Animal microbiomes

It is now apparent that most higher eukaryotes interact with or harbour communities of microbial symbionts that mediate a range of mutually beneficial functions. These communities typically are specialised within particular regions of the host and play important roles in enhancing host functions, thereby contributing to their adaptation to the environment and host long-term evolution. Hosts also influence the composition of their microbiomes via immunological control, alteration of physiological and physical conditions and host behaviour. In this session we will explore diverse examples of host-microbiome interactions ranging from the influence of the skin microbiome on amphibian defences against infection to the formation of methane in ruminant animals and the opportunities these interactions provide for understanding the holobiont and mitigating the effects of human activities on greenhouse gas emissions.

Convenors
Graeme Attwood, AgResearch, New Zealand
Valerie McKenzie, University of Colorado Boulder, United States

Invited Speakers
Graeme Attwood, AgResearch, New Zealand
Rob Knight, University of California, San Diego, United States
Valerie McKenzie, University of Colorado Boulder, United States
Itzhak Mizrahi, Ben Gurion University, Israel