Faecal proteomics as a novel method to study mammalian behaviour and physiology

Area of Science:

• * Zoology and Evolutionary Biology
• * Molecular Ecology and Conservation Science

Background:

• * Mammalian faeces are a rich, noninvasive source of biological information, including diet, genetics, and hormones.
• * Proteomic analysis of faeces remains largely unexplored, limiting molecular insights into animal behavior and physiology.
• * Understanding mammalian ecology and evolution is critical for conservation, especially for endangered species.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To explore the utility of mass spectrometry-based proteomics for analyzing mammalian faecal samples.
• * To characterize the proteomes of the host individual, consumed food, and gut microbes in faeces.
• * To demonstrate the application of faecal proteomics for ecological and physiological investigations.

Main Methods:

• * Mass spectrometry-based proteomics was applied to faecal samples from captive Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) across different age groups.
• * Analysis focused on identifying proteins originating from the host, diet, and intestinal microbiota.
• * Proteomic data were used to infer dietary patterns and physiological states.

Main Results:

• * Faecal proteomics successfully identified proteins from the host, consumed food, and gut microbes.
• * The method revealed dietary shifts during breastfeeding and weaning periods.
• * Analysis provided insights into the taxonomic and histological origins of ingested food items.
• * Faecal proteomes allowed for the estimation of physiological status within the intestinal tract.

Conclusions:

• * Faecal proteomics is a powerful, noninvasive tool for studying mammalian diet, behavior, and physiology.
• * This approach offers unique insights not readily obtainable through other molecular methods.
• * The presented faecal proteomics framework is adaptable for field research across diverse mammalian species, supporting conservation initiatives.