Darwinian selection of host and bacteria supports emergence of Lamarckian-like adaptation of the system as a whole.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The relatively fast selection of symbiotic bacteria within hosts and the potential transmission of these bacteria across generations of hosts raise the question of whether interactions between host and bacteria support emergent adaptive capabilities beyond those of germ-free hosts.

Results

To investigate possibilities for emergent adaptations that may distinguish composite host-microbiome systems from germ-free hosts, we introduce a population genetics model of a host-microbiome system with vertical transmission of bacteria. The host and its bacteria are jointly exposed to a toxic agent, creating a toxic stress that can be alleviated by selection of resistant individuals and by secretion of a detoxification agent ("detox"). We show that toxic exposure in one gener

SUBMITTER: Osmanovic D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6889200 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature