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Updated: Nov 2, 2025

Workflow Based on the Combination of Isotopic Tracer Experiments to Investigate Microbial Metabolism of Multiple Nutrient Sources
Published on: January 22, 2018
Mechanistic models of microbial community metabolism
Lillian R Dillard1, Dawson D Payne, Jason A Papin
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA. papin@virginia.edu.
Abstract:
Microbial communities affect many facets of human health and well-being. Naturally occurring bacteria, whether in nature or the human body, rarely exist in isolation. A deeper understanding of the metabolic functions of these communities is now possible with emerging computational models. In this review, we summarize frameworks for constructing mechanistic models of microbial community metabolism and discuss available algorithms for model analysis. We highlight essential decision points that greatly influence algorithm selection, as well as model analysis. Polymicrobial metabolic models can be utilized to gain insights into host-pathogen interactions, bacterial engineering, and many more translational applications.
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