Specific gut microbiome's role in skin pigmentation: insights from SCARB1 mutants in Oujiang color common carp.

The SCARB1 knockout gene blockage led to significant alterations in the gut microbiome, potentially influencing the observed reduction in carotenoid-associated skin pigmentation. Our study emphasizes that skin pigmentation is not only impacted by genetic factors but also by the gut microbiome. Meanwhile, the gut microbiome's adaptability can be rapidly shaped and may be driven by specific single-gene variations.