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Autism-associated synaptic mutations impact the gut-brain axis in mice
Chalystha Yie Qin Lee1, Ashley E Franks2, Elisa L Hill-Yardin1
1School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia.
Brain, Behavior, and Immunity
|June 3, 2020
Summary
The gut microbiome influences mood and behavior, with autism-associated gene mutations impacting gut physiology and the gut-brain axis in preclinical models.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Microbiology
- Genetics
Background:
- The gut microbiome and brain interactions influence mood and behavior.
- Autism-associated gene mutations affect central nervous system (CNS) synapse function, inflammation, and the enteric nervous system.
- These genetic alterations in autism models also impact the gut microbiome composition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review changes in gut physiology and microbiota in mouse models of autism with altered synapse function.
- To discuss the variable susceptibility of different gastrointestinal tract regions to dysfunction.
- To highlight the need for multidisciplinary approaches to understand gut-brain axis dysfunction in autism.
Main Methods:
- Preclinical animal models of autism.
- Analysis of gut physiology and microbiota.
- Review of existing multidisciplinary research on the gut-brain axis.
Main Results:
- Autism-associated gene mutations lead to altered gastrointestinal motility and structure.
- These mutations significantly modify the gut microbiome in mouse models.
- The gut-brain axis is implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders like autism.
Conclusions:
- Gut microbiome alterations are linked to autism pathophysiology.
- Understanding the gut-brain axis is crucial for neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Further research using multidisciplinary approaches is needed to elucidate these mechanisms.
