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Challenges in microbial ecology: building predictive understanding of community function and dynamics.

TitleChallenges in microbial ecology: building predictive understanding of community function and dynamics.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2016
AuthorsWidder, S, Allen, RJ, Pfeiffer, T, Curtis, TP, Wiuf, C, Sloan, WT, Cordero, OX, Brown, SP, Momeni, B, Shou, W, Kettle, H, Flint, HJ, Haas, AF, Laroche, B, Kreft, J-U, Rainey, PB, Freilich, S, Schuster, S, Milferstedt, K, van der Meer, JR, Groβkopf, T, Huisman, J, Free, A, Picioreanu, C, Quince, C, Klapper, I, Labarthe, S, Smets, BF, Wang, H, Soyer, OS
Corporate AuthorsIsaac Newton Institute Fellows
JournalISME J
Volume10
Issue11
Pagination2557-2568
Date Published2016 11
ISSN1751-7370
KeywordsAir Microbiology, Animals, Ecosystem, Humans, Models, Theoretical, Seawater, Soil Microbiology
Abstract

The importance of microbial communities (MCs) cannot be overstated. MCs underpin the biogeochemical cycles of the earth's soil, oceans and the atmosphere, and perform ecosystem functions that impact plants, animals and humans. Yet our ability to predict and manage the function of these highly complex, dynamically changing communities is limited. Building predictive models that link MC composition to function is a key emerging challenge in microbial ecology. Here, we argue that addressing this challenge requires close coordination of experimental data collection and method development with mathematical model building. We discuss specific examples where model-experiment integration has already resulted in important insights into MC function and structure. We also highlight key research questions that still demand better integration of experiments and models. We argue that such integration is needed to achieve significant progress in our understanding of MC dynamics and function, and we make specific practical suggestions as to how this could be achieved.

DOI10.1038/ismej.2016.45
Alternate JournalISME J
PubMed ID27022995
PubMed Central IDPMC5113837
Grant ListBB/K003240/2 / / Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council / United Kingdom
MR/L015080/1 / / Medical Research Council / United Kingdom
MR/M50161X/1 / / Medical Research Council / United Kingdom
NC/K000683/1 / / National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research / United Kingdom

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