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From Womb to Weaning: Microbial Signals That Shape the Developing Brain
Hadar Neuman1, Asif Shitrit2, Sondra Turjeman2
1Zefat Academic College, Safed, Israel.
Developmental Neuroscience
|March 24, 2026
Summary
The gut microbiota influences brain development via the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Maternal microbes and their metabolites are crucial for fetal brain development, offering potential therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Microbiology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- The gut microbiota is essential for brain development.
- Bidirectional communication occurs along the microbiota-gut-brain axis.
- Neural, immune, endocrine, metabolic, and epigenetic pathways mediate microbial influence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the temporal dynamics of gut colonization and brain maturation.
- To synthesize mechanistic insights into microbial impacts on neurodevelopment.
- To explore implications for neurodevelopmental disorders and therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review synthesizing current knowledge.
- Analysis of mechanistic insights from animal models.
- Focus on maternal microbiota and microbially derived metabolites.
Main Results:
- Gut microbes significantly influence neurodevelopmental processes.
- Maternal microbiota and metabolites cross the feto-placental barrier, impacting fetal brain development.
- Specific molecular and cellular targets of microbial influence are identified.
Conclusions:
- The maternal microbiota plays a critical role in fetal brain development.
- Understanding microbiota-brain interactions opens avenues for early-life interventions.
- Targeting the microbiota may help optimize neurodevelopment and prevent neuropsychiatric conditions.
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