Microbial diversity and secondary metabolism potential in relation to dark alterations in Paleolithic Lascaux Cave.

ABSTRACT: Tourism in Paleolithic caves can cause an imbalance in cave microbiota and lead to cave wall alterations, such as dark zones. However, the mechanisms driving dark zone formation remain unclear. Using shotgun metagenomics in Lascaux Cave's Apse and Passage across two years, we tested metabarcoding-derived functional hypotheses regarding microbial diversity and metabolic potential in dark zones vs unmarked surfaces nearby. Taxonomic and functional metagenomic profiles were consistent across years but divergent between cave locations. Aromatic compound degradation genes were prevalent inside and outside dark zones, as expected from past biocide usage. Dark zones exhibited enhanced pigment biosynthesis potential (melanin and carotenoids) and melanin was evidenced chemically, while unmarked sur

SUBMITTER: Bontemps Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11541736 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature