Normal gut microbiota modulates brain development and behavior
Diaz Heijtz R, Wang S, Anuar F, Qian Y, Björkholm B, Samuelsson A, Hibberd ML, Forssberg H, Pettersson S. (2011) Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. Jan 31. [Epub ahead of print]
Web URL: View this and related abstracts via PubMed here. Free full text of this paper is available online
Abstract:
Microbial colonization of mammals is an evolution-driven process that modulate host physiology, many of which are associated with immunity and nutrient intake. Here, we report that colonization by gut microbiota impacts mammalian brain development and subsequent adult behavior.
Using measures of motor activity and anxiety-like behavior, we demonstrate that germ free (GF) mice display increased motor activity and reduced anxiety, compared with specific pathogen free (SPF) mice with a normal gut microbiota. This behavioral phenotype is associated with altered expression of genes known to be involved in second messenger pathways and synaptic long-term potentiation in brain regions implicated in motor control and anxiety-like behavior.
GF mice exposed to gut microbiota early in life display similar characteristics as SPF mice, including reduced expression of PSD-95 and synaptophysin in the striatum.
Hence, our results suggest that the microbial colonization process initiates signaling mechanisms that affect neuronal circuits involved in motor control and anxiety behavior.
FAB RESEARCH COMMENT:
These findings provide new and very powerful evidence of the importance of the 'gut-brain axis' in shaping brain development and behaviour.This study showed that animals raised in 'germ-free' environments - preventing the normal development of the gut microbiota - were significantly less anxious and fearful than controls, and showed more activity and exploratory behaviour.
Of course, findings from animal studies can never be automatically assumed to generalise to humans - while studies like these, which can provide definitive evidence of causality, can't be carried out in humans. Nontheless, these and other findings in this area are likely to boost the development of new techniques for investigating links between gut microbial balance and brain function.
As the authors note, this kind of research has the potential to transform our understanding of neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions such as anxiety, ADHD, autism and schizophrenia, among others.
It also reinforces the potential importance of nutrition and diet in these conditions - as these play a major role in the development and maintenance of the gut microbiome (although many other environmental factors can also influence this).
For an accessible summary of this research, and more FAB comments, please see the associated news article:
And to stay updated on this subject, please bookmark the following links, which are regularly updated.
Food and Behaviour Research is a registered charity (No SC034604) and a company limited by guarantee (Co No SC 253448)
Newsletter Signup
Useful Links
Contact Us
FAB Research
23 Carlton Road
Oxford
OX2 7SA
Important Notice
Medical opinion and guidance should always be sought for any symptoms that might possibly reflect a known or suspected disease, disorder or medical condition. Information provided on this website (or by FAB Research via any other means) does not in any way constitute advice on the treatment of any medical condition formally diagnosed or otherwise.
Site by Redstone Websites. Easy to Use Web Content Management. 2025 © All Rights Reserved.