Latest Advances in Gut–Brain Axis Research
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Neurobiology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2026 | Viewed by 7
Special Issue Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The gut–brain axis is the bidirectional communication network linking the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system. Historically viewed as a one-way pathway for satiety signals, research now reveals a complex, interactive system. This dialogue involves neural, endocrine, and immune pathways, with the gut microbiota emerging as a critical regulator. Trillions of microbes produce neurotransmitters and metabolites that influence brain function, mood, and behavior. This paradigm shift highlights the gut’s role in neurological and psychiatric health, driving exploration of microbiome-based interventions for disorders such as depression, anxiety, and neurodegenerative diseases.
This Special Issue, titled “Latest Advances in Gut–Brain Axis Research”, will focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying bidirectional communication between the gastrointestinal tract and the nervous system. We invite original research and reviews that decipher the specific signaling molecules, pathways, and cellular interfaces involved. Of particular interest are studies exploring microbial metabolites (e.g., SCFAs, tryptophan derivatives) and their receptors, neuroimmune signaling (cytokines, immunoglobulins), the role of gut barrier and blood–brain barrier integrity (e.g., zonulin, claudins), and epigenetic regulation by gut microbiota. This Special Issue will compile cutting-edge molecular insights that explain how the gut microbiome influences brain function, behavior, and neurological disorders, moving beyond correlation to establish causative mechanisms.
Dr. Qi Su
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
- gut-brain axis
- microbial metabolites
- neuroinflammation
- intestinal permeability
- neurotransmitter
- short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)
- vagus nerve signaling
- metabolomics
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.
