M. S. Elshahed

Diversity and community structure of anaerobic gut fungi in the rumen of wild and domesticated herbivores

This study surveys AGF diversity in the rumen of wild and domesticated herbivores, finding high diversity but limited new genera, and identifies host phylogeny as a key factor shaping community structure.

Patterns and determinants of the global herbivorous mycobiome

The paper analyzes AGF diversity across 661 fecal samples from 34 herbivorous species, identifying 56 novel genera and showing that both stochastic and deterministic processes shape AGF communities, with hindgut fermenters having stronger host-specific associations.

Phylogenomic analysis of the Neocallimastigomycota: Proposal of Caecomycetaceae fam. nov., Piromycetaceae fam. nov., and emended description of the families Neocallimastigaceae and Anaeromycetaceae

This paper uses phylogenomic analysis of transcriptomic data to reclassify anaerobic gut fungi into four families and emend existing ones, providing quantitative estimates for taxonomic ranks.

Genomes of novel Myxococcota reveal severely curtailed machineries for predation and cellular differentiation

This study analyzes genomes of novel Myxococcota from anaerobic habitats, revealing reduced capacities for predation and cellular differentiation compared to soil-dwelling relatives.

Genomic analysis of family UBA6911 (Group 18 Acidobacteria) expands the metabolic capacities of the phylum and highlights adaptations to terrestrial habitats

This study analyzes genomes from the Acidobacteria family UBA6911 to reveal their metabolic versatility and adaptations to different terrestrial and non-terrestrial habitats.

Genomic characterization of three novel Desulfobacterota classes expand the metabolic and phylogenetic diversity of the Phylum

This study characterizes 30 genomes from three novel Desulfobacterota classes, expanding their metabolic and phylogenetic diversity across various environments.

Methylotrophy, alkane-degradation, and pigment production as defining features of the globally distributed yet-uncultured phylum Binatota

This study analyzes genomes from the uncultured bacterial phylum Binatota, revealing their methylotrophic, alkane-degrading, and pigment-producing capabilities, along with ecological preferences.

Ancestral absence of electron transport chains in Patescibacteria and DPANN

The paper investigates Patescibacteria and DPANN, finding they lack electron transport chains and rely on fermentation, suggesting ancestral adaptations to symbiotic lifestyles.

Horizontal gene transfer as an indispensible driver for Neocallimastigomycota evolution into a distinct gut-dwelling fungal lineage

This paper identifies 283 horizontal gene transfer events in anaerobic gut fungi, showing HGT's role in their adaptation to the herbivorous gut environment.