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Studies have revealed extensive taxonomic classifications and patterns of gut microbial diversity in snails, with limited focus on community assembly processes. To better understand the balance between stochastic and deterministic processes in the snail gut microbial assembly and their associations with snail fitness, we used the freshwater snail Biomphalaria straminea as a model and analyzed the gut bacterial communities from 118 samples via high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. This study reveals that Proteobacteria and Bacteroidota dominate the gut microbiota of B. straminea. Snails from different laboratory habitats exhibit similar gut bacterial diversity but significantly different community structures. The assembly of gut bacterial communities in both laboratory and wild samples is predominantly influenced by stochastic processes rather than deterministic processes, as evidenced by the neutral community model (NCM). Furthermore, during the snail invasion and adaptation to a new environment, stochastic processes are more crucial than deterministic ones in shaping the snail gut microbiota. This indicates that the interplay between stochastic and deterministic processes in the snail gut microbial assembly is associated with host fitness during snail adaptation to a new environment. Based on the null model analysis, we also found that stochastic processes (based on dispersal limitation, homogenizing dispersal, and undominated processes) play a larger role than deterministic (based on homogeneous selection and variable selection) in driving the snail gut bacterial community assembly. Furthermore, the significant difference in the proportions of dispersal limitation and undominated processes is linked to both adaptive and non-adaptive snails. This study demonstrates that stochastic processes govern the assembly of the gut microbiota in B. straminea. Furthermore, snail adaptation is associated with the interplay between stochastic and deterministic processes in gut microbial composition. This study provides a better understanding of the dynamic patterns of the gut microbial community in freshwater gastropods and may contribute to the development of strategies for controlling intermediate hosts and schistosomiasis.

Background Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are invasive mosquito species and significantly impact human health in southern China. Microbiota are confirmed to affect the development and immunity of mosquitoes. However, scientists have focused more on midgut microbiota of female mosquitoes and bacterial differences between female and male Aedes mosquitoes. The relationship between the midgut and entire body microbiota of Aedes is unclear. In this study, we collected mosquito samples reared under the same laboratory conditions and compared the microbial composition of midgut and entire bodies of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Methods In this study, we collected mosquito samples reared under the same laboratory conditions and compared the microbial composition of midgut and entire bodies of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results A total of 341 OTUs were identified, showing that Proteobacteria was the dominant phylum and Methylobacterium the dominant genus in both Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus . The bacterial diversity and community structures of the entire bodies were similar between males and females in both Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus . Conversely, the bacterial compositions of male and female Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus were significantly different. NMDS analysis, UPGMA analysis, diversity indices and OTU distribution demonstrated that compositions and structures in midgut microbiota were similar but significantly different in the entire bodies of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus . Functional prediction analysis showed that metabolism and environmental information processing were the dominant KEGG pathways at level 1. Our study showed that there were significantly different level 2 and 3 KEGG pathways in the midgut microbiota (16 level 2 and 24 level 3) and the entire bodies (33 level 2 and 248 level 3) between female Aedes albopictus and Aedes Aegypti . Conclusions Our findings that Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus reared in the same laboratory harbor a similar gut bacterial microbiome but different entire body microbiota imply that the gut microbiota of adult mosquitoes is environmentally determined regardless of the host genotype, but the entire body microbiota is more genetically determined. Our findings improved the understanding of the microbiota in the entire and partial tissues of Aedes mosquitoes. Graphical abstract

Background Gastropoda, the largest class within the phylum Mollusca, houses diverse gut microbiota, and some gastropods serve as intermediate hosts for parasites. Studies have revealed that gut bacteria in gastropods are associated with various biological aspects, such as growth, immunity and host–parasite interactions. Here, we summarize our current knowledge of gastropod gut microbiomes and highlight future research priorities and perspectives. Methods A literature search was undertaken using PubMed, Web of Science and CNKI for the articles on the gut microbiota of gastropods until December 31, 2022. We retrieved a total of 166 articles and identified 73 eligible articles for inclusion in this review based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results Our analysis encompassed freshwater, seawater and land snails, with a specific focus on parasite-transmitting gastropods. We found that most studies on gastropod gut microbiota have primarily utilized 16S rRNA gene sequencing to analyze microbial composition, rather than employing metagenomic, metatranscriptomic, or metabolomic approaches. This comprehensive review provided an overview of the parasites carried by snail species in the context of gut microbiota studies. We presented the gut microbial trends, a comprehensive summary of the diversity and composition, influencing factors, and potential functions of gastropod gut microbiota. Additionally, we discussed the potential applications, research gaps and future perspectives of gut microbiomes in parasite-transmitting gastropods. Furthermore, several strategies for enhancing our comprehension of gut microbiomes in snails were also discussed. Conclusions This review comprehensively summarizes the current knowledge on the composition, potential function, influencing factors, potential applications, limitations, and challenges of gut microbiomes in gastropods, with a specific emphasis on parasite-transmitting gastropods. These findings provide important insights for future studies aiming to understand the potential role of gastropod gut microbiota in controlling snail populations and snail-borne diseases. Graphical abstract

Background Aedes aegypti , the principal vector of dengue and other arboviruses, is widely distributed in Pakistan, yet its population genetics and endosymbiont status remain poorly characterized. This study aimed to investigate the genetic structure, haplotype diversity, and phylogeographic patterns of Ae. aegypti in dengue-endemic regions of Pakistan, and to screen for natural Wolbachia infections to provide baseline data for surveillance and vector control. Methods Ovitrap collections were conducted in 2021 across the provinces of Punjab (Bakkar) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Charsadda, DI Khan, Kohat, and two sites within Peshawar: Hayat Abad and Tarnab). Following the morphological identification of adult Ae. aegypti , we extracted genomic DNA from confirmed specimens to amplify and sequence a 658-bp fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I ( COI ) gene. Phylogenetic analyses, haplotype network construction, and population differentiation statistics were performed. Additionally, 300 field-caught adult mosquitoes were screened for Wolbachia using validated conventional and quantitative PCR assays targeting the Wolbachia surface protein ( wsp ) gene. Results Phylogenetic analysis of 166 COI sequences (92 from Pakistan) revealed a monophyletic Ae. aegypti clade with 99.65–100% sequence identity, with Pakistani isolates clustering with those from Saudi Arabia, Iran, and India. In total, 13 global haplotypes were identified, with Hap_3 dominating (53%) and shared across regions. Within Pakistan, eight haplotypes were detected, including region-specific variants, yielding high overall diversity (Hd 0.69; π  = 0.007). District-level analysis showed that DI Khan and Bakkar had the highest haplotype diversity (Hd 0.73 and 0.71) but low nucleotide diversity ( π  = 0.005–0.006), whereas Kohat exhibited no haplotype diversity. Population structure was higher in Pakistan (FST 0.26; Nm 0.7) than globally (FST 0.17; Nm 1.19), consistent with low gene flow among Pakistani populations. No natural Wolbachia infections were detected in Ae. aegypti . Conclusions Aedes aegypti in Pakistan belong to a globally monophyletic lineage and show moderate mitochondrial diversity with higher population structure than the global population. The lack of detected Wolbachia infections suggests that natural strains are either absent or occur at very low prevalence. These findings provide a baseline for surveillance and support integrating Wolbachia -based biocontrol alongside conventional interventions in Pakistan. Graphical Abstract

The gut microbiota has been identified as a predictive biomarker for various diseases. However, few studies focused on the diagnostic accuracy of gut microbiota derived-signature for predicting hepatic injuries in schistosomiasis. Here, we characterized the gut microbiomes from 94 human and mouse stool samples using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The diversity and composition of gut microbiomes in Schistosoma japonicum infection-induced disease changed significantly. Gut microbes, such as Bacteroides , Blautia , Enterococcus, Alloprevotella , Parabacteroides and Mucispirillum , showed a significant correlation with the level of hepatic granuloma, fibrosis, hydroxyproline, ALT or AST in S. japonicum infection-induced disease. We identified a range of gut bacterial features to distinguish schistosomiasis from hepatic injuries using the random forest classifier model, LEfSe and STAMP analysis. Significant features Bacteroides , Blautia , and Enterococcus and their combinations have a robust predictive accuracy (AUC: from 0.8182 to 0.9639) for detecting liver injuries induced by S. japonicum infection in humans and mice. Our study revealed associations between gut microbiota features and physiopathology and serological shifts of schistosomiasis and provided preliminary evidence for novel gut microbiota-derived features for the non-invasive detection of schistosomiasis.

( is a gram-positive anaerobe commonly resides in the human gut microbiota. The advent of metagenomics has linked with various diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), obesity, and diabetes mellitus (DM), which has become a growing area of investigation. The initial focus of research primarily centered on assessing the abundance of and its potential association with disease presentation, taking into account variations in sample size, sequencing and analysis methods. However, recent investigations have shifted towards elucidating the underlying mechanistic pathways through which may contribute to disease manifestation. In this comprehensive review, we aim to provide an updated synthesis of the current literature on in the context of IBD, obesity, and DM. We critically analyze relevant studies and summarize the potential molecular mediators implicated in the association between and these diseases. Across numerous studies, various molecules such as methylation-controlled J (MCJ), glucopolysaccharides, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), interleukin(IL)-10, IL-17, and capric acid have been proposed as potential contributors to the link between and IBD. Similarly, in the realm of obesity, molecules such as hydrogen peroxide, butyrate, and UDCA have been suggested as potential mediators, while glycine ursodeoxycholic acid (GUDCA) has been implicated in the connection between and DM. Furthermore, it is imperative to emphasize the necessity for additional studies to evaluate the potential efficacy of targeting pathways associated with as a viable strategy for managing these diseases. These findings have significantly expanded our understanding of the functional role of in the context of IBD, obesity, and DM. This review aims to offer updated insights into the role and potential mechanisms of , as well as potential strategies for the treatment of these diseases.

Background The sterile insect technique (SIT) requires distinguishing sterile from wild male mosquitoes to evaluate male qualities and maintain an appropriate release ratio for efficient population suppression. Current dye/powder marking methods have limitations and may affect SIT effectiveness, necessitating alternative discrimination strategies. Aedes albopictus naturally harbors two Wolbachia infections ( w AlbA/ w AlbB), which can be eliminated via tetracycline. Although Wolbachia removal minimally affect host fitness, its impact on microbiota remains unclear. Characterizing post-elimination microbial communities is the first step to identify novel endogenous biomarkers for SIT monitoring. Methods We analyzed the bacterial diversity and composition of two strains of wild-type GUA ( Wolbachia -infected) and GT ( Wolbachia -free) mosquitoes using the 16S r RNA V3-V4 region sequencing. qPCR was employed to confirm the relative abundance of four major bacterial genera, while PCR was used to validate selected biomarkers for distinguishing factory-reared sterile males from wild males. Kruskal-Wallis or Mann-Whitney test was used to analyze the comparable parameters between GUA and GT strains. Results Five-day-old GUA and GT females showed similar microbial diversity/composition, while young males shared diversity but differed in composition. The core microbiota in both strains consisted of Proteobacteria (64.27%), Firmicutes (16.09%), Actinobacteriota (11.22%), and Bacteroidota (4.96%). Asaia was dominant in both strains (GUA: 47.33%; GT: 32.69%), whereas Enterococcus increased in GT males with aging. Wolbachia was absent in GT mosquitoes, and Elizabethkingia was undetected in GUA males. qPCR further confirmed these trends. PCR analysis revealed that w AlbB exhibited higher stability in differentiating factory-reared GT males from their wild counterparts (96.7% infection in field males, n  = 60) compared to w AlbA (61.7%, n  = 60) or Enterococcus (65.8%, n  = 120). The mark-release-recapture experiment further confirmed the detectability using w AlbB biomarker. Conclusions Without obvious fitness costs observed previously in the Ae. albopictus GT strain compared to GUA strain, the removal of Wolbachia significantly changes the microbial composition in male mosquitoes in this study . Wolbachia w AlbB is recommended as a reliable biomarker for distinguishing sterile males from wild males when using GT strain in SIT programs targeting Ae. albopictus . Graphical Abstract

Exosomes are 30-150 nm small membrane vesicles that are released into the extracellular medium via cells that function as a mode of intercellular communication. Dendritic cell (DC)-derived exosomes modulate immune responses and prevent the development of autoimmune diseases. Moreover, eggs show modulatory effects in a mouse model of colitis. Therefore, we hypothesized that exosomes derived from DCs treated with soluble eggs antigen (SEA; SEA-treated DC exosomes) would be useful for treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Exosomes were purified from the supernatant of DCs treated or untreated with SEA and identified via transmission electron microscopy, western blotting and NanoSight. Acute colitis was induced via the administration of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water (5.0%, wt/vol). Treatment with exosomes was conducted via intraperitoneal injection (i.p.; 50 μg per mouse) from day 0 to day 6. Clinical scores were calculated based on weight loss, stool type, and bleeding. Colon length was measured as an indirect marker of inflammation, and colon macroscopic characteristics were determined. Body weight loss and the disease activity index of DSS-induced colitis mice decreased significantly following treatment with SEA-treated DC exosomes. Moreover, the colon lengths of SEA-treated DC exosomes treated colitis mice improved, and their mean colon macroscopic scores decreased. In addition, histologic examinations and histological scores showed that SEA-treated DC exosomes prevented colon damage in acute DSS-induced colitis mice. These results indicate that SEA-treated DC exosomes attenuate the severity of acute DSS-induced colitis mice more effectively than DC exosomes. The current work suggests that SEA-treated DC exosomes may be useful as a new approach to treat IBD.

Purpose: This study aimed to elucidate the impact of Jiangtang decoction (JTD) on diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and its association with alterations in the gut microbiota. Methods: Using a diabetic mouse model (KK-Ay mice), daily administration of JTD for eight weeks was undertaken. Weekly measurements of body weight and blood glucose were performed, while kidney function, uremic toxins, inflammation factors, and fecal microbiota composition were assessed upon sacrifice. Ultra-structural analysis of kidney tissue was conducted to observe the pathological changes. Results: The study findings demonstrated that JTD improve metabolism, kidney function, uremic toxins and inflammation, while also exerting a modulatory effect on the gut microbiota. Specifically, the genera Rikenella, Lachnoclostridium, and unclassified_c_Bacilli exhibited significantly increased abundance following JTD treatment, accompanied by reduced abundance of norank_f_Lachnospiraceae compared to the model group. Importantly, Rikenella and unclassified_c_Bacilli demonstrated negative correlations with urine protein levels. Lachnoclostridium and norank_f_Lachnospiraceae were positively associated with creatinine (Cr), indoxyl sulfate (IS) and interleukin (IL)-6. Moreover, norank_f_Lachnospiraceae exhibited positive associations with various indicators of DKD severity, including weight, blood glucose, urea nitrogen (UN), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) levels, trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), p-cresyl sulfate (pCS), nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (Nod)-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) and IL-17A production. Conclusion: These findings suggested that JTD possess the ability to modulate the abundance of Rikenella, Lachnoclostridium, unclassified_c_Bacilli and norank_f_Lachnospiraceae within the gut microbiota. This modulation, in turn, influenced metabolic processes, kidney function, uremic toxin accumulation, and inflammation, ultimately contributing to the amelioration of DKD. Keywords: Chinese herbal medicine, gut microbiota, diabetic kidney disease, inflammation, uremic toxins