Biology subjects

Holyoak, G. R.

Publications and source records attributed to Holyoak, G. R..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

Endometrial microbiome in mares with and without clinical endometritis

Chronic endometritis (CE) has been recognized as an important disease in the clinical theriogenology practice. Studies have suggested that CE is one of the major causes of infertility in breeding mares. However, a comprehensive analysis of the CE microbiome is currently insufficient in published reports. In this paper, we compared the uterine microbiomes of mares with CE to those of healthy mares and propose that there are significant differences in the composition of the uterine microbiome between these two groups of mares. This study suggests that changes in the uterine microbiome may play a vital role in the development and progression of CE in mares, adds to the understanding of the role of the uterine microbiome in CE and in developing targeted treatment strategies.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2025

Unprecedented Microviridae phages isolated from equine uteri

Descriptions of the virome has only recently returned to the fore. There is much information yet to be discovered. Single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) viruses as an exceptionally widespread virus can infect diverse hosts. The simple genome of ssDNA viruses leads to a high propensity for mutation and recombination, which often pose infectious threats to society. However, research investigating ssDNA phage genomes have ignored the reproductive tract communities. Here we have identified novel members of the Microviridae family from horse (Equus cabalas) uteri, with completed genomic sequences. Comparative and phylogenetic analyses between different animals indicate that genetically similar animals to the equine likely have the same or similar viruses in their uterine microbiome. This research not only expands the understanding of the diversity within Microviridae family, but also provides new insights into potential therapeutics for uterine infectious disease.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2025

Mammalian Uteri Contain a Diverse Virome: Insights from Healthy Mares

The Earths estimated 1031 virions, primarily phages, significantly impact microbial ecosystems. Despite their abundance, viromes remain relatively understudied. This is especially the case in domestic animals. Although recent studies have described the presence of a dynamic commensal microbiome in mammalian uteri, no studies have attempted to characterize the commensal virome in a mammalian uterus. In this study we have established for the first time the presence of a sparse, but diverse native virome in the equine uterus. The resulting virome database consists of 513 non-redundant viral genomes (>2 kb). Taxonomic annotations revealed a diverse virome dominated by Gammaretrovirus, Mamastrovirus, Sapovirus and Rosenblumvirus. Notably, 75% of the assembled genomes represented novel species. The phylogenetic tree unveiled distinct clades suggesting unexplored viral diversity with the uterine environment. Furthermore, bacterial hosts for equine uterine phages were predicted, aligning with previous studies findings. Most notably, the study identified antibiotic resistance genes within the virome, hinting at potential gene transfer mechanisms between bacteria and viruses. This study establishes the first uterine virome of any mammal, shedding light on a previously unexplored domain. The findings highlight the potential for phage therapy in reproductive infectious diseases and the importance of understanding the maternal gestational environment. Moreover, the study underscores the need for further studies to expand the uterine viromes, paving the way to deeper understanding of uterine microbiome and its implications for animal and human health.

microbiology↗