Unravelling the Gut-Microbiome-Brain Axis: Implications for Infant Neurodevelopment and Future Therapeutics

Abstract

The microbiome-gut-brain axis signifies the intricate interplay between gut microbiome and brain, facilitated by bidirectional communication channels. The brain modulates gut function through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the autonomic nervous system, while the gut influences central nervous system (CNS) function through microbial metabolites, neurotransmitters, and gut hormones. Early brain development in infants is shaped by mother to neonate microbiome transmission, mode of birth, gestational length, breastfeeding, maternal and infant antibiotic exposure, and acquired infections. Dysbiosis in the gut microbiome is associated with various neurodevelopmental disorders in children such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this review, we elucidate the pivotal role of the microbiome-gut brain axis in a child's neural development, exploring factors modulating this intricate interaction. Furthermore, we discuss the potential future therapeutic avenues that can support optimal neurodevelopment, such as probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics, CRISPR/Cas9, fecal microbiota transplant, and phage therapy.