Department of Biomedical Sciences

University of Missouri

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Harmful Bacteria May Hide in Semen

Scientists have discovered a microbiome in the reproductive tract of male mice that harbors potentially harmful bacteria.

Bacteria found in this specialized microbiome may pass from father to offspring, where it may lead to later disease risk, such as obesity. In fathers, some bacteria may initiate diseases, such as prostatitis, that can lead to prostate cancer.

“Microbiomes are influenced by many factors such as temperature, the pH or acidity of the environment, and whether there’s a food source to promote bacterial growth,” says Cheryl Rosenfeld, Associate Professor of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Missouri.

“The male reproductive tract includes a unique niche in which bacteria thrive, i.e. the seminal vesicles. These tubular glands produce seminal fluid, are located in an environment that is temperature controlled, and is rich in carbohydrates needed to feed bacteria. Our team set out to isolate this potential microbiome and analyze whether it could harbor harmful bacteria.”

For the study, researchers collected and isolated seminal fluid and vesicles from male mice and then sequenced the DNA of the bacteria located in the reproductive organs and fluid.

“The data showed that the bacterial composition found in the male reproductive tract contained potentially detrimental bacteria that can be transmitted to female reproductive partners and offspring,” Rosenfeld says. “The bacteria also could be the causative agent of chronic prostatitis, a possible precursor to prostate cancer in males.

“Additionally, further testing showed this bacterial community contains bacteria that may cause obesity in rats. Understanding how these genetic and environmental factors influence this particular microbiome could help in understanding how possible developmental disorders and diseases are passed down by fathers to their offspring.”

The study is published in Scientific Reports.

Graduate Studies in Biomedical Sciences

At the Department of Biomedical Sciences, investigators are engaged in research across a variety of fields, including cancer, neurodegenerative disease, exercise, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, respiratory and reproductive physiology.

With world-class and award-winning researchers, our graduate program has a great deal to offer.

Find out more.

Faculty Spotlight

Xiangwei (Shaun) Du, PhD

News

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  • Research With Heart
  • Retired Associate Dean Ronald L. Terjung Passes Away

Contact

Department of Biomedical Sciences
University of Missouri-Columbia
E102 Veterinary Medical Building
1520 Rollins Street
Columbia, MO 65211
Phone: 573-882-7011
Fax: 573-884-6890

 

Administrative Contacts

Dr. Douglas Bowles
Department Chair

BowlesD@missouri.edu
573-882-7193

Dr. Kevin Cummings
Director of Graduate Studies
cummingske@missouri.edu
573-882-0283

Thomas Thompson
Business Manager

ThompsonT@missouri.edu
573-882-4503

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