Intraspecies heterogeneity in microbial interactions

Microbial interactions are increasingly recognized as an integral part of microbial physiology. Cell-cell communication mediated by quorum sensing and metabolite exchange is a formative element of microbial interactions. However, loss-of function mutations in quorum-sensing components are common across diverse species. Furthermore, quorum sensing is modulated by small molecules and environmental conditions that may be altered in the presence of other microbial species. Recent evidence highlights how strain heterogeneity impacts microbial interactions. There is great potential for microbial interactions to act as selective pressures that influence the emergence of common mutations in quorum sensing genes across the bacterial and fungal domains.

Automated summary

Microbial interactions play a crucial role in microbial physiology, with quorum sensing and metabolite exchange being key elements. Loss-of-function mutations in quorum-sensing components are common across different species, and quorum sensing is modulated by small molecules and environmental conditions. Recent evidence suggests that strain heterogeneity can impact microbial interactions and act as selective pressures on the emergence of common mutations in quorum sensing genes.