The microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals exhibite diverse characteristics, with microbial communities residing in different ecological niches displaying distinct spatial differences, often characterize by high host specificity. In addition to the compositional differences observe along the longitudinal axis of the gastrointestinal tract, microbes also form discrete characteristic communities within specific microenvironments. This review explored how the physical environment of the gastrointestinal tract affaceded the spatial formation and maintenance of microbial communities, the role of diet in shaping the spatial distribution of gut microbiota, and the importance of this spatial heterogeneity in maintaining organismal health. Focusing on the spatial heterogeneity of gastrointestinal microbiota enables a more comprehensive understanding of the adaptive strategies and biological functions of microbes in different locations and local environments in the gastrointestinal tract. This approach contributed to a better understanding of the role of the gut microbiota in health and disease, providing new theoretical foundations for maintaining gut health, preventing and treating diseases, and developing personalized medical strategies.
| 科 Family | 属数 Number of genus | 种数 Number of species | 占总种数比例 Percentage of total species (%) | 属 Genus | 种数 Number of species | 占总种数比例 Percentage of total species (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 鹅膏菌科Amanitaceae | 2 | 11 | 5.26 | 鹅膏菌属 Amanita | 10 | 4.78 |
| 小菇科 Mycenaceae | 2 | 12 | 5.74 | 丝盖伞属 Inocybe | 5 | 2.39 |
| 多孔菌科 Polyporaceae | 8 | 14 | 6.70 | 蜡蘑属 Laccaria | 5 | 2.39 |
| 红菇科 Russulaceae | 3 | 23 | 11.00 | 小皮伞属 Marasmius | 6 | 2.87 |
| 小菇属 Mycena | 11 | 5.26 | ||||
| 光柄菇属 Pluteus | 5 | 2.39 | ||||
| 红菇属 Russula | 17 | 8.13 | ||||
| 栓菌属 Trametes | 5 | 2.39 |