Author:
Moldovan Oana Teodora,Carrell Alyssa A.,Bulzu Paul-Adrian,Levei Erika,Bucur Ruxandra,Sitar Cristian,Faur Luchiana,Mirea Ionuț Cornel,Șenilă Marin,Cadar Oana,Podar Mircea
Abstract
AbstractBeetles are ubiquitous cave invertebrates worldwide that adapted to scarce subterranean resources when they colonized caves. Here, we investigated the potential role of gut microbiota in the adaptation of beetles to caves from different climatic regions of the Carpathians. The beetles’ microbiota was host-specific, reflecting phylogenetic and nutritional adaptation. The microbial community structure further resolved conspecific beetles by caves suggesting microbiota-host coevolution and influences by local environmental factors. The detritivore species hosted a variety of bacteria known to decompose and ferment organic matter, suggesting turnover and host cooperative digestion of the sedimentary microbiota and allochthonous-derived nutrients. The cave Carabidae, with strong mandibula, adapted to predation and scavenging of animal and plant remains, had distinct microbiota dominated by symbiotic lineages Spiroplasma or Wolbachia. All beetles had relatively high levels of fermentative Carnobacterium and Vagococcus involved in lipid accumulation and a reduction of metabolic activity, and both features characterize adaptation to caves.
Funder
Unitatea Executiva pentru Finantarea Invatamantului Superior, a Cercetarii, Dezvoltarii si Inovarii
U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Biological and Environmental Research
National Institutes of Health
Grantová Agentura České Republiky
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Genetics,Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology,Microbiology
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