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Holobiont Evolution: Population Theory for the Hologenome
The American Naturalist
|May 25, 2023
Summary
This study presents mathematical models for microbiome-host population dynamics and holobiont evolution, explaining microbiome-host integration. Host immune responses drive microbial species sorting, leading to integration rather than simple coevolution.
Area of Science:
- Microbiome research
- Evolutionary biology
- Mathematical modeling
Background:
- Microbiome-host integration is crucial for organism function.
- Existing models do not fully explain the mechanisms of microbiome-host coexistence and evolution.
- Holobiont selection is a proposed driver of microbiome evolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop mathematical theory for microbiome-host population dynamics.
- To model holobiont evolution driven by holobiont selection.
- To elucidate the formation of microbiome-host integration.
Main Methods:
- Mathematical modeling of population dynamics.
- Analysis of holobiont selection mechanisms.
- Comparison with genetic inheritance models (Hardy-Weinberg law).
Main Results:
- Microbial population dynamics must align with host parameters for coexistence.
- Holobiont selection does not always fix genes for highest holobiont fitness.
- Hosts can initiate immune responses to non-beneficial microbes, leading to species sorting.
Conclusions:
- Host-orchestrated species sorting and microbial competition are key drivers of microbiome-host integration.
- This process differs from traditional coevolution or multilevel selection.
- Microbial
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