About this Research Topic
The animal brain controls behavior and plays a vital role in regulating cardiovascular, renal, respiratory, gastrointestinal and immunological systems. Recent scientific advances demonstrate a bidirectional interaction between the gut microbiota and brain. First, microbiota-produced metabolites may stimulate sensory fibers of the intrinsic and/or extrinsic nervous system, which communicate with the central nervous system. Secondly, once in the systemic circulation, gut microbes-derived molecules may affect the brain's function either by passing the blood-brain barrier or acting on the circumventricular organs. Finally, neurogenic dysfunction of gastrointestinal control results in dysbiosis.
The collection of articles under this Research Topic aims to explore the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which the gut microbiota impacts brain's function and the brain-controlled functions of the organism. Submissions are welcome for the following article types: original research, review, mini-reviews, research protocol/method, opinion and hypothesis.
Topic editor M. Ufnal is employed by AstraZeneca, a commercial company. All other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regards to the Research Topic subject.
Keywords: Gut Microbiota, Microbiota-gut-brain Axis, Dysbiosis, Behaviour, Gastrointestinal, Systemic Diseases, Cross-barrier Communication
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.