Gut microbiota dynamics in SAMP8 mice: insights from machine learning and longitudinal analysis

Aging is associated with profound changes in microbial composition, yet the precise trajectories and key microbial signatures of aging remain incompletely understood. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of gut microbiota dynamics in aging SAMP8 mice. By identifying significant shifts in microbial diversity, composition, and aging-related trajectories, our findings highlight the progressive restructuring of gut microbiota with age. Understanding these changes is critical for uncovering potential microbial biomarkers of aging, which could serve as diagnostic tools or therapeutic targets to promote healthy aging. Notably, we demonstrate that some key taxa, such as <i>Peptococcus</i>, can differentiate young and aged microbiomes with high accuracy, offering insights into the potential role of gut microbiota in aging-related health decline. These findings provide a foundation for future research aimed at microbiota-targeted interventions, such as probiotics or dietary modifications, to mitigate age-associated diseases and improve lifespan and health span.