Functional and transcriptomic analysis of leaf litter digestion by millipedes: Role of microorganisms and digestive enzymes

Saprophagous macrofauna plays an important role in the decomposition of dead plant matter in the soil. The degradation of cellulosic compounds in the digestive tract depends on the synergistic action of digestive enzymes of invertebrates and associated microorganisms. This project will focus on the decomposition of cellulose in the digestive tract of millipedes. Measurements of chemical and physical conditions, presence of fermentation products, and activity of digestive enzymes in combination with metatranscriptomic analysis of individual gut sections (foregut, midgut, and hindgut), in comparison to millipede non-intestinal tissues, provide information for structural and functional description of the digestive process and to assess the role of animal digestive apparatus, intestinal microorganisms, and their interactions. The main aims of the project are to describe the functional and spatial diversity of the intestinal microbial community of millipedes and assess the role of enzymes of animals and microorganisms in the digestion of dead plant material and release greenhouse gases.