Effects of host identity on the gut microbiota:A comparative study on three microtinae species

Zhen Yao; Wenli Zhao; Baohong Tang; Qinghua Li; Zhenlong Wang

doi:10.1002/ame2.12404

摘要：Background:Gut microbiota exert an immense effect on host health and host envi-ronmental adaptation.Furthermore,the composition and structure of gut microbiota are determined by the environment and host genetic factors.However,the relative contribution of the environment and host genetic factors toward shaping the struc-ture of gut microbiota has been poorly understood. Methods:In this study,we characterized the fecal microbial communities of the closely related voles Neodon fuscus,Lasiopodomys brandtii,and L.mandarinus after caged feeding in the laboratory for 6 months,through high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. Results:The results of pairwise comparisons of N.fuscus vs.L.brandtii and L.man-darinus vs.L.brandtii revealed significant differences in bacterial diversity and com-position after domestication.While 991 same operational taxonomic units(OTUs)were shared in three voles,there were 362,291,and 303 species-specific OTUs in N.fuscus,L.brandtii,and L.mandarinus,respectively.The relative abundances of Proteobacteria and Prevotella,which are reported to be enriched in high-altitude populations,were significantly higher in high-altitude N.fuscus than in low-altitude L.brandtii after domestication.Firmicutes,which produce various digestive enzymes for energy metabolism,and Spirochaetes,which can degrade cellulose,were found in higher abundance in subterranean L.mandarinus than that in L.brandtii which dwells on the earth surface. Conclusion:Our findings showed that some components of gut microbiota still main-tained dominance even when different host species are reared under the same envi-ronmental conditions,suggesting that these bacteria are substantially influenced by host factors.