Abstract

This study, conducted in collaboration with Dr. Christina Warinner and Dr. Alexander Hüebner, focuses on understanding the gut microbiome of the Mongolian population and its role in the digestion of dairy products, in particular considering adaptations to lactase persistence. In Mongolia, where dairy consumption is an important part of the diet, we are investigating how the gut microbiome composition differs between urban and rural Mongolian populations. Using tools such as MetaPhlAn and de novo genome assembly, we are exploring the metagenome-assembled genomes to delineate the mechanisms by which the gut microbiome supports the metabolism of dairy products, providing insights into the interplay between diet, genetics, and urbanization in gut health.