Diversifying the concept of model organisms in the age of -omics

Fabrice Bertile (1) , Sabine Matallana-Surget (2) , Andreas Tholey (3) , Susana Cristobal (4) , Jean Armengaud (5)

1 DSA-IPHC - Département Sciences Analytiques et Interactions Ioniques et Biomoléculaires
2 University of Stirling
3 CAU - Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel = Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel = Université Christian-Albrechts de Kiel
4 LIU - Linköping University
5 JOLIOT - Institut des Sciences du Vivant Frédéric JOLIOT

Abstract In today’s post-genomic era, it is crucial to rethink the concept of model organisms. While a few historically well-established organisms, e.g. laboratory rodents, have enabled significant scientific breakthroughs, there is now a pressing need for broader inclusion. Indeed, new organisms and models, from complex microbial communities to holobionts, are essential to fully grasp the complexity of biological principles across the breadth of biodiversity. By fostering collaboration between biology, advanced molecular science and omics communities, we can collectively adopt new models, unraveling their molecular functioning, and uncovering fundamental mechanisms. This concerted effort will undoubtedly enhance human health, environmental quality, and biodiversity conservation.

Domaines: Sciences du Vivant [q-bio]

Fabrice Bertile, Sabine Matallana-Surget, Andreas Tholey, Susana Cristobal, Jean Armengaud. Diversifying the concept of model organisms in the age of -omics. Communications Biology, 2023, 6 (1), pp.1062. ⟨10.1038/s42003-023-05458-x⟩. ⟨hal-04295327⟩