Researchers from the University of Bern and Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, in collaboration with over 50 global institutions, have launched the first comprehensive atlas of the mouse gut microbiome. This landmark study synthesizes data from mouse microbiomes across six continents, revealing that metabolic functions remain relatively stable despite microbial diversity. These findings enhance the reliability of biomedical research using mouse models, highlighting the importance of microbial function in experimental outcomes.

Laboratory mice are indispensable for biomedical discovery, yet even genetically identical mice can yield conflicting experimental results depending on their resident microbiota. The complex interplay between microbial communities and their associated metabolic functions in the intestine can profoundly influence experimental results, therapeutic interventions, and our understanding of various biological processes. Understanding the dynamics of the gut microbiome is therefore of paramount importance for biomedical research, as it plays a vital role in shaping health and disease outcomes. This groundbreaking study addresses a fundamental question in microbiome science: how does the composition of microbial communities affect their metabolic function? By exploring this relationship, the research aims to provide insights that could lead to more effective strategies for utilizing mouse models in biomedical studies.