Bioscience Method 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 76-88 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 80 microbial communities, some bacteria produce and release siderophores, which are molecules that bind and transport iron. These siderophores can be taken up by neighboring bacteria, facilitating iron acquisition in environments where iron is scarce (Trottmann et al., 2018). 3.2 Genetic determinants of microbial interactions Genetic determinants play a crucial role in shaping microbial interactions by influencing the metabolic capabilities and communication pathways of microorganisms. Host genetic factors significantly influence gut microbiota composition and interactions. For example, genetic variations in the host can affect the abundance and diversity of gut microbes, which in turn impact host physiology and health outcomes. Studies using diverse mouse populations have shown that host genetics account for a substantial fraction of the variation in microbiota composition (Org et al., 2015). Figure 2 Overview of AHL-QS systems in Gram-negative bacteria (Adpot from Kumar et al., 2022) Image caption: presents an overview of the quorum sensing (QS) systems regulated by acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs) in Gram-negative bacteria. Each bacterium regulates specific biological functions through different QS systems: (A) the Lux system in Vibrio fischeri controls bioluminescence; (B) the Las and Rhl systems in Pseudomonas aeruginosa regulate virulence factors and biofilm formation; (C) the Cvi system in Chromobacterium violaceum controls violacein production; (D) the Tra system in Agrobacterium tumefaciens controls the conjugative transfer of the Ti plasmid. Each system facilitates inter-bacterial communication and regulation through specific AHL molecules (Adapt from Kumar et al., 2022). Furthermore, specific genes within microbial genomes are responsible for producing molecules that mediate interactions. For instance, genes encoding for the production of secondary metabolites, such as antibiotics and siderophores, can influence competitive and cooperative interactions within microbial communities (Pierce et al., 2020). 3.3 Impact of environmental factors on microbial interactions Environmental factors, including nutrient availability, temperature, pH, and the presence of other organisms, profoundly affect microbial interactions and community dynamics. Nutrient availability plays a pivotal role in shaping microbial interactions. For example, the availability of specific nutrients can drive metabolic exchanges and cross-feeding relationships within microbial communities. Studies have shown that under nutrient-limited
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