American Society for Microbiology, Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 11(86), 2020
DOI: 10.1128/aem.00190-20
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Through experiments in gnotobiotic mice that employed isogenic mutants of bacterial strains that produce ( Bifidobacterium breve ) and utilize ( Lactobacillus reuteri ) 1,2-propanediol, this study provides mechanistic insight into the ecological ramifications of a trophic interaction between gut symbionts. The findings improve our understanding on how cross-feeding influences the competitive fitness of L. reuteri in the vertebrate gut and revealed a putative selective force that shaped the evolution of the species. The findings are relevant since they provide a basis to design rational microbial-based strategies to modulate gut ecosystems, which could employ mixtures of bacterial strains that establish trophic interactions or a personalized approach based on the ability of a resident microbiota to provide resources for the incoming microbe.