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Nested sensitive periods: how plasticity across the microbiota-gut-brain axis interacts to affect the development of
1Department of Psychology, The University of California, Los Angeles.
Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences
|September 9, 2020
Summary
Sensitive periods in the brain and gut microbiota interact to shape learning and memory. Understanding these microbiota-gut-brain axis sensitive periods can lead to new therapies for cognitive disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Microbiology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Sensitive periods are critical developmental windows influencing brain function, learning, and memory.
- Emerging research indicates sensitive periods extend beyond the central nervous system, including the gastrointestinal microbiota.
- The interplay between central and peripheral sensitive periods remains poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose that sensitive periods exist throughout the microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) axis.
- To explore how these nested sensitive periods interact and influence learning and memory.
- To foster a new perspective on the complex forces shaping behavior.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual review and theoretical framework development.
- Integration of existing research on neurodevelopment and gut microbiota.
- Analysis of potential interactions within the MGB axis.
Main Results:
- Sensitive periods are proposed to occur across the entire MGB axis.
- Nested sensitive periods in the MGB axis are hypothesized to interact.
- These interactions are suggested to impact learning and memory outcomes.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive MGB axis framework is needed to understand behavior.
- Recognizing central and peripheral influences can drive innovation.
- This perspective may lead to novel interventions for learning and memory disorders.
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