What the study found
Population density stress significantly reshaped the fecal microbiota and metabolic profiles of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau root voles. The study also found higher fecal corticosterone metabolite levels in high-density voles, indicating a strong stress response.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors say the study helps validate findings from laboratory studies under natural conditions. They conclude it offers new insights into the ecological adaptability of small mammals.
What the researchers tested
The researchers used field enclosures to study root voles (Microtus oeconomus) under different population densities. They measured fecal corticosterone metabolites, analyzed fecal microbiota with 16S rRNA sequencing, and profiled fecal metabolites with untargeted metabolomics.
What worked and what didn't
High-density voles had higher abundances of Bacteroidota, CAG-485, Duncaniella, and Paramuribaculum, and lower abundances of Firmicutes_A, Firmicutes_D, Desulfobacterota_I, Lactobacillus, Desulfovibrio_R, and Butyribacter. Functional prediction suggested up-regulated pathways involved in antibiotic biosynthesis, D-alanine metabolism, and the pentose phosphate pathway, while pathways related to amino acid biosynthesis were down-regulated. Metabolomics identified many differential metabolites, including increased cholic acid, lithocholic acid, and succinic acid, and decreased L-lysine, L-valine, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not describe detailed limitations. The findings are based on field enclosures and fecal samples from root voles, so the summary is limited to that setting and those measurements.
Key points
- High-density root voles showed significantly higher fecal corticosterone metabolite levels.
- Population density stress changed the relative abundance of several gut bacterial groups, including Lactobacillus and Bacteroidota.
- Metabolomics found many differential fecal metabolites, including higher bile acids and lower amino acids such as L-lysine and L-valine.
- Functional predictions suggested changes in pathways related to antibiotic biosynthesis, D-alanine metabolism, and the pentose phosphate pathway.
- The authors say the study extends laboratory findings to field conditions and offers insights into small-mammal adaptability.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Density stress altered vole gut microbes and metabolites
- Authors:
- Zhibo Qin, Shuo Guo, Shouyang Du, Guozhen Shang, Yang LIU, Yanbin Yang
- Institutions:
- Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-07
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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