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Author Spotlight: In Vitro Co-Culture Model for Studying Microglia-Neuronal Interactions in Disease Conditions
Published on: July 26, 2024
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Neuroplasticity and the microbiome: how microorganisms influence brain change
Abdullah Al Noman1, Abdulrahman Mohammed Alhudhaibi2, Moushumi Afroza3
1School of Pharmacy, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Frontiers in Microbiology
|September 5, 2025
Summary
The gut microbiome significantly influences brain plasticity and mental health. Interventions targeting gut bacteria show promise for enhancing neuroplasticity and treating neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Microbiology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Neuroplasticity traditionally linked to external factors.
- Emerging evidence implicates the gut microbiota via the gut-brain axis.
- Microbial imbalance (dysbiosis) is associated with neurological and psychiatric conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review mechanisms of gut microbiota influence on neuroplasticity.
- To explore the link between dysbiosis and mental health disorders.
- To assess microbiota-targeted interventions for brain health.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of animal and human studies.
- Analysis of microbial metabolite production, immune modulation, neurotransmitter synthesis, and hormonal regulation.
- Examination of effects of probiotics, prebiotics, and diet.
Main Results:
- Gut microbes modulate neuroplasticity through various biochemical pathways.
- Dysbiosis is linked to neurodevelopmental disorders, major depressive disorder (MDD), and cognitive decline.
- Microbiota-targeted interventions show potential for improving neuroplasticity.
Conclusions:
- The gut microbiota is a critical factor in brain plasticity and mental well-being.
- Microbiome-based therapies offer a novel approach for psychiatric and neurological health.
- Further research into direct microbial-neuronal interactions is warranted.
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