Effects of vendor and genetic background on the composition of the fecal microbiota of inbred mice.

ABSTRACT: The commensal gut microbiota has been implicated as a determinant in several human diseases and conditions. There is mounting evidence that the gut microbiota of laboratory mice (Mus musculus) similarly modulates the phenotype of mouse models used to study human disease and development. While differing model phenotypes have been reported using mice purchased from different vendors, the composition and uniformity of the fecal microbiota in mice of various genetic backgrounds from different vendors is unclear. Using culture-independent methods and robust statistical analysis, we demonstrate significant differences in the richness and diversity of fecal microbial populations in mice purchased from two large commercial vendors. Moreover, the abundance of many operational taxonomic units, often

SUBMITTER: Ericsson AC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4326421 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature