Symbiosis and Cohabitation

Colloquium in English

Symbiotic interactions are more common than we thought a few years ago. What was considered a simple cohabitation with commensal microorganisms is finally a true association with reciprocal benefits and with multiple signal exchanges between partners. Nowadays, the rise of metagenomics and cellular biology allows a more detailed analysis of these interactions. The interaction between leguminous plants and Sinorhizobium, which helps them to fixe nitrogen from the atmosphere, has been the most studied model of symbiosis at the molecular level. Numerous other symbioses are currently being studied. The aim of this colloquium is to review our knowledge in the matter, mainly on the new models of interaction and improve our understanding of signal mechanisms. Examples will focus on bacteria-algae or other sea organisms symbiotic associations, as well as insect-bacteria and also human-bacteria or – laboratory animals symbiosis. They will mainly illustrate how symbiotic interactions between microbiota and colonizing organisms play a part in their biology, immunity system development and pathogen response. Implications of these discoveries, in terms of human or animal health protection, vegetal production and environment protection will be discussed by the speakers.

See the programme and summaries