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Updated: Jan 7, 2026

Compost Microcosms as Microbially Diverse, Natural-like Environments for Microbiome Research in Caenorhabditis elegans
Published on: September 13, 2022
Transmission of core gut microbiota through earthworm cocoons: Insights from bacterial community structure and
Chenxi Pang1, Duoduo Chen2, Leyan Dai2
1School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, 135 Xingang Xi Road, Guangzhou 510275, PR China.
Abstract:
Earthworm endophytic microbiota is crucial for maintaining their health and supporting their function in organic waste decomposition. However, the mechanisms of their intergenerational transmission and ecological stability are unclear. We investigated the role of cocoons, gut walls, and castings as microbial vectors using 16S rRNA sequencing under three composting systems (fermented coffee residue, cattle manure, and sewage sludge). A highly conserved core microbiota, dominated by Pseudomonadota (45-60 %) and Actinomycetota (15-25 %), was identified in cocoons. The substrate influenced its diversity, but core members remained stable. 37-92 % OTU sharing between parental cocoons and offspring guts confirmed vertical transmission. The core community significantly shaped the microbiota of castings. Functional prediction indicated its potential role in nitrogen and carbon cycling. Cocoons are key vehicles for vertical transmission of core microbiota, ensuring functional continuity across generations. This highlights their importance in sustainable waste conversion and offers potential for application in agriculture and ecosystem restoration.
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