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Microbiome: a key regulator of body-brain interactions
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Date
2025-05-30
Authors
O’Riordan, Kenneth J.
Aburto, Maria R.
Nagpal, Jatin
Clarke, Gerard
Cryan, John F.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Springer Nature
Published Version
Abstract
The gut microbiota, consisting of trillions of microorganisms, plays a critical role in regulating host physiology, including metabolism, immune responses, and brain function. This chapter examines the microbiota-gut-brain axis, a multifaceted bidirectional communication system connecting gut microbial activity with central nervous system processes through immune pathways, metabolic byproducts, and neural circuits like the vagus nerve. The evolution of the gut microbiota throughout an individual’s life—from early developmental influences like birth mode and antibiotic use to changes associated with aging and neurodegenerative conditions—highlights its dynamic nature. The chapter reviews experimental approaches and microbiome-based interventions to demonstrate the influence of gut microbiota on neurological conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, and Alzheimer’s disease. Finally, it emphasises the importance of advancing microbiome-targeted therapies, integrating emerging technologies, and clinical trials to develop personalised strategies for enhancing brain health through gut microbiome modulation.
Description
Keywords
Microbiota-gut-brain axis , Gut microbiota , Neuroinflammation , Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) , Vagus nerve , Blood-brain barrier (BBB) , Psychobiotics , Neurodevelopment
Citation
O’Riordan, K. J., Aburto, M. R., Nagpal, J., Clarke, G. and Cryan, J. F. (2025) 'Microbiome: a key regulator of body-brain interactions', in Tropea, D. and Giacometti, E. (eds.) Brain-Body Connections: Bidirectional Communication Between the Brain and Body Systems, pp.139-203. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 1477. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-89525-8_6
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Copyright
© 2025, The Authors, under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG. This version of the chapter has been accepted for publication, after peer review (when applicable) and is subject to Springer Nature’s AM terms of use, but is not the Version of Record and does not reflect post-acceptance improvements, or any corrections. The Version of Record is available online at: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-89525-8_6