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:
Evolutionary dynamics and molecular basis of C. elegans-microbiome interactions
Project A1 (PIs Schulenburg, Dierking, Kaleta) aims to enhance our understanding of microbiome-mediated evolution of the metaorganism. Using the nematode C. elegans as a versatile experimental model system, the project will examine the molecular and …
Host-microbiome coevolution in the mammalian intestine
Project A2 (PIs Baines, Franke) aims to determine the genetic basis of evolutionary change among mammalian metaorganisms. The project will investigate mechanisms of host-microbe interactions, with G protein-coupled receptors as an important updated focal class …
Molecular determinants underlying symbiosis in the wheat metaorganism
Project A3 (PIs Stukenbrock, Dagan) aims to characterize the genetic basis underlying eco-evolutionary interactions among plant hosts and their microbiome. Focusing on wheat and its associated fungi and bacteria, the project will study the role …
Mathematical models and experiments on the levels of selection in evolving metaorganisms
Project A4 (PIs Traulsen, Schulenburg) aims to study the role of multilevel selection and microbial transmission mode in shaping host-microbiome interactions, the resulting phenotypes, and the fitness of hosts and associated microbes. The project will …