Spatial dynamics of microbial populations driven by social interactions and horizontal gene transfer
Li, Tianyi
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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/105236
Description
Title
Spatial dynamics of microbial populations driven by social interactions and horizontal gene transfer
Author(s)
Li, Tianyi
Issue Date
2019-04-23
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Lu, Ting
Department of Study
Bioengineering
Discipline
Bioengineering
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
M.S.
Degree Level
Thesis
Keyword(s)
Spatial Dynamics, Synthetic Ecosystems.
Abstract
The functions of the microbial ecosystems are closely related to the spatial structures formed by microbial communities. Yet, it is not well understood what determines, controls and regulates the spatial dynamics of microbial populations. In this study, we use synthetic microbial consortia as our experimental models, to explore the factors contributing to the microbial populations’ spatial dynamics, owing to their great controllability and reduced system complexity compared to native existing ecosystems. Upon a systematic investigation on the relationship between the microbial spatial structures and factors influencing their spatial dynamics, we found that interaction topologies and horizontal gene transfers drive the spatial structure formations of bacterial communities. Spatial interaction scales, growth rates and antibiotic selection forces are other modulators that affect the spatial structures. Our results confirm social interactions and horizontal gene transfers as two key determinants of the microbial spatial dynamics, providing insights into microbial spatial organization and synthetic ecosystem engineering.
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