Effects of environmental enrichment on the gut microbiome in a mouse model of chronic unpredictable mild stress
This project investigates the effects of environmental enrichment (EE) on the gut microbiota composition in a mouse model of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). Chronic stress is known to induce depressive-like behaviors and compromise intestinal barrier integrity, often accompanied by dysbiosis of the gut microbiome. In this study, we utilized 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to analyze the fecal microbiota of mice exposed to CUMS, with or without subsequent housing in an enriched environment. Our primary goal is to determine how EE modulates microbial communities to alleviate stress-induced dysbiosis and support intestinal epithelial homeostasis. These sequencing data provide valuable insights into the microbiome-gut-brain axis and highlight the potential of environmental interventions in mitigating stress-related physiological disorders.