RNA-seq reveals cooperative metabolic interactions between two termite-gut spirochete species in co-culture

摘要: The hindguts of wood-feeding termites typically contain hundreds microbial species. Together with their insect host, these gut microbes degrade lignocellulose into usable catabolites. Although past research revealed many facets the stepwise flow metabolites in this scheme, not much is known about breadth interactions occurring between termite-gut microbes. Most are thought to depend on, and have co-speciated with, host each other for millions years. In study, we explored two spirochetes previously isolated from very same termite As hydrogen (H2) central free intermediate digestion, focused on closely related possessing complementary H2 physiologies: one produces H2, while consumes it. vitro, Treponema species markedly enhanced other's growth. RNA sequencing resolved transcriptomes organisms, revealing that co-cultivation causes comprehensive changes global gene expression. expression well over a 100 genes was changed >twofold, dozen >10-fold. Several implicating synergistic cross-feeding were validated vitro. Additionally, certain activities beneficial preferentially expressed during consortial However, majority yet understandable, but indicate broad, mutualistic interaction related, co-resident symbionts. results suggest staggeringly intricate networks metabolic drive degradation co-evolution microbiota.