Review
Food Science & Technology
Abrar Asif, Muhammad Afzaal, Hina Shahid, Farhan Saeed, Aftab Ahmed, Yasir Abbas Shah, Afaf Ejaz, Samia Ghani, Huda Ateeq, Mahbubur Rahman Khan
Summary: Functional foods with bioactive components like probiotics and prebiotics, known as postbiotics, have gained attention for their health-promoting properties. These soluble substances, secreted by living bacteria or released after bacterial lysis, have various signaling molecules with potential antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antiinflammatory, antihypertensive, and antiproliferative activities. Postbiotics have significant applications in pharmaceutical, food, and nutraceutical industries for promoting health and disease prevention.
FOOD SCIENCE & NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Hiroki Kise, Miyuki Nishijima, Akira Iguchi, Junpei Minatoya, Hiroyuki Yokooka, Yuji Ise, Atsushi Suzuki
Summary: A new genus and species of Hexactinellida-associated zoantharian, Parachurabana shinseimaruae Kise, gen. nov. et sp. nov., has been discovered in Japanese waters. It is characterized by its host hexactinellid sponge, flat polyps, unique muscle structure, and distinct genetic variations. This species is the third genus in the Parazoanthidae family associated with Hexasterophora sponges. Though currently found only in Japanese waters, similar unidentified zoantharians have been reported in Australian waters, suggesting a potentially widespread distribution across the Pacific.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sergio Vargas, Laura Leiva, Michael Eitel, Franziska Curdt, Sven Rohde, Christopher Arnold, Michael Nickel, Peter Schupp, William D. Orsi, Maja Adamska, Gert Woerheide
Summary: Mounting evidence suggests that disturbances to the microbiome influence animal development. In this study, the loss of a key photosymbiont upon shading resulted in a body-plan reorganization in the cyanosponge Lendenfeldia chondrodes. The morphological changes observed in shaded sponges were coupled with broad transcriptomic changes, indicating a coupling between the sponge transcriptomic state and the state of its microbiome.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Michael Sieber, Arne Traulsen, Hinrich Schulenburg, Angela E. Douglas
Summary: The prevalence of specific microbes in a host population can increase even when they do not provide specific benefits to the host, especially when there is overlap in their lifecycles and they share dispersal routes. This suggests that host enrichment alone is not a reliable indicator of beneficial host-microbe interactions, but increased time spent associated with a host can lead to new selection conditions, potentially favoring microbial adaptations towards a host-associated lifestyle and laying the foundation for the evolution of mutually beneficial coevolved symbioses.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Sakineh Rashidi, Ali Reza Yousefi, Majid Pouryousef, Nieves Goicoechea
Summary: This study found that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have a significant impact on the photosynthetic pigments and secondary metabolites content in the roots and reproductive organs of problematic weed species such as Ipomoea purpurea, Digitaria sanguinalis, and Solanum nigrum. Colonization with AMF increased the levels of phenols, flavonoids, and terpenoids in these weeds, as well as improved total phenolics in D. sanguinalis seeds. Additionally, the activity of phenylalanine ammonia lyase enzyme was enhanced in D. sanguinalis leaves colonized by specific AMF species.
CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGIES IN AGRICULTURE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Sophie Graffius, Jaime Felipe Guerrero Garzon, Martin Zehl, Petra Pjevac, Rasmus Kirkegaard, Mathias Flieder, Alexander Loy, Thomas Rattei, Andrew Ostrovsky, Sergey B. Zotchev
Summary: Marine and freshwater sponges have diverse bacterial communities that can produce secondary metabolites, which play a crucial role in protecting the host from predators and infections.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Ecology
I. Burgsdorf, S. Sizikov, V. Squatrito, M. Britstein, B. M. Slaby, C. Cerrano, K. M. Handley, L. Steindler
Summary: Marine sponges harbor diverse microorganisms with versatile carbon and energy metabolism modes. The main microbial carbon fixation pathways include the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle, the reductive tricarboxylic acid cycle, and the 3-hydroxypropionate/4-hydroxybutyrate cycle. Genomic potential may not accurately reflect autotrophs' actual contribution, and radioisotope assays emphasize the importance of validating genomic potential with physiological experiments.
Article
Microbiology
Antonia Cristi, Genesis Parada-Pozo, Felipe Morales-Vicencio, Cesar A. Cardenas, Nicole Trefault
Summary: Sponge-associated microorganisms are essential for sponge survival and show species-specific differences in microbial communities in Antarctic sponges, but maintain similar functional potential.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Liron Goren, Tal Idan, Sigal Shefer, Micha Ilan
Summary: Polychaetes are common marine organisms, with stable, diverse and specialized communities living in sponges. Studies show that the trophic structure of sponge-associated polychaetes is consistent across the entire Mediterranean, with taxonomically related species forming these communities. These results indicate a well-adapted, non-transient assembly of polychaetes in sponges.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mia M. Keady, Randall R. Jimenez, Morgan Bragg, Jenna C. P. Wagner, Sally L. Bornbusch, Michael L. Power, Carly R. Muletz-Wolz
Summary: Milk production is an ancient adaptation in mammals, and milk contains a microbiome that can affect the health and development of offspring.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Andrew J. J. Forgie, Deanna M. M. Pepin, Tingting Ju, Stephanie Tollenaar, Consolato M. M. Sergi, Samantha Gruenheid, Benjamin P. P. Willing
Summary: This study found that vitamin B12 supplementation can alter the activities of certain microbial populations in the gut, promoting the colonization of a specific pathogen (Citrobacter rodentium) in mice. These changes were associated with alterations in markers of gut inflammation. The results suggest that excessive B12 supplementation may have consequences on microbial competition/sharing in the gut.
Article
Microbiology
Jessica Dittmer, Robert M. Brucker
Summary: This study investigated the role of microbiome in host nutrient allocation during diapause of parasitoid wasp N. vitripennis, revealing the essential role of microbiome and altered microbiome composition during diapause. The prolonged larval diapause had a transstadial effect on the adult microbiome, leading to changes in the abundance of dominant microbiome members and potential bacterial pathogens. The impact of diapause on the microbiome is likely influenced by various factors, including altered host regulatory mechanisms and the host environment.
Article
Plant Sciences
Sizhang Liu, Yue Jiang, Yanfang Wang, Huimin Huo, Mustafa Cilkiz, Ping Chen, Yilai Han, Li Li, Kangyu Wang, Mingzhu Zhao, Lei Zhu, Jun Lei, Yi Wang, Meiping Zhang
Summary: In this study, the genetic and molecular characteristics of ginseng were analyzed, resulting in the development of a mini-core collection representing the genetic variation of ginseng. Transcriptome sequencing revealed the wide molecular diversity of ginseng, and analysis of ginsenoside content showed extensive variation and correlation. The relationships between cultivars and landraces were also examined in terms of gene expression, gene variation, and ginsenoside biosynthesis.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Samantha C. Waterworth, Shirley Parker-Nance, Jason C. Kwan, Rosemary A. Dorrington
Summary: The study reveals that marine sponges form symbiotic relationships with bacteria to perform specific functions within the host, with some bacterial taxa widely distributed among invertebrate hosts and exhibiting conserved functional potential at a family level.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kuei-Hung Lai, Bo-Rong Peng, Chun-Han Su, Mohamed El-Shazly, Yi-Long Sun, Ming-Cheng Shih, Yu-Ting Huang, Pei-Tzu Yen, Lung-Shuo Wang, Jui-Hsin Su
Summary: Marine sponges are considered a rich source of potential anti-cancer metabolites, with compounds isolated from Theonella sp. sponge showing promising anti-proliferative activity, particularly macrolide derivatives playing a significant role in inhibiting cancer cell proliferation.
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Muhammad Asyraf Abd Latip, Noor Faizul Hadry Nordin, Siti Aisyah Alias, Jerzy Smykla, Faridah Yusof, Mohd Azrul Naim Mohamad
Summary: The growth conditions of bacteria producing cold-active protease were determined through one-factor-at-time screening, and the crude protease was extracted for enzymatic assay. The strain with the highest activity was optimized using the response surface method. All eight strains showed the highest growth rate at 20℃, pH 7, and 4% NaCl according to the screening results. The crude enzyme from strain SC8 exhibited significantly higher activity compared to the positive control at -20℃ and 20℃. The optimized growth conditions for SC8 were determined as 20.5℃, pH 6.83, and 2.05% NaCl, resulting in a bacterial growth rate of 3.70 ± 0.06 x 10^6 cells/hr. These optimal conditions are valuable for future large-scale production of cold-active protease.
IIUM ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Pacharaporn Angthong, Tanaporn Uengwetwanit, Umaporn Uawisetwathana, Jasper J. Koehorst, Sopacha Arayamethakorn, Peter J. Schaap, Vitor Martins Dos Santos, Metavee Phromson, Nitsara Karoonuthaisiri, Sage Chaiyapechara, Wanilada Rungrassamee
Summary: To understand the interaction between shrimp and intestinal microbiota, multidisciplinary platforms were used to analyze the metagenome, transcriptome, and metabolome. The study found that exposure to Vibrio harveyi disrupted the bacterial communities in the shrimp intestine. Gene expression analysis revealed upregulation of immune-related pathways, while metabolomics analysis showed changes in lipid metabolism. The findings suggest the importance of lipid metabolism and the impact of pathogenic Vibrio on shrimp immunity. This study provides valuable insights into the host-gut microbial relationship and its influence on shrimp innate immunity.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
M. Atasoy, W. T. Scott Jr., K. van Gijn, J. J. Koehorst, H. Smidt, A. A. M. Langenhoff
Summary: Optimizing bioreactor performance is crucial for sustainable and energy-efficient removal of micropollutants in tertiary treatment. The resident microbial community plays a significant role in bioreactor performance, hence a deeper understanding of community dynamics is essential. By characterizing the microbial communities in three different bioreactors used for organic matter removal, an interdependency between bioreactor performance and microbial community profile was observed. A generalized Lotka-Volterra model was established to understand the interactions in the microbial community and develop strategies for improving bioreactor performance.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Yangwenshan Ou, Clara Belzer, Hauke Smidt, Carolina de Weerth
Summary: The study investigated the development of gut microbiota in children during the first 14 years of life and its relation to mental health problems in puberty. The analysis of fecal microbiota composition revealed the presence of four distinct microbial clusters in puberty. Prevotella 9 and Faecalibacterium were found to be associated with externalizing behavior and social anxiety, respectively. Further studies are needed to validate these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms.
EUROPEAN CHILD & ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Andrea Aldas-Vargas, Jannigje G. G. Kers, Hauke Smidt, Huub H. M. Rijnaarts, Nora B. B. Sutton
Summary: Groundwater in The Netherlands is the main source of drinking water, but pesticide presence threatens its quality. Biodegradation is a natural process that can help remove pesticides. However, the oligotrophic groundwater conditions may limit biodegradation due to the lack of microbial communities capable of degrading pesticides. In this study, bioaugmentation with enriched mixed inocula was used to enhance pesticide biodegradation, and the effect of different redox conditions on biodegradation was observed.
Article
Ecology
Asimenia Gavriilidou, Burak Avci, Anastasia Galani, Michelle A. Schorn, Colin J. Ingham, Thijs J. G. Ettema, Hauke Smidt, Detmer Sipkema
Summary: Using genome-centric metagenomics, researchers revealed the phylogenomic placement of the candidate phylum Dadabacteria and predicted the metabolism of sponge-associated members. The results showed that these strains are aerobic heterotrophs capable of synthesizing amino acids, vitamins and cofactors, degrading complex carbohydrates, and exhibiting host-specific gene adaptations. Additionally, fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed the morphology and lifestyle of a member of Ca. Desulfobacterota.
Article
Biology
Bart Nijsse, Peter J. Schaap, Jasper J. Koehorst
Summary: The life sciences are a major source of scientific data. Reusing and connecting these data can lead to new concepts and insights. However, the availability of easy-to-adopt implementations that fulfill the needs of data producers is limited. In response, the FAIR Data Station, a lightweight application written in Java, has been developed to support researchers in managing research metadata according to the FAIR principles. It includes modules for generating metadata templates, validating recorded values, and converting metadata into RDF format.
Article
Microbiology
Caifang Wen, Mirelle Geervliet, Hugo de Vries, Lluis Faba, Petra J. Roubos-van den Hil, Kerstin Skovgaard, Huub F. J. Savelkoul, Henk A. Schols, Jerry M. Wells, Edwin Tijhaar, Hauke Smidt
Summary: The study found that adding a fermented feed additive - rye overgrown with mycelium of Agaricus subrufescens can modulate gut microbiota and immune system development in pigs. This supplementation may contribute to improving the health of piglets during the weaning transition period and reducing the use of antibiotics.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sara N. Jimenez-Volkerink, Maria Jordan, Hauke Smidt, Cristina Minguillon, Joaquim Vila, Magdalena Grifoll
Summary: By studying a specific microbial consortium in PAH-contaminated soils, it was discovered that the degradation of the carcinogenic compound BaAQ may occur through the Baeyer-Villiger monooxygenase (BVMOs) pathway, and that horizontal gene transfer may play a significant role in this degradation process.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Correction
Biology
Andra Waagmeester, Egon L. Willighagen, Andrew I. Su, Martina Kutmon, Jose Emilio Labra Gayo, Daniel Fernandez-Alvarez, Quentin Groom, Peter J. Schaap, Lisa M. Verhagen, Jasper J. Koehorst
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Yangwenshan Ou, Eline Rots, Clara Belzer, Hauke Smidt, Carolina de Weerth
Summary: An increasing number of studies have shown the connection between gut microbiota and mental health. This study investigated the composition of gut microbiota in low-risk children during early puberty, and explored the behavioral associations with gut microbiota composition and metabolites. The study also explored the potential role of sex in these associations.
