Contributions of the gut microbiome to reproductive health in female primates

This project aims to address gaps in our knowledge of microbial function in the context of female reproduction and life history strategies. Specifically, it uses existing fecal samples collected from wild capuchins in different reproductive states to investigate the potential influence of Proteobacteria on lipid metabolism. Although Proteobacteria are typically categorized as potentially inflammatory or pathogenic, several studies provide indirect evidence that Proteobacteria may be involved in lipid metabolism and play a role in mediating host fat deposition and adiposity. Proteobacteria become more abundant during periods of energetic stress in macaques and capuchins and are associated with increased adiposity in multiple contexts.