Comparative metagenomics analysis reveals how the diet shapes the gut microbiota in several small mammals

Abstract

The gut microbiomes of the host are large and complex communities, which helps to maintain homeostasis, improves digestive efficiency, and promotes the development of the immune system. The small mammals distributed in Sichuan Province are the most popular species for biodiversity research in Southwest China. However, the effects of different diets on the structure and function of the gut microbial community of these small mammals are poorly understood. In this study, whole‐metagenome shotgun sequencing has been used to analyze the composition and functional structures of the gut microbiota of seven small mammals in Laojunshan National Nature Reserve, Sichuan Province, China. Taxonomic classification revealed that the most abundant phyla in the gut of seven small mammals were Bacteroides, Proteobacteria, and Firmicutes. Moreover, Hafnia, Lactobacillus, and Yersinia were the most abundant genus in the gut microbiomes of these seven species. At the functional level, we annotated a series of KEGG functional pathways, six Cazy categories, and 46,163 AROs in the gut microbiomes of the seven species. Comparative analysis found that the difference in the gut microbiomes between the Soricidea and Muridae concentrated on the increase in the F/B (Firmicutes/Bacteroides) ratio in the Soricidea group, probably driven by the high‐fat and ‐calorie digestive requirements due to their insectivorous diet. The comparative functional profiling revealed that functions related to metabolism and carbohydrates were significantly more abundant in Muridae group, which may be attributed to their high carbohydrate digestion requirements caused by their herbivorous diet. These data suggested that different diets in the host may play an important role in shaping the gut microbiota, and lay the foundation for teasing apart the influences of heritable and environmental factors on the evolution of gut microbial communities.

Effect and Correlation of Rosa roxburghii Tratt Fruit Vinegar on Obesity, Dyslipidemia and Intestinal Microbiota Disorder in High-Fat Diet Mice

“…Studies have shown that Firmicutes have a higher efficiency of sugar metabolism than the Bacteroidetes , which favors energy absorption and promotes obesity [ 42 ]. A higher F/B ratio implies more energy intake and the possibility of being overweight [ 43 ]. The relationship between an increase or decrease in the F/B ratio and obesity is subject-dependent, and one study showed that: treatment of obese mice with Eurotium cristatum decreased the F/B ratio; similarly, treatment of obese dogs with Eurotium cristatum increased the F/B ratio [ 44 ].…”

“…Akkermansia belongs to the Verrucomicrobia family [ 57 ] and has been shown to reduce systemic disease LPS levels, weight gain, and fat mass in HFD-fed rats [ 58 ]. Numerous studies have shown that dietary polyphenols or flavonoids can promote the enrichment of Akkermansia in the intestines of mice [ 32 , 43 ]. In this study, the abundance of Akkermansia in the HD group was 58.4% higher than that in the MC group (0.0391) ( Figure 8 B), indicating that high-dose RFV contributed to the enrichment of Akkermansia in the intestine of mice.…”

Bariatric Surgery as Treatment Strategy of Obesity in Saudi People: Effects of Gut Microbiota

“…Based on the fact that biomarkers act as quantifiable indicators of a biological condition or exposure to the environment [ 36 ]. Genera such as Bacteroides / Prevotella and Bifidobacterium may be useful in this regard as indicators of food- and lifestyle change post-surgery [ 37 , 38 ]…”

Maternal microbes and early brain development in mouse

“…The increase of interest in the effects of intestinal microbiota on human health has led to extensive metagenome sequencing efforts to understand the variation and diversity between organisms and health conditions (40)(41)(42)(43) and the generation of preclinical models to elucidate the gut microbiome mechanism of action (44)(45)(46). The use of GF mice as the basis of the bidirectional gut microbiome-brain communication provides the opportunity to decipher the role of the gut microbiota and regulation of brain development and function.…”