In 2018, a study explored the role of keystone taxa in shaping microbiome structure and function. Keystone taxa are species that significantly influence community composition and microbiome performance, regardless of their abundance. The study reviewed reports of keystone taxa in various ecosystems, including soil, plant, marine, and human microbiomes. It emphasized the importance of keystone taxa for ecosystem services and discussed factors affecting their distribution and activity. The study proposed a definition of keystone taxa as those with major influence on microbiome composition and function at a particular space or time. It also highlighted the use of network analysis to identify keystone taxa, which are often highly connected nodes in microbial networks. The study found that keystone taxa can have disproportionate influence on microbiome structure and function, even if they are not abundant. Examples of keystone taxa include Bacteroides fragilis, Porphyromonas gingivitis, and Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron. The study also discussed challenges in identifying keystone taxa, such as the need for experimental validation and the potential for hysteresis effects. The study concluded that keystone taxa play a crucial role in microbiome functioning and that further research is needed to understand their role in different ecosystems.In 2018, a study explored the role of keystone taxa in shaping microbiome structure and function. Keystone taxa are species that significantly influence community composition and microbiome performance, regardless of their abundance. The study reviewed reports of keystone taxa in various ecosystems, including soil, plant, marine, and human microbiomes. It emphasized the importance of keystone taxa for ecosystem services and discussed factors affecting their distribution and activity. The study proposed a definition of keystone taxa as those with major influence on microbiome composition and function at a particular space or time. It also highlighted the use of network analysis to identify keystone taxa, which are often highly connected nodes in microbial networks. The study found that keystone taxa can have disproportionate influence on microbiome structure and function, even if they are not abundant. Examples of keystone taxa include Bacteroides fragilis, Porphyromonas gingivitis, and Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron. The study also discussed challenges in identifying keystone taxa, such as the need for experimental validation and the potential for hysteresis effects. The study concluded that keystone taxa play a crucial role in microbiome functioning and that further research is needed to understand their role in different ecosystems.