Wild primate microbiomes prevent weight gain in germ-free mice

Area of Science:

• Microbiome research
• Metabolic disease studies
• Animal models

Background:

• Gut microbiome plays a key role in nutrient extraction and metabolism.
• Obesity and diabetes are linked to microbiome shifts and low-fiber Western diets.
• The relationship between gut microbes, fiber intake, and obesity requires further definition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the interplay between gut microbiota, dietary fiber, and weight gain.
• To assess the impact of different douc gut microbiota on host weight.
• To understand the protective effects of wild gut microbes against obesity.

Main Methods:

• Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from captive and wild doucs into germ-free mice.
• Exposure of mice to high-fiber and low-fiber diets.
• 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing for microbial composition analysis.

Main Results:

• Mice receiving captive douc microbiota gained significant weight, irrespective of diet.
• Mice receiving wild douc microbiota on a high-fiber diet remained lean.
• Wild douc microbiota partially mitigated weight gain even on a low-fiber diet.
• Distinct bacterial taxa (Bacteroides, Akkermansia vs. Lactobacillus, Clostridium) were identified in each group.

Conclusions:

• Wild douc microbiota show potential as a source for cross-species transplants.
• Wild gut microbes appear adapted to varied fiber diets and can prevent weight gain.
• Microbiome composition significantly influences host weight regulation in response to diet.