Co-evolution of gut microbes in colobine monkeys

Vanessa Luming Reynolds Hale, Purdue University

Abstract

The gut microbiota provides a window into host health and disease. As research on these symbiotic bacteria accumulates, we learn more about the potential of gut flora to serve as both a diagnostic tool and a therapeutic target. To date, studies on humans as well as laboratory and domesticated animals have dominated the gut microbiome field. However, gut microbial studies also hold great potential for assessing the health of wildlife, as microbiota can be assessed from non-invasively collected fecal samples. Microbiome studies may be particularly valuable for organisms such as colobine monkeys that commonly exhibit gastrointestinal (GI) problems in captivity. My research focuses on 4 questions: 1) How do field conditions (i.e. temperature, humidity, time elapsed between defecation and collection) affect estimates of fecal microbial composition and diversity for samples collected up to 24 hours after deposition? 2) How does the fecal preservation method (i.e. FTA card, RNAlater, ethanol, freezing) affect estimates of microbial composition and diversity if stored for up to 8 weeks before analysis? 3) How do gut microbial communities differ between wild and captive Rhinopithecus brelichi? 4) Lastly, which has a stronger influence on gut microbial communities of closely related colobine monkeys: diet or host phylogeny? My research is designed to provide a guide for future fecal collection and preservation protocols for gut microbial studies; it also illustrates the importance of diet in shaping key differences in gut microbial communities between wild and captive R. brelichi as well as those of captive colobine species. Thus, my research provides a foundation to assess the role of gut microbiota in colobine health as well as to improve captive management practices.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Howard, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Ecology|Microbiology

Off-Campus Purdue Users:
To access this dissertation, please log in to our
proxy server
.

Share

COinS