Gut microbial communities modulating brain development and function

Abstract

Mammalian brain development is initiated in utero and internal and external environmental signals can affect this process all the way until adulthood. Recent observations suggest that one such external cue is the indigenous microbiota which has been shown to affect developmental programming of the brain. This may have consequences for brain maturation and function that impact on cognitive functions later in life. This review discusses these recent findings from a developmental perspective.

Figure 1. Bidirectional communication between the gut microbiota and the central nervous system (CNS). The composition of gut microbiota could modulate the function of CNS through various communication means including neural (vagus nerve activation), hormonal (enteroendocrine cells and bacterial neuropeptides), humeral (bacterial metabolites) and immunological (activation of mucosal immune system). The Brain-to-Gut microbiota axis is mediated via stress factors, alteration in intestinal permeability and motility and through release of neurotransmitters and mucus.

Figure 2. Gut microbiota-to-Brain communications during prenatal and postnatal development.