Comparative Analysis of Gut Microbiota Provides Insights into High-altitude Adaptation in <italic>Rana kukunoris</italic> on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau

The Qinghai-Xizang Plateau presents an extreme environment characterized by high altitude, low oxygen availability, and harsh living conditions. High-altitude-residing amphibians, such as <i>Rana kukunoris</i>, have evolved specific physiological adaptations to survive in these habitats. However, the composition and functional significance of their gut microbiota with regard to these adaptations remain poorly explored. This study utilized 16S rRNA gene sequencing to characterize and compare the gut microbiota of <i>Rana kukunoris</i> with that of two low-altitude frogs, <i>Rana amurensis</i> and <i>Rana dybowskii</i>, to investigate potential microbial contributions to high-altitude adaptation. Results revealed significant differences in gut microbiota diversity and composition between high- and low-altitude frogs. Notably, <i>Akkermansia muciniphila</i> and <i>Desulfovibrio</i> species were significantly enriched in <i>Rana kukunoris</i>. Functional predictions indicated significant enrichment of arginine biosynthesis pathways and associated metabolic processes in the high-altitude frog, which may enhance oxygen utilization and vascular homeostasis under hypoxic conditions. These findings provide insights into the gut microbiota of <i>Rana kukunoris</i> and suggest a potential crucial role in facilitating physiological adaptations to extreme environments through enhanced metabolic flexibility and stress resistance.