Microbial Interactions in Plant Ecosystems
We are an interdisciplinary team that bridges the fields of microbiology, plant sciences, ecology and computational biology. As members of both, the Center for Plant Molecular Biology (ZMBP) and the Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen (IMIT), we are dedicated to unravel the fundamental mechanisms that transform random or stochastic microbial inputs into well-defined, often host-associated microbial communities. Our expertise spans microbiology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics, enabling us to address complex questions about microbial community dynamics.
Research Interest:
Background:
All aboveground parts of pioneering plants, particularly those in sparsely vegetated areas (Fig. 1A), face harsh environmental fluctuations. Intense sunlight and wind quickly lead to drought, while conditions can change within minutes as raindrops hit the leaves and water runs across the plant's aerial parts. Temperature fluctuations are also pronounced, with rapid heating during the day when the sun is out, and drastic drops during cloudy periods or at night, depending on the season.
Despite these harsh conditions, plants are not alone in their habitat but are associated with a diverse range of microbes that colonize this challenging environment (Fig. 1B and C). These microbes can support the plant as beneficial symbionts, harm it as pathogens, or exist as neutral residents. Recent observations of plants and their microbial communities in natural conditions have revealed that such harsh environments necessitate microbial collaboration and community living. Consequently, microbes previously considered neutral are now seen as potentially significant for plant health, either by supporting or inhibiting beneficial or pathogenic microbes through community interactions.
Our primary research interest lies in understanding these microbial interactions, as well as how microbial communities are assembled and maintained.
Microbial communities are not only crucial for plants; similar observations have been made in humans, various animals, and insects. In all cases, microbes not only influence each other but also critically affect their host's physiology and performance. This suggests that understanding the evolution and ecology of any organism, including plants, requires considering their natural interactions with associated organisms, particularly microbes (Kemen et al. 2015). Given the potential of microbes as probiotics to support plant health, it is essential to adopt a systemic view of host-microbe-microbe-environment interactions. This understanding will allow us to manipulate microbial communities favorably. By predicting microbial community behavior in a host context, we can develop functional probiotics that protect plants from pathogens or support plant health during drought or flooding.
Universität Tübingen
IMIT/ZMBP
Microbial Interactions
Auf der Morgenstelle 32
D-72076 Tübingen/Germany
Room 4 Q 22
Coordinator
Prof. Dr. Eric Kemen
eric.kemen@zmbp.uni-tuebingen.de
Tel.: ++49-7071/29-78725
Administration office
Iva Fahrner
iva.fahrner@zmbp.uni-tuebingen.de
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