Escherichia coli is widespread in healthy breastfed infants, yet its ecological role is unclear. Here, the authors provide insights into the mechanisms supporting its persistence and co-existence with...

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This post-doctoral position will contribute to both complementary programmes, developing ‘broadband’ metagenomic sequencing capabilities for rapid detection and characterisation of emerging and unknow...

The 2nd International Symposium on Bifidobacterial Biology (ISBB) – Parma, Italy – September 18–19, 2026.

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As a Research Associate in the Hall Lab, you will play a crucial role in supporting microbiome research initiatives aimed at enhancing our understanding of the role of early life microbes in promoting...

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Nutrition plays a fundamental role in shaping human health across the life course, influencing both host physiology and the composition and function of the gut microbiota. In turn, the gut microbiota ...

Background Recent studies have shown that the maternal gut microbiota can regulate placental growth, particularly the transport region, in association with fetal growth. However, the specific role of certain microorganisms in modulating the hormonal production of the placenta, which is critical for supporting fetal development and maintaining a healthy pregnancy, remains largely unexplored. In this context, the objective of this study is to determine whether the maternal colonisation with the early life gut bacterium Bifidobacterium breve UCC2003 regulates placental endocrine function. Methods Pregnant germ-free mice were colonized with or without Bifidobacterium breve UCC2003 (BIF) during pregnancy. The endocrine region of the placenta (junctional zone, Jz) was collected to assess its metabolic profile using metabolomics, the expression of key nutrient uptake genes, hormones and synthetic genes by qPCR, and proteome using LC-MS/MS. Results BIF colonised dams had increased lactate and taurine concentrations in the placental Jz. BIF presence was also associated with upregulated expression of nutrient carriers, particularly those involved in large neutral amino acid and monocarboxylate uptake (e.g., Slc7a8 and Slc16a4). Additionally, key hormones, such as prolactins and pregnancy-specific glycoproteins, were upregulated. The Jz proteome was changed in BIF colonised dams, with over 400 proteins dysregulated. Pathway analysis revealed more than 150 biological processes were altered, including transcriptional activity, protein synthesis, cell cycle progression, and metabolic regulation. Proteins regulated by BIF in the placental Jz were correlated with fetal growth and nutrient levels (namely glucose). Notably, maternal-associated BIF reduced the number of fetal resorptions (early fetal loss). Conclusions In germ-free mice, maternal-associated gut Bifidobacterium breve UCC2003 regulates placental endocrine capacity, by altering its metabolic profile and ability to produce endocrine factors. This study provides the first clear evidence that the maternal gut microbiota not only influences placental transport function, but also regulates its endocrine outputs. Graphical Abstract

Build skills in microbiome metagenomics, bioinformatics, and data interpretation to advance maternal and child health research

Here, the authors show that giving probiotics to very low birth weight preterm babies can help reduce harmful antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the gut and support the development of a healthier microb...