How to Detect Evolution from Microbiome Data

Explore the fascinating world of microbiome evolution in this comprehensive conference talk from the Computational Genomics Summer Institute. Delve into the intricate processes that determine the fate of new mutations and shape the traits of microbial populations in the gut. Discover the types of data required for studying population genetics in the microbiome and investigate the number of strains colonizing a host. Examine the biogeography of gut microbes and uncover evidence of bacterial evolution within the host. Analyze the potential impact of rapid evolution on microbiome ecology. Gain valuable insights from related research papers on evolutionary dynamics, strain turnover in infant gut microbiomes, and responses to antibiotic treatment. Conclude with a comprehensive overview of population genetics in the microbiome, providing a solid foundation for further exploration in this cutting-edge field.

Syllabus

Intro
What determines the fate of a new mutation?
Population genetic processes can give rise to a range of traits in the microbiome
What kind of data do we need to study population genetics in the microbiome?
How many strains of each species colonize a host?
Biogeography of gut microbes
Do bacteria evolve in the host gut?
Open Questions • Does rapid evolution impact the ecology of the microbiome?
Conclusions: Population genetics in the microbiome