Search Results (53)

Certain sacoglossan sea slugs, often known as “solar-powered sea slugs”, are a group of marine gastropods that have the unique ability to photosynthesize by stealing functional chloroplasts from algae. The sacoglossan Elysia papillosa can maintain functional chloroplasts for up to two weeks after feeding. The microbiome of these slugs may play a crucial role in their metabolism, immunity, development, but more importantly their photosynthesis. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing was conducted on four samples of E. papillosa in order to characterize their microbiome. Sequences were classified and relative abundance was quantified with Centrifuger and functional data was examined using SqueezeMeta. Bacteria were analyzed by taxonomic groups and hypothesized function to the sea slug was determined with literature analysis. All samples were dominated by phyla Actinomycetota, Bacillota, Patescibacteriota, and Pseudomonadota. The presence of the phyla Bacteroidota and Bacillota was notable in all samples, which contain species known to produce enzymes that break down polysaccharides. It is possible that these bacteria could assist in degradation of the polysaccharide xylan found in the cell walls of Penicillus, the algal food source of E. papillosa. One species that was found in all samples was Cutibacterium acnes which has been shown to be an important component of the gut microbiota in other marine invertebrates and may provide the host with vitamin B12 and other beneficial nutrients. Many of these bacteria may be opportunistic rather than commensal. As a result, more research is required to describe the interactions between the slug and its microbiome, but this preliminary report provides a valuable starting point for identifying the microbiome make-up to further understanding of these relationships. Full article

Ornamental fountains in the Alhambra and Generalife (Granada, Spain) constitute complex socio-ecological systems where water, stone, and biological communities interact, making them highly vulnerable to biodeterioration caused by phototrophic microorganisms such as cyanobacteria, green algae, and diatoms. Conventional chemical biocides, although widely applied, present significant drawbacks including toxicity, material degradation, ecological imbalance, and limited long-term effectiveness. In this context, this study evaluated the potential of algicidal bacteria as a sustainable alternative for controlling phototrophic growth in heritage environments. Water samples from eight ornamental fountains were analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene sequencing to characterize bacterial communities and identify taxa previously reported with algicidal activity. Statistical analyses were conducted to assess relationships between microbial community structure and biofilm development. In parallel, functional screening assays using filtered fountain waters against Chlorella vulgaris were performed to evaluate intrinsic inhibitory capacity. The most active sample was selected for bacterial isolation and further validation through co-culture assays, cell density measurements, and pulse-amplitude-modulated (PAM) fluorometry. A total of 18 genera with reported algicidal capacity were detected, representing a substantial fraction of the microbiome across all samples. However, no significant association was found between these taxonomic metrics and biofilm development, highlighting a decoupling between taxonomic composition and functional activity. The most active isolate, identified as Stenotrophomonas maltophilia strain LIG25, caused a rapid decline in photosynthetic efficiency and achieved more than 98% inhibition of algal growth. These findings demonstrate that ornamental fountain microbiomes represent a reservoir of native biocontrol agents and support the development of eco-friendly strategies for cultural heritage conservation. Full article

The microbes found in the rhizosphere, roots, leaves and stem surfaces and within the internal tissues of mangrove vegetation and their environment constitute the microbiome of the ecosystem. The organisms in the microbiome include bacteria, protozoa, fungi, algae, amoebas, and slime molds, which assist in maintaining and restoring mangrove ecosystems. This review explores the role of microbiomes in the maintenance of healthy mangrove ecosystems and in the successful restoration of degraded mangrove ecosystems. Microbes have important roles in several geomicrobiological cycles shaping mangrove ecosystems, including transforming nitrogen, phosphorus, carbon, sulfur and iron in biogeochemical cycles. Mangrove microbiomes contribute to the adaptation of vegetation to the harsh abiotic conditions in coastal areas, enhance nutrient uptake, produce plant-growth-promoting substances, and degrade the mangrove litter and the pollutants that can hinder restoration. Soil microbes function as biofertilizers, biopesticides, and bioremediation agents. The microbial diversity, composition, and functional capacity are important in the restoration of mangroves through their influence on voluntary recruitment following hydrologic restoration, on the establishment success of planted seeds and propagules, and on the survival of transplanted saplings and nursery-raised seedlings. The knowledge of the beneficial attributes of the microbiome can enhance the overall success of mangrove restoration. Identifying future needs, such as microbial inoculant validation, field-scale trials, and integration with hydrological restoration, are essential. Full article

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is increasingly recognized as a complex, multi-system disorder involving interactions among metabolic dysfunction, chronic low-grade inflammation, and neuroendocrine dysregulation, rather than a condition confined to the ovary. While current management strategies primarily target symptomatic manifestations, such as menstrual irregularity, hyperandrogenism, and insulin resistance, they do not directly address the underlying integrative pathways linking the gut microbiome, cellular energy sensing, and hypothalamic reproductive control. This review proposes a mechanistic framework in which algae-derived bioactives modulate a gut–SIRT1–kisspeptin axis, thereby offering a systems-level perspective on PCOS pathophysiology and intervention. Gut dysbiosis in PCOS contributes to altered bile acid signaling, disrupted microbial metabolite profiles, and increased inflammatory tone, all of which may impair both metabolic and reproductive functions. Concurrently, reduced activity of the NAD⁺-dependent deacetylase SIRT1 has been documented across ovarian, endometrial, and metabolic tissues, linking energy imbalance to oxidative stress, inflammation, and impaired steroidogenesis. At the neuroendocrine level, dysregulated kisspeptin signaling contributes to abnormal gonadotropin-releasing hormone pulsatility and luteinizing hormone hypersecretion, key features of PCOS. Algae-derived compounds, including polysaccharides, phlorotannins, fucoidan, fucoxanthin, and microalgae bioactives, exhibit prebiotic, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic regulatory properties that intersect with these pathways, particularly through modulation of gut microbiota and activation of AMPK/SIRT1 signaling. The central proposition of this review is that algae-derived bioactives may act across interconnected biological layers: reshaping gut microbial ecology, restoring SIRT1-mediated metabolic balance, and retuning kisspeptin-driven neuroendocrine activity. While individual components of this axis are supported by substantial evidence, direct experimental validation of the complete pathway remains limited. Therefore, this framework is positioned as a translationally grounded but hypothesis-driven model that integrates currently fragmented findings into a coherent and testable paradigm. Future research should prioritize multi-level experimental and clinical studies that simultaneously assess microbiota composition, metabolic signaling, and reproductive neuroendocrine outcomes to establish the therapeutic potential of algae-based interventions in PCOS. Full article

Algae rarely occur as solitary phototrophs in nature or engineering; instead, they are embedded in complex bacterial consortia that control their physiology, productivity and ecological performance. The phycosphere, a microscale niche rich in algal exudates, promotes extensive metabolic exchange and chemical signaling, defining these associations. Bacteria capitalize on the dissolved organic carbon released by algae, providing growth supporting molecules such as vitamins, trace metals, and siderophores, as well as regenerated inorganic nutrients. Bidirectional beneficial interactions range from obligate mutualism to facultative commensalism and antagonism, depending on environmental context and community membership. Bacterial partners can stimulate algal growth, morphogenesis, and stress tolerance, as well as modulating defense and programmed cell death during the decline and bloom succession of algae resulting from algicidal taxa. Metabolic cooperation, QS signaling, extracellular enzyme activity, and chemically induced gene expression produce the exometabolome in the phycosphere, which in turn reprograms gene expression in all partners. Recent advances in multi-omics toolboxes, single-cell isotopic analyses, and microfluidics have greatly enhanced our understanding of the functional and spatiotemporal orientation of algal microbiomes. Ecologically, algal–bacterial interactions manage the phytoplankton community structure, control HABs, and modulate carbon and nutrient fluxes in both marine and freshwater realms. Biotechnologically, engineered algal–bacterial consortia are a promising tool for enhancing biomass production, stabilizing large-scale cultivation, improving wastewater treatment, and upgrading biofuels and fine chemicals. Despite these notable research advances, the context- and species-dependent complexity of multispecies interactions remains a major obstacle to their practical modeling and scalable implementation. Integrative research frameworks that combine molecular, ecological, and bioengineering approaches are urgently needed to unlock the full potential of sustainable applications in the future. Full article

Gut microbiota imbalances can lead to the development of various inflammatory diseases in the body. The development of drugs aimed at maintaining intestinal health is a key area of biotechnology. Algae-based prebiotics are one such drug. The aim of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis of the fecal microbiota of Mus musculus with and without a prebiotic supplement. We studied the effects of enzymatically processed Laminaria digitata and Fucus vesiculosus seaweeds on the gut microbiome of mice with induced inflammation using DNBSEQ-G50 sequencing. The results showed that these prebiotic supplements can reduce the impact of inflammation on the intestine. An increase in the relative abundance of Anaerostipes rhamnosivorans, Dysosmobacter welbionis, Akkermansia muciniphila, Flavonifractor plautii, and a decrease in Longicatena caecimuris relative to the LPS group were observed. Furthermore, enzymatically processed algae were found to increase the relative abundance of gut bacterial metabolic pathways responsible for glucose breakdown. Thus, both enzymatically processed and unprocessed algae-based prebiotic supplements restored gut microbiome composition and gut morphology in LPS-exposed mice, as confirmed by microbiome analysis and histological examination. Full article

Long-read sequencing (LRS) has transformed life science research by introducing third-generation sequencing (TGS) platforms applicable across various research fields, including environmental sciences. In the past decade, LRS platforms have been utilized to extensively study algal systems by improving genomic approaches such as metabarcoding, chromosome-level genome and pangenome assemblies, as well as providing new insights into algae-associated microbiomes and host–symbiont interactions. This review aims to discuss recent advancements in LRS in algal research. To achieve this aim, a systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines and across three electronic databases (Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar), with additional citation searching for relevant studies in four key algal research areas: metabarcoding, genomics, pangenomics, and host–symbionts interactions. Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, only 51 studies were selected for this review. Throughout the review, we summarize the challenges of short-read sequencing (SRS) and discuss how LRS platforms address these challenges in algal studies. Furthermore, we discuss the future of LRS and explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can advance research on algal biology and ecology. Full article

Increased seawater temperatures and nutrient loading are stressors that affect coral reefs and their microbiomes. In this study, filamentous algae were collected and exposed to different temperatures and nutrient concentrations through a laboratory experiment. Microbial DNA was extracted and analyzed using amplicon sequencing of the V3-V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene. In total, 1 domain, 51 phyla, 131 classes, 335 orders, 549 families, and 1905 species were identified. Proteobacteria and Bacteroidota were the dominant taxa reported. Elevated seawater temperatures and nutrient enrichment impacted microbial communities associated with turf algae under laboratory culture. Bacterial species diversity and abundance differed under different temperature and nutrient conditions. Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were abundant in lower-temperature conditions, while Desulfobacterota, Spirochaetota, and Firmicutes were abundant in higher-temperature conditions. Ruegeria was abundant in low-temperature conditions, whereas Vibrio abundance was low. Regarding nutrient conditions, Proteobacteria and Cyanobacteria were abundant under high-nutrient conditions, while Firmicutes and Desulfobacterota were abundant under ambient-nutrient conditions. The higher nutrient concentration increased the abundance of pathogenic bacteria, such as Vibrio and Photobacterium, while Pseudoalteromonas, which is beneficial for reefs, was present under ambient nutrient conditions. This study demonstrates that temperature and nutrient enrichment can shape microbial communities under laboratory conditions, providing an experimental setting for further studies of bacterial functions and metabolic processes in natural conditions under thermal and nutrient stresses. Full article

This study investigates the effect of different microalgae diets on the microbiomes associated with the marine copepod Acartia tonsa. Copepods were fed with two different mixed-diet compositions: (i) Isochrysis galbana (ISO) and Rhinomonas reticulata (RHI)—(ISO + RHI) and (ii) ISO and Rhodomonas baltica (RHO)—(ISO + RHO). 16S rDNA metabarcoding and comparative statistic have been adopted to study microbial diversity associated with algae and copepods. Diversity index, taxonomic profiling, and statistically significant taxa differential abundances were evaluated with reference to the different algal and copepod microbiomes. Results showed that the different feeding regimes shape different copepod microbial communities. The abundance of Vermiphilaceae, OM190, KI89A_clade, Cyanobium_PCC-6307, and Cyclobacteriaceae increased in copepod microbiomes independently by the feeding regimes. On the other hand, Tistlia sp., Bradymonadales, and Alteromonadaceae were differentially enriched in copepod microbiomes in relation to the different feeding regimes. Differences in the microbial community composition between ISO + RHI and ISO + RHO were observed, suggesting that the specific algal diet plays a pivotal role in shaping microbiome structure. Full article

Fungal diseases caused by Fusarium spp. significantly threaten food security and sustainable agriculture. One of the traditional strategies for eradicating Fusarium spp. incidents is the use of chemical and synthetic fungicides. The excessive use of these products generates environmental damage and has negative effects on crop yield. It puts plants in stressful conditions, kills the natural soil microbiome, and makes phytopathogenic fungi resistant. Finally, it also causes health problems in farmers. This drives the search for and selection of natural alternatives, such as bio-fungicides. Among natural products, algae and cyanobacteria are promising sources of antifungal bio-compounds. These organisms can synthesize different bioactive molecules, such as fatty acids, phenolic acids, and some volatile organic compounds with antifungal activity, which can damage the fungal cell membrane that surrounds the hyphae and spores, either by solubilization or by making them porous and disrupted. Research in this area is still developing, but significant progress has been made in the identification of the compounds with potential for controlling this important pathogen. Therefore, this review focuses on the knowledge about the mechanisms of action of the fatty acids from macroalgae, microalgae, and cyanobacteria as principal biomolecules with antifungal activity, as well as on the benefits and challenges of applying these natural metabolites against Fusarium spp. to achieve sustainable agriculture. Full article

The impact of macroalgae species on rumen function remains largely unexplored. This present study aimed to identify the biocompounds of the three types of marine macroalgae described: Macrocystis pyrifera (Brown), Ulva spp. (Lettuce), Mazzaella spp. (Red) and their effect on species-specific modulations of the rumen microbiome. The macroalgae were characterized using GC-MS. Twelve Rambouillet lambs were randomly assigned to one of four experimental diets (n = 3 per treatment): (a) control diet (CD); (b) CD + 5 g of Red algae; (c) CD + 5 g of Brown algae; and (d) CD + 5 g of Lettuce algae. After the lambs ended their fattening phase, they donated ruminal fluid for DNA extraction and 16S rRNA gene V3 amplicon sequencing. Results: The tagged 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and statistical analysis revealed that the dominant ruminal bacteria shared by all four sample groups belonged to phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidota. However, the relative abundance of these bacterial groups was markedly affected by diet composition. In animals fed with macroalgae, the fibrinolytic and cellulolytic bacteria Selenomonas was found in the highest abundance. The diversity in chemical composition among macroalgae species introduces a range of bioactive compounds, particularly VOCs like anethole, beta-himachalene, and 4-ethylphenol, which demonstrate antimicrobial and fermentation-modulating properties. Full article

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which comprise coronary heart disease, hypertension, and stroke, collectively represent the number one cause of death globally. Atherosclerosis is the dominant cause of CVDs, and its risk factors are elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides, hypertension, cigarette smoking, obesity, and diabetes mellitus. In addition, diverse evidence highlights the role played by inflammation and clonal haematopoiesis, eventually leading to immunity involvement. The human microbiota project and subsequent studies using next-generation sequencing technology have indicated that thousands of different microbial species are present in the human gut. Disturbances in the gut microbiota (GM) composition, i.e., gut dysbiosis, have been associated with diseases ranging from localised gastrointestinal disorders to metabolic and cardiovascular illnesses. Of note, experimental studies suggested that GM, host immune cells, and marine-derived ingredients work together to ensure intestinal wall integrity. This review discusses current evidence concerning the links among GM, marine-derived ingredients, and human inflammatory disease. In detail, we summarise the impact of fish-derived proteins/peptides and algae components on CVD risk factors and gut microbiome. Furthermore, we describe the interplay among these dietary components, probiotics/prebiotics, and CVDs. Full article

Autoimmune bullous diseases (AIBDs) are a group of conditions marked by the formation of blisters and erosions on the skin and mucous membranes. It occurs in all age groups, slightly more often affecting women. Several factors may be linked to the development of AIBDs, with nutrition being one of them. The literature mentions various food products and food ingredients acting as disease modifiers. Given the complex relationship between bullous diseases and nutrition, the current literature on AIBDs has been reviewed, with an emphasis on the influence of dietary modifications, various diets, and the nutritional consequences of these conditions. This review summarizes the role of nutrition in the pathogenesis and treatment of the following AIBDs: (i) pemphigus, (ii) bullous pemphigoid and mucous membrane pemphigoid, (iii) dermatitis herpetiformis, and (iv) epidermolysis bullosa acquisita. Several nutrients and dietary factors have been studied for their potential roles in triggering or exacerbating AIBDs. The key nutrients and their potential impacts include thiols and bulb vegetables (Allium), phenols, tannic acid, tannins, phycocyanin, isothiocyanates, all trans-retinoic acids, cinnamic acid, and walnut antigens. Many patients with ABIDs may require supplementation, particularly of vitamin D and B₃, calcium, potassium, zinc, selenium, and cobalt. In addition, various diets play an important role. A soft diet is recommended for individuals with issues in the oral cavity and/or esophagus, particularly for those who experience difficulties with biting or swallowing. This approach is commonly used in managing pemphigus. A high-protein, high-calcium diet, DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), and the Mediterranean diet are utilized during long-term glucocorticoid therapy. However, in dermatitis herpetiformis it is advisable to follow a gluten-free diet and eliminate iodine from the diet. When it comes to herbal supplements, Algae (Spirulina platensis), Echinacea, and St. John’s wort (Hyperitum perforatum) enhance the ABIDs, while Cassia fistula may be recommended in the treatment of erosions in pemphigus vulgaris. Fast foods enhance the development of ABIDs. However, the pathomechanism is not yet fully understood. Future researchers should more precisely define the relationships between nutrients and nutrition and blistering diseases by also looking at, i.e., genetic predispositions, microbiome differences, or exposure to stress. Full article

The influence of microalgae on the formation of associated prokaryotic assemblages in halophilic microbial communities is currently underestimated. The aim of this study was to characterize shifts in prokaryotic assemblages of halophilic microalgae upon their transition to laboratory cultivation. Monoalgal cultures belonging to the classes Chlorodendrophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, Trebouxiophyceae, and Chlorophyceae were isolated from habitats with intermediate salinity, about 100 g/L, nearby Elton Lake (Russia). Significant changes were revealed in the structure of algae-associated prokaryotic assemblages, indicating that microalgae supported sufficiently diverse and even communities of prokaryotes. Despite some similarities in their prokaryotic assemblages, taxon-specific complexes of dominant genera were identified for each microalga species. These complexes were most different among Alphaproteobacteria, likely due to their close association with microalgae. Other taxon-specific bacteria included members of phylum Verrucomicrobiota (Coraliomargarita in assemblages of Navicula sp.) and class Gammaproteobacteria (Salinispirillum in microbiomes of A. gracilis). After numerous washings of algal cells, only alphaproteobacteria Marivibrio remained in all assemblages of T. indica, likely due to a firm attachment to the microalgae cells. Our results may be useful for further efforts to develop technologies applied for industrial cultivation of halophilic microalgae and for developing approaches to obtain new prokaryotes with a microalgae-associated lifestyle. Full article

Microeukaryotes are a diverse and often overlooked group of microbes that are important in food webs and other ecological linkages. Little is known about microeukaryotes associated with aquatic invertebrates, although filter feeders such as mussels are likely to take in and potentially retain microeukaryotes in their gut while feeding. Microeukaryotes such as apicomplexans have been reported in marine mussel species, but no studies have examined the presence of these microorganisms in freshwater mussels or how they relate to mussel host species or environmental conditions. In this study, microbial community DNA was extracted from the gut tissue of over 300 freshwater mussels, representing 22 species collected from rivers in the southeastern USA. Microeukaryote DNA was detected using PCR amplification, followed by the sequencing of positive amplicons. Microeukaryotes were found in 167 individual mussels (53%) of those tested. Amplicons included dinoflagellates/algae that differed between mussel species and are likely food sources that were distinct from those found in water and sediment samples analyzed concurrently. A total of 5% of the positive amplicons were non-photosynthetic alveolates that could represent parasitic microeukaryotes. Understanding the distribution of microeukaryotes in the freshwater mussel gut microbiome could further our understanding of the ongoing decline of mussel populations. Full article