The Gut–Brain Axis: Exploring the Interactions Between the Microbiota and the Nervous System

A special issue of Brain Sciences (ISSN 2076-3425). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 1 June 2025 | Viewed by 1119

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Undergraduate Program in Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
Interests: behavioral neuroscience
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are excited to invite submissions for our Special Issue of Brain Sciences that will delve into the complex relationships between the gut microbiota and the nervous system through the lens of animal models of the gut–brain axis. This Special Issue aims to compile cutting-edge research studies that enhance our understanding of how microbial interactions influence neurological functions and disorders.

Research has increasingly shown that gut microbiota plays a critical role in modulating brain function, affecting behavior, cognition, and emotional regulation. Studies indicate that gut-derived metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), can influence neuroinflammation and neuroplasticity, thereby impacting conditions like anxiety, depression, and neurodegenerative diseases. Animal models provide invaluable insights into these mechanisms, allowing us to explore the bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain.

We encourage researchers to submit their abstracts covering a wide range of topics, including, but not limited to, the following:

  • Models of Gut–Brain Axis Dysfunction: Investigations into how disruptions within the gut–brain axis contribute to neurological disorders such as autism spectrum disorders, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis.
  • Treatment Evaluations: Studies assessing the efficacy of probiotics, prebiotics, and other interventions that target gut–brain interactions, and examining their potential therapeutic benefits on mood disorders and cognitive decline.
  • Behavioral Studies: Exploration of behavioral changes in animal models associated with the gut–brain axis dysfunction, including anxiety-like behaviors, depressive-like symptoms, and alterations in learning and memory.
  • Microbiota–Neuron Interactions: Research that investigates the signaling pathways influenced by gut microbiota, including the vagus nerve and various neuroimmune interactions, and how these pathways affect brain function.
  • Comparative Models: Insights from various animal models, including rodents and non-human primates, which elucidate the complexities of gut–brain interactions and their implications for translational research.

This call is not meant to be exhaustive; we welcome any additional topics that contribute to the understanding of the gut–brain axis and its implications for health and disease in humans.

Dr. Kyle Gobrogge
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Brain Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • gut–brain axis
  • microbiota–neuron interactions
  • neurological functions and disorders
  • animal models
  • behavior and cognition

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

23 pages, 1993 KiB  
Review
Unveiling the Important Role of Gut Microbiota and Diet in Multiple Sclerosis
by Amina Džidić Krivić, Emir Begagić, Semir Hadžić, Amir Bećirović, Emir Bećirović, Harisa Hibić, Lejla Tandir Lihić, Samra Kadić Vukas, Hakija Bečulić, Tarik Kasapović and Mirza Pojskić
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(3), 253; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15030253 - 27 Feb 2025
Viewed by 920
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by neurodegeneration, axonal damage, demyelination, and inflammation. Recently, gut dysbiosis has been linked to MS and other autoimmune conditions. Namely, gut microbiota has a vital role in regulating [...] Read more.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by neurodegeneration, axonal damage, demyelination, and inflammation. Recently, gut dysbiosis has been linked to MS and other autoimmune conditions. Namely, gut microbiota has a vital role in regulating immune function by influencing immune cell development, cytokine production, and intestinal barrier integrity. While balanced microbiota fosters immune tolerance, dysbiosis disrupts immune regulation, damages intestinal permeability, and heightens the risk of autoimmune diseases. The critical factor in shaping the gut microbiota and modulating immune response is diet. Research shows that high-fat diets rich in saturated fats are associated with disease progression. Conversely, diets rich in fruits, yogurt, and legumes may lower the risk of MS onset and progression. Specific dietary interventions, such as the Mediterranean diet (MD) and ketogenic diet, have shown potential to reduce inflammation, support neuroprotection, and promote CNS repair. Probiotics, by restoring microbial balance, may also help mitigate immune dysfunction noted in MS. Personalized dietary strategies targeting the gut microbiota hold promise for managing MS by modulating immune responses and slowing disease progression. Optimizing nutrient intake and adopting anti-inflammatory diets could improve disease control and quality of life. Understanding gut-immune interactions is essential for developing tailored nutritional therapies for MS patients. Full article
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