Beyond Digestion: The Role of Gut Microbiota in Metabolism, Immunity and Brain Function

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, interest in gut microbiota–host crosstalk has significantly increased due to the enormous impact of gut microbiota on host health and diseases. Gut dysbiosis, which refers to changes in the composition, diversity, and metabolism of gut microbiota, can disrupt host–microbiota interactions and induce gut immune dysregulation. This dysregulation may be associated with the pathogenesis of several diseases, both within the gut and beyond, such as metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurological disorders. Dysbiosis may also contribute to the development and progression of mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Indeed, a new paradigm, called the microbiota–gut–brain axis (MGBA), has emerged to explore the intricate and fascinating bidirectional connection between the gut (along with its microbiota) and the brain, in which the nervous and immune systems play indispensable roles. This Special Issue of IJMS welcomes manuscripts (mini reviews, research articles, and letters) that focus on the role of gut microbiota, microbial products (such as extracellular vesicles), and metabolites in modulating the health and disease conditions of the hosts, with a particular emphasis on intra- and interorgan communications. Research manuscripts featuring ample mechanistic studies, novel model systems, and studies that unravel the impact of novel microbial metabolites on host physiology will receive expedited consideration.

Dr. Alip Borthakur
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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• gut dysbiosis
• gut microbiota
• metabolism