Hologenomics: Systems-Level Host Biology.

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary biology
• Microbiome research
• Behavioral ecology

Background:

• The hologenome concept of evolution posits that hosts and their associated microbial communities evolve as a single unit (the holobiont).
• Evaluating this hypothesis requires assessing the stability of host-microbe associations across generations and their impact on host fitness in natural settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the testability of the hologenome concept of evolution using the methodologies of behavioral ecology.
• To highlight the applied value of a hologenomic perspective in understanding host biology and complex diseases.

Main Methods:

• Behavioral ecologists are well-suited to test hologenome predictions due to their focus on quantifiable phenotypes.
• Studies involve multi-generational research in natural animal populations, collecting data on genetic relatedness and reproductive success.
• Investigating host-microbe interactions within natural holobiont populations.

Main Results:

• Behavioral ecology provides a robust framework for empirical testing of the hologenome concept.
• The study emphasizes the need to evaluate transgenerational fidelity and fitness consequences of host-microbe associations.
• A hologenomic perspective offers a valuable systems-level approach for host biology.

Conclusions:

• The hologenome concept of evolution presents a testable hypothesis within the field of behavioral ecology.
• Regardless of the hypothesis's ultimate validation, a hologenomic framework is crucial for understanding host biology.
• This perspective is particularly relevant for elucidating the causes of complex, non-infectious diseases by examining host-microbiome genome interactions.