Metabolic exchanges are ubiquitous in natural microbial communities

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Ecology
• Biogeochemistry

Background:

• Microbial communities are fundamental to global biogeochemical cycles and the health of all organisms.
• Their structure and function are dictated by ecological and environmental factors influencing community assembly and evolution.
• Traditionally, antagonistic interactions like competition were considered dominant in microbial communities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To challenge the view that antagonistic interactions predominate in microbial communities.
• To highlight the significant role of synergistic interactions, such as mutualism and commensalism.
• To advocate for a balanced perspective on microbiome ecology.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent research on microbial interactions.
• Analysis of metabolic exchange networks within microbial communities.
• Synthesis of evidence for both synergistic and antagonistic interactions.

Main Results:

• Emerging evidence reveals extensive metabolic exchange networks among bacteria, archaea, and fungi.
• These metabolic interactions significantly influence microbial physiology, ecology, and evolution.
• Synergistic interactions are as ecologically important as antagonistic ones in shaping microbial communities.

Conclusions:

• Microbial communities are shaped by a complex interplay of both synergistic and antagonistic interactions.
• Metabolic exchanges are central to the functioning of most microbiomes.
• A balanced ecological view is necessary to fully understand microbial community structure and dynamics.