growth, inoculation significantly increased plant biomass, root parameters, chlorophyll content, and photosynthetic efficiency. Additionally, it alleviated drought-induced damage by reducing REC, MDA, H2O2, and O2[-] levels, while enhancing SOD, POD, and CAT activities, and increasing root ABA, GA, IAA, and CTK content. Under MD stress, adaptive changes in root architecture and hormone levels were observed, including increases in total root length, surface area, volume, average diameter, and elevated IAA and CTK levels-all of which were further enhanced by S. indica inoculation. In conclusion, symbiosis with S. indica improved drought tolerance in P. sheareri seedlings likely through enhanced photosynthesis, antioxidant enzyme activity, and hormone regulation.},
}

@article {pmid41149186,
year = {2025},
author = {Asad, U and Khalid, A and Lughmani, WA and Rasheed, S and Khan, MM},
title = {A Human Intention and Motion Prediction Framework for Applications in Human-Centric Digital Twins.},
journal = {Biomimetics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {10},
number = {10},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biomimetics10100656},
pmid = {41149186},
issn = {2313-7673},
abstract = {In manufacturing settings where humans and machines collaborate, understanding and predicting human intention is crucial for enabling the seamless execution of tasks. This knowledge is the basis for creating an intelligent, symbiotic, and collaborative environment. However, current foundation models often fall short in directly anticipating complex tasks and producing contextually appropriate motion. This paper proposes a modular framework that investigates strategies for structuring task knowledge and engineering context-rich prompts to guide Vision-Language Models in understanding and predicting human intention in semi-structured environments. Our evaluation, conducted across three use cases of varying complexity, reveals a critical tradeoff between prediction accuracy and latency. We demonstrate that a Rolling Context Window strategy, which uses a history of frames and the previously predicted state, achieves a strong balance of performance and efficiency. This approach significantly outperforms single-image inputs and computationally expensive in-context learning methods. Furthermore, incorporating egocentric video views yields a substantial 10.7% performance increase in complex tasks. For short-term motion forecasting, we show that the accuracy of joint position estimates is enhanced by using historical pose, gaze data, and in-context examples.},
}

@article {pmid41148922,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, TP and Hao, BR and Wang, CH and Xu, JJ and Wang, XT and Xie, JC and Wang, ZH and Ye, SC and Zhao, LQ},
title = {Biological Characteristics and Bacterial Community of Invasive Pest Corythucha ciliata (Hemiptera: Tingidae).},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {10},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16101055},
pmid = {41148922},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {32301594//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {The sycamore lace bug Corythucha ciliata (Hemiptera: Tingidae), an invasive North American forest pest, owes its strong dispersal and adaptability to biological characteristics and symbiotic microbes, but the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. This study examined its outdoor-collected (LYGO) and indoor-reared (LYGI) populations using morphological observation, biological parameter assessment, and 16S rRNA sequencing. Key findings include: (1) Nymphs develop through five instars, with body size increasing significantly across stages; growth accelerated during 4th and 5th instars, reflecting a pattern of "low-instar accumulation and high-instar acceleration". (2) Adult survival differed by sex, with females outliving males after 30 days; nymphs develop in 14.81 days, and each adult pair produced an average of 17 eggs, demonstrating a concentrated reproductive strategy; (3) Both populations shared dominant bacterial taxa (including the phyla Bacteroidota and Proteobacteria and the genus Cardinium) but diverged in non-dominant taxa; core microbial functions were conserved, while specific functions (e.g., glutathione S-transferase activity) varied. These results suggest a potential synergy between the insect's biological characteristics (efficient development, concentrated reproduction) and the adaptive functions of its associated microbes in enhancing its invasiveness. The study supplements its basic biological data and offers a new view of its ecological adaptability.},
}

@article {pmid41148869,
year = {2025},
author = {Kucuk, RA and Trendle, BR and Jones, KC and Makarenko, A and Patel, V and Oliver, KM},
title = {Ecological Mercenaries: Why Aphids Remain Premier Models for the Study of Ecological Symbiosis.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {10},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16101000},
pmid = {41148869},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {2240392//U.S. National Science Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {Aphids remain exceptional models for symbiosis research due to their unique experimental advantages that extend beyond documenting symbiont-mediated phenotypes. Nine commonly occurring facultative bacterial symbionts provide well-characterized benefits, including defense against parasitoids, pathogens, and thermal stress. Yet the system's greatest value lies in enabling diverse research applications across biological disciplines through experimental tractability combined with ecological realism. Researchers can create controlled experimental lines through symbiont manipulation, maintain clonal host populations indefinitely, and cultivate symbionts independently. This experimental power is complemented by extensive knowledge of symbiont dynamics in natural populations, including temporal and geographic distribution patterns-features generally unavailable in other insect-microbe systems. These advantages facilitate investigation of key processes in symbiosis, including transmission dynamics, mechanisms, strain-level functional diversity, multi-partner infections, and transitions from facultative to co-obligate relationships. Integration across biological scales-from genomics to field ecology-enables research on symbiont community assembly, ecological networks, coevolutionary arms races, and agricultural applications. This combination of experimental flexibility, comprehensive natural history knowledge, and applied relevance positions aphids as invaluable for advancing symbiosis theory while addressing practical challenges in agriculture and invasion biology.},
}

@article {pmid41148868,
year = {2025},
author = {Dong, J and Yao, X and Zhang, Y and Wu, X and Liu, X and Zhang, H and Jiang, H and Hou, J and Yan, J and Sun, J},
title = {Gut Bacteria Mediate Aggregation Pheromone Release in the Borer Beetle Trigonorhinus sp.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {10},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16100999},
pmid = {41148868},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {32160372//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2020BS03014//Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Natural Science Foundation/ ; 2025SYFHH0087//Key Research and Technology Transformation Program of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Re-gion-Technology which supports the ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River Basin/ ; YZ2024002//Inner Mongolia Agricultural University experimental teaching equipment development and specimen making project/ ; LX2024-KYTD001//Inner Mongolia Agricultural University Internally Funded Research Project of the First-Level Discipline of Forestry/ ; },
abstract = {Gut microbial symbionts are increasingly recognized as key modulators of host insect physiology and behavior, yet their role in pheromone-mediated chemical communication remains insufficiently understood. In this study, we investigated the wood-boring beetle Trigonorhinus sp., a pest of Caragana liouana, to determine the necessity of gut bacteria for male aggregation pheromone release. A combination of antibiotic-mediated bacterial depletion, quantitative PCR, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and Y-tube olfactometry was employed. Antibiotic treatment resulted in a marked reduction in gut bacterial load and a concomitant decrease of more than 85% in the emission of two key pheromone components, 2,6,10,14-tetramethylheptadecane and heptacosane. Behavioral assays demonstrated that females no longer exhibited significant attraction to treated males. Furthermore, defined recolonization with a single cultured gut isolate, Acinetobacter guillouiae, was sufficient to rescue pheromone emission. This indicates that particular gut taxa, rather than microbial biomass alone, are essential for pheromone biosynthesis. These findings demonstrate a decisive role of gut bacteria in the chemical communication of Trigonorhinus sp. and highlight the potential of symbiont-targeted strategies for pest management.},
}

@article {pmid41148150,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, NN and Li, ML and Shi, WT and Jiao, J and Xu, YH and Tian, Y and Guo, JN and Chen, YQ and Tong, H and Tian, CF},
title = {Cyclic-di-GMP interferes with DNA-MucR-DNA bridging to derepress genes targeted by the xenogeneic silencer MucR.},
journal = {Nucleic acids research},
volume = {53},
number = {20},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/nar/gkaf1069},
pmid = {41148150},
issn = {1362-4962},
support = {2022YFA0912100//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 32430004//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; SKLPERKF2403//Innovative Project of State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience/ ; 2024TC014//Chinese Universities Scientific Fund/ ; //China Agricultural University/ ; },
mesh = {*Cyclic GMP/analogs & derivatives/metabolism ; *Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; *Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics/chemistry ; *DNA, Bacterial/metabolism/genetics ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; *Transcription Factors/metabolism/genetics ; *DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; },
abstract = {The tradeoff between the benefits and costs of maintaining AT-rich accessory genes is vital in bacterial ecology and evolution. MucR is a conserved xenogeneic silencer for AT-rich accessory genes within α-proteobacteria, but its anti-silencing mechanisms remain unknown. By focusing on Sinorhizobium fredii, a facultative nitrogen-fixing microsymbiont of diverse legumes, this work reports that elevated c-di-GMP promotes the condition-dependent expression of various MucR1-targets, while downregulating the energy production and conversion pathway and reducing the NAD+/NADH ratio under both free-living and symbiotic conditions. Among the MucR1 targets responsive to c-di-GMP, an accessory module directing the biosynthesis of costly exopolysaccharides has been further studied. This anti-silencing process involves the sequential disruption of the DNA-MucR1-DNA bridging complex and the activation of a local transcriptional activator, CuxR. c-di-GMP directly binds to the C-terminal DNA-binding domain of MucR1, thereby facilitating intra- and inter-molecular interactions of MucR1. These interactions effectively alleviate the DNA-MucR-DNA bridging in the promoter region of target genes. This consequently enables the recruitment of the CuxR-c-di-GMP complex to the specific CuxR binding sites, which subsequently activates gene transcription. Collectively, accessory functions that are energetically costly and repressed by MucR1 can be harnessed by the ubiquitous messenger c-di-GMP through an integrated global-local signaling pathway.},
}

*Cyclic GMP/analogs & derivatives/metabolism
*Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
*Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics/chemistry
*DNA, Bacterial/metabolism/genetics
Promoter Regions, Genetic
*Transcription Factors/metabolism/genetics
*DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism/genetics

@article {pmid41147782,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, L and Yang, G and Zhang, C and Ji, B and Wu, D},
title = {Symbiotic nitrogen fixation and recycling in xylophagous insects: insights from gut microbiota of Apriona swainsoni larvae.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.70323},
pmid = {41147782},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {81503115//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; JNFX2025192//Domestic Visiting Program for Young Key Teachers of Anhui Province/ ; BK2012816//Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province/ ; 201409/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; CX (16)1005//Jiangsu Agricultural Science and Technology Independent Innovation Project/ ; 2023AH050727//Natural Science Foundation (Key project) of the University in Anhui Province/ ; 2024AH050921//Natural Science Foundation (Key project) of the University in Anhui Province/ ; HZR2436//Hefei Municipal Natural Science Foundation/ ; 2024A755//Anhui Postdoctoral Scientific Research Program Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Xylophagous insects, as nitrogen-limited organisms, face severe nutritional constraints due to the inherently low nitrogen content of lignocellulosic substrates-insufficient for growth. To alleviate this limitation, they rely on gut microbiota-mediated symbiotic nitrogen fixation and nitrogenous waste recycling. Apriona swainsoni, a model wood-boring cerambycid, exemplifies this adaptation: under extreme nitrogen scarcity in its xylem diet. While gut symbionts are hypothesized to overcome nitrogen limitation, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

RESULTS: First, metagenomic sequencing and functional gene analysis revealed enrichment of nitrogenase and urease genes in the posterior hindgut (PHG). Metaproteomics detected the nitrogenase gene nifU but no urease proteins, identifying nitrogen fixation as the primary nitrogen limitation mitigation strategy in A. swainsoni larvae. Subsequently, in vivo/in vitro [15]N isotope tracing showed peak [15]N in the PHG (105.02% higher than the natural environment) and ~ 25-fold greater [15]N incorporation in cultured Klebsiella oxytoca versus controls. Targeted amino acid profiling further demonstrated [15]N enrichment in both essential and non-essential amino acids, with a spatial gradient (intestinal tissues > extra-intestinal tissues > frass)-indicating efficient microbial conversion of nitrogen into host-utilizable amino acids. Importantly, we identified that intestinal microbiota primarily mediate ammonia-to-amino acid conversion via the glutamine synthetase-glutamate synthase (GS/GOGAT) pathway in the PHG. This is the first reported GS/GOGAT-mediated nitrogen fixation pathway in cerambycids.

CONCLUSIONS: Our comprehensive analysis of gut microbial nitrogen metabolism might elucidate a set of mechanisms by which some xylophagous insects may overcome nutritional constraints in nitrogen-deficient niches, via evolutionarily optimized host-microbe metabolic interactions. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid41147741,
year = {2025},
author = {Davis, BR and Lickwar, CR and Löhr, CV and Wen, J and Morash, M and Sweeney, MI and Reich, EL and Moore, PJ and Tobin, DM and Rawls, JF},
title = {Epithelial transcription factor Elf3 mediates host immune responses to microbiota and protects against aerocystitis in zebrafish.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0226725},
doi = {10.1128/mbio.02267-25},
pmid = {41147741},
issn = {2150-7511},
abstract = {Animals defend against infections and other diseases by adaptively responding to the microbiota they encounter. These adaptations are driven by changes in gene expression programs; however, our understanding of the transcription factors regulating host responses to microbiota remains limited. By leveraging gene expression and chromatin accessibility data from zebrafish and mice, we identified the epithelial-specific E74-like ETS transcription factor 3 (Elf3) as a conserved microbially responsive transcription factor. Transcriptomic analysis of gnotobiotic elf3 mutant zebrafish larvae revealed that elf3 is required for a normal host response to microbiota, including induction of immune response genes. Mutation of elf3 led to immune-related pathologies such as inflammation and infection of the swim bladder, granuloma formation, and reduced survival in adulthood. These results establish elf3 as an important mediator of host-microbe interactions in zebrafish.IMPORTANCEAnimals use epithelial barriers to protect themselves from the commensal and pathogenic microorganisms they encounter. These epithelia adapt their function in response to microbial-derived signals, and impairments in these adaptive responses can lead to infection and inflammatory disorders. Improved understanding of the mechanisms underlying host adaptation to microbes can thus be expected to lead to new approaches for promoting health in humans and other animals. Here, we identify the epithelial transcription factor E74-like ETS transcription factor 3 (Elf3) as a mediator of host-microbe interactions in zebrafish. Functional genomic approaches indicated that Elf3 is upregulated by microbiota in both mouse and zebrafish. Using elf3 mutant zebrafish, we find that elf3 mediates induction of host immune responses in larval stages and protects against immune-related pathologies and health deterioration in adults. These results advance our understanding of the transcriptional mechanisms mediating host responses to microbes and provide a new Elf3 deficiency model of epithelial and immune pathology.},
}

@article {pmid41147731,
year = {2025},
author = {Jones, JA and Moczek, AP and Newton, ILG},
title = {The dung beetle microbiome complements host metabolism and nutrition.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0117225},
doi = {10.1128/msystems.01172-25},
pmid = {41147731},
issn = {2379-5077},
abstract = {Many multicellular organisms rely on communities of microbial organisms to properly benefit from their diets, for instance, by assisting in the breakdown of complex polysaccharides, the synthesis of essential resources, detoxification, or even preventing putrefaction. Dung beetles commonly rely on herbivore dung as their main source of nutrition, a diet rich in recalcitrant, hard-to-digest plant polysaccharides yet poor in essential amino acids, which animals typically cannot synthesize on their own. The work presented here investigates the potential role of the host-associated microbial community in allowing these insects to thrive on their nutrient-poor diet. Specifically, we investigated whether the microbiota of the bull-headed dung beetle, Onthophagus taurus, may be capable of synthesizing amino acids and breaking down complex plant polysaccharides. To do so, we functionally annotated genes within metagenomically assembled genomes (MAGs) obtained via shotgun-metagenomic sequencing. The annotation of these MAGs revealed that bacteria found in association with O. taurus possess the metabolic potential necessary to bridge the gap between host metabolic needs and the limitations imposed by their diet. Specifically, O. taurus microbiota contain amino acid biosynthesis pathways and genes encoding cellulases and xylanases, both of which are absent in the beetle genome. Further, multiple functionally relevant bacterial taxa identified here have also been observed in other studies across diverse dung beetle species, possibly suggesting a conserved pool of dung beetle symbionts and metabolic functions.IMPORTANCEHost-symbiont interactions allow animals to take advantage of incomplete and/or challenging diets and niches. The work presented here aims to identify the physiological and metabolic means by which host-associated microbial species shape the ecology of one of the most speciose genera in the animal kingdom: dung beetles in the genus Onthophagus. Both larva and adult stages of most Onthophagus rely on herbivore dung, a diet rich in recalcitrant, hard-to-digest plant polysaccharides yet poor in essential amino acids, which animals typically cannot synthesize on their own. To utilize such a challenging diet, Onthophagus vertically transmits a maternally derived microbial community which supports normative development in immature individuals and maintenance and reproduction in adults. Taken together, Onthophagus' extraordinary diversity, complex ecology, and varied relationship with their microbial associates make them an ideal system to investigate mechanisms and diversification of host-diet-microbiome interactions.},
}

@article {pmid41147708,
year = {2025},
author = {Mack, JM and Bely, AE},
title = {From Mud to Meat: Comparative Metabarcoding Reveals Two Different Evolutionary Paths to Carnivory in a Group of Meiofaunal Annelids.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e70151},
doi = {10.1111/mec.70151},
pmid = {41147708},
issn = {1365-294X},
support = {//Washington Biologist's Field Club/ ; 1923429//National Science Foundation/ ; //University of Maryland/ ; },
abstract = {Evolutionary transitions to carnivory represent profound shifts in feeding mode that are often accompanied by widespread changes in organismal function, behaviour and ecology. Such transitions have evolved numerous times among animals, and predator-prey interactions have been major drivers of animal evolution. Despite the ecological and evolutionary importance of carnivory, the evolutionary steps leading to this feeding mode are poorly understood. Although relatively rare, lineages that have recently adopted predatory lifestyles are particularly valuable for understanding the evolution of carnivory. The annelid genus Chaetogaster, composed of small freshwater oligochaetes, is unusual in having recently evolved carnivory not just once but twice, making it an excellent model to infer evolutionary steps from detritivory to carnivory. We performed a gut-content analysis of eight Chaetogaster species and a detritivorous outgroup, using 18S rDNA metabarcoding complemented by visual gut content assessment to infer diets. We found that species within the lineages presumed to be carnivorous had large fractions of animal metabarcoding reads, as predicted. Their closest relatives, however, differed in dietary profiles. We infer that the closest relatives of one carnivorous lineage, which are generalist predators, primarily feed on ciliates, while the closest relatives of the second carnivorous lineage, which are mollusc symbionts, are detritivores. Our data suggest that carnivory evolved two ways in Chaetogaster, with one transition mediated by ciliate feeding and a second mediated by symbiosis. Overall, this study suggests that carnivory can evolve from noncarnivorous ancestors through distinct evolutionary pathways, even among closely related lineages.},
}

@article {pmid41146004,
year = {2025},
author = {Pu, SQ and Zheng, FL and Wu, QS and Hashem, A and Abd-Allah, EF and Zou, YN},
title = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi mediate leaf sugar profile in water-stressed trifoliate orange.},
journal = {BMC plant biology},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {1456},
pmid = {41146004},
issn = {1471-2229},
support = {ORF-2025-356//The authors would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Ongoing Research Funding program, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia/ ; },
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology ; *Plant Leaves/metabolism/microbiology ; *Glomeromycota/physiology ; *Citrus/microbiology/metabolism/physiology ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Droughts ; Carbohydrate Metabolism ; Water/metabolism ; Plant Roots/microbiology ; Fungi ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) enhance plant drought tolerance partly by promoting soluble sugar accumulation, the mechanisms by which AMF colonization influences host sugar metabolism and associated gene expression under drought remain poorly understood. This study therefore examined the effects of inoculation with Funneliformis mosseae (T.H. Nicolson & Gerd.) C. Walker & A. Schüßler on the growth, water status, sugar profiles, and the expression/activity of sucrose-associated genes in the leaves of trifoliate orange (Citrus trifoliata L.) under water stress conditions.

RESULTS: Over a 10-week water stress period, the root colonization by F. mosseae decreased by 14.36%, compared with ample water controls. Under water stress, F. mosseae inoculation significantly promoted plant growth performance (height, leaf number, and stem thickness), leaf water potential, nitrogen balance index, and chlorophyll index compared to those without inoculation. Ten sugar components (eight monosaccharides and two disaccharides) were detected. Inoculation with F. mosseae significantly elevated leaf contents of D-fructose, D-galactose, glucose, and inositol under both ample water and water stress conditions. It also increased leaf contents of D-arabinose under water stress, while decreasing the sucrose content under ample water conditions. The presence of the fungus boosted the acid invertase (AI) activity under water stress and up-regulated the relative expression of CtAI, CtNI, and CtSPS genes in leaves under both conditions. These gene expressions displayed a significantly positive correlation with root mycorrhizal colonization rate and glucose content, but a negative correlation with sucrose content.

CONCLUSION: F. mosseae modulated leaf sugar profiles in trifoliate orange under water stress, particularly by regulating sucrose synthesis and cleavage through modulating the expression of sucrose-associated genes. Since this study focused on a single AMF species and leaf response, further work should investigate diverse AMF species and sugar profiles in other plant tissues under water stress.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology
*Plant Leaves/metabolism/microbiology
*Glomeromycota/physiology
*Citrus/microbiology/metabolism/physiology
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
Droughts
Carbohydrate Metabolism
Water/metabolism
Plant Roots/microbiology
Fungi

@article {pmid41144501,
year = {2025},
author = {Jiang, T and Li, C and Pan, Z and Wang, Y and Chen, X and Song, J and Zhu, K and Yang, Y and Hou, Y and Sun, L and Zhao, H and Liu, J and Gu, Y and Tao, B},
title = {Gut Microbiota-Decanoic Acid-Interleukin-17A Axis Orchestrates Hyperglycemia-Induced Osteoporosis in Male Mice.},
journal = {Diabetes},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.2337/db25-0471},
pmid = {41144501},
issn = {1939-327X},
support = {22YF1440000//Shanghai Sailing Program/ ; 82070865//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82201396//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82270931//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82301005//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Hyperglycemia (HG) is a well-established risk factor for secondary osteoporosis, primarily due to suppressed osteoblast activity. While gut microbiota (GM) dysbiosis has been implicated in various diseases, its role in HG-induced osteoporosis remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that HG mice develop low-turnover osteoporosis accompanied by reduced GM diversity. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from HG mice (GMHG-FMT) induced osteoporosis in recipient mice, independent of blood glucose levels. A depletion of Bifidobacterium pseudolongum was associated with bone loss, whereas supplementation with either microbiota of normoglycemic mice or B. pseudolongum alleviated osteoporosis in HG mice. Both HG and GMHG-FMT recipient mice exhibited elevated serum interleukin-17A (IL-17A) levels, and anti-IL-17A antibody treatment mitigated osteoporosis in the GMHG-FMT model. Furthermore, decanoic acid levels were elevated in the feces of HG mice and the serum of GMHG-FMT recipients. Decanoic acid promoted the differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells into T helper17 cells, leading to increased IL-17A production. These findings reveal a microbiome dysbiosis-driven decanoic acid/IL-17A axis in HG-induced osteoporosis and highlight the therapeutic potential of microbiome-associated targets.

ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS: This study investigated the role of gut microbiota dysbiosis in hyperglycemia-induced osteoporosis, a condition with unclear mechanisms. We explored whether gut microbiota dysbiosis drives bone loss in hyperglycemia and identified key microbial and molecular pathways. Hyperglycemic mice showed disturbed gut microbiota symbiosis, decreased Bifidobacterium pseudolongum, and elevated decanoic acid, which promoted T helper 17 differentiation and interleukin-17A (IL-17A) production, leading to osteoporosis. Fecal microbiota transplantation from control mice, B. pseudolongum supplementation, and IL-17A blockade alleviated bone loss, highlighting both B. pseudolongum supplementation and IL-17A inhibition as potential therapeutic strategies for hyperglycemia-induced osteoporosis.},
}

@article {pmid41144277,
year = {2025},
author = {Carvajal-Acosta, AN and Snook, JS and Szendrei, Z and Wetzel, WC},
title = {Effects of a heat wave event on the chemical ecology of species interactions in the potato agroecosystem.},
journal = {Environmental entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ee/nvaf104},
pmid = {41144277},
issn = {1938-2936},
support = {2020-67013-31919//Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive/ ; //US Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; },
abstract = {Heat waves, brief periods of unusually high temperatures, are increasing in frequency and intensity globally. Such extreme weather events can alter plant chemistry, disrupting species interactions that contribute to pest suppression or increase their performance. Yet, most heat wave studies focus on pairwise interactions, leaving us with a poor understanding of how complex agroecosystems respond to temperature extremes. We addressed this knowledge gap by simulating an experimental heat wave in the field on potato plants (Solanum tuberosum L.) and the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), in the presence or absence of their mutualistic microbial symbionts and another pest, the potato aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thomas)). We assessed beetle performance alongside changes in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and glycoalkaloids from host plants. Beetle performance declined in the absence of their microbial symbionts and under aphid competition, but this effect was reversed under heat wave conditions. These results corresponded with a downregulation in glycoalkaloids, suggesting that potato prioritizes heat stress response over herbivore attack by divesting resources from the production of defensive compounds. The heat wave strongly affected VOCs composition, reducing emissions of multiple compounds while increasing others, but these changes were not directly linked with CPB performance. Overall, our results demonstrate that heat wave effects on crop-pest dynamics are dependent on the agroecological context and mediated by specialized metabolites. Importantly, under dual herbivore pressure, potato crops appear to prioritize coping with heat over defending against pests, underscoring the urgent need for pest management strategies that account for extreme climate events.},
}

@article {pmid41143515,
year = {2025},
author = {Kulanthaivel, K and Rameshkumar, N},
title = {Wild rice-associated Vibrio promotes plant growth and exhibits genomic and phenotypic plasticity for plant adaptations.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0091025},
doi = {10.1128/msystems.00910-25},
pmid = {41143515},
issn = {2379-5077},
abstract = {Vibrio is an important marine heterotroph, primarily studied for its pathogenesis or symbiotic relationship with marine organisms and humans. However, little is known about the association of vibrios with plants in brackish environments and their potential benefits. To address this knowledge gap, we focused on Vibrio porteresiae MSSRF30[T] and brackish-grown Pokkali rice as our research subjects for this study. MSSRF30[T] displays multifaceted plant beneficial traits, including nitrogen fixation, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase production, and zinc and tricalcium phosphate solubilization. Further, MSSRF30[T] efficiently colonizes the host roots and significantly improves the Pokkali rice growth in nitrogen-replete and nitrogen-limiting brackish conditions, highlighting its plant growth-promoting ability, a trait previously not well recognized in vibrios. Additionally, MSSRF30[T] can utilize various carbon-rich substrates derived from plant roots, demonstrating its metabolic adaptation to the plant rhizosphere niche. Using in planta root transcriptome analysis and whole-genome sequencing, we provide the first insights into how MSSRF30[T] interacts with Pokkali rice in brackish conditions. Additionally, we have identified several genome features for a plant-associated lifestyle, previously unreported in this genus. These features include plant expansin, PEP-CTERM surface anchoring with exopolysaccharides, plant-associated Hrp-type three secretion system, ACC deaminase production, PQQ-independent glucose dehydrogenase pathway for phosphate solubilization, plant-derived sugar/organic acids utilization operons, carbohydrate utilization loci, and specific plant depolymerizing CAZymes. Notably, MSSRF30[T] lacks key genome features critical for the animal association. Overall, this study adds new knowledge in the field of Vibrio biology, especially Vibrio-plant beneficial interactions, a relationship largely underexplored.IMPORTANCEThe genus Vibrio comprises over 150 species of marine heterotrophic bacteria, many of which are opportunistic pathogens affecting humans and marine animals. Most research has predominantly focused on pathogenic Vibrio species, often overlooking the significance of other Vibrio species inhabiting other ecological niches, such as plants, a relationship largely uncharacterized. This study focused on V. porteresiae MSSRF30[T] and its relationship with brackish-grown Pokkali rice. We discovered that MSSRF30[T] possesses multiple plant growth-promoting traits, effectively colonizes roots, and enhances plant growth in brackish conditions. Additionally, MSSRF30[T] possesses several genome features commonly associated with plant-microbe interactions, previously unrecognized in Vibrio species, and lacks features typically associated with animal interactions, underscoring its specialized adaptation for plant niches. For the first time, this study highlights the beneficial interactions between Vibrio and plants, emphasizing their role in promoting plant growth and health in brackish environments.},
}

@article {pmid41143049,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, Y},
title = {GPT is all you need.},
journal = {Frontiers in psychology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1549755},
pmid = {41143049},
issn = {1664-1078},
abstract = {The advent of Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) models, exemplified by systems like ChatGPT, has begun to reshape how humans think, learn, and interact. This paper explores GPT's role as a cognitive scaffold, supporting structured thinking, conversational agility, emotional regulation, and interdisciplinary learning. Grounded in established psychological frameworks-Cognitive Load Theory, Social Cognitive Theory, and Zone of Proximal Development-this work proposes theoretical mechanisms through which GPT may influence cognition, including neuroplasticity, meta-cognition, and implicit learning. While these claims remain speculative, the paper outlines future research pathways for empirically testing GPT's long-term cognitive impacts. It also introduces the concepts of multi-modal GPT and Hybrid AGI, defined as human-AI symbiosis systems that may extend cognition through sensory integration and co-adaptive learning. Limitations such as hallucination, surface-level learning, and cognitive overreliance are critically examined, alongside practical recommendations for educators, users, and developers. By offering a conceptual foundation and forward-looking agenda, this paper aims to catalyze interdisciplinary dialogue on GPT's evolving role in human cognition and learning.},
}

@article {pmid41141375,
year = {2025},
author = {Safeer, AA and Kleijburg, FEL and Wösten, HAB and Baldus, M},
title = {Solid-state NMR spectroscopy reveals unique properties of Trichoderma harzianum cell wall components.},
journal = {Cell surface (Amsterdam, Netherlands)},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {100156},
pmid = {41141375},
issn = {2468-2330},
abstract = {Trichoderma harzianum is a saprophyte and a mycoparasite and is also capable of forming symbiotic connections with plants. This fungus interacts with the (a)biotic environment through its cell wall and as a mycoparasite secretes enzymes that degrade the cell wall polymers of its target fungi. The organization of the T. harzianum cell wall is not well known. We used solid-state NMR and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to probe the molecular composition and architecture of the T. harzianum cell wall at the atomic level. Our results revealed that the inner core of the T. harzianum rigid cell wall phase is largely composed of chitin, which is complemented with a more mobile cell wall layer that contains β-(1,3)-glucan. The outer dynamic phase of the cell wall is mainly composed of α- and β-glucans, arabinan, mannan and proteins. The relative abundance of both rigid and dynamic cell wall components changed when T. harzianum was grown on isolated fungal cell wall material instead of glucose. Our results suggest that T. harzianum forms a cell wall that is chemically distinct from other fungal species to prevent harmful self-digestion by its secreted lytic enzymes that do degrade the cell wall of target fungi.},
}

@article {pmid41140402,
year = {2025},
author = {Asad, S and Chen, M and Priyashantha, AKH and Gu, P and Liu, J and Shan, Z and Tibpromma, S and Niu, C and Qadir, M and Akhtar, M and Kan, X and Xu, Y and Liu, Z and Karunarathna, SC and Zhang, J},
title = {Mapping of plant-fungal interactions on agriculture perception: a bibliometric analysis and systematic review.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1612428},
pmid = {41140402},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {In nature, plants are always destined to interact with fungi. Thus, plant-fungal interactions are one of the unavoidable fields of study, particularly for agronomists. Fungi interact with plants in different lifestyles, pathogenic and symbiotic. Pathogenic relationships have adverse effects, causing devastating diseases in plants, while symbiotic interactions provide numerous benefits, promoting the growth and development of plants. The intricate relationship between fungi and plants has been the subject of extensive research, especially in the tropics, where there is a higher plant diversity and a strong positive correlation with fungi diversity. This extensive research has provided us with a wealth of knowledge about these interactions. In this study, we conducted a bibliometric analysis and systematic review, analyzing 733 research articles. A considerable growth was revealed in this field, particularly over the previous decade. Many studies during this period are concentrated in China, with a plethora of emerging researchers. More attention has been paid to genetic/molecular-based work over the last decade. In addition, researchers are promoting the use of plant-fungal interactions for sustainable agriculture, highlighting their crucial importance in mitigating crop stresses under both biotic (pests) and abiotic stresses, such as heavy metal pollutants, nutritional depletion, temperature rises, changes in water regimes, and elevated carbon dioxide concentrations. Considering future studies, further research is needed to elucidate the relationships between plants and fungi, particularly through multi-omics approaches. Network mapping and the influence of indigenous fungi on plant-fungal interactions are other, less-studied, important areas to focus on.},
}

@article {pmid41140005,
year = {2025},
author = {Kokkoris, V},
title = {Mycelial dynamics in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.70688},
pmid = {41140005},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {101076062/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; 024.004.014//Exacte en Natuurwetenschappen, NWO/ ; },
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), similar to other filamentous fungi, develop extensive hyphal networks collectively known as mycelia. AMF mycelia are complemented by a variety of specialized structures such as spores, vesicles, and auxiliary cells, which together form integrated and functionally diverse AMF networks. AMF mycelia have long been conceptually fragmented, with research disproportionately focusing on the intraradical phase and especially on intraradical structures such as arbuscules, while usually neglecting the extraradical mycelial phase. Moreover, they are often examined from a plant-centric perspective, where they are usually viewed as mediators of nutrient transfer to host roots. However, AMF mycelia are now increasingly recognized as a crucial component of AMF integrated networks with complex structural, physiological, and ecological dynamics. To encourage broader investigation into this underexplored domain, I synthesize both recent advances and historically overlooked findings on mycelial morphogenesis, growth strategies, resilience, cellular coordination mechanisms, and inter-mycelial interactions. By reframing the mycelium as a single, responsive, and functionally central unit of AMF biology, I propose novel mechanisms that may shape mycelial function, highlight methodological opportunities, and suggest key open questions that must be addressed to fully understand how these hyphal networks function across scales.},
}

@article {pmid41139696,
year = {2025},
author = {Montilla-Bascon, G and Cristescu, SM and Mur, LAJ and Prats, E},
title = {Phytoglobin Scavenging of Nitric Oxide Is Associated With Ethylene Reduction and Drought Tolerance in Oat (Avena sativa).},
journal = {Physiologia plantarum},
volume = {177},
number = {6},
pages = {e70597},
doi = {10.1111/ppl.70597},
pmid = {41139696},
issn = {1399-3054},
support = {PID2022-142574OB-I00//MICIU/ ; RYC2022-037656-I//MICIU/ ; QUAL21_023 IAS//Junta de Andalucía/ ; //FEDER/ ; //UE/ ; },
mesh = {*Nitric Oxide/metabolism ; Droughts ; *Ethylenes/metabolism ; *Avena/physiology/genetics/metabolism ; *Plant Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Drought Resistance ; },
abstract = {Drought stress significantly impacts crop productivity and plant physiology. Nitric oxide (NO) signalling is essential for drought tolerance. This study explores the relationship between in vivo NO levels, mediated by NO scavenging phytoglobin (encoded by Pgb, non-symbiosis associated hemoglobin), and drought tolerance in oat (Avena sativa). Real-time in vivo NO measurements suggested increased production under moderate to high water stress in the susceptible cultivar Flega compared to the resistant Patones. This elevated NO correlated with increased senescence in Flega. Conversely, the resistant cultivar Patones showed a marked increase in Pgb gene expression, which correlated with reduced NO levels in vivo. This suggested that Pgb acts as a protective mechanism against NO-induced stress. Water stress-induced NO increases fed into the polyamine pathway, leading to a significant rise in arginine decarboxylase (ADC) expression, leading to putrescine accumulation in the susceptible cultivar, whereas the resistant Patones maintained lower ADC expression and polyamine levels. Elevated in vivo ethylene production was also observed in the susceptible cultivar Flega, correlating with severe drought-induced senescence symptoms and linked to the naturally high NO levels in this cultivar. Assessment of other oat genotypes confirmed a negative correlation between Pgb expression and drought symptoms. These results underscore an important role of phytoglobins in modulating NO levels to counter drought in oat and suggest a potential target for genetic improvement of oat for drought tolerance.},
}

*Nitric Oxide/metabolism
Droughts
*Ethylenes/metabolism
*Avena/physiology/genetics/metabolism
*Plant Proteins/metabolism/genetics
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
Drought Resistance

@article {pmid41138412,
year = {2025},
author = {Hou, X and Chen, D and Li, M and Jiang, X and Shen, J},
title = {Structure-informed risk assessment of algal metabolic disruption by pyridine derivatives in algal-bacterial symbiotic systems.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {499},
number = {},
pages = {140165},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.140165},
pmid = {41138412},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {Pyridine derivatives are widespread nitrogenous pollutants in industrial wastewater. Algal-bacterial symbiotic systems (ABSS) provide a green and efficient approach for their treatment by coupling algal photosynthesis with bacterial degradation and nitrogen cycling. In ABSS, algae were more sensitive to toxic pollutants than bacteria, making their physiological tolerance the key to maintaining ABSS stability under high contaminant loads. However, conventional toxicity assessments often overlook sublethal metabolic effects on algae, thereby underestimating their impact on system performance. In this study, a mechanism-informed, structure-based screening framework was established to prioritize sublethal risk, with an application ratio (AR) introduced as a mechanism-linked endpoint. High predictive performance was obtained with a back-propagation neural network (R[2] = 0.972), and LUMO energy and log Kow were identified as the most influential descriptors by feature-importance analysis. Algal physiological assays showed trends consistent with AR-based predictions for three representative pyridine derivatives. Structure-dependent effects were observed, involving membrane permeability, redox imbalance, and enzymatic inhibition. Molecular docking and dynamics further showed that spatial complementarity in the CYP450 active site, rather than binding affinity alone, was the primary determinant of inhibition potency. Collectively, these results support the use of AR thresholds as a screening basis for classifying pollutants into actionable risk categories. This approach may facilitate pollutant prioritization, operational adjustment, and adaptive management of ABSS under complex wastewater conditions.},
}

@article {pmid41138376,
year = {2025},
author = {Yu, C and Du, W and Meng, K and Chen, X and Zhang, H and Xu, M},
title = {Exploring the potential ecological risks of cadmium accumulation in coastal sediments: implications for diversity, function, and assembly of fungal community.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {395},
number = {},
pages = {127726},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.127726},
pmid = {41138376},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Understanding how cadmium (Cd) accumulation affects microbial community assembly and species coexistence is critical for revealing the diversity and functional evolution of ecosystems under pollution stress. This study identified Cd as the predominant ecological risk factor in coastal sediments, as determined by the Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo) and the Potential Ecological Risk Index (Er[i]). Its presence was significantly associated with alterations in fungal community diversity and structure. Elevated sedimentary Cd levels led to significant declines in fungal richness and diversity, shifts in community composition, and increased the relative abundances of pathogenic, symbiotic, and saprotrophic fungi. Under high Cd stress, fungal community assembly was primarily shaped by deterministic processes, characterized by strong environmental filtering, reduced niche breadth, and greater species homogenization, with only minor influence from dispersal limitation. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed declines in modularity, module count, and keystone taxa, indicating reduced network stability. However, the predominance of positive correlations suggested strengthened cooperative interactions and a degree of internal self-regulation within the fungal community. Overall, these findings offer novel insights into the ecological impacts of heavy metal contamination in marine sediments and underscore the value of microbial communities as indicators for pollution monitoring and ecological risk assessment.},
}

@article {pmid41138177,
year = {2025},
author = {Casto-Rebollo, C and Pocrnic, I and Gorjanc, G and Ibáñez-Escriche, N},
title = {HoloSimR: a comprehensive framework for simulating breeding programs including the hologenome scenario.},
journal = {Journal of animal science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jas/skaf371},
pmid = {41138177},
issn = {1525-3163},
abstract = {Including microbiome information in breeding schemes may be helpful to improve the selection response of livestock populations. However, the complexity of the microbiome makes modelling across species and traits difficult. The estimation of the microbiability and the identification of the microbial species are highly dependent on the methodology used. Indeed, it is complicated to decide which is the best method because we fail to know the true underlying scenario. This study proposes an R package named HoloSimR for simulating the coevolution of the genome and the microbiota under a selection process. HoloSimR allows the user to explore the effect of the microbiota on the phenotypic response to selection and the effects of the environment, host genetics and symbiosis between microbial species on the composition of the microbiota. HoloSimR demonstrated strong computational performance even under complex simulation settings. To assess its efficiency, a divergent selection process was simulated over ten generations across three different scenarios. These scenarios integrated genetic, microbiota, and hologenome-based phenotypic models, including real data-based microbiota structure and heritability. The simulation of those scenarios took 68.42 minutes on a standard laptop with 16 GB of RAM. Despite the complexity, the package effectively reproduced real microbiota distributions, heritability structures, and interspecies correlations, confirming its scalability and robustness. HoloSimR provides a valuable research platform, allowing researchers to test hypotheses and develop new approaches in a controlled in silico environment before applying them to real-world breeding programmes. This ultimately advances our understanding of host-microbiota interactions in the context of animal breeding.},
}

@article {pmid41137887,
year = {2025},
author = {Cao, Z and He, C and Li, J and Yang, K and Zhang, Y and Fan, X and Qi, D and Song, F and Chang, W},
title = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi enhance plant salt tolerance to salt stress using endogenous phytohormones.},
journal = {Archives of microbiology},
volume = {207},
number = {12},
pages = {334},
pmid = {41137887},
issn = {1432-072X},
support = {32571883//The National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; GA23B006//The-Key Research and Developmentand Guidance Program of-Heilongjiang Province/ ; C2018052//Natural Science Foundation of Heilongjiang Province/ ; 2022-KYYWF-1083//Special fund project of Heilongjiang University of: Basic ScientificResearch Business Expenses for Provincial Universities of Heilongjiang Province/ ; LH2024C091//Natural Science Foundation (Joint Guidance)of Heilongjiang Province/ ; LJGXCG 2023-088//Heilongjiang Province "Double First-Class" Discipline Collaborative Innovation Achievement Project/ ; },
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology/metabolism ; *Plant Growth Regulators/metabolism ; *Salt Tolerance ; *Salt Stress ; Symbiosis ; *Plants/microbiology/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Soil salinization poses a significant threat to global agricultural productivity. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), forming symbiotic relationships with most terrestrial plants, play a pivotal role in enhancing host plant tolerance to salt stress. Endogenous phytohormones are central signaling molecules governing plant growth and stress adaptation. However, the current understanding of how AMF modulate these phytohormonal pathways to confer salt tolerance remains fragmented. This review synthesizes the mechanisms by which AMF regulate endogenous phytohormones to improve plant resilience under salinity, focusing on four key aspects: facilitating mycorrhizal symbiosis, enhancing water use efficiency, activating antioxidant defense systems, and improving photosynthetic performance. A critical insight emerging from this synthesis is the interplay between different hormonal pathways, yet the complexity of this multi-hormonal crosstalk mediated by AMF is still underexplored. We highlight significant knowledge gaps, particularly concerning the role of understudied phytohormones such as melatonin and peptide hormones, as well as the unresolved mechanistic links between AMF-induced hormonal signals and ionic homeostasis (e.g., Na[+]/K[+] balance and Ca[2+]/Mg[2+] nutrition). Finally, we propose future research directions focused on deciphering this comprehensive hormonal regulatory network. This review aims to provide a theoretical foundation for leveraging AMF technology to improve saline-alkali soil utilization and advance sustainable agriculture.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology/metabolism
*Plant Growth Regulators/metabolism
*Salt Tolerance
*Salt Stress
Symbiosis
*Plants/microbiology/metabolism

@article {pmid41137720,
year = {2025},
author = {Reiss, K and Mander, Ü and Öpik, M and Sepp, SK and Kanger, K and Schindler, T and Soosaar, K and Pihlatie, M and Butterbach-Bahl, K and Putkinen, A and Niinemets, Ü and Espenberg, M},
title = {Temporal and spatial dynamics of microbial communities and greenhouse gas flux responses to experimental flooding in riparian forest soils.},
journal = {FEMS microbiology ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/femsec/fiaf109},
pmid = {41137720},
issn = {1574-6941},
abstract = {Extreme rainfall and flooding are expected to increase in Northern sub-boreal habitats, altering soil hydrology and impacting greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes by shifting redox potential and microbial communities as soils transition from aerobic to anaerobic conditions. This study examined the effects of a two-week growing-season flash flood on bacterial, archaeal, and fungal communities and microbial processes driving CH4 and N2O fluxes in riparian alder (Alnus incana) forests. Flooding reduced soil nitrate accumulation as determined by qPCR and promoted dinitrogen-fixing, nifH gene-carrying bacteria like Geomonas. Sequencing data showed that anaerobic bacteria (Oleiharenicola, Pelotalea) increased during the flood, while N2O emissions declined, indicating a shift towards complete denitrification to N2. However, drier patches within the flooded area emitted N2O, suggesting nitrification or incomplete denitrification. A diverse arbuscular mycorrhizal community was detected, including genera Acaulospora, Archaeospora, Claroideoglomus, Diversispora, and Paraglomus. Flooding increased the abundance of the fungal genera Naucoria, Russula, and Tomentella and the family Thelephoraceae, which symbiotically support alder trees in nitrogen uptake and carbon sequestration. Microtopographic differences of 0.3-0.7 m created spatial variability in GHG emissions during flooding, with some waterlogged areas emitting CH4, while others enhanced CH4 oxidation (determined by FAPROTAX) and promoted nitrification-driven N2O emissions in drier, elevated zones. We conclude that flash flooding during the active growing season significantly affects nitrogen-fixing and nitrifying microbes and alters symbiotic fungal community composition, creating spatial variability in GHG emissions.},
}

@article {pmid41137426,
year = {2025},
author = {Alperovitz, CH and David, NB and Gross, A and Mizrahi, B},
title = {Living Materials Approach for In Situ Bio-Polymers Production Using Bacillus Paralicheniformis in Microneedles.},
journal = {Advanced healthcare materials},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e03630},
doi = {10.1002/adhm.202503630},
pmid = {41137426},
issn = {2192-2659},
support = {No. 515/20//Israeli Science Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {Living biomaterials, which integrate live organisms with traditional macromolecular scaffolds, function as "live manufacturers" capable of sensing their environment, synthesizing, and releasing biomolecules while remaining stable under physiological conditions. While systems that produce small biomolecules continue to advance, in situ production and secretion of high-molecular-weight biopolymers remain relatively underexplored. Here, a microneedle (MN) patch system is presented encapsulating Bacillus paralicheniformis (B. paralicheniformis) - a non-pathogenic, Gram-positive bacterium known for its production of γ-polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA). The MNs are designed to painlessly penetrate the stratum corneum and reach the dermis. Bacteria are uniformly distributed within the patch, and their presence has minimal impact on the microneedles' morphology and mechanical integrity. Upon application, B. paralicheniformis is released from the MNs and successfully produced γ-PGA, with molecular weights ranging from 64 to 563 kDa. Growth studies revealed that Luria-Bertani (LB) medium supports optimal bacterial proliferation, while E medium enhances γ-PGA biosynthesis. In vivo studies confirmed that B. paralicheniformis colonized mouse skin following MN administration and secreted γ-PGA without eliciting toxicity or inflammatory responses. Given the increasing therapeutic use of biopolymers and proteins for treating chronic and acute skin conditions, this living bacterial delivery system offers a promising platform for sustainable and symbiotic dermal therapies.},
}

@article {pmid41135873,
year = {2025},
author = {Tian, Z and Su, M and Yu, M and Huang, E and Hu, B and Chen, Y},
title = {KRAS/ACTN4/p65-NR2A axis mediates glutamine-glutamate metabolic coupling between schwann cells and pancreatic cancer promoting perineural invasion.},
journal = {Journal of advanced research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.jare.2025.10.030},
pmid = {41135873},
issn = {2090-1224},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) exhibits aggressive perineural invasion (PNI), a hallmark of poor prognosis observed in 70-100% of cases. Schwann cells (SCs), key components of the tumor microenvironment, drive PNI via multiple pathways, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigates the hypothesis that PDAC cells and SCs establish a glutamine-glutamate metabolic symbiosis to fuel PNI.

METHODS: Integrated approaches, including LC-MS metabolomics, isotopic tracing, co-culture systems, and in vivo models, were employed to analyze bidirectional metabolite exchange. Molecular assays and functional studies elucidated signaling pathways. The therapeutic potential of targeting glutamine transporters (SLC1A5/SLC7A5) and glutamate receptor NR2A was tested using inhibitors V9302 and PEAQX.

RESULTS: SCs secreted glutamine, which PDAC cells internalized via SLC1A5 and converted to glutamate. Glutamate activated SCs through NR2A, inducing ROS/NRF2-expression and upregulating glutamine synthetase (GS) and GLT-1, thereby regenerating glutamine to sustain the metabolic loop. KRAS-ACTN4-p65 signaling amplified this cycle by transcriptionally activating SLC1A5/SLC7A5 and GLS, while leucine uptake via SLC7A5 activated mTORC1 to promote invasion and PNI. In vivo, dual inhibition of SLC1A5/SLC7A5 (V9302) and NR2A (PEAQX) synergistically reduced tumor growth, PNI length, and improved sciatic nerve function in mice.

CONCLUSION: This study identifies a reciprocal glutamine-glutamate metabolic symbiosis between PDAC cells and SCs as a driver of PNI, orchestrated by KRAS-ACTN4-NF-κB signaling and glutamate-NR2A-ROS-NRF2 pathways. Disrupting this axis with V9302 and PEAQX offers a novel therapeutic strategy to target PDAC's metabolic adaptability and neurotrophic microenvironment.},
}

@article {pmid41133767,
year = {2025},
author = {Nakamura, Y and Hoshino, O and Saito, N and Nagatsuka, S},
title = {New Combination of the "Rhizarian Rider" Phenomenon, Brachyscelus crusculum Bate, 1861 (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Brachyscelidae) and Odontosphaera sp. (Radiolaria, Collodaria, Collosphaeridae).},
journal = {The Journal of eukaryotic microbiology},
volume = {72},
number = {6},
pages = {e70052},
doi = {10.1111/jeu.70052},
pmid = {41133767},
issn = {1550-7408},
support = {LEADER Grant 202390030//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 25K07471//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 24K01788//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 24K00718//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 23K25953//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 21H04521//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; JPMJPR24G4//Japan Science and Technology Agency/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Amphipoda/parasitology/physiology ; Female ; Japan ; *Cercozoa/physiology/isolation & purification ; },
abstract = {A new combination of the "rhizarian rider" phenomenon was observed in the sea area affected by the Kuroshio current, off Japan: a female of Brachyscelus crusculum (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Brachyscelidae) holding a colony of Odontosphaera sp. (Radiolaria, Collodaria, Collosphaeridae). The "rhizarian rider" phenomenon of Collosphaeridae and B. crusculum was first recorded. The large colony size (ca. 13 mm) and color (pale blue) of Odontosphaera sp. are also newly reported by this study. Brachyscelus crusculum presumably utilizes Odontosphaera sp. as a float, food source, and breeding bed.},
}

Animals
*Amphipoda/parasitology/physiology
Female
Japan
*Cercozoa/physiology/isolation & purification

@article {pmid41133427,
year = {2025},
author = {Zekavat, M},
title = {Planetary health and emancipatory worlding.},
journal = {Global health promotion},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {17579759251378432},
doi = {10.1177/17579759251378432},
pmid = {41133427},
issn = {1757-9767},
abstract = {This study critiques the prevailing anthropocentric and neoliberal frameworks within planetary health discourses, advocating for multi-species wellbeing-a departure from the dominant models of planetary health that tend to prioritize human interests and overlook the symbiotic relationships among holobionts. Drawing on posthumanism and relational theories to critique anthropocentrism and promote emancipatory worlding, it highlights the role of socio-economic disparities in environmental degradation and the unequal distribution of power and responsibility. This study further reveals the inadequacy of resilience and adaptation strategies often promoted by neoliberal agendas, calling instead for systemic change. True planetary health requires a shift from anthropocentric paradigms to a symbiotic model that incorporates material justice and restitution. Addressing global health disparities and environmental degradation must move beyond market-based solutions, prioritizing the interconnectedness of all species and their environments.},
}

@article {pmid41132378,
year = {2025},
author = {Kong, CC and Wang, J and Shan, B and Zhang, HX and Qin, S and Ren, CG},
title = {Marine endophytes: biosynthetic engines for novel bioactive metabolites.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1684777},
pmid = {41132378},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Marine endophytes are prolific sources of structurally diverse secondary metabolites with significant pharmaceutical potential, including anticancer, antimicrobial, and antioxidant agents. However, their commercial utilization is hindered by genomic instability in axenic cultures and inconsistent metabolite yields. While current studies focus on symbiotic interactions and compound discover, critical gaps persist in harnessing their biosynthetic capabilities. This review synthesizes knowledge on marine fungal metabolites and proposes a paradigm shift toward resource-driven research. It addresses strain improvement limitations and suggests strategies like mutagenesis, protoplast fusion, and metabolic engineering to bolster production stability and efficiency. The paper also discusses biological process optimization, including fermentation tuning, inducer and precursor addition, and adsorbent use, to enhance natural product synthesis. By identifying these research gaps and proposing a strategic roadmap, the review advances the stable and scalable production of bioactive metabolites, unlocking the commercial and therapeutic potential of marine endophytic fungi.},
}

@article {pmid41131807,
year = {2025},
author = {Reiermann, V and Winter, M and Kotschik, P and Zielinski, F and Schoenfeld, J and Pieper, S and Schlich, K},
title = {The spore germination test (ISO 10832) with funneliformis mosseae for use in an environmental risk assessment for chemicals-necessary adaptations and exemplary testing.},
journal = {Integrated environmental assessment and management},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/inteam/vjaf146},
pmid = {41131807},
issn = {1551-3793},
abstract = {Mycorrhizal fungi play a fundamental role in terrestrial ecosystems. Through the root symbiosis they form with about 80% of all terrestrial plants, they contribute to multiple ecosystem services like e.g. nutrient exchange or pest control. However, ecotoxicological studies have shown that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are sensitive to chemicals. It is therefore crucial to consider these key organisms in an environmental risk assessment (ERA), especially as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has proposed the inclusion of AMF as test organisms for future ERA. Our aim was to determine the effect of various pesticides, a veterinary pharmaceutical and a biocide using the spore germination test (ISO 10832) with Funneliformis mosseae, to compare the results with the currently in ERA used Nitrogen(N)-transformation test (OECD 216), and to evaluate the potential use of the spore germination test for future ERA. Furthermore, recommendations for a revision of the ISO 10832 were elaborated, aiming to use natural soils as an alternative to artificial soil. Evaluation of the spore germination test revealed a significant and higher sensitivity, compared to the results of the N-transformation test for the three tested substances ethofumesate, pyraclostrobin and tiamulin hydrogen fumarate. A reduced maximum water holding capacity (WHCmax) to 50%, compared to the recommended WHCmax of 90% according to ISO 10832, led to a sufficient germination rate of F. mosseae in natural soil. Additionally, pH plays an important role for germination; when using natural soils with a pH below 5.5, a sufficient spore germination of 75% could not be reached. If WHC is reduced and a pH of above 5.5 is tested, the established germination test with F. mosseae is suitable for testing different substances in natural soils and could be a valuable addition to the current ERA for chemicals like pesticides, veterinary pharmaceuticals or biocides.},
}

@article {pmid41131669,
year = {2025},
author = {Pál, A and Lima, RM and Tiricz, H and Ayaydin, F and Kereszt, A and Kondorosi, É and Ábrahám, E},
title = {Diverse triggers, common outcome: Senescence in Fix[-] Medicago truncatula nodules.},
journal = {Plant physiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/plphys/kiaf518},
pmid = {41131669},
issn = {1532-2548},
abstract = {Nodule senescence in barrel medic (Medicago truncatula) can occur as a natural, developmentally regulated process or be triggered prematurely by environmental stress or ineffective symbiotic interactions. In this study, we examined five M. truncatula Fix[-] mutants (dnf4, dnf7-2, TR183, TRV36 and TR36) that fail to fix nitrogen to determine whether they share common senescence-related traits. Our findings reveal that, despite distinct genetic defects, all mutants exhibit similar hallmarks of premature senescence: a rapid decline in the transcription of nitrogen-fixation-related genes (as indicated by DINITROGENASE REDUCTASE (NifH) expression), early degradation of bacteroids and symbiotic cells, recolonization of nodules by saprophytic rhizobia, premature closure of the nodule endodermis, impaired post-mitotic differentiation of the symbiotic cells, and upregulation of senescence marker genes (CYSTEINE PROTEASE 2 (CP2), CYSTEINE PROTEASE 6 (CP6), CHITINASE 2 and PURPLE ACID PHOSPHATASE 22 (PAP22). Neither symbiotic maintenance genes (DEFECTIVE IN NITROGEN FIXATION 2 (DNF2), Symbiotic CYSTEINE-RICH RECEPTOR-LIKE KINASE (SymCRK) and REGULATOR OF SYMBIOSOME DIFFERENTIATION (RSD) that inhibit plant defense responses nor the defense-related gene PATHOGENESIS-RELATED PROTEIN 10.1 (PR10.1) were upregulated, suggesting that premature senescence in these mutants is driven primarily by proteolytic activities rather than immune responses. These results indicate that early nodule senescence is a common feature of ineffective M. truncatula-Sinorhizobium medicae interactions, independent of the specific genetic mutation. Understanding nodule longevity and functionality may contribute to the development of strategies to enhance symbiotic efficiency in legumes for sustainable agriculture.},
}

@article {pmid41130803,
year = {2025},
author = {deMayo, JA and Brennan, RS and Pespeni, M and Jaspers, C and Varpe, Ø and Lee, CE and Dam, HG},
title = {Recognizing adaptation costs in the Anthropocene.},
journal = {Trends in ecology & evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.tree.2025.09.020},
pmid = {41130803},
issn = {1872-8383},
abstract = {While populations can adapt to rapid environmental change in the Anthropocene, adaptation costs may limit evolutionary rescue, even when standing population genetic variation is high. Here, we argue that adaptation costs are linked to evolutionary trade-offs involving scenario- or system-specific traits that usually promote environmental specialization and species coexistence. Adaptation costs can be cryptic, and are more likely to emerge in populations under fluctuating environments or under multiple stressors. Adaptation costs mediated by ecological processes such as competition and symbiosis can limit population growth and species ranges. We advocate for considering adaptation costs in global change studies to improve predictions of future population responses, biological production, and ecosystem resilience.},
}

@article {pmid41129320,
year = {2025},
author = {Thoms, D and Chen, MY and Liu, Y and Fulton, L and Luo, Y and Hiott, DE and Song, S and Morales Moreira, Z and Wang, NR and Zorio, D and Rejzek, M and Potter, R and Carella, P and Haney, CH},
title = {A bacterial exotoxin-triggered plant immune response restricts pathogen growth.},
journal = {Cell reports},
volume = {44},
number = {11},
pages = {116457},
doi = {10.1016/j.celrep.2025.116457},
pmid = {41129320},
issn = {2211-1247},
abstract = {For optimal growth and development, hosts must promote healthy symbiotic interactions while restricting pathogens. To ask whether hosts can distinguish phylogenetically similar pathogens and beneficial bacteria, we used two closely related plant root-associated strains within the Pseudomonas fluorescens species complex. Despite having similar immunogenic microbe-associated molecular patterns, one strain is beneficial and the other exhibits exotoxin-dependent virulence. We show that the two strains co-exist in vitro, but the beneficial strain outcompetes the pathogen in the rhizosphere. We find that plants respond to the pathogen, but not the beneficial strain, predominantly via an exotoxin-triggered defense response in roots. The purified exotoxin is sufficient to induce immunity and restrict bacterial growth in a BAK1/BKK1/CERK1-dependent manner. We show that these immune components are also required for balancing the growth between the beneficial and pathogenic strains. We conclude that plant immunity can distinguish phylogenetically similar microbes with distinct lifestyles, in part, through perception of exotoxins.},
}

@article {pmid41129090,
year = {2025},
author = {Kumar, A and Kumar, R and Singh, P and Kalaichelvan, S and Santos-Villalobos, SL and Kumar, N and Fernando, L and Kumar, R and Solanki, MK and Joshi, NC and Babalola, OO},
title = {Emerging Role of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Sustainable Agriculture: From Biology to Field Application.},
journal = {MicrobiologyOpen},
volume = {14},
number = {5},
pages = {e70082},
doi = {10.1002/mbo3.70082},
pmid = {41129090},
issn = {2045-8827},
support = {//The authors received no specific funding for this work./ ; },
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology/growth & development ; *Agriculture/methods ; Soil Microbiology ; Plant Roots/microbiology ; Symbiosis ; Agricultural Inoculants/physiology ; Crops, Agricultural/microbiology/growth & development ; },
abstract = {In recent years, increasing consumer demand for organic food and chemical free agricultural products has driven a shift toward microbial-based approaches, which are being adopted to replace traditional agrochemicals, used for nutrient supplementation and protection against plant pathogens. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can form symbiotic associations with up to 80% of plant roots, are widely employed as bio stimulants, biofertilizers, or biopesticides to improve agricultural productivity. Currently, a range of AMF strains are commercially produced and applied as soil inoculants to improve agricultural yields. Although the effectiveness of these inoculants depends on multiple factors, including the selection of AMF strains, choice of carrier materials and methods of application. In addition, production strategies play a critical role in determining both the concentration and the viability of the inoculum. Despite significant technological advancements, only a limited number of AMF strains have been commercially exploited as inoculants. Thus, the present review aims to briefly discuss the latest aspects of AMF biology, their functional role in abiotic and biotic stress management. Furthermore, this review paper also discusses different production strategies and highlights the challenges associated with the commercialization of AMF inoculants, including limited strain diversity, propagule viability, formulation stability, and inconsistent field performance.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology/growth & development
*Agriculture/methods
Soil Microbiology
Plant Roots/microbiology
Symbiosis
Agricultural Inoculants/physiology
Crops, Agricultural/microbiology/growth & development

@article {pmid41128430,
year = {2025},
author = {Lin, Y and Luo, Z and Ye, Z and Zhong, N and Zhao, L and Zhang, L and Li, X and Chen, Z and Chen, Y},
title = {Applications, Challenges, and Prospects of Generative Artificial Intelligence Empowering Medical Education: Scoping Review.},
journal = {JMIR medical education},
volume = {11},
number = {},
pages = {e71125},
doi = {10.2196/71125},
pmid = {41128430},
issn = {2369-3762},
mesh = {*Artificial Intelligence/trends ; Humans ; *Education, Medical/methods/trends ; Generative Artificial Intelligence ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Nowadays, generative artificial intelligence (GAI) drives medical education toward enhanced intelligence, personalization, and interactivity. With its vast generative abilities and diverse applications, GAI redefines how educational resources are accessed, teaching methods are implemented, and assessments are conducted.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to review the current applications of GAI in medical education; analyze its opportunities and challenges; identify its strengths and potential issues in educational methods, assessments, and resources; and capture GAI's rapid evolution and multidimensional applications in medical education, thereby providing a theoretical foundation for future practice.

METHODS: This scoping review used PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus to analyze literature from January 2023 to October 2024, focusing on GAI applications in medical education. Following PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines, 5991 articles were retrieved, with 1304 duplicates removed. The 2-stage screening (title or abstract and full-text review) excluded 4564 articles and a supplementary search included 8 articles, yielding 131 studies for final synthesis. We included (1) studies addressing GAI's applications, challenges, or future directions in medical education, (2) empirical research, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses, and (3) English-language articles. We excluded commentaries, editorials, viewpoints, perspectives, short reports, or communications with low levels of evidence, non-GAI technologies, and studies centered on other fields of medical education (eg, nursing). We integrated quantitative analysis of publication trends and Human Development Index (HDI) with thematic analysis of applications, technical limitations, and ethical implications.

RESULTS: Analysis of 131 articles revealed that 74.0% (n=97) originated from countries or regions with very high HDI, with the United States contributing the most (n=33); 14.5% (n=19) were from high HDI countries, 5.3% (n=7) from medium HDI countries, and 2.2% (n=3) from low HDI countries, with 3.8% (n=5) involving cross-HDI collaborations. ChatGPT was the most studied GAI model (n=119), followed by Gemini (n=22), Copilot (n=11), Claude (n=6), and LLaMA (n=4). Thematic analysis indicated that GAI applications in medical education mainly embody the diversification of educational methods, scientific evaluation of educational assessments, and dynamic optimization of educational resources. However, it also highlighted current limitations and potential future challenges, including insufficient scene adaptability, data quality and information bias, overreliance, and ethical controversies.

CONCLUSIONS: GAI application in medical education exhibits significant regional disparities in development, and model research statistics reflect researchers' certain usage preferences. GAI holds potential for empowering medical education, but widespread adoption requires overcoming complex technical and ethical challenges. Grounded in symbiotic agency theory, we advocate establishing the resource-method-assessment tripartite model, developing specialized models and constructing an integrated system of general large language models incorporating specialized ones, promoting resource sharing, refining ethical governance, and building an educational ecosystem fostering human-machine symbiosis, enabling deep tech-humanism integration and advancing medical education toward greater efficiency and human-centeredness.},
}

*Artificial Intelligence/trends
Humans
*Education, Medical/methods/trends
Generative Artificial Intelligence

@article {pmid41127834,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhong, Z and Hu, M and Yu, F and Yang, P and Li, L and Wang, J and Wang, Y},
title = {Aging Enhances the Ecotoxicological Effects of Biobased Microplastic Poly(Lactic Acid) and Its Adsorbed Tris(1-chloro-2-propyl)phosphate on Mussels.},
journal = {Environment & health (Washington, D.C.)},
volume = {3},
number = {10},
pages = {1245-1260},
pmid = {41127834},
issn = {2833-8278},
abstract = {The biodegradable plastic poly-(lactic acid) (PLA) has been widely used to reduce plastic pollution in the environment, but PLA does not readily degrade completely and is more prone to form microplastics (MPs) and age. In this study, MP-PLA was aged by simulating the behavior of the marine environment and combined with plastic additive tris-(1-chloro-2-propyl)-phosphate (TCPP) according to their susceptibility to adsorb environmental pollutants. Mussels were the exposed subjects, and exposure concentrations of MPs and TCPP were set at 0.2 mg/L, 1 mg/L, and 0.5 μg/L, respectively. The ecotoxicity of PLA, aged-PLA, TCPP, and TCPP+aged-PLA was compared based on the result that aged-PLA could adsorb more TCPP. Biomarker assays revealed that mussels ingesting and accumulating contaminants underwent a severe oxidative (ROS) and immune stress response in the organism, with disruption of energy metabolism for energy supply, leading to apoptosis, resulting in tissue damage, and disruption of the homeostasis of the symbiotic intestinal microbiota. Comparisons showed that aging enhanced the adverse effects of PLA and ecotoxicological effects are further exacerbated by the adsorption of TCPP on aged-PLA. Therefore, with the widespread use of degradable plastics, long-term environmental impacts such as incomplete degradation and release of additives must be a concern.},
}

@article {pmid41127793,
year = {2025},
author = {Yoshikawa, A and Izumi, T and Kanki, T and Moritaki, T and Kitajima, M and Ohtsuchi, N and Kimura, T and Gou, Y and Hattori, R and Yumiba, M and Shirai, K and Mitchell, ML and Fujita, T and Yanagi, K},
title = {Mutualism on the deep-sea floor: a novel shell-forming sea anemone in symbiosis with a hermit crab.},
journal = {Royal Society open science},
volume = {12},
number = {10},
pages = {250789},
pmid = {41127793},
issn = {2054-5703},
abstract = {Interspecific species interactions are fundamental evolutionary forces that shape the traits and adaptive strategies of biological communities. However, their diversity and dynamics in deep-sea ecosystems are poorly understood because of their inaccessibility. Here, we report and describe a newly identified species-specific, hermit crab-associated sea anemone named Paracalliactis tsukisome sp. nov. The sea anemone secretes and constructs a unique shell-like structure known as a carcinoecium, which expands the host hermit crab's living space. Stable isotope analyses (δ[13]C and δ[15]N) suggested that P. tsukisome sp. nov. consumes nutritional benefits by consuming host faeces and suspended organic particles from the surrounding environment. Three-dimensional computed tomography imaging elucidated a unidirectional attachment pattern, which was consistently positioned near the shell aperture or carcinoecium edge-a likely adaptation linked to feeding behaviour and carcinoecium formation. The host, Oncopagurus monstrosus (Alcock, 1894), substantially benefits from this association, attaining larger body sizes than other Oncopagurus species, highlighting the functional role of the carcinoecium as an effective shell enhancement in the deep-sea environment. This study provides the first quantitative evidence of mutualism in carcinoecium-forming associations, highlighting a remarkable example of deep-sea symbiosis and hypothesizing how reciprocal benefits are refined over time, fostering the evolution of carcinoecium-forming abilities and species-specific mutualistic relationships.},
}

@article {pmid41126179,
year = {2025},
author = {Heuberger, M and Wehrkamp, CM and Pfammatter, A and Poretti, M and Graf, JP and Herger, A and Isaksson, J and Schlagenhauf, E and Honegger, R and Wicker, T and Sotiropoulos, AG},
title = {A reference metagenome sequence of the lichen Cladonia rangiformis.},
journal = {BMC biology},
volume = {23},
number = {1},
pages = {319},
pmid = {41126179},
issn = {1741-7007},
support = {310030_212428//Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung/ ; },
mesh = {*Lichens/genetics/microbiology ; *Metagenome ; Symbiosis/genetics ; *Genome, Fungal ; *Ascomycota/genetics ; Chlorophyta/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Lichens are an ancient symbiosis comprising the thalli of lichen-forming fungi, their photoautotrophic partners, and their microbiome. So far, they were poorly studied at the genome sequence level. Here, we present a reference metagenome for the holobiont of Cladonia rangiformis, aiming to illuminate the genomic complexity and evolutionary interactions within lichen symbioses.

RESULTS: Using long-read sequences from an entire symbiotic complex, plus short-read libraries from 28 additional diverse European lichen samples, we were able to separate genome sequences of 20 individual species. We constructed chromosome-scale assemblies of the C. rangiformis fungus and its trebouxioid green algal photobiont Asterochloris mediterranea. The genome of the fungus comprises ~ 22% transposable elements and is highly compartmentalized into genic regions and large TE-derived segments which show extensive signatures of repeat-induced point mutations (RIP). We found that A. mediterranea centromeres are predominantly derived from two interacting retrotransposon families. We also identified strong candidates for genes that were horizontally transferred from bacteria to both alga and fungus. Furthermore, we isolated 18 near-complete bacterial genomes, of which 13 are enriched in the lichen compared to surrounding soil. Analysis of gene content in fungus, algae, and bacteria identified 22 distinct biosynthetic gene cluster categories for known secondary metabolites.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings revealed that the thalli of C. rangiformis have a highly complex microbiome, comprising a mix of species that may include opportunists, ecologically obligate symbionts and possibly even lichen-beneficial bacteria. This study provides the first chromosome-scale genomic framework for a lichen holobiont, offering a foundational resource for future research into metagenomics, symbiosis, and microbial ecology in lichens.},
}

*Lichens/genetics/microbiology
*Metagenome
Symbiosis/genetics
*Genome, Fungal
*Ascomycota/genetics
Chlorophyta/genetics

@article {pmid40925005,
year = {2025},
author = {Belosokhov, A and Spribille, T},
title = {Making Fungal-Photobiont Symbioses in the Lab: Past, Present, and Future of the Elusive In Vitro Lichen.},
journal = {Annual review of microbiology},
volume = {79},
number = {1},
pages = {713-730},
doi = {10.1146/annurev-micro-051524-031834},
pmid = {40925005},
issn = {1545-3251},
mesh = {*Lichens/microbiology/physiology/growth & development ; *Symbiosis ; *Fungi/physiology/growth & development ; Coculture Techniques ; },
abstract = {The ability to synthesize lichen symbioses in vitro from pure cultures of transformable symbionts would be a game changer for experiments to identify the metabolic interplay that underpins the success of lichens. However, despite multiple reports of successful lichen resynthesis, no lichen lab model system exists today. We reviewed 150 years of in vitro lichen studies and found that the term resynthesis is applied to many types of fungal-photobiont cocultures that do not resemble lichens. Some of the most lichen-like results, for their part, were obtained from nonaxenic tissue culture. Only a few studies reported obtaining natural-looking lichens from axenic input cultures, but all appear to have been isolated successes obtained against the background of extensive contamination. We suggest revisiting resynthesis experiments in light of recent advances in our understanding of lichen microbial composition to test whether in vitro lichen morphogenesis requires microbial inputs beyond those of the canonical fungal and algal symbionts.},
}

*Lichens/microbiology/physiology/growth & development
*Symbiosis
*Fungi/physiology/growth & development
Coculture Techniques

@article {pmid41125883,
year = {2025},
author = {Vaga, CF and Quattrini, AM and Galvão de Lossio E Seiblitz, I and Huang, D and Quek, ZBR and Stolarski, J and Cairns, SD and Kitahara, MV},
title = {A global coral phylogeny reveals resilience and vulnerability through deep time.},
journal = {Nature},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41125883},
issn = {1476-4687},
abstract = {Global climate change and its consequences for the symbiosis between corals and microalgae are impacting coral reefs worldwide-ecosystems that support more than one-quarter of marine species and sustain nearly one billion people[1-3]. Understanding how stony corals, the primary architects of both shallow and deep reef ecosystems, responded to past environmental challenges is key to predicting their future[4]. Here we describe a time-calibrated molecular phylogenetic analysis that includes hundreds of newly sequenced coral taxa, and sheds light on the deep-time evolution of scleractinian corals. We date the emergence of the most recent common ancestor of Scleractinia to about 460 million years ago and infer that it was probably a solitary, heterotrophic and free-living organism-or one that could reproduce through transverse division-thriving in both shallow and deep waters. Our analyses suggest that symbiosis with photosynthetic dinoflagellates was established around 300 million years ago and spurred coral diversification. However, only a few photosymbiotic lineages survived major environmental disruptions in the Mesozoic era. By contrast, solitary, heterotrophic corals with flexible depth and substrate preferences appear to have thrived in the deep sea despite these environmental disturbance events. Even though ongoing environmental changes are expected to severely affect shallow reefs[5], our finding that stony corals have shown resilience throughout geological history offers hope for the persistence of some lineages in the face of climate and other environmental changes.},
}

@article {pmid41125850,
year = {2025},
author = {Salloum, Y and Gros, G and Quintero-Castillo, K and Garcia-Baudino, C and Rabahi, S and Janardhana Kurup, A and Diabangouaya, P and Pérez-Pascual, D and Morales Castro, RA and Boekhorst, J and Villablanca, EJ and Ghigo, JM and Feijoo, CG and Brugman, S and Hernandez, PP},
title = {IL-26 from innate lymphoid cells regulates early-life gut epithelial homeostasis by shaping microbiota composition.},
journal = {The EMBO journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41125850},
issn = {1460-2075},
support = {ANR-24-INBS-0005 FBI BIOGEN//Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR)/ ; ANR-II-INBS-0014//Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR)/ ; ANR-11- LBX-0044//Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR)/ ; ANR-10-IDEX- 0001-02 PSL//Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR)/ ; ANR-10-LABX-62-IBEID//Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR)/ ; 2020 DAE 78//Ville da Paris Emergence Program/ ; AJE201905008718//Fondation pour la Recherche Médicale (FRM)/ ; FDT202304016654//Fondation pour la Recherche Médicale (FRM)/ ; R21045DS//ATIP-Avenir Starting Program/ ; 101041422//EC | European Research Council (ERC)/ ; },
abstract = {Animals host symbiotic microbial communities that shape gut health. However, how the host immune system and microbiota interact to regulate epithelial homeostasis, particularly during early development, remains largely unclear. Human interleukin-26 (IL-26) is associated with gut inflammation and has intrinsic bactericidal activity in vitro, yet its in vivo functions are largely unknown, primarily due to its absence in rodents. To examine the role of IL-26 in early life, we used zebrafish and found that gut epithelial cells in il26-/- larvae exhibited increased proliferation, faster turnover, elevated DNA damage, and altered cell population abundance. This epithelial dysregulation occurred independently of the IL-26 canonical receptor and resulted from dysbiosis in il26-/- larvae. Moreover, IL-26 bactericidal activity was conserved in zebrafish, suggesting a potential role of this property in regulating microbiota composition. We further identified innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) as the primary source of IL-26 at this developmental stage. These findings establish IL-26 as a central player in a regulatory circuit linking the microbiota, ILCs, and intestinal epithelial cells to maintain gut homeostasis during early life.},
}

@article {pmid41124367,
year = {2025},
author = {Oladipupo, SO and Hochstrasser, M},
title = {Deubiquitylases and nucleases in bacterial symbiont-induced cytoplasmic incompatibility.},
journal = {Biochemical Society transactions},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1042/BST20253047},
pmid = {41124367},
issn = {1470-8752},
abstract = {In myriad arthropod species, maternally transmitted symbiotic bacteria spread through populations by manipulating host reproduction, most frequently by a mechanism called cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). CI occurs when bacterially infected males fertilize uninfected females, typically causing paternal chromatin condensation and segregation defects and usually embryonic arrest in the first zygotic cell cycle. Embryos survive if the female is similarly infected, which promotes bacterial spread. The endosymbiont best known for CI is Wolbachia, now widely used against mosquitoes that vector viral diseases such as dengue fever. Although CI is induced by Wolbachia resident in testes, mature sperm carry no bacteria, indicating they alter sperm in a way that, following fertilization, interferes with embryogenesis. CI-inducing factors (Cifs) are expressed from syntenic Wolbachia cifA-cifB genes. CifB is required in the male germline to induce CI, while CifA expression in the host female is sufficient to rescue viability. Importantly, CifA suppresses lethality through its binding to CifB. Different CifB proteins have distinct CI-relevant enzymatic functions, in particular, deubiquitylase and nuclease activities. Consistent with these genetic data, CifB is packaged into sperm during spermiogenesis. While sperm morphological disruption has been observed in fruit flies carrying cif transgenes, a causal role in CI is unclear. Also not understood is how maternally provisioned CifA rescues embryo viability. Exciting new findings with diverse symbiotic bacteria reveal cifA-cifB-like operons on extrachromosomal plasmids. These results suggest far wider deployment of Wolbachia-related CI factors than previously thought and multiple mechanisms for lateral cif gene transfer.},
}

@article {pmid41124138,
year = {2025},
author = {Bennett, JA and Elshamy, O and Trefiak, M and Wasan, JP},
title = {Fertilizer and fungicide reduce herbicide efficacy and enhance growth of invasive common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare).},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {10},
pages = {e0333818},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0333818},
pmid = {41124138},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Herbicides/pharmacology ; *Fertilizers ; *Introduced Species ; *Fungicides, Industrial/pharmacology ; *Tanacetum/growth & development/drug effects/microbiology ; Mycorrhizae/drug effects ; Biomass ; },
abstract = {Common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare; Asteraceae) is a widespread invasive species in North America that threatens biodiversity and agricultural productivity by displacing resident vegetation. Combined with being unpalatable, it can be toxic and thus poses significant challenges for the livestock industry. Current tansy control strategies are largely chemical and rely on a suite of synthetic auxin herbicides. The need for reapplication may lead to resistance development in addition to significant biodiversity losses. Recent work suggests that invasive Asteraceae may rely on symbiotic arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) to give them a competitive advantage. We hypothesized that suppressing AMF would reduce tansy growth and reduce reliance on more damaging herbicides. Fungicides and fertilizers, known to suppress AMF, may be potential tools for tansy suppression by reducing its competitive ability; however, both may also enhance invader growth and represent a significant risk. We conducted a two-year experiment crossing three herbicides, with varying degrees of residual control, with fungicide and fertilizer treatments to explore their effects on tansy. Despite initially reducing AMF abundances, both fertilizer and fungicide unexpectedly improved tansy growth, especially when applied with the non-residual herbicide (2,4-D), where strong control was eliminated by either treatment. This suggests that, at least at our study site, any suppression of AMF did not affect tansy strongly enough to overcome the benefits of increased nutrients and pathogen suppression. Independent of fungicide or fertilizer, all three herbicides reduced tansy biomass and increased community biomass by year two, driven by increases in grasses. The most effective herbicide (picloram), however, also caused the greatest declines in broadleaf plants, leading to significant species losses. Conversely, 2,4-D was only slightly less effective after two years, while having limited non-target effects. Non-residual herbicides, like 2-4D, may offer a better balance between tansy control and biodiversity conservation.},
}

*Herbicides/pharmacology
*Fertilizers
*Introduced Species
*Fungicides, Industrial/pharmacology
*Tanacetum/growth & development/drug effects/microbiology
Mycorrhizae/drug effects
Biomass

@article {pmid41122663,
year = {2025},
author = {Huang, Z and Ren, G and Guo, X and Su, Y and Wang, Y and Zhang, S and Qi, X and Lu, H and Lian, J and Liang, Y},
title = {Cysteine-rich receptor-like secreted protein 1 promotes intercellular infection and enhances nodulation in Aeschynomene indica.},
journal = {Horticulture research},
volume = {12},
number = {10},
pages = {uhaf185},
pmid = {41122663},
issn = {2662-6810},
abstract = {Nitrogen-fixing bacteria establish symbiotic relationships with their host plants via two different entry systems: root hair-mediated (intracellular) entry and intercellular entry. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the intercellular entry system have received relatively little research attention. In this study, we compared the transcriptomes of the nodules and roots of Myrica rubra, which forms an ancient type of symbiosis with Frankia via intercellular entry. We found that cysteine-rich receptor-like secreted protein 1 (CRRSP1) was highly upregulated in M. rubra nodules. We then investigated the function of MrCRRSP1 in Aeschynomene indica, which establishes symbiosis with Bradyrhizobium sp. ORS285 through an intercellular entry system. The overexpression of MrCRRSP1 and AiCRRSP1 in A. indica enhanced the nodule number and plant growth. Exogenous application of glutathione S-transferase (GST)-tagged MrCRRSP1 and AiCRRSP1 in A. indica promoted rhizobial attachment at cracks in the lateral root base, as well as rhizobial motility and biofilm formation. These results suggest that CRRSP1 promotes nodulation by enhancing rhizobial attachment to lateral root cracks. In addition to providing new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying nodule formation through intercellular entry, this research enhances our understanding of actinorhizal plant-Frankia symbiosis.},
}

@article {pmid41120889,
year = {2025},
author = {Lu, BF and Kang, WJ and Shi, SL and Jing, F and Guan, J},
title = {Comparative transcriptomics reveals differential carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in roots and nodules of Rhizobia-Inoculated alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.).},
journal = {BMC plant biology},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {1413},
pmid = {41120889},
issn = {1471-2229},
support = {No. GSAU-DKZY-2024-002//The Joint Fund for Counterpart Support Research of China Agricultural University/ ; No. GSAU-DKZY-2024-002//The Joint Fund for Counterpart Support Research of China Agricultural University/ ; No. GSAU-DKZY-2024-002//The Joint Fund for Counterpart Support Research of China Agricultural University/ ; No. GSAU-DKZY-2024-002//The Joint Fund for Counterpart Support Research of China Agricultural University/ ; No. GSAU-DKZY-2024-002//The Joint Fund for Counterpart Support Research of China Agricultural University/ ; No. KLGE-2022-01//The Open Project of Key Laboratory of Pratacultural Ecosystems of Ministry of Education (Gansu Agricultural University)/ ; No. KLGE-2022-01//The Open Project of Key Laboratory of Pratacultural Ecosystems of Ministry of Education (Gansu Agricultural University)/ ; No. KLGE-2022-01//The Open Project of Key Laboratory of Pratacultural Ecosystems of Ministry of Education (Gansu Agricultural University)/ ; No. KLGE-2022-01//The Open Project of Key Laboratory of Pratacultural Ecosystems of Ministry of Education (Gansu Agricultural University)/ ; No. KLGE-2022-01//The Open Project of Key Laboratory of Pratacultural Ecosystems of Ministry of Education (Gansu Agricultural University)/ ; },
mesh = {*Medicago sativa/metabolism/microbiology/genetics ; *Lipid Metabolism/genetics ; *Carbohydrate Metabolism/genetics ; *Root Nodules, Plant/metabolism/microbiology/genetics ; *Plant Roots/metabolism/microbiology/genetics ; *Transcriptome ; Symbiosis ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; *Rhizobium/physiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The symbiotic nitrogen-fixing system formed between alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and rhizobia requires precise regulation of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism to sustain their high-energy-demand system. However, metabolic divergence between roots and nodules remains poorly characterized.

RESULTS: Using comparative transcriptomics, we analyzed gene expression profiles in pink nodules (PN), white nodules (WN), Pink nodule roots (PNR), white nodule roots (WNR), non-nodule roots (NNR) and control roots (CKR) from rhizobia-inoculated plants at 35 days post-inoculation. Key findings revealed metabolic specialization between tissues: PN exhibited elevated expression of lipid catabolism genes (MsECHIA, MsACX) and key genes of the TCA cycle regulators, driving direct energy supply for nitrogenase activity. PNR, WNR preferentially expressed glycolysis (MsPKP2) and pentose phosphate pathway (MsG6PD5) genes to convert photoassimilates into dicarboxylic acids via a directional transport system to nodules. WN showed enriched fatty acid elongation genes (MsKCR1, MsHACD2), suggesting compensatory synthesis of structural lipid to maintain symbiotic interfaces under carbon limitation. NNR, CKR retained starch metabolism dominance. Weighted geneco-expression network analysis revealed that symbiotic signaling synchronizes nodule lipid degradation with root carbon repartitioning to prioritize photoassimilate allocation to nodules. Nodulated roots may supplement nodule energetics through lipid precursor synthesis or storage lipid hydrolysis, thereby forming a "root-nodule metabolic relay" mechanism. Our results demonstrate that the alfalfa-rhizobia symbiosis establishes a hierarchical energy distribution network through tissue-specific regulation of metabolic genes, coordinating nitrogen fixation efficiency with energy supply homeostasis.

CONCLUSIONS: This study elucidates metabolic coordination mechanisms underlying legume-rhizobial symbiosis, providing a theoretical framework for optimizing symbiotic energy economics through targeted gene editing approaches.},
}

*Medicago sativa/metabolism/microbiology/genetics
*Lipid Metabolism/genetics
*Carbohydrate Metabolism/genetics
*Root Nodules, Plant/metabolism/microbiology/genetics
*Plant Roots/metabolism/microbiology/genetics
*Transcriptome
Symbiosis
Gene Expression Profiling
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
*Rhizobium/physiology

@article {pmid41120066,
year = {2025},
author = {Brioukhanov, AL and Chelebieva, ES and Kladchenko, ES and Podolskaya, MS and Gavruseva, TV and Andreyeva, AY},
title = {Gill microbiome and tissue microstructural damages of the Pacific oyster Magallana gigas following the infection with boring sponge Pione vastifica.},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108477},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2025.108477},
pmid = {41120066},
issn = {1096-0805},
abstract = {Clionid boring sponges are pests that may colonize the shells of bivalve mollusks, including Pacific oysters (Magallana gigas). Infection with the boring sponge Pione vastifica can be associated with fitness of oysters by reducing their growth rate and survival. Microbial communities play an important role in the host's ability to adapt and survive under disease, and they are extremely sensitive to invasions by pathogens and parasites. In this study, we compared the diversity of gill microbiomes in a group of Pacific oysters that were parasitized by the boring sponge (P. vastifica), and a control group of healthy oysters without signs of sponge presence on shells. In addition, we evaluated histopathological lesions in gills of sponge-infected oysters. The microstructure of gills was significantly damaged in oysters with the boring sponge settled on shells and showed numerous histological lesions including inflammation, necrosis and abnormalities of filaments. Abundant hemocyte infiltration indicated active immune response in respiratory tissue of infected oysters. Histopathological changes in gills were accompanied with the transition of the microbial community to disbalance state. The taxonomic diversity of symbiotic microorganisms in the infected oysters was significantly lower than in the healthy mollusks. The drastic changes at both higher and lower levels of taxonomic ranks of microorganisms were observed. These findings indicate that infection by boring sponges is associated with the substantial changes in gill microbiome and provide new insights into the effects of boring sponges on symbiotic bacterial communities within the Pacific oysters they inhabit.},
}

@article {pmid41119448,
year = {2025},
author = {Gallego, D and Dios, MNG and Riba-Flinch, JM and Garca-Reina, A and Galin, J and Mas, H and Lencina, JL and Zafra, M and Henares, I and Rodrguez, F and Alczar, MD and Knek, M and Gmez, DF},
title = {Euwallacea similis (Ferrari), a new ambrosia beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) for the Iberian Peninsula, and new records on Euwallacea fornicatus (Eichhoff), Xyleborus bispinatus Eichhoff and Amasa parviseta Knek & Smith.},
journal = {Zootaxa},
volume = {5673},
number = {1},
pages = {63-78},
doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.5673.1.4},
pmid = {41119448},
issn = {1175-5334},
mesh = {Animals ; Spain ; *Weevils/classification/anatomy & histology/growth & development/physiology ; Animal Distribution ; Male ; Female ; Introduced Species ; Ecosystem ; Animal Structures/anatomy & histology/growth & development ; Body Size ; Organ Size ; },
abstract = {The rise of invasive species is a global concern, increasingly driven by international trade and climate change. Ambrosia beetles (Xyleborini) are particularly successful invaders due to their ability of asexual reproduction and symbiotic relationship with fungi. Here we report and map the distribution of Xyleborini alien species in the Iberian Peninsula, expanding knowledge about the distribution of already established species and identifying a new host plant for Xyleborus bispinatus. Some populations have been detected through early detection trapping networks. The presence of Euwallacea fornicatus and E. similis is confirmed for the first time in the Iberian Peninsula, with E. similis establishing populations in Southeastern Spain, while E. fornicatus is confirmed in the South, affecting avocado crops. Additionally, the distribution of X. bispinatus has been expanded. Amasa parviseta was also recorded, suggesting a broader distribution than previously known. The study highlights the increasing arrival and establishment of invasive Xyleborini in Spain, likely driven by trade, climate change, and urban development. This work underscores the urgent need for monitoring and early detection programs to manage and mitigate potential impacts.},
}

Animals
Spain
*Weevils/classification/anatomy & histology/growth & development/physiology
Animal Distribution
Male
Female
Introduced Species
Ecosystem
Animal Structures/anatomy & histology/growth & development
Body Size
Organ Size

@article {pmid41119352,
year = {2025},
author = {Syomin, V and Anker, A and Kolbasova, G and Carvalho, S},
title = {Parahesione dudahamra sp. nov., an eye-catching symbiotic worm from the Red Sea, with complementary description and notes on Leocrates giardi Gravier, 1900 (Annelida: Phyllodocida: Hesionidae).},
journal = {Zootaxa},
volume = {5673},
number = {2},
pages = {189-212},
doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.5673.2.2},
pmid = {41119352},
issn = {1175-5334},
mesh = {Animals ; Indian Ocean ; Male ; Female ; Symbiosis ; Saudi Arabia ; *Polychaeta/anatomy & histology/classification/physiology/growth & development ; Animal Distribution ; Body Size ; Animal Structures/growth & development/anatomy & histology ; Organ Size ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {A new, brightly red-coloured, symbiotic hesionid worm, Parahesione dudahamra sp. nov., is described based on the holotype and single specimen collected in the shore waters of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia. The new species is characterized by simple lateral antennae without distinct ceratophores, longest dorsal cirri reaching chaetiger 12, and longest ventral cirri reaching only chaetiger 4. The holotype was extracted from a burrow of an unknown host in very shallow water, close to mangrove roots. The diversified burrowing fauna of the type locality, including the possible infaunal hosts of P. dudahamra sp. nov., is briefly discussed. In addition, a full description and ecological notes are provided for another hesionid worm, Leocrates giardi Gravier, 1900, of which several specimens were extracted from burrows at the type locality of P. dudahamra sp. nov.},
}

Animals
Indian Ocean
Male
Female
Symbiosis
Saudi Arabia
*Polychaeta/anatomy & histology/classification/physiology/growth & development
Animal Distribution
Body Size
Animal Structures/growth & development/anatomy & histology
Organ Size
Ecosystem

@article {pmid41119268,
year = {2025},
author = {Boyko, CB and Williams, JD},
title = {New records of crustacean (Isopoda: Bopyridae and Cirripedia: Rhizocephala) and molluscan (Bivalvia: Galeommatoidea) symbionts from gebiid mud shrimps (Crustacea: Decapoda: Gebiidea) with description of a new species of Gyge Cornalia & Panceli, 1861 from Iran.},
journal = {Zootaxa},
volume = {5621},
number = {5},
pages = {571-586},
doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.5621.5.5},
pmid = {41119268},
issn = {1175-5334},
mesh = {Animals ; Male ; *Isopoda/anatomy & histology/classification/physiology/growth & development ; Female ; Symbiosis ; Animal Distribution ; Body Size ; Animal Structures/anatomy & histology/growth & development ; Organ Size ; *Bivalvia/physiology/classification/anatomy & histology ; *Decapoda/parasitology ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Gebiid mud shrimps host numerous symbionts including nearly 40 described species of parasitic epicaridean isopods as well as rhizocephalan barnacles and bivalve molluscs. Collections of gebiids from the Senckenberg Forschungsinstitut were examined to locate new and previously cited specimens bearing bopyrid, rhizocephalan and mollusc symbionts. We report on material from Japan consisting of four species of bopyrid isopods from three genera (Gyge, Phyllodurus, and Procepon), one rhizocephalan barnacle (Parasacculina shiinoi), and one symbiotic bivalve (Peregrinamor ohshimai). The record of the abdominal bopyrid Phyllodurus sp. is based on a single male specimen but likely represents a new species although more material is needed to make that determination. We also report on an additional two species of Gyge: one from European waters (G. branchialis) and one new species from the Persian Gulf. The new species can be distinguished from its closest congener based on the female uropods being visible in dorsal view and having a straight posterior lobe of the first oostegite plus the male having large midventral tubercles on the posterior five pereomeres and all pleomeres. A key to females of all species of Gyge is provided.},
}

Animals
Male
*Isopoda/anatomy & histology/classification/physiology/growth & development
Female
Symbiosis
Animal Distribution
Body Size
Animal Structures/anatomy & histology/growth & development
Organ Size
*Bivalvia/physiology/classification/anatomy & histology
*Decapoda/parasitology
Ecosystem

@article {pmid41119070,
year = {2025},
author = {Nel, WJ and Duong, TA and Fell, S and Herron, DA and Paap, T and Wingfield, MJ and Beer, ZW and Hulcr, J and Johnson, AJ},
title = {A checklist of South African bark and ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae, Platypodinae).},
journal = {Zootaxa},
volume = {5648},
number = {1},
pages = {1-101},
doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.5648.1.1},
pmid = {41119070},
issn = {1175-5334},
mesh = {Animals ; South Africa ; *Weevils/classification/anatomy & histology/growth & development ; Male ; Female ; Animal Distribution ; Checklist ; *Coleoptera/classification ; Biodiversity ; },
abstract = {The global spread of bark and ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), together with their symbiotic fungi, has become a major threat to forest health in recent years. Consequently, they have been extensively studied in many Northern Hemisphere countries where their species diversities are relatively well documented. In contrast, these insects have attracted relatively little research interest in the Southern Hemisphere. In this study we address this knowledge gap by cataloguing the bark and ambrosia beetle diversity of South Africa. More than 200 species of bark and ambrosia beetles were found to be present in the country, 16 of which are reported for the first time. This catalogue will provide a foundation for future surveys and studies on bark and ambrosia beetles not only in South Africa but also on the African continent.},
}

Animals
South Africa
*Weevils/classification/anatomy & histology/growth & development
Male
Female
Animal Distribution
Checklist
*Coleoptera/classification
Biodiversity

@article {pmid41117958,
year = {2025},
author = {Koech, N and Muoma, J and Banerjee, A and Okoth, P and Wekesa, C},
title = {Modular evolution and regulatory diversification of nodD-like LysR-type transcriptional regulators in α-Proteobacteria.},
journal = {Archives of microbiology},
volume = {207},
number = {12},
pages = {327},
pmid = {41117958},
issn = {1432-072X},
mesh = {*Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism/chemistry ; *Transcription Factors/genetics/metabolism/chemistry ; *Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; *Evolution, Molecular ; *Alphaproteobacteria/genetics/classification/metabolism ; Phylogeny ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; Genome, Bacterial ; Operon ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {The nodD gene encodes a LysR-type transcriptional regulator critical for nodulation gene expression in rhizobia, yet its evolutionary origin, structural plasticity, and regulatory reach beyond symbiosis remain incompletely resolved. Here we investigate the genomic organization, structural variation, and functional diversification of nodD and its homologs across α-proteobacteria with selected outgroups. Using orthogroup-based pangenome clustering, dated species trees, and gene-tree-species-tree reconciliation, we reconstruct the evolutionary trajectory of nodD, indicating emergence from ancient LTTRs deep in proteobacterial history. Reconciliation reveals widespread duplication and horizontal gene transfer (HGT), with several rhizobia showing notable duplication and exchange, and marine/non-rhizobial taxa contributing to a mosaic of nodD-like genes. Gene-neighborhood and operon analyses show conserved syntenic tendencies in classical rhizobia but extensive architectural divergence in free-living lineages, including frequent monocistronic anchors with extended upstream regions and, when polycistronic, enrichment for transporters and local metabolic enzymes within compact multi-regulator cassettes. Structural comparisons with AlphaFold and PyMOL confirm the canonical LTTR fold while uncovering species-specific deviations concentrated in effector-binding loops and interfaces. Motif discovery and genome-wide scanning identify targets involved in metabolism, stress responses, and transcriptional control, and network analysis reveals modular connectivity spanning core metabolism and accessory processes such as secondary metabolism, transport, and biofilm-associated functions. These findings portray nodD as a structurally conserved yet functionally flexible regulator repeatedly reshaped by duplication, HGT, and local genome context, extending nodD-like systems beyond symbiosis and broadening the regulatory landscape of bacterial LTTRs.},
}

*Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism/chemistry
*Transcription Factors/genetics/metabolism/chemistry
*Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
*Evolution, Molecular
*Alphaproteobacteria/genetics/classification/metabolism
Phylogeny
Gene Transfer, Horizontal
Genome, Bacterial
Operon
Symbiosis

@article {pmid41117506,
year = {2025},
author = {Mineo, CR and Jiang, J and Martinez-Gomez, NC},
title = {XoxF and the Calvin-Benson cycle mediate lanthanide-dependent growth on methanol in Bradyrhizobium and Sinorhizobium.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0130425},
doi = {10.1128/aem.01304-25},
pmid = {41117506},
issn = {1098-5336},
abstract = {Nodule-forming bacteria play crucial roles in plant health and nutrition by providing fixed nitrogen to leguminous plants. Despite the importance of this relationship, how nodule-forming bacteria are affected by plant exudates and soil minerals is not fully characterized. Here, the effects of plant-derived methanol and lanthanide metals on the growth of nitrogen-fixing Rhizobiales are examined. Prior work has demonstrated that select Bradyrhizobium strains can assimilate methanol only in the presence of lanthanide metals; however, the pathway enabling assimilation remains unknown. In this study, we characterize Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens USDA 110, Bradyrhizobium sp. USDA 3456, and Sinorhizobium meliloti 2011 to determine the pathways involved in methanol metabolism in previously characterized strains, other clades of Bradyrhizobium, and the more distantly related Sinorhizobium. Based on genomic analyses, we hypothesized that methanol assimilation in these organisms occurs via the lanthanide-dependent methanol dehydrogenase XoxF, followed by oxidation of formaldehyde via the glutathione-linked oxidation pathway, subsequent oxidation of formate via formate dehydrogenases, and finally assimilation of CO2 via the Calvin-Benson-Bassham (CBB) cycle. Transcriptomics revealed upregulation of the aforementioned pathways in Bradyrhizobium sp. USDA 3456 during growth with methanol. Enzymatic assays demonstrated increased activity of the glutathione-linked oxidation pathway and formate dehydrogenases in all strains during growth with methanol compared to succinate. [13]C-labeling studies confirmed the presence of CBB intermediates and label incorporation during growth with methanol. Our findings provide multiple lines of evidence supporting the proposed XoxF-CBB pathway and, combined with genomic analyses, suggest that this metabolism is widespread among Bradyrhizobium and Sinorhizobium species.IMPORTANCENitrogen-fixing soil bacteria such as Bradyrhizobium and Sinorhizobium promote plant growth while reducing dependence on artificial, energy-intensive fertilizers. Numerous studies have attempted to increase bacterial nitrogen fixation and colonization of plant tissues by identifying the micronutrients and plant exudates that promote successful symbiotic relationships. Among the compounds encountered by rhizobacteria, lanthanides have received little attention, despite reports that plant growth is affected by the presence of lanthanides. We characterized three agriculturally relevant Bradyrhizobium and Sinorhizobium strains, demonstrated that they gain the capacity to utilize methanol when lanthanides are present, and experimentally determined the pathway by which this metabolism occurs. This study provides a foundation for understanding the lanthanide-dependent metabolism of Bradyrhizobium and Sinorhizobium, which may influence their physiology and abundance in the environment.},
}

@article {pmid41116206,
year = {2025},
author = {Hang, B and Wang, Y},
title = {Interplay between gut microbiota and intestinal lipid metabolism:mechanisms and implications.},
journal = {Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B},
volume = {26},
number = {10},
pages = {961-971},
doi = {10.1631/jzus.B2500102},
pmid = {41116206},
issn = {1862-1783},
support = {32271213 and 32471189//the National Natural nce Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology ; *Lipid Metabolism ; Animals ; Intestinal Mucosa/metabolism ; Homeostasis ; Dysbiosis ; Obesity/metabolism ; *Intestines/microbiology ; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/metabolism ; Metabolic Diseases/metabolism ; },
abstract = {The gut microbiota is an indispensable symbiotic entity within the human holobiont, serving as a critical regulator of host lipid metabolism homeostasis. Therefore, it has emerged as a central subject of research in the pathophysiology of metabolic disorders. This microbial consortium orchestrates key aspects of host lipid dynamics-including absorption, metabolism, and storage-through multifaceted mechanisms such as the enzymatic processing of dietary polysaccharides, the facilitation of long-chain fatty acid uptake by intestinal epithelial cells (IECs), and the bidirectional modulation of adipose tissue functionality. Mounting evidence underscores that gut microbiota-derived metabolites not only directly mediate canonical lipid metabolic pathways but also interface with host immune pathways, epigenetic machinery, and circadian regulatory systems, thereby establishing an intricate crosstalk that coordinates systemic metabolic outputs. Perturbations in microbial composition (dysbiosis) drive pathological disruptions to lipid homeostasis, serving as a pathogenic driver for conditions such as obesity, hyperlipidemia, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This review systematically examines the emerging mechanistic insights into the gut microbiota-mediated regulation of intestinal lipid metabolism, while it elucidates its translational implications for understanding metabolic disease pathogenesis and developing targeted therapies.},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology
*Lipid Metabolism
Animals
Intestinal Mucosa/metabolism
Homeostasis
Dysbiosis
Obesity/metabolism
*Intestines/microbiology
Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/metabolism
Metabolic Diseases/metabolism

@article {pmid41114582,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, Z and Wang, Z and Teng, P and Yu, T and Zhang, Y},
title = {Oxygen-tolerant nitrogen fixation in a marine alga-colonizing Planctomycetota.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0131625},
doi = {10.1128/aem.01316-25},
pmid = {41114582},
issn = {1098-5336},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: The microbiomes colonizing macroalgal surfaces orchestrate nutrient fluxes and symbiotic interactions within the algal environment. Among these communities, Planctomycetota are often dominant taxa. Although nitrogenase (nif) gene clusters have been identified in Planctomycetota isolates and metagenome-assembled genomes, functional validation of nitrogen fixation in pure culture has remained elusive. Moreover, the mechanisms enabling these bacteria to overcome oxygen sensitivity and fix nitrogen in algal-associated oxic niches remain unexplored. Here, we isolated Crateriforma sp. HD03, a Planctomycetota strain from the surface of Saccharina japonica (kelp), and provided the first experimental evidence of nitrogen-fixing activity in pure-cultured Planctomycetota. Strain HD03 harbors a complete nifHDKBEN gene cluster and exhibits a remarkable nitrogen fixation rate of 14.2 ± 1.5 nmol C2H4/(10[7] cells)/h under aerobic conditions. Genomic and physiological analysis reveals a suite of adaptations that likely mitigate oxygen stress, including genes associated with biofilm formation, hopanoid lipid synthesis, FeSII protein, hydrogenase, and bacterial microcompartments. Notably, while strain HD03 demonstrates oxygen-tolerant nitrogen fixation in pure culture, co-culture experiments with kelp under a photoperiod revealed that nifH (nitrogenase reductase gene) expression peaks during the low-oxygen dark phase, indicating that HD03 utilizes diurnal rhythms to temporally separate nitrogen fixation from photosynthetic oxygen production. A genomic survey of 142 Planctomycetota strains from NCBI GenBank database and HD03 identified two distinct clades harboring complete nifHDK gene clusters, suggesting a nitrogen-fixing potential across the phylum. By bridging the gap between genomic potential and functional validation, this study establishes Planctomycetota as important but underappreciated contributors to marine nitrogen input.

IMPORTANCE: Planctomycetota are abundant colonizers of macroalgal surfaces, yet their role in nitrogen fixation has remained unresolved despite genomic evidence of nitrogenase (nif) genes. Until now, no functional validation of nitrogen fixation in pure-cultured Planctomycetota has been reported. Here, we isolated Crateriforma sp. HD03 from kelp and for the first time demonstrated its ability to fix nitrogen in pure culture, confirming this key metabolic potential in marine Planctomycetota. Strain HD03 overcomes oxygen stress through a combination of biofilm formation and diurnal regulation of nifH expression, allowing nitrogen fixation under aerobic conditions to cope with the algal environment's oxic nature. Furthermore, genomic surveys revealed nitrogen fixation gene clusters across multiple Planctomycetota clades, suggesting widespread nitrogen-fixing capability in this phylum. Collectively, these findings identify Planctomycetota as important nitrogen providers in the ocean.},
}

@article {pmid41114576,
year = {2025},
author = {Ruiz-González, C and Mena, C and Cornejo-Castillo, FM and Romano-Gude, D and Arandia-Gorostidi, N and Gasol, JM},
title = {Diverse Patescibacteria assemblages and prevalence of ultra-small free-living Parcubacteria along a subterranean estuary.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0112525},
doi = {10.1128/msystems.01125-25},
pmid = {41114576},
issn = {2379-5077},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Patescibacteria are a group of novel, mostly uncultivated bacteria characterized by ultra-small cell sizes and streamlined genomes. They are ubiquitous in diverse ecosystems, often prevailing in subsurface environments, yet basic aspects such as variability in cell size, abundance, and niche preferences of different taxa within Patescibacteria remain unknown, particularly along salinity gradients. Combining flow cytometry, catalyzed reporter deposition-fluorescence in situ hybridization (CARD-FISH), and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we characterized Patescibacteria assemblages along a Mediterranean subterranean estuary resulting from the mixing of fresh groundwater with seawater. Patescibacteria occupied the entire subterranean salinity gradient through the replacement of taxa prevailing in fresh (Magasanikbacteria, Jorgensenbacteria UBA9983), brackish (Portnoybacteria, Yanosfkybacteria, and Peribacteria), and saline groundwater (Nomurabacteria, unidentified Gracilibacteria). Most of the detected ASVs showed less than 95% similarity to their closest match, pointing to high novelty within coastal groundwater Patescibacteria. Flow cytometry unveiled a clear population of ultra-small prokaryotes that increased in abundance from fresh to saline groundwater, and which coincided with the presence of free-living minute coccoid cells identified as Parcubacteria by CARD-FISH. Some symbiotic-like associations with prokaryotes and eukaryotes were also observed, at least within Parcubacteria. These results provide one of the rare visual observations of Patescibacteria, and the substantial diversity of yet-unidentified taxa suggests an overlooked importance of this group in coastal groundwater.

IMPORTANCE: Patescibacteria are an enigmatic group of bacteria of ultra-small sizes and reduced genomes, commonly found in subsurface environments but largely unexplored in terms of their ecological roles. Despite being present in both freshwater and marine systems, no study has explored how they distribute along salinity gradients. This study provides new insights into their distribution, diversity, and niche partitioning along a Mediterranean subterranean estuary characterized by a strong salinity gradient. We show that Patescibacteria taxa seem to adapt to varying groundwater salinity conditions, displaying a remarkable capacity to occupy fresh, brackish, and saline niches through changes in composition. The identification of ultra-small coccoid cells and symbiotic-like associations highlights a diversity of lifestyles within these groups and provides one of the scarce visual proofs of Patescibacteria. With most detected taxa being highly novel, these findings point to an overlooked importance of Patescibacteria in coastal aquifers, biogeochemically active sites ubiquitous along most coastlines.},
}

@article {pmid41114144,
year = {2025},
author = {Shoaib, M and Li, G and Liu, X and Arshad, M and Zhang, H and Asif, M and Brestic, M and Skalicky, M and Wu, J and Zhang, S and Hu, F and Li, H},
title = {Nanoplastic alters soybean microbiome across rhizocompartments level and symbiosis via flavonoid-mediated pathways.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1676933},
pmid = {41114144},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Plastic pollution, particularly its breakdown into nanoplastics (NPs), poses a significant threat to ecosystem services, with notable effects on soil-plant-microbe interactions in agricultural systems. However, there is limited understanding of how NPs influence the soil microbiome and plant symbiotic functions. In this study, we applied polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) NPs, measuring 20 to 50 nm, to soybean growing conditions. We evaluated soil physicochemical properties, nodule counts, nitrogenase activity, and bacterial community composition in nodule, rhizosphere, and bulk soil under different concentrations of these NPs (200, 500, and 1000 mg/kg of soil w/w). Our results revealed that the impact of NPs on soil physicochemical properties was type-dependent, with PE-NPs exerting a more pronounced effect on soil enzyme activities than PP-NPs. Both NPs treatments accelerated nodulation and increased nitrogenase activity, with lower doses inducing more significant effects. Furthermore, PE and PP-NPs enriched bacterial species such as Ensifer and Arthrobacter, which positively interact with diazotrophs such as Bradyrhizobium, supporting symbiosis and biological nitrogen fixation. NPs treatments also significantly affected the bacteriome assembly process in the bulk soil, rhizosphere, and nodule, with an increased source ratio from the rhizosphere to the nodule and homogenous selection in the nodule bacteriome, likely benefiting bacteria involved in nodulation. Exposure to 500 mg/kg of both NPs caused alterations in the metabolic exudation profile of the plant rhizosphere, particularly influencing the biosynthesis pathways of flavonoids and isoflavonoids. Metabolites such as genistein and naringenin emerged as key mediators of plant-microbe interactions, further enhancing plant symbiotic processes under NPs exposure. This study demonstrates that NPs influence plants' symbiotic potential both directly, by altering the composition of the soil bacteriome, and indirectly, by affecting exudation potential. It provides strong evidence that NPs, especially those smaller than a micrometer, can have long-term effects on the stability and functionality of agricultural ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid41113655,
year = {2025},
author = {Mote, S and De, K and Nanajkar, M and Gupta, V},
title = {Unraveling the bacterial composition of a coral and bioeroding sponge competing in a marginal coral environment.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1550446},
pmid = {41113655},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {The newly described bioeroding sponge Cliona thomasi, part of the Cliona viridis complex, is contributing to coral decline in the central eastern Arabian Sea, the West Coast of India. While its morphological and allelopathic mechanisms in coral invasion are well investigated, the role of its microbial communities in spatial competition is underexplored. This study focuses on the coral Turbinaria mesenterina and sponge C. thomasi, both known for their distinct symbiotic associations with Symbiodiniaceae. A 16S rRNA V3-V4 amplicon next-generation sequencing approach, followed by processing through the DADA2 algorithm, was used to analyze the bacterial composition. The results showed higher bacterial richness and diversity in coral samples, identifying 30 distinct phyla, compared to 14 in sponge samples. The coral samples were dominated by Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Cyanobacteria, Planctomycetes, Chloroflexi, and Patescibacteria, while Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Planctomycetes, and Actinobacteria were dominant in the sponge. Enrichment analysis revealed higher dominance of Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, Dadabacteria, Firmicutes, Fusobacteriota, and Patescibacteria in the coral samples, while the sponge samples showed enrichment for Cyanobacteria, Planctomycetes, and Bdellovibrionota. Beta-diversity analysis (PERMANOVA and nMDS) showed significant differences, with an average dissimilarity of 81.44% between sponge and coral samples (SIMPER). These differences highlight variations in microbial profiles between sponges and corals, competing in the same vulnerable environment. Exploring the microbiome aspect, therefore, may elucidate physiological and ecological functions of the holobiont while also representing a health status biomarker for corals, supporting their conservation.},
}

@article {pmid41110358,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, M and Huang, Q and Liu, H and Fu, H and Cao, L and Wei, H and Yan, R and Wang, W and Zhang, K and Zhang, Q},
title = {Sulfurized nano zero-valent iron loaded graphene oxide enhances the anaerobic fermentation treatment of swine manure: Insights from microbial community analysis and DFT calculations.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {394},
number = {},
pages = {127622},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.127622},
pmid = {41110358},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {To enhance anaerobic treatment of livestock and poultry waste, the integration of nano-zero-valent iron and graphene oxide has been explored, given their individual limitations. This study introduced a vulcanization-modified nZVI supported on GO (S-nZVI@GO), aiming to augment reactivity in pig manure treatment. The removal rate of COD (74.00 %) and methane production (104.92 mL/g VS) were improved significantly by employing S-nZVI@GO with S/Fe = 0.04:1 and GO/S-nZVI = 0.08:1. Due to the presence of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes bacteria and S-nZVI@GO with the change of pH, the yield of acetic acid was increased, which optimized the anaerobic fermentation with pig manure as substrate. Microbial community characteristics indicate that a high GO/S-nZVI mass ratio favors an increase in methanogen abundance, with Methanosarcina in Halobacterota exhibiting the highest abundance increase of 18.10 %, stable microbial symbiotic metabolism promote the anaerobic fermentation of pig manure. In conjunction with density functional theory computations, this study has, for the first time, elucidated the two principal routes by which S-nZVI@GO contributes to methane generation within anaerobic fermentation systems: the first entails the conversion of monosaccharides into glyceraldehyde, which is subsequently isomerized into lactic acid, ultimately yielding acetic acid and CO2; the second involves the transformation of monosaccharides into glycolaldehyde, with the intermediate product directly producing acetic acid. This research provides a theoretical foundation for the modification of iron-based materials and their composite applications with carbon-based matrices, offering significant guidance for optimizing the anaerobic fermentation process in the utilization of livestock and poultry manure resources.},
}

@article {pmid41110306,
year = {2025},
author = {Bi, K and Yang, W and Lin, Q and Lu, K and Zhu, J},
title = {Quantifying the relative contributions of different sources to the gut microbiota of Bellamya aeruginosa under cyanobacterial bloom stress.},
journal = {Ecotoxicology and environmental safety},
volume = {305},
number = {},
pages = {119223},
doi = {10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.119223},
pmid = {41110306},
issn = {1090-2414},
abstract = {Freshwater snails play a vital role in aquatic ecosystems. However, their primary activity zones often overlap with the accumulation zones of cyanobacterial scum during bloom events, resulting in direct exposure to cyanobacteria and their toxins. Cyanobacterial bloom exposure often alters the symbiotic microbiota of gastropods and consequently affects the survival of host snails. This study focused on Bellamya aeruginosa as the research subject, investigating the effects of cyanobacterial blooms on the ultrastructure, microcystin accumulation and enzyme activity in hepatopancreas. Furthermore, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was employed to characterize the composition and potential sources of gut and fecal under cyanobacterial bloom stress. Our results demonstrate that cyanobacterial blooms substantially reshaped the gut microbiota of B. aeruginosa, reducing bacterial richness and diversity in the gut, feces, and surrounding water. Community composition of environmental and host-associated microbiota shifted markedly between non-bloom and bloom periods; meanwhile, Microcystis became more prevalent in fecal microbiota than in the gut microbiota. SourceTracker analysis indicates that bacteria from the sediment are the main source of gut microbiota during non-bloom period, whereas during bloom period, bacteria from the water became the major contributors, and they were also acting as the primary source of cyanobacteria in feces. These characteristics were further supported by structural equation modeling and random forest analysis. By elucidating the shifts in host-associated and environmental microbiomes under cyanobacterial bloom stress, this study reveals alterations in the microbiota sources of B. aeruginosa and provides a theoretical framework for ecological risk assessment and pollution management in eutrophic aquatic ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid41110288,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, H and He, Y and Liu, M and Shen, Z and Zhang, W and Zhang, Z and Pu, X},
title = {Mycelial pathway carbon input enhances nitrogen utilization in cotton more than the root pathway in symbiotic relationships.},
journal = {Plant physiology and biochemistry : PPB},
volume = {229},
number = {Pt C},
pages = {110620},
doi = {10.1016/j.plaphy.2025.110620},
pmid = {41110288},
issn = {1873-2690},
abstract = {Plant roots and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) significantly impact soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) processes. However, it remains unclear whether there are differences in the priming effects of new C input from roots and extraradical mycelia under different N application rates in agricultural fields, and how these differences affect crop N uptake. Therefore, this study used upland cotton (Xinluzao No. 84) as the experimental material and employed a two-chamber partitioned growth system (length × width × height: 13 × 10 × 13 cm) to investigate the effects of different N application rates (1.5, 1 and 0 g per device) on soil microbial activity, the priming effects induced by C inputs from roots and mycelia, and the N uptake by roots and mycelia. This study found that, compared to no N fertilizer, root and mycelial C inputs under reduced N condition increased soil organic carbon (SOC) by 17.2 % and 73.7 %, respectively. Furthermore, the content of mycelial C input showed a significant negative correlation with the soil original C content (P < 0.05), whereas root C input exhibited a positive correlation (P < 0.01). Additionally, the study revealed a significant positive linear relationship between the mycelia to cotton N contribution and SOC content (P < 0.05), as well as significantly higher activities of soil extracellular enzymes (e.g., PPO and NAG) via the mycelial pathway compared to the root pathway under the same N rates. These results demonstrate that new C input from mycelia under reduced N condition induced a positive priming effect, thereby enhancing the decomposition and utilization of N-containing organic matter in agricultural soil. Concurrently, N reduction increased the uptake of soil NO3[-]-N by the mycelia. Ultimately, the timely release of stored N by the mycelia, coupled with its functional shift from parasitism to symbiosis, significantly enhanced N delivery to the host plant. In contrast, as a component of soil new C input, root C input induced a negative priming effect, which contributed to soil C accumulation and helped maintain the balance of the soil C pool. These findings provide important insights into the mechanisms by which plant-AMF symbiosis regulates soil C- N process under different N conditions, and hold significant implications for improving N use efficiency and promoting sustainable agricultural development.},
}

@article {pmid41109795,
year = {2025},
author = {Ghataora, JS and Ellis, T},
title = {Rewiring holobiont systems with synthetic biology.},
journal = {Trends in biotechnology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.tibtech.2025.09.017},
pmid = {41109795},
issn = {1879-3096},
abstract = {Holobionts are complex communities comprising a host and its diverse microbiota. Their intricate relationships are crucial for biological processes like nutrient uptake, immune function, and environmental adaptation. However, understanding these complex interactions remains challenging. We review how synthetic biology can help address these challenges. We highlight advances in bacterial biosensor design, engineering interkingdom communication, surface display, and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) systems to both understand and manipulate holobiont interactions. We also highlight progress in engineering non-model microbiota members and provide rationale for a new field at the intersection of holobiont research and synthetic biology, which we term de novo holobiont design. The integration of synthetic biology with holobiont research promises to deepen our understanding of host-microbiota relationships and open new frontiers in biotechnology.},
}

@article {pmid41108161,
year = {2025},
author = {Ghantasala, S and Roy Choudhury, S},
title = {Legume Lessons: Structural and Functional Advancements in Nod Factor Receptors for Translating Root Nodule Symbiosis.},
journal = {Journal of experimental botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jxb/eraf443},
pmid = {41108161},
issn = {1460-2431},
abstract = {Translating the nitrogen-fixing ability of legume-rhizobia symbiosis to other crops has long been a dream for molecular biologists. Over the past two decades, several crucial genes involved in the pathway have been identified, that prevails as an intricate network governing root nodule symbiosis (RNS). RNS signaling employs the common symbiotic signaling pathway required for Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis (plant-fungal symbiosis) that is widely known in several crop plants. Therefore, understanding the similarities and divergence between the two signaling pathways has always been a hotspot for research. The major adjuvants in the RNS pathway are the Nod Factor Receptors (NFRs - that perceive Nod Factors released by rhizobia), and a Nodule-INception protein (NIN - a transcription factor that activates cortical cell division), which direct the pathway from AMS towards RNS. Therefore, understanding the structure and the signaling mechanism(s) of NFRs and NIN is crucial for the success of translational approaches. In this article, we will be highlighting the most recent discoveries pertaining to the functionality of NFRs, which have taken us a few steps closer towards receptor engineering into non-nodulating plants.},
}

@article {pmid41107452,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhou, Y and Gutiérrez-Preciado, A and Liu, Y and Moreira, D and Yakimov, MM and López-García, P and Krupovic, M},
title = {Viruses and virus satellites of haloarchaea and their nanosized DPANN symbionts reveal intricate nested interactions.},
journal = {Nature microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41107452},
issn = {2058-5276},
support = {ANR-23-CE13-022//Agence Nationale de la Recherche (French National Research Agency)/ ; ANR-21-CE11-0001//Agence Nationale de la Recherche (French National Research Agency)/ ; ANR-23-CE02-0016//Agence Nationale de la Recherche (French National Research Agency)/ ; GBMF9739//Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation (Gordon E. and Betty I. Moore Foundation)/ ; ERC-2023-AdG 101141745//EC | EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation H2020 | H2020 Priority Excellent Science | H2020 European Research Council (H2020 Excellent Science - European Research Council)/ ; },
abstract = {Nested symbioses, including hyperparasitism in which parasites exploit other parasites within a host, are common in nature. However, such nested interactions remain poorly studied in archaea. Here we characterize this phenomenon in ultra-small archaea of the candidate phylum Nanohaloarchaeota, members of the DPANN superphylum (named after its first representative phyla: Diapherotrites, Parvarchaeota, Aenigmarchaeota, Nanoarchaeota and Nanohaloarchaeota) that form obligate interactions with halophilic archaea of the class Halobacteria. We reconstructed the viromes from geothermally influenced salt lakes in the Danakil Depression, Ethiopia, and find that nanohaloarchaea and haloarchaea are both associated with head-tailed, tailless icosahedral, pleomorphic and spindle-shaped viruses, representing 16 different families. These viruses exhibit convergent adaptation to hypersaline environments, encode diverse auxiliary metabolic genes and exchange genes horizontally with each other. We further characterize plasmid-derived satellites that independently evolved to parasitize spindle-shaped viruses of haloarchaea and nanohaloarchaea, revealing another layer of nested symbiosis. Collectively, our findings highlight the complexity of virus-host and virus-virus interactions in hypersaline environments.},
}

@article {pmid41106607,
year = {2025},
author = {Hu, T and Pu, Y and Qin, Y},
title = {Silicate intervention in Navicula-bacteria symbiosis system: nitrogen removal performance and microbial community.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {133516},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2025.133516},
pmid = {41106607},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {To address the long-term instability of the Navicula-bacteria symbiosis system, this study achieved stable autotrophic nitrogen removal by adding silicates and regulating light/dark cycles. The nitrite accumulation rate reached 92.05 % during the enrichment of Navicula sp. (a diatom genus), which became the dominant algae with the supplementation of silicate and enhanced extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) production. The increased EPS promoted the formation of dense biofilms, facilitating the growth of anaerobic microorganisms. When the ratio of light/dark was adjusted to 8 h:16 h, the system achieved the highest total nitrogen removal rate of 82.69 %. Nitrosomonas (1.26 %) was the dominant bacteria in ammonia-oxidizing bacteria. Denitratisoma (3.75 %) was the dominant bacteria in denitrifying bacteria. Anaerobic ammonia-oxidizing bacteria were naturally enriched without artificial inoculation. The relative abundance of Candidatus Brocadia reached 7.99 %. This study demonstrates an autotrophic pathway for sustainable wastewater treatment.},
}

@article {pmid41106584,
year = {2025},
author = {Knight, HJ and McKinley, KO and Tsaousis, AD and Dodd, JA and Rückert, S},
title = {The effect of gregarine (Apicomplexa) colonisation on the functional response of the amphipod host.},
journal = {International journal for parasitology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijpara.2025.10.002},
pmid = {41106584},
issn = {1879-0135},
abstract = {Gregarines are a notably understudied but widespread group of protists that colonise aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates. This limited understanding of gregarines and their interactions with their hosts results partly from the absence of established culturing techniques and our understanding therefore has heavily relied on field collections. This study utilised for the first time cultured Gammarus pulex populations and comparative functional response models to explore the effects of gregarine colonisation on the host's consumption of Chironomid prey. This study shows that both positive and negative G. pulex displayed a Type II functional response. There were no statistical differences in the functional response parameters between the two groups. These results suggest that, under the study conditions, gregarines may function as commensal symbionts within their G. pulex host. This is consistent with growing evidence for gregarines acting across a range of symbiotic roles within their hosts. These findings provide insight into the role of gregarines in G. pulex, an invertebrate species frequently used for field- and lab-based experiments, contributing to the evidence of the complex and varied gregarine host-symbiont interactions.},
}

@article {pmid41105922,
year = {2025},
author = {Melicher, F and Dobeš, P and Komárek, J and Faltinek, L and Korsák, M and Sýkorová, P and Houser, J and Wimmerová, M},
title = {Structural and functional characterization of the newly identified Photorhabdus laumondii tumor necrosis factor-like lectin.},
journal = {The FEBS journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/febs.70293},
pmid = {41105922},
issn = {1742-4658},
support = {730872//CALIPSOplus/ ; 21-29622S//Grantová Agentura České Republiky/ ; LM2023042//Ministerstvo Školství, Mládeže a Tělovýchovy/ ; },
abstract = {Photorhabdus bacteria live in mutualistic relationships with Heterorhabditis nematodes, and together, they act as effective insect pathogens. These bacteria produce a diverse array of lectins, sugar-binding proteins that are believed to play crucial roles in the complex tripartite interaction among Photorhabdus, nematodes, and their insect hosts. One such lectin, Photorhabdus laumondii tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-like lectin (PLTL), identified in Photorhabdus laumondii subsp. laumondii TTO1, exhibits notable sequence similarity to the N-terminal domain of the BC2L-C lectin (BC2L-CN), a TNF-like lectin recognized for its specificity toward fucosylated glycans associated with human embryonic stem cells and certain cancers. Through glycan array analysis and surface plasmon resonance, we identified PLTL's binding preference for branched histo-blood group oligosaccharides. The crystallographic structure of PLTL in complex with the BLe[b] pentasaccharide reveals a network of direct and water-mediated hydrogen bonds simultaneously stabilizing the Fucα1-2 and Galα1-3 moieties, which define its narrow glycan specificity. A combination of mass spectrometry, protein crystallography, and analytical ultracentrifugation showed a unique hexameric PLTL architecture stabilized by intermolecular disulfide bridges. Our data suggest that PLTL may contribute to the mutualistic relationship between Photorhabdus and its nematode symbiont, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, rather than playing a role in the interaction with the insect host. This study provides a structural and functional characterization of PLTL, a newly identified member of the TNF-like lectin family. Comparative analysis with BC2L-CN highlights both conserved and distinct structural features, suggesting potential applications in glycan recognition-based diagnostics or biotechnological tools beyond its biological role. Our findings underscore its complex glycan specificity and offer insights into its potential role in Photorhabdus-nematode symbiosis.},
}

@article {pmid41105806,
year = {2025},
author = {Moloney, A and Stuart, L},
title = {Cultural Safety and clinical safety: A symbiotic relationship for improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Communities' health outcomes.},
journal = {Contemporary nurse},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-11},
doi = {10.1080/10376178.2025.2573155},
pmid = {41105806},
issn = {1839-3535},
abstract = {DISCUSSION: While the link between Cultural Safety and patient outcomes is clear, consistent application in practice is lacking. Cultural Safety is equally vital as clinical safety in ensuring quality care, particularly for Indigenous Australians affected by culturally unsafe practices.

RECOMMENDATIONS: In healthcare delivery Indigenous Australians health and the 'Closing the Gap' agenda is everybody's business, it is not the responsibility of the patient, their family or their Community. The authors propose a reconceptualisation of the way health and wellbeing is perceived by health professionals, in which providing culturally safe care is symbiotic with providing clinically safe care. As an integrated foundation for quality and safety in health care, this strategy brings together the social determinants of culturally safe care with competent, evidence-based, equitable and non-bias care for all, and could help advance the Closing the Gap agenda.},
}

@article {pmid41105737,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, X and An, JL and Yang, WQ and Liu, TX and Zhang, SZ},
title = {Regulation of lipid metabolism in Spodoptera frugiperda by the symbiotic bracovirus of the gregarious parasitoid Cotesia ruficrus.},
journal = {PLoS pathogens},
volume = {21},
number = {10},
pages = {e1013605},
doi = {10.1371/journal.ppat.1013605},
pmid = {41105737},
issn = {1553-7374},
abstract = {Parasitoids alter host energy homeostasis to create a favorable environment for their own development. However, the mechanisms underlying this process remain largely unexplored, especially for gregarious parasitoids. Cotesia ruficrus, a gregarious endoparasitoid native to China, targets the invasive pest Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm, FAW) and has been shown to effectively control FAW populations. This study investigates the role of the polydnavirus (PDV) produced by C. ruficrus in regulating lipid metabolism of FAW larvae. The results demonstrated that, following PDV injection for 5 days, both triglyceride concentrations and lipid droplet diameters in the fat bodies of FAW larvae significantly increased. RNA interference (RNAi) targeting the PDV gene CrBV3-31 led to a reduction in triglyceride concentrations and lipid droplet size, along with an upregulation of the LSD1 gene. Furthermore, silencing CrBV3-31 decreased triglyceride levels in C. ruficrus pupae and lowered its eclosion rate. These findings suggest that the PDV gene CrBV3-31 plays a crucial role in enhancing lipid accumulation in FAW larvae, thereby supporting the survival of C. ruficrus offspring. This study uncovers a novel mechanism by which gregarious endoparasitoids exploit symbiotic bracovirus genes to regulate host energy metabolism, increasing lipid levels to meet the developmental needs of their multiple offspring.},
}

@article {pmid41105100,
year = {2025},
author = {Arellano, AA and Prack, JL and Coon, KL},
title = {Host-mediated niche construction of bacterial communities in an aquatic microecosystem.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ismejo/wraf233},
pmid = {41105100},
issn = {1751-7370},
abstract = {Microbes coordinate homeostasis in host-associated and environmental ecosystems alike, but the connectivity of these biomes is seldom considered. Hosts exert controls on the composition and function of their internally associated symbionts, but an underappreciated modality of microbiome curation is external to the host through changes to the environmental species pool from which they recruit microbial symbionts. Niche construction theory describes how organisms alter their environment and the selective landscape of their offspring and conspecifics. We hypothesize that host-driven manipulation of environmental microbial communities is an underexplored form of this concept. Using the pitcher plant mosquito (Wyeomyia smithii) as a model, we tested how hosts shape microbial communities across developmental stages and gradients of pre-existing community complexity. We report three lines of evidence supporting host-mediated niche construction, leveraging amplicon sequencing and microbiota manipulation experiments with germ-free (axenic) and selectively recolonized (gnotobiotic) mosquitoes. First, single female egg-laying assays showed repeatable adult inoculation of sterile water with beneficial bacteria capable of sustaining robust larval development. Second, increasing larval density in assays inoculated with complex, field-derived microbial communities selected for environmental and host-associated bacteria that correlated with increased larval fitness. Finally, exposing axenic larvae to mixtures of parentally and environmentally derived microbiota demonstrated that prior conditioning by conspecifics enhanced offspring fitness. Although the bacterial taxa associated with mosquito structuring varied, members of the Actinobacteriota and Acetobacteraceae were consistently associated with increased fitness. Overall, our results provide an example of host-mediated niche construction to favor environmental microbial communities that positively impact host fitness.},
}

@article {pmid41104963,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, H and Weinberger, N and Powell, JR},
title = {Functional Diversity of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Drives Divergent Plant Resource Allocation Strategies Under Nitrogen Limitation.},
journal = {Journal of experimental botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jxb/eraf459},
pmid = {41104963},
issn = {1460-2431},
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi shape plant nutrient acquisition, yet their functional roles under nitrogen (N) limitation remain unclear. Using Plantago lanceolata inoculated with five AM fungi strains under N-limited conditions, we demonstrate that fungal identity critically regulates symbiotic outcomes. Despite interspecific variation in extraradical mycelium production and hyphal traits (carbon/nitrogen/phosphorus concentrations [C/N/P], diameter), AM fungi universally failed to enhance plant biomass. We identified three plant-AM fungal phenotypic strategies under N-limitation: (1) high mycelial investment with carbon drain (Rhizophagus irregularis WFVAM23, Funneliformis mosseae WFVAM45), where sustained fungal growth reduced shoot biomass; (2) early mycelial growth with root trait modulation (R. irregularis DAOM10, Scutellospora calospora WFVAM35), showing rapid initial mycelial growth that plateaus, exerting neutral effects on plant biomass. Meanwhile, S. calospora WFVAM35 reduced root diameter while R. irregularis DAOM10 increased RTD; and (3) low mycelial production with minimal host impact (Gigaspora margarita WFVAM21), with minimal mycelial biomass across all growth stages. AM fungi functional diversity reshapes plant resource allocation across a mutualism-parasitism spectrum under N limitation, mediated by fungal mycelium traits and root architectural reconfiguration. N availability and fungal identity emerge as pivotal determinants of mycorrhizal phenotypic plasticity, emphasizing the critical role of trait-based frameworks to predict plant-fungal adaptation dynamics in nutrient-limited ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid41103917,
year = {2025},
author = {Iorizzo, M and Ganassi, S and Testa, B and Di Donato, LM and Albanese, G and Succi, M and Coppola, F and Cozzolino, R and Matarazzo, C and Di Criscio, D and Tedino, C and De Cristofaro, A},
title = {Ascosphaera apis as a target for the antifungal activity of symbiotic Bifidobacteria in honey bees.},
journal = {Frontiers in insect science},
volume = {5},
number = {},
pages = {1669013},
pmid = {41103917},
issn = {2673-8600},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The genus Bifidobacterium is a key component of the honey bee gut microbiota, playing a fundamental role in maintaining host health and colony well-being. Alongside other core genera such as Bombilactobacillus, Gilliamella, Lactobacillus, and Snodgrassella, Bifidobacterium contributes to essential functions including nutrient digestion, immune modulation, and protection against pathogens. Among threats to honey bee health, Chalkbrood disease, caused by fungus Ascosphaera apis, remains a major concern due to detrimental effects on colony strength and honey yield.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We characterized enzymatic activity and carbohydrate assimilation of nine Bifidobacterium strains isolated from the honey bee intestinal tract. In parallel, we assessed antifungal potential against A. apis strains, focusing on volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Notably, Bifidobacterium asteroides 3CP-2B exhibited enzymatic capabilities supporting digestive functions and metabolism of sugars potentially harmful to honey bees. This strain showed marked antifungal activity against A. apis, mediated by volatile and non-volatile bioactive metabolites. Among VOCs identified, propanoic acid, ethanol, acetic acid, ethyl propionate, and 1-propanol were the most prominent compounds associated with the antifungal effect.},
}