Functional divergence in gastrointestinal microbiota in physically-separated genetically identical mice

G. B. Rogers, J. Kozlowska, J. Keeble, K. Metcalfe, M. Fao, S. E. Dowd, A. J. Mason, M. A. McGuckin, K. D. Bruce

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Abstract

Despite the fundamental contribution of the gut microbiota to host physiology, the extent of its variation in genetically-identical animals used in research is not known. We report significant divergence in both the composition and metabolism of gut microbiota in genetically-identical adult C57BL/6 mice housed in separate controlled units within a single commercial production facility. The reported divergence in gut microbiota has the potential to confound experimental studies using mammalian models.

Original languageEnglish
Article number5437
JournalScientific reports
Volume4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished or Issued - 25 Jun 2014

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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