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. 2022 Jan-Dec;14(1):2102878.
doi: 10.1080/19490976.2022.2102878.

Microbiota-derived metabolites as drivers of gut-brain communication

Hany Ahmed  1 , Quentin Leyrolle  2 , Ville Koistinen  1   3 , Olli Kärkkäinen  4 , Sophie Layé  5 , Nathalie Delzenne  2 , Kati Hanhineva  1   3   6
Affiliations

Microbiota-derived metabolites as drivers of gut-brain communication

Hany Ahmed et al. Gut Microbes. 2022 Jan-Dec.

Abstract

Alterations in the gut microbiota composition have been associated with a range of neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, and neuropsychiatric disorders. The gut microbes transform and metabolize dietary- and host-derived molecules generating a diverse group of metabolites with local and systemic effects. The bi-directional communication between brain and the microbes residing in the gut, the so-called gut-brain axis, consists of a network of immunological, neuronal, and endocrine signaling pathways. Although the full variety of mechanisms of the gut-brain crosstalk is yet to be established, the existing data demonstrates that a single metabolite or its derivatives are likely among the key inductors within the gut-brain axis communication. However, more research is needed to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying how gut microbiota associated metabolites alter brain functions, and to examine if different interventional approaches targeting the gut microbiota could be used in prevention and treatment of neurological disorders, as reviewed herein.Abbreviations:4-EPS 4-ethylphenylsulfate; 5-AVA(B) 5-aminovaleric acid (betaine); Aβ Amyloid beta protein; AhR Aryl hydrocarbon receptor; ASD Autism spectrum disorder; BBB Blood-brain barrier; BDNF Brain-derived neurotrophic factor; CNS Central nervous system; GABA ɣ-aminobutyric acid; GF Germ-free; MIA Maternal immune activation; SCFA Short-chain fatty acid; 3M-4-TMAB 3-methyl-4-(trimethylammonio)butanoate; 4-TMAP 4-(trimethylammonio)pentanoate; TMA(O) Trimethylamine(-N-oxide); TUDCA Tauroursodeoxycholic acid; ZO Zonula occludens proteins.

Keywords: Gut microbiota; gut-brain axis; metabolism; metabolites; short-chain fatty acids.

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Conflict of interest statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Host metabolic homeostasis and neurological impact.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
The integrity and selectivity of the blood–brain barrier in terms of microbial metabolites.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Communication routes between the gut and brain.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
In the intersection of the gut–brain axis signaling: Selected microbiota metabolites and associated neurological functions.
Figure 5.
Figure 5.
Overlapping gut microbiota associated metabolites in neurological functions.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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