Functional divergence in gastrointestinal microbiota in physically-separated genetically identical mice

G B Rogers; J Kozlowska; J Keeble; K Metcalfe; M Fao; S E Dowd; A J Mason; M A McGuckin; K D Bruce

doi:10.1038/srep05437

Functional divergence in gastrointestinal microbiota in physically-separated genetically identical mice

Sci Rep. 2014 Jun 25:4:5437. doi: 10.1038/srep05437.

Authors

G B Rogers¹, J Kozlowska², J Keeble², K Metcalfe³, M Fao³, S E Dowd⁴, A J Mason², M A McGuckin⁵, K D Bruce²

Affiliations

¹ 1] Immunity, Infection, and Inflammation Program, Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Australia [2] King's College London, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, London, SE1 9NH, UK [3] SAHMRI Infection and Immunity Theme, School of Medicine, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Adelaide, Australia.
² King's College London, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, London, SE1 9NH, UK.
³ Charles River UK, Manston Rd. Margate, Kent CT9 4LT UK.
⁴ Molecular Research MR DNA, Shallowater, TX 79363, USA.
⁵ Immunity, Infection, and Inflammation Program, Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Australia.

Abstract

Despite the fundamental contribution of the gut microbiota to host physiology, the extent of its variation in genetically-identical animals used in research is not known. We report significant divergence in both the composition and metabolism of gut microbiota in genetically-identical adult C57BL/6 mice housed in separate controlled units within a single commercial production facility. The reported divergence in gut microbiota has the potential to confound experimental studies using mammalian models.

MeSH terms

Animal Husbandry / methods
Animals
Bacteria / classification
Bacteria / genetics
Bacteria / growth & development
Biodiversity*
Cluster Analysis
Feces / chemistry
Feces / microbiology
Gastrointestinal Tract / metabolism
Gastrointestinal Tract / microbiology*
Genetic Variation*
Metabolome
Metabolomics / classification
Metabolomics / methods
Mice, Inbred C57BL
Microbiota / genetics*
Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / genetics
Sequence Analysis, DNA
Social Isolation

Substances

RNA, Ribosomal, 16S