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The gut microbiota-brain axis in behaviour and brain disorders
Livia H Morais1, Henry L Schreiber2, Sarkis K Mazmanian3
1Division of Biology & Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA. lhmorais@caltech.edu.
Nature Reviews. Microbiology
|October 23, 2020
Summary
Gut bacteria and animal hosts engage in symbiosis, influencing immune, metabolic, and nervous systems via the gut-brain axis. This interaction impacts health and neurological disorders, with animal models offering insights but having limitations.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Metabolic Science
Background:
- Gut microbiota and host interactions are crucial for regulating host physiology.
- The gut-brain axis describes bidirectional communication between the gut and the central nervous system.
- Microbial community disruptions are linked to neurological disorders, highlighting host-microbiota relevance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review emerging evidence on the intricate connections between the gut microbiota and the brain.
- To explore the role of gut microbiota in regulating multiple biological systems.
- To discuss the potential contributions of gut microbiota to neurological disorders.
Main Methods:
- Review of current scientific literature.
- Analysis of host-microbiota interaction studies.
- Examination of animal models and their limitations in studying gut-brain axis.
Main Results:
- Gut bacteria and hosts engage in trans-kingdom symbiosis.
- Bidirectional communication along the gut-brain axis influences immune, metabolic, and nervous systems.
- Animal behaviors correlate with gut bacteria composition, and dysbiosis is implicated in neurological conditions.
Conclusions:
- The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in host health, particularly in neurological functions.
- Understanding host-microbiota interactions is vital for addressing neurological disorders.
- Further research in this field holds potential for significant impacts on human health and therapeutic strategies.
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