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Bacterial 2,4,6‑trimethylpyridine links locust group oviposition with predator defense

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Migratory locust eggs emit the microbial volatile 2,4,6‑trimethylpyridine, attracting conspecific females through LmOR34 and LmOR36 to synchronize oviposition. The compound is produced by Enterobacter roggenkampii via lysine degradation, and its loss disrupts attraction. Beyond coordination, 2,4,6‑trimethylpyridine repels soil predators, revealing a dual reproductive and defensive signaling system.
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Clostridium immunis Sugar Drives IL‑22–Dependent Immunometabolic Protection Against Obesity

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Clostridium immunis protects mice from obesity by secreting a phosphocholine‑modified exopolysaccharide that lowers IL‑22 in the intestine and visceral fat, boosting metabolic activity in adipose tissue. Mutant studies show phosphocholine is essential. Humans with obesity show reduced phosphocholine‑gene abundance, highlighting a translatable strategy to reduce visceral fat.
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Epstein‑Barr Virus Emerges as a Key Marker of Gastric Inflammation in Pediatric Biopsies

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Analysis of 507 gastric biopsies from 193 children revealed diverse microbial signatures, with HHV6/HHV7 frequently detected and EBV present in a consistent subset. H. pylori showed the strongest link to moderate‑to‑severe inflammation, while EBV also correlated with inflammation, including in H. pylori‑negative patients, highlighting complex pediatric gastric microbial interactions.
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Mononuclear Phagocyte System as a Dispersed Organ: Functions, Plasticity, and Cross‑System Roles

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The Mononuclear Phagocyte System spans the body and supports homeostasis through highly adaptable interactions beyond immunity. This article introduces a special issue reviewing key phagocyte populations across major organ systems, highlighting their physiologic roles comparable to neuro‑endocrine networks and offering guidance for further study.
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First‑Line Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Shows Rapid Efficacy in Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor–Induced Colitis

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First‑line fecal microbiota transplantation yields rapid improvement in most patients with immune checkpoint inhibitor–mediated colitis. In this cohort, 76.9% responded within a median 1.5 days, with increased microbial diversity and reduced immune‑cell activation after treatment. Multi‑omics profiling highlights potential mechanisms underlying FMT response.
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Programmed Ribosomal Frameshifting Activates GCN2 to Suppress Host Translation and Boost RNA Virus Replication

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Programmed ribosomal frameshifting acts as a regulatory stress signal that activates GCN2 and shuts down host translation. A minimal SARS‑CoV‑2 frameshift element triggers this response independently of ZAKα and is required for viral propagation. DRG1 and IGF2BP3 mediate GCN2 activation, and the mechanism extends to HIV‑1 and West Nile virus.
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Global Single‑Cell Genome Atlas Reveals Hidden Diversity and Metabolic Potential of Deep‑Ocean Prokaryoplankton

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GORG‑Dark, a dataset of 9,698 single‑cell genomes from deep‑ocean prokaryoplankton, reveals extensive vertical stratification, unexpected particle‑attached Pelagibacterales, and high Patescibacteria and Nanoarchaeota abundance in marginal seas. Coding analyses uncover chemolithoautotrophy, novel proteorhodopsins, and secondary metabolisms across aphotic lineages.
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