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Gut-Brain Axis

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 18, 2026

Intracerebroventricular Delivery of Gut-Derived Microbial Metabolites in Freely Moving Mice

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The interplay between the intestinal microbiota and the brain.

Stephen M Collins¹, Michael Surette, Premysl Bercik

¹Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1200 Main Street West, Hamilton L8N 3Z5, Ontario, Canada. scollins@mcmaster.ca

Nature Reviews. Microbiology

|September 25, 2012

Summary

The gut-brain axis involves communication between gut microbes and the brain, influencing development and behavior. This connection may impact diseases like irritable bowel syndrome and multiple sclerosis.

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Area of Science:

Microbiology
Neuroscience
Gastroenterology

Background:

The intestinal microbiota, a complex bacterial community in the gut, engages in a symbiotic relationship with the host.
The gut-brain axis is a bidirectional communication network linking the gut and brain.
Understanding this axis is crucial for comprehending host-microbe interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

To review recent advances in the communication pathways between the intestinal microbiota and the brain.
To explore how microbial-gut-brain interactions influence brain development and behavior.
To examine the role of this axis in various diseases.

Main Methods:

Literature review of recent scientific advances.
Synthesis of current knowledge on gut-brain axis communication.
Analysis of the impact of microbiota on neurological and behavioral outcomes.

Main Results:

The intestinal microbiota communicates with the brain through the gut-brain axis.
This communication influences host brain development and behavior.
Dysregulation of this axis is implicated in conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, psychiatric disorders, and multiple sclerosis.

Conclusions:

The gut-brain axis represents a significant pathway for microbiota-host interaction.
Further research into this axis can provide insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.
The microbiota's influence extends to neurological health and disease states.