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Exploring the Microbiome in Human Reproductive Tract: High-Throughput Methods for the Taxonomic Characterization of
Eduardo Salas-Espejo1, Laura C Terrón-Camero2, José L Ruiz2
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
Seminars in Reproductive Medicine
|February 6, 2024
Summary
Microbiome research in human reproduction is advancing with new sequencing techniques. This review guides researchers on selecting appropriate methods for accurate fertility and reproductive health insights.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive microbiology and human health.
- Microbiome analysis techniques for reproductive niches.
Background:
- Microorganisms play vital roles in human health, including immunological and metabolic functions.
- Understanding the reproductive microbiome (vaginal, uterine, semen) is crucial for fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
- Emerging research highlights the significance of microbial communities in human reproduction.
Approach:
- This review examines current microbiome-related techniques applicable to human reproduction.
- Focuses on standard methods like 16S rRNA gene sequencing, metagenomics, and meta-transcriptomics.
- Includes complementary approaches: meta-proteomics, meta-metabolomics, and culturomics.
Key Points:
- Advanced sequencing and multi-omics techniques offer high-resolution microbiome characterization.
- Complex protocols and bioinformatics analyses require specialized expertise.
- Methodology selection critically impacts result reproducibility, accuracy, and quality.
Conclusions:
- Provides case examples and recommendations for choosing appropriate microbiome analysis workflows.
- Discusses the strengths and limitations of various techniques for reproductive microbiome studies.
- Aims to facilitate accurate taxonomic and functional microbiome profiling for biological interpretation.
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