Microbiota–gut–brain axis in neurodegenerative diseases: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets

The microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) is an intricate bidirectional communication network that links intestinal microbiota with the central nervous system (CNS) through immune, neural, endocrine, and metabolic pathways. Emerging evidence suggests that dysregulation of the MGBA plays pivotal roles in the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. This review outlines the key molecular mechanisms by which gut microbes modulate neuroinflammation, blood-brain barrier integrity, protein misfolding, and neuronal homeostasis. We discuss how microbial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, tryptophan derivatives, and bile acids, interact with host to influence CNS functions. Disease-specific features…

• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Award: No. 82160690
• GS
  Guizhou Science and Technology Department

  Award: No. ZK [2021]-014