Contribution of the seminal microbiome to paternal programming

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Microbiome Research
• Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD)

Background:

• The DOHaD field traditionally emphasizes maternal influences on offspring health.
• Emerging research highlights the potential role of paternal factors, including the seminal microbiome.
• Semen microbes were historically viewed as pathogenic but are now recognized as a diverse commensal community.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on seminal microbiota in humans and animals.
• To discuss the involvement of seminal microbiota in paternal programming of offspring health.
• To propose and explore mechanisms of paternal influence transmission via the seminal microbiome.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on seminal microbiota.
• Synthesis of evidence regarding microbial transmission during mating.
• Discussion of proposed mechanisms for paternal programming via seminal microbiome.

Main Results:

• The seminal microbiome comprises a diverse community of commensal microbes.
• Semen microbes can be transmitted to the female reproductive tract, potentially influencing fertility and embryo development.
• Evidence suggests a role for seminal microbiota in paternal programming of offspring health.

Conclusions:

• The seminal microbiome represents a novel pathway for paternal programming.
• Understanding seminal microbiome-based paternal programming expands beyond epigenetic modifications, oxidative stress, and cytokines.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms and implications of seminal microbiome-mediated paternal effects.