Comparative analysis of primate hydrogenotrophic microbiota

In the human gastrointestinal system, dietary components, including fiber, that reach the colon are fermented principally to short-chain fatty acids, hydrogen and carbon dioxide. Microbial disposal of the hydrogen generated during anaerobic fermentation in the human colon is critical to the functioning of this ecosystem. Methanogenesis by methanogenic Archaea and sulfate reduction by sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) are the major hydrogenotrophic pathways in the human colon. Hydrogen metabolism by these microbes has an important impact on the colonic health. Methanogenic status of mammals is suggested to be under evolutionary rather than dietary control. However, information is lacking regarding the dynamics of hydrogenotrophic microbial communities among different primate species. Here I analyzed the composition of methanogens and SRB in various species of primates using PCR-DGGE fingerprinting targeting Archaea and Desulfovibrionales 16S rDNA, clone library construction of Archaea 16S rDNA and mcrA gene, and quantitative real-time PCR targeting mcrA and dsrA genes. Functionality of methanogens was determined by detection of methane from in vitro incubation of fresh feces. The results showed that the host species-specific hydrogenotrophic microbiota can be observed in some, but not all, of the captive primate species. A human colonic methanogen, Methanobrevibacter smithii, was detected in all captive hominoid species, indicating high similarity of methanogenic microbiota among these primates and humans. Comparison of wild and captive primates indicated that captive condition can be a major determinant of hydrogenotrophic microbial composition that overrides the genetic or early environmental effects, indicating the importance of proper captive management on the maintenance of colonic health.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Animal Sciences

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2010

Author dc:creator

• Nakamura, Noriko

Contributors dc:contributor

• Gaskins, H. Rex
• Mackie, Roderick I.
• Leigh, Steven R.
• Stein, Hans H.
• Dikeman, Cheryl L.

• hydrogenotrophic microbiota
• primate
• sulfate-reducing bacteria
• methanogen

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2010 Noriko Nakamura

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/16915

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/16915