Modelling the complexity of plankton communities exploiting omics potential: From present challenges to an integrative pipeline. Issue 13 (February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: D'Alelio, Domenico; Eveillard, Damien; Coles, Victoria J.; Caputi, Luigi; Ribera d'Alcalà, Maurizio; Iudicone, Daniele
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in systems biology. Issue 13(2019)
• Page Start: 68
• Page End: 74
• Publication Date: 2019-02
• Subjects: Plankton -- Systems ecology and evolution; Systems biology -- Periodicals; 570
• DOI: 10.1016/j.coisb.2018.10.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2452-3100

Abstract

Abstract: Plankton drive marine food webs and global biogeochemical cycles and are among the most challenging complex systems to model. Systems ecology studies on plankton might strongly profit from omics-based systems biology, which would add another dimension to traditional modelling. However, a deeper and adaptive integration with data-acquisition and data-analysis is required to achieve the goal. A feasible pipeline will integrate traditional and omics observations, over several time scales, in-vitro investigations, high-level computational approaches, such as niche and network modelling, and artificial intelligence methods. This will lead to a deeper understanding of our planet and to provision of knowledge-based directions to stakeholders. Highlights: We advocate for a systematic use of –omics in plankton modelling. Meta-omics should be used in defining plankton niches, behavior and interactions. Plankton networks may profit from genomic information for extracting mechanistic interactions. Improved eco-evo understanding may help in designing more realistic plankton networks. Knowledge-based ocean management will profit from this improved integrative pipeline.