hologenome
- Special Issue Perspective | Host-Microbe BiologyHologenomics: Systems-Level Host Biology
The hologenome concept of evolution is a hypothesis explaining host evolution in the context of the host microbiomes. As a hypothesis, it needs to be evaluated, especially with respect to the extent of fidelity of transgenerational coassociation of host and microbial lineages and the relative fitness consequences of repeated associations within natural holobiont populations.
- Editor's Pick Perspective | Host-Microbe BiologyGetting the Hologenome Concept Right: an Eco-Evolutionary Framework for Hosts and Their Microbiomes
Given the complexity of host-microbiota symbioses, scientists and philosophers are asking questions at new biological levels of hierarchical organization—what is a holobiont and hologenome? When should this vocabulary be applied? Are these concepts a null hypothesis for host-microbe systems or limited to a certain spectrum of symbiotic interactions such as host-microbial coevolution? Critical discourse is necessary in this nascent area...