Gut microbes and host behavior: The forgotten members of the gut-microbiome. (1st April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Weiner, Ariel; Turjeman, Sondra; Koren, Omry
• Is Part Of: Neuropharmacology. Volume 227(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-04-01
• Subjects: Microbiome -- Mycobiome -- Virome -- Parasitome -- Archaeome -- Bacteriome -- Gut-brain axis; Neuropsychopharmacology -- Periodicals; Autonomic Agents -- Periodicals; Neuropsychopharmacologie -- Périodiques; Neuropsychopharmacology; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 615.78
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109453
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0028-3908

Abstract

Abstract: The gut microbiota refers to an entire population of microorganisms that colonize the gut. This community includes viruses, prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea), and eukaryotes (fungi and parasites). Multiple studies in the last decades described the significant involvement of gut bacteria in gut-brain axis communication; however, the involvement of other members of the gut microbiota has been neglected. Recent studies found that these 'forgotten' members of the gut microbiota may also have a role in gut-brain communication, although it is still unclear whether they have a direct effect on the brain or if their effects are mediated by gut bacteria. Here, we provide concrete suggestions for future research to tease out mechanisms of the microbiota-gut-brain axis. This article is part of the Special Issue on "Microbiome & the Brain: Mechanisms & Maladies". Highlights: Many studies show that non-bacterial members have an impact on bacterial community composition and function. There is growing evidence that fungi, viruses, parasites, and archaea in the gastrointestinal tract have an influence on the gut-brain axis. It is still unclear whether the 'forgotten' members directly affect the brain or if their effects are mediated by gut bacteria.