Microbial colonization

What does the survival of bacteria in the gut microbiota depend on?

In dense and competitive microbial communities, the survival of bacteria hinges on their capacity to either access essential nutrients or outcompete the neighboring cells (1).

Who is one of the key players in competition within the gut microbiota?

In the realm of competition, a significant player is the type VI secretion system, commonly known as T6SS. This is a contractile nanomachine that functions by injecting a wide range of effectors into its competitors (1).

References

(1) Rivard et al. 2026 Trends in Biochemical Sciences 51(8): 816-826

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