Mycobiome-Host Coevolution? The Mycobiome of Ancestral Human Populations Seems to Be Different and Less Diverse Than Those of Extant Native and Urban-Industrialized Populations

Abstract

Few data exist on the human gut mycobiome in relation to lifestyle, ethnicity, and dietary habits. To understand the effect of these factors on the structure of the human gut mycobiome, we analyzed sequences belonging to two extinct pre-Columbian cultures inhabiting Puerto Rico (the Huecoid and Saladoid) and compared them to coprolite samples found in Mexico and Ötzi, the Iceman’s large intestine. Stool mycobiome samples from extant populations in Peru and urban cultures from the United States were also included. The ancient Puerto Rican cultures exhibited a lower fungal diversity in comparison to the extant populations. Dissimilarity distances showed that the Huecoid gut mycobiome resembled that from ancient Mexico. Fungal genera including Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., Rasamsonia spp., Byssochlamys spp., Talaromyces spp., Blastomyces spp., Monascus spp., and Penicilliopsis spp. were differentially abundant in the ancient and extant populations. Despite cultural differences, certain fungal taxa were present in all samples. These results suggest that culture and diet may impact the gut mycobiome and emphasize that modern lifestyles could be associated with the alteration of gut mycobiome diversity. The present study presents data on ancient and extant human gut mycobiomes in terms of lifestyle, ethnicity, and diet in the Americas.

Edible flora in pre-Columbian Caribbean coprolites: Expected and unexpected data

“…Similar dietary components among the Mazahua and United States feces, and to a lesser extent the Tunapuco, may have resulted in the clustering patterns observed for the Mazahua and United States and the transitional state of the Tunapuco. These results are partially supported by a recent study showing the segregation of pre-Columbian and present-day populations based on their gut mycobiome [ 36 ]. Studies have shown that dietary lifestyles strongly shape the composition of the gut microbiome of traditional populations, which differs from that of industrialized populations [ 41 , 97 – 104 ].…”

“…In addition to micro- and macroscopic remains, DNA analysis has revealed the diet of extinct sloths [ 24 , 25 ], dogs [ 26 , 27 ], moas [ 28 , 29 ], and mummies [ 30 , 31 ]. Moreover, the reconstruction of ancient human diets has been possible in part by studies of the gut microbiome [ 32 , 33 ], virome [ 34 ], parasitome [ 35 ], and mycobiome [ 36 ] found in coprolites. Notably, ancient microbial communities detected in coprolites can also reflect the evolution of human lifestyles through time [ 23 , 36 – 38 ].…”

“…Moreover, the reconstruction of ancient human diets has been possible in part by studies of the gut microbiome [32,33], virome [34], parasitome [35], and mycobiome [36] found in coprolites. Notably, ancient microbial communities detected in coprolites can also reflect the evolution of human lifestyles through time [23,[36][37][38]. Other DNA sequences, such as those originating from plants, may provide a refined taxonomic classification of edible plants, which, in turn, may aid in the reconstruction of ancient dietary habits and lifestyles.…”

The Role of the Mycobiome in Women’s Health

“…These fungi develop important interdependent relationships with the bacteria present in the gut, developing mutualism to provide the best environment for host survival [ 32 ]. Factors such as diet, genetics, and lifestyle greatly impact one’s mycobiome and its development over time [ 33 ]. Disrupting the fungal environment has been shown to cause irritable bowel syndrome, coeliac disease, and pancreatic disorders, displaying the importance that these fungi play in maintaining one’s health [ 34 ].…”

A Journey into the Evolution of Human Host-Oral Microbiome Relationship through Ancient Dental Calculus: A Scoping Review

“…The study of ancient microorganisms, applied to humans, helps to reconstruct the evolution of populations based on their lifestyle and environment and on contact with infectious agents and related diseases [1][2][3][4]. This assumption applies very well to the study of the human microbiome, in particular the oral one, detectable in ancient dental remains [5][6][7].…”