The gut microbiota - brain axis of insects

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Neuroscience
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Research on the gut microbiota-brain axis has surged, primarily using mammalian models.
• Emerging evidence suggests homologous molecular mechanisms govern insect and mammalian behavior.
• Social insects offer unique models for studying the gut microbiota's influence on behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current research on the neurological and behavioral effects of insect gut microbiota.
• To propose an integrated approach for investigating the gut microbiota-brain axis in social insects.
• To highlight the relevance of insect models for understanding behavioral dysfunctions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on insect gut microbiota and neurobehavior.
• Analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying the gut microbiota-brain axis in insects.
• Focus on social insects, specifically the honey bee, as a model system.

Main Results:

• The gut microbiota significantly impacts insect neurophysiology and behavior.
• Molecular pathways in insects show homology to those in mammals, suggesting conserved mechanisms.
• Social insects provide tractable models for dissecting microbial contributions to behavior.

Conclusions:

• Insect models, especially social insects like the honey bee, are valuable for understanding the gut microbiota-brain axis.
• Further research integrating microbial, neurological, and behavioral data is needed.
• Insights from insects can advance our understanding of behavioral dysfunctions across species.