M. E. Afkhami

Gene family expansions underpin context-dependency of the oldest mycorrhizal symbiosis.

The paper shows gene family expansions, mainly from tandem duplications, underpin context-dependent regulation of mycorrhizal symbiosis and its impact on plant fitness.

Phyllosphere fungal diversity generates pervasive non-additive effects on plant performance

The paper investigates how fungal diversity in the phyllosphere affects plant productivity through non-additive microbial interactions, finding synergistic and antagonistic effects across diverse communities.

Multidimensional specialization and generalization are pervasive in soil prokaryotes with generalists dominating communities and specialists more central in networks

The paper shows that soil prokaryotes predominantly follow either multidimensional specialization or generalization, with generalists dominating communities and specialists playing central roles in networks.

Hub taxa are keystone microbes during early succession

The paper identifies hub taxa as keystone microbes during early succession, showing they enhance biodiversity, recruit other hub taxa, and shape microbiome assembly trajectories.

Multiple Mutualist Effects generate synergistic selection and strengthen fitness alignment in a tripartite interaction between legumes, rhizobia, and mycorrhizal fungi

The paper shows that multiple mutualists in legumes, rhizobia, and mycorrhizal fungi synergistically affect selection, heritability, and fitness alignment in their host plant.