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Updated: Mar 12, 2026
09:18
A Gut-on-a-Chip Model to Study the Gut Microbiome-Nervous System Axis
Published on: July 28, 2023
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The Central Nervous System and the Gut Microbiome
Gil Sharon1, Timothy R Sampson1, Daniel H Geschwind2
1Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA.
Cell
|November 5, 2016
Summary
The gut microbiome influences brain development and function. Gut bacteria play a crucial role in neurodevelopmental processes and maintaining mental health, impacting conditions like autism spectrum disorder.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Microbiology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Neurodevelopment relies on intrinsic and extrinsic signals, with peripheral inputs increasingly recognized for their impact on neurological conditions.
- Emerging research highlights gut-brain axis communication in anxiety, depression, cognition, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the biological intersection of neurodevelopment and the gut microbiome.
- To explore the hypothesis that gut bacteria are integral to nervous system development, function, and mental health.
Main Methods:
- Review of current research on the gut microbiome's role in neurodevelopment.
- Analysis of molecular signals from the gut microbiome influencing brain development.
Main Results:
- The gut microbiome influences neurodevelopmental processes, including blood-brain barrier formation, myelination, neurogenesis, and microglia maturation.
- Gut bacteria modulate animal behavior and are implicated in neurological and mental health conditions.
Conclusions:
- Gut bacteria are essential contributors to the development and function of the nervous system.
- The gut microbiome is a key factor in the balance between mental health and disease.
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