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Host-Microbe Coevolution: Applying Evidence from Model Systems to Complex Marine Invertebrate Holobionts
Paul A O'Brien1,2,3, Nicole S Webster2,3,4, David J Miller5,6
1College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia.
Mbio
|February 7, 2019
Summary
Marine invertebrates host complex microbial communities. This study proposes using coevolutionary evidence to understand these microbiomes, focusing on host-microbe interactions and functions for reef health.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Microbial Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Marine invertebrates harbor diverse microbial communities, complicating the identification of key symbionts and their functions.
- Understanding these complex host-microbe interactions is crucial for marine ecosystem health, especially with threats to coral reefs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a framework for analyzing complex marine invertebrate microbiomes by applying principles of host-microbe coevolution.
- To establish research criteria for examining coevolutionary dynamics in marine invertebrate-microbial associations.
Main Methods:
- Reviewing literature on host-microbe coevolutionary models and marine invertebrate microbiomes.
- Proposing three criteria: identifying microbiome components (stochastic vs. deterministic), assessing host-microbe codivergence, and confirming metabolic interdependence.
Main Results:
- Coevolutionary evidence, such as host-microbe codivergence and metabolic collaboration, is observed in marine invertebrates like corals and sponges.
- Neutral models can help differentiate between selected and randomly associated microbes within these communities.
Conclusions:
- Applying coevolutionary concepts provides a robust approach to deciphering complex marine invertebrate microbiomes.
- Three key research criteria are proposed to advance the study of host-microbe interactions and their role in holobiont function and resilience.
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