Chinese Scientists Discover Thousands of Novel Microbial Species in Tibet Plateau Animal Feces with Biotech Potential
- MM24 News Desk
- 5 hours ago
- 4 min read
Chinese scientists from Yunnan University and BGI-Research discovered that 88 percent of microbial species found in over 5,000 fecal samples from Qinghai-Tibet Plateau herbivores were previously unknown, with potential applications in cellulose degradation, methane reduction, and gene-editing tools.
Published in Microbiome, the five-year study analyzed 1,412 samples from six species including yaks, Tibetan sheep, and antelope, with lead author Zhang Zhigang noting the discoveries could provide strategic value for developing CRISPR-Cas enzymes and antimicrobial peptides.
Hidden in the frozen highlands of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau—often called the "Third Pole"—lies an unexpected trove of biological innovation: animal poop.
Chinese scientists have discovered that the feces of yaks, Tibetan sheep, antelope and other native herbivores harbor thousands of previously unknown microbial species, some of which could be game changers for biotechnology. They include novel strains that have the potential to degrade cellulose—used for paper, cardboard and clothing—and other strains that could help reduce methane emissions from livestock production.
The researchers also said the genomic data could support the potential development of novel gene-editing tools, antimicrobial peptides and other biotechnology products.
"Our results showed that animals living in harsh environments are promising sources for the discovery of novel biological functions of gut-residing microbes," they wrote in an article published in the peer-reviewed journal Microbiome this month.
"Our study presents the first blueprint of the gut microbiota of native mammals at the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, termed the Third Pole. [It] emphasizes that a considerable number of unknown microbial species still remain [to] be uncovered, and that global efforts are needed to characterize the huge repertoire of microbial organisms and elucidate their biological roles in various environmental niches."
The study was conducted as part of the Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research Programme. Scientists from Yunnan University and BGI-Research spent five years collecting more than 5,000 fresh fecal samples from six herbivores native to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau: yaks, Tibetan sheep, antelope, cattle, horses and wild asses called kiangs.
For this initial study, they analyzed 1,412 of the samples and found that 88 percent of the microbial species were previously unknown.Lead author Zhang Zhigang, a researcher at Yunnan University, said the country could gain strategic value from these newly discovered microbial resources. "Nations that spearhead the discovery of these resources stand to gain control, particularly over any patentable functional elements," he said.
He said the key component of the widely used genome-editing technology CRISPR-Cas system was an enzyme that cut DNA at a specific location. "Its stability, biological activity and targeting specificity are very important. We can look into our database to see if there is any brand new [enzyme] that can be used for gene editing."
He also said the team would look into the possibilities of using the discoveries to develop small molecule drugs—compounds that can easily enter cells and target specific biological processes.
Co-author Li Xiaoping, a researcher at BGI-Research, said the BGI team had applied their years of experience analyzing human gut microbiome to laboratory animals, and now wild animals. BGI-Research is the research arm of Chinese genomics company BGI Group.
"Large herbivores on the plateau consume a lot of plants. Their intestines have a lot of enzymes that are capable of degrading cellulose," she said.
Cellulose is the main substance in the cell walls of plants, and used in making paper and textiles. "We are conducting experiments to validate their ability to degrade cellulose and [determine] which enzymes are the main drivers," Li said.
While studies have shown that yaks emit less methane than cattle thanks to their microbial metabolic strategies, the team is interested in pinpointing the bacteria at work.
"We identified two strains of bacteria that have not been previously described and conducted in vitro fermentation experiments using rumen fluid from cattle. We added these strains to see the overall gas and methane emissions," she added.
"The initial results from our experiments showed that adding these two strains led to a decrease in methane emissions compared to the controls. We are currently designing in vivo experiments to evaluate whether these bacteria have a similar effect on methane emissions inside animals. We hope to achieve positive results because these bacteria have the potential to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions."
The discovery represents more than academic curiosity. The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau's extreme environment—with high altitude, low oxygen, intense UV radiation, and dramatic temperature swings—creates unique selective pressures on organisms living there. The gut microbes that evolved to help herbivores survive these conditions may possess capabilities unavailable in species from milder climates.
The strategic implications of microbial resource discovery extend beyond scientific prestige. As Zhang noted, nations controlling these biological resources could dominate patent landscapes for derivative technologies. With biotechnology increasingly driving pharmaceutical development, industrial processes, and agricultural innovation, microbial biodiversity represents genuine economic and strategic assets.
The CRISPR-Cas connection proves particularly significant. Since its development revolutionized genetic engineering, researchers have sought improved variants of the DNA-cutting enzymes that power the technology. Enzymes from extremophile microbes often exhibit enhanced stability and specificity compared to conventional variants, potentially enabling more precise and reliable gene editing.
The cellulose degradation potential addresses industrial challenges in converting plant biomass into useful products. More efficient cellulose-breaking enzymes could improve paper manufacturing, textile production, and biofuel generation. Given global emphasis on sustainable materials and renewable energy, such enzymes carry considerable commercial value.
The methane reduction application targets one of agriculture's most pressing environmental problems. Livestock—particularly cattle—produce substantial methane through digestive fermentation, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
Microbial interventions that reduce methane production without harming animal health or productivity would benefit both climate goals and agricultural economics.
The five-year sample collection effort across the plateau's challenging terrain demonstrates commitment to comprehensive microbial surveying. With only 1,412 of over 5,000 samples analyzed so far, the dataset promises years of additional discoveries as researchers work through remaining specimens.
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