The Microbiome Within a Microbe: Rethinking Blastocystis Biology.

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Gut Microbiome Research
• Eukaryotic Microbial Ecology

Background:

• Blastocystis spp. is a prevalent human gut microeukaryote with an unclear role in health and disease.
• Previous microscopy studies suggested intracellular bacteria and viruses within Blastocystis, but these findings were largely ignored.
• Interactions between protozoa and microbes/viruses in other species impact host metabolism and fitness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To re-examine neglected observations of intracellular microbes within Blastocystis spp.
• To propose Blastocystis as a potential host for its own microbial consortium, fitting the holobiont concept.
• To outline experimental strategies for testing the hypothesis of Blastocystis harboring a microbiome.

Main Methods:

• Review of historical microscopy findings.
• Conceptual framing within the holobiont theory.
• Proposal of modern experimental approaches including organ-on-a-chip models and single-cell multi-omics.

Main Results:

• Historical data suggests Blastocystis spp. may harbor bacterial and viral particles.
• The holobiont concept provides a framework to understand these potential intracellular associations.
• Modern techniques can rigorously investigate these proposed intra-Blastocystis microbial communities.

Conclusions:

• Blastocystis spp. might function as a 'microbiome within a microbe'.
• This perspective could significantly alter the understanding of Blastocystis biology and its ecological significance.
• Further research is needed to validate the existence and function of this proposed internal consortium.