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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>2026-05-13T09:10:36.483+00:00</pubDate>
        <ttl>60</ttl>
        <item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1856978</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1856978</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Editorial: Microbial degradation of agricultural waste]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-13T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Editorial</category>
        <author>Nadeem Tahir</author><author>Tünde Pusztahelyi</author>
        <description></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1813326</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1813326</link>
        <title><![CDATA[From soils to lake: interplay between hydrology and local environmental settings drives species selection across a karst landscape]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-13T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Anusha Priya Singh</author><author>Paul-Adrian Bulzu</author><author>Vojtech Lanta</author><author>Pavel Chaloupský</author><author>Michaela M. Salcher</author><author>Tanja Shabarova</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems are interconnected through runoff and hydrological networks that facilitate the transfer of microbial communities across landscapes. While microbial transport along surface waters is well documented, the role of subsurface hydrological paths in shaping microbial community composition remains poorly understood, particularly in complex karst systems. Here, we studied bacterial communities under stable hydrological conditions across a peri-alpine karst landscape, where mixed limestone-sandstone catchments drain via both surface and subsurface hydrological networks into Lake Thun (Switzerland). We profiled 16S rRNA gene sequences from soils, sediments, surface and subsurface waters, and distinct lake strata. All environments except the lake exhibited high microbial diversity. We observed a clear transitional gradient in bacterial communities along the terrestrial-aquatic interface, with environment type explaining 19% of total variation. Core microbiome analyses revealed both environment-specific and shared taxa, with the strongest overlap between surface and subsurface hydrological networks (63.8%–84.6% shared core taxa). Co-occurrence network analysis identified six major modules. Three of them represented distinct metabolic assemblages tightly associated with specific environment types: peat soils, lake strata, and the subsurface network, respectively. One recurrent module spanned multiple environments and was linked to redox-driven processes, including the oxidation of nitrogen compounds, metals, and methane. Two additional modules comprised aquatic copiotrophs associated with streams and soil heterotrophs prone to export and short-term persistence within the hydrological network. Overall, our results demonstrate that specific environmental settings and hydrological connectivity jointly contribute to selection of microbial species within the karst landscape.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1819980</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1819980</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Rethinking viral evolution: How BIAS mechanisms and Gamma-Poisson overdispersion redefine lethal mutagenesis]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-13T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Opinion</category>
        <author>Deya Wang</author><author>Xianping Zhang</author><author>Qingle Chang</author>
        <description></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1831321</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1831321</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Identification and isolation of spoilage microbes in conventional dark leafy green vegetable juice during cold storage]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-13T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Chenxi Guo</author><author>Xiaonuo Long</author><author>Xiran Li</author><author>Luxin Wang</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Chard, collard greens, and kale juices as representative dark leafy green vegetable juices (DLGVJs) have gained increasing attention due to their rich nutritional profiles and health-promoting properties. Conventional dark leafy green vegetables (DLGVs) represent the majority of the DLGV market; however, the microbial changes in conventional DLGVJs during refrigerated storage remain poorly understood. This study aimed to characterize the microbial profiles of fresh and spoiled conventional DLGVJs using both culture-dependent and culture-independent methods, alongside monitoring physicochemical changes (pH and color) over 21 days of refrigerated storage. Results showed a general decrease in pH and a shift toward more saturated color in all DLGVJs. Initial aerobic plate counts (APC) in chard, collard greens, and kale juices were 7.71 ± 0.03, 7.57 ± 0.14, and 7.61 ± 0.09 Log CFU/mL, respectively, while fungal populations were 5.85 ± 0.03, 6.01 ± 0.15, and 6.15 ± 0.03 Log CFU/mL. APC showed an overall decrease while fungal populations exhibited an initial increase followed by a decline during refrigerated storage. High-throughput sequencing revealed Pseudomonas, Leuconostoc, and Periweissella as core spoilage-associated bacterial genera, while Sporobolomyces, Alternaria, and Symmetrospora were predominant fungal genera in spoiled conventional DLGVJs. Although microbial compositions showed similarities between conventional and organic DLGVJs, distinct microbial communities were observed, with some taxa uniquely associated with a specific cropping system. The dominant lactic acid bacteria isolated from DLGVJs were identified as Enterococcus faecium and Leuconostoc mesenteroides. These findings advance our understanding of microbial ecology in DLGVJs and provide a scientific basis for developing targeted interventions to ensure microbial quality and safety, supporting the growth of the DLGVJ market.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1827096</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1827096</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Metagenomic sequencing reveals structural and functional differentiation of rhizosphere bacterial communities driven by nitrogen and potassium deficiency associated with root rot of Schisandra chinensis]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-13T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Li Li</author><author>Ruibo Liu</author><author>Hao Yang</author><author>Yongping Zhao</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundFrequent incidence of root rot in Schisandra chinensis impairs its yield and quality, yet the rhizosphere microecological mechanism driving this incidence remains unclear.MethodsTo clarify this mechanism, healthy and root rot-infected S. chinensis plants were analyzed in this study. The plant growth, rhizosphere soil physicochemical properties, and the structural and functional differences in rhizosphere bacterial communities under both conditions were analyzed.ResultsOur results showed that root rot significantly inhibited S. chinensis growth and pathogen colonization-induced rhizosphere acidification, with reduced hydrolyzable nitrogen (HN) and available potassium (AK). Analysis of the intergroup differences in bacterial species revealed that the healthy rhizosphere was enriched with Acidobacteriota, Luteitalea, Pseudomonadota, Pseudolabrys, and Methylomirabilota, whereas infected rhizosphere was dominated by Gaiella (Actinomycetota), Gemmatimonas (Gemmatimonadota), Bradyrhizobium, and Sphingomicrobium (Pseudomonadota). Functional annotation based on COG, KEGG, and CAZy databases revealed that the bacteria of the healthy rhizosphere were enriched in defensive-cooperative functions (synergistic metabolism, secondary metabolite synthesis, complex carbon metabolism), while those of the infected rhizosphere exhibited simplified survival functions (individual metabolism, ABC transport, simple carbohydrate metabolism). Redundancy analysis identified HN and AK as key nutrients driving community differentiation in the rhizosphere.ConclusionThis study revealed that root rot in S. chinensis is closely associated with an imbalance in the rhizosphere environment–bacterial community–function system, with healthy plants exhibiting specific core bacterial biomarkers and more complex synergistic metabolic networks, while HN and AK are key nutrients influencing rhizosphere bacterial communities. This study clarifies the rhizosphere microecological mechanism associated with S. chinensis root rot, providing a theoretical basis for its control.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1817451</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1817451</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Dietary allyl-isothiocyanate affects male triglyceride levels in Drosophila melanogaster without detectable changes in microbiota composition]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-13T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Sonja Dähn</author><author>Sabine Hurka</author><author>Daniel Kreft</author><author>Juan Guzman</author><author>Anja Poehlein</author><author>Andreas Vilcinskas</author><author>Dorothee Tegtmeier</author><author>Anika E. Wagner</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Allyl-isothiocyanate (AITC), a bioactive compound derived from glucosinolates in cruciferous vegetables, is known for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic effects in mammals. However, its in vivo interaction with the gut microbiota and consequent physiological outcomes remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the impact of dietary AITC on host metabolism and microbiota composition in Drosophila melanogaster, a well-established model for nutritional and metabolic research. Male and female flies were fed a standard diet supplemented with 0.25 mM AITC, with or without antibiotic treatment, for 10 and 30 days. Physiological parameters (body weight, glucose, triglycerides, and survival) were measured, and microbial community profiles were analyzed via 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. AITC supplementation did not significantly affect body weight, glucose content, or survival, regardless of sex or antibiotic co-treatment. However, after 30 days, a significant reduction in triglyceride levels was observed in male flies exposed to AITC (p < 0.05), suggesting a sex-specific metabolic response that persisted under antibiotic treatment. Analysis of the microbiota revealed that the dominant bacterial classes were Alphaproteobacteria, Bacilli, and Gammaproteobacteria, together comprising approximately 77.7% of all detected amplicon sequence variants. AITC did not alter microbial alpha or beta diversity, whereas age and sex significantly influenced community composition. Notably, alpha diversity decreased in older flies. These findings indicate that AITC at the tested concentration does not alter the microbiota in D. melanogaster but may induce sex-dependent effects on lipid metabolism. The absence of clear effects on the microbiota suggests that the observed physiological actions in vivo are not associated with detectable changes in microbiota composition. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:5B39F0AA-270D-4AA8-B9A3-C36A3A265910. Drosophila melanogaster, Meigen 1830.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1833646</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1833646</link>
        <title><![CDATA[From gut to spinal cord glymphatic: Ginkgolide B’s multifaceted approach to alleviating painful diabetic neuropathy]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-13T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Shuai-ying Jia</author><author>Pin-xiu Chen</author><author>Jun-lin Wang</author><author>Wan-xin Liu</author><author>Jing-ting Wang</author><author>Wen-qin Yin</author><author>Jing-yan Lin</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundPainful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is a common complication of type 2 diabetes, characterized by neuropathic pain and inflammation. Its pathogenesis involves oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and dysfunction of the spinal cord glymphatic system. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Ginkgolide B (GB) in alleviating PDN, with a particular focus on its roles in modulating the gut microbiota and enhancing glymphatic function in the spinal cord.MethodsA PDN model was established in male Sprague–Dawley rats to evaluate the therapeutic effects of GB. GB was administered to assess its impact on gut microbiota composition, intestinal barrier integrity, and inflammation in both the intestine and spinal cord. Additionally, the effect of GB on aquaporin-4 (AQP4) polarization in the spinal cord glymphatic system was examined to determine its role in facilitating the clearance of inflammatory mediators.ResultsGB treatment significantly alleviated hallmark features of PDN, including neuropathic pain and spinal cord inflammation. It modulated the gut microbiota, restored intestinal barrier function, and reduced intestinal inflammation. Moreover, GB reestablished AQP4 polarity in the spinal cord, thereby enhancing glymphatic function and promoting the clearance of inflammatory mediators, which contributed to reduced neuroinflammation.ConclusionThese findings suggest that Ginkgolide B may represent a multifaceted therapeutic strategy for PDN. By regulating the microbiota–gut–spinal cord glymphatic axis, improving glymphatic function, and alleviating PDN symptoms, GB shows promise as a novel treatment targeting both metabolic and neuroinflammatory components of the disease.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1794794</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1794794</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Chronic alcohol consumption disrupts the gut microbial and metabolic landscapes]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-13T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Madison B. Blanton</author><author>Ethan G. Napier</author><author>Katelyn E. Keen</author><author>Ethan V. Stuart</author><author>Isaac R. Cinco</author><author>Hami Hemati</author><author>Ronald C. Bruntz</author><author>Landon Wilson</author><author>Stephen Barnes</author><author>Rupak Khadka</author><author>Kathleen A. Grant</author><author>Ilhem Messaoudi</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionAlcohol use disorder (AUD) increases incidence of infections, organ damage, and cancers. Aberrant inflammation is likely a driver of these adverse outcomes. Indeed, chronic alcohol consumption (CAC) rewires macrophages/monocytes toward a hyper-inflammatory phenotype. Prior studies showed increased gut permeability and dysbiosis. Translocation of host- and microbial-derived metabolites could trigger the hyper-inflammatory responses generated by macrophages/monocytes. However, the exact changes in these metabolites remain poorly defined due to confounders that complicate clinical studies and the differences between human and rodent gut microbiomes.MethodsHere, we utilized a non-human primate model of ethanol self-administration to characterize alcohol-induced alterations in gut microbes and associated metabolomes. The microbiome was analyzed with 16s rRNA sequencing while a combination of GC-MS and LC-MS was used to assess changes in metabolites. Monocyte function was determined using flow cytometry.ResultsTwelve months of alcohol use led to a decrease in SCFA-producing bacteria and disruption of fatty acid and amino acid metabolites. Moreover, fecal metabolites obtained after 12 months of CAC heightened monocytes' inflammatory responses.DiscussionThese findings indicate that CAC-induced gut dysbiosis contributes to changes in fecal and circulating metabolites, which in turn can lead to monocyte dysregulation, possibly via innate immune training-like mechanisms.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1828220</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1828220</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Gut microbiota and ankylosing spondylitis: mechanisms, functional pathways, and research trends]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-13T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Zhe Liu</author><author>Ningning Li</author><author>Hao Zhang</author><author>Donglin Hao</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundAnkylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease in which genetic susceptibility, mucosal immunity, and environmental factors converge. Growing evidence indicates that gut microbiota dysbiosis is closely involved in AS pathogenesis, yet the evolution of this research field and the underlying functional mechanisms remain to be systematically clarified.MethodsThe study performed an analysis of studies on AS and gut microbiota retrieved from the WOSCC, Scopus, and PubMed. Publication trends, collaboration networks, co-citation patterns, and keyword clusters were analyzed to identify major research themes and emerging hotspots in this field.ResultsThe analysis revealed a progressive shift from descriptive microbiota profiling to mechanistic and causal investigations. Core research themes included microbial dysbiosis, intestinal barrier dysfunction, mucosal immune activation, microbial metabolites, and key inflammatory pathways. Studies increasingly emphasize functional and pathway-level analysis rather than focusing on individual microbial taxa. Mendelian randomization further strengthened causal inference and highlighted the potential of microbiota-related signatures for disease stratification and therapeutic response.ConclusionThese findings support a disturbed gut–joint axis as a central feature of AS and underscore the role of functional microbial pathways in immune dysregulation. Integrating standardized multi-omics data with causal validation and refined clinical phenotyping may facilitate the identification of actionable microbial targets and advance microbiota-informed precision strategies for AS.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1840024</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1840024</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Integrated study of rhizosphere microbiome and metabolome profiles across tropical plantations in the Western Ghat regions of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, India]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-13T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Illathu Kandy Nidhin</author><author>Indranil Chattopadhyay</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundSoil physicochemical properties, plantation types, plant taxa, and geographical locations are the major factors influencing the microbial composition and diversity of the rhizosphere soils.Methods and resultsThe present study aimed to investigate the variations in microbiome and metabolome composition across rhizosphere soils of plantations in the Western Ghats, based on ‘plantation types’ (mixed-species and mono-species), ‘sampling locations’ (Kerala and Coonoor), ‘plant types’ (shrubs and trees) and ‘plant genera’ (Eucalyptus, Pine, Silver oak, Tea, Rubber and Coffee); using 16S rRNA sequencing and GC–MS analysis. The mono-species samples had higher concentrations of K and heavy metals, such as Pb, Cr, Ni, and Cu than the mixed-species samples. The soil dehydrogenase activity (DHA) was highest in the mono-species tea and coffee samples from Kerala. However, the mixed-species pine and eucalyptus had comparatively higher DHA values than the mono-species pine and eucalyptus. Paludisphaera borealis, Candidatus Solibacterusitatus, Candidatus Xiphinematobacter sp. Idaho Grape, Gemmatimonas phototrophica, and Conexibacter woesei had significantly higher abundance in mixed-species samples based on the LEfSe analysis (LDA score>3 and FDR-adjusted p-value < 0.05). Whereas, Chthoniobacter flavus, Tepidisphaera mucosa, Acidibacter ferrireducens, Paludibaculum fermentans, and Gaiella occulta had significantly higher abundance in mono-species samples. The strong positive correlations (r values >0.9 and <−0.9, with p-value < 0.05) of bacterial taxa with plant metabolites such as phytane, Friedelan-3-one, gamma-gurjunene, eucalyptol, (−)-globulol and epiglobulol, indicate that these plant metabolites may play crucial roles in the differential bacteriome compositions of these rhizospheres.ConclusionThis study provides new insights into the alterations in the rhizosphere bacteriome across various plantations in the Western Ghats region based on plantation type, plant genera, metabolites, and other soil physiochemical properties.Impact statementPlantation type and sampling location were the factors that significantly influenced the rhizosphere metabolome and microbiome profiles, followed by plant genera and plant type.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1775141</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1775141</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Intralesional microbial community signatures across histopathologic categories of tongue lesions]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-13T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Karthik Madhavan</author><author>Emily Lanzel</author><author>Shareef M. Dabdoub</author><author>Ahmed Sidahmed</author><author>John Hellstein</author><author>David Ray Drake</author><author>Jeffrey A. Banas</author><author>Sukirth M. Ganesan</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundThe tissue-resident microbiome of oral epithelial lesions remains incompletely characterized, with most prior studies relying on saliva or surface sampling. This study aimed to characterize intralesional microbial communities across histopathologic categories of tongue lesions using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue.MethodsThis cross-sectional study characterized the intralesional microbiome of 63 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tongue tissues, including fibroma (n = 15), low malignant potential dysplasia (LMP; n = 24), high malignant potential dysplasia (HMP; n = 24), and additional OSCC samples. Amplicon sequencing of the V3–V4 16S rRNA region was used to assess taxonomic composition, alpha and beta diversity, phylogenetic structure, predicted functional pathways (PICRUSt2), and machine-learning–based discrimination of lesion categories.ResultsMicrobial community profiles differed significantly across histopathologic groups. Non-dysplastic tissues exhibited higher richness and greater representation of commensal genera such as Streptococcus, Rothia, and Veillonella. Dysplastic tissues demonstrated reduced diversity and increased abundance of stress-adapted Proteobacteria including Bosea, Novosphingobium, Sphingomonas, and Pseudomonas. Beta diversity analyses revealed distinct community structures between fibroma, LMP, and HMP categories. Predicted functional profiles suggested differences in inferred metabolic potential, including pathways related to carbohydrate metabolism and xenobiotic degradation in dysplastic lesions. A supervised classifier demonstrated separation between groups (AUC 0.83–1.00), with several taxa contributing to classification; however, these findings should be interpreted cautiously given the sample size.ConclusionIntralesional microbial communities differ across fibroma, dysplasia, and OSCC of the tongue in both taxonomic composition and predicted functional profiles. These findings describe lesion-associated microbial signatures within tissue and provide a foundation for future studies incorporating longitudinal designs and multi-omics approaches to clarify their biological and clinical relevance.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1794835</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1794835</link>
        <title><![CDATA[The SPI-6 T6SS gene cluster from Salmonella Tennessee encodes a new antibacterial nuclease effector protein]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-13T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Carla Vargas-del Río</author><author>Jorge Urrea</author><author>Ayleen Parra-Calisto</author><author>Carlos J. Blondel</author><author>Andrea Avilés</author><author>Fernanda Salazar-Salas</author><author>Patricio Espinoza-Jara</author><author>Maira Mora</author><author>Dácil Rivera</author><author>Fernando A. Amaya</author><author>Carlos A. Santiviago</author><author>Andrea Moreno-Switt</author><author>David Pezoa</author>
        <description><![CDATA[The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a contact-dependent multiprotein apparatus widely distributed in Gram-negative bacteria that contributes to interbacterial competition and pathogenesis via a contractile mechanism. In Salmonella, five T6SS gene clusters have been identified within pathogenicity islands SPI-6, SPI-19, SPI-20, SPI-21 and SPI-22, which are differentially distributed among serotypes. One of the most studied and widely distributed T6SS corresponds to that encoded in SPI-6 (T6SSSPI-6), which contributes to Salmonella competition with the host microbiota and its interaction with infected host cells. Despite its relevance, there is still limited information available regarding the total number of effector proteins encoded within SPI-6 of different Salmonella enterica serotypes. In the present study, we characterized the SPI-6 T6SS gene cluster encoded in Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serotype Tennessee (S. Tennessee), a pathogen frequently associated with foodborne gastrointestinal outbreaks. Interbacterial competition assays demonstrated that T6SSSPI-6 of S. Tennessee displays antibacterial activity. Additionally, we performed comparative genomic and bioinformatic analyses and identified an antibacterial Effector/Immunity protein (E/I) module encoding a putative effector with DNase activity (RhsA-HNHc) and its cognate immunity protein within the variable region 3 (VR3) of the SPI-6 T6SS gene cluster. Interbacterial competition assays confirmed the antibacterial activity of this novel E/I pair. In addition, heterologous expression assays showed that induction of the RhsA-HNHc effector led to significant E. coli growth inhibition, while co-expression with its putative immunity protein fully restored bacterial growth, thus demonstrating protection against toxicity. Finally, a nuclease activity assay demonstrated that RhsA-HNHc possesses DNase activity. Altogether, this study expands the experimentally validated SPI-6 T6SS effector repertoire beyond well-studied Salmonella serotypes, providing the first functional characterization of a DNase-type Rhs effector in S. Tennessee.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1810690</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1810690</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Viral vectors for antimicrobial peptide expression: a new path for crop protection]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-13T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>M. Basaloco</author><author>A. Albuquerque</author><author>J. A. Ribeiro</author><author>M. Patanita</author><author>F. Santos</author><author>T. Monteiro</author><author>M. D. Campos</author><author>C. Varanda</author><author>M. R. Félix</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are key components of plant innate immunity, offering broad spectrum protection against pathogens and represent promising alternatives to chemical pesticides for sustainable crop protection. Despite their broad range antimicrobial activity and low potential for resistance development, the deployment of AMPs in agriculture has been severely limited by instability, poor bioavailability and the lack of efficient, field-compatible delivery strategies. Harnessing viral vectors as platforms for AMP expression in plants represents a powerful strategy to enhance plant innate immunity. This review provides an overview of the potential of viral vectors for transient gene expression, functional genomics and genome editing. We discuss the design, construction and delivery of viral vectors, as well as the main challenges associated with AMP expression, including cytotoxicity and stability. Finally, inspired by adeno-associated virus (AAV) mediated AMP delivery strategies in mammals, we propose a vaccine-like strategy for plant protection, in which viral vectors enable endogenous AMP production Although plants lack adaptive immunity, virus-mediated AMP expression may function as a biochemical analog, reinforcing basal defence layers and enhancing tolerance to pathogen infection. By integrating viral biotechnology with plant defence mechanisms, this approach could redefine the future of sustainable agriculture.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1800404</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1800404</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Hydrochar as a One Health solution to mitigate antibiotic resistance genes from slurry in grassland soils]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-13T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Israel Ikoyi</author><author>Selva Dhandapani</author><author>Rory Doherty</author><author>Sadish Oumabady</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) represent a growing global health concern, with agricultural practices, particularly livestock slurry application, serving as major contributors to their spread in soils. This review evaluates hydrothermal carbonization derived hydrochar as a potential One Health strategy for reducing ARG prevalence in slurry amended grassland systems. We synthesize current evidence on how hydrochar's properties and interactions within slurry-soil-grassland environments can limit ARG persistence, including its capacity to bind genetic material, affect microbial populations, and alter soil conditions that influence resistance dynamics. Where direct evidence from hydrochar based studies were lacking, findings from analogous materials such as biochar in related agricultural systems were used to elucidate the likely properties and impacts of slurry-derived hydrochar when applied to grassland slurry systems. In doing so, we highlight the potential of hydrothermal carbonization technology to contribute to addressing several environmental challenges in temperate grassland systems, where slurry management represents a persistent concern. Broader ecological and practical implications, such as impacts on soil function, microbial diversity, and the sustainability of hydrochar production, are also considered. Overall, this review highlights the potential of hydrochar as a tool for limiting the dissemination of ARGs from agricultural slurry and emphasizes the need for further research to optimize its application within sustainable grassland management. By synthesizing current evidence and identifying critical knowledge gaps, we propose hydrochar as a promising One Health intervention in slurry-soil-grassland systems and outline key research priorities required to realize its full potential.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1824768</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1824768</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Contrasting microbial iron metabolism in sediments from oxic and hypoxic estuaries]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-13T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Rui Du</author><author>Cheng Xu</author><author>Duo Zhao</author><author>Hanqing Zeng</author><author>Yilin Cheng</author><author>Kai Tang</author><author>Pinghe Cai</author><author>Yao Zhang</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Estuarine sediments are pivotal zones for iron (Fe) cycling, mediated by microbial communities and coupled to carbon, nitrogen, sulfur and phosphorus transformations. However, the microbial iron metabolic processes in estuarine sediments remain poorly characterized, particularly under hypoxia. This study compared metagenomes from the Oujiang River Estuary, an oxic estuary, and the Yangtze River Estuary, a seasonally hypoxic estuary, complemented by sediment core incubations to assess geochemical responses to deoxygenation. The taxonomic affiliations of iron metabolism-related genes in the oxic estuary were homogeneous with depth, dominated by Proteobacteria and Thermodesulfobacteriota. In contrast, the hypoxic estuary exhibited strong stratification, with the surface enriched in Proteobacteria and deeper horizons dominated by Chloroflexota and Candidatus Bathyarchaeota. The surface sediments of the hypoxic estuary at 0–8 centimeters below the seafloor showed a hotspot with co-enrichment of dissimilatory iron reduction (e.g., mtrABC) and iron oxidation genes (e.g., mtoA) relative to both deeper layers in the same estuary and the oxic estuary, consistent with elevated genetic potential for Fe redox turnover. This hotspot also harbored high-affinity Fe acquisition systems (siderophores, inorganic Fe transporters, and heme uptake), suggesting the potential for microbial competition for iron. Co-occurrence networks connecting Fe metabolism with carbon, nitrogen, sulfur and phosphorus cycling were more complex in the hypoxic estuary than in the oxic estuary, revealing strong associations between Fe acquisition/redox cycling and organic matter turnover. A 16-day incubation of sediment cores from the oxic estuary showed that short-term deoxygenation enhanced dissolved Fe, phosphate, and ammonium release. Overall, our results suggest that bottom-water hypoxia is associated with major shifts in microbial iron metabolism potential, with implications for iron-organic matter interactions and nutrient regeneration under coastal deoxygenation.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1743943</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1743943</link>
        <title><![CDATA[High-zinc diets accelerate molting and recovery by remodeling the cecal microbiome in laying hens]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-13T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Ling Chang</author><author>Fang Peng</author><author>Yue Zuo</author><author>Shihao Yang</author><author>Kun Xie</author><author>Zehe Song</author><author>Xi He</author><author>Yuguang Chen</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionConventional fasting molting can restore laying performance but imposes substantial physiological stress and welfare concerns. High-zinc diets (2% ZnO) have been proposed as a less stressful alternative, but their mechanisms remain unclear.MethodsThis study compared fasting-induced molting with zinc oxide supplementation in 384 Lohmann Pink hens (65 wk). Serum, cecal contents, and ovaries were sampled across six stages from pre-molt to post-molt recovery.ResultsZnO accelerated cessation of lay (5.75 vs. 8.87 d) and earlier recovery to 50% production (15.25 vs. 16.62 d) with lower weight loss (25% vs. 30%). Multi-omics revealed that high-zinc feeding enriched beneficial microbes (e.g., Coprenecus pullicola, Fournierella spp.) involved in amino acid and cofactor biosynthesis, consistent with activated glycine/serine/lysine metabolism. ZnO also reduced inflammatory and barrier-injury signals (IL-1β, LPS, DAO) and promoted earlier recovery of reproductive hormones (higher IGF-1, earlier increases in E2 and LH). Both treatments improved post-molt egg quality; zinc better preserved albumen height and Haugh unit, while fasting increased shell thickness and yolk color.Discussion/conclusionThese findings support that a high-zinc-associated microbial-metabolic profile mitigates stress, accelerates ovarian reset, and shortens the time to restore production.]]></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>
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        <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.2026.1861156</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.2026.1816170</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>
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