Bacillus, a soil-derived gut microbe, modulates the development of soil invertebrates

Gut microbiotas play a role in host metabolism, immunity, and health. However, little is known about their assembly and host-specific sorting mechanisms. Deciphering their natural assembly patterns will help us understand the internal connection between microbes and host organisms and their ecology. In this study, we conducted deep sequencing and meta-analysis of the gut microbiota of soil invertebrate. We deciphered the natural assembly process in the gut microbiota of soil Enchytraeus and identified a key taxon (Bacillus) that enhances the development, growth, and reproduction of Enchytraeus by synthesizing vitamin B12. Our findings have implications for dissecting the natural sorting mechanism and microbe-based soil-ecological remediation.