Colonization of the mammalian intestinal tract by enterococci

•Enterococci employ a multifactorial strategy to ensure efficient colonization.•Genes in the core enterococcal genome are key drivers of GIT colonization.•Genome plasticity may enhance GIT colonization in dysbiotic environments.•Intra-species and inter-species interactions influence enterococcal GIT colonization.•Bacteriocin production is a powerful means to shape enterococcal gut communities.