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Updated: Sep 22, 2025
A Gut-on-a-Chip Model to Study the Gut Microbiome-Nervous System Axis
Published on: July 28, 2023
Glioma and the gut-brain axis: opportunities and future perspectives
Antonio Dono1,2, Jack Nickles3,4,5, Ana G Rodriguez-Armendariz1,6
1Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA.
Abstract:
The gut-brain axis has presented a valuable new dynamic in the treatment of cancer and central nervous system (CNS) diseases. However, little is known about the potential role of this axis in neuro-oncology. The goal of this review is to highlight potential implications of the gut-brain axis in neuro-oncology, in particular gliomas, and future areas of research. The gut-brain axis is a well-established biochemical signaling axis that has been associated with various CNS diseases. In neuro-oncology, recent studies have described gut microbiome differences in tumor-bearing mice and glioma patients compared to controls. These differences in the composition of the microbiome are expected to impact the metabolic functionality of each microbiome. The effects of antibiotics on the microbiome may affect tumor growth and modulate the immune system in tumor-bearing mice. Preliminary studies have shown that the gut microbiome might influence PD-L1 response in glioma-bearing mice, as previously observed in other non-CNS cancers. Groundbreaking studies have identified intratumoral bacterial DNA in several cancers including high-grade glioma. The gut microbiome and its manipulation represent a new and relatively unexplored area that could be utilized to enhance the effectiveness of therapy in glioma. Further mechanistic studies of this therapeutic strategy are needed to assess its clinical relevance.
Insights
The gut-brain axis, involving the gut microbiome, shows promise in neuro-oncology, particularly for glioma treatment. Manipulating the gut microbiome may enhance cancer therapies and immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Gut-brain axis
- Microbiome research
Background:
- The gut-brain axis is crucial for central nervous system (CNS) diseases.
- Its role in neuro-oncology, especially gliomas, is under-explored.
- Gut microbiome alterations are observed in glioma patients and models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the implications of the gut-brain axis in neuro-oncology.
- To highlight the potential of the gut microbiome in glioma treatment.
- To identify future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on the gut-brain axis and neuro-oncology.
- Analysis of studies on gut microbiome composition in glioma.
- Examination of the impact of microbiome modulation on tumor growth and immunity.
Main Results:
- Gut microbiome differences exist in glioma patients and models.
- Microbiome composition affects metabolic functionality and immune modulation.
- Antibiotics impact tumor growth and immune response in mice.
- Gut microbiome may influence PD-L1 response in glioma.
- Bacterial DNA found within tumors, including high-grade glioma.
Conclusions:
- The gut microbiome is a potential therapeutic target for enhancing glioma treatment.
- Manipulation of the gut microbiome could improve therapy effectiveness.
- Further mechanistic studies are required to establish clinical relevance.
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