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Wang C, Li C, You F, Zhou Y, Tu G, Liu R, Yi P, Wu X, Nie H. Multi-Omics Analysis of Gut Microbiome and Host Metabolism in Different Populations of Chinese Alligators ( alligator sinensis) During Various Reintroduction Phases. Ecol Evol 2025; 15:e71221. [PMID: 40212922 PMCID: PMC11981878 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.71221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2024] [Revised: 02/24/2025] [Accepted: 03/23/2025] [Indexed: 04/17/2025] Open
Abstract
Reintroduction plays a significant role in the self-maintenance and reconstruction of wild animal populations, serving as a communication bridge between captive and wild animals. The Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis) is a distinct and endangered reptile species found in China. The mechanisms by which artificially bred Chinese alligators adapt following their release into the wild remain poorly understood. This study aims to elucidate the alterations in gut microbiomes and metabolic phenotypes of Chinese alligators during their reintroduction. During the Chinese alligator's reintroduction, Fusobacterium and Cetobacterium became more abundant, while typical pathogens declined significantly. The gut type of the Chinese alligator changed from Acinetobacter to Cetobacterium. The construction of the gut microbial community was dominated by neutral (random) processes and shifted towards deterministic processes with the progression of reintroduction. In terms of species function, reintroduction significantly upregulated the expression of host immune-related genes and significantly decreased the expression of gut bacterial pathogenic genes and antibiotic resistance genes. Metagenomic and metabolomic KEGG enrichment analyses indicate that glucoside hydrolase families 13 and 23-alongside glycolysis and gluconeogenesis pathways-may play pivotal roles in energy metabolism, host-pathogen interactions, and homeostasis maintenance for Chinese alligators. Differential metabolite analysis identified significant upregulation of metabolites related to neuroendocrine immune modulation and significant down-regulation of anti-inflammatory metabolites during Chinese alligator reintroduction. Association analysis showed that there were significant co-metabolic effects between microorganisms and metabolites, which coordinated host adaptive interaction. This study provides insights into the synergistic mechanisms of host adaptation and wild environment adaptation for Chinese alligators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Wang
- The Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Conservation and Ecological Security in the Yangtze River BasinCollege of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal UniversityWuhuChina
| | - Changcheng Li
- The Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Conservation and Ecological Security in the Yangtze River BasinCollege of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal UniversityWuhuChina
| | - Fuyong You
- The Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Conservation and Ecological Security in the Yangtze River BasinCollege of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal UniversityWuhuChina
| | - Yongkang Zhou
- Anhui Chinese Alligator National Nature ReserveXuanchengAnhuiChina
| | - Genjun Tu
- Anhui Chinese Alligator National Nature ReserveXuanchengAnhuiChina
| | - Ruoya Liu
- Anhui Chinese Alligator National Nature ReserveXuanchengAnhuiChina
| | - Pingsi Yi
- Anhui Chinese Alligator National Nature ReserveXuanchengAnhuiChina
| | - Xiaobing Wu
- The Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Conservation and Ecological Security in the Yangtze River BasinCollege of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal UniversityWuhuChina
| | - Haitao Nie
- The Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Conservation and Ecological Security in the Yangtze River BasinCollege of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal UniversityWuhuChina
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Adair MG, Tolley KA, van Vuuren BJ, da Silva JM. Anthropogenic reverberations on the gut microbiome of dwarf chameleons ( Bradypodion). PeerJ 2025; 13:e18811. [PMID: 40034670 PMCID: PMC11874949 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.18811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 12/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2025] Open
Abstract
Exploration of the microbiome has been referred to as a final frontier in biological research. This is due to its precedence for generating insights on the holistic functioning of organismal biology by exploring the interactions between hosts and their associated symbiotic organisms. The microbiomes of many vertebrate groups still require exploration to advance current knowledge and fill previous knowledge gaps. This study generated initial descriptions of the bacterial microbiomes of three species of dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion) from the 16S rRNA gene region targeting the V3 and V4 hypervariable regions. This led to the successful identification of 1,073 and 4,502 independent amplicon sequence variants from buccal swab and faecal material samples, respectively. This newly acquired information is intended as a baseline for future work incorporating holobiont information. The diversity of microbial taxa suggests that the total dwarf chameleon microbiome is similar to other squamates investigated to date, as well as chelonians (Testudines). Microbial frequency differences were noted in comparison to crocodilians (Archosauria) and mammalian groups. Furthermore, this study aimed to examine the influence of habitat transformation on the composition of the microbiome in dwarf chameleons as each of the study species occupy both urban and natural habitats. Given that most urban habitats are highly transformed, the expectation was that microbial assemblages of the gastro-intestinal tracts of all three Bradypodion species would show significant differences between populations (i.e., natural, or urban). It was found, however, that the level of effect was contingent on species: B. melanocephalum populations showed noticeable microbiome differences between urban and natural populations; B. thamnobates showed variations in microbial community dispersions between populations; and B. setaroi showed no significant microbiome differences based on diversity metrics although some frequency differences, in microbiome composition, were observed between populations. We suggest that the magnitude of difference between the habitats occupied by the populations is a factor, given the apparent disparity between the natural and urban habitats for B. melanocephalum as compared to the other two species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew G. Adair
- Kirstenbosch Research Centre, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Cape Town, Newlands, South Africa
- Centre for Ecological Genomics and Wildlife Conservation, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Krystal A. Tolley
- Kirstenbosch Research Centre, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Cape Town, Newlands, South Africa
- Centre for Ecological Genomics and Wildlife Conservation, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Bettine Jansen van Vuuren
- Centre for Ecological Genomics and Wildlife Conservation, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Jessica Marie da Silva
- Kirstenbosch Research Centre, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Cape Town, Newlands, South Africa
- Centre for Ecological Genomics and Wildlife Conservation, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
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Nascimento ML, Serrano I, Cunha E, Lopes F, Pascoal P, Pereira M, Nunes M, Tavares L, Dias R, Oliveira M. Exploring the Gastrointestinal Microbiome of Eurasian Griffon Vultures ( Gyps fulvus) Under Rehabilitation in Portugal and Their Potential Role as Reservoirs of Human and Animal Pathogens. Vet Sci 2024; 11:622. [PMID: 39728962 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11120622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2024] [Revised: 11/18/2024] [Accepted: 12/02/2024] [Indexed: 12/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The Eurasian griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus), a widely distributed scavenger, plays a crucial role in ecosystem health by consuming decomposing carcasses. Scavengers have adapted to avoid disease from the rotting carrion they feed on, probably through a specialized gut microbiome. This study aimed to characterize the gut microbiome of G. fulvus (n = 8) present in two rehabilitation centers in mainland Portugal and evaluate their potential as reservoirs of pathogens. Samples were studied through high-throughput 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing of the hypervariable V3-V4 regions and further analyzed using the Qiime2 bioinformatics platform. Our results showed that factors such as sex, location, and time of sampling did not significantly affect the gut microbiome of the griffon vulture. Its composition was highly similar to that of phylogenetically closed animals. However, several potential human and veterinary pathogens were identified. In conclusion, the gut microbiome of Gyps fulvus in rehabilitation centers is not significantly altered by stress associated with captivity. Its composition is similar to that of other vultures and scavengers due to their identic diet and needs, suggesting a well-conserved functional gut microbiome, which seems to be influenced by season. The potential risks posed by the identified pathogens to humans and other animals should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Limede Nascimento
- CIISA-Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Isa Serrano
- CIISA-Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Eva Cunha
- CIISA-Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Filipa Lopes
- CERAS-Wildlife Study and Rehabilitation Centre, Quercus ANCN, Rua Tenente Valadim 19, 6000-284 Castelo Branco, Portugal
| | - Pedro Pascoal
- cE3c-Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes & CHANGE-Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Marcelo Pereira
- BioISI-Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mónica Nunes
- cE3c-Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes & CHANGE-Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luís Tavares
- CIISA-Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Dias
- cE3c-Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes & CHANGE-Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
- BioISI-Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Manuela Oliveira
- CIISA-Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- cE3c-Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes & CHANGE-Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
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Hoffbeck C, Middleton DRML, Keall SN, Huang CM, Pas A, Irving K, Nelson NJ, Taylor MW. Limited gut bacterial response of tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) to dietary manipulation and captivity. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2024; 100:fiae141. [PMID: 39400705 PMCID: PMC11523620 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiae141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2024] [Revised: 09/26/2024] [Accepted: 10/12/2024] [Indexed: 10/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The bacteria of a host's digestive tract play crucial roles in digestion and pathogen resistance. Hosts living in captivity often have more human interaction and antibiotic use, in addition to differences in diet and environment, compared to their wild counterparts. Consequently, wild and captive animals frequently harbour different bacterial communities. We tested whether diversity of diet provided in captivity shifts the gut bacteria of tuatara, an endemic New Zealand reptile, at three captive sites, and examined how the gut community of these tuatara compares to those in the wild. Dietary manipulation did not cause a strong overall shift in tuatara gut bacteria, but individual tuatara did experience bacterial shifts during manipulation, which subsequently reverted after manipulation. We found that Bacteroides, a genus common in most vertebrate guts but rare in tuatara, increased significantly in the gut during manipulation, then decreased post-manipulation. Finally, the gut bacteria of captive tuatara significantly differed from those of wild tuatara, though most of the dominant bacterial genera found in wild tuatara persisted in captive tuatara. This work represents a first investigation of the captive tuatara bacterial community and establishes the sensitivity of the gut community to dietary manipulation and captivity for this relict reptile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Hoffbeck
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | | | - Susan N Keall
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
| | | | - An Pas
- Auckland Zoo, Auckland 1022, New Zealand
| | - Kate Irving
- Wellington Zoo, Wellington 6021, New Zealand
| | - Nicola J Nelson
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
| | - Michael W Taylor
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
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Niu X, Lin L, Zhang T, An X, Li Y, Yu Y, Hong M, Shi H, Ding L. Comparison of the intestinal flora of wild and artificial breeding green turtles ( Chelonia mydas). Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1412015. [PMID: 38873159 PMCID: PMC11170157 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1412015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Gut microbes are pivotal reference indicators for assessing the health status of animals. Before introducing artificially bred species into the wild, examining their gut microbe composition is crucial to help mitigate potential threats posed to wild populations. However, gut microbiological trait similarities between wild and artificially bred green turtles remain unexplored. Therefore, this study compared the gut microbiological characteristics of wild and artificially bred green turtles (Chelonia mydas) through high-throughput Illumina sequencing technology. The α-diversity of intestinal bacteria in wild green turtles, as determined by Shannon and Chao indices, significantly surpasses that of artificial breeding green turtles (p < 0.01). However, no significant differences were detected in the fungal α-diversity between wild and artificially bred green turtles. Meanwhile, the β-diversity analysis revealed significant differences between wild and artificially bred green turtles in bacterial and fungal compositions. The community of gut bacteria in artificially bred green turtles had a significantly higher abundance of Fusobacteriota including those belonging to the Paracoccus, Cetobacterium, and Fusobacterium genera than that of the wild green turtle. In contrast, the abundance of bacteria belonging to the phylum Actinobacteriota and genus Nautella significantly decreased. Regarding the fungal community, artificially bred green turtles had a significantly higher abundance of Fusarium, Sterigmatomyces, and Acremonium and a lower abundance of Candida and Rhodotorula than the wild green turtle. The PICRUSt2 analyses demonstrated significant differences in the functions of the gut bacterial flora between groups, particularly in carbohydrate and energy metabolism. Fungal functional guild analysis further revealed that the functions of the intestinal fungal flora of wild and artificially bred green turtles differed significantly in terms of animal pathogens-endophytes-lichen parasites-plant pathogens-soil saprotrophs-wood saprotrophs. BugBase analysis revealed significant potential pathogenicity and stress tolerance variations between wild and artificially bred green turtles. Collectively, this study elucidates the distinctive characteristics of gut microbiota in wild and artificially bred green turtles while evaluating their health status. These findings offer valuable scientific insights for releasing artificially bred green turtles and other artificially bred wildlife into natural habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Niu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology of Hainan Province, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, China
- Hainan Sansha Provincial Observation and Research Station of Sea Turtle Ecology, Sansha, China
| | - Liu Lin
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology of Hainan Province, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, China
- Hainan Sansha Provincial Observation and Research Station of Sea Turtle Ecology, Sansha, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology of Hainan Province, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, China
- Hainan Sansha Provincial Observation and Research Station of Sea Turtle Ecology, Sansha, China
| | - Xiaoyu An
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology of Hainan Province, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, China
- Hainan Sansha Provincial Observation and Research Station of Sea Turtle Ecology, Sansha, China
| | - Yupei Li
- Hainan Sansha Provincial Observation and Research Station of Sea Turtle Ecology, Sansha, China
- Marine Protected Area Administration of Sansha City, Sansha, China
| | - Yangfei Yu
- Hainan Sansha Provincial Observation and Research Station of Sea Turtle Ecology, Sansha, China
- Marine Protected Area Administration of Sansha City, Sansha, China
| | - Meiling Hong
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology of Hainan Province, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, China
- Hainan Sansha Provincial Observation and Research Station of Sea Turtle Ecology, Sansha, China
| | - Haitao Shi
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology of Hainan Province, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, China
- Hainan Sansha Provincial Observation and Research Station of Sea Turtle Ecology, Sansha, China
| | - Li Ding
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology of Hainan Province, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, China
- Hainan Sansha Provincial Observation and Research Station of Sea Turtle Ecology, Sansha, China
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Vargas-Gastélum L, Romer AS, Ghotbi M, Dallas JW, Alexander NR, Moe KC, McPhail KL, Neuhaus GF, Shadmani L, Spatafora JW, Stajich JE, Tabima JF, Walker DM. Herptile gut microbiomes: a natural system to study multi-kingdom interactions between filamentous fungi and bacteria. mSphere 2024; 9:e0047523. [PMID: 38349154 PMCID: PMC10964425 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00475-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Reptiles and amphibians (herptiles) are some of the most endangered and threatened species on the planet and numerous conservation strategies are being implemented with the goal of ensuring species recovery. Little is known, however, about the gut microbiome of wild herptiles and how it relates to the health of these populations. Here, we report results from the gut microbiome characterization of both a broad survey of herptiles, and the correlation between the fungus Basidiobolus, and the bacterial community supported by a deeper, more intensive sampling of Plethodon glutinosus, known as slimy salamanders. We demonstrate that bacterial communities sampled from frogs, lizards, and salamanders are structured by the host taxonomy and that Basidiobolus is a common and natural component of these wild gut microbiomes. Intensive sampling of multiple hosts across the ecoregions of Tennessee revealed that geography and host:geography interactions are strong predictors of distinct Basidiobolus operational taxonomic units present within a given host. Co-occurrence analyses of Basidiobolus and bacterial community diversity support a correlation and interaction between Basidiobolus and bacteria, suggesting that Basidiobolus may play a role in structuring the bacterial community. We further the hypothesis that this interaction is advanced by unique specialized metabolism originating from horizontal gene transfer from bacteria to Basidiobolus and demonstrate that Basidiobolus is capable of producing a diversity of specialized metabolites including small cyclic peptides.IMPORTANCEThis work significantly advances our understanding of biodiversity and microbial interactions in herptile microbiomes, the role that fungi play as a structural and functional members of herptile gut microbiomes, and the chemical functions that structure microbiome phenotypes. We also provide an important observational system of how the gut microbiome represents a unique environment that selects for novel metabolic functions through horizontal gene transfer between fungi and bacteria. Such studies are needed to better understand the complexity of gut microbiomes in nature and will inform conservation strategies for threatened species of herpetofauna.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lluvia Vargas-Gastélum
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Alexander S. Romer
- Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, USA
| | - Marjan Ghotbi
- Research Division 3, Marine Ecology, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Jason W. Dallas
- Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, USA
| | - N. Reed Alexander
- Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, USA
| | - Kylie C. Moe
- Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, USA
| | - Kerry L. McPhail
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - George F. Neuhaus
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Leila Shadmani
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Joseph W. Spatafora
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Jason E. Stajich
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, USA
- Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Javier F. Tabima
- Department of Biology, Clark University, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Donald M. Walker
- Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, USA
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Hu X, Yang L, Zhang Y, Yang M, Li J, Fan Y, Guo P, Tian Z. Fecal and oral microbiome analysis of snakes from China reveals a novel natural emerging disease reservoir. Front Microbiol 2024; 14:1339188. [PMID: 38274764 PMCID: PMC10808610 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1339188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The gastrointestinal tract and oral cavity of animal species harbor complex microbial communities, the composition of which is indicative of the behavior, co-evolution, diet, and immune system of the host. Methods This study investigated the microbial composition in snakes from varying altitudinal ranges by assessing the fecal and oral bacterial communities in Protobothrops mucrosquamatus, Elaphe dione, and Gloydius angusticeps from Sichuan Province, China, using metagenomic sequencing. Results and discussion It was revealed that Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Fusobacteria were the core microbial phyla in fecal samples across all three species, while Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes were the core microbial phyla in oral samples across all three species. Notably, the dominance of Armatimonadetes was documented for the first time in the feces of all three species. Comparative analysis of the microbiomes of the three species indicated distinct microbiological profiles between snakes living at low- and high-altitude regions. Furthermore, 12 to 17 and 22 to 31 bacterial pathogens were detected in the oral and fecal samples, respectively, suggesting that snakes may serve as a novel reservoir for emerging diseases. Overall, this study provides a comparative analysis of the fecal and oral microbiomes in three snake species. Future investigations are anticipated to further elucidate the influence of age, genetics, behavior, diet, environment, ecology, and evolution on the gut and oral microbial communities of snakes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Zhige Tian
- Yibin Key Laboratory of Zoological Diversity and Ecological Conservation, Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry, and Food Engineering, Yibin University, Yibin, China
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Tamang A, Swarnkar M, Kumar P, Kumar D, Pandey SS, Hallan V. Endomicrobiome of in vitro and natural plants deciphering the endophytes-associated secondary metabolite biosynthesis in Picrorhiza kurrooa, a Himalayan medicinal herb. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0227923. [PMID: 37811959 PMCID: PMC10715050 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02279-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Picrorhiza kurrooa is a major source of picrosides, potent hepatoprotective molecules. Due to the ever-increasing demands, overexploitation has caused an extensive decline in its population in the wild and placed it in the endangered plants' category. At present plant in-vitro systems are widely used for the sustainable generation of P. kurrooa plants, and also for the conservation of other commercially important, rare, endangered, and threatened plant species. Furthermore, the in-vitro-generated plants had reduced content of therapeutic secondary metabolites compared to their wild counterparts, and the reason behind, not well-explored. Here, we revealed the loss of plant-associated endophytic communities during in-vitro propagation of P. kurrooa plants which also correlated to in-planta secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Therefore, this study emphasized to consider the essential role of plant-associated endophytic communities in in-vitro practices which may be the possible reason for reduced secondary metabolites in in-vitro plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anish Tamang
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT), Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad- 201002, India
| | - Mohit Swarnkar
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT), Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Pawan Kumar
- Chemical Technology Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Dinesh Kumar
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad- 201002, India
- Chemical Technology Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Shiv Shanker Pandey
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT), Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad- 201002, India
| | - Vipin Hallan
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT), Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad- 201002, India
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Lin Z, He M, Zhong C, Li Y, Tang S, Kang X, Wu Z. Responses of gut microbiota in crocodile lizards ( Shinisaurus crocodilurus) to changes in temperature. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1263917. [PMID: 38033565 PMCID: PMC10684959 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1263917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiota plays an essential role in maintaining the health and fitness of the host organism. As a critical environmental variable, temperature exerts significant effects on animal survival and reproduction. Elevated temperatures can influence the composition and function of the animal gut microbiota, which may have potentially detrimental effects on the host. The crocodile lizard (Shinisaurus crocodilurus) is an ancient and currently endangered reptile species due to human hunting and habitat destruction. Given the predicted shifts in global temperatures in the next century, it is important to understand how warming affects the gut microbiota of these vulnerable lizards, which remains unclear. To determine how the microbial communities change in crocodile lizards in response to warming, we analyzed the gut microbiota under five temperature conditions (22°C, 24°C, 26°C, 28°C, and 30°C) using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing. Results showed that the dominant phyla, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes, in gut microbiota were not significantly affected by temperature variations, but increasing temperature altered the structure and increased the community richness of the gut microbiota. In addition, warming changed the abundance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Actinobacteria, which may have negative effects on the physiological health of the crocodile lizards. Functional prediction analysis demonstrated that the functional pathways enriched in crocodile lizards were mainly related to metabolism, with no significant differences observed in these pathways at KEGG pathway level 1 after warming. These results provide valuable insights into the ecological adaptations and regulatory mechanisms employed by crocodile lizards in response to warming, which may be of benefit for their conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengzhong Lin
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, Guangxi Normal University, Ministry of Education, Guilin, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rare and Endangered Animal Ecology, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China
| | - Mingxian He
- College of Food and Biochemical Engineering, Guangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Guangxi, China
| | - Chunying Zhong
- College of Vocational and Technical Education, Guangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Guangxi, China
| | - Yuhui Li
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, Guangxi Normal University, Ministry of Education, Guilin, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rare and Endangered Animal Ecology, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China
| | - Sanqi Tang
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, Guangxi Normal University, Ministry of Education, Guilin, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rare and Endangered Animal Ecology, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China
| | - Xindan Kang
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, Guangxi Normal University, Ministry of Education, Guilin, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rare and Endangered Animal Ecology, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China
| | - Zhengjun Wu
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, Guangxi Normal University, Ministry of Education, Guilin, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rare and Endangered Animal Ecology, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China
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10
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Hoffbeck C, Middleton DMRL, Nelson NJ, Taylor MW. 16S rRNA gene-based meta-analysis of the reptile gut microbiota reveals environmental effects, host influences and a limited core microbiota. Mol Ecol 2023; 32:6044-6058. [PMID: 37795930 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
An animal's gut microbiota plays an important role in host health, reproduction and digestion. However, many studies focus on only a few individuals or a single species, limiting our ability to recognize emergent patterns across a wider taxonomic grouping. Here, we compiled and reanalysed published 16S rRNA gene sequence data for 745 gut microbiota samples from 91 reptile species using a uniform bioinformatics pipeline to draw broader conclusions about the taxonomy of the reptile gut microbiota and the forces shaping it. Our meta-analysis revealed the significant differences in alpha- and beta-diversity across host order, environment, diet, habitat and conservation status, with host diet and order contributing the most to these differences. We identified the principal bacterial phyla present in the reptile gut microbiota as Bacteroidota, Proteobacteria (mostly Gamma class), and Firmicutes, and detected the bacterial genus Bacteroides in most reptile individuals, thus representing a putative 'core' microbiota. Our study provides novel insights into key drivers of the reptile gut microbiota, highlights existing knowledge gaps and lays the groundwork for future research on these fascinating hosts and their associated microbes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Hoffbeck
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Nicola J Nelson
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Michael W Taylor
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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11
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Shang Y, Zhong H, Liu G, Wang X, Wu X, Wei Q, Shi L, Zhang H. Characteristics of Microbiota in Different Segments of the Digestive Tract of Lycodon rufozonatus. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040731. [PMID: 36830518 PMCID: PMC9952230 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract of animals contains microbiota, forming a complex microecosystem. Gut microbes and their metabolites can regulate the development of host innate and adaptive immune systems. Animal immune systems maintain intestinal symbiotic microbiota homeostasis. However, relatively few studies have been published on reptiles, particularly snakes, and even fewer studies on different parts of the digestive tracts of these animals. Herein, we used 16S rRNA gene sequencing to investigate the microbial community composition and adaptability in the stomach and small and large intestines of Lycodon rufozonatus. Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes were most abundant in the stomach; Fusobacteria in the small intestine; and Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Fusobacteria, and Firmicutes in the large intestine. No dominant genus could be identified in the stomach; however, dominant genera were evident in the small and large intestines. The microbial diversity index was significantly higher in the stomach than in the small and large intestines. Moreover, the influence of the microbial community structure on function was clarified through function prediction. Collectively, the gut microbes in the different segments of the digestive tract revealed the unique features of the L. rufozonatus gut microbiome. Our results provide insights into the co-evolutionary relationship between reptile gut microbiota and their hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongquan Shang
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China
| | - Huaming Zhong
- College of Biology and Food, Shangqiu Normal University, Shangqiu 476000, China
| | - Gang Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China
| | - Xibao Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China
| | - Xiaoyang Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China
| | - Qinguo Wei
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China
| | - Lupeng Shi
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China
| | - Honghai Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China
- Correspondence:
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12
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Perez-Marron J, Sanders C, Gomez E, Escopete S, Owerkowicz T, Orwin PM. Community and shotgun metagenomic analysis of Alligator mississippiensis oral cavity and GI tracts reveal complex ecosystems and potential reservoirs of antibiotic resistance. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2022; 274:111319. [PMID: 36115554 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2022.111319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We report here the community structure and functional analysis of the microbiome of the Alligator mississippiensis GI tract from the oral cavity through the entirety of the digestive tract. Although many vertebrate microbiomes have been studied in recent years, the archosaur microbiome has only been given cursory attention. In the oral cavity we used amplicon-based community analysis to examine the structure of the oral microbiome during alligator development. We found a community that diversified over time and showed many of the hallmarks we would expect of a stable oral community. This is a bit surprising given the rapid turnover of alligator teeth but suggests that the stable gumline microbes are able to rapidly colonize the emerging teeth. As we move down the digestive tract, we were able to use both long and short read sequencing approaches to evaluate the community using a shotgun metagenomics approach. Long read sequencing was applied to samples from the stomach/duodenum, and the colorectal region, revealing a fairly uniform and low complexity community made up primarily of proteobacteria at the top of the gut and much more diversity in the colon. We used deep short read sequencing to further interrogate this colorectal community. The two sequencing approaches were concordant with respect to community structure but substantially more detail was available in the short read data, in spite of high levels of host DNA contamination. Using both approaches we were able to show that the colorectal community is a potential reservoir for antibiotic resistance, human pathogens such as Clostridiodes difficile and a possible source of novel antimicrobials or other useful secondary metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ciara Sanders
- Biology Department, California State University at San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA, USA. https://twitter.com/cisanders
| | - Esther Gomez
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA, USA
| | - Sean Escopete
- Biology Department, California State University at San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA, USA
| | - Tomasz Owerkowicz
- Biology Department, California State University at San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA, USA
| | - Paul M Orwin
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA, USA.
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13
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Murphy KM, Watkins MM, Finger JW, Kelley MD, Elsey RM, Warner DA, Mendonça MT. Xenobiotic estradiol-17ß alters gut microbiota of hatchling American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis). Environ Microbiol 2022; 24:6336-6347. [PMID: 36164972 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Environmental oestrogens pose serious concerns for ecosystems through their effects on organismal survival and physiology. The gut microbiome is highly vulnerable to environmental influence, yet the effects of oestrogens on gut homeostasis are unknown because they are poorly studied in wildlife populations. To determine the influence of environmental oestrogens (i.e., xenoestrogens) on the diversity and abundance of gut microbiota, we randomly assigned 23 hatchling American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) to three ecologically relevant treatments (control, low, and high oestrogen concentrations) for 10 weeks. We predicted that xenoestrogen exposure would decrease microbial diversity and abundance within the digestive tract and that this effect would be dose-dependent. Microbial samples were collected following diet treatments and microbial diversity was determined using 16S rRNA gene-sequencing. Individuals in oestrogen-treatment groups had decreased microbial diversity, but a greater relative abundance of operational taxonomic units than those in the control group. In addition, this effect was dose-dependent; as individuals were exposed to more oestrogen, their microbiome became less diverse, less rich and less even. Findings from this study suggest that oestrogen contamination can influence wildlife populations at the internal microbial-level, which may lead to future deleterious health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn M Murphy
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Madison M Watkins
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - John W Finger
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
| | - Meghan D Kelley
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
| | - Ruth M Elsey
- Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Grand Chenier, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Daniel A Warner
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Mary T Mendonça
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
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14
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Bunker ME, Arnold AE, Weiss SL. Wild microbiomes of striped plateau lizards vary with reproductive season, sex, and body size. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20643. [PMID: 36450782 PMCID: PMC9712514 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24518-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-term studies of animal microbiomes under natural conditions are valuable for understanding the effects of host demographics and environmental factors on host-associated microbial communities, and how those effects interact and shift over time. We examined how the cloacal microbiome of wild Sceloporus virgatus (the striped plateau lizard) varies under natural conditions in a multi-year study. Cloacal swabs were collected from wild-caught lizards across their entire active season and over three years in southeastern Arizona, USA. Analyses of 16S rRNA data generated on the Illumina platform revealed that cloacal microbiomes of S. virgatus vary as a function of season, sex, body size, and reproductive state, and do so independently of one another. Briefly, microbial diversity was lowest in both sexes during the reproductive season, was higher in females than in males, and was lowest in females when they were vitellogenic, and microbiome composition varied across seasons, sexes, and sizes. The pattern of decreased diversity during reproductive periods with increased sociality is surprising, as studies in other systems often suggest that microbial diversity generally increases with sociality. The cloacal microbiome was not affected significantly by hibernation and was relatively stable from year to year. This study highlights the importance of long term, wide-scale microbiome studies for capturing accurate perspectives on microbiome diversity and composition in animals. It also serves as a warning for comparisons of microbiomes across species, as each may be under a different suite of selective pressures or exhibit short-term variation from external or innate factors, which may differ in a species-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie E. Bunker
- grid.267047.00000 0001 2105 7936Department of Biology, University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA USA
| | - A. Elizabeth Arnold
- grid.134563.60000 0001 2168 186XSchool of Plant Sciences and Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ USA
| | - Stacey L. Weiss
- grid.267047.00000 0001 2105 7936Department of Biology, University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA USA
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15
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Zhang X, Liao Y, Qin T, Ma J, Liu J, Zou J, Huang H, Zhong X, Yang M. Developmental stage variation in the gut microbiome of South China tigers. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:962614. [PMID: 36439793 PMCID: PMC9682017 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.962614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
South China tigers (Panthera tigris amoyensis, SC) are the most threatened tiger subspecies in the world. All the living SCs are captive in zoos or reserves and depend on artificial feeding. The composition of the gut microbiome plays an important role in sustaining the health of the host. A comprehensive understanding of the composition and development of the microbial community of SC is helpful to improve the feeding of captive SC. In this study, we collected 47 fecal samples, 37 of which were from SC of three developmental stages, 5 from adult Amur tigers (Am), and 5 from adult Bengal tigers (Bg), which were all housed in the same zoo. We investigated the diversity, richness, and composition of the bacterial microbiomes and we found that the gut microbiome of SC is strongly affected by host aging. The composition of the gut microbiome of juvenile SC experienced dramatic changes from 5 months old to 1 year old, and it showed much less difference when compared to the samples of 1 year old and the subadult. No significant differences were observed between the samples of subadult and the adult groups. The predominant phylum of 5-month-old SC is Fusobacteriota (33.99%) when the juvenile tigers were older than 5 months, and Firmicutes, but not Fusobacteriota, became the predominant phylum of bacteria in their gut. The gut microbiome of SC, Am, and Bg is possibly affected by their genetic variation; however, the core microbiome of these three subspecies is the same. Our data suggest that the gut microbiome of SC undergoes a developmental progression: a developmental phase (cub), a transitional phase (subadult), and a stable phase (adult). These results expand our understanding of the role of age in the development of the gut microbiome of SC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianfu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Animal Health Inspection and Internet Technology, College of Animal Science and Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanxin Liao
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Animal Health Inspection and Internet Technology, College of Animal Science and Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tao Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, College of Forestry and Biotechnology, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou, China
| | | | | | | | | | - Xiaojun Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Animal Health Inspection and Internet Technology, College of Animal Science and Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Menghua Yang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Animal Health Inspection and Internet Technology, College of Animal Science and Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou, China
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16
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Chettri D, Nad S, Konar U, Verma AK. CAZyme from gut microbiome for efficient lignocellulose degradation and biofuel production. FRONTIERS IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fceng.2022.1054242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Over-exploitation and energy security concerns of the diminishing fossil fuels is a challenge to the present global economy. Further, the negative impact of greenhouse gases released using conventional fuels has led to the need for searching for alternative biofuel sources with biomass in the form of lignocellulose coming up as among the potent candidates. The entrapped carbon source of the lignocellulose has multiple applications other than biofuel generation under the biorefinery approach. However, the major bottleneck in using lignocellulose for biofuel production is its recalcitrant nature. Carbohydrate Active Enzymes (CAZymes) are enzymes that are employed for the disintegration and consumption of lignocellulose biomass as the carbon source for the production of biofuels and bio-derivatives. However, the cost of enzyme production and their stability and catalytic efficiency under stressed conditions is a concern that hinders large-scale biofuel production and utilization. Search for novel CAZymes with superior activity and stability under industrial condition has become a major research focus in this area considering the fact that the most conventional CAZymes has low commercial viability. The gut of plant-eating herbivores and other organisms is a potential source of CAZyme with high efficiency. The review explores the potential of the gut microbiome of various organisms in the production of an efficient CAZyme system and the challenges in using the biofuels produced through this approach as an alternative to conventional biofuels.
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17
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Hu MY, Yu QZ, Lin JQ, Fang SG. Sexual Dimorphism of the Gut Microbiota in the Chinese Alligator and Its Convergence in the Wild Environment. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12140. [PMID: 36292992 PMCID: PMC9603114 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiota forms a complex microecosystem in vertebrates and is affected by various factors. As a key intrinsic factor, sex has a persistent impact on the formation and development of gut microbiota. Few studies have analyzed sexual dimorphism of gut microbiota, particularly in wild animals. We used 16S rRNA gene sequencing to analyze the gut microbiota of juvenile and adult Chinese alligators, and untargeted metabolomics to study serum metabolomes of adult alligators. We observed significant sexual differences in the community diversity in juvenile, but not adult, alligators. In terms of taxonomic composition, the phylum Fusobacteriota and genus Cetobacterium were highly abundant in adult alligators, similar to those present in carnivorous fishes, whereas the gut microbiota composition in juvenile alligators resembled that in terrestrial reptiles, indicating that adults are affected by their wild aquatic environment and lack sex dimorphism in gut microbiota. The correlation analysis revealed that the gut microbiota of adults was also affected by cyanobacteria in the external environment, and this effect was sex-biased and mediated by sex hormones. Overall, this study reveals sexual differences in the gut microbiota of crocodilians and their convergence in the external environment, while also providing insights into host-microbiota interactions in wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Yuan Hu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection, State Conservation Center for Gene Resources of Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qin-Zhang Yu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection, State Conservation Center for Gene Resources of Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jian-Qing Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster Prediction and Prevention, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Sheng-Guo Fang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection, State Conservation Center for Gene Resources of Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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18
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Spatial Variation of False Map Turtle (Graptemys pseudogeographica) Bacterial Microbiota in the Lower Missouri River, United States. J HERPETOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1670/20-100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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19
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Chen Y, Xia Z, Li H. Comparative analysis of the fecal bacterial communities of hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) and green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas). FEMS Microbiol Lett 2022; 369:6659191. [PMID: 35945331 DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fnac073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) are important for maintaining healthy coral reef ecosystems currently qualify as 'critically endangered' by the IUCN. Their gut microbiota is closely linked to host nutrition and health, however, the gut microbiota of hawksbill sea turtles from a natural reserve remains unclear. Therefore, exploring their microbial community structure in a natural reserve may provide valuable information on strategies for protecting this species. In this study, we investigated hawksbill sea turtle fecal microbial communities from a natural reserve using 16S metagenomics and compared the gut microbiota from fecal samples of hawksbill and green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas). The results indicated that the structure of fecal microbial communities was significantly different between hawksbill and green sea turtles. In hawksbill sea turtles, the three dominant phyla were Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Fusobacteria, whereas the fecal microbial communities of green sea turtles were mainly composed of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria. Among the hawksbill sea turtle fecal microbes, the predominant genera were Cetobacterium and Rikenell, whereas in green sea turtles, the predominant genera were Bacteroides and Paludibacter. In addition, predictive metagenomic analysis indicated that sugar catabolism was enriched in green sea turtle fecal microbiota, whereas pathways related to secondary metabolite production were enriched in hawksbill sea turtle fecal microbiota. Our study provides preliminary data on the fecal microbiota features of sea turtles from the natural reserve which may contribute to the management of the food requirements and long-term conservation of hawksbill sea turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Chen
- School of Life Science, Huizhou University, Huizhou 516007, China
| | - Zhongrong Xia
- Guangdong Huidong Sea Turtle National Nature Reserve Administration, Huidong 516359, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hongwei Li
- School of Life Science, Huizhou University, Huizhou 516007, China
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20
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Zhang Z, Zhu Q, Chen J, Khattak RH, Li Z, Teng L, Liu Z. Insights into the composition of gut microbiota in response to environmental temperature: The case of the Mongolia racerunner (Eremias argus). Glob Ecol Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
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21
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Siddiqui R, Maciver SK, Khan NA. Gut microbiome-immune system interaction in reptiles. J Appl Microbiol 2022; 132:2558-2571. [PMID: 34984778 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Reptiles are ectothermic amniotes in a world dominated by endotherms. Reptiles originated more than 300 million years ago and they often dwell in polluted environments which may expose them to pathogenic micro-organisms, radiation and/or heavy metals. Reptiles also possess greater longevity and may live much longer than similar-sized land mammals, for example, turtles, tortoises, crocodiles and tuatara are long-lived reptiles living up to 100 years or more. Many recent studies have emphasized the pivotal role of the gut microbiome on its host; thus, we postulated that reptilian gut microbiome and/or its metabolites and the interplay with their robust immune system may contribute to their longevity and overall hardiness. Herein, we discuss the composition of the reptilian gut microbiome, immune system-gut microbiome cross-talk, antimicrobial peptides, reptilian resistance to infectious diseases and cancer, ageing, as well the current knowledge of the genome and epigenome of these remarkable species. Preliminary studies have demonstrated that microbial gut flora of reptiles such as crocodiles, tortoises, water monitor lizard and python exhibit remarkable anticancer and antibacterial properties, as well as comprise novel gut bacterial metabolites and antimicrobial peptides. The underlying mechanisms between the gut microbiome and the immune system may hold clues to developing new therapies overall for health, and possible extrapolation to exploit the ancient defence systems of reptiles for Homo sapiens benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sutherland K Maciver
- Centre for Discovery Brain Science, Edinburgh Medical School, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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22
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Bunker ME, Martin MO, Weiss SL. Recovered microbiome of an oviparous lizard differs across gut and reproductive tissues, cloacal swabs, and faeces. Mol Ecol Resour 2021; 22:1693-1705. [PMID: 34894079 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Microbial diversity and community function are related, and can be highly specialized in different gut regions. The cloacal microbiome of Sceloporus virgatus females provides antifungal protection to eggshells, a specialized function that suggests a specialized microbiome. Here, we describe the cloacal, intestinal, and oviductal microbiome from S. virgatus gravid females, adding to growing evidence of microbiome localization in reptiles and other taxa. We further assessed whether common methods for sampling gastrointestinal (GI) microbes - cloacal swabs and faeces - provide accurate representations of these microbial communities. We found that different regions of the gut had unique microbial communities. The cloacal microbiome showed extreme specialization averaging 99% Proteobacteria (Phylum) and 83% Enterobacteriacaea (Family). Enterobacteriacaea decreased up the GI and reproductive tracts. Cloacal swabs recovered communities similar to that of lower intestine and cloacal tissues. In contrast, faecal samples had much higher diversity and a distinct composition (common Phyla: 62% Firmicutes, 18% Bacteroidetes, 10% Proteobacteria; common families: 39% Lachnospiraceae, 11% Ruminococcaceae, 11% Bacteroidaceae) relative to all gut regions. The common families in faecal samples made up <1% of cloacal tissue samples, increasing to 43% at the upper intestine. Similarly, the common families in gut tissue (Enterobacteriaceae and Helicobacteraceae) made up <1% of the faecal microbiome. Further, we found that cloacal swabs taken shortly after defaecation may be contaminated with faecal matter. Our results serve as a caution against using faeces as a proxy for GI microbes, and may help explain high between-sample variation seen in some studies using cloacal swabs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie E Bunker
- Department of Biology, University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, Washington, USA
| | - Mark O Martin
- Department of Biology, University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, Washington, USA
| | - Stacey L Weiss
- Department of Biology, University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, Washington, USA
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23
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Siddiqui R, Maciver S, Elmoselhi A, Soares NC, Khan NA. Longevity, cellular senescence and the gut microbiome: lessons to be learned from crocodiles. Heliyon 2021; 7:e08594. [PMID: 34977412 PMCID: PMC8688568 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e08594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Crocodiles are flourishing large-bodied ectotherms in a world dominated by endotherms. They survived the Cretaceous extinction event, that eradicated the dinosaurs who are thought to be their ancestral hosts. Crocodiles reside in polluted environments; and often inhabit water which contains heavy metals; frequent exposure to radiation; feed on rotten meat and considered as one of the hardy species that has successfully survived on this planet for millions of years. Another capability that crocodiles possess is their longevity. Crocodiles live much longer than similar-sized land mammals, sometimes living up to 100 years. But how do they withstand such harsh conditions that are detrimental to Homo sapiens? Given the importance of gut microbiome on its' host physiology, we postulate that the crocodile gut microbiome and/or its' metabolites produce substances contributing to their "hardiness" and longevity. Thus, we accomplished literature search in PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar and herein, we discuss the composition of the crocodile gut microbiome, longevity and cellular senescence in crocodiles, their resistance to infectious diseases and cancer, and our current knowledge of the genome and epigenome of these remarkable species. Furthermore, preliminary studies that demonstrate the remarkable properties of crocodile gut microbial flora are discussed. Given the profound role of the gut microbiome in the health of its' host, it is likely that the crocodile gut microbiome and its' metabolites may be contributing to their extended life expectancy and elucidating the underlying mechanisms and properties of these metabolites may hold clues to developing new treatments for age-related diseases for the benefit of Homo sapiens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, University City, Sharjah 26666, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sutherland Maciver
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Adel Elmoselhi
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nelson Cruz Soares
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
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24
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Mathai PP, Byappanahalli MN, Johnson NS, Sadowsky MJ. Gut Microbiota Associated With Different Sea Lamprey ( Petromyzon marinus) Life Stages. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:706683. [PMID: 34539605 PMCID: PMC8446677 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.706683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Sea lamprey (SL; Petromyzon marinus), one of the oldest living vertebrates, have a complex metamorphic life cycle. Following hatching, SL transition into a microphagous, sediment burrowing larval stage, and after 2–10+ years, the larvae undergo a dramatic metamorphosis, transforming into parasitic juveniles that feed on blood and bodily fluids of fishes; adult lamprey cease feeding, spawn, and die. Since gut microbiota are critical for the overall health of all animals, we examined the microbiota associated with SLs in each life history stage. We show that there were significant differences in the gut bacterial communities associated with the larval, parasitic juvenile, and adult life stages. The transition from larval to the parasitic juvenile stage was marked with a significant shift in bacterial community structure and reduction in alpha diversity. The most abundant SL-associated phyla were Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Verrucomicrobia, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes, with their relative abundances varying among the stages. Moreover, while larval SL were enriched with unclassified Fusobacteriaceae, unclassified Verrucomicrobiales and Cetobacterium, members of the genera with fastidious nutritional requirements, such as Streptococcus, Haemophilus, Cutibacterium, Veillonella, and Massilia, were three to four orders of magnitude greater in juveniles than in larvae. In contrast, adult SLs were enriched with Aeromonas, Iodobacter, Shewanella, and Flavobacterium. Collectively, our findings show that bacterial communities in the SL gut are dramatically different among its life stages. Understanding how these communities change over time within and among SL life stages may shed more light on the role that these gut microbes play in host growth and fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prince P Mathai
- BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States
| | - Muruleedhara N Byappanahalli
- U.S. Geological Survey, Great Lakes Science Center, Lake Michigan Ecological Research Station, Chesterton, IN, United States
| | - Nicholas S Johnson
- U.S. Geological Survey, Great Lakes Science Center, Hammond Bay Biological Station, Millersburg, MI, United States
| | - Michael J Sadowsky
- BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States.,Department of Soil, Water and Climate, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States.,Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States
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25
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Taxonomy, not locality, influences the cloacal microbiota of two nearctic colubrids: a preliminary analysis. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:6435-6442. [PMID: 34403035 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06645-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The gut microbiota is an emerging frontier in wildlife research and its importance to vertebrate health and physiology is becoming ever more apparent. Reptiles, in particular snakes, have not received the same attention given to other vertebrates and the composition of their wild gut microbiome remains understudied. The primary goal of this work was to describe the cloacal microbiota of two Colubrids, the Eastern Gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis) and the Northern Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon sipedon), and if their cloacal microbiota differed as well as if it did between a wetland and upland population of the former species. METHODS AND RESULTS We utilized next-generation sequencing of cloacal swabs-a non-destructive proxy for the gut microbiota. The cloacal microbiome of Eastern Gartersnakes (N = 9) was like those of other snakes being comprised of Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes, while that of Northern Watersnakes (N = 6) was dominated by Tenericutes. Seven microbial operational taxonomic units (OTUs), all members of Proteobacteria, were shared among all individuals and were indicative of a core microbiome in Eastern Gartersnakes, but these OTUs were not particularly relevant to Northern Watersnakes. The latter had greater OTU richness than did Eastern Gartersnakes, and habitat did not have any apparent effect on the microbial community composition in Eastern Gartersnakes. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest host taxonomy to be a determining factor in the cloacal microbiota of snakes and that Tenericutes are associated with aquatic habitats. This is the first report to examine the cloacal microbiome of these species and provides a useful foundation for future work to build upon.
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26
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Khan NA, Soopramanien M, Maciver SK, Anuar TS, Sagathevan K, Siddiqui R. Crocodylus porosus Gut Bacteria: A Possible Source of Novel Metabolites. Molecules 2021; 26:4999. [PMID: 34443585 PMCID: PMC8398445 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26164999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Crocodiles are remarkable animals that have the ability to endure extremely harsh conditions and can survive up to a 100 years while being exposed to noxious agents that are detrimental to Homo sapiens. Besides their immunity, we postulate that the microbial gut flora of crocodiles may produce substances with protective effects. In this study, we isolated and characterized selected bacteria colonizing the gastrointestinal tract of Crocodylusporosus and demonstrated their inhibitory effects against three different cancerous cell lineages. Using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, several molecules were identified. For the first time, we report partial analyses of crocodile's gut bacterial molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 26666, United Arab Emirates;
| | | | - Sutherland Kester Maciver
- Centre for Discovery Brain Science, Edinburgh Medical School, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, UK;
| | - Tengku Shahrul Anuar
- Centre of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Puncak Alam Campus, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Kuala Selangor 42300, Selangor, Malaysia;
| | - Kuppusamy Sagathevan
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 26666, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah 26666, United Arab Emirates;
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27
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Santana FL, Arenas I, Haney EF, Estrada K, Hancock REW, Corzo G. Identification of a crocodylian β-defensin variant from Alligator mississippiensis with antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity. Peptides 2021; 141:170549. [PMID: 33865931 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
β-defensin host defense peptides are important components of the innate immune system of vertebrates. Although evidence of their broad antimicrobial, antibiofilm and immunomodulatory activities in mammals have been presented, β-defensins from other vertebrate species, like crocodylians, remain largely unexplored. In this study, five new crocodylian β-defensin variants from Alligator mississippiensis and Crocodylus porosus were selected for synthesis and characterization based on their charge and hydrophobicity values. Linear peptides were synthesized, folded, purified and then evaluated for their antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities against the bacterial pathogens, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter cloacae and Acinetobacter baumannii. The Am23SK variant (SCRFSGGYCIWNWERCRSGHFLVALCPFRKRCCK) from A. mississippiensis displayed promising activity against both planktonic cells and bacterial biofilms, outperforming the human β-defensin 3 under the experimental conditions. Moreover, Am23SK exhibited no cytotoxicity towards mammalian cells and exerted immunomodulatory effects in vitro, moderately suppressing the production of proinflammatory mediators from stimulated human bronchial epithelial cells. Overall, our results have expanded the activity landscape of crocodylian and reptilian β-defensin in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix L Santana
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, A.P. 510-3, Cuernavaca, Mor., 62250, Mexico; Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, 2259 Lower Mall Research Station, Vancouver, BC, V6T1Z4, Canada
| | - Iván Arenas
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, A.P. 510-3, Cuernavaca, Mor., 62250, Mexico
| | - Evan F Haney
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, 2259 Lower Mall Research Station, Vancouver, BC, V6T1Z4, Canada
| | - Karel Estrada
- Unidad de Secuenciación Masiva y Bioinformática, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Robert E W Hancock
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, 2259 Lower Mall Research Station, Vancouver, BC, V6T1Z4, Canada
| | - Gerardo Corzo
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, A.P. 510-3, Cuernavaca, Mor., 62250, Mexico.
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28
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Siddiqui R, Cruz Soares N, Khan NA. Crocodile Gut Microbiome Is a Potential Source of Novel Bioactive Molecules. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2021; 4:1260-1261. [PMID: 34151219 PMCID: PMC8205248 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.1c00108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Here, it is proposed that the crocodile gut microbiome is a valuable biomaterials resource to counter threats posed by environmental and infectious hazards to the existence of Homo sapiens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- College
of Arts and Sciences, American University
of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nelson Cruz Soares
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, University City, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah
Institute for Medical Research, University
of Sharjah, University
City, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, University City, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
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29
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Characterization of oral and cloacal microbial communities in cold-stunned Kemp's ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys kempii) during the time course of rehabilitation. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252086. [PMID: 34043685 PMCID: PMC8159006 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial communities of animals play a role in health and disease, including immunocompromised conditions. In the northeastern United States, cold-stunning events often cause endangered Kemp's ridley turtles (Lepidochelys kempii) to become stranded on beaches in autumn. These sea turtles are admitted to rehabilitation facilities when rescued alive and are presumed immunocompromised secondary to hypothermia. To better understand the role that microbes play in the health of cold-stunned sea turtles, we characterized the oral and cloacal microbiome from Kemp's ridley turtles at multiple timepoints during rehabilitation, from admission to pre-release, by using Illumina sequencing to analyze the 16S rRNA gene. Microbial communities were distinct between body sites and among turtles that survived and those that died. We found that clinical parameters such as presence of pneumonia or values for various blood analytes did not correlate with oral or cloacal microbial community composition. We also investigated the effect of antibiotics on the microbiome during rehabilitation and prior to release and found that the type of antibiotic altered the microbial community composition, yet overall taxonomic diversity remained the same. The microbiome of cold-stunned Kemp's ridley turtles gradually changed through the course of rehabilitation with environment, antibiotics, and disease status all playing a role in those changes and ultimately the release status of the turtles.
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30
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McNally KL, Mott CR, Guertin JR, Bowen JL. Microbial communities of wild-captured Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) and green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas). ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2021. [DOI: 10.3354/esr01116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Conservation efforts for endangered sea turtle species, such as Kemp’s ridley turtles Lepidochelys kempii and green turtles Chelonia mydas, may benefit from information on the microbial communities that contribute to host health. Previous studies examining host-associated microbiomes of these species have been limited in geographic region, life stage, and/or health. Here, we characterized the microbiome of the oral cavity and cloaca from wild-captured Kemp’s ridley and green turtles off the west coast of Florida, USA, by using Illumina sequencing to analyze the 16S rRNA gene. Microbial communities were distinct between body sites as well as between turtle species, suggesting that the turtle species is more important than the local environment in determining the microbiome of sea turtles. We identified the core microbiome for each species at each body site and determined that there were very few bacteria shared among the oral samples of both species, and no taxa co-occurred in the cloaca samples among both species. The core microbiome of the green turtle cloaca was primarily from the order Clostridiales, which plays an important role in digestion for other herbivorous species. Due to high prevalence of fibropapillomatosis in the green turtles (90%), we also investigated the correlation between the microbiome and the severity of fibropapillomatosis, and we identified changes in beta diversity associated with the total number of tumors. This study provides the first glimpse of the microbiome in 2 sympatric species of sea turtle and sheds an important species-specific light on the microbiome of these endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- KL McNally
- Animal Health Department, New England Aquarium, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, USA
- University of Massachusetts, Boston, Massachusetts 20125, USA
| | - CR Mott
- Inwater Research Group, Inc., Jensen Beach, Florida 34957, USA
| | - JR Guertin
- Inwater Research Group, Inc., Jensen Beach, Florida 34957, USA
| | - JL Bowen
- Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Marine Science Center, Northeastern University, Nahant, Massachusetts 01908, USA
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31
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Zhang Z, Yang Z, Zhu L. Gut microbiome of migratory shorebirds: Current status and future perspectives. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:3737-3745. [PMID: 33976772 PMCID: PMC8093701 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Migratory shorebirds have many unique life history characteristics, such as long-distance travel between breeding sites, stopover sites, and wintering sites. The physiological challenges for migrant energy requirement and immunity may affect their gut microbiome community. Here, we reviewed the specific features (e.g., relatively high proportion of Corynebacterium and Fusobacterium) in the gut microbiome of 18 migratory shorebirds, and the factors (e.g., diet, migration, environment, and phylogeny) affecting the gut microbiome. We discussed possible future studies of the gut microbiome in migratory shorebirds, including the composition and function of the spatial-temporal gut microbiome, and the potential contributions made by the gut microbiome to energy requirement during migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Zhang
- Colleges of Life SciencesNanjing Normal UniversityNanjingChina
| | | | - Lifeng Zhu
- Colleges of Life SciencesNanjing Normal UniversityNanjingChina
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32
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Smith SN, Colston TJ, Siler CD. Venomous Snakes Reveal Ecological and Phylogenetic Factors Influencing Variation in Gut and Oral Microbiomes. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:657754. [PMID: 33841384 PMCID: PMC8032887 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.657754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of vertebrates contains a series of organs beginning with the mouth and ending with the anus or cloacal opening. Each organ represents a unique environment for resident microorganisms. Due to their simple digestive anatomy, snakes are good models for studying microbiome variation along the GIT. Cloacal sampling captures the majority of the microbial diversity found in the GIT of snakes—yet little is known about the oral microbiota of snakes. Most research on the snake mouth and gut microbiota are limited to studies of a single species or captive-bred individuals. It therefore remains unclear how a host’s life history, diet, or evolutionary history correlate with differences in the microbial composition within the mouths and guts of wild snakes. We sampled the mouth and gut microbial communities from three species of Asian venomous snakes and utilized 16S rRNA microbial inventories to test if host phylogenetic and ecological differences correlate with distinct microbial compositions within the two body sites. These species occupy three disparate habitat types: marine, semi-arboreal, and arboreal, our results suggest that the diversity of snake mouth and gut microbial communities correlate with differences in both host ecology and phylogeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sierra N Smith
- Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History and Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, United States
| | - Timothy J Colston
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Cameron D Siler
- Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History and Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, United States
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33
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Levin D, Raab N, Pinto Y, Rothschild D, Zanir G, Godneva A, Mellul N, Futorian D, Gal D, Leviatan S, Zeevi D, Bachelet I, Segal E. Diversity and functional landscapes in the microbiota of animals in the wild. Science 2021; 372:science.abb5352. [PMID: 33766942 DOI: 10.1126/science.abb5352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Animals in the wild are able to subsist on pathogen-infected and poisonous food and show immunity to various diseases. These may be due to their microbiota, yet we have a poor understanding of animal microbial diversity and function. We used metagenomics to analyze the gut microbiota of more than 180 species in the wild, covering diverse classes, feeding behaviors, geographies, and traits. Using de novo metagenome assembly, we constructed and functionally annotated a database of more than 5000 genomes, comprising 1209 bacterial species of which 75% are unknown. The microbial composition, diversity, and functional content exhibit associations with animal taxonomy, diet, activity, social structure, and life span. We identify the gut microbiota of wild animals as a largely untapped resource for the discovery of therapeutics and biotechnology applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Daphna Rothschild
- Department of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001 Israel.,Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel.,Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.,Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | | | - Anastasia Godneva
- Department of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001 Israel.,Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | | | | | | | - Sigal Leviatan
- Department of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001 Israel.,Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - David Zeevi
- Department of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001 Israel.,Center for Studies in Physics and Biology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ido Bachelet
- Wild Biotech, Rehovot, Israel.,Augmanity, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Eran Segal
- Department of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001 Israel. .,Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
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34
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Sottas C, Schmiedová L, Kreisinger J, Albrecht T, Reif J, Osiejuk TS, Reifová R. Gut microbiota in two recently diverged passerine species: evaluating the effects of species identity, habitat use and geographic distance. BMC Ecol Evol 2021; 21:41. [PMID: 33691625 PMCID: PMC7948333 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-021-01773-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background It has been proposed that divergence in the gut microbiota composition between incipient species could contribute to their reproductive isolation. Nevertheless, empirical evidence for the role of gut microbiota in speciation is scarce. Moreover, it is still largely unknown to what extent closely related species in the early stages of speciation differ in their gut microbiota composition, especially in non-mammalian taxa, and which factors drive the divergence. Here we analysed the gut microbiota in two closely related passerine species, the common nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos) and the thrush nightingale (Luscinia luscinia). The ranges of these two species overlap in a secondary contact zone, where both species occasionally hybridize and where interspecific competition has resulted in habitat use differentiation. Results We analysed the gut microbiota from the proximal, middle and distal part of the small intestine in both sympatric and allopatric populations of the two nightingale species using sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA. We found small but significant differences in the microbiota composition among the three gut sections. However, the gut microbiota composition in the two nightingale species did not differ significantly between either sympatric or allopatric populations. Most of the observed variation in the gut microbiota composition was explained by inter-individual differences. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to assess the potential role of the gut microbiota in bird speciation. Our results suggest that neither habitat use, nor geographical distance, nor species identity have strong influence on the nightingale gut microbiota composition. This suggests that changes in the gut microbiota composition are unlikely to contribute to reproductive isolation in these passerine birds. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12862-021-01773-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Sottas
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 44, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Lucie Schmiedová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 44, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Kreisinger
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 44, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Albrecht
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 44, Prague, Czech Republic.,Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Květná 8, Brno, 603 65, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Reif
- Faculty of Science, Institute for Environmental Studies, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.,Department of Zoology and Laboratory of Ornithology, Faculty of Science, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Tomasz S Osiejuk
- Department of Behavioural Ecology, Institute of Environmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
| | - Radka Reifová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 44, Prague, Czech Republic
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35
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Liu Y, Liu B, Liu C, Hu Y, Liu C, Li X, Li X, Zhang X, Irwin DM, Wu Z, Chen Z, Jin Q, Zhang S. Differences in the gut microbiomes of dogs and wolves: roles of antibiotics and starch. BMC Vet Res 2021; 17:112. [PMID: 33676490 PMCID: PMC7937242 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-02815-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Dogs are domesticated wolves. Change of living environment, such as diet and veterinary care may affect the gut bacterial flora of dogs. The aim of this study was to assess the gut bacterial diversity and function in dogs compared with captive wolves. We surveyed the gut bacterial diversity of 27 domestic dogs, which were fed commercial dog food, and 31 wolves, which were fed uncooked meat, by 16S rRNA sequencing. In addition, we collected fecal samples from 5 dogs and 5 wolves for shotgun metagenomic sequencing to explore changes in the functions of their gut microbiome. Results Differences in the abundance of core bacterial genera were observed between dogs and wolves. Together with shotgun metagenomics, the gut microbiome of dogs was found to be enriched in bacteria resistant to clinical drugs (P < 0.001), while wolves were enriched in bacteria resistant to antibiotics used in livestock (P < 0.001). In addition, a higher abundance of putative α-amylase genes (P < 0.05; P < 0.01) was observed in the dog samples. Conclusions Living environment of dogs and domestic wolves has led to increased numbers of bacteria with antibiotic resistance genes, with exposure to antibiotics through direct and indirect methods. In addition, the living environment of dogs has allowed the adaptation of their microbiota to a starch-rich diet. These observations align with a domestic lifestyle for domestic dogs and captive wolves, which might have consequences for public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Liu
- Institute of Pet Sciences, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Ministry of Health Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Chengwu Liu
- Shenyang Police Dog Technical College, Shenyang, China
| | - Yumiao Hu
- Shenyang Forest Zoological Garden, Shenyang, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Changchun Animals and Plants Park, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaoping Li
- Institute of Pet Sciences, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xibao Li
- Institute of Pet Sciences, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaoshuang Zhang
- Institute of Pet Sciences, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
| | - David M Irwin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Zhiqiang Wu
- Ministry of Health Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zeliang Chen
- Institute of Pet Sciences, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qi Jin
- Ministry of Health Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shuyi Zhang
- Institute of Pet Sciences, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China.
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Soopramanien M, Khan NA, Siddiqui R. Gut microbiota of animals living in polluted environments are a potential resource of anticancer molecules. J Appl Microbiol 2021; 131:1039-1055. [PMID: 33368930 DOI: 10.1111/jam.14981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a prominent cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, in spite of advances in therapeutic interventions and supportive care. In 2018 alone, there were 18·1 million new cancer cases and 9·6 million deaths indicating the need for novel anticancer agents. Plant-based products have often been linked with protective effects against communicable and non-communicable diseases. Recently, we have shown that animals such as crocodiles thrive in polluted environments and are often exposed to carcinogenic agents, but still benefit from prolonged lifespan. The protective mechanisms shielding them from cancer could be attributed to the immune system, and/or it is possible that their gut microbiota produce anticancer molecules. In support, several lines of evidence suggest that gut microbiota plays a critical role in the physiology of its host. Here, we reviewed the available literature to assess whether the gut microbiota of animals thriving in polluted environment possess anticancer molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Soopramanien
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - N A Khan
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - R Siddiqui
- College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, University City, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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Contrasting gut microbiota in captive Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) by age. Arch Microbiol 2021; 203:5405-5416. [PMID: 34398307 PMCID: PMC8502154 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-021-02526-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the gut microbiota characteristics of endangered species such as the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), especially in their early stages of life, could be essential for improving their management and ex situ conservation strategies. Here, we analyzed the gut microbiota diversity, composition, and function of captive Eurasian otters at different ages using high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We found that: (1) Clostridiaceae was abundant in all age stages; (2) Lactococcus in cubs is thought to predominate for digesting milk; (3) bacteria associated with amino acid metabolism increase with age, while bacteria associated with carbohydrate metabolism decrease with age, which is likely due to decrease in dietary carbohydrate content (e.g., milk) and increase in dietary protein contents (e.g., fishes) with age; and (4) fish-related bacteria were detected in feces of healthy adults and juveniles. Overall, the gut microbiota of captive Eurasian otters was taxonomically and functionally different by age, which is thought to be attributed to the difference in the diet in their life stages. This study provided baseline information regarding the gut microbiota of Eurasian otters for the first time and contributes to improvement in their management in captivity.
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Fong JJ, Sung YH, Ding L. Comparative Analysis of the Fecal Microbiota of Wild and Captive Beal's Eyed Turtle ( Sacalia bealei) by 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:570890. [PMID: 33240228 PMCID: PMC7677423 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.570890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Beal’s eyed turtle (Sacalia bealei) is threatened with extinction due to hunting for large-scale trade. In Hong Kong, there are some of the world’s remaining wild populations of S. bealei, as well as a breeding colony. This breeding colony is at the core of conservation efforts (captive breeding, reintroduction programs). Therefore, we would like to know how captivity, in particular diet, affects the gut microbiota. Using high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we comparatively analyzed the fecal microbiota of wild and captive S. bealei. We found that wild S. bealei have higher alpha diversity than captive S. bealei, but the difference was not significant. Significant differences were found in β-diversity; at the phylum level, wild S. bealei have higher relative abundances of Proteobacteria and captive S. bealei have higher relative abundances of Firmicutes. At the genus level, Cetobacterium and Citrobacter are more abundant in wild S. bealei, while Clostridium spp. are significantly more abundant in captive S. bealei. These results suggest conditions in captivity, with diet being a major factor, influence the gut microbiota of S. bealei. The connection between diet and health has always been considered for captive animals, and in this study we use the gut microbiota as an another tool to assess health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yik-Hei Sung
- Science Unit, Lingnan University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Li Ding
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, China
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Qu YF, Wu YQ, Zhao YT, Lin LH, Du Y, Li P, Li H, Ji X. The invasive red-eared slider turtle is more successful than the native Chinese three-keeled pond turtle: evidence from the gut microbiota. PeerJ 2020; 8:e10271. [PMID: 33194431 PMCID: PMC7603792 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mutualistic symbiosis between the gut microbial communities (microbiota) and their host animals has attracted much attention. Many factors potentially affect the gut microbiota, which also varies among host animals. The native Chinese three-keeled pond turtle (Chinemys reevesii) and the invasive red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans) are two common farm-raised species in China, with the latter generally considered a more successful species. However, supporting evidence from the gut microbiota has yet to be collected. METHODS We collected feces samples from these two turtle species raised in a farm under identical conditions, and analyzed the composition and relative abundance of the gut microbes using bacterial 16S rRNA sequencing on the Roach/454 platform. RESULTS The gut microbiota was mainly composed of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes at the phylum level, and Porphyromonadaceae, Bacteroidaceae and Lachnospiraceae at the family level in both species. The relative abundance of the microbes and gene functions in the gut microbiota differed between the two species, whereas alpha or beta diversity did not. Microbes of the families Bacteroidaceae, Clostridiaceae and Lachnospiraceae were comparatively more abundant in C. reevesii, whereas those of the families Porphyromonadaceae and Fusobacteriaceae were comparatively more abundant in T. s. elegans. In both species the gut microbiota had functional roles in enhancing metabolism, genetic information processing and environmental information processing according to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database. The potential to gain mass is greater in T. s. elegans than in C. reevesii, as revealed by the fact that the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio was lower in the former species. The percentage of human disease-related functional genes was lower in T. s. elegans than in C. reevesii, presumably suggesting an enhanced potential to colonize new habitats in the former species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Fu Qu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan-Qing Wu
- National Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Biosafety, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu-Tian Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Long-Hui Lin
- Hangzhou Key Laboratory for Ecosystem Protection and Restoration, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yu Du
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Hainan Key Laboratory of Herpetological Research, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Hainan Tropical Ocean University, Sanya, Hainan, China
| | - Peng Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hong Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiang Ji
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Kieran TJ, Goodman SJ, Finger JW, Thomas JC, Hamilton MT, Tuberville TD, Glenn TC. Microbiota of Four Tissue Types in American Alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) Following Extended Dietary Selenomethionine Exposure. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2020; 105:381-386. [PMID: 32794125 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-020-02961-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Selenium represents an essential trace nutrient that is necessary for biological functions. Deficiencies can induce disease, but excess can induce toxicity. Selenium deficiency is a major concern in underdeveloped countries, while also posing as a toxic pollutant in waterways surrounding landfills, agricultural areas, and fossil fuel production sites. We examined the microbiome of selenomethionine (SeMet) fed American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) at the beginning and end of a 7-week exposure experiment. Alligators were randomly divided into three groups: control and 1000 or 2000 ppm SeMet. DNA from before exposure (oral and cloaca swabs) and post-exposure (oral, cloaca, small & large intestines) sampling were extracted and amplified for bacterial 16 s rRNA. While treatment did not seem to have much effect, we observed a predominance of Fusobacteriaceae and Porpyromonodaceae across all tissue types. Cetobacterium and Clostridium are the most abundant genera as potential indicators of the aquatic and carrion feeding lifestyle of alligators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Troy J Kieran
- Department of Environmental Health Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Samantha J Goodman
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Georgia, 30602, Athens, GA, USA
- College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Toxicology Program, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - John W Finger
- Department of Environmental Health Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, 29802, Aiken, SC, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Jesse C Thomas
- Department of Environmental Health Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Matthew T Hamilton
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, 29802, Aiken, SC, USA
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Tracey D Tuberville
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, 29802, Aiken, SC, USA
| | - Travis C Glenn
- Department of Environmental Health Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
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Gut bacteria of Varanus salvator possess potential antitumour molecules. Int Microbiol 2020; 24:47-56. [PMID: 32737845 DOI: 10.1007/s10123-020-00139-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Pollution, unhygienic conditions and organic waste are detrimental to human health. On the contrary, animals living in polluted environments, feeding on organic waste and exposed to noxious agents such as heavy metals must possess remarkable properties against contracting diseases. Species such as cockroaches and water monitor lizards thrive in unhygienic conditions and feed on decaying matter. Here, we investigated the antitumour properties of metabolites produced by gut bacteria isolated from Varanus salvator (Asian water monitor lizard). An adult water monitor lizard and a juvenile water monitor lizard were acquired, and dissected. Their aerobic gut bacteria were isolated and identificated through 16S rDNA sequencing. Next, bacterial conditioned media (CM) were prepared and utilised for subsequent assays. Growth inhibition, MTT 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide cell viability assay, cytotoxicity and cell survival assays were accomplished against a panel of cancer cells as well as a normal cell line. Furthermore, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was employed to identify potential antitumour molecules. A plethora of bacteria were isolated from the gut of juvenile and adult V. salvator respectively. Moreover, CM prepared from selected bacteria exhibited antitumour activity. Of note, LC-MS results indicated the presence of several molecules with reported antitumour activity, namely, 3-butylidene-7-hydroxyphthalide, C75, enigmol, estrone 16-oxime, proglumide and S-allyl-L-cysteine. Furthermore, 356 potentially novel molecules from juvenile V. salvator and 184 from adult V. salvator were depicted. Thus, the gut microbiota of V. salvator might be considered as a great niche of antitumour molecules; however, further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to assess the antitumour properties of these molecules.
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Scheelings TF, Moore RJ, Van TTH, Klaassen M, Reina RD. The gut bacterial microbiota of sea turtles differs between geographically distinct populations. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2020. [DOI: 10.3354/esr01042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The microbiota of metazoans can be influenced by a variety of factors including diet, environment and genetics. In this study we sampled multiple populations from 2 host species that do not overlap in distribution, in order to test whether their bacterial microbiotas are species-specific or more variable. Intestinal swabs were collected from loggerhead turtles originating from Florida, USA, and Queensland, Australia, as well as from flatback turtles from Crab Island, Queensland, and Port Hedland, Western Australia. We then manually extracted bacterial DNA and used 16S rRNA sequencing to explore bacterial microbial community composition and structure. Our investigation showed that the bacterial microbiota of sea turtles is heavily influenced by geography, with loggerhead turtles originating from the USA and Australia harbouring significantly different bacterial microbial populations in terms of composition. Similarly, we also found that flatback turtles from Crab Island had significantly less diverse microbiotas, with a predominance of the bacterial phylum Firmicutes, in comparison to their genetically similar counterparts from Port Hedland. Factors that may explain these observed differences between populations include host genetics, differences in foraging habitat quality and differences in migratory distance (and thus durations of inappetence) between foraging and breeding grounds. The mechanisms by which these factors may influence bacterial microbial composition of sea turtle gastrointestinal tracts warrants further investigation. The results of this study highlight the importance of interpreting microbiota data of wild animals in the context of geography.
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Affiliation(s)
- TF Scheelings
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Wellington Rd, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - RJ Moore
- School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campus, Plenty Rd, Bundoora, Victoria 3083, Australia
| | - TTH Van
- School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campus, Plenty Rd, Bundoora, Victoria 3083, Australia
| | - M Klaassen
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia
| | - RD Reina
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Wellington Rd, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
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Duan XZ, Sun JT, Wang LT, Shu XH, Guo Y, Keiichiro M, Zhu YX, Bing XL, Hoffmann AA, Hong XY. Recent infection by Wolbachia alters microbial communities in wild Laodelphax striatellus populations. MICROBIOME 2020; 8:104. [PMID: 32616041 PMCID: PMC7333401 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-020-00878-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Host-associated microbial communities play an important role in the fitness of insect hosts. However, the factors shaping microbial communities in wild populations, including genetic background, ecological factors, and interactions among microbial species, remain largely unknown. RESULTS Here, we surveyed microbial communities of the small brown planthopper (SBPH, Laodelphax striatellus) across 17 geographical populations in China and Japan by using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Using structural equation models (SEM) and Mantel analyses, we show that variation in microbial community structure is likely associated with longitude, annual mean precipitation (Bio12), and mitochondrial DNA variation. However, a Wolbachia infection, which is spreading to northern populations of SBPH, seems to have a relatively greater role than abiotic factors in shaping microbial community structure, leading to sharp decreases in bacterial taxon diversity and abundance in host-associated microbial communities. Comparative RNA-Seq analyses between Wolbachia-infected and -uninfected strains indicate that the Wolbachia do not seem to alter the immune reaction of SBPH, although Wolbachia affected expression of metabolism genes. CONCLUSION Together, our results identify potential factors and interactions among different microbial species in the microbial communities of SBPH, which can have effects on insect physiology, ecology, and evolution. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing-Zhi Duan
- Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing-Tao Sun
- Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lin-Ting Wang
- Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao-Han Shu
- Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Guo
- Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu, China
| | - Matsukura Keiichiro
- NARO Kyushu Okinawa Agricultural Research Center, 2421 Suya, Koshi, Kumamoto, 861-1192, Japan
| | - Yu-Xi Zhu
- Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao-Li Bing
- Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ary A Hoffmann
- School of BioSciences, Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Xiao-Yue Hong
- Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu, China.
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Jiang H, Chen W, Su L, Huang M, Lin L, Su Q, Li G, Ahmad HI, Li L, Zhang X, Li H, Chen J. Impact of host intraspecies genetic variation, diet, and age on bacterial and fungal intestinal microbiota in tigers. Microbiologyopen 2020; 9:e1050. [PMID: 32395912 PMCID: PMC7349146 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.1050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The bacterial microbiota in the gut varies among species, as well as with habitat, diet, age, and other factors. Intestinal microbiota homeostasis allows a host to adjust metabolic and immune performances in response to environmental changes. Therefore, potential implications of the gut microbiota in sustaining the health of the host have gained increasing attention in the field of endangered animal conservation. However, the effect of host intraspecies genetic variation on the gut microbiota is unknown. Moreover, little is known about the complexity of the gut mycobiota. Tigers are listed as endangered species, raising worldwide concern. Potential influences of subspecies, diet, and age on the gut microbiota in tigers were investigated in this study to provide a better understanding of the response of the tiger gut microbiota to external changes. The results revealed that the impacts of the factors listed above on gut bacterial and fungal communities are versatile. Host intraspecies genetic variation significantly impacted only fungal alpha diversity of the gut microbiota. Differences in diet, on the other hand, had a significant impact on alpha diversity of the gut microbiota, but exerted different effects on beta diversity of gut bacterial and fungal communities. Host age had no significant impact on the diversity of the gut fungal communities, but significantly impacted beta diversity of gut bacterial communities. This comprehensive study of tiger gut microbiota is an essential reference for tiger conservation when considering feeding and management strategies, and will contribute to a better understanding of the mycobiota in wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiying Jiang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Guangdong Institute of Applied Biological Resources, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wu Chen
- Guangzhou Zoo, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Li Su
- Guangzhou Zoo, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Mingwei Huang
- Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Libo Lin
- Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiao Su
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Guanyu Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Guangdong Institute of Applied Biological Resources, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hafiz Ishfaq Ahmad
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Guangdong Institute of Applied Biological Resources, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Linmiao Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Guangdong Institute of Applied Biological Resources, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiujuan Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Guangdong Institute of Applied Biological Resources, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Huiming Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Guangdong Institute of Applied Biological Resources, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinping Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Guangdong Institute of Applied Biological Resources, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Scheelings TF, Moore RJ, Van TTH, Klaassen M, Reina RD. Microbial symbiosis and coevolution of an entire clade of ancient vertebrates: the gut microbiota of sea turtles and its relationship to their phylogenetic history. Anim Microbiome 2020; 2:17. [PMID: 33499954 PMCID: PMC7807503 DOI: 10.1186/s42523-020-00034-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The microbiota plays a critical role in host homeostasis and has been shown to be a major driving force in host evolution. However, our understanding of these important relationships is hampered by a lack of data for many species, and by significant gaps in sampling of the evolutionary tree. In this investigation we improve our understanding of the host-microbiome relationship by obtaining samples from all seven extant species of sea turtle, and correlate microbial compositions with host evolutionary history. Results Our analysis shows that the predominate phyla in the microbiota of nesting sea turtles was Proteobacteria. We also demonstrate a strong relationship between the bacterial phyla SR1 and sea turtle phylogeny, and that sea turtle microbiotas have changed very slowly over time in accordance with their similarly slow phenotypic changes. Conclusions This is one of the most comprehensive microbiota studies to have been performed in a single clade of animals and further improves our knowledge of how microbial populations have influenced vertebrate evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert J Moore
- RMIT University School of Science, Bundoora West Campus, Plenty Rd, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | - Thi Thu Hao Van
- RMIT University School of Science, Bundoora West Campus, Plenty Rd, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | - Marcel Klaassen
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, 3216, Australia
| | - Richard D Reina
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Wellington Rd, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
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McDermid KJ, Kittle RP, Veillet A, Plouviez S, Muehlstein L, Balazs GH. Identification of Gastrointestinal Microbiota in Hawaiian Green Turtles ( Chelonia mydas). Evol Bioinform Online 2020; 16:1176934320914603. [PMID: 32313421 PMCID: PMC7160772 DOI: 10.1177/1176934320914603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Green turtles (Chelonia mydas) have a hindgut fermentation
digestive tract, which uses cellulolytic microbes to break down plant matter in
the cecum and proximal colon. Previous studies on bacterial communities of green
turtles have not identified in situ hindgut microbiota, and
never before in Hawaiian green turtles, which comprise an isolated
metapopulation. Fresh samples using sterile swabs were taken from five locations
along the gastrointestinal tracts of eight green turtles that had required
euthanization. Bacteria were cultured, aerobically and anaerobically, on
nutrient agar and four differential and selective media. Samples at three
sections along the gastrointestinal tracts of two green turtles were analyzed
using 16S metagenomics on an Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine. More than half
of the 4 532 104 sequences belonged to the phylum Firmicutes, followed by
Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria, which are characteristic of herbivore gut
microbiota. Some microbiota variation existed between turtles and among
gastrointestinal sections. The 16S sequence analysis provided a better
representation of the total gastrointestinal bacterial community, much of which
cannot be cultured using traditional microbial techniques. These metagenomic
analyses serve as a foundation for a better understanding of the microbiome of
green turtles in the Hawaiian Islands and elsewhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla J McDermid
- Department of Marine Science, University of Hawai'i at Hilo, Hilo, HI, USA
| | - Ronald P Kittle
- Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science Graduate Program, University of Hawai'i at Hilo, Hilo, HI, USA.,Department of Biology, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA, USA
| | - Anne Veillet
- Core Genetics Lab, University of Hawai'i at Hilo, Hilo, HI, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
| | - Sophie Plouviez
- Department of Biology, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA, USA
| | - Lisa Muehlstein
- Department of Marine Science, University of Hawai'i at Hilo, Hilo, HI, USA
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Capunitan DC, Johnson O, Terrill RS, Hird SM. Evolutionary signal in the gut microbiomes of 74 bird species from Equatorial Guinea. Mol Ecol 2020; 29:829-847. [PMID: 31943484 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
How the microbiome interacts with hosts across evolutionary time is poorly understood. Data sets including many host species are required to conduct comparative analyses. Here, we analyzed 142 intestinal microbiome samples from 92 birds belonging to 74 species from Equatorial Guinea, using the 16S rRNA gene. Using four definitions for microbial taxonomic units (97%OTU, 99%OTU, 99%OTU with singletons removed, ASV), we conducted alpha and beta diversity analyses. We found that raw abundances and diversity varied between the data sets but relative patterns were largely consistent across data sets. Host taxonomy, diet and locality were significantly associated with microbiomes, at generally similar levels using three distance metrics. Phylogenetic comparative methods assessed the evolutionary relationship between the microbiome as a trait of a host species and the underlying bird phylogeny. Using multiple ways of defining "microbiome traits", we found that a neutral Brownian motion model did not explain variation in microbiomes. Instead, we found a White Noise model (indicating little phylogenetic signal), was most likely. There was some support for the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck model (that invokes selection), but the level of support was similar to that of a White Noise simulation, further supporting the White Noise model as the best explanation for the evolution of the microbiome as a trait of avian hosts. Our study demonstrated that both environment and evolution play a role in the gut microbiome and the relationship does not follow a neutral model; these biological results are qualitatively robust to analytical choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darien C Capunitan
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Oscar Johnson
- Museum of Natural Science, Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Ryan S Terrill
- Museum of Natural Science, Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.,Moore Laboratory of Zoology, Occidental College, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sarah M Hird
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.,Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
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Habarugira G, Moran J, Colmant AM, Davis SS, O’Brien CA, Hall-Mendelin S, McMahon J, Hewitson G, Nair N, Barcelon J, Suen WW, Melville L, Hobson-Peters J, Hall RA, Isberg SR, Bielefeldt-Ohmann H. Mosquito-Independent Transmission of West Nile virus in Farmed Saltwater Crocodiles ( Crocodylus porosus). Viruses 2020; 12:v12020198. [PMID: 32054016 PMCID: PMC7077242 DOI: 10.3390/v12020198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus, Kunjin strain (WNVKUN) is endemic in Northern Australia, but rarely causes clinical disease in humans and horses. Recently, WNVKUN genomic material was detected in cutaneous lesions of farmed saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus), but live virus could not be isolated, begging the question of the pathogenesis of these lesions. Crocodile hatchlings were experimentally infected with either 105 (n = 10) or 104 (n = 11) TCID50-doses of WNVKUN and each group co-housed with six uninfected hatchlings in a mosquito-free facility. Seven hatchlings were mock-infected and housed separately. Each crocodile was rotationally examined and blood-sampled every third day over a 3-week period. Eleven animals, including three crocodiles developing typical skin lesions, were culled and sampled 21 days post-infection (dpi). The remaining hatchlings were blood-sampled fortnightly until experimental endpoint 87 dpi. All hatchlings remained free of overt clinical disease, apart from skin lesions, throughout the experiment. Viremia was detected by qRT-PCR in infected animals during 2–17 dpi and in-contact animals 11–21 dpi, indicating horizontal mosquito-independent transmission. Detection of viral genome in tank-water as well as oral and cloacal swabs, collected on multiple days, suggests that shedding into pen-water and subsequent mucosal infection is the most likely route. All inoculated animals and some in-contact animals developed virus-neutralizing antibodies detectable from 17 dpi. Virus-neutralizing antibody titers continued to increase in exposed animals until the experimental endpoint, suggestive of persisting viral antigen. However, no viral antigen was detected by immunohistochemistry in any tissue sample, including from skin and intestine. While this study confirmed that infection of saltwater crocodiles with WNVKUN was associated with the formation of skin lesions, we were unable to elucidate the pathogenesis of these lesions or the nidus of viral persistence. Our results nevertheless suggest that prevention of WNVKUN infection and induction of skin lesions in farmed crocodiles may require management of both mosquito-borne and water-borne viral transmission in addition to vaccination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gervais Habarugira
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia;
| | - Jasmin Moran
- Centre for Crocodile Research, Noonamah, NT 0837, Australia;
| | - Agathe M.G. Colmant
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia (C.A.O.); (W.W.S.); (J.H.-P.)
- Australian Infectious Diseases Centre, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia
| | - Steven S. Davis
- Berrimah Veterinary Laboratories, NT 0828, Australia; (S.S.D.); (L.M.)
| | - Caitlin A. O’Brien
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia (C.A.O.); (W.W.S.); (J.H.-P.)
- Australian Infectious Diseases Centre, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia
| | - Sonja Hall-Mendelin
- Queensland Health, Forensic and Scientific Services, Public Health Virology, Coopers Plains, Qld 4108, Australia; (S.H.-M.); (J.M.); (G.H.); (N.N.); (J.B.)
| | - Jamie McMahon
- Queensland Health, Forensic and Scientific Services, Public Health Virology, Coopers Plains, Qld 4108, Australia; (S.H.-M.); (J.M.); (G.H.); (N.N.); (J.B.)
| | - Glen Hewitson
- Queensland Health, Forensic and Scientific Services, Public Health Virology, Coopers Plains, Qld 4108, Australia; (S.H.-M.); (J.M.); (G.H.); (N.N.); (J.B.)
| | - Neelima Nair
- Queensland Health, Forensic and Scientific Services, Public Health Virology, Coopers Plains, Qld 4108, Australia; (S.H.-M.); (J.M.); (G.H.); (N.N.); (J.B.)
| | - Jean Barcelon
- Queensland Health, Forensic and Scientific Services, Public Health Virology, Coopers Plains, Qld 4108, Australia; (S.H.-M.); (J.M.); (G.H.); (N.N.); (J.B.)
| | - Willy W. Suen
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia (C.A.O.); (W.W.S.); (J.H.-P.)
| | - Lorna Melville
- Berrimah Veterinary Laboratories, NT 0828, Australia; (S.S.D.); (L.M.)
| | - Jody Hobson-Peters
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia (C.A.O.); (W.W.S.); (J.H.-P.)
- Australian Infectious Diseases Centre, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia
| | - Roy A. Hall
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia (C.A.O.); (W.W.S.); (J.H.-P.)
- Australian Infectious Diseases Centre, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia
- Correspondence: (R.A.H.); (S.R.I.); (H.B.-O.)
| | - Sally R. Isberg
- Centre for Crocodile Research, Noonamah, NT 0837, Australia;
- Correspondence: (R.A.H.); (S.R.I.); (H.B.-O.)
| | - Helle Bielefeldt-Ohmann
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia;
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia (C.A.O.); (W.W.S.); (J.H.-P.)
- Australian Infectious Diseases Centre, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia
- Correspondence: (R.A.H.); (S.R.I.); (H.B.-O.)
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Montoya-Ciriaco N, Gómez-Acata S, Muñoz-Arenas LC, Dendooven L, Estrada-Torres A, Díaz de la Vega-Pérez AH, Navarro-Noya YE. Dietary effects on gut microbiota of the mesquite lizard Sceloporus grammicus (Wiegmann, 1828) across different altitudes. MICROBIOME 2020; 8:6. [PMID: 31980039 PMCID: PMC6982387 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-020-0783-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/01/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-altitude ecosystems are extreme environments that generate specific physiological, morphological, and behavioral adaptations in ectotherms. The shifts in gut microbiota of the ectothermic hosts as an adaptation to environmental changes are still largely unknown. We investigated the food ingested and the bacterial, fungal, and protistan communities in feces of the lizard Sceloporus grammicus inhabiting an altitudinal range using metabarcoding approaches. RESULTS The bacterial phyla Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, and the genera Bacteroides and Parabacteroides dominated the core fecal bacteriome, while Zygomycota and Ascomycota, and the species Basidiobolus ranarum and Basidiobolus magnus dominated the core fecal mycobiome. The diet of S. grammicus included 29 invertebrate families belonging to Arachnida, Chilopoda, and Insecta. The diversity and abundance of its diet decreased sharply at high altitudes, while the abundance of plant material and Agaricomycetes was significantly higher at the highest site. The composition of the fecal microbiota of S. grammicus was different at the three altitudes, but not between females and males. Dietary restriction in S. grammicus at 4150 m might explain the high fecal abundance of Akkermansia and Oscillopira, bacteria characteristic of long fasting periods, while low temperature favored B. magnus. A high proportion of bacterial functions were digestive in S. grammicus at 2600 and 3100, while metabolism of aminoacids, vitamins, and key intermediates of metabolic pathways were higher at 4150 m. Different assemblages of fungal species in the lizard reflect differences in the environments at different elevations. Pathogens were more prevalent at high elevations than at the low ones. CONCLUSIONS Limiting food resources at high elevations might oblige S. grammicus to exploit other food resources and its intestinal microbiota have degradative and detoxifying capacities. Sceloporus grammicus might have acquired B. ranarum from the insects infected by the fungus, but its commensal relationship might be established by the quitinolytic capacities of B. ranarum. The mycobiome participate mainly in digestive and degradative functions while the bacteriome in digestive and metabolic functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Montoya-Ciriaco
- Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas, Centro Tlaxcala de Biología de la Conducta, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, México
| | | | - Ligia Catalina Muñoz-Arenas
- Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas, Centro Tlaxcala de Biología de la Conducta, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, México
| | - Luc Dendooven
- Laboratory of Soil Ecology, Cinvestav, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Arturo Estrada-Torres
- Centro Tlaxcala de Biología de la Conducta, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, México
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50
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Jacobs L, McMahon BH, Berendzen J, Longmire J, Gleasner C, Hengartner NW, Vuyisich M, Cohn JR, Jenkins M, Bartlow AW, Fair JM. California condor microbiomes: Bacterial variety and functional properties in captive-bred individuals. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0225858. [PMID: 31825977 PMCID: PMC6905524 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Around the world, scavenging birds such as vultures and condors have been experiencing drastic population declines. Scavenging birds have a distinct digestive process to deal with higher amounts of bacteria in their primary diet of carcasses in varying levels of decay. These observations motivate us to present an analysis of captive and healthy California condor (Gymnogyps californianus) microbiomes to characterize a population raised together under similar conditions. Shotgun metagenomic DNA sequences were analyzed from fecal and cloacal samples of captive birds. Classification of shotgun DNA sequence data with peptide signatures using the Sequedex package provided both phylogenetic and functional profiles, as well as individually annotated reads for targeted confirmatory analysis. We observed bacterial species previously associated with birds and gut microbiomes, including both virulent and opportunistic pathogens such as Clostridium perfringens, Propionibacterium acnes, Shigella flexneri, and Fusobacterium mortiferum, common flora such as Lactobacillus johnsonii, Lactobacillus ruminus, and Bacteroides vulgatus, and mucosal microbes such as Delftia acidovorans, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and Corynebacterium falsnii. Classification using shotgun metagenomic reads from phylogenetic marker genes was consistent with, and more specific than, analysis based on 16S rDNA data. Classification of samples based on either phylogenetic or functional profiles of genomic fragments differentiated three types of samples: fecal, mature cloacal and immature cloacal, with immature birds having approximately 40% higher diversity of microbes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey Jacobs
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Benjamin H. McMahon
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Joel Berendzen
- GenerisBio, Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Longmire
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Cheryl Gleasner
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, United States of America
| | | | | | - Judith R. Cohn
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Marti Jenkins
- The Peregrine Fund, Boise, Idaho, United States of America
| | - Andrew W. Bartlow
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Jeanne M. Fair
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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