Gut instincts: microbiota as a key regulator of brain development, ageing and neurodegeneration

There is a growing realisation that the gut-brain axis and its regulation by the microbiota may play a key role in the biological and physiological basis of neurodevelopmental, age-related and neurodegenerative disorders. The routes of communication between the microbiota and brain are being unravelled and include the vagus nerve, gut hormone signalling, the immune system, tryptophan metabolism or by way of microbial metabolites such as short chain fatty acids. The importance of early life gut microbiota in shaping future health outcomes is also emerging. Disturbances of this composition by way of antibiotic exposure, lack of breastfeeding, infection, stress and the environmental influences coupled with the…

• HR
  Health Research Board

  Awards: HRA_POR/2011/23, HRA_POR/2012/32
• SF
  Science Foundation Ireland

  Award: SFI/12/RC/2273
• SF
  Seventh Framework Programme

  Award: FP7/2007–2013