What do gnotobiotic animal models tell us about the role of the gut microbiota in development and metabolism ?

This seminar provided an update on a magnificent group effort that demonstrated the essential role of the gut microbiota in the development, trophism and nutrition of the fly Drosophila melanogaster. These aspects can largely be phenocopied by a single strain such as Lactobacillus plantarum, offering the possibility of a genetic approach aimed at identifying the microbial effectors influencing the developmental cycle of the fly and beyond, if we consider that evolution has largely "recycled" the right solutions.