The Translational Microbiome Research Forum is an online resource for scientists engaged in translational microbiome research to access current, topical information and to provide a platform to exchange knowledge and ideas. We encourage you to participate by actively using the commenting system, by submitting events, and by joining our email list to receive updates when new content is posted.

  • Defined Microbiome Profiles Can Improve Mouse Model Predictability


    It is well documented that the microbiome can impact both the development of disease and the efficacy of therapeutics. The microbiome also is consistently cited as a significant contributor to preclinical study variability and reproducibility, in part due to its effects on a mouse model’s predictability. With a strong incentive to better understand the role […]

  • Landmark paper calls for need to develop the world’s microbiome biobanking infrastructure


    A team of scientists led by CABI’s Dr. Matthew Ryan has outlined a series of challenges and opportunities presented in a necessary review of how microbiomes—biological communities including bacteria, archaea, fungi, algae, protists and viruses—can be ‘banked’ and preserved for generations to come. The researchers, who call for a prioritized list of what should be […]

  • On-Demand Webinar: Breed Vs. Buy: What’s The Right Choice For Your Lab?


    How do you determine whether to buy laboratory rodents from a commercial vendor or to produce them with an in-house breeding colony? This is dependent on your lab’s specific situation and research needs. Check out this webinar at your leisure to hear from a panel of experts at Taconic Biosciences who will discuss the critical […]

  • On-Demand Webinar: Genetically Engineered Mouse Colitis Models for Preclinical Drug Development


    Genetically engineered mouse colitis models are increasing the flexibility and predictive validity of preclinical colitis models in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) research. These powerful tools are increasingly supplementing or replacing traditional chemically induced models (e.g. DSS- or TNBS-induced colitis), and offer important translational and mechanistic insights in IBD drug development. View this webinar to learn […]

  • Update on the Upcoming “Virtual” Translational Microbiome Conference


    The 6th Annual Translational Microbiome Conference is carrying on as a “VIRTUAL” event this year on April 21st through the 24th. We’ve recently adjusted our agenda to accommodate a virtual event. Here are a few details regarding this event in case you’d like to join us: 4 days of learning via our virtual conference platform […]

  • Webinar Q&A — Microbiological Monitoring of Germ-Free and Gnotobiotic Colonies


    Dr. Paula Roesch recently presented a webinar on microbiological monitoring of germ-free and gnotobiotic colonies. Taconic Biosciences has decades of experience in this area and Dr. Roesch presented a thorough look at all aspects of the process, starting from tools and approaches to process validation and monitoring and moving into isolator monitoring techniques. She even […]

  • On-Demand Webinar: Microbiological Monitoring of Germ-free and Gnotobiotic Colonies


    In order to maintain germ-free colonies, researchers must implement specialized techniques and husbandry requirements not needed in standard vivariums. This is critical to prevent contamination within a gnotobiotic facility. Download this webinar to learn about appropriate validation of supply sterilization and recommended monitoring techniques for germ-free and gnotobiotic isolators. By watching you can learn: Autoclave, […]

  • Webinar Q&A — Controlling the Macroenvironment: A Novel Approach to Germ-free Derivations


    Dr. Cristina Weiner recently presented a webinar featuring a novel approach to germ-free derivations. She discussed the importance of understanding baseline performance and making incremental process improvements as well as how Taconic Biosciences developed and implemented a new facility design which supports improved germ-free derivation success. Q: You stated during the presentation that, on balance, […]

  • Time For Better Microbiome Research


    The microbiome needs no introduction – it has been several years since you could pick up a biomedical research journal and not run into an article on possible connections of human gut bacteria and disease. There were thousands of such papers last year alone. But it’s a very hard field to work in. You can […]

  • Gut-educated IgA plasma cells defend the meningeal venous sinuses


    Abstract The central nervous system has historically been viewed as an immune-privileged site, but recent data have shown that the meninges—the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord—contain a diverse population of immune cells1. So far, studies have focused on macrophages and T cells, but have not included a detailed analysis of meningeal humoral […]

  • Bifidobacterium longum counters the effects of obesity: Partial successful translation from rodent to human


    Abstract Background The human gut microbiota has emerged as a key factor in the development of obesity. Certain probiotic strains have shown anti-obesity effects. The objective of this study was to investigate whether Bifidobacterium longum APC1472 has anti-obesity effects in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice and whether B. longum APC1472 supplementation reduces body-mass index (BMI) […]

  • Reducing versus Embracing Variation as Strategies for Reproducibility: The Microbiome of Laboratory Mice


    Abstract Irreproducibility is a well-recognized problem in biomedical animal experimentation. Phenotypic variation in animal models is one of the many challenging causes of irreproducibility. How to deal with phenotypic variation in experimental designs is a topic of debate. Both reducing and embracing variation are highlighted as strategies for reproducibility. In this theoretical review, we use […]

  • Acute and long-term effects of antibiotics commonly used in laboratory animal medicine on the fecal microbiota


    Abstract Biomedical research relies on the use of animal models, and the animals used in those models receive medical care, including antibiotics for brief periods of time to treat conditions such as dermatitis, fight wounds, and suspected bacterial pathogens of unknown etiology. As many mouse model phenotypes are sensitive to changes in the gut microbiota, […]

  • Gut microbiome alterations induced by tributyltin exposure are associated with increased body weight, impaired glucose and insulin homeostasis and endocrine disruption in mice


    Abstract Tributyltin (TBT), an organotin compound once widely used in agriculture and industry, has been reported to induce obesity and endocrine disruption. Gut microbiota has a strong connection with the host’s physiology. Nevertheless, the influences of TBT exposure on gut microbiota and whether TBT-influenced gut microbiota is related to TBT-induced toxicity remain unclear. To fill […]

  • Faecal microbiota transplant from aged donor mice affects spatial learning and memory via modulating hippocampal synaptic plasticity- and neurotransmission-related proteins in young recipients


    Abstract Background The gut-brain axis and the intestinal microbiota are emerging as key players in health and disease. Shifts in intestinal microbiota composition affect a variety of systems; however, evidence of their direct impact on cognitive functions is still lacking. We tested whether faecal microbiota transplant (FMT) from aged donor mice into young adult recipients […]

  • The maternal microbiome modulates fetal neurodevelopment in mice


    Abstract ‘Dysbiosis’ of the maternal gut microbiome, in response to challenges such as infection1, altered diet2 and stress3 during pregnancy, has been increasingly associated with abnormalities in brain function and behaviour of the offspring4. However, it is unclear whether the maternal gut microbiome influences neurodevelopment during critical prenatal periods and in the absence of environmental […]

  • The gut microbiota may be a novel pathogenic mechanism in loosening of orthopedic implants in rats


    Abstract Particles released from implants cause inflammatory bone loss, which is a key factor in aseptic loosening, the most common reason for joint replacement failure. With the anticipated increased incidence of total joint replacement in the next decade, implant failure will continue to burden patients. The gut microbiome is increasingly recognized as an important factor […]

  • Obesity Worsens Gulf War Illness Symptom Persistence Pathology by Linking Altered Gut Microbiome Species to Long-Term Gastrointestinal, Hepatic, and Neuronal Inflammation in a Mouse Model


    Abstract Persistence of Gulf War illness (GWI) pathology among deployed veterans is a clinical challenge even after almost three decades. Recent studies show a higher prevalence of obesity and metabolic disturbances among Gulf War veterans primarily due to the existence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic fatigue, sedentary lifestyle, and consumption of a high-carbohydrate/high-fat diet. […]

  • Events
    We maintain a calendar of events and meetings related to the field of Microbiome Research. Check it often for new events and conferences, or submit something for the calendar here.

  • Gut microbiota from multiple sclerosis patients enables spontaneous autoimmune encephalomyelitis in mice


    Significance Studies using experimental models have indicated that multiple sclerosis (MS)-like disease can be triggered in the gut following interactions of brain autoimmune T lymphocytes with local microbiota.

  • BOOK REVIEW: GNOTOBIOTICS


    Gnotobiotics, edited by Trenton Schoeb and Kathryn Eaton, is invaluable to those developing or managing gnotobiotic facilities.

  • Stress could be just as unhealthy as junk food


    Brigham Young University: We all know that a poor diet is unhealthy, but a new BYU study finds that stress may just as harmful to our bodies as a really bad diet.

  • Infection via mosquito bite alters Zika virus replication kinetics in rhesus macaques


    Abstract For more than three decades it has been recognized that small amounts of vector saliva can significantly alter the infectivity of vector-borne pathogens and subsequent in vivo dynamics.

  • Of Mice, Dirty Mice, and Men: Using Mice To Understand Human Immunology


    Abstract Mouse models have enabled breakthroughs in our understanding of the immune system, but it has become increasingly popular to emphasize their shortcomings when translating observations to humans.

  • Microbial Genetic Composition Tunes Host Longevity


    Highlights •Systematic analysis of longevity-promoting microbial genetic variations •Colanic acid as a pro-longevity natural compound effective in different species

  • Learning more about the gut microbiota


    The GMFH editing team recommends these book selections on the topic.

  • Stay up-to-date!
    Email Address *
    First Name
    Last Name

    * indicates required
    Privacy Policy




    Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | © 2021 The Translational Microbiome Research Forum

    As of 3/31 the forum will no longer be active. Please visit taconic.com/events for future bioscience events as Taconic remains committed to leading the industry in microbiome solutions. Thank you for your support.