Formation and emergent dynamics of spatially organized microbial systems

Abstract

Spatial organization is the norm rather than the exception in the microbial world. While the study of microbial physiology has been dominated by studies in well-mixed cultures, there is now increasing interest in understanding the role of spatial organization in microbial physiology, coexistence and evolution. Where studied, spatial organization has been shown to influence all three of these aspects. In this mini review and perspective article, we emphasize that the dynamics within spatially organized microbial systems (SOMS) are governed by feedbacks between local physico-chemical conditions, cell physiology and movement, and evolution. These feedbacks can give rise to emergent dynamics, which need to be studied through a combination of spatio-temporal measurements and mathematical models. We highlight the initial formation of SOMS and their emergent dynamics as two open areas of investigation for future studies. These studies will benefit from the development of model systems that can mimic natural ones in terms of species composition and spatial structure.

Niche formation and metabolic interactions result in stable diversity in a spatially structured cyanobacterial community

“…The presented system displays granule formation, therefore showing spatial organisation that may have contributed to the maintenance of diversity via the formation of microenvironmental niches (6). We have consistently quantified oxygen gradients in granules.…”

“…The presented system provides an ideal model to test hypotheses on niche formation and species diversity, an important and open current area of investigation in microbial ecology (6, 67). In addition to combination of metagenomics and experimental assays, we envisage that development of meta-transcriptomics (48), proteomics (68) and metabolomics (17) tools will aid discovery of live community members and metabolic activity of the community.…”

“…Another factor that can influence diversity and stability in a community is spatial organisation (6,7). Certain natural spatially-organised microbial communities are indicated to maintain taxonomic stability over time, in both environmental and host-associated contexts (7)(8)(9).…”

Resource limitation and population fluctuation drive spatiotemporal order in microbial communities

“…10,11,17–20 These models have illuminated the dynamics of microbial colonies, explaining emergent features observed in these systems. 21–23…”

“…10,11,[17][18][19][20] These models have illuminated the dynamics of microbial colonies, explaining emergent features observed in these systems. [21][22][23] Research on bacterial colonies, especially those formed by rod-shaped bacteria like E. coli and P. aeruginosa, has extensively delved into topics such as competition, cooperation, selection, and mutation. 12,13,[24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32] Numerous studies have previously modeled bacteria as spherocylinders, detailing their growth and expansion dynamics.…”