Maternal Microbiome Shapes Fetal Brain and Gut Development
A study conducted on mice found that the microbes in a mother's body influence the activity of genes in the fetal intestine, brain, and placenta. The research revealed significant differences in gene expression associated with the immune system, nervous system, and pregnancy regulation between normal mice and germ-free mice in sterile environments. The findings suggest that the maternal microbiota and the compounds it produces play a crucial role in the development and health of offspring, particularly in the intestine and brain. The study also identified previously unknown metabolites influenced by the maternal microbiota that may impact fetal development.