This study shows halophytic endophytes like Kushneria enhance crop immunity against pathogens through host immune responses and a novel RNA-NLR axis, without direct antagonism.

bioRxiv · Jul 21, 2026 · PreprintMicrobiology

A Thousand Meters Deep: Vertical Profiling of the Subterranean Microbes of Gourgouthakas Cave

Savvas Paragkamian, Christos A. Christakis, Vassiliki A. Michalopoulou, Maria Plakogiannaki, Stefanos K. Soultatos, Nikolaos Arapitsas, Markos Vaxevanopoulos, Yorgos Sotiriadis, Christos Pennos, Emmanouil A. Markakis, Panagiotis F. Sarris

This study explores the microbiology of Gourgouthakas Cave, identifying diverse microbes and their potential as biocontrol agents against agricultural pathogens.

bioRxiv · Jun 15, 2026 · PreprintMicrobiology

Os-circANK negatively regulates resistance to bacterial blight in rice via Osa-miR398b/OsCSD1/OsCSD2 pathways

Xiaohui Liu, Peihong Wang, Sai Wang, Weixue Liao, Mingyan Ouyang, Sisi Lin, Rongpeng Lin, Panagiotis F. Sarris, Vassiliki A. Michalopoulou, Xurui Feng, Zinan Zhang, Zhengyin Xu, Gongyou Chen, Bo Zhu

The paper identifies Os-circANK as a circRNA that suppresses rice resistance to bacterial blight by sponging Osa-miR398b and modulating OsCSD1/OsCSD2 expression.

The Plant Cell · Apr 1, 2025Peer-reviewedMicrobiology

Draft Genome Sequence and intraspecific diversification of the wild crop relative Brassica cretica Lam. using demographic model selection

Antonios Kioukis, Vassiliki A. Michalopoulou, Laura Briers, Stergios Pirintsos, David John Studholme, Pavlos Pavlidis, Panagiotis F. Sarris

The paper presents draft genome assemblies of Brassica cretica and finds no genetic support for subspecies classification.

BMC Genomics · Jan 14, 2020Peer-reviewedGenomics