Comparable response of wild rodent gut microbiome to anthropogenic habitat contamination

Species identity is thought to dominate over environment in shaping wild rodent gut microbiota, but it remains unknown whether the responses of host microbiota shared anthropogenic habitat impacts are species-specific or if general response similar across species. Here, we compare influence exposure radionuclide contamination on four mouse species: Apodemus flavicollis, A. sylvaticus, speciosus and argenteus. Building evidence that radiation bank vole (Myodes glareolus) hypothesized has a impact microbiota. Because sampled (n = 288) two species pairs mice occur sympatry habitats affected by Chernobyl Fukushima nuclear accidents, these comparisons provide an opportunity for assessment effects environmental (radionuclides) phylogeny geographical areas. In agreement with our hypothesis, analyses bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed alters composition structure three mice. The notable lack association between soil one from (A. argenteus) probably reflects “radiation escape” through its unique tree-dwelling lifestyle. finding ecology can modulate offers interesting counterpoint future into any other toxic associated Our data show linked comparable multiple rodents.