Sex differences in gut microbiota composition, function, and assembly in the plateau zokor (<i>Eospalax baileyi</i>).

ABSTRACT:

Background

Gut microbiota play a vital role in nutrient metabolism, immune regulation, and host homeostasis. However, the role of sex differences in shaping the gut microbiota of plateau zokors (Eospalax baileyi) remains unclear. The present study aims to explore how sex influences the composition, function, and assembly processes of the gut microbiota in plateau zokors.

Methods

In this study, we performed Illumina 16S rRNA (V3-V4) sequencing on 15 gastrointestinal samples to assess sex-related differences in gut bacterial diversity, function, and community assembly.

Results

No significant differences were observed in species richness or diversity between males and females; however, the gut microbial community structures differed significantly by sex (p

SUBMITTER: Si L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12854129 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature