High-Altitude Extreme Environments Drive Convergent Evolution of Skin Microbiota in Humans and Horses.

ABSTRACT: Unique skin microbial communities have been shaped by the harsh climatic conditions in high-altitude areas, such as intense ultraviolet radiation and low oxygen concentration. However, it is unknown whether high altitude contributes to shaping common microbiota inhabiting the skin across different mammals. The skin microbial communities of humans and horses living in high-altitude (Tibetan) and low-altitude areas were analyzed using full-length 16S rRNA sequencing technology. Alpha diversity differed between high- and low-altitude groups (p < 0.01). Skin microbial community composition also differed between high- and low-altitude areas (p < 0.05). Some of the common taxa present in the skin of humans and horses in high-altitude areas were identified as extreme microorganisms

SUBMITTER: Zhang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12843950 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature