Speaker
Description
The astonishing diversity of eukaryotes results from a continuous evolution process and the emergence of functional traits. Such innovations allowed eukaryotes to adapt to all biomes and conditions on Earth and are regulated by complex genetic mechanisms. One of the key innovations that paved the way of eukaryotes diversity is their ability to establish mutualistic interactions with microorganisms such as plant and fungi. Mutualistic interactions are diverse and can be intra- or extracellular. Understanding the genetic mechanisms regulating such interactions is one of the key questions in biology. For example, deciphering these mechanisms in plant-microbe interactions open the perspectives of symbiotic-improved crops demanding fewer chemical intrants. In insects, understanding their interactions with microorganisms can improve their protection or pave the way for more environmental-friendly management plans. Most of the interactions have been studied in model species. However, such approaches are sensitive to the species-specific genetic background. With the genomic era, genomes from multiple species are now available covering the diversity of species but also of their symbiotic abilities. By comparing large numbers of genomes in an evolutionary context, phylogenomic is a powerful tool to identify genetic mechanisms associated with the ability to establish symbiotic relationships. In addition, integrating additional data such as transcriptomics, we are able to identify shared and specific modules of regulatory networks associated with mutualistic interactions and their evolution in multiple species.
