Current Research in Microbial Sciences最新文献

{"title":"Calyptranema fuscum gen. sp. nov.: a novel cyanobacterial genus within Oculatellaceae based on polyphasic and genomic characterization","authors":"Renuka More ,&nbsp;Vinay Yadav ,&nbsp;Nithya Vadakedath","doi":"10.1016/j.crmicr.2025.100542","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crmicr.2025.100542","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study presents a comprehensive characterization and classification of a novel cyanobacterial isolate, strain S582, proposed as <em>Calyptranema fuscum</em> gen. sp. nov. within the family Oculatellaceae using an integrated polyphasic approach. Strain S582 was isolated from a lake in the Botanical Garden, Sarangpur, Chandigarh, India. Initial molecular characterization with the 16S rRNA gene revealed ≤ 94.90% of similarity with related genera and showed unique 16S-23S ITS secondary structures, indicating its delineation as a novel genus. Morphological assessment highlighted the presence of a cap-like structure called calyptra at the terminal cells, further distinguishing it from related genera. Furthermore, whole genome sequencing yielded an assembly of 7962,515 bp with GC content of 48.27%. Genome-based analysis encompassing average nucleotide identity (ANI), average amino acid identity (AAI), percentage of conserved proteins (POCP) was subsequently performed. The observed values for ANI (71.15% to 73.00%) and AAI (63.30% to 69.62%) were below the established genus-level thresholds. Phylogenetic analysis using maximum-likelihood and Bayesian inference along with phylogenomic reconstruction based on 1434 single copy core genes supported its taxonomic novelty. Functional classification revealed the presence of biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), tRNAs, insertion elements, CRISPR/Cas systems, and genes associated with metabolism, carbon fixation and photosynthesis. Additionally, the pangenome was constructed to study the genomic diversity of the studied isolate and related genera among the Oculatellaceae family and identified core, accessory, and singleton gene clusters. Collectively, these findings establish <em>Calyptranema fuscum</em> gen. sp. nov. as a novel genus within Oculatellaceae while expanding our understanding of cyanobacterial diversity and genomic potential.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34305,"journal":{"name":"Current Research in Microbial Sciences","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100542"},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145925317","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Revealing unexplored bacterial and fungal variability in interconnected Antarctic brines","authors":"Maria Papale ,&nbsp;Ciro Sannino ,&nbsp;Dario Battistel ,&nbsp;Gianmarco Mugnai ,&nbsp;Luigimaria Borruso ,&nbsp;Angelina Lo Giudice ,&nbsp;Benedetta Turchetti ,&nbsp;Maurizio Azzaro ,&nbsp;Pietro Buzzini ,&nbsp;Mauro Guglielmin","doi":"10.1016/j.crmicr.2025.100538","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crmicr.2025.100538","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Subsurface Antarctic brines represent highly selective habitats shaped by extreme physicochemical conditions. Here, the microbial communities of three hypersaline brines (B2, BCR, BCM) from Boulder Clay, Northern Victoria Land, which differ in salinity, pH, trace elements, and glaciological context, have been characterized. High-throughput sequencing was used to reveal that each brine hosts distinct bacterial and fungal assemblies, shaped by local environmental filters. Despite their proximity and some connectivity, microbial communities showed strong taxonomic differentiation and habitat-associated structuring, with significant divergence in diversity and indicator taxa. B2, the most saline, hosted halotolerant bacteria and many unclassified fungi, indicating strong selection and the presence of under-sampled lineages. BCM, enriched by lithogenic input, was dominated by cold-adapted yeasts, while BCR, affected by glacial meltwater, had higher microbial diversity and was dominated by terrestrial taxa.</div><div>This is the first study integrating microbial, geochemical, and geomorphological data across interconnected Antarctic brines, highlighting how fine-scale environmental heterogeneity and filtered connectivity shape microbial differentiation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34305,"journal":{"name":"Current Research in Microbial Sciences","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100538"},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145925386","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The antivirulence effect of 5-iodoindole on Vibrio splendidus AJ01 towards Apostichopus japonicus","authors":"Zhi Wu ,&nbsp;Yina Shao ,&nbsp;Shanshan Zhang ,&nbsp;Chenghua Li","doi":"10.1016/j.crmicr.2025.100540","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crmicr.2025.100540","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Vibrio splendidus</em> AJ01 is the primary pathogen of <em>Apostichopus japonicus</em>, resulting in huge economic losses. In the present study, we found that 5-iodoindole exhibits a remarkable protective effect on <em>A. japonicus</em>, the survival rate of which can be improved to 93.75%. To explore the impact of 5-iodoindole on <em>V. splendidus</em> AJ01, bacterial growth and virulence factors were determined. Results showed that 5-iodoindole significantly decreased swimming motility, hemolytic activity and protease activity but had minimal effect on the overall growth of the bacterium. Furthermore, a differentially expressed protein was downregulated and identified as elongation factor thermo unstable protein (EF-Tu) via SDS-PAGE combined with LC-MS/MS. Moreover, 5-iodoindole had impact on a large number of genes at RNA level, such as genes related to two-component system, ABC transporters, flagella, and chemotaxis. In addition, 20 µM 5-iodoindole could upregulated the mRNA level of immune related genes in <em>A. japonicus</em>, including IL-17, VEGF and MMP1. Our results indicated 5-iodoindole protect <em>A. japonicus</em> through a two-pronged approach: not only inhibiting bacterial virulence but also enhancing the host's immunity. This not only addresses the limitations of traditional indole but also provides a green alternative to antibiotics for protecting <em>A. japonicus</em> from infections caused by <em>V. splendidus</em> AJ01.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34305,"journal":{"name":"Current Research in Microbial Sciences","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100540"},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145925315","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Differences in gut microbiota composition are an important reason for lower serum p-cresol sulfate levels in anuric peritoneal dialysis patients compared to hemodialysis patients","authors":"Min Lu ,&nbsp;Shulan Guo ,&nbsp;Zhaoying Nie ,&nbsp;Ji Ji ,&nbsp;Yimei Wang ,&nbsp;Xiaotian Jiang ,&nbsp;Lin Zhang ,&nbsp;Bo Xiang ,&nbsp;Weiwei Wu ,&nbsp;Jun Ji ,&nbsp;Jianzhou Zou ,&nbsp;Xiaoqiang Ding ,&nbsp;Xiaofang Yu","doi":"10.1016/j.crmicr.2026.100548","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crmicr.2026.100548","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) accumulate toxic metabolites that contribute to severe clinical complications. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD) exhibit distinct capacites for toxin clearance. Furthermore, the gut microbiota plays a significant role in toxin generation and is modulated by dialysis modality. This study aimed to compare gut microbiota composition and serum metabolite profiles between PD and HD patients, and to investigate their association with uremic toxin production.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This single-center, cross-sectional study included 100 anuric ESKD patients (50 PD and 50 HD) matched for age, gender, and dialysis duration. Fecal and serum samples were collected and analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and non-targeted metabolomics. To validate the gut microbiota-serum metabolite relationship, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was performed in germ-free CKD mice.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>No significant differences in alpha diversity were observed between PD and HD groups (all indices <em>P</em> &gt; 0.05), but beta diversity analysis revealed distinct gut microbial compositions (ANOSIM <em>R</em> = 0.093, <em>P</em> = 0.001), with PD patients showing higher abundance of opportunistic pathogens and lower abundance of beneficial bacteria. Non-targeted metabolomics identified 314 significantly different metabolites between the two groups, including significantly lower levels of p-cresyl sulfate (PCS) in PD patients (PD:19.16(7.24,53.83), HD:70.21(26.75,96.79), <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001), with altered metabolic pathways such as tyrosine, tryptophan, and phenylalanine metabolism. FMT experiments in CKD germ-free mice confirmed higher serum PCS levels in HD recipients than in PD recipients (PD:30,456.02±4598.39, HD:45,025.00±4513.59, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.05), supporting the role of gut microbiota in toxin production.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>PD and HD patients show distinct gut microbiota and serum metabolite profiles, with notably lower PCS levels in PD patients. These differences are associated with variations in gut microbiota. Animal experiments provide additional evidence suggesting a potential causal relationship. Modulating gut microbiota may represent a promising therapeutic approach to decrease uremic toxin production in dialysis patients.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34305,"journal":{"name":"Current Research in Microbial Sciences","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100548"},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145925318","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A plant-derived antimicrobial peptide with multiple mechanisms of action exhibiting antibacterial and antibiofilm activities comparable to or superior to polymyxin B","authors":"Mohamad Anas Al Bouni ,&nbsp;Rui M. Lima ,&nbsp;Sándor Jenei ,&nbsp;Hilda Tiricz ,&nbsp;Edit Tímár ,&nbsp;Ildikó Domonkos ,&nbsp;Éva Kondorosi ,&nbsp;Gabriella Endre","doi":"10.1016/j.crmicr.2025.100535","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crmicr.2025.100535","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent promising alternatives to conventional antibiotics in the fight against multidrug-resistant pathogens. Here, we characterize the antibacterial properties and molecular mode of action of the C-terminal fragment of the <em>Medicago truncatula</em> nodule-specific cysteine-rich peptide NCR169 (NCR169C_17–38). This peptide exhibits strong bactericidal activity against a broad panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens, including members of the ESKAPE group (<em>Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli)</em>. NCR169C_17–38 acted rapidly by permeabilizing bacterial membranes and causing severe morphological damage, outperforming polymyxin B in the rate of membrane disruption. The peptide bound selectively to anionic bacterial lipids such as cardiolipin and displayed remarkable thermal and storage stability. Moreover, NCR169C_17–38 effectively inhibited biofilm formation and eradicated pre-formed biofilms of <em>Acinetobacter baumannii</em> even at sub-MBC concentration (3.2 μM), a feature not observed for polymyxin B. Transcriptomic analysis of <em>E. coli</em> exposed to sublethal peptide doses revealed a global shutdown of bacterial metabolic and genetic functions, with 450 of 503 differentially expressed genes being downregulated. Strong repression of genes involved in translation, energy production, and cell envelope biosynthesis was accompanied by upregulation of stress- and rescue-related genes linked to membrane repair, ion transport, and oxidative stress responses. Together, these results demonstrate that NCR169C_17–38 exerts multifaceted antimicrobial effects - disrupting membranes, binding nucleic acids, and inducing transcriptional collapse - while maintaining its stability and biocompatibility. Together with its previously established antifungal activity and lack of mammalian cytotoxicity, NCR169C_17–38 represents a compelling candidate for development as a next-generation antimicrobial agent.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34305,"journal":{"name":"Current Research in Microbial Sciences","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100535"},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145925388","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"TseVF-TsiVF, a novel bacteriolytic effector-immunity pair of Vibrio fluvialis VflT6SS2, provides a fitness advantage in microbial competition","authors":"Yu Han,&nbsp;Yue Xiao,&nbsp;Yuanming Huang,&nbsp;Zhe Li,&nbsp;Ran Duan,&nbsp;Xiaorui Li,&nbsp;Kunkun Wang,&nbsp;Saisen Ji,&nbsp;Biao Kan,&nbsp;Weili Liang","doi":"10.1016/j.crmicr.2026.100552","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crmicr.2026.100552","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Vibrio fluvialis</em> (<em>V. fluvialis</em>) is a halophilic Gram-negative bacterium regarded as an emerging pathogen that can cause severe cholera-like diarrhea and various extraintestinal infections. Type VI secretion systems (T6SSs) are nano-weapons used by bacteria to deliver toxic effectors into host cells or antagonize competitors. VflT6SS2 of <em>V. fluvialis</em> is involved in bacterial pathogenicity and competitive environmental survival. Previously, we have identified some regulatory factors of VflT6SS2 and a pesticin domain-containing effector, TssI2. Here we reported a novel effector-immunity pair of VflT6SS2, namely Tse^VF-Tsi^VF, the homologs of which are widely distributed in <em>Vibrio</em>. Tse^VF mediates killing effect toward co-existing bacteria while Tsi^VF confers protection against Tse^VF. Tse^VF biologically functions in the periplasmic space and its C-terminal region (residues 965–1141), which adopts a helix-turn-helix fold composed of eight helices and fully accounts for the bactericidal activity. Periplasmic expression of Tse^VF965–1141 compromises the integrity of the cell membrane, leading to the leakage of cellular contents, and two highly conserved residues W1056 and W1091, are important for the bactericidality. The membrane-disrupting function of Tse^VF was further supported by its interaction with phosphate lipid phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphocholine. The immunity Tsi^VF directly binds to and neutralizes Tse^VF toxicity through its TPR-like domain. The C terminus of TssI2_b specifically mediates the loading or secretion of Tse^VF. In conclusion, our study identified a new class of T6SS pore-forming effector-immunity pair Tse^VF-Tsi^VF and revealed its molecular function and secretion mechanism in <em>V. fluvialis</em>, further enhancing our understanding of the diverse effectors of T6SS.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34305,"journal":{"name":"Current Research in Microbial Sciences","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100552"},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146037581","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Omics-based dissection of alternative splicing and the regulatory architecture in fungal genomes","authors":"João Neves-da-Rocha,&nbsp;Marcos E.R. Lopes,&nbsp;Maria J. Santos-Saboya,&nbsp;Mayara I.G. Azevedo,&nbsp;Monise F. Petrucelli,&nbsp;Antonio Rossi,&nbsp;Nilce M. Martinez-Rossi","doi":"10.1016/j.crmicr.2026.100555","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crmicr.2026.100555","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Assigning mechanistic and functional associations to most of the widespread splicing diversity in fungi has been one of the continuous and most intriguing challenges in the field of molecular mycology. Ongoing advances in sequencing technologies have driven recent outbreaks in the study of the dynamic splicing landscapes of fungal transcriptomes. Nevertheless, most ascomycete and basidiomycete species of agronomic, industrial, and medical interest exhibit a notable proportion of their transcripts affected by alternative splicing (AS), producing mRNA isoforms whose regulation and functions have been largely ignored to date. In contrast to all other fungi, some yeast and basal fungal clades exhibit extremely scarce AS occurrences, which are associated with very low genomic intron counts. In this review, we provide thoughtful insights into three long-standing unsolved questions: (1) the pervasive occurrence and possible stochasticity of intron retention in fungi, (2) the reasons for increased AS rates in pathogenic and filamentous species, and (3) possible hypotheses to explain the functionality and fitness advantages of AS in fungi. We present a critical discussion on the role of AS, highlighting its importance in an evolutionary context that integrates major features of fungal diversification and adaptability. To advance our understanding of fungal splicing control, function, and evolution, we propose a practical roadmap for future research, aimed at filling the most critical gaps in the field.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34305,"journal":{"name":"Current Research in Microbial Sciences","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100555"},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146038053","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Isolation, identification, and plant growth-promoting mechanisms of strain BN5, with a focus on exogenously Trp-independent IAA biosynthesis, and its impact on cucumber cultivation","authors":"Qiannan Cui ,&nbsp;Jie Wang ,&nbsp;Yujie Huang ,&nbsp;Fangyuan Zhou ,&nbsp;Jinjuan Wu ,&nbsp;Fanyong Song ,&nbsp;Qingqing Zhao ,&nbsp;Rulong Feng ,&nbsp;Xinjian Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.crmicr.2026.100549","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crmicr.2026.100549","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The genus <em>Niallia</em> was recently separated as a taxonomic group from <em>Bacillus</em> based on conserved signature insertions and deletions in the genome. Unlike its role in bioremediation, its function in plant growth promotion has not attracted widespread attention. This study identifies <em>Niallia taxi</em> BN5, focusing on the role of tryptophan in IAA synthesis and regulation, as well as the effects of cucumber. The study employed pot and greenhouse experiments to evaluate the impacts of BN5 on cucumber growth, yield, and quality. Genome analysis explored the tryptophan-regulated IAA biosynthesis pathway, with transcriptome and qPCR examining expression of IAA-related, tryptophan synthesis, and motility genes. It also evaluated impacts on rhizosphere microbial communities and soil enzyme activities. BN5 significantly enhanced cucumber growth (height: +24.29 %, stem diameter: +11.23 %), yield (+17.55 %), and quality (vitamin C: +17.2 % soluble sugar: +37.41 %, all <em>p</em> <em>&lt;</em> <em>0.05</em>). It increased soil enzyme activities (urease by +52.12 %, dehydrogenase by +44.70 %, <em>p</em> <em>&lt;</em> <em>0.05</em>) and reshaped the microbial structure. Owing to its possession of a complete tryptophan synthase operon (<em>trp</em>E-D-G-C-F-B-A), strain BN5 is able to produce IAA at a concentration of 17.64 μg/mL via a tryptophan-dependent biosynthetic pathway, with no reliance on exogenous tryptophan. Exogenous tryptophan downregulated the <em>trp</em> cluster but upregulated motility genes (<em>mcp</em> and <em>fli</em>C, <em>p</em> <em>&lt;</em> <em>0.05</em>), indicating adaptive regulation of IAA precursors. This study clarifies the plant growth-promoting mechanisms of <em>Niallia</em> spp., focusing on tryptophan-mediated regulation of IAA biosynthesis that is independent of exogenous tryptophan. It lays a foundation for efficient microbial fertilizers, highlighting BN5′s potential in sustainable agriculture.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34305,"journal":{"name":"Current Research in Microbial Sciences","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100549"},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145925395","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Uncovering differences in rye and wheat degradation by human gut microbiota applying a quantitative multi-metaOmics in vitro approach","authors":"Clara Berenike Arnold ,&nbsp;Alexandra Kelder ,&nbsp;Sabrina Woltemate ,&nbsp;Robert Geffers ,&nbsp;Andreas von Felde ,&nbsp;Knud Erik Bach Knudsen ,&nbsp;Christian Visscher ,&nbsp;Marius Vital","doi":"10.1016/j.crmicr.2025.100532","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crmicr.2025.100532","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>While wheat is the most common grain used in bread-making worldwide, rye is popular in many European countries too. Rye is associated with several health benefits, which is attributed to its comparatively higher dietary fiber content (primarily fructans and arabinoxylans) that promote production of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) by gut microbiota, in particular butyrate. Intervention studies revealed bacterial alterations upon rye administration, however, the detailed mechanisms involved in its degradation are not understood.</div><div>We grew fecal communities (<em>n</em> = 20) on pre-digested rye and wheat, respectively, demonstrating that rye was yielding higher cell and SCFA concentrations in almost all samples along with distinct abundances of many taxa. A multi metaOmics (metagenomics/metatranscriptomics) approach (<em>n</em> = 5 donors) showed higher bacterial growth rates for most taxa on rye compared to wheat. The higher growth rate of rye was accompanied by increased expression of genes involved in growth and energy generation suggesting higher carbon substrate accessibility. The carbohydrate active enzyme repertoire was greatly distinct between communities growing on the two substrates with several specific glycoside hydrolases increasingly expressed in rye containing cultures. <em>Agathobacter faecis</em> was revealed as the key butyrogenic species for rye degradation and its expression pattern based on metagenome assembled genomes showed adaptation to growth on rye via expression of genes involved in arabinoxylan degradation and fructose (major monomer of fructans) uptake.</div><div>Our study verifies higher SCFA production from rye over wheat and gives detailed insights into molecular mechanisms involved. It suggests that the observed health benefits of rye are mediated by gut microbiota.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34305,"journal":{"name":"Current Research in Microbial Sciences","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100532"},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145925384","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Shared signatures of alcohol-associated dysbiosis in humans and non-human primates","authors":"Ti Chen ,&nbsp;Rui Huang ,&nbsp;Yichun Huang ,&nbsp;Jianhong Wang ,&nbsp;Zheng Wang ,&nbsp;Xiaojie Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.crmicr.2025.100534","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crmicr.2025.100534","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic brain disease with limited therapeutic options. Increasing evidence suggests that the gut microbiome contributes to AUD via the microbiome–gut–brain axis. Here, we conducted a cross-species investigation of gut microbiota alterations in patients with clinically diagnosed AUD and in non-human primates (NHPs) subjected to long-term alcohol (ethanol) self-administration, using metagenomic sequencing. Both cohorts showed reduced microbial diversity and conserved dysbiosis, with consistent depletion of <em>Verrucomicrobia, Actinobacteria, Faecalibacterium, Akkermansia, Intestinibacter, Phascolarctobacterium</em>, and <em>Ruminococcus</em>, alongside increased <em>Blautia</em> and <em>Coprococcus</em>. These microbial shifts correlated with liver function indices, notably positive associations between <em>Ruminococcus</em> and bilirubin levels in both species, suggesting a potential role in liver injury. Functional analyses revealed conserved microbial adaptations, including upregulated DNA repair pathways, fermentative energy metabolism, and downregulated glutamate/glutamine biosynthesis. Together, these results identify evolutionarily conserved microbial and metabolic alterations linking alcohol consumption, gut dysbiosis, and hepatic dysfunction. Our cross-species evidence highlights the gut microbiome as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for AUD.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34305,"journal":{"name":"Current Research in Microbial Sciences","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100534"},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145925387","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}