Metabolic Logic of Resource Hierarchies

Microbes in natural environments exploit multiple resources using distinct strategies, ranging from simultaneous co-utilization to sequential consumption. Fundamental questions remain: when are different strategies adopted, how conserved are they across species, and are there genomic signatures that determine substrate preference or utilization strategy? Understanding these patterns is essential for linking metabolism to microbial ecology and evolution, yet they remain largely unexplored. To address these questions, we are profiling 60–70 phylogenetically distinct microbial strains on substrates spanning different chemical classes, including sugars, amino acids, and organic acids. This study aims to systematically map resource utilization strategies and substrate preference hierarchies across diverse microbes. By integrating metabolic data with phylogenetic information, we aim to identify patterns of conservation and divergence in resource use. Our work will provide a detailed understanding of how microbial species prioritize and utilize different resources, shedding light on the underlying principles of metabolic strategy across taxa. These insights are foundational for understanding microbial physiology, adaptation, and the relationship between genotype and metabolic behavior across diverse environmental contexts.