Placental and maternal microbiome adaptations in a preeclamptic-like mouse model

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Genomics

Background:

• The maternal microbiome is increasingly recognized for its role in pregnancy.
• Vertical microbial transmission from mother to fetus is supported by growing evidence.
• The placenta's role in microbial transfer is an area of active investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate placental microbial signatures in a preeclampsia (PE)-like mouse model.
• To compare placental microbial communities with oral, fecal, and vaginal microbiomes.
• To determine if placental microbial composition differs between hypertensive and normotensive pregnant mice.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the obese BPH/5 mouse model with a PE-like phenotype and normotensive C57 mice.
• Collected samples from feces, oral cavity, vagina, and placenta at embryonic day 18.5.
• Performed 16S rRNA gene sequencing and bioinformatic analyses for microbial diversity and composition.

Main Results:

• Placental microbial signatures showed significantly higher diversity than oral microbiomes.
• Distinct microbial communities were observed across body sites and between mouse strains.
• Placental and vaginal microbiomes showed no significant differences, but BPH/5 placentas had unique genus enrichments compared to C57.

Conclusions:

• Placental microbial signatures are unique in a preeclampsia-like mouse model.
• Microbial alterations in the placenta may be strain-specific.
• Further research is needed to understand the functional impact of these microbial differences on pregnancy outcomes.