From microbiome to sperm motility traits: an inside-out perspective

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology
• Microbiome research
• Animal ecology

Background:

• Host-associated microbes significantly impact host physiology, ecology, and evolution.
• The role of microbial communities in reproductive organs and their function remains largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize skin and ejaculate-associated microbiomes in guppies (Poecilia reticulata).
• To investigate correlations between microbial diversity, specific bacterial taxa, and sperm motility traits in guppies.

Main Methods:

• Utilized guppies (Poecilia reticulata) as a model organism due to their established reproductive physiology.
• Analyzed skin and ejaculate microbiomes.
• Assessed sperm motility traits as predictors of reproductive success.

Main Results:

• A correlation was found between skin microbiome diversity and sperm performance.
• Increased skin microbiome richness was linked to reduced sperm velocity.
• No significant associations were detected for ejaculate-associated microbiomes regarding sperm performance.

Conclusions:

• The skin microbiome may act as an indicator of reproductive potential by reflecting systemic physiological states.
• While the ejaculate microbiome's direct influence on sperm traits is possible, the skin microbiome offers insights into broader fertility-associated conditions.