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Increasing spatial working memory in mice with Akkermansia muciniphila
Ji-Seon Ahn1, Sura Kim2, Eui-Jeong Han1
1Honam Regional Center, Korea Basic Science Institute, Gwangju, 61751, Republic of Korea.
Communications Biology
|April 2, 2025
Summary
The gut microbiome influences memory. Researchers found that Akkermansia muciniphila abundance correlates with improved spatial working memory in mice, suggesting it as a therapeutic target for cognitive enhancement.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Emerging research highlights the gut microbiome's influence on cognitive functions, particularly memory.
- Identifying specific microbial contributors to memory remains challenging due to methodological limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific gut microbes associated with spatial working memory.
- To investigate the causal role of identified microbes in memory modulation.
- To minimize host genetic variability in microbial transplantation studies.
Main Methods:
- Spatial working memory was assessed in mice before and after fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT).
- Human fecal microbiota was transplanted into C57BL/6 mice.
- Metagenomic sequencing and correlation analyses were performed, stratified by memory performance.
- Specific Akkermansia muciniphila strains were administered to wild-type mice.
Main Results:
- Fecal microbiota transplantation outcomes varied, indicating differential colonization.
- A higher abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila was positively correlated with improved spatial working memory.
- Administration of A. muciniphila strains GMB 0476 and GMB 2066 enhanced spatial working memory.
- Enhanced memory was associated with BDNF activation.
Conclusions:
- Specific gut bacteria, notably Akkermansia muciniphila, can positively modulate memory.
- A. muciniphila strains show potential as therapeutic targets for cognitive enhancement.
- Targeted microbial interventions may offer novel strategies for improving memory function.
