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Exploring the microbiota-gut-brain axis: impact on brain structure and function

Lidya K Yassin1, Mohammed M Nakhal1, Alreem Alderei1

  • 1Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.

Frontiers in Neuroanatomy
|February 27, 2025
PubMed

Insights

The microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) impacts brain health by influencing neurogenesis and neural structures. Understanding MGBA mechanisms, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), offers potential for treating neurological disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Microbiology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • The microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) is crucial for brain structure and function, mediating communication between the central nervous system (CNS) and enteric nervous system (ENS).
  • Dysregulation of the MGBA is implicated in various neurological conditions, highlighting the need to understand its intricate mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review how the MGBA influences key aspects of brain structure and function, including neurogenesis, neuronal morphology, myelination, microglia, the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and synaptic plasticity.
  • To explore the mechanistic pathways by which the MGBA affects neuroplasticity, with a focus on the role of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).
  • To examine the utility of various technical strategies for studying MGBA interactions and their implications for neurological diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on the impact of the MGBA on neurogenesis, neuronal structure, BBB integrity, and synaptic function.
  • Analysis of the role of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in modulating the BBB, glial cells, and neuronal function.
  • Examination of methodologies such as germ-free (GF) animal models, probiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and antibiotic-induced dysbiosis.

Main Results:

  • The MGBA significantly influences neurogenesis, dendritic morphology, axonal myelination, microglia, BBB structure and permeability, and synaptic structure.
  • Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) play a critical role in modifying the BBB and influencing glial and neuronal function, impacting conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
  • Specific bacterial strains demonstrate the capacity to alter brain structure and function, underscoring the targeted therapeutic potential.

Conclusions:

  • The MGBA is a critical regulator of brain health, influencing neural plasticity and function through diverse pathways.
  • Understanding the MGBA's role, particularly the influence of SCFAs and specific microbial communities, is vital for developing novel therapeutic strategies for neurological disorders.
  • Microbial-based interventions hold promise for treating complex brain diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
Keywords:
blood–brain barrierbrain morphologymicrobial interventionsmicrobiota-gut-brain axisneuroplasticityshort-chain fatty acid

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