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The microbiome extends host evolutionary potential

Author

Listed:
  • Lucas P. Henry

    (Princeton University
    Princeton University)

  • Marjolein Bruijning

    (Princeton University)

  • Simon K. G. Forsberg

    (Princeton University
    Princeton University
    Uppsala University)

  • Julien F. Ayroles

    (Princeton University
    Princeton University)

Abstract

The microbiome shapes many host traits, yet the biology of microbiomes challenges traditional evolutionary models. Here, we illustrate how integrating the microbiome into quantitative genetics can help untangle complexities of host-microbiome evolution. We describe two general ways in which the microbiome may affect host evolutionary potential: by shifting the mean host phenotype and by changing the variance in host phenotype in the population. We synthesize the literature across diverse taxa and discuss how these scenarios could shape the host response to selection. We conclude by outlining key avenues of research to improve our understanding of the complex interplay between hosts and microbiomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Lucas P. Henry & Marjolein Bruijning & Simon K. G. Forsberg & Julien F. Ayroles, 2021. "The microbiome extends host evolutionary potential," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-13, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:12:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-021-25315-x
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25315-x
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    Cited by:

    1. Francesca De Filippis & Vincenzo Valentino & Giuseppina Sequino & Giorgia Borriello & Marita Georgia Riccardi & Biancamaria Pierri & Pellegrino Cerino & Antonio Pizzolante & Edoardo Pasolli & Mauro Es, 2024. "Exposure to environmental pollutants selects for xenobiotic-degrading functions in the human gut microbiome," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-11, December.
    2. M. McCauley & T. L. Goulet & C. R. Jackson & S. Loesgen, 2023. "Systematic review of cnidarian microbiomes reveals insights into the structure, specificity, and fidelity of marine associations," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-15, December.
    3. Mason. R. Stothart & Philip. D. McLoughlin & Sarah. A. Medill & Ruth. J. Greuel & Alastair. J. Wilson & Jocelyn. Poissant, 2024. "Methanogenic patterns in the gut microbiome are associated with survival in a population of feral horses," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-15, December.
    4. Ishrat Z. Anka & Tamsyn M. Uren Webster & Waldir M. Berbel-Filho & Matthew Hitchings & Benjamin Overland & Sarah Weller & Carlos Garcia de Leaniz & Sofia Consuegra, 2024. "Microbiome and epigenetic variation in wild fish with low genetic diversity," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-14, December.

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