Lifelong temporal dynamics of the gut microbiome associated with longevity in mice

The effect of lifelong dynamics on host longevity of the gut microbiome is largely unknown. Herein, we analyzed the longitudinal fecal samples of seven sibling mice across their lifespan from birth to natural death, spanning over 1,000 days of age, and maintained them under controlled environmental and dietary conditions. Our 16S-RNA sequencing analysis revealed 38 common "life-core" bacterial species/OTUs (operational taxonomic units) detected in ≥80% of all samples collected across the lifespan of individual mice. Despite the shared genetic background and dietary habits, the gut microbiome structure significantly diversified with age and among individuals. We found a strong positive correlation between longevity and the alpha diversity in middle age (500-700 days) and negative correlation in old age (>800 days). Furthermore, host longevity was significantly associated with the abundance of 17 bacterial species/OTUs, most of which were "life-core" species. Our data suggest that temporal dynamics of the gut microbiome are strongly linked to host longevity. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest.