Archaea Are Interactive Components of Complex Microbiomes

Recent findings have shaken our picture of the biology of the archaea and revealed novel traits beyond archaeal extremophily and supposed ‘primitiveness’. The archaea constitute a considerable fraction of the Earth’s ecosystems, and their potential to shape their surroundings by a profound interacti...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Trends in microbiology (Regular ed.) 2018-01, Vol.26 (1), p.70-85
Main Authors: Moissl-Eichinger, Christine, Pausan, Manuela, Taffner, Julian, Berg, Gabriele, Bang, Corinna, Schmitz, Ruth A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Abiotic stress
Archaea
archaeome
Halophiles
Keystone species
Methanogenic bacteria
microbial interaction
Microbiology
microbiome
Microbiomes
Microorganisms
Pathogenicity
Pathogens
syntrophy
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Summary:Recent findings have shaken our picture of the biology of the archaea and revealed novel traits beyond archaeal extremophily and supposed ‘primitiveness’. The archaea constitute a considerable fraction of the Earth’s ecosystems, and their potential to shape their surroundings by a profound interaction with their biotic and abiotic environment has been recognized. Moreover, archaea have been identified as a substantial component, or even as keystone species, in complex microbiomes – in the environment or accompanying a holobiont. Species of the Euryarchaeota (methanogens, halophiles) and Thaumarchaeota, in particular, have the capacity to coexist in plant, animal, and human microbiomes, where syntrophy allows them to thrive under energy-deficiency stress. Due to methodological limitations, the archaeome remains mysterious, and many questions with respect to potential pathogenicity, function, and structural interactions with their host and other microorganisms remain. Archaea are substantial components of complex microbiomes in the environment and in holobionts. Archaea interact closely with viruses, microorganisms, and holobionts such as plants, animals, and humans. In holobionts, the archaeome reveals biogeographic patterns, indicating various functions. Methanogens, in particular, are considered to be prominent partners in various settings, supporting bacterial fermentation processes based on syntrophy and driven by energy depletion. No archaeal pathogen has been identified thus far. Methodological problems hinder the proper analyses of the archaeome, including function and structural adaptations. The archaeal double-membrane and anchored surface structures might support high-level interactions.
ISSN:0966-842X
1878-4380
DOI:10.1016/j.tim.2017.07.004