Mechanistic Insights into Next-Generation Psychobiotics
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: 31 July 2026 | Viewed by 546
Special Issue Editor
Interests: gut inflammation; precision nutrition; host-diet-gut microbiome interaction; immune response; pre/probiotics; nutritional epigenomics; intestinal microecology
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Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The gut–brain axis has emerged as a fundamental paradigm in neuroscience and physiology, revealing the profound influence of the gut microbiota on mental health and cognitive function. First-generation psychobiotics, primarily probiotic strains with observed neurological benefits, have shown promise in modulating this axis. However, a paradigm shift is underway toward “next-generation psychobiotics”—defined as precisely engineered microbial therapeutics, their metabolites (postbiotics), and tailored nutritional interventions designed for targeted efficacy. Moving beyond correlation, the field now demands a deeper, mechanistic understanding of how these agents influence neurochemistry, immunology, and neural signaling. This research is critical for translating gut microbiome science into validated, effective interventions for psychiatric, neurodevelopmental, and neurodegenerative disorders, addressing a significant unmet clinical need.
We are pleased to invite you to contribute to a Special Issue dedicated to advancing this frontier. This Special Issue aims to collate high-quality research and reviews that elucidate the specific molecular, cellular, and systemic mechanisms through which next-generation psychobiotic compounds and formulations exert their effects on the brain and behavior. By focusing on mechanistic insights—from genomic and metabolomic pathways to immune modulation and barrier integrity—this collection will strengthen the foundational science required for rational design and clinical application.
In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:
(1) Strain-specific mechanisms of action of novel probiotic candidates on neurotransmitter systems (e.g., GABA, serotonin, dopamine pathways);
(2) Role of bacterial metabolites (postbiotics: SCFAs, neurotransmitters, neuroactive peptides) in modulating neuroinflammation, neurogenesis, or blood–brain barrier function;
(3) Engineered microbes (synbiotics, genetically modified probiotics) for targeted delivery of neurotherapeutics;
(4) Gut microbiome-mediated modulation of the HPA axis and stress resilience;
(5) Interactions between psychobiotics, the host immune system, and central nervous system function;
(6) Preclinical and clinical studies employing omics technologies (metagenomics, metabolomics) to decipher mechanistic pathways.
Novel delivery systems and formulations to enhance the bioavailability and efficacy of psychobiotic agents.
We look forward to receiving your contributions.
Dr. Qi Su
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- gut–brain axis
- psychobiotics
- next-generation psychobiotics
- microbiota
- probiotics
- postbiotics
- microbial metabolites
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