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Abstract Microbiomes have profound effects on host fitness, yet we struggle to understand the implications for host ecology. Microbiome influence on host ecology has been investigated using two independent frameworks. Classical ecological theory powerfully represents mechanistic interactions predicting environmental dependence of microbiome effects on host ecology, but these models are notoriously difficult to evaluate empirically. Alternatively, host–microbiome feedback theory represents impacts of microbiome dynamics on host fitness as simple net effects that are easily amenable to experimental evaluation. The feedback framework enabled rapid progress in understanding microbiomes’ impacts on plant ecology, and can also be applied to animal hosts. We conceptually integrate these two frameworks by deriving expressions for net feedback in terms of mechanistic model parameters. This generates a precise mapping between net feedback theory and classic population modelling, thereby merging mechanistic understanding with experimental tractability, a necessary step for building a predictive understanding of microbiome influence on host ecology.
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Bridging Ecology and Microbiomes: Applying Ecological Theories in Host-associated Microbial Ecosystems
Abstract Purpose of ReviewThis review explores the application of classical ecological theory to host-associated microbiomes during initial colonization, maintenance, and recovery. We discuss unique challenges of applying these theories to host-associated microbiomes and host factors to consider going forward. Recent FindingsRecent studies applying community ecology principles to host microbiomes continue to demonstrate a role for both selective and stochastic processes in shaping host-associated microbiomes. However, ecological frameworks developed to describe dynamics during homeostasis do not necessarily apply during diseased or highly perturbed states, where large variations can potentially lead to alternate stable states. SummaryDespite providing valuable insights, the application of ecological theories to host-associated microbiomes has some unique challenges. The integration of host-specific factors, such as genotype or immune dynamics in ecological models or frameworks is crucial for understanding host microbiome assembly and stability, which could improve our ability to predict microbiome outcomes and improve host health.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2025541
- PAR ID:
- 10582657
- Publisher / Repository:
- Springer Science + Business Media
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Current Clinical Microbiology Reports
- Volume:
- 12
- Issue:
- 1
- ISSN:
- 2196-5471
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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