Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026

A Method to Define the Effects of Environmental Enrichment on Colon Microbiome Biodiversity in a Mouse Colon Tumor Model
Published on: February 28, 2018
The host genotype actively shapes its microbiome across generations in laboratory mice
Laurentiu Benga1, Anna Rehm2, Christina Gougoula3
1Central Unit for Animal Research and Animal Welfare Affairs, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany. Laurentiu.Benga@med.uni-duesseldorf.de.
Background:
The microbiome greatly affects health and wellbeing. Evolutionarily, it is doubtful that a host would rely on chance alone to pass on microbial colonization to its offspring. However, the literature currently offers only limited evidence regarding two alternative hypotheses: active microbial shaping by host genetic factors or transmission of a microbial maternal legacy.
Results:
To further dissect the influence of host genetics and maternal inheritance, we collected two-cell stage embryos from two representative wild types, C57BL6/J and BALB/c, and transferred a mixture of both genotype embryos into hybrid recipient mice to be inoculated by an identical microbiome at birth.
Conclusions:
Observing the offspring for six generations unequivocally emphasizes the impact of host genetic factors over maternal legacy in constant environments, akin to murine laboratory experiments. Interestingly, maternal legacy solely controlled the microbiome in the first offspring generation. However, current evidence supporting maternal legacy has not extended beyond this initial generation, resolving the aforementioned debate. Video Abstract.
More Related Videos
05:28Analysis of Fecal Microbiota Dynamics in Lupus-Prone Mice Using a Simple, Cost-Effective DNA Isolation Method
Published on: May 2, 2022
05:34Operating and Biocontainment Procedures of a Facility for Laboratory Mice with a Natural Microbiome: Immunophenotyping Procedure
Published on: December 13, 2024
Related Concept Videos
Evolution of New Traits in Microbes
Evolution of Microbial Genome
Introduction to the Human Microbiota
Development of Human Microbiota
Microbiota of the Stomach and Small Intestine
Microbiota of the Large Intestine