TC - SynComs & Microbiome Engineering II Flashcards
What is the Top-down Approach in SynCom design for disease testing? (4)
Inoculum Source: Uses non-treated or treated fecal matter
Model Organism: Tested in mice to see how the microbiome adapts
Process: Involves selection cycles based on sequencing data to refine the community
Outcome: Results in an adapted synthetic community (SynCom) that reflects the original microbiome but can be tested in controlled ways
What is the Bottom-up Approach in SynCom design for disease testing?
Design Basis: Starts from scratch using data on genes (metagenome), growth, and abundance of microbes
Iteration Process: Uses sequencing and testing cycles to refine the community for precision
Testing Methods: Both lab (in vitro) and mouse (in vivo) tests to see how it behaves
Outcome: Creates a controlled SynCom with specific, testable functions
How was the human gut microbiome reconstructed in mice? (3)
- A SynCom with 104 human gut bacteria was developed
- Used gnotobiotic (germ-free) mice for testing
- Established well in the mouse gut over 8 weeks, modeling a simplified human gut microbiome
What are artificial gut systems used for, and what are their limitations? (2)
They substitute animal models in some applications
- Limitation: Less suitable than biological systems for most applications
How did researchers track bacteria in a plant SynCom using fluorescent markers? (3)
- Created a SynCom of seven common plant bacteria
- Used specific fluorescent markers for in situ tracking over 14 days
- Enabled study of plant microbiome dynamics through color-coded abundance graphs
What is the overall importance of SynComs? (3)
- Useful for complex probiotics and biological applications
- Aid in microbiome research, allowing experiments with simplified microbiome models
- Contribute to a mechanistic understanding of microbiome functions
What is microbiome engineering via host genetics? (2)
- Research has identified “M genes,” or microbiome-related genes, that help control the microbiome
- M genes can be targeted for microbiome engineering, especially in plants
How do microbiome genes (M genes) affect plant microbiomes? (3)
- Alterations in M genes can lead to changes in the microbiome
- Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in M genes can have significant microbiome impacts
- M genes are ideal for microbiome engineering in plants
What is an example of M gene activity in plants? (3)
Variants of M gene proteins affect 4-hydroxy cinnamic acid (4-HCA) synthesis
- 4-HCA Function: This compound selectively inhibits certain microbiome components while promoting the growth of others
- Significance: Due to its selective effects, 4-HCA is a key target for microbiome engineering in plants, helping control which microbes thrive
How does microbiome engineering target M genes in plants? (2)
The plant gene in control of 4-HCA synthesis was overexpressed (OE) and knocked out (KO)
- OE plants showed higher pathogen resistance than wild-type (WT) plants
What are some applications of microbiome engineering via M genes in plants? (2)
- Increase resistance to pathogens, reducing the need for synthetic pesticides
- Improve nutrient uptake and efficiency, lowering the need for synthetic fertilizers
How are M gene-active plants generated, and what methods are used? (2)
Proof of Concept: Genetically modified plants demonstrated the effectiveness of M gene activity
Alternative Method: Similar outcomes can also be achieved through selective breeding, offering a non-GMO option for M gene-active plant development
What is the potential of M gene-active plants? (3)
Sustainability: M gene-active plants can promote more sustainable plant production practices
Targeted Benefits: Enable resistance against phytopathogens and improve productivity under abiotic stress
Future Research: Large-scale studies are needed to confirm effectiveness and applicability
