A lack of commensal microbiota influences the male reproductive tract intergenerationally in mice.

ABSTRACT:

In brief

Germ-free mice display epididymal transcriptomic changes that were also evident in their conventionalized male offspring and mice lacking T and B cells. This paper demonstrates the role of microbiota and immune cells in the epididymis.

Abstract

The microbiome encompasses the array of microorganisms inhabiting various niches in the body and is necessary for numerous physiological processes, including normal metabolism and a functioning immune system. Not only does the absence of a microbiome in mice impact the exposed animals but also inherited phenotypes in successive generations of progeny, suggesting that the absence of a microbiome impacts the germline and gametes. Indeed, recent research has identified a role of the gut microbiome in contributing to male fertili

SUBMITTER: Trigg NA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11906130 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature