Symbioses between fungi and bacteria: from mechanisms to impacts on biodiversity

Symbiotic interactions between fungi and bacteria range from positive to negative. They are ubiquitous in free-living as well as host-associated microbial communities worldwide. Yet, the impact of fungal–bacterial symbioses on the organization and dynamics of microbial communities is uncertain. There are two reasons for this uncertainty: (1) knowledge gaps in the understanding of the genetic mechanisms underpinning fungal–bacterial symbioses and (2) prevailing interpretations of ecological theory that favor antagonistic interactions as drivers stabilizing biological communities despite the existence of models emphasizing contributions of positive interactions. This review synthesizes information on fungal–bacterial symbioses common in the free-living microbial communities of the soil as well as in host-associated polymicrobial biofilms. The interdomain partnerships are considered in the context of the relevant community ecology models, which are discussed critically.