The Analysis of Transcriptomes and Microorganisms Reveals Differences Between the Intestinal Segments of New Zealand...

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Microbiology
• Immunology

Background:

• The intestinal tract exhibits regional specialization, but comprehensive functional characterization in rabbits is limited.
• Understanding the interplay between host genes and gut microbiota is crucial for digestive and immune health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically characterize functional compartmentalization along the rabbit intestinal tract.
• To investigate the relationship between host gene expression, immune functions, and gut microbiota composition across different intestinal segments.

Main Methods:

• RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) of mucosal tissue and 16S rRNA sequencing of luminal contents from duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, and colon.
• Differential gene expression analysis and microbiota diversity/abundance profiling.
• Correlation analysis between host genes and microbial communities.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in gene expression between small and large intestines related to nutrient transport (amino acids, sugars, vitamins, bile salts vs. water, SCFAs, nucleotides, metal ions) and immune responses (fungal vs. bacterial pathways, PRR signaling).
• Higher microbial diversity and abundance in the large intestine compared to the small intestine, with distinct phyla enrichment (Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria in small intestine; Firmicutes, Verrucomicrobia, Bacteroidetes in large intestine).
• Significant associations found between gut microbiota composition and host genes involved in nutrient digestion and absorption.

Conclusions:

• The rabbit intestinal tract exhibits clear regional specialization in nutrient transport, immune functions, and microbial ecology.
• Host gene expression patterns are significantly influenced by the gut microbiota composition, particularly in relation to nutrient processing.