Virtually all multicellular organisms on Earth have symbiotic relationships with complex microbial communities known as microbiomes. Dr. Miguel Lurgi, a computational ecologist, and his colleague, Dr. Gui Araujo, have collaborated with researchers from various institutions to delve deeper into understanding how these relationships form. They have developed a theoretical framework to explore the emergence of host-associated complex microbiomes, which has been published in the journal Trends in Microbiology. Dr. Lurgi emphasizes that microbiome assembly is a result of ecology and evolution working together, highlighting the importance of these symbiotic relationships for the host and microbiome’s survival.
The researchers are focusing on studying microbes within marine sponges to further investigate their findings. They aim to extend their research to other microbiomes, with the goal of obtaining a comprehensive understanding of symbiotic relationships among multiple species within different hosts and across taxa. Dr. Lurgi, head of the Computational Ecology Lab at Swansea University, has received a Leverhulme Trust award for his research project on the origin of complex symbioses. His main research focus is on understanding the mechanisms behind the emergence of complexity in ecological networks by developing theoretical models of ecological communities and network dynamics.
Dr. Lurgi and Dr. Araujo are currently working on developing the mathematical foundations of the ideas presented in their recent paper. They recently presented their work at the 19th International Symposium of Microbial Ecology in South Africa. By combining ecological and evolutionary theory with microbial and symbiont ecology and evolution, the researchers aim to create a holistic understanding of the intricate nature of symbiotic relationships between multicellular organisms and microbial communities. These relationships, which are among the most ancient forms of association, are crucial for the survival of both the host and the microbiome.
The research conducted by Dr. Lurgi and his colleagues sheds light on the complex dynamics of host-associated microbiomes and emphasizes the importance of ecological and evolutionary processes in the formation of these symbiotic relationships. By studying microbes within marine sponges and extending their findings to other microbiomes, the researchers hope to uncover a unified understanding of symbiotic relationships across different hosts and taxa. Dr. Lurgi’s research on the emergence of complexity in ecological networks has garnered recognition and funding, allowing him to further explore the underlying mechanisms that drive biodiversity patterns within these ecosystems.
Overall, the collaborative research efforts led by Dr. Lurgi and Dr. Araujo offer valuable insights into the assembly of complex symbiotic relationships between multicellular organisms and microbial communities. Their theoretical framework provides a foundation for studying microbiome assembly and evolution, highlighting the interplay between ecology and evolution in shaping these interactions. By integrating mathematical models with empirical research, the researchers are advancing our understanding of the intricate nature of symbiotic relationships and the crucial role they play in the survival of both hosts and microbiomes.