Constructing synthetic microbial communities to explore the ecology and evolution of symbiosis.
Synthetically engineered microbial communities based on model organisms provide a simplified model of their naturally occurring counterparts while still retaining essential features of living organisms. The degree of control afforded by this approach has been critical in understanding how similar types of natural communities might have persisted and evolved. Here, we first discuss important considerations when designing a synthetically engineered system. Then, we describe the steps required to create a two-partner cooperative system based on the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98185, USA.
Adam James
AJ
Waite
Wenying
W
Shou
D005075:Biological Evolution; D017753:Ecosystem; D005818:Genetic Engineering / Q000379:methods*; D012441:Saccharomyces cerevisiae / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D013559:Symbiosis; D058615:Synthetic Biology / Q000379:methods*