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                            Library & Multimedia
 Rethinking the Roles of Pathogens and Mutualists: Exploring the Continuum of Symbiosis in the Context of Microbial Ecology and Evolution
NCJ Number
              304890

Author(s)
          Ashley Stengel;
                        Rhae A. Drijber;
                        Erin Carr;
                        Thais Egreja;
                        Edward Hillman;
                        Timothy Krause;
                        Samantha Reese;
                        Joshua R. Herr
Date Published

2022
Length
              10 pages
Annotation
              Since gaps remain in understanding how to apply the continuum approach to host–microbe pairs across a range of environmental and ecological factors, this commentary presents an alternative framework for evaluating the continuum of symbiosis using dominant archetypes that define symbiotic ranges.
Abstract
              Systems of classification are important for guiding research activities and providing a common platform for discussion and investigation. One such system is assigning microbial taxa to the roles of mutualists and pathogens. However, there are often challenges and even inconsistencies in reports of research findings when microbial taxa display behaviors outside of these two static conditions (e.g., commensal). Over the last two decades, there has been some effort to highlight a continuum of symbiosis, wherein certain microbial taxa may exhibit mutualistic or pathogenic traits depending on environmental contexts, life stages, and plant host associations. The current commentary focuses on fungi and bacteria, though we recognize that archaea and other microeukaryotes play important roles in host–microbe interactions that may be described by this approach. This framework is centered in eco-evolutionary theory and aims to enhance communication among researchers, as well as prioritize holistic consideration of the factors shaping microbial life strategies. We discuss the influence of plant-mediated factors, habitat constraints, coevolutionary forces, and the genetic contributions which shape different microbial lifestyles. Looking to the future, using a continuum-of-symbiosis paradigm will enable greater flexibility in defining the roles of target microbes and facilitate a more holistic view of the complex and dynamic relationship between microbes and plants. (Publisher Abstract Provided)
      
  
          Additional Details
Grant Number(s)
        2017-IJ-CX-0025


  
  
        
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        NIJ-Sponsored


  
  
        
  Publication Type
        Research (Applied/Empirical)


  
  
        
  Award
        The Human Virome as Trace Evidence in Forensic Investigation
    
  
  
Date Published: January 1, 2022
    
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