Vitamin B₁₂-producing Cetobacterium: An important biomarker linked to snake hibernation

Hibernation poses significant physiological challenges to the animals, making it an excellent model for investigating the impacts of extreme environment changes on animal health. This study explored the gut microbiota and host metabolism in hibernating snakes using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and untargeted metabolomics. Ten king ratsnakes were divided into active and hibernating groups, and their gut microbial compositions and serum metabolomic profiles were analyzed. Results demonstrated a significant reduction in gut microbial diversity during hibernation, with the abundance of Cetobacterium increasing dramatically from 5.57 % to 49.56 %, establishing it as the predominant genus in hibernating snakes. Metabolomic analysis revealed significant alterations in lipid and amino acid metabolism, with 69 metabolites downregulated during hibernation. Correlation analyses identified Cetobacterium as a central hub in the correction networks, influencing numerous gut microorganisms and showing a strong association with host metabolic depression. In addition to the recognized ability to produce vitamin B₁₂ and short-chain fatty acids, this study further confirmed the robust antioxidant ability of snake-derived Cetobacterium somerae strains. These findings highlight the potential role of Cetobacterium in the physiological adaptation of snakes during hibernation and provide a foundation for exploring its applications in reptilian health management.