Inference of functional differentiation of intestinal microbes between two wild zokor species based on metagenomics

Abstract BACKGROUND Currently, there are fewer studies on the intestinal microbes of wild zokors, and it is unclear how zokors adapt to special underground environments by regulating their intestinal microbes. Here, we explored the function of intestinal microbes of Eospalax cansus and Eospalax rothschildi based on metagenomics. RESULTS Both zokor species have similar intestinal microbial composition, but E. cansus has a higher proportion of bacteria involved in carbohydrate degradation. Functional analysis based on KEGG and CAZy databases indicated that the intestinal microbes of E. cansus harboured stronger carbohydrate degradation ability, mainly in starch and sucrose metabolism, and further in cellulose degradation. Furthermore, the cellulase activity was significantly higher in E. cansus than that in E. rothschildi . Eospalax cansus has a stronger microbial fermentation ability due to an increase in fibre‐degrading bacteria like unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae , Ruminococcus , and Clostridium . In addition, the dominant bacteria isolated from zokor were Bacillus , some of which could degrade both cellulose and hemicellulose. CONCLUSION Metagenomic analysis and bacterial isolation experiments indicate that E. cansus has a stronger microbial cellulose‐degrading capacity, possibly as an adaptation to its limited food resources underground. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.