Cooperation is key to success in microbial communities

New research from the University of Cambridge and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) shows how cooperation among bacterial species allows them to thrive as a community. The study used kefir as a model to study metabolic interactions within microbial communities. It is easy to grow, and consists of around 40 different species - providing a ‘Goldilocks zone’ of complexity that is not too small yet not too unwieldy to study in detail. Kefir is composed of ‘grains’ - resembling small pieces of cauliflower - that have fermented in milk to produce a probiotic drink composed of bacteria and yeasts.

The researchers were surprised to discover that the dominant species of Lactobacillus bacteria found in kefir grains cannot survive on their own in milk. However, the different species work together, feeding on each other’s metabolites in the kefir culture to support each other.

The researchers combined a variety of state-of-the-art methods including metabolomics (studying metabolites’ chemical processes), transcriptomics (studying the genome-produced RNA transcripts), and mathematical modelling. This revealed not only key molecular interaction agents like amino acids, but also the contrasting species dynamics between the grains and the milk. While scientists know that microorganisms often live in communities and depend on their fellow community members for survival, there was previously very little understanding of how this works. Lab models have historically been limited to two or three different microbial species.

Kefir is one of the world’s oldest fermented foods and has many purported health benefits, including improving digestion and lowering blood pressure and blood glucose levels.


(Content Courtesy: University of Cambridge)