Environmental microbes promote phenotypic plasticity inDrosophilareproduction and sleep behavior

Abstract

The microbiome has been hypothesized as a driving force of phenotypic variation in host organisms that is capable of extending metabolic processes, altering development, and in some cases, conferring novel functions that are critical for survival (1-5). Only a few studies have directly shown a causal role for the environmental microbiome in altering host phenotypic features. To directly assess the extent to which environmental microbes induce variation in host life history traits and behavior, we inoculated axenic Drosophila with microbes isolated from two different field sites and generated two populations with distinct bacterial and fungal profiles. We show that microbes isolated from environmental sites with modest abiotic differences induce large variation in host reproduction, fatty acid levels, stress tolerance, and sleep behavior. Importantly, clearing microbes from each experimental population removed the phenotypic differences. The results support the causal role of environmental microbes as drivers of host phenotypic variation and potentially, rapid adaptation and evolution.

Environmental change drives multi-generational shifts in the gut microbiome that mirror changing animal fitness

“…In order to make effective management decisions, it may be vital to understand how the gut microbiome mediates host fitness (33). Detailed characterization of these dynamics could enable interventions targeted at the gut microbiome (e.g., dietary intervention and/or transfaunation, see (34)(35)(36)) and lead to improved success of conservation breeding programs, reintroductions, and ultimately the recovery of endangered species.…”