The overarching goal of our research is to define the regulatory principles underlying associations of microbial communities with hosts from diverse taxonomic groups.
Novel insights into above topics have already been obtained by the members of the CRC 1182. Our consortium is thus in an ideal position to join forces to deepen our understanding of the metaorganism and validate our findings across the different model systems. In summary, the CRC 1182 “Origin and Function of Metaorganisms” will focus on a research field of high current interest, namely the evolutionary dynamics within metaorganisms and the molecular interactions involved.
To achieve such an integrated view on the metaorganism, our consortium will focus on three main themes:
Molecular basis and evolutionary dynamics of C. elegans-microbiota interactions
The association between a host and its microbiome is of central importance for life-history and evolutionary potential of the interacting organisms. Yet, we still have comparatively little understanding of the exact selective processes and resulting …
Host-microbiota coevolution in the mammalian intestine
This project aims to determine the genetic basis of evolutionary change among mammalian metaorganisms. Through the use of highly sophisticated and unique genetic resources in both the house mouse subspecies complex and humans, we identified …
Colonization dynamics and resilience to fungi in the wheat microbiota
Plants are colonized by a wide diversity of microbes including both eukaryotic and prokaryotic species. Accumulating evidence shows that the plant-associated microbiota plays a role in plant adaptation to various environmental conditions and disease resistance. …
Mathematical modeling of interactions in evolving metaorganisms
Mathematical models can help us to enhance our understanding of a specific observation by exploring its characteristics under a wide range of conditions, including those that cannot be addressed by empirical tests. Moreover, mathematical models …
