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Principles of gut microbiota assembly
Alfredo Chavez-Arroyo1, Lauren C Radlinski1, Andreas J Bäumler1
1Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California at Davis, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
Trends in Microbiology
|March 15, 2025
Summary
The gut microbiota
Area of Science:
- Microbiology and Ecology
Background:
- The gut microbiota is crucial for human health but challenging to study due to its complexity and stability.
- Understanding factors influencing gut microbiota composition and function is vital.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a hierarchical ecological framework for gut microbiota assembly, stability, and resilience.
- To elucidate the roles of host-derived factors and microbial interactions in shaping the gut ecosystem.
Main Methods:
- The study proposes a theoretical framework based on ecological principles.
- It integrates concepts of habitat filtering, niche availability, priority effects, and microbial antagonism.
Main Results:
- Host-derived electron acceptors are key habitat filters determining dominant microbial guilds in the gut.
- Dietary behavior regulates nutrient availability, influencing niche occupation within guilds.
- Priority effects and microbial antagonism govern taxonomic stability and competition.
Conclusions:
- A hierarchical ecological framework explains gut microbiota self-assembly and homeostasis.
- Host control over microbial energy metabolism is central to maintaining a stable gut ecosystem.
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