We and herbivores eat endophytes

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Ecology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Plant-based diets are crucial for health, providing fiber, vitamins, and metabolites.
• Plant endophytes, microbes within plant tissues, may survive animal digestion better than other microbes.
• The gut microbiota of herbivores plays a vital role in nutrient acquisition and overall health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the evidence for plant endophytic microbes establishing as stable members of animal gut microbiota.
• To explore the functional roles and biotechnological potential of endophytic-enteric microbes.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on herbivore gut microbiota and plant endophytes.
• Analysis of reported cases of endophytic microbes in animal guts (e.g., panda, koala, rabbit, tortoise, insects).
• Examination of enzymatic activities and known applications of identified endophytic-enteric bacteria.

Main Results:

• Evidence shows some herbivore gut microbes originate from plant endophytes, becoming stable members of the microbiota.
• Endophytes possess diverse enzymatic capabilities, including cellulose, pectin, and xylan degradation.
• Specific endophytic bacteria like Lactobacillus plantarum and Clostridium have known health and industrial applications (probiotics, cellulose degradation).

Conclusions:

• A cyclical relationship exists between endophytic, enteric, and soil microbes, influencing health.
• Animal feces can act as natural microbial inoculants for plants, contributing to the endophytic-enteric-soil microbial cycle.
• Endophytic-enteric microbes offer significant potential for biotechnological applications and understanding host-microbe interactions.