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Genetic variation in holobionts arises from host and microbiome genomes. Microbial processes like gene transfer and environmental adaptation drive this diversity, significantly impacting evolution across species.

Keywords:
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Area of Science:

  • Microbial Ecology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Holobionts, comprising host and microbiome, exhibit genetic variation within both genomes.
  • The human gut microbiome possesses vastly more unique genes than the human genome, highlighting microbial genetic contribution.
  • Microbial communities feature a stable core microbiome with essential genes and a variable non-core component.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the dual perspectives of observable variations and the processes driving genetic diversity in holobionts.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms of microbial-driven genetic variation within host-associated microbiomes.
  • To compare the influence of the microbiome on host evolution across different taxa.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of genetic diversity in host and microbiome genomes.
  • Identification and categorization of microbial-driven genetic variation processes.
  • Examination of microbial-host genetic exchange mechanisms across diverse organisms.

Main Results:

  • Microbial processes contributing to holobiont genetic variation include microbial acquisition, amplification/reduction, horizontal gene transfer, and mutation.
  • Invertebrates and plants may experience greater microbiome-mediated evolutionary effects due to intracellular microbial presence and vertical transmission.
  • Even in vertebrates, microbiomes facilitate adaptation to environmental changes through microbial dynamics.

Conclusions:

  • The microbiome is a significant driver of genetic variation and evolution within holobionts.
  • The extent of microbiome influence on evolution varies across taxa, with potentially greater impact in invertebrates and plants.
  • Understanding holobiont genetic variation is crucial for comprehending host-microbe interactions and evolutionary trajectories.