Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2025-12-20DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2025.128430
Yating Zhang , Ning Zhang , Zhiyong Zhang , Xinyue Bi , Zhenqiang Feng , Yanling Guo , Fangfang Yu , Bo Zhang , Tong Bi , Faryal Babar Baloch , Uswa Shafiq , Jianjia Miao , Yunjiao Wang , Bingxue Li , Yingfeng An
Drought stress severely constrains crop productivity, and while plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are known to enhance drought tolerance by modulating host aquaporins (AQPs), the specific role of bacterial biofilm formation in this regulatory process remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that biofilm formation is a pivotal mechanism through which Bacillus velezensis D103 confers drought resilience to maize. Under drought stress, maize root exudates synergistically enhanced D103 biofilm formation, which was essential for robust root colonization and mediated a drought-adaptive restructuring of the rhizosphere microbiome. Crucially, we found that an intact bacterial biofilm systemically upregulated key plant AQPs (ZmPIP2;6 and ZmTIP1;1), thereby enhancing root water transport capacity. Using virus-induced gene silencing, we further clarified the molecular mechanism underlying this biofilm-aquaporin link, revealing that ZmPIP2;6 is indispensable for D103-conferred drought tolerance. Our findings refine the current understanding of PGPR-mediated drought tolerance, highlighting that biofilms coordinate host AQP expression, rhizosphere microbiome assembly, and soil water retention to enhance drought resilience. This work provides a mechanistic basis for developing effective microbial inoculants.
{"title":"Microbial biofilms as drought shields: Bacillus velezensis D103 enhances maize tolerance via aquaporin regulation","authors":"Yating Zhang , Ning Zhang , Zhiyong Zhang , Xinyue Bi , Zhenqiang Feng , Yanling Guo , Fangfang Yu , Bo Zhang , Tong Bi , Faryal Babar Baloch , Uswa Shafiq , Jianjia Miao , Yunjiao Wang , Bingxue Li , Yingfeng An","doi":"10.1016/j.micres.2025.128430","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.micres.2025.128430","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Drought stress severely constrains crop productivity, and while plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are known to enhance drought tolerance by modulating host aquaporins (AQPs), the specific role of bacterial biofilm formation in this regulatory process remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that biofilm formation is a pivotal mechanism through which <em>Bacillus velezensis</em> D103 confers drought resilience to maize. Under drought stress, maize root exudates synergistically enhanced D103 biofilm formation, which was essential for robust root colonization and mediated a drought-adaptive restructuring of the rhizosphere microbiome. Crucially, we found that an intact bacterial biofilm systemically upregulated key plant AQPs (<em>ZmPIP2;6</em> and <em>ZmTIP1;1</em>), thereby enhancing root water transport capacity. Using virus-induced gene silencing, we further clarified the molecular mechanism underlying this biofilm-aquaporin link, revealing that <em>ZmPIP2;6</em> is indispensable for D103-conferred drought tolerance. Our findings refine the current understanding of PGPR-mediated drought tolerance, highlighting that biofilms coordinate host AQP expression, rhizosphere microbiome assembly, and soil water retention to enhance drought resilience. This work provides a mechanistic basis for developing effective microbial inoculants.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18564,"journal":{"name":"Microbiological research","volume":"305 ","pages":"Article 128430"},"PeriodicalIF":6.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145841588","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The “flavescence dorée” (FD) phytoplasma is transmitted from grapevine to grapevine by the leafhopper Scaphoideus titanus. In experimental conditions, this phytoplasma is also transmitted by the leafhopper Euscelidius variegatus to broad bean in which it multiplies and induces symptoms. To be transmitted to plants, phytoplasmas must invade different cell types of their insect vectors. The process of cellular endocytosis involves both bacterial and eucaryotic factors such as adhesins and receptors. In the present study, it is shown that entry of fluorescent beads coated with the adhesin VmpA of the FD phytoplasma into cultured E. variegatus cells depends on the putative receptor Uk1_LRR and clathrin of the insect. In vivo experiments have shown that silencing of uk1_LRR gene increased the colonization of E. variegatus by the FD phytoplasmas without effect on the plant transmission. On the contrary, silencing of clathrin gene significantly reduced the colonization of E. variegatus and the transmission to broad bean.
{"title":"Gene silencing targeting uk1_LRR or clathrin in the experimental vector Euscelidius variegatus modifies insect colonization by \"flavescence dorée\" phytoplasma","authors":"Nathalie Arricau-Bouvery, Marie-Pierre Dubrana, Sybille Duret, Xavier Foissac, Sylvie Malembic-Maher","doi":"10.1016/j.micres.2025.128416","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.micres.2025.128416","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The “flavescence dorée” (FD) phytoplasma is transmitted from grapevine to grapevine by the leafhopper <em>Scaphoideus titanus</em>. In experimental conditions, this phytoplasma is also transmitted by the leafhopper <em>Euscelidius variegatus</em> to broad bean in which it multiplies and induces symptoms. To be transmitted to plants, phytoplasmas must invade different cell types of their insect vectors. The process of cellular endocytosis involves both bacterial and eucaryotic factors such as adhesins and receptors. In the present study, it is shown that entry of fluorescent beads coated with the adhesin VmpA of the FD phytoplasma into cultured <em>E. variegatus</em> cells depends on the putative receptor Uk1_LRR and clathrin of the insect. <em>In vivo</em> experiments have shown that silencing of uk1_LRR gene increased the colonization of <em>E</em>. <em>variegatus</em> by the FD phytoplasmas without effect on the plant transmission. On the contrary, silencing of clathrin gene significantly reduced the colonization of <em>E</em>. <em>variegatus</em> and the transmission to broad bean.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18564,"journal":{"name":"Microbiological research","volume":"305 ","pages":"Article 128416"},"PeriodicalIF":6.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145753637","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2025-12-17DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2025.128427
Liang Yue , Ailing Ye , Constantine Uwaremwe , Xiaofan Xie , Andéole Niyongabo Turatsinze , Ling Jin , Yun Wang , Shaofang Liu , Yubao Zhang , Lam-Son Phan Tran , Yang Liu , Gaofeng Chen , Ruoyu Wang
Microbial volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are key mediators of plant stress resilience. However, the redox-mediated mechanisms by which VOCs from beneficial bacteria remotely orchestrate aerial plant defenses remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate that VOCs from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42 reprogram Arabidopsis thaliana redox homeostasis, inducing a primed state that confers broad-spectrum tolerance to subsequent abiotic stresses. This pre-adaptive response is characterized by a dual-phase modulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS): enhancing H₂O₂ levels and inducing stomatal closure under normal conditions, while suppressing excessive ROS generation under drought. We identified acetoin as the key bioactive VOC, whose effect is abolished in bacterial mutants (ΔalsS, ΔalsD) and rescued by exogenous application. Genetic and transcriptomic evidence reveals that stomatal closure is mediated by a jasmonic acid (JA)–ROS signaling module and requires the ABA pathway component OST1. Moreover, these VOC-induced stomatal adjustments are associated with enhanced FZB42 rhizosphere colonization, which is linked to concurrent changes in root exudate profiles file. Our findings decode how rhizobacteria co-opt ROS signaling via volatiles to systemically prime plant defenses, offering a sustainable strategy for improving crop fitness through rhizosphere engineering.
{"title":"JA-dependent ROS modulation by acetoin-rich volatiles from amyloliquefaciens FZB42 triggers stomatal closure and enhances abiotic stress tolerance in Arabidopsis","authors":"Liang Yue , Ailing Ye , Constantine Uwaremwe , Xiaofan Xie , Andéole Niyongabo Turatsinze , Ling Jin , Yun Wang , Shaofang Liu , Yubao Zhang , Lam-Son Phan Tran , Yang Liu , Gaofeng Chen , Ruoyu Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.micres.2025.128427","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.micres.2025.128427","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Microbial volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are key mediators of plant stress resilience. However, the redox-mediated mechanisms by which VOCs from beneficial bacteria remotely orchestrate aerial plant defenses remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate that VOCs from <em>Bacillus amyloliquefaciens</em> FZB42 reprogram <em>Arabidopsis thaliana</em> redox homeostasis, inducing a primed state that confers broad-spectrum tolerance to subsequent abiotic stresses. This pre-adaptive response is characterized by a dual-phase modulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS): enhancing H₂O₂ levels and inducing stomatal closure under normal conditions, while suppressing excessive ROS generation under drought. We identified acetoin as the key bioactive VOC, whose effect is abolished in bacterial mutants (Δ<em>alsS</em>, Δ<em>alsD</em>) and rescued by exogenous application. Genetic and transcriptomic evidence reveals that stomatal closure is mediated by a jasmonic acid (JA)–ROS signaling module and requires the ABA pathway component OST1. Moreover, these VOC-induced stomatal adjustments are associated with enhanced FZB42 rhizosphere colonization, which is linked to concurrent changes in root exudate profiles file. Our findings decode how rhizobacteria co-opt ROS signaling via volatiles to systemically prime plant defenses, offering a sustainable strategy for improving crop fitness through rhizosphere engineering.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18564,"journal":{"name":"Microbiological research","volume":"305 ","pages":"Article 128427"},"PeriodicalIF":6.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145820161","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2025-12-22DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2025.128434
Peng Gao , Suying Hou , Peirong Wang , Yuanxin Wei , Pradeep Halebeedu Prakash , Ivan Pok Man Lai , Bingpeng Yan , Sherlock Shing Chiu Tai , Victor Yat Man Tang , Sen Ye , Bill Hin Cheung Yam , Baozhong Zhang , King Chun Fung , Kong Hung Sze , Dan Yang , Jiandong Huang , Richard Yi Tsun Kao
The emergence of multi-resistant bacterial infections, particularly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), poses a significant global health crisis. Antibiotic treatments are increasingly ineffective, particularly against intracellular bacteria. This study unveils the therapeutic potential of flufenamic acid (FFA) against MRSA infections and its underlying mechanism of bacterial clearance in phagocytes. Our findings demonstrate that FFA suppresses toxin production by targeting the Agr pathway in an AgrA-dependent manner and triggers the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in immune cells through a mitochondrial cAMP-mediated mechanism. Additionally, FFA concurrently inhibits NLRP3, thereby enhancing bacterial clearance by immune cells. In vivo efficacy was evaluated using various staphylococcal infection models, demonstrating FFA's ability to potentiate bacterial clearance. Moreover, FFA synergizes with gentamicin both in vitro and in vivo. These findings strongly support FFA as a promising candidate for novel therapeutic agents against MRSA infections.
{"title":"Flufenamic acid fosters bacterial clearance by inhibiting Staphylococcus aureus AgrA and NLRP3 inflammasome of phagocytes","authors":"Peng Gao , Suying Hou , Peirong Wang , Yuanxin Wei , Pradeep Halebeedu Prakash , Ivan Pok Man Lai , Bingpeng Yan , Sherlock Shing Chiu Tai , Victor Yat Man Tang , Sen Ye , Bill Hin Cheung Yam , Baozhong Zhang , King Chun Fung , Kong Hung Sze , Dan Yang , Jiandong Huang , Richard Yi Tsun Kao","doi":"10.1016/j.micres.2025.128434","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.micres.2025.128434","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The emergence of multi-resistant bacterial infections, particularly methicillin-resistant <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> (MRSA), poses a significant global health crisis. Antibiotic treatments are increasingly ineffective, particularly against intracellular bacteria. This study unveils the therapeutic potential of flufenamic acid (FFA) against MRSA infections and its underlying mechanism of bacterial clearance in phagocytes. Our findings demonstrate that FFA suppresses toxin production by targeting the <em>Agr</em> pathway in an AgrA-dependent manner and triggers the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in immune cells through a mitochondrial cAMP-mediated mechanism. Additionally, FFA concurrently inhibits NLRP3, thereby enhancing bacterial clearance by immune cells. <em>In vivo</em> efficacy was evaluated using various staphylococcal infection models, demonstrating FFA's ability to potentiate bacterial clearance. Moreover, FFA synergizes with gentamicin both <em>in vitro</em> and <em>in vivo</em>. These findings strongly support FFA as a promising candidate for novel therapeutic agents against MRSA infections.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18564,"journal":{"name":"Microbiological research","volume":"305 ","pages":"Article 128434"},"PeriodicalIF":6.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145917871","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2025-12-22DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2025.128432
Gudam Kwon , Jisuk Yu , Kook-Hyung Kim
RNA interference (RNAi) is a major antiviral defense in fungi, yet the regulatory mechanisms governing this pathway remain incompletely characterized. In this study, we identified GzC2H056 as a host factor required for the induction of FgDICER-2 and FgAGO-1 in Fusarium graminearum during infection by the Fusarium graminearum virus 2 (FgV2). GzC2H056 expression is transcriptionally induced upon FgV2 infection and exhibits both RNA-binding and E3 ubiquitin ligase activity in vitro. Fluorescence tagging showed that GzC2H056 co-localizes with poly(A)-binding protein 1 and 5′-to-3′ exoribonuclease 1, which are markers of stress granules and P-bodies, respectively. RNA-sequencing analysis further revealed that GzC2H056 regulates the expression of genes involved in RNA metabolism and transcription factors linked to RNAi induction. Together, these findings identify GzC2H056 as a regulator of antiviral RNAi in fungi, suggesting that RNA granule-associated mechanisms contribute to fungal defense against mycoviruses.
{"title":"RNA granule-associated regulation of antiviral RNA interference by the RNA-binding E3 ubiquitin ligase in Fusarium graminearum","authors":"Gudam Kwon , Jisuk Yu , Kook-Hyung Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.micres.2025.128432","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.micres.2025.128432","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>RNA interference (RNAi) is a major antiviral defense in fungi, yet the regulatory mechanisms governing this pathway remain incompletely characterized. In this study, we identified GzC2H056 as a host factor required for the induction of <em>FgDICER-2</em> and <em>FgAGO-1</em> in <em>Fusarium graminearum</em> during infection by the Fusarium graminearum virus 2 (FgV2). <em>GzC2H056</em> expression is transcriptionally induced upon FgV2 infection and exhibits both RNA-binding and E3 ubiquitin ligase activity <em>in vitro</em>. Fluorescence tagging showed that GzC2H056 co-localizes with poly(A)-binding protein 1 and 5′-to-3′ exoribonuclease 1, which are markers of stress granules and P-bodies, respectively. RNA-sequencing analysis further revealed that GzC2H056 regulates the expression of genes involved in RNA metabolism and transcription factors linked to RNAi induction. Together, these findings identify GzC2H056 as a regulator of antiviral RNAi in fungi, suggesting that RNA granule-associated mechanisms contribute to fungal defense against mycoviruses.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18564,"journal":{"name":"Microbiological research","volume":"305 ","pages":"Article 128432"},"PeriodicalIF":6.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145828020","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2025-12-17DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2025.128419
Gustavo Santoyo , Gilberto de Oliveira Mendes , Ma. del Carmen Orozco-Mosqueda , Pamela H. Morales-Sandoval , Fannie I. Parra-Cota , Sergio de los Santos-Villalobos , Haoxuan Li , Zhen Li , Damar López-Arredondo , Luis R. Herrera-Estrella
Phosphorus (P) is a primary mineral nutrient essential for the growth and productivity of many crop plants. Although abundant in nature, its bioavailability is limited due to the prevalence of insoluble forms. An alternative for meeting agricultural P demand is the application of P-solubilizing microorganisms (PSMs), which mobilize it. Although progress has been made in the study of PSMs, knowledge gaps still exist regarding their role in sustainable agriculture. Therefore, this review examines the barriers to P acquisition in low-solubility soils and highlights recent advances in understanding the mechanisms of P solubilization mediated by plant-associated bacteria and fungi. The molecular strategies involved in the uptake and transport of P from soil in plants are also analyzed. Bacteria from genera such as Bacillus, Pseudomonas, and Streptomyces, as well as fungi including arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, Aspergillus spp., and Penicillium spp., employ various approaches to solubilize P, leading to improved plant nutrition. These mechanisms, which include the production of organic acids, cation chelation, proton exudation, and phosphatase activity, can be inferred from experimental approaches or genome mining strategies. The role of PSMs as plant growth promoters and enhancers of plant nutrition across diverse environmental conditions are also discussed. Finally, we propose the integration of PSM consortia as multifunctional bioinoculants to promote sustainable agricultural practices.
{"title":"Phosphorus-solubilizing microorganisms: Advances in nutrient uptake mechanisms, plant growth promotion, and sustainable agriculture","authors":"Gustavo Santoyo , Gilberto de Oliveira Mendes , Ma. del Carmen Orozco-Mosqueda , Pamela H. Morales-Sandoval , Fannie I. Parra-Cota , Sergio de los Santos-Villalobos , Haoxuan Li , Zhen Li , Damar López-Arredondo , Luis R. Herrera-Estrella","doi":"10.1016/j.micres.2025.128419","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.micres.2025.128419","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Phosphorus (P) is a primary mineral nutrient essential for the growth and productivity of many crop plants. Although abundant in nature, its bioavailability is limited due to the prevalence of insoluble forms. An alternative for meeting agricultural P demand is the application of P-solubilizing microorganisms (PSMs), which mobilize it. Although progress has been made in the study of PSMs, knowledge gaps still exist regarding their role in sustainable agriculture. Therefore, this review examines the barriers to P acquisition in low-solubility soils and highlights recent advances in understanding the mechanisms of P solubilization mediated by plant-associated bacteria and fungi. The molecular strategies involved in the uptake and transport of P from soil in plants are also analyzed. Bacteria from genera such as <em>Bacillus</em>, <em>Pseudomonas</em>, and <em>Streptomyces</em>, as well as fungi including arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, <em>Aspergillus</em> spp., and <em>Penicillium</em> spp., employ various approaches to solubilize P, leading to improved plant nutrition. These mechanisms, which include the production of organic acids, cation chelation, proton exudation, and phosphatase activity, can be inferred from experimental approaches or genome mining strategies. The role of PSMs as plant growth promoters and enhancers of plant nutrition across diverse environmental conditions are also discussed. Finally, we propose the integration of PSM consortia as multifunctional bioinoculants to promote sustainable agricultural practices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18564,"journal":{"name":"Microbiological research","volume":"305 ","pages":"Article 128419"},"PeriodicalIF":6.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145789521","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2025-12-29DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2025.128436
Nan Chen , Dejiang Pang , Huifang Shang
The gut mucin specialist Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila) exhibits a paradoxical duality in PD, showing both positive and negative correlations with motor and non-motor symptoms across distinct PD subtypes. This enigmatic role is further complicated by its dynamic lifespan trajectory: colonizing early life, peaking in adulthood, declining with aging, yet resurging in longevity cohorts. This review synthesizes evidence on A. muciniphila's structural components, its divergent associations with PD phenotypes, and the dietary and host factors shaping its abundance from gestation to senescence. We propose a lifespan-targeted intervention model that strategically modulates A. muciniphila, which could concurrently mitigate PD progression and promote healthy aging. We suggest suppressing its neurotoxic pathways in susceptible individuals while enhancing its beneficial functions in the aging process. Reconciling this microbial Janus face may pave the way for novel microbiome-based precision therapeutics against neurodegeneration.
{"title":"Akkermansia muciniphila: A double-edged sword in life-stage-specific nutritional modulation of Parkinson’s disease via the gut-brain axis","authors":"Nan Chen , Dejiang Pang , Huifang Shang","doi":"10.1016/j.micres.2025.128436","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.micres.2025.128436","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The gut mucin specialist <em>Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila</em>) exhibits a paradoxical duality in PD, showing both positive and negative correlations with motor and non-motor symptoms across distinct PD subtypes. This enigmatic role is further complicated by its dynamic lifespan trajectory: colonizing early life, peaking in adulthood, declining with aging, yet resurging in longevity cohorts. This review synthesizes evidence on <em>A. muciniphila</em>'s structural components, its divergent associations with PD phenotypes, and the dietary and host factors shaping its abundance from gestation to senescence. We propose a lifespan-targeted intervention model that strategically modulates <em>A. muciniphila</em>, which could concurrently mitigate PD progression and promote healthy aging. We suggest suppressing its neurotoxic pathways in susceptible individuals while enhancing its beneficial functions in the aging process. Reconciling this microbial Janus face may pave the way for novel microbiome-based precision therapeutics against neurodegeneration.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18564,"journal":{"name":"Microbiological research","volume":"305 ","pages":"Article 128436"},"PeriodicalIF":6.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145878680","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2025-12-22DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2025.128433
Jake Adolf V. Montecillo , Heon Jong Yoo , Yoo-Young Lee , Chul Min Park , Angela Cho , Hyunsu Lee , Jong Mi Kim , Nan Young Lee , Sun-Hyun Park , Nora Jee-Young Park , Hyung Soo Han , Gun Oh Chong , Incheol Seo
The vaginal microbiome plays an important role in the development of cervical cancer, highlighting the potential influence of specific members on disease susceptibility, progression, and suppression. In this study, we characterized a recently identified species of vaginal viridans group streptococci, Streptococcus vaginalis. By examining its prevalence, genomic features, and interactions with model cervical cancer cells, we aim to deepen the understanding of its biological significance and broader implications for vaginal health. Microbiome profiling detected S. vaginalis in 27 % of a cohort of Korean women, and the second most abundant species of Streptococcus. Pan-genome analysis and comparative genomics of S. vaginalis strains revealed their reduced pathogenic potentials. In vitro bioassays using cervical cancer cell models (HeLa, SiHa, and CaSki) demonstrated significant effects of S. vaginalis, influencing morphology, proliferation, migration, colony formation, and the induction of apoptosis. Mechanistic investigation identified the involvement of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR). Hydrogen peroxide produced by S. vaginalis was found to induce oxidative stress, triggering the ER stress-mediated cellular stress responses in cervical cancer cells. Our study revealed the influence of S. vaginalis on the dynamics of cervical cancer cells via oxidative stress-induced activation of the ER UPR pathway. These mechanistic insights emphasize a potential avenue for therapeutic interventions aimed at modulating oxidative and ER stress responses in cervical cancer treatment strategies. Overall, our findings provide new perspectives into the biological significance of S. vaginalis, expanding our understanding of its potential role beyond simple commensalism.
{"title":"Streptococcus vaginalis affects cellular dynamics of cervical cancer cells via oxidative stress-induced activation of endoplasmic reticulum unfolded protein response","authors":"Jake Adolf V. Montecillo , Heon Jong Yoo , Yoo-Young Lee , Chul Min Park , Angela Cho , Hyunsu Lee , Jong Mi Kim , Nan Young Lee , Sun-Hyun Park , Nora Jee-Young Park , Hyung Soo Han , Gun Oh Chong , Incheol Seo","doi":"10.1016/j.micres.2025.128433","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.micres.2025.128433","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The vaginal microbiome plays an important role in the development of cervical cancer, highlighting the potential influence of specific members on disease susceptibility, progression, and suppression. In this study, we characterized a recently identified species of vaginal viridans group streptococci, <em>Streptococcus vaginalis</em>. By examining its prevalence, genomic features, and interactions with model cervical cancer cells, we aim to deepen the understanding of its biological significance and broader implications for vaginal health. Microbiome profiling detected <em>S. vaginalis</em> in 27 % of a cohort of Korean women, and the second most abundant species of <em>Streptococcus</em>. Pan-genome analysis and comparative genomics of <em>S. vaginalis</em> strains revealed their reduced pathogenic potentials. In vitro bioassays using cervical cancer cell models (HeLa, SiHa, and CaSki) demonstrated significant effects of <em>S. vaginalis</em>, influencing morphology, proliferation, migration, colony formation, and the induction of apoptosis. Mechanistic investigation identified the involvement of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR). Hydrogen peroxide produced by <em>S. vaginalis</em> was found to induce oxidative stress, triggering the ER stress-mediated cellular stress responses in cervical cancer cells. Our study revealed the influence of <em>S. vaginalis</em> on the dynamics of cervical cancer cells via oxidative stress-induced activation of the ER UPR pathway. These mechanistic insights emphasize a potential avenue for therapeutic interventions aimed at modulating oxidative and ER stress responses in cervical cancer treatment strategies. Overall, our findings provide new perspectives into the biological significance of <em>S. vaginalis</em>, expanding our understanding of its potential role beyond simple commensalism.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18564,"journal":{"name":"Microbiological research","volume":"305 ","pages":"Article 128433"},"PeriodicalIF":6.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145841589","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2025-12-24DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2025.128435
Weimeng Feng , Rui Ma , Yichen Guo , Bao Zhang , Jinxu Lan , Jun Liu , Suiqing Chen
Angelica dahurica is a medicinal and edible plant with a wide range of pharmaceutical and food applications. However, the early bolting, which leads to reduced yield and loss of bioactive constituents, has become a major obstacle to the industrial development of A. dahurica. Rhizosphere microecology affects plant growth and secondary metabolite accumulation, but the association of rhizosphere microecology with the early bolting of A. dahurica is not fully understood. This study integrated metagenomic and metabolomic analyses to systematically characterize the differences in rhizosphere microecology of non-bolting and early bolting A. dahurica plants. Results revealed significant disparities in soil physicochemical properties, root exudate profiles, and microbial community composition between two groups, all of which exhibited correlations with the coumarin compounds content, the primary pharmacologically active constituents of A. dahurica. Integrated analysis suggested that root-derived acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) quorum-sensing signals, as the primary chemical signals of the prevalent Gram-negative bacteria, may participate in regulating the microbial community structure and soil properties, thereby influencing the bolting and flowering process. This study proposes a potential complex regulatory network of "rhizosphere microbiome – quorum-sensing signals – soil nitrogen cycle – bolting and flowering" linking the rhizosphere microecology to early bolting in A. dahurica, thereby addressing a key knowledge gap in this area. The findings offer a scientific foundation and innovative strategy for the simultaneous prevention of early bolting and quality improvement in A. dahurica through soil microecological management, which is of significant importance for promoting the sustainable commercial development of the A. dahurica industry.
{"title":"Rhizosphere metagenomics and metabolomes provide new insights into the relationship between rhizosphere microecology and early bolting of Angelica dahurica","authors":"Weimeng Feng , Rui Ma , Yichen Guo , Bao Zhang , Jinxu Lan , Jun Liu , Suiqing Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.micres.2025.128435","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.micres.2025.128435","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Angelica dahurica</em> is a medicinal and edible plant with a wide range of pharmaceutical and food applications. However, the early bolting, which leads to reduced yield and loss of bioactive constituents, has become a major obstacle to the industrial development of <em>A. dahurica</em>. Rhizosphere microecology affects plant growth and secondary metabolite accumulation, but the association of rhizosphere microecology with the early bolting of <em>A. dahurica</em> is not fully understood. This study integrated metagenomic and metabolomic analyses to systematically characterize the differences in rhizosphere microecology of non-bolting and early bolting <em>A. dahurica</em> plants. Results revealed significant disparities in soil physicochemical properties, root exudate profiles, and microbial community composition between two groups, all of which exhibited correlations with the coumarin compounds content, the primary pharmacologically active constituents of <em>A. dahurica</em>. Integrated analysis suggested that root-derived acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) quorum-sensing signals, as the primary chemical signals of the prevalent Gram-negative bacteria, may participate in regulating the microbial community structure and soil properties, thereby influencing the bolting and flowering process. This study proposes a potential complex regulatory network of \"rhizosphere microbiome – quorum-sensing signals – soil nitrogen cycle – bolting and flowering\" linking the rhizosphere microecology to early bolting in <em>A. dahurica</em>, thereby addressing a key knowledge gap in this area. The findings offer a scientific foundation and innovative strategy for the simultaneous prevention of early bolting and quality improvement in <em>A. dahurica</em> through soil microecological management, which is of significant importance for promoting the sustainable commercial development of the <em>A. dahurica</em> industry.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18564,"journal":{"name":"Microbiological research","volume":"305 ","pages":"Article 128435"},"PeriodicalIF":6.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145863553","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2025-12-20DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2025.128431
Amalia Roca , Juan Gorts , Miguel A. Matilla
Inter-kingdom communication between plants and their associated microbiota is central to plant development and environmental adaptation. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) is the primary auxin in plants and regulates plant growth and development, while also modulating bacterial physiology and behavior. The concentration at which IAA exerts its biological effects in plants is critical and maintaining auxin homeostasis is essential. Although IAA production by plant growth-promoting bacteria typically stimulates plant growth, excessive IAA levels can be detrimental to plant physiology. Here, we investigate the in planta functional role of bacterial IAA catabolism using Pseudomonas putida 1290, a model plant-associated bacterium that degrades IAA through the Iac aerobic pathway. By constructing a mutant strain defective in the iac gene cluster, we show that IAA catabolism is essential for reversing auxin-mediated growth inhibition in tomato and maize, both in vitro and in microcosms. In addition, bacterial IAA degradation also prevented the formation of IAA-induced tumor-like structures in maize roots. Moreover, competitive colonization assays revealed that IAA catabolism enhances bacterial fitness in the rhizosphere, particularly under high-auxin conditions. Our findings establish bacterial IAA catabolism as a mechanism of metabolic signal interference that maintains auxin homeostasis in planta and promotes successful rhizosphere colonization. This work highlights the significance of microbial auxin metabolism in shaping plant–microbe interactions and its potential for application in sustainable agriculture strategies.
{"title":"Bacterial auxin catabolism as a driver of plant growth promotion and rhizosphere colonization fitness","authors":"Amalia Roca , Juan Gorts , Miguel A. Matilla","doi":"10.1016/j.micres.2025.128431","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.micres.2025.128431","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Inter-kingdom communication between plants and their associated microbiota is central to plant development and environmental adaptation. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) is the primary auxin in plants and regulates plant growth and development, while also modulating bacterial physiology and behavior. The concentration at which IAA exerts its biological effects in plants is critical and maintaining auxin homeostasis is essential. Although IAA production by plant growth-promoting bacteria typically stimulates plant growth, excessive IAA levels can be detrimental to plant physiology. Here, we investigate the <em>in planta</em> functional role of bacterial IAA catabolism using <em>Pseudomonas putida</em> 1290, a model plant-associated bacterium that degrades IAA through the Iac aerobic pathway. By constructing a mutant strain defective in the <em>iac</em> gene cluster, we show that IAA catabolism is essential for reversing auxin-mediated growth inhibition in tomato and maize, both <em>in vitro</em> and in microcosms. In addition, bacterial IAA degradation also prevented the formation of IAA-induced tumor-like structures in maize roots. Moreover, competitive colonization assays revealed that IAA catabolism enhances bacterial fitness in the rhizosphere, particularly under high-auxin conditions. Our findings establish bacterial IAA catabolism as a mechanism of metabolic signal interference that maintains auxin homeostasis <em>in planta</em> and promotes successful rhizosphere colonization. This work highlights the significance of microbial auxin metabolism in shaping plant–microbe interactions and its potential for application in sustainable agriculture strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18564,"journal":{"name":"Microbiological research","volume":"305 ","pages":"Article 128431"},"PeriodicalIF":6.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145863544","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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