This volume presents a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in symbiosis research. It covers molecular, organellar, cellular, immunologic, genetic and evolutionary aspects of symbiotic interactions in humans and other model systems. The book also highlights new approaches to interdisciplinary research and therapeutic applications.

Symbiosis refers to any mutually beneficial interaction between different organisms. The symbiotic origin of cellular organelles and the exchange of genetic material between hosts and their bacterial and viral symbionts have helped shaped the current diversity of life.

Recently, symbiosis has gained a new level of recognition, due to the realization that all organisms function as a holobiome and that any kind of interference with the hosts influences their symbionts and vice versa, and can have profound consequences for the survival of both. For example, in humans, the microbiome, i.e., the entirety of allthe microorganisms living in association with the intestines, oral cavity, urogenital system and skin, is partially inherited during pregnancy and influences the maturation and functioning of the human immune system, protects against pathogens and regulates metabolism. Symbionts also regulate cancer development, wound healing, tissue regeneration and stem cell function.

The medical applications of this new realization are vast and largely uncharted. The composition and robustness of human symbionts could make them a valuable diagnostic tool for predicting impending diseases, and the manipulation of symbionts could yield new strategies for the treatment of incurable diseases.

Autorentext
Prior to completing her postdoctoral training in Canada, Dr. Kloc was a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Zoology at the University of Warsaw, Poland. She also served as a Research Associate in the Department of Biology at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada. While completing her postdoctoral training, Dr. Kloc earned the AHFMR Research Award from the University of Calgary and the MRC Biotechnology Training Award from Dalhousie University. She joined the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center as a Research Scientist in the Department of Molecular Genetics in 1987, and became an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology there in 2006. Dr. Kloc joined the Houston Methodist Research Institute in 2008. Currently, Dr. Kloc is the Weill Cornell Professor of Cell and Molecular Biology at The Houston Methodist Hospital and the Adjunct Professor at Department of Genetics, University of Texas, M D Anderson Cancer Center.

Inhalt
Part I. Transfer of genetic information, nuclear symbiosis, and cellular differentiation

1. Title: Viral Symbiosis in the Origins and Evolution of Life with a Particular Focus on thePlacental MammalsAuthors: Frank RyanCorresponding author: Frank Ryane-mail: F.Ryan@sheffield.ac.uk
2. Title: Gene Transfer Agents in Symbiotic MicrobesAuthors: Steen Christensen and Laura R. SerbusCorresponding author: Laura R. Serbuse-mail: Lserbus@fiu.edu
3. Title: Evolution from free-living bacteria to endosymbionts of insects: genomic changes and theimportance of the chaperonin GroEL.Authors: Beatriz Sabater-Munoz and Christina ToftCorresponding author: Beatriz Sabater-Munoze-mail: b.sabater.munyoz@gmail.com
4. Title: Epidemiology of nucleus-dwelling Holospora: infection, transmission, adaptation, andinteraction with ParameciumAuthors: Martina Schrallhammer & Alexey PotekhinCorresponding author: Martina Schrallhammere-mail: martina.schrallhammer@biologie.uni-freiburg.de
5. Title: Trends in symbiont-induced host cellular differentiationAuthors: Shelbi L Russell and Jennie Ruelas CastilloCorresponding author: Shelbi L Russelle-mail: shelbilrussell@gmail.com
   Part II. Origin, adaptations and evolutionary aspects of symbiosis
6. Title: We're in this together: Sensation of the host cell environment by endosymbiotic bacteriaAuthors: Cory D. Dunn, Tamara Somborac , and Bala An AkpnarCorresponding author: Cory D. Dunne-mail: cory.dunn@helsinki.fi
7. Title: Phenotype Heritability in Holobionts: An Evolutionary ModelAuthors: Saul Huitzil, Santiago Sandoval-Motta, Alejandro Frank, Maximino AldanaCorresponding author: Aldana Me-mail: max@icf.unam.mx
8. Title: The role of constructive neutral evolution in the development of complexity fromsymbioses: A microbe-centric viewAuthor: Ramakrishnan SitaramanCorresponding author: Ramakrishnan Sitaramane-mail: minraj@gmail.com
9. Title: Chemiosmosis, evolutionary conflict, and eukaryotic symbiosisAuthors: Neil W. BlackstoneCorresponding author: Neil W. Blackstonee-mail: neilb@niu.edu10. Title: Symbiotic origin of apoptosisAuthors: Szymon KaczanowskiCorresponding author: Szymon Kaczanowskie-mail: szymon@ibb.waw.pl
10. Title: The puzzling conservation and diversification of lipid droplets from bacteria toeukaryotesAuthors: Josselin Lupette, Eric MarechalCorresponding authors: Josselin Lupette and Eric Marechale-mail: lupettej@msu.edueric.marechal@cea.fr
    Part III. Evolution and role of symbiosis in photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation
11. Title: Evolution of Photosynthetic Eukaryotes; Current Opinion, Perplexity and a NewPerspectiveAuthots: Shinichiro Maruyama, Eunsoo KimCorresponding authors: Maruyama S and Kim E.e-mail: maruyama@tohoku.ac.jp; ekim1@amnh.org
12. Title: The photosynthetic adventure of Paulinella spp.Authors: Przemysaw Gagat, Katarzyna Sidorczuk, Filip Pietluch, Pawe MackiewiczCorresponding authors: Pawel Mackiewicz and Przemysaw Gagate-mail: pamac@smorfland.uni.wroc.plprzemyslaw.gagat@uwr.edu.pl&lt...