Microbiomes and nematodes: How the environment influences life!

Microbiomes and nematodes: How the environment influences life!

The microbiome, consisting of bacteria, viruses and fungi, has far-reaching effects on the health of multicellular organisms. It plays an essential role in food utilization and protects against pathogens. Disruption of this microbial ecosystem has been linked to numerous diseases. A current study by the Kiel Collaborative Research Center (SFB) 1182 at the Christian Albrechts University in Kiel is investigating the complex interactions between host organisms and their microbiomes. Loud University of Kiel The study shows how an organism's microbiome and its microbial environment have mutual influences.

The focus of the research is the nematode of the genusCaenorhabditis, particularly the commonly used model organismC. elegans. These organisms provide valuable insights into biological processes because they do not have a uniform microbiome composition, but are highly individual and dependent on their environment.

Study results and methodology

The study aboutC. elegansanalyzed a compost heap that was observed over two years to compare the microbiomes of the worms and apples. It turned out that the microbiome of the nematode is significantly influenced by the substrate on which it lives. Microbiomes of worms derived from a particular apple differ significantly from those of other substrates. This suggests that there is no fixed “core microbiome” forC. elegansbecause the composition varies greatly even between worms from the same apple.

Another interesting aspect of the study is the effect of “dispersal limitation”. This states that the worm's microbiome depends heavily on its immediate environment. Metabolome analyzes showed that the nematodes can also influence the microbial composition and metabolic processes of the apples. It is even speculated that the presence ofC. eleganseither the metabolic processes of the apples changed or that the worms prefer riper apples.

The relevance ofC. elegans

C. eleganswas developed over 50 years ago by Sydney Brenner as a genetic model and has since become an indispensable tool in developmental and neurobiology. With a small size of just 0.25 mm in the larval stage and a rapid life cycle of three days from egg to adult worm, it is being intensively researched in over 1,000 laboratories worldwide. Over 1,200 research articles are published annually, covering various aspects of biology, from eukaryotic cell functions to human-organism interactions, such as NCBI shows.

The genetic manipulationsC. elegansare particularly effective due to its well-annotated genome and the ability to apply both forward and reverse genetics. This enables detailed studies at organismic and cellular levels.C. elegansis the first multicellular organism to have its genome sequenced, underscoring its relevance to human medical research.

The close connection between the microbiome ofC. elegansand its environment opens new perspectives for research into the effects of microbial communities on the host. Future studies will likely focus on genome editing and the role of regulatory RNAs. These developments could lead to new insights into the biological functions and long-term health of host organisms, while further exploring the synergy between microbiomes and host organisms.