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Lessons from Digestive-Tract Symbioses Between Bacteria and Invertebrates
1Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269;
Annual Review of Microbiology
|August 3, 2016
Summary
Invertebrate digestive tracts host beneficial bacteria crucial for health. Advanced DNA sequencing and genetic studies reveal conserved microbe-host interaction mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Invertebrate Biology
Background:
- Animal digestive tracts are rich in bacteria essential for nutrient digestion, nutrient provisioning, and pathogen defense.
- Invertebrates offer experimental advantages for studying host-microbe metabolic processes and interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review how DNA sequencing technologies have advanced the study of microbe-host interactions.
- To discuss the integration of omics approaches with genetic and microscopic techniques for a mechanistic understanding.
Main Methods:
- 16S rRNA gene surveys
- Metagenome and metatranscriptome studies
- Site-directed mutagenesis and transposon studies
- Microscopy
Main Results:
- Omics studies generate hypotheses testable by genetic methods.
- Invertebrate digestive tract structures influence symbiont specificity.
- Combining omics, genetics, and microscopy moves beyond correlation to identify conserved mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Advanced sequencing technologies have revolutionized the investigation of microbe-host interactions.
- Integrating diverse methodologies provides a comprehensive understanding of symbiont specificity and host-microbe mechanisms.
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