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Title: The social network of microorganisms — how auxotrophies shape complex communities

Journal Article · · Nature Reviews Microbiology
ORCiD logo [1];  [2]
  1. Univ. of California, San Diego, CA (United States); University of California, San Diego
  2. Univ. of California, San Diego, CA (United States)

Microorganisms engage in complex interactions with other organisms and their environment. Recent studies have shown that these interactions are not limited to the exchange of electron donors. Most microorganisms are auxotrophs, thus relying on external nutrients for growth, including the exchange of amino acids and vitamins. Currently, we lack a deeper understanding of auxotrophies in microorganisms and how nutrient requirements differ between different strains and different environments. In this Opinion article, we describe how the study of auxotrophies and nutrient requirements among members of complex communities will enable new insights into community composition and assembly. Furthermore, understanding this complex network over space and time is crucial for developing strategies to interrogate and shape microbial communities.

Research Organization:
Johns Hopkins Univ., Baltimore, MD (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)
Grant/Contract Number:
SC0012658
OSTI ID:
1485597
Journal Information:
Nature Reviews Microbiology, Journal Name: Nature Reviews Microbiology Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 16; ISSN 1740-1526
Publisher:
Springer NatureCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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