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        <title>Frontiers in Microbiology | New and Recent Articles</title>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology</link>
        <description>RSS Feed for Frontiers in Microbiology | New and Recent Articles</description>
        <language>en-us</language>
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        <pubDate>2026-05-12T20:01:54.206+00:00</pubDate>
        <ttl>60</ttl>
        <item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1733966</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1733966</link>
        <title><![CDATA[A new species and three new combinations in the genus Nannengaella (Physaraceae, Myxomycetes)]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-12T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Xuefei Li</author><author>Jiajia Wang</author><author>Frederick Leo Sossah</author><author>Jingyu Wang</author><author>Bo Zhang</author><author>Xiao Li</author><author>Yu Li</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Myxomycetes (true slime molds) are amoebozoan protists involved in decomposition and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. Recent molecular studies have led to major taxonomic revisions in Physaraceae, including the establishment of the genus Nannengaella for highly calcified species previously placed in Physarum. To refine the taxonomy and distribution of Nannengaella in China, we used an integrative approach combining multilocus phylogenetics and morphological examination. A total of 149 specimens from 14 provinces and autonomous regions in China were studied, and phylogenetic analyses were conducted using five loci: nSSU, EF-1α, mtSSU, α-tubulin, and COI. Results confirmed that Nannengaella is a distinct and monophyletic lineage within Physaraceae. One new species, Nannengaella luteotestacea, is described as a well-supported lineage in the genus, and three former Physarum species (N. herbatica, N. cremilutea, N. conglomerata) are recombined into Nannengaella based on molecular and morphological evidence. New distribution records in China are provided for several species: N. herbatica from Jilin Province, N. cremilutea from Heilongjiang, Shaanxi, and Henan Provinces, and N. conglomerata, N. contexta, N. sulphurea, and N. leucopus from Sichuan Province. Detailed morphological descriptions, voucher information, ecological notes, and an identification key are also presented. These findings improve the taxonomic framework of Nannengaella and enhance understanding of its diversity and biogeographic distribution in China.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1816170</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1816170</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Interaction ecology and functional stability: a mechanistic framework for managing plant microbiomes in drylands]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-12T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Abdul Sami</author><author>Wenjuan Mao</author><author>Qi Wang</author><author>Guo Rui</author><author>Qin Xu</author><author>Junfeng Wang</author><author>Kening Wu</author><author>Junfu Li</author><author>Lifeng Jiang</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Drylands are critical ecosystems that support grazing and agriculture, but they are increasingly constrained by environmental stresses such as altered precipitation, warming, salinity/alkalinity, soil pH variability and desertification, which limit plant performance and ecosystem stability. In these conditions, sustaining development through severe, pulse-driven stress is more important for plant “success” than optimizing growth. In addition, soil pH acts as a chemical regulator that modulates microbial activity and resource availability under arid conditions. Through an ecological perspective, this study summarizes how plant-associated microbiomes, particularly bacteria and fungus found in the root and rhizosphere, improve plant performance under arid conditions. Under this filters, microbial communities with functional redundancy, robust interaction networks, and microhabitat-forming characteristics are preferred over single-strain inoculants, which frequently fail under desiccation, UV exposure, temperature extremes, and competition. Key microbial traits, including biofilm formation and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), contribute to plant resilience under dry conditions. The study further highlights landscape microbial infrastructures—biocrusts and fertility islands—as upstream drivers of microbial source pools and patch-scale resource maps. Finally, it outlines translational priorities for development of stress-adapted consortia and management plans aligned with dryland assembly rules and climate-driven variability.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1830632</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1830632</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Biodegradable microplastics influence on organic component microbial transformation during sludge composting]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-12T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Zixuan Wang</author><author>Yuewei Du</author><author>Yunfei Gao</author><author>Xinyu Zhao</author><author>Ting Yang</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Sludge-based composting offers a promising pathway for sustainable resource recovery and pollution mitigation; however, the biodegradation mechanisms of biodegradable microplastics (MPs) during this process and their interactions with organic matter transformation have not yet been investigated. This study investigated the biodegradation response of polylactic acid (PLA) and the coupled dynamics of microbial communities and organic matter transformation during a 33-day sludge composting process at 55 °C and 70 °C. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that thermophilic composting (70 °C) induced severe structural degradation of PLA-MPs, characterized by extensive void formation, surface wrinkling, and fragmentation. Compared to the mesophilic control, thermophilic composting significantly enhanced the transformation and turnover of key organic components, including amino acids (AAs), reducing sugars (RSs), polysaccharides, and polyphenols (PPs). Bacterial communities were predominantly composed of thermophilic Firmicutes (74.6–98.2%), with significant contributions from Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Bacteroidetes, while fungal communities were dominated by Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. Although the addition of MPs reduced overall microbial richness and diversity, high-temperature conditions selectively enriched key organic matter-degrading taxa, suggesting a functional trade-off where thermal pressure favors specialized degradative capacity over generic community complexity. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed that high-temperature composting combined enhanced microbial functional connectivity and metabolic redundancy for both MPs and organic component transformation, promoting the proliferation of polysaccharides and lignocellulose-decomposing bacteria and fungi. These findings provide mechanistic insights into biodegradable MP degradation during thermophilic composting and establish a theoretical foundation for designing efficient MP remediation strategies in sludge treatment systems. Future studies are warranted to evaluate these findings under field-scale composting conditions and explore the integration of microbial inoculants to optimize the removal efficiency of biodegradable MPs.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1819878</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1819878</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Molecular arms races at the virus-host splicing interface and their pathogenic implications]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-12T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Yu Chen</author><author>Wenliang Pan</author><author>Xipeng Miao</author><author>Jinhua Liu</author><author>Zhimin Jiang</author>
        <description><![CDATA[RNA splicing is a fundamental driver of eukaryotic transcriptomic and proteomic diversity. Constrained by compact genomes, diverse DNA and RNA viruses, including adenovirus, HIV-1, and influenza virus, have evolved to hijack the host splicing machinery. This exploitation not only maximizes viral coding capacity but also ensures the precise spatiotemporal regulation of viral infection. In this review, we summarize current advances in the molecular mechanisms of viral RNA splicing, illustrating how viruses co-opt the host spliceosome and reprogram global alternative splicing landscapes to support their infection cycle. Through representative viral models, we detail the convergent strategies of alternative splice site selection and the dynamic interplay between viral RNA elements and host trans-acting factors. Furthermore, we spotlight the emerging frontier of viral circular RNAs (vcircRNAs), highlighting their biogenesis via non-canonical back-splicing and their versatile roles in immune evasion. Finally, we summarize recent methodological breakthroughs, particularly long-read sequencing and single-cell analyses, that are rapidly charting the complex splicing landscape. Together, this review provides an integrated perspective on the virus-host splicing interface, exposing critical vulnerabilities that offer promising avenues for next-generation, broad-spectrum antiviral interventions.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1813967</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1813967</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Biocontrol strategies for fungal diseases of Ganoderma lucidum: from antagonistic microbes and synthetic communities to intelligent technologies]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-12T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Xianchao Chang</author><author>Xiaohan Jiang</author><author>Kexin Wang</author><author>Hui-lian Xu</author><author>Dongjie Chen</author><author>Mengmeng Kong</author><author>Xiaoyong Liu</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Ganoderma lucidum, a rare macrofungus renowned for its substantial medicinal and economic significance, is increasingly at risk from various pathogenic fungi, such as Neurospora sitophila, Trichoderma spp., and Fusarium graminearum, particularly during extensive cultivation processes. Conventional chemical control strategies raise apprehensions concerning pesticide residues and environmental contamination, which contradict the principles of green and organic cultivation of G. lucidum alongside its medicinal safety prerequisites. As a result, the formulation of environmentally sustainable, efficient, and targeted biocontrol approaches has become a pivotal challenge for the sustainable progression of the G. lucidum sector. This review comprehensively examines the infection biology and pathogenic mechanisms associated with the primary pathogens that impact G. lucidum, while also highlighting the shortcomings of existing control measures. It emphasizes biological control tactics, which include the direct inhibitory impacts of antagonistic microorganisms, the establishment of synthetic microbial communities exhibiting synergistic effects, and integrated strategies utilizing precision-targeted genetically modified strains. This review focuses on the use of beneficial microorganisms (biocontrol agents) to protect G. lucidum from fungal pathogens, rather than using G. lucidum itself as a biocontrol agent. Ultimately, we propose a prospective research framework that amalgamates multi-omics technologies, nanobiotechnology, and artificial intelligence. This review aspires to create a solid theoretical basis and technical pathway for the development of a new generation of specialized biocontrol agents for G. lucidum, thereby propelling the cultivation of medicinal fungi toward greener, more precise, and more efficient agricultural methodologies.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1811142</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1811142</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Characterization and pathogenic mechanisms of a Klebsiella aerogenes strain isolated from a deceased ground thrush]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-12T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Mingao Sun</author><author>Yuxia Yang</author><author>Chelegeri Zhao</author><author>Bayi Erta</author><author>Wei Guo</author><author>Haifeng Wang</author><author>Rigetu Zhao</author><author>Luomeng Chao</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Klebsiella aerogenes is a significant opportunistic pathogen, yet the virulence and resistance mechanisms of wildlife-originating strains remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the biological characteristics of K. aerogenes strain S_KLB, isolated from the lung of a deceased ground thrush, and to elucidate its pathogenic mechanisms in murine pneumonia. The isolated strain was assessed for cultural characteristics, antibiotic susceptibility, and the presence of virulence genes via PCR. An acute pneumonia model was established in mice through intranasal infection. Clinical symptoms and histopathological alterations in lung tissues were evaluated using Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and TUNEL staining. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Western blotting were employed to measure the expression of relevant genes and the activation of signaling pathway proteins in lung tissues. Strain S_KLB exhibited robust growth on both MacConkey and SS agar media. It demonstrated resistance to a majority of tested antibiotics, including imipenem and oxacillin, and harbored a diverse virulence gene profile encompassing siderophores, fimbriae, efflux pumps, and metabolic factors. Animal challenge revealed that S_KLB infection induced severe pneumonia, characterized by significant weight loss, pulmonary edema, extensive neutrophil infiltration, and increased cellular apoptosis. At the molecular level, infected lung tissues showed marked upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β) and the chemokine CXCL1. Concurrently, the NF-κB, STAT3, and p38 MAPK signaling pathways were activated, accompanied by elevated expression of the apoptotic protein Cleaved Caspase-3. The ground thrush-derived K. aerogenes strain S_KLB is a multidrug-resistant isolate possessing a broad range of virulence associated genes. It induces severe pneumonic injury by activating the NF-κB/STAT3/p38 MAPK signaling cascades, which drive excessive inflammatory responses and cellular apoptosis. This study provides experimental evidence for assessing the pathogenic potential of a wildlife-originating bacterial strain in a murine pneumonia model.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1861741</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1861741</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Correction: A real-time PCR assay for detection of low Pneumocystis jirovecii levels]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-12T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Correction</category>
        <author>Susana Ruiz-Ruiz</author><author>Carolina A. Ponce</author><author>Nicole Pesantes</author><author>Rebeca Bustamante</author><author>Gianna Gatti</author><author>Viviana San Martin</author><author>Mireya Gutierrez</author><author>Pamela Bórquez</author><author>Sergio L. Vargas</author><author>Fabien Magne</author><author>Enrique J. Calderón</author><author>Vicente Pérez-Brocal</author><author>Andrés Moya</author>
        <description></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1768356</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1768356</link>
        <title><![CDATA[The effects of filtration and centrifugation on the gut microbiota in fecal microbiota transplantation preparation]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-12T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Yuchi Liu</author><author>Jinhua Gong</author><author>Wenhua Wang</author><author>Xinyue Li</author><author>Huijie Jia</author><author>Ruixue Wang</author><author>Qiqi Sun</author><author>Ru Zhang</author><author>Yuying Zhang</author><author>Liuye Huang</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundThe preparation method of fecal microbiota suspensions is crucial for reliable fecal microbiota transplantation research. However, current protocols vary significantly in processing parameters, potentially compromising the comparability of studies. Systematic comparisons of how different preparation techniques affect the microbial community are still lacking.MethodsFresh fecal samples from nine adult volunteers were processed via filtration and centrifugation at various speeds. Microbial viability was assessed via live/dead staining and colony forming unit enumeration. 16S rDNA sequencing was performed to analyze bacterial diversity and taxonomic composition.ResultsThe microbial composition and functional potential did not differ between the filtration alone group and the fresh fecal group, and filtration resulted in the lowest bacterial mortality. Mortality increased with increasing centrifugation speed. Centrifugation selectively affected the abundance of some genera (e.g., Delftia and Acinetobacter). High-speed supernatants presented markedly lower OD600 values than low-speed supernatants did, and differential centrifugation visibly reduced the amount of debris.ConclusionFiltration alone best preserved fecal microbial viability, composition and functional potential. Centrifugation enrichment becomes selective at high speeds. Differential centrifugation offered superior impurity removal. The preparation strategy should be tailored to the research or therapeutic goal.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1774907</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1774907</link>
        <title><![CDATA[From cognition to response: clinical challenges, antibiotic resistance mechanisms, and prevention and control strategies of Elizabethkingia meningoseptica infections]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-12T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Qinghua Zhang</author><author>Shan Cong</author><author>Yan Wang</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Elizabethkingia meningoseptica (EM), a rare but increasingly recognized Gram-negative multidrug-resistant bacterium, primarily infects neonates and immunocompromised patients, often leading to severe clinical diseases such as meningitis and sepsis. In recent years, with the increasing complexity of the medical environment, the incidence of EM infections has been on the rise, posing numerous challenges in diagnosis and treatment. This bacterium possesses complex resistance mechanisms, resulting in limited efficacy of traditional antimicrobial agents and significantly affecting patient prognosis. This article systematically reviews the epidemiological characteristics, clinical manifestations, and existing diagnostic techniques of EM, with a focus on exploring its resistance genes and mechanisms. Combining the latest genomic research findings, it analyzes the transmission routes and prevention and control difficulties of EM in the hospital environment. By integrating clinical case data, comprehensive prevention and control strategies and individualized antimicrobial treatment plans for EM infections are proposed, aiming to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for clinicians and infection control experts, and to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention levels of EM infections.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1758116</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1758116</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Enhancement of genetic potential for soil carbon and nitrogen cycling by organic fertilizer substitution improves the ecological environment for licorice cultivation]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-12T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Guochen Liao</author><author>Jiancai Xiao</author><author>Boyu Zhang</author><author>Sheng Wang</author><author>Xiufu Wan</author><author>Chengcai Zhang</author><author>Chaogeng Lyu</author><author>Binbin Yan</author><author>Yuping Zhao</author><author>Chuanzhi Kang</author><author>Yufei Zhang</author><author>Feng Yuan</author><author>Zhe Zhao</author><author>Yunhua Chen</author><author>Lanping Guo</author><author>Yan Zhang</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundExcessive chemical fertilizer application has become a core bottleneck restricting the green and sustainable cultivation of Glycyrrhiza uralensis (licorice). Partial organic fertilizer substitution can improve soil microecology and licorice growth traits, yet its regulatory effects on microbial functional genes mediating soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling remain unclear.ResultsUsing metagenomic sequencing, we investigated the effects of six fertilization regimes [100% organic fertilizer (OF100), 100% chemical fertilizer (OF0), and organic–inorganic combinations (OF25, OF50, OF75)] on the genetic potential of soil C and N cycling, as well as soil properties and licorice growth traits in bulk and rhizosphere soils of licorice. Organic substitution significantly altered the abundance of C and N cycling-related functional genes: OF100 significantly increased the abundance of genes associated with methane oxidation (pmoA/amoA), carbon degradation (pel, cbh) and nitrification (pmoB/amoB), while OF0 significantly upregulated the methanogenesis-related gene mttA and downregulated nitrogen degradation genes; optimized fertilization (OF50) significantly reduced the abundance of genes linked to excessive carbon degradation (malZ) and nitrogen loss genetic potential (nirK), and markedly increased the abundance of genes for carbon fixation (pccA) and nitrogen mineralization (GDH). PERMANOVA revealed that soil compartment (bulk vs. rhizosphere) explained 62.87% of the total variation in functional gene profiles, which was 5.67 times higher than the contribution of fertilization regime (11.10%).ConclusionRational organic–inorganic fertilization effectively regulates soil microbial functional genes related to C and N cycling, optimizes soil nutrient cycling potential, reduces nutrient loss risk, and enhances nutrient supply efficiency for licorice growth. These findings provide a scientific basis for fertilizer management optimization and sustainable cultivation of licorice.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1821841</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1821841</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Wastewater-based surveillance and early warning–forecasting framework for norovirus: a two-year longitudinal study in Shenzhen, China]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-12T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Shiju Chen</author><author>Hailong Zhang</author><author>Jia Wan</author><author>Yinghui Li</author><author>Xianghui Shi</author><author>Haiduan Lin</author><author>Rongling Pan</author><author>Sha Zhou</author><author>Chuande Chen</author><author>Cuiping Kuang</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectiveNorovirus (NoV) is a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis globally; however, traditional clinical surveillance underestimates its true infection burden. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) offers a novel approach for comprehensive viral monitoring. This study aimed to develop and validate a practical WBE framework integrating a two-tiered early warning system and trend forecasting to support public health interventions against NoV.MethodsA two-year (August 2022–August 2024) WBE study was conducted in Shenzhen. NoV in influent wastewater samples from five wastewater treatment plants was monitored using reverse transcription–quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). We employed a clinical data-calibrated approach to derive estimates of NoV cases from reported infectious diarrhea data; these estimates served as the gold standard. Using this gold standard, we employed the Moving Epidemic Method (MEM) to establish and validate a two-tiered early warning system based on wastewater NoV concentrations. In addition, we developed a Poisson regression model (PRM) to forecast NoV infection trends.ResultsWastewater NoV loads exhibited distinct seasonal fluctuations. The clinical data-calibrated estimates correlated strongly with wastewater viral concentrations (r = 0.75, p < 0.01). The MEM-based scheme achieved 100% detection of early stage moderate-level epidemics (sensitivity = 89.6%, specificity = 79.3%) and a 60.0% early warning rate for high-level epidemics, with a negative predictive value of 95.2%. Additionally, the PRM enabled one-week-ahead forecasts of NoV infection trends.ConclusionWBE monitoring effectively captures the seasonal fluctuations of NoV infections in the population. This study provides a practical WBE framework integrating a two-tiered early warning system with one-week-ahead trend forecasting, thereby enabling the transformation of passive monitoring into an actionable public health tool for NoV.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1809130</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1809130</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Organic acids target key virulence factors of Aeromonas hydrophila to reduce infection in vitro]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-12T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Florica Morariu</author><author>Igori Balta</author><author>Lavinia Stef</author><author>Ioan Pet</author><author>Sorin Morariu</author><author>Nicolae Corcionivoschi</author><author>Ducu Stef</author>
        <description><![CDATA[This study investigates the effects of the organic acid mixture AuraAqua (Aq) on the pathogenicity of Aeromonas hydrophila in primary gut cells of shrimp (SGP) and tilapia (TGP). A. hydrophila, an important pathogen in aquaculture, damages gut barrier integrity and promotes systemic infection with a significant economic impact. Organic acids are proposed as antibiotic alternatives, and we aimed to investigate their impact as a mixture AuraAqua (Aq—5% maltodextrin, 1% sodium chloride, 42% citric acid, 18% sodium citrate, 10% silica, 12% malic acid, 9% citrus extract, and 3% olive extract) on the growth, virulence traits, and host cell protection during A. hydrophila infection SGP and TGP cells. Aq exhibited an MIC of 1% and an MBC of 3%. Sub-inhibitory concentrations significantly reduced adhesion and invasion in SGP and TGP cells, preserved TEER, and decreased LDH release, indicating reduced cytotoxicity and barrier disruption. Aq impaired motility and biofilm formation in a dose-dependent manner. Transcriptional analysis showed downregulation of hcp1, act, fla, hlyA and acg, whereas TonB, aerA and alt were largely unaffected. Aq also strongly reduces capsular polysaccharide production both in vitro and during infection, which likely weakens immune evasion and persistence. In host cells, Aq significantly decreases oxidative stress markers (H2O2, SOD, CAT) during infection, indicating a beneficial effect on host responses. Overall, Aq acts as an anti-virulence agent, weakening A. hydrophila’s ability to colonize and damage gut epithelia while reducing host oxidative stress, supporting its use as a non-antibiotic preventive strategy in aquaculture, pending further in vivo studies.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1794540</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1794540</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Microbial community structure and functional potential of tropical lithic habitats in northern Thailand]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-12T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Sahassawat Chailungka</author><author>Kodchaporn Khamkak</author><author>Arita Intanon</author><author>Senoch Seanpong</author><author>Jaturong Kumla</author><author>Nakarin Suwannarach</author><author>Terd Disayathanoowat</author><author>Nuttapol Noirungsee</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Rock (lithic) habitats are macroscopically inhospitable, characterized by oligotrophic conditions and exposure to environmental extremes across diverse climate regions. However, at the microscale, lithic substrates provide sheltered niches, such as pores, cracks, and fissures, that buffer external stressors and enable microbial persistence. While lithic microbial communities have been extensively studied in extreme climates, those in tropical regions remain underexplored. This study investigated epilithic communities on sandstone, as well as both epilithic and endolithic communities associated with limestone in northern Thailand. Bulk soil samples in the immediate vicinity of the lithic substrates were examined to compare microbial community differences between lithic and soil environments. Actinobacteria, Cyanobacteria, and Proteobacteria dominated in bacterial communities across lithic habitats and substrates, while Acidobacteria were more prevalent in soil communities. Lithic fungal communities were predominantly composed of lichen-forming fungi, including Dothideomycetes, Eurotiomycetes, and Lecanoromycetes. Differential abundance analysis revealed that photosynthetic bacteria, radio-resistant bacteria, and rock-inhabiting fungi (RIF) were predominant in the lithic communities. Metabolic functions related to oxygenic photoautotrophy were significantly enriched, corresponding with the high abundance of photosynthetic cyanobacteria. These cyanobacteria contribute to carbon fixation through photosynthesis and to nitrogen fixation, thereby enhancing nutrient availability for microbes that depend on organic carbon. Furthermore, functional predictions suggest that MND1, IS-44, mle1-7, Ellin6067, and SC-I-84 potentially contribute to ammonia oxidation and nitrate generation, while Nitrospira supports nitrification and Rhodoplanes facilitates denitrification. The presence of phosphate-solubilizing and siderophore-producing bacteria suggests active nutrient mobilization, supporting microbial community resilience and contributing to nutrient cycling and ecosystem functioning within lithic habitats. These findings suggest that lithic ecosystems in tropical regions represent ecologically unique niches that harbor microorganisms capable of facilitating nutrient cycling, thereby supporting their colonization. Moreover, this study highlights the untapped biodiversity of microbes in the tropical regions of northern Thailand.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1861156</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1861156</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Editorial: Microbial-fungal symbioses: ecological implications, environmental impact, and biotechnological applications in natural and agricultural systems]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-12T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Editorial</category>
        <author>Hector Herrera</author><author>Amit Sinha</author><author>Soumyadev Sarkar</author><author>Juan Carlos Cambronero-Heinrichs</author>
        <description></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1792452</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1792452</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Untargeted metabolomic profiling and genome mining of endophytic Stenotrophomonas maltophilia strain 3A reveal a rich source of bioactive secondary metabolites]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-12T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Pramod Kumar Sahu</author><author>Krishna Nanda Dhal</author><author>Nakul Kale</author><author>Amrita Gupta</author><author>Nidhi Rai</author><author>Deepak Singla</author><author>Alok Kumar Srivastava</author>
        <description><![CDATA[The changing climate has posed several constraints in agricultural productivity. The losses from the diseases like bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum are a major threat to tomato cultivation, however, the management is still difficult. As a sustainable management practice, the endophytic bacterial strains are emerging as potential biocontrol agents. However, the mechanisms of action are poorly understood. Thus, in the present study, we assembled and evaluated bacterial endophyte Stenotrophomonas maltophilia 3A for antagonism and their underlying mechanism using multi-omics approach. This strain exhibited strong antagonistic activity against R. solanacearum along with having good colonization potential. The FTIR and LC-MS/MS-based analysis revealed that S. maltophilia 3A produced a diverse array of metabolites having potential as biocontrol agent. Pathway enrichment analysis using KEGG revealed significant involvement of glycerophospholipid biosynthesis, indole alkaloid biosynthesis, diterpenoid biosynthesis, and the phenylpropanoid pathway. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) confirmed effective colonization of tomato root and stem tissues of S. maltophilia 3A, with strong localization observed in cortical and vascular regions, indicating a stable endophytic relationship. The presence of compounds like alkaloids, phenolic acids and antimicrobial compounds indicate the ability of the endophyte for a successful colonization in the plants. The results of LC-MS/MS were further confirmed by the whole genome analysis of S. maltophilia 3A followed by study of biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) using antiSMASH analysis. The whole genome analysis showed that the five BCGs present in 3A biosynthesize the secondary metabolites and bioactive peptides responsible for plant growth and health promotion. The results of this study indicated potential mechanisms of endophyte S. maltophilia 3A for biocontrol of plant pathogens. This could be fundamental in deciphering the functional roles of this endophyte in improving plant health.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1842410</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1842410</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Neobacillus nitrireducens sp. nov., a soil bacterium performing nitrate reduction under low-temperature and microaerobic conditions]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-11T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Jinwoo Ahn</author><author>Satoshi Ishii</author><author>Tatsuya Unno</author><author>Jeonghwan Jang</author>
        <description><![CDATA[A facultative anaerobic spore-forming bacterium, designated OS1-33T was isolated from apple orchard soil collected at Iksan-si, Republic of Korea. The phylogenetic position of the strain OS1-33T was investigated by 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity analysis showing that it tightly clustered with species of the genus Neobacillus. The highest sequence similarity was observed to Neobacillus drentensis (99.93%). The genome of OS1-33T showed an Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI) of less than 95% with all the other known type strains of Neobacillus species including N. drentensis DSM 15600T. In addition, the digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) value between strain OS1-33T and N. drentensis was 52.4% (95% confidence interval, 49.8%−55.1%), which is clearly below the 70% threshold for species delineation. The DNA G+C content of OS1-33T was determined to be 38.92 mol%. Strain OS1-33T exhibited nitrate reduction activity despite the presence of oxygen and at low temperature, suggesting that it may serve as a valuable microbial resource for nitrate removal in bioreactors operated under low-temperature conditions. Furthermore, distinct morphological, physiological, biochemical, and genomic characteristics differentiated strain OS1-33T from its closest relatives. Based on overall results of the comparative analyses, strain OS1-33T is proposed to represent a novel species within the genus Neobacillus, for which the name Neobacillus nitrireducens sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is OS1-33T (=KCCM 43525T = JCM 38007T).]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1831648</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1831648</link>
        <title><![CDATA[The gut-heart axis in heart failure: from bidirectional pathophysiological mechanisms to integrative therapeutic strategies]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-11T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Xue Rui</author><author>Lihong Wu</author><author>Hang Ren</author><author>Shanshan Jia</author><author>Jinjin Dou</author><author>Xiwu Zhang</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Heart failure (HF), as the terminal stage of cardiovascular diseases, involves complex pathophysiological mechanisms that extend beyond the heart itself and involve the interactive regulation of multiple organ systems. The gut-heart axis theory reveals that the gut microbiota, functioning as a micro-organ, plays a core role in the development and progression of HF through bidirectional regulatory mechanisms. HF-induced hemodynamic disturbances reshape the gut microenvironment, leading to the collapse of intestinal physical and immune barrier functions. In this altered microenvironment, dysregulated gut bacteria release excessive pro-inflammatory metabolites while reducing protective signaling molecules, thereby activating inflammatory pathways including Toll-Like Receptor 4/Nuclear Factor-κB and NOD-like receptor protein 3 inflammasomes. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is the most import integrative medicine to treat HF, and the combination of TCM and western medicine have reached certain progress. This article aims to describe the pathological feedback mechanism between HF and gut microbiota, as long as summary how TCM and western medicine treat HF through regulate gut-heart axis. In specific, modern medicine optimizes hemodynamics to improve the macroscopic microenvironment, thereby establishing a foundation for gut microbiota remodeling. TCM exerts holistic regulatory advantages through multiple components and targets, inhibiting the production of gut-derived inflammatory factors at their source by reshaping the oxygen gradient, providing prebiotic substrates, and repairing intestinal barrier integrity. These could provide a theoretical basis and research reference for precision-oriented HF prevention and management from the perspective of intestinal microecology.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1826206</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1826206</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Highly efficient chitinase production from Chitinibacter mangrovi FCG-7T and immunomodulatory efficacy of generated GlcNAc in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-11T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Longzhi Chen</author><author>Jianong Wang</author><author>Zixuan Zhang</author><author>Lixia Pan</author><author>Dengfeng Yang</author><author>Nan Li</author><author>Liyan Yang</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Chitin, the second most abundant polysaccharide, is poorly soluble and underutilized, whereas its monomer N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) has broad pharmaceutical applications. Efficient enzymatic conversion of chitin to GlcNAc remains challenging. Chitinibacter mangrovi FCG-7T, a novel chitinolytic strain isolated from mangrove sediments, exhibited exceptional chitin degradation, achieving a hydrolysis zone ratio (H/C) of 4.75 and maintained genetic stability over ten successive passages. Sequential optimization using One-Factor-at-a-Time (OFAT), Plackett-Burman designs (PBD), and Box–Behnken designs (BBD) enhanced chitinase production by 49.43-fold, yielding a final activity of 1.211 U/mL under optimized conditions (pH 7.4, 20 °C, 12 g/L powdered chitin). Purification yielded a 100 kDa bifunctional chitinase CmChi, exhibiting dual chitobiosidase and N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAGase) activities. The purified enzyme showed a specific activity of 7.96 U/mg toward colloidal chitin. CmChi demonstrated a high affinity for colloidal chitin with a Km value of 0.24 mg/mL and retained over 80% stability across a broad pH range 4.0–11.0. Furthermore, CmChi completely converted colloidal chitin to N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) within 48 h and demonstrated tolerance to various reagents, including 1% methanol, acetonitrile, Tween 20, and Tween 80 (v/v). Notably, in cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppressed mice, GlcNAc (200 mg/kg) significantly restored body weight, thymic/splenic indices, and tissue architecture while elevating serum TNF-α, IL-2, IgG, and IgM (p < 0.05). This study establishes CmChi as an efficient biocatalyst for industrial GlcNAc production and validates the immunomodulatory potential of GlcNAc, highlighting its dual applicability in biotechnology and immunotherapy.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1799720</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1799720</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Comparison of targeted next-generation sequencing and conventional tests for pathogen detection in community-acquired and severe community-acquired pneumonia: a retrospective cohort study]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-11T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Feng Wang</author><author>Axiang Han</author><author>Wanting Hong</author><author>Ying Mao</author><author>Weijie Sun</author><author>Yixuan Hu</author><author>Lingling Lu</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundCommunity-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and severe community-acquired pneumonia (sCAP) impose a significant burden on the healthcare system. As a more severe form of CAP, sCAP is associated with a higher mortality rate, and patients frequently require intensive care. Identifying clinical biomarkers to distinguish CAP from sCAP is expected to improve pneumonia management and patient outcomes. Targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS) has considerable potential for pathogen detection and distinguishing microbial profile differences between CAP and sCAP.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed 380 bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples from patients diagnosed with CAP or sCAP who underwent both conventional tests (CTs) and tNGS to identify and compare the pathogen species and clinical consistency.ResultsThe results were as follows: tNGS demonstrated a significantly higher clinical consistency rate with the final diagnosis (83.02%) than CTs (38.37%), with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). Among the analyses, the most prevalent combination of pathogen co-infection was mixed infection, with bacterial-viral co-infection being the most common, accounting for 40.7% of cases. Diverse microbial profiles were present in 72.94% (62/85) of patients with sCAP. Significant differences in the composition of diverse microbial profiles were observed between patients with CAP and those with sCAP (p = 0.001). Resistance genes were detected in 31 patients, of whom 35.48% (11/31) were consistent with CTs.ConclusionTargeted next-generation sequencing demonstrated superior performance as a sensitive auxiliary diagnostic tool, which resulted in an increased pathogen identification rate and higher clinical diagnostic consistency. Although tNGS provides more comprehensive detection of etiological agents, clinical interpretation, diagnosis, and prediction require careful integration with conventional tests. The distinct clinical features, pathogen profiles, and pathogen composition between patients with CAP and those with sCAP highlight the need for a comprehensive diagnostic approach in pneumonia management.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1811950</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1811950</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Integrated framework for targeting dynamic penicillin-binding protein 2a via ensemble structural biology and deep generative modeling]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-11T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Tianshu Pang</author><author>Xiangyu Zhang</author><author>Yuan Zhou</author><author>Jin Yang</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, largely due to penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2A), a low-affinity transpeptidase encoded by mecA. To address the challenge of this highly flexible target, we developed an integrated discovery framework combining conformational ensemble analysis with deep generative modeling. Extensive molecular dynamics simulations were used to map the dynamic landscape of PBP2A and identify cryptic binding pockets. A target-conditioned generative workflow then explored these states to produce novel candidate scaffolds, followed by multi-objective optimization and structural prioritization. Among the generated molecules, Compound 1 showed a conserved binding mode, sustained stability over 1000 ns MD simulations, and more favorable MMGBSA binding energies than native ligands. Whole-cell assays showed dose-dependent growth inhibition against S. aureus ATCC 29213 and MRSA ATCC 43300, with stronger activity after 24 h exposure. Additional propidium iodide staining revealed a concentration-dependent increase in PI uptake in both strains, consistent with compound-induced envelope perturbation. These findings support Compound 1 as an antibacterial lead emerging from a PBP2A-guided discovery strategy, while direct target engagement remains to be established.]]></description>
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