Evolutionary dynamics of bacteria in the gut microbiome within and across hosts.

ABSTRACT: Gut microbiota are shaped by a combination of ecological and evolutionary forces. While the ecological dynamics have been extensively studied, much less is known about how species of gut bacteria evolve over time. Here, we introduce a model-based framework for quantifying evolutionary dynamics within and across hosts using a panel of metagenomic samples. We use this approach to study evolution in approximately 40 prevalent species in the human gut. Although the patterns of between-host diversity are consistent with quasi-sexual evolution and purifying selection on long timescales, we identify new genealogical signatures that challenge standard population genetic models of these processes. Within hosts, we find that genetic differences that accumulate over 6-month timescales are only rarely

SUBMITTER: Garud NR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6361464 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature