Rock substrate rather than black stain alterations drives microbial community structure in the passage of Lascaux Cave

• DOI: 10.1186/s40168-018-0599-9
• Publication Date: 2018-12-05T08:52:54Z
• Authors: Lise Alonso; Charline Creuzé-d...; Théo Trabac; Audrey Dubost; Yvan Moënne-Loccoz; Thomas Pommier
• Keywords: Ancient DNA; Stain

The World-famous UNESCO heritage from the Paleolithic human society, Lascaux Cave (France), has endeavored intense microclimatic perturbations, in part due to high touristic pressure. These perturbations have resulted numerous disturbances of cave ecosystem, including on its microbial compartment, which formation black stains especially rock faces passage. We investigated microbiome this by sampling three mineral substrates (soil, banks, and inclined planes) outside assess current assemblage explore possibility that pigmented microorganisms involved stain development occur as consortia. Microbial abundance diversity were assessed means quantitative PCR high-throughput sequencing (Illumina MiSeq) several DNA cDNA taxonomic markers. Five campaigns carried out during winter summer embrace potential seasonal effect somewhat stable environment (based measurements temperature CO2 concentration). While season or type substrate did not affect abundances bacteria micro-eukaryotes stains, rather than presence appears be most significant factor determining structuring community, regardless whether markers considered. A phylogenetic signal was also detected relation types, but with among OTUs common substrates. Co-occurrence network analyses showed bacterial fungal interactions positive tested (season, substrate, stain), these networks varied according ecological conditions time. Microorganisms known harbor pigmentation ability well established inside may prerequisite for subsequent formation. This first throughput performed secondary community structure, total transcriptionally active micro-eukaryotic communities results revealed new highlight need careful management avoid further wall degradation.