From DNA to wellness: Genomics driving next-gen women’s probiotics

The vaginal microbiota is a crucial ecosystem for women's health, influencing infections, reproductive issues, and other conditions. Traditionally, vaginal probiotics focused on single strains, mainly Lactobacillus crispatus, but genomic evidence suggests multi-species formulations may offer greater benefits. This study analyzed 646 genomes of vaginal lactobacilli, including 20 newly isolated strains, using comparative pangenomic and functional analyses, revealing specific genomic adaptations, with L. crispatus showing the highest number of genes for immunomodulation, epithelial adhesion, and pathogen antagonism.

Speaker:

• Marco Pane, PHD, Chief Scientific Officer, Probiotical