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Gut microbiome biogeography in reindeer supersedes millennia of ecological and evolutionary separation.

Authors :
Kamenova, Stefaniya
de Muinck, Eric J
Veiberg, Vebjørn
Utsi, Tove Aagnes
Steyaert, Sam M J G
Albon, Steve D
Loe, Leif Egil
Trosvik, Pål
Source :
FEMS Microbiology Ecology. Dec2023, Vol. 99 Issue 12, p1-12. 12p.
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

Ruminants are dependent on their gut microbiomes for nutrient extraction from plant diets. However, knowledge about the composition, diversity, function, and spatial structure of gut microbiomes, especially in wild ruminants, is limited, largely because analysis has been restricted to faeces or the rumen. In two geographically separated reindeer subspecies, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing revealed strong spatial structuring, and pronounced differences in microbial diversity of at least 33 phyla across the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine (including faeces). The main structural feature was the Bacteroidota to Firmicutes ratio, which declined from the stomach to the large intestine, likely reflecting functional adaptation. Metagenome shotgun sequencing also revealed highly significant structuring in the relative occurrence of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes). CAZymes were enriched in the rumen relative to the small and large intestines. Interestingly, taxonomic diversity was highest in the large intestine, suggesting an important and understudied role for this organ. Despite the two study populations being separated by an ocean and six millennia of evolutionary history, gut microbiome structuring was remarkably consistent. Our study suggests a strong selection for gut microbiome biogeography along the gastrointestinal tract in reindeer subspecies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
01686496
Volume :
99
Issue :
12
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
FEMS Microbiology Ecology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
175621376
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1093/femsec/fiad157