About this Research Topic
The unique influence of the maternal microbiome on the development of offspring is becoming more and more understood. The maternal microbiome can regulate the development of immunity, metabolism, and brain function of offspring. The maternal microbiota affects the development and health of offspring before and after childbirth. During pregnancy, the maternal gut microbiome assists the formation of central nervous circuits, nourish immune cells, and provide necessary micronutrients (such as folic acid, vitamin B, and short-chain fatty acids) for fetal growth. After birth, the mother microbiota will transport to the offspring and trigger effective immune stimulation, induce offspring's metabolism and developmental program in the early post-natal period. However, the mother's diet can greatly influence the gut flora. How the diet of pregnant women interacts with the gut microbiome to affect the programming of offspring is an important and interesting issue.
The purpose of this Research Topic is to gather the latest research about the effect of the maternal microbiome on the growth and development of offspring. New research that involves interventional strategies with the microbiome is also encouraged.
Original Research articles and critical Review articles only:
• New mechanisms for which maternal microbiome influence the offspring health;
• Promising intervention with maternal prebiotic, probiotic or postbiotic for offspring’s deprogramming;
• Potential new maternal microbiome-related strategies.
Keywords: Maternal, Microbiome, Nutrition, Offspring, DOHaD
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.