Metagenomics reveals functional synergy and novel polysaccharide utilization loci in the Castor canadensis fecal microbiome.

ABSTRACT: The North American beaver (Castor canadensis) has long been considered an engineering marvel, transforming landscapes and shaping biological diversity through its dam building behavior. While the beaver possesses conspicuous morphological features uniquely adapted for the use of woody plants as construction materials and dietary staples, relatively little is known about the specialized microorganisms inhabiting the beaver gastrointestinal tract and their functional roles in determining host nutrition. Here we use a combination of shotgun metagenomics, functional screening and carbohydrate biochemistry to chart the community structure and metabolic power of the beaver fecal microbiome. We relate this information to the metabolic capacity of other wood feeding and hindgut fermenting organism

SUBMITTER: Armstrong Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6193987 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature