Epigenetic modifications underlying symbiont-host interactions

Abstract

The development, existence, and functioning of numerous animals and plants depend on their symbiotic interactions with other organisms, mainly microorganisms. In return, the symbionts benefit from safe habitats and nutrient-rich environments provided by their hosts. In these interactions, genetic changes in either of the partners may provide fitness advantages and become subjects to natural selection. Recent findings suggest that epigenetic changes, heritable or within the organism's life time, in either of the partners play significant roles in the establishment of symbiotic relationships. In this review, a variety of epigenetic effects underlying the most common host-symbiont interactions will be examined to determine to what extent these effects are shared in various interactions and how the epigenetic pathways could possibly be manipulated to benefit the interacting symbionts.

Keywords: Epigenetics; Gene regulation; Methylation; Microbiota; Symbiont; Symbiosis; microRNA.