Breeding microbes: How genetic diversity shapes gut microbial
communities in the critically endangered European mink (Mustela
lutreola)
Abstract
Host’s fitness can be affected by its genotype and gut microbiota,
defined as the microbes living in the host’s intestinal tract. This
study explored how the genetic diversity of the host influences its
bacterial communities in the context of captive breeding programs, for
the critically endangered European mink (Mustela lutreola). As stated by
the ecosystem on a leash model, mechanisms such as inbreeding depression
may lead to changes in immunomodulation and will therefore induce
modifications of the gut microbiota. We investigated variation in the
gut bacteria through 16S rRNA metabarcoding, related to the genetic
diversity of European mink held in captivity in two breeding centers
representing separate breeding stocks originating from the western and
eastern populations. The genetic diversity of the host was assessed
through diversity analysis of the adaptive MHC class I and II genes as
well as neutral microsatellite markers. Results indicate lower diversity
in neutral and MHC class I genes for the western population, and the
opposite for MHC class II. A lower MHC class II gene variability led to
an increase in microbial phylogenetic diversity and in abundance
depending on the presence of specific MHC-II motifs. This shows the
importance of integrating both neutral and adaptive markers when
investigating genetic variation in the context of ex situ conservation,
as well as gut microbial community assessment. We advocate for more
natural mating systems in captive breeding program to foster genetic
diversity as a whole to mitigate the effects of genetic drift on those
small, isolated populations.