Microbiome Connections in Age-Related Diseases
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Microbiology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 May 2026 | Viewed by 6262
Special Issue Editor
2. Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
Interests: microbiome; gut microbiome; aging-related diseases; Alzheimer’s disease; obesity; diabetes
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The microbiome, which consists of a diverse group of bacteria, viruses, archaea, and other microbes present in different regions of the body—primarily in the gut, oral cavity, and skin—forms a symbiotic relationship with its host, playing a significant role in overall health. The composition and interactions of the microbiome are shaped by an individual’s lifestyle and environmental, genetic, and sociodemographic factors throughout life, highlighting its dynamic nature. While aging is a universal process, its impact on physical and intellectual functions varies widely and is influenced by these factors. The microbiome emerges as a crucial element in the progression of age-related health decline and the development of various non-communicable diseases during aging. Chronic low-grade inflammation, often associated with aging and age-related diseases, is frequently triggered by dysregulation of the microflora. This microbiome dysregulation, especially within the gut microbiome, exposes the host to metabolites that influence the inflammatory system, leading to harmful crosstalk between the gut barrier, oral mucosal barrier, and the immune system. This interaction contributes to chronic low-grade inflammation and overall health deterioration. The intricate connection between microbiome dysbiosis and age-related diseases lies in the communication between the microbiome, mucosal barriers, and the systemic immune system, which are closely interconnected.
In this Special Issue, we invite studies that explore the microbiome’s connections with various age-related diseases, including cardiovascular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders, Alzheimer’s, and dementia. Additionally, we seek to address the potential of restoring microorganisms through lifestyle and dietary interventions to enhance life expectancy and promote healthy aging. This collection of studies aims to uncover the mechanisms by which the microbiome influences aging and to identify strategies to improve health outcomes in older populations.
Dr. Shalini Jain
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.
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. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. 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
- microbiome
- aging
- age-related diseases
- Alzheimer’s
- dementia
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.
Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.
