Interrogation of imaging-based interspecies dynamics in the oral microbiome

作者：Zhenting Xiang, Zi Wang, Nikoo Ghasemi, Yue Wang, Jing Wen, Yuan Liu · 发表于：Journal of Oral Microbiology · 年份：2026 · DOI：10.1080/20002297.2026.2640344 · 被引用次数：2 · 研究领域：Oral microbiology and periodontitis research、Bacterial biofilms and quorum sensing、Microbial Community Ecology and Physiology

Background: The oral cavity presents a highly dynamic environment where inter-microbial communications play a pivotal role. Understanding the spatial organization of microbial ecosystems has been highlighted on the microbiome and polymicrobial infection. Furthermore, cross-feeding and modulation by metabolites from the oral microbiota and host cells, such as lactate and reactive oxidative species, impact the stability and functionality of microbial communities. Traditional research focusing solely on the compositional aspects of these communities is insufficient to understand the sophisticated interactions. Methods: We evaluated recent advancements in imaging technologies, bolstered by multi-omics analyses and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven approachesinsights, to provide an more integrated understanding of the dynamics and function of the oral microbiome. Results: Real time imaging and resolution-enhancing methods at the single-cell level have unraveled the ecology and dynamics of microbial communities, indicating unique three-dimensional architectures and biogeographical patterns associated with disease status in polymicrobial interplays. Emerging computational techniques can account for the spatial features of oral microbiome by creating image-like representations that capture the complex relationships between host tissues and microbial communities. Spatial multi-omics, help address the limitations of single-cell sequencing, deciphering molecular mechanisms between spe...