Molecular ecology of microbiomes in the wild: Common pitfalls, methodological advances and future directions

Fountain‐Jones, Nicholas M.; Giraud, Tatiana; Zinger, Lucie; Bik, Holly; Creer, Simon; Videvall, Elin

doi:10.1111/mec.17223

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 144 publications

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“…Our simulations provide continuous data across all generations of the modelled microbiota (Fig. 1 ), something which is rarely available when collecting data empirically (Jones et al 2023 , Fountain-Jones et al 2024 ). Nevertheless, repeated measures of the same individual can provide invaluable insights into drivers of microbial community assembly (e.g.…”

Section: The Importance Of Repeated Samplingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Long-distance movement dynamics shape host microbiome richness and turnover

Pearman,

Duffy,

Gemmell

et al. 2024

FEMS Microbiology Ecology

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Host-associated microbial communities are shaped by host migratory movements. These movements can have contrasting impacts on microbiota, and understanding such patterns can provide insight into the ecological processes that contribute to community diversity. Furthermore, long-distance movements to new environments are anticipated to occur with increasing frequency due to host distribution shifts resulting from climate change. Understanding how hosts transport their microbiota with them could be of importance when examining biological invasions. Although microbial community shifts are well-documented, the underlying mechanisms that lead to the restructuring of these communities remain relatively unexplored. Using literature and ecological simulations, we develop a framework to elucidate the major factors that lead to community change. We group host movements into two types—regular (repeated/cyclical migratory movements, as found in many birds and mammals) and irregular (stochastic/infrequent movements that do not occur on a cyclical basis, as found in many insects and plants). Ecological simulations and prior research suggest that movement type and frequency, alongside environmental exposure (e.g. internal/external microbiota) are key considerations for understanding movement-associated community changes. From our framework, we derive a series of testable hypotheses, and suggest means to test them, to facilitate future research into host movement and microbial community dynamics.

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Section: The Importance Of Repeated Samplingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Long-distance movement dynamics shape host microbiome richness and turnover

Pearman,

Duffy,

Gemmell

et al. 2024

FEMS Microbiology Ecology

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The gut microbiota-immune-brain axis in a wild vertebrate: dynamic interactions and health impacts

Pereira,

Hoffamn,

Krüger

et al. 2024

Preprint

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The gut microbiota-immune-brain axis is a feedback network which influences diverse physiological processes and plays a pivotal role in overall health and well-being. Although research in humans and laboratory mice has shed light into the associations and mechanisms governing this communication network, evidence of such interactions in wild, especially in young animals, is lacking. We therefore investigated these interactions during early development in a population of common buzzards (Buteo buteo) and their effects on individual condition. In a longitudinal study, we used a multi-marker approach to establish potential links between the bacterial and eukaryotic gut microbiota, a panel of immune assays and feather corticosterone measurements as a proxy for long-term stress. Using Bayesian structural equation modelling, we found no support for feedback between gut microbial diversity and immune or stress parameters. However, we did find strong relationships in the feedback network. Immunity was negatively correlated with corticosterone levels, and microbial diversity was positively associated with nestling body condition. Furthermore, corticosterone levels and eukaryotic microbiota diversity decreased with age while immune activity increased. The absence of conclusive support for the microbiota-immune-brain axis in common buzzard nestlings, coupled with the evidence for stress mediated immunosuppression, suggests a dominating role of stress-dominated maturation of the immune system during early development. Confounding factors inherent to wild systems and developing animals might override associations known from adult laboratory model subjects. The positive association between microbial diversity and body condition indicates the potential health benefits of possessing a diverse and stable microbiota.

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Molecular ecology of microbiomes in the wild: Common pitfalls, methodological advances and future directions

Cited by 2 publications

References 144 publications

Long-distance movement dynamics shape host microbiome richness and turnover

Long-distance movement dynamics shape host microbiome richness and turnover

The gut microbiota-immune-brain axis in a wild vertebrate: dynamic interactions and health impacts

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