Kin selection explains the evolution of cooperation in the gut microbiota.

ABSTRACT: Through the secretion of "public goods" molecules, microbes cooperatively exploit their habitat. This is known as a major driver of the functioning of microbial communities, including in human disease. Understanding why microbial species cooperate is therefore crucial to achieve successful microbial community management, such as microbiome manipulation. A leading explanation is that of Hamilton's inclusive-fitness framework. A cooperator can indirectly transmit its genes by helping the reproduction of an individual carrying similar genes. Therefore, all else being equal, as relatedness among individuals increases, so should cooperation. However, the predictive power of relatedness, particularly in microbes, is surrounded by controversy. Using phylogenetic comparative analyses across the fu

SUBMITTER: Simonet C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8017935 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature