Distinct antimicrobial peptide expression determines host species-specific bacterial associations.

ABSTRACT: Animals are colonized by coevolved bacterial communities, which contribute to the host's health. This commensal microbiota is often highly specific to its host-species, inferring strong selective pressures on the associated microbes. Several factors, including diet, mucus composition, and the immune system have been proposed as putative determinants of host-associated bacterial communities. Here we report that species-specific antimicrobial peptides account for different bacterial communities associated with closely related species of the cnidarian Hydra. Gene family extensions for potent antimicrobial peptides, the arminins, were detected in four Hydra species, with each species possessing a unique composition and expression profile of arminins. For functional analysis, we inoculated armi

SUBMITTER: Franzenburg S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3785777 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature