The Molecular clock is a powerful technique used to estimate divergence time among organisms using molecules. Although widely used in animal and plant studies, the molecular clock is rarely applied to microbes and microbiomes: while in few cases co-radiation with host can be exploited, calibration of molecules is generally impaired by a lack of fossils and a poor knowledge of generation times outside model organisms. Here we outline, however, how molecular clocks can provide interesting insight into the biology of complex microbe-host interaction within various types of agro-ecosystems. Our case studies include: 1) the concomitant radiation of a phytoplasma with its apple host and its insect vector: a complex partnership further characterized by endosymbionts with putatively protective role against the pathogenic phytoplasma; 2) the origin of a likely beneficial new grapevine endosymbiont whose divergence matches human domestication; 3) the co-radiation of garden strawberry with its main anthracnose fungal endophytic agent. Although methodologically challenging, these examples illustrate that molecular clock is a promising and powerful tool to study the evolution of microbes and microbiomes in the agroecosystems.

Rota Stabelli, O.; Weil, T.F.A.L.; Ometto, L.; Campisano, A.; Pertot, I.; Anfora, G. (2016). Using molecular clocks to investigate beneficial (and deleterious) microbe-host interactions in the agroecosystem. In: Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution conference 2016, Broadbeach, Australia, 3-7 July 2016: 186. handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10449/33379

Using molecular clocks to investigate beneficial (and deleterious) microbe-host interactions in the agroecosystem

Rota Stabelli, Omar;Weil, Tobias Franz Anton Ludwig;Ometto, Lino;Campisano, Andrea;Pertot, Ilaria;Anfora, Gianfranco
2016-01-01

Abstract

The Molecular clock is a powerful technique used to estimate divergence time among organisms using molecules. Although widely used in animal and plant studies, the molecular clock is rarely applied to microbes and microbiomes: while in few cases co-radiation with host can be exploited, calibration of molecules is generally impaired by a lack of fossils and a poor knowledge of generation times outside model organisms. Here we outline, however, how molecular clocks can provide interesting insight into the biology of complex microbe-host interaction within various types of agro-ecosystems. Our case studies include: 1) the concomitant radiation of a phytoplasma with its apple host and its insect vector: a complex partnership further characterized by endosymbionts with putatively protective role against the pathogenic phytoplasma; 2) the origin of a likely beneficial new grapevine endosymbiont whose divergence matches human domestication; 3) the co-radiation of garden strawberry with its main anthracnose fungal endophytic agent. Although methodologically challenging, these examples illustrate that molecular clock is a promising and powerful tool to study the evolution of microbes and microbiomes in the agroecosystems.
2016
Rota Stabelli, O.; Weil, T.F.A.L.; Ometto, L.; Campisano, A.; Pertot, I.; Anfora, G. (2016). Using molecular clocks to investigate beneficial (and deleterious) microbe-host interactions in the agroecosystem. In: Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution conference 2016, Broadbeach, Australia, 3-7 July 2016: 186. handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10449/33379
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/10449/33379
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