The study of gut microbiome in Gansu zokor, Eospalax cansus
The Gansu zokor (Eospalax cansus), a typical subterranean rodent endemic to the Chinese Loess Plateau, spends almost the whole life in its self-constructed underground burrows and has strong adaptability to ambient hypoxia. Energy adaptation is the key to supporting hypoxia tolerance, and recent studies have shown that the intestinal microbiota has evident effect on energy metabolism. our results suggest that the altered gut microbiota mediates carbohydrate metabolic pattern under hypoxia, possibly contributing to the hepatic metabolic flexibility in Gansu zokor, which leading to better adaptation to hypoxic environments.